A/N
So here are three questions,
1. Should I include other mythologies as well as snapshots of other mythologies in between the canon something like fillers? If so, which ones would you like to see?
2. What's your take on Percy x Artemis x Hestia? I thought about it and realised that this pairing too would be enjoyable to write.
Edit : I have added said option to polls. Those who have already voted and want to vote for this pairing, leave a review / DM and I will keep a separate count for it. Only registered accounts (see Ch. 8 - Important AN as to why I say this).
3. I'm looking for a beta reader. Is anyone willing to volunteer? I'd like that person to look at the finer details in the fic and help streamline things since I have lots of ideas as to where this story could go. Also, that person should be efficient and thorough. Do drop me a DM!
Edit: I have created a discord so do join me there! The link for it is available on my profile. I will be posting all updates related to the fic, Percy's abilities and get a chance to interact with all of you. I hope to see you all there!
Reviews
Devildogg237 : Yeah, that's true but then that begs the question - how will she be a part of his world? It's hard to be a demigod as it is and she's mortal so well. And thanks! I tried to keep it as flashy as I could :)
Tristan Mabey : I know right?! I wish I could vote for you but you'll have to do it. It's right on my profile.
RikudouNaruto1232 : Drop your vote on my profile!
Yoshi1911 : Haha I would but that would take the spotlight away from the main story sadly not to mention the amount of time it would take to manage three relationships.
Guest : Hahah honestly, it's more out of fear than anything. My friend is a HUGE Percabeth supporter and if I don't try getting their pair (*coughs* Hestia *coughs*), she'll kill me. I love to be alive, thank you very much :p
As for the vote, just register your account (I know it's a huge pain but bear with me) and head over to my profile. You'll see the poll there!
BlackjaxCXXIII : Thanks for the support, as always! Yes, I will do my best to finish this up! I am having fun writing this even though my schedule kills me every day but it's worth it :)
Scythe11 : Put in your vote on my profile! Also, that's so true! I LOVE Hestia! And gods no, I won't even think about putting in a multiplayer mode. Sounds extremely weird.
Howlife : Hmm Percy x Calypso as an individual pairing does sound like a good prospect to be honest. Multi-pairings is a strict no-no since it'll take the spotlight away from the main story. I'll add their pairing maybe and if not, I can do another story.
Guest : Aye, thank you so much! I am glad that you started writing as well! Do DM me the link, I will surely follow and read your story, looking forward to it :)
Fier609 : Oh lol I didn't know that and thanks!
Pairings Poll open for votes on my profile
Percy x Artemis
Percy x Thalia
Percy x Annabeth
Percy x Hestia
Percy x Artemis x Thalia
Percy x Annabeth x Thalia
Percy x Hestia x Artemis
The polling will be open till the ending of TLT as I will need to accordingly manage the flow of the story. Do vote on the poll I have created on my profile!
Disclaimer : I do not own PJO or any of its characters.
Chapter 9
Just as Percy started to walk towards the hill, a notification popped up.
...
Ping!
Quest Alert!
Save Sally, find the Lightning Bolt and Helm of Darkness
Rewards -
5,000 XP
Your mother back and safer than ever
?
?
Failure -
Death
Sally's Death
Mass Destruction
End of the age of the gods
This quest has been auto accepted. Do you really need a reason to save the world and/or the gods?
...
Percy's eye twitched. He was so going to have a few words with the Fates when he met them next. If they were the ones giving him the quests, they really had a lot of free time in hand since they could be smart asses about things like this. What was this nonsense about the 'end of the age of gods'? He thought about it. What had the Fates told him? Kronos was rising. Did these events have something to do with the Titan Lord?
He sighed as he dismissed the notification and walked up to the small party that had assembled on the hill. He decided that he won't dwell too much on things or try to since it did nothing but raise more questions. Apparently, this change was brought about as his intelligence started to increase. He found himself more curious and questioned things much more than he would initially. Is this how Annabeth felt when she couldn't find answers or was curious? Something to ask her he mused.
He reached the hill to find Chiron, Grover, Luke and Annabeth waiting for him. Grover was chewing on a diet coke can as he stood nervously whilst the other three seemed to talk about quest or the news in general since their faces were serious.
"Hey guys, sorry to keep you waiting", Percy said.
"Seaweed brain, didn't anyone ever teach you not to keep people waiting, especially a girl?", Annabeth replied. Ah wasn't she just lovely? However, she sounded more annoyed than before for some reason. Percy didn't think about it as Luke walked up to him with a box in hand.
"Open it", Luke said.
Percy complied as he saw a pair of sneakers that looked nothing out of the ordinary. Seeing his confused look, Luke took one out and said, "Maia!".
Suddenly, white bird's wings sprouted out of the heels, startling him. Just then, Gamer's Mind came to the rescue and saved him before he could drop the shoes. The wings flapped a bit before they folded and disappeared.
"Awesome!" Grover said.
Luke smiled. "Those served me well when I was on my quest. Gift from dad. Of course, I don't use them much these days so you can have these."
Percy just thanked him but before he put them on, he decided to use Observe just to be on the safe side.
...
Talaria of Mercury
Obviously a cheaper imitation of the Talaria of Mercury. These are still effective, able to increase the speed of the user as well as gives the ability to fly. This pair has been cursed to drag the user to the depths of Tartarus itself once near its entrance.
...
'Great' Percy thought, 'just my luck'. He didn't have a bag since Annabeth had told him that the camp would be providing them with supplies and sure enough there was a backpack lying on the ground for him. Annabeth and Grover carried similar ones. He opened the bag and discreetly put the shoes in his inventory as he pretended to store them inside said bag. The camp had loaned them about twenty golden drachmas. These coins were as big as Girl Scout cookies and had images of various Greek gods stamped on one side and the Empire State Building on the other. They had also been provided with a flask of nectar and an airtight bag full of ambrosia squares. Percy used Observe and sure enough the results were enough to make him want to raid the store wherever they stashed both items.
...
Nectar - drink of the gods
Nectar restores MP fully with no risk of burning up.
Ambrosia - food of the gods
Ambrosia restores HP fully with no risk of burning up.
...
This was gold right there. This practically guaranteed him having unlimited HP and MP. Percy made a mental note to raid Olympus once he delivered the bolt if he was able to in the first case. Moving on, Annabeth was bringing her magic Yankees cap, which turned her invisible. She carried a book on famous classical architecture, written in Ancient Greek to read when she got bored, and a long bronze knife, hidden in her shirt sleeve.
Grover, on the other hand, wore his fake feet and his trousers to pass as human. He wore a green rasta-style cap, because when it rained, his curly hair flattened and you could just see the tips of his horns. His bright orange backpack was full of scrap metal and apples to snack on. In his pocket was a set of reed pipes his daddy goat had carved for him, even though he only knew two songs both of which sounded pretty bad on reed pipes.
Before they left, Chiron called Percy to have a private word with him.
"Quite the trouble you caused Percy", Chiron began.
"What?", Percy asked. He wasn't sure what Chiron was talking about since he had quite a history of being a troublemaker.
"Gabe", he said simply.
Percy froze. He did not expect anyone to know about this so soon. He knew people would be after him eventually but this, this was too soon. However, seeing the look of panic about to set on Percy's face, Chiron moved to quickly placate his fears.
"Don't worry, I have taken care of it. The mortals believe what I led them to believe."
"How?" Percy sputtered. He was just about to freak out even more but Gamer's Mind kicked in again as he calmed down.
"Trade secrets", Chiron said as he winked at Percy.
At his questioning look, Chiron decided to explain.
"The Mist. Read the Iliad, it's full of references. In short, whenever the divine or monsters mix with the mortal world, Mist is generated, which obscures the vision of humans. You will see things just as they are, being a half-god, but humans will interpret things differently. I used it to change things at your apartment so people don't suspect either you or your mom. Everything is alright and you can visit it too if you want. Don't worry about it."
"Can I learn how to control the Mist?"
"Yes, but I will teach you once you're back. Take care and good luck Percy."
The three then walked down the hill, past the camp boundaries. They were going to be escorted till New York by the camp's head of security - Argus. He supposedly had eyes all over his body so he could never be surprised. They made their way to the white SUV where Percy sat in the middle while Annabeth and Grover flanked him.
The drive passed peacefully as everyone was occupied with their thoughts. It was sunset by the time they reached Manhattan. Argus dropped them off at the Greyhound Station on the Upper East Side, not far from his previous apartment. It was getting late; Percy turned to Annabeth and met her gaze. It seemed that they were thinking of the same thing as she nodded at his mental question.
"Percy lives in New York right? So why don't we settle in at his apartment for the night before we head to the bus station in the morning? This way, we can be alert during the day for possible attacks without straining ourselves too much", Annabeth explained. It was a logical plan and everyone agreed to it.
Soon, Percy made his way into the apartment with Grover and Annabeth in tow. The apartment was now clean of all the trash as well as Gabe's smell which Percy was glad of.
"Why don't you guys freshen up while I cook dinner?" Percy asked. In reality, he was just going to summon some food using his new powers but he didn't want them to know since he had promised Hestia not to tell anyone.
"Annabeth, you can use the room down the hall on the right. It's my mom's room. Grover, you can use mine, you know where it is", Percy continued. They both nodded and walked off thinking that he needed time since this was the very place which brought back bad memories. Percy had managed to keep a hold of himself as the memories of his last visit flashed in his mind – the way his mother smiled at him and hugged him, her smell and everything about her. He vowed that he would get his mother back regardless of the cost.
Putting those thoughts aside, he waved a hand and imagined a few dishes. They appeared before him in a flash of flames; ready to be devoured. They hadn't eaten anything since breakfast and all of them were famished. Percy's appetite had grown since he had discovered his gamer powers. He couldn't quite explain why this happened but as long as he didn't become unhealthy, he was fine. He couldn't get unhealthy too – perks of being a half-god. He then went ahead and set-up the table as he waited for the other two.
While Percy was in the kitchen, Annabeth walked into the room which Percy had told her was his mother's. It was extremely tidy and the bed was made. A wall was decorated with some pictures. She walked to one of them and saw that it was of a gorgeous woman who could give many people in the supernatural world a run for their money and the object of her interest - a certain sea-green eyed son of Poseidon. He was about seven years old in the picture as he had his arms around his mother from behind with his head poking out as he looked at her in an adorable manner. The backdrop was of the beach which Annabeth assumed was taken during one of their vacations. She moved and saw various pictures of the two of them. It seemed that they were extremely close which caused a pang of sadness in her heart as she remembered her own past. She clamped down on that feeling as she turned towards the shower and freshened up.
Soon, Annabeth found herself in front of a whole meal cooked by Percy. There were a few dishes and they looked mouth-watering. She felt bad that she couldn't help out Percy and that he had been practically looking after them even though they should be helping him out seeing that it is his house. It was just basic courtesy.
Annabeth took a bite out of the food and her eyes lit up. This was one of the best dishes she had ever had and that was saying something since the food at camp was delightful to say the least.
"This is delicious Percy", she commented.
Percy looked at her and gave her a smile.
Just a simple smile and she was already putty. Annabeth groaned inside her head. Why was she getting affected by him? If this was Aphrodite's doing, she was going to have a word with her – goddess or not.
Once they were done with the meal, Annabeth tried to help Percy clean the dishes but he waved her off. He wanted to try something so he just let her watch as she stood nearby. Grover had hopped off to bed as he was pretty tired. Poor Satyr was still trying to come to terms with the fact that they were going to the Underworld which wasn't exactly on the list of 'top places to visit' in general.
Percy soaked the dishes a bit in water as he willed one plate to rise and used the water on it to scrub it clean with the necessary fluids Annabeth had taken out. He didn't know the first thing about dish washing however, Annabeth was the smart one (for now) so he followed whatever she said.
Soon, he was able to clean all the dishes properly as Annabeth looked at him with a smile. She was certainly impressed with his power and control over water.
"Why don't you head off to sleep? I'll just stack the plates properly and sleep then", Percy said.
Annabeth agreed as she disappeared from view
Percy then picked up one plate and lit his hand on fire as he dried it thoroughly, killing all the bacteria and germs on it. He repeated the process until all the dishes were almost shining.
Just then, a notification popped up.
...
New skill unlocked!
Cleaning dishes (Level – Max)
Due to your control over water and fire, you're able to clean and dry plates properly.
...
This was an extremely useless skill! How was this even supposed to help him?! His real life had really turned into a game. Percy just sighed as he called it a night and went to bed. Tomorrow was going to be a crazy day.
~Next Morning~
Morning was definitely not a quiet affair as the demigods bustled to get ready and scarf down breakfast, courtesy of Percy. They needed to leave for the terminal since the bus for Los Angeles would be leaving soon.
Somehow, they were able to make it in time as they stepped into the bus and headed towards the back seats. The bus was relatively empty save for a few people which was odd since morning busses usually ran filled to the brim. They would have left the bus and tried to board another one however, just before they could move, the doors shut and the bus lurched forward almost throwing the trio off balance. Seeing no other choice, they decided to sit near the emergency exit door at the back since that would be helpful in case they needed to make a quick escape without being noticed.
"Be on your guard, something is amiss", Annabeth whispered.
They huddled near the emergency exit and kept watch over the rest of the passengers. It seemed as though all of them were sleeping for some reason except for the bus driver and two old ladies. Just as Percy looked at them, both turned simultaneously and glared at him at the same time. Their seemingly normal eyes suddenly started to glow like barbeque charcoals. Percy didn't need to use Observe to know who they were. One was Megaera and the other was Tisiphone, the other two Kindly Ones. They got up from their seat near the front of the bus as Megaera waved a hand and made their way towards the three of them.
"Umm guys, I think we have some company", Percy began. Just then, a notification popped up.
...
Ping!
Quest Alert!
Kill the Furies.
Rewards –
1000 XP
?
Failure –
Death
Accept / Decline?
...
Percy quickly accepted the quest as he turned his attention back to the subject at hand.
Annabeth looked alarmed as she followed his gaze and locked on to the two old ladies who were just a few rows ahead of them now.
"Here's the plan. I will turn invisible and go behind their back whilst you two distract them okay?" Annabeth said quickly. Leave it up to her to come up with strategies on the fly. Both of them nodded as Annabeth quickly wore her cap and vanished from sight.
Just as the Furies passed a row, they suddenly stopped and looked around as though they were looking for something rather, someone. Before they could do anything about it, Percy decided to intervene.
"Hey ugly"
They turned towards him and hissed as they bared their fangs, slowly morphing into the familiar shape of a Fury. The bus driver though was still driving with no apparent care in the world. He didn't seem to notice the two monsters behind him in plain view. Must be the Mist Percy realised.
"Where is she?", Tisiphone asked.
"Who?" Percy knew who they were talking about but decided to grate them as much as he could.
"You know who son of the sea. Ever since she was sent to spy on you, she hasn't come back nor can we sense her. What did you do to her?"
Welp. Percy needed to do something fast before they spilled the beans. This was bound to raise some questions from Annabeth if it went too far.
"I killed Alecto. I think you're getting too old to sense her or something", Percy joked. He couldn't stop himself from blurting out whatever came to mind. Grover just looked at him in exasperation as he momentarily forgot the situation they were in currently.
This seemed to work since they hissed as Tisiphone lurched at him. However, before Megaera could also do the same, her face concerted from rage to confusion to finally pain as she vanished into thin air; leaving behind monster dust.
Tisiphone didn't notice this as she was focused on Percy at the moment. She brought her claws down, trying to rake Percy across his chest but Percy was quicker than before as he ducked down immediately with his enhanced speed. The seat took the brunt of it as three jagged claw marks appeared behind him with the stuffing spilling out.
Just as he ducked, Percy summoned Riptide and stabbed her in the abdomen.
Damage : 200 + 25 = 225
Anaklusmos Monster Bonus : 225 x 2 = 450
Sword Bonus : 450 + (450 x 19%) = 535.5
Critical Strike : 535.5 x 330% = 1767.15
She was far from dead as she bent over, crying out in pain.
"This isn't over Perseus Jackson", she said as she spread open her wings; ready to fly out.
"Percy! Stop her, she may have some information about the location of the Underworld!" Annabeth exclaimed from somewhere around him. Percy already had Alecto to give him the information however, if he suddenly knew about it well, you get the idea. It would be a cluster fuck. Seriously, he was basically treading on egg shells at every other moment. This power was giving him more problems than advantages. Was it seriously a blessing?
Before she could jump up, Percy swung his sword again and managed to sever one of her wings which affected her momentum as she crashed into one of the seats.
"My master will send more monsters after you once he gets to know about your puny little group all alone out of the camp borders especially you son of Poseidon", she said venomously even though she was still gasping for breath.
"Where is the location of the entrance to the Underworld?" Annabeth demanded as she materalised in front of Percy.
"As if I will tell you about it", Tisiphone spat.
"Perhaps this will help", Percy said as he took out some water from a bottle and directed it towards Tisiphone. He formed something like a big bracelet around her forearm and then commanded the water to start shrinking thereby applying pressure to the flesh and bone beneath. The effect was instantaneous as she started howling.
"DOA… DOA Recording S-S-Studios ahhhh… L-L-Los Angeles", she managed to say as Percy receded the water. By now, she was lying on the seat as she groaned in pain. Before they killed her, Annabeth spoke up.
"Swear on the Styx that you won't tell anyone about us or our quest", she said.
"I swear".
"Good", Annabeth said as she finally stabbed Tisiphone; letting her out of her misery as she was transported back to the Underworld.
She then turned to Percy, "You and I are going to have a talk later." Her eyes were swirling and became dark, promising pain as she looked at Percy.
Percy gulped and nodded his head frantically, wanting to be out of her ire as soon as possible.
Just then, a notification popped up.
...
Ping!
Quest Complete!
Kill the Furies.
Rewards –
XP : 1,711 + 1,000 = 551 / 2746
Level Up!
Level 12
Ability Points : 10 + 2 = 12
Mark of the Furies
Level 1 + 2 = 3
...
Percy skimmed through the information and dismissed the screen. He did not have much use of the Mark of the Furies at the moment so he didn't dwell on it.
They then turned to look at Grover only to find him unconscious from the whole ordeal. That explained the lack of noise and chiding from the Satyr's part. Percy hoped Grover hadn't seen him go crazy otherwise he would be in for a bad time though he felt that it would be easier with him than Annabeth. She still gave Percy an evil eye and he was scared of what was to come.
"We need to get out of here first. I doubt this bus or route is safe anymore", Annabeth said.
Grover was still knocked out so jumping out of the bus wasn't an option. Percy spotted an emergency stop switch and pressed it. Almost immediately the bus screeched to a halt as Annabeth opened the emergency exit door and they were out in a flash with Percy carrying Grover over his shoulder. His enhanced strength worked wonders.
They ran in no particular direction for a while until they saw a two-lane road through the trees. On the other side was a closed-down gas station, a tattered billboard for a 1990s movie and one open business. It wasn't a fast food restaurant but it worked since they needed some place to rest and fill their stomachs before getting a move on. The building read 'Aunty Em's Garden Gnome Emporium'. If he was his old self, he wouldn't have been able to read it due to his dyslexia. Thank the Fates.
Flanking the entrance, as advertised, were two cement garden gnomes, ugly bearded little runts, smiling and waving, as if they were about to get their picture taken.
"I smell monsters", Grover said even though all Percy and Annabeth could smell were hamburgers and fried food.
"Doesn't seem so plus I think your sense of smell is still not fine since you were knocked out", Annabeth reminded Grover.
"But out of all of us, only Grover can smell monsters. He might be right Wise Girl, let me go in and check first. Meanwhile, I have some food which I had packed. You can have that meanwhile. If I don't come out in 15-20 minutes, then start worrying. Percy then quickly summoned two tiffin's filled to the brim with mouth-watering food that would keep Grover and Annabeth occupied for a while.
He then walked inside. As he looked around, a door opened and a tall Middle-Eastern woman walked out – at least, he assumed she was Middle Eastern, because she wore a long black gown that covered everything but her hands, and her head was completely veiled. Her eyes glinted behind a pair of sunglasses, but that was about all he could make out. Her coffee-coloured hands looked old, but well-manicured and elegant, so he imagined she was a grandmother who had once been a beautiful lady.
"And what are you doing here young man?" she asked as she looked at Percy. It felt as though she was scrutinising him, trying to figure out who he was. Remembering Grover's words, Percy didn't want to take any chances as he used Observe on her.
...
Medusa
HP : 10,000 / 10,000
MP : 5,000 / 5,000
One of the three gorgons, Medusa used to be a beautiful mortal until she was cursed by Athena for something that wasn't her fault. Her gaze turned anyone she saw into stone. But due to you being blessed by the awesome Fates, you are invulnerable to it.
...
Percy felt bad for her. This wasn't how things were supposed to be. It was so unfair.
"Hello? Are you alright here?" she asked again. There was a hint of concern in her voice as she looked at him. It seemed that there was a gentle person behind the tough exterior.
"Oh yeah hi, I'm fine."
"What are you doing here alone?" she asked.
"Well, I was travelling cross country, the bus sort of got messed up and I got lost"
"What's your name? Are you hungry?"
"I'm Percy. What about you?"
"You can call me Aunt Em."
"Can't I call you by your real name?", Percy asked innocently, "why don't we drop the act since we know who the other is?"
"And pray tell who am I?"
"Medusa."
"How did you know?", Medusa hissed as she got ready to attack him or take off her sunglasses.
"The very life-like stone statues, the sunglasses and your clothes were quite the giveaway. Not many people wear sunglasses at night and considering the world that we're part of, it was easy to deduce."
"So you know who I am and still approach me. Do you have a death wish demigod? I also smell the sea on you. This is not helping your case. You do know my story, don't you?"
"Umm, no not really. I am new to this world so yeah."
"Well perhaps I can tell you that before I kill you then."
Percy shrugged as he sat on one of the seats nearby as she took one in front of him.
"I used to be one of Athena's priests. I devoted my entire life in worship of her during the ancient times. But, one day, that horrible god caught sight of me", she basically spat the last words.
"He chased me throughout the area until he caught me in Athena's temple as he proceeded to have his way with me", by now a few tears were starting to roll down her cheeks. Percy tentatively reached a bit forward and swiped a few of them with his thumb. However, she flinched at his touch at first but then let him continue as millennia of pain started coming out.
"I prayed to Athena again and again to save me but, what did she do? She turned a blind eye as she cursed me. No one could ever look upon me without turning into stone. What did I do wrong except pray to her? Was it my fault that a god took an interest in me? Was it my fault that he was more powerful than me such that he had his way with me?" Medusa was now openly crying as she was able to strangely talk to someone properly in an extremely long time.
"Who was this god?" Percy asked as his eyes blazed with fury.
"Poseidon"
"WHAT?!" Percy exclaimed loudly as even Medusa was surprised from his sudden outburst.
"How could he do this to you? Does he have no shame?" Percy was seething now but before he could lose a gasket, Gamer's Mind kicked in as it brought him back on track.
"Why are you being so dramatic?", Medusa asked. Percy didn't know whether to tell her the truth or not however, he decided to go with the former if it could make things better between them with the honesty.
"I am his son", he finally said.
Medusa sat up as her eyes glowed with rage.
"How dare you enter this place and talk to me as though nothing happened son of Poseidon? Do you know how it felt suffering for something that was out of your hands? I had decided long ago that if I can't kill the god, I will kill every child of his that walks this planet. But, since I am reasonable, I will let you have this. Any last words?"
"I am sorry for what happened to you."
With that done, Medusa removed her glasses and looked at Percy. However, instead of turning to stone, Percy just stared back at her right into her eyes.
For the first time in a long while, Medusa gasped in utter shock and disbelief.
"What is this sorcery? How is my curse not working on you?" she said as she held him by his collar and brought him closer; staring into his sea-green eyes but nothing changed.
"I don't know" Percy shrugged, "but come on, can't we just talk for a while? We were getting along so well" he insisted.
"How?"
"Again, I don't know. Can't we just talk?" Percy said as he gave her the baby seal look. It seemed to work as she had a hard time glaring at him until she finally huffed and let go of his collar.
"As much as I would love to kill a son of Poseidon, you seem to be truly different and interesting from those pompous brats who dared to cross my path before. Sit Percy. I sense your friends are getting agitated outside so we have to make this quick. I don't want any troubles here."
"Well Medusa, I'm sorry for what happened to you. I know the past can't be changed but, I swear on the Styx that I will find a way to cure you from your curse" Percy said as thunder boomed in the background as the oath was sealed.
"Are you stupid? Do you know of any artefact or god who is strong enough to undo a curse made by an Olympian?"
"No, I don't but I will do whatever it takes to right this wrong. I will find a way to heal you from this misery so that you can live a normal life as you deserve", Percy replied as his eyes swirled with his emotions.
Medusa stared into his eyes as she looked for any deceit in his words however, all she could find was pure determination.
"Very well Percy, you will find me here if you ever find a cure for my curse", she said as a smile graced her face for the first time in years. In Percy's opinion, she looked prettier with it.
Just then, a notification popped up.
...
Ping!
Quest Alert!
Cure Medusa from her curse.
Rewards –
A new friend / ally
Failure –
Lifelong guilt
Repercussions for broken oath on the Styx
Accept / Decline?
...
Percy accepted the quest without any hesitation whatsoever.
"I will be back" Percy said as he got up to go.
Medusa suddenly grabbed his hand and turned him around as she gave him a hug. It had been a long time since she had any physical contact with another person, looked at someone or had a conversation. She would be thankful to Percy even if he was unable to find a cure for her. She was eternally grateful to him for all that he had done.
Percy hugged her back and promised to visit her as soon as he found the cure. Before he left, he asked her for the directions to the nearest hotel which was relatively safe from monsters. Turns out, the nearest one was nearly an hour away via foot so that was good.
He bid her farewell and walked out of the gate only to find Annabeth and Grover right in front of it as soon as he opened it.
"Perseus Jackson", Annabeth growled.
Oops.
"Umm sorry?" Percy asked sheepishly whilst rubbing the back of his head.
"You are digging a bigger hole for yourself. We ARE so going to have a word once we're settled somewhere for the night."
Grover looked at the two, utterly confused. However, he just ignored it since he knew Annabeth's temper and did not want to come in between. He just mentally prayed for his best friend's safety.
The trio soon started walking towards the hotel, all conversations were put on hold since they just needed some rest first and were too far out in the open to talk about monsters and the like.
Meanwhile on Olympus
Hestia smiled as she saw the exchange between Medusa and her champion. She was proud of the way Percy handled things with her even though she was ticked off for the way he swore an oath on the Styx, for something that was considered practically impossible, not to mention the blatant display in the bus with the Fury. Initially, she had been worried about Percy's safety but that soon changed to worry for his well-being. She had not expected him to snap like this even though she knew his reasons. He was still young but he needed to be strong. She decided against visiting him since he needed some time alone and rest.
Coming back to the topic, she was glad that she chose Percy as her first and probably only champion. He represented everything that was a part of her domains to the highest degree possible. Even fire, which was the direct opposite of his nature as a son of Poseidon, had become a part of him. Her younger brother was yet to find out about this information. She decided she would hold on to it until the time was right. She watched Percy make his way across the country towards the hotel. She wished she could spend some time in his company however, the quest and the safety of the world was more important than her wants as she settled back and kept a watch on her champion.
With Percy, Annabeth and Grover
They had checked into a hotel and were resting after a long bath and scrumptious food. Percy had told them not to worry about the bill since he had about $3500 with him.
After Grover had drifted off to sleep, Annabeth turned towards him.
"Don't think I have forgotten about our talk", she began. "First thing's first. Mind explaining me what came over you when you suddenly started torturing a Kindly One in the bus?"
"I-I really don't know. I just wanted to know the location of the Underworld as soon as possible so that we could get there to save my mom faster. It's been nearly a month and I haven't done anything to save her. Now that I am finally on the move, I did not want to waste any time with the stupid games so I guess I just snapped", Percy said as he tried to explain his feelings.
Annabeth's hard gaze softened at that. She reached out and held one of his hands.
"Don't worry Percy, we will find your mother and get her back. Just don't scare me like this again alright? If there's something bothering you, remember, all of us have your back through everything."
"Thanks Annabeth."
"Now, what was the business at the building? What took you so long?"
"I met Medusa."
Annabeth's eyes widened as her mouth opened in shock. Medusa was right there behind the doors and this idiot had walked in, met her and came back out – alive. What the Hades was going on?
"Explain", she said as she found her voice finally.
Percy then proceeded to recount his conversation with Medusa as he left out some important parts like him not being affected by her gaze. The oath on the Styx though he did mention.
Just as he told her about it, Annabeth whacked him on the head as her grey eyes swirled with fury.
"Are you utterly stupid Perseus Jackson?! How could you make such an oath? Do you even have any idea how to reverse a curse let alone one that was placed by an Olympian god more so, my mother who is the goddess of wisdom?"
"Umm no?"
This seemed to piss her off even more as she proceeded to slap him.
"When will you start thinking things through? Here I thought that spending time with my siblings would help you but no, you just HAD to make this impossible oath. Couldn't you have at least not sworn on the Styx? Gods I can't even leave you alone for a few minutes without you going off and doing something utterly stupid. This is your final warning – do something like this again and you will not be allowed to loiter around on your own during the rest of this quest without me accompanying you. I can't trust Grover too because he is an idiot like you."
"Annabeth, how could I let her suffer like this?"
That one statement conveyed with so much sincerity broke Annabeth's rage as she looked into his eyes and saw nothing but the desire to right a wrong especially one which was caused because of his father.
"Just please think about it before you do anything. And I mean it when I say you won't be allowed on your own if this happens again."
"Yes ma'am", Percy said as he flashed Annabeth a lopsided smile. His head and cheek were still hurting. This girl could surely hit. He'd rather take his chances with a monster than risk Annabeth's rage. With the talk done, they went to their rooms with Annabeth sleeping whilst Percy pulled out a book from his inventory and started reading.
Next morning, the three checked out of the hotel after a quick breakfast as they made their way towards a train station nearby.
They had decided that they won't be travelling in busses anytime soon. Annabeth to her credit had found an Amtrack station half a mile away. The westbound train was going to leave at noon so they had to hurry.
They had spent two days on the train, heading west through hills, over rivers, past amber waves of grain. To Percy's relief they hadn't been attacked. One evening, he saw something huge move through the woods. He could've sworn it was a lion, except that lions don't live in America, and this thing was the size of a tank. Its fur glinted gold in the evening light. Then it leaped through the trees and was gone. Percy decided to memorise this location. He was so going to come here and have a look at what exactly this was.
Towards the end of the second day as Grover was sleeping, Annabeth turned to him.
"What is it like having a loving mother Percy?" she suddenly asked which caught Percy off-guard. He had never heard her sound so vulnerable. It was a far cry from the strong and independent girl he had seen so far.
"It's the best thing. Even though I never had my dad around, she was always there for me. She was always there to pick me up when I fell down and encouraged me to do better. Even though I had ADHD and Dyslexia, she never minded. She gave up everything for me just so that she could raise me properly when dad left suddenly. I don't think words would ever be enough to describe how much mom means to me. The moment she was taken away, it felt like I too had died. There's no way that I can continue living without her. She's the one that matters far more than anyone else ever could", Percy said as a few tears fell from his face, which he quickly wiped, as he recalled a few memories he had with his mom along with the moment he saw her disappear. She was truly special and no one could ever match her and her importance in Percy's life. For him, she would always be first.
"That sounds so good", Annabeth said with a faraway look in her eyes.
"What happened Wise Girl? Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not really."
"Sharing is caring. Besides didn't you tell me that you had my back? This goes both ways."
At that, Annabeth laughed. Only this moron could pull something goofy and unrelated in situations like these.
"I never knew how it felt to have a family. My dad's resented me since the day I was born. He never wanted a baby. When he got me, he asked Athena to take me back and raise me on Olympus because he was too busy with his work. She wasn't happy about that. She told him heroes had to be raised by their mortal parent."
"I don't suppose you were born in a hospital", Percy said as he remembered how Athena was born from Zeus' head. Annabeth shook her head as she continued.
"I appeared on my father's doorstep, in a golden cradle, carried down from Olympus by Zephyr the West Wind. You'd think my dad would remember that as a miracle, right? Wrong, he always talked about my arrival as if it were the most inconvenient thing that had ever happened to him. When I was five he got married and totally forgot about Athena. He got a 'regular' mortal wife, and had two 'regular' mortal kids, and tried to pretend that I didn't exist."
Percy was now beyond furious. Who would treat someone like this? The world was so unfair and mean. He resolved that he would try to change things for the better however he could. He did not want others to suffer like this. However, his full attention was on Annabeth. She was now trembling slightly as a few tears started making their way down her face. He wiped them off and held her hand to express his support.
"He doesn't care about me. His wife – my stepmom – treated me like a freak. She wouldn't let me play with her children. My dad went along with her. Whenever something dangerous happened – you know, something with monsters – they would both look at me resentfully. Finally, I took the hint. I wasn't wanted. I ran away when I was seven."
"The same age as when you arrived at camp", Percy said. Annabeth nodded.
"Of course I couldn't make it alone all the way from the west coast. Athena watched over me, guided me towards help. I made a couple of unexpected friends who took care of me, for a short time anyway."
She now seemed lost in sad memories. Percy decided to snap her out of it as he surprised her by enveloping her in a hug as he warmed his body slightly. He could not bear the anguish in her eyes as her body shook with grief. Her suppressed emotions had finally come out and Percy was there for her when she needed someone the most. Percy, on the other hand, wanted to give her hope. Hope for a better future filled with happiness and joy, without suffering. He was so caught up in wanting to make her feel better that he didn't realise his body glow slightly as an orange aura enveloped him. Annabeth too didn't notice this since she had her head buried in Percy's chest. However, she felt hope coarse through her body as her thoughts cleared and became positive. She knew that the worst was finally over and a bright future lay ahead for her.
On Olympus
Hestia gasped as she felt the changes in Percy's being. The spirit of Elpis had always been around to give hope to those who needed it the most. She never gave her power to anyone other than Hestia herself save for today. She had, on her own accord, bestowed Percy with her blessings thereby granting him some of her power. She knew he was special but this? This just cemented the fact that she had chosen well. Hestia clapped to herself with joy.
Would Percy's system inform him of this? She had no idea but she wanted to tell this herself so she decided to write a note and send it his way.
With Percy and Annabeth
Annabeth felt herself drift into the realm of Morpheus as she hugged Percy. The warmth from his body combined with the hope flowing through her being was the perfect combination as she fell asleep. Percy slowly pulled away from her and lay her on the bed as she sighed in content.
He did not pay attention to the notification as he absent-mindedly dismissed it. He then looked around to find a note on the table beside him. He picked it up. flipped it around and smiled when he saw who it was from.
"Dear Percy,
I can see that your quest is going well. There is lots that I would like to discuss with you especially the stunt you pulled with Medusa. Don't think you're going to get a free pass for that.
Anyway, I don't know whether your system has informed you or not but I'd like to tell you this myself. It seems that the spirit of Hope, which I am the guardian of, has blessed you. She has never given her blessings to anyone save for me but it seems that you're special since she went out of her way to bless you.
About her blessings, it's extremely powerful since Lady Elpis is the personification of the concept of Hope itself - a Primordial. The blessings lets you give and take away hope from another person but it does have its limitations set by her. I know you will use this wisely.
I am so glad that you were chosen by her. I will see you soon!
Love,
Hestia"
Percy was gobsmacked. What the Hades had just happened? Was it really true? He brought up the notification that he had ignored and there it was.
...
Ping!
You have received the blessings of Elpis, the primordial god and spirit of Hope.
Makarios tis Elpis
The blessings of Elpis lets you give or take hope from someone.
Level 1 - Range : All levels below, 20 levels above.
...
After reading the notification, Percy's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. This was so not happening. Just as he was about to dismiss the notification, his eyes suddenly started feeling heavy as he was knocked out and lay unconscious.
In a remote place unknown to all
Percy glared at the Fates as they looked at him with blank expressions.
"Was this really necessary? You did not need to drag me here to tell me not to misuse the power", Percy said.
The Fates suddenly broke into wide grins as Clotho handed Lachesis a small bag of Drachmae.
"Told you that was the first thing he'd say", said a smug looking Lachesis.
"How was I supposed to know he had become even more intelligent compared to the last time?" Clotho replied.
"You hardly keep track of him. There are lots of people watching the young hero you know."
"Guys, you do know I am here right?" Percy asked.
"Quiet sisters", Atropos finally said. "You know why you're here Percy but we needed to explain you exactly what a blessing from a Primordial of all people entails."
"It must be serious if you guys had to call me for this", Percy said as he straightened up.
"Indeed and you must remember, what we are about to tell you must not be shared by anyone under no circumstances. Hestia too has sworn an oath not to tell anyone about Lady Elpis' blessings.
The protogenoi were the first beings in this universe created by Lady Chaos herself as personifications of their domains. We were created by our mother, Ananke, who is the personification of inevitability, compulsion and necessity. As such a Primordial is above us too, we cannot control their actions or fate. Moreover, almost no one has ever been blessed by a Primordial. The instances can be counted on one hand. Needless to say, a blessing given by a Primordial is extremely strong. Lady Elpis has somewhat limited your power greatly but, she will gradually increase it until the blessings would be able to affect a minor god easily.
You must realise the gravity of this situation. Do not use these powers in front of others unless its required and do not misuse it. I fear what mother would do to you if you abused it", the three completed as they took turns speaking.
Percy was still trying to absorb the information. This was enough to make his head explode due to the source of the blessing. He had definitely NOT planned on this happening ever but here he was.
"I promise I will handle this as you say", Percy said as he bowed his head a little.
At this, the Fates smiled.
'Lady Chaos truly chose the best option. I bet she herself didn't imagine a Primordial blessing her chosen one', Clotho told the other two mentally. They agreed in response.
"Farewell Percy. Your journey has just begun but we know that you will not disappoint us."
With that, Percy found himself waking up to the early morning sun.
"Finally awake Seaweed Brain", Annabeth said. "We are about to reach Missouri. Let's get off for a while, I cannot bear to sit still anymore"
Oh right they had ADHD.
Soon, they reached the next stop as they deboarded the train. The city was famous due to the St. Louis Arch which Annabeth wanted to check out because of her love for architecture. Even though Percy wasn't remotely interested in it, he agreed to it for her sake as the three made their way towards their next destination.
Percy's Stats
Perseus Jackson
Species : Demigod
(gives +2 STR and +2 DEX)
Title : Son of Poseidon
Perseus is the son of Poseidon and Sally Jackson. He has ADHD which helps in combat. Blessed by Elpis, the spirit of hope, he has a natural affinity with water due to his heritage which grants him control over water, horses, storms and earthquakes. He is also Hestia's champion which grants him control over fire and lets him summon meals.
...
Level - 12
Exp – 551 / 2746
...
HP : 600 / 600 (+ 2000)
MP : 700 / 700 (+ 2000)
...
STR : 23 (+ 2 + 20) (Bonus : Weapon damage - Damage + STR | Unarmed damage - STR * 2)
VIT : 18 (+ 20) (Bonus : 50 HP per 10 levels)
DEX : 18 (+2 + 20) (Bonus : +10% HP regenerated / min)
INT : 22 (Bonus : 50 MP per 10 levels)
WIS : 18 (Bonus : +10% MP regenerated / min)
LUC : 10 (Bonus : +10% chance of better loot)
Points : 12
Money : $3400 / D30
...
Status : Demigod
...
Skills
...
Combat :
Sword Fighting (Level 10)
...
Inherited :
Ancient Greek (Max)
Modern English (Level 25)
Swimming (Level 7 - 9 km/hr)
Breathe Underwater (Max)
Running (Level 7 - 34 km / hr)
Storms (Level 3)
...
General :
Observe (Level 4)
Sneaking (Level 4)
Critical Strike (Level 4)
Taunt (Level 1)
Mark of the Furies (Level 3)
Mage Armor (Level 5)
Summon Meals (Max)
Makarios tis Elpis (Level 1)
...
Chores :
Cleaning Dishes (Max)
...
Passive :
Gamer's Mind (Max level)
Son of the Sea God (Gives +20 STR, VIT & DEX as well as +2000 HP and +2000 MP when in water)
...
Abilities :
Water Control (Level 16)
Water Spikes (Level 4)
Blood Control (Level 1)
Water Spear (Level 3)
Dimension Create (Max)
Ice Control (Level 3)
Steam Control (Level 3)
Fire Control (Level 8)
A/N
So here we are at the end of this chapter. I focused more on dialogue and a bit of progress rather than combat. Moving the story too quickly isn't worth it.
Also, do have a look at the A/N at the top and let me know your thoughts!
Hope this chapter was better. It sure was longer.
Until next time.