A/N: Welcome back to this story! Hope you'll enjoy it, it's another long chapter! Let me know if you like the long chapters :)
Disclaimer: I don't own the right to Percy Jackson and the Olympians, only my OC, sadly enough. I'd be very rich tho.
Chapter 6: Beginning of the Exodus
Percy loved New York. In this city, he marveled at the ability to emerge from the depths of the Underworld and seamlessly blend into the bustling streets of Central Park. With Mrs. O'Leary, the giant hellhound, trotting alongside him, people barely gave them a second glance. The Mist, of course, played its part, shrouding the true nature of his loyal companion from mortal eyes. To them, she probably appeared as a friendly, albeit enormous, truck.
Taking a risk, Percy dialed Annabeth's number on his mother's cell phone for the second time. His previous attempt had only reached her voicemail, but now he hoped to connect with her. Despite being in the mythological epicenter of the world, he was surprised to find decent reception. However, he couldn't help but worry about the potential roaming charges his mom would face.
This time, Annabeth answered the call, her voice filled with both relief and concern. "Percy, where have you been? Your message was so vague, and we've been frantic with worry!"
"I'll explain everything later," Percy assured her, though he had no clue how he would manage to do so. "Where are you?"
"We're following your instructions, heading towards the Queens-Midtown Tunnel. But Percy, what's your plan? We've left the camp vulnerable, and the gods..."
"Trust me," Percy interrupted firmly. "I'll meet you there."
Ending the call, his hands trembled with a mix of lingering effects from his immersion in the River Styx and the anticipation of his imminent actions. If his plan failed, even his newfound invulnerability wouldn't shield him from being obliterated.
Late afternoon cast long shadows across the bustling streets as Percy stepped out of the taxi at the foot of the Empire State Building. Mrs. O'Leary, his loyal hellhound companion, bounded ahead, her presence causing a stir among the oblivious New Yorkers. People gave her wide berths, unsure of what to make of the large, friendly dog in their midst.
Whistling sharply, Percy called Mrs. O'Leary to his side, urging her to behave. As if on cue, three white vans pulled up to the curb, bearing the insignia of Delphi Strawberry Service, the clever guise for Camp Half-Blood. It was unusual to see all three vans gathered together, typically used for transporting fresh produce from the camp into the city.
The first van, driven by Argus, the ever-watchful security chief with his multitude of eyes, led the way. The other two vans were manned by harpies, their demonic human/chicken hybrid forms blending oddly with their bad attitudes. While primarily employed for camp cleaning duties, they proved surprisingly adept at maneuvering through midtown traffic.
With a soft hiss, the doors of the vans slid open, and a group of campers emerged. Some looked a bit queasy from the long drive, but Percy felt relieved to see so many familiar faces. Pollux, Silena Beauregard, the mischievous Stoll brothers, Michael Yew, Jake Mason, Katie Gardner, Annabeth, and their respective siblings, all stepping onto the busy sidewalk. Chiron, the wise centaur, emerged last, his horse half compacted into his magical wheelchair, utilizing the handicap lift to descend.
Glancing around, Percy mentally counted the campers, noting their presence. There weren't many to fight a war, but it was the largest gathering of demigods he had ever seen outside of camp. The tension in the air was palpable, the unease mirrored on every face. They were a beacon, radiating their demigod aura, a signal to monsters lurking in the shadows that they were here.
With a determined spark in his eyes, Percy tried to push away his frustration about the absent Ares cabin. Clarisse's stubbornness was a thorn in his side, but now wasn't the time for grudges. They had a war to face, and unity was crucial.
A headcount confirmed their numbers: forty campers stood before him. It might not have been an army, but it was a gathering of strength, a small but mighty force ready to defend their home. The weight of their mission settled upon them, the knowledge that every monster in the northeastern United States could sense their presence, making their nervousness justified.
Gathering his resolve, Percy addressed the group, his voice steady and determined. "We might not have the numbers, but we have each other. We're in this together, and we'll fight with everything we've got. The gods might be on their fancy thrones, but we're the ones who will defend our world."
As Percy surveyed the familiar faces of the campers, a nagging voice echoed in his mind, whispering the unsettling possibility that one of them could be a spy. He quickly pushed the thought aside, refusing to dwell on such suspicions. These campers were his friends, and in this desperate time, he needed their support more than ever.
Annabeth approached him, her attire adorned in black camouflage, with her trusty Celestial bronze knife strapped to her arm and a laptop bag slung over her shoulder. Always prepared for action or intellectual pursuits, she furrowed her brows, noticing Percy's unusual expression. "What's going on?" she inquired, her curiosity evident in her voice.
Percy shook his head, trying to dismiss the lingering thoughts of his vision of Annabeth rescuing him from the Styx River. "It's nothing," he replied, diverting his attention to the rest of the group. "Thank you all for being here. Chiron, you have the floor."
Chiron, the wise centaur and Percy's mentor, shook his head with a gentle smile. "I came to wish you luck, my boy. But I do not venture to Olympus unless summoned. I will gather any allies I can, perhaps even sway my brother centaurs to aid our cause. However, in this moment, Percy, you are the leader."
Percy's initial protest died on his lips as he saw the expectant gazes of his friends, including Annabeth. Taking a deep breath, he accepted the weight of leadership that had been thrust upon him. "Alright, as I mentioned to Annabeth on the phone, something terrible is looming tonight—a trap. We must secure an audience with Zeus and convince him to defend our city. We cannot accept a 'no' as an answer."
Instructing Argus, the many-eyed guardian, to keep an eye on Mrs. O'Leary, Percy sensed the reluctance in both their expressions. As Chiron shook his hand, imparting words of encouragement, Percy held onto the knowledge of his strengths while remaining wary of his weaknesses.
It felt eerily reminiscent of Achilles' words echoing in his mind. Percy couldn't shake the connection as he remembered Chiron teaching Achilles. The thought didn't exactly provide comfort, but he mustered a confident smile and nodded at Hermes.
"Let's go," Percy addressed the gathered campers, his voice steady and resolute.
As they entered the lobby, a security guard behind the desk looked up from his reading, a big black book adorned with a flower on the cover. He scanned the group, their armor clanking and weapons in hand, and assumed they were a school group about to leave.
"No," Percy responded firmly. "Six-hundredth floor."
The security guard glanced at them, his pale blue eyes cold and bald head gleaming. Percy couldn't determine if he was human or not, but his keen observation hinted that he wasn't deceived by the Mist.
"There is no six-hundredth floor, kid," the guard stated, his tone indicating that it was a line he had to say but didn't believe. "Move along."
Percy leaned across the desk, asserting his point. "Forty demigods tend to attract an awful lot of monsters. Do you really want us hanging out in your lobby?"
The guard pondered the proposition for a moment, his hesitation evident. Finally, he pressed a buzzer, and the security gate swung open. "Make it quick."
"And you don't want us going through the metal detectors," Percy added, emphasizing the potential consequences.
The guard agreed, his uncertainty palpable. "Um, no. Elevator on the right. I guess you know the way."
In a gesture of gratitude, Percy tossed the guard a golden drachma, a small token of appreciation, and the group continued on their way.
Realizing they couldn't all fit in one trip, they decided to split into two groups for the elevator ascent. Percy opted to join the first group, ready to face whatever awaited them on the 600th floor.
Different elevator music played in the background, the rhythmic beats of Stayin' Alive filling the air. Percy couldn't help but imagine Apollo in his disco attire, and he was relieved when the elevator doors finally opened. Ahead of them, a trail of floating stones beckoned, leading the way through the clouds to Mount Olympus, soaring six thousand feet above Manhattan.
Though Percy had witnessed the grandeur of Olympus before, it never failed to steal his breath away. Mansions adorned the mountainside, their golden and white exteriors shimmering against the backdrop. Gardens bloomed on countless terraces, and the scent of fragrant smoke wafted from braziers lining the winding streets. At the summit stood the majestic main palace of the gods, its grandeur unchanged. But something felt off. The mountain stood in eerie silence, devoid of its usual music, laughter, and voices.
Annabeth's keen observation caught Percy's attention. She studied him intently, noting the difference in his appearance. "You look... different," she observed, curiosity lacing her words. "Where exactly did you go?"
The elevator doors opened once again, and the second group of half-bloods joined them. Percy decided to postpone his explanation. "Tell you later," he said, urging them to keep moving.
As they ventured into the streets of Olympus, a sense of desolation hung in the air. Shops were shuttered, parks lay empty, and even the Muses seemed to lack their usual enthusiasm, strumming their flaming lyres half-heartedly. A Cyclops swept the streets with an uprooted oak tree, and a minor godling hastily retreated upon spotting the approaching demigods.
Passing beneath a grand marble archway adorned with statues of Zeus and Hera, Annabeth's expression soured at the sight of the queen of the gods. She muttered her disdain, expressing her deep-rooted dislike for Hera.
"Hate her," Annabeth grumbled under her breath.
Percy couldn't help but be curious. "Has she been cursing you or something?" he inquired, remembering the animosity that had arisen between Annabeth and Hera the previous year. However, Annabeth hadn't spoken much about it since then.
Annabeth shrugged, her annoyance evident. "Just little stuff so far," she replied. "You know her sacred animal is the cow, right?"
Percy nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Right."
"Well, she sends cows after me," Annabeth continued with a hint of exasperation. "Cows in San Francisco, of all places. I usually don't see them, but they leave me 'presents' all over the place. Backyard, sidewalk, school hallways—I have to watch my step."
Percy couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. "Watch out for those stealthy cows, then," he quipped, finding solace in the lighthearted banter amidst the mounting tension.
"Look!" cried Pollux, pointing excitedly toward the horizon. "What is that?"
The group fell silent, their eyes following Pollux's outstretched finger. Across the evening sky, streaks of blue lights darted like tiny comets, converging on Olympus. The lights fizzled out as they approached, leaving the demigods puzzled yet intrigued.
"Like infrared scopes," muttered Michael Yew, his voice filled with concern. "We're being targeted."
"We need to get to the palace," I declared, urgency lacing my words.
Without hesitation, we hurried through the deserted halls, the absence of guards raising further alarm. The grand doors of the throne room beckoned us, standing wide open as we entered. The sheer scale of the room was overwhelming, rivaling the size of Madison Square Garden. Above us, the ceiling twinkled with constellations, casting a celestial glow.
Twelve colossal thrones encircled a central hearth, their emptiness a stark reminder of the gods' absence. In one corner, a massive globe of water floated in the air, housing the Ophiotaurus, a creature I had befriended during a previous adventure. The half-cow, half-serpent creature greeted us with a contented "Moooo!" as it circled happily.
I couldn't help but smile at the sight, remembering our past encounters. "Hey, Bessie," I greeted the Ophiotaurus. "Are they taking good care of you?"
"Mooo," Bessie replied, his response bringing a sense of warmth to the room.
Moving toward the thrones, a familiar voice filled the air. "Hello again, Percy Jackson. You and your friends are welcome."
Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, stood by the fire, tending to the flames with a stick. Her simple brown dress remained unchanged, but she now exuded the wisdom and maturity of a grown woman.
I bowed respectfully. "Lady Hestia."
My friends followed suit, showing reverence to the goddess. Hestia regarded me with her glowing red eyes, her gaze holding a mixture of knowing and concern. "I see you went through with your plan. You bear the curse of Achilles."
Whispers erupted among the campers, confusion spreading like wildfire. What did she mean? What about Achilles?
Hestia raised a hand, quelling the murmurs. "You must be careful," she cautioned, her voice filled with a sense of urgency. "You have gained much on your journey, but there is still a truth eluding you. Perhaps a glimpse is in order."
Annabeth nudged Percy, breaking him out of his trance. "Um... what is she talking about?" she whispered, her voice laced with confusion and curiosity. The two demigods exchanged a quick glance before turning their attention back to Hestia, the goddess of the hearth.
As Percy locked eyes with Hestia, a vivid image flooded his mind, transporting him to a dimly lit alleyway between red brick warehouses. The sign above one of the doors read RICHMOND IRONWORKS, and in the shadows, two familiar figures crouched. It was Luke, the boy about fourteen, and Thalia, daughter of Zeus, the girl around twelve. They exuded an air of wariness and readiness, their eyes reflecting a life accustomed to danger.
Flashback
Thalia's voice broke the silence, her words tinged with curiosity and caution. "Are you sure?" she asked, her gaze fixed on Luke. The tension hung thick in the air as anticipation gripped them.
Luke nodded, his conviction unwavering. "Something down here. I sense it," he affirmed, his voice carrying a mixture of certainty and intensity. A rumble echoed through the alley, resembling the sound of metal striking metal, and the two half-bloods inched forward, their weapons at the ready.
They approached a stack of old crates on a loading dock, their movements cautious. Behind a curtain of corrugated tin, a presence lurked, causing it to quiver with anticipation. Thalia and Luke exchanged a quick glance, their unspoken communication filling the air. Luke silently counted: One, two, three! In a swift motion, he tore away the tin, revealing a little girl charging towards him with a hammer.
Luke's voice filled with surprise and amusement as he dodged the girl's attack. "Whoa!" he exclaimed, his reflexes saving him from a potentially painful blow. With a swift motion, he grabbed her wrist, causing the hammer to skitter across the cement floor.
The little girl fought against Luke's grip, her voice filled with defiance. "No more monsters! Go away!" she protested, her words punctuated by her determined struggles.
Luke, his voice soothing, attempted to calm her down. "It's okay!" he assured her, his grip firm yet gentle. "Thalia, put your shield up. You're scaring her."
Thalia tapped her shield, and it transformed into a silver bracelet. With a reassuring smile, she addressed the girl. "Hey, it's all right," she said softly. "We're not going to hurt you. I'm Thalia. This is Luke."
Fear mingled with curiosity in the girl's eyes as she regarded them skeptically. "Monsters!" she exclaimed, her voice quivering with uncertainty.
Luke, his voice brimming with honesty and empathy, made a promise to the young girl. "No," he vowed. "But we know all about monsters. We fight them too."
Gradually, the girl's resistance waned, her gaze filled with a mix of curiosity and hope. "You're like me?" she asked, her suspicion giving way to a glimmer of connection.
Luke nodded, a smile lighting up his face. "Yeah," he confirmed. "We're... well, it's hard to explain, but we're monster fighters. Where's your family?"
The girl's voice grew heavy with sadness as she spoke. "My family hates me," she confessed. "They don't want me. I ran away."
Thalia and Luke locked eyes, understanding the girl's pain all too well. Thalia's voice softened as she inquired, "What's your name, kiddo?"
"Annabeth," the girl replied, her voice filled with a mix of vulnerability and longing.
Luke's smile widened, genuine admiration in his eyes. "Nice name. I tell you what, Annabeth—you're pretty fierce. We could use a fighter like you."
Annabeth's eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and excitement. "You could?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.
"Oh, yeah," Luke affirmed. He turned his knife, offering her the handle. "How'd you like a real monster-slaying weapon? This is Celestial bronze. Works a lot better than a hammer."
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Annabeth gripped the hilt of the knife, her eyes shining with determination. Luke proceeded to explain the significance of the knife, its advantages and the cleverness it required to wield it effectively.
"I am!" Annabeth declared, her voice brimming with confidence and pride.
Thalia grinned, a sense of camaraderie forming. "We'd better get going, Annabeth. We have a safe house on the James River. We'll get you some clothes and food."
Annabeth's voice quivered with hope as she sought reassurance. "You're... you're not going to take me back to my family? Promise?
Luke placed a comforting hand on Annabeth's shoulder, his voice filled with determination. "You're part of our family now. And I promise I won't let anything hurt you. I'm not going to fail you like our families did us. Deal?"
The joy in Annabeth's voice was palpable as she sealed the deal. "Deal!" she exclaimed happily, a sense of belonging washing over her.
Thalia's practicality resurfaced as she reminded them of the need to keep moving. "Now, come on," she urged. "We can't stay put for long!"
The scene shifted, and the three demigods raced through the woods, battle-worn and weary. Annabeth, now clad in new clothes, struggled to keep up. Their destination was a white Colonial house belonging to May Castellan, a place that held both memories and danger.
With a mixture of exhaustion and determination, Luke addressed his companions. "All right," he panted. "I'll just sneak in and grab some food and medicine. Wait here."
Thalia's concern was evident as she voiced her reservations. "Luke, are you sure? You swore you'd never come back here. If she catches you—"
"We don't have a choice!" Luke growled, his frustration and resolve intertwining. "They burned our nearest safe house. And you've got to treat that leg wound."
Curiosity seeped into Annabeth's voice as she expressed her amazement. "This is your house?" she marveled.
"It was my house," Luke muttered, bitterness lacing his words. "Believe me, if it wasn't an emergency—"
Annabeth's innocence and yearning for family prompted her to ask another question. "Is your mom really horrible? Can we see her?"
The raw emotion in Luke's voice crackled with pain as he snapped, "No!"
Regret immediately washed over him, and he softened his tone. "I... I'm sorry," he apologized. "Just wait here. I promise everything will be okay. Nothing's going to hurt you. I'll be back—"
A blinding golden flash engulfed the woods, accompanied by a booming voice that sent shivers down their spines. "You should not have come home."
Flashback Over
Percy's legs gave way beneath him, but Annabeth swiftly caught him, concern etching her features. "Percy! What happened?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.
Taking a moment to steady himself, Percy replied, "Did...did you see that?" His eyes darted between Annabeth and Hestia, the weight of the vision still fresh in his mind. Hestia's face remained expressionless, leaving him grappling for answers. He remembered her cryptic words about understanding Luke's family, but the purpose behind the scenes she had shown him eluded him.
Percy muttered, his voice tinged with confusion, "How long was I out?" Annabeth furrowed her brows, her concern deepening. "Percy, you weren't out at all. You just looked at Hestia for like one second and collapsed."
The intensity of everyone's gaze upon him spurred Percy to regain his composure. He couldn't afford to show weakness. The visions held meaning, but his focus had to remain on their mission.
Interrupting the silence, Percy addressed Hestia, trying to maintain a respectful tone. "Um, Lady Hestia, we've come on urgent business. We need to see—"
Before he could finish, a man's voice, the same voice from his vision, interrupted him. The sound sent shivers down Percy's spine. A god materialized beside Hestia, appearing youthful with his salt-and-pepper hair and elfin features. He donned a military pilot's flight suit, adorned with bird's wings on his helmet and boots. In his arm, he cradled a staff entwined with living serpents.
Hestia, sensing the tension, swiftly excused herself, disappearing into a smoky mist. Percy understood her haste. Hermes, the God of Messengers, radiated an aura of displeasure.
"Greetings, Percy," Hermes said, his brow furrowing as annoyance flickered across his face. Percy couldn't help but wonder if Hermes somehow knew about the vision. He longed to ask about the events that had transpired at May Castellan's house, about Luke and his encounter with his father. However, the expression on Hermes' face warned him against it.
With an awkward bow, Percy addressed the god. "Lord Hermes."
In his mind, Percy heard the snarky voice of one of the snakes on Hermes' staff. "Oh, sure, one of the snakes said in my mind. Don't say hi to us. We're just reptiles."
The other snake, apparently named Martha, scolded her companion. "Be polite, George."
Percy, deciding it was best not to engage with the argumentative serpent, responded, "Hello, George. Hey, Martha."
George, never one to back down, inquired, "Did you bring us a rat?"
Martha intervened, chiding her companion, "George, stop it. He's busy!"
Amidst the banter of the snakes, Percy refocused his attention on Hermes. "Um, Hermes," he began, his voice filled with urgency. "We need to talk to Zeus. It's important."
Hermes' eyes turned cold, a steeliness replacing the annoyance. "I am his messenger. May I take a message?" His words hung in the air, and Percy could sense the restlessness among the other demigods behind him. This encounter was not going as planned. Perhaps seeking a private conversation with Hermes could salvage the situation.
A/N: Hey guys! I won't really switch POV like I did in the previous chapter, leaving it on third-person for now. Perhaps you're wondering where our actual protagonist Sebastian is? Well, the time is set during the Battle of Manhattan and don't worry, he'll play a part in it. I've decided to try my hand at focusing on other characters but Sebastian will make an appearance soon ;)