XIV. Stolen Lightning
[Life Quest updated! Child of the Sea / The Ghost Whisperer…
Bonus Goal Complete: Identify the Lightning Thief
Bonus Reward: +10XP, +1PP
HiddenGoal Complete: volunteer to find Zeus' stolen lightning
Hidden Reward: +20XP, The Path of Heroes perk unlocked]
[New perk unlocked
The Path of Heroes (2PP): +10 to Battle Sense
Available:18 PP (Nico:14 PP / Percy: 12 PP)]
"You've got your equipment?"
"In our Inventory." the two boys answered
"Your charms won't work when on a quest." the goddess reminded them
"The same thing happened with Annabeth." Percy nodded, clearly having remembered as much
"Once you step out I can't help."
"We knew when we volunteered, Adra." Nico was the one to reassure the goddess, stepping forward and hugging her "You saved me, taught me, trained me… Now let me do what I've been born to do, oh goddess of heroes."
"How unfair of you to use this against me." the goddess protested weakly
She had seldomly felt so worried for her heroes – because this time, she wouldn't be by their side she knew… And while, just like Nico had said, she done all she could to prepare them, she still couldn't help but think it was far too early. Percy wasn't even ten year old! But she'd known when coming to this world – that it was going to dangerous, and difficult to change the path it was headed for – especially for the heroes who'd been unlucky enough to be born just as the world was heading toward great upheaval and dangerous times.
Gwendolyn, who had found the exchange rather strange at first had startled at Nico's last proclamation. Getting rid of the unshed tears in her eyes, Adra smiled "Yeah, I'm not quite like them." she said, a finger pointing toward the sky – and Olympus far above them "But I'm still held to some laws." she eyed the young woman critically "You've got good equipment," she praised "do you have some money, mortal, wixen and godly, ambrosia and nectar?"
While asking so she'd gotten a small leather purse out of her Inventory "Put a drop of blood on it, and it'll always come back to you." she informed the teen-aged girl "There a few necessities already inside, you'll find you'll be able to add quite a few things."
Seeing that the red-head clearly didn't know how to thank her, she hugged her just like she had Nico, Percy soon following just because he could.
"God speed, little heroes. Make me proud."
With a last wave of their hand, the trio was soon getting lost in the evening traffic of Manhattan.
"It's just like the brat said," a familiar voice told her, tugging her back toward the 600 stories-high elevator toward Olympus "you've trained them well, now it's time for them to prove that they've learned well."
Adra smiled thankfully at the god of wine's reassurance - Dionysus informing her that the half-bloods wer back at camp, but the Olympians still in talks. The day was far from over...
¤.¤.¤
In Olympus, the Great Temple was still abuzz with worry and excitement.
"It's time to prepare for war." Ares was crowding wildly – for once, no one was contradicting him
"The prophecy was rather clear," Poseidon agreed heavily "I'm going to tell the cyclops to get back to weapon-crafting."
"Do so." Zeus agreed, starting to hand out instruction to his fellow gods
Finally he turned toward Adra, Carter and Pyxis "For now, we can only prepare, and wait for our heroes' performance but…" he eyed the other Olympians around "I feel the time for even us gods to take arms again is coming swiftly."
"It seems so," Adra agreed "but you won't be fighting alone."
The god nodded – secretly thankful that the young witch had already provoked so much changes around them – because he hadn't realized before, how many of their children resented them for their lack of implication… Yet it had been clear with merely months that the situation had become far better, and the prayers that reached him now were less tinted with fear – and more with gratefulness, something that hadn't happened in a long time, and that he had fruitlessly tried to convince himself he wasn't missing.
Because the king of the god knew that leading by fear was easy – but it was when people loved you that they truly made great things happen in your name.
He turned back toward his council "We've still guests incoming tonight. Let it not be said that the first time Olympus opened it's door back was disappointing for our guests! War maybe coming tomorrow, so tonight, let's feast!" he turned toward his son "Tell the naiad to arrange a feast at the Camps too."
Roars of approval echoed, and Adra, Carter and Pyxis shared amused yet approving glances at that. After all – Zeus was right, they'd all started all the preparations they could, and their heroes had already headed out…
Right now, all that was left to do was to wait and see, and what better way to do this than by feasting and not giving Kronos the pleasure of knowing he'd had them worried?
¤.¤.¤
"So the little girl was a goddess?"
"Adra isn't a regular goddess." Nico nodded "She's an incarnate, which means her body is mortal right now. Because of this the rules for her to use her powers are different from the other immortals, but well, there are still some rules even the gods must obey…"
"Like she can train us, but she can't do thing instead of us." Percy added "She went on a quest with Annabeth last year, she mainly used powers she could learn as a witch or a half-blood."
"Except for the souls of Mitras' followers," Nico contradicted "but well… Annabeth and Jason would have found another way to solve the situation, while it directly touched one of Adra's domain. Gods gets touchy when something goes too much against their domain." a shrug "It's instinct for them just as much as it's instinct for us demigods to quest!"
The comparison hit home, and the red-head was now focusing back on their mission.
"Still, we know that Alabaster has stolen the king's lightning bolt, and given what you've said…" she eyed Nico "He's heading toward the underworld. Since there was no argument between the brothers, I doubt it's your father's work so…" her face grew grim "It's the one in the pit, right?"
"He's been sending dreams to Luke to make him angry for months," Percy explained "but Luke is far too good to let himself be swayed so easily!"
"Anger is Luke fatal flaw, so it really wasn't easy for him." Nico explained "But thanks to Adra who saved him when was young ,and the ways Olympus has changed, he knew better than to give in to his anger."
Gwendolyn looked intrigued – but didn't pry.
"Right, so Alabaster was probably chosen instead of Luke… I mean the first one is a talented son of the god of thieves, the other has magic, so both choices made sense." the centurion mused "And right now he's probably headed toward the nearest entrance to the underworld."
"Los Angeles." Nico answered the unasked question
"Well, we've got our destination, but still… It would be better if we managed to catch him before he's so close to his intended destination." Percy mused
"Intended destination…" Nico repeated, and eyebrow rising "what kind of vocabulary is this for a brat not yet ten year old? You've been spending way too much time with the wise girl!" he teased, making the son of Poseidon blush crimson "Still, you're right… Do any of you have anything that belonging to Alabaster?"
"He was the one tasked with handing out the quiz." Gwendolyn remembered, fishing a stack of sheet out of her messenger bag
Nico nodded, and took out a small whistle out of his Inventory. The little item was inky black, and didn't make a sound when he blew in it – but within moments, the shadows under his foots were bubbling ominously, and a gigantic creature stepped out of it.
"Ki Du," Nico sighed "what did I say about your size in the mortal real?"
The terrifying beast lowered it's red, gleaming eyes toward the son of Hades and let out a plaintive whine – the shadows swirled around it once more, and the massive shape was soon replace by a tall and shaggy black dog.
"This is Ki Du,"Nico introduced "say hello Ki Du."
The big dog dutifully raised a paw – and Gwendolyn couldn't contain herself anymore "Oh he is adorable!"
Percy eyed the girl dubiously – hadn't she been shaking in fear but a few seconds earlier?
"He's a kind of hell-hound raised by l'Ankou," Nico explained "dad gifted him to me for my fifteenth birthday." he gestured toward the stack of paper Gwendolyn had taken out "Here Kidu, take a sniff."
The tall dog dutifully stepped forward and started to inspect them, before looking quizzically at his master, and the red-head.
"Not her, the other scent."
A few moments later, the dog was raising his nose in the wind – and rushing away.
"He's heading toward the bus terminal," Percy was the first to recognized." I'd say he's found the right track!"
¤.¤.¤
"Los Angeles?" the clerk eyed the trio "Why are three kids like you going all the way there all alone?"
"My girlfriend and I are going visiting my grand-parents." Nico answered, calling the Mist around him to appear a bit older than he really was "Of course, my parents decided it was the perfect time for a romantic get-away, so we've been saddled with my brother."
Percy pulled out his tongue in the older teens' back at that, making the clerk laugh as his suspicions were eased away "The woes of being the eldest." he checked his planing "There was a departure ten minutes ago," he said "and the next one is at five past midnight."
The trio exchanged worried looks – this would mean giving nearly four hours of a head-start to Alabaster!
"Is there anything sooner?" Gwendolyn asked with a charming smile
"Well if you want you should be able to grab the bus for Las Vegas instead." the clerk mused "It's leaving in forty minutes."
"We'll take this one." Gwendolyn immediately agreed
"Are you sure?" Percy whispered as Nico was counting down the bills to pay
"I've got a good feeling about this!" the girl promised with a wining smile
Twenty-four hours later…
"A good feeling about this?" Percy shrieked as he dodged the attack of the gigantic snake "Really?!"
"How was I supposed to know that an Uktena would be waiting for us in Saint-Louis?!" Gwendolyn protested, before warning "Don't look at it!"
"How are we supposed to fight against a monster we can't even look at? And why can't we look?"
"There's a hypnotic diamond on it's head." the centurion warned "And beware of it's horns too!"
After a first day of travel rather uneventful – the three of them had existed the bus in Saint-Louis, where the stop would be lasting a couple of hours, to stretch their legs and find something to eat…
They'd bought some sandwiches easily enough, then had walked toward the Gateway Arch Park that wasn't too far away to eat there.
They had barely started on their lunch – when they'd spotted a large, serpentine silhouette…
Clearly the snake, with it's body as large as the trees around them, didn't appreciate their intrusion on it's territory.
"Little half-bloods, what a perfect snack!"
Or rather- appreciated it a bit too much.
Thankfully, Gwendolyn had recognized the creature right away – because clearly, it didn't come from any Greek nor Roman bestiary…
"So how did Adra got rid of the basilisk without looking at it, again?" Percy tried to remember
"She pierced it's eyes. With a diamond, I doubt it's going to be quite that easy!" Nico answered as they kept on dodging
Around them, while some passerby had had the correct idea and ran away, other were stopping by and watching the show – the son of Hades briefly wondered what the Mist was making them see, and tugged on it…
Children that had annoyed a wild water-snake until it retaliated? He twisted the Mist – no way was he to be held responsible for a monster's attack! With a ripple of magic, the Mist obeyed his command, changing the scene to one where they had been unexpectedly attacked by the wild beast.
"Do you really think now's the time to play with the Mist?"
"Do you want to be known as a beast abuser?"
"My bad, please proceed!"
Meanwhile, Percy had dropped back, warning "I've got an idea, keep it's attention!"
Nico, Ki Du and Gwendolyn did just so, dodging around the large snake's attack – until suddenly, coming from the side, a large tarpaulin rushed toward the monster's head, propelled by a heavy stream of water from the nearby river.
"I won't b able to keep at it too long!" Percy warned
The other half-bloods nodded, and with a shared glance jumped forward, finally able to attack back.
"This thing's sure is heavy skinned!" the red-head heaved as both she and Nico hacked at it
The snake trashed a few more time – and finally, just as Percy dropped his water stream, unable to hold on any longer, the creature stopped struggling, and disappeared in a cloud of golden dust.
[Life Quest updated! Child of the Sea / The Ghost Whisperer…
Goal Complete: defeat the Uktena
Reward: +5XP
BonusGoal Complete: defeat the monster by using your mind
Bonus Reward: +10XP, +1 PP]
"I'm pretty sure it's mocking us…" Percy mumbled to Nico as he tiredly walked back toward the other two half-bloods
In lieu of the snake, a large diamond had appeared.
"Spoils, uh." Nico mused, eyeing the large gem dubiously "I don't really see how we could share it, how about making an offering?"
"I've got a bad news." Gwendolyn chose this moment to interrupt "Look at the time…"
Both boys glanced at their watch – and blanched.
"Crap the bus!"
"I'm pretty sure it's already gone." Gwendolyn sighed "Luckily we have all our stuff with us thanks Adra's bag! Well… who's up for some hitch-hiking?" she finally saw the large gem and whistled loudly "Hou shiny! Think of the ring we could do with this!"
"For a giantess maybe." Percy laughed – the diamond was easily as large as his head after all "We were thinking of making an offering, since it's no as if we could split it."
The Roman demigoddess nodded.
"Do you want to chose to whom we're offering it?" Nico suggested "I mean you're the one who knew anything about it."
She eyed the boys, surprised at the suggestion, and seeing that both were agreeing she mused "It's not really evident because I didn't inherit much from that side of the family but… I'm part Cherokee you know. That's how I recognized the horned snake… I doubt if it would really work but… Would you mind if I gave it to the Great Sun since we're in the area of the Mississippian People?"
"I'm European so I really don't know much about local deities," Nico easily agreed "but as long as it's what you want I'm okay with it."
"I live in New York's magical district," Percy pointed out "there are so many different faiths I can't count them, so… As long as that's the one you wish to honor right now, that's what you should do!"
Gwendolyn smiled happily, and kneeled in front of the gem, bowing her head and calling "Oh Unelanuhi, please accept this offering."
All three heroes startled as they felt the ray of the sun focus of them, bathing them in warmth.
[Your offering has been received, Unelanuhi is please with you
Sun-Kissed perk unlocked]
[New perk unlocked
Sun-Kissed (5PP/ free for Nico, Percy and Gwendolyn): +50 HP
Available:18 PP (Nico:15 PP / Percy: 13 PP)]
The two holder of Chaos Game shared a stunned look at the free perk that added between 25 and 50% Health Points to each, before slapping Gwendolyn on the back "You were right!" Percy praised "The Great Sun was a great idea! I'm feeling great!"
The girl nodded along with a happy smile – while she didn't have the benefit of an Interface to put words to how she was feeling, it was undeniable that the sun had somehow done something to them.
They sent a last thankful prayer toward the deity, and went back toward the city center, intent on finding a ride out of town.
¤.¤.¤
A few hours later, they were in a truck on highway 44 – headed directly toward Tulsa.
"Well," Percy mused "we could check with Pipper's dad to see if he could give us a lift?" he grinned "I'm pretty sure he's been granted a two-way portkey to LA for his work!"
"Portkey, that's some wixen device, right?" Gwendolyn tried to remember
"It's a teleportation item between two destinations." Nico agreed
"Isn't it against the rules of a quest?"
"It's not. If we were told by a god to teleport, that would be interfering, but us remembering about a teleportation item is different." Nico contradicted, before pointing "Besides, we won't know if it's possible before we reach Tulsa."
"Still. It would be good if it works." Gwendolyn mused "Not only we would finally have enough time for a shower, but it also mean we could wait for Alabaster at the bus station."
"Speaking of bus station…" Nico mused "Since Alabaster took the bus toward LA, shouldn't we be able to catch him in Tulsa?"
"It'll be too late by the time we arrive there." Gwendolyn sighed "We wasted nearly three hours getting out of Saint Louis and finding a lift, the bus' stop at Tulsa is in an hour, and they'll have already left by the time we arrive there."
"Well, let's bet on the McLean express then." Percy mused
"Hey kids!" the trio turned toward the driver, that had just rolled down the window pane that separated the forward part of the mini-trunk from the aft one where they were huddled together to protect themselves from the wind "I'm making a pause in the next station, so if you want to stretch your legs or go to the restroom, now's the time."
"Thank you!"
"But don't take too much time or I'm leaving without you!" the gruff man warned without much heat
The trio shared a look "Last time we left our vehicle we got attacked…" Percy pointed out "So I'm voting for staying right there and not risk loosing our wheels."
"Don't we need to call that guy you're hoping we get a lift with?" Gwendolyn pointed out
"We should." Nico agreed "Let's try to be quick."
They got off the truck, quickly finding a pay-phone, and impatiently waiting for the man to pick-up.
"He's not home." Percy groaned
"Let's try his secretary." suggested Nico
"I hate that witch." the younger protested while still composing a new number
"That's far too mean to all the wixen females around the world." Nico teased, before interrupting himself as the call was answered
It took far too long to convince Jane to hand the phone over to Tristan – making them nearly miss their ride toward Tulsa, as the driver was already starting the engine by the time they jumped back into the truck.
"A few more seconds and I was leaving without you."
"Sorry about that," Nico sighed "we were trying to arrange for a ride in Tulsa, but the secretary of our friend's dad is a bitch."
Even Gwendolyn had to agree with that – after just a few minutes hearing her on the phone.
"Honestly I don't understand why he doesn't fire her." Percy "She's tried to get Pipper and Annabeth in trouble each time they've hung out together!"
"If she continues to try and sabotage Pipper, then she won't lasts long." Nico pointed out optimistically "After all mister McLean dotes on his daughter."
The amicable banter was broken by Gwendolyn "Guys… I think we're followed…"
The two boys followed her gaze – toward what appeared to be a large bird
"I'm pretty sure I saw this thing watching us at the fuel station." the girl said "I've got a bad feeling about this…"
"Any idea about what it could be?" Percy wondered, squinting his eyes to try and see the creature better
A moment of silence, as all three tried to identify the avian…
¤.¤.¤
"A strix." Nico finally realized "Giant owl-like bird that likes to disembowel people, drink their blood eat their flesh."
"Ugh. What a marvelous creature. I'm guessing it's from your father's place?" Percy wondered
"It's from the pit." the older teen contradicted him
"Any weak point?"
"The sun light."
"Great." snarked the red-head demigoddess, looking pointedly at the moon that was rising
"The sun will be rising by the time we reach Tulsa," Percy pointed out "it's summer after all."
"Anything else we need to know about the bird of doom?"
"They've got a paralyzing agent on their claws."
"So their beak will tear you apart and their claws will paralyze you. Does the feathers do something too?" Gwendolyn couldn't help but ask
"Not the feathers no but…" Gwendolyn sighed dramatically "when you kill one, it'll attract others."
"So what… We just try to avoid the hits and wait for the sun light?" Percy protested dubiously
"I guess you two Greek don't have a shield, right?" Gwendolyn mused, not putting any heat in the 'Greek' word
"No shield." both boys easily confirmed, making the girl sigh despondantly
"I have been training to use water as a shield." Percy mused "And I do have a few jerrycans stored since I'm not yet able to call water from the air but…"
"There's no way you can last two hours." Nico easily guessed, having done his own share of training and experimentation with his own powers "And I've trained to reinforce my sword with shadows, but not to make a shield, that's my sister's specialty."
"How long could you last?" Gwendolyn asked
"Maybe an hour…" Percy mused with some hesitation "But I'll be useless after this."
"We'll carry you." the demigoddess promised "Wait until the last second to make your shield, in the meantime…" she gestured at the odds and ends that were littering the back-space of the truck "Let's make ourselves a cover."
"Will it hold against those things?" Nico asked dubiously
"If it delays them even a moment, it's still a win."
With that, Percy sat against the truck's cabin, getting his water stocks out of his Inventory, while Nico and Gwendolyn started to rummage through the broken bits littering the back of the truck, looking at what could be useful to create a makeshift.
The time seemed to go both too slow and too fast as the trio kept and eye on the bird while working – then finally, the strix caught up with they and swooped toward them, sharp beak and red claws gleaming dangerously in the night.
Percy focused on the incoming bird, ignoring both Nico and Gwendolyn urging him to raise his shield
"When you want shorty!"
"Not yet." he whispered, waiting just a few second more
Nico wince, sword at the ready, as he saw th claw already trying to reach for them – then the temperature dropped by several degrees as a large bubble of water started to expand around Percy, violently projecting the owl-like creature back
"Wouhou! Take that!" crowed wildly Gwendolyn as the bird tumbled on the ground, looking rather ruffled by the unexpected experience
Of course – it wasn't enough to discourage it, and over the next sicty minutes, the bird came again several time to test the shield, eventually realizing that Percy was weakening and deciding to bid it's time, following them from a small distance.
"You know, usually I rather like owls…" Percy complained his voice growing strained as it was quite clear it was becoming more and more difficult to hold on his shield "They're beautiful, and intelligent, and they bring letters…" he narrowed his eyes at the creature following them "But this one I really, really don't like."
"You're going to make Oracle sad if you suddenly don't like him anymore." Nico teased
"Oh right," Gwendolyn realized "Wixen uses owls, right?" she realized "Say, you're not a wizard, water boy, you seem to know a lot about them?"
"That's because my step-dad's an enchanter." Percy explained proudly "I bet if I have a little brother or sister, they'll be magic too!" a sigh "But apparently mum an dad aren't in a hurry to give me siblings. Maybe I should ask Leifr about it?"
Nico nearly strangled himself at that, and warned "Don't… Except if you don't mind Leifr being the mom or dad of said sibling."
"True." Percy agreed – after all, Loki was clearly the more prolific god they knew with three new half-bloods within the decade "I'm getting really tired…" he admitted with a rather cute yawn "Be ready to take over."
"We will be ready." the red-head promise "Beside, you're doing great, water boy, it's been nearly seventy minutes."
"Then I've broken my best time." Percy said happily – barely finishing his sentence before falling unconscious
Around them, the water was suddenly released, drenching them – and more importantly, the strix, that had been patiently waiting for it's time, was now swooping toward them once more.
"Wow, are you alright kids?"
Nico took a hold of the Mist – and realized the driver was seeing them attacked by a big vultur.
"Just a mad bird, sir."
"I'm gonna try to get rid of it!"
The strix hadn't expected the truck to suddenly sway on the road – and was once more hitting the coaltar "Ah! Not bad for an old man, eh kids?"
"You're the best!" praised quite honestly the two half-bloods still conscious
"I'm gonna go a bit faster to get rid of it," the man warned "Take a good hold!"
Between the improvised cover they'd crafted and their driver's rather daring steering, another half an hour had gone by without the golden-eyed bird being able to come near them – but finally, it had managed to feint the driver.
Nico had reacted first, then let out a loud curse as the bird disappeared in a golden cloud.
"Well, whether there's one or more of them," Gwendolyn reassured him "all we have to do is to hold on until dawn."
Nico nodded – the Roman girl was right after all, and right now the night was already starting to grow clearer.
Rarely had the son of Hades, so used to dark places and shadows, looked so much forward to daybreak.
It took a while before the new strixes found them – but by the time they were entering Tulsa's suburbs, nearly a dozen of bird were flying ominously around them.
"This is where we're meeting our family friend." Nico indicated as they neared the Hard Rock Hotel's parking "Thanks for all mister, and we're gonna run because of the birds!"
"Crazy birds!" the man agreed "Take care kids!"
"Thanks again!" Gwendolyn reiterated as they jumped from the truck that hadn't quite yet stopped, Percy on her back
"It's the blue pick-up." Nico gestured as they started to run
This time – there was no avoiding killing the birding, all that counted was to stay unscathed as long as possible. Tristan must have seen what was going on as the pick-up was suddenly starting, and speeding toward them, frightening the strixes just long enough for the three kids to pile into the vehicle.
"So what's with the birds?"
"We need the sun to kill them." Nico explained "Thanks for picking us up!"
"I'm happy to help." Pipper's dad answer "I remember all too well how sick with worry Frederick was when Annabeth went down that temple last year winter."
"Right." Nico remembered
"Anyway, I'm heading back toward Tahlequah, my portkey is set to my home there." Tristan explained "I known you couldn't say much on the phone, but can I know what's going on?"
"We're trying to catch a thief that took somehting from the king of Olympus." Gwendolyn explained "He's managed to catch the bus to LA before us, but if we manage to get there before him…"
"Then you'll be able to catch him at the station." the older man easily deduced while making another abrupt turn to get rid of the birds
There was a chorus of screeching that managed to awake even Percy, and the four in that pick-up witnessed the end of the strixes, as they were burned to cinder by the rising sun.
[Life Quest updated! Child of the Sea / The Ghost Whisperer…
Goal Complete: survive the strixes
Reward: +5XP
BonusGoal Failed: avoid killing any bird (17/0)]
"Well," Tristan commented with some humor "that's done with. Take a nap, we've got about one hour on the road still."
"Thanks again mister McLean." Nico reiterated, before closing his eyes – any moment of rest was to be taken advantage after all
Soon – the famous actor was the only one awake in the vehicle. He smiled biter-sweetly at the trio fast asleep in the backseats, fearing, yet knowing that inevitable – the day would come when it would be his little Pipper's turn.
Already, the young girl, only one year younger than the sleeping son of Poseidon, was manifesting stronger and stronger powers. He was quite thankful for the clan to have found him and educated him on the little girl powers – otherwise couldn't imagine how he'd coped with a daughter that accidentally charmed everyone around her, making people obey all her demands, even the most unlikely…
He'd already had to talk-down a jockey who'd tried to present her with his own competitive horse, a pilot that had tried to teach her how to fly and numerous shop-attendant that systematical had to be reminded to ring the bill for them!
¤.¤.¤
Gently shaking the children awake, Tristan was impressed by how quickly all three opened their eyes, quickly shaking the exhaustion away – it really was when under strain that demigods proved why they were born heroes.
"We're home. Do you want a shower before going?" he looked at his watch "We have to be gone before eight, since I'm due on set at nine o'clock, but it still leaves you nearly two hours."
"All the gods bless you, mister McLean!" Gwendolyn enthusiastically agreed – quickly calling dibs on the shower
Nico laughed at her antics, and encouraged Percy to sleep more before helping the actor start cooking the breakfast. Within a few minutes, there was someone at the door – and soon, old Aaron was helping too, thoughtfully glancing at the two half-bloods in the room.
"You've been touched by Unelanuhi." he finally stated, making Tristan startle
He'd wondered – and hoped – when he realized Greek, Romans, but also Norse and Celt truly existed… If the gods of his people could be real too.
"We encountered an uktena." the teen explained "And the spoil was it's diamond…" a shrug "It's not like we could split it, so we decided to offer it instead. Gwendolyn was the one to recognize the creature, and decide to whom we would be offering our hunt."
"So they really do exist…" the actor mused, wonder in his voice "Our gods too."
"They do." Nico agreed "We don't really know why some god are so powerful, while others have faded, beside the faith humans give them, but one thing is certain… Even the god that have faded aren't completely gone. So maybe all they need is a bit more faith..."
By eight in the morning, Tristan was in Shinning House, which the Lovegood had decided to lend him a long time ago – along with Gwendolyn, Nico and Percy.
"So," Nico pointed out "Alabaster should be arriving at the bus station tomorrow at ten AM. Shall we scout the area?"
"And the door to the underworld too." Gwendolyn pointed out
"Maybe we could warn the doorman not to let him enter?"
"Well, technically he isn't supposed to let any living pass through except if dad says it's OK…" Nico mused "But a second warning could always be useful."
"Well, I have to go to work but…" he disappeared a few moments, coming back with a wooden box, "Here put a drop of blood inside and you'll be temporarily added to ward." he instructed the trio "If you need a place to stay for the week, you'll be welcomed by the house."
The three thanked him – and soon all went their way, the half-bloods toward the city center and the bus station, while Tristan was back to the studios.
Exploring the bus station didn't take too long – and soon, they were heading toward the entrance to the underworld, following Nico's death sense since he didn't know the exact address.
It took them about an hour to arrive to the DOA Recording Studio. On the door, a poster was warning "NO SOLICITORS. NO LOITERING. NO LIVING."
"Well, seems like your senses guide us true, death boy." Gwendolyn teased "Shall we enter?"
The lobby was drab – steel grey walls and carpet, with black furniture. On a podium, a desk with a man, dark skinned with short blond hair.
"Hi, Charon."
"Oh, if this isn't boss' youngest." the other answered in kind "What brings you here?"
"We're on a quest."
"You know the rules kid, I can't let you pass without payment. Beside it's not like you really need me to come and go right?"
"Indeed. But there maybe another half-blood who'll come and seek passage." he warned
"And you want me to let him in?"
"Quite the contrary." Nico smile was surprisingly blood-thirsty "The king of the gods himself granted me a quest when I told him I'd stop that thief."
"Oh? Old Lightning Beard himself gave a boss' child a quest?" Charon's eyes were sparkling with curiosity "It must be for the same reason that all Olympians seems so busy since the solstice, right?"
"Maybe." Nico agreed "But I won't be able to tell you the tale if I don't manage to complete this quest!"
"Meh, keep the bratty half-blood in the lobby, I can do that!" Charon bragged with a wining smile "You better be ready for some story-telling at the next gathering! And I want some of those high-quality wixen chocolates too!"
"You'll have them." Nico promised
¤.¤.¤
It was only once the trio had left the lobby that a new silhouette appeared newt to the of Boundaries and Territories.
"Your brats seems to be managing quite well, eh Shadow?"
"That they seem." Adra agreed, far more at ease now that she'd seen them with her own eyes
She fetched a bottle out of her Inventory "Here, this is Leifr's latest creation."
"Oh? I'm not going to change into a cow, right?"
"No transformation." Adra promised "He's trying his hands at some new alcohols… Claims that he's tired of Asgard and the Sidh's mead and beer, and that he wants something stronger. So he's been trying for a godly version of the wixen firewiskey…"
The god raised his tortoise-shell shades, white eyes that would be quite unsettling for any mortal to witness shining with interest – quickly, he broke the wax seal and opened the bottle, cautiously taking a sniff.
"Oh, it sure smells interesting!" he agreed enthusiastically, turning the sign on his desk to 'Close' amidst the protest of the souls waiting for their turn "Let's have a taste!"
Two glasses made of emptied skull and colored glass appeared on his desk, and he dished out a large helping in each container.
"To the kids quest, and to the fights to come!" he proclaimed – knowing far more about the situation than he'd let on with the half-bloods
"To the fights to come, and to the victory after!" Adra concurred
Both helped themselves to quite a good swig.
"Oh this is good!" Charon crowed happily as his eyes and hair burst in near-white flames
"It is." Adra agreed, her own hair an ocean of black fire, her eyes burning green and gold "He's gained a massive boost in popularity in Asgard with this 'Fireale'. To think all he needed to be popular among the warriors was to use his magic to make booze."
Charon rolled his eyes "Honestly, a few years ago he didn't even want to hear about them Norse anymore and now he's making booze for them?"
"Nope." Adra corrected happily "He's selling them the booze! They could have had it free if only they weren't so stupid!"
"Hear, hear," Charon agreed while downing more of his drink "the only gods that have it harder than us deaths gods are them chaos gods!" a wink "Even if things have started to get better since you got here, little Shadow!"
¤.¤.¤
By the next morning, Percy, Gwendolyn -who'd finally snapped and told the boys to call her Gwen "or else" – Nico and Ki Du were all ready the bus station.
As the bus from New York came into view, Ki Du started to whine, making Nico confirm "He's aboard."
"I can't believe it." Percy complained "We had to use four different transportation, were attacked by snakes and birds, and this bastard just… Just sat in his bus like a pampered prince! Let's waste him!"
While they weren't quite as incensed as their youngest – both Gwen and Nico couldn't help but agree with the sentiment. Still, it was with baited breath that they waited, as the bus started to empty out… And sure enough, here was Alabaster, cautiously looking left and right before hurrying toward the DOA direction – and of course, stepping right in front of them.
Ki Du had been given the order to wait in the shadows, and attack and give chase only if it looked like the son of Hecate was getting the best of them.
Gwen was the first to jump at Alabaster, Imperial gold leaf-shaped blade in hand – Nico and Percy soon following, the first with his Stygian sword, the second with the celestial bronze Riptide, gifted by his father for his first attendance at Camp.
Alabaster quickly proved he wasn't by mistake he'd survive so long without a hiding charm – nor was his title as the current strongest half-blood child of Hecate undeserving.
He dodged the first attack, twisting his body left and right between the next two – before replying in turn.
It was Nico who realized first what was going on.
"He's getting away! Get him Ki Du!"
The grim rushed toward the escaping demigod, Gwen quickly dissipating the Mist-made body double the other had created – ruthlessly planting her sword in it's heart now that she knew it wasn't a real living being.
Percy groaned as he started to run - no matter how trained he was, the other three all had at least half a decade on him – physically speaking, he couldn't compete, quite plainly.
Still running, he spotted a fountain a few meters ahead of the printing teenagers – with a mischievous smile he thrust a hand forward, calling the water to bend to his will.
"Yeah! Way to go, pip-squeak!" enthousiastically called Gwen as Alabaster was thrown to the ground thanks to his intervention
Slipping in and out of the shadows, Nico had come from a few meters behind to just on top of the son of Hecate, blade to his throat.
"You have something that don't belong to you." the son of Hades stated coldly "And it's time to give it back."
"Bah! Others will come after me!"
"Ah, ah, ah!" Gwen taunted, blade against another Alabaster's throat "Fool me once shame on you…"
"Fool me twice shame on me." Percy completed, having used the torrent of water still dangerously dancing around the fountain to approach unseen, relieving the boy from his bag
"Look at you all, proud little daddy's boys!" the teen spit with rage "You'll sing a different tune when they decide once more you're too much of a burden for them to care for!"
Not even listening, Percy had been searching through his bag.
"
Got it." he confirmed to his team-mates, eyeing warily the tool brimming with godly powers – it really was a miracle Alabaster had managed to come so far with this thing without accidentally frying himself – and a few hundred kilometers around him
Fed up with listening to the other demigod's hate-speech, Gwen wrinkled her nose, and knocked him out with her sword's pommel
[Life Quest updated! Child of the Sea / The Ghost Whisperer…
Goal Complete: get the stolen lightning back
Reward: +5XP
BonusGoal Complete: captureAlabaster Torrington
Bonus Reward: +10XP, +1 PP]
"So… All that's left is getting this back to the king, right?" Gwen mused
"Right." Percy agreed hesitantly – he had the feeling they were missing something
Nico too, clearly, given the troubled face he was making.
¤.¤.¤
"I should be able to shadow-travel us back to the front of the Empire State Building." the son of Hades mused "It would take quite a bit of energy, but if all we've got to do after is taking the elevator." a shrug "I should be alright."
"Are those shadows safe for us not related to the Silent One?" Gwen couldn't help but wonder
"Sure." Nico easily confirmed "As long as we don't spent too much time inside, it's alright. I've already taken several people along."
"It's cold, and dark," Percy shuddered "but it's really useful!" a wistful sigh "I wish I knew how to fast-travel with water like that!"
"Well, let's get to it then!" Gwen agreed
Percy took a hold of Nico's hand, knowing it was a requirement – seeing the teen's expectant look, Gwen guess quickly enough she had to do it too. Throwing Alabaster on her back like a sack of potatoes, she grabbed the son of Hades' other and, and they disappeared in the shadows.
Nico immediately knew something had gone wrong – as the darkness creeping around them weren't the familiar shadows of his father's realm but something far more sinister.
He couldn't say who had screamed – maybe it was only in his head, or maybe it was all of them…
The three heroes and their prisoner stumbled of the terrifying darkness in a huge, dark cavern – with a chasm the size of a city block in the middle. The obsidian gravel ground was sloping toward the terrifying maw in the middle, and the air was filled with murderous energy.
In such a desolated scenery, the luxurious pelt, fur so long and soft looking it made one want to roll in it – shining a bright golden – was sticking out like a sore thumb.
"You shouldn't be here." a voice urgently whispered
The trio startled, on their guard, and turned to realize that there was a girl, looking barely thirteen year old, with dark cocoa skin and startling golden eyes, half hidden in the entrance of a dark corridor – the only way out of the cave, clearly.
"You shouldn't be here." the girl reiterated, more urgently "It's becoming more and more powerful!"
"Sister." Nico realized, recognizing the familiar aura only people touched by death held
"Maybe, I don't know," the other impatiently answered "are you coming or not?" she eyed the hole worryingly "The surge of power are more and more frequent…"
Just then, it happened – a surge, just like she'd said.
Nico stumbled, while Percy and Gwen fell to the ground, head in their hands – terrible images filled their mind, and even the son of Hades found himself wishing for death so gruesome were the vision.
That was when a voice echoed – cold and evil, and coming out of the chasm.
"Little half-bloods, come, come and bring me what you held in your bag."
The girl was right, Nico realized – they had to get out of there…
But.
His eyes strayed to the item that was emanating a warmth so unusual in the depths of the underworld.
This – this couldn't stay here.
"You won't be able to take it." the girl contradicted "It's stuck."
"We can't alone the one in the pit to heal anymore!"
"I know," the girl protested "but no one else can resist this place for long! I saw the one who brought this here, and he became mad and jumped in!"
"Then the sooner we take it, the faster we'll get out!" Nico answered, while keeping a worried eye on Gwen and Percy
The demigoddess – was still shaking, while Percy was seemingly trying to fight against something – then suddenly, he seemed to snap out of a trance and roared "I won't!"
The ground under them shook under the strength of his anger – but it had also made Gwen regain her mind.
[Life Quest updated! Child of the Sea / The Ghost Whisperer…
HiddenGoal Complete: resist the Crooked One's call
Hidden Reward: +20XP, Fury of the See and Calm of Death perks unlocked]
[New perk unlocked
- Fury of the Sea (2PP / free for Percy):+5% FORTITUDE
- Calm of Death (2PP / free for Nico):+5% PERCEPTION
Available:18 PP (Nico:16 PP / Percy: 14 PP)]
A flare of furious power echoed in answer, and they rushed back toward the tunnel – before witnessing the dark, oily feeling receding.
"He's not yet strong enough to break out." Percy realized with a relieved sigh
"He'll soon be." Gwen contradicted voice still wobbly from her ordeal "This… This is the golden fleece, we've got to get it out of here."
"I can get it…" a weak voice interjected
Surprised, Gwen dropped the apparently awake Alabaster, making him groan in pain.
"Why would you help?" she mused suspiciously "This what you wanted after all!"
"This isn't what I wanted." the other contradicted, the way his eyes were warily eyeing the chasm making them realize he'd been awake for longer than they though
"Oh sure, his words were sweet enough, talking of the lack respect afforded to my mother, and how arrogant and cruel the Olympians are…" Alabaster's eyes grew colder as he went on "I still believe that. But…" the word stopped Gwen, that had looked about ready to pummel him again "No matter how bad they are… There's no way this thing isn't worse. So I'll help you."
¤.¤.¤
"I believe him." Percy stated, gaining a few surprised look – he shrugged "You'd have to be dumb to feel this power and think the one under is all sunshine and daisies." the youngest among them pointed out "Besides, he was honest enough in telling us he still doesn't like the gods."
Nico nodded reluctantly – and finally, Gwen did too.
"Well I guess we've found the lost ally and the enemy." she mused
"So what's your plan, Alba?" the son of Hades asked
"I'll use a Mistform to grab that things attention." he shuddered "It'll probably take all my power, so please don't leave me behind. Meanwhile, Gwen the barrier that's protecting it, and Percy grabs it as quickly as possible…" he pointed at a large rock, nearly hidden under the gravel "Break this and you'll be good."
"What about the backlash?"
"We'll have to endure long enough for Nico to get us out of here."
"I can raise a wall." the still unnamed golden-eyed girl quipped
"Perfect. Then you raise your wall, and Nico does his bit."
"The Crooked One as already waylaid us once." the son of Hades couldn't help but point out
"He's probably used up quite a bit of powers then, even better."
"This is madness." their unexpected ally protested, her eyes getting a hard glint "By the way, I'm Hazel. Let's do this… Or die again trying!"
Once started – the plan proceeded surprisingly swiftly…
Hazel and Gwen had to nearly drag the son of Hecate toward the golden fleece, so deep was his focus on the Mist illusion he was weaving – the power in the chasm was speaking again, but clearly it wasn't aimed toward them anymore. Even like that – the feeling of cold it elicited was pervasive, and all were happy to get nearer to the only source of warmth around.
As soon as they were close enough, Gwen had destroyed the ward stone with a well-aimed, quite powerful blow that somehow hit just the right spot, destroying it in an instant.
Percy jumped toward the golden fleece, while Hazel threw her hands forward, the ground quickly rising around them – not quite fast enough to muffle the terrifying, enraged scream or the unimaginably powerful wave of dark power that was rushing out of the abyss– but Nico was already doing his part, and this time, the shadows were far more welcoming…
[Life Quest updated! Child of the Sea / The Ghost Whisperer…
HiddenGoal Complete: reclaim the Golden Fleece
Hidden Reward: +10XP, +1 PP]
The golden fleece still in Percy's hand was pulsing, and all could feel the warmth seeping back into their bones – and finally, they stumbled out in front of the Empire State Building.
Alabaster was leaning on Nico, who was leaning Gwen – who was steadying a stumbling Hazel, along with a weary Percy.
¤.¤.¤
They were attracting quite a few look with their odd look and demeanor in the center of Manhattan – but right now, they couldn't care less as they stumbled across the road, sticking out like sore thumbs in the middle of the pristine lobby.
"We're heading for the 600th story." Percy informed the security officer that was manning the desk near the elevator
"You have a proof of access?"
"We're back from a quest." Nico answered, sticking the necklace with the Camps' bead out of his shirt
The man nodded and took out a golden pass – a moment latter, they were in Olympus.
The realm of the gods was different from how it had been a few days ago, they all realized – there was a new kind of agitation around, spirits and minor gods looking rather busy and preoccupied rather than laid-back and enjoying life like they had been. Still, their presence did bring smiles to their face, naiad and other spirits urging them toward the great temple and congratulating them on a mission complete.
The glances thrown toward Alabaster – were more sad than angry, they realized, even the son of Hecate himself looking rather surprised at this, as he had quite naturally expected hate, or at least anger headed his way.
The great temple was in the different configuration than it had been during the solstice council – the great throne empty as the Olympian had adopted a more convenient human size; and more importantly, there were far more than twelve gods in the bursting with agitation temple.
Athena and Ares were in discussion with a goddess with chestnut hair braided with clover wearing a dark green chiton, a tall dark haired goddess with golden laurel in her hair and a glittery dress, a goddess with short curly dark hair wearing a red leather jacket, black jean and boots and a tall black-haired god wearing a peplos and a lion skin over it like a cape.
A bit further away, Artemis and Dionysus were in deep talk, earning quite a few stunned look – not far from them, Demeter was interjecting in their talk from time to time, and another goddess, with honey-blond hair and light green eyes seemed to be listening quite intently too.
Hades and Pyxis were talking with Poseidon and Zeus, the Greek god of death looking rather uncharacteristically agitated – as for Adra, she was in a strange group with Aphrodite, a little girl the half-bloods were quite sure they'd met at Camp a few times, a goddess with shining black eyes and the smile of the serial killer, and a golden-eyed, impossibly beautiful god with dark, teak-colored skin and long black hair.
All conversations died down as the strange, tired group arrived – and them were pushed in the middle of the assembly quite naturally.
Nico was the first to kneel, the others following a heart-beat behind him – except Alabaster, but he was still dragged to the ground by Nico and Gwen, and given how exhausted he was, didn't protest too much. His attention was on a goddess with pale skin familiar dark hair and green eyes, wearing a black chiton ornamented with silvery runes – it was impossible to miss the resemblance between the demigod and the goddess who could only be his mother.
"Rise and tell us your tale, heroes." Zeus ordered – even in regular size, his voice seemed to boom as if thunder was echoing his every word
Nico did just that – Percy and Gwen interjecting here and there when they felt he was missing a detail.
Finally, Percy laid the lightning bolt and the golden fleece before them, the boy clearly reluctant to handle the dangerous weapon too much.
"You've completed your quest well, son of Hades." Zeus praised – earning a few surprised look, particularly from his eldest brother "Still," he eyed the group "Three left, and five are back how should we handle this?"
There was silence, then Hecate stepped forward, bowing by the half-bloods' side.
"My Lord."
"Speak, Hecate. What would you have me do with your child?"
"What Alabaster did was unforgivable." the goddess started, ignoring the hurt look she earned from her son "But it came from filial piety, and he did help the questers in the end." she pointed out
"Right you are." Zeus agreed, despite the anger still clear in his eyes each time they glanced over the dark-haired demigod – the thunder outside more than proof enough that his apparent calm was something he was barely holding on
He took a deep breath, then stated "Rise, Alabaster Torrington."
The teen did so, eyes still full of defiance – yet a bit more uncertain as he glanced toward his mother.
"You are banished from Olympus. You shall never set foot in Camp Half-Blood nor Jupiter. Neither Greek nor Romans gods will ever answer your prayer again nor grant you protection." the king of god proclaimed "But… in thanks for your help, and considering that you were still wise and courageous enough to oppose the Crooked One, you are free to leave this place with your life. Your mother may collect your belonging, and will be authorized to communicate with you as long as it is done outside of Olympus' territory."
Alabaster nodded somberly, then raised his head with a hard-headed glint in his eyes. Hecate made to stop him – but Zeus raised a hand "Speak."
"I really think you are stringing all of us half-bloods along with all your new changes, suddenly pretending you care... I'm pretty sure soon enough you'll get bored and fall back in your old flaws. After all, you haven't changed in over two thousand years, so why now?"
The flippant statement had agitated quite a few gods – but while there were heated whispers all around; all were waiting for Zeus himself to talk.
"But…" Alabaster forged on, making all wait with baited breath "I really, really, hope you'll prove me wrong. If not for me, for all of those children at Camp that waited their whole life for a bit of love and attention."
To everyone's surprise, he bowed "Good luck with the war. Farewell."
¤.¤.¤
Stunned silence echoed – and Alabaster, with another, deeper bow toward his mother, left the great temple, head high.
All were stunned to see the king of the gods simply letting him leave, before turning toward his mother "Go to him if you want, then come back. There's still much to go over."
The goddess hastily nodded, briefly bowing before disappearing in a flash.
Nico, Gwen and Percy shared a glance.
They understood all too well from where the son of Hecate's bitterness came from – even if things had changed, the majority of the half-bloods at camps had all suffered, one way or another, from the old laws. Believing that things had truly changed wasn't easy for them – and while there were those that were hopeful, or wanted to enjoy the good times while they lasted, Alabaster wasn't alone in mistrusting the gods, and holding on his anger.
Turning toward Hades, Zeus gestured at Hazel "Well, brother, I'd say this one is yours both by blood and status?"
There was a minor shift, as Pluto replaced Hades and agreed "Hazel Levesque, step forward my child."
The girl did so, worry in her eyes "I'm sorry, I didn't know we would leave the underworld!" she interrupted herself as she realized that behind her, the three questers we once more kneeling
"All hail Hazel Levesque, daughter of Pluto, king of the underworld, lord of riches." Gwen was the one to call – then in a whisper that was of course heard by all given the assembly "Wow, I always dreamed of doing that!" making Nico and Percy snort
Still – they understood where the centurion was coming from – up until recently, the Roman hadn't really claimed their child like they did when they were in their Greek form… And while the Legion did emphasize the esprit de corps feeling of being a part of an organization, sometimes it did feel good to be singled out for a positive reason.
"Do not fret, daughter." Pluto answered the young teenager's apology "I told you before you were born too soon… While the tapestry has changed, your time is still coming."
"Oh." Nico realized "She's not alive, is she?"
"She's not." Adra was the one to confirm "Yet her time to live isn't over yet, just like her father said…"
"I've been dead for… for I don't know how long!" the girl couldn't help but protest
"Fifty-two years." the Roman god answered "Yet you still have a full life ahead of you."
"I can't!" Hazel protested, tears in her eyes "I don't deserve it!"
"Wow, it's the first time I see someone arguing for staying dead." Percy mused – with how tired he was, it was becoming difficult to filter his thoughts
"If you still feel guilty for that sin that wasn't yours," Pluto contradicted "then atone for it in life." his smile was rather cold, reminding all once more that death was his dominion "After all death is easy… And you may well end up bellow again quickly if you're not cautious, with the times that are ahead."
The girl's eyes took a stubborn glint, that Nico was far too familiar with – how could this girl look so much like his sister, despite the two of them being as different as possible?
"Then I'll live." she agreed "And I'm not coming back down there for a long, long time."
"Do so." Pluto agreed with a soft smile – making his daughter realize that somehow, she'd lost the argument
¤.¤.¤
"Well," boomed Zeus "now that's done with… Nico Di Angelo, son of Hades, Perseus Jackson, son of Poseidon and Gwendolyn O'Sullivan, legacy of Fortuna; step forward." the three did just so "You went into the West, caught the thief that dared rob me, managed to escape the pit's vicinity and brought back an artifact long lost." he claimed, eliciting joyous whispers from the crowd
"You survived against all odds," he took over "the very moment the Crooked One escaped his jail."
The four half-bloods present shared stunned look.
Escape – they had realized the terrifying being in the pit had escaped!
"It could be argued that young Perseus unexpected discovery of his earth-shacking talent may have hastened the breaking of the door." Zeus mused – Poseidon made to protest, but his brother was already forging on "Yet let it not be said that the gods can't attribute fault and merit where they are truly due."
Poseidon settled back, looking relieved.
"It wasn't any of you that chose to hunt the golden fleece and use it with such ill intent, and quite the contrary you recovered this precious artifact and returned it to us." his smile was somber "Victory is yours today, heroes. Head back to camp, eat, feast, rest… Then train, because dark times are coming and you'll all need to be ready."
The trio nodded.
Having felt how terrifying the Big Three's father was, it was difficult not to fear the days to come.
"We've won this war once before." the king of the god commented, just as much for the children that his fellow gods and goddess "And we will again! Without the golden fleece, it'll take a long time for the Crooked One to gather his body and heal himself enough to dare and face us himself. And we won't stay idle in the meantime! When he come, we'll be ready!"
Right now, Percy mused – Zeus was rather impressive, and it was the first time he'd though of the king of gods as a genuinely good leader. He wondered if he could convince Adra to share the memory with Thalia – the girl still resented her father quite a bit after all, and right now, he had proved multiple times he was very different from how he used to be.
Sparing Alabaster – and not smiting him despite his rather daring speech; praising half-bloods for their efforts and letting a son of Hades lead a quest; preparing for war instead of denying the Crooked One's return or accusing the half-bloods of helping him…
This wasn't the same arrogant, stubborn guy Percy had heard so much about before.
With that – the solemn mood was over, and Percy and Nico were smothered in a hug by Adra.
"You've made me worry brats." the incarnated goddess claimed "But you made me proud too." she admitted, letting the two boys go and smiling at the two demigoddess that were witnessing the scene with an amused smile on their lip
"I'm proud of all of you." Adra reiterated "And you've more than proved yourselves as heroes." a finger on Hazel's lips prevent her front protesting "No mortal is perfect, and always doing good things." she told them "You may do things you're ashamed of, be afraid and run away… But as long as you stand your ground for what's truly important for you and genuinely fight for a better world, then you're really a hero."
"By this definition, even Alabaster would be a hero." Gwendolyn couldn't help but point out
"Isn't he?" Adra asked back "He never faltered from his conviction, he really wants for things to be better for all of the half-bloods…" a smile "And when it was truly important, he fought with you instead of running away. Without him, the Crooked One would be far more powerful right now."
"But… The king of gods exiled him." Hazel pointed out uncertainty
"Of course. He is a king after all, he couldn't well condone the acts of someone who'd so blatantly acted against him." Adra explained "But the simple fact he was so easily allowed to keep his life despite stealing something as important as a gods' symbol of power is proof enough that Zeus does acknowledge his valor." a smile "For now, just like he's said…" shadows swirled, opening a door toward Camp Half-Blood "There's a feast waiting for you., and I think you'll be happy to rest a bit too."
Seeing how she was dithering, Nico gently dragged his sister along "Come, sister." he teased "Don't tell me all those years in the underworld have made you forget how to enjoy a feast!"
The girl hesitated one last second – then deciding to trust the warm smile of the boy that she apparently shared a parent with, she let herself get dragged across the portal, toward an open air pavilion, with tall marble columns, a central brazier burning happily and a dozen of table nearly bending under the weight of the numerous platters of food set around.
"All hail the returning heroes!" a voice crowned from the table where the most people were assembled
¤.¤.¤
The shout was echoed by cat calls, whistle, even the sound of fists pounding on tables.
Hazel eyes' widened at the sight of children of all skin-tones and ethnic origins happily talking, eating and simply living side by side without anyone batting an eyelash about it.
How strange she mused – that it was by returning to life that she felt as if she'd found a paradise.
Nico and Percy were dragged toward the crowded table, while Gwen was taking her to another table.
"Boy do I have a story for you!" the red-head happily claimed toward the dozen or so of half-blood that seemed somewhat different for those of the other table
"This is Hazel, she's a daughter of Pluto," the other girl was happily explaining "And without her help we wouldn't be here to feast for a quest completed!"
There were a few that did give her strange, somewhat wary look when the red-head proclaimed her parentage, Hazel noted – but as the evening stretched on, and the half-bloods left the table for the amphitheater, where around the bright fire children off all the tables happily mingled, and there was singing, and numerous retelling of the quest, and marshmallow roasting…
She learned quite a bit about not only Camp Half-Blood, but also Camp Jupiter, the Roman counterpart that evening – and she quickly came to the conclusion that even the few wary look she'd earned from some because she was she daughter of Pluto truly weren't that bad compared to the blatant discrimination she'd lived through as a child in the 30's.
She was still a bit lost, and overwhelmed by her sudden return among the living – not to mention worried about the future, what with the Crooked One's escape from the pit…
But above all, she was thankful to have stumbled on the questers and helped them – and thankful to her father, who'd managed to convince her to give a new shot at life.
ADRASTEIA LV 51 (12 YO)
BODY
Agility 16(37)
Strenght 11(23)
Endurance 12(15)
SPIRIT
Intelligence 11(48)
Wisdom 17(36)
Fortitude 11(32)
HEART
Empathy 14(24)
Perception 11(33)
Sociability 15(25)
LUCK 14(33)
PERK ACQUIRED (76PP spend, 17PP available)
Black First Rite (1PP): grants Easy Black Magic Potency (+10 to Easy Spells of Battle Magic, War Magic and Curse)
Moon First Rite (1 PP): unlocks Light Battle Aura (+10 to all damages)
Potter First Rite (1 PP): unlocks Sensing Skill up to 25 SP
Ravenclaw First Rite (1 PP): unlocks +10 to easy memory tests and +5 to Mentamancy Skill
Moon Aura (2PP): unlocks a battle aura that grants +10% to all damages when active, and drains 25 MP per minute active
Khonsou'Small Favor (2PP): grants Easy Shielding Magic Potency (+10 damages parried by Easy shield spells)
Thot's Small Favor (2PP): grants Easy Healing Magic Potency (+10 healing done by Easy spells of all Healing Schools)
Black Curse Magic Understanding (3PP): grants +10 to curse
Lovegood Divination Magic Understanding (3PP): grants +10 to divination
Moon Strategy Understanding (3PP): grants +10 to strategy
Peverell Healing Understanding (3PP): grants +10 to healing
Potter Transfiguration Understanding (3PP): grants +10 to transfiguration
Ravenclaw Rune Understanding (3PP): grants +10 to rune
Black Magical Potency (4PP): Grants +10% to MP
Lovegood Light Magic Seeing Ability (4PP): unlocks magic seeing skill up to 25
Moon Blood-stealing Aura (4PP): the Moon aura now allows the user to get back your Blood Skill % of HP per attack
Peverell Reiki Potency (4PP): grants +10% to RP
Potter Reiki Potency (4PP): grants +10% to RP
Black Heir (free): grants +5% MP, one free bloodline talent to be chosen (All Regen rate +5%)
Moon Heir (free): grants +10% KP, one free bloodline talent to be chosen (Atavism)
Peverell Heir (free): grants +5% RP, one free bloodline talent to be chosen (HP +10%)
Potter Heir (free): grants +5% MP, one free bloodline talent to be chosen (RP +10%)
-Slytherin Heir (free): grants +10% MP, one free bloodline talent to be chosen
Jack of All Trade (5 PP): +1 SP per level
Natural Genius (2 PP): double book learning rate (locks Hard Work Genius Perk)
A Father's Strength (5 PP):+5 to all Communication
Blood of the Pharao (5PP): unlocks all Egyptian Magics
Cyclop's Skin (2PP): +5 to Physical and Elemental Resistance
Slytherin Member (free): +2 WIS, access to the Slytherin Students Rooms
Gryffindor Honorary Member (free): +2 SOC, access to the Gryffindor Students Rooms
Ravenclaw Honorary Member (free): +2 INT, access to the Ravenclaw Students Rooms
Hufflepuff Honorary Member (free): +2 EMP, access to the Hufflepuff Students Rooms
Slytherin Knowledge (2PP): +10 to parselmagic
Ravenclaw Knowledge (2PP): +10 to seeing magic
A Spirit's Guidance (5PP): +10 to True Form
FIRST PATH - (+10% MP and RP, +5 to SPIRIT MC, +10 to Magic Skills)
AWAKENING PATH - (+10% to RP regen, +5 to HEART MC, +10 to Weapon Skill)