Ch35
Chysaor dreamt of his past. "Long time no see," he said to Pegasus. His brother flew down and neighed.
"Yeah sorry I'm late I had to help some people," Pegasus said as he drank from the water.
"You've been popular among the people lately," he said frowning at his brother.
"Yeah you help one hero then suddenly everyone wants to ride you," Pegasus said with a chuckle. "Though it has it perks."
"Like the fame?" He asked doing his best to keep the bitterness from his voice. How was it that despite his skills he wasn't famous yet Pegasus became famous for being a flying horse? The Fates weren't just. I want my own legends, my own stories. I will prove myself to the world one way or another.
"The fame is alright," Pegasus said. "But I do enjoy helping heroes, they can use all of the help they can get."
"Why do you help them? I thought you didn't like it when a lot of people rode you?" He asked. Of course he was that exception.
"Well every since Bellerophon I realized that I want to help these heroes because it's the right thing to do," Pegasus said. "Heroes like him and Perseus strive to do the best and I want to help them make the world a better place."
He frowned at his brother, when he heard of Bellerophon taming him he wanted to find the hero and run his sword through him but apparently said hero had some godly backers.
"I'm sure you'll be a great hero one day," Pegasus said.
"What do you mean?" He asked in surprise.
"Deep down I believe you have what it takes to be a hero," Pegasus said looking at him. "I'm sure the right quest will come for you one day. Who knows maybe we can go on a quest together one day?"
He smiled at his brother and laughed. "I would like that."
At that time he wanted to believe him. However, he never did anything famous back in the day. The son of Poseidon without any stories in the myths, it made his blood boil and his jealousy for his brother grew as the years came and passed.
No one gave a shit what he did so he continued to ride the seas and plundered wherever he went. The centuries past and he hadn't been on speaking terms with his brother for ages. He was returning back to the Mediterranean from the Caribbean when a familiar person approached his ship. "How as your pillage pirate boy?" Heracles said his gaze as cold and unfriendly as ever.
"The New World is full of gold I was practically swimming in it," he said. "I may have to get another boat for my next trip."
Heracles chuckled, "Too bad all that gold can't get you a story in the myths." His voice not bothering to hide the insults.
His face twitched but he knew better than to pick a fight with Heracles. "True but at least I'm not stuck guarding the Mediterranean, being a minor deity does come with drawbacks I imagine?" He threw a bag of gold at Heracles, it was sort of a fee that the son of Zeus always insisted on him paying since they used each other often.
Heracles frowned at him his dark eyes bore into him. The two stared at each other, the son of Zeus who was one of the most famous heroes in the west and the son of Poseidon who only had a foot note in the myths. He saw a lot of things in Heracles's eyes frustration and anger at his situation along with a hint of jealousy for despite everything Chrysaor had more freedom and an easier life than Heracles could ever had wished for.
Damn this thing Chrysaor swore as he dodged the large machine's foot. They passed through the graveyard of the gods but someone must have taken something and for once it wasn't him. If only we had some water near us me and Percy could have a better edge.
"I have an idea but you all need to distract it," Phoebe said.
"Wait Phoebe don't it was my fault," Bianca said her face tearing up.
"Don't worry you have your entire future ahead of you," Phoebe said with a smile. "I know you'll make a good hunter." Phoebe hugged Bianca one last time before charging at the creature.
Bianca sobbed as he and Percy protected her. Foolish girl you stole from here didn't you? He knew from experience it was a stupid idea to steal cursed items.
"Hey over here!" Percy yelled as he got the metallic giant's attention. They managed to distract the creature just as Phoebe snuck in and deactivated it from the inside.
Zoe let out a scream as the giant collapsed on itself. They stared in shock at the remains, Phoebe did not emerge, "She has passed," Bianca whimpered. "I can feel it." He gave her a strange look but said nothing, Bianca looked devasted and was sobbing uncontrollably.
"It's alright lets just move on," Percy said patting her shoulder.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to," Bianca sobbed. "It's all my fault."
Zoe stood up and cleaned the tears off of her face, "Foolish child we can't mourn forever. We shall move on, Phoebe would've wanted it."
"She's right lets just move on for now," He said noticing the bitterness in her voice. That girl had been with her for ages. I know what its like to lose a trusted crew member. "We need to save Artemis more than anything right now."
They all nodded and after making a small grave in remembrance of Phoebe they continued on their way. "Looks like we need to go up this stream," he said as he looked at the rental canoes.
"Sounds good," Percy said as they each took a canoe. Percy rode with Zoe while he got in the canoe with Grover and Bianca.
"Hold on tight," he said as the Naiads helped guide the canoe. "They will lead us to Hoover Dam."
"Sounds good," Grover said. "Bianca its ok we all make mistakes." The satyr patted her on the back but Bianca's eyes were wide with grief.
"I felt her die. I just wanted to give Nico a present and now Phoebe is dead," she whimpered.
"There is no use dwelling on it," he said. "The best way you can do this is to move forward and save your goddess." Bianca nodded but said nothing as they made their way up to the dam.
Once they got close enough they got off the canoes and made their way to the walkway of Hoover Dam. "How are we supposed to move on from here?" Zoe said once they were on the walkway. "We need some damn transportation."
"Well I'm sure we'll find some," Percy said. "Lets get some dam supplies while we are at it."
He smiled at his brother's joke while Grover snickered. Bianca also managed to smile but Zoe seemed confused. "Lets go to the Dam snack bar," Grover said.
"Fine come on Bianca," Zoe said. Bianca nodded and followed Zoe.
He was about to get some ice cream when he noticed Percy looking over the ledge, "Hey what is it?" He asked.
"Look its Bessie!' Percy said pointing to the water. He ran over to the ledge and saw what looked like a sea cow in the water staring at him.
"Percy that creature is dangerous we should call Triton to take him somewhere safe," he said as he fished for a drachma in his pocket.
"Don't worry Bessie we'll take care of you," Percy said as the cow. "Wait what's behind us?"
The sound of footsteps behind them quickly got his attention. He drew his sword and swung it at a skeletal warrior was trying to sneak up on him. "I'm getting rusty," he said as he decapitated the warrior. There were about a dozen of them and they were trying to close in on them.
"Bessie hide somewhere safe!" Percy as he drew his sword. Bessie quickly hid in the water as the skeleton's surrounded them.
"Percy lets summon the water form down there. We need to create a distraction to find the others," he said as he decapitated another skeleton.
"Got it," Percy said. They focused on the water below them and willed it to their command as the skeleton's approached them. Mortals screamed as the water surrounded the area taking out all of the skeletons around them.
"Come on lets go!" he said grabbing Percy's arm.
They quickly ran into the dam ignoring the protests of the mortals. The skeletons were beginning to regroup and follow them. "Gods how many of them are there?"
They turned the corner and nearly ran into a red haired girl. "Hey watch where you guys are going?" They stood up and the girl's gaze turned to their swords. "How did you get those swords here?"
"Wait you can see these?" Percy asked holding up his sword. The girl nodded as if it were obvious.
"She must be a special mortal who can see through the mist," He said. "Girl we need your help we are being chased."
The girl saw the skeleton's and her eyes widened, "I think I'm going crazy again." She shook her head. "Fine hide in the bathrooms I'll make a cover for you both."
He grabbed Percy and they both hid in the bathroom. "I can't believe she could see through the mist," Percy whispered.
"It happens more often than you think," he whispered as he heard the girl complain to the skeletons.
"Alright they are gone," she said.
They both sighed and got out, "Thanks we owe you one," Percy said.
"Who are you guys?" She asked.
"I'm Percy Jackson and this is my brother Chris," Percy said. "What about you?"
"I'm Rachel Dare," she said. "I have so many questions now but I believe you guys are busy."
"We'll probably meet again Ms. Dare," he said. "See you again." Rachel Dare nodded as they both ran off and found Grover talking with Zoe and Bianca
"Guys we need to get out of here," Percy said.
"What happened?" Zoe asked. He pointed to the skeletons that were in the crowd. Zoe swore in Ancient Greek. "Lets move now."
They all ran just as the skeletons spotted them. "Hurry run!" He yelled as they made it out of the dam right near the stone statues.
"We'll have to fight," he said as they all drew their weapons. "Percy lets use the water."
Bianca and Zoe used their bows and fired at the skeletons. Bianca's arrows disintegrated them on impact while Zoe's knocked them down. "Lets create a large wave," he said.
"Sounds cool," Percy said as he took a deep breath. The two of them focused on the water below them, Hoover Dam had lots of it. The water rose above them and created a large wave that crashed down on the mass of skeletons. Mortals screamed as water filled the area. Zoe and Grover drenched even though they tried to avoid wetting them while Bianca was on her knees praying.
Most of the skeletons were dead and those that weren't quickly disintegrated. "Nice timing guys," Grover said. "But can you guys dry us?"
"Sure thing," Percy said as they both willed the water off of all of them.
"Come on we have to get out of here," Zoe said grabbing Bianca's arm.
They quickly ran out off of the bridge and away from the dam. They ran until they were too exhausted. "Great now what?" Percy panted.
Bianca looked down, "He answered my prayers."
"What do you mean?" Grover asked.
"My father," she said looking them in the eyes.
"What do you mean?" Percy asked.
They were interrupted by neighing as a familiar black Pegasus descended near them. "There you are boss," Blackjack said.
"Blackjack what are you doing here? How did you find us?" Percy asked.
Blackjack took a few deep breaths. "My father told me to help you, he said if you and my uncle need help you can ask him through me."
He stood in silence as Percy told Zoe and Bianca what Blackjack said. "Then what are we waiting for call for help," Zoe said. "We need to get to California now."
Blackjack shifted where he stood. "He insisted my uncle ask him personally."
His stomach turned as he felt Blackjack's calm gaze on him along with everyone else. "Pirate boy we don't have time for this," Zoe said. To his surprise there wasn't andy condescention in it. "Please ask your brother." He had never heard her ask him for anything yet looking into her eyes he knew she was desperate to get away.
He sighed his chest tightening up, "I'll do it." Everyone turned to him in surprise. "My brother will listen to me just give us some privacy."
"Chris are you sure?" Percy asked. "I could do it if you need it."
He shook his head, "This is between me and him." His heart raced in his chest as at the thought of what he was going to do.
"Good luck then," Percy said his tired eyes looking worried.
He nodded as he motioned Blackjack to follow him not far from the others. "Alright get connected to my brother I need to talk to him."
"Alright uncle all set," Blackjack said softly before closing his eyes.
He put his hand on Blackjack's head taking a deep breath his heart pounding in his chest. "Hello Brother long time no see. Listen I know we've had complications in the past but we can really use you and your children's help to get to California."
His eyes began to feel heavy, "Sorry for everything back then and for all the bad I did but Percy and everyone here can use the help right now. So please help us on this quest or else Lady Artemis won't be freed and many will die."
Pulling his hand away he cleaned his eyes, "So that's it hopefully help can come soon."
"I'm sure he will," Blackjack said softly.
Taking a deep breath he calmed himself before heading back to the others. "Is everything ok?" Percy asked with concern.
He nodded. "Y-Yeah. I assume we will get something soon."
They didn't have to wait long as before they heard more neighing from the sky, looking up they saw more pegasi in the sky descend towards them.
"We are Lord Pegasus's personal guard and are to escort you all directly to California," One of the Pegasi said.
"Thank you," he said. "We have to get to California quickly."
"Understood," the Pegasi said. With that they all mounted the Pegasi and flew through the skies.
I guess you still are watching over me even now. The flight to California was uneventful they flew toward San Francisco.
Thalia stood over the pool of water from where she would summon the Ophiotaurus. I can't believe I'm doing this. Her body shook her reflection in the pool looked haggard.
I'm betraying my dad but was he ever there for me? Could I betray my father? She never knew her father well but deep down she wanted to impress him when she was younger.
She shook her head. Luke and Annabeth have been with me longer. My bond with them is stronger than with my father. It was a sad realization but one that Kronos helped her realize. The gods always took from me.
The memories of her childhood flashed through her mind. Her mother's drunkenness and the constant she had for her and her brother.
Jason. She winced at the memory of her younger brother, she never told anyone about him not even Luke. Her body shook as she closed her eyes and thought of him. Jason if you are alive I hope we can see each other one last time.
Kronos hinted to her multiple times that he was alive. She just didn't know where or how. Does our dad know? Would he even care? Why did he never stop her?
Her body shook and nearly jumped as a hand clasped on her shoulder. "Hey you ok?" Luke asked.
She cleaned her eyes and nodded. "Yeah just nervous."
"Don't worry you can do it," Luke said as they both looked down at the pool of water together. "Alabaster said the spell will work. Just focus on the image of the ophiotaurus and it will come to you. Only then will you have the strenght you desire."
She nodded. The strenght I desire. The thought brought images of her desires flashed through her head. I will be strong enough to defend those that I love. I won't let my family be taken from me.
Luke wrapped his arm around her. "I'm glad we are a family again."
Her face reddened. "M-Me too," she said as she allowed Luke to hug her. She hugged him back her heart racing in her chest. "Me, you, and Annabeth I won't let anyone harm you guys."
Luke nodded. "I missed you so much. We won't be separated again I swear."
The two hugged letting their emotions out when a messenger came to them. "The demigods and hunters defeated Dr. Thorn and are on their way."
Luke sighed and pulled away. "Fine lets get into position." He turned to her. "I'll keep you safe I promise."
She nodded her body shaking as she cleaned her face. "Me too."
