Classes will be starting soon, so starting next week updates will be changing to once a week on Mondays, I am writing ahead as well so you guys can have consistent updates even during the school year.

I am still accepting requests for representation.

Hope you enjoy the story!

Come yell at me on tumblr: percabeth4L1fe

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I was back in the cave, Lara running her fingers over the shell necklace she wore.

"Are you alright?"

I turned to see Medusa coming over, stiffness in my joints.

"Oh… yes… I just… I miss home."

"Were they not cruel to you? Were you not abandoned there? Why would you wish to go back to such a place?"

Lara shook her head, "No! I mean… the villagers, they didn't like me… but the tutor that took care of me was kind, he came to the village when my mom died. He took care of me and taught me a lot. He was away when… when the accident happened."

Medusa settled beside her, "I see, where did the tutor come from?"

"He said my father sent him, I was never sure if that was the truth, but he made sure I was safe, and encouraged me to do what I wished, unlike the villagers, they always treated me like I was broken because I was blind."

Medusa snarled, "Ridiculous humans, you can move around just fine. Your father shouldn't have abandoned you to their cruelty."

"I think he did his best," Lara murmured. "He left me this necklace and sent me the tutor. I was never uncared for, and I never wanted for anything."

She scoffed, "The bare minimum."

Lara smiled, "I never minded, if my mother spoke the truth then he's a God, and surely very busy. But he still made sure I was safe. He still made sure I was cared for. He couldn't have foreseen the villagers reactions to the incident."

Medusa stared at her seriously, "If you say so."

OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO

The next afternoon, June 13, seven days before the solstice, our train rolled into Denver. We hadn't eaten since the night before in the dining car, a bit after our stop at Kansas City.

We also haven't taken a shower since Half-Blood Hill, but with my waterskin we'd managed some careful maneuvering and managed to clean off the grime at least (and I had gotten clean in the river, thanks to the very nice clean bubble around me).

I've now lent Annabeth one of the shirts Triton gave me, one of the flowy ones. It's thankfully loose enough on me to fit her well, she's a bit taller than me (annoyingly). Grover was using my extra camp shirt. I was wearing one of my shirts from Triton (the one with lots of clasps). At least we look presentable.

"We should try to contact Chiron," Annabeth said. "I want to tell him about your talk with the river spirit."

I nodded, reluctant. I don't like Chiron all that much, but he is basically the head of the camp.

"How will we do that?" I know in the sea we use Iris messages or the scale line, but what do land Half-Bloods use?

"You'll see."

We wandered through downtown for about half an hour, though I wasn't sure what Annabeth was looking for. The air was dry and hot, I don't like it. It feels too hot, it makes me feel tired, all dried out.

The Rocky Mountains towered over us, they made me think of the dream I had, with the different figures made of swirling currents, and brilliant light, and burning pain. The Mountains remind me of the figure that was tall and steady, who only talked at the end.

I still wonder why I dreamed that, who they all were. The one was Pontus, swirling currents, that's what they called him, but Pontus has slept for a very long time and no one is sure why. That's what Triton told me at least. I thought of the looks on the two beings, the way they eyed him, I have a bad feeling about why he slept.

We finally found an empty do-it-yourself car wash. We veered towards the stall farthest from the street, keeping an eye out for patrol cars. We'd already had to duck around twice to keep out of sight of them, we're too clearly suspicious. Especially at a car wash with no car.

"What are we doing?" this seems like a sea method, using water.

"It's seventy-five-cents," he grumbled. "I have two quarters left, Percy?"

I pulled out a quarter, "Here."

"Excellent," Grover said. "We could do this with a spray bottle, of course, but the connection isn't as good, and my arm gets tired of pumping."

I stared baffled, if this uses water why didn't they just ask me to use my waterskin? Does it require fresh water?

"What are you doing?"

He fed in the quarters and set the knob to FINE MIST. "I-M'ing."

I blinked, wait, does he mean… "Iris-messaging?" I asked.

"Yeah," he looked at me a bit surprised, "You know about it?"

"Uh yeah, we do it in the sea too, you just gotta reflect the light right to make rainbows or use a rainbow stone."

"What's a rainbow stone?" Annabeth asked.

"It's an enchanted stone, made to refract light to make a rainbow, I had one in my dorm, remember Grover?"

He frowned in thought, "Um, you had a lot of sparkly things."

"Well yeah, I had the star globe, and the sparkly lights, and a few other things, but I kept the rainbow stone out. It's the black stone with the splashes of color."

"Shaped kinda long and the ends curving up?"

"Yeah."

"Oh, that's a rainbow stone?"

"Yes, Grover, that's a rainbow stone."

"You'll have to show me when we get back to camp," Annabeth declared as Grover turned on the nozzle.

"Okay, but just curious, why are we bothering to use the spray nozzle when I could just make a mist with water from my waterskin?"

They both stopped and stared for a long moment.

"Er… that… Okay how much water does that bag have?"

I shrugged, "It's connected to the ocean, so… how much water is in the ocean?"

She stared for a long moment, her gaze flicking to the bag, then back to me. "Riiiiigggghhhhtt."

I stared, she stared back.

"Well…" She said. "We'll keep that in mind for future reference. But we already have the nozzle out, so… Drachma?"

I handed her a Drachma.

She raised the coin over her head. "O goddess accept our offering."

She tossed it in, "Half-Blood Hill."

The misty rainbow cleared to show the strawberry fields, and the Long Island Sound in the distance. It seemed to be showing the porch of the Big House.

In front of us was a family figure, sandy-blond hair, shorts and an orange tank top with a bronze sword in hand, he was staring intently down at something in the meadow.

"Luke!" I called.

He turned, eye's wide.

"Percy!" His scarred face broke into a grin. "Is that Annabeth, too? Thank the gods! Are you guys okay?"

"We're… uh… fine," Annabeth stammered. She was straightening the flowy shirt I'd lent her, brushing the loose strands out of her face. "We though—Chiron—I mean—"

"He's down at the cabins." Luke's smile faded. "We're having some issues with the campers. Listen is everything alright? Is Grover okay?"

"I'm right here," Grover called. He held the nozzle to the side so Luke could see him. "What kind of problems?"

A big Lincoln Continental pulled into the car wash with its stereo turned to maximum hip-hop. The music was so loud the pavement was shaking.

"Chiron had to—what's that noise?" Luke yelled.

"I'll take care of it!" Annabeth yelled back, looking relieved to get away, he face rather red. "Grover, come on!"

"What?" Grover said. "But—"

"Give Percy the nozzle and come on!" She ordered.

Grover muttered about girls being impossible to understand but handed me the nozzle and followed Annabeth.

I curled my fingers, making the water arc in a way that meant I didn't have to hold it awkwardly to keep talking to Luke.

"Chiron had to break up a fight," Luke shouted so I could hear. "Things are pretty tense here, Percy. Somehow word got out about the Zeus—Poseidon standoff. We're not sure how—probably the same scumbag that summoned the hellhound—"

"Wow," I said. "That person needs to be caught, they're endangering their friends and family, only a horrible person would do that."

Luke twitched and nodded, "Yeah, but it's shaping up like the Trojan War all over again. Aphrodite, Demeter, Ares, and Apollo are backing Poseidon, more or less. Athena and Hephaestus are siding with Zeus. Dionysus and Hermes are neutral right now."

The fact that Clarisse's cabin was supporting Poseidon, my dad, was… shocking honestly. They really don't like me, but they still support him.

In the next stall, Annabeth and some guy were arguing with each other, then the music's volume decreased dramatically.

"So what's your status?" Luke asked me. "Chiron will be sorry he missed you."

I told him about the quest, the Furies attacking, how we escaped Medusa, how I faced the Chimera. I didn't tell him about my dreams except the one at the pit, but I did tell him about the meeting with the Nereid. My dreams aren't really something I share, but maybe he has a second opinion that Annabeth and I didn't think of.

I didn't realize how long it took until the spray machine beeped, letting me know there was only one-minute left.

"I wish I could be there," Luke told me. "We can't help you much from here but listen… it had to be Hades who took the Master Bolt. He was there at Olympus at the winter solstice. I was chaperoning the field trip and saw him."

"The gods can't take each other other's magic items directly, and the Furies seemed to be looking for something."

"That's true," Luke said, looking troubled. "Still… Hades has the Helm of Darkness. How else could anyone sneak into the throne room and steal the Master Bolt? You'd have to be invisible."

I stared at him, did he just imply…

I thought of Annabeth, she wouldn't. It's not that she's my friend, it's that… She wants so badly to help the world, she wouldn't risk a war just for a quest. Besides, you need to be more than invisible to get the Bolt, you'd need to be a master thief.

Luke seemed to realize what he said.

"Oh, hey," he protested. "I didn't mean Annabeth. She and I have known each other forever. She would never… I mean, she's like a little sister to me."

I frowned, my stomach twisting, something seems off. I stared at him in confusion, it's not… he didn't really say she wouldn't do it, what is he doing?

The music stopped, a man screamed in terror and car doors slammed. The Lincoln peeled out of the car wash suddenly.

"You'd better go see what that was," Luke said. "Listen, are you wearing the flying shoes? I'll feel better if I know they've done you some good."

"Oh…" I don't know what's up, but something is off, "Yeah, they've… they've come in handy."

"Really?" He grinned. "They fit and everything?"

The water shut off, saved by the bell, the mist started to evaporate. I didn't bother to try and keep it there; this conversation was making me uncomfortable.

"Well, take care of yourself out there in Denver," Luke called, his voice getting fainter. "And tell Grover it'll be better this time! Nobody will get turned into a pine tree if he just—"

The mist was gone, and Luke's image faded away.

I don't know what was up there, but I don't like the way he was talking, it makes me feel bad.

Annabeth and Grover came around the corner, laughing, but stopped when they saw my face. Annabeth's smile faded.

"What happened, Percy? What did Luke say?"

I don't know how to explain, how to say he all but accused Annabeth of being the thief, made a parting comment that almost seemed meant to make me distrust Grover. It reminds me of one of the mermen at one of the event's Triton took me too, the one that tried to turn a few other mers against each other because he wasn't in the group. He failed, but… the way it was said… it's very similar.

Was it purposeful? Or not?

I don't know.

I pasted a smile on my face for now, "Not much," my stomach twisted, I don't know if I could eat, but we need food, "Let's go find some dinner."

OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO

We sat at a booth in a gleaming chrome diner. Surrounding us were families eating burgers and drinking malts and sodas.

It took a few minutes for a waitress to come over, she gave us a once over, raising an eyebrow at my headcover and mine and Annabeth's strange shirts, "Well?"

"We uh, wanted to order, uh," I glanced back at the menu, "A coke for me, Annabeth?"

She opened her mouth to order her drink only to be interrupted by a rumble that shook the whole building.

A motorcycle the size of a small elephant pulled up to the curb. It's headlight a glaring red, the gas tank with flames painted on it, a shotgun holster riveted to the sides, complete with shotguns. The sea was leather—but the leather looked like… looked like, well, Caucasian human skin. It looked like those books I saw at that museum, bound with human skin.

All conversations ceased, and I coughed at the sudden taste of blood, the taste made me nauseous. I felt daggers at my sides, sharp metal pressing in. The sudden surge of buzzing, the blood growing stronger as I felt a sudden anger.

I frowned, and shoved my power out, the buzzing lifted slightly, I shook my head to clear it more. What is this?

The guy on the bike was large, dressed in a dark red muscle shirt and black jeans and a black leather duster. He had a hunting knife strapped to his thigh and wore wraparound shades. He was tall and stocky, built like a tank. His face was rugged, cheeks scarred with a sharp jawline, he looked as if he could take a hammer to the face without flinching.

His expression was hard as he walked in. I swear I recognize his face from somewhere.

As he walked into the diner, the taste of blood was almost overwhelming, and now a hot, dry wind blew through the place. I struggled against the irrational rage I was suddenly feeling.

Is this him? Is this a sensation that he makes me feel?

I don't like it.

All the people rose, as if hypnotized, but the biker (who's far more than a biker, this sensation, so overwhelming, it's like Lord D) waved his hand dismissively and they all sat down again, going back to their conversations.

The waitress blinked, shaking her head before turning to us, "What did you want?"

"It's all on me," The biker slid into our booth (which was way to small for him), crowding Annabeth against the window. "Cheeseburgers, fries, onion rings, milkshakes, whatever else they want."

He smiled, sharp and vicious, a shiver went down my spine. The bladed feeling in my sides seemed to press harder.

I shoved more of my power at the buzzing, I can't lose my temper right now, I bit back the anger using every lesson Triton drilled into my head.

He raised an eyebrow at us, "Well?"

I swallowed, took a steadying breath, and turned to the waitress, "A coke please."

Annabeth nodded, "I'll have a ginger ale."

"Apple Juice?" Grover mumbled.

The waitress gapped at him, he glanced back at her, "Are you still here?"

He pointed at her and I felt the buzzing down to my bones as she turned as if spun and marched back towards the kitchen.

The biker turned back, looking at me. I couldn't see his eyes behind the red shades but the blood grew stronger, the buzzing trying to press down on me.

I took another breath and pushed as hard as I could.

He grinned wickedly, "So you're old Seaweed's kid huh?"

I raised my chin, "I don't believe that's what he's known as, but my father is Poseidon, yes."

Annabeth shot me a warning look, "Percy, this is—"

The biker raised his hand.

I stared at him, and it clicked. The taste of blood should've been the giveaway, like Clarisse's spear, but he looks just like his kids. The same sharp features and stocky body, the same smirk.

"S'okay," he said, smirking at me. "I think my little cousin knows me."

"You're Ares, God of War."

"Got it in one cousin," he said as he took off is shades, his eyes two pinpoints of burning red, glowing with miniature nuclear explosions. "I heard you broke Clarisse's spear."

"She wanted a fight," I said, forcing a smile onto my face, "Accidents happen in fights."

He eyed me for a minute, "That's true enough, I'm not here about my daughter's spear anyways. I heard you were in town and I've got a little proposition for you.

The waitress came back then, heaping trays of food in hand that she deposited in front of us.

Ares handed her a few gold drachmas.

She looked nervously at the coins. "But, these aren't…"

He pulled out his knife and started cleaning his fingernails, "Was there a problem, sweetheart?"

She stared at the knife, then swallowed and left with the gold.

"You shouldn't threaten people with knives," I pointed out. "And she really can't use the coins, those are Gods money, not mortal money."

"I am a God little cousin. Everyone should carry a weapon anyways, don't think I don't see that knife at your side, that knife is more dangerous then the one in my hand. It's a dangerous world out there you know, which brings me to my proposition. I've got a little mini quest for you."

"We're on a quest currently Lord Ares," I said carefully, biting back my first instinct to snap at him. I took another steadying breath, noting how his eyes gleamed as he watched me, "I don't think we have the time to properly devote ourselves to a quest for you currently. If you're able to wait, then we might be able to aid you later."

"Don't worry about it, your reward for doing my little mini-quest will be aid on your big one. A ride, some supplies…"

I pursed my lips, mentally going through the money in my bag, like two-hundred dollars, give or take.

Okay, a ride would be good.

He smirked at my nod, "You just gotta pick up my shield, I left it at an abandoned water park here in town. Was on a little… date with my girlfriend. All you gotta do is fetch it, simple hmm?"

I pursed my lips, this seems like a trap, very much so, why can't he just retrieve it himself? That would take seconds…

"Is it someplace you are unable to retrieve it from? I wouldn't think much could keep you from your shield Lord Ares."

"I just don't have the time, punk, are you gonna accept the quest or not? Or are you only willing to risk yourself when you've got a river nearby?"

I took a slow breath, "We appreciate the offer," I glanced at Annabeth who nodded. "I do wish to know what kind of supplies you'd be giving us, and how far our ride would go."

"Food, clothes," he leaned forward, his eyes blazing. "Some money. The ride will go all the way to Los Angeles. I'll even throw in a bonus, I'll give you some info on your mom too."

Grover and Annabeth looked at me, well, I'm not sure what he could tell me about her, but if it's something I don't know…

"My mom?"

He smirked, "Got your attention now do I? The water park is a mile west on Delancy. Can't miss it, look for the tunnel of love ride."

I glanced at Grover and Annabeth one more time, they both seemed resigned. "Is whatever interrupted your date a threat?"

He laughed, but it was hollow, he was nervous, "I'm sure you'll figure it out. Don't disappoint me."

I closed my eyes at the sudden surge of buzzing, and when I opened them again Ares was gone, along with the feel of blades and the taste of blood.

I swallowed.

"Not good," Grover muttered. "Ares sought you out, Percy. This is not good at all."

"We have to do this side quest, we'll make it quick. And if it gets us a ride…" I trailed off.

Annabeth nodded grimly, "You don't ignore Gods unless you want some serious bad fortune."

I sipped my shake to clear my senses. "So why would he need us anyways? There's not much that can scare a god."

"Maybe it's something requiring brains," Annabeth said as she picked up the cheeseburger. "Ares has strength, but that's all. Even strength has to bow to wisdom sometimes."

"I don't know," I murmured. "He seemed… scared. I'm not sure what could scare the war God to that extent."

Annabeth and Grover glanced nervously at each other.

"I guess we'll have to find out."

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Thanks for reading!

What did you think of Ares? What did you think of their conversation with Luke? How do you think their side quest will go?

I am still open to requests on representation! But I will not be accepting requests for mental health related representations, physical disabilities are fine but I am not in a place mentally to be able to write mental health ones, members of my family struggle with some and I'm just not able to do it for personal reasons.

Already requested (so you know):
Sexualities: aroace, grey-aro, ace, demi-sexual, pan (sexual and romantic), omni, a poly-amorous relationship, non-binary, genderfluid, demigirl/boy, and genderless
Races: Black, Asian (East and South East (India, Bangladesh, Filipino, Vietnam), Middle Eastern (Egypt, Yemen), Brazilian
Disabilities (so glad I got one!): hard of hearing, Rheumatoid Arthritis (not a request, that's me giving myself rep again)
There are also specific requests, like half Filipino and half Greek, half Chinese and half Mexican, I am open to those as well, but if they are about yourself I may request that you join my discord or give me a character outline and some ideas of how they should be shown so that I can write the character accurately. I am still open to any requests.