Hey guys. I know I promised it friday, and I worked so hard today to get it to you. Thanks for all the reviews, favorites and follows. I got so many on the last chapter and it really means a lot. I have finally gotten over 10,000 views, and I am really motivated to keep writing.
the story's intensity will pick up a lot next chapter. Expect some intense moments everyone. Anyway, judging by the many reviews and PM's about Percabeth, I have decided to provide you all with your wish. I am trying hard not to force this, but if it does seem forced, please tell me. I don't want to ruin a story by forcing relationships. Keep reading, and don't forget to review!
Disclaimer: I do not own PJO or HoO, but I do own my OC's and plot ideas.
Percy's PoV:
I knew I was in a dream the second I felt something amiss. I was not in my bed, nor was I even underground. I felt like I was floating over a certain familiar valley, but it was nighttime and I could only see dim lights. Camp Half-Blood, I thought. It felt like there was a pulse of energy coming from the beach, and I decided to focus on it. Even though I was in a dream, Tartarus said that I should be able to use my powers just like normal. I was just in a subconscious state; my brain was still active, he said, so I could still focus my will power to do simple tasks.
I looked down at my body, except it wasn't there. I was basically invisible; a wisp in the night. I decided to focus on the energy being emitted nearby the beach. I willed my ethereal body to disperse into shadows, and the next thing I knew, I was lurking in the shadows by the shore of the Long Island Sound. The sound of each wave crashing on the sand was soothing, and it was like music to my ears. It had been five years since I had been in the water. Since I had seen Annabeth, I thought, a feeling of pain washing over me. It had been over five years since I had seen the love of my life. I quickly pushed the thought from my head. My masters would not allow me to think like that. But I couldn't help it. I guess love trumped the emotions of fear, and I guess my loyalty to Annabeth was as strong as the loyalty towards my masters, despite how they said my loyalty shouldn't be a problem anymore.
The sight of the ocean had distracted me so much that I forgot my purpose of coming down here. I looked down again. Still invisible. I was looking for a source of the energy when I heard the sound of crying. I listened intently and heard short sobs and gasps for air. I looked down the shoreline and saw a familiar blonde girl, with beautiful and mysterious gray eyes. Her head was in her hands and she was crying like I had never seen her before. She was talking to herself as well.
"Why, Percy, why?" she asked, looking up at the sky, almost as if she wanted it to answer back. I frowned. Despite the warnings from Erebus and Tartarus, it was just too much to see Annabeth like this. The air suddenly smelt like salt-water, although I think only noticed it. We were at the beach after all. I drifted towards her.
"What did you get yourself into? Oh Percy... I should have been there for you," she whispered out between sobs. I felt pity for her, and something I hadn't felt for a while. Longing. At that point I was right behind her, but she still couldn't see me.
"This is all my fault," she cried softly. At that point I had had it. She was not putting this upon herself.
"No, it's not," I murmured aloud, thinking no one else would hear. I was invisible, after all. And this was a dream. My actual body was in the pit of Tartarus. Annabeth, however, immediately turned around with a dagger drawn. She looked around, her eyes squinting, trying to find a source of the sound.
"Who's there," she said. "Show yourself!" Annabeth backed away from where I was, although still oblivious to what made the noise. I had the feeling I should return to Tartarus, but I couldn't let this opportunity pass. I had to speak my mind to her, regardless of what my masters would think.
"Annabeth, it's me," I said again. This time she looked right where I was. Her eyes looked slightly fearful, but then widened when she realized who the voice belonged to. She gasped and blinked a couple of times, to make sure she wasn't imagining this.
"Percy?" she asked. She looked like she had just seen a ghost... well, she was looking at one right now.
"Yes, Wise Girl, its me," I said. Her face broke into a half-glare and half-grin, until she gasped suddenly. She was looking down at my body, and that's when I realized my body was now composed of shadows and darkness, like there was a layer of tenebrous blackness covering my body.
"B-but..." she didn't know what to say. She was about to bombard me with questions when she suddenly walked up to my shadowy body and punched at my face. The fist went right through my head and out the other side, but I was only surprised, and I felt no pain. She cocked her head to the side in astonishment, but anger swelled within her gray eyes.
"Calm down Annabeth-"
"CALM DOWN! YOU TRIED TO KILL ME AND BURN THE CAMP DOWN! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PERCY!" She screamed at me, as her eyes started to water. She kept screaming and cutting off my explanations, and despite my efforts to calm her down, she wouldn't shut up. After a couple of minutes I had enough.
"SILENCE!" I roared. She stumbled back and stopped talking. "Look, Annabeth, there is no possible way you can be mad at me right now. ZEUS is the one who through me into that blasted abyss in the first place! Although, it's not as bad as you think," I said to her, with a hint of anger in my voice.
"Then why'd you try to kill me?" she asked.
"It was against my will, Annabeth. Seeing you brought back so many memories of camp, that I... I thought of all the good times, but all the betrayal at the end was just too much. After all I did for Zeus, he punishes me for something I didn't do. What a dumbass," I said. Annabeth was just looking out into the ocean. I think the shadowy form kind of creeped her out. We sat in silence for a little before she started speaking again.
"You said that it wasn't all that bad, down in Tarta-" she started, but I quickly cut her off.
"NO! Don't say his name. He'll know I'm here," I said to her quickly. She nodded, until she had a question in her eyes.
"He? Don't you mean it?" She asked until her eyes widened when she put the pieces together. "So the rumors are true... the Primordials," she said. I nodded my head of darkness. "Percy, why are you doing this? Why are you involved with them?"
"Because it's all I have, Annabeth. The gods don't want me, that's for certain. The only people who miss me are you, Thalia, Nico, and Chiron. My own dad didn't even try to stop Zeus," I said meekly, until I felt rage surge through my body. I tried to quell it as Annabeth started talking.
"That's not true Percy. Your dad loves you. Searches for you daily."
"Then why hasn't he searched in the most obvious place I should be? Ever thought of going down into the pit, where I would be? No, the gods are too fearful. They don't have the balls to tread down there," I spat. Annabeth flinched.
"Percy, no gods have ever gone down there. They are fearful for what lurks in the shadows," she said. I rolled my eyes, but she didn't notice.
"I could best every monster down there, except for maybe a few," I boasted with disgust. The Olympians were too fearful for what really lurked down there.
"I know you can, Percy. But please, come back. There is still time. We need you anyway. The Fates showed up and informed us that the Primordial Goddess Ananke predicted long ago that you are the deciding factor of the war. Whomever you side with will win Percy," she pleaded, her eyes tearing up. But I held fast.
"Annabeth, there is no possible way I am helping that swine Zeus. You know I didn't kill Zade. So does everybody else. Tartarus and Erebus have provided for me simply wish to rid the world of the Olympian tyranny," I said to her. She looked at me incredulously.
"Do you really think they are good, Percy?"
"Better than gods who castaway a person who saved their asses multiple time, yes," I countered. I could see the frustration build within her eyes, but it quickly died down, as they started to bleed water once more. She started fidgeting with a something on her finger. I looked down at it, and looked away. I quickly did a double take as I noticed it was the ring I was going to propose to her with.
"Annabeth... is that... my ring I got you?" I asked. She nodded meekly before bawling once more. The emerald and two diamonds gleamed in the moonlight. I sighed.
"Percy, all I want to do is be with you! I love you so much and it's been five years. Please come back to the light... do it for me," she begged between sobs. I knew that I was never helping Zeus again, no matter how much I wanted to be with her. But maybe...
"Annabeth... What if you come with me?" I asked truthfully. She turned her head towards me quickly, staring me down as if to say, what are you talking about.
"Percy... I don't know. I can't think of fighting against my friends like that... I'm sorry," she said sorrowfully. She looked down at the ground, sadness on her face.
We sat there for a couple more minutes, enjoying each other's company in an awkward way. We stared at the ocean, and the stars looked so beautiful reflecting across Long Island Sound. So many memories rushed through my mind, it almost gave me a headache. I noticed that it had almost been an hour, and I was incredibly exhausted for some reason.
"Annabeth, I must go. The offer stills stands to join us, mind you, but if you do not, I understand. Don't take it personally if I hurt you or your friends; it is just my duties as Champion," I said to her as my form started to fade into the shadows. She waved goodbye, saying I love you, as my mind travelled back into my physical body.
I woke with a start, muscles aching with soreness and I was dripping and pouring with sweat. Tartarus wasn't joking when he said that it would be strenuous to listen in on a conversation. He should've said how exhausting it would be to actually join that conversation. I stood up and showered quickly, thinking on everything that had happened in my dream. I thought if it was all false, but it pushed that thought aside. Demigod dreams were never normal, and frequently featured out-of-body experiences.
I dried off and got dressed, hoping to get some early morning training in before breakfast. But first I was going to report to my masters what I had learned last night. Not only was there another Primordial Goddess alive and well, thought to have faded long ago, but Annabeth had also said that they were looking for me and trying whatever they could to find and make me fight for them. Pfft. As if.
I was opening the door to the training room when an assassin from the Order walked up to me before bowing.
"No need to bow, soldier," I said, still getting used to this whole Champion thing. They never said I'd have to command an army.
"You are needed by the masters, Champion Perseus," he said. I nodded before walking towards the spiritual chamber where I would meet with the Primordials. I could only hope this wouldn't go bad.
Third Person PoV:
Percy Jackson knelt in the middle of the spiritual chamber. Dim torches lit the room ever so slightly, so that there was an ominous glow throughout the chamber. Percy looked down at the earthen floor, awaiting the arrival of his masters. He began to wonder about what he had with Annabeth. If there was still hope. He obviously still loved her, and she loved him as well, but the situation was far too perilous at the moment. He could only hope that she would accept his offer. Then they would be together at last, after the ever so long five years that they had spent apar-
His thoughts were interrupted by a growing darkness and powerful presence in the room.
"Ah, Champion Percy. Thank you for coming at my request," Erebus said. Percy nodded and smiled.
"The pleasure is mine, milord. What can I do for you, master?" Perseus asked, mock surprise on his face. He could hear Erebus' sneer and knew he had made a mistake.
"Save the act, Perseus," he snapped. Percy flinched before regaining his composure. "I know you visited the girl in your dream last night. Regardless if you meant to or not, you used Tartarus' gift to you in a way we said not to go back to. We said not to revisit your old memories and life. You have betrayed our trust," he said with anger. I winced, but put on a confident face.
"Lord Erebus, forgive me if I have angered you, but do know that this trip was for the best. I found extremely important information about the upcoming war and the existence of other Primordial beings, "Percy reported, hoping Erebus would hear him out. He could feel the anger die down in the room.
"Primordial being," he asked with astonishment. "Go on. Forgive me for judging your motives, Percy." Erebus calmed down, but before Percy started to speak, he could only wonder why he was actually asking for forgiveness. It was unlike the dark Protogenoi, and very odd.
"Let me start from the beginning, lord Erebus," Percy said. He began to explain the events of how he used his powers to locate who was speaking about him. Completely by coincidence he had stumbled across Annabeth, who was crying and dreading on her past with Percy. Percy explained how he intervened and started talking to her, and how he had gotten key information out of her about the Fates and their warning.
"They are looking for me, Erebus. They are determined to turn me, though Annabeth is the only won who knows of the sides I have taken to. The Fates said that I was the determining factor in this upcoming war, and apparently they will push to the limit to find me and convince me to take their side. I won't, of course, master, but I do believe we should establish a front on the east coast to add pressure on Olympus," Percy explained. Erebus took in the information and acknowledged it with great thought.
"I do agree that you should establish bases along the outskirts of the east coast, but not in Manhattan. We do not want to draw their attention. Remember, my brother and I are not at full power yet and will not be able to aid you until later during the war," he said. His champion perked his head up to ask a question.
"Is that why you can't take an incarnate form?"
"Yes, that is one reason. When the Titans ruled and the Gods overthrew them, the Primordials lost much of their power and were forced into ethereal type forms. The more the gods weaken, the more power we shall gain. If we apply enough pressure towards Olympus and the gods, we will be able to surge back to power and attain a physical form, and might I remind you that at that point there will be NO contest," he said smugly. Percy grinned wickedly, before Erebus continued.
"Now, tell me about this Protogenoi you speak of. Who is this being?" he asked Percy.
"Annabeth told me that the Fates said that their mother had predicted that I would determine the winner of the war. I think her name was Anan... Anan-"
"Ananke..." Erebus said. He looked worried for a second but quickly masked it. "She is a very powerful being. My sister has power over the domains of Destiny, Fate, and Necessity, all powerful tools that could play out to our advantage. Let us hope we can sway her to our cause," he finished. "I believe if she is well, that some of my younger siblings should be alive but dormant, but anyway, thank you for informing me Perseus. I shall be going to oversee our campaign to find more lost species of monsters. I want you to find beings down in the depths of my brother's domain, ancient dragon like beings that will be described to you by some of the members of the Order. You will be accompanied by your friend Adrastos and several elite members of our Order. This will be take place early tomorrow morning. After that, proceed to establish camps on the east coast and across the Midwest." Percy bowed and began to walk out of the chamber, before stopping and turning.
"Wait, my lord..." he started, not sure of how he was going to take this.
"Yes, Champion?"
"I asked Annabeth to come join us, and she said she isn't sure what to do. Do you believe she would be useful if she did decide to join?" Percy Jackson asked hopefully. Deep down, he knew that was what he wanted over everything else at the moment. But his Wise Girl would have to agree, first.
"I would think she would make an excellent addition. If she distracts you though, I will kill her myself," he warned. Percy winced at the thought. "She is very smart and strategically gifted, however, do not force her to join. If she is forced, she may be obligated to betray us in the end. Oh, and Percy," he asked. "Steer clear of her until later notice. She is a distraction. Now, off with you. I have business to attend to."
Percy bowed once more and walked out to finally get to his early morning training. He had been there for about half an hour and had lost time. He hoped to have no more interruptions by his masters. But of course, later that day, he would be proven wrong once again.
Later that day
Percy had just finished lunch with Adrastos when the same member of the order who had informed him of Erebus' request for an audience was standing at his side. Percy rolled his eyes and turned towards him, hoping he could just relax the rest of the day. He turned towards the messenger, this time examining his features more thoroughly.
He had the same black eyes as everyone else, but he had a sharp-pointed face and mischievous eyes. His facial features were well-defined and he wore a sly grin on the side of his face. He reminded Percy of Travis and Connor Stoll, and then Percy realized he was most likely a son of Hermes. The member of the Order of the Primordials had light-brown hair and sharp eyebrows as well. He had a lean build, but looked strong despite his long limbs and torso. He looked strong like a surfer or skate-boarder would be like.
"What now," Percy asked annoyed.
"I'm sorry Perseus-" Percy cut him off.
"Call me Percy, messenger."
"Actually I am an assassin, Champion Percy. Tartarus wishes to speak to you briefly about an important matter. He said it is urgent," he reported. Percy nodded, before heaving a heavy sigh and walking once more towards the spiritual chamber. His day was full of action, yet boring things that made his ADHD act up. He turned back to the assassin.
"Thank you, assassin. Now return to your duties. Forgive me for snapping at you, I've just had a boring as Hades day," Percy said as he trudged along the hallway.
When he was finally in the chamber he felt Tartarus' essence poor into the room. His voice was long and cold as usual, and made Percy think he was being watched by all angles.
"Hello, Champion. I'm glad to know you are taking a liking to your powers, and using them effectively. I know of your conversation with Erebus, and would like to know of the subject matter. Please enlighten me, young one," Tartarus said, eager to learn what had occurred just hours earlier. Percy sighed before going into everything, not leaving out a single detail.
He informed her of his encounter with Annabeth, which Tartarus nearly lost control at, but Percy calmed him down by telling him the whole story. He finished with the news of the Fates and Ananke, and he could have sworn Tartarus paled at the news. Percy also informed him that the Olympians and campers knew of Percy's immortality and that he was alive, and that they were searching for him and trying to get him to fight for them.
"Hmm... Ananke. My brother is right. We should seek her out. She is very powerful and her domains are reasons for most results of every major global event," he exclaimed. Percy nodded in agreement. "However, Percy, you say that the gods are trying to find and turn you to their cause, and that they do not know of your whereabouts. I think we should crush their hopes, and leave them with thoughts of inevitable doom in their mind," he said with malice, as Percy gaped at the expression.
"What do you propose, lord Tartarus," he asked. Percy had a feeling what Tartarus was about to voice out.
"I think you should crush their hope and destroy their thoughts of perseverance, by simply telling the truth to them. Percy, I want you to go inform the Olympians of your state of being, and how you will never join them and that they are doomed. But here's the catch. They are having a council meeting with the campers, according to my sources, and I want you to interrupt and reveal yourself to the world. Right. Now." Percy grinned wickedly. Finally, his boring day would get a little bit more exciting.
On Olympus, Later that Day:
"Athena, what have you to say about Erebus," Zeus asked his daughter, who was the goddess of wisdom. The council had decided to address the problem they were facing and inform the campers about Erebus. They deserved to know as they would be fighting most of the war; the gods were restricted by the Ancient Laws that they could not directly interfere unless attacked by other gods or immortal beings.
Athena rose and cleared her throat. The campers gasped at the mention of Erebus by Zeus, but some did not know who he was. They would quickly find out though.
"Erebus is one of the eldest children of Chaos, the creator. He is one of the most powerful beings in existence, but all we know is that he is stirring, and not at his most powerful form. He is the Primordial God of Darkness, Shadows, and evil, which he shares with other Primordials," she said, earning worried looks around the room on the faces of campers. They exchanged nervous glances, knowing the upcoming fight would be the hardest one they ever faced.
"Thank you, daughter. Now, on to a more... important matter," Zeus said, forcing out the word important. "Percy Jackson," he finished. The air smelt of salt-water suddenly, and the braziers dimmed ominously. After several seconds and worried looks by the Olympians, the sensation passed. Zeus shrugged. Poseidon sighed, knowing he should have stuck up for his son all those years ago. Zeus, although knowing that Percy was a needed and essential asset, still held a grudge against his nephew for what he thought he did to Zade five years prior.
"Percy Jackson, as you all know, is one of the most powerful demigods of all time. He is also needed in the war we will be waging against darkness. Because we don't of Erebus' whereabouts, we will be prepared for an attack at any time. Now back to the matter at hand. Percy must be found and convinced to join our cause. Bow, has anyone seen or has any idea where he may be?" Zeus asked, looking around the room. Annabeth twitched, which went unnoticed, but Grover noticed. He would ask her about it later.
"One again, has anyone seen him?" Zeus asked. "Does anyone know where he is?" He looked around the room, making eye contact with every demigod and Olympian.
"Does anyone know the whereabouts of Percy Jackson?" he asked, his voice raising.
"I do..." said an Unknown voice from above. A sudden flash of darkness filled the room, as the scent of salt-water filled the air and an immense power filled the room. When the darkness subsided, the room was quiet. Not a sound was made. Everyone was staring at the center of the room.
Kneeling, on the floor, was a man. He was incredibly strong-looking and about 6 foot 4 inches in height. He radiated power, but what really caused the gods to be startled were the pitch black eyes on the man. He rose, looking across the room, making eye-contact with Annabeth before turning back towards Zeus, smirking. The room as so quiet, you could hear a pin drop.
"I am Percy Jackson."
How'd you like it! How was it? Good? Bad? Please let me know and stick with the story. I am going to try to get the next chapter up sometimes next week, as I am going to fit in a hella lot of writing in on Martin Luther King Jr. day. Thanks again for all the support I've been getting. Don't forget to read and review.
Catch you next time.
