Chapter IX:

This was not how Percy envisioned the day going. Hell, this was not how he envisioned the year going. Yet here he was, going toe to toe with some ice serpent that seemed to have a penchant for hucking cars.

"Jane!" Percy brought Riptide around to his broadside. "I told you to run!"

"Percy!"

Clearly, the Mist was not a thing here in this world. It was obvious Jane could tell he was using a sword, and even more blatantly that she could see the serpent attacking them. Not the ideal way he would have had her find out.

Percy swung again, deflecting another attack as the air flashed. Overhead, clouds were forming, swirling fast to the beat of impending thunder.

The serpent paused, its massive head turned upward. Percy paused too, but only because the brewing storm was not from him. No, it was coming from something else. Jane, on the other hand, seemed to have it all figured out. Her face was rife with recognition.

Before another move could be made, lightning struck the ground close by. For a second the world went white, and when it finally dimmed, there appeared a man hovering in the air. The look on his pretty face reeked of arrogance befit for a king, his long hair and red cape only adding to the impression. Gold armor covered his shoulders, but his hammer stole the show, the metal glistening with intent.

A sigh escaped Percy, the demigod figuring this was just another person to fight, until the man opened his mouth,

"Jane!"

More words followed but were lost as the serpent came back to life, waking from its stupor with a roar. Tumbling away from the serpent's ice breath, Percy then slashed, searching for a weak spot. However it was slippery for its size, avoiding Riptide by keeping a distance.

"Try hitting it from the back!" Jane's voice pierced through the commotion. Broken pipe aside, her fighting stance was a surprisingly competent one. "Or underneath!"

Percy slid, baiting the serpent away from her. "I'm trying!"

All around, buildings threatened to collapse, and Percy realized his water-bending was the only thing keeping it at bay. But luckily, the newcomer decided Percy was not the threat here, instead deeming the serpent was the more likely bad actor.

With a violent tremble, the serpent unleashed a miniature blizzard. And with a yell worthy of the gods, the caped man unleashed the storm that had been brewing above.

The serpent cried out in agony as its side was seared, smoke rising from the pulsating wounds. Seeing that, Percy recognized the man for who he was. Time briefly spent with Annabeth's cousin years ago had educated Percy on the Norse. Although, this version of Thor appeared a touch different from the one Magnus described.

As Percy slowly forced the beast into a street corner, Thor flew around, pummeling it from every which direction. Jane, to her credit, held her own as well, dispatching whatever came her way with her makeshift weapon.

Realizing its end was nearing, the serpent lashed out in what ultimately became the single worst mistake of its life. Swiping at Jane, its tail sent her careening toward the river behind.

Percy's vision went red with rage. Thor acted much the same.

Lightning sparked off the metal stone of Mjolnir. Whatever water was left in Percy's control surged. The innate desire to destroy appeared mutual. As was the decision to render the serpent such a bloody and lifeless corpse that it would be unrecognizable.

The serpent did not last much longer after that.

A wave of water drowned the serpent as bolts rained down, the two forces combined eviscerating it. What was left was beyond recognition. Its hide had been rendered little more than a crisp, the only discernable feature remaining being one of its eyes, which had mercifully fallen out.

Beyond them, Downtown London lay in ruins. Smoke rose. Sirens blared. Screams could be heard.

Jane, despite the hit, was back on her feet already, dripping with river but still alive. Thor at the most seemed disturbed, with Percy sharing the same sentiment. Coming together on the cracked street, the three of them formed an uneasy circle, each staring with their own brand of skepticism.

Jane spoke first,

"I... think we have a lot to talk about."

Author's Note:

Hey guys, it's been a while.

I'll start with the good news first. I got early acceptance into medical school! College has been going great too, and same with the swim season. Bad news though is that I got zero time to write. Today was a rainy day, physically and mentally, and I've had this little nugget sitting in my folder for a while now, so I figured why not just post it.

I'm sure the future chapters will answer all your questions. But do keep in mind that this is supposed to be just a little goofy short story.

Feedback is always appreciated :)

Love,

Connie