Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction based on the Percy Jackson Universe. All recognizable characters, plots, and settings are the exclusive property of Rick Riordan I make no claims to ownership, nor am I making any profit.
Author's Notes : I just want to tell you all that English is not my primary language. I would still make sure to do the best I can.
A/N: This fic are for those who like other fics like Guardian of the Hunt, Percy betrayed and those kinds of plots.
Prologue
Clanging sounds accompanied by war screams, grunting and the rapid breaths could be heard not far from civilization as two individuals engaged each other in a normal person's eyes, a death battle. Yes, battle, it wasn't a fight like you see on the internet or television, no, it was a sword against bow and daggers, the two individual swung with killing intent as the abnormal speed and strength added to the horrific show displayed by the two of them
But looking closely you could see that one of them wasn't making as much effort as the second. Strikes, swings, dodges, run from one side to another, trying to get an opening or break the defenses of the stronger one. Unfortunately, no success was achieved. But, all the assumptions of this death battle ended when the strongest of them suddenly lectured about the mistakes and errors about the fight and every element involving it.
"Too slow, you need to be quick. Use your speed to narrow the gap you have with my strength." The thick yet soothing voice of the stronger individual echoed throughout the trees of the forest that the wilderness from civilization.
And the second individual did, in a quick sprint the individual dashed towards the instructor, finally seeing a good opening.
With a scream, a thought came in the students head. 'Finally.'
Unfortunately, in a blink of an eye, what seemed a victory, everything went upside down as the instructor dodged swiftly knocking the student down, and in a gentle swing he chopped her down with his hand.
"Wrong. How many times do I have to say this to you? No shouting. You're revealing yourself, for no reason." The instructor now could be identified as a man, probably in his thirties, black hair, black beard, vibrating green eyes, but definitely someone who screamed 'experience'.
"Not fair, you should take this seriously, dad." The student who's a girl had the same long black hair , her eyes were colored silver, maybe in her mid-teens, laid on the grass and dirty whining like a child.
"Why should I? When you are the one who doesn't take this seriously?" He rebuked in a light tone before reaching out his hand to her. "Look Zoë, you need to start and train hard, we're..."
"...not safe, you need to be prepared for everything. I know dad." The girl now named Zoë sighed and pulled herself from the ground with the man's help.
"Now come on, go take a bath, you need to go to school." He smiled gently here, shushing her away.
Zoë gave one last glance towards her father before starting walking towards the city. The man who stayed behind sighed sadly and muttered. "Forgive me Zoë, forgive me for not being able to give you a normal childhood... a normal life." And with that he went after the girl who walked while grumbling about stupid old men.
What the man didn't know was that Zoë heard his last words very well. A normal life, you might be thinking, well yeah. If someone could have her speed, strength and ability, this person would not be normal and she knew that. She also knew what she was, why she was... different from a normal person, she was a demigod.
Yes, demigod, like the Greeks ones. But nonetheless, she knew this typical information since she could remember. And because of this, the two of them were always on the move, from city to city, state to state, even country to country, they were always on the move, never staying more than three months in one place. When she asked why they couldn't live normally, he only explained that it was to keep her safe.
When she reached the entrance of the forest she spotted her home, no it wasn't a big house, or a house at all, it was an old trailer. Not delaying more than necessary, Zoë walked towards the trailer, and entered the small bathroom to take her deserved bath.
When she exited the bath, she was met by the scent of toast, scrambled eggs and bacon, the typical American breakfast, but nonetheless one that she didn't exchange for nothing in this world, because her father do it. When she spoke like this, her father would laugh a little and say, 'that's because you didn't eat Lady Hestia's food.'
Zoë knew everything about the Greek gods, she studied, and her father taught out of his own obligation, but because she liked a lot she came to be fascinated with it, the only two things she didn't know was her father's past and who her godly parent was, not that she cared, in her eyes she was abandoned. But still she was curious and every time she asked, her father would brush the subject aside or dodged it. Frustrating her greatly.
As she devoured the divine bacon, her attention was brought to her father, who hummed in a low tone as he finished with the dishes. "Aren't you going to eat?"
"Nah, I already ate before training." This was a complete lie and she knew it. One of the reasons she should be extremely grateful of her life was her father's selfless personality.
Even though they traveled a lot, even went to other countries, spending a lot of money. They were always on the brink of being broken and in times like this, whenever she wanted extra dessert, buy herself clothes or whatever useless things, he would forget himself and strive to give what she wanted. Could it be said she was spoiled? Maybe, but her father raised her very well. She always had everything and the only thing he asked in return was her attitudes as a human being and her demigod skills.
Finishing her breakfast, she got up and walked towards her father, putting the plate on the sink. "Let me finish." She said.
Her father shook his head. "It's alright sweetheart, it's almost time for school." In a quick motion, she grabbed her phone and looked at the screen to show fifteen minutes to start the classes. "Oh shit, I'm late."
Cursing absentmindedly, she was scolded by her father. "Zoë, language." Skipping towards her school bag, she chuckled. "Sorry."
Grabbing her bag, and other essentials that a girl needs, not that she was girly, by the contrary, she was boisterous, almost a tomboy, but nonetheless she was a girl and she needed it.
Before she could reach the door, her father stopped her. "Zoë?"
"Yeah?" She answered, glancing towards him, and just looking at him gave her some clues of what he was going to say.
"We're leaving tomorrow." He said in an apologetic tone.
It took some time for her to process the information, she shouldn't be surprised, but still she couldn't stop the words coming from her mouth. "Why? Why the fuck always we have to leave? I'm in the middle of the semester for grandad's sake. This is utter and complete bullshit." The anger was evident in her voice. "It's always like this, when I ask why we have to move you always say, 'it's to keep you safe Zoë', safe from what, monsters? I can fight them, you taught me how. But now that I made a friend and went to school, finally having a normal life you decided to leave, so.at times I wish I was never born." That was a low blow and she knew it, whatever expression her father had, she didn't stand there to see.
He shook himself a little trying to form words, but the frustration she was feeling stopped him from talking. "You know what, dad... whatever." And with that she exited her 'home'.
Zoë knew that it wasn't right to do what she did, yell at him, curse him, wish things that weren't true. Like she said earlier, her father gave everything of the best to her, even denying himself food, water, the essentials. The so loved smartphone she had, he brought her with great difficulty.
But beyond that, he kept her safe, warm, loved, if he wasn't the best father in the world he was almost there. But sometimes, she couldn't control her frustration, even knowing about her demigod status, Zoë only wished to have a normal life.
One of the triggers for her frustration was the time she spent on the actual location. A year and a half, the longest time she spent on a single city, and now suddenly her father decided to leave, she made friends here, although it was a small city, she greatly enjoyed.
As she walked towards her school her sight was presented with beautiful and comfortable houses, leaves falling from the trees and birds coming and going, even dogs and cats could be seen 8n one house or another.
New Hampshire was a beautiful state, this small city that she was currently in also added her desire to stay and live there comfortably, but things never ended like she wanted.
Lost in thoughts and without her knowing she was standing right in front of her school building, fortunately she was brought back from her daze. "Zoë." She heard a familiar voice call out to her.
Looking towards the source, she saw two girls, one of them had twin braided dark hair, acne all over her face, glasses and braces, the typical nerdy high school girl type. And the other was a big chested and gorgeous bubbly looking girl, the first time Zoë saw her, she thought the girl was a daughter of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love.
"Nora, Aubrey." She gave them a nod. "Morning." And added soon after.
"Good morning to you, astronaut." Aubrey the nerdy girl said while striding forwards, lacing her arm around hers.
"Astronaut?" Zoë asked curiously.
Adjusting her glasses Audrey said with a knowing look "Yep, like always you're lost in our lunar world. You always do things like that."
Zoë decided to stay quiet and glance towards her other friend. "Morning Nora."
"Good morning, Zoë, how are you today.?" Zoë could swear that whatever Nora had on her head was magically transported towards her chest area.
"I'm... alright." Zoë hesitated a little making the two of her friends give her a look.
"Did you study for the chemistry test today?" Audrey, the dedicated member of the group, asked while they entered the school building.
"Wait... test, what test?" Nora started panicking dramatically while stuttering and muttering under her breath, every time they had a test, but Zoë answered what made the two pause.
"It doesn't matter anymore, I'm going away." The sadness and frustration were evident in Zoë's voice.
"What do you mean?" Audrey stopped mid-step and gave her an incredulous look.
"Zoë stopped with Nora some steps ahead of Audrey. "Tomorrow morning I'm leaving the city."
Instead of Audrey's answer, Nora quickly grabbed her and shook her head. "No you can't. You are joking, right?" The usual cheerfulness was quickly replaced by fear and sadness on Nora's voice
"Why so suddenly?" Audrey finally got out from the shock of Zoë's news.
Gritting her teeth, Zoë said. "I really don't fucking know, it's always like this. Dad suddenly decides to leave, without warning, we just leave."
"Can't you ask him to give at least the end of the week?" Audrey asked again, in a hopeful tone.
Shaking her head, Zoë answered. "Sorry girls, when he decides to leave, nothing stops him. I'm really sorry."
Her two friends looked at her in sympathy, saddened by the news, but they really couldn't do anything about it, so Nora being the cheerful one said. "Well, let's make this day the best so you will never forget us."
Zoë couldn't forget, even if she tried, these girls were her first real friends. She was the one to bring them together, adding to the depressing atmosphere to become even more depressing.
Audrey was the first girl she met, although she looked like a nerd, Audrey was bashful and didn't take shit from anyone, making her foul-mouthed and eccentric.
As for Nora, she was naive and clueless of everything around her. Her beauty added to guys wanting to date her and more, but fortunately being daughter of a Motoclub president, big bearded scaring looking guy helped her keep the ill intentioned people far away from her.
Zoë stood silent for a moment before smiling sadly. "Thanks girls, I will never ever forget the both of you. I can assure you two of that."
Her two friends smiled at her in a sad but yet beautiful moment, before anyone could say anything a voice brought their attention.
"Zoë?" It was a male's voice. Looking at the source, she saw a tall and handsome boy, he clearly cared about his physical appearance, he was not overly muscular, but he clearly enjoyed going to gym and working on his muscles, he had a goo looking dark short hair, dark gentle eyes and clean face.
"Hunter? H-hi." Zoë stammered at the sudden appearance.
Hunter was a guy she was interested since she arrived at the current school, obviously she was to shy, surprisingly, to approach him, but as the tine passed he was the one to actually approach her, making a natural friendship? It was awkward, really.
Beside him stood another good-looking guy, blond, blue eyes, well-defined just like his friend. The two of them were part of the football team.
And with the two of them were the 'popular girls of the school', three of them to be exact, looking down on them, bitches. Zoë knew she was living in a stereotypical high school drama kinda life, but she couldn't complain, after all she saw everything in her life.
"Wassup." The blond, Tyler, greeted her in a nonchalant tone.
"Something wrong, you three looked downcast today?" Hunter asked worriedly.
Before she could respond, Audrey glared hard at Hunter and huffed. "It's none of your business, pretty boy."
Hunter was taken back, although he didn't voice anything one of the girls did. "Bitch."
"Me? A bitch? I'm not the fucking whore who walks around like I'm in a nudity beach, so please at least have a modesty to hide this cleavage of yours and stop looking like a cow."
And hell broke loose among the four of them, Audrey and the three other girls started to curse at each other while Nora stood on the side looking confused as she tried to stop their squirming.
Zoë, ignoring the girl, looked at Hunter. "Sorry about her, she didn't mean it." Hunter chuckled awkwardly. "I hope not."
"Uhm... sorry, this is hard to say." "Bad news?" Hunter asked.
Nodding, she put some of her hair behind her ear and glanced at her feet for a second before looking Hunter in the eyes. "Tomorrow morning, I'm leaving town."
Hunter's eyebrows shot upwards. "What? Why? In the middle of the semester, where are you going?"
Zoë felt a pang in her heart seeing Hunter's reaction, she didn't know he cared that much. "Sorry Hunter, it was always like this, Dad and I moved out a lot, we got city after city because... I'm not sure really, but it was always like this."
Zoë continued staring at the teen, whose eyes softened sadly a little. "That sucks, really. I'm sorry you have to go."
Zoë shook her head. "No, I'm sorry. Actually, this time I thought we would stay here for a long, long time, but it seems I'm wrong."
There was a silence between them, the only noises were the people around them. "And where are you going?" This time the blonde, Tyler, asked Hunter's same question.
Huffing Zoë shrugged. "I don't know, dad always chooses our destinations at the last minute."
"It's just you and your dad?" Hunter asked, even though they spoke regularly with each other, they never asked about each other's families. "What about your mom?"
That's the thing, Zoë had this same question, although a big part of her wanted to know this information, a smaller one was wishing her mother was suffering in the depths of Tartarus for abandoning her. "Nah, I don't know who she is. It's not like I care, either."
"I see. Sorry." Hunter said apologetically. "Nah, It 's fine."
Then Tyler butted in between their conversation. "It's a shame you have to leave, Hunter here was going to ask you out."
That made her mind stop, unable to function, Zoë eyes got wide like a saucer, a blush adorned her cheeks, but before she could say anything Hunter jabbed Tyler's arm and said. "It's nothing like that, I was going to ask if you wanted to go to a party at Allison's house.
Blush fading and her expression returning to normal, she looked towards Alisson, one of the 'popular girls' who were still spatting curses at Audrey.
She only looked at Hunter without being able to respond, but fortunately he saw her struggle. "You don't need to answer right now, when you decide, let me know." He shook his smartphone beside his head and smiled.
A smile graced Zoë lips and she nodded. "Sure thing. And thanks Hunter." "No problem... shall we go then?" He invited her.
Smiling, she took a step forward but before she could respond an angry Aubrey grabbed her arm and started to push her. "Let's get out of here, Zoe, it's dangerous to be here right now. This cow's stupidity might be infectious."
"Bitch." The other three girls cursed
"Wait for me." And Nora whined being left behind
The only thing Zoë could do was give Hunter an apologetic look.
As the day went by in another part of town, Perseus Jackson, The Great Hero,slayer of Kronos, Hestia's Champion, The Lightning Bolt's retriever, Slayer of Gaea, Savior of Olympus and so many other titles that could take some minutes listing all of them, but right now he was only Perseus Jackson a mechanic for Charlie's auto repair.
One might think, what a hero like Perseus Jackson would be doing in a place like this, well for a lot of reasons actually, but if he could name one it would be his lack of education.
Spending his whole childhood, going on quests, fighting monsters, facing titans and gods and when there was spare time, training to make all the above successful didn't give him time to study properly.
Since he... broke ties... with Olympus and the Half blood camp, he traveled a lot and in his travels he began learning about everything he could. And honestly, it was one of the few things he enjoyed in his travels.
Since Zoë Jackson was born, he knew that she wasn't safe, not because of her demigod status or that he couldn't protect her, but circumstances made it all hard for Percy, so he had to learn another great skill beyond fighting and all it was despair in thin air, and that required them to move a lot.
It saddened him to hear those words from her, he knew his daughter wanted to stay and have a 'normal' life' but her own being denied her that, and he loved her above everything else to let harm fall onto her.
He also, like his daughter, wanted to settle down and get a job while witnessing his little girl grow, he always wanted that. He knew what were the dangers that made them nomads, but he couldn't and didn't want his daughter to know about it as resolved around his former life. Maybe it will be his doom, maybe it will be a reason that someday she will blame him for everything, maybe in the future she might hate him, but he just couldn't.
"Jackson." A sudden shout calls out for him, mixing with the mechanic's sounds. "On it." He shouted back knowing who it was and he quickly went towards the voice.
Percy swiftly walked among tools and cars and motorcycle pieces reaching a door at the end of the building. Opening the door, Percy was met with the sight of a middle-aged man maybe in his fifties looking down at his smartphone.
"You called Charlie?" Percy asked.
There was an awkward silence before slowly the man now named Charlie raised his head glaring at Percy.
"I just received a message from Audrey... Zoë told her the two of you are leaving the city tomorrow?" He asked in a dangerous low tone.
Percy's sweat dropped, few things made him shiver but an angry boss, a friend of sorts and the father of one of Zoë's best friends, was one of them. With the high tension in the air, Percy decided to keep with his mouth shut.
Charlie was a blessing when he arrived in the city, of course the friendship Zoë made with Audrey added to his luck, but on the first day he met Charlie he offered him to work in his mechanic shop.
"Huh Jackson, is this true?" Charlie tossed his smartphone on the table as he glared at Percy.
Taking a deep breath, Percy responded. "Yes Charlie, unfortunately we have to move, we've stayed for too long. Me and Zoë really need to get going."
"I can't understand you Jackson, for what Audrey tells me, Zoë is really happy here, she also told me you two move a lot. Are you a nomad or something like that?" Charlie asked, finally softening his eyes while he sighed deeply.
"I'm sorry Charlie, we... I have my reasons, so please forgive me." Percy's lips thinned as his teeth gritted in frustration. "But I appreciate everything you have done for me Charlie, from the bottom of my heart, you truly are a good man."
Sighing again, Charlie looked at Percy before starting looking between his drawers. Removing something from an envelope,he handed to Percy.
"What's this?" Harry asked while opening to see a lot of money in there. "It's my parting gift, for you and Zoë."
Widening his eyes, Percy quickly shut the envelope and tried to hand it back to Charlie. "Charlie, I can't accept this. This is twice as much as my salary, this is a lot of money."
Shaking his head, Charlie gave another sigh, but this one came in an annoyed way. "Look Jackson, if you won't accept yourself, at least think about your daughter. You are a good man Jackson, I could see that since the first time we met, I don't know what your reasons are for moving from place to place or where Zoë's mother is, is not my business really, but I know you care for that girl beyond imagination. I'm also a father, you know. And my wife would kill me if I let you walk away empty-handed." Charlie smiled at the end, spreading warmth in Percy's chest.
After a moment Percy accepted a little awkwardly, but wholeheartedly. "Thank you, Charlie, thank you for everything."
Snorting Charlie grinned. "Don't make things emotional with me boy, now how's work."
Recomposing himself, Percy cleared his throat. "Honestly, I tried everything you thought me but Mr. Baker motorcycle is impossible for me to fix, I really don't know what the problem is."
"Not surprising, I swear that motorcycle is so old that even the oldest horse to ever live looks young in comparison to it." Grunting while getting up from where he was sitting, Charlie started to walk. "Let me take a look."
As if triggering something, Mr. Baker suddenly appeared in the mechanic with two other men following him soon after.
"Charlie, where are you? What the heck did you do with my bike?" Mr. Baker shouted, making his voice echo.
"For god's sake, Chase, stop yelling." Chase Baker, president of Rippers of Dawn Mc, a very feared and popular Motoclub from the city, for what Percy knew, Chase's father founded the club that was still on its feet to this day.
"What the fuck Charlie, look at this shit." He touched his bike with his foot, looking aghast at the sight of his beloved motorcycle. Then he glanced towards Percy and Charlie. "Don't you tell me you put Jackson to work on it."
While Percy looked apologetic and ashamed, Charlie scoffed and rebuked. "You know what Chase, you better buy a new bike, this crap you call a motorcycle is done."
"Don't give me this shit Charlie
This was my grandpa's bike, you should respect it." Chase huffed and annoyed.
"Oh, I will when you put it in a museum. If you at least took care of it, but you drive like a madman." Charlie snarled, making the other man back down a little.
"Alright, alright sheesh Charlie, you woke up with a stick in your ass today uh?" Chase huffed mockingly.
"Whatever Chase, I will take a look into this piece of junk you call a bike, just wait a little." Charlie grumbled while moving to do what he just said.
"So Jackson, I heard you are leaving town tomorrow? That's a surprise, you arrived here like a year, a year and galf and you are leaving already?" Mr. Baker now glancing at Percy with crossed arms asked as his companions looked at him as well.
"It seems the whole town already knows..." Percy grumbled before sighing. Chase was Nora's father, Percy wasn't acquainted with Chase as he was with Charlie, but he met the man on several occasions. "I'm afraid so, Mr. Baker."
Clicking his tongue, Chase glared at Percy. "You're making my little Nora very sad, you know that? And I don't like when people make my little baby sad."
Percy sweatdropped making an awkward apologetic expression. "Sorry?" Percy said, making Chase huff again.
"Jackson, go take a break, I will see what I can do with this junk." Charlie grunted while dismissing Percy who nodded and started to exit the building.
When he got out in the back of the building Percy slowly reached for his pocket and started to search for something. Percy Jackson turned out to be many things after his disconnection with the demigod and god's world, one of them was being a lonely man, of course Zoë was with him, but she was the only one and didn't stand with him 24/7. So Percy developed the habit of smoking cigarettes. It wasn't the best choice for his health, unfortunately it helped with his anxiety.
Removing half a pack of cigarettes from his pocket he swiftly put between his lips and lit up inhaling a lot of smoke savoring the taste of tobacco. Exhaling he closed his eyes for a moment before reaching for his smartphone, while he was not a pro like Zoë was with technology, he wasn't so bad at it. Looking at the screen for a moment he saw his reflection.
Same black unruly hair, the vibrant green eyes, a badly shaved black beard, new scars adorning his face and an expression who scream experience, he wasn't a boy anymore. In his mid to late thirties, Percy had a face that screamed exhaustion, not physically, but mentally.
Unlocking the screen of his smartphone, Percy started to search for messages and news on the weather and about football, who turn out to be one of his hobbies. The funny thing was when he tapped on the messenger app there was only one contact 8n the screen, and that was Zoë's. His daughter always joked how sad of a man he was to only have his daughter as a contact, he rebuked that it was the only thing a need but Percy wasn't aware how correct Zoë was.
Seeing no new messages he locked his screen and put his smartphone away, the exact time for him to hear a voice reaching his ears. "Jackson."
Looking at the source Percy saw Charlie, Chase and his companions coming towards him. "Boss." Percy replied.
"No 'boss' stuff Jackson, Chase here is inviting us for a beer in his bar after work, wanna come?" It wasn't exactly an invitation but still Percy looked troubled.
Whatever Percy was going to say was cut down by Charlie. "Zoë and Nora are going to be at with my wife tonight, we won't stay too late, you owe me a beer before you can disappear, do you hear Jackson?"
Percy pondered for a time while he smoked slowly, looking again through his smartphone seeing no messages at all from his daughter, he sighed and nodded slowly. "Alright." Making the two older men smile.
And the hours passed quickly, he worked with the best of his abilities until the end of the day where he would go with Charlie to the Rippers of Dawn bar.
It has been a long time since Percy had a gathering like this, he was welcomed by the bikers and even engaged in various conversations in different subjects the bikes brought up. But while he was having a little o fun, he had this gut feeling something was wrong and he couldn't stop thinking about the safety of Zoë. While Percy wanted to go to her, he kept telling himself it was all a truck of his mind so he waited until Charlie was ready to leave, whim promised to not stay until late.
After a good time engaging in conversation with the bikers and other people present in the bar, Percy went to the bathroom before heading towards the balcony and asking for another beer.
While leaning on the counter he couldn't help himself and looked at his smartphone once again seeing if his daughter sent him at least one message. While he got the bad feeling in his gut, Percy also remembered their discussion this morning and he couldn't stop blaming himself. While it hurt hearing his daughter saying those words, he still took all the blame for her tantrum, in his mind she had all the right to be mad at him.
"It's the first time I saw someone smoke this brand." A sudden sweet voice broke Percy out of his thoughts.
Glancing towards the speaker, Percy saw a woman maybe in her late twenties, maroon skinned, auburn dirty hair that shone in the dim lights of the bar, and green-brownish eyes. With her raised eyebrows, she glanced towards the seat beside him and asked. "May I?"
Percy took a time admiring her beauty, she had this Latina like appearance, that accentuated how mature she looked. But he also could see that she was way younger than him. "Yeah, be my guest." Something seemed off with her.
She slowly sat in silence before putting one of her elbows on the counter and resting her chin on her hand while she looked at him. "You still didn't answer me, why this brand of cigarettes?"
"It's cheap." Percy answered bluntly.
She snorted and giggled. "Woah, a cheap man... never saw you around these parts before... I'm Gabriella, a pleasure." With a sultry smile, she reached her head towards him.
Percy who was looking at his beer glanced at her and did the same. "I'm Percy and the pleasure is mine." Although, when Percy touched the woman's hand he felt something awkward, the bad feeling in his gut just worsened.
Then he felt her hand on his tight, and the danger sensors Percy developed thought his years started going wild crazy. This woman wasn't normal.
In a swift motion he got up and moved towards Charlie who was laughing boisterously with some other man who were doing the same.
"Charlie, I think it's better we go home... we need to be early tomorrow so..." Percy reached towards the man very distressed, who got his reaction and nodded.
"Sure Jackson. C'mon." And they were gone.
Unknowingly to Percy the woman seated on the balcony smirked evilly, she muttered the words in ancient Greek "Found you, Perseus Jackson."
Parties, how should she partake in such an event if she never had one in her life, well at least not in a teenage like party, with alcohol, drugs and horny teenagers. The only party Zoë partook in was the day of her birthday when she was at her grandma's house, Sally Blofis.
Actually, it couldn't be called a party, after all there were always four participants beyond her. Her father, her step-grandfather Paul and her aunt Estelle as well her grandmother. Estelle seemed more like a cousin then aunt because of their age gap.
But nonetheless it was always fun, and her friendship with Estelle was strong as ever, Zoë only wished to stay and live with them.
Before coming to the party Zoë had a discussion with Audrey, her friend got pissed that she chose to come, but Nora on the other hand calmed Audrey down and for the first time Zoë saw the bubbly girl get very and utterly serious and before Zoë left for the party they stared at the each other eyes and the coldness of Nora's send shivers on her spine. "Take care of yourself Zoë, sometimes appearances don't match the real personality of people." That was Nora's warning before she gave her goodbyes and went to the party.
Her reluctance when she arrived was so big that she wanted to run back to Audrey's house, but then came the weed. Zoë hesitated and denied several times but when Hunter pushed her to at least try, now she was so relaxed that she couldn't care more, she felt like home.
Her worries vanished.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself." Hunter's voice caught her attention. Currently Zoë was sitting in a big couch, Hunter at her side while other people sat and stand around her engaging in conversations among themselves.
Chuckling weakly Zoë looked at him. "Oh yeah, I'm feeling... magical. I don't like when dad smokes. I hate the scent... but 5his is pretty good." She laughed a little at the end.
Hunter grinned amusedly at her stoned face. "Wanna get a drink for you?"
Nodding slowly she licked her lips feeling the dryness. "Yeah, that would be awesome, thank you."
While Hunter went to get Zoë a drink the dark haired girl slumped even more on the couch. With a final drag from her cigarette, her thoughts were back to the early subject, the party.
Now you might ask, if she hadn't experience with parties, what in Hades she was doing right now? Why did she decide to come?
Well, first things first, her crush was the one to invite her, and until now she had a great time, they talked about a lot of things and she was already feeling longing. But in the long run she was uncertain of her desire, maybe she wanted a final moment with him, maybe she wanted to tell him how she felt, or maybe she was waiting for him to say something.
Nevertheless, she wasn't sure the real reason to come.
In her distracted mind Zoë suddenly felt a cold object touch her cheek. Snapping her head towards it she saw a blond boy, Tyler, holding a glass of whisky and ice towards her. "Hunter went to the bathroom and asked me to give this to you. It's so crowded that even the bathroom is almost impossible to enter."
She slowly reached for the drink and she awkwardly looked at him. "Thanks. At least he has the decency to wait unlike some people I saw peeing outside." She said with a scowl.
Tyler laughed. "Who was it? Liam?"
Zoë furrowed her brows seemingly trying remembering the horrifying scene she saw earlier. Taking a sip of her drink tasting the strong and burning taste of alcohol on her mouth she said raspily. "No, I'm pretty sure I saw a girl."
Tyler jaw dropped before he started laughing hard. "R-really, who was it?"
Even if she remembered she wasn't going to tell him. "I don't remember, really. I'm so high right now, maybe I was seeing things." Being her fisrt time in a party and seeing what drunk teenagers did shocked her.
As soon as Zoê finished talking her phone started buzzing and vibrating. It was her dad.
Looking at the screen while blinking a little tried to adapt her eyes to the light she quickly glanced at Tyler and asked. "Is there some private place I can answer this call? It's my dad."
Tyler glanced around before answering. "Well it's pretty crowded outside, but there's the office on the second floor. The end of the hall."
Quickly dumping all of the contents of her drink in her mouth she rapidly moved towards the second floor finding the exact office Tyler told her about. It was quite spacious, it seemed to be a room for work.
Not distracted too much, Zoë cleared her throat and hesitated a moment before answering the call.
"Zoë? Where are you?'' Her father's voice came in a desperate tone.
"Oh, hi dad, I forgot to message you I would be with the girls tonight." Zoë managed to compose herself a little so she could fake to talk normally. "But I'm pretty sure Audrey's dad told you about it.
Zoë met silence for a long time before she heard his voice again. This time though there was a different tone she didn't hear for a long time. Usually he used this kind of tone when she did something wrong, something stupidly wrong. "Don't lie to me Zoë Jackson."
But still, with the episode earlier that day, her frustration rose again. "I'm not lying, why don't you call them hm, oh yeah I forgot you don't have their number, you didn't find it necessary to have it, seeing we have to move soon, making my life a living shit." Oh harsh, but she was drunk, angry and above else high as fuck.
Again silence met her ears threatening her to hang up the phone on her dad's face, but she wouldn't be so disrespectful as she was already being. Then "I know it's frustrating to not have what you want, I'm sorry Zoë for not providing you with your desires." Now her heart ached, it almost crashed hearing his soft saddened tone. "But you have to remember Zoë, you... we aren't normal, and for all is sacred in this world I won't let harm come to you. I would rather you hate me than to lose you, because I was incapable of protecting you.
Because I only have you, I have no one else, no friends, no place to go, no hope."
Zoë words were caught in her throat, she never heard her father talk like this, confess such things to her. Before she could say anything his voice came in a pleading tone. "Please Zoë, where are you? I'm at Charlie's home and you aren't here, I asked your friends but they don't budge."
Zoë pondered a little if she was going to tell her father where she was. Like most teenagers, she was embarrassed to have her father come pick her up so early in the night. She was hoping to stay till the end, and the party would only finish in a few hours.
Before she could say anything else the lights of the office suddenly went dark, she turned around startled seeing three silhouettes. "W-wha... who are you? What's going on." She asked, confused trying to shake off her drunkness.
Zoë only heard a chuckle. "She's still up, she' a strong one. Normally the effects should already have started." Zoë thought she recognized the voice, she wasn't sure.
Zoë scowled. "Turn the lights on, stop joking."
There was another collection of chuckles. "Well, should we start boys."
Zoë for all her perception, speed, strength and other inhuman gifts, didn't even catch the three figures moving, in a blur she was pinned on the ground finally making her able to see her assailants... Tyler and two of his friends.
Then her perception finally caught it, her numbness. Arms, legs, head, mind it all started to get numb, for all her gifts as a demigod, she couldn't shake off the effects.
Someone drugged her, no Tyler drugged her. Fucker.
"Get off of me." Zoë yelled. "You fuckers... no... stop." She struggled as their hands started to touch her in various places, making her not only disgusted but start to feel dirty.
"You smell so good Jackson... Since you moved here, I watched you in school, you Zoë Jackson, has such beauty I can't even describe." Then he licked her, he fucking he licked, she struggled to break from their grasp, but it was useless.
As desperation, fear, anger and confusion rose within her, her hopes crashed down in the most pathetic way.
As Tyler's hands reached her jeans and slipped under it, feeling his cold and disgusting touch, she screamed as one of Tyler's friends put his hand on her mouth.
Tears started to form in her eyes, but she refused to be weak, to let them have the pleasure to watch her cry.
"You're already wet." Tyler gave a sickening chuckle.
And she was, not from her free will, not because she was really aroused, no they drugged.
As they started to tear her clothes off, with a final scream coming out her mouth in a weak and desperate tone. "Help."
Suddenly Zoë heard the door open, she couldn't see who it was, her assailants all turned towards the door.
"What are you fuckers doing?" She heard it, yes, she heard Hunter's voice. She was going to be saved.
"D-dude, w-we..." one of Tyler's friends tried to explain but he was caught off quickly.
"What are you doing with her?" Hunter enraged. For a moment Zoë couldn't stop the tears of relief escaping her eyes, she wasn't going to suffer anymore. "I told you shitheads I was going to take her first."
Everything froze in her body, her tears stopped falling, her lungs stopped working and her heart stopped beating. She couldn't voice anything in her weakened state, but confusion took over her. What did he mean by that?
"Chill dude, we're just having some foreplay, she's nice and wet for you." Tyler's disgusting voice reached a muffled state in her ears.
No, she couldn't believe what was happening, as soon as Tyler finished his sentence, Hunter, the boy she liked, the guy she had feelings for approached her and started to touch her hungrily. As her limbs and mind went into almost complete numbness and the lights of
her eyes faded her vision caught the sick and leering grin on Hunter's lips. Another tear escaped her eye as she let fate take her.
Unknowingly to them, Zoë's phone fell not far from where she was and Percy Jackson heard it all.
When Percy got out of the bar and headed towards Charlie's house the bad feeling he was having only worsened. And it all proved right when he arrived at Charlie's home and didn't see Zoe there. "What do you mean you don't know where Zoë is?" Percy was surprised by how Charlie was enraged.
"I didn't see her leaving dear, the three of them were in Audrey's room, then she just vanished." Charlie's wife said weakly and worriedly.
"AUDREY. Come back down here... NOW." Charlie screamed, making his wife cover her ears.
They waited a little before Charlie went to shout again, but before he could Audrey showed up a little begrudgingly.
"You don't need to shout, you know." She scratched her ear, but when she saw Percy everyone could tell she was hiding something.
"Where's Zoë, Audrey?" Charlie asked in low tone.
"Zoë said she was going home. Said she was tired and seeing you are probably leaving early in the morning she wanted to rest." Percy knew this was a huge lie, this was nothing like his daughter.
Now, accusing Charlie's daughter in his home like this would be very disrespectful, gladly Charlie could see she was lying.
"Don't lie to me Audrey. Where's she?" Charlie asked again, gritting his teeth. "Like I said I don't..." It all went silent when Charlie hit her in the cheek.
"I said don't lie to my daughter. Now answer my question." Charlie snarled angrily.
Even if Percy loathed Charlie's course of action, he couldn't just break into the family discussion, his worries were elsewhere.
Audrey stared at her father in shock for a moment before replying. "I will not tell where she is, I'm her friend as Nora's." After the shock faded from her face a defiant glare took its place.
Percy saw Charlie move to hit her again, he knew Charlie wasn't a violent parent, like Gabe was, but still this way of disciplinarian was wrong in Percy's eyes, so thinking quickly he stopped Charlie and said.
"I will call her, maybe she's really home." Charlie glanced at him and nodded slowly, quickly returning to glare at his daughter.
Percy took his smartphone and quickly dialed her number. The first time she didn't answer.
Making the uncomfortable Audrey even more uncomfortable and an angry Charlie and wife more angrier.
Fortunately, she answered the second. As their talk went Charlie asked his wife to get Nora down as well and made Audrey stay quiet at the side, he still was glaring at her promise to have the talk with her. Of course, he was already thinking to apologize for hitting her, but covering for a friend like this was no act of friendship, seeing the friend d could be in danger.
Suddenly Percy started to panic, Charlie saw his expression shift to various emotions, settling on pure rage, before he could ask what was going on Percy enabled the speaker, allowing everyone to hear Zoë's voice and other individuals.
Percy didn't waste time. "Where is Audrey... please." Charlie's furious expression returned. "Tell him Audrey."
Audrey was frozen in place after starting to hear what was happening but she finally said the address of the party.
Percy got out of the house in the next second rushing to save his daughter, Charlie was on his tail offering a lift and calling Chase to provide help.
All the scenarios went through Percy's head, he couldn't let this happen to his daughter, the only source of light in his life.
As Charlie ran trough traffic lights almost hitting his pickup, Percy cursed himself as weak, stupid and undeserving of what he had left, he prayed for whatever god could hear him to save Zoë, but unfortunately he also knew they wouldn't hear him, some wouldn't even want to, it only depended on him.
When the pickup finally stopped Percy didn't wast time and run towards the house, he saw a bunch of drunk and drugged teenagers talking and doing stupid shit's, but his mind was focused on save Zoë.
"Can I help you?" A sweet and girly voice caught his attention. Turning around, Percy saw a girl of Zoë age, wearing such revealing clothes that should be prohibited for a girl of her age. She had a sultry smile on her face.
"I've never seen you before, I'm Polly, the hostess of this party." She extended one of her hands while the other held a glass with some sort of alcoholic drink.
Percy acknowledged her greeting and quickly said. "I'm looking for Zoë Jackson? Did you see her?"
When Percy said his daughter's name, he saw Polly's expression turn sour for a moment before looking him up and down, smiling seductively. "Are you her boyfriend perhaps?"
Percy's face was hard like stone, he didn't react at the question he simply replied. "No, I'm her father."
That caught the girl by surprise. "Is that so? Woah, I didn't know Jackson had a stud for a father, why don't you grab a drink and relax a little, I will call her."
Percy gritted his teeth and closed his fists tightly. "Do you mind if I enter?"
Polly raised her eyebrows and brought her free hand and rested on his abs. "Why in such a hurry... I'm sure little Zoë is fine, why don't you have some fun? I can introduce you to some of my friends, we can show you a good time."
"Look... I'm in a hurry." He brushed her off and started to walk into the house.
"Wait..." whatever she was going to say next died on her thought of his murderous glare and the sudden sounds of motorcycle engines.
Polly, breaking from the shock of Percy's glare, glanced towards the sound seeing fifteen bad looking men entering her house.
"Wait.. what are you all doing?" She asked, the shock never leaving her.
"The party is over, girl, go home." One of the men said, the music had already stopped, people were all looking at them.
"But this is my home." Polly shrieked.
"Then send this brats home already, the party is over." He rebuked. "I will call the police." She stammered.
"Be my guest." The man dismissed her nonchalantly.
As this conversation was happening Percy looked at every room in the house, only one left. The bikers and Charlie all stood with him, as he quickly opened the door.
When Percy finally opened the door and turned the lights on he saw a scene that horrified and disgusted him. Zoë laid on the ground motionlessly naked, four guys around her, three of them completely naked as well. On of them hold Zoë's hand forcing it to grab on his
manhood, the other bend over trying to kiss her, the third touched himself when staring at her the fourth was filming with his phone and the last pinned her down ready to rape her.
It was alla blur after that, Percy saw red and the only thoughts on hi mind were kill them, murder them, made them suffer. To the boys' shock and Charlie and the bikers' amazement, they saw Percy in action.
It was quick and ruthless, the guy pinning her down got a har kick between his open legs, making him scream in agony, the other three got kicks and punches so quick that they even ser it coming, Percy broke they phones as he broke their limps, Percy only realized what he was doing when he was grabbed from pining the guy who was about to rape his daughter punching him almost endlessly, by Charlie while saying it wasn't worth and he should take care of his daughter.
Shaking he turned to Zoë, Percy couldn't watch the state that his daughter was in.
He slowly reached for her covering her body as he went to grab her, as soon as he touched her she started to trash wildly, her movements weak as was her voice, pleading for help and for them to stop. "It's me Zoe... It's dad."
As soon as he said that her eyes opened slowly, swollen by crying, he even could see hitting marks on her face, probably they also slapped or punched her "Daddy?"
"Yeah baby girl, It's me, you're safe now." As soon as these words reached her ears she clutched him hard, tears started to flow down her cheeks as she sobbed silently.
Glancing around Percy saw Charlie's and the bikers expression. "Thank you for your help." They all just stared at him with pity and sorrow. "Can you take us home Charlie?"
Charlie took his time to get out of his shocked state. "S-sure Jackson, C'mon."
Slowly Percy walked out of the house whispering comforting and soothing words to Zoë who still sobbed in his chest, people who still stayed behind, looked at them curiously, as they finally understood what happened, they couldn't help but mirror Charlie's and the bikers expressions.
When they entered the pickup, Zoë broke down and started to cry openly, Charlie looked at her with pity, but Percy... well he really didn't know what to think, he was a mess right now.
As Charlie drove towards Percy's trailer, he couldn't stay quiet so he said. "I'm sorry Jackson..."
"For what? You didn't do anything wrong, on the contrary you helped me a lot... I should be thanking you and not apologizing for something you didn't do." Percy cut him, his voice cold and emotionless.
"L-look... It's just..." Charlie tried.
"Just drive Charlie, I have to take care of my daughter." Percy grimaced.
"Don't you want to take me to the hospital?" Charlie inquired worriedly. "No need, I'll take care of her myself."
"R-right." And for the rest of the ride, they stood in silence, the only noises were the pickup engine and Zoë sobbing.
Watching trees pass by, Zoë gazed through the window of the trailer, sunlight reaching her face as sunglasses protected her eyes from it. It has been hours they've been on the road, Zoë stood quiet since they left town, it was an unusual thing for her, she was a quiet talkative person. But who could blame, if not only herself, that what her current thoughts were about.
It has been three days since that event. As soon as she was brought there by her father, he put her on the bed and stood there comforting her for a long time till she fell asleep. The police showed up that night, but she was so terrified that when her source of warmth and security left her side, she started to scream, so he asked for the cops to come the next day.
The next day, the day they're supposed to leave town, they had to stay and give their testimony on the events of last night. For a girl who wanted so badly to stay, now didn't care anymore, she wanted to leave as soon as possible. Zoë also received various massages from her friends, but she answered none, she didn't trust anyone anymore, even if they had nothing to do with what happened to her, the only she really trust led now was the one she said hurtful words to, the one who took care of her, the one who loved her, even more than herself. Her father Percy Jackson.
They only left town on the third day, she didn't know what happened two her assailants, nor did she care. At least she knew there were a lot of eyes that day, and with the video, thank the gods the police were able to retrieve all the data from the broken phone, she was quite sure they got sentenced to prison.
Unfortunately she left something precious behind, Zoë wasn't quite sure what it was, but she supposed it was her innocence or the rest of her teenage life, she wasn't sure. Nightmares plagued her since, her father stood at her side every night, not even batting an eyelash as he watched her intently, he didn't sleep, drink or eat during this time, as every time she woke up suddenly from the nightmares, he was already there hugging and comforting her.
That's how amazing her father was, even in these dark times, he could cheer her up with the smallest of actions. What was worse though, her inability... no, her incompetence to apologize to him for her words the other day.
Absent-minded Zoë tore her gaze from the mirror and glanced at her father, his eyes stuck on the road looking beyond tired. His left elbow rested on the window leaning his head on his closed fist.
Zoë could describe her father as a boring man, he was always lonely, he did the same thing almost everyday if wasn't for her, he was strong at least physically and he was very loving, but since she know herself as a human being, or in her case a demigod, she never saw her father cry before and look so vulnerable.
Zoë could remember perfectly, not even two nights ago, he cried as he cursed himself endlessly for letting something happen to her, Zoë couldn't believe when she saw that, in her head she was the one to blame, she didn't listened to him and above else it could've get worse if not for him rescuing her. Zoë wanted so badly to erase the image of her father crying from her head, but it was impossible.
And after all this she was so cowardly that she was afraid to look him in the eyes.
"Are you alright sweetheart?" Her father's voice snapped from her thoughts. He was now looking at her worriedly. And for a brief second she looked him on the eyes before gazing again towards the window. His face showed tiredness, sadness, worry and what hurt her more guilt.
She cursed herself when she gave him a weak answer. "Mhm." A nod and a noise, fuck you Zoë, at least answer him properly.
After a brief silence he spoke again. "We're reaching a gas station, want an Ice cream?"
Unbelievable, he knew how to cheer her up, with a slow nod she meekly glanced at him. "Yeah daddy."
His eyes now soften then before. "It's going to be alright Zoë."
She didn't respond, only putting on her headphones to listen to music as she looked towards the window. It took some more minutes before they arrived at a gas station, it was funny though, no cars or other buildings could be seen in the area and the only source of life was the male attendant of the gas station.
When he bought her an ice cream, Zoë looked at him curiously. "Aren't you going to get one too?"
Her father smiled gently at her and shook his head. "Nah, I'm good. I'm not in the mood for it."
Bit Zoë knew it was a lie, she was sure he was short in money, he told her about Charlie's 'gift' but he used that to pay the lawyer and the rest of the money probably would be used to fill the trailer tank so they could go on with their journey. Probably he had more money stored but it was for eventual gas in the future, he only bought his cheap pack of cigarettes.
"While you fill the tank I'm going to the toilet." She told him as he nodded.
Taking the opportunity they've stopped, she went to the bathroom to pee, so she wouldn't have to hold till their next stop.
Exiting the toilet her eyes wandered towards nature and the peaceful sight of the road and the trees surrounding it, sun reaching her skin and not far from there a tree with beautiful flowers and bunches of fruit hanging from the tree.
That caught her attention, Zoë quickly glanced towards her father, seeing him still busy with the fuel, she started to approached the tree, the said three was on the side of the road not far from the building.
When she reached the tree the leaves were so green that looked almost fake, the flowers were a purpleish in color and the fruits looked like mangos, but they were completely brown.
But it was not the tree that made her interest go wild, not it was a clearing giving her a beautiful view of sunlight tearing through the trees and a single figure stood there motionless, an invisible force told her subconscious to step forward.
When Zoe did the figure turned around slowly revealing a woman. A latina Woman, sun-kissed skin, dark auburn hair, mystical green-brownish eyes and celestial beauty. Although her eyes were cold and emotionless.
"Ah... the forbidden child, at last." The woman said with a chuckle, a huge smirk adorning her face.
A sense of danger rose within Zoë as she glanced back, seeing only trees instead of the road and the gas station.
Spinning around she made the motion to walk back but was stopped when two more figures stepped off behind the three two men, maybe in their early twenties. Then two more men stepped behind the trees on each of her sides.
"Where do you think you're going child?" The sound of the woman's voice reached her ears again.
What Zoë's eyes didn't catch immediately when the new figures appeared wearing armors and carrying weapons like swords, spears and axes were on their hands.
"Who are you?" Zoë was terrified now, she suffered this before, why was it happening again? She heard one of the men chuckle. "Your death Jackson."
"What do you want? Who are you?" No one answered, but when one of them stepped forward she screamed. "Stay away!" As she backed away.
"Let's kill her already." Another said, clicking his tone.
Zoë couldn't run, when she saw one of them give another step forward she crouched down and screams her lungs, her arms wrapped around her knees as her ears caught the laughter and snorts from these strangers.
"It's quite pitiful to have my revenge like this, she didn't even fight for her life... Well, let's end this." The woman's voice spoke again. "You... kill her."
When those words got out of her mouth, Zoë closed her eyes, and what seemed like her death never came as a clashing sound made her eyes snap open.
In front of her stood no one other than her father, a sword in his hand while the other gripped the spear that one of the men tried to stab her with.
The man was trying with great effort to release his spear from her father's grasp, but every strength or brawl conquest was easily won by Percy Jackson.
In a quick motion Percy swing his sword making the man released the spear giving it to Percy.
"If you touch her, I will stain my blade with your filthy blood." Never ever she heard her father talk like this, even she could feel the shiver run down through the strangers spines.
"Perseus Jackson." Came the spat from the woman. "Oh... hello there Gabriella or should I say Gaea."
"Filthy demigod." A snarl again. "I will destroy you. You and the daughter of A..." Her voice died down when a spear almost hit her in the chest as one of the men jumped to defend the woman.
"Shut up." Her father snarled. "Are you alright baby girl?" He then asked her, still keeping his attention on the strangers.
"Y-yes dad' who are they?" She stuttered confused and scared.
"Listen to me Zoë... you have to be very brave now. These people, they are no joke, so could you do something for me?" He said in a somber and worried tone.
At this point she heard the woman start cursing at him, but he ignored completely. "Can you sweetheart?"
"Shoving her fear aside, she responded meekly. "Y-yes daddy."
"I need you... I need you to run, without looking back. Enter the trailer and drive, drive forward till you feel you're safe." What? How could she do that? Is he asking to leave him here? To leave him with these people?
"N-no... I won't leave you." She screamed.
She couldn't see his face but Zoë heard her father grit his teeth in frustration of her disobedience. "Zoë please. You have to run."
"No. I won't and I can't leave you dad. Please don't do this." She screeched between sobs.
"Zoë Jackson, I'm ordering you." He snarled angrily before settling to a more soft tone. "I can't protect you here, if anything happens to you I can't forgive myself... so please, do as I asked you." The last words came so pleadingly that shocked her, all the recent events played in her head once more.
"A-alright daddy, I'll do as you say." She heard him give a sigh of relief.
"That's my girl." That made her whole being get stronger, for some reason she felt she could make him proud of her. "Now listen carefully. I will make an opening for you to run, probably you will have to dodge an attack, but I trust you can do it. Run and don't look back, do you understand?" He asked and Zoë replied with a strong and determined yes.
"When you feel you're safe, open the glove compartment and there's a map there. You'll see a big X printed on it. It's where the camp half-blood is located. Go there and ask for Chiron." She nodded again, engraving every word on her mind.
"Then you tell him you have an important message for the olympians, tell them old enemies rose again, Gaea has returned." As soon as this words got out of his mouth a sword swung towards him. He swiftly and easily dodged, making the assailant back away a little.
"Ready my little moonbeam?" The nickname her father chose for her, he rarely said it, but it was so good to hear it.
Then she nodded. "Ready dad."
"I shall not let you escape, child." The woman's voice boomed. "Kill her." She ordered the others.
"Go." Her fathers voice ignited the fire within her body, she ran towards the direction her father told her to go.
As soon as she started to run another figure stepped from the woods and tried to stab her, but it seemed her father was skilled enough and made the ground shake as he defended her himself, but still made her stop.
"I see you only god better Percy." She didn't recognize the voice, but Zoë felt her father stiffen.
"I-impossible, h-how a-are y-you a-alive?" Zoë stared at the shocked state before glancing towards the 'boy' who appeared from the woods. But he had nothing of a boy as his aura flowed dangerously through the place.
The 'boy' smirked seeing her father in a shocked state. "Missed me?" Than he glanced at her. "And she's the famous daughter of…"
"Shut up, you traitorous bastard. I don't know how you're alive but you better shut before I send you to Tartarus." Her father snarled, still the boy wasn't fazed at all.
"And what about Annabeth, hm? Where…" Wherever this conversation was going was interrupted again by her father's signal, making her body instantly move.
At the corner of her eyes she saw one of the man rushed towards her followed by a spear being thrown, she heard gasps and huffing sounds on the back of her neck, but she didn't distracted herself with the ongoing fight, so she easily dodged the spear and the man was pushed away by her guardian, who used his powers to hold two more of their enemies.
Laughing was heard, curses were shouted and screams filled the whole place, but at the end of it all, Zoë only heard one thing and that was her father's voice. "I love you daughter, please be safe Zoë"
In reality, Zoë was so determined to do what her father ordered, that she ran, drove and finally stopped far, so far away so she could shake and take on everything that happened. Crying and sobbing for a long moment she thought about everything that happened.
She left her dad to die, she left him so he could live, once again she was safe from her, because of him, and the last words she heard was the one she had to tell him back even if he wasn't able to hear him. "I love you too dad. I love you too."