Chapter 4 : Hearth's Blessing
A/N: SENSITIVE MATERIAL TRIGGER WARNING
"This is gonna be loud." Thalia said as she inched away from Percy. He was holding the Revolver he confiscated previously in an awkward manner. He had no experience in firing a gun, so what he's doing is purely based on what he saw in the movies only.
"We've scoured the perimeter." Percy said. "There's no Crusaders or monsters within miles, right?"
"Yeah, but still." Thalia looked at him worryingly. "I don't know what I think about you holding a gun."
"Never a better time to learn a new skill." Percy grinned. "Now, how do I-" He accidentally pressed the trigger as the gun fired with a very loud bang. He dropped the gun immediately. "Holy fuck!"
"CAREFUL!" Thalia shouted. "What's the matter with you?!"
Percy gingerly picked up the Revolver. "Okay, so I just fire, right?"
"Don't ask me." Thalia said as she covered her ears with her hands. "My expertise is bows and arrows."
Percy grumbled as he aimed at the target that Thalia had prepared. He closed one eye and tried to line up the barrel of the gun with the center of the target.
The keyword here is tried.
He fired again and this time, the recoil made him jump and drop the gun again. "Why is this thing so goddamn loud?!"
"You missed it as well." Thalia mused.
"Shut up." Percy grumbled. "I was not good with a bow either. This is nothing new."
"I think guns are easier." Thalia remarked.
Percy ignored her and went for another go. He took a deep breath and aimed the gun towards the target. This time, he braced himself for the recoil and strengthened his grip. He fired the gun and he still missed.
"Hey, at least you didn't drop the gun this time." Thalia smirked. "Baby steps."
Percy groaned. "I'd take a sword over this any day." He picked up the gun and put it in his holster, one that he got off from one of the Crusaders. "I suck with ranged weaponry."
"I think you just suck in general." Thalia grinned.
"Thanks," Percy grumbled.
"So, any plans?" Thalia asked.
Percy thought about it for a moment. "Well, if we're gonna do this, we're gonna need a lot more people. We're currently understaffed."
Thalia nodded in agreement. "And a lot more weapons. The "mortal-crippling" kind."
"Have you heard anything from Jason?" Percy asked.
Thalia shook her head. "The UN Summit was the last I've heard of him. Haven't heard from him since."
"I see." Percy said. "Well, shall we?"
"Shall we what?"
"Go to San Francisco. Let's check on Camp Jupiter."
Thalia stared at him for a silent five seconds, as if she was waiting for the punchline. "You're kidding."
"What?"
"Two things. One, we don't even know if they're even there. Two, that place could be surrounded with Crusaders. And like you said, we're understaffed and in case you didn't notice, we're on the other side of the country." Thalia lists.
"That's more than two things." Percy pointed out.
"Percy!"
"Look," Percy explained. "I know it's a longshot. But right now, I really don't have any other plan. We need more people and unless you can find a way to contact the Romans or Amazons right now, I'd be happy to listen."
Thalia bit her lower lip. She knows Percy's right. They don't really have much of an option now that their communication is not working.
And Thalia didn't own a cellphone.
Wait.
"Don't you have a cellphone?" Thalia asked.
"Uh, yeah." Percy said. "It's been out of juice since we left Camp Half-Blood, but I still have it."
"Why don't you just charge it and call Jason? Or anyone, in fact."
"It's out of battery." Percy repeated.
Thalia rolled her eyes. "You're a moron."
Line Break
"Don't tell me you have a spare charger lying around here." Percy asked as Thalia rummaged through her backpack.
"No, Kelp Head." Thalia said. "We don't have anywhere to plug it in."
"Oh good, cause I was worried that Artemis might just give you like an infinite supply of-" Percy was cut off by Thalia giving him a silver plastic box. Two USB outlets poked out of its side. "A power bank?"
"What?" Thalia asked.
"Nothing. I just thought Hunters didn't use electronics."
Thalia frowned. "Well, we use flashlights. We need flashlights when we go into dark forests or caves."
"Aren't Hunters able to see well at night?"
"Nobody ever said that." Thalia said. "We're still somewhat human. Day or night, we're still the same."
"Huh." Percy pulled his phone out of his pocket and plugged the cable from his phone to the power bank. The symbol of a battery being filled popped up on the screen of his phone. "Thanks."
"Don't mention it." Thalia said as she slung her bow across her soldier. "Now if you're not gonna come hunt food with us, go make yourself useful somewhere else."
"Take care, Air Head." Percy smirked as Thalia stuck her tongue out at him.
Percy went around camp to assess their situation. With the combined forces of the demigods and the Hunters, everyone was in better shape, more or less. Both sides have had their spirits lift up after what Percy and Thalia told them. Percy no longer sees the exhausted desperation in their eyes.
Percy could sense the hope in their words.
Most of them are well enough to work and help around while the wounded are well enough to recover soon.
Percy took the time to sit near the riverbank as he waited for his phone to finish charging. The calm rush of the water filled the night alongside the sound of the forest. It's funny, because hours ago he'd been exhausted, desperate, and helpless. And now, he felt like he'd been instilled with renewed vigor. He's no longer tired as finally, after two years of running away, they finally have something to work towards.
He closed his eyes as he reminisced about Annabeth. Not about her final moments, but all the good moments. The best and most fun times he'd ever spent with her. The grief in his heart was still there, but it was not as painful as before.
"I miss you, Wise Girl." Percy muttered silently to himself.
"Feeling heartsick, Perseus?" A warm voice called out next to him.
Percy didn't jump. He recognized that voice anywhere. He turned his head to see Hestia in her brown robe with her feet lightly touching the water.
"Lady Hestia." Percy said as he bowed his head slightly. "It's been a while. Though two years probably don't mean anything to immortals."
Hestia chuckled. "You're not wrong." Hestia said. "Artemis woke me up from my slumber. It seems you have something to do with that, as she told me."
Percy shrugged. "Somewhat." Percy muttered. He still can't shake the uneasy feeling after killing someone. It's like eating the charred bits of food. It tastes horrible and leaves a bad aftertaste. "It feels different, you know? Killing monsters is one thing. Killing mortals is another."
Hestia smiled. "The correct choice sometimes requires the strongest resolve." Hestia said softly. "In all fairness, the gods have done far more terrible things to mortals compared to what you did."
"That doesn't help." Percy muttered.
"Forgive me." Hestia said with sympathy. "But if anyone has the strength to carry this burden, it will be you, Perseus. You have your mother's strength. Speaking of . . ."
Hestia handed him a letter. Percy raised an eyebrow. "Whose is it?"
"Your mother." Hestia said. "Don't worry, I assure you that she's safe. Along with your sister and her father."
"How did she send this?"
"She burnt the letter as an offering." Hestia said. "She's a clever mortal."
"Thanks." Percy said as he exhaled in relief.
That news had unraveled one of many knots in Percy's heart. At least Percy can rest, knowing that they're safe. "She worries for you." Hestia said. "She prays for your safety every day."
"Guess I'll have to thank her the next time I see her." Percy smiled to himself weakly. He knew that sounded optimistic, considering he didn't even know if they were going to get out of this situation alive. But hope had brought him back, so it's not wrong to hope a little more.
"For what it's worth, Perseus." Hestia said. "I wish you luck on your journey." She then stood up. "And rest assured about your family, Perseus. I give you my word that they are out of harm's way."
Percy's heart felt lighter. He stood up and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Lady Hestia."
Hestia put a hand on his shoulder. Percy felt something warm surge throughout his body as he stood up only to be met with Hestia's smile. "What was that?"
Hestia winked. "My flames have been used to protect my home. They have been used to protect Olympus. Hestia grasped Percy's hand lightly and opened his palm. "Now it's your turn to protect your home."
A tiny fireball flickered into life as it danced around his palm. In surprise, Percy yelped before wildly flicking his hand up and down, trying to make the fire go out. He patted it on his jeans as well before he had the bright idea of jumping into the water to extinguish it.
Percy broke the surface of the water only to see Hestia smiling in amusement. "What in blazes was that?" Percy asked.
"My powers." Hestia said. "To help you on your journey."
Percy climbed out of the river and back to Hestia's side. "Your powers? I didn't know you could give them just like that."
"Well," Hestia crossed her arms. "I wouldn't say 'give'. I'd say 'bless' would be the more appropriate term."
Percy opened his palm again and sure enough, as easily as he could control water, he could conjure up a tiny fireball on his palm. "Cool. I bet this is how Leo feels." Percy said. "Can I make shapes with the fire?"
"Nope."
"Can I create fire as hot as the sun?"
"Nope."
"Can I set myself on fire?"
"Nope."
"Can I set Thalia on fire?"
Hestia raised an eyebrow at him.
"Kidding." Percy grinned. "So, what can I do with this blessing?"
"Well, my flames are not particularly made to harm people." Hestia explained. "I mean, they can harm, but they're not made for that. So the best you can do is set the enemy on fire or melt their skin. You know, the non-lethal stuff."
"Non-lethal." Percy repeated as he gulped.
"But my flames' true potential is protecting. It's more akin to warmth and comfort instead of hot and boiling, if that makes sense." Hestia said.
"Somewhat." Percy said. "So will this fire run out? Will I be immune to flames?"
"You ask a lot of questions don't you?"
"I like to be prepared."
"No, the fire won't run out. And no, you're not immune. I mean, you'll be immune to my flames, but not so much to other flames."
"Got it." Percy said as he watched the fireball danced in between his fingertips. It felt warm in his hand, but not hot. "Thanks."
"My pleasure." Hestia said. "Good luck, Perseus." Hestia said before disappearing in a pillar of flames.
Percy was still staring at the ball of fire in his palm in fascination. He stared at it for a few more seconds before extinguishing it.
He decided to keep that power a secret for now. He went back towards the campsite with a smile on his face.
He felt like the Avatar. He could control fire and water right now. All that's left is air and earth and he will definitely be invited to do a live-action Netflix series.
When Thalia saw Percy come back smiling, she frowned. "What?"
"What?" Percy asked.
"You're smiling."
"And?"
"Why are you smiling?"
"What, I can't smile?"
Thalia rolled her eyes as if Percy annoyed her, which he did. "Your phone's charged."
"Oh." Percy thought it would take longer. Maybe he'd been with Hestia longer than he realized.
"Where have you been anyway?" Thalia asked as Percy grabbed his phone. He sniffed the air. "And why do you smell like freshly baked brownies?"
"I'll explain later." Percy said as he waited for his phone to boot up. Percy was amazed that after all it's been through, it was still working. The logo popped up on the screen for a few seconds before showing Percy the home screen. "Be ready for any monster attacks. This thing works like a homing beacon for monsters."
"We have wolves and scouts scouring the perimeter." Thalia said. "If there's monsters or Crusaders, we'll know."
As Percy scrolled through his phone, he received many messages and calls from all of his demigod friends who also took a risk of using a cellphone.
"There's been a few missed calls from everyone." Percy muttered. "Grover, Piper, Jason, Reyna . . . Everyone has tried to call me."
"I'm not surprised." Thalia said.
"Last one was three months ago." Percy said. He looked over to his messages. "There's a few voicemails. You wanna listen along?"
Thalia nodded as Percy played the first voicemail.
Beep.
Hey, Percy. It's Grover. I heard about the attack on Camp Half-Blood. Is everything okay? I tried going, but there's Crusaders everywhere. I'm trying to round up any demigods I could find and will rendezvous with you. Let me know when you get this message.
Beep.
Hello Percy. Are you okay? Oh gods I hope you are. I heard about the attack and all this crusade. I know you're gonna be okay. You have your father's bravery. But I still worry. Paul is just as worried as I am. And I know you can't visit me even if you hear this message. But if there's a way to let me know you're okay, please let me know. I'm safe, so don't worry. Take care, Percy. I love you. And I hope you can get back to me.
Beep.
Percy, it's me Jason. I heard about the attack. I have news that they'll attack us soon. We'll do our best to be prepared. I hope you're safe, Percy. We'll talk soon.
Beep.
Hey Percy. It's me again. We've lost tremendously today. I guess you don't hear a Roman say that pretty often huh? Some of us managed to escape. Others are not so lucky. We're split up pretty bad right now. I took those who were able to run with me while Reyna held down the lines with those who could fight. I don't know if she's okay. I don't even know if she's still . . . Anyway, I hope you're safe. Call me back when you get this.
Beep.
Hey. We got ambushed by Crusaders. Caught us off guard. I . . . I failed them. Frank and Hazel didn't make it. Our numbers are dwindling. Our supplies are running short. Every corner we go to has Crusaders lurking. It seems like the only safe place for us demigods are in the wild. I feel like I'm losing my mind here, Percy. It's too much. I don't think I can handle much more.
Beep.
Percy. I don't even know if you're even alive right now. I could be talking to nothing right now. But it has helped keep me sane. I have to stay strong for them. They need a leader. I need to keep them safe. Wish me luck, Percy.
The last few voicemails were from Jason. Percy had never heard Jason sound so . . . depressed. It was like everything he'd ever known had been taken from him, which was probably true. Each of them was harder to listen to than the last one.
"Oh gods, Jason . . ." Thalia's voice was shaking.
"There's one more voicemail." Percy said.
Beep.
Hey Percy. It's Piper. Every so often I see Jason talking to his phone. I was wondering who he was talking to, but now it made sense. Listen, I don't know how I'm gonna say this. Crap, I'm crying. But . . . Jason didn't make it. We found him on a tree. He . . . I should've seen it coming. He was being hard on himself. He was struggling. I tried being there for him, but it wasn't enough. I'm sorry Percy.
Percy . . . Is there any point in fighting anymore? I don't know if I can hold on much longer. All this suffering . . . It's really hard. I don't know if there's any hope left. I stopped talking to my Mom months ago. Annabeth, Reyna, Rachel, everyone including you are not picking up my calls. I feel like I'm all alone. If you're out there, please be strong. I . . . I'll try my best as well. Currently, we're making our way to New York. We're trying to see if we can meet any of you. I look forward to meeting you. Goodbye, Percy.
Thalia collapsed to her knees. "Oh no, Jason . . ."
Percy was shaking. That voicemail was three months ago. Anything could've happened since then, but Percy was not willing to waste any more time. "We need to meet up with them."
"Jason . . ." Thalia sobbed in her hands. "I should've . . . I . . ."
"Thalia, now's not the-"
Percy's phone vibrates from receiving a call. He looked at the caller ID.
Rachel Elizabeth Dare.