A little warning here. This particular chapter touches lightly on the subject of S.A. If you are easily triggered into a PTSD episode here is your forewarning. However, if you leave comments about how your disappointed on the lack of detail in that part. You probably need to be thrown into a woodchipper. (Hail Chippy!)
Chapter 3
Buses, Statues, and Hostile Negotiations
Chiron looked at the group in front of him with a small hint of pride.
"I am trusting you girls to look out for Jacks here," Chiron stated, "there are customs and things taken for granted that he will be unaware of."
"Of course, Chiron," Annabeth answered. Jacks bowed lightly with a muttered thanks.
"Argus will drive you to the bus terminal," Chiron motioned to the multi-eyed man, "from then on out you shall be on your own."
They piled into the van and began their journey. Upon reaching the bus terminal Annabeth discreetly showed the Jedi and the Trooper how to purchase the tickets. As Jaks went to purchase them Annabeth turned to Jacks and asked, "Jacks, how did you get your name?"
"It was revealed by The Force to the Jedi who found me." Jacks smiled in memory, "My full name is actually Per'ci Jacks'on, I go by Jacks because it is easier and less pretentious."
"You're easier to talk to then." Clarisse clarified. Annabeth looked at her with a raised brow. "What Owl-Brain," Clarisse snipped, "just 'cause I like fighting more than reading don't make me an idiot."
"All right kids," Jaks said walking up. "I got us the tickets. The bus leaves in 15 minutes."
They loaded up onto the bus towards the front. ("Easier to evacuate," Jaks whispered) When the bus began moving the Jedi looked to the girls and asked, "What kind of problems should we expect?"
"Well," Annabeth started, "you have the various traditional Greek monsters. Then the ordinary muggers, drug dealers, traffickers, and gangs; all depending on the area of the U.S. you are in." Clarisse piped up, "Don't bother using Celestial Bronze on ordinary people. It only works on monsters, demigods, and gods/goddesses if you are lucky enough to get a hit in."
Jacks looked thoughtful, "Can these monsters be reasoned with?" Suddenly an old gruff voice behind them spoke, "Take it from someone managed to reach old age kid…no you can't" Jacks turned to look at an elderly gentleman wearing Aviators and an Iwo Jima hat. "Their favorite food is demigods."
"Who…" Annabeth began. "Believe it or not, Aphrodite." The old man answered with a charming smile. Jacks looked at the hat and asked the significance of it. The old man looked at him and began telling his experiences in the Pacific Front.
A couple of hours later the bus stopped and let more passengers on board. Included in this group was three middle-aged women who, at first glance, seemed completely harmless. They sat down in the seats right across the aisle from Jacks. Around 20 minutes into the ride the one lady leaned over to Jacks and said, "Now honey, cooperate and it will be painless."
Jacks raised a brow and stated firm and gently, "Ma'am, I often find conversations that begin with threats of violence are highly counterproductive. However, in an attempt to reach a peaceful resolution; what do you require help with? If this is about the missing lightning bolt. I am afraid we just started the process of looking for it." As this exchange was happening Annabeth was holding her dagger concealed from view while Jaks was holding Clarisse down to keep her from attacking.
"Then I am afraid we have nothing to discuss." The lady snarled striking out with her hand. Jacks deflected it and struck her, knocking the woman unconscious. Jacks shook his head, "I trust you two ladies can be a little more reasonable?" The old man from before spoke, his voice laced with power, "Son, that lady just tried to kill you. I would say your negotiation just turned hostile."
The bus driver pulled over and told the ladies to get off. At their refusal Jacks sighed and said, "We will be leaving." He motioned for the others to follow. The Trooper drew his blaster and kept it trained on the two as they off-loaded. The ladies then grabbed their third and followed. When everyone was off, the bus sped off.
Jacks stood with his saber drawn unignited. While Jaks stood off to his left prepared to give covering fire and the girls to the right with their weapons at the ready. The one that was unconscious woke with a start and stood with a snarl. Their bodies began shifting and contorting until they resembled bat-like harpies.
"Annabeth?" Jacks questioned.
"The Furies," She answered. "Hades personal torture-masters. The one with the black eye is Alecto." Said Fury snarled again and lunged in Annabeth's direction. Jacks calmly side-stepped into her path and spun his blade as he ignited it slicing her arms off at the elbow. The trooper began firing at the same moment nailing one between the eyes. Annabeth and Clarisse tag-teamed the other. With Clarisse creating openings with her spear and shield so Annabeth could dance in and out with her daggers, making quick work of the it. Within moments only Alecto remained.
"Now," Jacks said, his saber casually held at the ready, "What did you want?" Alecto burst into a shower of golden sparks without warning leaving the four just standing there in the dark. They hesitated for a moment then put their weapons up.
"General, we should keep moving." Jaks stated.
"Agreed," Came the reply. Jacks closed his eyes for a moment in meditation. "This way," he said. Eyes snapping open and began walking in a random direction.
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Olympus Antechamber as they loaded onto the bus.
Hestia, Hera, Athena, and Artemis were watching as the events of the bus began. "Oh, what are we watching?" a bubbly voice said as the person entered the room.
"Go away Aphrodite." Athena sighed.
"No fighting girls," Hestia chided.
"Yes, Aunt Hestia," the two chorused causing Hestia to beam. As they watched the conversation between Jacks and the older man Aphrodite sighed, "I always liked Victor."
"Who," Athena asked.
Aphrodite pointed at the old man, "Victor, my son. Went and joined the Marines voluntarily." The goddess of love sighed. Artemis went to speak but was silenced by Athena. "All so he could look even better for the ladies." Athena made a 'there it is' motion with her hand. "He found an extended family to love and fight for as well. Which helped give him strength." Aphrodite leaned back and sighed deeply again, "Isn't love wonderful?"
Chatting amongst each other for most of it while barely paying attention; the three goddesses were startled by Aphrodite's sudden laugh.
"What, is so funny?" Athena asked.
"The jedi," She wheezed, "Just cold-cocked* Alecto! She is going to be pissed when she wakes up!" They rewound the footage and watched it again. She continued giggling madly.
Artemis glared at the image playing, "Did, he hold back?"
"Yes, I believe so." Athena answered switching it back to live as Victor spoke up Charming the bus. "I believe he was trying to refrain from killing."
Athena analyzed the formation they assumed off of the bus, "Hmmm, passable."
"Chiron appears to have taught our children well." Aphrodite stated.
"Our children?" Athena and Artemis chorused.
"I consider all who reach the age of romantic love my children. After all, it is my domain." Aphrodite quipped back. She looked at Jacks, "I wonder…"
"For this planets existence Aphrodite please don't pull your Tragic Love routine on him." Athena interrupted. Aphrodite's response was a look so innocent it should be illegal.
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Back on Earth.
The four trudged their way through the forest until they came to a clearing with a torn-up road and a building. The three non-jedi stated to shuffle towards the door until Jacks was suddenly in front of them rapping his knuckles on their heads.
"Hey!" Clarisse snapped, "what was that for?"
"Your minds were being clouded by whatever is in there." He said pointing towards the door. He turned then walked up to the building in question.
"Then why are we heading towards the danger?" Annabeth asked.
"The Force said to." He said simply. Annabeth rolled her eyes and looked at Jaks, "How do you put up with that?"
"In my experience with Jedi miss," Jaks said smirking, "Particularly the General here. The closer we are to danger…The farther we are from harm." The clone then caught up to Jacks and knocked on the door. Annabeth and Clarisse looked at each other incredulously then joined the two.
A feminine figure in a dark, emerald burqa answered the door. "Oh dear," her voice a deep Grecian accent, hinting at middle-age. "What are you all doing here?"
"Our transport broke down a couple clicks down the road ma'am." Jacks answered acting as the guardian of the kids. "I got no signal. I apologize for any inconvenience, but could I borrow a com-line to call for a mechanic?"
"Of course!" She answered stepping aside, "The phone is in that room over there with the mechanics number just above it." She turned to the children, "How about a light snack for you while your father calls for help?"
They passed through a courtyard filled with various statues of humans and animals. Jacks noticed one in particular, of a young girl holding a flower basket. The detail was remarkable, even the stitching in the dress could be seen. The only thing wrong was the look of absolute terror on her face.
"I see you admire my art young man," the woman began, each piece is custom of course. Sigh. The face though, the face is just so hard to get right."
Jacks placed a hand gently on the statue's cheek. "She was lost," he took a breath, "She ran away with her older brother to escape their abusive parents." He turned towards the woman. "And what did you do? You killed her, why? You could have helped her."
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In the next room Jaks was calling the camp to give an update. He briefed Chiron on the situation finishing with, "…and now we are at some place called 'Auntie Em's Garden Emporium."
The old centaur gasped and said, "Get out of there! Do not look at that woman's face if she takes her veil off! You're in Medusa's Lair!"
"Understood," Jaks replied. Hanging up the phone and drawing his blaster he began clearing the rooms looking for the others.
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"Why!?" Medusa snarled. "What else can I do? Because of her mother!" Pointing to Annabeth, "Everyone who looks at my face is so horrified they turn to stone! At least that little girl escaped her pain!" Pointing towards the statue.
"How did it happen?" Jacks asked. He sat cross-legged on the ground gesturing to a soft patch of grass in front of him. Medusa froze in shock at the boy's action, unable to comprehend the genuine and kind nature of him. "Annabeth, Clarisse, go find Jaks and wait for me please."
"But" Annabeth started.
"Trust me," Jacks said never taking his eyes off Medusa. Annabeth hesitated for a moment then grabbed Clarisse by the wrist and left.
"Please sit." Jacks said, "I prefer peaceful resolutions to problems."
"I will stand over here. Thank you very much!" Medusa half shouted, confused as to why the young man had not fled or tried to kill her yet.
"I read your particular story," Jacks began. Medusa snorted in disbelief. "However," Jacks cut in, "I feel as if only part of the tale was actually told."
"Of course, there is parts missing!" Medusa spat, "No ever bothered to ask for my side! The goddess cursed her. So, it must be her fault. Bah!"
"So, what happened?" Jacks asked gently before adding, "If you're comfortable with sharing that is."
Medusa froze; she tilted her head slightly downward and whispered, "You're…you're serious?"
"Of course," Jacks said with a reassuring smile. "I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't."
"Because you are the only one who has asked." She whispered. She moved forward and sat down in the spot Jacks motioned to earlier.
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S.A. Mentioned but not detailed. This is your trigger warning.
"I was the High Priestess for Athena's Temple on an Island city." Medusa began weaving her tale. "Considered the most loyal and beautiful of all who followed her teaching and rule. One day a strange man came to our shores and made advances on me. I rejected him, telling him of my oaths and had him thrown out of the temple." Medusa paused, "Back then, the gods were…much crueler than they reportedly are now." She took a shaky breath, "Later, the man returned. He revealed himself to be Poseidon and made the advances again." She shuddered and started whispering. "I was afraid. Afraid on what could happen if I said no. What he could do to my sisters, the temple, the island. I prayed harder to Athena than I ever could…and got silence in return. So, I let him have his way." She began to cry softly. "So, she cursed me! Two of my sisters asked to share in my curse and we veiled ourselves. We told the island about the curse and within a week only the priestesses who sympathized with me remained. Then, heroes started showing up to 'slay the monsters of the island' and we were forced to defend ourselves. I just somehow ended up becoming the monster they all say I am. The rest is as you say, history."**
Trigger warning over.
Jacks pulled out a handkerchief and handed to Medusa. He closed his eyes until the Force told him it was safe. "Perhaps," he said, "If you want me to. I could attempt to negotiate with Athena to lift the curse. It may take time, and I do have a civil war on Olympus to stop. But I am willing to attempt it if you want." Jacks stood up and offered a hand.
Medusa's body went rigid in shock, "Why? Why would you help me?" Taking the hand, she stood. "After everything I have done. All the people I have hurt. Why?"
"Because you were hurt too." He said, "And at one point. The violence and hatred needs to stop."
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"Go ahead and pick a vehicle," Medusa said waiving at the all the cars and trucks. "I've kept them all in working order." Jaks walked up to a vehicle and said, "This one sir. It looks like it could take a beating."
"Of course, the soldier gravitates to the old jeep." Annabeth rolled her eyes.
"Remember what you promised," Medusa whispered to Jacks as she handed him the keys.
"Of course," he replied with a gentle smile. "I will return with an answer." They packed up the supplies and began piling in. Jacks turned to Medusa, bowed, and said, "May the Force be with you." He climbed in and they drove off.
As they began heading west, Jacks turned and looked at the girls, "Listening in on private conversations is rude."
"You were alone," Annabeth retorted.
"With Medusa!" Clarisse shouted.
"And the General said to trust him." Jaks stated.
"How do you…" Annabeth began to protest.
"I've fought on the frontlines with him." Jaks cut her off, "I'm pretty sure I know the basics of what he said to you." Annabeth grew quiet and withdrew slightly, "I never knew that's what happened. I thought I knew from all the reading I did."
"The problem with that," Jacks answered, "is you got information from one perspective. One needs both perspectives. Backed with evidence of course, before jumping to a conclusion."
Clarisse's ADHD finally got the better of her and she butted in, "Can I just call you Percy? Because calling you both Jacks/Jaks is giving me a headache.
Percy shook his head in slight amusement, "Sure, I don't have a problem with it. Now, let us go find a stolen lightning bolt."
* Cold-cock (verb)
cold-cocked (past tense); cold-cocked (past participle)
knock (someone) out, typically with a blow to the head.
**In the original myth of Medusa. Poseidon forced himself on her. When she prayed to Athena for help, Athena cursed her with being so ugly even the gods would not want her. The Greek myths are full of this type of tragic theme. S.A. is a profoundly significant issue. And even the little bit I wrote brought up some feelings of my own past. I do not apologize for including this in here, because trying to hide it. Or even rewrite it like some so-called activists are trying to do is an injustice to the victims of S.A. everywhere.
