CHAPTER 5 PROTECTING THUNDER PANTS
PERCY POV
I looked to the calm surface of the stream as I bent down to wash the mud of my hands from the wrestling session I had with Phoebe and had my ass handed to me.
Today was the Winter Solstice and Lady Artemis and Lady Athena left early for the meeting. If you are wondering about how I am wrestling with Phoebe when all she wanted to do was put an arrow in my face is
The last seven months were trying and enjoyable.
There was the fact that I lied to the Goddess of Wisdom even though there was a very good reason why. There was also that I was to return to the hunt since they found me and then there were also the high probability that I could have been castrated by the Goddess of the Hunt for hurting her hunters.
But that was not what happened.
FLASHBACK
I have been hiding in the forest as best I could to avoid the hunt and Lady Artemis not to mention Apollo, Hermes and Miss. Chase or now maybe she is Lady Athena.
It seems what Lady Artemis thought me could be put to good use since it had been three days since they got me back but they were yet to find me.
There were some close calls I am not going to lie but all in all I managed to reach the edge of the wilderness and would be able to escape into the world.
Winter helped. Any tracks I didn't cover or back pedal over and he dealt with them.
He was currently sitting beside me tearing into an elk I had hunted.
I had managed to cook it with Apollo's Solar flames a risky mauver since I still couldn't control them very well but necessary if I didn't want to be caught by lighting a fire.
Once I did get to cities I would have to travel only during sunsets and sunrises to ensure I didn't get caught since that was the only blind spot for both the God and Goddess out looking for me.
Apollo and Hermes might not mind but I didn't want to be the person who caused problems between the three gods. The best answer was to head to Camp Half-Blood and in a big way so as to attract attention so that Hermes and Apollo couldn't just come and take me away.
I was broken out of my musings when Winter suddenly perked up and removed his bloody maw from the elk. He stood tall and looked around his surrounding with a growl and his haunches raised.
I heard a shuffle to my left to see Zoe and Lady Artemis walk into the clearing I had taken a rest at. I was on my feet to see myself surrounded by the hunt. Winter stood protectively in front of me almost covering me completely.
I moved to his side and ran my left hand through his fur as I pulled out Bone Collector. I took my hand away and took Sneaky out too.
"Don't do something you are going to regret, Percy" said Lady Artemis in a calming voice.
"I don't think I am going to regret protecting myself" I spat back glaring at the hunters assembled who looked down in shame.
Wait, Shame. The Sword I was holding so surely became uneven Sneaky felt unsure in my hand but Winter held steady and growled and hit me with his tail.
I looked to him in understanding before taking a surer position and pointing the sword and dagger outwards ready for a fight.
"Nobody wants to hurt you Percy" said Zoe taking a step forward and trying to smile in a reassuring way.
"Yeah, sure you don't" I spat with utter loathing and sarcasm oozing out of every word.
"We don't" said Phoebe looking unsure for a moment before strengthen her resolve. "Look I am sorry for what we did. I really am. Let us just please…"
"No," I said glaring at her harshly. "None of you really are. You never even gave me a chance and I lost the only thing I had left of my mother because of it. I don't have to give you one"
All of them including Lady Artemis bowed down their head in shame but Zoe didn't. She glared back at me just as harshly surprising me slightly. There was guilt there. I knew that but there was bull-headed resolve
"Yes, you do"
I wanted to object but she didn't let me.
"We were wrong to do what we did. Me even more so since I knew some of what was happening and did nothing but we are here aren't we. We could have stuck to our beliefs or we could have killed you for what you did" A snort escaped Joanna as if she was amused by that idea "but we did neither. We are the Hunters of Artemis. We are stubborn and prideful people yet we are here humbled, ashamed and ready to be shown the error of our ways. Does that not show the fact we deserve a chance?" She finished her passionate speech and looked to me to say something either stupid or contradict what she said.
Man am I glad I didn't run away or said something very stupid or highly offensive.
It wasn't easy at first. To forgive, I mean. I tried. I really did. I knew I didn't hate them. Well not completely. What happened about my mom wasn't their intention and there was a high chance I would have taken it in my stride and let it go if it wasn't in there and somewhere else like my bag.
I think I did a good job at making them believe I forgave them even though I didn't completely before I really forgave them. Hell, I understood them but it didn't make it an easy to forgive them.
But one gesture changed it all.
FLASHBACK
"Here you go," said Zoe giving me a packed gift. It was my birthday and I got gifts from both my patrons and my mentors and my aunt.
Phoebe, Atlanta and Naomi stood behind her all of them slightly unsure if I would like it. I just started forgiving them and spending more time with some of them especially Phoebe who was the second-best spear fighter I have ever seen only because I fought Lady Athena.
"What is it?" I asked the four of them and the three of them shook their head
"Open it" Zoe said to me
I gave them a speculative glance before opening it and I nearly cried.
It was an album. Almost the very same album I had of me and mother before it got burned only there were more pictures from some of my best memories with her.
"How?" I asked her almost at tears.
"A lot of work and some near-death occurrences" mumbled Phoebe rubbing a scar on her bicep but I heard it. I had super hearing after all. Well not really but the water vapour carried it apparently. Joanna wasn't sure about it.
I didn't think. Not even slightly. I just threw myself and hugged the four and cried repeating the same word again and again, "Thank You"
It took a few seconds and they finally did hug me back before Phoebe broke out of it first.
"Alright enough. If you do it anymore people will think I am a hugging person and she will start wanting one to" said Phoebe pointing to the ever-growing daughter of Athena Chloe who stuck her tongue out at her making everyone around laugh.
It was much later that I found just how much difficulty they had to go through to get that for me. They had gone to Lord Hephaestus to ask for a camera that could make pictures from memories of a person.
In exchange for that and not to question why they were doing it he had asked them help protect one of his forges from some monster attack that was eating the helpers of the forge.
The monster turned out to be the Lernaean Hydra. It was one of the very few monsters the Hunt never dealt with unless at full strength.
They barely made it out alive but did kill the Hydra no normal feet for a group of only four hunters.
When I confronted them about this they said "somethings are worth the risk, Percy Jackson"
They didn't have to do it. Not even by the slightest but they did not only because they felt guilty and regretted their actions but they wanted to becuase they thought I was their friend.
Ever since then my relationship with the Hunters changed forever. Outside the cold and dangerous exterior, the hunters were simply put very nice and interesting people.
I love spending time with them, talking to them and listening to them all of them.
My sister Joanna was probably one of them best people I have ever had the chance to know. She was calm, collected, caring and fierce. I had come to know of her at a very personal level. She talked about her parents and her half-brother. She had helped me train in my powers. Water control was easy for me and water constructs to after Joanna showed me how. But the same couldn't be said about the others. I was managed when it came to ice and was even less succesful in case of Earthquakes and seismic energy. The storm powers though were the hardest. I had barely any success after the morning I blew up on the Hunt. One time I concentrated to hard and just fainted but nothing happened.
Phoebe was a little rough. She was short-tempered, aggressive and quick to a fight. She was dangerous and I wouldn't change anything about her even if I was given a chance to do so. Phoebe told me she had an elder half-brother but he didn't take care of her, and joined the Legion of Rome becuase of his ambition. Phoebe wasn't Roman like Jean, Joy or Grace but was from Rome. A daughter of Ares from Rome or Italy I guess. She was left to the devices of her step-father and step-brother and they tortured her. They then sold her to some of Hannibal Barca's soldiers (Yes she was alive during the Punic War) to use as they wished. Had Lady Artemis not stepped in she would have been left to their die in same warehouse after being raped. Those legion of soldiers were put to the sword by Lady Artemis.
Atlanta was probably the most surprising. As a healer should be she was compassionate and calm but there was also a melancholic edge to her that surprised me. She was still sad about the betrayal of her boyfriend or whatever you called them 1000 years ago. Atlanta worked as a helper to the head healer in a Castle in New England. The head healer took a shining to her due to her talent in the field and that was how she came into the eyes of the Prince of the castle and her lands. The Prince was charming and polite. She was naive and believed they could have a future when he said he was in love with her. He tried to force himself on her one day and when she fought back he had her thrown in the cells. Lady Artemis saved her and the gilded the asshole price.
Naomi was what a nymph should be. Kind hearted, sweet, caring but there was a slightly dangerous and manic edge to her that quite frankly terrified me. Naomi joined the Hunt since she didn't want to spend her life being a boring tree and escaping Greek and Roman Gods. She came looking for them.
Chloe and Jean were just plain amazing. The kids were hardly six but there wasn't a thing I wouldn't do for either them. Zoe liked to tease me about this saying the two of them had me wrapped around their fingers.
Zoe was the hardest of all of them. I could confidently say I was probably closest to her after my sister but there was so much, I didn't know about her. She was easy to talk to and seemed to understand and give sound suggestions. I wanted to ask about her backstory but I respected her privacy and waited for when she would tell me.
"I hope the meeting goes off without any hiccups" said Zoe standing beside me as I washed my hands in the stream nearby.
"I am sure it will go fine. Besides half-bloods are visiting Olympus they would try to keep up appearances at least" I said as I stood up.
"Unless one of your uncles decides to be a petty fool or a sorry one," said Zoe.
It was true. One of uncles was a literal airheaded dick and the other one a melancholic, miserable and misunderstood person or God I guess.
"I have full faith Lady Athena, Aunt Hestia and You-Know-Who will keep them inline" I said looking to Zoe.
For some reason my breath got caught in my throat but it was for a very short period. I saw something about Zoe that caused it but I wasn't sure now. It was gone but it was very familiar.
Well, the You-Know-Who thing is the fact that occurring the name Lady Hera was a taboo in the Hunt. Sure, everyone in the hunt hated Aphrodite but Hera. Everyone was terrified and loathed Hera. It was a joke when I called her You-Know-Who as a reference to Harry Potter but only Cersei and Chloe got it but the name stuck around much to our amusement.
Cersei was another person who Percy spent time with. Since she was only eleven now Lady Artemis let her grow a little before making her take her vows.
"I guess so but I don't know Percy something doesn't feel right. I feel uneasy about something" said Zoe rubbing her hands over her hands.
"Oh, relax Zo. Everything is going to be fine. What could possibly wrong? I mean look at it three of the smartest gods and Apollo are working together within the council. They would do well to stop any unpleasantness," I said as reassuringly as I could. The air around us felt creepy and I could hear Hermes snickering while Apollo said
"I heard that"
"I think it was meant for you to hear Apollo," said Lady Athena with clear mirth radiating around.
Lady Artemis's laugh could be made out quiet clearly and so could Apollo's grumbling.
Zoe was clearly unconvinced but that conversation brought a smile to her face. She gestured me to come for the dinner and campfire.
Lady Athena was a pleasant surprise to me. I had expected a lot of things when I read about her and my support for my father maybe made me a little bias but I expected her to be prideful, arrogant, aloof, smart-ass and a show-off.
She was a smart-ass and liked to rub it in people's face especially Hermes (because he constantly bragged about creating the internet) and it seems my father.
But she wasn't any of the other things. She was kind, gentle and nice and not at all a show-off. She was aloof at times but still liked spending time with the other three gods and the hunt and myself.
It was with her settling the fight between my dad and uncle that started my training anew. The past few months have seen progress a lot in different things.
With the fight settled the Gods and the Hunt helped me work on a lot of things. Not just me. Even the hunt benefitted from the presence of the other three gods though they could do without Apollo Haiku's or occasional flirting (which had him running clutching his ass and run because Phoebe shot him there).
Phoebe got a lot better at her spear under Athena's tutelage. My sword work was progressing well. Unlike before where I could only hold my own I was starting to make traps and on a very rare occasion steal a point from Hermes. I realized with a shock that Hermes was very much holding back and he still wasn't at his best when he told that to me after a very painful loss due to me getting to cocky.
With more teacher's I could refine my work on my sword which was my primary choice in a fight.
The spear was useful depending on the opponent and whether I needed the extra reach or not. I preferred to not use the shield with the spear.
The spear made Zoe wince. I wasn't sure why it caused Zoe discomfort but I didn't pry. Anaklusmos just felt right with me but also at the same time off and this was more prominent when with Zoe.
Lady Athena put on my arse so much I was pretty sure I was useless with the weapon until I fought Phoebe. It was then that I realized I could pick it up almost as well as sword fighting.
Silence well it depended on the target. Like when we dealt with the Stymphalian birds. You couldn't very well charge them with a sword and a shield. The progress I made was scrapped once Lady Artemis could stay with the hunt.
The regime changed. There was so much they did. There was an obstacle course, an agility and strength training, archery and not just of stagnant targets. I could hit those well enough and even was getting some bull's eyes but of those that were moving at a variety of speeds. Then when there was a to much wind. There was decreasing your draw time. So many things. It looked like I barely scratched the surface.
I could do a lot better in my hunting knives. I barely made any progress. For some reason I had hit a dead end. I could defend myself for some time but the co-ordination wasn't there like for Zoe or my sister.
But this wasn't what made my experience with these gods pleasant. It was when they descended and spent time with us. Hermes taking me around the mortal world for shopping and getting him groceries. Apollo's concerts and music practice. Tuitions with Lady Athena and the campfire with the Hunt and Lady Artemis.
It made them sound mortal and down-to-earth which was a nice change.
I even remember this time when the gods were having dinner with the hunt and it transformed into a food fight when Zoe flicked food at me for commenting on her cooking.
"Percy up," said an excited voice of one Chloe Decker. Daughter of Athena. She broke me out of my thoughts and looked up expectantly. I melted down and picked her up effortlessly and tickled her stomach slightly making her squeal.
I could see Zoe shake her head but what if I was push over when it came to her and Jean. Everything was worth their smiles.
"Where is Jean, Chloe?" I asked her after she stopped squirming.
"Helping Macey set up the table," she shrugged as she said that.
"And why are you here? You both are basically joined by the hip," asked Zoe from beside me.
"I wanted to see Percy. Phoebe put him too many times on the ground I just wanted to make sure he didn't loose that last brain cell," said Chloe looking at my head and knocking it as if to make sure some thing was there.
Zoe burst out laughing.
"Alright that's it your done you yellow monkey," I said before tickling her uncontrollably.
She started laughing hard and squirming in my hands turning and twisting
"Make him stop Zoe. Make him stop," said Chloe in between her laughter while I gave her no respite.
"Hmmm, No," said Zoe looking amused.
"But…." She laughed so hard it was deafening. "You are the Lieutenant," she managed out in the middle of the squeals and laughter.
"So," asked Zoe innocently knowing where this was going.
"So, you should protect the hunt from 'filthy males'," Chloe said this trying her best to control her laughter.
"Yes, it is my duty isn't it," said Zoe after a few moments of musing before managing tickle my sides make me give out a few laughs. This was all the respite the girl needed to jump off and escape with me chasing the blond blur across the encampment while giving the victoriously smirking Zoe a stink eye.
LINE BREAK
Dinner was great though Phoebe and Fiana who was on patrol duty weren't there but they returned by camp fire time.
We ate smore's, sang stories and told songs. They managed to convince me to sing to.
But the fun vanished from the situation as Lady Artemis flashed into the camp followed by Lord Apollo, Lord Hermes and finally by Lady Athena.
I could sense something was off immediately by the expression on Hermes's face and the fear sketched into Apollo's face.
Zoe was the one to ask the question of the whole Hunt and myself.
"Milady what's wrong?"
It wasn't her though who replied.
"The Lightning Bolt. Zeus's lightning bolt has been stolen," Hermes replied and his voice quiet easily conveyed the panic of the other. Apollo was quiet and pensive while Lady Artemis was tensed and worried. Even Lady Athena looked worried. I just realized this night just got very bad.
LINE BREAK
You would think something as important as the "most powerful weapon in the universe" (I still think it doesn't hold a candle to my dad's Trident. It was big glowing firecracker according to my dad) being missing would unite the gods but no My uncle had to be his usual paranoid dickish self and my dad had to be his usual proud oafish self (Athena's words not mine. I think my dad was in the right not to take this insult and try to fix something).
This led to accusations being thrown around and a war being ready to fought in another twelve days if the bolt was not returned or Zeus doesn't apologize.
The night was dark, gloomy and boring for the 9th of June. The 21st was the Summer Solstice deadline given by the Gods. For a day twelve days away from what could be the worst war ever fought I thought it was remarkably boring. The patrol duty I was on wasn't helping things.
The months following the Lightning Thief debacle have been tense yet again. This time around Lady Athena or Lady Hestia didn't convince My dad while Lady Hera or Lady Demeter didn't have any luck with Lord Zeus. At least I did not have the Hunt actively trying to kill me this time but still something about this smelt very fishy to me.
Adding to this fact was that the creepy voice was back again. I hadn't heard of it for almost two years and it was there again near the pit still trying to use me but it also said,
"Stay out of the conflict demigod. There is no need for innocent and useful blood like your to be spilled,"
If anything, this made me more motivated to help but Lady Artemis kept under lock and key with the younger hunters. I remembered what Lady Athena said,
"Father takes an interest Percy. There is a high possibility you could be seen."
She had said it very kindly and very unlike her usual stern behaviour. I had realized there was a lot of merit to that point after I had ranted and screamed at the four of them for locking me up. Though it did take Zoe putting me in the dirt with a sword to make me see sense.
It still brought a smile to my face remembering what my friend said,
"You assumed I couldn't do it. You didn't know. Besides you being frustrated and as co-ordinated as Winter when he was on a coffee high helped,"
That particular memory involving winter brought a smile to my face. Damini decided that it was a good idea to give Winter coffee and not stop when after a little.
This led to quiet the scene involving Winter walking all over the place. His head seemed to want to go to one place but his limbs seemed to have a mind of their own. The wolf also hated to be washed and made sure never to get dirty (I just think he is too proud of his pristine white coat). He got the customary washes every two weeks like the wolves did but that was all. No more
But that day he made a mess and snarled at his reflection in the water when I took him to get washed. He was smarter than that but we don't have time to discuss the parameters of the effect of caffeine on dire wolves. When confronted about it and said
"He gave me this look. I couldn't help myself,"
I knew that look. The traitor and my ever loyal companion who was currently sleeping a little way away from me used the look when he wanted the last piece of chicken.
The Hunt along with Hermes, Apollo, Ares and Lady Athena were given the duty to find the bolt and this caused most of the elder hunters to leave with Lady Artemis to find this Lightning Thief.
The camp didn't have it's usual cheerful demeanour I was used to seeing for the past few months. The elder hunters were absent and the loss was felt. It was calm and eerily quiet making it even more difficult to keep patrol and I was the only one old enough other than Cersei on the other side of the camp for this responsibility. Other than the two of us five other hunters including Chloe and Jean stayed back.
"Too young," Lady Artemis said but I doubted it. There was nothing like too young when you are a demigod.
A flash into the camp site followed by a couple of groans were what lead Percy to come to the conclusion that rest of the hunt was back. He turned to Winter and whistled for him. Winter woke up and walked to him.
"Stay here," the Wolf gave him an indignant expression at that but it receded when he said please. I rubbed his neck and joined my forehead with his.
"Keep an eye out and call me if needed," I told him as I left towards the camp and the Wolf nodded.
"I swear to god, that wolf is smarter than some people," I said as I walked into the camp site where the rest of the hunt was lounging around exhausted with Lady Artemis who also looked slightly tired but in a better spirit.
Zoe gave out an amused snort while Naomi and Xing giggled. Atlanta smiled while Joanna laughed while pointing at Phoebe.
Phoebe let an annoyed huff but didn't comment back meaning she was exhausted.
"Did you find anything?" I asked Joanna as I took a seat beside her. I could swear I heard the wolf say not fair I like this twofoot to in my head.
"No, nothing. Whoever he is he is good," said Joanna.
"Or has some one powerful helping him/her," said Aetna. She was a daughter of Athena from the time of the Crusade. She lost her father fighting for the church and her mother died of sickness. She had no one to help her and she dodged a pack of hell hounds using her wits and nothing else. She impressed Lady Artemis and hence took her in.
My mind went to the voice in the pit and wondered if this had something to do with him but I thought no, if it did Hermes and Apollo would say. They knew about the dream.
"That is a possibility," said Zoe looking pensive for a few moments.
"I for one would love to find whoever he/ she is and shove an arrow up…" Phoebe said before.
"Pheebs, there are children present," chastised Macye pointing to Chloe, Jean and Nancy who had walked out of the tent they shared and were coming to sit with us.
They took a seat beside me. Chloe sitting on my lap and the other two on either of my side. I bounced her slightly making her giggle. It was harrowing to know the girl didn't have a pleasant chance to smile until she was four and if Lady Artemis didn't raid that Orphanage who knows what would have happened to the girls.
"Did we, do it?" asked Nancy to the hunters.
Some of them huffed irritably but Joanna smirked.
"No, we haven't not yet but have you ever known the Hunt to fail?" she asked her.
Nancy perked up and gave a smile and said, "Never"
"Yes, Never," said Zoe determinedly.
"Zoe, Joanna, Phoebe, Atlanta, Cersei and Percy pack a bag," said Lady Artemis suddenly. Everyone including the aforementioned Percy who was me the almost thirteen-year-old bouncing a seven-year-old on his lap was also mentioned. It took me a few moments and Chloe to stop enjoying herself for the fact to sink in.
"Wait me?" I asked Lady Artemis unsurely.
"We have a clear-cut target and mission," she said with a grim smile and "and I think your talents are exactly what we need"
Suddenly Winter came running and took a seat in front of Lady Artemis and wagged her tail and stuck her tongue out hoping the Goddess would take pity on him and allow him to come.
"Yes, you can come too," she said and wolf knocked her to the ground and licked her all over her face.
LINE BREAK
"The three of them are going to die," supplied Zoe positivity radiating of her as we followed the bus the three of questers found themselves in.
We were moving on a minivan Lady Artemis had "borrowed" from a mortal. This thing is going to be a burning mess by the end of the day. Winter was following up on foot and he looked hardly discomforted. It made me wonder just how fast he could be.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence Zoe" said Lady Artemis sarcastically from behind the wheel.
"Oh, have a little faith, Zo. The boy is fine swordsmen. You remember during Capture the flag. He did well," said Atlanta.
"You were always soft on the Campers. I would have put him on his ass and knocked him out," said Phoebe glaring at the bus.
"She has something personal against the blond," said Joanna helpfully when we started following them from Camp.
"Which blond, the pretty one, the smart one or the arse," I asked her cause they were three of them and then I realized my slip-up.
"The pretty one," asked Cersei in a tone of amusement clearly enjoying herself.
It slipped out but I had to admit the daughter of Demeter Katie Gardner looked pretty. She was short and had long blond hair that went around her like sea waves and reached up to her waist. They looked golden and there was a high chance they might glow if in sunlight. Her eyes were green in colour and oddly enough leaf shaped. She had a slightly tanned skin unlike my Mediterranean tan. She held herself well. Confident, stern yet the same time kind.
I blushed and was scared at the same time.
"Just don't let Lady Artemis hear you say that. I think she believes you to still be a kid and not an almost teenager and she also believes you spend too much time with Apollo. It will be sad to see you lose a few articles downtown," said Phoebe almost non-chalantaly.
Besides the incredulity of the first message and the warning from the second I concentrated on the other thing.
"You people don't mind," I asked them surprised.
"About what?" asked Atlanta looking on as the second questers Annabeth Chase Daughter of Athena joined Katie.
"You know me leading a maiden away or something," I said looking at them.
Joanna snorted at something.
"Please you doing something despicable. I think Styx would freeze first," said Zoe also looking on as the two questers started chatting.
"Thanks. You have no idea how much that means to me," I told them earnestly.
"We know Percy," said Cersei.
"And besides if you do something like those pigs, we will flay you alive and feed you your…" Phoebe
"I think you painted quite the picture Pheebs," said Joanna turning to me. Phoebe just smiled innocently. Everyone else snickered.
But this just filled me with a sense of horror and an even deeper requirement to not disappoint my sisters. Sisters that were what the hunt was to me.
The two girls were showing each other something. Annabeth was showing off a beautiful dagger and Katie was showing her some sort of fanny bag. I wasn't sure.
"Oh dear, I wonder if she knows the full extent of what she can do," mused Cersei looking at the Katie and then with an angry expression towards the Camp.
"What does that mean?" I asked her slightly panicked about the safety of my first crush.
"Just that there is a lot more you can do then throw seeds and make them grow," said Cersei.
I remembered my conversation with Joanna about what were as demigods could do and there was lot of them from simple control of water to causing lightning to rain from the sky.
"I am sure she knows enough Cersei. Besides we are here to step in if they need help," said Atlanta placatingly.
"I am pretty sure Percy would love a chance to be Knight in Shining Armour for his pretty lady," teased Zoe bumping my shoulder.
I went red and glared at her as everyone else laughed.
"Are you sure we have to save the boy? I am pretty sure the two of them can handle it," said Pheebs pointing at the hill to the boy.
"So, the arse then," I mused out making Cersei and Joanna giggle, Zoe to snort in amusement. I turned to the hill to finally gaze upon Peter Benet, son of Zeus.
"I thought he would be taller," was the first words that came out of my mouth and the hunters around me burst out laughing.
Peter Benet in a sense was underwhelming. He wasn't as tall as me neither had he put in as many as hours as I did in the training yard. But he was trained. It was obvious from the way he stood and held himself.
He had short military cut hair and dark blue eyes that almost looked black. He was well built for his age but not very tall like I was. The most distinct thing about him was his trepidation. After everything I had heard about Zeus from so many sources and also read about Hercules, I guess I expected an arrogant arse but he wasn't one I guess though I have no idea what Phoebe's problem with him was.
And right now, the not so much of an arse (I am just guessing) son of Zeus along with two other campers were going searching for the Lightning Bolt after a few suspicious dreams to the Son of Zeus. He had confronted Chiron and told him as much and after much deliberation it was decided he would lead a quest to retrieve the Bolt and he went to the Oracle for the prophecy which apparently said you had to go west and he would return what was stolen.
This was enough for You-Know-Who to call Artemis to see this through. She wanted her to tail the boy and make sure he finds the goddamn thing and returns it to his father from Hades's realm apparently as the prophecy points towards it. She said she would keep Zeus busy until then.
I was confused. I was used to hear nice things about Lord Hades from Aunt Hestia and everyone else didn't talk about him in glowing terms but not in any bad light. Not to mention this thing about my father. I was confused and asked my aunt.
"Poseidon and Hades are close Percy," said Aunt Hestia just before I was leaving for the quest, "But that doesn't change the fact that he is bitter about Zeus and wouldn't mind a change of scenery."
That sound like the simplest method to describe the events that could cause a civil war among the Greek Gods. Oh, my house is dark and creepy so I'll kill millions of people and just make it darker and then leave it for a bright place.
"You said he cared for my father," I asked Aunt Hestia as I turned to Aunt Hestia.
"He did and he does. My brother, Zeus, doesn't have the resources neither the strength and now he lost his best weapon. Poseidon could quiet easily wipe the floor with him. This was one of the reasons he gave a time period. So, that he could muster what he believes to be fair fight but is barely sufficient to cause problems. Maybe a major inconvenience," she told him.
"Why would my dad have such a large and well-prepared army ready?" I asked her. It didn't sit right with me that he did.
"The sea is always at war, Percy. There are multiple deities who want to grab power not to mention nobles and other gods. He has to always be prepared and that is what he is," said Aunt Hestia.
"So, what you are saying is My father is going to be left slightly scathed by Zeus. So, Hades took a chance," I spoke my observation.
"Might have taken a chance Percy. I for one don't think Hades did it," said Hestia in a calm voice "but the answer lies in the West, so that's where you go."
I nodded my head and was heading out when I heard her, "Give him a chance Percy and keep your eye out for something odd. Above all else stay safe."
I looked back at her and gave her my best smile before joining Lady Artemis to head to Camp.
"I swear, I am going to kill the fool who is driving the bus," said Lady Artemis glaring at the bus as it went veering off course. Why were we so worried? The furies were onboard and trying to make my cousins life a living hell. Huh, I was attracted to my cousin.
"Don't go down that train of thought," said Joanna. "It's very confusing and frustrating not to mention very weird"
"What are you talking about?" I hissed at her while trying to fight my blush at the train of thought and the fact that my face was so obvious.
"I wonder about the same things a long time ago. I know how our brain runs and where it tends to go. We are sort of similar you see," said Joanna with a smile.
I just huffed but stayed silent.
"Get out of the way you useless mortal," screamed Phoebe poking her head out of the car at one of the cars spending a little too long trying to change lanes and getting in our way. Even Atlanta didn't berate her which meant he really was useless.
I looked to the bus and could make out the vague forms of my cousins at the back seat mainly because the three of them were blond. Then one of them vanished and a few moments later the furies came upon the two of them.
I guess Lady Artemis made this out because she started honking the horn and driving faster to try get closer.
Me I was scared out of my mind looking to the and hoping against hope the daughter of Demeter can hold out.
The bus suddenly jerked to one side before correcting itself again. I couldn't take it anymore. I pulled open the window and stuck my head out to see.
"Percy, get the hell in," hissed Phoebe.
I could make out figures but barely and I could see the furies standing tall on the two demigoddesses while the boy was nowhere to be found. Idiot boy. Where did he go? Most probably left them. When I find him… The bus lurched suddenly and got right. The invisibility hat oh fuck this is bad.
My eyes widened in surprise. He was ahead with the driver.
"Move the car out of the way," was the only thing I screamed as I came inside the car and pulled the steering to the other side driving us off the road and into the rail and spinning in a patch of grass.
Lady Artemis looked pissed and they were about to berate me when the bus made a weird sound.
We watched from the sides in grim fascination as the bus jerked to sides and quiet literally flipped over itself and fell forward.
"Huh, I thought it might back flip since he was forward," I said to the hunters with me.
They looked to the bus for some time. Before Lady Artemis and Zoe stuck their torso out the windows. They summoned their bows and shot two of the windows breaking them open.
"Come one," said Atlanta, "Let's go help the mortals out."
That was exactly what we did. For the next half an hour or so we helped the mortals out of the bus while Atlanta was performing some basic first aid for the rather simple injuries along with a rather awkward looking Phoebe standing unsurely and nodding and helping when needed.
We managed to get all of them out before the whole thing caught fire and exploded.
Joanna and Zoe were with me helping the people out. While the bus took a lot of damage there weren't any critical injuries. Some of them were bad injuries some a little worse. Some even me with my meagre understanding of healing magic could solve.
The Questers immediately vanished from another broken window before question can be asked. We weren't even sure if they were fine but Lady Artemis stayed on their trail, Winter tried his best to stay out of sight along with helping her. There was the tell-tale sign that they killed all three furies from the three piles of golden dust that formed after the bus flipped.
"Did anyone call for an ambulance?" I asked into the crowd who had formed around us but thought it better not to help anyone.
"I have. They should be here shortly," said a Red-haired freckled girl with green eyes. She was wearing a t-shirt that probably said "Protect Wildlife" or "Prophet Wildlings" but it just looked like gibberish to me. She was the only one who had decided to help and had managed to pull the driver out before that part had caught fire.
It was daring and very selfless of her to do it and if I didn't have so many things on my mind, or I would have noticed things like she is cute and ask her name and some other stuff.
We were a safe distance from the bus and the ambulance carried away some of the more major patients to the hospital before the bus exploded.
PETER POV
I was having a hard time deciding who I hated more Annabeth Chase or the Oracle of Delphi.
Okay, I might not exactly hate the Oracle but goddamn was the prophecy she gave a pain.
You shall go west, and face the god who has turned (That wasn't vague and confusing at all)
You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned (That was comforting)
You shall be betrayed one who calls you a friend (That really fills you with hope doesn't it).
Aid you shall need will be given in the end (Okay what?)
A girl you shall help return to her kin (This so confusing and difficult)
A family shall make up by the ten (ten? What does she mean by ten?)
I couldn't have been close to being as vague and confusing as the Oracle was even if I tried.
Then there was Annabeth. In all honesty the only reason she came along with me and Katie was because no one crazy enough to do this except for her. I would have asked Luke but he wasn't particularly enthusiastic about Quests and he was to head out into the world and try to live a life so I didn't want to ruin those chances but at least Katie got a pair undamageable shoes out of asking.
Katie, I knew well. She was one of the few people including Connor, Travis, Malcom, Luke and Charles who liked talking and spending time with me. Clarisse was complicated. I knew she didn't mind me but out of principle didn't get along with me.
I got messages from Grover on multiple occasions during his searching for Pan and that was the only thing I had in common with Annabeth Chase.
Annabeth Chase came across as a bossy, know-it-all with an arrogance and pride to boot. Not to mention the fact her curiosity about everything was irritating. But that wasn't what really made it difficult for me to not get along with her. It felt like she was watching me when I was not watching her. It was on principle that I stuck to the other team rather then the one Athena was on just to avoid her.
Katie was shivering and muttering to herself. She was shaken and in all honesty, I didn't want her to come with us but there was no one else I trusted more and once she heard she all but ready to smack me if I said no.
Not like Annabeth who was an only option.
"Three Kindly Ones. All three at once."
I was pretty much in shock myself. There was also the fact that I caused that bus to flip on itself. I had to learn to better harness these powers like Chiron said I should. They are doing whatever they want when I am angry or panicking.
Annabeth kept pulling us along, saying: "Come on! The farther away we get, the better."
"All our money was back there," I reminded her. "Our food and clothes. Everything."
"Well, maybe if you hadn't decided to jump into the fight—"
"What did you want me to do? Let you get killed?"
"You didn't need to protect me, Peter. I would've been fine."
"Sliced like sandwich bread," Katie put in, "but fine."
"Shut up, Plant girl," said Annabeth.
"I told you not to call me that," said Katie going nose to nose with Annabeth.
I managed to diffuse the situation and walk in between the two of them to prevent any more problems.
We sloshed across mushy ground, through nasty twisted trees that smelled like sour laundry.
After a few minutes, Annabeth fell into line next to me. "Look, I..." Her voice faltered.
"I appreciate your coming back for us, okay? That was really brave."
Annabeth Chase doing something akin to being sorry and giving appreciation. What has the world come to.
I had about a million sarcastic things to say but decided against it and said, "We're a team, right?"
She was silent for a few more steps. "It's just that if you died ... aside from the fact that it would really suck for you, it would mean the quest was over. This may be my only chance to see the real world."
The thunderstorm had finally let up. The city glow faded behind us, leaving us in almost total darkness. I couldn't see anything of Annabeth except a glint of her blond hair.
"You haven't left Camp Half-Blood since you were seven?" I asked her.
"No ... only short field trips. My dad—"
There was only one genuine bonding when I talked to her and that was when it was related to Thalia. I asked her and she answered and she asked and I answered and then we talked but her ice-cold façade was back soon and well I know how it ended.
"The history professor," I said cordially.
"Yeah. It didn't work out for me living at home. I mean, Camp Half-Blood is my home."
She was rushing her words out now, as if she were afraid somebody might try to stop her. "At camp you train and train. And that's all cool and everything, but the real world is where the monsters are. That's where you learn whether you're any good or not."
If I didn't know better, I could've sworn I heard doubt in her voice. Annabeth and self-doubt didn't have the right to be in the same sentence. It made me look at her in a completely new light. I decided maybe there is more to Annabeth Chase then what she shows and decided maybe it's time for this petty thing to end.
"You're pretty good with that knife," I said finally.
"You think so?"
"Anybody who can piggyback-ride a Fury is okay by me," with a smile.
I couldn't really see, but I thought she might've smiled.
"You know," she said, "maybe I should tell you ... Something funny back on the bus ..."
Whatever she wanted to say was ended when she ran into Katie who was ducking and… touching the mushy forest floor.
"What the hell Katie?" said Annabeth completely bewildered.
"I am trying something, Chiron said it would help find my way if I am lost," said Katie.
"What exactly is it?" I asked interested. Last time Chiron trained me in my powers I became a wonderful archer because I could cause subtle wind changes. I was pretty good but this made it near impossible for me to miss unless it's an impossible shot.
"He said the land would respond cause my mom helps it function. He said it would help me find my way because it respects my mom," she told them while her eyes were closed and she was trying her best to concentrate.
"Did you find anything?" I asked her ignoring Annabeth's scoff. She seriously had to stop underestimating Katie because I knew how deadly she could be.
"I think so," she told him a little uncertainly, "There is danger the way we are going so I am trying to find a better way for us to go," she told him her eyes still closed.
"What type of danger?" Annabeth asked suddenly interested.
"I can't say but the ground says it is snakes and woman so the options are limited to Lamea or the Gorgon's or Kampe but one of them is impossible so one of the other two," she told us.
"That direction just went out of the window," I said and Annabeth looked to me for a second before realizing something and that was that the Gorgon's hated her mother.
"This way," pointed Katie to her left.
"Why that way?" asked Annabeth there was less scepticism and more curiosity and that was a good thing.
"The tree cover goes on for longer, there is no monster activity for miles and most importantly there is a chance to obtain food that side how I am not sure," said Katie.
"Okay the unspecified left it is," I said moving towards it.
"Peter wait," said Annabeth as she seemed to be in deep thought.
"What?" asked Katie annoyed. Maybe she expected some sort of scepticism again.
"What is the limit to this ability? Because we might be able to use it too erase our trails and lead anyone who is following us on a wrong path," said Annabeth looking at Katie nervously.
"I can try but I am not sure," Katie sunk to the ground again and her hand touched it and her eyes were open this time and they were pulsing with green energy. I knew from personal experience Katie wanted to know the extent and reach of her powers and told him Chiron only started teaching her since she was 11 like he did for me almost two years now. If the both of them lived long enough they would find out all there is to find out about their powers and if there was a way to block the goddamn birds. Irritating animals that kept singing and gossiping.
I could smell the vague scent of strawberries and vanilla as Annabeth stood by my side.
Scent. Oh, shit.
"Hey Annie, don't monsters chase us with our scent," I asked Annabeth.
"They do," answered Annabeth not catching on.
"Well, why waste time doing this if they can chase you still," I asked her.
"It isn't for the monsters," answered Katie in a creepy tone that sounded distant.
"Yes, I managed to see some one run over to the bus and help people out. If they caught a glimpse of us maybe they send the police after us. Not to mention if they were any people related to Lord Hades hunting us they can't follow our tracks like this," Annabeth finished also while looking at Katie caught completely off guard.
She thought this through. Maybe it won't hurt to have her around.
"That was smart of you to think something like that," I told Annabeth as Katie continued to concentrate.
"Some one has to be the brain of this operation with you deciding to do rather than think," said Annabeth but there was a teasing edge to it and a smirk.
I spluttered slightly. The Annabeth in front of me was totally confusing and not to mention completely different to what I was used to. To add insult to injury, I couldn't think of an intelligent reply.
"Intelligence is not your forte Thunder Pants," said Annabeth with an even more prominent smirk.
"Thunder Pants," I asked incerdously causing Annabeth laugh at my expense.
Girls are weird.
ZOE POV.
"Are we sure we are going the right way? I can't pick up on Winter anywhere near the vicinity," Percy said again for the tenth time.
"I know you are slow Percy but the prints are quite clear that even you can see them. The three of them went this way," said Phoebe.
"But they have a daughter of Athena. She might think it a smart thing to mislead by creating wrong tracks," Percy retorted.
I had enough. Maybe they were far away but this argument wasn't helping.
"Percy, stop. The monsters track demigods by smell. What use will it give them in such a case?" I asked and felt Joanna nod.
Percy huffed but fell back in line with Cersei obviously trying to call for Winter again.
We walked on for a few minutes before we were stopped this time by Cersei.
"Stop, we are going the wrong way," she said.
"What?" asked Phoebe.
"Why?" asked Joanna
I looked to her and a very smug Percy. Oh, how I wish I could wipe that smirk of his face but it will have to wait. I gave her a nod to continue and stopped an incredulous looking Phoebe and Joanna from saying something. Their Hunter pride can't take a hit.
"There is magic in this track. Nature magic. These ones weren't made by walking but by the Earth responding to the wishes of one of mother's daughters," said Cersei her green eyes glowing eerily in the darkness.
"Katie," said Percy with this goofy grin on his face. As if he was even capable of breaking some one's heart. Higher chances are some one might break his. I don't even think he realizes he is grinning like a fool.
"You didn't achieve anything, wipe that smile of your face," said Phoebe her pride hurt. She did not take well to that tie against the Son of Zeus and she might have saw this as a one up
Percy for his part looked utterly bewildered which made Phoebe crack a small smile despite the situation before schooling her features.
"Can you find out where they went?" asked Joanna getting over her shock. Phoebe didn't look pleased but Atlanta placed a calming hand on her shoulder while Percy looked around as if he expected a magical sign to pop up.
"I can't pinpoint them. There is to much magic around here. Katie Gardner is good, but I can tell you this. There is something powerful through this way. That must be why they created tracks this way," said Cersei.
"Let's deal with the Monster first. It will cause problems to the mortals then we will figure something out," said Percy.
I wholeheartedly agreed with that and we went looking for this monster that according to Cersei when Percy asked her was some sort of reptile.
LINE BREAK
I would call Medusa powerful but not particularly dangerous for the Hunt not so much.
In the end all it took was for Percy to sneak behind her while we kept her attention with that overly large shield of his.
Now, we were stuck in a train heading to Denver with the three questers in the coach in front of us. It was basically a day of calm travelling for them followed by the most difficult layover of about five hours before another calm day of riding to Denver. Winter also came on and people believed him to be some sort of dog.
The three of them surprised me in many ways. They were ambushed by a bunch of cyclops on at Amtrak station and they dealt with them very well. They managed to lure them away from the mortals and deal with them swiftly. Katie Gardner was impressive. She had a good grasp of her power if the whip made of branches and twigs was any indication but she really shone in the layover. They were ambushed by Blemmyae.
When Annabeth managed to find out who they were Katie and the boy showed a level of intuition they hadn't expected from them. At least from the boy.
To use their own politeness against them and then causing their death was pure genius. If that didn't make Percy infatuated enough, she showed off her ability on flying shoes by dealing with the last of them with the boy's sword he had managed to lose. I had to admitted I was also impressed and so was most of the Hunt. Lady Artemis will discuss the probability of her joining the Hunt.
If Percy wasn't so invested in her and kept calling her awesome every few minutes, I would have considered her for the Hunt too but there was time before my little brother's heart was broken.
That was what he was. A brother to every single member of the Hunt. He would put his life on the line for every single one of us and given time he might do the same for Katie but for different reasons.
Now following the three of them through Denver as they attempted to find food to eat was well sorrowful.
I could hear Percy talk with Cersei from behind.
"Do you have any way to give them supplies?" he asked her.
"I don't have any supplies," she told him.
"So, theoretically if you had any you could give them," asked Percy hopefully.
"If you steal something from Atlanta to help your crush in some way I will castrate you," hissed Joanna from beside them.
"No, I stole supplies from Medusa's office," said Percy slightly discomforted.
"Why did you go snooping into her office?" I couldn't help myself. This was too interesting.
"I think it was the curse…I mean blessing of Hermes acting up. I stole everything from weapons to simple wooden figurines," said Percy unsurely and also a little ashamed.
I couldn't help myself. I let out a bark of laughter and Percy became more flustered. Joanna was laughing too and Cersei. Percy let out a huff of annoyance and finally said, "Can you do it or not?"
"I can," was Cersei's simple answer.
So, ten minutes later, the three demigods were prosperously thanking Lady Demeter as they ate some food and took the money given. I was just wondering what they would do next.
PETER POV.
Ares was a jerk but at least he got us a ride and a bag with more supplies.
I wasn't willing to find out what would have happened if I didn't pick up on the huge amount electricity that was flowing around.
Lady Demeter on the other hand was a pleasant surprise. Maybe she wanted to help her daughter or maybe she wanted the war to stop or Maybe she took pity on three poor demigods without even knowing who we were.
Whatever the case I wasn't complaining.
The minute we got into the unpleasant zoo transport Katie passed out in the corner. I sat beside Annabeth and we shared a few Oreos.
We rode in silence for a few miles, bumping around on the feed sacks. The zebra munched a turnip. The lion licked the last of the hamburger meat off his lips and looked at me hopefully.
Annabeth rubbed her necklace like she was thinking deep, strategic thoughts.
"That pine-tree bead," I said. "Is that from your first year?" What are you doing you ADHD moron?
She looked. She hadn't realized what she was doing.
"Yes, you have the last two don't you," she asked.
"Yes," I grinned proudly. My hand fell over the Baby Pegasus the first one that was born in our camp ever and the snow due to the snowball fight when Mr. D froze the place due to his irritation.
My hand then ran over the last piece. My mom made the eagle charm for me and that was one of the main reasons I hung it around my neck. My thoughts immediately went back to my grandparents. I distracted myself from my thoughts by engaging back in the conversation.
"And the college ring is your father's?"
"That's none of your—" She stopped herself. "Yeah. Yeah, it is."
"You don't have to tell me."
"No ... it's okay." She took a shaky breath. "My dad sent it to me folded up in a letter, two summers ago. The ring was, like, his main keepsake from Athena. He wouldn't have gotten through his doctoral program at Harvard without her... That's a long story. Anyway, he said he wanted me to have it. He apologized for being a jerk, said he loved me and missed me. He wanted me to come home and live with him."
"That doesn't sound so bad."
"Yeah, well... the problem was, I believed him. I tried to go home for that school year, but my stepmom was the same as ever. She didn't want her kids put in danger by living with a freak. Monsters attacked. We argued. Monsters attacked. We argued. I didn't even make it through winter break. I called Chiron and came right back to Camp Half-Blood."
"You think you'll ever try living with your dad again?"
She wouldn't meet my eyes. "Please. I'm not into self-inflicted pain."
"You shouldn't give up," I told her. "You should write him a letter or something."
"Thanks for the advice," she said coldly, "but my father's made his choice about who he wants to live with."
"Besides I don't see you hurrying to write to your Grandparents"
"Your father at least tried Annabeth. My grandparents made it quite clear they wanted nothing to do with me."
We said nothing for some time and things passed on in an uncomfortable and awkward silence.
It took me some time to bring my courage to bare but I talked in the end.
"My mother loved me Annabeth. She gave up her life for me. She dies for me. You know what I would give to have a few more moments with her. You have a chance to fix things. Don't do something you will regret or more like don't not do something and regret it."
That managed to bring a smile to her face I think but she went back to her original stoic face.
"Goodnight Thuner Pants," said Annabeth curling up and using the haystack as a pillow.
Feeling cheeky I said, "Goodnight, Owl head"
She huffed in slight indignation but good-naturedly and she didn't say anything else.
A few minutes later she was out and a few minutes later I was to.
PERCY POV
"Another Maiden bits the dust," said Joanna and Zoe gave an indignant snort. Cersei just gave a resigned sigh while Pheebs was glaring at the truck hoping to make the Son of Zeus spontaneously combust.
"What are you talking about?" I asked them.
"You will understand when you are older Percy," said Atlanta.
"I doubt that. He is really thick," said Lady Artemis while driving another borrowed minivan.
The whole minivan burst out laughing.
LINE BREAK.
"This is the entrance to Hades," I asked thoroughly unimpressed. In hindsight DOA didn't look like much but there was an unknown amount of power within it.
"Well, we have done what we can. Let's just hope they are successful," said Lady Artemis.
Well, we didn't have much to do other then killing a few stray monsters. The three of them achieved most of it on their own merit.
"Lady Artemis," said Cersei a little panicked.
"What is it Cersei?" asked Lady Artemis.
"Monsters Lady Artemis. A lot of them at the harbour and beach," she said.
A look of surprise and horror came onto our faces but Lady Artemis looked determined about something.
"Move to the Harbour. Don't engage the enemy. I'll bring the rest of the Hunt," she said flashing out.
"Come on, Let's go. Move Quick. I want to get a lay of things and devise a plan of action."
We nodded and moved. We might have nothing to do until now but we will tear through this group of monsters like they are paper.
Winter howled with his back to the moon.
Well that's a wrap. I am sorry it took so long but I just couldn't type anything. Forget the voting. I made an executive decision and confirmed the pairing though it will take a few chapters to get started. For the record it's Percy and Katie.
Replies.
Radiant Arabian Nights: Thank you. I will keep the updates regular.
Tijn Peters: Well I am sorry. We will see what we can do.
Nameless: I do take an inspiration. Should I mention something.
AnnaIsWeb: Lucky you
argibravo2005: Joanna is his sister bro. That won't happen.
Adamcoyne: I thought it would be easier to explain from his perspective then some one like Phoebe. As you can see, it seems like that but in reality it is not. They Gods were just busy and besides with enough training which seems like the only thing he does he will pick them up. Percy isn't all about stratgic thinking. He is more like being ingenious and going with the flow wing it and we will see type.
There won't be any harem. I would aprreciate the reviews. Do follow if you like the story. Percy knows about the Romans and swore on the river styx never to speak of them to anyone.