PART 1: THE CITY OF GOLD
CHAPTER 4: A Team Is Designated
Percy made his way to the throne room of the gods. It had been less than 24 hours since he had addressed the council and seemingly they had made their decision. The majority of forges on Olympus were lit, and sound of metal clanging rang through the streets.
When Percy finally reached the throne room, the Gods were all seated, each with their respective symbol of power, by their side. Percy walked to the center of the room before kneeling in front of Poseidon.
Zeus cleared his throat and then spoke "We have called you back as we would like for you to partake on this mission. Accompanying you will be Lady Artemis. We are confident that the army originated somewhere in Yellowstone. However you will have to search the place until you find their base. Unfortunately we are not entirely sure who is behind the attack."
Percy looked at Zeus in confusion "Hold on, just because I suggested the idea doesn't mean I should be a part of it. I am supposed to start University soon, I really don't think I can deal with this."
"Perseus we don't want you to have to fight again, however you are the most highly skilled warriors we have, and in case that they do catch on, you would be one of the few capable of fighting your way out."
"Look, that's cool and all but when I got attacked one of them specifically said that they had came for me. That means that if I go to their base, I am giving them exactly what they want, there they will have their whole army and if they want me dead, me being 'a highly skilled warrior' isn't going to save me from hundreds of monsters and men." Percy exclaimed in frustration.
"No it won't but being an immortal will." Zeus said simply "We are granting you this gift, which will keep you alive."
Percy scowled "I don't know how being immortal helps if my head gets cut off."
"You would reform within a few days, we do want to avoid that because you would reform in Tartarus, and from there its the whole issue of getting out." Zeus told him.
"You think I want to land up in Tartarus again?" Percy asked in disgust "And didn't I already decline your offer of godhood?"
Athena interjected "The moment the mission is complete we can revoke your immortality, if that is what you desire. We also have reason to believe that there is an entrance close to their base, near the reform point in Tartarus."
Their plan suddenly hit Percy, "Wait, you are counting on me dying and then entering their base through the pit?"
Athena gave a slight smile "I am impressed you caught on so quickly, it was the plan with the highest chance of success, however some of us were against it, such as of course Poseidon and surprisingly Hera. To make this easier for both you and Artemis, the hunters will follow closely behind so that once you have infiltrated, you can let them in and destroy the enemy at their own base. All of us Olympians will also arrive once the fighting starts, as should someone such as a Primordial be behind the attacks then it will not be possible for a single goddess and a demigod to defeat them."
Percy nodded "And if I refuse to partake in this, and toss the burden to someone else?"
"We don't really have a consequence but just know that if it is unsuccessful you will have to fight, and remember that if you do this it will most likely keep all of your friends away from the battle." Athena reminded him, obviously trying to trigger his fatal flaw.
Percy sighed "Okay, when do we leave?"
* * * * * FRAGMENTS - PART ONE * * * * *
Percy picked up a backpack from his bed, enough clothes for a few days as well as a lot of ambrosia, a whole carton of nectar and a bag filled with blue cookies. Riptide was in his pocket and his shield on his wrist. He exited the Poseidon Cabin and made his way to the big house. Annabeth stood on the deck talking to Chiron, the centaur with a troubled look on his face.
"What happened?" Percy asked, putting his hands on the wooden rail.
"We fear that this was just the first of many and I don't believe that the campers are prepared for another war." Chiron explained "Hopefully you are successful on your mission and no one else has to fight."
Percy nodded, "That would be ideal, now I do unfortunately need to go to Olympus to become an immortal, at least temporarily, before we can leave."
Annabeth nodded sadly and the two demigods embraced. Percy kissed her softly before walking towards the hill and leaving the camp. Once he reached the base of the hill he threw out a drachma onto the road and car whizzed over the road before halting abruptly in front of him.
"The Grey Sisters." a sinister voice said, and Percy opened the door and entered the car. "Empire State Building please."
The sister with eye grinned maniacally at him "Very well son of Poseidon, going to get your life extended are you?"
Percy shrugged his shoulders "Do you have any advice for me?"
After a long pause one of the other sisters replied "The city is not what it seems."
Percy stared at her in confusion. The statement had made no sense at all to him, what city was she talking about? If this was about Manhattan, the place where they were dropping him off, what did they think was wrong with it? If it was some other place, how did they expect him to know what they were talking about? "What city?" he voiced aloud.
The car suddenly braked and he looked around in surprise, they were already at his destination. The door automatically opened.
"What city are you talking about?" He asked again, this time to no response, he sighed before exiting the car and making his way into the building.
Without a word, the security guard passed him a golden card, and sent him towards the elevator. It wasn't long before Percy was once again on Olympus and making his way to the Throne Room.
"Lord Zeus." Percy said, kneeling once again.
"Perseus, I trust you are ready?" Zeus asked.
"I am." replied the boy.
There was some murmuring in ancient greek through out a portion of the council, followed by a bright flash. Percy collapsed to the ground before sitting up slowly.
"So this is what it feels like to be immortal?"