Note: Alright, people! :D Me is updating! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

24 days till The Mark of Athena! Can't wait! :D

Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson! :(

-.-

Chapter 3

Piper looked up when her cabin door opened and Jason walked in. She smiled, and scooted further away from the bed's edge, opening the covers—a silent invitation. Jason slipped into the bed, and curved himself against her in a familiar, comfortable position.

Piper traced a hand from his temple to the small scar on the corner of his lip, memorizing the feel of his skin against her hand, his face, his features. His blue eyes watched her, silently, wondering what she was doing and gazing as her eyes changed from sparkling green to inviting brown.

"Are you okay?"

Jason blinked. "Yes, I am. Why wouldn't I be?"

A small smile curved her lips as she traced invisible lines on the skin above his heart. "I don't know. You just seem distracted. I know you've just come back from Camp Jupiter, and then we were immediately thrown into this mess, so…"

It was scary, sometimes, having a daughter of Aphrodite as your girlfriend. (Percy would disagree; he thinks having a daughter of Athena as a girlfriend is much scarier!) Piper was so sensitive to Jason's emotions and expressions, that he sometimes wondered if she was actually in his head. In a way, it saved him the embarrassment of actually talking about it out loud; he liked that she knew him so well.

"You're scary."

She grinned. "Dangerous is a better word to describe me."

He laughed and leaned down, placing butterfly kisses on her eyelids. "I told you it is nothing to worry about. It's going to be fine."

"I trust you."

He leaned back and watched as her eyes transformed into a lovely green shade. His throat tightened, and he opened his mouth to say the thing they both knew to be true, but she simply pecked his lips closed, telling him wordlessly that she knew. No words needed.

He did not sleep until much later. He simply gazed at her sleeping, taking in the slight flutter of her eyelashes, the flush on her cheeks, and how she inhaled from her nose and exhaled from her mouth.

He slept with the scent of her shampoo in his nose a few hours before dawn.

-.-

Percy stood behind Annabeth, his arms around her waist and his chin resting against her shoulder as they watched the sunrise together. It was a breathtaking sight. The sun rose slowly over the horizon, bathing the sea with a narrow carpet of golden-yellow. The sky was rapidly losing its midnight hue, being replaced with the soft colors of pink, royal blue, and slight purple.

"It's beautiful," Annabeth breathed. Percy opened his mouth, but she shot him a look. "Don't you dare say something cheesy."

He grinned. "Why not? You know it's true."

She rolled her eyes.

"Alright, fine, I won't." he looked back at the sun. "It's our first day."

"Four items on the first day seems too good to be true."

"Why do I have a feeling you just cursed us, Wise Girl?"

She smirked. "We were cursed ever since we found out we were demigods, Seaweed Brain. Besides, you have to admit: it is peculiar."

"Yeah. It does." Percy sighed. Mentally, he commanded the ship to lean right. It obeyed.

The ship was reluctantly gaining life. Demigods yawned loudly as they took their stations along the deck, most of them grumbling that it was way too early to be up. Travis and Conner Stoll were the only two that greeted their fellow mates enthusiastically with an energy that made the rest of the crew want to strangle them.

Annabeth chuckled. "Think they are up to something?"

"I just hope it doesn't affect anyone negatively. Or burn anything down." Percy grimaced.

"Good—morning!" Leo Valdez exclaimed, yawning hugely. "Man, Perce, it's still too early! Why couldn't you allow us another hour?"

"Because we are already here."

Leo turned. Sure enough, a huge island was coming to view. Port Black was huge, and the outskirts of Jade Island's city were becoming more defined by the minute. The ship docked quietly on the pier, and a small man looked up, eyes widening at the sight of the young crew in front of him.

Percy turned to his crew. "Let go the anchor. Slack the sails. Lower the gangplank."

"Aye, aye, captain!"

Grover limped over. "We're here?"

"Welcome to Port Black, Jade Island." Percy grinned.

"Where are Jason and Piper?" Annabeth questioned, frowning.

Leo grinned devilishly. "I wouldn't know."

Grover munched his shirt. "Is it normal to have a bad feeling about this island?"

"Yeah. Because it gives a sense of déjà vu." Percy grinned. "With the old man on the pier and all."

"Good morning." Jason greeted, coming up to the helm with a tired Piper by his side.

"I'm sure it's a wonderful morning." Leo commented, grinning mischievously at his best friends.

Piper glared at him. "Shove off, Valdez."

"I am just saying!"

Percy looked at Jason, his eyebrow raised. Jason shook his head, rolling his eyes. Percy nodded. "Alright. Let's get moving!"

He turned to walk towards the gangplank when Travis and Conner intercepted his way. They grinned widely.

"Not to worry, Captain!"

"We'll take good care of the ship!"

"And if any monsters attack, we'll defend it."

Percy's eye twitched. "Katie?"

"Aye, captain?" Katie looked up, curious.

"Keep an eye on the ship! And on those two!"

Travis pouted. "You wound us, Captain!"

"Yeah. We are good in taking care of stuff." Conner grinned.

Percy simply gestured to his companions to walk forward. The old man sitting on the dock eyed them warily as Percy paid the wanted amount to allow the ship to dock on the pier.

"What is your purpose on Jade Island, young man?" he questioned.

Percy gave a charming smile. "Just to rest for a bit, sir. We have had a long trip." He looked around casually. "Do you, by any chance, have a donut shop around? Or a place where they sell good coffee?"

"There's a coffee shop right around the 34th lane." The man pointed right. "There is only one donut shop in this city, and it's closed. Under construction. It's just across the coffee shop I was telling you about."

"Coffee will still be good." Percy grinned. "Thank you."

"Pretty sleek, Perce," Leo grinned, as they walked towards the right corner of the street. "Didn't know you had it in you."

"Déjà vu… déjà vu…" Grover muttered.

"Stop worrying so much, Grover." Jason said, looking at Piper and Annabeth pointedly. "We are not going to separate this time."

The girls looked away to hide their blushes.

The city was quiet, but it was to be expected as it was still six in the morning. Only a few selected shops were opening for cleaning and stock inspection before the beginning of a busy day. The young demigods took the route towards the 34th lane, and found themselves in front of a small courtyard. Shops lined either side of it, and in the middle, a fountain sprouted water.

Piper looked around. "There."

It was just like the man said—the donut shop was closed for construction. The yellow tape circled the area and a sign was standing on the edge NO ENTRY!

"Can't we actually have the coffee first?" Leo asked.

"No time." Annabeth answered.

One by one, they ducked under the yellow tape and opened the door slowly. Peering over their shoulder to make sure no one saw them, they closed it quietly. Jason stood in the middle, his eyes sweeping the peeled walls, the broken floor, the dirty counter, and the many pots of coffee on the other side.

"So, where do you think the items are hidden?" Grover asked, looking under a table.

"Spread out and search." Percy said.

But the search turned out fruitless for they found nothing but dust and debris and rubble. They opened cabinets and moved overturned tables and coffee pots. Grover scooped a stray can and began munching it nervously.

"Guys," Piper called, looking back nervously. "Checking the dark, musty basement isn't in the job description, is it?"

Annabeth sighed. "Unfortunately, it is."

"Thought so." Piper opened the door wider and allowed her friends to descend the stairs. A faint glow emanated at the bottom of the stairs. Percy gripped his pen tightly as everyone else placed their hands on the hilts of their chosen weapons. The glow grew brighter until they found themselves standing on a threshold of a huge basement.

Shelves were pinned on the walls bearing every kind of armor, weapon, clothes, shoes, and pretty much everything that comes to mind. An oval table sat on the very far corner. A lady in her mid-thirties sat in front of it, looking at the young demigods curiously. A dog barked at her feet, eyeing the six visitors distrustfully.

"Customers! How wonderful!" the lady exclaimed, standing up and moving towards them eagerly. Her large cloak swayed at her feet—it covered her whole body except her face.

The demigods exchanged glances.

"Welcome! Welcome!" she was still greeting, smiling hugely. "In what can I interest you, dears? We have the best armory and tools for the guys." She smiled at them. "And the best kinds of jewelry from the young ladies—not to mention perfumes!"

Involuntarily, Annabeth and Piper shivered. Déjà vu…

However, Piper smiled. "Yes. That's exactly what I am looking for. Perfumes. But not any perfume. I want the sweetest perfume you've got, ma'am."

"You have an amazing collection of tiaras, ma'am." Annabeth said, walking casually towards a shelf that was full of tiaras and crowns. "Oh! This is beautiful!" she exclaimed, inspecting a faintly glowing diadem. Annabeth felt it pulse under her fingers.

She looked at Percy. His eyes widened a bit, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Oh, yes, it is beautiful, isn't it?" the lady asked, earnestly. "I got it from a young woman not long ago—a week or so. Do you like it?"

"Yes." Annabeth said.

She turned to Piper. "I had a perfume that was very sweet, my dear. It supposedly attracted every man on earth." Piper shivered again. Déjà vu… The lady's face fell. "However, I sold it yesterday to a lady."

Piper cursed internally. "Who?"

"Oh, I am not supposed to expose my clients, dear," the lady chuckled. "But she seemed very wealthy. I do believe she said she owned a beauty shop or something…"

Leo stepped forward, his eyes fixed on a glowing red hammer. "This is amazing!" he reached to touch the hammer, but the dog barked. Leo jumped back.

"Interested in tools, young man?" the lady asked.

"And weapons." Percy jumped in.

Jason gave a winning smile. "Spears are a favorite of ours!"

"Can I have tin cans?" Grover asked.

Percy stared at him.

"Spears…" the lady mused, walked towards a shelf. "I do believe I have a very powerful one." She took hold a long spear with dried blood at the tip. It glowed faintly.

"This is perfect!" Percy said, moving forward.

"You like it?"

"Yes. How much does it cost?"

The lady smiled. "It's not for sale, young demigod."

Annabeth gripped her dagger. "Because…?"

"I can't deny my son a treat when it walks right through the door. That would be just rude." The lady grinned, showing her coffee-colored fangs and flicking her forked tongue.

The dog barked again, and the six demigods backed up, eyes widening as the little dog grew in size. Its back was now touching the high-ceiling and it roared. It had the head of a lion, the body and legs of a goat, and a snake-headed tail.

The lady's face became reptilian and she rolled her sleeves to show her scaly green skin. "There you go, sonny. Five demigods and a satyr."

"This satyr isn't for eating!" Grover yelled.

The Chimera roared again, flicking its serpent tail.

"Grab the items!" Percy ordered, uncapping Riptide. The beast whirled around at his voice and blasted a column of fire out of his mouth towards him.

Percy rolled out of the way. The fire melted a hole through the shelves and straight into the wall. Annabeth cradled the diadem in her arms as Leo grabbed the hammer off the shelf. Jason charged Echidna and while she was distracted, Piper was able to retrieve the bloody spear from where the Mother of Monsters has thrown it in surprise of Jason's attack.

"Up the stairs! Now!" Percy yelled, trying to stab the Chimera's mouth. But the beast was too fast than one thought possible and he kept dodging. Annabeth, Leo, and Piper hurried up the stairs with Grover tailing behind them as he tried to fumble with his pipes.

"No nature in here! Up!" he yelled.

Percy and Jason shared a glance. Jason sprinted towards the stairs. Percy dived under the Chimera's goat legs and ran towards the stairs as well.

"Get them!" Echidna yelled.

The Chimera roared and charged towards the stairs as well, crumbling the walls around it and the ground under its feet as it went. As the five demigods and the satyr flung themselves out of the donut shop, the Chimera was already hot on their heels, roaring and breathing fire column after fire column.

The courtyard was already full of conversing, laughing people. Annabeth's eyes widened when she noticed that it was almost noon. Where they searching for the items that long? How long have they been in the basement exactly? The mortals glanced at them as they tumbled from the shop, and screamed in panic. Annabeth wasn't sure what they say through the Mist, but it was scary enough to send them running for their lives.

Echidna walked from behind her son, grinning madly. "It's time to die, demigods."

Grover played an urgent tune.

From a nearby pot, green veins came into life. They slowly climbed their way through the air, swaying to the sweet melody, before they lunged forward and wrapped themselves around Echidna's body. The reptilian woman screamed in surprise.

The Chimera charged forward, its mouth glowing red, ready to blast another column of fire.

Percy waved his hand.

The fountain located in the middle of the courtyard shook violently. Just as Annabeth was sure the blast of fire was going to burn them to ashes, a huge wall of water erupted around them, holding the fire at bay as a sizzling sound echoed loudly. The water wall smoked.

The Chimera paused, growling lowly in its chest.

"To the ship," Percy grunted, a light sheen of sweat covering his forehead.

Echidna screamed. "Not so fast, demigods!" she tore the veins from around her. Grover's tune became more urgent as he played as frantically as he could.

The veins grew and began crawling their way towards the beast. They coiled themselves at its goat legs when it tried to follow the demigods as they made their way quickly towards the Poseidon's Sea Pearl.

Percy kept the water wall around them as Grover continued playing his pipes even as Echidna was tearing the veins away from the Chimera's legs.

"How dare you!" she was screaming. "How dare you treat my son this way! Wrapping him up with those disgusting roots! I'll show—"

But Percy had already sent a water wave towards them, dosing them completely. Leo laughed. "Snake face is wet!"

"Fools!" the Mother of Monsters screamed.

The Chimera blasted a column of fire from its mouth again.

Percy hissed as it hit the water shield.

They rounded the corner and could see the Sea Pearl now. The small man sitting on the pier screamed as he saw them running, a water wall around them, and a beast chasing after them with an enraged reptilian woman. He ran for his life.

"Stoll!" Jason yelled, running ahead. "Raise the anchor. Let down the gangplank. Trim the sails and prepare to sail!"

Travis and Conner, from the deck, took one look at the situation and their eyes widened. Katie, who was beside them, whirled around and started giving orders. The gangplank rapidly descended and Jason made sure Piper and Annabeth climbed first.

"Stay!" he ordered, before running back towards Percy, Grover and Leo.

"Any plan?"

"Nothing at the moment." Percy grunted. "Do you think you could distract it away from me for a minute?"

"Piece of cake." Jason answered, levitating himself off the ground.

Leo ran around the water wall, and began waving his hands. "Oi! You ugly, multi-animal beast! I am right here!"

The Chimera looked at him, growling. The water wall dissipated. Percy slumped forward, holding himself with his hands on his knees, breathing hard. Grover's tune reduced into a soothing one. The veins seemed to relax around Echidna, and she grinned victoriously.

"Getting tired, my dears?"

The Chimera opened his mouth to blast fire at Leo, who was still yelling taunts and insults at it. However, it choked on its fire as it howled in pain. Jason had just slashed his Imperial Gold sword towards its serpent tail, severing it completely.

Echidna looked at her son, her eyes wide. "No!"

"HEADS UP!"

Echidna and the Chimera looked up.

BOOM!

The cannon explosion echoed thunderously through the air. Percy and Grover ducked. Jason dropped to the ground as Leo dove face-first into the gravel. The four watched as the cannon ball soared through the sky and expanded slowly. It exploded into a bronze net which wrapped around the Chimera and Echidna tightly.

They both howled.

"Duck!"

Another cannon ball soared through the sky; this time, it slammed right into the pile of monsters inside the net and sent them flying sky-high, screaming and roaring all the way until they were out of sight.

"Oh yeah!" Travis screamed, pumping his fist in the air. "It worked."

"It was so worth last night, bro!" Conner yelled back.

They high-fived.

Percy stood up and he was joined by his three friends. Annabeth and Piper were standing beside the Stolls, looking just as startled as the rest of the crew.

"What was that?" Percy asked, awed.

"Our new invention!" Travis said, proudly. "A cannon ball which transforms into a celestial bronze net mid-soar. Isn't it great?!"

"Totally took that Chimera by surprise!" Conner laughed.

"We weren't sure it would work—"

"—but that was neat!"

They high-fived again, grinning.

Katie shook her head, looking at Travis in awe. "He never ceases to amaze me."

-.-

They set sail immediately after that, trying to avoid all the questions and chaos that was probably sprouting through Jade Island now. Leo took the wheel, whistling cheerfully as the rest stood beside him on a small table. The enchanted map lay in the middle, waiting for instructions.

"Alright. So we have Ares' spear, Hera's diadem, and Hephaestus's hammer." Percy scratched them out from the small list they made. "Aphrodite's perfume was bought and we have no idea who bought it. In short, we have ten items left."

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Grover said, munching his shirt nervously as he looked at the white bag beside hiM glowing faintly. "I have a feeling it will explode."

Piper grimaced. "Grover is right. I don't think it's a good idea to put all the items together in on confined place."

"Hey," Leo said, offended. "I made that bag myself. It absorbs energy. It'll be fine. And they won't explode."

"Alright. Where to next?" Jason asked, looking down at the map. "We still have plenty of time for the day to end. We should take advantage of it."

It was the afternoon now, and they had a couple more hours before sunset.

"Do the honors." Percy grinned. "But be specific least it gives you a very accurate place."

Jason rolled his eyes. "I know." He looked down at the map. "Map, show me what I want the most—um, Zeus's eagle?"

Cursive writing appeared on the map: Alive or statue?

"Did he say he was alive?" Jason asked Leo.

"Yup." Leo answered.

"Alive."

The writing vanished. Slowly, ink began filling the parchment again. A small piece of land appeared in the middle of the sea with trees sprouting from it. Above the land, small cursive writing appeared: The Tropics.

"Is that an island?" Annabeth asked.

"I think it's more like a forest." Percy said, thoughtfully. "It's not that far from here. An hour sail."

"Great! So, what's our heading?" Leo asked.

The shrill sound of a horn cut off whatever Percy was going to say. They whirled around to gaze at the source of the sound and watched as the incoming ship came closer.

-.-

Note: So, what do you think? Your opinion matters the most, as always! :)

Until next time, so keep a weather eye in that horizon! ;)

Take care!