Disclaimer: The following is a non-profit, fanbase series. Percy Jackson and the Olympians; Heroes of Olympus; Trials of Apollo; Kane Chronicles and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard are owned by Rick Riordan. Spiderman or any concept of him are owned by Marvel Comics and Sony Entertainment. Please support the official releases.
As we finally made it to my apartment building, we got a lot of concerned and confusing looks from the residents. I fear that I may have to avoid taking the main entrance for a while. I mean, look at us, we're dirty; bleeding and bruised up; carrying a wounded police officer and we're just walking toward the front entrance like it's a normal monday.
"Percy, we're getting a lot of attention," I said.
"You'll get used to it."
I don't know if I should be relieved or concerned that Percy is used to all this. As we reached our floor and arrived at my apartment's front door, Percy knocked on the door.
"Annabeth? It's Percy, Estelle's here with her friend and her father."
I heard the locks on the door and it opened.
Annabeth Jackson, my brother's wonderful and brilliant wife. She has princess curly blonde hair and sharp gray eyes. She was wearing a simple shirt with jeans, and was holding what appeared to be a sword, like Percy.
"Estelle!" She yelled and hugged me tight.
"Hey Annabeth, kind of had a rough field trip."
"Wasn't the first time for us. Won't be the last either, I'm afraid," Annabeth replied. "Let's get everyone inside. I'm sure you have some questions."
"Oh you have no idea," I said.
We all went inside and saw my mom taking care of Percy and Annabeth's children, Luke and Silena Jackson.
"Aunt Stelle!" They yelled as they ran toward me, hugging me. Unaware about me being messy and such. I laughed and hugged back.
"Hey kids! I hope you've been behaving for your mom and grandma!"
The kids nodded and were called back to mom's side as the adults talked about the situation. Percy and I explained to Annabeth and Sally what happened while Sam stayed by her dad's side and took care of his bruises.
"And then Sam crashed at that creature and we ran back here," I finished. "So that leads to my question?" I took a deep breath and asked, "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?! HOW DID PERCY LEARN TO FIGHT AND WHY DO THESE CREATURES KNOW HIM AND HATE HIM?!"
Annabeth answered, "I'll explain everything to you. Percy will go and take Sam somewhere safe from the monsters and-"
"Woah, hold on. Where Sam goes, I go," I implied.
Percy objected, "No! You have to stay here, getting more involved will be dangerous for you."
"In case you haven't noticed, Sam is not a fighter and her dad is hurt. Also, shouldn't we take Sam's dad to a hospital?!" I said as Mr. Stacy was by the kitchen counter, cleaning up his bruises and hits.
"I'll be fine, Estelle," He replied. "My main concern is for Sam's safety."
"Estelle, listen, I know your concern about Sam's safety," Percy intervened. "But you have to understand that this whole thing is-"
"I don't care!" I yelled. "Sure we just got attacked by a big pigeon and some giant hooded man. But that won't stop me from protecting Sam!"
Percy was about to object, but Annabeth intervened.
"Estelle, you have to understand, this is something that you must never be a part of."
"Why?! You think I won't accept the fact that supernatural creatures exist in the world?"
"No, Estelle," Annabeth. "It's too dangerous for you."
I scoffed. "Life is dangerous. All of you taught me that. But, you also taught me to always be there for those I care for. To do the right thing, and I believe that being there for Sam IS the right thing to do."
"Estelle," Sam spoke up. "It's okay, really. I'll go with your brother. You should stay here, where it's-"
"-Safe?" I intervened. "I don't care if I'm safe. How can I relax and be safe, knowing that my brother is out there fighting to survive and my best friend is being hunted down by monsters?"
Everyone was quiet for a moment but then mom spoke up.
"Percy, maybe it's best that Estelle knows the truth about all of us. She deserves to know our pasts."
The way she said it so ominously worries me, but I won't hesitate to know the truth. Percy sighs and replies, "Fine, she can come. But, she has to stay close and stay out of trouble, understand?" Percy then looks at me with deep concern, "What you're about to go through is a dangerous life, filled with powerful beings and dangerous creatures. If you really go with us to camp, you'll never live a normal life again."
I shrugged, "If I can survive high school, I can handle anything."
Okay… So I kind of underestimate the gravity of the situation. Hard to explain now so I'm just gonna continue the story. After everyone agreed to let me go with Sam and Percy, Annabeth stayed behind to keep watch of the kids. I asked why but she said that Percy will explain everything, to the best of his abilities. Mom will call dad and explain the situation to him while the rest of us will be going to a safe place for Sam.
Percy took the family SUV he used to get here. Percy doesn't like taking flights and neither did mom. Apparently, in the past, mom's parents died in a plane crash and since then, none of us Jackson has ever gone on a plane trip ever.
"So, how far is this camp?" I asked Percy.
"Not that far, we should be there by tonight."
"Good," I said, "Then you can explain exactly what's happening to us?"
Sam's dad sighs and answers, "Yeah… this whole thing is… it's my fault."
Mr. Stacy then told us about how he met Sam's mother. At the time, he was just starting his career as a detective and was on his first case. The case was a murder mystery that led to a library; he went to investigate the librarian there, next thing they know they were being chased by the mob. Long story short, they caught the guy and in their insane adventure, the detective and the librarian fell in love.
"I still couldn't believe it myself," Mr. Stacy said. "I mean, I was just a hot-headed recruit, trying to live to everyone's expectation. But your mom, Sam…" He sighs, "She was just… out of this world."
Mr. Stacy's expression was exactly the same everytime Percy would look at Annabeth, completely in love.
"After a few months, she told me who she truly is… and she was holding you, Sam."
"I'm sorry, in a few months?!" I interrupted. "H-how is that even…"
"Where is she now?" Sam asked. "Is she…"
"No, Sam. She's not dead. I doubt anything can kill her."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
Mr. Stacy looks back at us as answered, "Samantha's mom is a goddess. And I'm not talking about her looks; she is a real and living deity in our world."
"Wait, like the gods? Like the Olympian gods?"
"Not just them, Estelle," Percy said. "There's others out there too. Egyptian; Norse; Roman; the list goes on."
I scoffed. "So what? Is Jesus real too? Did he once involve a crippled man who wanted to win a horse race to kill the president of the United States? Not a word, Sam."
Sam gasps in excitement then pouts.
"No, Estelle, he did not… I think."
"Look, the point is," Mr. Stacy continues, "Gods and monsters exist in this world too, but they are hiding from society. Thus, why we're going to this camp. Your mother once told me about this camp. It's a safe haven for kids like you, Sam."
"Like me?" Sam asked. "What do you mean?"
Before Mr. Stacy could answer, claws burst from the roof. Percy cursed.
"They found us!"
Percy swayed the car to get the creature off our roof. Sam's dad grabbed his shotgun that he brought with and aimed on the roof. He ordered us to get down and cover our ears, and we did. He fired the shotgun and we heard a screeching noise, the claws let go of the roof and as I looked up, I saw a flying creature backing off and flying high in the sky. I assumed it was the Vulture that was attacking us since she was the only harpy I know.
"Hey Percy, Lady bird brain is back!" I yelled.
"Hang on, I'm gonna try to lose her in the woods!"
Percy drives off the streets and into the woods. It did make it difficult for the Vulture to chase us, but it also made it harder for Percy to drive carefully. As the car was bumping up and down, The Vulture was trying to swoop down on us again. But thanks to the trees, she doesn't have an opening.
"The plan's working, Percy!" I yelled. "We might be able to lose her!"
"We have a problem though, we're about to be in an open field."
As I looked ahead, I noticed a small open plain field we're about to enter. This is bad for us, because we won't have any cover against the harpy. As we exit out of the forest and into the field, the Vulture once again swoops down on us, but Mr. Stacy was already prepared, he popped his head out the window, took out his shotgun and aimed it at her. He fires and it makes a direct hit, The Vulture screeches in pain and falls to the ground.
"Alright!" I yelled, "We lost her!"
Percy and Mr. Stacy sighs in relief.
"For now…" Percy said. "She'll get back up shortly. They always do."
I was confused at his comment, but I let it slide for now. Once we're safe, he'll have time to explain everything. As we continued to drive down the field, Percy was able to get back on the street and drive safely.
"So," I spoke. "This camp we're going to, is this the same camp you and Annabeth went for summer back then?"
Percy answered, "Yeah, it was one of the safest places for us. There's other places too, especially the one in California."
"Wait, in California? You mean…"
Percy nodded, "Yeah, Annabeth and I moved into California because it was the only place for us to live. Truth be told, I want to live here in New York, stay close to you and mom. But with monsters constantly hunting us and trying to kill me… We believed it was best for me to be out in the West."
I can still remember the day when Percy left home. I was very sad and begged for Percy to stay with us. I was a little kid at the time. But, Percy said at the time that it was best for the family. He didn't hate us or anything. He just wanted to live his own life; at least, that's what I believed.
"So, the reason you left home was to keep us safe?" I asked.
"Yeah… a while ago, some of my enemies tried to kidnap you when you were a baby. If it weren't for my friends…"
Percy was gripping tight on the steering wheel, most likely remembering the events that occurred that day. I guess I understand now, in order to keep us safe, he had to leave.
"But wouldn't they try again to kidnap me or mom or dad?"
"They won't attack anyone unless they have my scent. Because I have been away for a while, my scent on you guys should be faint enough. But, today says otherwise?"
"I'm sorry, your scent? What does that mean?"
"It's because of who I am, Estelle. Who my father is."
I was confused for a moment, but then it hit me. I put all the pieces I have, together.
Monsters and gods exist.
Percy's dad loves the ocean.
Percy is an experienced fighter and can control water.
"Holy crap, you're-!"
Before I could continue, a giant log was thrown right in front of the car. Percy sways to get out of the way, but he did it too quickly. The car flips and rolls down the streets. Ever been on a rollercoaster? It's like that but with glass and debris flying everywhere with a chance of hurting you or worse, killing you. My advice to limit the damage? Wear a seatbelt. Even if you were being chased by a hawkgirl and her big hulk partner. Anyway, after the car crashed, I groaned in pain and called out to everyone.
"Is everyone okay?" I asked.
I heard groaning and moaning, but so far, everyone is breathing. I looked behind us and saw a big silhouette in the distance.
"Percy!" I yelled. "The big guy is back!"
"Yeah, I know," Percy said as he tried to snake his way out of the car. I followed suit and started to feel wobbly. Remember that headache I had a while ago? It's back, and with the car crash and being chased by mythological monsters, my body was starting to break down.
"Hey, you okay?" Percy asked as he noticed me swaying back and forth.
"Yeah, I'm still feeling the crash at the moment," I said.
I really hope that spider wasn't poisonous.
"Okay, you go help the others get to safety. The camp is just only a few walks down the way. I already contacted Chiron; he'll allow you and Sam's dad to enter camp," Percy ordered as he pointed down the direction.
"What about you?" I asked, not bothering to ask who Chiron is and why they need his permission to enter camp.
Percy uncapped his pen-sword and answered, "Gonna visit an old friend."
"By yourself?!" I yelled.
"I'll be fine, Estelle. Just get Sam and her dad to camp. I'll be right behind you."
"But-"
"Go!" He yelled. I wanted to deny and help him, but I was feeling weak and was losing blood from the crash, plus Sam and her dad are definitely in more danger if left alone.
"Fine," I said. "But don't you dare die on us! Otherwise I'll find a way to bring you back and kill you myself!"
Percy snickered.
"You'll have to get in line. Annabeth got dibs on that first."
I rolled my eyes, of course his wife would. I'm sure there's a list of people who want him dead. I'll have to talk to him about that soon. As Percy ran off to face the big guy, I helped Sam and then her father get out of the car and headed straight toward the campsite.
I almost forgot to ask, how on earth is a summer camp a safe place against monsters like the Vulture and her giant partner? Do they have some sort of high tech defense gadgets? A magical guardian? Guns? I hope not that last part; I'm okay with something magical or technologically advanced than just regular ol' guns. As Sam and I dragged Mr. Stacy closer to camp, I saw the main entrance gate, totally looking all Ancient Greek, with its symbols and architecture design. Don't ask me to explain it in detail, you'll have to ask Annabeth on that, she loves architecture.
"We're almost there, dad!" Sam said. "Just hang on!"
"Good, we'll be safe- Stella, watch out!"
He pushed me out of the way and then sharp talons just passed by me and scratched Mr. Stacy.
"Dad!" Sam yelled.
The Vulture pins down Mr. Stacy with her claws by his chest.
"Don't move!" She yelled. "Enter camp, he dies."
Sam called out to her dad. He was groaning in pain but answered.
"Go!" He yelled. "Keep Sam safe! Promise me, Stella!"
I was holding on Sam as she wanted to charge at the Vulture and try to save her dad. Mr. Stacy pulled out his pistol and aimed it at the Vulture's face. But she reacted quickly and pinned his arm down so that he couldn't aim.
"You're really pushing my patience, mortal!" She said, "Last chance! Move away from the gates, and I'll let your father live."
"Dad! Hang on!" Sam yelled.
"Vulture!" I yelled. "Let him go!"
The Vulture snickered in amusement, "Or else what?"
I was shaking in both fear and anger, but I took out the knife Annabeth lent me when I left with Percy and the others. It was bronze with some Ancient Greek symbols on its hilt. Looks ancient, yet it was neatly refined and cleaned. I wonder how on earth did Annabeth get this weapon.
"I'll fight you!"
I was bluffing.
I do know a bit of jiu jitsu from Annabeth, but how's that gonna stop a flying monster with claws that can slash through my guts? The Vulture laughs, totally knowing that I was bluffing.
"If you truly think you can stop me, you wouldn't have run away in the Museum or at the Park."
I cursed silently, she totally calls my bluffs. And what's worse, my headache is getting worse, I can barely keep myself focused on the situation. My body was feeling heavy and hot, my arms were weakening and I was losing my grip on the blade.
"Ha, how can you fight me now, in that state of yours?!" The Vulture yelled.
I then dropped my blade in exhaustion from my sickness, but Sam grabbed it in mid-air and threw it at the Vulture; aimed it at her eye and cut through. The Vulture screeches in pain, letting go of Mr. Stacy's arm as he aims for the Vulture as she flies away.
"Dad!" Sam yells as she runs towards him. But before She could grab him, several sharp feathers hit Sam's leg and made her fall.
"You'll pay for that, you brat!" The Vulture yelled as she swooped down to attack Sam. I tried to get up, but my whole body felt like bricks and I couldn't get up. But just as the Vulture was about to attack with her talons…
Sam's dad jumps in and gets between the two. Vulture's talons pierced through Mr. Stacy's chest. He was coughing up a lot of blood, while Sam was crying out for her dad.
I couldn't do anything…
All I could do was watch my best friend cry out in sorrow as she watches her dad get killed, right in front of her.
