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Ow! That poke hurt! –Josh the Pleb

Hahaha. I hope so.

I love. LOVE how this story is going so far especially its on little cute and awesome ass linebreak. i slogged through all 13 chapters laughing a bit here and there and reading mainly with interest on the plots development now im not a person who goes for the percabeth story's except the well... The exceptions (i.e. this story) either way keep on that grind man im waiting for the next chapter with open arms and more funny linebreaks. –NONAME2002

I'm sure LINEBREAK loves being noticed. ;) Don't worry, I will make sure Percabeth is portrayed in a way even many Percabeth haters will tolerate. And glad you liked the plot!

Ok good chapter, you started getting a little too meta there in the middle but that's all yaaaaaayyyyy Jason might die! –Omega Alpha Hydra

But I love meta! :(

That beginning was really intriguing. I noticed that you wrote 'dam' instead of 'damn' and with the great spelling and grammar in this story, I wondered if that might have been an intentional reference? –CookieUnicorn (Guest)

Can I say: Nice name you have there! Yes, you will find in my writing I like to limit swearing by using Rick's style of swearing… I'm fine with swears, but I don't want readers who don't to not read because of language. ;)

Who fucking reads this shit? –Guest

Apparently you, if you're reviewing for chapter 11. Thanks for reading you little prick! :D

whoa I expected it but I didn't at the same time! I am losing my mind, this story is beautiful You are a great writer! –Strawberrygirl2000

THANK you! ;)

I say it too much but I love your story. There aren't many fan-fics that have me constantly checking to see if there is an update, I can't wait for your next chapter. When will we find out who that figure is? Just wondering, I'll mark it on my calendar :P –Strawberrygirl2000

You want a specific date? I don't have that XD. As for a chapter? Well…. how about the last chapter of Pressed, if you don't include the epilogue. :p

-Part One: Pressed-

C12: PERCY

HEYA! So on January 31st, we made it to A HUNDRED REVIEWS! Oh my gosh! I literally jumped and bumped my head on the car ceiling when I saw. Got a few glares from my parents but who cares about them!

SO IN CELEBRATION…. You guys get an actually good chapter where stuff happens and its long as ASS. Actually never mind.. ass is a really short word. How about mASSchusetts? :3

Last time with Percy

He demonstrated the move to me in slow motion. Sure enough, the sword clattered out of my hands.

"Now in real time," he said, after I had retrieved my weapon. "We keep sparring until one of us pulls it off. Got it?"

I nodded and Luke went after me. Somehow, I prevented him from hitting my wrist but he still pushed his advantage. Unlike last time, he had already experienced the lengths of my skills, and he didn't hold back.

My senses opened up, as he slashed and ducked my strikes. I narrowed my eyes, trying to push for an offensive. That was my mistake. I stepped forwards and tried to thrust towards his wrist. He saw my overextension and took advantage my ducking and slashing at the base of my blade.

Clang.

My sword rattled on the stones. The tip of his blade was an inch from my undefended chest.

I stood there still, utterly surprised. For a moment, I was too stunned to speak.

"Well, sorry about that," Luke said before lowering his weapon. His scarred face opened in a wide grin, and he wiped the sweat out of his blonde hair. "I got a little bit excited. It's just that in a real battle, your enemy would've taken of that mistake. But you're the most natural swordsmen I've seen yet."

He patted my back before sheathing his blade, and unstrapping his armor.

"Class dismissed! See ya back here tomorrow, Jackson."

LINEBREAKWANTNWAPTIME

Later that afternoon, I finally spotted Grover chilling near the strawberry fields on one of those loose fence posts that divided the campgrounds from farmland. He was facing away from me, but he was staring down, into the dirt blowing this awfully depressing melody into a harmonica. Nearby vines were beginning to welter from sadness around him.

"Grover!" I greeted, surprising him. He jumbled and narrowly caught the instrument from falling onto the ground before looking up. His eyes were wet, and widened in a mixture of fear and embarrassment when they saw me.

He faltered. "Oh. Uh, hey Perce…"

"Where have you been?" I asked incredulously. "I haven't seen you all day."

I sat down on the fence post next to him. He looked downright dejected.

"Oh yeah. I was just talking to Mr. D."

His face turned a sickly shade of yellow. Call me stupid, but that was the moment I finally remembered what was going on for Grover at this time.

"So, your career's still on track?"

He glanced at me apprehensively. "C-Chiron t-told you about me wanting a searcher's license?"

"Well yeah," I said.

Lies.

"He said that you had big plans finding Pan and that you needed some good credit from your keeper's assignment which was me if you wanted to get it. So did you?"

Grover stared down at his harmonica. "Mr. D suspended judgement. He said I haven't failed or succeeded with you yet, so our fates are still tied together. And now that we know that you are a son of—"

BOOM!

The strike was off in a far distance, but it still felt that it had shaken the earth. Grover was trembling.

Lightning lit the evening sky. Around them, campers peered up for the source of the commotion. Miles away, clouds were building up in the west. It looked like it had even begun to rain near the horizon.

"Poseidon," he finished. "You're bound to get some big suicidal quest soon," he whimpered, "If you get one, I should go along and protect you. If we come back home together, alive and healthy, then maybe Mr. D will consider the job complete."

Grover, always the confidence booster.

I sighed. "Well, that's not too bad, right?"

"Blaa-ha-ha! I'm sorry Percy! The fact that he's your dad…" he paused. "The gods will be going out of their way to make your life dreadful." Yeah, I totally haven't noticed… "Why would you want me to go along anyways?! I'll be useless!" His eyes started to flow with tears.

"Of course I would want you to come with me!"

That only made him cry even more. He stared glumly at the fields. A few of the Demeter kids and Castor and Pollux were roaming the area – vitalizing the plants.

"Strawberry growing," he sniffed, "Must be nice to have a useful skill."

I wanted to say something, but I realized maybe he needed some alone time to gather his thoughts.

LINEBREAKHASONLYONEITOCRYFROM

The call came right at the end of dinner. As I was scrapping my leftovers into the compost bin, Grover pulled me away before I could join the camp at the campfire.

"Mr. D wants to see you."

"Why?"

"He wants to kill… I mean–you know what? I'm going to let him tell you."

Thanks for the reassurance, man.

Nervously, I let him lead me to the big house, but I made sure to catch Annabeth's attention as she jogged pass us towards the campfire.

Grover and I walked to the big house, which loomed menacingly in the evening light. Up on the lantern lit front porch was Mr. D. Dionysus sat at the pinochle table in his tiger stripped Hawaiian shirt, just like how I remembered. In his hands was the latest issue of Wine Taster's Monthly.

"Well, well, Mr. D said looking up from his magazine. "Isn't it our little celebrity?"

I waited.

He sighed, before pointing towards the two chairs across from him. We bowed and slid into the empty seats.

He took a great deal of time, just looking over me. He didn't even acknowledged Grover, which I think, he appreciated.

"Son of Poseidon…" Dionysus drawled, straining every syllable like it was an incantation. His dull eyes bore into mine. "Not who I would've expected. Honestly, I was so sure that that Thalia girl was going to be the child of the–" he paused, evident of almost slipping, "—but evidently, that has come to pass. Now here we are."

"Sir?" I said, leaning in. Grover looked like he was about to have a stroke.

"Well, isn't it obvious?" Dionysus said, slamming his magazine onto the table.

I sat still.

Dionysus stared at us for a second before falling back into his seat. He whirled his hand, and a pair of Diet Cokes popped into existence in his hands. He handed me one, before leaning back, burping.

"If I had my way," Dionysus blundered, "we would've already finish this great deal one way or another done with. Prophecy this, prophecy that…It makes horrible chatter for parties, doesn't it?"

I nodded, only following about half of what he said.

"If I had had my way, our friend Thalia would still be here with us. I had a few bets set on her – you see. Didn't bod well with my mood when she got struck on top of that hill," he ranted. "Hermes, heck, he knows said that the next hero would be it."

Mr. D took a swig from his coke. The can in my hand suddenly weighed in my hand.

"But the problem is now, Barnacle Beard would sure create quite a fuss about it if I destroy you…It'll completely ruin the mood of my next party. And I couldn't just not invite your father."

"The blasphemy!" I feigned.

Mr. D nodded vigorously. "Exactly my point, Mr. Jackson. Besides, I have taken a liking to you. Don't expect nothing from it, but not many heroes earn my favor. If you let it get to that little head of yours…"

He let the comment hang, before shrugging. "While my bets with Hermes have gone down the hole, I have come to realize, if you are too successful at this camp; not too much mind you, my father might cut my punishment."

"Mr. D was sentenced here due to—" Grover started explaining.

"Now, Mr. Underwood," Dionysus interrupted. "Your status is still withheld, mind you."

Grover gulped.

"As I was explaining, while the Ancient Laws forbid me to interfere with destiny directly, I may give you some useful advice for much later."

He turned back to me.

"Beware who you trust, Mr. Jackson." Dionysus stated, before getting up. "I am sure you will find my words wise in the near future. Now I'm off to Olympus for an emergency meeting. Get a quest as soon as I leave. If you are still back by the time I return…"

Dionysus' glare softened. "I might regret having to kill you."

He picked up his magazine, and it morphed into a security pass to his touch. Dionysus then snapped his fingers, and the air seemed to shimmer and bend around him. He became a hologram, then with the wind he was gone, leaving only the sour smell of fresh pressed grapes lingering behind.

Grover stared at me in disbelief, while I melted into my chair.

What did I do?

LINEBREAK

Grover didn't join me, if that's what you were thinking.

He said he needed to go use the porta-potties (read, his bladder was acting up again), so while he went to do whatever Satyrs did, I climbed four flights up to the attic. The door swing down and a wooden ladder clattered into place.

The warm air from above smelled like mildew and rotten wood and snakes. Lots and lots of snakes.

I held my breath, and climbed.

The attic was full of souvenirs from other quests long ago. I didn't stay by and look at them though. I had already seen them a million times, and while I didn't want to speak the oracle, stalling wouldn't do anything good in my favor.

By the window, sitting on a wooden tripod stool, was the most gruesome image in the room.

She wore a tie-dyed sundress, lots of beaded necklaces, and a headband over her long black shriveled hair. The skin on her face was thin and leathery over her skull, and her eyes were glassy white slits as if the real eyes had been replaced by marbles.

She'd been dead for a long, long time.

Looking at her sent chills up my spine, and that was before she sat up from her stool and opened her mouth. A green mist poured from her mouth, coiling on the floor, before sending misty tendrils my direction.

I stumbled.

"I am the Spirit of Delphi, speaker of prophecies of Phoebus Apollo, slayer of the mighty Python. Approach, seeker and ask."

I didn't feel like asking anymore, but I forced myself to take a deep breath.

I've done this a few times already. What would be different?

"What is my destiny?"

The mist at my feet swirled more thickly, collecting right in front of me. Suddenly, I was in a dark tunnel. For a moment, it was near pitch black before a bright source of light rounded the bend. Three figures followed.

It was like I was a part of the wall; one brick in a million and as they approached, the flames illuminated their faces. In the lead was a familiar son of Hephaestus: a glowing fireball in his hand.

He wore a green arm jacket and sweats. His frizzy hair coated with grim and oil.

He stepped carefully, as if expecting a trap that would never come. His eyes twitched back and forth, looking for hidden mechanisms in the flooring. Tailing him, I made out was the distinct figure of a gloomy and thin son of Hades. Nico's stygian blade soaked up the tenders that flew off from Leo's flame. His messy black hair was even more messy than normal and blood was smeared on his right cheek.

If he noticed it, it didn't bother him. He wore his favorite aviator jacket. Next to Nico was a blonde boy that looked strangely familiar but I couldn't place it.

Before they passed me, they abruptly stopped. All three turned to face me, and green smoke bellowed from their eyes and mouths.

Nico spoke, "You shall go west, and face the god who had turned."

The blonde with the orange camp shirt tilted his head before saying, "You shall search for what was stolen, but more is at concerned."

Finally, Leo, with a wide toothy grin, sprouted the last two lines. "You shall be betrayed by the one you least suspect. And you shall fail to deliver on your promise to protect."

The scene began to dissolve. At first, I was too stunned to say anything, but the mist had retreated, slithering into the mummy's mouth.

I was given, my new prophecy. One that had been altered.

My audience with the oracle was over.

LINEBREAKDESERVESFRIENDS

"How was it?" Grover asked, his teeth chittering. I slumped into the bottom step of the staircase. "She said I would go search for what was stolen."

"That sounds optimistic!" Chiron said as he entered the foyer. "But what did the oracle say exactly? That is important."

My ears were still tingling from the reptilian voice. "She said…. I would go west and face the god who had turned, you shall search for what was stolen, but more is at concerned."

Chiron didn't look satisfied. "Anything else?"

I shook my head. The last three lines of the prophecy had been changed.

You shall search for what was stolen, but more is at concern? What was at concern?

You shall be betrayed by the one you least suspect? And you shall fail to deliver your promise to protect?

The lines didn't sound pleasing. It looked like I was in bound for another betrayal.

But who would I least suspect?

Annabeth immediately came to mind, but then Grover or my mom. But then wouldn't I suspect them then? The idea went in circles. Sadly, Mr. D's advice about being careful of who I could trust was sounding awfully nice.

And fail to protect?

Protect who? Can I just not promise, and avoid that line? Nothing came good from purposely avoiding prophecies.

"No," I finally said. "That's about it."

He studied my face. "Very well, Percy Jackson. But know this: the oracle's words often have double meanings. It is best not to dwell on them too much. The truth is not always clear until events come to pass."

"Agreed," I murmured to myself.

"What was that?"

"Nothing," I said quickly. Chiron looked like he wanted to say something, but stopped himself.

"Let us talk about what this was stolen."

And so, Chiron discussed with us the news of Zeus' missing lightning bolt and the complications if it was to fall into the wrong hands. Finally, he pointed the discussion to whom he suspected.

Chiron nodded. "The Lord of the Dead is the only possibility."

Grover's mouth dropped to the ground? "Whoa, wait. Who?"

"A Fury came after Percy," Chiron reminded him. "She watched the young man until she was sure of his identity. Furies obey only one lord: Hades."

"Yes, but – but Hades hates all heroes," Grover protested. "Especially if he was found to be a son of Poseidon!"

"And a Minotaur," Chiron continued. "The beast has been locked for centuries as in Hades' greatest cells. He would have to be released to be above world. Hades must have a spy here, someone that told him that we were bringing Percy to camp. He must suspect Poseidon will use Percy to clear his name. Hades would very much like to kill this young half-blood before he can take on a quest."

"Great," I muttered, "That's too major gods who want to kill me."

"But a quest to the…" Grover swallowed. "I mean, couldn't the master bolt be in some place like Maine? Maine's very nice this time of year."

"Hades sent a minion to steal the master bolt," Chiron insisted. "He hid it in the underworld, knowing Zeus would blame Poseidon. I don't pretend to understand the Lord of Death's motives personally–"

Looking back on this conversation, Chiron was assuming a lot of stuff.

"– or why he would choose this time to start a war, but one thing is certain. Percy must go to the underworld and find the master bolt and reveal the truth."

Great…

Grover was trembling badly. The poor guy needed to complete a quest with me so he can get his searcher's license.

I sighed. "Okay, where do I start?"

"The entrance of the Underworld is always in the west. It moves from age with age, just like Olympus. Of course, now it's in America."

"Cool, I always wanted to visit Hollywood."

Chiron looked surprised that I knew where Hades was, but didn't comment on it. "Yes, it is in the Los Angeles area. Where exactly, I haven't the slightest clue. But make sure too not travel via air. You are the son of the sea god. Your father's bitterest rival is Zeus, lord of sky. If you board an airplane, you would never come back down alive."

Overhead, lightning crackled. Thunder boomed.

"Okay," I said. "So we'll travel overland."

I looked at Grover.

"That's right," Chiron said. "Two companions may…. must accompany you. Grover is one. The other has already volunteered, if you accept her help."

"Gee," I said, remembering I had feigned surprised originally too. "Who else would be idiotic enough to sign to board this train of hopelessness?"

The aim shimmered behind Chiron, and Annabeth became visible, stuffing her Yankees cap into her back pocket.

"I've been waiting for a long time for a quest, Jackson," she said. "Athena is no fan of Poseidon, but if you're going to save the world, I'm the best person to keep you from messing up."

"If you say so yourself." I said. "I suppose you have a plan Wise Girl?"

Her cheeks colored. "Do you want my help or not?"

"A trio," I brightened. "That'll work!"

"Excellent!" Chiron said, "Tomorrow morning, we can take you as far as the bus terminal in Manhattan. After that, you are on your own."

"What will I need?" As Annabeth pushed Grover out the door, whispering something to him,

Chiron paused to think, before gaping at himself. "Of course, what am I thinking? I can't let you get away without this."

He pulled a pen from his coat pocket and handed it to me. It looked like an ordinary disposable ballpoint, black ink, removable cap. Probably cost thirty cents.

"Gee," I croaked. "Thanks so much."

"Percy, that's a gift from your father. I've kept it for years, not knowing you were who I was waiting for. But the prophecy is clear now. You are the one."

No pressure, though.

I took off the cap, and the pen grew longer and heavier in my hand. In half a second, I held a shimmering bronze blade with a double-edged blade, leather-wrapped grip, and a flat hilt riveted with gold studs.

Riptide.

"The sword has a long and tragic history that we need not to get into," Chiron told me. "Its name is Anaklusmos."

"Riptide," I breathed.

"Use it only for emergencies," he warned, "and only against monsters. No hero should harm mortals unless absolutely necessary, but of course, this sword wouldn't harm them anyways."

"Good to know."

"The sword is Celestial Bronze. It is deadly to monsters, to any creature from the underworld, provided they don't kill you first. But the blade will pass through mortals like an illusion. They are simply not important enough for the blade to kill. And I should warn you: as a demigod, you can be killed by either celestial weapons or normal ones. You are twice as vulnerable."

I poked myself.

"Now recap the pen."

I touched the cap with Riptide's point, and the blade instantly shrank into its pen form. I shoved it into my pocket.

"You can't." Chiron said.

"What?"

"You can't lose the pen," he explained. "It's enchanted so that it will always reappear in your pocket."

Seeing as we were indoors, I didn't try to throw it. "Okay."

"You're taking everything awfully calm, Perseus."

I shrugged. "Would you rather me run out of here in mass panic?"

He shook his head, before looking out the window. "I wish you had had more training," he murmured, before smiling. "But I am sure you will do splendidly."

"Thanks."

"Well, off you go, Perseus. Get a good night of sleep, we wouldn't want you to be tired on the morning you start your journey."

He ushered me towards the door.

I looked back at him, pausing for a brief moment. "Thanks, Chiron. I – I mean it."

He smiled at me, and I turn around as I stepped through the door, facing a scene I did not expect.

A deserted two laned road. On the other side was a closed down gas station, a tattered billboard for a 1990s movie, and one open business, which was the source of the neon light and a vividly alluring smell.

The sign above – written in large neon lighted lights read: ATNYU MES GDERAN GOMEN MEPROUIM.

"What does that say?" Annabeth said right behind me, startling me. I found her and Grover both in sweaty and tired with torn shirts and a loose trail that winded through thick woods. The Big House was gone.

What? How?

We were in New Jersey.

What is HAPPENING?! AHHHHHH!

ANNABETH RETURNS: NEXT CHAPTER! Where we find MORE confusion! :D

Best Wishes, from a Junior Scribe of Camp Half-Blood,

~VCRx

Beta Note:

Hey hey! Soul here! Obviously…Anyways, wow. Just…lots of wow. I have a feeling about the traitor…AND HOW DID THEY GET TO NEW JERSEY? I feel so outta touch with betaing lmao XDD I should start doing this more often :D So, we hoped you enjoyed this chapter and don't forget to leave a review (NO FLAMES OR YOU'RE DEAD) at the bottom :) Until next time!

~ Yours in demigoddishness, SoulHorse

[Last Updated: 4.18.17]