Chapter 48

I juggled my ring in between my fingers, wary of my surroundings. My eyes scanned the trees around me, but I tried to make it discreet.

I decided it wasn't too important as I was the only one out in the open at the moment, and if I was right in my assumption than it wasn't needed.

After a quick second of indecisiveness, I summoned my ring in its sword form.

Whoever was watching me was now aware that I wasn't clueless.

I pointed my sword directly in front of me.

"Who ever is there, come out." I demanded. I wasn't exactly sure of where this person was, but I knew they were somewhere around here.

There was a moment of silence, and I wondered if I had maybe been too paranoid, and it was just a product of said paranoia.

It was possible it was Da Vinci of course, but I could tell it was a distinctively different presence. That said, it was slightly ominous.

Eventually, there was a response. From the trees across, I heard a quiet ruffling in the shrubbery.

"You got me, you got me." Said an unfamiliar voice from ahead. A moment later a man emerged forward, both his hands raised in surrender.

A deadly looking blade was in one hand, and I noticed it was made of a mixture of materials.

He kept walking till he reached a stones throw away from me. At this point, he threw down his sword, leaving himself completely open.

"I'm not here for any trouble, I'm just curious as to what exactly is in front of me."

I studied the new face. He was a boy, maybe 16 or 17, a couple years older than myself. He had flowing blonde, sandy hair with blue eyes. His nose was sharp, and he held a constant sneaky look.

The thing that stood out the most to me was the prominent long scar across his eye that ran from his brow to his chin. It definitely didn't look pleasant.

I was hesitant to respond. He was unarmed, but I could tell the guy in front of me was defiantly not a pushover, and that was just from a glance. He carried himself with a sort of confidence I had seen before, like he wasn't worried in the least.

It was something I would do.

On instinct, I switched my sword into its scythe form. I had a feeling if my weapon was needed, it'd be best to use this instead.

"Who are you?" I growled.

The guy raised a brow. "I should be the one asking that, to be honest. I was here first." He said with a sly smile.

I said nothing, but gripped hard on my scythe. At his point, I had let go of my right crutch.

"But if you really wanna know, I'm a demigod just like you."

I flinched slightly. I should've expected this answer as he had a sword which wasn't too common now a days, but he sounded confident that I was a half-blood.

"Why were you watching me?" I asked.

The boy shrugged. "It wasn't my original intention, but you caught my eye." He said in a way that I wasn't sure I liked.

"But can you put the scythe down so we can talk normally? It's not too polite to hold someone at blade point."

I scoffed before I lowered my blade. I planted the bottom of the hilt into the dirt and used it as a substitute for my crutch.

I walked forward cautiously while keeping an eye on the demigod.

I reached downwards and grabbed his blade.

There was a pounding in my heart as I made contact with the handle. I was sent into a cold sweat, and retracted my hand.

I heard a small chuckle from ahead of myself.

What the hell was that pressure? This kids blade, whatever it was was not normal. There was something sinister about it, something evil.

That said, I hardened my nerves and reached out one more time. I wasn't going to show weakness at a time like this.

This time I grabbed the hilt with no hesitation and raised it upwards. I took another step forward and handed the boy my blade.

With a devious smile he grasped the hilt and dragged it back to his side.

He didn't say anything as he adjusted his grip on it and raised it upwards.

There was a moment where the two of us made eye contact, and when I saw his pupils I somehow knew what was coming up.

Without a word, the boy slashed his sword upwards. Despite my essentially crippled leg, I was able to react. I dropped my other crutch and quickly raised my scythe.

The boys sword locked with the inside of my blade, and we were faced with one other. His wicked smile had disappeared momentarily as he donned a serious expression.

I scowled before I pushed forward, forcing him a step back.

I raised my sword one more time. The man nodded his head once, as if surprised I had reacted in time.

This didn't slow him down though as he stepped forward once more, slashing his blade faster than I expected.

After three quick blows, I realized my leg was already crying out and I pushed the demigod off one more time, this time though he dropped his guard and avoided any other counter attack.

I didn't take any chances and immediately jumped back to the edge of the small clearing, creating as much space as possible.

The demigod didn't make any move to pursue me, only studying me from afar.

I took this time to catch my breath. After I did that, I was pissed.

"What the hell you think your doing." I spat out.

I had given his sword because I thought he was here to talk, but it was an obvious mistake on my part.

My hand was still slightly shaky as I was trying to recover. The way he fought surprised me. Unlike anyone I had fought recently, he didn't reply on any flashy powers or immense strength. It was simply pure swordsmanship to the highest degree.

Honestly with a blade, he was the closest I had encountered to Da Vinci's level, even if he had been holding back just now.

No, Da Vinci was a monster on a whole other level.

After apparently finishing his assessment of me, the man flashed another off putting smile.

"My bad kid, just had to see something." He said with a slight chuckle, as if it made up for that.

"But let's get back to being civilized. I guess we should start with introductions then, huh?" He said. At this point, he had sheathed his blade as if he was sure he wouldn't need it anymore.

I wasn't ready to do the same just yet, but I did lower my blade. I jabbed it into the dirt and leaned on it slightly as my leg ached.

"My name is Luke Castellan. As I said, I'm a demigod just like you. A son of Hermes to be specific." He said. I realized it probably made sense due to his mischievous aura, as if he was constantly scheming something.

"And what exactly do you have to do with me?" I asked. I wasn't exactly known to many I didn't talk to, so I doubted he was here for me specifically.

"Hostile, huh? I guess it makes sense, but I'm really not here for a fight. That little thing before was just a test, you know?

But as for why I'm here, I don't really know to be honest. Something called me here, so I had to check it out. Though I must say, I'm not disappointed.

"Hmm?"

I didn't like the way the guy spoke, and wondered exactly what he was thinking at this moment. I only scowled.

"But I think it's your turn to to introduce yourself." He said.

My glare didn't falter, but I relented. "My name is Percy. Percy Jackson. I'm a demigod too."

He furrowed his brow.

"Son of…who exactly?"

"Classified."

The boy laughed. "Fair I guess, but is there really a need to be difficult?" He asked before he tensed up. There was a pause as the ground around us started to rumble slightly.

My head whipped in every direction until the shaking stopped.

Luke sighed.

"It looks like that's my cue to leave." He said reaching into his pocket. "I got some demigods things to take care of with some of my colleagues, so I don't have much time right now.

But listen here, I'll offer you a deal." From his pocket he brought out a white card.

"My err, business card. Call the number on it if you ever interested." He said.

I grabbed the card hesitantly. I read it to myself.

"The Princess Andromeda" it said with a picture of a large cruise ship.

"Interested in what, exactly?"

"Heh, it'd be dumb for me to completely explain right now.

But I'm sure your wondering what a demigod like me is doing all the way away from Camp Half-Blood? While I was there I never saw you around, so I'm sure you haven't met many like you?

Your strong, for sure, but the way things are going it wouldn't be smart for you to stay on your own. If you want to find people who are in your position, just give me a call.

Someone as strong as you would find yourself put to good use."

He said as he walked past me.

"Goodbye Perseus. I hope this isn't the last time we meet." He disappeared with his hand waving behind him.

I took a step back as I was sure he was out of sight.

A part of me didn't want to admit it, but I knew I couldn't have taken on that kid if he had really tried. My leg was already giving out, and I had significantly less energy than normal.

There was a strange feeling on my back and I was pretty that was the source of the problem. Maybe I really was dying.

I glanced down at the card one more time.

A place with others like me, huh? I had assumed there were more demigods outside of the camp up in New York, but I guess this just confirmed it.

It was too good to be true.

With a scoff I threw the card into my satchel. Even if I was interested, I wouldn't have a choice after tomorrow.

I slowly made my way over to my crutches and picked them back up, sending my scythe back to my finger as a ring. I turned back to face the woods one more time.

Luke, huh?

For some reason I had a feeling this wouldn't be the last time we would meet, and I wasn't quite sure I was happy about that.

My thoughts were interrupted by another tug in my stomach, the same feeling that had brought me here. With a scowl I hobbled forward, following the familiar yet annoying feeling.

I disliked the thought of blindly going wherever it guided me, but I was pretty sure it wasn't Da Vinci's aura, so it probably wasn't a trap.

With my head on a constant swivel, I traversed deeper into the woods, away from the coast.

~A Short Time Later~

I yawned slightly with a crouch. I reached down into the small stream flowing below, and splashed my face with the cool water. The Florida heat was definitely more than a northern native like myself was prepared for.

Whatever smoke had encountered me at the airport was still present, and I had the feeling it was trying to talk to me, but I wasn't able to catch any words. Whatever it was would have to hurry up and lead me to my stone before I passed out.

I wasn't suited for this environment.

After finishing my short break, I got up with a stretch. I was prepared to continue my embarkment, when they're was a distinct sharp pain in my heart.

It only lasted a second before the hurting was gone. But gone with it, the thing that hat brought me here had left me.

I was alone in my body once again, but not necessarily the only one near the brook.

I was immediately on guard, my ring in my hand in seconds. I waited, scanning the area around me.

The only noise was the glow of the stream below me, but I was pretty sure I wasn't alone. I wondered if it was Luke, but quickly decided he wasn't lying about being busy.

The fact that I could literally sense nothing made me wonder if I was maybe just paranoid. I quickly found that to be wrong.

I felt my heart drop down to my feet. Despite myself, I lost all feeling in my finger tips. I knew to summon my scythe immediately, throwing away my crutches as well as my satchel. I dropped my hood below my neck, revealing my face to whoever was out there.

My heart was beating faster than I would like to admit, and my nerves were tested. That said, a part of me had been ready for this the second I lost my stone.

Not even a second after the smoky feeling had left me, a new presence had arrived.

One I was all too familiar with.

One that was way more powerful than anything I'd felt before.

"It's been a while, Perseus."

I turned my head ever so slightly to face voice.

Da Vinci.

….

It took my a second to reply as I studied the man. It had been some time since I had seen him, but I was still perfectly familiar of what he looked like, and knew the one standing before me was him.

The blinding bright blonde hair, the white and gold armor as well as the matching sheath at his side was all too recognizable.

His galaxy like eyes were just as unsettling and as ancient as before. He may have looked like a heavenly like being, but there was much more to him than that.

"I would say I'm surprised to see you, but that wouldn't be too true now would it?

We both know just why you're here.

Though I must say, even in your current state, I can tell you've got even stronger. I'm impressed."

I gave the man my best scowl. After my conversation with Luke, I wasn't in the mood to talk to people I was about to fight.

"If you know why I'm here than don't waste my time. Did you bring the stone of souls?"

The man chuckled slightly.

"Straightforward as ever. If you truly wish to know, than yes, I've brought it, though I hope you don't expect me to bring it out just yet.

You haven't earned the right."

The mans hand glided to his sheathed sword hilt.

"But I have to ask, do you intend to fight in that state? I can see you have the binding spell from the minor goddess, but it seems to be tampering with your soul in a negative way.

That, along with your leg which won't be healed anytime soon, I don't see how you expect to change the results from last time.

I did tell you I would make the "test" harder this time, didn't I?"

"I do remember you saying that, but it doesn't change anything. I came here for one thing only, and I don't intend to leave without it."

"A firm response, though it was expected. I don't know if you know this or not, but I was actually watching your entire endeavor against the Androktasiai. Like I said you did get stronger, but things will not end well if you believe I am on the same level as those gods."

At this point the man took out his predominantly white great sword, with its gold highlights.

"I'm aware your not much of a talker though, Perseus, or can I call you Percy now?" He laughed slightly. "But I'll skip the idle speech as I'm sure we're both itching for the rematch?"

I smirked confidently despite myself. I raised my blade upwards and pointing it at the god, if that was what he was at least.

I'd been waiting on this moment for a while.

"Cmon then, Percy. Come at me with everything you got."

I didn't need to be told twice as I rushed forward with my scythe reared back. The god made no move until the last moment where he snapped his blade upwards.

With the force of his first strike alone, I knew he was using more of his true power as opposed to before. Even with that in mind, I wouldn't be surprised if he was still stronger.

The thought of him holding back at a time like this was enough to make me go harder.

With a push, I sent the god back, but he recovered relatively quickly. He didn't wait for a second attack as he slashed his sword forward stronger than I had been expecting.

I reflected it before I stepped in closer. Even with all my weight on my left leg, I was able to move faster than our first fight.

I remembered the instincts that kicked in during my fight with Hysiminai and even Eris, letting me dodge even Da Vinci's attacks.

I slashed my scythe upwards while I was on the inside of his guard, and he seemed to take this one serious.

I blinked one time, and when I opened my eyes the man was nowhere to be seen. I panicked momentarily, but my mind shifted its gears.

There was a tingling feeling on my neck, and I felt myself drop down. Without a thought, I took a step backwards while crouched down on the ground.

I looked up to see the gods sword fly above my head, an attack I had barely dodged. The fact I was able to sense him without my eyes was a step up.

I back up towards the direction of the attack, rolling at the last minute. As I did so, the place I was at a moment before was filled with the gods blade.

I jumped up immediately and countered with a slash of my own. I watched as the god scowled before he raised his off hand to tank the attack.

My scythe cut a deep gash in his forearm, but I doubted it did much to him really. I jumped back and created space between the two of us.

I felt my leg give out temporarily.

It was almost funny the situation I was in right now, but I knew I couldn't keep this up for long.

The god whipped his hand outward, shaking the blood away. After he was satisfied, he raised his gaze to me.

He didn't say anything as he adjusted his grip on his sword.

"Impressive, though expected." He finally said.

"I hope you can keep pace, for your own safety."

The man said nothing else as he rushed forward, his sword drawn back. I scowled as I wasn't quite ready to put weight on my leg, but I'd need it if I was going to use my dominate hand to fight.

I anticipated the gods attack and swung my scythe wildly before he could reach me. Wether it was because he had expected it, or he was just able to react quickly, Da Vinci somehow had the time to jump upwards at the last second, narrowly avoiding my attack and giving him an opening of his own.

I scowled as I raised my eyes in slow motion. If I had my stones, I'd easily be able to suspend the man in mid air. Now that was not possible, so I was forced to raise my prosthetic instead.

Though the feelings in my left arm were severely number, I still get felt pain, and that would definitely be the case while taking a hit from Da Vinci.

He met my arm with a clang! sending me deeper into the dirt. He smirked for a moment mid air while our eyes were locked. Using my hand as leverage, he swung himself forward.

My first reaction was to try to push him off me, but I realized he was too strong for that. My instincts told me it was best to kick out my leg to send the god back to give me time to asses what was happening.

Da Vinci seemed impressed yet again, but didn't hesitate this time to continue to press me. With annoyance, I replied with equal force, trying my best to make up for the difference in power.

After some time of me merely trying to survive, the god seemed to turn things up a notch. Right after I had adjusted to the gods speed, he started fighting with even more power, forcing me to react in an instant.

I weaved jabs and ducked overheard swings to the best of my abilities, but I was not able to get in any hits of my own. At this point, Da Vinci had apparently gotten tired of hitting air as he swung one last time before backing off.

I stumbled slightly after parrying, my leg threatening to give out for good. I tried to slow my breath as I locked eyes with the god.

"It seems like things haven't gone how I had expected. There are some powerful people gathered not too far from here, even some demigods just like you."

He said, confusing me.

"I would like to push you further, though it's clear to me you've gotten a significantly amount more competent, so I guess there's no more putting this off."

The man reached his open palm outwards, and faced it towards me. A moment later, the air glittered before a familiar object appeared.

A dark brown diamond shape mineral, one that immediately called out to me after its appearance.

The stone of souls.

Despite whatever I had said previously, I had really missed it, and seeing it like this made me want it even more.

But my guard didn't drop. Even if he was showing it, I knew Da Vinci wouldn't give it up this easily. Not just yet.

I was planning on saying something, but I was distracted by a sudden appearance directly behind the god.

Two different clouds of smoke, one purple and the other black. Both held humanoid figures. I recognized the black one as the thing that had brought me here, but I had a feeling I was familiar with them both.

"I would've liked to hold onto this a little longer, but these two seem to have other ideas. Apparently you are quite popular among the spirits?" Said the man tauntingly, but I felt as if I wasn't the one he was talking to.

The black smoke behind him pulsed slightly, but the purple remained still.

"It's time for this fight to get serious. The true test of will begins now. Good luck Perseus." He said, and the stone began to glow. "You shall meet the ones who are really responsible for your power.

Try to make a good impression."

As the man spoke, a dark light started to emit from the stone, growing brighter by the second.

"What the hell are you doing?!" I asked, scared he was possibly releasing all the souls within the stone. It wouldn't make sense for him to wait till now, but it was still a possible.

Da Vinci only smirked.

"I'll only send you to where you need to be right now, demigod."

"And where is that?!"

"Inside the stone of souls."

….

I paused shortly, not truly comprehending the gods words.

"What the…woah!" I had tried to further question the gods statement when the ground around only me started to shake. I raised my scythe on instinct, but there was nothing I could do as the world around me started to warp.

Da Vinci's knowing gaze didn't falter until the glow from the stone began to envelop me, not slowing down until my vision went dark.

Back to the action, hope y'all enjoyed.

If you did, feel free to leave a review.

Fun Fact: Remleon can't count

ALSO EVERYONE PLEASE CHECK OUT THE COUNCIL OF ZEUS THE FIRST CHAPTER SHOULD COME OUT TONIGHT!