Percy stepped out of the apartment, sharing a glance to his concerned mother.
Hopefully a small nod of reassurance was enough.
He doubted it was though.
"Let's hear it."
Were Percy's words when he greeted them at the entrance of his mother's apartment.
The demigod hadn't wanted to leave. The look of fear in his mother's eyes was palpable and the tension of that very fear was thick enough to protect them from a lightning bolt of the Master Bolt.
He should've stayed. His presence provided a protection and comforting knowledge no one else was able to offer. Especially after what happened to Paul.
During the battle with the aliens, the family were staying in the apartment merely enjoying time spent together when a blast took apart the wall. From what his mother could recall, Paul's instincts saved Estelle's life when he had shoved her out the way.
A large section of said wall landed on his step-dad and after a week of staying in the hospital had been discharged with a life-changing ailment.
Paralyzed from the waist down, the professor was now confined to a wheelchair.
Percy's water healing abilities were beyond that and unless someone of Apollo's stature in the medical field healed him and even that was doubtful then he would be crippled for life.
Even the surgeon, a Dr. Strange, had told them that he couldn't do much for the man. Percy's rage was absolute when his mother had relayed the events and painted the surgeon as egotistical as Hercules.
If slightly less so.
No one can be as egotistical as that particular bastard even if they tried. After all, the demigod-turned-immortal had a couple thousand years to perfect his craft.
Still, Percy and Paul shared a heart to heart. A grateful and humorous conversation had taken place between the two. Paul declaring that he was still capable of providing for Sally and Estelle when Percy had given them access to his bank account. It wasn't like it was ever going to run out, considering there was a recurring deposit from his father and money was like dirt to him.
The grateful look in his eyes however told Percy how much he appreciated the gesture. Percy ensured that said account would bear the weight of any medical bills.
Percy led the way out of the apartment and the trio followed.
"Where are we going?" Steve asked, matching his stride. They entered the elevator.
"A place I go to think." The demigod responded and spared a glance to the two others who shared an incredibly subtle look. One that he would've doubtlessly not noticed if he hadn't regarded them any attention whatsoever.
Percy's closed his eyes softly and tilted his head upwards as he waited for the elevators to descend.
"So what is it you guys wanted to talk about?" Percy asked suddenly. The elevator was slowing.
"An offer." Steve said. "An offer to join SHIELD."
They exited the elevator and Percy led the way outside and towards the beach, while also noting the black SUVs parked out front.
"What would I be doing?"
Steve paused for a second as the made their way through a small crowd. The crowds since the attack had been smaller and as of late had only begun to grow back to their normal hustle and bustle that was New York.
"SHIELD is a group of people to fight threats where the conventional military is incapable of doing so." Steve began his pitch but seemed strained and rehearsed. Like he didn't want to do it or was being forced to.
Percy picked up on it immediately but didn't comment on it and allowed the man to continue describing SHIELD's mission statement and the benefits of joining.
The three continued to follow Percy towards the edge of Central Park where they continued their walk. Now the son of Poseidon could tell they were being followed. He wasn't sure at first, through the miniscule vibrations sent through the earth had alerted him to their presence it was hard to detect in the large crowds of downtown Manhattan. But here, in the relatively deserted park, he could make out their positions clearly.
That and they were being loud as hell.
He had picked this up after the war and hunting the remnants of one of Gaea's army that had been sent to assault Camp Half-Blood. They had shattered when news of her defeat had reached them. Percy wasn't as good at it as the Hunters were but the monsters learned to fear him. To fear the one that was more monster than they were.
They stopped and Percy sat upon one of the many benches that were in the park.
He chose Central Park for many reasons. The first and main one, was that it was open and relatively deserted. If a fight were to break out, he would be free to let loose with worrying too much about collateral damage.
The distance from here to Olympus was also incredibly short and he was sure that as soon as he entered its figurative sphere of influence, that any immortal, Olympian or otherwise, on the mountain would be watching if for nothing else so that he ensured both camps would be notified if something dire were to occur.
"So what do you say?" Steve had sat on the other end of the bench while the two others that accompanied him were a little ways away and conversing quietly with each other but still within earshot and close enough to help the Captain should he need it.
To be honest, Percy had sort of spaced out. He didn't catch most of what the Captain had said or explained. "I say, that you don't want to be here." Percy said simply and sat more comfortably on the wooden polished bench, well… as polished a bench could get in Central Park.
It was an apt deduction though. Steve had given off a standoffish vibe from the beginning. Whatever his reasons, he didn't want to be here as much as Percy wanted to live a normal life.
"Am I that easy to read?" The sandy blonde haired man asked. Percy caught a glimpse of Jason in him though it quickly went away. The two could never be compared. Jason would've gotten straight to the point or maneuvered in such a way that he couldn't be denied. Steve wasn't cunning though and gave off a thorough Good Guy aura.
Percy blinked.
"I guess I am." Steve sighed. "Look I going to be honest with you. I think you're too young to be doing this sort of thing."
Percy didn't have the heart nor reason to retort that he had fought in two wars since he was twelve. Plus, the Olympians were thousands of years old and they thought it alright that demigods younger than he was before he got to camp were wielding weapons that could cut a man's head off.
They were thousands of years old and immortal at that. Percy figured for the elegance and divinity gained, a certain apathy was picked up that they were incapable of ethics or morals. With the few exceptions, the entire Pantheon sired children out of their marriages and nothing was done accept a few slaps on the wrist.
Immortals could do as they pleased generally because they were just that, immortal. They weren't bound by the constraints of disease or old life and could shrug off most of what made them human. He clenched his fists as his thoughts drifted to the more evil of the Ancient and Mythological side of his world.
Percy blinked.
He was nudged slightly by Steve. "You alright, kid? You spaced out there."
No.
"Yes." Was Percy's reply. "I'll give it some thought. What I did a few weeks ago was because I was asked to, not because I wanted to. I'm not here to play hero, I never wanted too," Because Heroes always have horrible endings. "I'm just here to live a normal life."
"That's another thing." Steve winced but Percy wasn't really paying him any attention. He continued to stare forward. "I was asked to set up an audience on whoever you're working with."
"For." Percy corrected absentmindly corrected as he blinked back into reality again. He could've sworn there was some sort of bright golden light somewhere in the far distance. His mind completely forgot about the fact that they were in Central Park. "And no. That isn't possible. Even if I wanted to set it up. It's not in my power." Percy looked to Steve with narrowed eyes.
He held his hands in a small surrendering gesture. "Hey, don't shoot the messenger."
"Tell Fury to uphold our bargain." Percy said as he stood. "Keep out of my affairs and I'll do my best to keep out of his." Steve looked to him and nodded.
"Do your best?"
"I can't guarantee that I'll get mixed up in the going ons in his spy ring." Percy rectified. Since when did he ever have to play diplomat? The Legion didn't really count, he technically didn't know who he was or what he was doing most of the time he was there. It still confused him to no end when he thought about that time. There was a hole where he knew that he didn't know anything about himself and thinking about it set him on a hair trigger for some reason.
"Let me guess your superiors might need to get involved?" Steve asked. It wasn't accusatory nor was it malicious, with only a weary sigh from the older man.
"If those who command me want me to." The son of Poseidon stated. Those who command me. The thought unsettled him and it tasted like vinegar while the words left his mouth.
For all his strengths, his loyalty didn't waver and he didn't know whether to think of it as a weakness or otherwise.
Percy blinked and Steve only stared back. "I'll think about it. I do not think those I work for would like it if I suddenly left without warning."
Zeus would probably have a heart attack.
Steve could only nod. "I suppose that's the best I can get."
Percy turned his back. The rumblings and rustling of the people that encircled them getting on his nerves. "And if you would so kindly call off the audience and to leave me and mine alone…" Percy trailed off while walking away, not caring nor seeing the look of disbelief on Steve's face nor the ones of annoyance and suspicion on Clint or Natasha.
Percy continued walking back to his home. Hoping to find it free of Fury's people was a lost cause, but he would not hesitate to kill them if they tried anything.
That's when the hairs on his neck stood up and his hand instinctually went to the small of his back where, underneath his jacket, hid one of his hunting knives.
"Peace, Perseus." A feminine voice spoke, one he immediately recognized as Artemis'.
He didn't calm as he turned to face her.
"Milady." He nodded his acknowledgment though his eyes were not on her but her companions. Apollo in a button up shirt that wasn't buttoned up all the way while Hestia and Hades looked sordidly out of place. Hestia, being dressed in a simple summer dress while Hades was wearing a full suit that was completely black. To anyone, the group looked rather comical but to Percy they were an unwelcome sight as they always were.
He figured the reason that Hestia wasn't in her child-like form was because it would've looked out of place as well. She was about his and the Twins' age while Hades looked like a man just out of his thirties.
He would've bowed before the two eldest of the group but in the crowded sidewalk of a bustling Manhattan avenue made it uncomfortable to do so.
"Perhaps, we should have some refreshments?" Hades gestured to the Hole in the Wall bar that was next to them. It didn't look crowded though it seemed to have some business given it was still in the evening.
Apollo didn't even hesitate. He led the way and commandeered a corner booth that would fit them all.
Percy, knowing, he had no other choice followed them and took the seat on the end, sitting next to Artemis. He looked and felt wholly uncomfortable.
He and the twins missed the jealous glare that was directed at Artemis by Hestia. Though only Hades was the only one to make note of it and looked to his older sister with a raised eyebrow.
"So Percy." Apollo began, after he had finished his rather ornate order from the waitress that had took it. He handed her a trio of Benjamins and told her to keep the drinks coming while winking at her. Percy clenched his fist but said nothing as he made his thoughts turn towards the conversation rather than the blatant display of unrestraint from the sun god. "How was your talk with our star spangled friend?"
"Enlightening." Percy bit out.
He wasn't the least bit interested in the offer but something told him that this was something more than a house call.
Judging from Artemis' expression, she looked to want to be anywhere but here and Hestia's refusal to meet his eyes only reinforced his thoughts.
Hade's, while he looked entirely disinterested in the whole affair, Percy could tell he was observing him, intensely and making note of his every action and reaction.
Apollo continued as if he didn't notice Percy's lack of explanation nor his lack of respect for them as Olympians. "We didn't finish our Council meeting due to the Fates taking over and Zeus determined that we hold a small one here. One where we could explain what was going on. In detail. Athena was supposed to come but…."
He didn't need to finish as Percy knew entirely why the Wisdom goddess avoided him like he was Kronos incarnate. The son of Poseidon reminded her too much of her favored daughter and Percy had an inkling that any encounter they may have in an unofficial capacity may result in the explosive infamous jealous rage that she possessed.
"Anyway's…" He trailed off again as his trademark smile returned in full force as his exotic drink was delivered as were all of the others. Percy's water was quickly downed while Hades nursed a simple whiskey on the rocks. Hestia and Artemis also had a glass of water but hadn't touched them. "It isn't as simple as you're getting stronger. It's more like…" He paused as he took a sip from his drink and Percy looked at him with a blank look. "I don't know…little sis how would you describe it?"
Artemis' eyes narrowed at her twin. She didn't bother correcting him this time though and instead responded. "Minerva," She used her half-sister's Roman name, considering they were in the mortal world and someone named Athena was not that common and while Minerva was as uncommon as Athena was, it wasn't out of the complete realm of possibility.
Besides, it mattered little to Percy. The less said about the Wisdom Goddess the better. "said it was like a growth spurt. You are not only getting stronger in strength but also powers."
"The Fates said as much." Percy's eyes while narrowed had a look of confusion to them.
"What else did they say?" Was Artemis' blunt question, that caused Hades to choke on his sip of whiskey and Hestia to cringe. Apollo, however, stared at him with a burning intensity, pun not intended.
So that was what they were after. They wanted to know what the Fates were up to. Apollo should've known given he was the God of the Oracle but it seemed that there was no prophecy this time around.
Percy immediately determined that telling them he was no longer bound to the Three Sisters was not a good idea. Zeus would have an aneurysm if he found that out.
"Perseus?" Hestia's meek voice asked with concern.
Percy blinked twice.
"Are you alright?" Apollo asked, all notions of interrogating him gone. "You blanked there for a moment."
No.
"Yes." Was Percy's reply as he looked down at his empty glass. He didn't see Apollo's eyes narrow though the sun god didn't comment further. "They told me to continue my current course and explained somewhat now the Mist works but other than that nothing else. Vague as always."
They all seemed satisfied with that answer, even Apollo.
"How are the blades faring?" Was Hade's off-topic question.
Percy thought for a moment. The stygian iron blades shouldn't have been as effective as they were when he wielded them but other than Riptide they were the most comfortable swords he has ever wielded. "They suit me just fine."
Hades sipped on his whiskey in response and an uncomfortable silence descended on the odd group.
"Is there anything else?" Percy asked after his glass of water was replaced for the second time and subsequently downed in a couple deep drinks.
Hestia was silent for a few moments before she spoke. "This SHIELD, what do you think of them?"
They meddle too much. "A nuisance, mostly. It looks like they have an ally in Thor. I wouldn't say we are on great terms at the moment."
"Do you need to move your family?" Artemis asked with concern.
"The thought has crossed my mind." Percy admitted, he wasn't going to lie regarding their safety. "But I don't know if Sally will appreciate my concern."
Apollo's eyes narrowed at the son of Poseidon's use of his mother's name rather than the normal. Though it seemed that Percy didn't even realize it. Hade's was too detached from the world to recognized such things. Artemis wouldn't be familiar with a familial attachments as close as a mother and a son and wouldn't even begin to comprehend the significance of such a small error. Only Hestia seemed to notice as well, if the frown was any indication.
"Besides, my mom," He explained. "is too scared that'll I'll up and disappear again. I don't think nor want to scare her like that."
"No you wouldn't." Hestia agreed. She looked outside. The sun was beginning to set and she looked towards the twins. "I believe we all have our duties to return too."
Artemis nodded as did Hades.
"We will keep in contact, Perseus." Artemis said with confidence. "Do not hesitate to call upon us for assistance." They all stood and began to leave, only Apollo remained in the booth with a thoughtful and focused expression. "Brother, are you going to drive the sun?"
There was a pause as they all watched Percy leave. "No, tonight I think I'm just going to hang out in here." He offered a hollow smile as he bid his family farewell.
What is going on with him? Was Apollo's thoughts as he slumped in his booth.