A/N: Hey everyone! Sorry for the long wait. I just have three things to say, then onto the chapter.
1. I was doing homework, moving into my new house, and going on vacation. So I had real reasons not to update, I swear!
2. Thanks again for all the awesome reviews! And, like I said, if the way I present the characters doesn't fit yours, I'm sorry, but that's just how I fit them in and want them.
3. If you have read any of my PJO stuff before, you'll know that I have a VERY rocky relationship with the HoO characters. I usually don't put them in stories because I do not feel confident with their characters and I just don't like using them. So sorry to those who were looking forward for characters from HoO… I just can't do it.
That's all! R and R! Enjoy Chapter 5
Chapter 5
~Percy's P.O.V.~
"Percy, I would like you to meet Thalia Grace and Chiron."
Percy stood in Annabeth's office, his body a little stiff from the sudden entrance of people, and his eyes moved over the two figures who entered the room.
The first person was a girl only slightly older than Percy, and her eyes were piercing into him. She wore a solid black blouse that was unbuttoned just enough to expose her left shoulder and the top of her deep grey tank top underneath. Her jeans were skin tight, showing off her fit physic, and her boots laces up the about half way up her calf. Arms crossed across her chest, her finger nails sported black polish that added to her edgy look. Her eyes were a shocking blue, a color that caused Percy's heart to beat a bit faster in intimidation, and her face was pretty, yet extremely menacing to Percy. She looked like she was in charge, and judging by how she was looking Percy over like a new slab of meat, he had a serious hunch that she was. At least, to some degree. She, compared to Annabeth, was a good degree or two paler, but she looked older than the blonde. A crossbow was slung over her shoulder, the tip glinting wickedly, and Percy really hoped that she was nice than she looked.
Next to her, the man relaxing Percy a bit, was a man Percy had never seen before. He was in a wheelchair, his legs covered by a blue and grey plaid knitted blanket, and a pair of brown loafers poked out from under the blanket. He had a brown leather suit jacket on, a cleanly pressed white shirt underneath, and a black bow tie to top the outfit off. His eyes were patient. His hair was trimmed and perfect, not a hair out of place. A few wrinkles gathered around his eyes and mouth, but other than that he did not look too old. His eye stared at Percy like he knew him well, and Percy grew ever more confused than before.
Why were they here?
Annabeth had moved out from behind her desk, standing next to Percy but slightly over towards Thalia, and Percy glanced at the girl, waiting for an explanation.
Annabeth's grey eyes swirled into Percy's as she spoke, her voice a tad worried, "We've run into... uh some complications over in Europe. Thalia came back just in time, otherwise she-"
"I would've been wiped out with the rest of our people. Only thirty of our original two hundred came back." Thalia finished, eyes going to the floor hands fists as she listened, obviously not happy. Percy flinched a bit, thinking about it. What the heck happened?
"Why were you-" Percy tried, hands leaving his pockets and crossing, mimicking Thalia's stance, but less aggravated.
"Ronos has started using his military powers like we feared he would," Annabeth interjected, looking at the raven hair boy, "He took them out, finding their hiding spot, and now we have no one on the other side of the world watching him."
This was much worse than Percy expected. That must have been why Annabeth was so frantic when he first came in and why Nico and Silena were at their school. It was time, time to move. Percy knew K. Ronos was a greedy, bad guy, but he didn't expect him to do something like this. He was using his own power to gain more control, and he was starting to take down the Rebellion that was trying to suppress him. What he was doing exactly Percy wasn't sure, but he knew it couldn't have been anything good judging by the fact he killed around one hundred and seventy teenagers that were against him.
"What is he doing exactly? Why does he need the military force?" Percy wondered aloud, glancing between the three other people in the room.
While he expected Annabeth to answer him, her mouth slightly open in response, an older and wiser voice beat her to the punch.
"He's spreading worldwide and planning to take over country after country."
Percy turned and met those eyes again, a soft smile present of Chiron's face. His chin rested against his hand, elbow propped up on the arm of the wheel chair.
His voice was calm as he spoke, each word carrying a slight weight, "Hello Percy, it's nice to finally meet you."
"You know me?"
Chiron shook his head, explaining, "No, dear boy, but I know your father. You see, I was also in the business with K. Ronos before I realized his dream of total global domination. I saw his plans of taking the countries associated with his weapons and making him leader, and, well let's just say I wasn't a fan of the idea. I left him, leaving soon after your father and the others joined. I would not support his idea, no matter how good of friends we were. Once I left, Annabeth and Thalia heard of my departure and asked if there was anything they could do."
"It was Chiron's idea to start the Revolution." Thalia bragged, smirking at the guy.
"He's the head of it all, like he should be." Annabeth praised, smiling.
Chiron chuckled, shaking his head, "You girls have done much more than I could ever do on my own, and I am truly grateful for that. But… we can no longer follow my teaching of slowly taking him down. He is moving forward more and more, and we need to stop him. That's why I'm here, and I brought Thalia with me once I heard of the attack." Chiron's eyes looked over Percy sadly, and the gears in Percy's head started turning.
They had to do something, and fast. Percy was in the best position to work his father and gain information, and that's what would work best. If Percy was able to find out K. Ronos's path of seizure, then they could cut him off and stop and future attacks.
A voice cut him off, his eyes moving up from the carpet, "Dang, I think I can actually see the gears in his head turning."
Percy eyes squinted at Thalia, a flare of annoyance licking his nerves as Annabeth let out a small laugh, Chiron smiling amused.
"For your information, Grace, I actually have an idea of how to take down Ronos."
"Oh really Jackson? Come up with it all on your own or is there a miniature Annabeth running around your head for when you need help?" She sarcastically remarked, her thin eyebrow raised in amusement as Percy jaw clenched a bit, his own small smirk playing on his lips. He had not talked to this girl for five minutes and they were already going at each other.
Annabeth put a hand on Thalia's shoulder, her amused gazed going between the two, "Come now Thalia," she soothed, the girl looking at her, "Be nice, you just met him! Plus, he's our insider to the company, so play nice or we'll send you in with your dad instead."
A shiver racked her body and Percy smiled, the thought of Thalia in a formal suit and business wear comical in of itself.
"Better him than me, I'll give you that," Thalia noted, sticking her hand out for Percy, "I'll humor her and be polite. It's a pleasure to have you on the team Jackson."
Percy shook her hand, head nodding a bit, "A pleasure to meet you Miss Grace." The smirks clear on his face as well as hers. They pulled their hands away, Percy's eyes catching something. On the inside of Thalia's wrist was a tattoo of a pine tree, looking beautiful and majestic even in tattoo form. Despite his curiosity, he held in tongue about it. He'd ask later if he was truly curious. Annabeth would most likely tell him, especially if he asked nicely.
"Ya know," Thalia started, moving her arm around Annabeth's shoulder, her smirk growing, "There IS a good thing about me coming back. And you know that you'll deny it, but I know you enjoy it." Her blue eyes looked at Annabeth, the blonde realizing what she was talking about.
Annabeth groaned, hand squeezing the bridge of her nose as a smile involuntarily snuck up onto her face, "No aw come on Thals, tonight?"
"Yes tonight! It's a tradition! It's how we suppress the stress and emotions of all of this and make sure the rest of the guys think everything is ok."
Percy raised his hand, head moving back and forth between the girls, "Is it natural that I have no idea what you're talking about?"
Annabeth, still held onto by Thalia, smiled at him, shaking her head, "Whenever Thalia comes back for a visit or an update, we-"
"We throw a big party just to welcome us back!" Thalia chirped in, a devious expression lacing her face, "And this time, it's gonna be big!"
~~~~ Break~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Percy, being the rich kid he is, had been to many big parties in his life. Most were formal and not as entertaining as Percy would like, but they were big and extravagant none the less. But the party that Thalia threw, well it was like in a whole nother league of parties.
Loud music pumping and shaking the room. People dancing in the middle of a dance floor, a handful of tables and chairs pushed to the side like you see in dance clubs. A non alcoholic bar, despite Thalia's begging, was along the far wall and buzzing, people relaxing there before heading back to dance. Lights were blaring all over while Percy could feel the blood pump throughout his entire body. His skin tingled with excitement and his body was fully awake, ready to go. Cheers and song lyrics were running through the crowd while Percy watched near the front door, his smile growing a bit bigger the longer he stood there. It was truly amazing.
They were on the fourth floor on the apartment, it being the ballroom floor. They had taken out all extra rooms and turned the entire floor into an almost dance club like place. The area reeked of night club, and Percy was just shocked on how it all came together so well, you almost forgot you were in an apartment.
Charles stood next to him, a wide smile crossing his face. Percy's big friend hanged into a black muscle shirt with a pair of dark jeans; oddly enough pair by perfectly clean Vans skater shoes. Beckendorf's hair had grown out a tad, the African American hair maybe half an inch off of his head, and the boy's dark skin danced with strobing colors from the dance.
Percy had changed himself before he arrived. He always kept an extra pair of clothing tucked away in his car, and he felt like changing was a good idea.
While his hair stayed looking the same, his fashion changed to a 'Pretty Boy' style as Silena would call it. He sported a double pocket, dark grey dress shirt, a pattern hidden behind the color. It fitted his shoulders and upper body, making him look fitter than he knew he actually was, and his jeans were a black silk, feeling flexible and smooth. He had slipped on a pair of dark blue converse to finish the look, a black leather bracelet holding onto his left wrist and two rings fashioned on his hand. Percy wasn't too particular on what he wore, as long as it felt good and wasn't dirty, Percy was ok with it. He did hate dress clothing, mainly because he felt uncomfortable in them, but he could wear it if he felt good in it. For the night, semi dress clothing would work best. He didn't know what everyone else would be wearing, and looking good was always an excellent thing.
Beckendorf motioned Percy to follow him, the big guy easily moving through the crowd since most moved for him. They sat at a small booth alcove next to the dance floor, the two boys sitting towards the middle of the half circle bench. Beckendorf motioned for two drinks, a waiter moving off to go get them, and Percy turned to face Beckendorf.
"Alright man," Percy started, talking over the loud music, "You gotta tell me what's up with that Thalia chick. She's cool and all, but how does she fit into all of this?"
Charles let out a loud laugh that Percy caught over the music, and then Beckendorf leaded close to Percy and spoke loudly, "Well, you see, Annabeth and Thalia are cousins. They both started all of this with Chiron. They're extremely close and Annabeth sent Thalia over to the Europe base since she trusted no one else to do the job. Also, they have a nickname around her, the two of them with Silena included."
"What is it?" Percy insisted, voice traveling over the music.
"Chiron's Angels."
Percy and Beckendorf's heads turned to the voice that answered, their eyes landing on Nico. The boy walked towards them, taking a seat next to Percy, and somehow being able to hear their conversation over top of all the music. The Goth boy smirked as he answered Percy, "They're the deadly three that ever male in the Revolution wants and every girl wants to be."
That night, Nico showed off a black vest that had a swirl like pattern on it, the pattern itself a lighter black than the background color. A dark red, or deep red, silk shirt was underneath the vest, Nico once again showing off his classy side, and black slacks completed the attire. The silver fastens on the vest shimmered brilliant as the boy's fingers twitched over the black buttons of the shirt's cuffs. His hair was a bit neater, it looking like he purposely tried to straighten up, and Percy glanced back at his attire in slight self consciousness. How did Nico always manage to make his feel like he dressed too casually? Charles told him it was because Nico always dressed too properly, but the feeling came none the less.
Beckendorf smirked a bit and nodded at Nico, quipping, "Well I see you didn't miss the opportunity to dress up for Thalia."
The boy's eyes rolled yet the slight blush on his face told them the truth. He had dressed up for her, and Percy smirked a bit along with Beckendorf.
"Our friend here," Beckendorf commented, pointing at Nico while looking at Percy "Is the love interest of our dearest Thalia Grace. The angel's got him around her finger." Beck teased, Nico glaring at him a bit. The boy's glare was frightening and Percy backed up a bit, watching him.
"Watch it Beck, wouldn't want Thalia to find out you were teasing her, now would we?" It was Nico's turn to smirk as Beckendorf grew a bit paler and shook his head, his eyes staring at the boy. It was all jokingly, Percy knew Nico didn't want to put Beckendorf in actual harm, but it was a good threat none the less.
A comment was about to leave Beckendorf's lips when Nico stood, his attention on something else. Percy's eyes followed where the boy was looking, and it took all of his might not to let his jaw drop to the floor.
Walking towards them were Chiron's Angels themselves.
Silena was on the right, facing Beckendorf as they walked over. Her hair was in a half up, half down fashion, and she had put just the right amount of makeup on. She wore an extremely attractive dress that was shoulder less and had a strip of lace across the top. It fitted her well, the cloth not too tight put not flowy either and her heels where tall enough that they made Percy cringe at the sight. How she walked in them Percy would never know, but he gave her full props for wearing them and wearing them well.
Next, Thalia stood on the left, smirking at Nico with a softer look in her eyes than Percy had seen. It wasn't completely soft, her tough walls still up, but Percy could see the effect Nico had on the Goth. Her hair was in a ponytail as well, her slightly emo bangs covering her face the smallest amount, and her makeup said Goth about her for sure. She had a black dress, but it was more gothic than Silena's. The top of the dress was a slight corset, the 'straps' actually around the base of her neck and off of her shoulders, a slight laced top crisscrossing down her front before hitting the actual dress. The dress then went three fourths of the way down her thigh and was a smooth pattern; it pulled together with a much smaller pair of heels, but heels none the less. She had a classy yet Gothic theme, and Percy could easily see why Nico was interested in the girl.
However, Thalia and Silena weren't the reason for Percy's shock or want to drop his jaw straight through the floor to the concrete in the ground.
Standing in between them was what made Percy stare. Hair up in a ponytail yet the curls were still evident in the up do. Face not having any make up, but it not needing any in Percy's honest opinion. Eyes gorgeous and looking at him, the smallest smirk on her lips again that drove Percy's brain insane. A grey dress that hugged her body, little fake diamonds lining the V neck, and made her eyes pop little crazy. Her tan perfect and flawless, spread evenly over her skin, and a pair of silver heels strapped gracefully to her feet. Annabeth was absolutely beautiful, and Percy couldn't help but look at her. He had no idea why he had fallen so hard for her, and it scared him a bit. He had never felt this way about anyone, but he couldn't tell her. If she didn't feel the same things would get awkward, and when you're running a Revolution to stop a mad man from taking over the world, emotional awkwardness is NOT a good thing. He'd keep his mouth shut, but if she continued to look like this, he wasn't too sure how much longer he could.
"Hello boys," Annabeth greeted, a smile on the three girls' faces. Percy, Nico and Beckendorf nodded, smiling back.
Silena kissed Beck's cheek, standing near him, and Percy's attention moved to the two Goths. They stood in front of each other, eyes on each other. The music was the only sound for a moment, their expression completely stock still, but then everything changed. Smiles broke out on their faces and they hugged, Nico's arms finding her waist and Thalia's arms moving around his neck. They hugged tight, the two obviously missing each other, and when they pulled back, they were closer than before.
Thalia smiled at him, admitting, "I really missed you Death Breath."
Percy leaned over to Annabeth, whispering, "Death Breath?"
"Nico's dad does underground shipments and Thalia decided that the nickname fit with him, ya know being kinda gothic and all." She explained, leaning back, watching the pair as well. Percy nodded, understanding, and watched on.
"I missed you too Thals." Nico chuckled, his forehead moving to touch hers lightly. A small smile crossed her lips as she closed her eyes, just enjoying Nico's company.
Percy turned away from them, giving them their privacy, and he glanced back at the others. Charles and Silena had sat back down on the couch like seat, being as close as possible without getting provocative in public. Percy frowned a bit when he realized he was alone, and a blonde was missing from the group.
He glanced around, eyes running over the crowd as he stood to the side, hands in his pockets. Blonde? No, brunette. Blonde? Yes, but that was defiantly not Annabeth. Annabeth knew how to wear clothing that covered her. Blonde? Nope, redhead. Percy had almost given up the hope to find her when a tap touched his shoulder, his attention switching to behind him.
Thalia, half leaning on Nico as the couple looking at Percy, pointed towards the crowd, leaning towards Percy, "She's up near the front, most likely dancing with some random guy. She doesn't like any of them, but that doesn't stop her from dancing with them. Go get her Jackson."
"Thanks." He said quickly, looking and turning to head her direction.
"Percy," Thalia grabbed his arm and made serious eye contact with him, her tone serious, "If you want her, like I can clearly see you do, you better get a move on and say something. She won't make a move on you; she's been hurt too bad in the past. But if you do go for her, be careful and go slow." Her advice rung out in his head, the light blush on his face from knowing Thalia knew fading, and he nodded once in confirmation. He'd do just that.
He found Annabeth like Thalia had said, up near the front dancing with some random guy. He was a good amount taller than her, his body not super muscular but more solid than Percy's. His hair was a cropped short blonde, eyes a normal brown, and his face not too bad. He wore a T-shirt and jeans, Annabeth making him look completely under dressed, and Percy almost smirked. The guy was alright, but the fact he knew Annabeth didn't like the guy made it all that much better for Percy. He had as much chance as any guy with Annabeth, but with a kind of blessing from Thalia, who's her closet friend, Percy couldn't help but feel good about asking to dance with Annabeth. He'd take it slow like Thalia said to, but that didn't mean he wouldn't try. The nerves were still shooting through him and making his breath linger a bit longer in his throat than it should, but he could get over it even if just for a dance with Annabeth.
He weaved in between people, the song coming to an end, and he tapped the guy's shoulder. The giant turned, both he and Annabeth stopping, and Percy looking at him, smiling him a bit.
"Mind if I step in bud?" Percy asked, hand moving out to take Annabeth's, eyes focused on the guy. The blonde looked so reluctant to give up Annabeth, his body stiff and eyes on Percy. The two stared at each for a moment, waiting for the other to back down. The blonde glanced back at Annabeth then Percy, sighing and nodding, stepping away. The big guyed moved in the crowd and was soon out of Percy's sight. Good, he didn't need the giant coming back.
A soft hand slid into Percy's hand, drawing his attention back, and Percy looked at Annabeth. She looked as good as she did the first time she walked in, and Percy thought she looked even better being closer to him.
"Want to ask me to dance Mr. Jackson?" She teased, eyebrow raised and hand still on top of his out stretched one. Percy knew she wouldn't say no, but he's have fun with her any way.
"Would you care to dance Miss Chase?" He offered, nodding a bit and smiling at her. The gleaming in her eyes already gave him the answer, but her nod only confirmed it.
The music started up, a mixture of speed and slow pounding through the speaker, and Percy swore that time slowed. The beat rattled him brain, all thinking stopping, and he let the music take control of him. They danced close, neither one thinking about it, and Percy could barely comprehend the moment. Her hand holding his while his other hand touched her waist, hers on his neck. All of their movements were perfectly compatible, the rhythm putting them into flawless sync. Her eyes were shut and Percy watched her, his soon shutting as well. He felt the air around him and the sounds were filling his head. Annabeth's skin was soft and she moved perfectly with him, like they were meant to dance together. He unconsciously got closer, arm moving around her waist in replace to the hand, and she mimicked his movement, their heads getting closer. Soon, Percy felt his forehead brush against hers, the soft and warm skin staying connected to his. He could smell her perfume, the smell absolutely addictive, and he felt her breath on his neck as the music continued to flow through them.
Percy stopped moving and so did Annabeth though the music continued. His heart was pounding and the worry of 'he was doing the wrong thing and she'd reject him' flowed through his partial numbed brain. Percy felt his eyes open in half slits, his and Annabeth's proximity not changing. He was breathing a bit heavy, her breath copying his, and he looked at her. Annabeth's eyes were still closed, her breath slowing leveling out, and her face a little nervous even with the eyes closed. He didn't want to push her, and he felt like he was. Percy could feel her hand grip on the bit of his shirt while her arm stayed around his neck, and he took a breath in. It was risky, and he knew that, but he had to try. Even just their connected hands were sending fire into Percy's body, her breath against his skin throwing all logic out of the window, and he leaned in, eyes closing completely and anxiety mixed with desire rocking his brain.
Percy leaned closer, speaking softly enough that only she could hear him.
"Don't move."
A/N: And THERE'S Chapter 5! Yes, I know I'm mean And a few things. Yes I like Thalia's hair longer, I just always pictured it that way. Again, if it's not how you see it, sorry. Second, I know this is bad and I'm sorry about the rushed nature of a few parts, but again I stayed up late doing this and I have a tad bit of writer's block so that's not helping make the story better. The third, I NNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDD you all to do something for me. Tell me what couple you want more of in the next Chapter. Do you want more Percabeth? More Thalico? More whatever? JUST TELL ME! Thanks! I love you all and appreciate EVERY SINGLE ONE of your reviews 3
