Ch7
"Well are you ready to head out?" Luke asked with a smirk as he watched him pack.
Magnus rolled his eyes, "Yeah me and Percy are getting ready to leave soon." He put on his watch and a retractable celestial bronze sword that could also turn into an ax with a click of a button; Beckendorf had helped him make it since they were good friends. All he had to do was turn the pommel of the sword and it would turn into a small battle-ax.
"That's nice that he chose you. Who knows maybe if you do well your father will recognize you," Luke said before taking a step closer. "Though its not like they care," he said softly in his ear in a tone that sent a shiver down his spine.
"I could care less if I am claimed or not." I just don't want to be in this cabin with all these people, especially you. He turned to face Luke who smiled at him, but Luke's eyes were anything but friendly to him. Luke's eyes always seemed to be hiding something and his muscles always seemed to be ready to rip something in half. He has been like this for a while he thought as he looked at the other blonde in front of him.
"Well I'll take care of Annabeth while you are gone," Luke said patting him on the back.
"Thanks," he muttered as he watched Luke leave. I still can't stand that guy, he better stay away from her too bad he can't just leave camp or something.
When he finished packing he tried to see Annabeth in her cabin but her cabinmates told him that she was gone. He told them to tell her he said goodbye before walking around the camp a bit. This is my first time in a while he thought realizing that since he ran away with his cousin he hadn't been away from the camp with the exception of an occasional camping trip with Grover. He thought of his cousin and felt a bit of heartache.
He cared about her a lot and for that reason, he did not want her to go on this quest. I will keep you safe Annabeth even if you hate me. He had tried to speak to her but she was so furious that she would not leave her cabin and completely ignored him.
"Hey guys are you ready?" He asked as he saw Grover and Percy talk.
Percy nodded, "Yeah I am. I am just nervous that's all."
"Yeah me too," Magnus said with a sigh as he placed his stuff in the trunk.
"Have you seen Annabeth?" Grover asked.
Magnus shook his head, "No, her cabinmates said that she was out."
Grover nodded, "Don't worry she will get better eventually."
Magnus nodded, "Thanks I hope so too."
"There you guys are," Chiron said walking to them. They all greeted Chiron who walked towards them. Chiron smiled at them even though his eyes appeared worried. "I have something to give you all," he said as he took out a pen and a bracelet.
He gave the pen to Percy which turned into a sword called Riptide while he got the bracelet. "What is this for?" He asked holding the bracelet in his hand. It was a cold golden chain with a silver piece in the middle.
"Press the silver piece," Chiron said. Magnus did what he was told and was surprised when a large celestial bronze ax appeared in his harm.
"Whoa," he said as he looked at the ax. It was huge yet it did no feel heavy and he could tell that the blade was sharp.
Chiron smiled at him but he noticed that there was a bit of worry in his eyes. "It belonged to one of my old students Harald Hardrada; he was a great warrior, now I am giving it to you." It can cut through anything as long as you are determined and you can summon it back if it is knocked out of your hand.
"Thanks," he said as he looked over the ax. For some reason, the ax felt familiar to him and he felt a small twinge in his head as he looked at it. Chiron nodded at him as he showed him how to turn it back to its bracelet form. Once Chiron was done explaining the plan to them Luke came by to see them off much to his displeasure and he even gave some shoes to Percy. Once they were don they were ready to head off.
Magnus looked around one last time as he closed the trunk, That's odd my suitcase wasn't in that position. He closed the trunk and was hoping to see Annabeth but she still wasn't around. He let out a sigh she is that angry at me huh.
"Don't worry Magnus I'll tell your cousin that you send your regards," Chiron said with a sympathetic look. "Just be safe please."
"Thanks, I will," he said with a sigh as he felt a knot in his stomach. She must have really wanted to go on this quest huh?. With that, the three of them were off to retrieve Zeus's thunderbolt.
Chiron sighed as he sat in his chair while Mr. D was drinking some coke. "So Chiron how do you think they will do?" he asked
"We can only have hope in them," Chiron said as he looked out the window.
"Oh boy, when I was back on Olympus Zeus was pissed that kid better hope he finds the bolt," Dionysus said with a whistle. "Oh by the way about the barbarian. How will he do?"
Chiron sighed, while Mr. D miscalled every camper he still called Magnus barbarian though he knew that the boy and everyone else was clueless as to why.
"He has grown a lot, he basically has assimilated here," Chiron said. "He is as good as any other camper in terms of fighting ability and overall he will make a great hero."
Dionysus nodded, "True, he looks very much like a Greek demigod now. His aura is practically the same as everyone else." Chiron nodded, However, if one of the Olympians were to notice him they would be able to see that he isn't Greek if they focused on him enough, though most wouldn't care. Good thing he fell sick and stayed at camp when we visited Olympus in the winter.
"True," Chiron said. Magnus was for all intents and purposes a Greek and seemed disinterested to know who his parent is, well he did but just so he did not have to stay in the Hermes Cabin. He doesn't even know he is not Greek but that is a can of worms I do not want to step foot in right now. He trained Magnus and he was already a great warrior; he will be a great hero I don't know what destiny has in store for him but I will prepare him for everything.
"I mean outside of being able to read he is no different than anyone else. I doubt monsters will see him any different," Dionysus said as he sipped some coke. "Oh the Norse, they often assimilated into Greek culture and became Greek in a matter of speaking after shedding their barbaric customs."
"Yeah that is true," Chiron said as he remembered the many Norse who settled in the Balkans and Greece after serving Olympus, many chose the Greek afterlife over Valhalla, which was always resulted in contention between Asgard and Olympus and Hades and his Norse counterpart. "Magnus is a good fighter, he learned to fight well and is a worthy hero and he even learned Greek well. I know he will do well on this quest, the sons of the North were always quick learners, they had to in order to continue their raids.
Dionysus snorted, "Yeah it didn't surprise me the Norse were quick to learn and even their children who weren't demigods were known to keep up with our children."
Chiron nodded; Magnus learned Ancient Greek a bit slower than everyone else but still learned it well to be able to function in camp. He also had great energy and endurance and was able to keep up with the other campers when it came to fighting. The Norse were definitely strong and good at adapting he thought as he remembered the many Norsemen he trained, some returned home and some assimilated and became Greek.
Suddenly the door slammed open and Malcolm Pace entered his face red and out of breath, "Excuse me sir we have a problem. Annabeth is gone."
Chiron sighed and let out a groan while Mr. D muttered something along the lines of foolish girl.
Magnus slashed at the fury that had attacked him. "Damn it, Percy we should leave quickly," he shouted as he activated his shield and felt the talons of the fury on it causing a loud screeching sound. He pushed with all of his might and stabbed at the fury's arm causing it to his.
He watched as Percy was dealing with another fury, "Where is it thief," it hissed as Percy slashed at her with his sword injuring her. "You will suffer foolish boy," the fury hissed.
He pushed the fury he was attacking off of him and slashed at it cutting it deeply on its arm. "Guys lets get out of here," Grover warned as one Fury let out a shrieking sound. Percy managed to get one off of him but suddenly another came charging at him.
"Percy look out!" Magnus said as his body moved on his own. He activated the bracelet Chiron had given him and swung the age at the fury that attempted to attack Percy. The axe cut through the monster's arm like a hot knife through butter and it fell to the ground causing the fury to scream in agony.
"Thanks," Percy said as they ran. However, as they ran past an empty seat behind their seats their bags fell on top of them. "Owe," Percy said as they both grabbed their bags and headed off the bus before it exploded.
The three of them watched in shock and horror as the bus caught on fire and mortals ran out of it. "Lets go we need to get out of here," Grover said. They did not need to be told twice the three of them ran as far as they could until their bodies were tired.
"That was crazy," He said as they rested and drank some water. "At least we got our bags though."
"Yeah that was intense," Peter said as he rested on a nearby bench. "Nice job using that axe by the way it was super cool."
"Thanks, you weren't bad either, lets go though we should get moving," He said. Grover and Percy nodded and that was when they smelled something good really good.
"Hey is there a restaurant here? I could use a cheeseburger," Percy said. Magnus sniffed the air and did smell one. I haven't had one of those in ages he thought as he followed Percy to the source of the smell.
However, instead of a restaurant, they found a weird old touristy place. "Aunty Em's Garden Gnome Emporium," he read.
"Why is it you can read again?" Percy asked
"I don't know dude, Chiron said it happens once in a while," he said looking at the place he felt his stomach growl from the smell. "Want to see if they have anything?"
"You read my mind," Percy said with a smile as they ignored the protests of Grover. However, as they entered the building Magnus swore he saw the figure of someone in the corner but it quickly disappeared.
Inside they found various statues that looked really realistic. "Hello young children," a woman in a silky voice said that came from a tanned skin woman. "Are you boys lost?"
"Oh um no we were just looking around to find a place to eat," Percy said. The smell of food was strong and at that moment that was all Magnus could think about. I haven't eaten a hamburger in a while he thought as the lady led them to the dining area. They sat down at a table. Grover was pleading for them to leave but neither of them listened, they were both stubborn when hungry.
"Help yourselves," she said with a smile as she brought out a tray of hamburgers, fries, and milkshakes. "Don't worry about the price its on the house," she said with a wide smile.
"Thanks," Percy said as they both ate their food. Magnus hadn't eaten this type of food in a long time. At camp, only healthy food was served so he had not had a burger in ages, Grover smuggled him some outside food for him every once in a while though.
However, once they finished their food a hiss passed through the area. He looked and saw the woman smile at them and that was when he noticed the statues near them looked a little too real, their faces were all terrified.
"Ah yes my darlings. The face I always hard to do," The woman said with a smile. Magnus felt the hairs on his back rise up, something was definitely done. "You children are done already that's good. How about we take one photo, I love taking pictures of children," she said with a smile.
Magnus looked at Percy who shrugged his shoulders, "Um sure just one though," though Grover looked.
She led them to a large room and told them to stand in the middle now hold still now, "She said with a smile."
Something isn't right he thought as he noticed Grover's expression turn to that of pure terror.
"Guys close your eyes its Medusa!" He shouted.
Em as in M or Medusa oh crap he thought as Grover knocked down a large stand of items.
There was a large hissing sound, "So you are bad boys. Don't worry I will make sure you are all good statues.
Magnus and Percy drew their swords while looking to the ground, "Guys don't look at her," Grover warned, not that they needed to be told twice.
"Come on children you don't need to suffer anymore let me put you to rest," she said in a soothing voice.
Magnus hid behind his shield as he heard Grover shout, "Guys watch out!" He didn't know what had happened but suddenly there was a large crashing sound and Medusa let out a large shriek.
"You will pay for that satyr," she roared
Suddenly he felt something hit his feet, a glass ball? He thought, then he suddenly remembered her story. Another one hit Percy in the leg who yelped in pain. Suddenly he remembered the stories Annabeth had told him. "Percy look at her through the glass," he said as he picked up the ball.
Percy nodded as they carefully viewed Medusa's reflection just as she hit Grover with a large pole sending him flying. "Magnus can you distract her for me so I can get close?" Percy asked
"Sure no problem," He said as he carefully gripped his sword he slashed it at an urn causing Medusa to glare at him.
"Boy that is an expensive vase," she hissed. Magnus smirked as he hit another one causing her to roar in anger and charge at him.
However, something strange happened. A wall of ornaments next to her suddenly came crashing down on top of her. She let out a large roar of anger but as she got up Percy took his chance and slashed at her head with his sword. Her head fell to the ground while her blood squirted out of her body.
"We did it," Percy said panting.
Magnus nodded as Grover got up. How did that fall? He thought as he looked at the cabinet in surprise. That thing was steady did someone push it? Though he was not complaining, after all they were fighting for their lives.
Suddenly he turned and saw Percy wrapping up the head and placing it in a box. "Just a present for the gods," he said with a smirk.
"Percy that's not a good idea," Grover warned. "They may think that you are unfilial."
Magnus felt a smile spread across his face, "Here let me help you." Percy smiled at him as they packaged the head and sent it to Olympus without any problem. Afterwards they raided the register of its contents and quickly left the place.
"Well we should really get going," Grover said looking as if he had just run a marathon. "Its getting dark lets find a place to camp for the night."
Percy and Magnus nodded as they found a safe place in the woods. Once they set up camp they got in their sleeping bags when Magnus noticed something, there are four sets of footprints around here he thought, Grover had taught him how to identify footprints and he could tell which pairs belonged to him, Grover, and Percy. However, there was an extra set of familiar footprints.
"Magnus is something wrong?" Percy asked
"No its nothing," he said as he sat down in his sleeping bag and pulled out a book to read. It was then that he heard the sound of leaves creaking behind Percy.
"Hey Percy," He said looking up from his book.
"What is it?" Percy asked sitting up
"Oh nothing it was just a big spider near you, this place is full of them," He said as he heard a loud shriek.
He saw his cousin turn visible as she started jumping up and down swatting herself. Grover and Percy were stunned and had reached for weapons but stopped when they realized that it was his cousin Annabeth and both suppressed the urge to laugh as Annabeth swatted herself and ran around as if she were on fire.
"Annabeth what are you doing here?" Grover asked completely bewildered.
Annabeth's face was red as she realized she had been caught, "I was just…" She appeared flustered as she looked at them. "I just needed to be here."
Grover sighed, "Annabeth the Ancient Laws state that only three can go. There will be consequences if you come," he said trying to hide the small quiver in his voice.
Annabeth rolled her eyes, "I know, don't get me wrong. I am not joining you guys I just decided I want to visit California; I might see Disneyland or something."
"Really? You want to see you Disneyland?" Magnus asked feeling his frustration rise, Why couldn't she just stay behind where it is safer. He gripped his fists as he met his cousin's glare.
"Or maybe I want to go to Hollywood," she said angrily throwing her hands. "Don't get me wrong I am not a part of your quest you guys can do it by yourselves," she said in a haughty tone
Percy sighed, "Fine you can stay with us. We were planning on taking a train to St. Louis tomorrow."
"Fine I just happened to want to go there to see the arch," Annabeth said as she brought out her sleeping bag and set it down next to Grover.
Magnus sighed as he went back to his book, great now we are breaking a sacred law too. Why couldn't you have just stayed Annabeth I chose to go to keep you safe from harm. The thought of his cousin fighting the furies and Medusa made him mad. I know she can fight and she is smarter than me and Percy but still I don't want to see her hurt he thought as he looked up at the sky.
The night sky seemed peaceful and it was always something he enjoyed, he knew his mother liked the outdoors and would have loved to see this. She would have loved to be at camp he thought as he thought of all the things there his mom would enjoy. I wonder if my dad was like her he thought as he slowly fell asleep.
He had not dreamt of the wolves in a long time. He saw their eyes and their teeth as they chased him around. They were growling and snarling at him but this time he swore they were saying something. Traitor kill the traitor. Traitor. Deserter kill the treacherous deserter. Suddenly a large horse came to his aid as it aided him in escape Then the sound of crows filled the air and he looked up and saw a giant eagle battle two black crows.
He woke up in a cold sweat breathing heavily. What the hell I haven't had those dreams in a while why are they back? He took a few deep breaths as he looked up at the night sky.
"What does it all mean," he mumbled as he looked up at the starry sky. He never shared these dreams with Annabeth and frankly, he didn't want to worry her. I don't care anyway I have a quest to do he thought as he felt himself go back to sleep. He would see that this quest is completed and that Annabeth isn't harmed.