The air hung still around Camp Half-Blood, a sense of unease woven into its fabric. Will Solace took a deep breath, the weight of recent events pressing on him. He sought out Theseus, heart pounding with anticipation and a touch of trepidation. He knew that Theseus must have had another plan he was about to put into action based on how he had spun the aquarium incident a couple of days prior. Even in Percy's absence, Theseus was able to rally his former peers against him. It was pretty impressive.
Will found Theseus near the edge of the woods, his gaze distant as he watched the trees sway gently. Clearing his throat, Will approached. "Theseus."
Theseus turned to him, his expression guarded. "What do you want, Solace?"
Will hesitated, feeling the change in the air. "What's next on the agenda? What are we going to do about Percy?"
Theseus raised an eyebrow, a cynical smile playing on his lips. He stared at Will cruelly, relishing the moment, before he replied, his tone sharp, leaving no room for misinterpretation, "What do you mean 'we'?"
The mountains of Colorado and the setting sun provided a picturesque backdrop as Percy and Nico sat outside a charming coffee shop, sipping on steaming cups of hot chocolate. The air was crisp, yet the warmth of the beverage and the camaraderie between them kept the slight cold at bay. Their laughter filled the air as they shared stories of their snowboarding escapades earlier that day, the joy of the adventure evident in their expressions.
A sudden chill swept over the area as they chatted, raising the hairs on their necks. Percy's senses tingled with an unsettling familiarity—a presence he knew all too well. He glanced around subtly, his sea-green eyes narrowing as he spotted a figure emerge from the shadows of an alleyway across the street, revealing itself to be a monster—a harpy with a wicked grin and a glint of malice in its eyes.
"Well, well, well," the harpy taunted. "You're awfully far from the ocean, son of Poseidon."
Percy's grip tightened around his cup, the porcelain warming his fingers even as his knuckles turned white. Once calm and serene, the streets now felt charged with an electric tension. The coffee shop's patrons, unsuspecting mortals, carried on with their conversations, blissfully ignorant of their surroundings.
Nico's eyes, sharp as ever, locked onto the menacing creature. His hand subtly moved toward the hilt of his sword, concealed beneath the layers of his jacket, but Percy shook his head. They were in the middle of a busy town, surrounded by mortals in puffer vests. A fight here would endanger the unsuspecting public, and Percy knew they should probably avoid drawing the same amount of attention they had in New York. The riot at the aquarium had been a fun distraction, but putting their faces on the news for the second time in weeks would only spell more danger for the two of them.
The harpy's taloned feet clicked against the pavement, each step a menacing echo of impending doom. She moved with a predatory grace, her wings unfurled, casting a shadow that seemed to stretch for miles. The harpy's cruel gaze shifted from Percy to Nico, her eyes narrowing with recognition and malice. She let out a low, mocking chuckle.
"Oh, what do we have here?" she sneered. "The son of Hades, skulking in the daylight. Have you taken up a new hobby, shadow boy?"
Nico's jaw clenched. "We're on vacation, and you're killing the vibe," his voice laced with feigned boredom.
Percy shot a warning look at the harpy, his sea-green eyes flashing with a dangerous glint. "Watch your tone," he growled, his voice low and threatening. "You're treading on dangerous ground, birdbrain."
The harpy cackled, clearly relishing the tension in the air. "Oh, touchy, aren't we? It's not every day I get to greet royalty."
Nico's lip curled in a sneer. "Oh, a harpy with a sense of humor. That's almost impressive," he retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Tell me, do you practice those witty remarks in front of the mirror?"
The harpy's feathers bristled, her laughter abruptly cut short by Nico's biting retort. She hadn't expected such a sharp tongue from the son of Hades, and it seemed to catch her off guard.
The harpy's beady eyes narrowed, her talons scraping against the pavement. "You think you're clever, don't you, shadow boy?" She took a few steps backward, maintaining a wary distance.
"What's the matter?" Percy taunted, his tone laced with bravado as he leaned forward over the table. "Can't handle a fight?"
The harpy's grin widened. "Oh, we can handle you just fine," she purred, her voice oozing with sinister confidence, each word laced with chilling promise.
Nico's suspicions deepened as he processed the harpy's words. His gaze shifted subtly between the creature and the surrounding mountains. "We?" he echoed, narrowing his eyes.
The harpy's grin widened, revealing razor-sharp teeth that glinted in the fading light. "Let's just say you're not alone up here."
Percy's sea-green eyes bore into the harpy, his senses heightened and instincts on high alert. This encounter was taking a dangerous turn, veering into territory they hadn't anticipated. Hesitant to take his eyes off the monster before him, Percy slowly scanned the crowds of tourists around them. The longer his gaze lingered on some people, the more unsettled he became. A couple seated at one of the outdoor cafe tables appeared to be eating their silverware instead of their meals. A group of lanky teenagers stood around in shorts and flip-flops, unbothered by the cold wind. A man surveyed the crowd through polarized snow goggles as his long tongue periodically snaked out of his mouth to wipe condensation from the lenses.
Now that he knew what he was looking for, Percy realized how many monsters surrounded them. His expression darkened, his focus shifting to the mountains. "Great, just what we needed—more company." But then, a glint of mischief danced in his sea-green eyes as an idea formed in his mind. He leaned closer to Nico, lowering his voice so only Nico could hear. "Hey, Nico," he began, and his tone turned conspiratorial. "Shall we make a game out of this?"
Nico raised an eyebrow, "A game? Seriously?"
Percy's grin widened, "Yep. Wanna see who can outrun these monsters first?"
Glowing eyes gleamed maliciously from every corner, the monsters' forms shifting and taking shape. They moved with an unsettling grace, their anticipation palpable as they waited, poised to strike at the right moment.
Nico's lips twitched with a mixture of amusement and reluctance. "You want to turn this into a race?"
Percy nodded, his eyes glinting with excitement. "Exactly."
Nico's curiosity got the better of him, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "You're so on." He cast a glance at the approaching monsters. "But I'm using my shadow powers."
Just as they were about to take off, the monster closest to them made its move. It lunged toward them with a snarl, and Percy and Nico sprang into action. The abrupt escape from their seats sent half-empty cups of hot chocolate spilling and shattering onto the ground, and the chairs clattered to the pavement. With a chorus of surprised exclamations, the café's patrons turned to witness the unfolding chaos. Percy and Nico's footsteps left imprints in the lightly snow-covered ground as they weaved through the bustling crowd.
Yet, even in the midst of danger, Percy couldn't resist a mischievous grin as he reached out and tripped Nico. "See you at the finish line, Di Angelo!"
Nico recovered from his fall, quickly reinvigorated by a surge of anger. He pushed himself up from the ground, the desire to catch up to Percy and claim victory propelling him forward. "I will never forgive this betrayal, Jackson!" he shouted after Percy as he ran, narrowly evading a swipe from a monster's claw.
Their race transformed into a dynamic dance of speed and strategy. They weaved through the maze-like streets, their movements synchronized and fluid despite the chaos surrounding them. The monsters pursued relentlessly, growls and roars adding to the panicked voices.
As Percy and Nico darted through the streets, they adapted to their surroundings, using the elements at their disposal to slow down their pursuers. Percy, with his control over water, summoned a small torrent that shot out and knocked two monsters off their feet. The icy water formed a slick layer on the ground, causing the monsters to lose their footing and slide into a souvenir stand. The stand toppled with a resounding crash, sending trinkets and merchandise scattering across the ground.
Navigating the bustling streets proved a challenge. Percy and Nico had to resort to pushing and shoving people aside, causing a chain reaction of stumbles and falls among the tourists. Laughter bubbled up from within them as they weaved through the chaos, their actions looking more like an elaborate prank than a life-or-death situation.
As the monsters closed in, Percy's instincts kicked in. With a glance over his shoulder, he spotted a creature lunging towards him. Adrenaline surged through him, and he made a split-second decision. Leaping over an outdoor table, he sent cups and plates crashing down, the sound of shattering china mingling with the startled screams of the people seated there.
People nearby gaped in disbelief, unable to comprehend the chaos that Percy and Nico seemed to be causing for no apparent reason. The Mist that cloaked their world from mortal eyes concealed the true nature of the threat, creating an illusion of havoc wrought by two seemingly reckless individuals. The owner of the cafe shook an angry fist at Percy.
Percy's heart pounded in his chest as he darted through the chaos, his senses on high alert. He barely had time to process the bewildered stares of the mortals around them, their faces a blur of shock and confusion. With a swift glance over his shoulder, he spotted Nico sprinting towards him. Percy's instincts took over, and he called out, "Oh, no you don't!"
With a burst of energy, he pushed himself forward, the icy pavement crunching beneath his feet. He could hear Nico's laughter echoing in front of him, the sound carrying a note of playful challenge.
But just as Percy started to pull ahead, a treacherous patch of ice sent Nico stumbling, a surprised yelp escaping him. Percy seized the opportunity, letting out a triumphant "HAH!" as he surged ahead.
Nico growled, his high level of irritation filling the frosty air. He channeled the power of the shadows, propelling himself forward with a surge of energy that carried him several feet ahead of Percy. It was a display of power that left Percy momentarily stunned.
"What!?" Percy exclaimed, his voice a mix of shock and amazement. He had never seen Nico move with such speed and precision.
Nico's laughter danced in the icy air, a sound of victory that echoed through the streets. He reveled in the rush of energy, even if it was just for a fleeting moment.
As they continued their desperate sprint through the chaos, Nico maintained his lead, his movements fluid and precise. The monsters, though relentless, seemed momentarily thrown off by the unexpected surge of speed.
Percy and Nico hurtled around the corner, their footsteps echoing against the pavement. The sudden shift from the bustling main street to the quieter, enchanting alleyway took their breath away. Overhead, white lights strung up in a zigzag formation illuminated their path, casting a warm, ethereal glow.
The alley was lined with charming shops, each adorned with its own unique set of decorations. It was a picturesque winter wonderland, but there was no time to savor the scenery. Two monsters were hot on their heels, and the chase was far from over.
Just as they reached the middle of the alley, the monsters closed in. One of them lunged at Percy, grabbing a handful of his jacket. With a fierce tug, the jacket ripped all the way through, leaving Percy grumbling as he quickly shrugged it off, exposing his bare skin to the cold.
"Aw, my jacket!" he whined with exaggerated annoyance, casting an incredulous glance at the monster.
Percy and Nico didn't miss a beat as they burst through the doors of a local shop. The owner, taken aback by the sudden intrusion, let out a startled shout—racks of clothes toppled in their wake as the monsters followed them inside. Chaos ensued, with customers and tourists screaming in alarm.
Percy grinned mischievously as he darted around a circular rack of clothes, taunting the monster that pursued him. It was a game of agility and wits as Percy expertly mirrored the creature's movements, always one step ahead. He couldn't help but laugh as the monster's frustration grew with each failed attempt to catch him.
"Stop moving so I can kill you!" the monster growled in annoyance as he darted to the right.
Percy laughed, gripping the edge of the circular rack as he followed the monster's movement, "Not a chance, pal."
Meanwhile, Nico found himself in a tight spot as another monster closed in. He grabbed the creature with a swift, practiced motion and executed a judo flip, sending it crashing through the store's front window. The glass shattered with a deafening boom, sending even more people into a panic.
Nico couldn't help but wince inwardly at the chaos he had caused. To the horrified onlookers, it appeared as though he had just thrown a human through the window, not a monster from the depths of Tartarus. Percy, seizing the opportunity given to him by Nico's distraction, used Riptide to swiftly dispatch his pursuer, sending it back to the underworld without any witnesses.
He rushed to Nico, who was still shocked at the spectacle he'd unwittingly created. As chaos erupted around them, Percy snatched two fallen souvenir hats and a pair of sunglasses from a nearby display. He knew they needed a quick disguise to blend in.
Percy handed one of the hats to Nico, his movements brisk yet deliberate. "Put this on," he urged as he quickly donned the other hat and slipped on the sunglasses, concealing their identities. It was a small but crucial step to maintain their cover amidst the unfolding turmoil.
With Nico now wearing the hat, Percy grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the front of the store, where they made their escape back into the alleyway. However, above them, the piercing spotlight of a police helicopter illuminated their path. The sudden brightness momentarily blinded Percy and Nico, their eyes struggling to adjust. They winced, squinting against the glare, and instinctively raised their arms to shield their faces.
" Freeze! " The voice from the helicopter's loudspeaker boomed, the command echoing off the walls of the narrow alleyway. The command sent a jolt of panic through them.
Nico's eyes met Percy's, wide with alarm. "I can shadow travel us out of here, but we can't be seen. They can't see our faces, or we're completely fucked."
Percy nodded and adjusted his hat, making sure it sat snugly in place. He gave Nico a sly grin as they silently agreed to make a run for it at the same time.
Not a second was wasted. They raced through the streets, pursued by both the helicopter above and the relentless monsters behind.
" Stop! " The voice from the helicopter boomed once more. Percy and Nico couldn't help but find humor in the absurdity of their situation. They bumped into each other, playfully shoved, and even attempted to trip one another, all in the spirit of a game amidst chaos.
Amidst the adrenaline and laughter, they managed to confuse the helicopter long enough to duck into a hidden alleyway away from the bustling center of town. As the sounds of sirens and chaos faded into the distance, they slowed down.
In the chaos of the night, a monstrous figure had been biding its time, watching the unfolding events. The lurking monster's eyes narrowed in frustration. It had anticipated a different outcome, and the unexpected turn of events left it seething with annoyance. This wasn't how it had planned to exact its revenge. With a snarl, the creature's temper flared and heaved a nearby street stand, its metal and wood frame creaking in protest. The stand shot into the air, propelled by raw, inhuman power.
The helicopter, a distant silhouette against the dark sky, was unaware of the impending danger. The stand hurtled through the air with unerring accuracy, a missile on a collision course. The impact was thunderous, a deafening collision that sent shockwaves reverberating through the night.
The helicopter, suddenly thrown off balance, buckled and wrenched violently. Its rotors sliced through the frigid air with a sickening whine as it spiraled out of control. The once-steady engine sputtered and groaned, fighting against the forces of gravity and momentum. The crash was inevitable, a catastrophic event that unfolded in a whirlwind of chaos and fire. The loud explosion echoed through the streets, illuminating the night in a blinding burst of light and heat. Fragments of metal and debris rained down, scattering in all directions.
But in their narrow alley, Percy and Nico remained oblivious to the catastrophe. The shockwaves of the explosion reached them, shaking the ground beneath their feet, but they pressed on, driven by the urgency of their escape.
Once they were certain they were alone, Percy and Nico leaned against the cold brick wall, trying to catch their breath. The absurdity of their adventure sank in, and they burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"Dude, what was that? You were like fucking Sonic the Hedgehog!" Percy cackled, wiping his eyes.
"What about you and your shitty parkour skills? Don't you know you're supposed to jump over the table?" Nico replied, doubled over with laughter.
Without giving Nico time to brace himself, Percy grabbed his shoulders and attempted to leap over him with a shout of "Parkour!" sending them both crashing to the ground.
"Fuck off," Nico grumbled, but even his would-be anger could not mask his smile.
As their laughter gradually subsided, Percy and Nico calmed themselves enough to continue walking. They scanned the streets, searching for a secluded spot where they could safely shadow travel to escape the looming threats and the bewildering chaos of their adventure.
The narrow alleyway stretched before Percy and Nico, their breath misting in the frigid air as they navigated the labyrinthine streets of Breckenridge. Their hurried footsteps echoed off the brick walls, the sound punctuated by the distant wail of sirens.
Suddenly, as they rounded a corner, they came face-to-face with a monstrous figure, its form looming menacingly. Its leathery skin was mottled with scars and coarse, wiry fur patches, giving it a nightmarish texture. Its eyes were a vicious shade of crimson, gleaming with a twisted satisfaction that spoke of long-simmering hatred. Razor-sharp claws extended from its gnarled fingers, glinting menacingly in the dim light of the alley.
As it snarled, a jagged row of teeth, each one jagged and serrated, was revealed. The breath that escaped its mouth carried a sickening stench of decay and brimstone, a foul vapor that permeated the air around them.
For a moment, Percy and Nico were rendered speechless, their initial shock giving way to a creeping unease. The creature's presence seemed to warp the space around it, casting an aura of foreboding that clung to the alley's walls. The monster's voice broke the eerie silence, a guttural growl dripping with bile. "At long last," it declared, "I can finally get my revenge."
Percy's unease deepened, his emotions disrupted by the unsettling nature of the monster's words. He couldn't fathom why the creature spoke of 'revenge' when he had never encountered or battled this type of monster before. Percy's brow furrowed in confusion as his mind raced, sifting through the memories of past confrontations, searching for any trace of the beast that now stood before him. Yet, the mental gallery yielded no results; there was no recollection, no clue that he had ever crossed paths with this particular foe. And he was sure he'd remember something so hideous. Slowly, he reached into his pocket, fingers closing around Riptide's familiar, reassuring form, still in its unassuming pen shape.
"What are you talking about?" he questioned, his voice steady but edged with frustration. "I've never met you before," he declared, the words echoing off the alley's narrow walls.
The monster's laughter, a guttural, mocking sound, sent shivers down Percy's spine. Its crimson eyes gleamed with disturbing satisfaction as it sneered, "Did you ever find that runt you were looking for?"
Percy's confusion deepened. This cryptic reference made no sense. His grip on Riptide tightened, readiness and caution warring within him. "Who…?"
"That son of Poseidon! Percy Jackson," the creature spat, the name dripping with contempt as it took a few steps forward.
Percy's brow furrowed in utter bewilderment, his thoughts racing to make sense of the inexplicable situation. He couldn't fathom why this monster seemed so convinced of his identity. "Wait- who do you think I am?" he queried, his voice laced with confusion and disbelief. He glanced at Nico, who stood beside him, equally perplexed.
However, the monster's amusement gave way to a growing frustration. It sensed Percy's lack of recognition, and anger began to simmer beneath its grotesque exterior. The monster's voice grew harsher, dripping with venom. "You don't remember, do you? You have forgotten me!" it hissed, crimson eyes narrowing with fury. The monster's anger swelled, morphing into a smoldering rage. How dare it be dismissed, reduced to a mere phantom.
The monster's voice, now a venomous snarl, continued, "No matter! You will not best me this time, even if you have the power to control water."
Percy's unease gave way as he absorbed the monster's words. He might not understand the full extent of this creature's grudge, but its intent was clear—it sought to defy him, to prove that it was a formidable adversary. The weight of the challenge hung heavy in the air.
Percy clicked the cap of Riptide, and with a satisfying metallic sound, the pen transformed. The celestial bronze blade gleamed in the dim light of the alley, casting a faint, ethereal glow. Percy held it high, the weight of the sword familiar in his grip. His sea-green eyes held a resolute glint as he spoke, "We'll see about that."
The atmosphere in Camp Half-Blood's dining pavilion was tense, an unspoken apprehension hanging thick in the air. Chiron, standing at the forefront, cleared his throat. Chiron's gaze swept over the assembled campers, his expression etched with concern.
"I regret to inform you all that, as of today, Percy Jackson is officially declared missing. Despite our best efforts, we have lost all trace of him. As you all know, he is becoming unpredictable and, given the recent events, potentially unstable. If any of you come across any information regarding his whereabouts, I implore you to inform me immediately."
A heavy silence settled over the pavilion, the weight of Chiron's words sinking in. Percy, the spirited demigod who had become like a son to Chiron, was now an enigma, slipping through his fingers like sand. The old centaur's heart ached with regret. He had watched Percy grow and cared for him like a father, and the thought of anything untoward happening to him tore at his very soul. He had lost so many heroes in his life, but he'd thought Percy might be the exception to the rule. Now, he was not so sure. The campers exchanged worried glances, the gravity of the situation pressing upon them.
Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the quiet, "Guys... you might wanna take a look at the TV."
All heads turned toward the source. Previously playing in the background, the TV had switched to a breaking news report. The screen displayed a chaotic scene in Breckenridge, Colorado, where two figures were darting through the snowy streets, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
As the campers watched, tension filled the pavilion. The figures were distant, the camera from the helicopter struggling to focus on them. A reporter's voice, crackling through the speakers, filled the space.
"...unprecedented chaos in the usually serene town of Breckenridge, Colorado. Eyewitnesses report two unidentified individuals causing widespread disruption, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Authorities are working tirelessly to apprehend the suspects and restore order..."
"They... they kinda look like – Is that Percy and Nico?" someone murmured uncertainly, eyes fixed on the screen.
Others nodded in agreement, squinting at the figures. It was hard to be sure; the disguises obscured their features, and the chaos made it difficult to discern.
Annabeth, her gaze distant and focused, moved forward, drawn towards the screen like a moth to a flame. She leaned in, her breath hitching as she caught sight of the SPQR tattoo on one figure's arm.
A wave of mixed emotions surged through her—panic, disbelief, and a pang of sorrow. Her breath caught in her throat, and she whispered, "It's him."
A hushed gasp swept through the pavilion. The campers' initial shock, giving way to raw emotion, erupted into an uproar. Angry shouts and distressed exclamations filled the pavilion.
Annabeth felt a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within her. She watched, her heart pounding, as Percy and another figure—presumably Nico—continued their frenzied escapade on the screen. Her world seemed to spin, the edges of her vision blurring as she fixated on the screen. It couldn't be him, she thought desperately. This couldn't be Percy, her Percy, the one who held her heart so tenderly. Her fingers tightened into fists, knuckles white against her palm.
Her mind raced, trying to grasp the reality before her. She felt lost, caught in a nightmare that refused to let go. The anger, the disbelief, the sorrow—it all mingled into a storm inside her, threatening to consume her. This couldn't be him. It just couldn't.
A bitter taste of loss settled on her tongue as she stared at the chaos on the screen. It wasn't just Percy's disappearance that gnawed at her—it was the future they had planned together. The dreams of going to college in New Rome, of lazy mornings and late nights together in their own space, seemed to crumble before her eyes.
She shut her eyes briefly, hoping that everything would return to normal when she opened them. That she'd find herself waking up beside him, his warm presence a comforting reality. But when she opened her eyes, the chaos on the screen remained, a harsh reminder of the truth.
The pavilion seemed to close in around her, the weight of everyone's eyes pressing down. Her breaths came in rapid bursts, the air heavy with unspoken questions and unshed tears. She wanted to run, to escape from the painful reality unfolding before her, but her legs felt like lead, rooted to the spot.
"Do they think this is a game?" Annabeth heard one camper spit; their eyes fixed furiously on the figures on the screen, who appeared to be play-fighting in the midst of the chaos on the street, civilians running for cover around them.
"It looks like they're enjoying it, sick bastards," another camper agreed, voice dripping with disgust.
Grief gripped Annabeth's heart, squeezing it in a vise-like hold. Her chest tightened, and she struggled to draw in a steady breath. She wanted to scream, to shout at the unfairness of it all. Her Percy was gone, replaced by this stranger on the screen, taking joy in causing so much destruction. The realization was a bitter pill to swallow, and Annabeth felt like she was on the brink of shattering into a million fractured pieces.
The campers watched the TV, their eyes fixed on the screen as Percy and Nico's chaotic escape continued. Suddenly, the sound of urgent yelling from those inside the helicopter could be heard, their voices filled with panic and desperation. Seconds later, the scene on the screen cut to black.
A chorus of gasps filled the room as the news team watched their live footage abruptly cut off. They frantically attempted to reestablish contact with the helicopter crew but received no response. A moment passed before the grim news was relayed to the public. "Ladies and gentlemen, we regret to inform you that the helicopter following the unfolding events in Breckenridge has just exploded."
Gasps and startled exclamations went through the pavilion as the campers stared at the TV in disbelief, their emotions spiraling from anger and confusion to dread.
As the commotion swelled around her, Annabeth's focus was momentarily drawn away from the screen. She scanned the crowd, her eyes meeting familiar faces, all twisted with shock and uncertainty. And then, at the back, she spotted him—Theseus, standing in the shadows, a cunning glint in his eyes.
Her stomach twisted in apprehension. She watched, her breath caught, as Theseus moved forward, navigating through the sea of campers until he stood atop a table, commanding attention. His voice cut through the uproar like a blade.
"Now, do you believe me? You just saw it with your own eyes," he declared, his gaze piercing. Annabeth's eyes narrowed in response. She knew exactly what he was insinuating, and the implication stung.
Theseus continued, his words sharp and calculated. "Percy is not the same hero he used to be. Now you know what he's really capable of."
Annabeth's jaw tightened. Anger rose within her, but she forced herself to maintain composure. She remembered her own words from a few weeks ago, which now seemed like they were being thrown back at her like a weapon.
The campers listened, torn between their loyalty to Percy and the doubt that now clouded their perception. Theseus had seized the moment, exploiting the uncertainty that hung in the air. Annabeth could feel the camp's collective heartache, the fracture in their belief. Percy's absence, coupled with the chaos on the screen, had created a rift, and Theseus was exploiting it to the fullest.
As Theseus finished his calculated speech, the campers exchanged uncertain glances, caught between allegiance to Percy and the doubts that now hung over his name.
Piper, her face contorted with anger, stormed into view. Her eyes blazed with fury as she glared at Theseus. Her steps were purposeful, her entire being radiating a searing intensity. Piper's punch was swift and sharp, a crack that echoed through the pavilion. "Take his name out your fucking mouth," she spat, her voice a seething growl.
Theseus staggered, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He regained his footing, a defiant smirk playing on his lips as he prepared to respond.
Before he could speak, Piper pivoted on her heel, her rage still coursing through her veins. But then, as if propelled by an invisible force, she turned back. Another punch, even more forceful than the first, landed square on Theseus' jaw.
He tumbled, landing on the seat of the table he had so confidently stood upon moments ago. The pavilion fell into stunned silence, the campers watching wide-eyed as Piper unleashed her wrath. She stood tall, her chest heaving with the effort, her gaze unyielding.
"And that's for Annabeth," she declared, her voice ringing with finality.
Several minutes later, Piper found herself in the infirmary, her hand being gently wrapped and bandaged by a young Apollo camper. That punch had felt good in the moment, but the repercussions were proving somewhat uncomfortable. The Apollo camper finished his work and left her sitting on the cot, leaving a small square of ambrosia for her on the side table. Not a minute after the healer had gone, Piper felt someone sit down on the end of the cot. She didn't look up, staring down at her hand and flexing her fingers experimentally.
Jason watched Piper silently, concern etched on his face. He knew Piper well enough to understand that she needed her space sometimes, especially after a confrontation like she'd just had. He knew that Piper was angry and understood why. Theseus had been a source of contention between them, and the events that transpired moments ago had only heightened these emotions. He chose his words carefully, "Do you wanna talk about it?"
Piper's glare remained fixed on the floor as she responded quietly, "What's the point?" She didn't want to push Jason away, but they had had so few productive conversations recently, and the constant tension between them was weighing on her.
Jason nodded slowly. "Can I say something then?"
Piper just shrugged.
"I'm sorry I wasn't seeing your side," he said carefully. "You did the right thing standing up for Annabeth."
"I know," Piper snapped before taking a deep breath and continuing. "Thank you for apologizing."
"Theseus is an ass. Someone needed to put him in his place."
"It's so weird, right?" Piper perked up. "What is he thinking, flirting with Annabeth? It's so gross. And don't get me started on wearing Percy's necklace! The whole thing feels so… wrong."
"I don't like how he keeps trying to disrupt the camp. It's like he thinks he owns the place. People are getting really upset."
Piper finally turned to Jason, glad they seemed to agree for the first time in a long time. "Right! This is great, Jason. Percy needs all the help he can get."
Jason frowned. "What are you talking about?"
Piper deflated, her stomach tying itself in knots at the sudden shift in the conversation. She knew what came next – what always came next. "I don't think you do see my side."
"We agree that Theseus is a problem. Why are you getting upset?"
"He is, and I'm glad you're finally noticing, but the point is that he's been framing Percy this whole time, making him look bad. What's not clicking?"
"You're taking this too far, Piper."
Piper jumped up from the bed and looked down at Jason. "And you're not using your brain! Percy is supposed to be your friend."
Jason jumped up, too, forcing Piper to back up a few steps to make room. "Are you blind? Percy was breaking news earlier for crashing a helicopter and destroying a whole town. For fun! He's a murderer, and you want me to see his side ?"
"You're a fool, Jason Grace," Piper said darkly, glaring at him. She didn't wait for a response before striding from the infirmary, leaving Jason fuming behind her.
Riptide clashed fiercely against the monster's claws, the sound of celestial bronze meeting scarred flesh filling the narrow alley. Percy's movements were swift and precise, but the monster was a formidable opponent. With a powerful swipe, the creature knocked Riptide from Percy's grasp, sending it flying overhead and out of his reach.
"Nice sword. But it won't help you this time," the monster sneered, its grin filled with malice as it advanced on Percy once again. Percy cursed under his breath as he watched Riptide disappear into the night, his heart pounding in his chest. He glanced around, searching for any advantage he could use.
The moon hung high in the sky, casting a faint, ethereal glow over the scene. Percy's mind raced, his instincts kicking in. He turned to the surroundings, eyes scanning for any available water source. The remnants of snow on the ground and the condensation on the nearby buildings caught his attention.
As the monster lunged, Percy evaded with a deft sidestep. The creature crashed into a nearby lamppost, shrouding the alley in darkness. The only remaining light emanated from a distant lamppost, casting long, eerie shadows.
In the dim glow, Percy strained his eyes to locate the monster. He seized the moment of confusion and gathered as much water as he could from his surroundings. He held it steady, ready to strike. The monster, disoriented in the darkness, roared in frustration. Once it was in his sights, Percy launched the water at the creature, encapsulating its head in a sphere of water. The monster thrashed wildly, its enraged cries muffled by the swirling water. It fought against its watery prison, but Percy's control held firm.
Nico's urgent shout snapped Percy's attention. "Percy!" he called out, his voice cutting through the chaos. Percy didn't hesitate. He raced behind the monster, catching Nico's outstretched arm. The shadows enveloped them, swallowing them whole.
The cold night air stung Percy's lungs as he and Nico materialized on the outskirts of town. The wails of sirens echoed in the distance, intermingled with the enraged roars of the defeated monster they had just left behind. They took a moment to catch their breath, the gravity of their situation once again sinking in. They were still in unfamiliar territory and knew they needed to find a safe place to regroup and plan their next move. Percy felt his pocket and released a sigh of relief to find Riptide settled back in pen form.
Percy and Nico slipped into the cover of the surrounding trees. The shadows seemed to welcome them, providing a cloak of protection as they disappeared from view. As they moved further from the town, the sounds of chaos faded. They knew they needed to find a place to assess the situation, figure out their next steps, and perhaps even get some much-needed rest.
Percy shivered, the remnants of the adrenaline rush giving way to the biting cold. His jacket, now tattered and torn from the battle, sat in an alleyway back in town. He wrapped his arms around himself, trying to preserve whatever warmth he could.
"Nico," Percy said through chattering teeth, "Can we go somewhere warm, now?"
Nico smirked and shrugged, the moonlight casting a ghostly glow on his features. "I don't know. I'm actually starting to like the cold."
Percy's response was immediate. With trembling hands, he reached for Nico's jacket and lifted him off the ground. Nico's eyes widened in surprise. "Okay! Okay! I was just kidding!" he exclaimed.
Percy dropped him, a grin spreading across his face. "Whatever you say," he playfully rolled his eyes and extended his hand. "Just take my hand, Hades Jr.," he said, provoking a scowl from Nico.
Nico narrowed his eyes, his irritation evident. "Do not call me that," he growled. Despite his annoyance, he grabbed Percy's hand. In an instant, the shadows enveloped them, and they vanished from the chilly night, leaving behind the cold streets of the Colorado.
