Yeah, this chapter's a bit long, but it's worth it.
To Matt: Uh, actually, that wasn't Leo and Calypso. But I love the way you called him the Mortal King of Paranoia- suits him! ;)
And I actually forgot to put up disclaimers- GASPS, PLEASE DON'T KILL ME! But oh well:
I don't own PJO/HoO. And I also don't own Avengers or Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. That's Rick Riordan and Percy Jackson.
Camp Half-Blood, Long Island, New York…
Nico di Angelo grinned for once as he swung his training sword.
Usually very few were brave enough to practice him. He didn't have the same easy-going air as Percy did, and thus not everyone felt at ease around him. He knew he had a terrifying aura about him, though people did know that he wasn't going to hurt them, an instinct always taught them to fear him. Plus, when he did use his real sword- which felt great- it was made of Stygian Iron, the stuff of pure nightmare.
Nico swung the training sword- it didn't feel as good as his real one- and slashed down a few dummies. Stuffing spilled onto the ground. He tossed it back on the rack. Enough was enough. Nico wiped sweat from his brow.
He grabbed a drink bottle from nearby and too a long swig. Casting his eyes around, he wondered if Percy, Jason, Annabeth and Piper should be back by now.
Four Heroes of Olympus, he wondered. Why would they need four of the Heroes for this one pick-up mission?
Frowning, Nico replaced the cap on the bottle, and decided to head to the Big House after he showered.
It was the first week of summer and campers were heading back, from school, homes and vacation, but even those were risky. Nico barely left camp unless on a quest or when he went to the Underworld. With a Big Three aura like him… The problem was, the whole world was out there, even with man-eating monsters just ready for demigod snacks, and people just want to live. They want to do something with their lives before they hurry to the Land of the Dead.
He was getting worried. Just what was taking them so long?
A little over a month ago, there had been an invasion in New York. Not a monster kind- well, maybe, but not the ones they were used to. An alien kind.
Yeah, aliens existed. Go figure.
Apparently, some Athena kids had theorised long ago, that magic and science may be the same thing- only that mortals were just beginning to grasp it whereas the supernatural have had their abilities for quite a long time now.
But they were beginning to grasp it. Last Nico heard from Hades, his not-so-lovable Uncle Zeus had been furious up there on Olympus. He wasn't the only one. Not only had they attacked Manhattan- the demigods were expressly forbidden from defending it. None of the Greek gods were. Why? Because two gods were already fighting in that battle, one on each side, and they weren't from the Greco-Roman pantheon.
In fact, one of them was Thor, a Norse god of Lightning and Thunder, another was Loki, Norse god of Mischief, and reportedly Evil too. Which was why they couldn't fight in it. The mortals were all aware of the existence of gods and monsters now, which was why the Greeks were so furious.
What astounded Nico the most wasn't the existence of other pantheons of gods. He was aware that his mother Maria had been a Roman Catholic, though she never forced neither him nor Bianca to share her faith. The other demigods were shell-shocked as it was, though Percy and Annabeth kept strangely quiet all the while. They had started hammering questions, not understanding how all these different gods of the same things like the sun, moon, wisdom, poetry, love, the dead, the weather and all that could 'share power and territory'. How in the world did that manage to coexist with science?
But what astounded and alarmed Nico was the way the mortals reacted to it: they were excited, panicked, and most concerning of all: they filed it away. Huge government organisations made itself known like S.H.I.E.L.D and terrorist groups like HYDRA which made its living on picking out and hunting down supernatural stuff that mortals weren't supposed to find out or sneaking weapons and other stuff behind their backs and experimenting with it, like HYDRA was rumoured to do (Chiron had good contacts). They still didn't know everything S.H.I.E.L.D and HYDRA did and how much the United States government- among everyone else- knew about the supernatural world at large- but Zeus was furious at them for a reason.
For giving the mortals a chance to expose them. Nico looked grim despite the beautiful, sunny day, as he strode over to where Chiron sat in his wheelchair-bound form.
"Chiron." He greeted the centaur trainer. Chiron gave him a wan smile. "What's the news from Olympus?"
Chiron arched his eyebrow. "My boy, what makes you think that I have any news from Olympus these days?"
Nico wanted to laugh. As it so happened, he gave his mentor a small smile. "Well, usually there are news from Olympus these days, especially since…" He trailed off. He didn't need to mention that again.
"Yes," Chiron's expression darkened. "Zeus is very angry. In fact, he grows worse by the minute. Emergency meetings are held in Olympus every three hours, it seems, and even your father has complained incessantly about going. Olympus grows closer and closer to waging direct war with Asgard."
Nico glanced up at the sky. Nothing. A beautiful sunny day. Or maybe with all those meetings, Zeus hadn't gotten to the weather just yet. Or maybe he wasn't rash or stupid enough to do anything that would make mortals even more curious and suspicious than they already were. If they hadn't figured out about the existence of Greek gods yet, they would soon enough. It was only a matter of when.
"But Thor saved New York- and earth- from destruction." Nico pointed out.
"Yes, and prevented the Olympians from defending their own turf," Chiron put in. "It was part of a treaty agreed by differing and warring pantheons of gods millennia ago, if even one god from a certain pantheon shows up in a certain place, no other gods from a different pantheon would follow. That rule has kept us safe and the destructive conflicts of the gods in check for as long as the treaty has existed. Besides, they also agreed not to show one another to mortals in territories other than their own. Manhattan was Olympian ground. And not one, but two Norse gods trespassed." Chiron shook his head. "This was the very reason why we could not allow you to partake in defending New York. The Mist itself had been lowered by Loki before he allowed his invasion to commence- goodness, not even the Mist could disguise a big, green roaring rage monster that mutated from an ordinary human." Chiron shook his head. "Loki attacked Olympian ground. Loki tried to invade this world via Manhattan-"
Nico frowned. "Why is that?" He asked. He didn't know where Norse god central was, but he doubted it was New York. "Why New York?"
Chiron sighed. "To that, we may only speculate. But even though Odin claims Asgard had nothing to do with his wayward son's doings, the trust between the gods of Olympus and Asgard is broken. Zeus will neither trust, nor correspond with him any longer." Nico's frown deepened. That was so like his uncle.
Nico's mother Maria had been killed in 1941, just after the Great Prophecy about the next Big Three demigod to reach sixteen appeared. Hades had delayed in sending Nico and his sister Bianca to camp, because he'd feared they'd be turned against their father or worse, imprisoned and even killed. In fact, he'd intended to send them to the Lotus Hotel and Casino with their mother as soon as they could, but Zeus had shot his Masterbolt at the hotel in which they were staying in Washington, killing their mother and a building-full of mortals. When Percy was twelve, Zeus' Masterbolt had been stolen, and as Poseidon had recently claimed him as his son, he instantly blamed Percy for the theft. Olympus would have had civil war if Percy, Annabeth and Grover hadn't managed to return the bolt by the Summer Solstice.
Paranoia didn't even define it. And if this was how things were within the family, Nico had no doubt that Zeus would behave even worse when another pantheon crossed the line. He asked: "Did Thor tell the Avengers about us?"
Chiron shook his head. "Not as far as we know. I doubt he would be foolish enough to do such a thing. It was bad enough that the attack that occurred on Olympian soil involved two Norse gods- one attacking, the other defending, as it may be- but we were prevented from defending Olympus itself. Furthermore, with the Mist down, even temporarily, I fear it is only a matter of time before the mortals discover our existence."
My thoughts precisely, Nico thought sourly.
"So, what shall we do?" He asked.
"What can we do?" Chiron sounded surprised. "The mortals may expect unusual things to happen soon, but it does not mean that we can go charging to New York any time soon. Besides, your uncle Zeus isn't the only one mad with Asgard right now: the Egyptian gods also weren't pleased. Brooklyn was their territory."
Nico was surprised when he said that. Brooklyn? "How does that work?" He looked at him in disbelief. "It's weird enough that Greek and Roman gods are in America, but in the same city? Manhattan and Brooklyn?" He stared. "Last I heard anyway, the Egyptian gods were in, well, Egypt. I know Olympus moves around with the heart of Western Civilisation, but what about Egypt? Why America?"
Chiron sighed. "You aren't the first person to ask this question, but as of now, the Egyptian gods prefer to keep their secret- along with any other pantheon that does exist. Some have faded, not unlike Pan." Nico tried not to wince at the mention of the god he had seen fade.
"Wait- whole pantheons of gods have faded?" He asked softly. Chiron nodded, and Nico looked stunned. "That doesn't sound so good."
"No," the trainer of heroes agreed. "So far, only a few remain. Of all of them, I cannot tell you, all gods guard their knowledge most closely. But the Egyptians and the Greeks are among them."
Nico absorbed this in silence. "So, that's why so few of us are allowed to leave the camps," he realised. "But what about Percy, Jason, Annabeth and Piper? What reason did you have for sending them on a quest now?" What could possibly be so big and serious that they were sent on a quest at this time?
Chiron's dark eyes met his own. "With the Mist's sometime failure, we have been alerted to the existence of a Greek demigod such as that we have never seen before. Not even his godly parent has been aware of his existence, until recently. It came as a shock to all of us."
Nico raised an eyebrow. "How could they not have been aware of their own son's existence before?" The gods weren't the most present of parents, but they were aware of their kids' existence, at least when they came to camp.
"We do not know." Chiron confessed. "Only that he has an aura that is powerful indeed. Furthermore, with the mortals having been made aware of the undisputed existence of the supernatural in general, we thought it wise to send none other than four of Olympus' greatest heroes- especially as we would be fetching this demigod from overseas."
Now Nico was surprised indeed. "Another Big Three demigod?" He even sounded surprised to his own ears. "Where?"
"We cannot know for certain that he is the child of the three Elder gods," Chiron corrected gently. "Not even the gods- Olympian or Minor- know whose child he is." Nico gave him a bemused look. "Only that he appears very powerful indeed."
Nico didn't know what to think. "They don't know whose son he is?" He demanded. "Do they even know if he's Roman or Greek? What if he's another pantheon's?"
Chiron looked weary. "They believe he's either Greek or Roman, which is why they've sent Percy, Jason, Annabeth and Piper there to see him. In any case, Zeus does not wish for any more… unexpected developments. Not with all this-" Chiron waved his hand in the air. "Going on."
"So let me get this straight," Tony Stark held up his hands, dramatically. "You want us to go after… A bunch of kids?"
Silence and a pregnant pause.
Fury sighed. "I know how it sounds-" "Do you?" Tony interjected. "And if they're juvenile delinquents, why is this a case for S.H.I.E.L.D?" Clint Barton interrupted.
The Avengers- minus Thor- were gathered in the Triskelion.
"These aren't ordinary teenagers," Fury said darkly. "They're under suspect for terrorism."
"Terrorism?" Steve spoke up. "Sounds like a serious accusation." He frowned.
Natasha frowned. "Director, I don't understand. Normally HYDRA doesn't have any qualms about using kids as young as teens, but not unless they're enhanced and well-trained. Are they, in any way, affiliated with HYDRA?"
Fury shook his head. "Not that we know of. But as of yet, we don't know much. Only snippets of information. They may be enhanced, they may be mutants. We don't know.
"All we know is that there is a disturbing pattern here," Fury said slowly. "These kids have a few things in common." He paused. "Do you remember the events of August 18th 2009?"
The Avengers looked at each other.
"You mean when that one-helluva freak storm that appeared a year after the explosion in Mount Saint Helens, made it all the way from Washington to the Hudson River?" Tony asked. "And the riots, possibly thanks to terrorists, gangs or the Mafia- or all three at once- using guns, tear gas, bazookas, rifles and Molotov Cocktails that appeared in front of the Empire State Building?" Bruce Banner frowned.
"And when countless people in New York lost consciousness just beforehand, when a chemical plant leaked gas for about a week," Natasha frowned at the memory. She was in Washington at that time. "The fires in the apartments, the street fights- the army being called in?" She looked at the others and back at Fury. "What about them?"
"Take a look at this," Agent Maria Hill walked forwards. "And what most of you don't know while that big fight was raging in New York, in front of the Empire State Building, there was another big riot near Mount Tamalpais in San Francisco. And it looks like they're connected."
"By who?" Steve asked.
"By these guys." She switched on a remote.
Fury sighed and massaged the bridge of his nose. "Normally I would never do this, but take a look at these files." He insisted.
A visual popped out of nowhere in front of them.
"Chris Rodriguez, son of Elena Rodriguez and an unnamed father, born: 1992, Los Angeles, California. Went in and out of foster homes, his mother was an alcoholic, had an abusive boyfriend who didn't really like the kid, so he kept running away. Eventually, when some doctor at a free clinic checked out the injuries at his back, the social workers took him away. He was a troubled kid- reports of truancy in school, theft, public vandalism and even a gang getting hold of him, though nothing- if anything- was actually proven. He moved foster homes a lot. When he was almost nine, he went back into another foster home- only to disappear for good. His mother died not long after. Been seen since in and around New York, including during those mysterious attacks in August 18th 2009. He was in the street fight, and reports have it, he's been using weapons." That was Agent Maria Hill.
"Clarisse La Rue. Born 1992, Phoenix, Arizona. Daughter of Jerry La Rue and an unnamed father. Kicked out of schools, had a reputation for being the toughest kid on the block- if not the whole city. Got kicked out of school, particularly when her mother was away on tour of duty." Steve looked surprised. "The mother was a tough disciplinarian as well as an army mother. But she wasn't always there, so Clarisse went through some pretty tough times, bullies, rumours of harassment and abuse, gangs and drug cartels made her life a living hell. She left home at around fourteen. Eventually seen in and around on New York, particularly during August 18th 2009. She was in the street fight with Chris Rodriguez and the others." An image of a tall, buff, but not-bad-looking girl with brown hair, and- no, that wasn't Greek armour, that was a gang jacket, hat and a baseball cap, appeared in front of the Empire State building.
A blurry image of a Hispanic boy, around 6'2, with black hair, zoomed forwards next. The image of him was strangely blurred, like it looked like he was wearing something bronze and metallic over his shirt and interesting headgear. At first, he thought that it looked like the kid was wearing Greek armour, which was ridiculous, but he blinked and it looked like he was wearing some goth-punk metal-studded leather jacket, and baseball cap. The weapon in his arms blurred, at times Tony could barely make out a baseball bat.
"Seen in and around central New York, Florida, Phoenix, Arizona, and a few other places too." Maria Hill continued. "Often together, Chris and Clarisse." The next one popped up.
"Travis and Connor Stoll, brothers, not twins, but near-identical. Travis is the taller and older one. Expelled from schools, rumours of petty theft, and pranks but they've never actually been caught- nothing's been proven. Born to Maria Stoll and an unnamed father-" Steve frowned as he heard this. More kids from broken homes that ended up in legal trouble. It was sick, maddening just to think about it. These dads could have easily avoided it by staying at home. But what did S.H.I.E.L.D have to do with them? Surely, they can't have done anything serious- can they?
"Born 1993 and 1994, respectively. In and out of schools, mother was killed in a terrible accident, and they ran away from their foster homes. Haven't been seen since, but they were definitely there on that August 18th, in Manhattan, New York."
Two mug-shots of grinning near-identical boys with sharp noses, upturned eyebrows and mischievous grins appeared. They had a twinkle in their eyes, and Steve would've pegged them as pranksters, not criminals.
"Leonidas 'Leo' Valdez, born Houston, Texas, in 1994. The son of Esperanza Valdez and an unnamed father." Steve nearly scowled when he heard that again and even Tony didn't look too pleased. "Reports surrounding the boy was that he was prone to 'fire accidents' in other words, there were rumours about a crazy baby-sitter but no one ever identified her, not even the Mexican-American community which they were a part of. He was part of a large extended family, but there was a fire in his mother's workshop- she was a mechanic. Only the boy survived, it's never been proven but the family- or rather, his aunt Rosa, blamed him. So, they took him to foster care, he kept running away. Last time he was seen on official government records was during December 17th 2009, during a school trip- the school's called the Wilderness School-" "Nice," Tony snorted. "And they went over to the Grand Canyon. Three students disappeared- and we're going to see them right now."
There was a picture of a Hispanic boy who looked like some Latino Santa's elf. He had dark, curly hair, a cheerful, impish grin, and even pointy ears. He also looked kind of scrawny. He looked like he was undergoing a crazy caffeine overdose.
"Jason Grace, born 1994, in Los Angeles, California. Born to Beryl Grace, a TV actress-" Tony gasped. "Man- I remember her! Had a crush on her when I was a kid!" Maria Hill ignored him and Fury gave him a killing look. "And an unnamed father. Mother was an alcoholic, she left the kids at home so she could party all night. Often ended up in the tabloids, back then. So, evidence suggests that he was looked after by his elder sister, Thalia was born in 1987. Last seen by his family in 1996, when his sister reported him missing after her mother decided to take the kids on a rare vacation to Sonoma Valley.
"According to the girl, Thalia, their mother told her to get a picnic basket from the car and she didn't want to leave her little brother alone with her mom, but she did as she was told. When she came back, the kid had gone. She reported him missing to the police, but the mom didn't do anything." Most of the Avengers looked stunned by this revelation. "They questioned her, but found no evidence. Afterwards, neighbours claim to have heard mother and daughter arguing for quite some time. The next day, Thalia disappeared. Evidence suggests she just ran away from home. Had enough of her mom's alcoholism and neglect. Or probably went to look for her brother. She was seen in various places in the United States, in the company of two other kids, one Luke Castellan then-aged fourteen, and another Annabeth Chase, then-aged seven. It looked like they were looking after the little girl and the three of them were living rough on the streets." The Avengers winced.
"In 2005, their mother Beryl Grace died in a car accident. She was drunk and collided into a truck. It appeared that she sunk fast after her children disappeared. Nobody saw Thalia again until December 15th 2007, two years after her mother died and six years since she was last seen in public. But they did see Jason Grace. He was in and around various parts of North America, particularly around San Francisco. Remember what I said about a mysterious riot taking place there, a fight between gangs in San Francisco as well as New York? He was there, during August 18th 2009. Him and a group of other kids were involved in a fight of some kind." Blurry images of a blond-haired boy wearing- wait, was that Roman armour? Nah, it looked like some gang get-up.
"Thalia Grace, on the other hand, was in Manhattan during that same day, in front of the Empire State building- she was seen running into the building with a group of other kids, more on that later." A black-haired punk-styled girl in silver and black was seen in the blurry images of the chaos in front of the Empire State Building. "She was also seen around various parts of North America, but it's strange, she doesn't look that much older. She should be in her twenties by now, but lately she's been looking younger than her little brother. She was born in 1987."
The Avengers absorbed all this in silence.
"Piper McLean, born 1994, Los Angeles, California. Father: Tristan McLean, Mother unknown." Now this was a surprise. But only a little bit.
"Tristan McLean?" Bruce Banner sounded impressed, and Tony gave a small whistle. "Love that guy. Great actor, good parties." He also looked impressed.
"Reports have it that ever since her father found stardom, she's largely been living alone around Beverly Hills, or some kind of boarding school." Tony winced at that. "Got expelled, rumours have it of theft, but other rumours said that she just sweet-talked them into giving her stuff like a car, a diamond ring, even a lawnmower." "Sweet-talked?" That was Tony. "Last seen on December 17th 2009, when she went to the Wilderness School's fateful field trip at the Grand Canyon where the storms struck. Rumour has it they and one other student plummeted to their deaths, but it was never confirmed, and clearly, she's still alive. Tristan McLean disappeared not long after, and it's rumoured that his daughter's kidnappers offered him a ransom and he was on his way to save her. His assistant, Jane covered up his disappearance and was promptly fired not long after he came back. He returned with amnesia, his daughter suffered a similar case, but no one's ever confirmed it or seen her. She's been seen with Jason Grace and Leo Valdez, typically around America and Canada, but also in Rome, Italy and Greece. She was also with a bunch of other kids. More on them now.
"Annabeth Chase, born 1993, Virginia. Father: Frederick Chase. Mother: unknown. Has a stepmother and two half-siblings. Family in Boston: an uncle named Randolph Chase and an aunt named Natalie Chase, who died fairly young in another mysterious accident-" Hill, Fury and Steve frowned simultaneously. "Natalie's son went missing and he was confirmed to have died years later in a brutal beating against homeless kids in Boston- only reports suggest that a similar-looking guy was found not long afterwards, though they buried him.
"Annabeth ran away from home when she was seven. According to social workers and police, she, her father and stepmother didn't get along. They claimed she said that things started attacking her, but they didn't know what it was, and thought she was lying." "She was probably telling the truth." Steve interjected. The others, even Fury, agreed. "She was seen a few years later, when she was around nine or ten." Maria continued. "But mostly she was unseen until June 11th 2006 when she appeared on a bus with two other adolescents, in New Jersey, just before the vehicle exploded. She was also in the Saint Louis Arch, bsarely managing to get out on June 14th, just before that exploded. Photographed at a diner with her companions and a leather-clad biker in Denver, Colorado, and then entering a Casino in Las Vegas on June 15th, popping back out on June 20th, five days later. She was also in LA at that time, seen at some streets, rescued by some life guards, when she mysteriously popped up off the coast of the Santa Monica Pier. Turns out she was kidnapped, but more on that later." There was a picture of a rather lovely girl with blonde hair, stormy grey eyes and a calculating look about her.
"Perseus 'Percy' Jackson, born 1993. Mother: Sally Jackson, Father: Unknown. Stepfather: Gabe Ugliano, deceased." "Ugliano?" Tony said in disbelief. "New stepfather: Paul Blofis. His mother took him out of kindergarten when they found a snake in his crib that he slept in for a nap."
"Whoa, you serious?" Clint Barton choked. As a father with kids… "And during third grade, teachers reported a man in a trench coat stalking Percy to the playground. They threatened to call police- which they eventually did- but his mother moved Percy to a different school anyway." "Nice to hear about a caring mother for once," Steve muttered. The others agreed. "During a fourth-grade school trip, the class took a behind-the-scenes tour of the Marine World Shark Pool. He accidentally hit a lever and the class took an unplanned swim." Guffaws and snickers went around. Only Natasha, Hill and Fury kept their composure. Despite the gravity of their situation, even Steve cracked a smile. "Fifth grade, he was in a different school and they took another field trip to the Saratoga battlefield. He had an accident with a revolutionary canon which landed on the school bus and he got expelled. Luckily, no one was on board." Tony chortled heartily, and Bruce and Clint struggled to hide smiles. "Sixth grade, he disappeared. His mother and he took a trip to the beach in Montauk in May 2006, after he got expelled from his latest school. They disappeared, and the family's Camaro was found in Long Island, looked like it had been smashed. Rumours suggest they had been kidnapped, Percy's stepfather Gabe was quick to point suspicions onto his stepson-" "Sounds like a nice dude," Clint muttered. "And he was seen on Barbara Walters, where our analysts pointed out his tears of grief were actually fake. He said the boy was a delinquent, probably in a gang and addicted to drugs and alcohol. Our analysts said he was lying."
"Wow, he was a really nice stepdad," Clint said sarcastically. Even Natasha looked disgusted. "Seen with Annabeth Chase on the bus in New Jersey on June 11th, with one other adolescent. Strange, because reports suggest that they'd never met before. Disappeared when the bus blew up. Appeared again in the Saint Louis Arch- reports had it that he was actually there in the arch, and plummeted to his death in the Mississippi." Tony, Steve and Bruce looked alarmed. "But he was later seen in June 14th in Denver, Colorado, with Annabeth and their friend, and the mysterious biker, then on June 15th in Las Vegas he entered that casino with Annabeth Chase and their friend."
"Any ID on their friend?" Steve asked. "Or the mysterious biker?" Natasha suggested. Maria shook her head. "None whatsoever.
"June 20th, they left. Ended up in LA on the same day, like I said, they were in the Santa Monica Pier, they disappeared, in some alleyway in Hollywood, and then reappeared off the beach, took a few lifeguards to fish them out. Then they were spotted by the same leather-clad man whom witnesses claim they'd actually seen on the bus in New Jersey and the Saint Louis Arch. Police appeared on the scene, during a gunfight between Percy Jackson and this unknown man. That man shot a bullet at a police car and accidentally hit a gas main that ruptured during the earthquake on the same day, not two hours before. He disappeared, no word on him and who he was, but apparently, the kids were kidnapped by this guy. He went back to New York with his friends, and his stepfather went missing on the same day."
Clint frowned. "Probably had a hand in the kidnapping, if I could guess. Made a run for it." Natasha agreed with him. "The next year, he enrolled in Merriweather Prep School, and on the last day of term, during a dodgeball game, the gym exploded. He disappeared on the scene with a friend- a homeless kid they took in for the year. Seen in Miami Beach on June 18th 2007, apparently being accosted by a group of thugs who forcibly took them on board a cruise ship-" "Probably the Mafia," Natasha suggested, and Clint agreed. "Well, they escaped and made it back to Long Island. Was seen in Westover Hall with Thalia Grace- who appeared after six years' disappearance- and Annabeth Chase on December 15th 2007, where they disappeared with two kids: Bianca and Nico di Angelo- and reappeared in various places like San Francisco, including Mount Tamalpais. Seen in and around Mount Saint Helens during the time of the explosion the next year, and again on August 18th 2009, his sixteenth birthday, where he was in front of the Empire State Building with Annabeth and Thalia Grace, Chris Rodriguez and the Stoll brothers. Seen again in Mount Sonoma Valley and in San Francisco-"
"Where Jason Grace disappeared?" Steve interjected. Maria nodded grimly.
"Correct. But that was months later, after the events in New York in August, on April 2010. Seen around Canada, Alaska, and finally back in San Francisco. Seen in Italy, Rome, and Greece with Jason Grace, Piper McLean, Leo Valdez, Annabeth Chase and two others." She paused. "A series of attacks, earthquakes, explosions and a bunch of other things occurred."
The Avengers just stood there in silence.
"These kids…" Bruce trailed off. "They've got one thing in common."
"Broken homes," Clint frowned. "Abusive, absent and neglectful parents, or orphaned at an early age, in most cases. One parent unknown. Yet no reports on whether they've ever met before all this happened?" Natasha frowned, looking up at Hill. Maria shook her head. "Do they have any birth certificates, what do they say about their parents?" She pressed. She had a sinking feeling.
Maria Hill clicked on something else, and copies of birth certificates appeared out of nowhere. The names of the unknown parents were blank.
"There're more kids, but some we're finding hard to get- not all of them were born in the United States, so we'd have to make a deal with the Canadian government or someone else." Maria said apologetically.
"Right." Tony was still staring at the space where she turned off the screen. "So… These kids…"
"Sounds like they've had it rough," Steve remarked. He looked pointedly at Fury.
"Maybe," Fury conceded. "But that still doesn't explain why they were there whenever something bad happens. Explosions, riots, natural disasters, and they all walk away, untouched."
"We don't know that." Clint looked at him. "Remember when you said that they were accosted by a group of thugs and taken on board a cruise ship? And Jackson's first stepfather: Gabe Ugliano, anybody seen the guy since the kid arrived home after being kidnapped and rescued? I mean, he did seem pretty fake, like you said, when he appeared on Barbara Walters and he was pretty quick to turn the kid into a suspect in their disappearances."
"Could be." Fury nodded gravely. "But we've searched for Gabe Ugliano, and the closest thing we could find to him is one ugly statue of a poker player at an art gallery in Soho, courtesy of Sally Jackson." Tony snorted. "As far as we know, he's a gonner." He looked pointedly at Maria Hill.
"I'll get onto the other files, director." She walked out the door.
The minute the door closed, Fury looked at all the Avengers. "Percy Jackson is often seen in New York," He said with a deadly calm. "Now, I don't know what's going on, but it's our job to find out. Bring the kids in for questioning, if they're the cause of all those problems, it's going to take a lot more than the usual strike team to bring them to question them. Whatever's going on, we need to find out."
The Avengers looked at each other grimly. A picture of Percy Jackson popped up, of an incredibly handsome youth with wind-blown raven-black hair and sparkling green eyes.
Nearly an hour later…
"Sir!" Maria Hill came forth. "You need to see this." She looked half-grim and half-astounded.
"Agent Hill?" Fury stood.
"I've found more files on their friends," Maria Hill looked breathless but she managed to rein her voice's composure. "And you're not gonna believe this." She looked pointedly at the Avengers.
"What?" Steve stood.
She threw down several hard-copy files. "Nico di Angelo, born 1932, Venice, Italy, to Maria di Angelo, daughter of a diplomat, and an unnamed father. Had a sister, Bianca, born in 1930. Lived there quite peacefully for some time until they decided to up-and-leave for Venice-on the day the Second World War broke out on September 1st 1939." Steve's eyes widened. "Reports suggest that their maternal grandfather had died by this time, yet they somehow reappeared- rather quickly- and booked into a hotel in Washington D.C under the name of 'Mr. di Angelo.'" The Avengers looked at each other and Fury's brow furrowed. "Their unnamed father?" He suggested.
"Could be." Maria shrugged. "Bianca and Nico were illegitimate and this was the 1930s-1940s. Not easy for a single mother to raise two children without the help and guidance of an Alpha male." She rolled her eyes sarcastically. "Still, she didn't do too badly. It looks like they went for a holiday to Split, Croatia, when Nico was six and Bianca eight. No one ever saw a man with them, or even anyone claiming to be a close family member, but Maria di Angelo- in spite of having some kind of inheritance- was a stay-at-home mother.
"On December 4th 1941, the hotel exploded with Maria and the three children inside. They thought it was a gas explosion first, but they also entertained the possibility of an axis bombing." "But there weren't any bombings on American soil during the war, except in Pearl Harbour," Steve argued. Fury nodded. Maria shrugged. "Who knows? All we know is that she was confirmed as being among the dead, along with her children, but we never did find a burial site for any of them. But take a look at this."
She placed a series of photographs on the table, of an Italian family: a mother, and her two children, black-and-white, in the 1940s. It looked like any ordinary, happy family, just with the dad missing. The mother wore a veiled hat, gloves, pearls and a dress that looked fashionable in the 1940s. The kids were olive-skinned and had cheerful grins.
"In November 2007, the kids were seen in Las Vegas." She placed more photos of two Italian children walking out of a casino with a mysterious image of a blurry guy in a suit. The Avengers looked shocked, and so did Nicholas Fury.
"They look like they're the same age," Bruce said in disbelief." Maria Hill nodded. "Correct. And you know what else? That's the same hotel Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase ended up in and stayed from June 15th 2006 to June 20th." Some of them might have gasped.
Fury's one eye stared at her. "You can't be serious."
"I wish," she muttered. "By December 15th 2007, they had enrolled in Westover High- a military academy in Maine. No word on who paid for their tuition, but the teachers there don't seem to remember a single thing." Her brow furrowed. "As if they'd been mind-wiped." Fury and Natasha looked alarmed. "A few hours after they disappeared, the weather started acting funny." Fury and Natasha looked at her strangely. "There was a burnt ring of trees near the school. Cape Cod started freezing. New England started getting very, very warm." Fury's eyebrow rose incredulously. "Experts couldn't decide what in the world had happened. But this was on the same day the siblings disappeared.
"Bianca was seen with Percy Jackson and Thalia Grace and two other adolescents at the Smithsonian Museum on December 17th. It was after-hours, yet our cameras suggest that there had been some activity there. Particularly in the dinosaur section and the Air and Space section. They'd been followed too, a black sedan was seen approaching them, and a guy who looked military with a buzz cut and shades appeared."
Fury nearly scowled. "Did the United States military authorise any sort of activity at the Smithsonian at that time?"
Maria shook her head. "No."
"Mercenaries," Fury muttered in disgust. He leaned back against his chair.
"Yup, lots of them." She threw in more photos.
"There were a whole lot of people in camouflage and military gear- they also had equipment- good ones. Tanks, and several vehicles, trucks and a helicopter. The kids took a white van but they disappeared, stole a car."
Tony whistled. "Damn."
"No word on who those mercenaries work for?" Fury asked dangerously.
She shook her head again. "None. All we know is that they were chasing the kids. They took a train to Cloudcroft, New Mexico. They were attacked by the mercenaries, and photographed fighting them." The Avengers and Fury leaned forwards. A blurry photo of four kids fighting a group of trained, armed mercenaries… How the heck did they manage to hold them off? "Four of the kids were seen after a thick snowfall. Then the next thing they were in Gila Claw, Arizona on the same day." They blinked. "Spotted four of the kids going inside a coffee shop- which was weird, because it was supposed to be closed at that time. But a white limousine was seen and a mysterious leather-clad in a black leather jacket, buzz cut and shades stepped out- the images were blurry-" she scowled at that. "For some reason, they always have blurry pictures of these guys, even with the latest state-of-the-art technology- but facial recognition points that it's the same guy in the bus in 2006 with Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase, the same guy with them in the Saint Louis Arch before it exploded, and the same guy in the gun fight trying to take out Percy Jackson in the Santa Monica Pier just after the earthquake, the one who caused an explosion."
"Their kidnapper," Steve said, motionlessly.
Maria looked grim. "He was pointing a gun at Percy and forced him into the limo. He didn't go in himself, and the car didn't drive off anywhere either, so I'm assuming that there was someone else inside who just wanted to talk."
Steve and Bruce's eyes darkened. So did Clint. "This guy had a boss," Clint said darkly.
"My thoughts precisely," Maria murmured. "Percy got out of the car, the friends arrived back in the coffee shop, the kidnapper went inside, but for the life of me, I can't try to get those CCTV cameras or our own satellite imagery to track down that same limo and where it went that day." She looked frustrated.
Steve shook his head. This… This was almost too much to comprehend. "What else happened?" He asked, dreading the answer.
"They went to a junkyard there, and some kind of maintenance disaster happened. I tried sending agents to investigate, but they didn't find a junkyard- which was odd, because there was a junkyard years ago, cameras showed it but no one spotted it. It was in the desert, and for some reason, Bianca di Angelo was never seen again after that."
They all looked stunned. It sounded like the kids were either runaways, school drop-outs, hooligans, criminals, mutants, enhanced, tied with gangs or the mafia, or they simply had really, really, bad luck. But one thing could not be disputed: they were survivors. After all that, this… Was beyond shocking.
"Five went into that junkyard in the desert, but only four were seen after that," Maria continued softly. "That was the last time anybody ever saw Bianca di Angelo. They were spotted at Hoover Dam, and looked like those mercenaries caught up to them. But they escaped and somehow, during a gun fight, made it to San Francisco. They first went to the docks, where Percy Jackson got geared up in a homeless guy's clothing-" Tony laughed. "And wrestled a homeless guy, which was strange because he was seen going to the beach, wrestling a killer whale." They gave her odd looks. "Next they went to Annabeth Chase's parents' house-" Fury and the Avengers looked surprised. "And it looks like Frederick Chase actually lent them a car."
Bruce frowned. "How old were they?"
"Percy Jackson was fourteen at that time, and we still don't know the exact ages of Thalia Grace, and Bianca and Nico di Angelo." Maria replied dryly. "If anything they look the same as they were last seen decades ago."
Fury's lips thinned and Steve looked like he had been struck.
"Anyway, they headed to Mount Tamalpais, but they hurried out of the car, and it exploded not long after." She frowned. "No one knows how. But there was a thick fog around the mountain and we lost all visual on them."
"No idea what could have happened at that time?" Steve asked.
"None, only a ship and it looked like some kind of organisational gathering- or a military drill- were seen, and a Sopwith Camel- a World War One fighter plane-" she shook her head in disbelief. "Of all things- was pictured flying towards them raining bullets on the forces below." They gawked at her.
"Afterwards, scientists confirmed that a new constellation appeared in the sky." Another picture. This one was of the night sky with lines etching out the figure of a girl made out of stars. She carried a traditional bow and arrow and looked like she was running.
Fury was silent as he contemplated the picture. "I remember that," Banner mused. "Scientists were all going crazy, wondering why we never discovered this before- it could only mean it was new, but how? Stars take around 10 million years to form." He sounded amazed.
Fury shook his head. "Bombings, earthquakes, mafia, gang riots, armies of mercenaries and now constellations..."
"Is there anything these kids haven't been through?" Natasha asked.
The Avengers all looked… Beyond shocked. So did Fury.
"Maria, send a team of agents to investigate that hotel Jackson, the di Angelos and their friends stayed at," Fury ordered. "That might still be in operation."
"I thought kids weren't supposed to be in casinos until they turn eighteen," Tony pointed out. He picked up the picture of the di Angelo children walking out of the hotel. "But this guy- whoever he was- doesn't look like a fed or a social worker."
For once he was talking sense, Fury's eyebrows shot up in amazement. "We'll question the staff, find out who was there," he ordered. "And I need to know details about the rest of these teens. Send another group to Hollywood, Tristan McLean's house, and another to Beryl Grace's former agency- or cast members. She was a famous TV star, been in a lot of good shows, see if you can find if her co-stars, the producers and directors know anything about how her relationship with her children."
"Yes, sir." Maria Hill nodded. "Percy Jackson's our main concern," he told the Avengers. "Him and his closest friends. Until we get a lead on where he- and the rest of them are- stay put, and be careful. With all this craziness going on, people are just starting to accept that the supernatural does exist. And that could be a good thing or bad."
Clint wanted to snort, but Fury had a point. There were plenty of conspiracy theories pointed at S.H.I.E.L.D and the government, saying that this was all just an elaborate hoax to get people to trust them. Now that they'd started to accept the existence of gods and aliens, people were getting excited and a little-too curious. "We'll get onto it, director." Steve promised.
"So, I'm assuming with this whole the-supernatural-exists-thing going around in mortals of today's society, government agents are keeping tabs on people who look suspicious- or have suspicious histories," Alex announced as he rifled through the safes.
Percy, Jason, Annabeth and Piper looked at each other and sighed simultaneously. "You could say that," Piper admitted.
"Right. It's a pain," Jason confessed.
"'Course it is." Alex muttered. "You're not the only ones who've tried to stay hidden for as long as you've suspected something funny was going on in your world." He brought out several packs. "We're going to need to evade regular mortals along with the supernatural. I'm assuming that you can't hurt them with your weapons." He nodded at their concealed weapons.
"Yeah," Percy sighed. "We can't hurt them. They'd just pass through."
"Interesting." Alex unrolled the pack on the table. Inside were a variety of-
"WHAT?!" The four of them yelped. "Shotguns? Rifles? You want us to use these?" Percy yelped again.
"Alex, I don't think we-" Jason began panicking, but Alex shook his head sternly.
"It's against the rules for us to harm any mortals," Annabeth whispered.
"No matter how obnoxious," Percy pointed.
"Those men that attacked us were mortals," Alex began. "I understand why you don't want to do this, really, I do, but right now, you don't have a choice. Because they weren't going to show any of us any mercy. Not all the shots you heard in the graveyard came from my gun. They aimed for me, and for you, and I could tell they weren't aiming to injure. They were trying to kill." He looked at each of them in the eyes. "You must trust me." He said slowly, but with great emphasis.
The four heroes looked at each other. "Alright, fine." Percy decided. "But I've never fired a shotgun before."
"Then use a regular handgun, and keep it hidden, until they're close enough so that you don't miss," Alex tossed them each an individual handgun. "These guys aren't going to play by the rules, you know. I'd suggest you keep that in mind the next time we see them."
"If we see them," Percy and Jason muttered.
"Oh, I'm betting we'll see them," Alex smiled grimly. "At least once before we get to the airport. I don't have much with me-" he gestured to a pack. "And I hope you don't have much with you either, because the next flight to New York is at ten pm tonight. We'll need to lay low as well. Keep your weapons close."
"And how are we going to get them through security?" Piper demanded. "These are mortal weapons."
"We'll discard them just before we board." Alex said calmly. "I've got a few plans in case things go wrong."
Annabeth's eyes narrowed. "Care to share them with us?"
"I would, but we don't have the time." The gun clicked as he moved it in place. "We need to leave. And here-" he grabbed four pairs of gloves and cloths for wiping. "Wipe clean everything that you've touched in here- everything. No fingerprints, no prints of any kind. Strands of hair, blood- S.H.I.E.L.D knows about us, and I'm betting they're not the only ones to suspect us of having ties to the supernatural. I've booked tickets for J.F.K International Airport in New York. We need to hurry."
Jason stared at him. "Will you be coming back with us?"
Alex sighed. "Against my own wishes and better judgement… Yes. If these are mortals, it's likely you won't be able to make it pass them without the proper training." He gave them a look. "Though I certainly don't doubt your monster-fighting credentials." He said quickly enough.
Las Vegas, on the way to the Lotus Hotel and Casino…
Skye looked only slightly annoyed, as did the others. Yeah, one of her first missions and it included this. Why were they going to some Casino in Las Vegas, anyway?
"So what's this hotel called?" She asked them.
"The Lotus Hotel and Casino," Melinda May said automatically.
"According to our files, Percy Jackson and his friends were seen entering the casino at June 15th 2006 and leaving at June 20th, five days later." Phil Coulson remarked. "And Nico and Bianca di Angelo were spotted leaving the casino around November 2007- sixty-six years after they were supposed to have died, in 1941." Leo Fitz explained.
"Wow." Skye blinked.
"Think they might've frozen them like Captain America?" Grant Ward asked, suspiciously.
"Perhaps." Was all Phil said as he drove.
"And I thought casinos don't let kids in until they're eighteen." Skye remarked, looking out the window.
"Yes, that's another concerning matter," Phil said calmly. "Another matter is that when Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase and their mysterious friend left the hotel and casino five days after they arrived, they were photographed looking at a newspaper stand and… Well, they were shocked."
"Their line of vision points towards the date," Jemma called out from the back. "Wait, they didn't realise they were in there for five days?" Skye interrupted. She looked incredulous.
"It appears so," Phil was expressionless and kept his cool as always. "Which is why we're sending a strike team to back us up and take us out if we're in there for more than two hours."
Skye and Grant both looked relieved.
"Now let's get to it," he drove on.
"What do you think- should we invite Tristan McLean to a little party?" Tony asked.
Steve shot him a look. "Fury said to keep our heads down," Natasha reminded.
"Yeah, but when has that ever worked?" Tony shrugged carelessly. "Besides, it's no big deal. I throw parties all the time."
"Don't we know," Clint muttered. Steve agreed inwardly.
"So what's so different about throwing one around a month after I saved the world?" Tony shrugged again. "No biggie. Just a couple of movie stars, one of which includes the oh-so-amazing Mr. McLean- doubt he'll refuse, and we ask a few casual questions, like, 'how hard is it to balance kids with stardom?' I'm sure we can easily get some answers."
Steve opened his mouth to say it was a bad idea, but stopped. "Actually, that's a good idea," Bruce admitted. Clint agreed. He sat up. "So Tristan McLean… For what? Your 'We-saved-the-world-and-cleaned-up-the-mess-party?'" He suggested dryly. "Him and who else?" Natasha interjected.
"I don't know… Beryl Grace was in a few soaps, crime dramas, fantasy TV series, and Sci-fi, before she went all crazy." Tony shrugged. "Who was one of her co-stars? Someone she used to like?" He looked around.
"Tony, I thought you were the one who had a crush on her," Bruce mumbled.
"Yeah, yeah, I had a crush on everyone," Tony shrugged. "Until Pepper came into my life- no wait, even then it took a while."
"Jane McEwan." Clint shot his hand into the air and snapped his fingers. "Was one of Beryl Grace's friends, until they both had a fall-out. Starred together in Atlantic City, seasons one to three. Before that Beryl was always the favourite star, the popular one. Then Jane went and landed herself a role in the big screen, and they stopped appearing in public together- mostly. They still ended up being photographed in premiers, but everyone could tell they weren't really happy with one another." He shrugged. "My wife was a fan of that show. She theorised that Beryl might've become jealous of Jane's success. Plus, she was out on maternity leave for a while- in 1987."
"Thalia," Natasha said automatically.
"She went out and partied quite a lot," Natasha looked up from a computer screen. "Beryl Grace. By this time, she'd had a kid and Jane was getting married. She didn't name the father of her baby girl, and no one showed up with her to premiers and celebrity functions, but not long after Jane McEwan got engaged and then married not long after landing her second role on the big screen. She had three kids, by the time Beryl's little boy, Jason was born. On all accounts, they were happily married, and still are. The kids are grown, now. No dramas, nothing." She looked up at them.
"Can't help thinking Beryl Grace must have found that hard to digest," Clint muttered. Tinseltown normally had a large case of divorces and breakups. Usually, he took no interest in celebrity's love-lives, but now this interfered with his line of duty. "And no one was seen with her around the time Jason and Thalia were conceived?"
"No one." Natasha shrugged. "After her little girl was born, gossip suggested that Beryl and Jane weren't getting along. Jane had visited their house, and neighbours heard arguing between the two women. Something about Jane not really approving the way Beryl raised her daughter. She left the house in a mood. She complained to social workers- and others- about the way Beryl left the children to their own devices- she was pregnant with her second child by this time- and said that she would drink and smoke while pregnant. Nothing's ever been proven and the kids were healthy. But it did look like they were underweight- and depressed. It seems like Thalia was learning how to clean herself up and her little brother. The children were sometimes looked after by nannies who complained about the same things. Other nannies complained that they got into a lot of trouble, even without meaning to. They didn't have a nanny by the time Jason disappeared when he was two, and Thalia ran away from home."
Clint shook his head in disgust. "Nice mom." Unbeknownst to the other Avengers, he was a father and thus, found it to be an anathema when parents willingly neglected and abandoned their children. No one could disagree with that sentiment.
"So, I'm sure Jane McEwan has plenty to say about. Beryl Grace." Tony insisted. He pressed a drink into Bruce's hand. "And I'm sure we might just figure out why Mr. McLean treated Piper the way he did, like sending her off to boarding school at the earliest opportunity." That was an anathema to him. Unfortunately, it was also a past experience. Tony had been sent off to boarding school by his Jack-(with a capital J)a** father.
"More important to our current task, the question on who was Beryl Grace's children's father," he continued. "And the mother of Piper McLean. We could also ask them about their relationship with each other, including Percy Jackson." He paused. "Think the Grace children might've had contact with Jane McEwan after they reappeared- in secret?"
Natasha shrugged. "Who knows? All we know is that they're our best leads. Technically Jackson's parents- his mother, new stepfather and half-sister- live in Manhattan, but Fury says, we can't do anything to tip things off."
Steve frowned. "What if Tristan McLean or Jane McEwan tips off his daughter? Or the Graces?"
"Or anyone of them," Clint pointed out.
"Well, it might just be a risk we'll have to take," Bruce said, nonchalantly. "When's this party Tony?"
"Two days," Tony announced. "I've already made the announcement. I'm inviting a whole bunch of people- including you guys, for, you know, charity purposes. Fancy dress, but, not too fancy. Invite a couple more movie stars, Victoria's secret models, five-star generals- Rhodey." He rolled his eyes. "Anything to make this the party of the year."
Steve nearly dropped his head into his hands. Oh Tony, he didn't need this. Not now. Knowing him, it was sure to be one hell of a crazy night.
Nico di Angelo strode through the streets of Manhattan. He glanced up at Stark Tower. It was in Park Avenue, only twenty-one minutes away from the Empire State Building on Fifth. They were that close.
Nico had shadow-travelled- despite Chiron's warnings- to Manhattan. He owed Ms. Jackson and Mr. Blofis that- and Percy, of course. He had to warn them.
He remembered the Invasion of New York by the Chitauri and Loki. Percy had all but panicked, until Nico shadow-travelled to his apartment and took his family back to camp. After that he'd still insisted on fighting, it took a great deal of effort to calm him- and everybody else who were itching to fight. He took a deep breath.
After arriving at Percy's door, he did the polite thing and thus, did not shadow-travel up to their floor. Anyway, he needed to save the energy to get back to camp.
"Nico di Angelo to see Ms. Sally Jackson and Mr. Paul Blofis," he told the doorman, who nodded and sent the message up.
"Nico!" Ms. Jackson was clearly delighted to see him. She engulfed him in a crushing hug. She smelt of liquorice- even after quitting that candy shop in Grand Central, which Percy told him about- and freshly-baked cookies. "It's so good to see you- you've grown!" She released him and let him in. "Come in, there's some cookies waiting for you- and some more snacks, if you want."
Nico let out an automatic smile. "Thanks, Ms. Jackson, but I can't stay long." His face grew serious. "There's something I need to talk to you and Paul about."
Sally glanced at his face, and her brow furrowed in worry. She bit her lip. "Is it Percy?" She asked, afraid of the answer. "Where is he?"
"As of right now, we believe he's fine," Nico reassured her. "But he's out on a mission at the moment- don't worry, it's just a regular pick-up mission, there's a new demigod on the way- but Annabeth's with him, and so is Jason and Piper.
Sally relaxed, somewhat. "What is it you want to talk about?" She asked.
Inside, the kitchen smelt terribly delicious- not just the blue chocolate chip cookies that Sally had become famous for, but the seven-layer dip, and much more. But Nico couldn't stay long.
"Where's Paul?" He asked. "He should be here for this." As he spoke, he strode over to the playpen where Percy's cute baby sister was playing with a couple of soft toys. He smiled. "She's gotten bigger," he noted.
Just then, Paul came into the room. "Nico," he greeted with a grin. "How's it going?"
"Great, Paul," Nico greeted. "But it's getting late and there's something I need to talk to you guys about."
Paul flashed an anxious look to Sally. "Is it Percy?" He asked worriedly. Even though Percy wasn't his biological son, and it must have been hard to put up with a stepson who was a magnet for danger, Paul still treated him as his own son. Nico felt tremendous respect towards him for that- one of the few mortal teachers he felt that he could ever respect.
They sat down at the table, where Nico filled them in with important details. Needless to say, Sally and Paul had been shocked and stunned to learn that other pantheons of gods besides the Greeks (and Romans- even that took a while to get your head around to) existed. Including, but not limited to, the Norse and Egyptian pantheons. Nico told them of Zeus' anger and the emergency meetings on Olympus, and that the gods were considering open conflict with Asgard. "Paranoid uncle," he stated apologetically. He also told them that while Manhattan was Greek god Central, Brooklyn was Egyptian territory.
Paul shook his head. "So, let me get this straight: many pantheons exist and many myths are true."
"Correct." Nico nodded.
He looked flummoxed. "How does that even work?"
Nico shrugged wearily. "Best not to ask. Only understand: the world gets crazier the more you think about it."
Paul grimaced. "Yes, I can see that.
"There was a treaty," he continued. "In Ancient Times."
"Correct." Nico nodded. "A treaty which they agreed to keep their peace about in many things. Including for gods never to show themselves to mortals in another pantheon's territory. As it so happened Manhattan was Greco-Roman, and Brooklyn was Egyptian. Understandably, these gods aren't too pleased with Odin and the Norse about that."
"But didn't Thor help beat back the invasion?" Sally asked, rocking her cooing daughter on her lap.
"Yes, but in doing so, he fought alongside the Hulk, and no one could ignore a big, green, giant raging monster." Nico said, dryly. "The Mist was pretty much down at that point. Loki ushered in the invasion, Thor and the Avengers beat it off, but at the same time, they prevented us- the Greeks and Romans- and the Egyptians- from fighting, which really annoyed Uncle Z, and many other gods and people back at camp. After all, there were, what? Five of the Avengers? And we had entire armies at our disposal. We had to stick to the treaty- it'll be complete chaos to the whole fabric of the universe otherwise, and disturb the balance between the different mythological universes, otherwise. We couldn't get our armies to New York, and defend them. We couldn't even do it in secret, considering that the Mist was down. We couldn't risk exposure."
"Wait a minute," Paul interjected. Sally bounced her toddler daughter on her knee again. "They know, don't they, the Avengers?" He glanced, almost nervously, at Sally. "That Greek gods and demigods exist." Sally's eyes widened and she clutched her daughter tighter. The baby looked somewhat uncomfortable.
"Well, maybe Thor does," Nico conceded. "But even he's not stupid enough to blurt it out to S.H.I.E.L.D and the rest of the team. Things are precarious between Olympus and Asgard as it is. Same as the Egyptian and other pantheons, according to Chiron. I can't imagine that Odin's and the rest of them are having an easy time up in Asgard, trying to keep it from going to war. At this rate, we're counting on him not to make things even worse than it already is. But S.H.I.E.L.D…" He shook his head.
"Okay, quick question," he glanced at both Paul and Sally. "What do you know about S.H.I.E.L.D?"
Paul scratched his head. "Gosh. Only that they're a big and powerful organisation with high-tech equipment and work closely with the Avengers- maybe they're the bosses. They're kinda bigger than the government, but I don't really know about them that much."
"None of us do," Nico admitted. "But I do know, now that they know about Thor, many of us are beginning to wonder how soon before they find us out."
Sally drew her breath in sharply and her daughter let out a wail. She managed to calm her. "How?"
Nico looked older than he really was. "Like I said, the world knows about Thor. Plus, Captain America's enhanced."
"Yeah, I read about that," Paul mused, thoughtfully. "He was a scrawny kid, before some scientist injected him with a serum, and he turned into a superhero. But what does this have to do…" He trailed off.
"My father believes that S.H.I.E.L.D is searching for people with… Powers," he said uneasily. "Some of them are enhanced, they've been experimented on, though not like Captain America, others… Well, for some reason they've been born with powers. S.H.I.E.L.D thinks that the best way to keep them safe is to keep tabs on them- imprison them or make them work for them, like the Avengers, though probably not on the same level."
Sally gasped. "Do you think… They'd come after…" She choked.
Nico's shoulders sagged. "I don't know. Like I said, they've got access to just about every CCTV camera, or at least, Tony Stark does. And in the age of Social Media, and iPhones, I can't make any promises that someone hasn't seen us, not with the Mist in… Uncertain condition."
Sally and Paul looked at one another. Nico took a deep breath. "All I'm saying is, please, be careful. Just in case some agents come knocking on your door asking about Percy or any of us. We're all taking as much precautions as we can, but they're not infallible." He stood. "I've stayed for too long. CCTV probably picked me up, I've got to get going."
Sally and Paul hugged him, thanked him for his warning, sent him off with a few cookies and snacks, and warnings on how to be careful.
"Nico," Sally called desperately behind him. "Just… Be careful, okay? Tell Percy to take care."
Nico nodded. "I will." He smiled gently. "Thanks, Ms. Jackson. Mr. Blofis." He turned and the door shut.
Nico made his way down the elevator, the traditional way. Then he approached Queensboro Bridge. It was close enough, so he didn't have to go so far.
But he did notice something suspicious. Some people seemed to be waiting around at this time of night. Not nightclubbers, but… He frowned.
Well, what did he expect? Guys in suits, trench-coats? He snorted to himself.
Maybe he was being paranoid, but it figured to Nico that it never hurt to be careful.
Still, what were random people doing at a time like this? A guy was reading a newspaper underneath a lamp-post. He frowned. Shouldn't he be doing that in the morning.
That was when Nico's quick eyes saw: people glancing at him, pretending to be otherwise occupied, like in things such as going home from work. His blood chilled.
Nico walked faster.
He couldn't shadow-travel- not like this. Not out in the open with the Mist failing and everyone so alert after the events of the Norse gods and the Chitauri Invasion. So Nico hurried as quickly as he could.
He turned onto a nearby alley, afterwards, he broke into a run.
The ones behind him started running too. Chasing him, they ran after him, nudging aside trash cans and other things.
He couldn't tell if they were monsters, terrorists, enhanced or S.H.I.E.L.D. In a world like this, anything was possible.
He ran for it. He ran for the Queensboro Bridge.
They chased him, until Nico disappeared under the shadows. He made sure it was completely dark before he shadow-travelled away.
The agents cursed. One of them pulled out a walkie-talkie. "We lost him." He scowled in the dark.
"Where'd you think he went?" The other guy questioned.
"Does it matter?" He shot back. "We've got to report back to base. Tell them that Nico di Angelo was spotted arriving and leaving Percy Jackson's apartment."
His companion nodded. "Shall we head back to Brooklyn?"
The first agent sighed. "Yeah. Come on." They took a truck and got back.
They appeared at their apartment, where they unlocked the door. A huge stash of equipment was seen, high-tech, the best and yet the most discreet, like S.H.I.E.L.D could afford.
The first agent threw down his keys. "Call base, get to Agent-" then something knocked him out.
"Wha-" the second agent blocked several blows, but something shot at him.
It took him down almost instantly.
It was a glamorous hotel lobby, from what Skye could see. The entrance was a huge neon lotus flower, the petals lighting up and blinking at the skies. There were Greek columns flanking the wide entrance and smoked, sliding glass doors and a set of chrome doors, spilling air conditioning that smelt wonderfully fragrant, like lotus blossoms. The agents couldn't be sure, but they didn't give it much thought. Palm trees framed the entrance, and the word You will never want to leave! was lit up right above it.
Skye guessed it was true, judging from what she saw inside. "Hey guys," the doorman looked warm and friendly- normal, judging by his appearance.
"Thank you," Phil said without much thought. They stepped inside.
Skye, Leo Fitz and Jemma gasped. And even Grant, Phil and Melinda looked amazed. "Whoa," Leo breathed.
The whole lobby was one giant game room. There was an indoor waterslide that snaked up around the glass elevator and descended from about forty floors. There was a climbing wall on one side of the building and an indoor-bungee jumping bridge. There were rows and rows of individual video games and virtual reality suits and machines with working laser guns, dance floors, a high-class bar, a restaurant, a café and snack bars with every kind of food available. Each of the video games were the sizes of widescreen TVs. Laughter, music, and thrilling screams of excitement- the kind you hear about in amusement parks- echoed throughout the place.
"This place…" Leo Fitz couldn't find the words.
Phil was the first to snap out of it. "Now guys," he warned. "Remember: we're here on business."
"Yeah," Grant said, as if slowly waking from a daze.
Unseen to them a bellhop pointed them out to some waitresses.
"Hello, welcome to the Lotus Hotel and Casino," one of them beamed. They all came forwards. "Here." They held out a tray of canapés or hors d'oeuvres. On second glance, Phil realised they were individual lotus blossoms, pink and perfect. "Would you please try one of these?" She all but begged. "It's our signature dish- it's really good."
"Oh, really? thank you." Phil gingerly picked up the little pink flower, as did the others, Grant blinking. Melinda eyed it suspiciously. "Well, I know Chinese sometimes eat lotus roots, but this is new," she remarked.
Grant sniffed it. "It smells good."
Phil took a whiff. He was right. It smelt like rich honey and spices, meats, sweets, pastries, fresh fruits, ice creams, and a whole bunch of other things that shouldn't have gone well together, but did. The smell alone was enough to set his mouth to watering. Without thinking of what he was doing, he picked it up and took a bite.
The others did the same.
"Mm." Grant chewed. "It's not bad." And then the flavours exploded on their tongues.
Spices; Rich and rolling in their mouths, dancing a mischievous tango. Fruits, exploding their tart sweetness in a rolling dance of harmony with them, a merry jig which excitedly gave way to the honeyed delights of exotic almonds and walnuts, of sweet chocolate and hazelnuts, waltzing away in their mouths, filling them with a haze of dreams and delight.
Blearily, Skye opened her eyes. The others did the same. "That…" Grant began weakly. "Was the best thing I've ever tasted." The others agreed.
"Mmm," Skye moaned. "I'd like another one."
"How'd you think they make this?" Jemma asked weakly as Leo Fitz moaned.
"Never mind that," Melinda May interrupted. "I want more." She grabbed another one from an eager waitress.
They gulped down their second flowers. And their third. By the time they were onto their last bites, there seemed to be a pink, warm, rosy haze around their visions. They felt full, warm, yet strengthened and energised. Everything smelled sweet, the fragrance of the lotus blossoms sang in their nostrils and their other senses. Skye felt strangely giddy and light-headed- like she wanted to dance, though not like she wanted to pass out.
"What should we do?" She found herself wondering.
Grant shrugged as he finished his last flower. "I don't know. What were we doing?" He wondered.
In hindsight, they should've realised that this was a bad sign. But in reality, they couldn't even remember to care. None of them had ever felt so full, and warm and safe in their whole entire lives.
"I- don't know." Melinda blinked. Leo Fitz gulped the last of his flowers down. "What shall we do?"
"I don't know," Jemma murmured thoughtfully, looking regretfully at the last bite. She ate it anyway. "What are we going to do about that?"
Skye couldn't control the laughter bubbling from her lips. Phil stared at her and broke out laughing. Grant giggled- yes, giggled- and tried to muffle the sound of his laughter. That set the others giggling and laughing too.
Phil finished his lotus blossom. "I think I know what we're here for." He smiled.
"For what?" Leo Fitz asked. He glanced up at the slide. "To have fun." He smiled as he looked up.