Percy's POV:
Ok, I know that I may seem like I have everything under control, but I don't. As soon as dad claimed me, they began probing at my past. Especially dear ole Annabeth. Nothing seemed to get past her. Like what I have been doing the past four-ish years? And even asking about my life before that. I can't really blame her though. I would definitely be curious.
Which is when the questions about the flurry of snow came up. Some people thought I was an immortal with two godly parents; that was a weird conversation. I even had to swear that it was true. Like the creek full of red blood wasn't proof enough. Is it just me or do people seriously like not knowing?
Anyway, others came up with theories about me being closer to a nature spirit than a demigod. They kept sprouting nonsense and didn't even let me explain myself. Not until, I dumped a little bit of water on their heads. "Just let me explain! Jeez! Before any of this, I was guided to this camp by a goddess before the bull on steroids decided make a grand entrance."
"WHO!?" A bunch of the campers shouted.
"I'm not gonna tell you. I was sworn to secrecy and who am I if I don't know how to keep a secret? Plus, I just so happen to really like this goddess and think of her as a sister. I won't let anything bad happen to her, not on my watch. She helped me out when I needed it and was kind enough to lead me here. I'm not gonna betray her trust like that." I replied sternly. Still, that didn't help my case in anyway.
"Perseus, we don't keep secrets like that at this camp." Chiron spoke, attempting to get an answer out of me. There was no way I'm gonna let this chance pass me up.
"Is that right? How about what happens to the kids of minor gods or of those who haven't gotten claimed? How can you say that when people are left wondering why their mommy or daddy doesn't care? Or why none of it is fair? The answer to that answer is very simple, my dear friend. Because their parents aren't represented here or anywhere nor thought of as important... Because they are minor? Now that doesn't seem right." Thunder rolled in the distance, signifying an angry bunch.
"That's enough Perseus!" Chiron lashed out, trying to stop me. Yet, I kept going.
"They will sit and rot in cabin eleven, until they die themselves. No one here cares for them... I can see the hollow look of your campers-" I pointed my finger at him, "dying to know who their mom or dad is... And you said secrets like mine aren't kept around here. When literally parentage is known and you claim nothing can be done. But I won't allow that... I care because some one has to." I was beyond frustrated now, as seen by the storm brewing at the edges of camp, scaring the campers. Taking a deep breath, I eyed each camper, "For those of you who don't know your parents or are stuck in cabin eleven, my cabin will always be open. I'm sure my dad won't mind, we are all in this together after all. We will find who your parents are... I promise." Ending on that, I began making my way towards cabin three. Leaving the campers in a stunned silence and making many of them think. About what? That is entirely up to them.
I went to my cabin and just laid there. I couldn't sleep after my rant. I hope the gods heard that... It was just as much to them as it was for the campers. I may have been too harsh on them. I'll just work it out with everyone tomorrow.
Since sleeping was a no go, I left my cabin and went to train before the sun even hit the horizon. I was my own councilor, I can do whatever I wanted and go wherever I please.
A few days have gone by and I just about apologized to every body. Yet, even then I was avoided like the plague by them all. No one wanted to talk to me and they talked about me behind my back. That, I didn't care about much. I just don't understand why my rant seemed like such a big deal. I spoke the truth that everyone knew it. I did come off like a dick though.
I was thus left alone by the entire camp.
Almost everyone. Charles still talked with me about whatever, Luke still sparred with me, Grover and I still talked, Jessica was really nice, and Annabeth... Well, she kept mumbling to herself about a plan of some sort whenever we were together. Selina also didn't seem to care all that much. That was a pleasant surprise. She's awesome.
The last person I still needed to apologize to was Chiron, which was where I was headed to now. I was just about to knock on the Big House when it swung open to reveal a sweaty and nervous Grover. "I was just coming to get you Percy! Mr. D wants to send you to... I mean he wants to see you." He sheepishly said.
"Where are they?"
"Just on the porch. Other side of the Big House. Come on, you don't want to keep a god waiting!" He grabbed my wrist and half dragged me there. Chiron and Mr. D were playing against invisible opponents; two hands floating in the air. "Well if it isn't the camp celebrity... Anyway don't expect any respect from me just because your father is ole barnacle beard." Thunder clapped in the distance, but he wasn't bothered. Grover on the other hand was cowering by the railing. "You caused a lot of trouble on Olympus brat. If it were up to me, you'd be a pile of ashes swept under the rug and forgotten, but it is in my mission to keep you from harm. Sadly. Anyway I'm off to Olympus for an emergency meeting. All thanks to you." With that he vanished, leaving only the smell of grapes behind.
"Chiron I came here to apologize for my actions. It wasn't my place to-" I was cut-off.
"It's quite alright child. You weren't wrong... This place isn't perfect. But there isn't much that I can do Percy."
"...How about I talk with my dad? For those types of kids, I mean. It wouldn't put a strain on cabin eleven and I don't mind. Plus we can try and figure out their parentage." It wasn't much of a suggestion.
"Hmm, not bad, but that isn't the reason on why I called you are here. It is time for you to take on your quest. The fighting hasn't seized between Zeus and Poseidon... In fact it is much worse than it was before. No one knew you even existed until now, so Zeus openly blames you considering no one knew where you were during the winter solstice. He thinks you stole it for your father. "
"Figures. I knew Zeus was crazy."
"Perseus, we don't talk about the King of the gods like that!" Grover half yelled at me. Slightly cowering behind a chair thinking I was gonna struck down.
"Will you accept the quest?" Chiron spoke again.
"...Just tell me when I leave."
"Not so fast child. You need to go and see the Oracle and obtain a prophecy before you can leave. This situation is extremely fragile Perseus. You need to find the bolt and return before the summer solstice meeting. June 21st. Which is about ten days from now. " As he spoke his last word, rain started falling within the barrier of camp. Stunning all it's residence and giving one final look at me. Zeus was pissed, but I didn't think he would punish the camp because of me. I grew angrier. "The oracle is found in the attic Perseus."
With that I went up four flights of stairs, right under a green trap door. I pulled the cord down and it opened. I climbed the wooden ladder and entered... There is so much junk in this place. Broken armor and weapons and relics from previous quests, I'm assuming.
By the window stood the mummy- I mean Oracle. Not wrapped or anything. Just a female husk with a tie-dyed sundress, lots of beads and necklaces, and a headband over her long black hair. Her eyes were white slits. She sat up which made me jolt and reach for my bow. Then her mouth opened wide and green mist began pouring out. Hissing as if acid was eating away at the floor, then she spoke. In my head, much like Khione. Only creeier. I am the spirit of Delphi, speaker of prophecies of Phoebus Apollo, slayer of the might Python. Approach, seeker, and ask.
I took a deep breath and approached, "What is my destiny?" I mean what else was I supposed to say? The mist thickened and collected in front of me, making some sort of visions. First was... my first mom clutching a baby: You shall go west, and face the god who has turned. Then Phoebe: You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned. Next Nasaea, Amphite, Kyrene, and Asea: You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend. Finally Khione: And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end.
As the last line finished, they began to dissolve away. Back into the mouth of the leathery Oracle. She was done speaking and everything in the room went back to normal. As if I wasn't just given a terrifying prophecy.
Making my way back down stairs. I spot Chiron in all of his centaur glory. I walked over and slumped down on a chair. Taking a deep breath, Grover and Chiron waited.
"You shall go west, and face the god who has turned.
You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned.
You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend...
And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end."
I told him the entire prophecy. Word for word and the air seemed to drop a few degrees. Grover paled at the last couple lines and Chiron brought his hand to his chin and thought about it. "Prophecies tend to have double meanings. So don't dwell on it too much. It will only harm you. Trust me."
"West it is then... Who can I bring?"
"Whoever is willing to go. As long as it isn't more than three people total."
"Grover? I wouldn't ask you if I wasn't absolutely certain you can do it." I knew he was terrified, but he nodded. I guess his search for Pan is far more worth it than a little bit danger. Plus he's my closest friend here. I feel like I might need him.
"Anyone else?" Chiron asked.
"Well since Annabeth is already here. Why doesn't she come along?" The air shimmered and Annabeth stood stunned, with her mouth opened. "Come on guys we don't have anytime to waste!" I already had my stuff so I ran to the hill leaving my two friends behind.
"Seaweed Brain!" She shouted, but I was already long gone.
An hour or so past and I was still waiting for them. How long does it take to get ready for a life threatening quest that could possible end the world if we fail? Oooh I see. Maybe I was ready too fast...
"Hey Percy! Are you ready to go!?" Grover shouted from the bottom of the hilled followed closely by Annabeth, Chiron and some one else.
"I've been ready and waiting for you two! What took you guys so long?"
"We were getting supplies, you know, just in case something bad happens. Like fatal injuries?" Annabeth voiced back.
"Oh sweet! What did you guys get?" By now they were already at the top of the hill. Chiron and Argus stood a couple feet behind them. I could tell he was Argus because of all the eyes.
"Drachmas, Nectar, and Ambriosa. As well as sleeping bags, mortal money, and a few other things. What are you bringing Percy?" Annabeth asked after she took a good look at me and realized I was dressed as I have always been. Shorts, bow, my flute, daggers, and the hunter's arrow hidden on my person. Not that she knows about that.
"This is Argus. He'll be taking you guys into the city." Ugh I don't want to go there. It's absolutely disgusting and I hate it.
"Actually I have a way to get there. If you don't mind." I said rubbing my neck. They looked at me perplexed. Argus on the other hand shrugged it off and made his way back down the hill towards the Big House.
"Great! Now we don't have a ride Seaweed Brain!" I just rolled my eyes. I turned around and started making my way a bit down the hill when I heard Luke.
"Hold up guys!" I turned around and Luke was standing at the top panting and carrying a pair of shoes. I wonder what he was doing here. Glancing at Grover and Annabeth, they too had no clue. But I could see the blush swarming the poor girl's face. "I just wanted to wish you guys off and perhaps... use these." He gestured towards the sneakers, and handed them off to me. They looked normal, "Maia!" Luke said and white bird wings sprouted right out of the heels. That surprised me a little. They flopped to the ground and then the wings folded up and disappeared.
Too bad I can't actually use them. You know, Zeus being the lord of the sky and all. "Thanks Luke." Was all I told him. It was a still pretty sweet gift to give.
"Umm... Listen Percy. We are placing a lot of hopes on you. Just go out and kill some of them monsters for me. Kay?" I nodded and he shook my hand firmly. He patted Grover and hugged Annabeth. She loved it. Then he just left us on the hill.
"Hey Grover? Would you like a pair of magic sneakers that could fly?" His eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning.
"Would I!?" With such pleasure he grabbed the sneakers and tied them onto his own hooves. Ready to take off and fly. "Maia!" Grover shouted. The wings flapped right on out and he got about a foot of air before he faceplanted. The shoes dragged him across the ground in circles before he finally stopped.
"He meant well Percy." Chiron told me and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"I know..."
"Oh I almost forgot." Chiron reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a pen? A regular ball-point pen? No... on instinct I took the cap off and it grew... into a mesmerizing double-edged bronze sword, a leather wrapped grip and a flat hilt riveted with gold studs. It felt... perfect. "It's a gift from your father. I lost track on how long I've been actually holding onto it, but it is clear now. You are the one. The prophecy is clear." I bet it is. "It holds a tragic history... It's name is Anaklusmos." Riptide? Now that is a dope name! "It holds magic. Now you can't ever lose it." I placed it in my pocket and was extremely grateful. It was barely considered a pocket at this point.
Shouting my thanks, I grabbed both Annabeth and a dizzy Grover and sprinted down the hill looking for something. Finding it near the bottom, I jumped directly into a big puddle, dragging both of my friends with me.
We appeared right in the heart of Manhattan, pouncing right out of the puddle we just jumped into. "What in the Hades was that!? We were just at camp and now we're? Where are we!?" Annabeth was so confused and looking around desperately to find a sign of where we were. Which there were plenty of. "We're in Manhattan!? Upper east side! How?"
Grover, on the other hand, was mumbling to himself about tin-cans and about eating something bad. I feel bad for the poor goat-boy.
"Calm down! You're drawing attention we don't need." That didn't necessarily do the trick I wanted. In fact I got more people to look at us. I took both of them by the hand and walked alongside the road for a little while. All the while starting to explain myself. I told them about water travel and how I can move from place to place so long as it has water. I was about to suggest another jump bbuuttt...
I was out voted and they said we weren't going to be doing that anytime soon. So they decided to buy a few bus tickets and travel west that way. This was going to be a long trip. "Got the tickets!" Grover skipped back over to us, waving the tickets like he won the lottery.
After a few minutes and some terrible small talk, the bus finally arrived and we were beginning to board. However, something eerie caught my attention from the other side of the street. Technically I couldn't see anything, but something was definitely not right. It creeped me out just glancing in that direction, yet I couldn't pry my eyes off away from whatever it was.
As the bus arrived, people rushed off while other's climbed on hiding the other side. *Hiss!* I flinched as the doors shut closed and the wheels turned. The weird feeling never left as everything around me seemingly went back to normal. I wanted nothing more than to get away from here as fast as possible. No matter how I look at it... It definitely isn't a good sign.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Grover and Annabeth caused me to look away asking a simple question with a complex answer.
Looking back, that feeling was no longer there. Like it simply vanished into thin air. "I don't know."
If the estranged emotion wasn't a bad omen, then Grover constantly looking over his shoulders and sniffing the air was definitely not a good sign. "What is it?" I asked him.
"I don't know, maybe nothing." Yea since when was it ever just nothing?
Now finding the bus much more comfortable than anything outside, we chose a few seats in the back. After being on my own for so long and dealing with constant danger, I don't know why I became so anxious all of a sudden. Maybe because it isn't just me I'm looking after. I wasn't the only one nervous, Grover gnawed at his apple and Annabeth kept tapping her hat. Something was up. "Percy." Annabeth caught my attention and she nodded towards the front of the bus.
An old lady in a crumpled rose dress, gloves, and a weird looking hat atop her head. Followed closely by two other hags. They weren't the ones I saw earlier, but they carried a very ominous feeling with them. Great. More trouble. They quickly sat in the very front of the bus, directly behind the bus driver and crossing their legs through the walk way.
No one was leaving. The Furies were making sure of that.
"What are they doing here?" I asked in a hushed voice.
"Clearly trying to stop us... But, all three of them!?" Annabeth quickly replied.
"Di immortals! What are we going to do?" Grover slowly began to panic.
"The windows don't open, no back exit, nothing..." Annabeth was quite adept at reading the situation, but her pause didn't ease anyone's anxiety. As we entered a tunnel, the three monsters called saying they needed to use the restroom and slowly preceded making their way back here. Annabeth cursed, "Here take my hat, they want you. Maybe you can get past them and get out of here." She did have a point, but I had another idea.
I told them my plan. It wasn't a great one, but at least we'll hopefully get out of this situation alive. I could here the gears in Annabeth's head turning, processing what I just said. In the short amount of time we had, there wasn't any other option. They nodded and got into position. I put on the cap and vanished from sight, creeping up the isle and ducked in a empty seat as we left the tunnel behind.
Sure enough they walked past me, not before they stopped and sniffed the air. Great. Now it is time. Creeping behind the last one, I uncapped my sword and it grew into all it's glory. I was about to stab the last one in the back, when a hellish wail pounded in my head. Now they carried fiery whips while looking like someone skinned a bat of it's hair and tanned it. Hideous beasts.
They began lashing out at asking where it was. Tearing up the seats and cracking their whips. I dashed up to one and stabbed it in the back before it had time to react. She collapsed onto the ground and withered in pain. This drew her friends attention and gave Grover and Annabeth a shallow opening. Annabeth struck her foe in her side and she crumpled, but Grover wasn't so lucky. The fury grabbed him and she was pissed. "Where is it!?" I couldn't risk stabbing Grover too, so I did the next best thing. I pulled the wheel. Causing a mass panic and screams as we nearly hit every car along the way. Going through traffic lights and ending up close to a river.
I pulled the emergency break and threw all the screaming passengers forward as the bus began to swerve into a ditch. Everyone rushed out screaming and as the bus began catching fire. Probably from the Fury's whip. Pushing and shoving their way out. This was perfect, after they all stampeded out, I took off the cap and rushed her in her dazed state. Somehow through all the excitement, Annabeth got on the Fury's back.
I was about to strike her when the hairs on my neck stood up one end. "Out! NOW!" Annabeth shouted and rushed out of the bus with Grover and myself following closely behind.
Just as I jumped out, the bus exploded from a massive lightning bolt. Leaving the while vehicle in a massive fire ball. "Our stuff!" Grover realized. They lost everything they packed. Damn it. A horrendous screech came from inside the burning bus. "She's calling for reinforcements!" We had to get out of there. So we ran... and ran... and ran... into the forest as rain plundered the land.
Mud splattering everywhere. Grover kept muttering about having lost a perfectly good bag of tin-cans. Annabeth fell in line next to me, "Thanks for the save back there. And for not... dying."
"Your welcome."
"It's just that, if you had died. It would mean this whole thing would be over." She looked sad at that revelation.
"You haven't left camp since you got there, have you?" She nodded her head.
"Camp Half-blood is my home but, I never got to go out and explore the real world. To test myself, you know." Annabeth continued.
"Well, you are pretty good with that knife. Plus who else can say they gave a Fury a piggyback ride." She laughed a little and we continued on our merry way. Going until the sun began to set and seeing lights ahead of us. With brightly colored neon signs and an assortment of weird objects littered across the territory. Flamingoes, Bears, you name it. Overall just a weird shop. The only one open and we were getting hungry.
But the entrance was off in the back of the place, which was still weird. The back was much weirder than the front, if that was even possible. Highly detailed statues of people, satyrs, and animals ranging from little birds to dogs. Each face carrying terror in their now frozen placement. We honestly couldn't help ourselves and let ourselves in. Going to ransack the place for snacks. "Guys, come on, this place is freaking me out." Grover looked around and I had to agree, this place was weird. Yet, my grumbling stomach wouldn't listen to logic. All it wanted was food and a good drink to quench my thirst. We ignored him and kept going farther, "I smell monsters." Grover noted and kept eyeing this one piece of a Satyr. That was it for me.
"Your nose is still clogged from the Furies goat boy. Plus I'm starving, don't you smell that delicious scent?" I just kept quiet and stood behind Annabeth as she knocked on the door. A women opened the door and she wore a long black gown that covered everything, except her hands. She also had a veil that covered her head completely.
With a middle-eastern type accent she spoke, "What brings you children here out so late?"
"Umm we got lost. Actually separated from our tourist group that came to visit New York City. But we smelled your food and couldn't help come over." I lied through my teeth.
"Oh you poor children. Please come in! I'm Aunty Em." She shuffled into the store and took us towards the back of the warehouse into a dining area. Even more statues... We were easily considered stupid. Walking into a strange lady's store, with no money and the only thing plaguing our minds was food. Our stomachs growled in anticipation. "You have such lovely eyes Perseus." Aunty Em complimented. Wait! I never told her our names. I glanced at my friends, but they didn't seem to care or notice.
She made her way behind the counter and started cooking. A minute passed and I decided to follow, "Where do you think your going Percy?" Annabeth couldn't help but ask.
"I'm just gonna ask her what she's making. And tell her Grover over here is a vegetarian." That seemed to satisfy her curiosity. I walked up behind her and made sure no one else could hear us. "You can drop your act."
"Surely, I don't know what you mean." She responded.
"Cut the crap. It's obvious, the statues, someone too nice, complimenting my eyes, oh and knowing my name before I even gave it to you." She stopped for a second then just kept on cooking. "You know, I actually feel sorry for you." This managed to catch her attention.
"Sorry?"
"Yep. You got punished for being at the wrong place with the wrong person. Then you were left alone and you were cursed because of someone else. None of this is your fault. Or your sisters'." I think I managed to get my point across, "So you decided to punish the kids of the parents that punished you. Like Athena's children."
"That's right. They deserve to suffer for what they did to me!" She ripped off her veil and stared right at me. I barely managed to avert my eyes before her curse could take affect. Uncapping Riptide, I swung wildly in her direction and knocked pots off of the counter. I missed her completely and she left.
"It's Medusa guys! Runaway!" I don't know what they were doing but, I tried following Medusa into the maze of rock people. I lost her quickly and wandered aimlessly in the back. Trying to track her down. I couldn't risk looking in any direction for fear of seeing her eyes. So I kept my head low and used my other senses to try and track her down.
"AAAAAHHHH!" Grover screamed. What was he doing here? Without thinking I ran over to my friend. I couldn't believe my eyes. Grover was flying blindfolded above her head swinging wildly with a stick and smacking her occasionally as she tried to knock him down. I couldn't see Annabeth anywhere. Shutting my eyes tightly I joined Grover in the fight with my sword at my side and began slashing and stabbing where I thought she would be. Maybe I swinging at nothing, but my senses warmed me not to look at anything. Every once in awhile I would feel Grover above me as we continued our assault.
To be completely honest my head was all that into the fight anyway. Someone, something, somewhere was stalking us. The same feeling as before crept up on me and I didn't know what to make of it. It could be nothing, but that is hardly ever the case. And whatever it is, it is dangerous.
I jumped back on instinct and heard a monstrous screech in front of me. I wanted to open my eyes so badly, but I couldn't trust myself enough to actually do it. "It's Ok guys. I covered it. You can look now." That was Annabeth's voice. Slowly opening my eyes, I saw it. The veil neatly wrapped around the head, at least I think it was the head.
Annabeth walked over to me and punched my shoulder. "Ow! What was that for?" She rolled her eyes.
"That was for thinking we were gonna leave you Seaweed Brain!" Oh.
"So what are we going to do now?" Grover came over and questioned.
"Can you get me box?" He nodded and went looking.
"Why do you need a box? Her head is already covered." Annabeth asked. I didn't answer, I just smiled back at her. Grover came back a moment later and we placed the head gently into the box. I grabbed a piece of paper and a pen and wrote something on it. I'll be seeing you soon. Then I wrote the address of Olympus on the box and placed it in the mailbox. "Are you insane!? The gods will kill you! Have you thought about that!?"
"Yep."