In which the twins are adorable and I love them. Also- Piper and Percy's friendship is wonderful. Also, if I miss any reviews in the replies it's cause I typed this part up a good few hours before posting as I need to be able to just upload it tomorrow before I go out for the day.
And- because I feel nice- here is an extract from a future chapter:
Piper paused, "What do we do about Cerberus-"
"Oh that'll be easy." Percy beamed, "We should stop by a pet shop or something, buy a jumbo pack of treats, I am gonna cuddle the shit out of that dog-"
"Percy isn't Cerberus meant to be huge?"
"Yes." Percy didn't even falter, "Yes he is."
"Percy we aren't bringing him home with us-" Piper was clearly trying not to laugh.
"That's what you think." Percy winked at Piper. "We'll see when the time comes."
Replies:
Thickneck: I mean- she literally can. This kid is like, insanely rich, her moms a successful Author and she's a famous actress- and that's not including the Kane family money and they live in a freaking mansion powered by magic so Sally doesn't even have bills or anything. Percy can literally take Piper pretty much anywhere she wants.
Jubby1905: Percy is going to be so sappy- she's just a total dumbass when it comes to her own feelings. Literally she'll be there like 'My chest feels all tight when Piper calls me pretty. Must be friendship'.
Undeath9087: Oh I know, and I mean, who knows. Maybe Hades will agree to help his niece. Maybe.
1 Anxious Cucumber: I mean, it would be comical.
Guest: Hmmmm I do love everyone speculating about when Percy will meet the others. Shall I give everyone a little thing to consider. I said Annabeth wouldn't stay in camp. I didn't say Luke would let her tag along with him given his ulterior motives.
Noir Nyan: Well, as I said above, I didn't say Luke would let Annabeth tag along. Just that she wouldn't stay in camp- which could lead to some real interesting stuff don't'cha think?
The next morning Percy and Piper were loaded up with supplies and ready to go.
Sally had at least drilled the details of their route into their heads. They'd get on the train at Penn Station to New Orleans, where they'd be able to catch a train to Los Angeles- it wasn't a short journey but they'd be able to sleep on the way as long as one of them was always on watch.
And since the two girls knew their way around the city well enough to get to the train station-and they both knew how to navigate it, Sally had decided that she'd stay with the twins at home getting ready for their trip to Paris.
That meant that the goodbyes were said by the doors leading out of Brooklyn House-and Percy was unashamed to admit that she was crying as she hugged Alex and Estelle, who were both very confused.
Oh they were used to their big sister being away for days at a time- but they'd picked up on Sally's worry, and so they didn't want Percy to leave. Or at least Estelle just didn't want her to leave-which she'd told Percy very firmly, crying as she hugged Percy's legs tightly.
Alexander however had a slightly different viewpoint once he realised that Percy was leaving no matter what they said his eyes narrowed and he'd planted himself in front of the doors, glaring defiantly at Percy and Piper.
"Me coming with." He declared determinedly, and Percy honestly felt her heart breaking as she stared at her tiny baby brother, his wide dark green eyes were determined.
He and Estelle were still such tiny little things, Percy was sure she could have never been that small.
Alexander had always been the more energetic, more adventurous of the twins- Percy and Sadie often said that he was more like them and Estelle was more like Carter- she was much quieter than her twin, though she could get in just as much trouble as he did.
"'Lex." Percy crouched down, reaching out and ruffling the little boys dark tight curls, "Little dude you can't come with me-"
"No Ca'ta or S'die." Alexander's bottom lip trembled slightly, "S'thin' bads happ'nin'. Can't go 'lone. Kanes stick 'gether." and Percy blinked back tears at that- gods but she loved her baby siblings so very much.
And that was a rule the three elder Kane siblings had stuck to ever since Apophis. If anything was wrong and they knew prior, they'd tell one another and at least two of them would have to go. There hadn't been many issues like that but still, it was a rule.
Of course if they ran into a problem while they were out that was different- and the twins did consider Walt and Zia to be appropriate back up- after all they'd heard all the stories, many of which included Walt and Zia in prominent roles.
"But I won't be alone." Percy said, "I'll have Piper with me."
"B-but she's not Ca'ta or S'die."
"Lex..." Percy picked him up, hugging him close to her chest, "Alexander Julius Kane are you sayin' you don't think your awesome big sister can handle herself?"
"I-" Alexander paused, blinking slowly- and at least that had stopped the tears that were clearly on their way a second before, "No fair-"
"Your sister's going to be fine." Sally bent down and scooped up Estelle, who was watching Percy and Alex, her little face scrunched up. "Piper's very capable back up-" that was more directed at Piper, who was stood back slightly, letting the Kanes have their moment.
"Thank you Sally." Piper gave a nervous smile, "You're awesome by the way-"
"Of course I am." Sally declared.
"Look after Percy." Estelle's voice was little but firm, and Percy's gaze shifted to her sister, who was gripping at Sally's shoulder tightly. "P'omis Piper."
"I promise." Piper smiled warmly. "Don't worry. I'll look after her."
Estelle and Alexander both relaxed at that before Alexander paused, tilting his head, "You used magic voice!" and Percy laughed loudly at the accusing tone to his voice- and Sally was having to stifle her own laughter.
"Did I?" Piper asked, a fake innocent look on her face, "I didn't mean to Alex. I just didn't want you worrying about her, 'cause Percy and I are gonna be fine. We're just going on a trip to LA to see Percy's uncle."
"Then why's mama worried?" Estelle asked seriously- and honestly, Percy's baby siblings were far too smart.
"Because mama's silly." Percy declared, winking at Estelle, shifting her grip on Alex, "Listen you two- you've heard the stories, if I can make Apophis take a nap in the middle of a fight I can handle a trip to LA."
And neither of them seemed able to find anything they could argue about that, so when Percy handed her baby brother back to her mom she gave them both kisses on the forehead before kissing her mom's cheek.
"I should be back in a week or so mom. We've been away longer than that before-"
"I know." Sally sighed, "I know baby- and I know you'll probably be fine but you can't blame me for worrying about you."
"We'll be careful." Percy promised, "And I have my phone. I'll call you once a day I promise."
"You better sweetheart." Sally's voice was firm, "If I don't get a call from you I'll be scrying and coming after you, you hear me Persephone Ariadne Kane-"
"Oooh. You're full naming me that means business-"
"Of course it does." Sally chuckled, "Now off with you- remember you have food in Piper's bag and I've made sure that you have enough money in your account to pay for anything you might need."
"We'll be totally fine." Percy declared.
"I'll look after her." Piper grinned, "Don't worry about a thing Sally."
"I'm a mother, it's my job to worry." Sally laughed softly, "But- you two should get going honey. The train leaves in a few hours and you need time to get there."
"Of course." Percy nodded, "See ya soon. Mom- Alexander, Estelle, you two look after mom you hear me?"
And both of the twins nodded frantically at that- and with another round of kisses the two girls were leaving Brooklyn House behind.
It didn't take them long to reach the train station, and they managed to make it in time for their train, settling down in their seats.
Once they were settled, both of them took window seats facing one another.
Piper set her backpack on the seat next to her- Percy kept hers on her lap- the idea of even just setting it down within reaching distance was worrying- the idea of anyone grabbing it before Percy could stop them- it was not a pleasant thought. So it was going to stay in her lap or over her shoulders no matter what else happened, she was determined of that.
"Right." Piper was unzipping the back pack and pulling out a couple of bottles of water and a wrapped up sandwich which she slid across the table to Percy. "How long's this part of the journey going to be Percy?"
"Mom said it'd be like thirty one hours so over a day." Percy pulled a face, "Which sucks." mostly because she hated being in small spaces for any length of time- and whilst the train wasn't that small, all things considered, it was much smaller than she'd have liked, and it was going to be a very long time.
"Well we'll figure out something to do." Piper declared, "We could go over your lines for that audition they've offered you- you know you've been majorly typecast."
"I mean, I'm not complaining." Percy felt herself relaxing slightly, ignoring the other people filling up the train carriage, "I like the roles I get-"
"Anything Greece or Egypt related and you jump at it." Piper snickered, "I actually think that they're trying to come up with new movies just for you these days Percy." and Percy blushed at that.
"I wouldn't go that far-"
"Percy- billions of kids across the world have crushes on you."
"I-" Percy shook her head, "They do not-"
"You stand out." Piper pointed out, "You're awesome- like, majorly awesome, and your famous, what's not to love. Now c'mon, I know I saw you sneaking a copy of the script-"
"I-" Percy paused before pushing, shaking her head, "Okay yeah, I did. I know it's probably stupid but- I like it." she blushed. "More than I thought I would. I always thought it'd just be moms books and I'd be done but-"
"You've got the acting bug." Piper giggled, "At least you're not as bad as my dad." she huffed, blowing a strand of her choppy brown hair out of her face, "At least you still make time for your family."
Percy frowned, reaching across the table and grabbing Piper's hand tightly. "I don't like saying it 'cause I do kinda like your dad but he does suck sometimes."
"Yeah. I know." Piper squeezed Percy's hand, "But it's okay. I don't need him I got you guys- and I got my grandpa- we're gonna visit him at some point over the holidays right?"
"Duh." Percy grinned, "Your grandpa's like, the coolest grandpa in the world- his stories are awesome, and he lets us stay up all night and sleep on the roof-"
"We can do that at Brooklyn House."
"Yeah but the sky's prettier in Tahlequah. There's less lights all around, you can see the stars easier." "I remember the time you told me all the Greek stories you know about the stars." Piper's voice was soft- and there was something in Piper's expression that Percy wasn't sure she understood.
"That was a good night." she agreed softly.
"I-" Piper hesitated, "Sometimes I think about it. When we first met- back when he was sick."
Percy blinked, "I remember."
"Dad would have never been able to pay for his treatment."
"I- Piper-"
"If your mom hadn't leant him the money-" Piper looked down, "I didn't understand it back then-" she was blinking rapidly, "You know meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me. My grandpa's alive because of you. And- you're like, the best friend I've ever had. Don't get me wrong I love Felix too but-"
"I know." Percy ducked her head, "You're my best friend too Pipes. No matter what."
"You guys are all I have." Piper admitted, "You guys, my dad and my grandpa- except my dad's barely there. I just- I want you to know that. And I want you to know that I'm gonna stick with you no matter what- I don't care how scary or weird or dangerous it gets." her voice was determined as she met Percy's gaze. "I'm probably in over my head but whatever happens I'm with you."
"I know." Percy took a deep breath, "I'm scared too Pipes- which is stupid 'cause like, Apophis is way worse than Hades or- or any of the Greek gods really but I'm scared too. I've never dealt with the Greek stuff like this before- I don't know as much about the Greek stuff as I do Egyptain. And their gods- they work differently. I dunno what we're gonna deal with. But you're right. We're gonna stick together. And we're gonna take it a step at a time- we get to LA, and we work from there."