Chapter 3 - A New World Order

Percy soon realised how difficult this was going to be.

Not only was nearly everyone wounded in some shape or form but after having to flee Camp Half-Blood, no one seemed prepared to move very quickly. He struggled to get the few who were still alive into some sense of determination. Though they had just lost their home, and Percy had of course also lost his mother.

The demigods had fled before the Titans, and had left nothing between them and the world.

The food and supplies that had been taken from Camp before it was destroyed lasted only a few days in the Labyrinth. Percy wasn't sure where they were going, or what the plan was, but Hades didn't seem concerned so he didn't ask.

The god kept them moving, occasionally claiming a place was safe to rest, and so the demigods slept fitfully whilst they rotated around on watch. Percy was up for two extra hours every night to take his turn on watch, before he would shake Annabeth awake and she would jerk as she reached for her dagger. Percy was just as twitchy as her, having a hand on Riptide at all times just in case he needed it. Whether it was in sword form or spinning the pen between his fingers, just for something to do to occupy himself with.

It was when they were down to their last day of provisions that Hades finally spoke to the demigods trailing after him and hoping for some divine intervention.

Hades' eyes lingered briefly over two demigods whom had infected injuries. Will could only heal so much, being only one of two sole survivors of the Apollo cabin, and these injuries were beyond him. Clearly, both Hades and Nico could tell that these two demigods were close to death. "I need volunteers," Hades said, "we're running out of food for all of you. Some of you will have to do a run to the surface and find us enough food."

Percy raised his hand. "I'll go," he said. It made sense. He was one of the only uninjured demigods.

He was somewhat surprised when Clarisse stood up across from him. "I'll go too," she firmly said.

"You won't be able to bring your spear," Hades warned her. "It's too obvious."

Percy nodded his head slightly. He could get away with Riptide, the sword being easily hidden, but a giant spear? "I'll go instead," Annabeth suggested. She'd lost her own dagger, but she'd brought Malcolm's with her. That at least would still be easily hidden – and she knew how to use it.

"And me," Nico said firmly. "You might need a quick escape."

Percy nodded his head slightly. Three demigods. Just like a quest. "Okay," Percy whispered. His fingers twitched nervously on Riptide, the pen in his hand. Percy didn't know what the word above them would be like, he knew time moved differently between the Labyrinth and the surface. "Any guesses on what we'll face?" Percy asked.

Hades shook his head slightly. "No. More time would have passed on the surface than down here," he warned Percy. "There's no telling what the Titans have done with the surface now."

Percy nodded slightly. "Right," he agreed. Percy didn't have a clue either. Would the Titans have exterminated all life, or left humans alone? Percy recalled the mortals in Manhattan pointing up at the sky and screaming as they watched Olympus burn above the Empire State Building, so at least he figured the Mist might be gone. But other than that, Percy couldn't be sure.

"Hey," Will said as he pulled Percy aside while they were trying to find enough to pack for their excursion onto the surface. "So, I need some antibiotics," he said to Percy. "Medical supplies. I don't know how long the nectar and ambrosia can last, but some of these injuries are infected and I'm trying to ration." He looked extremely stressed, and Percy grimaced slightly. "I – I just, we need more. So if you get the chance – please grab some?"

Percy nodded. "Yeah, alright," he said as he squeezed Wil's shoulder. "Okay." Will looked relieved, and Percy worried about the stress on his shoulder now – being the only kid of Apollo and their only healer, he'd have all their lives in his hands if anyone got hurt. "I'll do my best," Percy promised.

Percy had no idea where the three might end up on the other side of the exit, but he figured they could just go from there. Hades had stopped the group right next to one of the exits so they wouldn't get lost trying to find one, and Percy took a deep breath as he faced it. He hoped it would open up in a place that wouldn't get them killed.

Percy took one last glance back to Nico and Annabeth to check that they were with him, before he shifted his pack over his shoulder and pushed a finger against the small Greek delta in the side of the wall. The Labyrinth opened for him, and Percy stepped out through.

He scanned the area briefly as Annabeth and Nico joined him. It seemed to be midday, the sun over their heads. It was cold, colder than Percy had expected. They'd come out of the Labyrinth along the river bank of a river, immediately placing Percy at ease.

Percy took a deep breath. "Alright," he said, "first we find out where we are, and then we find a way to get some food." He shot Annabeth a quizzical look, since she was staring behind him. "What?"

"Finding where we are is the easy part," Annabeth said tightly with a nod behind Percy. "Washington D.C."

Percy turned, eyes widening slightly when he saw the Washington Monument piercing the sky. "Right, that's easy enough," he agreed.

"Food, then?" Percy asked. Annabeth nodded slightly. Nico seemed wary of everyone around them, which was kind of understandable. Percy felt very much the same. He didn't know if it was just him, but he usually thought this area had more tourists that those that were here. It wasn't empty, by a long shot, but he would've definitely expected more people.

They trudged along together, worn and tired. Percy figured they probably looked a mess, because they'd been in the Labyrinth for over a week, but fortunately no one seemed to give them too many looks.

"Mist must still be working a little," Annabeth muttered.

Percy nodded slightly. "So – what? The Titans replaced it?"

"Not all of it," Nico said stiffly. "But probably just enough to keep some things secret that they don't want found out."

Annabeth seemed relieved when they saw a newsstand, swiping a paper when the shopkeeper wasn't looking. But the way her face paled definitely didn't bode well. She met back up with Percy and Nico immediately after, expression tight with tension. "Look," she hissed, jabbing a finger at the headline. It was a copy of the Washington Times.

It took Percy a few moments to read the headline, but when he did he felt the blood draining from his face. Percy swore under his breath – Nico doing much the same from next to him. Percy's eyes flicked to the date at the top of the paper: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009.

They'd left Camp Half-Blood through the Labyrinth on Percy's birthday – August 18th. A month and a half they'd been in the Labyrinth.

But that wasn't the thing that concerned Percy the most.

No, the most important thing on that paper's front page was the headline.

OTHRYS DECLARES A NEW WORLD ORDER

Percy tried to scan the text, but only got a few sentences in before he couldn't continue any longer. Just that little bit was enough to make him want to be sick.

Following events of 18th August in Manhattan and multiple attacks on democracy, Lord Kronos (long may he reign) of the Titans has declared martial law to prevent demigod supporters of the terrorist regime of Olympus from causing further unrest, and urged a civilised return to peace. For a 'safe, stable democracy in [this] country'… Percy swore again and turned the front page, gaping open-mouthed at the double spread.

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

More than that, it was a declaration that anyone who came forward with information of demigods which led to their capture or death would receive a million dollars. Percy squeezed his eyes shut, before he opened them and cast a furtive glance around the area.

No one was paying them any attention still.

Percy rolled up the newspaper and stuck it into his pack. "The others will want to know," he said to Annabeth and Nico. They both nodded, expressions distraught. Percy himself felt numb as he shifted the pack back over his shoulder and started forward. "We've got to be quick," he said, his chest tight. He felt like crying.

"The Titan propaganda arm is in full swing," Annabeth said bitterly to them. The chilly wind made Percy grimace slightly.

"They've taken over the country," Percy muttered in horror. "Oh gods…"

Nico looked as twitchy as Percy felt, and he just shook his head. What else was there to do? They needed the supplies. At least Percy would bring back the newspaper too. Percy just took a deep, steadying breath.

First, he failed Olympus. Then his mom and Paul. Then he failed every demigod who'd died. And now he'd failed the entire country. It was just failure after failure for Percy.

"Don't," Nico firmly said to Percy. "Just don't." He seemed to know what Percy was thinking, though Percy guessed he was blaming himself too. "There's nothing more we could've done against them. The gods shouldn't have expected us to," Nico said angrily.

Percy just sighed and continued on. They lapsed into silence as the trio tried to find a shop or something similar where they could get medical supplies and food. Percy nudged Nico slightly. "Think you could get the stuff for Will while we get food? I think we'll have to be as fast as possible."

Nico nodded slightly. "I was thinking that too," he murmured.

"Meet back at the Washington Monument?" Annabeth offered. That was a good choice. It was tall enough that it should be visible from some distance.

Nico nodded slightly, twisting his ring on his finger in a nervous tick. "Okay," he agreed.

"Hey," Percy said before Nico could slip away into a shadow. "Be careful, alright?" He asked earnestly. "We don't know what's changed."

Nico avoided his gaze. "Yeah," he said, voice muffled slightly as he turned away and disappeared into a shadow.

Percy took a deep breath. "Alright," he said. "Let's go find us some food."


Annabeth and Percy went into the first supermarket they found, going straight to the non-perishables and things that were easy and would keep. Percy began shoving food into a trolley as Annabeth did much the same. At least Hades had created money for them to pay for it, so Percy wouldn't have to steal food.

They piled enough food to fill multiple bags into the trolley before Percy wheeled it to the checkout, one hand in his pocket.

One million dollars.

No one would turn down a million dollar reward if they happened to see him. Percy closed his fingers around Riptide. There were a few people looking at them. As their food began being scanned, the back of Percy's neck prickled. He tried to ignore it, to not look around. It wasn't an immediate and imminent threat, but something was wrong. Percy tried not to look too tense as they approached the checkout, but figured that was futile when the employee gave him a second look over.

"Do I know you from somewhere?" The older lady on the till asked. "You seem familiar."

Percy forced himself to shrug, as if to say 'I don't remember you'. Annabeth smiled sweetly at the lady. "I doubt it, we're just travelling," she said brightly. "Exploring the country while we can, you know?"

The lady tutted. "Odd time to do it, what with everything that's happened lately. You two had better watch yourselves."

Percy smiled. "We will," he assured her. The lady's eyes furrowed slightly, as if she was trying to place his face. Percy glanced at the cost of the food and handed over two-hundred dollars in notes. "Thank you," he said as they picked up the bags, suddenly desperate to get out of the supermarket.

They were nearly out of the supermarket when the overhead TVs switched to the news. Percy didn't notice, until he heard his name being mentioned. His head jerked up and around to gape at the TV. There was a blurry image, yet his face was clearly visible on the country-side news. "Again, police would like to warn everyone that the demigod terrorists are still at large and considered armed and extremely dangerous – Perseus Jackson the designated leader of this terrorist organisation responsible for the destruction of the Empire State Building in August. Any sightings should be reported immediately, but the Titans have warned that he-"

Annabeth shoved Percy slightly with her shoulder, since she was carrying several bags. "Go!" She exclaimed. Percy turned, his eyes widening slightly when he saw a security guard approaching them as he reached for the gun holstered at his side. Percy made a fire hydrant outside burst with a quick thought, slamming into the guard's side and sending him flying into an aisle and knocking it over before he could fire.

People began panicking and screaming, and Percy's chest seized as the mortals ran away in obvious terror. No, no, no – how could this be happening? Percy thought in panic as he bolted from the chaos, still carrying the bags, with Annabeth next to him. She had bags of her own, though was far more preoccupied with running than checking things weren't falling out. Once outside the supermarket, Percy didn't stop to look behind them – instead he just ran. People stared at him, and several seemed to recognise him because even more people were beginning to panic and run away from him. Percy's eyes widened slightly when he saw phones out and pointing at him. He clenched his jaw, heart racing.

What in the name of Hades?

Percy jerked when he heard a yell of, "It's him! Jackson! Someone call the-" a gunshot sounded them, cutting through the shouts, and Percy let out a pained yell as he felt a bullet impact his chest. At least the Curse of the Styx seemed to block bullet too, but it didn't stop the blunt force of them.

"River," Percy gasped as he saw some more guns starting to be pulled out. "If we go back along the river-" Annabeth seemed a step ahead of him, as usual, because she was already taking the path that would lead them closer to the Potomac. Percy used himself as a shield, walking backwards from the mortals crowding at a distance with what could only be fear directed towards him.

Percy felt his lower jaw tremble as he stared down the barrels of several guns. "Hey, look, you guys have all been lied to – alright?" Percy asked as he backed up. He just didn't want them to start shooting him in the back where his Achilles Heel was. "The Titans – they're lying to you all!" He exclaimed.

A bullet hit his forearm and Percy yelped, squeezing his eyes shut briefly. He just wanted to curl into a ball in a corner somewhere and start crying – but he had to get back first. Percy just hoped that Nico hadn't ran into the same problem.

The mortals were starting to group together, emboldened by Percy's constant backing up. He heard loud sirens in the distance, and a helicopter steadily getting closer. Percy's heart lurched – and another bullet was fired and hit him.

The force into his throat made him choke as he felt the bullet crumple against his skin. And it was that that made Percy snap. He didn't even really know when it happened, just heard a roar in his ears and felt the Potomac surge from behind him, rushing up the river bank and across the road and collide with the gun-wielding mortals.

Percy choked out a sob as he looked at the chaos – the screams, the mortals choking up water – and he turned and ran. A bullet caught the back of his right calf and the force made his leg buckle beneath him, but Percy forced himself back upright as he ran after Annabeth.

The son of Poseidon felt like being sick.

But he could be sick later. Percy didn't have the time now.

The helicopter was close enough now that it was clearly visible over the trees, and Percy forced himself to run faster. The sirens were zeroing in on him. The last thing Percy wanted was a confrontation with whatever police force the Titans had managed to create.

Percy's stomach twisted, and something erupted from the closest shadow. Percy's eyes widened, his hands full with the two bags so he couldn't react in time as the hellhound slammed into him. Everything went flying, the hellhound placing a giant paw on top of Percy's chest as it growled down at him before lurching forward to bite. Percy grabbed Riptide from his pocket and jabbed the blade up through the hellhound's skull.

Golden dust shimmered in the sun as it fell gently around him, like a small layer of ash similar to the aftermath of Kronos' destruction of Olympus. The Titan Lord had clearly pointed the finger at the demigods and blamed them for that.

The Titans had to be stopped.

Percy forced himself upright, quickly gathering the food that had fallen from the bags.

"Percy!"

Percy's heard jerked up. "Nico?"

Nico had blood rolling down one side of his face, but other than that he seemed unharmed as he ran over to Percy and quickly helped him to pack. "Annabeth got back, said you needed help," he said. Nico peered over Percy's shoulder. "Come on," he said, taking one of the bags himself. "We've got to go – before-"

The clouds split open as a comet tore through them, landing with a heavy crash onto the Constitution Gardens. Percy didn't stop to check which Titan had just created a crater in the gardens, and instead quickly grabbed Nico's hand.

He felt the familiar feeling of shadow-travel, the chill and the strange noises, and then they were spat out of the shadows only a dozen feet from the half-hidden entrance to the Labyrinth. "Annabeth?" He asked.

Nico scowled slightly. "She's already inside," he assured Percy. Percy nodded slightly and opened the Labyrinth, feeling his heart start to slow.

All of a sudden, he felt tired. And not just from the running for his life away from angry mortals. Once Nico joined Percy and Annabeth in the Labyrinth, they all breathed a long sigh of relief. Percy dropped his bag full of food and slid down the wall, resting his head back against it.

"What have they done to our country?" Percy whispered in horror.

Annabeth seemed speechless for once. It was an odd sight as she sat opposite from Percy. Nico joined them on the floor.

"It's smart," Nico whispered. "Tell all the mortals we took down the Empire State Building. Tell them we're all deadly, dangerous terrorists-" He snorted, shaking his head. "Gods, everywhere we go they'll be looking for us."

Percy dropped his head into his hands, mourning now not only for his dead family and friends, nor for the gods. Now, Percy found himself mourning the death of his own country.

"We'd better get back," Annabeth whispered. "Make sure everyone gets the food, knows we're okay."

Percy opened his bag, staring at the newspaper they'd taken. "And tell them that the Titans have claimed they're the good guys, and America believes them?"

Annabeth pressed her lips together. "That too," she said.

Percy nodded his head slightly. "Right," he agreed. Though he knew things had just got a thousand times worse than they were before. Now they would likely have to fight mortals too, and Percy couldn't do that.

Percy would refuse to kill a mortal, no matter how far this went.

Percy stared down the dark tunnel. It would be so easy to start walking and never look back. Just leave, run and hope the Titans wouldn't find him.

"Don't," Nico quietly said to him.

Percy just shook his head slightly. "I don't even know how we're going to start trying to fix this clusterfuck," Percy ground out. He wiped at his eyes, feeling stressed and completely worn out.

"I don't either," Nico admitted. "But we've got to try."

"Nico's right," Annabeth said quietly. "We can't leave. Besides, didn't you read that paper?" Annabeth asked, her tone tight. "Demigods are being rounded up and executed, Percy. We have nowhere to go other than here."

Percy hadn't actually read that part. He hadn't wanted to read anything more than the first few sentences. "We're going to die," he said as he stared at his hands.

"We might," Nico agreed. "But you've got the invulnerable skin. You won't be dying anytime soon."

That… wasn't the confidence-giver Nico thought it was. That just made Percy even more upset. He didn't want to be the last one out of all his friends, forced to watch as each of them are executed for crimes against the Titans. "I don't think that's a good thing," Percy said as he rubbed at his throat where the bullet had slammed into him. He could definitely feel the impacts, even if they didn't break the skin.

Percy didn't see the point in continuing to fight, but at Annabeth's and Nico's urging he forced himself upright and grabbed the bags of food. He noticed Nico had picked up his own bag which looked full of medical supplies.

"Right," Percy breathed. "Let's go," he said as he started down the corridor to link back up with Hades and the remaining campers.

Percy didn't know what was going to happen in the future. He didn't have the powers of an oracle, he couldn't plan for anything that was going to happen to them.

But the son of Poseidon knew he had a duty to help his friends, at the very least. He had to help them get through this as best he could, even if he himself wanted to break down and cry and give up – maybe Kronos and the Titans would show him mercy if he handed himself over to them? Percy doubted it.

Percy would take one day at a time, one step after another. There wasn't anything else he could do.

They had to survive, that was the first quest. Then, and only then, could the demigods begin to try to fight back against the Titans and Othrys.


It's been a while. Hey! University has finished until about October, so I've got a lot of time now. Updates should be coming in again now that I actually have the time to write.

So, I hope this chapter has given everyone an idea of just what the demigods are going to be up against this time. The Titans are going to do their very best to get mortal hearts and minds - propaganda will be extreme haha. Which just makes it even more difficult for the demigods to deal with! It'll be fun XD.

thegoldraven: I'm flattered! But yeah, life... has been very busy haha. University specifically, but it's summer now so - gonna try to churn out some chapters the next few months.

Matt: I couldn't update any lately! My life has been wayyy too busy!

Guest: Please - remember to breathe ... lol. thanks!

Deeznuggets2121: Oh, a lot. The world will change a lot.

BlueFireRunes: Thanks! Sorry for the ginormous wait ...

Anonymously96: Eh, eventually. But right now he's really not in the right place - mentally wise etc. The gods fked up haha. And honestly? The Big Three could NEVER defeat Kronos in true form. The only way they were able to in the First Titanomachy was through burying him under Othrys first (the hundred-handed ones tossed a mountain at Othrys or something, and Zeus sheared the top half off the mountain (and the whole of Othrys))... I figure that's not helpful when you're a Titan fighting off your kids XD.