Chapter 7
Percy was back to sitting down on the broken down box. He was staring at his fist, trying to process Luke's words.
After an eternity, he spoke.
"So you just expect me to trust you and just betray people I met today?" He asked completely skeptical.
Luke sighed. "Look Percy, I know how it may seem, but you gotta trust me. The gods are nothing but trouble, but I can promise a lot better things from my side." He said.
Percy raised a brow.
"You still haven't even told me about your boss or whatever. How do you expect me to join you when I don't even know who you work with?" He asked.
Though he had been caught off guard when his mother had been mentioned, he had regained himself. Now he was the one in control of this conversation.
Luke growled and threw his hands up. "I'm sorry Percy, but I can't tel you, not yet. If you were to turn on me then it would only mean bad news. I need to know your with me 100% in before I'll tell you." He said.
Percy was quiet as he tried to come to a decision.
After thinking to himself for a moment, a thought came to mind.
"What about my brother?"
Luke tensed up. "I see. I took you for the unemotional type, but I guess we all have our soft spots huh." He said.
"But I'm not a monster Percy. There's people on the Olympian sides I care about too. I can promise that when we take over, I can guarantee your brothers safety.
That said, I don't believe it'd be best to let your brother in on this as he doesn't seem like the betrayal type." He finished.
Percy thought to himself for another long period of time. He had conflicting thoughts, which was unusual as he was usually pretty good at making decision.
Luke seemed to notice his indecision as he came up with a proposal.
"How about this Percy, I'll give you a free trial of sorts. For just this summer, I'll let you decide on what to do.
For now, you can work with me, and if you don't like it, I'll let you cut all ties with me, after promising to keep your mouth shut of course." He said, out stretching his hand.
Percy looked at it with conflicting thoughts.
Taking a chance, he met Luke's hand with his own.
"I'll trust you for now, Luke. Don't make me regret it." He said seriously. The demigod smiled.
"Of course not Jackson. Starting now, we're partners."
"I don't know about all that." Replied Percy with slight loath. "Seeing as you can't even tell me with your boss's name, I don't think you trust me as much as you say you do."
Luke shrugged with a smile. "What can I say, things aren't as nice on this side, but that doesn't mean we're evil. But don't worry, I have a way for you to immediately earn your trust." He said.
Percy raised a brow. "And what would that be?"
Luke gave another one of his mischievous smiles, that honestly put off Percy. He could see why he was the son of the thief god.
"There's a game of capture the flag, coming up, I want you to win it for your team." He said.
"What? I don't know exactly how good I'll be with a sword, but why does the camps star swordsman need my help?"
Luke chuckled. "Flattering, but I'm afraid we won't actually be on the same team." He said.
"Do the cabins not stay together?" Asked Percy confused.
"They do usually, but I'm gonna call in a special favor to get you on the opposite side." He said.
"And why is that? Do you want to test me or something? I'm not much of a fighter."
Luke laughed once more, which Percy started to find slightly annoying. "Don't worry about the details, but trust me when I say I won't go easy on you. And about the fighting part, don't worry about it. Something tells me you'll grow into a fine fighter." He said.
Percy didn't like doing stuff without a reason, but he decided it was the best way to find out more.
"Whatever you say, Mr. Cabin Leader. I assume that we don't speak of this to anyone?" Asked Percy, already turning around and walking off. "I already said this, but let me make it clear.
If this is some plan to mess with me, or even my brother, you will regret it." He said, exiting the hut and leaving Luke alone.
Despite his confident demeanor, Luke felt himself left with shivers. Not many could unsettle him, but Percy did it with almost no effort. It was clear to him why his Master was so interested in the demigod.
He smiled crazily to himself. He may have convinced Percy today, but he knew if he ever pushed him to far, it could end any plans he would make in the future.
"It seems like things are really about to get interesting!"
While Luke was absorbed in his thoughts, Percy himself found himself stuck on the conversation.
He had ended up trusting Luke, at least for now. He didn't know if he'd regret it or not, but he decided to go along with him for now. If things started to turn sour, he'd abandon shop and enjoy the summer with his brother in his own twisted way.
In all honesty, Percy didn't like the idea of the Olympians or Camp Half-Blood, and though Luke didn't seem like the perfect alternative, it would work for now.
With that said, Percy was not the only one with a backup, as Luke had plans of his own.
The son of Hermes got up with a stretch, happy with the results of the conversation yet he was slightly out of it. The boy reached for his sword and was preparing to leave when he heard the cage he was sitting on rattle.
He turned to it with a smirk. "Your awake? What is it, don't tell me that boy scared you?" He asked the being residing in the cage.
There was another rattle before a cold voice replied. "Hardly that, don't be stupid. I was awake the whole time, listening."
"Oh? And what do you think."
"He's...interesting. Be careful with that one, or you will mess up our lords plans." It replied.
Luke turned serious for a moment. "Don't ever think I'd interfere with the boss, doesn't matter who it's for." He said.
The voice scoffed. "Loyal as ever, Castellan. Just don't let things go over your head. But tell me, do you plan to simply let him leave without following?"
Luke smiled. "Don't worry, something tells me he isn't the type to talk, even if things don't go how we want to."
"Whatever you say, demigod. I just hope your aware of what your messing with." Replied the monsterish voice from the cage.
Luke smirked once more.
"Of trust me, I know."
-Line Break-
Percy's eyes scanned the dining hall for the table he was supposed to be at. Annabeth had told him that you'd have to sit with your cabin, which didn't make too much sense to him, but he didn't mind as long as he could sit with Theo.
He had just woke up from a nap after leaving Luke, and was slightly late to dinner. Thankfully though, no one seemed to notice his tardiness.
After a moment of scanning, his eyes locked onto his brother who smiled and waved at him. Percy walked over, but not before he noticed Luke staring at him with a playful yet dangerous in his eyes.
"Man I haven't seen you all day it feels like." Said Theo as Percy sat down.
"Well, it seems like you were pretty busy yourself."
Theo frowned. "Yeah, things didn't go exactly how I would've liked, but it could've been worse." He said trying to sound upbeat.
Percy only nodded his head as he dug into his food. Most people would've stayed quiet and ate as well, but nothing could stop Theo from starting a conversation with his brother.
"Who would've though that two kids from Manhattan would end up the sons of Olympians, huh Percy? I always knew we were special, but this is crazy." He said in mostly awe.
"Y'know, the gods really do seem amazing. I wouldn't mind meeting them one day. Especially our dad." He said.
Percy continued eating, but he couldn't help but feel towards Theo's words. He decided to deflate the thought. "Well, according to some older kids the chances of getting claimed are pretty low. And even if that does happen, we'll probably just end up the kid of some minor god."
Theo looked disappointed at this answer, but persisted. "I guess, but even that's pretty special. To me though, it doesn't really matter, all I want is to be able to ask whoever our dad is a single question." He said, looking a little awestruck while staring at the stars.
Percy turned to him in anticipation. "Hm?"
"I'd want to ask him why he left us for so long. What could've been so important that he left Mom who only talked good of him." He said.
Percy looked at his brother a little surprised. His brother was a simple person, and usually I didn't think about things too deep. The fact that he was so interested about this caught Percy off guard.
However, Percy himself knew of the reality of the situation. He was able to see that there was over a dozen kids who hadn't been claimed and many more who weren't even at the camp. The chances that they would be was low, and Percy didn't like that this camp had got Theo's hopes up.
Percy's grip on his silverware tensed up. "Well, I don't think there's a high chance that any of that ends up happening. If our dad really cared, I doubt he'd wait so long before saying anything, so there's no point in caring about it now." He said kind of quickly.
"Percy?" Asked Theo, confused and caught off guard.
"I'm tired so I'm going back to my cabin." Said the boy, and without another word he walked off. Theo looked on, wondering what about what he had said was so wrong.
Percy didn't want to make his brother feel guilty at all, but he didn't like his mindset regarding there dad.
Theo for some reason never had any resentment towards him, even looking up to him at times. Though Percy never showed any outward hate, he couldn't respect his father for what he had done, and knowing he was a god just made things worse.
The fact that Theo's opinion hadn't wavered, yet it had gotten stronger was enough annoy demigod to the point where all he wanted to do was sleep.
With the cabin to himself, it didn't take long for Percy to fall asleep in his sleeping bag with the minotaur horn tucked safely above him.
He was oblivious to the fact that he had been watched from the dining pavilion by someone other then his brother.
Luke smiled darkly to himself, happy with the progress.
"He's evolving."
-Line Break-
A few days had passed since the brothers had come to camp, and they had gotten into the swing of things.
Despite being apart of the same cabin, the two hadn't spent as much time together as they had originally thought. Due to the size of the Hermes cabin, the kids had to be split into smaller groups, which disappointed Theo slightly.
However the arrangements gave the brothers the opportunity to get acquainted with the other campers. Besides, it wasn't like the two were completely separated as they still had a couple of hours together during the day.
Theo of course had gotten especially friendly with the campers, getting on a first name basis with most. Though it was expected, Percy still found slightly impressive.
To his surprise though, Percy himself had become slightly popular among the campers. Though he want as open as his brother, that didn't stop the people around from talking about him, though not as many approached him.
Something that both brothers had excelled in though was swordsmanship. Luke had noted that though Theo was able to generate more power, Percy was a lot better at using his head to find opening as quickly as possible.
It was safe to say though that both the Jackson's were naturals that were growing dangerously quick. It was as Luke said, he had no doubt that the two would be fine when it came to fighting.
Percy slumped down on the rough sand floor of the arena, completely exhausted. He was struggling to catch his breath while he was staring at the floor. He was interrupted though by a hand tapping his shoulder.
He looked up to see Luke offering him a cold water, with another one for himself in his hand. Percy grabbed the cup as Luke sat down on the stool a couple feet away that Percy was too tired to reached.
"Drained, huh?" Asked Luke as Percy lapped up the water.
"You think? You got me swinging a sword out here for hours." He said half out of breath.
Luke smiled. "You surprised me. You went on for a lot longer the most can in their first month."
Percy only shrugged, dismissing the complement. "It's not that big of a deal." He said.
Though he tried to make it seem small, there was a reason he wanted to get stronger so quick.
After being in the camp for a couple days, he was able to see exactly why Luke resented the gods so much. Despite their position, they had never seemed to contact their kids, no matter what they had went to.
Though he wasn't fully sure yet, he realized that if he was going to make enemies with the gods, he'd have to get stronger. It was a must.
But even if he didn't end up betraying them, he'd doubt Luke would be too happy. No matter who he sided with, he couldn't be weak.
"Hmph, cool as ever huh. But what's really surprising is that monster." He said, pointing his chin to the middle of the arena.
Percy looked up to see none other then Theo slashing away at the opponent ahead of him. Unlike his usual self, the boy had a serious expression as he was focused on the fight.
"Despite being late, he's been going just as hard as you, if not harder." He said.
Percy didn't say anything. Honestly, seeing his brother so into something was a little unfamiliar, but he guessed it wouldn't be too bad if he got stronger as well.
Though that didn't mean he wanted Theseus involved in his problems.
Percy shifted his attention away from Theo and back to Luke as he stood up. The boy shot his hand out and lifted Percy from the ground.
"Capture the flag is tomorrow. I hope your ready. You do remember the conditions laid out, right?"
"I know. We're on opposite teams, and I have to win." Repeated Percy slightly annoyed. He still didn't understand what Luke wanted to prove, but he was set on winning.
He didn't care if he was up against Luke or that annoying daughter of Athena, he had to win if he wanted answers.
"Good." Said Luke. "And don't expect me to go easy. Good luck though, kid. Your gonna need it." He said as he walked off, waving towards the younger boy.
"He keeps calling me kid." Percy mentally noted.
Percy glanced back back at his brother to see him still busy slashing away at other demigods. With a huff the boy put away his sword and walk off towards the opposite exit of the arena.
Though he probably should've been getting some rest or extra training time, Percy had to take care of things involving someone nearly as danger as Luke himself in their own way.
-Line Break-
Percy stepped through the cabin door with caution, his head scanning the place to find any stragglers still in bed.
The campers were supposed to all be at activities, but Percy had made time to talk to a certain someone.
"I'm right here." Said a female voice, emerging from the side bathroom door. Percy cringed slightly. It was annoying to see the only cabin with their own self installed bathroom, but he didn't have time to care.
He had been told by Luke before that the Aphrodite cabin was one of the most dangerous places on the campus, as one wrong move could have you stuck as a makeup dummy for hours.
Percy fully stepped into the cabin and leaned back on the now closed door.
"Why do we have to meet here, Drew." Said the boy with annoyance clear in his voice, yet Drew didn't seem to care.
"Well I had to get ready, and I couldn't have you rushing me, now could I." She said with a giggle. The girl sat down in front of her large mirror and started to gradually apply make up.
On only his second day at camp, Percy had learned that the daughter of Aphrodite was actually a resident, something he wasn't sure he liked completely.
Ever since the field trip, Drew had taken and annoying interest in the boy, and though she claimed it was because she knew he was a demigod, he thought it was apart of some kind of her own special agenda.
Though, he soon realized that Drew actually had something that he could use to his advantage.
"But don't tell me, are you worried that someone will catch us, Percy." She said, taunting him slightly as she continued to look at her own reflection.
"No that couldn't be it, why would someone who's betraying their own cabin be worried about things like the rules." She said.
Percy scowled. "It already told you, I didn't betray anyone." He repeated.
"Yeah yeah, whatever. What really matters though, is that you need me for my charm speaking abilities." She said, turning around for the first time to meet Percy's eyes.
The boy looked away.
Charm speak, it was an ability that really intrigued Percy. It was something specific to the love gods children that was almost impossible to combat.
According to Drew, she could make anyone do her bidding as long as they heard her words, something Percy would be able to use to his advantage. Though, by the way she spoke it seemed like Drew wasn't the only one at camp with the power, so he would have to watch out.
"So if you know why I'm here, why don't you just agree to help me and I'll be gone." He said getting impatient.
"Cmon now, Percy, you know that's not how things work. If you want my help, I'll need something return." She said, returning her gaze back to the mirror. "Come over here, stand behind me."
With a little hesitation, Percy pushed of the wall and walked towards Drew. He stopped once he was directly behind her, seeing himself in the mirror. His eyes glanced down to see Drew completely focused on her makeup. He didn't know if it was the mirror or the girl herself, but he found it hard to look away.
"It's really crazy Percy, you haven't been here for even 2 weeks, yet your already starting things up. I always knew you were a troublemaker." She said with another giggle.
Percy said nothing, but thankfully he was able to stop his staring towards the demigoddess.
"But this plan that you've though up, I wouldn't be surprised if you end up being a child of Athena."
Percy crossed his arms. "So are you on board or not?" He asked.
Drew donned a pouty expression and faced the boy. "Always so serious." She said. "But fine, I'll do what you want, just as long as you hold up your end." She said.
Percy raised a brow. "And what exactly do you want from me?"
To Percy's surprise, Drew went slightly serious, putting down her makeup.
"There's this one boy from the Athena cabin, his name is Malcolm. He's cute for a smart kid, not as cute as you of course *wink*, but I decided to give him the pleasure of talking to me.
You'd think anyone with a brain would feel accomplished by this, but that little book head decided he'd rather go off and spend times with his sister. I'm sure you've met her?" She asked with a questioning glance.
"Annabeth?"
"That's the one."
Percy thought for a moment. "So what do your want me to do about it?" He asked.
"It's simple. Athena's going to be on the opposite team since you switched sides and all. All I'm asking you to do is rough him up a bit, and if you get to Chase too it'll be bonus points." She said a little too cheerily.
Percy thought for a moment. He honestly was surprised that Drew could be so...evil. Though, he can't say that that wouldn't be helpful in the future.
Though the request itself may have been harder then he had originally thought. All children of Athena had a natural knack for battle, but Malcolm was one of the more experienced ones from what he could see.
Percy had seen him give Theo some trouble more then once back at the arena.
However, he'd do whatever Drew wanted if it meant she would help him as she was needed. Though he wasn't sure if he could earn "bonus points" by dealing with Chase. He wasn't too worried about fighting her, but he was sure his brother had taken a liking to her, so he'd have to think.
"Fine, I'll do it. Just make sure you do your job, I got a lot riding on this." Said Percy, preparing to leave.
Drew gave another annoying giggle. "So mysterious, but that's what I love about you!"
Percy didn't reply as he exited the Aphrodite cabin, and he felt himself instinctively relax. He didn't know what it was, but there was something entrancing about the place.
He shivered at the thought.
Percy wasn't even able to take two steps before he was encountered by someone just as draining as Drew.
"Chase." He said with half hidden spite. "What are you doing here?"
She placed her hands on her hips. "I could be asking you the same thing. Not only are you skipping archery, but you were just alone with someone in that cabin, weren't you?" She stated, more so than asked.
"And what if I was?"
Annabeth furrowed her brow. "You know what, I'll let it slide this time, because I need something from you-. Ehh, what?"
Annabeth was interrupted before she could finish by Percy walking right past her, bumping her slightly.
"You want me on your team for capture the flag tomorrow? And you expect me to convince Luke to get Hermes to join y'all, as Ares have essentially rallied everyone against you." He said cockily.
"But there's no need to worry, Luke already decided to join Athena, though me personally, I won't be helping y'all."
"Wha- what? How did you know what I wanted?!"
Percy shrugged. "Maybe Athena isn't as clever as they say.
Annabeth reddened. "Alright then, Jackson. We didn't need you anyway. Just wait till we get on the field" she called after Percy.
The demigod didn't turn back, relishing in his slight victory over the girl, but he knew that she was more then all talk.
But even with that in mind, Percy wasn't worried. He was more focused on getting to his next activity, as he wasn't to fond of Chiron scolding him.
With a sigh, he made his way over to the rest of the campers, slipping in as if he had never left.
Percy spent the rest of the day normal, secretly excited in anticipation for the game tomorrow.
It wasn't that he was waiting to have fun, but he just wanted to see how he stacked up against the rest of the demigods. If things went right, he'd be able to end Athena's win streak and knock that wise girl down a peg.
Luke must've noticed his excitement as he commented about it at dinner.
"You ready for tomorrow?" He asked.
Percy tried to seem calm about it, giving just a shrug.
"Don't tell me you have something planned?" He said with a confident smirk.
"You'll see."
Luke's expression changed, making him look like he was scheming. "Trust me, Athena always has a plan. But if you really think you can deal with that,"
Luke's faced became surprisingly menacing.
"You'll still have to get through me."
Percy was quiet for longer then he had meant to be, but regained his composure. "Don't worry Luke, I'll make sure to meet your expectations."
Luke said nothing until he burst into a smile. "Hahah, you never back down, do you. Good too see, but I wanna see if your more then talk tomorrow."
He got up from the table.
"Don't disappoint."
The boy walked off as he had finished his food, probably going back to the cabin, or maybe even the run down hut. Percy had noticed that Luke was always one of the first to leave, and he guessed it was some shady stuff revolving his boss.
Nonetheless, he took the boys departure as a sign to finish up and leave himself.
After clearing his plate, Percy got up and made his way to leave the pavilion. He was stopped though when he accidentally stepped into someone's shoulder.
He looked up to see it be a Ares kid he thought recognized. To his right though, was someone he knew the name of.
"Jackson." Said the voice of Clarisse. Another Ares kid filed in by her side.
"Yes?" Asked the boy. He remembered that she had had a fight with Theo on the first day of camp, and wondered if this was related.
"Luke told me you'd be on our side tomorrow. I don't mind, I've seen you fight. But if you got a plan, don't get in my way. I don't care if you lead the rest of those guys, but I have things to take care of." She said, walking past the boy.
"No problems over here. I don't think I'll need much help anyway." He said without looking back.
It was a slight bluff, but who was gonna call it. Clarisse scoffed. "Cocky. Maybe your not as bad as your brother." She said.
Percy said nothing, and the two walked off without another word. They weren't aware that they had drawn attention from a handful of campers, but they were a little upset to see the two not escalate.
Though, campers were not the only one who saw this little interaction.
Chiron stroked his beard, deep in thought while at the head table.
"Curious about those brothers, aren't you?" Asked Dionysus from his side. "You've been acting different ever since they arrive."
Chiron shook his head. "My senses get worse by the day while the monsters grow stronger. The fact that those two have come at this time does not sit right with me."
Dionysus snorted. "I knew from the second I saw those brats that'd they be trouble, especially the older one. Pay them no attention Chiron, or else you'll end up insane." He said.
Chiron smiled lightly. "Maybe your right, Lord Dionysus, but I think it's time the campers get to bed." He said. The centaur stood upwards and called all the demigods to clean up.
It didn't take long for the pavilion to clear out.
Percy rolled around in his bed as he heard the campers approaching the door. He assumed dinner had just wrapped up, as there was noise all around.
Before the main mob of people made it back, Percy saw the door creek open. Percy watched the tall figure of Luke enter, and immediately they locked eyes.
The older boy flashed a smile before plopping onto his own bed. As if he had never left, he started to sharpen his sword, just in time for cabin 11 to see.
Not seeing a problem, Percy's cabin mates made their way into their beds, all falling asleep in no time.
Percy wondered how they would feel if the knew what Luke was up to, but didn't think about it as he too fell asleep in a matter of minutes.
The next day, spirits were high. It was to be expected as today was capture the flags, and for some reason red team believed today would be the day they won.
That reason was Percy Jackson.
Well actually, it was just their immense confidence in themselves, but that wasn't the point.
The day was more or less normal all the way up until dinner. The tables were in a uproar as all the campers prepared for battle.
Percy was in the middle of talking to Theo when two large flags were brought into the pavilion.
Luke's smile shined throughout the entire table. He began giving a small speech to the Hermes table, but Percy had disappeared, opting to sit somewhere behind the Ares table.
He caught Theo glance his way, but didn't pay attention. His brother had been upset when he found out they wouldn't be on the same team, but Percy let him know it was necessary.
Despite this though, Percy had no intention of fighting his brother on the field. To many peoples disappointment, the two brothers had never even sparred against one another, causing a few to speculate who would win.
Nonetheless, there was one common consensus. No matter who was better, they couldn't compare to Luke.
Percy scoffed at the thought.
However, none of the things mattered now as Percy had a plan, and if things worked out then nothing could stand in his way.
Percy smiled as he watched the cabins get happy. All the excitement with the blazing fires and and cheering wouldn't mean anything when they battle started. He found it amusing.
In less than and hour, he would execute his plan, surprising everyone at this damn camp.