Ch23

Magnus felt the angel hold him tightly as they flew to San Francisco. They were surprisingly fast for being statues and he noticed that Thalia kept her eyes shut the entire time.

Why the hell were they spying on me he thought as he remembered the Gunilla and her group. He couldn't help but feel angry, who were they to follow him? More importantly who the hell sent them.

His mind was preoccupied with these thoughts as they eventually made it to San Francisco. The statues dropped them in an abandoned park near the ocean and after they said goodbye they flew off to do whatever statues do in their free time.

"Man that was crazy," he said as he cleaned the dust off of his clothes. However, as he looked up he noticed Zoe walking to him with a dagger in her hands and looking as if she wanted to castrate him. "Hey wait calm down," he said as she glared daggers at him. He took a step back and just in time Percy, Grover, and Thalia stood in between them.

"Hey calm down Zoe this isn't Magnus's fault," Thalia said calmly.

"Thou wishes to defend this traitor?" Zoe spat as she glared at him. "He showed his true colors back there I will finish him now."

"True colors Magnus didn't do anything wrong," Grover protested.

"You aren't a Greek are you," Zoe said with a cold glare. Magnus avoided her gaze which was cold and very much willing to kill him. "You called upon your Valkyrie friends too I see, I noticed that they were following us. I just needed proof that they were working for you."

"Wait Zoe its not what you think," Percy said getting in between them as the air around them tensed up.

"Quiet, to think a son of Olympus would collaborate with the Gods of the North it makes me sick. You men will literally do anything for power," Zoe sneered.

"Wait everyone lets just calm the hell down," Thalia said raising her hands in a placative gesture. Thalia then turned to him. "Magnus do you know those people?"

"We met them once before we came here but I don't know them personally," he said looking into Thalia's eyes and instead of anger, he saw sympathy. Never thought I'd see the day when she would defend me.

"Yeah we met them before and ran into them again that is all," Percy said calmly. "We don't work with them or anything like that."

"You expect me to believe that?" Zoe said coldly. "Your kind ravaged me and my sisters throughout the Middle Ages. That Gunilla daughter of their God Thor," she gripped her hand around her dagger tightly. "She bested my hunters on many occasions leading to the death of us."

"Wait Thor? Like from Norse Mythology?" Thalia asked surprised. Grover appeared to look down and mumbled something along the lines of oh crap. There was an awkward silence as Thalia looked at him and then Zoe.

Zoe gave them a cold look, "It is something that cannot be spoken of we probably broke some ancient law by fighting alongside her."

Thalia sighed, "Fine lets just drop this and move on."

Zoe nodded and sheathed her knife, "Fine but watch your back Magnus Chase. One sign of disloyalty I will end you without question."

"That wont be a problem," Percy said speaking up for him. "I know Magnus is loyal."

"I also know Magnus is no traitor," Thalia said firmly. Magnus couldn't help but feel flustered both of his friends trusted in him that much and were willing to stand up for him.

They were interrupted by a loud mooing sound from the water nearby. "Not again," Percy groaned as they walked over and saw a large sea vow like thing in the water. "Hey Bessie," Percy said with a sigh.

"It is an Ophiotaurus," Grover said in surprise as they all looked at the serpent cow thing in the water dance around.

"What is it doing here?" He asked as he watched the creature swim and moo at them.

"He says Percy is his protector and bad people are after him," Grover said translating the moos.

"This is the creature we have been looking for. This creature is dangerous it must be sacrificed," Zoe said glaring at the creature which mooed in panic.

"Yeah he doesn't like that," Grover said with a sigh.

"We can't kill it Bessie is innocent," Percy said defensively.

"That thing has the power to overthrow Olympus; it must be destroyed," Zoe said seriously.

"Yes my dear children and it shall be you Thalia Grace who shall unleash that power," said a sinister voice. They turned around and saw Dr. Thorn glaring at them, they had been too preoccupied to notice him.

Zoe notched an arrow and aimed it a the manticore while Percy looked at Bessie quickly. "Wait don't," Percy said as they noticed that they were surrounded by Dr. Thorn's mortal guards.

"Yes it would be a shame to have to kill you all before you witnessed Thalia's great victory," Dr. Thorn said with a sinister smile.

"What are you talking about?" He asked as he drew his sword and activated his shield.

"Hey kid how about you use me for a change? I mean if you are not too embarrassed to," Gram asked in his head.

"Not now," he said as he looked around at the various soldiers around them. Gram was cool and all but he was still nervous about using him since he wasn't used to the sword yet. He looked around them there wasn't a lot of enemies but they had to be careful.

"Whatever kid," Gram said with a sigh.

Dr. Thorn smiled at them, "This is the chance the Titan lord has been waiting for. You Thalia Grace shall bring the entrails of that creature to Olympus and gain unlimited power to overthrow Olympus."

No one spoke, it suddenly hit him and all of them that Thalia was only two days away from turning sixteen. They all looked at Thalia who appeared stunned as if she were about to make some hard choice. "Your friend Luke recognized it, you both shall be reunited and rule this world with the Titans. Your father has abandoned you and now you shall gain the power to overthrow him," Dr. Thorn said with a wicked smile across his lips.

"Thalia snap out of it," Percy said as Thalia looked as if she were in some kind of Trance

"Yeah your father did help us remember," he said shaking her shoulder. Thalia looked at him and then at Percy but just as she was about to say something Grover took out his pipes and started playing them.

"Stop them! But save the daughter of Zeus," Dr. Thorn said as his men opened fire on them.

Crap he thought as Grover dived into the water to help Bessie. Dr. Thorn's men charged at them, he managed to attack one of them with his sword but they were out numbered and Thalia was still standing there like a statue. He saw Percy and his sword repel Dr. Thorn as Percy stayed close to the water.

"Thalia snap out of it," He yelled as he slashed at another soldier but Thalia still appeared to be conflicted. "Thalia your father cares about you we all do," well never thought those words would come out of my mouth he thought as Percy throw up an Iris message.

But he knew deep down that Thalia was his friend and she saw him in the same light. He couldn't see who he was talking to but suddenly Dr. Thorn and his minions were crapped up in grapevines and screaming in pain. Mr. D? He stared in shock as the vines slowly ensnared Dr. Thorn.

"Percy Jackson I bought you all a few extra hours now go," Dionysus said through the Iris message. They all nodded as the message ended and ran for it. Thalia appeared to have snapped out of it as she looked rather embarrassed.

They ran along the waterside where Bessie was swimming alongside them. "We have to send him somewhere safe can't you send him back to camp?" He asked Percy.

"Bessie is following me I don't even know if he knows the way back," Percy said biting his lip.

"I can guide him just pray to your dad and offer a sacrifice," Grover said.

Percy nodded as he stared at Bessie and took a deep breath. "Father please take care of the Ophiotaurus and Grover as they go back to camp." He then took off his lion skin and threw it into the water. They noticed Zoe appeared surprised by the decision. "If I am strong it wont be because of a lion's pelt I am not Hercules," Percy said as Bessie and Grover sank into the water and disappeared.

"We must get to the garden of my sisters," Zoe said as she looked around. "We need transportation though."

"There is a person we could ask," Thalia said looking directly at him.

Then it hit him, he was in San Francisco, "Uncle Frederick," he said in surprise as everyone's eyes turned to him.

He felt a mix of apprehension as they made their way to his uncle's house. Crap how the hell am I going to explain about Annabeth he thought as they approached the door.

He took a deep breath as he knocked on the door and heard someone approach it. Well here it goes he thought as he felt a knot in his stomach. "Hello do you have my airplane?" His uncle asked in a friendly tone.

"Um Uncle Frederick its me um Annabeth is in trouble," He said avoiding his uncle's gaze.

"Magnus!" His uncle said in shock. "Come on in all of you," he said quickly opening the door for them.

"Daddy Matthew is taking my stuff," his half cousin Bobby said. However when he saw him his eyes widened, "Hi Magnus where is Annabeth?"

There was an awkward silence as he avoided his uncle's gaze. He felt Percy's hand on his shoulder and he felt the courage to speak, "Uncle Frederick Annabeth is in trouble," he said softly as he avoided his gaze.

He carefully looked up and saw his uncle was not angry, "Oh dear lets find a quiet place to talk," he said with a sigh. Magnus nodded as they followed his uncle through his house, his legs feeling numb.

"Bobby and Matthew behave we have something to talk about," his father said in a firm tone. Both of his cousins nodded and went off as his uncle led them upstairs.

"Your new house is nice," he said looking around.

"Yeah it is we are getting used to living here," he said as they brought him to his new study which was a large room full of maps and books along with various toy soldiers and miniature battlefields.

"Frederick dear who are the guests?" His step aunt said. "Oh hi Magnus is Annabeth with you?" She asked in surprise as she noticed him.

"Um no," he said not knowing how to put it in words. "They are friends of Annabeth too," he explained pointing to the others. Crap why does my tongue have to freeze up at such an important time.

"Ah I understand," she sighed. "Well I get some snacks," she said before leaving the room."

As soon as his aunt left he turned to his uncle who was talking with Zoe and Thalia about one of his sets. "Um Uncle Frederick Annabeth is in trouble," he said causing him to turn back to them.

"Oh right what happened?" He said with concern. Magnus sighed as he explained the whole story, his aunt came back with a tray of snacks which they all eagerly took.

When they were finished a dark look spread across his face, "Annabeth my poor brave Annabeth," he said in a soft tone. Magnus felt guilt as he heard the sorrow in his uncle's voice.

"Sorry Uncle Frederick I couldn't save her," he said avoiding his gaze. He didn't know what to expect, would his uncle kick him out or yell at him?

He thought he would at least be furious with him but instead, his uncle did not appear angry at all, "It is alright Magnus it is not your fault," he said in a firm tone. He looked up at his uncle and saw compassion in his eyes. "I know you did your best, being a demigod is not easy even though I am mortal and all. Thank you for all that you are doing," he said with a smile.

Magnus fought back some tears as he only nodded. "Um sir we need to get to Mt. Tamalpais quickly," Zoe said.

"Right um I have a biplane and a car," His uncle said.

"I can drive," Thalia said.

"Great oh Magnus can I talk to you privately for a second," he said as he grabbed his keys and handed them to Thalia. "It is important."

Magnus looked at his friends and back at his uncle and nodded, "Ok." They went to a spare room as everyone else went back downstairs to the car. "What is it?" He asked he noticed his Uncle appeared worried.

"Magnus your father came to me looking for you," he said softly.

Magnus felt his eyes widen, "What? Why? Did he do anything?"

Uncle Frederick shook his head, "No he didn't he was just asking about you Athena came in and I can't explain it but they both left. He didn't even say his name."

He shifted where he stood. "Uncle I might not be a Greek demigod."

His uncle raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

He sighed and looked him in the eyes. "Apparently Norse gods are a thing, we've been having some run ins with them."

"Norse?" Uncle Frederick shook his head. "Just what did my sister get involved in."

"I don't know the details but apparently different pantheons try to keep things separate," he said. "We might have also caused an few incidents as it is."

"I see. Well if you need anything I am here for you," Uncle Frederick said softly. "Yet if you need to stay at camp I understand."

He sighed. "Thank you. Frankly I don't now much about this stuf."

His uncle came in and hugged him. "Don't worry I'm for you and I'm sure Athena will guide you too."

His eyes began to water as he hugged his uncle. "Don't worry Uncle Frederick we will worry about this later right now we have to save Annabeth."

Uncle Frederick nodded, "I know you all will. You are a part of this family and I will always watch over you." His uncle pulled away. "Well you are both welcome here and if by chance either of you want to stay in New York that is fine too."

"I know thank you Uncle," he said with a smile.

His uncle nodded and pulled him in for a final hug, "Be safe Magnus," he whispered in his ear. Magnus nodded as he felt a tear fall down his cheek and his heart raced increased.

"I will," he said with a smile as cleaned up his face. He ran down the stairs and said goodbye to his cousins and aunt and found his friends in the car. He got in and sat down next to Percy as Thalia started up the car and they pulled out of the driveway.

"Magnus what did Annabeth's uncle want?" Thalia asked as they drove as fast as she could.

"Oh um he just wanted to make sure that I was safe and asked me to save Annabeth," he said quickly.

"Ah ok, you were closer to him than Annabeth right?" Thalia asked seemingly buying the lie.

"Um yeah in a way he did take me in after all," he said as he ignored Percy staring at him. He knew from Percy's look that he knew that what he said was a lie. He gave Percy a we will talk about it later look as they drove off towards the mountain.

No one said a word as the fog set in and the place became foggier by the minute as they drove up the mountain. Suddenly Magnus felt the hairs on his neck stand up. "Stop the car! Everyone get out now!" Thalia shouted. Zoe must have sensed something and he and Percy immediately jumped out of the car as lightning flashed. Turning the car into smithereens.

"So he would even try to take me out," Thalia said in a low tone while they looked at the car.

"Thalia that wasn't your father don't be tricked," Percy said as he shook her shoulder.

Thalia looked to the side and nodded, "Yeah you are right sorry."

"We should get going," Magnus said as he looked around. I don't like this one bit.

"Me either kid feel free to use me if things get heated," Gram said in his head. He only sighed as he followed his friends up the mountain. He had been reluctant to use Gram and Sigurd's armor since he didn't really know how to use them well, that and he had this weird feeling that he shouldn't use it in front of the others, with the exception of Percy of course.

"Oh kid let me give you some advice," Gram said as he followed Percy up the mountain.

"What is it?" He asked as he looked down at the necklace he was wearing along with the sword hilt on his side.

"Well my and my brother sword Balmung specialize in taking down large enemies. If you unleash our full strength we can probably take out something really powerful though it will use up a lot of energy though," Gram warned. "Though don't worry I've fought Greek monsters before but I can tell we will be facing something strong. I'm a super excited kid, haven't seen this much action since Fafnir."

"Well I am glad you are excited," he said.

"Oh one more thing Sigurd's armor is really durable; he used some of Fafnir's skin to make it so don't be afraid of getting hit around with it I guess," Gram said.

"Gee thanks I'll keep that in mind," he said with a sigh.

"No problem kiddo by the way your Greek sword is also a guy and wants to be polished more," Gram said.

"Wow I didn't know he had a gender I'll try and remember after we save my cousin," he said.

"No problem by the way your friend's sword is a female and super hot," Gram said.

He rolled his eyes as they reached the summit. Their eyes widened as they saw the figure of Artemis as a twelve-year-old holding a heavy vortex oh her shoulders. "My lady," Zoe cried as she ran to her.

"No it is a trap," Artemis said. "You must leave now!" Her face looked tired and strained with sweat and pain as she looked at them.

Zoe was crying and ran forward despite Artemis's protests. "Ah how touching," said a voice. They turned and saw a man in a suit next to Luke who had a half dozen dracaena bearing a golden sarcophagus. Luke what happened to you he thought as he stared at him. Luke looked weaker and paler since he last saw him a few years ago when he left camp. For a second he felt sorry for him but then he saw his cousin at his side. Annabeth was bound and gagged and Luke was pointing a sword at her throat.

"Let her go Luke," he said as he drew his sword.

Luke only smiled at him, "Ah little Magnus you made it," he said with a laugh. "Don't worry soon this will all end."

"Yes it will," The general said with a chuckle looking at Zoe. "How is my traitor doing? I will enjoy killing you personally."

"Do not challenge him Zoe," Artemis groaned.

"Wait you are Atlas?" Percy asked as the general smiled.

"Yes, I am glad at least you lowly half-bloods know me," he said with a sneer. "I am Atlas and Zoe is my daughter."

He and Percy both looked at Zoe in shock. She only nodded her head and sighed, "Yes Atlas is my father."