Ch6
The last few hours for Percy Jackson were definitely something and he felt as if everything he knew in life was wrong. From his teacher being a centaur, his friend a satyr, Greek Gods being real, oh and his mother is potentially dead or captured. Honestly, he couldn't really stand many more surprises thought at the same time he didn't really mind.
Chiron had just shown him around a bit before showing him to the Hermes Cabin, "Ah Magnus could you finish giving you Percy a tour?" Chiron asked a kid who was around his age with blonde hair. He and the blonde kid looked each other over, he reminded him a little of that girl. The kid wore an orange shirt (like everyone else here), a necklace with a few beads, and was pretty skinny and looked as if he were starting to grow out his blonde hair.
The blonde kid nodded, "Sure Chiron I am not doing anything." He then turned to him and gave him a small smile, "Magnus Chase nice to meet you."
"Percy Jackson," he said. Man his hand feels so much stronger than mine but he seems friendly. "Hey are you related to that Annabeth girl I ran into earlier?"
"Yes Percy they are cousins," Chiron said. "Magnus I trust you to show him around the place. Have you seen Luke?"
He noticed Magnus's face contort a bit, "No I haven't he probably is doing something."
"Ok no matter make sure you introduce him to Percy since he is the cabin counselor," Chiron said.
"I will sir don't worry," Magnus said. With that Chiron said goodbye to Percy leaving him with the blonde boy.
"Well Luke is the cabin counselor but he isn't here now," Magnus explained as he showed him around the cabin. "Us unclaimed are in this area, we use sleeping bags. Watch out for your stuff," he warned.
"Are you a son of Hermes?"
Magnus laughed and shook his head, "No but I get that a lot, Apollo too sometimes but I am unclaimed."
Percy was taken aback by that fact, "You don't know your Godly parent? How long have you been here?"
"A few years but I don't really care. So how about I show you around some more?" Magnus said as he walked him outside the cabin.
He was dumbstruck that Magnus didn't know who his father was but he decided not to press the issue. As they exited the cabin they were met by Annabeth, "Hey Magnus are you showing Percy around?" She asked. Percy stared at Annabeth, and then at Magnus, they both looked like siblings especially with the matching orange shirts though Magnus seemed to be a bit friendlier.
"Yeah did you want to join us?" Magnus asked as they walked down some pavilions.
"Sure I don't mind helping," Annabeth said with a smile.
Percy listened to both of them explain about the various things about the camp from schedules to explaining about the various buildings. It was a lot to take in especially with the fact that he was in an entirely new world.
Everything was entirely good until this big ugly girl came in front of them, "Oh look it's a newbie," she snarled, the girl and her friends looked ugly and mean.
"Clarisse why don't you go play with your spear or something," Annabeth said rolling her eyes.
"Sure so I can run it through you and your unclaimed cousin this Friday?" Clarisse sneered causing her friends to laugh with her.
"Well that is if you can hold it with your big cow arms," Magnus retorted before calling her a ducking cow, but he didn't say ducking. Percy snickered as he watched Annabeth shoot her cousin a look.
"Newbie you find something funny? I bet you will remain unclaimed just like this loser who has been stuck in Hermes for years," Clarisse said in a threatening tone while pointing at Magnus.
Annabeth sighed, "Percy this is Clarisse daughter of Ares."
"Well it explains her bad attitude," Percy said not wanting to be pushed around on his first day. "I mean I just met her and I can tell that her personality is like cow manure mixed with my stepfather and bathed in a sewer."
Magnus laughed and Annabeth looked like she was about too while Clarisse and her friends glared at him. "You know we have an initiation for newbies," she snarled.
"Fine," Percy said setting his belongings on the ground.
"Wait Clarisse he is new," Annabeth protested
"Yeah why don't you pick on someone you can fight against; like a monkey," Magnus suggested.
Percy wanted to prove himself but soon found himself getting beat up by Clarisse and her friends in the bathroom. However, something happened when she tried to force his head into the toilet. It was as if the water around him listened to his command and before he knew it all the pipes in the bathroom burst with the water sending Clarisse and her friends flying out of the bathroom drenched in water. "You are so dead," Clarisse said as she shot them one last glare.
Magnus was laughing hard, "That was so cool dude."
"Yeah it was interesting; you are definitely going to be on our team for capture the flag," Annabeth said with a smile.
The rest of his tour was pretty normal and they went back to the Hermes cabin and that was when another blonde guy introduced himself to him, "Hey you must be Percy I am Luke the head councilor of the Hermes cabin," he said with a bright smile.
"Nice to meet you," He said as they shook hands. He noticed that Magnus was rolling his eyes and looking as if he wanted to be anywhere but with Luke.
"Well I better get going see you both at dinner," Luke said.
He waved goodbye while he was pretty sure that Magnus flipped him off when Luke wasn't looking. "Do you not get along with Luke?" he asked as they headed to dinner.
Magnus sighed, "Kind of yeah, it's complicated and personal. If you want my advice Percy stay away from him; something about him isn't right."
He was going to ask what he meant by that decided not to. Magnus seemed like a cool guy and he still couldn't believe that he was a year younger than him since he acted more like an older kid.
Dinner went well though Magnus question why his drink was blue and looked at him as if he were some weirdo for saying he liked blue food. He also noticed that he offered his food to Athena instead of Hermes but overall his first day at camp was interesting, to say the least.
The next few days Magnus and Annabeth showed him around and had classes with them. He thought that he was average compared to everyone else. During his swordsmanship practice, he was with Magnus and Luke. Luke pressed him harder every day and while Magnus was gentler he still found himself getting disarmed rather quickly.
"Come on Magnus go harder on him," Luke yelled from the sides.
Percy watched as Magnus shot Luke a glare but appeared not to follow his order as he continued to practice with him as he was before. He could feel the tension between Magnus and Luke, though it mostly came from Magnus. He continued to block Magnus's sword; however, this time he attacked back and this time he managed to disarm Magnus.
Magnus sighed as he got up, "Here Magnus let me show you how it is done. You've been here this long and got disarmed by a newbie already?" Luke said condescendingly. Magnus glared at him as he got up and ignored the snickers.
I am starting to see why they don't like each other he thought as he faced Luke. This time he wanted to prove how good he was. He did a disarming maneuver that he had been learning. His blade hit the hilt of Luke's sword as he thrust down.
It happened so fast that he was surprised he did it well. There was silence and the only person who clapped was Magnus who gave him a not so discreet thumbs up. Well he couldn't replicate that again and Luke took him to the cleaners the next few rounds before he tried again with Magnus. That night he slept in a sleeping bag next to Magnus who warned him to keep his valuables close to him, overall his time so far was not horrible.
Before he knew it the day of capture the flag arrived. He was pretty nervous, especially since he was still new. He was glad though that Magnus, Annabeth, and Luke were on his team. He and Magnus and him were tasked with patrolling this area near the river and all was well before Clarisse and her friends showed.
Magnus swore as he drew his hatchet, "Looks like we have company."
"You guys are dead," Clarisse said as she charged at them with a spear and her friends right behind her. Magnus activated a purple shield as Percy drew his sword. Magnus tried to get at Clarisse but her friends had him preoccupied.
"Magnus!" He yelled as he jabbed Clarisse's spear. He then got stabbed and felt a jolt of electricity in the water.
"Percy I'll be right there try to hold her off," Magnus said as he managed to knock out one of Clarisse's group.
However, when Percy hit the water he did not feel pain. On the contrary, he felt powerful the next thing he knew he was up and recovered as he slashed his sword breaking Clarise's spear and a torrent of water threw her against the tree.
"Magnus are you ok?" He asked turning to the blonde who was bloodied and breathing heavily. The other two members of the Ares cabin lay on the ground.
"I knew you guys could do it," Annabeth said appearing from behind the bush along with the other cheering campers. Magnus shot her a look, "Oh don't be a drama queen Magnus we won, Athena always has a plan."
"Well your plan nearly got us killed," Percy said but he was stopped by the sound of growling. From behind him, he turned and saw a giant hound and everyone went still. Annabeth appeared in shock while Magnus's face was pale white, "A hell hound what is it doing here?" She muttered
The hound was aimed at him and Percy didn't know how his body reacted but the next thing he knew its claws were on him. He didn't feel pain but and quickly killed. After that, Annabeth had him get out and he felt the energy drain from his body. He got back in the water and everyone gasped and looked up at him.
"Oh know this is not good," Annabeth said with a worried expression.
"It is determined," Chiron said as everyone bowed down. "Your father is Poseidon; storm bringer, lord of horses, and the seas."
Percy had thought that camp would be his safe place but ever since he was claimed he felt like an outsider again. Well who wouldn't this is their safe place too and with me here not even the Camp will be safe he thought as he stared at the roof of his cabin which he had all to himself.
"Hey Percy how are you?" Magnus asked tapping on the door.
Magnus smiled at the blonde kid, "Hey I've been good how are things in the Hermes Cabin?" Magnus, Annabeth, and to an extent Luke were the only ones who really interreacted with him since he was claimed. They were the only ones who actually practiced with him and reached out to him during day to day activities.
Magnus visited his cabin often and even tried to sleep over once but his cousin and Grover and Chiron wouldn't let him; he appreciated the gesture though he actually felt alone in the big cabin and could use some permanent company.
"Oh usual, Luke is still being his moody self and everyone thinks he is the coolest," Magnus said rolling his eyes as he sat on the unused bed across from him.
"Yeah he has been tougher on me lately." He was glad for his company, Magnus seemed to be the only one who was treating him normally.
Magnus sighed, "Yeah he has been getting moodier lately. It is like he is waiting for something to happen."
"Yeah well at least you and your cousin are nice to me," Percy said with a smile. While Annabeth was a little stern with him Magnus was probably the closest thing to a friend he had here so far.
The blonde smiled at him, "Well you are a nice guy I am pretty sure you will get used to Annabeth too." The two laughed at their joke until they were interrupted by another knock at the door.
"Hey guys," Grover said with a smile. "Sorry to interrupt Percy Chiron and Mr. D wants to see you in the Big House."
"I'll be right there," Percy said with a sigh. He got on his shoes and noticed that Magnus looked a bit nervous. "I'll be right back Magnus."
"Sure thing man," Magnus said with a nod as he and Grover left the cabin
Magnus sat in the empty cabin with a knot in his stomach. I can't let her join he thought as he rested on the bed. Man this bed really is comfy too bad I can't stay in here, I don't even mind that it is all blue. he sighed when an idea came to his head. He had been in the cramped Hermes cabin for years and always kind of hoped he could stay in a less crowded place. But I would need to be claimed which I have not been.
Not that he cared, he just wanted his own space and not sleep on the floor in a cramped cabin or sit at a cramped table. He had gotten used to it but didn't like it at all, he had often tried to eat with Annabeth or even Grover but Chiron wouldn't let him and he did not want to argue with Mr. D.
"I am sorry Annabeth but I can't let you go," He said as he got up and ran out the cabin. I don't want to risk her to get hurt and turn out like Luke he thought as he raced through the camp racing past the various campers and nature spirits.
When he reached the Big House he carefully walked to the side and heard Chiron and Grover talking with Percy, "Go see the oracle she will give you the quest," Chiron said to Percy. Magnus gulped as he felt his heart race. He waited by the side of the building until he heard Percy leave the room.
Then he took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Grover answered it but his face was tense, "Hey Magnus this isn't a good time man."
He looked at Chiron who gave him a look like he knew he was listening to them, "Chiron let me go on the quest with Percy please," he said looking the centaur in the eye. Chiron and Grover exchanged an awkward glance.
"Magnus? What are you doing here?" His cousin's voice said from behind him.
Shit he thought as he turned around and saw his cousin with her baseball cap in hand. He smiled nervously at his cousin, "I um wanted to volunteer to help Percy out."
"Well this is awkward," Grover muttered was Chiron sighed.
"Magnus I need to be on this quest I already asked Chiron," Annabeth said looking at him with a confused look. She looked surprised and a little hurt that he wanted to go.
Magnus stared back at his cousin with a determined look. I know how much you want to go but can't let you go, sorry Annabeth. He sighed, "I just thought that you know I could try going on a quest to see how much I learned and stuff."
Annabeth sighed, "Look Magnus I know you want to prove yourself but this quest is serious; you can die."
That's why it is better if I go I can't risk losing you he thought as he glanced at Grover and Chiron who seemed to understand why he didn't want his cousin to leave.
Chiron cleared his throat and they both turned to him. "Well I don't mind if people volunteer. Grover is already going most likely but ultimately it will be up to Percy to decide who he takes with him."
Crap I forgot about that he thought as he noticed his cousin give him a look that she only gave him when she was annoyed by him.
After Percy got the quest he returned to Chiron and Grover and told them about it. After talking it through and trying to figure it out they realized that he must go to LA and get the lightning bolt back. He only had a limited amount of time and had to leave right away.
"So as per tradition you can bring two companions with you," Chiron explained. "Grover would be a good fit for you."
"Yeah I was thinking of Grover," he nodded as he watched Chiron and Grover exchange a worried look.
"Well and two people also volunteered to be your third," Chiron said pointing to the corner Annabeth took off her cap and appeared in front of them while Magnus walked out of another room. "Magnus and Annabeth both volunteered to be a part of your quest. You can choose either one or anyone else," he explained.
He could feel the tension in the room as Annabeth glared at Magnus who avoided her gaze while Chiron and Grover looked at them nervously as if some sort of fight was about to break out.
"Umm," he said as he looked at Annabeth and Grover. I know them both and they are both my friends in a way though Magnus is nicer to me. He looked at Magnus and Annabeth, Magnus looked as if he were begging him to choose him while Annabeth looked like she would run him through with a spear if he didn't choose her. Hard choice.
He thought about his options quickly, Grover knew the outdoors, and from what he heard Magnus did as well. Since we won't be staying in hotels it would be better to have another person who was outdoorsy. Magnus is also Grover's friend and is nicer to me in general.
He cleared his throat as he looked at Magnus and Annabeth one last time before turning to Chiron. "I'll bring Magnus with me."
Chiron sighed while Grover looked at the Chase cousins nervously. Magnus looked relieved yet Annabeth looked shocked as if she had just been punched in the gut, "What? Why?" She yelled, her face a mixture of shock and surprise. She turned to Chiron, "Sir I need this quest it is for me," she begged.
Chiron sighed, "Well Percy has the right to choose who he wants to travel with and by the Ancient Laws he has a right to choose who he wishes to be with and three is a sacred number."
"Percy why would you choose Magnus I know more about the Greek World and am a more capable fighter," she said turning to him her voice a mixture of shock, disbelief, and a bit of anger. Magnus looked away appearing kind of hurt by his cousin's comments
"Um well I just figured since Magnus and Grover are good at the outdoors then we can get work better together since we will be traveling across the US," he said nervously avoiding everyone's gaze. "He also has experience and stuff," I should stop talking. Annabeth was looking as if he had just stolen something precious from her.
"Oh so because I'm a girl you think I can't handle being outdoors?" Annabeth said indignantly.
"Wait no I didn't say that. I only meant that Magnus is also Grover's friend and we could work well together," he was going to continue but Chiron cut him off.
"Annabeth, I doubt Percy is doubting your qualifications and he meant no insult by his statement. Furthermore, I know how much you wanted to go on this quest but Percy chose Magnus," he said with a sigh. "By the Ancient Laws he gets to choose."
Annabeth looked shocked as she looked to the ground, "Fine," she said in a low tone as she stormed out of the building. Magnus called his cousin but she did not turn back.
"Well it is settled," Chiron said looking at each of them. "Percy Jackson, Magnus Chase, and Grover Underwood; you three are tasked with retrieving Zeus's thunderbolt.
Annabeth ignored the looks of her cabinmates as she stormed into the cabin and went straight to her bed. She fell on her bed face first as she felt the anger boil in her. Why him? This was supposed to be my quest she thought as she felt tears roll down her eyes.
How could he do this to me? She thought as she yelled into her pillow. Her blood boiled as she gripped her bed tightly, she felt betrayed that Magnus had taken this opportunity from her. Yeah she and her cousin had a weird sibling relationship, heck half the camp thought that they were actually siblings even though they had very different personalities.
Despite him being younger than him he always acted as if he were her big brother and I treat him like an older sister she thought as she recalled all the times he got into fights defending her or how she would keep certain campers away from him.
She knew that it wasn't her cousin's fault. He didn't know about the role that she would play in the Great Prophecy. Still she knew she had to be on this quest. She turned over and saw the baseball cap her mother had given her long ago. A crazy idea, one that went against everything she learned. A smile crept onto her face as she got up and decided to take things into her own hand.
Athena always finds a way after all.