In which Percy sees a familiar face and is not impressed.
Replies:
Undeath9087: Just consider the fact that the Furies will have reported back about what's happened so Hades is there like 'Who the fuck are these kids?!'
Ryan Fowler: She very much does, and it's gonna be fun.
Thickneck: It would be, but they're not known for being nice lol.
rage2091: It wasn't Alecto Percy killed no.
Guest: She's not sure what they are but she has her suspicions, and because she's not completely sure she doesn't want to give too much away. And the Furies just know that she has the Helm, and that Piper smells like a demigod.
Guest: You are not wrong, and they can cast glamors which could work, but Percy can't be sure how they'd affect the furies.
Noir Nyan: Percy just mentally implodes and yet somehow still doesn't realise she's got a crush. I like to think Piper's semi aware that she's got a crush but hasn't admitted it yet.
Guest: Piper is disappointed the fire was so small lol. And yeah, they don't do diplomatic really.

To say that Percy was pleased with herself would be an understatement of the most epic proportions. In her not so humble opinion she was an incredibly genius. It had worked- her amazing plan had worked, it hadn't taken a big fire to get the alarms going off, and the exodus of the building had been the perfect cover- there were hundreds of people and though Percy had spotted the two living monsters circling in the air above the parking lot they clearly hadn't spotted Percy and Piper- because the two girls had been able to duck into a taxi- and it really was perfect because there were always taxi's waiting around outside of big shopping centres, so the two girls had been able to stealthily slip into one that was waiting.

Admittedly the driver turned back to look at them with a narrow eyed look, "Hey- what do you two think your doing where's your parents-"

"We need to get to Phoenix." Percy declared, "Get us there fast and you'll get a bonus."

"I don't usually take little kids who can't pa-" his eyes widened, because Percy was tugging her cap off, and she saw a look of recognition on the mans face.

"You're-"

"Percy Kane." Percy leaned forward, meeting the drivers gaze, "And if you get us out of here quick I won't bother asking you to break a hundred." she told him, and she always kept enough cash on her that she'd be able to travel in the case of an emergency. This counted.

"Percy-" Piper's eyes were wide, "Why are we stopping in Phoenix-"

"Because." Percy's expression was grim, "We know we can get a bus from there, and-" she bit her lip, "I have a funny feeling that no matter what else happens we were meant to wind up there somehow."
"That isn't actually comforting."

"Believe me I know." the daughter of Poseidon pulled a face. "Besides no way are we gonna taxi all the way to LA."

"But you didn't seem happy about-"

"I'm not." Percy shook her head, "But no matter what happens I get the feeling I was gonna end up there no matter what."

"You know that's not even slightly comforting right?" Piper muttered the words, "I don't like this-"

"Neither do I but it's where we're going." she turned her head to look at the driver, "Now, what do you say? You gonna drive or are you gonna sit staring at me like a dumbass?"

"I-" the man was gaping, his eyes flicking between Percy and Piper. "You- you're-"

"She's Percy Kane." Piper rolled her eyes, "Famous actress, very popular, very pretty, are you done staring now? It's kind of creepy."

"I- I didn't-" the man's eyes widened and his face flushed, "I didn't- I'm not- I was just surprised I'm not a-"

"Then drive." Piper glared, "Before we decide to get another ride." she lashed out, grabbing Percy's hand, "And you lose out on a fair that's like, three times bigger than you're actually earning okay?"

"I-" the mans mouth opened and closed before, "Yes ma'am."

And he was turning so that he could focus as he started up the car- and within less than a minute they were pulling away from where he'd parked and heading off.

Percy didn't fully relax until they were on the road though-and she could see the two figures circling in the sky above the crowds outside of the mall.

"I think we did it." she turned in her seat and her gaze focused on Piper, who was slumped in her seat.

She looked paler than usual, but the smile she shot Percy was definitely a genuine one. "You know when you first told me about how crazy your life was I used to think that it sounded real fun."

"Ah, that's a rookie mistake." Percy let out a weak laugh, "After it's over you'll be able to look back at it and laugh but not while it's happening. I've been through a lot more dangerous and crazy stuff and even I feel kinda unsteady right now. And you're not used to it. But I gotta say you're doing pretty well."

"I am?"

"Yeah." Percy nodded seriously, "You've been really brave. I know it's a lot but-" she gave a hesitant smile, "There's no one I'd have rather had come here with me."

"What about Carter and-"

"Nope." Percy popped the P, "Not even my very wonderful big siblings, as much as I love them. I know I was kinda freaking out about it at first but now I'm glad you're the one who came with me."

"I dunno why." Piper's brows furrowed, "I haven't exactly done that much."

"What makes you think that?" Percy raised an eyebrow at her friend, "'Cause from where I'm looking it seems like you've done plenty-"

"I've just been rushing along after you." Piper pointed out, "All I've done is follow-"

"I feel better when you're with me." Percy stated honestly, "Maybe it's silly but that's just how I feel."

"I-" Piper hesitated before, "You're the best friend I've ever had you know that."

"'Course." Percy draped an arm over Piper's shoulder, "Who else would be as awesome a friend as me?"

And with that they fell into a comfortable silence- and thankfully the drive didn't take long- especially not with how the taxi driver was driving- he must have had his foot down the whole way there because Percy was pretty sure the drive should not have taken fifteen minutes, but it did and Percy was not going to complain, no way. She was very happy with the speed. The faster the better in her opinion- well, mostly.

A tiny part of her was thinking that actually, it would be much much better if they just skipped out on Phoenix entirely. But Percy knew that if something was pulling them there- and she was pretty sure it was, then there was no point in trying to avoid it.

Still, she had to admit that it felt strange, almost unreal as the familiar city came into view.

The biggest difference was that there were people around- the streets weren't empty this time there were plenty of people, it wasn't exactly bustling but it wasn't abandoned- there was life.

The sight took Percy's breath away and she looked around with wide eyed eyes as they approached the mountain- Percy had asked for their driver to drop them off at the base of it.

Admittedly it would probably be easier for them to just head straight to the centre of the city and find another method of transportation to LA but- Percy needed to see it again, she didn't plan on climbing the mountain of course- she wasn't stupid. But- a quick detour to see the mountain couldn't do any harm.

And when they reached the base of the mountain the two girls climbed out of the car and the driver rolled down the window as Percy moved around, handing him the cash. "Thanks."

"Are you kids sure about this." the man looked almost concerned for them, "You really shouldn't be wandering around without your parents and there's not much around here-"

"I'm sure." Percy's gaze shifted to the mountain, to the track that led to it. "I'm twelve not five-"

"Pretty sure that still makes you a kid." the driver shook his head, "Listen maybe I should-"

"You should leave." and Percy could hear the magic in Piper's voice, soft, twining around her words, "You don't need to worry about us." she gave the man a reassuring smile and his expression shifted, his eyes going distant for a second before he nodded.

"Right, of course I don't need to worry about you kids. I should head out."

"And not tell anyone you gave Percy Kane a ride." Piper added for good measure- and Percy shot Piper a small grin as the man nodded slowly, and then he was rolling up the window and pulling away.

Percy watched him go before turning to Piper, who was tugging her backpack over her shoulders- and Percy did the same with hers.

"You're getting so much better at that."

"It still feels wrong," Piper admitted, "But- I have thought a lot about what you said about how sometimes it's not just monsters I should use my powers on."

"You did good." Percy linked her arm through Piper's staring up at the mountain, "Bet you're glad we're not climbing it today."

"Yes." Piper didn't even hesitate, "I might be pretty fit but I am not on your level and it is hot." she pulled a face, "So hot."

"It is." Percy agreed happily- "It reminds me of Egypt."

"Of course it does." Piper laughed, "You really do love it there huh-"

"Well yeah." Percy smiled, "I've spent a lot of my life there, it's an amazing place."

"But it's not home."

"No. No it's not." Percy tilted her head back, enjoying the feeling of the sun on her face, "Brooklyn House is home. Where my family are is home. Where you are."

And if she'd have turned her head to look at Piper she'd have seen that her friend was blushing a bright shade of red- but she didn't.

"Well then." Piper let out a little cough, "Do you want to actually go to the base of the mountain."

"Yeah." Percy nodded, "That sounds like a good plan."

And together they headed down the rough off road track towards the base of the mountain.

It was very clear which of them was more used to hiking and travelling on paths like it fairly quickly- but Percy didn't comment when Piper struggled, she just silently grabbed Piper's hand and helped her. The other girl did enjoy hiking, but she didn't have as much experience.

They both munched on some of the snacks that Sally had packed as they walked.

It didn't take them too long to reach the base of the mountain- and it was as they did that Percy noticed a man wearing a red suit leaning against some rocks at the base of the mountain.

Percy's eyes narrowed as she felt Piper hesitate at her side.

"Who's that?" her voice was almost nervous, and Percy shifted, letting go of Piper's hand to tighten the straps of her backpack. "I- is it just me or does he look like he's waiting for someone- and- and I feel like he's looking at us. Do you feel like he's looking at us?"

"Yes, yes I do." Percy took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing. "That would be because he is looking at us." because even from this distance Percy was pretty sure she knew who it was- she could almost feel that cocky smirk of his from a mile away.

"He is?" Piper clearly saw something in her expression "Is- is this a bad thing? It looks like a bad thing."

"It's a worrying thing." Percy said smoothly, "Because mom didn't want the gods finding out about a possible inter pantheon issue. And that man over there, well, based on that suit I'm willing to bet that I know exactly who he is."

"He's a god?" Piper swallowed hard, "I- oh wow- this is my first time meeting a god up in the normal world- not counting that time you took me to meet your dad."

"Yep, well how would you like to meet his brother."

"His-" Piper paused, "I assume you don't mean your uncle Amos so-" her eyes widened, "Oh you can't be serious."

"Yep." Percy pressed her lips together, "It's Set. One of my least favorite gods." she took a deep breath, "And given the fact that he's here, I think he's expecting us." she grabbed Piper's hand, pulling her with her as she stormed towards the god- who straightened up, a smirk playing across his lips- and he looked just as he had when he'd visited them on the Egyptian Queen.

"Percy" his voice was friendly, "My favorite little Greekling. It's about time you got here."