It was only a couple hours after he had declared they would be going to war against Olympus but Percy was already feeling exhausted with the ramifications of that. So much went on in the background besides the battlefield such as logistics, planning, and organizing, it was almost too much for any of them to handle but thankfully they had a couple of wars already under their belt.
"It's great and all that you want to defeat my father, Perseus, but I must ask with what army? With what weapons? With what allies?" Artemis questioned him as she waded her feet against the running river. The original demigods that came with him to Alaska shared the Goddess's concerns as they sat around the son of Poseidon at the river bank, looking at him for his reply.
"Yes, Percy, I share Artemis's concern. You don't even have your camp rebuilt yet you want to go to war against the most powerful force on Earth. Surely you see that you'll be squashed like a bug." Hecate pitched in from his side.
The demigod in question knew just how crazy they must've thought he was and with good reason. They were all right with their concerns. This was suicidal to go to war against Zeus. But maybe, just maybe, they had an inkling of a chance to win if the plan he was formulating worked. It was a big if and it rode all on his potential allies to join their side but if they did…they could have a chance.
"I have a few favors to cash in. I'll use them to get the camp back into shape. It shouldn't take long to rebuild properly if all goes well." He replied.
"That doesn't answer our concern with the war. Just how-"
"If you'll let me finish." Percy pointedly said, giving a slight glare before continuing.
"As for the war, I'm going to cash in another favor to my friend Grover. He's on the council of elders who oversee the new demigods being brought to camp. If I can convince him, we can bring all the new demigods to this camp and cut off any new numbers to Zeus's forces."
"That's actually…smart." Hecate replied with a little hesitation.
"But I thought you didn't want to force people into wars and quests?" Katie exclaimed from her spot against Travis's shoulder.
"And I won't." Percy answered immediately. "Anyone who doesn't want to fight won't be on the battlefield. However, they will be trained in case they ever need or want to fight."
"That's great and all Perce but what about weapons and supplies? We have nothing."
"I'm sure my father can supply us with some. I'll also get Hephaestus to pitch in if he agrees."
"I'll help you with him. He can be a little…well you've dealt with him before. You know how he is." Leo replied.
"But that doesn't answer-"
"Guys!" Percy annoyedly interrupted, rubbing the back of his neck in agitation. "Trust me on this, whatever your concerns are, I'm already thinking of solutions. I know what needs to be done and what's at stake. Just give me a little bit of time to formulate all this stuff. We literally just decided we're fighting not even a couple of hours ago."
"We're just trying to help, Perce." Jason muttered, looking at him with electric eyes.
"I know." The son of Poseidon tiredly rubbed his face. "I know. Just-Can you all just give me some time alone? There's a lot to think about. I need to clear my head before we start planning and putting stuff into action"
The demigods looked at one another in slight concern before one by one leaving. It wasn't until they were out of earshot that he let out the exhausted groan he had been holding in. He knew they were just trying to help and voice their concerns but his mind just needed a minute. It had been through so much in such a short amount of time, his sanity was beginning to slip. He could feel it and it wouldn't be too much longer until Frank or even the others saw it again. He needed to sleep which was something he hadn't gotten much of admittedly. His mother's voice constantly whispered inside his head. He could see his dead friends looking at him from the woodline across the valley. Their cold, dead eyes stared at him wherever he went. It wouldn't be too long now until he heard their voices as well.
"They were just trying to help. You didn't need to be harsh." Artemis broke his train of thought as she got up to sit beside him.
"I wasn't trying to be." He answered truthfully.
"I've noticed during my time here that you seem to take on many burdens. Burdens that can be shared with others who are willing to help."
Percy gave a short laugh as he remembered those exact words Frank had told him. He tried his best to let others do work and take on some of his burdens but look where that got him. The camp was destroyed, many of their friends dead, and now they were at war. He knew it was unfair to put the blame on them for that but the little voice in his head couldn't help but think that. It also couldn't help but say it was his fault as well. Which was something he, unfortunately, agreed with.
"So I've been told." The son of Poseidon simply replied as he looked out to the looming mountains miles away. Artemis swiftly grabbed his chin with her hand and guided him to look at her. Green eyes met a sharp silver as they stared at one another for a moment. Her eyes glared into his as she tried to make him listen to her words but the demigod by now wasn't in the slightest fazed. There wasn't much that scared him anymore and a Goddess without her powers wasn't one of them.
"You cannot win this war alone." She said forcefully, seeing that Percy wasn't taking her seriously. She let those words resonate as she left him to suffice on his own.
The son of Poseidon continued to stare out as he thought to himself. Artemis was right and he knew it. It would take a lot more than just him and some demigods to take down Zeus. It required a force so powerful, so big, that even Kronos would quake in fear at the sight. How he would manage to form something like that he hadn't the slightest clue. Cutting off Zeus's recruitment of new demigods was a start but there were only so many undiscovered demigods out in the world. He guessed only a couple thousand which was not enough to take on Olympus.
They needed more than just demigods as well. They needed Gods on their side. Poseidon, Artemis, and Hecate were a start but even their combined powers wouldn't be able to take on Zeus and his army of immortals. He had potential allies in mind such as Apollo, Aphrodite, and some of the minor Gods. Maybe even Hades as well but that was a long shot. He would need Nico to take him down to the Underworld to help convince his uncle.
Giving another exhausted groan out into the wind, he realized that he was truly in another war again. His mind was already thinking at a million miles an hour and it wouldn't stop until the battle was over. He needed to try and get some rest before things got underway. His mind was being held together by invisible duct tape at this point and if he went one more sleepless night…he didn't want to think of what the outcome could be.
But before he could make his way back to camp, the sound of disturbed water filled his ear. Looking back at the river, he came face to face with one of his father's servants, Thetis. The son of Poseidon felt his eye twitch as he realized the implications as to why the Goddess was here. Why couldn't he just get a couple minutes of sleep?! Was that too much to ask for?!
"He wants to see you." The Goddess simply stated before disappearing back beneath the rushing water.
Percy hesitated to get into the river. Should he really leave camp again? What happens if there's another attack? What if his friends needed something from him? But this was his father that needed him at the moment. It was probably important as he rarely calls for him. Plus he could kill two birds with one stone with his request for supplies for camp. If he can get him to agree, Camp Freedom can become even greater than it once was. With that promising thought in mind, the son of Poseidon quickly jumped into the water before letting the current take him to his destination at speeds greater than one could comprehend.
It didn't take long to arrive at his father's palace but he could tell something wasn't right. There were no people on the streets and no guards to meet him at the entrance. This was baffling to say the least as he was always greeted at the gates. Trying not to show how weirded out he was, the prince of Atlantis briskly made his way to his father's throne room. He needed to make this meeting quick in case something happened back at camp. He couldn't afford to not be there for his friends anymore. With the throne room doors in sight along with two mermen guards at the entrance, they bowed to him before opening the doors. Immediately, Percy was hit with a rushing wave of yells, screams, and arguing as he entered the room. With him entering, he was surprised at the change of the throne room which was drastically different from the last time he was here. Now it was more like a chamber with rows upon rows of seats circling above close to the ceiling. It reminded him of the United States Senate somewhat. Every single seat was filled with the people of Atlantis, all screaming their opinions at one another and at his father. They didn't even seem to notice him entering the room which was unsurprising.
He could see Poseidon perk up from his throne as he walked up to him before kneeling in respect. Immediately, the God silenced the chamber with a resonating thud of his trident hitting the floor.
"Lord Poseidon." Percy greeted. He usually wasn't this formal in front of his father but seeing as to how all the important figures of Atlantis were present, he needed to put on a good show. Something told him that his usual antics weren't going to be tolerated at the moment.
"My son." Poseidon replied with welcoming eyes before looking up at the seats of spectators. "Now that my son is here, this meeting can commence. There is much to talk about as you all are aware."
"Yes, let us begin. Firstly, I'd like to say what in the Hades were you thinking?! Declaring war on Olympus is suicide!" Amphitrite screamed out from her throne, her eyes gaining a harsh green tint.
"I share mother's sentiment, father. When we helped Perseus and his demigod friends escape, we were already putting a target on our backs. Nevertheless, we agreed, and look where that has gotten us." Triton was the next to speak.
A flurry of shouts of agreement echoed across the chamber as the politicians above rained down profanities. It seemed most thought it was Percy's and Poseidon's fault that they were in this predicament. Poseidon loved his demigod son too much and look where that led. Atlantis and its people were now under the threat of war against Olympus. The God of the sea raised his hand for silence before gesturing for Triton to continue.
"When we agreed to help Persues, all we agreed to was helping aid his escape. That's it. We did not agree to go to war for him. If he and his people want to go to war, they can do that on their own. Leave us Atlanteans to our own bidding!" Triton said, directing his glare toward his younger brother. Again, shouts of agreement came from the chamber. Poseidon looked down at his son and noticed his clenched jaw. Percy's eyes gained a fierce glare of determination as he looked up at his father, silently pleading to let him speak. Nodding his head, Poseidon allowed his demigod son to begin. Silence echoed throughout the chamber as everyone watched the prince of Atlantis stand up.
Pulling out Riptide in sword form, the shrieking metal reverberated across the walls, startingly some. Raising it high in the air, the directed his attention to the people above him.
"It's ironic for you all to say that you want to be left alone. To say that you do not want war and to let others fight it." He began, eyeing each and every politician and minor God. "We too, the demigods, wanted to be left alone! We didn't want to fight your wars and go on your quests!" He yelled.
"But we did! We fought, bled, and died for you! We did it time and time again without fail!"
The room gained a somber silence as they watched the prince of Atlantis walk around with sword in hand. They could feel his anger and power reverberate off him in waves.
"I killed so many with this sword all in your name! I've sacrificed so much all for you to continue to sit on your thrones of power and what do I get in return?! I even denied immortality for you and your children to have better lives! AND WHAT DID I GET IN RETURN FOR THAT?!" He screamed out, causing the earth below them to quake.
"And now, in my hour of need, you deny me again. You deny your children again. And for what?! To protect the little power you have left inside of you?"
'What are you getting at Perse-" Triton tried to interrupt but Percy was having none of it.
"While you see this as a war between demigods and Olympus, I promise you it isn't. Zeus, either way, was going to set his sights on Atlantis even if my father hadn't declared war. That power you hold dear is going to get snuffed out by his tyranny one way or another." He let those words sink in as he walked back to his original spot in the middle of the throne room. Sheathing Riptide, he looked up at Triton and Amphitrite.
"That is if you let him. Sitting back and once again letting the demigods fight isn't going to work this time. You need to join if you want to continue to have your power."
"I'm not asking for you to do this alone as you've asked us throughout the years!" He said, playing into their emotions. "There are already many allies on our side, willing to contribute to the war effort. Artemis, Hecate, Apollo, Hades, and so many more. With them on our side along with the power of the sea, we can take on Zues and his armies!"
Slowly one by one, the Atlanteans sitting above began to clap at the end of his speech. Although they were apprehensive about this war, they couldn't deny that Perseus had inspired them. He was right when it came to repaying their debt to him. It was time to finally do something for the demigods rather than have them do something for them. The clapping got louder and louder as cheers rang out. Percy was amazed at just how quickly the mood changed in the room. Looking to his father, he could see pride in his eyes.
"Seeing as how everyone has changed their minds so quickly about our contribution towards the war, I ask that you all disperse for the night. My son and I have much to discuss. We will pick back up tomorrow in preparation for the upcoming battles to come." The sea God announced, making everyone besides the royal family disappear in a mist.
Now that room was empty, Percy could finally act normal.
"What the hell was that?" He asked, causing Poseidon to laugh.
"The people are apprehensive about joining in the war. They needed to see their leader's confidence before they could make a decision." His father replied.
Percy cringed at the word leader but stayed silent. He knew that one way or another, he would be leading the army on the battlefield. Ironic considering that Poseidon had years of experience over him in leading.
"I forgot how inspiring you can be, my son. It sure was a sight to see the people look at you like a God."
"I wouldn't call it inspiration. Rather manipulative would be the correct term. Lying to our people that Hades and Apollo are on our side was rather crude wouldn't you think." Ampertrite said from her throne.
"I'm working on that. They'll be on our side, trust me." Percy replied, remembering that he had said that during his speech. He truly meant it though. He believed he could get Hades and Apollo on their side. Maybe even more Olympians if luck was on his side.
"Mmmh, you best hope so, demigod. Because if they aren't, you've doomed us to Tartarus." The Goddess said before she along with Triton disappeared in a green mist.
"Don't mind her and Triton. I think everyone is just on edge."
"I can't blame them. I am too. My mind has been in overdrive since we decided to fight." Percy replied, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Have your demigod friends decided to fight?"
"Yeah. Obviously there isn't enough of us to put up a good fight so I'm going to get Grover and his council to direct all new demigods towards Camp Freedom."
"Smart!" Poseidon exclaimed, clasping him on the shoulder. "Any reinforcements cut off from Zeus goes in our favor."
"But that brings us to another point. I need help rebuilding camp. We have no supplies to even get a shack up. We're living in sleeping bags and tents in the open. We can get ambushed so easily." Percy said, hoping Poseidon would understand what he was asking.
"Not to worry, son. Even though I can't personally help in that dreadful land, that doesn't mean my subjects can't. I'll send our finest builders and supplies to help out." Poseidon easily responded, causing Percy's shoulder to slump somewhat. At least that was one problem done for the moment.
"Thanks, Dad. I don't know what I would've done without you."
"Not to worry, my boy. We, of the sea, will always help our own."
-X-
It didn't take long for Percy to return back to camp which he was thankful for. By the time he was back, everyone had already gone to bed. Only Artemis, who was sitting by a fire and looking up at the moon, was awake. They didn't speak much when she saw him. She just nodded her head before going back to doing her thing. The only thing he said to her before his head hit the sleeping bag was-
"Things are about to get better."
He hoped that was true but how much could things truly get better? War was on the horizon, a war that was going to be something he or the veterans of the past two had never experienced before. Could things really get better if that was what awaited them? Just how many of his friends would die this time? Just how many ghosts would appear in the corner of his eye, watching his every step? How many voices would he hear after the battle? If he even survived it that is. Truthfully, if he had to continue to listen to the dead's voices and keep on seeing them staring at him with their dead eyes, he didn't want to live after the war was done. He would much rather just die so that way they would stop. He'd prefer that.
But that was selfish, he knew that. There were so many that relied on him now. Not to mention Annabeth, who he had yet to settle things with. Gods, he missed her. He missed her voice, her eyes, her smile. Seeing her for that brief moment on Olympus made his heart hurt beyond belief. If he wasn't helping others escape, he would have gladly gone up to her just to speak to her. With the daughter of Athena on his mind, it wasn't hard for him to fall asleep. Sadly, that didn't mean his dreams would be of her as well. It was the typical one that made Tartarus seem like a picnic. He relived his mother's death over and over again. His friends, covered in blood, cried out to him in agony. Flashes and visions of the upcoming war. New York in ruins, Olympus on fire, and piles upon piles of bodies littering the streets. The last thing he experienced before waking up was the smell of burnt flesh.
Gasping for air, he jolted up from his spot on the ground, the glare from the sun being a harsh reminder that he was awake and alive. Immediately, his ears were filled with the sounds of construction. The banging of a hammer, the sound of stones being dropped, and the loud yells of the workers. Looking around, it seemed his dad had stayed true to his word. Help and supplies had finally arrived.
"Big brother!" A loud but recognizable voice screamed out before the son of Poseidon felt his entire body be lifted from the ground. Gasping for air, Percy felt his entire body be squeezed like a lemon.
"G-G-Good…To…See…You…Too…Tyson." He gasped. Thankfully, Tyson had enough sense to drop him before the oxygen stopped flowing into his brain. Breathing heavily, Percy managed a smile directed at his Cyclops brother. He hadn't seen him in ages, probably not since the Titan War. It was great to see some old friends still alive and well.
"Dad said you needed help! So here I am along with my friends!" Tyson exclaimed with a smile, gesturing towards all the Cyclops that were already working. Percy couldn't help the smirk that came across his face. Mentally thanking Poseidon, he asked Tyson to show him the supplies he had brought from them. And boy did their father deliver. Swords, armor, shields, and tons of other weapons made out of Atlantean steel were piled neatly close to Hazel's tree. The metal giving an almost ethereal glow thanks to the sun reflecting off of it.
"I can't believe this, Percy! Look at all this stuff!" Will Solace exclaimed as he pulled out a bow from the pile. Percy walked up to it before pulling out a sword. Feeling its weight and balance, he swung it a few times before setting it back down. These would do just fine for the time being. It wasn't enough to arm the entire future army of demigods but it was enough for now. Maybe Hephaestus would have enough for them all once the time came to go visit him.
"We thought we were getting attacked there for a second when we saw all the cyclops come walking out of the river." Nico said, appearing at his side from out of nowhere.
"Thankfully, that goofball you call a brother was very adamant that they were on our side." The son of Hades gestured to Tyson who was chasing a butterfly.
"Yeah well, that goofball just saved our asses from not sleeping on the ground anymore." Percy replied before walking over to Leo who was already discussing something with what looked to be one of the head Cyclops builders.
"Leo, a word please." The son of Poseidon said, waving his hand.
"Yeah, Perce?" The son of Hephaestus said as he jogged over.
"You know what you're doing when it comes to building and I'm sure the Cyclops are as well. That's why I'm putting you in charge of this. Just make sure that whatever you do, this new camp of ours is well-defended. We're going to have to defend this place a lot if we're to keep living here."
"Trust me, man. Once I'm done with this place, it'll put something like the Pentagon to shame." The boy said with a sinister smirk before running off.
'Oh and whatever you do, don't cut down any more trees in the valley! The woodland spirits aren't allowing it anymore!" Percy yelled out before walking towards the river. He needed a quick bath before the day truly began. Something to eat wouldn't be bad either but their supplies were running low. Maybe he could take the truck that somehow managed to survive the attack into town and go get some stuff. Arriving at the river, he realized he wasn't alone as he heard a few sniffles coming from his right. Looking over, he noticed a disheveled Piper staring down at the running water with a depressing look written across her face. He tried to not be seen and slowly walk away to let her grieve in peace but she had already spotted him
"I'm not going to lash out at you, you know." She said without moving from her position. The son of Poseidon gave an awkward smile as he sat down next to her.
"I know that. I just didn't know if you wanted some time to yourself or not." He replied softly.
"Trust me, Jason isn't letting me out of his sight. He thinks I'll do something stupid!" She exclaimed with outstretched hands. "It's nice to be alone for a little bit though but talking to you I think would help."
"Pipes, I uh-"
"I don't blame you Percy for what happened. So don't be all awkward on me." The daughter of Aphrodite said, slightly hitting his shoulder. "After hearing what you went through it makes my troubles seem like a walk in the park."
"Don't say that, Piper. What you're going through, it's something that isn't comparable." He replied, giving her a stern yet reassuring glance. The pair sat in silence for a moment as they listened to the water.
"I know. Its just-I…I was so excited to be a mother." She said, choking up to the point that her voice came out more as a whine. Percy felt his own eyes begin to prickle as he felt Piper lean her head against his shoulder.
"I-I thought we could make something worth living for. I thought that-that it would be safe here. Safe to raise a family."
Percy took a moment as he tried to gather his voice. He needed to be strong for her. To show that he was here for her. Taking a breath he responded-
"It will be, Pipes. I promise you on the Styx that this camp will be safe enough one day to raise a family." He replied with as much determination he could muster. "And I'll kill every bastard that took that dream from you." He whispered at the end. He could feel his shirt wetten due to her tears. She did her best to keep the sobs at bay but with Percy's comforting presence, it was hard to do. This continued on for quite some time, just the two of them sitting together in comfort before they could hear Jason's voice call out for her.
"Well, I better go see him before he thinks I killed myself." Piper said, releasing her hold on him as she tried to straighten herself up to be presentable. Getting up from his seat, he helped her up before giving a reassuring smile.
"You're strong, Piper. You'll make it through this. And you have tons of support behind you as well. You ever need anything, just rely on us." He said which made Piper give a faint smile before she ran off towards the son of Jupiter. Percy sighed as he watched her run.. He hadn't expected to give a talk like that so early in the morning but almost nothing surprised him anymore.
Deciding that a bath could wait and his stomach couldn't, he walked towards the truck. Making a drive into town was essential now that their supplies were on their last leg.
"Make sure the place doesn't blow up while I'm away." He said to a passing Katie Gardner before turning on the ignition and driving out on the dirt road.
"No promises!" He heard her yell back as he watched her wave at him from the rear-view mirror.
It was satisfying being able to drive. It was something he rarely got to do thanks to his demigod life. But when he did get to, he made sure to savor every moment. It wasn't long before he was on a paved road and the tell-tale signs of civilization began to show. With the sign "Welcome to Pine Woods" coming into view, he knew he had arrived and so did his stomach which rumbled at the prospect of food.
Waving at a few of the townspeople, he found a parking stop before immediately making his way to a local grocery store. It wasn't your typical store that you found in the mainland U.S. It was smaller and had fewer choices but what made up for it was the huge ration boxes that they offered. These boxes had everything, water, jerky, canned food, and cooking utensils. It was perfect for the camp which was why they always bought the ration boxes instead of anything else. It was cheaper in the long run too.
Walking inside the store with the familiar ringing of the bell above the door, he was greeted by the store clerk that he had made acquaintances with.
"Kid! Haven't seen you forever! Thought you might've not made it during winter." The older man said with a happy smile.
"I'm still breathing and kicking somehow." The demigod replied with a chuckle as he walked up to the counter. Immediately, the clerk began to pull out some of the boxes from underneath the counter, ten huge boxes to be exact.
"You already know what I need when I show up, huh." Percy said, looking at the man with raised eyebrows.
"Well, you're the only person that gets this stuff in bulk which I'm glad for by the way. Clears out some space in the store anyway." The mortal replied, heaving up another box. Smirking, Percy began to pull out the little money he had left to pay when the bell rang again, signaling that someone else had walked in. Paying no heed to it, Percy counted his money as the clerk got the boxes ready.
"I'll get some of the boys in the back to take this out to the truck. Be right back." He said before disappearing behind the back door. Sighing, Percy took a moment to look around at the walls that were littered with old antiques and animal heads. It kind of reminded him of Artemis's tent the one time he had been in it all those years ago. The thought made him feel old but also sad. He needed to help find the hunters who were still missing. He had promised Artemis he would help her go search for them but there was so much that needed to be done, he hadn't found the time yet to do it. But if he could find them then that could really help their chances of defending camp from another attack. Maybe even help win the war if they agree to join. It was a long shot but he had a feeling Thalia wouldn't leave him and Jason to fight without her. That girl had a fighting spirit greater than Ares! Smirking at the thought of his wild cousin, he failed to realize that the person that had walked in earlier was behind him now, waiting to be checked out as well.
Turning around, Percy gave a polite tilt of his head but almost stopped when he saw the man, or rather, teenager staring at him. The son of Poseidon showed no hint of suspicion as he turned back around but inside, he already knew something wasn't right. Something about the way the kid was staring at him made him concerned. It was as if he knew him or rather…knew of him. Judging by how wide his eyes were, it almost seemed as if he was scared of him.
Closing his eyes, the son of Poseidon used his power of blood to get a feel of the teenager's own. There was something different about demigod blood compared to regular mortals. Demigod blood almost seemed to pulse with power while mortal blood was more sluggish. That was the best way to explain it. Searching deep within, he felt the kid's heart, lungs, and veins for any sign that he was different. It almost flew past him but after a couple more seconds of searching, he found what he was looking for. That faint pulse of power that only demigods had, hidden behind his heart. He must've been the son of a minor God or even a legacy because he almost passed as a mortal even to the son of Poseidon's trained senses.
Deciding that fighting here in town wouldn't do him any good, Percy played it cool and showed no hint that he knew.
"Alright, kid. You're all set. Be safe out there." The clerk said after all the boxes were loaded up. Thanking him for his work, Percy handed him the money before smoothly walking out the door. After making sure that no one was looking, he quickly made his way to a hidden corner and waited for the demigod to walk out. It only took a minute before he did, frantically looking around for any sign of the legendary demigod. But after finding none, he gave a deep, relaxed sigh before beginning to walk directly toward the hidden Percy.
"Shit luck, kid." The son of Poseidon whispered as he readied for a fight. Waiting for the younger teen to walk closer, it wasn't until he was right next to him that Percy came out from the shadows, his pistol, hidden but clearly visible to anyone close enough, aimed directly at his torso.
"Walk with me. No sudden movements, no talking. Just walk or you'll be bleeding out on the pavement in a few seconds."
The poor kid was already on the verge of passing out as he looked at the legendary demigod giving him a wolf glare. His sea-green eyes stared into his very soul with no remorse. He knew that if he did anything stupid, Percy wouldn't hesitate to end his life.
"W-Where to?" The boy shakily asked.
"The pickup parked down the street. Now move." He replied, turning the kid with a push before jamming the pistol on the back of his spine. He wasn't taking any chances with this guy. If he did anything that he didn't like, he would put a bullet in him.
Walking quickly, they avoided anyone that tried to approach before eventually arriving at the truck without a hiccup. Opening the door, Percy shoved him inside before locking it. Making his way to the driver's seat, he made sure to keep the gun trained on him at all times as he turned on the ignition and drove out of the town. The ride was silent but tension could clearly be felt in the air. From the corner of his eye, he could see the kid's entire body shaking from fear.
"What's your name?" Percy began, breaking the ice.
"Jackson." The teen responded unsteadily.
"Judging by how much you're shaking, I presume you already know who I am."
"Y-Yeah."
"And you know what I can do to you if you don't answer all my question's truthfully."
"Mmh."
Percy let the threat hang in the air for a couple of minutes as he drove through the winding roads before continuing.
"You're a scout looking for my people again, aren't you?"
"Sent by Chiron on Zeus's orders." The younger demigod replied, making Percy's eyes widen slightly.
"Chiron is sending you out here?" He asked with shock.
"What else is he supposed to do, not obey orders? Anyone that doesn't is practically signing their own death warrant!"
Percy clicked his tongue at the thought of Zeus treating camp like some sort of prison. It amazed him just how much the place had changed since he left. And for the demigods to put up with it as well and follow his orders, he just didn't get it. Why would you put up with that mess? Maybe that was his arrogance as a son of the big three talking. Any lesser demigod didn't have a hope in the world to stand up to that tyrant.
"What about the others? Whose all out here with you?" He continued questioning.
"No one. It's just me."
Immediately, the son of Poseidon hit him with the butt of the pistol against the temple, cutting his face badly enough to draw blood.
"Don't lie to me. Chiron wouldn't send you all the way out here alone. Now answer truthfully or I swear your brains will be against that window."
"I swear to you on the fucking Styx that I'm the only one out here, Percy!" The boy wept as blood ran down his face. The son of Poseidon stayed silent as he took in his words. Why would they only send one scout out here? It didn't make any sense. After deliberating for a few more minutes, Percy stopped driving and parked off the side of a dirt road, making sure that no one would be able to see the truck.
"Out now." He said, waving the pistol towards the woods. With shaky knees, the boy managed to walk beside him as walked deeper into the woods. It was silent as they walked with only the slight rustle of trees and the crunch of their footsteps being the only indicator that they were not deaf. Not even the chirping of birds could be heard. It seemed that nature wanted no part in what was to happen next out here.
"Where we going, Percy? Is it to camp?"
"Don't call me, Percy. I'm not your friend." He replied, continuing to walk deeper and deeper. It wasn't until they came across a creek that he had ordered him to stop walking.
"And I'm not taking you to our camp. You think after what your people have done to mine I would let you anywhere near them?" Percy exclaimed, kicking the backside of the guy's knee, sending him down on one leg.
"I-I wasn't apart of the attack! I s-swear!"
"You wanna promise that one the Styx too?" Percy asked, rolling his eyes when the younger demigod refused to do so. Circling the demigod like a predator, he tried to think of any questions he could ask but his mind was just too clouded with anger. He wanted to hurt this guy just like how he hurt his friends. His family. He wanted him to pay for what they did. It didn't help that the creek next to him called to him, offering energy to fuel his power and inadvertently his emotions.
"Kill him." A voice said in his ear. Startled, he quickly turned to find no one there. Wiping his face, he tried to gather his bearings. He needed to ask more questions. The fate of the camp might rely on it.
"End him just like how he ended me!" Another voice that sounded eerily like his mother said to him, causing him to grip his head.
"Percy, Please! I'm begging you!"
"Kill him!"
"I won't tell, I swear!"
"Shoot him! Think of all your dead friends because of people like him!"
"Please!"
"KILLLLLLL!"
"SHUT THE FUCK UP! ALL OF YOU!" Percy yelled out, his erratic emotions causing the creek water to shoot up like a jet and the ground to quake heavily. Breathing heavily, Percy leaned the gun against his face, the cool touch of metal reminding him that he was alive, awake, and in control. Closing his eyes, he reeled in his emotions before turning to the demigod who was still pleading for his life.
"When will you attack again?" He began to question again.
"Uh-uh, maybe in like two months. That's-that's all I heard from my cabin leader. We're still mobilizing and getting everything ready."
"How many?"
"What?"
"I said how fucking many!" The son of Poseidon screamed, ramming the barrel against the guy's forehead.
"At least two thousand! We're close to three though! Please, that's all I know!" The younger demigod cried out, tears, blood, and snot running down his face.
Percy sighed as he stepped away. Three thousand troops, all coming to kill them in two months. That was too many to take on. They were either going to need to find allies fast or get enough new demigods to hopefully put up a fight. Not to mention camp needed to be built up and they needed more supplies and weapons. Gods, this was going to be a horrific war.
"Is that everything?" Percy asked, standing in front of the kneeling demigod.
"Yes. Yes. That's everything I know now please-please let me go! I promise I won't tell a soul!" He pleaded.
The son of Poseidon took a breath as he tried to reason with himself. He knew it was probably the right thing to let him go. It wasn't right to kill an already surrendered enemy. But would this kid do the same if he were in his shoes? Would he have shown mercy? Did he when he attacked and razed Camp Freedom to the ground? How many did he kill? How many friends died by his hands?
Looking into the kid's green eyes that reminded him so much of himself when he was younger, Percy cocked back the slide of the pistol, chambering the fateful round.
"You can make all the false promises you want but I already promised Piper I would kill each and every last one of you."
The boy could only give out one last plea as Percy aimed the gun at his head.
"And I intend not to break that promise." Were the last words he heard before the world went dark.
Percy stared at the lifeless body before him as he waited for the ringing in his ears to stop. He watched as the blood pooled around the boy's head before running off into the creek, turning it into a sickly mud-red color. Taking a deep breath, he looked into the sky and watched as a few crows flew away high in the air. This was the beginning of the end. And in the end, it won't be the creek that runs red. It will be the very ground beneath their feet.
Walking back to the truck, Percy made sure he looked presentable before driving back to camp. He looked at his shaky hands on the steering wheel and wondered if this was a sign from his body telling him to stop. But he felt no disgust at what he did. Nor regret. Surprisingly, despite his hands shaking, he was calm. It seemed he had come to terms with what he was. Or what he was becoming. Did he like what that was? He didn't know or even cared really. The world and the Gods made him become this way. It wasn't because he wanted to.
And so, repeating in his head that truthful lie to keep himself sane, he drove in silence before finally arriving back at camp. He stared at all his friends who were continuing to work on rebuilding camp with a thousand-yard stare. He was doing this for them. He would do anything to protect them and keep them safe. Even if it meant doing the most horrific things a man could do to another man.
"Percy, you're back!" Katie exclaimed with a knock on his window. Immediately, Percy morphed his face into a smile as he got out of the truck.
"Anything happen out there?" The daughter of Demeter asked as she began to help unload the supplies.
Percy took a moment to reply as he unloaded another box from the back of the truck. Setting it down, he gave her a smirk.
"Absolutely nothing."