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The trip back to the museum didn't take all that long. Percy made such a journey hastily, and without much issue, for the skeletons that had been chasing after him for so long were very far away. Thanks to the subway and the intricacies therein, he had indeed made it quite far away from them. Without the aid of such large crowds which were usually bothersome, he thought they might just have caught up to him. If they had, he imagined it wouldn't have been a fight he could manage on his own; still, he had to do it. He had given the others a good bit of time to escape, and he would simply have to hope they took advantage of it. There was little to no chance that he'd be doing that again, by the Gods, he knew that he saw one of the skeletons with a gun at its hip. The only reason the thing likely didn't fire was because of how many people were around. If it had done so, who knew what would have happened?
That didn't change Percy's mind about the pelt. Bianca needed it far more than he did. Zoe had chosen the girl, young as she was, and he sort of took it upon himself to make sure she'd be safe. It didn't help that Nico wanted much the same, the young boy even going so far as to extract a promise from Percy — one that he had no intention of breaking, even if it meant harm had to come to him. Any person would have done the same, but he still didn't know just why Zoe had taken the newest Hunter with her instead of one of the other, more seasoned and most definitely older ones. It would have been the safest choice and one that was infinitely wiser.
Percy snorted. He'd heard the quest's prophecy and whilst he had been headed back to the museum so that he could try and find out where they had gone, he'd had a dream. Whether it was truly just that, a dream, or something more, he had next to zero clue. His smart girl would have been able to help him, and if not for her, Grover would have been helpful. He was always at his best when his friends were with him. Regardless, the dream about some old man at the sea had to have some sort of meaning. His mind wouldn't have shown it of its own volition, because it was like Annabeth said; your subconscious can know or realise something that you don't. He wasn't sure how that worked, but he wasn't the smartest of the bunch and so he figured he'd just listen to the girl that was. Maybe if he found the group, he could bring it up to Zoe. Thalia and Bianca were near his age, and so they probably wouldn't know it if he didn't, but Zoe was very old and so if anybody could tell, it would be her… he would just have to find a way to speak with her that wouldn't incite some sort of argument or glare of dislike. She was a very intimidating woman when she wanted to be, and by the Gods, that had to be the vast majority of the time that he'd seen her.
"Is everything alright, young man?"
His attention snapped to the source of the voice and his hand immediately went to his familiar defence mechanism. Percy's first thought was that another being that was after he or the party had stumbled across his path, but it was that same old man from before. That made him narrow his eyes suspiciously despite the earlier kindness, but he didn't withdraw his weapon. The person had shown him kindness, and so Percy would share words with the man again if that was what he wanted to happen.
"I'm just looking for my friends. I left them here…" Percy trailed off, hoping the man would say his name, but the guy smiled at him. It was clear he understood what Percy wanted, but he didn't say anything that would help. He simply nodded his head a few times before he opened his mouth.
"I'm afraid they've headed west aboard a train, where they'll soon find the Sun West Line. If you've not got money for the fair, I could see that taken care of. You'll have to hurry, however, for I fear your friends haven't got much time before they board without you — make haste," the old man threw him a backpack that seemingly came from out of nowhere, and he pointed at the nearest metro entrance. "Go on. I've even packed you some lunch."
Percy blinked, thoroughly confused, but he shrugged and decided he'd roll with it. Whoever was before him clearly wasn't an enemy if he'd helped him twice now, going so far as to point him to where he needed to go and provide funds and food. If the guy was an enemy, he would surely have just picked Percy off since he was alone.
"Thanks," Percy said to the man before he forgot his manners. There wasn't much he could give, but it was really the least he could do. Thenceforth, Percy ran, all but sprinting in the direction of the metro so that he might find his friends and join them again on their journey; he had a feeling there was still much more to go and knowing how prophecies worked, the most dangerous parts had yet to come.
Percy got off the train, the route had ended and he was far away from where he had started. It was queer, being so out in the middle of nowhere, the air was nice and the sky above was free of the light pollution cities had. He could make out each and every star, the vast majority of which he couldn't begin to name. In truth, he'd simply enjoyed looking at them. Studying the consolations and what have you wasn't really something that Percy enjoyed.
He blinked and continued, and it was only ten, maybe twenty minutes later before he happened upon a fire. There were a lot of bodies gathered around it, the majority of which were eating as he'd been doing aboard the train, and the majority of them were those he recognised… in fact, upon closer examination, all of them were recognised by him. The largest was the old man, however, he was dirty and covered in patch-ridden clothes. Gone was his finery, replaced by clothes that looked horrible and likely stank just as bad. Somehow, he'd even managed to grow a bit of a beard too; the thing was very cool-looking.
"Ah, you've finally arrived. I've had my work cut out for me keeping your friends for nearly twenty minutes," the man said when he finally spotted Percy from where he was lingering at the edge of the area. "Come now, Percy, join us by the fire and warm yourself. The Sun West Line will soon leave, and I doubt you'll have much time to eat. All of you have to be exceedingly tired after so long a journey."
The man wasn't wrong. Percy was very tired after all of the running around and fighting the day had seen. It didn't help that he was a bit roughed up too, but he figured his bruises and the various cuts would go away before too much longer passed. He healed fast. What really worried him were the reactions his friends would have, and most of all, Zoe, for she had seemed incredibly cross when he mentioned he could buy them some time. Maybe she even thought he was an idiot that just wanted glory, but that didn't bother him, because that wasn't what he wanted. He simply wanted all of his friends and even those who refused to acknowledge him as such to be safe and cared for. If he had to be hated to accomplish that or put himself at risk to do so, it was worth it. It would always be worth it.
"Percy Jackson," Zoe said, her tone dangerously calm as she rose from her seat and set down her food; the others watched, Grover with his breath held while Thalia looked pensive and Bianca looked ready to intercede on his behalf. It wasn't lost on him that Grover and Bianca each appeared to be exceedingly sad-looking.
"Hi everyone," he said lightly, hoping they all wouldn't be too angry with them. "I lost the skeletons… did you run into any more trouble?"
"They did not," the old man replied, answering for them.
"Silence, Percy, 'tis not the issue at hand," Zoe all but hissed, her eyes narrow as a serpent's and her tone far more hostile than he'd remembered. "Did I not say that you should listen to what I say? Nay, I know for a fact that I said as much, for the words were well-practised and emphasized strongly, and yet thou took it upon himself to flee and act the part of a boy who wishes to die in a fashion that was glorious — you must truly want for your name to be remembered."
"I do—"
"Zo—"
Percy and Thalia — surprisingly — each tried to speak up, but Zoe shook her head and stood firm.
"Nay, I'll not have it. Percy is to be our fifth, and I thought he had been lost. As the quest's head, it is my failure when one of you is wounded or falls, it will be I who speaks with your friends or Camp when I report who fell upon this journey. I wish not to do so, I wish to go against the prophecy so that I might ensure all will see an end that is filled with safety," Zoe looked at Percy, her eyes falling to his companion weapon, and then they went back to Percy's face. "Percy Jackson, the brave fool — you will remain at my side however inconvenient 'twill be for the both of us. I will not have you say otherwise. Doth thou understand clearly and concisely the words with which I speak?"
He didn't like the idea of being ordered about that much, but if that was the cost it took for ensuring his friend's safety, it could be paid. Gods, he bet he'd probably do it again not that he'd say as much aloud. The last thing he needed was to truly be tied upon and put on Grover's back.
"Yeah," Percy responded with a shrug before he smiled at Zoe, moved past her and seated himself next to Grover.
Immediately, his friend hugged him and made a happy-sounding noise.
Bianca didn't hug him, likely on account of Zoe's watchful gaze, but she beamed at him and rubbed something from her eyes. The two were very glad to see him, and even Thalia gave him a nod. One that looked to be grudgingly filled with respect.
"You've got guts, Percy. I'm just happy they didn't end up all over the floor — these two would have been a mess and Zoe would have been annoyed that she would have to explain what happened to you. As for me, well, if you're gone that means the prophecy that weighs on the both of us falls squarely on my shoulders and I'd like it more if it was on yours," Thalia grinned at him when she finished speaking, and before Percy could speak, Zoe did.
"The words you speak are false. Percy, fool that he is, likely has family or others who care for him. If only for their sake, I would be remiss to lose him despite his foolishness and rash actions," Zoe then stood, cast one last look at his person and his weapon, and then she moved away and reversed her seat so that she could only see Bianca.
Percy wasn't sure what her deal was, but he shrugged and looked over at the older man. "You kept them here?"
"I had to ensure they'd not leave without you, and they were very famished. You should eat too, the Sun West Line will arrive soon, and when it does, I do believe you'll not want to eat where you're sleeping. There's nothing quite like the annoying feeling of having crumbs brush against you as you roll around," the old man paused, and after a moment that was filled with him picking his beard, he spoke again. "I believe you have five minutes to wolf down whatever you can, Percy Jackson. After which, you'll all board and go as long as you can; it'll see you all closer to your end goal. I wish you all good fortune, though I might tag along for a portion of the journey. I've not got anything better to do."
Percy looked at the man, truly interested as to who lay below the disguise, and then he huffed. He was still hungry after the earlier snacks, and the man's true identity didn't change that any. He was certain one day, he'd find out who he was anyhow. Maybe by just telling Annabeth everything about him the girl would somehow find out the man's identity or she could narrow it down to a few people.
Who knew?
It had been Apollo. Apollo had aided them time and time again, and in hindsight, it should have been obvious. Nobody else would have interfered half as much as the man had, but it was for Artemis, his sister. They bickered from time to time as all siblings, but his love for her was very clear.
"Are thou still resting, Percy Jackson?"
Percy rolled over and looked over at Zoe, and then he shook his head. The group had left the train a bit ago, but since it was still dark, they'd decided to find a spot of shelter in a cluster of woods and rest. It wasn't lost on any of them that the skeletons were likely — definitely — still chasing after them, but if they ran themselves ragged, that would be even worse. At the end of the day, Percy figured he still had one more run in him, and it'd have to be a marathon this time around if he wanted to buy his friends more time the closer they grew to their destination. If he failed, who knew how the quest would end, and more importantly, what the fates of Annabeth, Artemis and any others that were also taken, would be?
"I'm good," he answered. "Is something the matter?"
Zoe had volunteered to stay awake and take watch. He knew she took her role as the quest's leader very seriously, but he also suspected she didn't quite trust him either. Ah well, he figured. If that was the case, that was fine by him. He knew he wouldn't do anything bad, and if she wanted to let him sleep a few times to prove that, he was more than happy to oblige; he'd take the shifts later when there wasn't that need to watch over him with the eyes of an eagle.
"Nay, all is well, save for your actions which I hope not to see repeated. 'Tis the reason I woke you. I wish to speak with you," Zoe looked around, her voice soft but still with that edge that she gave whensoever she spoke to any of the boys at camp, him included; Grover was spared from it since he was a satyr… he wasn't sure why that was but he was happy for his friend that Zoe could act normally around him.
Percy got up a bit, stretched his arms and took a cursory glance around. He could make out a sign that had bullet holes in it. It read 'Welcome to New Mexico' and looked very old, but not old enough that it wasn't made from tin or whatever the metal was that they used for those things. He wasn't too thrilled about the idea of people shooting into the woods either, not when they were currently resting in them.
"I won't do anything that you think is stupid… I think. I'm really not trying to get myself killed or have my name put in a history book or tale, either. I just want everybody to be safe, you know?" Percy sat up and moved away from her a few feet when he saw her shift uneasily, again, her eyes falling to his weapon, Riptide. He remembered a dream he'd only just had with the girl that looked like her, but he figured it could be a relative of hers or maybe somebody not remotely related; how could he know? "I know the prophecy, or rather, how it goes. I'd rather all of you stay safe, I'm confident I could find my way back home if I get lost — I want to change it too, like you. I wish I could change all of the dangerous-sounding or worrying prophecies."
Zoe looked down. "'Tis a hard thing to do," it sounded as if she spoke from experience.
"Riptide," he said abruptly. "I saw it and maybe somebody like you, your family I mean, in a dream. You've kept looking at it too, maybe when you thought I wasn't paying attention… is there a story there."
"One could say there's a tale about it, yes," Zoe said reluctantly and without so much as giving one tiny detail away.
"You won't tell me yet, will you?" he guessed. It was something he'd gotten a bit better with. Annabeth was the main reason, but he liked to think he wasn't as bad at dealing with people as he'd once been. It was pretty hard to be.
"Nay, I will not. It is a tale for another time, I only wished to put my mind to rest and hear from you again that you'll not be reckless. Thou might think that I hate you, but it is not… you are not the reason for my extreme dislike, I promise you that. Others are, and in time, when all is settled with our prophecy, I will share with you the tale of your 'riptide' as you call it — allow me to say that is not its true name," Zoe paused, her head cocked to the side, and it was then that she barked out an order, loud and alert, for all to rise.
Percy wondered for a few moments why that was, for he had noticed nothing, and then he saw them approaching from nearly every direction. It seemed that Zoe had noticed them or perceived them somehow, and it forced their hands; the skeletons had caught up, and this time, in the wilderness as they were, they had guns equipped. Percy imagined they would fire them even if he wished that wasn't the case.
He turned to wake Grover, and when he did, he saw another that had somehow managed to grow closer than all of the others. That forced Percy's hand, and so he withdrew Riptide and activated it. He would have to hope he was quick enough and proficient enough to deflect a bullet should some be fired, and he couldn't have been more thankful that he had provided Bianca with the gift of the pelt as he had. It put his mind to ease that the youngest and possibly least ready for a fight such as the one they now found themselves in was safe.
"No," Zoe said, shaking her head, her eyes on the small acute angle where none of the skeletons was present as they continued moving forward to encircle the group; they were hesitating shooting, and so Percy figured they might be trying to capture them. If that was the case, escape was far more possible. It was still fairly unlikely, for he doubted the guns were entirely for show. Finally, as the others were all roused and starting to move low to the ground, Zoe spoke again, loudly and as she took off at a sprint. "Go!"
Percy tore off, all of the others did too, and the skeletons weren't too far behind. More seemed to appear from behind various trees and boulders, and after a few seconds, he heard the booms he had hoped he wouldn't hear. It wasn't even a second later when he heard a whistle go by him, and that made it far more real than it'd been thus far. He risked a glance over his shoulder and when he did, he saw only one person behind him, the fearless leader of their group, Zoe. She was trailing behind purposefully, she had to be, for he had seen her quickness in action before. Despite the danger of the guns the skeletons were taking careful shots with, she truly was ensuring that none fell behind her; maybe she was relying too heavily on the very prophecy she was hoping to counter.
One by a Father and another would be lost; there was nothing about being outright murdered by skeletons, and unless lost meant figuratively lost… no, Percy doubted that. He was just being a seaweed brain as usual.
Then it happened, he saw Bianca fall before him not even a second after another 'boom' from a pistol sounded. Percy knew how dangerous and lethal guns could be, he knew what could happen if she had been shot. He felt his heart sink, maybe it even stopped beating. All he could do was race towards her and when he got to Bianca, there was another person at his side whilst he spotted Grover and Thalia continue, the latter ready for a fight. That meant it had to be Zoe, but he wasn't turning to look at her. What truly mattered was Bianca, and so long as Zoe didn't fall beside him, he had to focus on getting the younger girl out and away from any sort of trouble. It was a good sign when he noticed a distinct lack of blood; if there had been some present, he wouldn't have known what to do. Annabeth was the one that knew what to do in that type of scenario… maybe Zoe did too though.
"Go, Percy," Zoe urged, but instead of grabbing Bianca up, he passed her into Zoe's arms and pushed her away, in the direction that the other two had run. Riptide came out shortly thereafter, and Percy moved to stand as a shield behind Zoe as she moved a still winded and semi-incapacitated Bianca.
"You take Bianca, I'll be right behind you — don't worry, it's nothing stupid. Promise," Percy hoped she couldn't see him crossing his fingers, he hated lying, but he had to make sure they could all get away alright.
Maybe if he were lucky, he could deflect every bullet they fired at him. It was a challenge for sure, but there was still the chance that he could manage it. He'd accomplished crazier, luckier feats before. Sure enough, when another bullet was fired by the advancing skeletons, Percy swung his sword around and managed to connect with one. He hadn't expected it to happen, and more than that, he hadn't expected to send it away from him; Riptide was incredibly powerful and wasn't so much as scratched by the mundane bullet.
After that bullet was deflected, be it luckily or with skill, Percy chanced a look over his shoulder and saw that Bianca as well as Zoe were well away from where they previously had been. He decided to follow after them and quickly at that. His job had been done and well at that. The skeletons weren't all that dangerous, apparently, and their accuracy seemed to leave a lot to be desired. What they made up for with a lack of true danger, however, was speed. They were unrelenting and fast, and regardless of how far they seemed to go, the skeletons didn't cease their chase. Something would have to change. Unlike the skeletons, Percy and his friends would grow tired, and if that happened, which it would very soon, the chance that one of them would get lost or fall by other means, perhaps an errant father, would increase.
"We can't continue," Thalia said. "Grover's tired and Bianca's not regained her wits since she was shot — good on you, Percy, giving her the pelt. I bet she'd have really gotten hurt if you hadn't."
"Tha—nks, Percy," Bianca hiccuped, out of breath and completely unable to gather her bearings.
Zoe gave him a very small round of applause, one that sounded sarcastic, or as sarcastic as clapping could, and then she pushed them onwards, speaking as she did so. "Yes, Percy was kind and it saved a life, yet the problems remain behind us and block the path forward. It is necessary that we fight them. They cannot be destroyed to my knowledge, 'tis true, but mayhaps we could manage to trick and confine them. It is the best bet that we have at the present."
"They have guns," Thalia emphasized, as if it was obvious they couldn't take the skeletons and shouldn't try.
"And we are beyond them in every other way. 'Tis only their regeneration, and their lack of brains more than makes up for that. Come, now, they're close behind and we can't dall—"
They had lingered too long, or maybe they hadn't been able to perceive it. Percy and Zoe snapped their heads in the direction of the branch that had made a noise, and there stood a skeleton, and with it, a gun in its hand that was aimed at the group. Percy did the only thing that he could think to do. He did so without thinking as if his mind was on auto-pilot, and in a way, when it came to those he cared about even remotely, it was on auto-pilot.
Percy jumped before Zoe, the Hunter trying to pull him away as he did so, and in his shoulder, he felt a searing pain. There was a wetness that followed, one that was both queer and sticky. His friends gathered round, he felt as dazed as Bianca had looked, and then, Grover looked giddy, very giddy. Percy couldn't put words to the wind, and he didn't have to, as it turned out, for a great large boar leapt over them from the direction Grover had looked. The creature was magnificent, and it tore asunder the single skeleton that had acted the part of a scout. Grover started toward it when the creature was finished, and where Percy might urge caution to his friend, there didn't seem to be a need to. It acted as a giant dog might, and within seconds, far faster than Percy could comprehend, all of them were seated atop the great boar and it tore off just as quickly as it had arrived.
When that happened and the safety of everybody was ascertained, only then did he allow the call of sleep to take him. The others were safe, and he'd not done anything too foolish.
Thank the Gods.
Percy rose from what had felt like a very deep, restful sleep, but in reality, not more than a few hours seemed to have passed while he had been out. He still felt horrible, the pain was worse than he would have thought, but he could continue on. Nothing would stop him before he found Annabeth, and nothing would stop him from continuing on the quest with his friends and companions. He was able to raise himself, and when he did, he took a glance around his surroundings. There wasn't much of anything to see. He was resting atop some jackets that his friends had probably found, and there was a blanket pulled over him; he did notice with a bit of moving around that he lacked a shirt. Somebody had taken it off and after doing so, bandaged his torso. He doubted it was Bianca or Grover, which left only Thalia or Zoe. Only those two seemed to have the experience and knowledge to do so. Annabeth probably would have too… Percy wrinkled his nose when a foul-smelling scent struck it. There was something attached to the makeshift bandage. It seemed to be a mixture of plants that had been destroyed and turned into a paste, and by the Gods did they smell horrible.
Zoe, he thought. Only she knows how to do all of that with the leaves and herbs and stuff. Well, maybe Grover helped her, but she's hundreds of years old so I'd bet it was her. I'll have to thank her after.
"You're awake!" It was Grover's voice, and not even a second later, the boy was by Percy's side with water and doughnuts that were covered in pink frosting and sprinkles. Percy wasn't sure where his friend had found them, but he was very thankful for the meal.
"I'm awake," Percy said with a laugh and grin as he patted Grover on the back. "You didn't think I was done for, did you?"
Grover shook his head stubbornly, though there did seem to be some level of concern or what have you on the other boy's face. Whatever it was went away quickly, and it was replaced by a smile that matched Percy's own. "You could survive everything. If it was our first quest again, then I'd be worried. I'm just glad you're alright, Percy — Pan saved us! I told you it was Pan. He sent the boar and got us away from the skeletons after it destroyed the one that shot you."
At that, Percy blinked. He vaguely remembered a large creature that destroyed a skeleton. He had been a bit out of it when the thing had arrived, but Grover had said earlier that same day that he'd felt Pan. Zoe didn't seem to believe him, nobody really did, not even when they were back at camp. Pan had been missing for a very long time and few, if any, had reported that they'd felt his influence. The fact that Grover had swooned when he'd felt it and again only moments before the arrival of the boar… maybe Pan really was out there, alive and aiding them on their journey. It would be welcome, without a doubt. Any help would be, in truth. This quest had already proven to be more difficult than they'd thought it would be. Gods, who would have thought skeletons with guns could be so terrifying? Percy was just lucky they had the aim of stormtroopers. If they didn't, he'd have been a goner for sure.
"We have to find him," Grover said, calmer now, but with steel in his voice that was uncommon of the boy.
Percy nodded. He knew how important finding Pan and just about anything else involving Pan was for Grover, but really, it wasn't the priority. They were on a quest that had to save Artemis and Zoe, and if they weren't careful — and although it was more than likely futile — they wanted to try and prevent the death and loss from occurring. Percy knew to do so would be exceedingly difficult if not outright possible. There were always greater powers at work when it came to the stupid prophecies that all too often ruined lives.
"We'll find Pan after the quest, I promise," Percy said. "I'll go with you, we can get Annabeth to come and we'll find him. We'll have to thank him for saving our hides, after all. Without that boar, I think we'd be in a lot of trouble."
Grover nodded. Without a doubt, Percy knew that his friend agreed. Pan had saved their lives back then. That wouldn't be forgotten, not even if Percy and his friends were just teenagers. One day they'd be stronger, more powerful and in a far better way to pay that kindness back.
"Satyr. Bianca requires your assistance."
The voice belonged to Zoe, and it had its usual cool indifference with that accent he couldn't place. It was obviously of an old-timey variety and told him that English was not her first language. Not with how she spoke it and how often she complained about its rapid changes and evolutions. He didn't dislike it though. It sounded pretty cool whenever he heard it, the only thing that could grate him was her attitude. She could be pretty weird sometimes, and rude too. He only wished she'd treat Grover better and use his name even if she di—
"You should stay resting. It would not do if thou exerted too early, lest the bandages I placed and the medicine I made fail in their tasks — you failed to adhere to your promise as well, I noticed. The bullet was meant for me, and yet, it was you that took it before the skeleton would slay me. Tell me, what purpose would you have at so young an age to do so? I have lived for time immeasurable to my mind, and you are as a freshly planted flower that has not reached full bloom once," Zoe cocked her head at her and her words, which had started heated, turned curious as if she was trying and failing to understand him. "I mean no offence, Percy, you are an enigma that cannot be cracked."
"I do everything I can to make sure everybody stays healthy and alive. I didn't even think if I'm honest. It was just what I had to do — I survived, how could I know if you would? You're the one that knows how to bandage people and how to dress wounds. I don't know if anybody else knows how to do that," Percy looked pointedly down at the bit of the bandage that poked up from under the blanket. Sure, it looked very makeshift and the medicine she'd made had stunk, but it was far, far better than anything he would have managed. It wasn't even a competition.
"Thou would have managed fine, for I have heard of your abilities and the trait that you have to improvise and luck your way out of many a problem when they arrive," Zoe said, those words as much a compliment as he thought he'd ever get from her. She leaned forward, cautious and with her eyes on him the entire time, and slowly she began to examine the wound with a hawkish gaze. "The pain is severe?"
He shook his head. "No."
"Then my Lady's teachings still prove fruitful. You are among one of the only menfolk to ever be treated by such magic, it is a great honour and one that you should count yourself very lucky to receive… I confess it was the least I could do for though after risking life and limb for my own wellbeing," Zoe withdrew quickly afterwards, her eyes elsewhere and her mind seemingly on the same page.
"Everybody else is fine?" Percy pushed, watching her as she took a few hasty steps away before she turned back around to look at him.
"All is well, Percy Jackson. Fret not, for they are in my care and we all appear to be in yours. Rest, now, and let the wonders of medicine, blessings and your body function unimpeded. I fear you will take quite a long time to fully recover, and time is a resource we do have not the luxury to waste."
Zoe left then. She didn't so much as turn around to look at him, but her steps were louder and less silent than was normal for her. For whatever reason, she seemed confused, truly confused. He would push her to tell him the story of the blade sometime soon, and hopefully, he could begin to understand her inherent dislike for all men.
Percy yawned, closed his eyes, and lounged back into the cushion the many jackets under him provided. He would get a bit of a nap if he could. That would have to help him recover and the dull soreness dampened by whatever it was that Zoe did, would have to go away too. By the Gods did he wish the smell would leave as well…
Percy and the group were well on their way, again, atop the great Boar. It was a bumpy journey at a pace that, if one of them fell off, would likely prove very bad for them. Luckily, the creature was cautious and caring in how it moved, and the odds, as a result, that anything unfortunate would happen were exceedingly slim. The Boar, Pan's creature and loyal partner, seemed very intelligent for what it was.
It was no surprise that Grover seemed very pleased for the duration of the journey, and, of course, no surprise that Zoe and Bianca sat as far away from him as they could. Bianca still stole glances with a worried, thankful expression despite her gingerness; the pelt had stopped any damage, but she still had a bit of a bruise. As for Zoe, she too looked at Percy when she hoped he wouldn't notice. He was far more curious about her reason than he was about Bianca's. Bianca was a nice person and wanted to repay his kindness even though he'd said a few times already that there was nothing to repay. Zoe just seemed strange, or rather, stranger than she'd previously been before they'd really gotten to know one another.
Percy nodded to himself, resolute in what he wanted to do. He slid closer atop the Boar as it sprinted them in a direction that Pan seemed to determine was vital for their journey, and as he did, he received no sharp rebuke from Zoe, only a wary gaze; Bianca hadn't noticed his movements at all. If she had, on that off chance, she was content to keep her eyes forward as the Boar sprinted through the undergrowth, expertly dodging pools of mud, deep gorges and fallen timber whensoever he came across those obstacles. It made Percy very jealous that the Boar would answer, in a way, to Grover… but that jealousy lasted for all of a second before he smiled and thought about his friend. It was about time something went well for Grover. Really, the boy deserved so much after all he'd done and been through across their various quests, this one included.
"All is well, Percy? Mayhaps you're in pain again?" Zoe asked, her head cocked to the side as her eyes zeroed in on his shoulder, before they drifted downwards, to where Riptide was.
"No," he said, shaking his head and looking at Riptide as she'd done. Percy did so for a moment, and then their eyes met. He saw recollection and a flash of something else in her eyes. "I was hoping while we're riding you could tell me the story of Riptide."
"Anaklusmos," Zoe responded, her tone noticeably bitter, though he couldn't tell if it was meant to be directed at him, the sword itself or some unknown third party. He was garbage when it came to reading people in general, but girls only made it harder. Especially ones that were as old as she was.
"Anaklusmos," Percy said, and without a doubt, he messed up the pronunciation. When she'd said it, the sword had sounded beautiful and her accent made sense. "You're very familiar with it… if it was yours, you can have it back. I wouldn't want to seem like I stole it from you," he went so far as to reach for it, but Zoe shook her head sharply, her eyes now narrowed.
"There is no need for that, Percy Jackson," Zoe responded. "As of now, 'tis thou's possession. I would not make you part with it after the ability you've shown with it — you will not let the tale linger, will you? I have known a man as persistent as you before."
Yup, Percy thought at her lattermost words. She's definitely bitter about somebody, or some guy. Maybe pressing for the story wasn't a great idea.
He swallowed, smiled at her in a way that he hoped was peaceful or what have you, and shook his head. "I don't want to bother you if the story's that rough. We could forget about it… thanks, by the way. I don't think I ever thanked you for the bandage, or the medicine, or not leaving me while I was wounded — I wasn't meant to be here, but I had to be."
"You are the fifth. It is not my part to remove you from this quest," Zoe said simply as if no thanks were necessary; when he looked closer, she seemed to have a very slight, almost imperceivable smile on her face. She had liked the fact that he'd thanked her, evidently. Maybe, just maybe, she was finally warming up to him. And to think it'd only taken a bullet. "I will tell to you the tale of Anaklusmos, but you will not speak over me, and when I say no further questions, thou will agree. Swear to it by all of the Gods, Percy Jackson. 'Tis a story I wish not to repeat, much less speak at length about, 'tis only for your efforts that I'll entertain you."
Percy swore upon it immediately. He wouldn't let the chance go to waste. Not if he could get her to tell him where Riptide — Anaklusmos — truly came from and why he'd dreamt of her. Obviously, he didn't hate Zoe or any of her Hunters that followed Artemis, but they could be nicer. Then again, he felt like that went without saying. They were all like Annabeth in a way, albeit knowledgeable about wounds and medicine and the fact that they all seemed so knowledgeable. She must really be a smart girl if she could keep up with other girls that were hundreds or thousands of years old.
I'll tell her that when we save her, Percy promised internally.
"Very well," Zoe said with a nod that seemed resigned, and yet, without malice or anger. The closer he looked, the more he saw a tired, drained person and less of a mean-spirited girl that hated the world. "Before my Lady Artemis allowed me to join her, I lived in bliss with my family. We seldom fought one another, and all too oft we played around trees and the forest under the guard of one another and more. 'Twas a beautiful existence without strife that mortals too oft bring about. One day, like all tales, an adventurer happened upon us on a quest. He desired a golden apple, one that was familiar to my sisters and I, and to get it, he was charming, very charming, and I believed that he fancied me as I had fancied him at the time — I was girlish, and I was a fool to think he could feel affection for one such as I. His charm was nought but for tips on how to defeat my father, and before he left, I granted to him a boon, a token of my affection for he had promised to return for me when his quest was finished. That is how your Riptide is familiar to me, and why I scorn it so. I would not see it returned to my possession save for the chance to destroy it and the memory of the man who turned my family against me. If not for him, I would be with my sisters rather than in exile. 'Tis the reason I became a Hunter, for my Lady Artemis happened upon me whilst she hunted over two and a thousand years ago. I joined her, and in turn, I had new sisters, a new family, and here is how I have been and lived for as long as I can recall. Riptide, as you've named it, is yours. I only hope your fate is not to grow into a man such as the one who deceived me and many others, yet I recognise that all such as you have the possibility for it to happen. No questions, Percy Jackson. The tale has soured my mood and lest your injuries turn sour or grievous, I wish not to speak for the remainder of the day."
Percy swallowed. He felt bad for Zoe. Very bad. There was nothing he could say and nothing that she wanted him to say. So, he did all that he could. He promised quietly, solemnly, that he would not be a man that deceived others with kind hearts. Whoever the man was, Percy would not end up like him.
As he scooched back over to Grover, his earlier questions about her hatred for men and her dislike of the sword, and finally, her dislike of him, were answered in their entirety. In Zoe's eyes, she saw not him, but the man who'd taken far too much from her.
If he were in his shoes, he knew he'd have trouble seeing anything different either.
"Percy," somebody said as he felt himself get nudged and pushed, his body rocking on… the ground?
Slowly, with sleep crust in his eyes and a sore neck, Percy rose. When he did, that familiar scent of the medicine struck his nose, but it was tamer as if he were actually getting used to it. The pain was almost entirely gone too, and when he looked closer, the bandage was clean. There was no dried blood of any kind and no extra medicine that had smeared around the wound and seeped through the bandage. While he had been asleep, Zoe had tended to him again; she never did so whilst he was awake.
He rubbed the gunk from his eyes and blinked rapidly to fix his vision, and when he did, he saw Thalia looking down at him, amusement on her face. "Great," she said, sounding pleased and rather chipper. "You're still alive. We're taking a bit of a break here before we enter that Junkyard over yonder — great word, that, isn't it? — anyways, we're prob— oh, not them," Thalia practically whined.
Percy turned around, and when he did, he saw two of the last people he thought he'd see during the quest to save Artemis and Annabeth, his favourite smart girl. Ares, ever the gruff-looking, leather-wearing God of War, was seated in a car that had no place being in the desert and next to him, beautiful as ever, was Aphrodite. She was smiling at him, and while most men would be happy, Percy could only swallow. He really didn't like her, and he liked Ares even less; Thalia's early 'not them' made a lot of sense and he couldn't help but let out a little chuckle. She seemed to dislike those two Gods as much as he did.
"Percy~" Aphrodite called, her voice melodic and dripping with honey as one finger beckoned him over to where she sat beside Ares.
I really don't want to go over there. Couldn't they get one of the oth—
Percy felt Thalia kick his boot, and when their eyes connected, she grinned before promptly darting away, to where the others were. He'd get her back for that he thought as he slowly and carefully rose to his feet. He had half a mind to drag his feet on his way over to Aphrodite, but that wouldn't help. It would only delay the inevitable and that was pointless to do when it came to her and Ares. Gods, knowing Ares and how well he and Percy got along, the God of War might just go and retrieve Percy himself if he thought he was taking too long. Thus, Percy moved quickly, deciding that the sooner it was over, the better. Aphrodite wasn't the brightest of the Gods, not by a long shot, and so what could she have to say to him that would be beneficial in any capacity?
"Aww," Aphrodite cooed when he was standing outside of her door, the sports car being roofless and her window down so that she could reach out and brush a dainty hand across the bandage, ragged as it was. "You were wounded, you brave boy — did it happen whilst you saved one of your female compatriots?"
He nodded. There wasn't any reason to lie, and after he nodded, he took a half-step back so that her hand couldn't touch him again. Something about Aphrodite simply set him on edge, and so he wanted to remain polite, but also distant lest he angers the mammoth of a man that was watching him from the driver's seat.
"You poor thing, I do so hope the woman you save gave you a kiss in thanks. Oh, yes, it'd make for a wonderful love story," Aphrodite smiled and wiggled in her seat, a blush striking her cheeks that made her more beautiful and more nervous to be around. "I could see it now, poor Athena's daughter competing for the affection of Poseidon's son — was it Zeus' daughter? Oh, more scandalous than that, I think. It was one of little Artemis' Hunters, wasn't it? Did they hit you with an arrow of love as Cupid might?"
Percy huffed. He wanted away from her.
Aphrodite tutted at him. "Do lighten up, Percy. Love is a wonderful thing, and with how much I like you handsome, young hero types, I imagine I'll take quite an active role in your affairs… perhaps just the one affair if what I'm seeing is true. Oh, I can see it now, how scandalous, how much work will have to be done," Aphrodite smiled as if she were in a state of bliss, and then, her expression turned serious so suddenly he thought he'd missed something when he'd blinked.
"Is something wrong?" he queried, his eyes searching their surroundings; he wasn't sure why she'd be nervous, least of all with Ares next to her, but he knew he should be cautious. Who knew where the skeletons were or how far behind them they remained?
Aphrodite pointed one of her soft-looking, small and dainty hands at the entrance of the Junkyard. "I'm aware better than most the number of creations, junk, that lay within that yard. You must tread carefully, Percy Jackson. I would be so displeased if you fell before I could play with you."
Something dangerous is ahead of us, then. That has to be the reason she came here… well, that and to taunt me or threaten me about my love life, I guess. Gods, the Gods can be bothersome.
Aphrodite smiled brightly at him then, perfect teeth formed and her freckles — were they new? — dancing on her face. "I believe we'll meet again, and soon. Remember what I said, Percy. I'll have a lot of fun with you and do watch out for any stray berries."
Percy couldn't even ask what that was supposed to mean before Aphrodite was off, gone in but a blink of an eye with Ares too; he was thankful that, at the very least, he hadn't had to speak with the God of War. The man was always very annoying and looking for a fight, and Percy wasn't able to take him on just yet.
Maybe in the future. He could always hope.
Percy blinked at Zoe's words. They weren't very strategic as she usually was, but at least she'd given a warning. As he figured, she knew a little bit about everything, but he wondered just why she or the Hunters or even Artemis herself knew about the place. It didn't seem like it was on their top one hundred list of destinations to hunt in. Really, it was a desert with a bunch of garbage discarded by Aphrodite's husband… not Ares either, but everybody knew she was a pretty promiscuous Goddess; thanks Annabeth for that word and its meaning.
"Don't touch anything? Easy enough," Thalia said with a shrug after Zoe emphasized that and Percy agreed, sharing the words Aphrodite had told him. Well, some of them. He explained that even she had advised great caution, that there was danger ahead. If that was the case, there had to be some scary things in the junkyard.
Zoe had said much the same, albeit in her old-timey fashion and with the use of the word malfunction. When she said that, it made it clearer for those in the group that needed the clarification — junkyard didn't mean everything was trash and broken, it meant that it could simply be a malfunctioning item that wasn't worth the time or effort to repair. That, in and of itself, meant it was dangerous if a God decided simply to throw it away.
When they all agreed twice over not to touch anything and to be exceedingly careful to the point of not so much as stepping on anything, not one piece of metal, only then did they enter the Junkyard. It was incredibly eerie too, for as soon as they entered, there seemed to be a cloud of underlying dust that never went away. Through it, one could see giant behemoths made of metal, ruined scrap, vehicles, automatons and just about any other mechanic item one could think of. There were toys too, and Percy watched as one, in particular, caught Bianca's eyes, but when he stumbled and groaned, his shoulder aching in the process, she moved closer to him with concern in her eyes, her 'prize' forgotten.
"Is everything alright, Percy? Do you need to rest for a minute or two?" Bianca asked, her words kind and her expression matching.
He shook his head and rolled his neck, making sure that his shoulder didn't follow. It felt stiff, but if he moved it, the pain only flared up. Maybe when they were out, he could have Zoe take a look at it while he was awake and maybe get rid of the pain in the process. He was thankful for her help, but whatever she did seldom lasted the entire time he was awake.
"How're you doing, Bianca? Really, I mean," Percy asked, happy to converse with her while the others moved forward. He hadn't had the chance to speak with her alone for some time, and his concern hadn't been alleviated from when he'd seen a bullet strike her.
Bianca blushed and looked at the sandy ground. "I'm fi—"
There was a loud, creaking and moaning crash from ahead. Something had moved, and Grover had yelped.
Percy reached for Riptide.