Chapter 10
Percy took his final step forward and slashed across, lodging his sword halfway through the dummies chest.
"Good." Said Luke from the side.
Percy dropped down in exhaustion, not even trying to retrieve his sword from inside the dummy.
He said a silent prayer to the gods, thanking them for not making him finish off the day with sparring Luke. The guy had no chill, and he never opted to go easy on the boy.
Interrupting the boys rest, Luke grabbed Percy by his shoulders and lifted him off the ground. Percy groaned.
"Cmon. I know your tired, but all this training will pay off tomorrow. You'll see."
Percy said nothing, only grabbing and yanking his sword from the dummy. "I hope so." The boy said as he slung his sword over his shoulder.
He honestly wasn't sure how he'd stack up out of camp, but he guessed he'd just have to wait and fight out.
-The Next Morning-
Percy quickly spotted Theseus waiting on the hill with Annabeth and Grover, and made his way over.
Chiron was the first to notice him, and as soon as he reached them he was given a pat on the back by the centaur.
"Here to give your brother a goodbye, I see." He said with a smile.
Percy offered a light smile, though it didn't hold. Not genuinely, at least. "Yeah I guess." He said. His eyes had locked onto Theo who was looking at him with mixed emotions.
"Good luck out there, and stay safe." Said Percy, stepping in to hug his brother. "Just don't do anything stupid."
Annabeths watched the two interact and was slightly surprised. She knew they were close, but it was the most sincere she had seen Percy.
Theo pushed off his brother and flashed him a winning smile. "Don't worry Percy, you can leave this to us." He said, trying to sound upbeat, though Percy could see through it. "And who knows, maybe we'll bring home a lightning bolt just for you."
"Err, I don't think that'd be the best, but if you three want to make it in time, I suggest you leave as soon as possible." Said Chiron.
Theo nodded, and with a wave he turned around, the first of the three to leave.
Percy looked to his side and locked eyes with Grover. They had talked over the past week, but not as much Theo and him.
He offered the satyr a pat on the shoulder. "Good luck goat boy. I don't think Theo would be too happy if you'd ended up dying."
Grover seemed flustered for a monument. "Well, uhh, thanks!" He said. The boy hurriedly turned around and trotted off to catch up with Theseus.
Percy watched and wondered how the satyr would survive on the outside, but decided he'd be fine. His eyes shifted once more.
Now only the daughter of Athena was left.
"Stay safe, Annabeth, and make sure those two don't get into too much trouble."
"Will do Chiron." She said, before turning to the boy.
"Pretty much what he said." Muttered Percy. "Just make sure Theseus stays grounded for me."
Annabeth gave a hmph, but said nothing else as she turned around and reached the other two's side.
When Theo saw that they were all there, he let out a sigh.
"Theo, not that I'm not grateful or anything because I really need this for my searchers license, but why exactly did you choose me instead of Percy?
With the stakes and everything, wouldn't he be a better choice with his sword skills and everything."
Theseus shook his head, looking a little embarrassed.
"Well...to be honest I actually never asked Percy to come with me. I had just assumed that it would be obvious, but then boom. He comes up to me and tells me he has to stay here for whatever reason."
Annabeth scoffed. "It's not like I'm complaining. He may be good with a sword, but one Jackson is enough for me."
Theo said nothing, but continued to lead the group over to hill.
Chiron watched all the way until after they crossed the pine tree. Once they were out of view, he turned to Percy.
"Is there a reason why you decided to stay at camp, as opposed to traveling with your brother?
Percy shrugged. "Not my kinda thing. Besides, I'm pretty sure he'll be fine, at least with those towo"
"If you say so, Perseus."
With his brother gone, Percy decided it was just the time to meet Luke.
He found the boy in the arena teaching class just like he expected. He found his way to his side, and waited.
Once Luke finished giving his lecture, he took a step back and observed his class's fighting.
"You don't need to worry about this anymore. I've trained you as best as I could with the time we had, any extra and I doubt you'd be able to walk."
Percy nodded. "I just saw Theseus and the two off at the hill, they're probably already on the road by now.
I still don't get what your plan is though. It'd be best for me to start following them now, but you insist on waiting till the night."
"Patience Percy. You'd have a much easier time evading the harpies then than Chiron at day. Dionysus may be gone for now, but it'd still be bad news if you get caught."
"Whatever you say than, Luke. Your the boss." Said Percy sarcastically.
"Cmon kid, it's not that bad. Crazy to think a couple days ago you barely trusted me, but here you are, raring to go."
Percy didn't reply, but he considered Luke's statement. He didn't know what it was, but something about it made him more eager to go on this "quest" the he would've usually been.
He decided it was the adrenaline, and kept it pushing.
The boy spent the rest of the day with high anticipation.
-That Night-
Percy watched his step as he descended through the woods. Tonight was probably the last time he would make this trip for a while
Percy approached the run down hut with slight caution. There was a different vibe to it tonight, maybe because of the circumstances.
He opened the door to see Luke waiting on him with a sinister smile.
"Tonight's the night Percy. You ready?"
Percy shrugged. "Cmon Luke, we don't got time for this.
Luke nodded. "Today your actually right on that Percy, we have to move while the night is still young.
Currently I have a driver waiting for you on the nearest street across half blood hill. He may be hard to spot at first, but he'll be the one to take you away from this place.
Once you reach your first destination, you'll know what to do." He said as he walked to the corner.
"But I can't let you leave camp with your current equipment." He said, reaching into a bag that Percy had just now noticed.
He reached into it and pulled out a cloth of black. It took Percy a second to see it was a cloak of sorts.
"Here." Said Luke, throwing it too the boy.
Percy caught the piece, inspecting it before wrapping it around his shoulders.
Surprisingly, the cloak was able to stay more or less closed even while the boy moved around. The hood too was pretty good at keeping him concealed while providing vision.
"No fancy enchantments or anything, but it's still a fine piece." Said Luke. " I suggested keeping the hood off during the day to avoid drawing suspicion. You'll find I also left a pouch of Drachmas to get by."
"But next..." Luke reached into the bag once more. He pulled out a run down, journal kind of book with a brown cover. "Here." He said.
Percy stared at it skeptically. "A book?"
Luke smiled slightly. "It's more then just any normal book. In the olden days it was called something different, but it's current name is the telephone book.
Back in my cabin I have another copy. Write anything in that book, and I'll be able to read the words immediately no matter where you are." He said.
Percy grabbed the book and scanned it thoroughly. It didn't look too special, but he decided to trust Luke. He put it in the pouch that came buckled around the cloak.
"But last but certainly not least, I'll give you the most important item of all." He said, though he put down the bag and faced Percy directly.
Percy was confused as he watched the boy reach his hand out and slowly tap the boy in the middle of his chest.
On instinct Percy took a step back. Though Luke had only tapped him lightly, it felt like a weight had been taken of his shoulders, catching him off guard.
Percy was about to ask what had just happened when the air around his neck shimmered. A moment later, a black chain appeared around it.
"What?!"
Luke smiled. "You recognize it don't you. It's name is Vindicta, and it was enchanted to appear when you needed it most, but now's the best time to get rid of said enchantment.
Percy shivered at the mention at the name, but quickly remembered a time where the blade would've been useful.
"Then explain what happened on the hill?" Asked Percy. He remembered how the chain had appeared, but no matter what he did it never responded. "You trying to say I didn't need it?" He growled out.
"Well the enchantment isn't too easy to work with, or else it would've appeared every second you turned annoyed. My best guess is that you were too flustered against the minotaur."
He said, leaving Percy quiet.
"But if you plan on using that thing anytime, I suggest you get going. We don't have the luxury of time kid." He said.
Percy nodded before walking off. Right before he exited the door, he gave one last word to demigod. "I'll finish the quest Luke, I swear on it, and when I get back your gonna answer all my questions.
Also...
Stop calling me kid."
The boy closed the door behind him, blowing up a small gust of wind. Luke didn't move for a moment, a wicked grin on his face.
After he was sure the boy was at least out of the woods, he turned to his side. "You've been itching to come out whole time, huh?" He said, referring to the cage that had been rattling slightly this entire time. Thankfully Percy hadn't noticed.
After the rattling some more a being emerged from the cage. A small white snake slithered out, reaching Luke's ankles. "There's no point in staying in that form, why don't you come out completely."
The snake hissed, and a moment later it started to shift. Luke watched, even now still surprised to see the previously small snake reach a height equal to his own.
In less then a minute, a women appeared in front of Luke, though of course she remained with a serpents bottom half.
"Lamia." Said Luke to the monster. The ladies skin was white to match her scales, highlighted by her regal golden armor.
She watched Luke as she clicked her extraordinary long , claw like nails.
"You just couldn't wait a few more days?" He asked. "I knew I should've got a better cage."
The serpent lady scoffed. "Do not play with me Castellan. Kronos sent me here to monitor the camp, I in no way work under you."
Luke raised a brow. "That may be true, but technically I still rank above you, Lamia. You follow my orders."
The creature hissed and flexed her dagger like hands. Luke raised a hand. "Calm down, we don't have time for this. Right now, we have to make sure our ship goes unnoticed."
Lamia looked at him skeptically. "You trust the boy a lot, don't you?"
"I have to, or else this was all for nothing. Besides, he's the only person capable of what's ahead."
Lamia shook her head before exiting the room, her tail following behind her. "You are still but a child, boy. I shall help you with the Princess Andromeda, but afterwards I will see for myself what that boy is made of."
She said, leaving Luke by himself. The man scowled. No matter what power he threatened, the snake lady wouldn't listen to him ever. He was confident in himself, but he didn't like the idea of fighting the creature specially at camp.
The thing that really worried him though was her last statement. What did she plan to do with Percy? Luke shivered.
Percy was strong, but Lamia was unlike anything he'd faced before. That along with the arduous task ahead would be allot, even for himself. He only hoped the demigod would be ready.
-Line Break-
Percy crouched down low as he heard steps from in front of him. He tried to his best to shrink behind the cabin railings, and thankfully it worked as the Harpy's walked right past him.
He waited for them to disappear behind him before he got up slowly. He continued to stick to the shadows, going past each cabin one at a time. He had hoped the cloak would make him harder to find, but decided not to rely on it too much.
After eventually passing what he believed to be the last wave of Harpy's, Percy grew a little too relaxed. He immediately regretted this as he caused the floor board to creak as he had put too much weight on it.
Percy stayed still in fear. He had been told the Harpy's senses were all top notch, and that was enough to make him freeze. Percy watched as the creatures continued their walk after a second of hesitation.
He had almost thanked the gods, but was terrified to hear the door behind him crack open. He had completely forgotten he was in front of a cabin.
Percy's eyes darted to find a place to hide, but it was futile. The boy slowly turned his head, and was surprised to see who it was.
"Percy?" Said the half asleep voice of Drew. She was dressed in a dull pink gown with a matching night cap, and it was obvious she had just woken. "What are you doing here?!"
"Shhh!" Said Percy as he rushed forward and placed a finger on Drew's lip to keep her quiet. This seemed to shock the girl halfway, but she still wasn't 100% here.
"Did you come here to see me?" She asked groggily. "But why are you dressed like that."
As she finished, Percy heard a groan from inside the cabin. He mentally panicked. Not only was he not supposed to be seen, but he couldn't imagine what Luke would say if he was caught by the Aphrodite cabin.
"Look Drew, I'm leaving camp." He said. "And I need you to go back and side and act like you never saw me. Can you do that for me?"
Drew perked up. "W-well of course! But I thought you said you didn't want to go with your brother. Did you lie to Chiron?"
"That's...not important right now." Said Percy. Telling her what he was doing was already a risk, he couldn't give up too much. "But can I trust you too keep quiet about this, Drew?"
"You can but, are you leaving camp forever? Will I ever see you after this?" She asked with almost puppy dog-like eyes.
"You will, promise." He lied. He knew damn well that Luke planned on leaving the camp right after the quest was over, yet wasn't going to tell Drew.
"Then, I think I can do it. Stay safe!" She added quickly at the end.
Percy flashed her a fake smile that he knew would work especially well on the girl. "Thanks Drew, I really appreciate this." The boy placed his hand on her head and patted down once.
With the harpy's out of view, Percy wasted no time in running off towards half-blood hill. He knew Drew was staring off at him, but he didn't care to look back.
Once the massive pine tree came into view, Percy relaxed slightly. After making his way up, he was sure he saw a single car parked on the side of the row. The vehicle had its lights on, and Percy had a feeling it was what he was waiting for.
Percy took a single step forward before he stopped.
He knew he should've been in a hurry, but there was no point in continuing.
Not only was someone watching him, but that person was directly behind him, watching his every move.
Percy's hand glided up, gripping his necklace.
After a deep breath, he turned to meet eyes with the newcomer.
"It's past curfew, Perseus, though I'm sure you know that." Said the stern voice of Chiron.
He was perched on the edge of the hill in his centaur form, and unlike usual he had his bow wrapped around his back.
Percy had no idea how he had been caught, but didn't think about it. The fact he was able to sneak up on him impressive him though.
"How did you know I was here?"
"The harpy's reported something suspicious, so I came to investigate. To be honest though, I had a feeling of my own." he said, taking a step forward. Percy gripped harder on his chain.
"To be honest with you, Percy, I had almost fully expected this. I found your actions unusual, and even now I don't fully understand them. That said, as a camp directer, it's my job to make sure campers follow the rules." This is when Chiron unslung his bow and reached behind himself.
"But knowing all about you, I doubt you will come back on your own accord. Is it even worth it to ask you to stand down, I wonder."
It was at that moment that Percy decided to take out a weapon of his own. He ripped the chain off his neck, and it came off surprisingly easy.
The chain seamlessly transformed until the he held a decently sized Greek style sword, though this one was different in coloring.
Down the middle of the sword was a prominent black line, and the rest was filled in with grey coloring, nothing like traditional bronze.
Vindicta, Luke had called it.
Revenge.
Percy quickly decided the blade was perfect, fitting into his hand well, almost like an extension of how own body.
Chiron raised an eyebrow. "A interesting weapon you have in your possession. Do you think you can handle such a sword?"
"Who knows."
Chiron sighed as he pulled out an arrow. He was disappointed, upset that this was how things had to be settled. "Do you really wish to do this, Perseus? If you stand down now, I'll let you return to camp with no repercussions."
Percy said nothing, only keeping his sword steady and focused on the centaur.
"I suppose this is the only option, then."
With surprisingly fast speed, Chiron knocked and arrow and let it fly. Percy blinked once and the projectile was already inside his guard, inches away from him.
Percy's eyes went wide, and only when it was too late was he able to process things. Something he noticed was that the arrow was pointed, unlike Chiron's usual dull ones.
The arrow pierced the boys cheek and flew past him, immediately making a trail of blood across his face.
Percy didn't move for several seconds. He was half shocked, but the other half of him had been snapped awake.
"That was a warning shot Perseus. The next one won't miss. Surrender while you still have the chance, or I'll send you directly to the infirmary beds."
Instead of replying, Percy planted his foot and pushed off. He ran towards the centaur and closed the distance.
I guess they never learn, Chiron thought to himself as he cocked back another arrow. He knew it would be relatively difficult to stop the boy without severely harming him, but he was aware enough to know the boy wouldn't hold back.
Chiron effortlessly dodged Percy's first swing before he let his next arrow fly. He had directed it towards the boys hand to force him to drop his weapon, but was incredibly surprised to see Percy dodge the attack despite the point blank rage.
Percy himself was more annoyed that he had missed his initial blow, though was still glad he had evaded the arrow. Like usual, he was able to perceive things slower then usual when it came to fighting, though that didn't mean things were easy.
Percy sent his sword flying towards his former teacher once more, but instead of backing up Chiron raised the end of his bow to meet the boy directly. The two stayed with their weapons locked before Chiron stepped forward, sending Percy back a few steps.
The demigod nearly fell over as he was surprised by the centaurs strength. He glared up at the man before rushing forward with the intent to hurt.
He knew he couldn't kill Chiron of course, but he needed to at least buy himself enough time to escape. That said, after not landing anything Percy was starting to get annoyed.
The demigod swung wildly, but even so the attacks all packed a punch. Chiron huffed to himself as he continued to block attacks. If only the boy hadn't became so frustrated, he may have been able to actually harm the horse.
Deciding to stop wasting time, Chiron backed off away from the demigod and knocked three arrows in his bow.
Percy struggled to catch his breath as he raised his sword upward yet again. Chiron didn't know what the boy planned on doing from that distance, but he reached the bowstring back nonetheless.
The man was a second away from firing when he noticed something interesting.
From small cuts on the mans right arm and his front right leg, there was a small stream of blood. Of course that would not be enough to stop the centaur, but he took this into consideration.
Percy himself held his hardened gaze, not breaking eye contact with Chiron. His teacher wondered if the boy expected to cut his arrows down, wondering what he had planned.
The man sighed, and lowered his weapon.
"Leave, Perseus." He said. "Leave before Mr. D returns in the morning."
Percy tensed up. Was this a trick?
Chiron continued to talk.
"There's no point in trying to stop you as I don't doubt it won't do much to keep you from trying. I don't know exactly what you have planned, Percy, but I've decided to let you go."
Percy said nothing. After he sensed he that Chiron was telling the truth, he turned his back to him, walking down the hill and towards the car he had spotted earlier.
Chiron watched him descend, wondering if he had made the right choice. Though he had known the boy for nearly an entire school year, he had sensed that he had seemingly changed since arriving at camp.
The centaur looked down at his minuscule scratches before turning back to the Big House.
He could only hope those changes were a good thing for the boy.
Semi-filler smh