Ch19
"You know she could at least have walked herself back to the attic," Magnus said as he and Percy both helped carry the oracle back to where she came from. The skeletal figure was surprisingly heavy but with the two of them it was manageable.
"Tell me about it," Percy grunted as they climbed up to the attic with her body. "But hey we have a quest at least. That means we can go save Annabeth," Percy said with a determined look.
Magnus nodded, "Yeah lets do this, I want to leave as soon as possible."
"I'll see if I can get us both on the quest," Percy said as they set down the oracle's body on her seat.
"Thanks," he said with a sigh as they climbed down. "I'll be in the cabin, let me know how the meeting goes."
"Alright man see you," Percy said as the two briefly hugged each other before Percy went off to the meeting.
Magnus sighed as he returned back to the cabin and sat back down on the bed. Hopefully we both can go; I know Annabeth means a lot to Percy too. He opened the letter and read it again, "Newport Rhode Island," he said to himself as he read the address again. "What is supposed to be here anyway?" The letter kept coming to his mind, something deep inside of him was telling him to follow its instructions while another side was telling him to avoid it. But if it can help us save Annabeth then maybe it might be of some value.
He sighed as he set down the letter and sighed as he rested his head on his hand. "I am so sorry Uncle Frederick. We will get her back though I promise," he said as he rubbed his eyes. He had not told his Uncle what had happened to her, partly out of shame that he could not save her. "Oh yeah my ax is dented too; I have to find someone who can fix it, he sighed as he activated his bronze ax. The dent from Dr. Thorn was pretty noticeable and he needed to have it fixed asap. This keeps getting better and better he thought as he put the ax down and rested on his bed.
His body felt partially numb and partially angry, he wanted to leave already and save his cousin. I still can't believe that we let Dr. Thorn get away he gripped his sheets in anger. Magnus kept thinking about various plans on what to do as he lay down on the bed when the door to the cabin slammed open causing him to nearly jump out of bed.
Percy stormed in looking vary pissed off. "They don't want men on their quest," Percy said as he slammed the door in frustration.
"What happened?" He asked as he looked at Percy whose face was bright red with anger.
Percy sighed, "The hunters chose their group, they insisted men cannot come with them," he said in frustration. "Sorry but they wouldn't even hear it when I suggested both of us go."
"Its alright man, we can think of something," he sighed as he looked down at the floor, he was angry but did not want to take it out on Percy. Just because we are men? How can they be so rude he clenched his fists as looked back at the letter he received and an idea came to him.
"Hey Percy I have an idea," he said as he looked at Percy who looked back at him in.
"What is it?" He asked.
Magnus looked back at the letter he received and picked it up, "What if this letter can give us a weapon that can help you know find Annabeth."
Percy looked at him in surprise, "It might be a trap are you sure you want to do it?"
Magnus sighed as he looked at Percy, "Yeah I know but what if there is a weapon that could help us? I mean since we can't go on the quest," he paused as he looked to the ground and back up at Percy. "What if we did it ourselves," he said softly
Magnus saw Percy's eyes widen as he met his gaze and was about to respond when the door opened and Chiron and Grover came in. Both of them turned to see Chiron who looked at both of them sympathetically. "Chiron what are you doing here sir?" He asked politely.
Chiron sighed, "Well seeing as both of you were not present at dinner we thought we would see how you were both doing."
"Sorry guys I knew you both would have wanted to go," Grover said in a sad tone.
"Its alright Grover it's not your fault," he said reassuringly.
"Yeah Grover it's alright," Percy said as he turned to Chiron. "I just feel like both of us need to be on this quest."
Chiron sighed, "Well the fates have a weird way playing out. I think it would be best if you both returned home, we can call you both if we need any help."
"Return home? What about Annabeth?" He said louder than he intended as he stood up. "We can't just leave her."
Chiron gave him a sad look and sighed, "Magnus you should especially be careful, the fates have something in store for you that maybe are out of my control."
"What do you mean?" He asked surprised as he noticed Chiron giving him a sad look as if he were about to die at any moment.
"I cannot say Magnus but know that your friends will be there for you and this camp is always open to you," Chiron said in a firm tone. Magnus looked away only nodded as Chiron turned back to Percy, "Call your mother see how she is, I don't pretend to understand prophecies but it is best that you stay for now."
"Why? Is it because you think me and Thalia can't get along?" Percy asked
"Well after that bit of theater you two did this morning I don't think so," Chiron said causing Percy to blush and sit back down. "You two are both alike but the difference is that she has more confidence in herself. Call your mom Percy and if you or Magnus want to stay that is fine."
"Yes sir," Percy mumbled as Chiron and Grover turned around and left them in the cabin alone.
"I wonder what he meant by the fates have something in store for me," he sighed as he sat back down. "Do you want privacy for when you talk to your mom?" He asked Percy who was also deep in thought.
"No you can stay here," Percy said with a sigh.
Magnus nodded, "Fine, well I might as well get ready for bed," he said as he got up and went headed to the shower. When he looked at himself in the mirror of the bathroom he realized that his face looked a bit more gaunt than usual and his eyes appeared red and his long uncombed hair was a mess. "Well I really should try to get myself together," he said with a sigh as he got into the shower.
Magnus took a nice warm shower and thoroughly washed himself and when he was done he combed his hair. When he returned to his bed he found Percy standing over the small fountain. "How was talking with your mom?" He asked as he sat back down on his bed.
Percy sighed as he turned and looked at him with his bright eyes, "She said she wants us to do the right thing oh and she is also dating a new guy it appears."
"Oh, wow I don't know what to say," Magnus said in surprise. Though it does explain why his mom often left them alone. "How do you feel about her being with a new guy?"
Percy sighed as he rolled his eyes, "Well if he makes her happy then I don't mind. But about going on this quest," he said looking at him with a serious look. "She said that I should do whatever I feel is right to do." There was a pause as the two stared at each other in their eyes almost as if they were already agreeing on it. "So I take it you are coming with me?" Percy asked.
Magnus smirked at his friend, "Do you even have to ask?"
Percy laughed, "Well we will leave early tomorrow morning since that is when everyone else is leaving. Unless of course, we go to Rhode Island."
Magnus bit his lip, "I'll think about it, I do kind of need a new weapon since my ax got axed."
Percy and him laughed, "Well if you want to go and feel like it, I don't mind helping you out. If it can remotely help Annabeth then I am for it." Magnus nodded and the two said good night to each other before going to sleep.
That night he dreamt of that stone tower again. This time he walked to the structure and underneath its many archways until he was in the middle of the structure. Come young one said a voice as he looked up at the moonlit sky, it was different then the voices before instead of sinister it was calmer and more welcoming. If you want the strength to save your cousin and your friends get the weapons here. All you have to say is open sesame and its power will be at your fingertips.
"Who are you?" He asked the voice as he looked around and saw the ground light up. He closed his eyes as he saw the light get brighter and the dream then ended.
He awoke and found it was still dark in the cabin. He looked over and saw that Percy was gone, "Crap is he getting ready?" He said as he quickly got out of and got changed. He put on a new camp shirt and some jeans while getting his supplies to leave already.
"Hey Magnus are you ready?" Percy asked in the doorway.
Magnus turned around and saw Percy with his cousin's baseball cap in hand and sighed in relief. "I thought you had already left."
Percy smiled at him, "Without you? Of course not dude, I just had some business to take care of. Are you ready?"
Magnus nodded, "Yeah I am. Oh and I was thinking," he looked away bit not knowing how to say it.
"You want to go check out Rhode Island huh?" Percy said completing his thoughts.
Magnus sighed and nodded, "Yeah, sorry its just that I feel like I should visit there."
"No worries, if it can help us save Annabeth then we will need all the help we can get," Percy said reassuringly.
Magnus nodded, "Ok great I am ready."
Percy nodded, "Great lets go I already have a ride." Magnus grabbed his bag and followed Percy outside where he found his black Pegasus Blackjack waiting for them.
"Are you sure he can handle both of us?" Magnus asked as he got on after Percy and wrapped his arms around him.
"Blackjack says he doesn't mind, so where in Rhode Island are we going to?" Percy asked
"Newport," he responded. Blackjack nodded his head as Percy relayed what they were doing and before he knew it Blackjack was high in the air. "So how was your morning?" He asked as Blackjack flew through the skies.
"Oh um some sort of sea cow thing needed my help, also I ran into Nico and promised to help protect his sister and I may have overheard some things from Zoe," Percy said as he explained what happened.
"Wow dudes sounds like you had an interesting morning," Magnus said as they landed on the roof of a building in New York City.
"Yeah it was, hey what the hell!" Percy said as Blackjack started neighing. Magnus swore as he saw the various vines wrapping around Blackjack's legs
"Going somewhere young demigods?" Dionysus asked leaning against the building.
"Mr. D, what do you want?" Percy asked trying to sound calm as the grapevines wrapped around both of their legs.
"Oh I don't know; did you not think that an all powerful camp director wouldn't know that you both ran off?" Mr. D asked sarcastically. "Seriously I can't stand you hero types."
"Why do you hate us heroes that much," Percy said balling his fists. "We need to go on this quest."
"Well just look at the story of Ariadne and Theseus, he used her and just threw her aside when she wasn't useful," Dionysus said.
"But that was a long time ago things have changed," Magnus said trying not to resist the urge to say something that would piss off the god more.
"You know you heroes never change. You accuse us Gods of being vain but you lot are no better. "Go find your friends," he said as the vines uncurled from their legs.
"Um thanks Mr. D," Percy said. Dionysus just sighed and disappeared leaving the scent of grapes around.
"Well that could have been worse," He said as he took a deep breath.
Percy nodded, "Yeah well lets head on to Rhode Island then." Magnus nodded as Blackjack took flight again.
The flight to Rhode Island wasn't long and before they knew it they were already there. "Magnus what is it we should be looking for?" Percy asked.
"It is a large stone tower in a park. Wait I have the directions," he took out the letter and read the directions. Percy told the directions to Blackjack and the two searched the city and found it after asking for directions.
Before they knew it they arrived at the park. Magnus felt his heart rate increase as he saw the tower in real life. It was a tall stone structure with an open center and many arches. He looked around nervously and couldn't help but clench his fist in apprehension. There were no mortals around when they descended and got off Blackjack.
Its quiet too quiet he thought as he took a deep breath. "So what now?" Percy asked as he told Blackjack to rest. The two of them looked around and saw nothing around them.
"In the dream I am usually standing in the middle of the structure," he said pointing to the middle of the circle of the structure. He and Percy walked to the center of the tower structure, it was already morning and the sun was already out.
He took a deep breath and stood in the center of the tower. "Nothing?" he held out his arms as if he were waiting for something. "Really we came all the way here and nothing," he said incredulously trying his best not to sound angry. I can't believe this; I've been having these dreams nothing is happening. What the freaking hell!
"Maybe you have to say a password or something?" Percy suggested.
Magnus took out the letter and read it again, he didn't mention a password. Is someone just screwing with me? He felt his blood boil as he looked around. "Seriously like am I supposed to say open sesame?"
Suddenly the ground started to shake around them and strange writing appeared on the step-in front of him and quickly disappeared to reveal a staircase. Both him and Percy looked in shock at the stone staircase. "Well that was interesting," Percy said as he looked at it. "Well we made it this far we might as well go down."
Magnus nodded and walked down the steps with Percy behind him. They did not have to worry about the light as a strange glow from these weird letters appeared on the walls. "Are these runes?" He asked as he looked at them.
"Don't know dude but this place feels weird," Percy said as he looked around nervously.
"Tell me about it," he couldn't explain it but his heart was still beating like crazy and he couldn't help but feel as if he were walking into some kind of trap.
When they got to the bottom of the staircase a pair of torches lit up illuminating the room. "Whoa what is this place," he said as he looked around. Around him were what appeared to be paintings taken straight out of a museum. He saw pictures of Viking warriors pillaging and attacking villages and doing battle against armored knights. It was as if it were taken straight out of a European castle. He and Percy looked in amazement at the paintings on the wall.
On the center wall was the painting of a large dragon battling a tall knight in black armor. Underneath that painting was a small altar between the torches. Both of them carefully approached the altar and saw what appeared to be a necklace with a black pendant with an engraved dragon in the middle and what appeared to be a hilt of some kind. Both the necklace and the hilt were around a circle of smaller hilts without blades either.
"I wonder what this thing is," he said as he carefully took the hilt. It had a bright green gem in the middle. He gently rubbed the gem and he felt a light shock go through his body.
So you are my new wielder huh? Said a voice in his head.
"What who said that?" He said out loud causing Percy to ask if he was ok.
Me blondie the sword hilt. The name is Gram, you know the sword of Sigrud? You probably heard of me. The voice said in his head sounded friendly almost sounded as if it were a guy around his age.
"Are you ok Magnus?" Percy asked in a concerned tone.
"The sword is talking to me," he said as he looked at the hilt. "He says his name is Gram."
"A talking sword? Well that is new," Percy said as he looked at the paintings some more.
Hey kid if you want to activate me just push the center jewel. I already accepted you as my owner," Gram said in his head. I only accept those who are worthy heroes to wield me.
Magnus nodded and did as he was told. He pushed the jewel again and was surprised as a blade emerged from the hilt. His eyes widened as he looked at the blade, it looked like a European long sword and had a green glow around it. "Wow this is cool," he said as he swung the blade.
"Yeah man it looks nice," Percy in amazement. "Can it do anything else?"
"Well I can technically split into two and act as a duel bladed weapon but it takes practice to use. You should put on the necklace too, it contains Sigurd's armor," Gram said
Magnus nodded and went to pick up the necklace and put it on. Once it was on his neck he tapped the stone in the middle and watched in surprise as a black set of armor covered his body. He looked down saw that he was covered in head to toe in black armor. Percy was looking at him in shock and awe as he stared at him.
"Ok kid this is the armor of Sigurd. The man himself reforged me and this armor so don't screw it up. Just say retract when you want the armor to come off, the helmet retracts if you just want the helmet to come off, and activate concealment; that will allow the suit to temporarily conceal you from enemies or help you snoop around if you want," Gram explained. "Also, while I am in your hand I will not get knocked out of it and my cuts cannot be healed easily. The armor is super durable too, it can withstand a good hit or two since it was forged from Fafnir's hide."
"Wow cool," Magnus said as he looked at his armored body. "Retract!" As soon as he said that he was back in his normal camp outfit.
"Dude that was super cool," Percy said as he looked at him up and down with a surprised look on his face. "You looked like some sort of Darth Vader."
Magnus smiled at him, "Yeah I guess I did. So lets get out of here we have a quest to do."
"A quest nice just make sure you practice using me before any big fights," Gram warned
"Don't worry I wont," he said as they emerged from the underground structure and into the sunlight.
As the sunlight hit his face he couldn't explain it but he felt as if something long dormant inside of him was starting to wake up, he didn't know why but he just felt nervous. Well I do have a talking sword but never mind we have to save Annabeth.
As they walked out of the tower they were about to return to Blackjack when they heard footsteps from behind them. Magnus and Percy turned around and saw a blonde girl with a strong build walk from out of the trees glare at them along with what appeared to be a skinny handsome looking guy in a leather jacket with white hair with a red and white scarf and small black guy in a nice suit who both looked nervous as they appeared to be trying to restrain the girl who looked very mad. Why does she look like a Viking? Also is that an elf and dwarf? He rubbed his head as he felt a small twinge of pain in his head. He felt as if something long forgotten was being awakened inside of him as he felt a jolt down his back and felt as if he were about to be a bit sick.
"Can we help you?" Percy asked reaching into his pocket. There was tension in the air, they both could feel it. It was something that they could not explain it was as if Percy and the blonde girl were two bombs ready to blow up.
Who is she? Something about them is not right, and not only because that girl looks like the unholy fusion of Thalia and Clarisse he thought as he gripped his celestial bronze sword. He didn't know why but looking at this girl and the people next to her made his stomach want to turn inside out and vomit. At that moment he wanted to just take Percy and run back to camp, it was as if his body was telling him to run and say nothing.
The white haired man did some gestures with his hands sign language? He didn't know but strangely he could understand it, the guy appeared to be saying they meant no harm but the girl's stare was anything but friendly. His head hurt as he watched the guy signing, it was like his brain was trying to interpret something he did not know and was filling in the gaps for him.
"So you ended up coming for the sword," She said in a cold voice.
"Um I'm sorry to I know you?" He asked as he gripped his sword tightly. The air around them suddenly very dangerous as if lightning was about to strike them
"Careful kid she is a Valkyrie," Gram warned
"A Valkyrie? What is that?" He asked
Gram sighed, "Don't you know anything? Well I guess that is what happens when you hang around too much with the Greeks, I can sense them on you. Valkyries serve Asgard and work under Lord Odin."
"Lady Gunilla please calm down," The small black man who looked like a dwarf begged while the white haired man signed at her frantically, he didn't why but he could tell that he was telling her to calm down too.
The blonde Viking ignored her comrades as she glared daggers at him and gripped her sword, "So not only do you betray and reject the Gods and your father but you also take the prized weapon and armor of our hero with you," She said loudly pointing to Gram. She glared at him with disdain and Magnus couldn't help but shake a bit, this girl looked like she could be a quarterback and play evenly with guys.
"Look lady I don't know what you are talking about but if you want to fight him you will have to fight both of us," Percy said stepping in front of him and drawing Riptide. The air got tense like they both were two bombs waiting to go off. Looking at them as he honestly felt as if this woman and Percy fought one of them would end up dead.
Magnus drew his sword made of celestial bronze since he figured he knew how to use it more, "Yeah I don't know what you guys want but we will fight if you are looking for one." He couldn't explain it but he felt jittery as if a part of him were telling him to run the other way from the scary girl and her companions.
The blonde Viking girl looked at him with contempt and laughed, "So you really are that much of a turncoat, do the Greeks treat you well?" She said in a condescending tone as she drew her sword. "As if a traitor and a thief like you can make it to Valhalla," she sneered.
Valhalla? The word sent a shock down his spine. He heard it before from those Thor comics he read when he was younger. The sword mentioned Odin too but he isn't a Greek god. Magnus felt his heart race and his legs shake, he couldn't explain it but he felt as if something bad was about to happen while also feeling like he wanted to vomit.
Magnus was ready for a fight and he could tell that Percy was too. However, just as he thought the fight would break out the dwarf and elf stepped in front of her. "Lady Gunilla we are not authorized to fight them. We will bring only problems if we do," the black dwarf said. "How will your father react if he learns that you fought with the Greeks?" He warned. "How will he take it if he found out that you caused a diplomatic incident with them." The tension in the air remained as the girl glared at him and Percy.
The Viking glared at her companions and back at him and Percy and sighed as she put away her sword. "Fine, I'll let you both live for now. But be warned Greeks," she sneered. She said Greek as if Greek were some sort of insult. "Your Gods are not the only ones who are real so don't act all cocky and by the way traitor," she said glaring at him one last time. "When your new Gods find out who you really are I doubt that they will let you stay in your comfy life and don't expect us to accept you with open arms. We have no need of traitors," she said coldly as she turned around and walked away.
Magnus and Percy stared in shock as they watched her leave. Her two companions sighed in relief and turned to face them. "Hey there we aren't looking for a fight, the name is Blitzen but you can call me Blitz. I am a dwarf," Blitz said holding his hands up. "This here is Heathstone, he is an elf and deaf," he explained the silver haired man with the blank face nodded at them.
"Who are you guys?" Percy asked as he carefully lowered his sword.
"Just a dwarf and an elf we mean no harm we just want to look after this kid here," Blitz said pointing at Magnus.
"Me? Why?" he asked in surprise.
The dwarf sighed, "It's a long story kid. Long story short your father has been looking for you."
"My father? Why now? He never seemed to care in the best, I mean I am not even claimed," Magnus said as he carefully sheathed his sword.
The elf and dwarf exchanged a nervous look before the dwarf spoke again, "Listen we can't say much there are greater things at play. Let me just say that Lady Gunilla was right the Olympians aren't the only ones out there. Anyway it would be best if we stopped talking, if you want to catch up with your friends they should be near DC. Don't ask us how we know that, anyway have a nice trip." The dwarf said with a smile while the silver haired elf nodded. Magnus was about to call out to them when suddenly they were gone as if they were never there in the first place.
He stared at where they were in a mixture of shock and disbelief. "Hey are you ok man?" Percy asked with concern.
He looked up at Percy who had a concerned look on his face, "I don't know," he said softly.
"It will be ok Magnus we will figure this out," Percy said as he pulled him in for a hug. He felt Percy hug him tightly and he returned the hug. "I won't let anyone hurt you," Percy said.
He nodded as he felt his body shake a bit. He couldn't explain it but he felt as if he were on the edge of a cliff and about to fall off. "Thanks Percy," he whispered.
Percy pulled away and smiled at him with his bright eyes, "We will figure what this is about later but first lets go save Annabeth."
He nodded, Annabeth we are coming he thought as they got onto Blackjack and flew south towards Washington DC
AN So I based the design of Gram and Sigurd's armor off of the Sigurd from Fate Grand Order. The armor is really durable so I figured it would help Magnus out while Gram will be with Magnus for this story. It won't be op but it will be a strong weapon
I figured since Sigurd is an important hero in Norse mythology Gunilla would not be happy with Magnus taking it for a Greek quest so that's why she was harsh with him.