Modern myths

by Jokiba

Percy Jackson stories with smut

1. Coming of Age

Coming of Age

CambrianBeckett

Summary:

Summary: An AU retelling of Percy Jackson's adventures in a world where demigods don't start getting hunted until they're eighteen. Oh, and not everything might be entirely what it usually is with our plucky hero.

One of my current ongoing stories here and on all of my other websites such as QuestionableQuesting, Hentai-Foundry, and Fanfiction. This story will update twice a month, usually.

Links to my profiles on other websites can be found in the Notes at the end of the chapters.

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Chapter 1: Prologue

Chapter Text

He's incredibly groggy as he starts to wake up. That's his excuse anyways, for not immediately opening his eyes. To be fair, it's not every day that you wake up to someone giving you a handjob. It's certainly never happened to Percy before. He honestly doesn't want it to end, especially with how soft and feminine the hand is. Nor does he want to ruin the fantasy.

Instead, keeping his eyes closed, Percy tries to take stock of things. Where was he? How had he gotten here? The last twenty-four hours come back to him slowly but surely, and as he remembers what led up to this point, he has to admit… he's more and more distressed.

It'd started at the Senior Trip to the museum. Percy was pretty fucking sure he'd killed Mrs. Dodds, but then the woman had literally turned into a massive fucking bat lady with huge fangs and attacked him, so it was a pretty clear cut case of self-defense. Except when Percy had tried to tell people, it was like Mrs. Dodds never existed.

Instead, Mrs. Kerr was suddenly their Math Teacher and according to the rest of his classmates, always had been. Percy didn't know what the fuck to think about that. He'd quite literally stabbed Mrs. Dodds through the chest with a fucking sword that had come out of a pen, and no one was batting an eyelash. Well, no one except for his only friend, Grover.

But then, that was another clusterfuck entirely, wasn't it? After the Field Trip, Percy ended up back at school, only to overhear Grover talking to Mr. Brunner, the one who Percy remembered throwing him the pen-sword in the first place. They'd talked as though Percy's life was in danger, but when Percy tried to question Grover about it, he'd been irritatingly tight-lipped.

All in all, Percy had really needed it when his mom had offered to take him to his favorite beach for the weekend. It was exactly what the eighteen year old required to get over the events of the day. The beach had always been Percy's favorite place. But then, as long as he could remember, he'd been happier in water than anywhere else, even dry land.

He was a natural born swimmer, the kind of guy who was at home in the ocean. That had ultimately translated into him joining the Swim Team of every school he'd ever been in. Of course, most schools still ended up kicking him out. Percy had never had an easy time of it when it came to education. Not only had he been held back a year at one point due to his Dyslexia and ADHD, but he also didn't last at most schools longer than a year… some less than six months, even.

Even as one of the best swimmers on any Swim Team he'd ever been on, Percy wasn't one of the 'cool people'. To be fair, the popular kids usually preferred the Football Stars over a Swim Star, but even then… he didn't really fit in. Not even with his fellow swimmers. He did his best, but often enough, his best wasn't good enough.

All of that didn't really matter though, not when shit had really hit the fan for some reason. He and his mom had barely been in Montauk for one night before they'd been woken up by a pants-less Grover. No, that wasn't quite right. It had been Grover, and he'd been without pants, however he'd also had a goat-like appearance from the waist down. His unmentionables were hidden behind a whole lot of fur that ultimately terminated in a pair of hooves of all things.

He'd told Percy and his mother then and there that he was a Satyr, and that they really needed to leave because it wasn't safe anymore.

In hindsight, the speed at which his mom had believed Grover was a little suspicious, wasn't it? Percy furrows his brow a little bit at that, only to hastily smooth out his expression and regulate his breathing as the hand on his shaft suddenly goes still, the handjob coming to a temporary halt. As a swimmer, he knows a lot about breathing… enough to be able to continue faking sleep until the handjob resumes.

Going back to what had happened… they'd ended up driving out into a fucking hurricane it felt like, only to be blasted by a bolt of lightning of all things! From there, Grover had been no help, injured by the crash as he was. And with Grover down for the count, well… things had gone decidedly sideways when the Minotaur showed up.

Grover got hurt even more by the Minotaur, until Percy's mom… his mom distracted the monster and it grabbed her by the neck. She'd disappeared in a flash of golden light and Percy didn't know if she was dead or… or just somewhere else. He only knew she was gone.

What happened next is coated in red in his memory. He'd been overcome with fury, the water from the hurricane coating his form and making him slippery as an eel. He'd dodged the Minotaur's grasping hands, leapt up onto his back, torn his horn clean off his skull, and stabbed him to death with it.

That was… that was the last thing he remembered, right? Except no, as he gets past that, a bit more memory comes to him. He'd not passed out there. Instead, he'd dragged Grover's unconscious body a little while longer, reaching the porch of a house before finally passing out. THAT was the last thing he remembered.

Letting out a low, involuntary breath, Percy shudders, causing the hand on his cock to stop moving yet again. A moment later, a woman's voice calls out to him.

"You can stop pretending to be asleep now, you know."

… Well, it was worth a try. And hey, the hand on his dick wasn't going anywhere at least. Slowly opening his eyes, Percy looks up into the face of a cute blonde coed. Immediately, her gaze jumps out at him as intensely… calculating. Meanwhile, her hand is indeed wrapped around his cock even now, her fingers casually stroking away at it, though her palm is no longer going up and down.

"… You've got your hand on my dick."

Without missing a beat, the blonde nods.

"Yes."

Percy presses his lips together, glancing between his crotch and her face. She's a very beautiful young woman. And he's nothing if not a libidinous young man. Even still.

"Why do you have your hand on my dick?"

Giving him a half-shrug, she glances down at his cock in her grasp for just a moment before answering him.

"Curiosity. You developed a substantial case of Nocturnal Penile Tumescence as you slumbered, and I found myself intrigued. I can stop, if you wish."

Percy finds himself mouthing the words 'Nocturnal Penile Tumescence' for a moment with wide eyes, causing an expression of irritation to spread across the cute blonde's face.

"You would know it by the slang term 'morning wood'."

Oh. Right. Blushing now, Percy looks down at where her hand is still on his cock. Almost as though she expects him to ultimately give her permission to continue. But then, she already knew he'd pretended to be asleep until now so she WOULD continue, didn't she?

"… It's fine. You can keep going."

The barest of smiles slips onto the blonde's face at that. Just a quirk of the lip, even as her hand begins to move up and down his shaft again. Trying to ignore how good it feels to be jerked off by a beautiful woman, Percy instead attempts to focus on their surroundings. It looks like they're actually in a camp infirmary of some sort, given the log cabin aesthetic. He's on one of a handful of beds in the place, though they're the only two actually IN the log cabin at the moment.

"Um… where are we, exactly? And who are you?"

Now she smirks at him, shaking her head slightly.

"You probably should have led with that last question, Percy Jackson. As for who I am… I'm Annabeth. Annabeth Chase. And you're currently at Camp Half-Blood."

Percy just shakes his head at that, somewhat bewildered now.

"Wait, how do you know MY name?"

Rolling her eyes, Annabeth scoffs.

"I'm the daughter of Athena. It's my duty to know things. Also Grover told me."

It's just one thing after another. Percy barely even hears the last bit, still trying to wrap his head around the 'daughter of Athena' bit. But when he finally registers Grover's name, he perks up.

"Grover? He's alright?"

Waving her free hand through the air, Annabeth nods.

"He's fine. Healed up faster than you, even. He explained what brought you here. I'm sorry that your arrival at Camp was so… rough."

She sounds apologetic, but the way she's talking, it's like his arrival here was almost inevitable or something. Brow furrowing, Percy decides to focus on that next, even as her hand on his cock continues to work away at him the entire time. It was a little strange, holding such an important conversation while getting jacked off, but also… not entirely unappreciated, he had to admit.

"What is Camp Half-Blood, exactly?"

Looking at him, REALLY looking at him, Annabeth hums.

"You don't know. That's a shame. Maybe if you'd known, this all could have been avoided. You're a demigod, Percy. The son of a god. Specifically, you're the son of a God or Goddess from the Greek Pantheon."

Percy sputters at that, but Annabeth is deathly serious. There's not a single ounce of deception in her voice either. Now, he hasn't always been the best at reading people to be fair. And maybe the fact that she's giving him a handy has something to do with it… but he believes her. Or at least, he believes she believes it. She might still be crazy as all hell, in which case he needed to get out of here.

"I don't… I'm not… I uh, have to get back to school. What day is it, even? Is it still the weekend? Because I've got class to get to and swim practice and…"

He trails off as Annabeth once again stops jerking him off. She looks at him closely for a moment before something akin to sympathy spreads across her face.

"You were held back a year at some point, weren't you?"

Percy flushes at that. It wasn't something he let get to him, usually. At least, he tried not to. But with Annabeth… he could already tell she prized knowledge and intelligence. He found himself getting defensive.

"Y-Yeah? So? What of it?"

Annabeth just shakes her head.

"You're eighteen now, Percy. Your old life is over. Monsters don't care whether you're still in High School or not."

Percy thinks of Mrs. Dodds. He thinks of the Minotaur. He thinks of a handful of experiences he's had in the past couple months since his eighteenth birthday. Mouth dry, he nevertheless has to ask for clarification even as he feels a yawning pit opening in his stomach.

"… Monsters?"

Annabeth seems to detect that he's not completely ignorant, because the look she gives him is vaguely pitying.

"You're a fully matured demigod, Percy. And monsters hunt demigods as soon as they've come of age. Camp Half-Blood is one of the only places where our kind is safe. You're safe now… but you'll be hunted for the rest of your life all the same."

It was the sort of thing that should have really put a damper on the entire mood. And yet, Percy's body apparently doesn't care. Annabeth's hand feels too damn good. Because, just a few moments after she's let that particular bombshell drop, Percy is groaning as he suddenly tips over the edge without warning, Annabeth's smooth palm gliding up and down his throbbing shaft.

They've been talking for a while now to be fair, and she'd been jerking him off even before he woke up. Still, he's incredibly embarrassed when he cums all over her hand, his seed coating her fingers and palm. Annabeth, meanwhile, just pauses and hums as she looks at the mess he's made of her appendage. Wait. She can't seriously be thinking about…

Percy watches, bewildered, as the self-proclaimed Daughter of Athena brings her cum-coated fingers to her lips. Her tongue darts out remarkably fast and swipes a bit of his seed from her fingertips and into her mouth. Then, she pauses again, clearly cataloging the taste for a moment before wrinkling her nose and shaking her head.

Reaching off to the side, Annabeth comes back with a towel that she uses to wipe not just her hand down but his cock. Her movements are incredibly efficient and mechanical, not really allowing him to get aroused again even as she wipes them both down. Percy, meanwhile, finds himself grimacing as though her dislike of his cum was a personal blow to his pride.

"That bad, huh?"

Annabeth pauses and then looks at him.

"Not really. It might be an acquired taste, or it might be a matter of personal preference. I've just never really been a fan of seaweed."

Percy blinks at that, but before he can even try to formulate a response, Annabeth stands.

"Now come on. Get dressed, I'm expected to bring you as soon as you wake up. This little conversation wasn't exactly sanctioned."

She directs him to his clothes, so Percy quickly gets out of bed and begins getting dressed. However, he definitely catches Annabeth's eyes flicking over his torso, where the abs he has from all his swimming have apparently catch her eye. Percy tries not to feel too pleased about that, though he does find himself briefly fantasizing about actually getting to do more with the blonde. She'd given him a handjob because she was apparently curious. Could he get her to do more with him for the sake of 'knowledge gathering' or something?

That thought is shunted to the side a moment later when he goes back over her final words to him again and furrows his brow.

"Wait, who exactly are you bringing me to? What do you mean, 'not sanctioned'?"

Annabeth just shrugs, standing by the door to the infirmary and waiting for him.

"The Director of Camp Half-Blood wanted to speak with you as soon as you were conscious. But I decided it could wait a little bit. You're feeling much more settled now, after all. Not nearly as likely to freak out, right?"

Percy blinks and considers that for a moment. Was he feeling better? A little. Was he less likely to freak out? Maybe, so long as he kept repressing all of his feelings for a while yet. But also…

"Who's the Director, anyways?"

Annabeth just smirks as he walks towards her, pulling open the infirmary door.

"You'll see."

Chapter 2: The Director

Chapter Text

When they step out of the infirmary, Percy isn't sure what he's expecting to see based on what he's been told so far. The inside of the infirmary felt like some sort of Summer Camp Log Cabin aesthetic, and Annabeth HAD told him he was in a place called Camp Half-Blood.

Thus, it stand to reason that he would step out into a Summer Camp of some sort. But that couldn't be further from the case. Not unless one were to describe this place as the most extra Summer Camp of all times. They WERE in the woods after all… but the buildings themselves were not the uniform log cabin structures that Percy had half-expected.

Instead, each building in the 'Camp' has its own unique architecture. Some are so painfully Ancient Greece it's not even funny, but others are so strangely out of place in other ways, like a red brick cabin, or a Victorian cabin, or a Wild West saloon cabin. There's even a cabin that's completely gold, with a sun motif protruding from its top.

Percy's surprise must be obvious on his slack jawed face, because Annabeth doesn't hesitate to loop her arm in his and all but pull him along.

"Each cabin is dedicated to honoring a different Olympian God. That's why they're all a little different. Wouldn't do for the Gods and Goddesses to feel slighted, now would it?"

Percy slowly nods at that. That was a fair point, yeah. His eyes catch on some of the other people moving around. Everyone looks to be of an age where going to Summer Camp was a bit awkward, to be honest. They're all just as old as he is at a first glance, with several of the girls stopping to stare at him for a moment. One even does a double take, nearly tripping over her own feet in the process.

However, Annabeth hanging off his arm seems to keep anyone from approaching, even as she purposefully guides him somewhere deep in the camp. Ostensibly to meet with this Director she'd mentioned. Percy isn't sure what to think about all of this, but he's definitely starting to feel his nerves creeping up on him. The events of the past couple days had not been fun, and as much as Annabeth's good morning handjob had… calmed him and distracted him, they weren't fooling around anymore.

"Percy!"

Luckily, before he can be alone with his thoughts for quite too long, a familiar voice calls out to him. Looking ahead, Percy sees what looks like a cozy farmhouse, complete with a second floor and a covered porch. On that porch stands Percy's only friend in the whole wide world… Grover.

A feeling of relief rushes through Percy as he pulls free of Annabeth's clutches and races forward. Grover meets him halfway, and the two embrace. Sure, Grover's goat half is more than a little odd, but Percy can deal with it. He's just happy to see Grover is okay with his own two eyes, regardless of Annabeth's assurances.

Of course, when they pull apart Grover still has a bit of guilt on his face.

"Look Percy, I'm sorry for the deception. I couldn't get into it before because of everything that was happening, but I never wanted to lie to you about who I really was."

Percy shrugs, giving Grover a crooked sort of smile.

"S'alright G-man. Just tell me this… was the friendship part fake?"

Grover's reaction, a wide-eyed look and a rapid shaking of his head, is honestly all Percy needs.

"N-No, of course not-oof!"

Grabbing the Satyr in another hug, Percy lifts Grover off the ground for a moment before setting him down again with a laugh. That swimmer's body of his was good for something at least.

"Then don't worry about it. You did your best… and I appreciate you having my back."

Grover looks honestly touched for the moment that it takes Annabeth to finally reach the porch and interject.

"The Director is waiting inside, I assume."

Blinking, Grover nods absently.

"Oh yeah, she and Chiron are just inside. They've been waiting for Percy to wake up."

"Good."

That curt response is all the Satyr gets from Annabeth before she grabs Percy by the hand and tugs him into the farmhouse in front of them. Percy and Grover exchange a slightly bewildered look before Grover follows after them.

Inside, the place looks… quite nice. Cozy, even. A sense of warmth fills Percy's body, suffusing his very bones with this almost satisfied feeling. It's like coming home, really.

But of course, this isn't home. And the occupants inside aren't exactly familiar to him. Though, the woman, who looks to him with startling warmth in her glowing eyes, feels familiar despite them never having met before. It takes him a second to realize that sense of home is coming from her, not the room itself.

Meanwhile, the man beside her… is no man at all. Percy's eyes widen a little bit at seeing the upper body of one of his teachers, Mr. Brunner, sat upon the lower body of a horse. It appears that Mr. Brunner is a centaur. Though, given Grover turned out to be half-goat, that's not THAT strange. Still a bit of a shock though.

"Percy Jackson. It's a pleasure to meet you… at long last."

Percy's eyes slide off of Mr. Brunner's centaur body and over to the golden eyed woman sitting near the fire. She's beautiful in an understated way, and so very inviting and warm in both appearance and tone. Her smile is honest and her entire presence just… it helps in ways Percy hadn't even known he needed help in.

As the invisible weight on his shoulders finally begins to ease up, Percy nevertheless notes that the something in the woman's countenance does seem a little strained. But he doesn't know enough to possibly say for sure one way or the other, and he wasn't about to call her out on it.

"I am the Goddess Hestia of Home and Hearth. And I am the Director of Camp Half-Blood. This, as you may not already know, is Chiron. He is the Assistant Director here at Camp Half-Blood, in charge of activities and the like."

Wait, wasn't Chiron the famous trainer of a bunch of Greek Heroes from mythology? Percy can't help but be a little taken aback by the juxtaposition of a legend standing here as the Assistant Director of a Camp. Then again, the Director of the Camp was literally a Goddess, wasn't she? That was… a little hard for him to wrap his head around.

While Percy is still reeling from this new information, the now named Chiron steps forward, giving a nod of his head.

"A pleasure to finally meet you properly, Percy. I only wish it could have been under better circumstances, but you've acquitted yourself well in all the battles you've been forced to fight so far."

The mention of battle brings Percy back to the past couple of days. First was Mrs. Dodds at the museum. It was only thanks to Chiron himself in the guise of Mr. Brunner that Percy even survived. Mrs. Dodds had turned into a monster and forced him to run her through with that pen-sword Chiron had tossed him.

However, that battle is barely a passing recollection in Percy's mind, which is suddenly racing as he gets to the NEXT battle. The Minotaur… his mom…

Only in that moment does Percy realize just how badly he'd been repressing those events. He'd thought of them completely clinically until this point. But being in Hestia's presence, feeling that warmth of home… it felt good, don't get him wrong, but it also reminded him that his mom was gone. And he could never go home again.

It's a little embarrassing, but Percy damn near breaks down right there in the living room of the Goddess Hestia's home. Grover has to catch him, his friend suddenly by his side and keeping him from outright collapsing to his knees in despair.

"M-My mom… she… the Minotaur got her…"

The expressions of concern on the faces of Hestia and Chiron turn towards understanding and they exchange a glance. Meanwhile, Percy is furiously wiping the involuntary tears from his eyes as they fall regardless of how hard he tries to stop them. He doesn't want to be seen as some sort of crybaby or anything like that, especially not in front of Annabeth… and yet, it hurts. Losing his mom hurts.

He almost wishes he could go back to having that weight on his shoulders, because it was letting him ignore how painful losing the only true family he had felt. The Goddess Hestia's presence was as much a curse as it was a boon in this moment.

"If it helps, Percy…"

Blinking, Percy looks to Chiron again, the Centaur speaking up with a grimace.

"… I can at least tell you that the Minotaur did not kill your mother."

Wait, what? Percy straightens up at that, his eyes widening. Chiron's grimace intensifies as he continues on.

"The way in which your mother's disappearance was described to us by Grover… is not the way in which the Minotaur tends to dispatch its victims. More than likely, your mother was spirited way somewhere else. And if the Minotaur was not sent to outright kill her… then it is likely she is alive and well elsewhere."

That was… Percy's entire body shudders as he lets out a gasping breath and nods.

"I-I see… t-thank you, um… sir."

Chiron gives him a somewhat fatherly smile and a nod. Meanwhile, Hestia, while still seated, suddenly pulls his attention in some way. Not just his, but the attention of everyone in the room.

"I cannot say where your mother is, Percy. But I can say with some certainty that she would want you to be safe above all else. Here at Camp Half-Blood, you are safe. You are among your own kind, that of demigods. So long as you stay within the Camp's boundaries, I guarantee your health."

That was… nice. Some small part of him wanted to go hunting for his mom right away, but the far greater whole that was Percy Jackson admitted he was in no way ready for such a thing just yet. Hell, he didn't even know where to start, not really. So for now, he bows his head in gratitude towards Hestia.

"Thank you, um… Goddess."

He didn't really know how to address her. Hestia just smiles and shakes her head, her lashes fluttering for a moment in a somewhat strange fashion.

"Please, Percy… call me Hestia. We can talk more later on. For now, Annabeth will show you to your lodgings in the Hermes Cabin."

At that, Percy can't help but furrow his brow.

"Hermes? Wait… we're all demigods, right? Here in Camp Half-Blood?"

He's still wrapping his head around that particular revelation, but he remembers at least that much from Annabeth's explanations. Hestia and Chiron exchange another glance, before Hestia slowly nods.

"… So my dad was Hermes?"

Even as the words leave his lips, Percy knows they're wrong. In fact… it's a little odd, but he feels like he knows exactly who his true father is already. Isn't it incredibly obvious? Hestia just shakes her head, however.

"You must be claimed by your godly parent before you can take up residence in their cabin, young Percy. Until that time, the Hermes Cabin is where all unclaimed demigods stay."

Oh. That sort of made sense, he supposed. So it probably was obvious to everyone that he was the son of Poseidon, and not just himself. Nodding slowly, Percy plasters a smile on his face before turning to Annabeth.

"Alright then. Lead the way!"

She does so, with him and Grover heading out behind her. That sense of warmth lingers even as he leaves Hestia's presence, bolstering Percy and making him stand tall. Somehow… he knew he was going to like it here.

-x-X-x-

"Hestia? Is something the matter? Normally you would not have remained seated. But… it was almost like you were having to hold yourself back."

Still sat in her chair by the hearth, Hestia bites her lower lip, slowly calming the rapidly beating heart in her chest down to something approaching a normal pace. Then and only then does she turn her golden eyes towards Chiron and let out a sigh.

"Percy Jackson is more than we could have guessed, I'm afraid."

Chiron's brow raises at that. They both know, of course, who's son Percy truly is. Hestia because she's Hestia, and Chiron because the young man's father had given him Riptide to give to Percy in the first place. Of course, the first time had been on loan. Percy still needed to prove himself worthy to be allowed to have Riptide on a more permanent basis.

That said…

"MORE than we could have guessed? Goddess, what does that even mean?"

It was bad enough that Percy's parentage was in direct defiance of the Big Three's Oath to father no more children. But more than that?

Hestia shudders a bit, before answering.

"It's not his fault, of course. Percy… is a reincarnated soul. And not just any reincarnated soul, either."

Chiron's brow furrows, as he tries to figure out who could possibly provoke such a reaction in Hestia. He can't think of anyone, but luckily Hestia is happy to spell it out for him once she finishes collecting her thoughts.

"Percy Jackson is the reincarnation of Adonis himself. The man who's very presence made even Goddesses swoon."

Chiron blinks at that. Then he blinks again, as understanding truly begins to hit him.

"Oh. Oh… that's, uh… not good? But then… he doesn't SEEM like the most handsome man in the world."

Hestia's answering smile is a small, fragile thing as her fingers knead at her dress down in her lap.

"He has come of age. In the next few weeks, I imagine he will grow into his looks, just as Adonis did. But even as he is now, there is a presence to him. One that the female demigods of Camp Half-Blood will not be able to ignore."

Chiron blanches at that, true understanding finally hitting him. They were technically set up as a Summer Camp… but all of their residents were of university age. That meant there were… plenty of dalliances already. You couldn't stop young people from fucking, it was an exercise in futility. That said, if Percy truly was Adonis Reborn… he was going to end up taking the Camp by storm. Hell, he already had the intellectual and focused Annabeth zeroed in on him, didn't he?

"That's not even the worst of it. I am… obligated to inform the rest of the Pantheon of this development. Aphrodite and Persephone would be bad enough, but the other Goddesses, Hera included, have long been jealous of their monopolization of the original Adonis."

As Chiron's eyes go even wider, his mouth opens for a moment… before he notices the way Hestia worded her statement.

"… Will you follow that obligation, Hestia? Will you inform the Pantheon of Percy's reincarnated nature?"

In truth, Hestia's hesitation to answer is all the answer needed.

Chapter 3: The Camp

Chapter Text

Still, even if Hestia's silence is all the answer Chiron needs, he does her the good grace of waiting politely for her response. Though he's not remotely surprised when it finally comes.

"… Not yet. After all, there's always the chance I'm wrong."

Chiron raises an eyebrow at that. They both know Hestia isn't wrong. But at the same time, he's not going to call her out on it, is he? Hestia sighs, offering her assistant director a small smile.

"Like you said, he doesn't seem like the most handsome man in the world just yet, does he? Perhaps I'm misreading him. Perhaps he IS a reincarnation, but not Adonis' reincarnation. I've only met the boy a single time so far. It would be… irresponsible and rash of me to go running off to Olympus with information that might prove inaccurate, wouldn't it?"

After a moment, Chiron bows his head, a small smile of his own playing across the centaur's lips.

"… As you say, Goddess. Very irresponsible indeed."

Nodding, Hestia looks towards the door that Annabeth had led Percy through just a little while before. Both she and Chiron know she's not wrong about this. Percy IS the reincarnation of Adonis. And somehow… somehow Camp Half-Blood is just going to have to reconcile with that fact.

-x-X-x-

Percy can't help his curiosity, even as Annabeth leads him away from Hestia's farmhouse, back out into the camp proper. He glances at the cabins, though none of the ones nearby are apparently Hermes Cabin. That said…

"Hey, Annabeth?"

Looking back at him, the blonde lifts an eyebrow.

"Yes?"

"… Back there, the Goddess said that we have to be claimed by our godly parents before we can go to our proper cabins. That Hermes Cabin is… where the unclaimed go. Right?"

Wordlessly, Annabeth nods. Percy frowns, before grimacing.

"But what if I already know who my father is?"

He's expecting Annabeth to express surprise and interest, but to his own mild surprise, she just shakes her head.

"It doesn't matter. You might have your suspicions, but our relationships with our divine parents are thoroughly one-sided. Until you prove yourself in their eyes, you will not be claimed. Until you are claimed, you cannot be acknowledged by the Camp."

She sounds so certain of herself as she lays it all out like that, but then right after she's done explaining things, a hint of curiosity DOES show up in Annabeth's eye. The blonde tilts her head to the side and hums, clearly intrigued.

"Though… who do you think your godly parent is? Father, you said?"

Percy slowly nods, glancing in one specific direction to a cabin that he would swear belongs to the only Greek God who he feels could possibly be his parent. Long and solidly built, with all of its windows facing out towards the coast that Camp Half-Blood is built near, the outer walls of the cabin are made of gray stone and embedded with pieces of seashell and coral that sort of look like the bottom of the ocean floor.

Annabeth and Grover's eyes follow his as Percy opens his mouth to speak.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure my father is P-mmph!"

Before he can say it, Grover's hand covers his mouth, the Satyr silencing him with a pale expression on his face. Percy struggles out of his best friend's grip, shooting him a surprised look.

"Whoa! What the hell was that?!"

And yet, when he looks at Annabeth, the blonde also has a wide-eyed look on her face, like she's just now seeing him for the first time.

"… Earlier you said swim practice."

Blinking, Percy slowly nods.

"Uh yeah. I've always loved water. The ocean in particular. My mom would take me to the beach every summer. That's why I think-!"

Grover doesn't cover his mouth this time, but only because Annabeth suddenly cuts him off, talking over him.

"A long time ago, the three elder gods upon Mount Olympus swore an Oath. In the wake of World War Two, where their sons had taken up arms on all sides and nearly brought the world to ruin, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades all swore an oath to father no demigod children ever again."

Wait, what? Percy can't help but be a little flummoxed by what Annabeth is saying. If that's true, then who the hell would his father be? All his life he's been like a fish, more happy in water than on land by far. If not… then who…?

Pretending not to see his obvious confusion, Annabeth continues on in a purposefully light tone.

"As such, if there were a son of one of those three gods suddenly in Camp Half-Blood… it's not likely they would be claimed any time soon. And if a new arrival were to go around claiming that he was a son of one of the Big Three, whether he was or not… it would probably attract negative attention quite quickly."

… Oh. Now Percy got it. He flushes, feeling a little stupid for not quite picking up what Annabeth was putting down at first. Now though? Yeah, okay, he understands. Ugh, that was kind of lame, wasn't it? But it didn't sound like there was anything he could do about it. Percy shoots one last glance at what is obviously Poseidon's Cabin, just before Annabeth clears her throat.

"We're here."

Their feet have carried them across the camp, and they've arrived in front of a worn-down looking cabin with chipped brown paint and a caduceus, a winged staff with twin snakes winding up it, overhanging the door. Percy blinks at the sight of the place. This must be Hermes Cabin, he supposes. But even still… it looks a little weathered, doesn't it?

Just as they're arriving outside of the cabin, someone else is stepping out. A tall blond man with a scar across his face and a smile on his lips steps from the open doorway, his eyes alighting on Annabeth first.

"Annabeth. Good to see you again. And I see our new arrival is up to. Is this Percy then?"

Annabeth returns Luke's smile with a soft one of her own that isn't quite as wooden as a lot of her other facial expressions have been, and Percy gets the impression that there's an almost sibling energy between the two of them, even as she nods in confirmation.

"Yes, this is Percy Jackson. Percy, this is Hermes Cabin's head counselor, Luke Castellan."

When the other man offers Percy his hand to shake, Percy takes it, finding himself blinking yet again. The guy has a solid grip, but then Percy is no slouch either.

"Well met, Percy."

"Uh, you too. What does a head counselor do exactly?"

Chuckling, Luke just shakes his head.

"Not all that much. Mostly, we keep things orderly and show new arrivals such as yourself around. And of course, we attend Senior Council meetings whenever there's war, prophecies, or quests to be discussed."

Percy's eyes nearly bulge out of his skull on that last sentence.

"War?!"

Seriously? Did the demigods of Camp Half-Blood go to war very often? Well… hell, given the last day he'd had, maybe they did. His mom had been taken by a fricking Minotaur after all! A Minotaur he'd killed, but still… Percy could only hope his mom was okay. He wanted to go and find her, but he knew he wasn't ready just yet. More than that, he didn't even know where to start just yet.

Luke nods seriously for a moment… before letting out another laugh.

"I'm just kidding, Percy. Well, mostly. Hasn't been much need for the Senior Council to discuss war in a long while. More often, it's about prophecies or quests. As demigods, we tend to get a lot more of those than your average mortal would. Prophecies are attracted to us like flies to honey, and quests are how we go about proving to our parents and everyone else that we're worth something."

Percy slowly nods at Luke's explanation, though he completely misses the shadow that crosses Luke's face at the last bit there. Glancing at Grover and Annabeth, seeing they have nothing to add, he grunts after a moment.

"So I guess this is it then? Um, can you show me where I'm sleeping, sir?"

Luke grins at that.

"You don't have to call me sir, Percy. We're all adults here, after all."

That still felt strange to Percy. Technically Luke was right, since Percy had had his eighteenth birthday. Hell, it was his coming of age that had apparently kickstarted all of this bullshit in the first place. Even still, he hadn't managed to graduate high school. His birthday had come before that could happen, and so had all of this bullshit. Instead, here he was, technically an adult but feeling like a kid surrounded by adults. Even though Annabeth was definitely closer to his age, Luke was clearly a few years older and Grover… well, Grover was Grover. A good friend, but Percy was still coming to terms with his Satyr nature.

Slowly nodding all the same, Percy clears his throat and rubs the back of his neck.

"Right… actually, can I take a rain check on showing me my bunk. Just… leave a note for me on it or something. I think I'd just like to wander around by myself for a little bit."

An expression of concern spreads across Luke's face at that, and he glances at Annabeth and Glover, who also look somewhat concerned, each in their own way. Already able to sense that they're about to question him, Percy is quick to hold up his hands and offer them all a grin that doesn't quite reach his eyes.

"Hey. I'm good. Just need some time to collect my thoughts. Promise I won't wander far, okay?"

In the end, it's Grover who speaks up before the other two can say anything, the Satyr nodding and gracing Percy with a smile.

"Sure, Percy. We're here if you need us."

Luke and Annabeth both nod in agreement with that, which warms Percy's heart. Though in Annabeth's case, he's reminded of how he woke up and how their first… conversation went. He's still not entirely sure why that happened, or if Annabeth would be interested in doing more. Would HE be interested in more? Okay, the answer to that is beyond a shadow of a doubt yes. Sure, the blonde is rather taciturn and not very emotive, but she is hot and waking up to her giving him a handjob was very sexy.

For now though, he gives them all a wave and walks off by his lonesome. He needs a chance to think about everything that's happened so far, so he lets his feet wander, keeping his head down and stuffing his hands in his pockets as he considers his situation.

He's in a place called Camp Half-Blood. He's apparently a demigod, and this place is for demigods. His mom isn't dead, but she has been taken prisoner by a Minotaur. Except, he killed that Minotaur… so is she imprisoned somewhere but without a jailer? Does Percy just need to find wherever the Minotaur sent her and go and get her back?

It seems like Chiron might know more about that, but then if he did, wouldn't he have said something back when he was reassuring Percy? Either way, Percy would need to find the centaur and question him further at some point.

… God, what a crazy sentence that was. Or rather, Gods with an S, Percy supposed. Shaking his head, the young man does his best to wrap his head around everything. He's got a lot to think about. He has… his eyes widen as he's suddenly hit by the need to pee. Shit, he needed to find a bathroom fast…

-x-X-x-

Luckily, there's apparently a set of communal bathrooms located in the center of the camp that are pretty easy to spot. Percy lets out a sigh as he steps away from the urinal and over to the sink. Turning it on, he washes his hands but also lets his eyes drift shut for a moment, which is why he's so startled when a female voice suddenly cuts into his thoughts despite this being a men's restroom.

"Sup, New Blood."

Opening his eyes, Percy blinks at the sight of what can only be described as an Amazonian blonde standing behind him. However, it's not just her… there's also three other women behind her, all looking physically fit though not nearly as statuesque as the blonde.

Slowly turning around, Percy stares at them all for a moment.

"… Hello."

The one in front smirks.

"You don't know who I am. That's fine. The name's Clarisse. Clarisse La Rue. These three are who they are. Their names don't matter. What does matter is that we're all daughters of Ares."

Ares, God of War. Just based off of that, the fact that the four women had invaded the men's bathroom, and Clarisse's all around machismo, Percy finds himself with his hackles raised.

"… Percy Jackson. Nice to meet you."

Clarisse isn't having it though. Her smirk turns into half a sneer as she leans forward, invading his personal space.

"Yeah? What was with the pause, huh? Got something against children of Ares?"

Percy opens his mouth to tell her that he literally just got to Camp Half-Blood and learned demigods were a thing, so he couldn't possibly have problems with anyone yet. But before he can do so, one of the girls behind Clarisse pipes up.

"Not sure this is a good idea. Director H already told us we aren't allowed to do the old initiation anymore."

Clarisse's smile fully drops at that, turning into a wrathful expression that she shoots in her half-sister's direction. Percy tenses up, especially when she turns her gaze back his way a moment later.

"Yeah. I know. We're not gonna do the old initiation ceremony. This is the NEW initiation ceremony. Where we see just how much of a man Percy here really is."

Before he or any of the other women can speak, Clarisse steps forward… and grabs Percy by the crotch rather unceremoniously. His eyes widen as she roughly fondles his junk through his pants.

"What do you say, Jackson? Up to see how long you last against us? It's really simple. We take turns playing with your dick. A minute per for each of us. Whoever makes you cum fastest wins. You last ten minutes? You win. Either way, you're initiated into Camp Half-Blood."

… This was all happening a little fast, wasn't it? But the women behind Clarisse no longer look uncertain. In fact, they all seem very interested indeed. Meanwhile, Percy can only grunt as Clarisse gropes his cock. He's rapidly developing a stiffy, something she notices with a smirk, dropping to her knees in front of him. She's opening his pants now, while looking at him expectantly, clearly anticipating his agreement.

After a moment of thought, Percy opens his mouth to give his response.

Chapter 4: The Daughters of Ares

Chapter Text

"Clarisse, I really don't think-!"

"Sure, I'm game."

As one of Clarisse's friends tries to get her to back down again, Percy cuts her off. His eyes never leave Clarisse's face though, staring down the statuesque blonde even as he agrees to her challenge. In that moment, he doesn't dare break eye contact with Clarisse, meeting her gaze with his own. And yet, he's vaguely aware of the other three daughters of Ares all gawking at him in the background, forced to pick their jaws up off of the floor where they've dropped in response to his willingness to play along.

Ya know, if he didn't know any better, he'd think that Clarisse and her friends… or rather, her half-sisters as he now knew, hadn't ever actually put anyone through this new and improved 'initiation'. Of course, to her credit, Clarisse doesn't give even a hint of that as she grins at him wolfishly, taking his consent and running with it.

Hand still on his crotch, Clarisse steps in even closer, the statuesque blonde crowding even further into his personal space. She's clearly trying to make him feel small, and given her stature it probably worked with most guys and girls alike. But Percy was just as tall as she was, and able to meet her at directly eye level, much to her chagrin. Still…

"Start the clock."

"R-Right."

As one of the others presses a button on a wristwatch, Clarisse wastes no time pulling his cock out of the confines of his pants, yanking it into the open air. While the others gape at his size, she just lets loose a low whistle, acting impressed but also confident, like he's good but she's seen better. At the same time, she roughly strokes his shaft up and down, going just slowly enough that Percy gets hard from it… but not much better than that.

If she thinks she's going to make him cum in a minute just like that, she's got another thing coming. Maybe if he were into that sort of thing, but frankly, he's not. That doesn't stop Clarisse from trying though, the blonde's eyes glittering as she leans in nice and close, her hot breath going across her ear.

"Like that, new blood? Be a good little boy, cum for me… and there'll be more where that came from."

Cute. And probably tempting to some of the guys who ended up in this situation… if Percy wasn't the first, like he was beginning to suspect. Honestly, if Clarisse was on the up and up, she'd probably make some bottom very happy being their top. But somehow… somehow, looking her in the eye, Percy didn't get that impression from her.

No, what he saw in the daughter of Ares' eyes as she jerked him off was something… uniquely desperate. Hungry. Eager to please. Not that he thought she'd ever admit as much if he called her out on it. So… Percy says nothing. And before Clarisse knows it, her minute has come and gone.

"Time!"

Snarling at his lack of reaction, Clarisse pulls away, letting the next of her friends step up to the plate. As the minutes go by, Percy finds himself becoming more intimately aware of the other three girls. He still doesn't learn their names, none of them seeing fit to give them to him, but he at least begins to acknowledge their features.

One is dark-skinned, a mocha color with her hair pulled back into a tight ponytail. She sidles up to him just like Clarisse did but tries a different tact, giving him a smile as she strokes his cock far more gently. She doesn't say a word though, and it's all too easy to ignore her… minimalistic efforts for the minute she has to ply her technique.

Next up is a red head with freckles. She's the first to drop to her knees, applying a bit of her saliva to his cock and using BOTH hands to stroke him off. She's also the one to get him to full mast, something Percy knows the other girls all notice as he grows even bigger in her hands. Yes Clarisse and nameless flunky, he wasn't fully erect while you were jacking him off. Suck it.

The fourth and last to go in the first round of things is a brunette. She doesn't do anything special, just copying what the red head did. But knowing that her friend got results doesn't mean she's suddenly going to make him cum at the fourth minute or anything like that.

All of them are certainly trying to pass themselves off as tough as nails Amazons, each in their own way. But Percy… Percy has no issue withstanding their efforts, and before they know it, four minutes has come and gone and it's Clarisse's turn again.

"Hmph… alright, I can admit it. I underestimated you, new blood."

Percy does finally react ever so slightly… in mild surprise when Clarisse drops to her knees as well, proving to be capable of some form of humility. Of course, the reason why becomes obvious a moment later when she really starts to put her back into it… namely by gripping his cock at the base with one hand, fondling his balls with the other, and sucking on the first half of his length with her mouth.

As the statuesque blonde begins to give him sloppy toppy, Percy blinks, not expecting her to go this far this fast. But it quickly becomes apparent that that bit of desperation he caught in her the first time around hasn't gone anywhere. No, rather… Clarisse needs to make him cum. She wants to be the one who makes him explode, even if that means having to use her mouth.

Maybe she never thought he'd cum in the first four minutes. Maybe that was why she was willing to go first, because she thought he would last through the others as well, allowing her to make him cum in the fifth, halfway through. But no… Percy didn't think so. Clarisse's overconfidence and arrogance were proving to be her undoing.

It's clear she expects this to be the end, but just like previously, her expectations are blown out of the water. Percy has already decided… he's not going to cum. This isn't about pleasure. This isn't even about the sex. This is a challenge, a competition even, and Percy Jackson is in it to fucking win.

He can't necessarily say where the sudden well of inner strength comes from. He's never had more than a handjob before this, and that was like an hour ago at the hands of one Annabeth Chase. He was still a virgin… and yet here he was, having zero issue resisting the attempts of Clarisse and her friends. They all try everything to make him blow his load as the next set of four minutes goes by. The other three follow Clarisse's lead, not seeming to have any idea how to advance their technique or catch him by surprise in a way that will make him suddenly climax.

Instead, as four minutes becomes eight, it's obvious they're getting… desperate. As the brunette pulls back and wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, looking between his spit-polished mast and his face with an expression of wonder and awe, Percy watches, waiting for Clarisse to come back in. Her and her dark-skinned friend, if they keep things going in the same order as before, each of them get one more attempt.

Of course, Clarisse chooses that moment to angrily growl out an order.

"You first! I'll go last!"

For a moment, the other daughter of Ares looks like she might protest. But one look from her leader silences the young woman. There's a reason Clarisse is the only one who's name he knows, even after all four girls have sucked him off for a minute each. Almost resigned, Clarisse's toady kneels down and takes Percy back in her mouth one last time.

To her credit, she does give it her all. Though there's a note of her trying to impress him instead this time, her big brown eyes staring up into his gaze almost soulfully as she dives further down his cock than ever before.

"Gagkh! Gagkh! Gagkh!"

It's still not enough, of course. But at least she tries. For that, Percy gives her his undivided attention, even as he sees some movement from Clarisse out of the corner of his eye. And then the timer goes off, and her turn is over.

Finally looking up at Clarisse again, Percy's brow raises high upon his forehead at the sight of the blonde Amazon, sans top. Wearing absolutely nothing, Clarisse has exposed not just her muscular arms and chiseled abs, but also her bust. Her breasts are bigger than Percy would have thought, and she'd clearly had them wrapped down with bandages under her shirt to conceal their true size.

"Had to bring out the big guns for you, new blood. Best be grateful."

Percy almost asks if she means her arms or her tits, but he's managed to get by without saying a word so far during this challenge, so he maintains his silence. Growling at his lack of response, Clarisse stomps forward and drops to her knees one last time. Then, she puts 'the big guns' to use… namely by wrapping her large tits around Percy's dick.

The blonde tries her best to get him off with her breasts alone, providing Percy with his first ever boobjob, while also drooling down into her cleavage and even licking at the tip of his throbbing member whenever it pushes out of the top of her chest. She's really giving it her all, and Percy has to admit… he'd be impressed, if it wasn't all so… damn… desperate.

Clarisse's movements get more and more frantic as time marches on, not a single sound leaving Percy's mouth while the seconds count down. She growls and curses under her breath, glaring up at him angrily as though the force of her raw fury alone was supposed to make him spontaneously cum… or spontaneously combust, one or the two. Hell, maybe both. Heh, cum-bust.

Percy can't help the goofy grin that spreads across his face at his own stupid internal joke, but of course Clarisse sees it and thinks he's grinning at her.

"You bastard! D-Don't look down on me! I'll fucking-!"

"Time!"

The timer goes off as the other daughter of Ares calls out, causing Clarisse to stall mid-word as her eyes go wide and her jaw goes slack. It's clear she never thought he would last the full ten minutes. Truth be told, Percy's still not sure how he lasted so long with all of them trying so hard to make him cum too. But somehow, he thinks he could continue to hold back his release for as long as he wanted.

Pulling his cock free of Clarisse's tits, Percy tucks it back into his boxers and pants, despite still being rock hard. He honestly doesn't mind that he's blue-balled himself… it is what it is, and he'll get some relief some other way later. As he'd previously told himself, this wasn't about the sex… it was about the challenge. A challenge he'd handily won, defying all of their expectations.

"We done here?"

Clarisse's mouth opens and closes for a few seconds wordlessly before she finally finds her voice. Sputtering in outrage, the topless blonde leaps to her feet, sending her tits bouncing all over the place.

"E-Excuse me?!"

Percy just gives Clarisse a casual smile, one that tells her flat out… she's not worth his time.

"I said… are we done here?"

The blonde's muscles bulge as she clenches her fists and grinds her jaw. Her face goes bright red, and Percy wonders if he's about to have to fist fight a topless girl.

"You know what-!"

"The only answer that should come out of your mouth right now is 'Yes we are', Clarisse."

Before she can finish her sentence, another blonde makes her presence known, a familiar voice leading Percy's gaze over to the form of Annabeth Chase, her arms crossed over her chest as she stares at Clarisse with a narrowed eyed look. Before Clarisse can do anything but whip around to face the other girl, Annabeth continues on, her tone quite matter-of-fact about things.

"Unless, that is, you four would rather I go to the Director with what I've just caught you all doing."

"He agreed to the challenge!"

"Do you think Hestia will see it that way? Especially when I've caught you all trespassing in the men's bathroom… again?"

That gets Clarisse and co to finally back down. Percy blinks as they all file out. Wait, did that mean that he WASN'T the first new camper that the foursome had tried their new 'initiation ritual' on? Man, he was still so confused.

Before he can ask Annabeth what she knows about all of that though, the smaller, lither blonde grabs him by the hand and pulls him out of the bathroom, clearly not inclined to stay in the men's restroom any longer herself. Before he knows it, she's pulled him all the way behind one of the many cabins lining the camp and pushed him up against the back wall.

Percy blinks, as Annabeth drops to her knees and begins fiddling with his pants, pulling his cock, still fully erect, out once more.

"What are you doing?"

Looking slightly flustered, but also as clinical as she was back in the camp infirmary, Annabeth begins to stroke and lick his cock. In between such licking, she explains.

"Those four are menaces, one and all. I'm glad you won their challenge, but your reward for doing so shouldn't be to suffer. Besides… it's my fault that they got to you in the first place. I got distracted and I should have been keeping an eye out."

That wasn't entirely fair, Percy wanted to say. He was the one who outright asked for some space. Annabeth had been doing as he asked by giving it to him. But he doesn't say that… mostly because he can tell she's just making excuses so she can get down on her knees and suck his cock. Which is weird, but also kind of hot.

Not that her technique is any more amazing than what the daughters of Ares brought to the table. Her oral efforts are more or less technically sound, and quite efficient… but nothing to write home about. And yet, Percy gets the impression that she's almost desperate to make him cum, just like Clarisse was.

So desperate in fact, that she just might offer him something more than her mouth, if he chose to continue holding back his release for a little while longer…

Chapter 5: Daughter of Athena

Chapter Text

It's not about the challenge with Annabeth. It's not a competition. And yet, as he stands there with his back against the cabin's back wall and stares down into the blonde's grey-blue eyes, Percy has already decided that he's not going to let her get him off with just her mouth anymore than he let Clarisse and her friends do it.

Why? Well, it's simple really. He tells himself that it's because he can see she wants more. Looking into Annabeth's eyes as they stare up at him through her mechanical, technically sound movements up and down his cock, Percy feels like he can tell that she doesn't want to just stop at a measly blowjob. And yet, if she manages to get him off… he thinks she would all the same. Because it's expected of her.

That's what he tells himself anyways. And just like in the bathroom, once he decides he's not going to cum, he finds himself in no danger of doing so. Even though he's basically had five different girls put their mouths on his cock over the past fifteen to twenty minutes, Percy feels like he could go hours longer without cumming if he truly wanted to.

Hm, that did beg the question… why had he came from just Annabeth's hand so easily before? Was it because he didn't have a reason to access this inner well of resolve before? Or was it simply because he was distracted by their conversation?

He didn't really know, but also it didn't really matter. While a part of him wanted to reward Annabeth for her efforts, seeing how hard she was working right now… the larger part of him could tell that she was trying to stake some sort of claim on him. And if she wanted to stake a claim, she might as well go all the way, right?

Bobbing up and down his cock, Annabeth truly does give it her all when it comes to oral. She's not some spectacular fellatio expert he doesn't think, but she's better than Clarisse or the others were. There's still a hint of desperation to her efforts, but she doesn't ever get sloppy with it like they did. Percy never feels her teeth, and the movement of both her lips and tongue remain uniform rather than getting too out of hand.

And yet, still he doesn't cum. And finally… Annabeth seems to realize he's not going to cum. Not just from her mouth anyways.

The daughter of Athena pulls off of his cock with a pop and gives it and then him a frown as she slides her hands up and down his length a few times thoughtfully. He considers egging her along, pushing her down the path he feels like they both want to be on… but ultimately, he stays quiet. It has to be her call. Her decision.

Suddenly, Annabeth pulls back and stands up. Percy watches blankly as the blonde tucks his dick back away into his boxers and pants, fixing up his clothes right then and there. For a second, it seems like his plan has backfired. Perhaps he'd misread the situation. Perhaps he'd toyed with Annabeth too much and now she was going to leave him blue balled?

It would serve him right, truth be told. If he was actually wrong about how far she was willing to go, then he should have been a little nicer to her. As Annabeth turns away from him, he sweats a little bit, considering if he should finally speak up and apologize or something… but no.

"Follow me."

She's not leaving him high and dry; Percy suddenly realizes. She's merely moving things somewhere a bit more private, or so it would seem. Glancing around, Percy can't say he blames her. Then again, maybe he should be a little irritated. She'd had no problem taking HIS dick out back here behind the cabin… but suddenly, when it comes her turn to get naked, she gets a little squeamish? He could be misreading the situation of course, but somehow he doesn't think he is.

Still, Percy follows Annabeth wordlessly, his cock definitely still rock hard but at least its not… too visible unless someone is looking down there. They move fairly quickly through Camp Half-Blood anyways, and no one stops them or approaches them to interact. As far as Percy can tell, no one even pays them much notice as Annabeth… leads him back to the infirmary?

Blinking owlishly, the young man follows the blonde inside, but once they're both past the infirmary cabin's threshold, Percy breaks his silence.

"Annabeth? Why are we back here?"

He looks around, wondering if she thinks by bringing him back to the place she previously got him off, she can repeat the feat. Does she think he has some sort of… medical fetish or something? He doesn't. Except now he has this mental image of her in a sexy nurse outfit and… maybe he does?

Of course, the grey-eyed blonde just looks back at him and gives him a smirk.

"This is one of the few places in the entire Camp outside of the Big House that has a private room. Seeing as no one's using it right now… I figured we could instead. Don't worry, I'll clean up once we're done."

Well, she's not wrong about no one using it. In fact, the entire infirmary is empty for the moment at least. And so Percy lets Annabeth take his hand in her own and lead him to the back. True to her word, there is in fact a back area of the infirmary properly walled off with a furnished patient's room complete with bed inside of it. Once they're in with that door closed behind him, Annabeth pushes him towards the bed… and begins the process of taking her clothes off.

To his credit, Percy only watches her strip naked for a second before following suit. His own clothes come off swiftly enough that by the time Annabeth is done, so is he. Her panties follow her bra to the floor just as he's dropping his boxers and stepping out of them, one hand immediately going down to grip his erection.

Still immensely turned on, Percy steps up to Annabeth… only to have her in turn step up to him. She places a hand on his chest and pushes back gently but firmly, causing Percy to take steps backwards… until he falls back onto the bed.

Annabeth climbs onto him somewhat awkwardly, giving away her… inexperience with this situation. Her movements had been so suave as she pushed him back towards the bed, but now she looks almost gangly as she gets on top of him. It hits him in that moment… Annabeth has never had sex before, has she? She's a virgin.

Then again… so is he. They're both virgins. They're both about to not be virgins any more. One of Annabeth's hands curls around the base of his cock, holding it steady as she raises herself up over him. Her other hand is back on his chest, this time for stability's sake. Meanwhile, Percy doesn't know what to do with his hands at first… but in the end, he decides to grab onto her hips… to provide even more stability, maybe? It seems like the thing to do.

Annabeth freezes for a moment when he grabs hold of her, but then relaxes when he doesn't do anything else. They both stare into each other's eyes as she lines him up with her slit, her sex undeniably slick if not incredibly wet. It feels like they should be saying something, but for the life of him, Percy has no idea what to say in this situation. Annabeth either feels the same or doesn't think there IS anything to say.

This isn't like with Clarisse and the others in the bathroom. That was a competition. A challenge. One that he'd won handily. There was no connection there though. No intimacy, not really. Just… physical contact. Failed physical contact at that.

But with Annabeth, there's something. Percy can't put it into words, but as the daughter of Athena carefully lowers herself onto his cock, piercing her pussy with his prick and sinking inch by inch onto his mast. Percy could have, in that moment, slammed her down with all his might and impaled every last inch of her on his cock.

He doesn't do that though. Instead, he uses his hold on her hips to keep her exactly where SHE wants to be. He doesn't control her, he supports her. And as she finally loses her virginity to him, his member tearing through her hymen, he's able to hold her aloft as she gasps and tenses up, wincing visibly. Even if it feels good how her pussy flexes and clenches around his cock… he'll let Annabeth decide the pace for now.

To her credit, the blonde doesn't have to wait long before she's going further. Sliding down his cock a couple more inches, she gasps as he stretches her out. Percy hopes it's in a satisfying way, but truth be told, he can't say for sure one way or the other, it's not like he knows Annabeth's every passing thought. Still, at least the grimace fades from her face overtime. At least she's getting more and more flushed as she wiggles her way up his length only to slide down it again.

She doesn't bounce. Not ever. She doesn't even really ride him either. It's a somewhat awkward, inexperienced movement as she drags herself up his cock and then slides back down again. Still, as soft moans begins to leave her lips, Percy thinks… well, he thinks Annabeth is enjoying herself if nothing else. And so is he.

That said, the more she slides up and down his cock, the more Percy aches to do something on his end. He's not… he's not cut out for staying on the bottom and all this minimal movement, he quickly decides. Annabeth is cute and all, but he wants… he wants to take charge. He waits until every last trace of discomfort or pain has disappeared from the blonde's face of course. He waits until she's basically taking almost his entire length inside of her.

Then, the next time she's close to the base of his cock, Percy reaches up and rolls them, taking Annabeth by surprise as he suddenly puts her on her back on the bed, pinning her in place.

"You-!"

Grinning a little impishly at her, Percy can't help but chuckle as he shrugs his shoulders while looming over the daughter of Athena.

"Sorry, I was getting bored. Hope you don't mind."

Annabeth scoffs a little at that, blushing deeper as she squirms for a moment before glaring at him. Though, not with much heat Percy quickly decides.

"… If it'll help you cum, then fine."

Was she still on that? Percy just shakes his head. Just when he thought he was getting somewhere with her, she threw that at him. He thought he'd been reaching a point where he maybe understood how Annabeth ticked, but instead… well, in the end, it didn't matter. He grunts as he begins to thrust into her. He's in charge now. He's controlling the pace.

Belatedly, he realizes it's a lot of responsibility. A lot of pressure, in fact. Before this, his scant few sexual experiences have all boiled down to him just letting a girl do what she wanted. From Clarisse and the other Ares girls in the bathroom, to Annabeth both in this very infirmary and behind that cabin. Hell, even the first half of their first time having sex together had been Annabeth doing all the work.

Now that he's doing the lion's share of the work, Percy can't help but feel a little self-conscious. So… he just tries to go with the flow. He tries not to let his inexperience show too much, but he also decides not to worry about it either. He lets his body move… and finds that it actually moves quite naturally once he stops stressing so much. In fact, his body almost seems to have a mind of its own.

Percy doesn't want to toot his own horn or anything like that… but it turns out he's quite good at sex. How does he know that you might ask? Well, there's the way Annabeth's face grows even redder as he fucks her harder and faster. As he fluidly slides into her clenching cunt again and again, her lips part and her soft moans become a little louder. More than that, her inner walls are flexing and squeezing around his cock, until finally.

"F-Fuck!"

Annabeth Chase doesn't say she's cumming or anything like that… but Percy knows she has. The crass language that just erupted from the blonde's mouth, combined with the feeling of her insides flooding his length is all the evidence he needs to know what just happened. Grinning rather goofily, Percy keeps on pounding her. Annabeth whimpers, her body clearly sensitive as she glares at him heatedly.

"Y-You… why won't you just c-cum? D-Damn it…"

Tilting his head to the side, Percy hums for a moment… before finally nodding.

"Where?"

The question seems to take Annabeth aback. Had the daughter of Athena really not thought that far ahead? Because honestly… for shame. Still, before he can tease her about it, Annabeth comes to a decision.

"M-My tits… you can cum on my chest. I… there are plenty of ways to clean it up in here."

When she speaks, she averts her gaze to the side, making excuses for her decision. Percy, privately, thinks that she just might want him to cum on her tits. Still, he's not going to question it. Pulling out of the beautiful pale blonde, he sidles up the length of her body… and jacks off right onto her exposed breasts. It's the work of moments once he decides he WANTS to cum. Then, he's jizzing all over her, coating her tits in his seed.

Once he's done, Annabeth lets out a shuddering breath, staring down at the glazing he's just given her with a bright red blush that contrasts quite nicely with the white cream all over her chest. Finally, she shakes her head.

"G-Get off me… need to get cleaned up."

Shrugging, Percy rolls off and lays back on the bed, watching her hurry to towel herself off. He's expecting her to get dressed and make her excuses for leaving at that point though. She's clearly feeling self-conscious. And yet… to his surprise, Annabeth comes back to him. Still naked, though now wiped clean, she crawls into bed and awkwardly cuddles up beside him.

He's happy to wrap an arm around her shoulders and pull her in close, basking in her presence for a little while. However, after just a few minutes, Annabeth looks up at him.

"I want you to say you'll join my team for the next Capture the Flag."

Blinking owlishly, Percy tilts his head to the side.

"Huh? Capture the Flag?"

"It's Camp Tradition. Every Friday. It's not… it's not as childish as you think. Especially considering we fight it out in the monsters-filled forest and wield real weapons. Think of them like… like military war games. It's to help us train. Keep our senses sharp… and of course, bragging points."

Bragging points. Hm. While a part of him still thought calling it Capture the Flag was a little silly, it did in fact sound like it wasn't quite as childish as he'd immediately thought. Even still… Annabeth wanted him on her team? Was that why she'd done this? Why they'd had sex? But no, that couldn't be it… could it?

And yet, something about her actions so far was starting to feel a little off to Percy. Was she really on the up and up? What did she really want from him? Did he really want to know?

… After a moment, Percy opens his mouth, coming to a decision.

Chapter 6: Daughter of Athena Pt. 2

Chapter Text

"… Is that why you had sex with me, Annabeth? Because you wanted me to be predisposed to join your Capture the Flag team?"

His tone is quite mild, though also a little accusatory. It makes Annabeth jolt, the blonde blinking as she looks up at him, seeming lost for words for the first time since he's met her. Tilting his head to the side so he can eye her better, Percy frowns a little bit. He's not an idiot. He's not completely oblivious, not by a long shot.

In fact, looking back he can see that ever since coming to Camp Half-Blood, people have been acting at least a little differently around him.

"It's not just that, is it? Or rather, me being on your Capture the Flag team isn't the end goal, is it? It's just another step on the path. What do you really want from me, Annabeth?"

There's another beat of silence, and then Annabeth sits up. Percy almost reaches for her, immediately missing her presence at his side, but he holds himself back. He's not going to allow himself to be led around by the dick. That wasn't something he'd thought he needed to worry about until right around this point… but here he was, having just lost his virginity to a girl who it seemed might have some ulterior motives he wasn't aware of.

To her credit, Annabeth doesn't leave. She separates from him, moving to the edge of the bed… but she doesn't fully get up. Percy lays back and watches her quietly, giving her all the time she needs to put her thoughts in order. Finally, the daughter of Athena lets out a low sigh and looks back over her naked shoulder at him.

"There are three reasons I'm trying to get closer to you, Percy."

Blinking, Percy perks up a bit. He hadn't been expecting blunt honesty truth be told, but he wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth, that was for sure.

"… First, yes I want you on my team for Capture the Flag. The reason why is pretty simple. You're strong and athletic, yes… but then, most of us are pretty athletic. We've got good genes. Some might say we have the best genes. More importantly than that though, you've caught the attention of Clarisse and her cronies."

Percy tilts his head to the side at that, now a little confused.

"Clarisse?"

What did the daughter of Ares have to do with all of this? Sure, Annabeth wasn't wrong about him likely having Clarisse's attention after their run-in in the bathroom, but that didn't explain exactly what the daughter of Athena was after here.

"She's my opponent during this Friday's Capture the Flag Match. We're the two Team Captains. Now, technically the rules state that anyone can choose to be on either team so long as they have an invitation. But obviously having to handpick people individually is way too much of a distraction. So most of the time, we just court the Cabin Heads themselves and everyone in the same Cabin tends to join a team together."

Her eyes narrow for a moment and she shakes her head.

"Obviously, Clarisse saw an opportunity to try and recruit you to her side before you even knew what Capture the Flag was or what was going on. Even though I already technically recruited Luke and all of Hermes Cabin along with him, you're new enough that she could have gotten you and sowed division in our ranks ahead of time. I knew when I came across what she and her cronies were doing that I had to act. Though I have to admit, I was impressed to see how well you held your own against them…"

Annabeth's eyes trail down to Percy's crotch at that, where his cock is soft at the moment but still very noticeable. Percy, truth be told, is in no state of mind to appreciate her… appreciation so to speak. Honestly, everything she's just told him… it sounds so damn over the top for a simple Capture the Flag game. Really it does. He hadn't understood how importantly they took this war game of theirs before, but after Annabeth's explanation and recognizing all she and Clarisse had both done just to get his attention, he had a better comprehension of what was going on.

At the same time, it left him with more questions than answers. Luckily, Annabeth had started things out by saying she had THREE reasons for wanting to get close to him. Like a drowning man grasping at a lifeline, Percy clears his throat and decides to move on.

"And what about the other two reasons, Annabeth?"

The daughter of Athena gives him a knowing look, no doubt detecting his overall befuddlement regarding how much they all seem to care about Capture the Flag. Still, she nods her head and continues on with reason number two at least.

"The second reason that I wanted to get close to you is admittedly a bit more serious. As demigods, the children of Gods… we sometimes go on Quests. These Quests are given to us by the Oracle of Delphi who… exists in the attic over in the Big House. They usually come attached to a prophecy, but they're kind of a big deal for us… any of us. It's a chance for us to prove ourselves more often than not. To ourselves. To each other… to our divine parents."

Percy takes that new information in, though he doesn't see how exactly it pertains to him just yet. However, he senses that Annabeth isn't done explaining, so he stays quiet for a little while longer, intent on giving her as much room to talk as need be.

"… For a long time now, I've wanted a Quest. Even if it wasn't my own, I would have happily tagged along on someone else's quest instead, you know? Unfortunately, the Oracle told Chiron that I wasn't allowed to go on any Quests until a certain special someone arrived. Chiron won't tell me anything else, really… so I'm just stuck investigating on my own. Obviously, I check out every single new camper that comes through, just to see if they might be 'the one'."

Looking him dead in the eye, Annabeth doesn't mince words any longer.

"I think you might be that person, Percy. If we're correct about who your father is, then… it changes things. It'll upset a balance that's been maintained for quite a while now. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes the status quo needs to be shaken up and sometimes change is good."

… Yeah. Annabeth was right, the second reason WAS a lot more serious than the first. Quests? Prophecies? And of course more roundabout talking regarding his divine father. It did seem pretty obvious who Percy's dad was supposed to be, but apparently it was taboo to just talk about it out loud. They had to wait. Percy wouldn't lie… it rankled something fierce to be stuck waiting on someone else to get their act together. Even if that person was a God. No… especially when that person was a God.

But then, from what he knew of Greek Mythology, the Gods and Goddesses of Mount Olympus were a collective mess and a half. So maybe he shouldn't have expected anything better from them in the end. Even if Hestia DID seem like a nice sort…

That all said, Percy frowns as he takes in Annabeth's first two reasons, letting them swirl around in his head, turning them over in his mind and deciding just how he feels about them. In the end, he's… undecided. He'd enjoyed having sex with Annabeth, but that didn't necessarily excuse the fact that she wanted to use him both in big and small ways. Maybe reason three would?

"And what's the last reason, Annabeth? What's behind door number three?"

Annabeth rolls her eyes at his dry attempt at humor, but the corners of her mouth also quirk up in what seems like a small, helpless smile.

"The third reason I wanted to get closer to you… is you, Percy. I can't explain it. I can't describe it either. But… you draw me in. From the moment I saw you brought in from outside the Camp unconscious, I was interested in you. And then you woke up and my interest only grew. You're not just handsome, but also smart. You ask questions. You don't just settle in nervously and accept the status quo."

There was the mention of the 'status quo' again. Annabeth didn't like the status quo very much, did she? Ah, but Percy was distracting himself from what she was saying… mostly because her heartfelt confession was making his ears burn and his face heat up.

"I like you, Percy. Even if Capture the Flag wasn't a thing, even if I wasn't convinced you were the one I've been waiting for… I think I'd still be trying to get closer to you. I don't know why. I just know… you're worth it."

Well damn. He wishes he could say he heard a single ounce of deceit anywhere in the words she just spoke, but he hadn't. As far as he could tell, she'd been completely honest with him from start to finish. He appreciated that. He appreciated her. And… she was his first time, so he didn't think he'd ever not have some level of affection for Annabeth Chase.

Gracing her with a smile, Percy gives the waiting blonde a simple nod.

"I'll join your Capture the Flag Team on Friday along with the rest of Hermes Cabin. Thank you for being truthful with me, Annabeth."

She bites her lower lip and ducks her head for a moment before gathering her courage.

"And everything else I told you? What do you think… about all of that."

Percy chuckles… and reaches out, slipping his fingers into Annabeth's own and holding her hand.

"I think… I like you a lot too, Annabeth Chase. And if I am 'the one'… I promise not to leave you behind, alright?"

The daughter of Athena's eyes widen further than Percy has ever seen them go, and for a moment she looks absolutely gobsmacked by his words. Then, a different sort of expression crosses her face. Apparently, the fastest way to Annabeth's heart was through affirmations, because the next thing Percy knows, he has a cute blonde going down on him, sucking him off and blowing him to fully erect and then going further than that as he lays back in the infirmary bed.

Grinning slightly, Percy winds his free hand through Annabeth's hair even as he continues holding her hand with his other. Capture the Flag would probably be a lot of fun. And Clarisse wouldn't know what hit her. He'd make sure of that.

-x-X-x-

Hestia had never met Adonis personally. For all that he was the most handsome mortal man in the world, he had been guarded quite jealousy by Aphrodite and Persephone for the entirety of his life. It was said that the two of them, once their desire for him grew too much to bear, had taken him to Zeus to decide what to do.

It was, undeniably, one of Zeus' more measured rulings. Hestia's brother was not always known for making the best decisions. As the King of the Gods upon Mount Olympus, he was expected to rule on squabbles between them and other important matters, but if Hestia were being honest, he had not always ruled justly or righteously. He was a mercurial man at the best of times, and often let his emotions get the better of him.

Even still, his choice to have Adonis split his time three ways between Persephone, Aphrodite, and free time had been… one of the fairest decisions that Zeus had ever made. It even took into account Adonis' own agency as a person instead of just another mortal plaything, which was by and far not something her brother usually bothered to keep in mind.

If Adonis had been a woman, would Zeus have even considered giving him a third of the year time for himself? Hestia doubted it. But ultimately, it mattered not.

While Adonis HAD roamed the earth for a third of each year, that did not mean Aphrodite and Persephone did not jealousy guard him from all other Gods and Goddesses. No one was allowed to interact with him without their knowledge. In the end… the boar that took Adonis' life was said to have slipped beneath their notice because it was nothing more than a mere animal. And how could a simple animal do anything?

All of this was to say, Hestia had never met Adonis in the flesh… but she now understood why precisely Aphrodite and Persephone had tried so hard to keep him away from their peers. And why he'd spent all of his time with Persephone having to hide from Hades. As well as why it was more than likely Ares, one of Aphrodite's main godly lovers, who had sent the wild boar that killed Adonis in the first place.

One small meeting with Percy Jackson, and the Goddess of Hearth and Home was feeling a certain sort of way that she'd never felt before. She was a Virgin Goddess after all. The first Virgin Goddess in fact. Artemis and Athena had come after, while Hestia had been the one who paved the way for her nieces in a matter of speaking.

Both Apollo and Poseidon had made overtures for her hand in marriage at one time or another, but Hestia had rejected them and ultimately turned to Zeus, making a vow to never marry and to care for the Olympians and all of humanity instead. He had agreed, and with his blessing had come an understanding that she was making an oath not just to never marry, but also to remain a Maiden Goddess for all time.

… She'd never struggled with that before now. But Percy Jackson was different. And Hestia was starting to wonder about her priorities. Had she truly decided not to inform the others about Adonis' reincarnation solely to try and protect Percy? Or had she made the decision purely from a place of greed and selfishness? Was it possible… she wanted Percy for herself?

It was more than possible. Hestia knew her own heart. She also knew everything that happened within the confines of Camp Half-Blood. It was her current Hearth after all, and that meant she was quite aware of just what everyone was up to. She knew what had happened between Percy and the daughters of Ares… and she knew what happened between him and Annabeth as well.

Shamefully, she was greatly tempted to call him to her so they could talk longer. But she knew what would happen if she did so. She knew she probably wouldn't be able to resist the temptation. It was a bad idea…

Chapter 7: The Goddess Hestia

Chapter Text

It's funny, she's never had much in the way of desire before now. Early on, her only desire was to get to live. Being born only to be swallowed up by your paranoid and envious father will do that to you. Oh, Hestia didn't have to worry about dying, necessarily. She was immortal, as all of the Gods and Goddesses were. However, surviving was not the same as living, and a life in her father's belly was no life at all.

After Zeus finally saved them all, she hadn't desired much of anything, save to tend to her Hearth. She was pushed into war against their father and uncles even though she'd suggested diplomacy, but it wasn't as though she desired it. And after all that was said and done, she hadn't held any other desires within her, save to look after her brothers and sisters.

Zeus might have been their leader, but Hestia was the eldest. It was her place to look after her fellow Gods and Goddesses. Of course, then there had been the incident with Priapus. If not for the loud braying of a nearby donkey, the minor god of vegetation would have mounted her in her sleep and taken her virginity right then and there. That he hadn't… well, it had been as much luck as anything else.

This was all to say, for the longest time Hestia had been content with tending her Hearth and looking after those who did the same. As the Goddess of Family, she had watched over human families for quite a long time, even while looking after her siblings and their children as well. And when it came to Camp Half-Blood needing a Director, Hestia had stepped up there as well.

She had ever been fulfilled in all of her duties, to be clear. There had never been a time where she had felt… unsatisfied. Until now. Now, for the first time, Hestia found herself desiring something more. She found herself desiring someone. And even though she knew it was a bad idea… she couldn't help but send the message off for Percy Jackson to come visit her. Still, she promised herself she would not lie to him. He would know the truth of the situation before anything happened between them at the very least.

-x-X-x-

It was late in the evening when he was called over to the Big House. Percy had to wonder what was up. He wouldn't turn down a chance to talk with Hestia some more, but at the same time he couldn't help but be concerned about what the Camp Director wanted from him. Especially since she was also a literal Greek Goddess of all things.

So yes, he was a little trepidatious when he stepped back into the Big House to find Hestia sitting alone in the living room. Making his way closer to her, Percy clears his throat.

"Uh… you wanted to see me, Goddess?"

Looking away from the fire, Hestia startles for a moment, as though surprised to find him suddenly there. Had she been that deep in thought? Had she forgotten that she was the one who asked for him to come over? It's only for a moment, and then she recovers her equilibrium, smiling softly and shaking her head.

"Please, Percy. I told you to call me Hestia, did I not?"

Ah, she did, didn't she? So much had happened since their last conversation, he'd sort of forgotten… not to mention, just being in her presence earlier had been somewhat dizzying.

"I also told you that we would talk more later on, didn't I? Well… it's certainly later now."

Standing from her armchair, Hestia extends a hand to him, clearly intending for him to give her one of his in turn. Blushing a little bit, Percy finally offers his own hand and lets the Goddess take it. She's warm… inhumanly so. Not in a bad way though. In fact, her divine warmth seeps into him, traveling up his arm and through his body. Percy lets out a breath of air in a rather explosive fashion, even as Hestia's breath hitches as well.

Then, before he can question what just happened, she's tugging him along. They move together through the large farmhouse, out of the living room and down a hall. And then they step into a bedroom… what can only be Hestia's bedroom, in fact. Percy bites his lower lip as he looks around for a moment. He can't say HOW he knows this is Hestia's bedroom, other than that it just feels like it. And of course, the fact that they're in her house, so she must have a bedroom somewhere within these four walls.

Regardless, Percy is starting to feel a certain sort of way as Hestia leads him over to the bed and has him sit down on it right next to her. Somehow, he suspects this is not entirely normal. Somehow, he's quite certain that the Goddess of the Hearth doesn't do this kind of thing for any other campers.

"Godd-… er, Hestia?"

Smiling at him softly, her golden eyes glowing, Hestia still holds his hand in her own. She intertwines their fingers together, making Percy blush even harder at the contact.

"Percy… I was not entirely forthcoming with you, earlier. There were others in the room, and I could not be as candid as I wished to be. But now… now it is just the two of us… and I have a confession to make."

Percy blinks at that, trying to figure out what she's talking about. After a moment, he tilts his head to the side, only able to think of one possibility.

"… Is it about who my dad is? Because I already have a pretty good guess."

Hestia looks surprised… and then a little embarrassed.

"Ah, no Percy. I'm sorry but that rule is somewhat set in stone. Even if your heritage might seem obvious, you will not be acknowledged as your father's son until you've been claimed by him properly."

Technically that wasn't new information, but it still sucked to have it confirmed by Hestia. Still, if that wasn't what she wanted to tell him, what confession did she have to make? Before he can ask, Hestia lets out a soft sigh, still interlocking her fingers with his. He's holding hands with a Goddess, Percy realizes with a start. It's a little… intimate.

"Percy, you are not just the Son of a God. You are also a Reincarnation."

Reincarnation? Percy feels a little blindsided. In no small part because he doesn't entirely know what that means. Luckily for him, Hestia continues on with an explanation.

"Anyone who finds themselves in the Underworld after death can be reborn, Percy. First by bathing in the River Lethe to erase the memories of their previous life, and then being reincarnated into the mortal world. You are one such being… you have lived a life before this, an existence that I recognized immediately."

Percy furrows his brow at that. She recognized him immediately? Was he that important in his past life?

"I will not beat around the bush, Percy. If you wish to know who you once were, I will tell you here and now. Just say the word."

He doesn't say a thing. He's still playing catch up. Honestly, Percy had still been struggling to wrap his head around the fact that he was a demigod. Now he finds out he's also reincarnated? But it sounded like… well, the way Hestia described it, he was still himself. Whoever he HAD been had washed away their memories in the River Lethe. He was Percy Jackson now, totally and utterly.

At the same time, Hestia seemed to think that his Reincarnation still meant something. Something big. And if a Goddess could recognize him at the drop of a hat so easily, then it probably WAS something big. At the same time, he really wasn't sure if he wanted to know or not. He wasn't sure if he needed to be aware of who he was in some previous life he didn't remember.

"… I can see this decision is a difficult one for you, Percy. Perhaps I can… help you relax."

Percy is suddenly torn from his inner thoughts when Hestia reaches across them both with her other hand… and places it upon his crotch. His eyes widen, as the Goddess of Hearth and Family blushes and gently rubs her palm into the crotch of his pants. What… what was she doing? Holding hands was one thing, but this?

Not that Percy was complaining. Hestia was divinely beautiful. She was a Goddess, after all. And yet…

"I thought… a-aren't you a Virgin Goddess, Hestia?"

He distinctly remembered that Hestia was one of the Olympian Goddesses who had never taken a husband, who had never lain with a man. It was a whole part of her mythology, he was pretty sure. But far from drawing back at being called out, Hestia just smiles and nods, even as she continues to rub the growing bulge of his crotch.

"Yes, Percy. I was the first Virgin Goddess, in fact. Long ago, I asked my brother Zeus to grant me his blessing, so that I might remain a maiden and remain unwed as well. He agreed to my request. However… I never made a vow of celibacy."

That was… uh… Percy was honestly having a hard time processing all of this. And as if to make it even harder for him to do so, Hestia abruptly escalates. The Goddess drops from the bed onto her knees and shuffles between his legs, spreading them apart and reaching for the button and zipper on his pants. Percy doesn't stop her. He just watches as she looks up at him with a smile, slowly extracting his growing erection from its confines.

"It would probably be best if I remained virginal, of course. But that doesn't mean there isn't plenty of other things we can do together. I shall continue to be a maiden… even if I help you relax a little bit."

Percy lets out a shuddering breath, his cock now in Hestia's hand, twitching in both her grasp and the open air. On the one hand… he didn't feel any more relaxed at the moment. On the other hand, he definitely didn't want Hestia to stop. So he wasn't about to tell HER that.

The Goddess of the Hearth's hand slides up and down his cock experimentally for a moment… before she bites her lower lip, gauging his size briefly before nodding to herself. Then, much to his eternal shock, Hestia reaches down and… tugs at her top. She's wearing robes that conceal her body quite well, and so Percy isn't quite sure what he's seeing, but one moment she's all covered up and the next moment her… her breasts are out.

Full and soft and pale, Hestia's chest is by far the most glorious thing Percy has ever seen. But then, it's the first time in his life… or rather, this life, that a Goddess has exposed themselves to him like this. Staring, mouth slightly agape, Percy can only watch as Hestia wraps her chest around his length, smothering his cock in her tits.

At first, she manages to completely swallow him whole with her cleavage, but Percy wasn't completely hard yet, and now with her pillowy breasts wrapped around his dick, it doesn't take long at all for him to finally reach Full Mast. Once he does, the tip of his member is pushing out the top of her cleavage, very nearly striking her in the chin as she slides her tits up and down his cock.

Seeing this, Hestia hesitates for only a moment… and then leans forward, opening her lips wide and taking the head of his cock into her mouth. Percy's eyes go wide at this, his head tossed back as he groans in appreciation. This was all happening… quite fast. It hadn't even been a DAY!

And yet, here he was. Getting tit-fucked by a Goddess. Getting blown by a Goddess. And all after he'd had several… encounters with his fellow demigods as well. From Clarisse and her cronies, to Annabeth in the infirmary not once, but twice. All of it was a bit much, but this definitely took the cake. Percy couldn't deny that his time with Annabeth had been amazing, and he would happily spend more time with her in the future. He'd already agreed to be on her Capture the Flag Team, and he had to admit, he was also curious what sort of destiny they had together, if they did have one.

But this? This was Hestia on her knees, giving him a boobjob. And it was exceptional. Despite the Goddess' status as a Virgin Goddess, despite the fact that he could tell she was acting purely on instinct, Percy could admit… he was enjoying himself immensely. Hestia's natural talent could not be understated. The fact that she'd never done this with anyone before, the fact that he was the first to even get to enjoy her body… well, that was just the icing on the cake. A major turn-on too, to be sure.

Hestia's really getting into it as well at this point. Her hands heft up her sizable bust, keeping his cock wrapped in her pillowy mammaries. Meanwhile, her lips and tongue are all over his cockhead, specifically his glans as she all but French kisses his dick tip. Making out with his member is certainly a choice… and an exciting one at that, something that Percy is massively enjoying.

So much so that… despite his instincts earlier telling him that there was nothing and no one who could make him cum before he wanted to… Percy finds those instincts turn out to be wrong. Sure, he could hold his own against Clarisse and her goons or even Annabeth… but Hestia was something else. She was… well, she was a literal Goddess. And it was his first time ever being attended by the divine.

"H-Hestia… fuck, I'm getting close…"

Hearing this, the Goddess of the Hearth doesn't pull away or reposition herself so he doesn't make a mess of her like Percy is expecting her to. No, rather… she redoubles her efforts, as though lost in a frenzy of arousal and bliss. Her tongue swirls around his cock tip, her hands squish her breasts along his throbbing length. And before Percy can do or say anything else… she brings him over the edge, leading him to his climax.

Only then does Hestia pull back, just as he's beginning to cum. The end result is that he ends up covering her face and tits in his jizz. He coats her features in his seed, cumming all over Hestia's front. It's not like he wants to give the Goddess a facial… it seems incredibly disrespectful and inappropriate. But Hestia didn't give him much of a choice, and it would seem his ability to hold back his releases has met its match in the form of this delectable, beautiful, big-breasted Virgin Goddess.

Hestia, for her part, seems… happy at least. She even scoops a finger through his seed and brings it to her lips experimentally, much to Percy's mortification. As he watches her lick the finger clean, she seems thoughtful for a moment… before startling as if just remembering he's there. Golden eyes look up at him and through the cum covering her features, Hestia smiles.

"So, Percy. Now that you're more relaxed… what do you think? Would you like to know your previous Reincarnation or not?"

Percy, reeling a little bit, can admit that he IS technically slightly more relaxed now. In some ways. In other ways, he's decidedly NOT relaxed. But… he does need to make a decision.

Only, before he can make said decision, he sees something reflected on Hestia's glistening, cum-covered face. A glow that's not coming from her eyes… but above the two of them. Hestia has seen it too and is now staring at something above his head.

Slowly, Percy looks up… and stares blankly at ephemeral glowing green trident hanging over the both of them. Wha-

A displeased rumbling sees his attention focusing back on Hestia. Hestia who, still covered in his cum, is glaring up at the trident with more fury and agitation than he's ever seen in the easy-going Goddess so far. A growl leaves the Goddess' throat, even as she snarls.

"Poseidon…"

The tone of her voice has even Percy shivering in fear, and when he looks up at the trident again, it seems to be flickering in terror… before vanishing a moment later. That doesn't mean it wasn't there though, and Percy can't really bring himself to ignore it or whatever it meant.

"What… what was that?"

Hestia's anger doesn't dissipate, but it does take a backseat as she rises to her feet dressed in her robes once more. Looking at where the trident was, and then down at him as he remains seated on the edge of the bed, the Goddess just sighs.

"That was your father claiming you, Percy Jackson. Congratulations. I can finally acknowledge you officially as a Son of Poseidon."

Oh. That was. Wait… Percy had already guessed his dad was PROBABLY Poseidon, on account of him literally feeling like a fish out of his water his entire life. But for the God to claim him after he'd done THAT with Hestia… yeah, okay. He understood why the Goddess was peeved now. His father had just done the equivalent of 'That's my son!' hadn't he?

Oh god…

Chapter 8: Son of Poseidon

Chapter Text

If you'd told Percy that he would not only be claimed by his divine father so soon, but also experience the worst second-hand embarrassment of his life as a result. It's not even his fault, and yet he can't help but groan as he slaps his hand across his face and shoots Hestia an apologetic look.

"Goddess, I'm so, so sorry…"

Blinking, Hestia looks at him and then sighs again, offering him a soft, warm smile.

"Oh Percy, you have nothing to apologize for my dear. Your father's decisions are his own and you cannot be held accountable for circumstances outside of your control."

Percy still hangs his head sheepishly. Sure, he might not know Poseidon on a personal level whatsoever, but the second-hand embarrassment was really that strong. He'd literally just had a sexual encounter with the man's older sister, and Poseidon just had to what… BRAG about it? Honestly, it seemed his father was a truly ridiculous being. Percy wasn't nearly so interested in meeting him now, if he was being truthful.

"Regardless… well met, Son of Poseidon. There is still the other matter, however. I can confirm beyond a shadow of a doubt that no God or Goddess is looking at us now. My… attention grew lax for a moment there admittedly, but this IS my Hearth, and no spy nor vagabond may enter it without my permission. We have absolute privacy, Percy. So I ask you again… do you wish to know who your previous Reincarnation was?"

Oh man, in all of this mess, Percy had almost forgotten about that. Not only was he a confirmed Son of Poseidon, not only was his dad a stinking pervert doing the equivalent of two thumbs up and "that's my boy!", but also… he was a Reincarnation. Swallowing thickly, Percy looks down into his hands for a moment, thinking long and hard. But in the end… he knows what his heart says, even if it feels strange.

"… Would you think less of me if I said no, Goddess?"

Hestia blinks, looking a little surprised as Percy looks up to meet her eyes. Shrugging somewhat helplessly, he scratches the back of his head.

"It's just… I'd rather forge my own path forward, I suppose. I want to be me, not the Reincarnation of someone else. I don't really care who I was before this life. All I care about is who I am now and who I will be going forward. Is that weird? Is that dumb?"

He's rather anxious about his feelings of insecurity… but then Hestia sits down beside him again, placing a hand on his shoulder while offering him a wider smile, just as warm.

"It's not weird at all Percy, nor is it dumb. Your life is your own, and to want to be everything you can be without being swallowed in the shadow of your past life is perfectly natural. I won't tell you if you don't want to know… but I do feel I must warn you all the same."

Here, Hestia's smile drops and she looks rather dour as she frowns most severely.

"… As you can likely guess from the fact that I recognized you immediately, your Reincarnation was not unknown to the Gods and Goddesses of Mount Olympus. There are those among my kin, among my brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews… who will desire you not for you, but for your Reincarnation. I have not told them about you just yet… but it's likely only a matter of time before they learn."

Percy's eyes widen at that, and he glances towards the spot where Poseidon's Trident had floated in the air, signaling his status as the Ocean God's son. Hestia follows his gaze and squeezes his shoulder once more, shaking her head.

"No, he would not know Percy. He might have heard me talking about your Reincarnated Status, but unless you were stood right in front of him, he wouldn't be able to tell who you once were. None of them can properly inspect you either, so long as you are within the bounds of Camp Half-Blood and under my protection. They can observe and my kin often do, but they cannot truly SEE."

Well, that was relieving he supposed. Swallowing thickly, Percy nods to Hestia and gives her a wan smile of his own.

"I appreciate the warning, Goddess. Thank you for looking out for me."

There's a moment where Hestia continues to smile warmly… and then the true reality of the moment hits them. The Goddess of the Hearth is still naked and covered in his seed after all, and while he'd ignored that in the heat of the moment… it doesn't make it any less true. Percy's eyes dip down, following a trail of his cum as it drizzled its way down her breasts. Hestia, seeing where he's looking, blushes somewhat as if finally realizing just what they've done together.

"A-Ahem… it's getting rather late now, Percy… I think you should probably get back to your cabin. Do you know which one is the Poseidon Cabin? You can stay there tonight, or you can go to your designated spot at the Hermes Cabin and then move in in the morning…"

For a moment, he's tempted to suggest something uncouth. Like maybe he could help her clean up first in a quick bath. Or maybe he could even stay here for the night…

But no. Percy feels like he's already pushed his luck enough, and with his godly father's embarrassing actions, he's certainly not feeling confident to try and go any further. Giving Hestia one last smile and doing his best to keep his eyes above her neckline, Percy nods and gets to his feet.

"I do know which one is the Poseidon Cabin, Goddess. Thank you… and I suppose I'll see you tomorrow, maybe."

"… Yes, tomorrow. Good night, Percy."

"Good night, Goddess."

-x-X-x-

In the end, he goes to the Hermes Cabin first, sees the spot designated for him on the floor… and ultimately gathers his things and heads over to the Poseidon Cabin. Nobody tries to stop him, funnily enough. Not because word travels that fast, or at least Percy doesn't think that's it, but because it's already pretty late by the time he gets back from the Big House and almost everyone is in bed.

Poseidon's Cabin isn't bad, by any means. With all the windows facing out towards the sea that Camp Half-Blood is located on the coast of, it even feels rather comfortable in a way. But it is quite dusty, given the fact that no one has apparently lived in it in decades. Not so dusty that Percy doesn't think it hasn't been CLEANED in decades, but dusty enough that it probably only gets cleaned once a month at most.

That said, he'll take a little dust over how cramped the conditions in Hermes' Cabin looked any day truth be told. That place was filled from top to bottom with people, and the vast majority of the demigods who resided there didn't even get a bed, but instead had to do with a sleeping bag on the floor.

In comparison, his new cabin had six empty bunk beds and walls that glowed like something straight out of an underwater coral reef. Swiping away as much dust from one of the beds as he could and tossing his sleeping bag down on the unadorned mattress, Percy all but collapses into the thing, asleep in moments.

By the next morning however… it's clear that word HAS finally reached everyone. He finds himself wandering over to the Dining Pavilion despite not knowing what it was at first, drawn by the scent of home-cooked breakfast food. Pancakes, eggs, bacon… all of the good stuff. Of course, Percy's enjoyment of said 'good stuff' is slightly tempered by all the looks he's getting. Immediately, he can tell that somehow, someone knew he hadn't stayed in the Hermes Cabin last night. More than that, they maybe even knew where he HAD stayed.

Just as many people were looking at Hestia as they were at him, as though they were just waiting for the Camp Director to either punish him for sleeping in a cabin despite being unclaimed… or announce that he HAD been claimed. As Percy gets his food, he also glances to Hestia, raising an eyebrow. The Goddess has the good grace to blush at least, before rising to her feet.

"Campers. There is an announcement to make. Last night, before my very eyes… Percy Jackson was claimed by his divine father. As a Son of Poseidon, he is the first to occupy Poseidon's Cabin in many, many years."

With that, the Goddess of the Hearth sits back down, even as the Dining Pavilion outright explodes in whispers and murmurs. Everyone is talking to everyone else while shooting him wide-eyed, disbelieving looks. Of course, Annabeth in particular doesn't look anymore surprised that he turned out to be a Son of Poseidon than he did… but she does look surprised that he got claimed so quickly.

She also looks a little worried. Unfortunately, Percy can't go and sit with her. The Pavilion is set up so that everyone sits at their own God's Table. And so Percy, with his plate piled high with breakfast food, makes his way over to the Poseidon Table, sitting down all alone. It's more than a little awkward, but after the day he'd had yesterday… it's safe to say he's particularly ravenous, even if he'd gotten dinner the night before.

Digging in, Percy tries to focus on his food, rather than all of the looks he's getting and the conversations that are clearly being had about him. He knows full well that his existence breaks some sort of agreement that Poseidon had with Zeus and Hades. There's no helping that though. It was like Hestia had said, he couldn't be blamed for circumstances outside of his control.

Not that he thought that would stop anyone from blaming him, but at the very least, he refused to beat himself up about it.

As if summoned by his thoughts of beating someone up, a shadow suddenly falls over him and Percy looks up to see Clarisse standing there with her arms crossed over her chest. She's technically not sitting at his table, he supposed… so she's not breaking any rules, is she?

"Poseidon's get, huh? I guess I should be lucky that you didn't blast me and my sisters with toilet water yesterday."

Percy blinks for a second, feeling a strange sensation pass over him at her words. Then, he realizes what's happening. Clarisse La Rue, in her own gruff way… is actually trying to make peace with him. She's trying to find some sort of common ground. Leaning back away from the table for a moment, Percy chuckles and shakes his head.

"I suppose you're lucky I didn't have to."

A small shadow crosses the Daughter of Ares' face at that as she's reminded of her and her sisters' complete inability to get him off. It's clearly a point of soreness for her. And yet, she doesn't get angry. Quirking up one corner of her mouth, Clarisse just shakes her head.

"You're certainly something, Jackson. Which is why I want you on my team for Capture the Flag this Friday. Dunno if anyone's told you about that yet, but it's kind of a big deal."

Clarisse isn't exactly being quiet… and the Athena Table isn't that far from the Poseidon Table, as it so happens. Percy meets Annabeth's eyes as the blonde jerks in place at hearing Clarisse's offer, looking like she wants to get up and march on over right then and there. Sliding his gaze back to Clarisse, he wonders if the Daughter of Ares knows he already agreed to be on Annabeth's team. Even if she did, he's confident that she'd still be trying this. She's that kind of person.

"Annabeth told me all about it. When I agreed to be on her team this Friday."

The slight widening of Clarisse's eyes is evidence enough that she DIDN'T know… but it doesn't really matter. She's not backing down so easily, not now that he's been claimed it would seem. Scoffing, she crosses her arms over her chest and shakes her head.

"Of course you were going to be on her team before. She already got Luke and the Hermes Cabin on her side. And Cabins don't tend to split, it can cause too much bad blood. You had to say yes, so long as you were unclaimed."

Stepping forward, Clarisse plants her hands on the Poseidon Table, leaning in as she stares Percy down.

"But now that you're claimed… now that you're a Son of Poseidon, all bets are off. You can do whatever the fuck you want. So what do you say, Jackson? Want to join the winning side?"

She's certainly confident, Percy will give her that. But… no. He doesn't even consider if truth be told. He's not the kind of guy who willingly betrays his friends. And he and Annabeth are at LEAST friends, if not more than that. He'd made her a promise and he fully intended to keep it. That didn't mean he needed to fully burn all of his bridges with Clarisse though. Sure, the woman was a bully… but she was a bully who recognized his worth. Else she wouldn't be over here, trying to make a play for him.

"Sorry Clarisse, but I made a promise to Annabeth and I don't go back on my word. Maybe next Friday you can properly sway me to your side, or whoever is in charge can do so. I wouldn't mind eventually playing on your team one of these weeks. But for now… my loyalty is to Annabeth."

From the way Clarisse's jaw clenches, he can tell she doesn't like hearing that. At the same time, Percy thinks he's probably navigated the delicate situation pretty well, because she also has this growing respect in her eyes as she pulls back and crosses her arms over her chest again.

"… Fine. I can respect that. A wager then. Winner gets you next time."

Percy raises an eyebrow at that and shakes his head.

"That sounds like a wager you should be making with Annabeth, Clarisse. But even then, I would have to agree… and it doesn't sound like there's anything in it for me, really."

Clarisse growls but is forced to admit he's right given the way she rocks back on her heels for a moment, mulling it over. Finally, she nods.

"Okay. Wager between us. Whoever is on the winning side gets to order around the other for the next week, with the loser having to be on the winner's team the next Friday. It's a good deal. You're only a one man cabin, but if you somehow win… you get all of Ares Cabin behind you next week."

Now that was an interesting offer. One Percy wondered if Clarisse could get away with making, since she was right, it did involve all of Ares Cabin as well. Somehow, he got the impression that she could maybe force the others into line for at least a week. But at the same time, did he want to risk Annabeth's team losing and ending up as Clarisse's chew toy for the next week? He was only one man after all, and he'd never even played Capture the Flag before.

He supposed the question he needed to answer before he could answer Clarisse was… just how confident was he feeling?

Chapter 9: The Wager

Chapter Text

The answer was apparently 'very confident', because he doesn't really think about it long before nodding sharply.

"You've got a deal, Clarisse."

The shark-like smile on the young woman's face makes it clear that the Daughter of Ares is eager to win and have him as her personal butt-boy for a week. But Percy has no intention of losing. Lifting up her palm, Clarisse spits into it and then holds it out for him to shake. A little gross, but not all that surprising from someone like her.

Without missing a beat, Percy spits into his own palm and clasps hands with the Daughter of Ares, sealing their little deal… in front of the entire Dining Pavilion.

"See you on Friday, Percy Jackson."

And with that, Clarisse turns and walks away, returning to her table where she no doubt quietly explains the goal to everyone else in her Cabin. Over a dozen pairs of eyes turn towards him at that, the women looking downright hungry while the men look somewhat jealous. Percy just raises an eyebrow right back at them, smiling thinly in challenge… until that is, Annabeth slams her hands down on his table, startling him out of the stare down.

"What was that about?"

The blonde looks more worried than he's ever seen her before, but then Percy supposes he knows what the issue is. Giving Annabeth a fond smile, he reaches over and pats one of her hands.

"Don't worry. Clarisse wanted me on her team but I turned her down. I might be a claimed Son of Poseidon now, but that doesn't change the promise I made to you, Annabeth. You'll have me on Friday, no matter what."

A little bit of the tension in Annabeth's shoulders drains away at that, but not all of it. Her eyes narrow and her nostrils flare as she pushes off of his table and stands there with her arms crossed over her chest.

"Then… what was that bit at the end? Where the two of you shook hands?"

Ah. He supposed it was far enough away that Annabeth hadn't been able to hear the latter half of the conversation, had she? She'd heard the first part, but not the rest of it? Percy spends a moment over his amusement at the way both Clarisse and Annabeth ended up standing in the exact same spot with their arms crossed over their chest, glaring down at him. Did he have a type? He might have a type. Then again, the two female demigods were only similar in very superficial ways, weren't they?

Regardless, he nods his head along with her words, taking a bite of his breakfast, chewing, and then swallowing before finally answering her.

"Clarisse and I made a little wager on the outcome of this week's Capture the Flag Match. Winner takes all, so to speak."

It takes him a moment to realize the grinding he hears is Annabeth's teeth as she grits them and growls cutely at him.

"What. Does. That. Mean?"

As much as he's grown quite fond of Annabeth in the short period of time that he's known her, Percy finds himself greatly enjoying yanking her chain. Eyes dancing with mirth, he shrugs as he takes another bite of his breakfast.

"Simple, really. Whoever is on the winning side gets to order around the loser for the entirety of next week, and then the loser has to be on the winner's team next Friday. It's heavily in my favor, you know? I'm just a one man cabin, but if we can win… then not just Clarisse but all of Ares Cabin will be at my beck and call next Friday."

He expects her to relax more in the face of his explanation, but if anything Annabeth grows tenser, not more relaxed. Her eyes narrow and she grits her teeth even harder for a moment before finally speaking.

"You… you… Seaweed Brain!"

Percy blinks, both at the strangely tailored insult and at the vitriol in her voice. She's mad at him? He'd specifically done his best to keep her out of things though? He could understand her getting upset if he'd made any promises or wagers that involved her without her say-so, but Percy had deliberately not done that. It was just a simple bet between him and Clarisse and sure he was relying on Annabeth and her team to win, but it wasn't like they weren't going to try and win to begin with, right?

Feeling defensive now, Percy leans back and crosses HIS arms over his chest, frowning at Annabeth as the blonde glares down at him from across the table.

"I really don't see the problem here. I went out of my way to keep you out of it, Annabeth. Even if we win, you don't HAVE to team up with me next Friday if you're that opposed to teaming up with Clarisse and Ares Cabin."

Annabeth, to his surprise, just rolls her eyes and shakes her head, planting a palm against her forehead.

"I don't care about next Friday, Percy. I care about this Friday. We had a plan… a plan that you ruined!"

She hisses out that last part, leaning forward and lowering her voice as if just remembering where they were. Percy opens his mouth to respond, but before he can, Annabeth sharply shakes her head and then jerks it to one side. Recognizing what she wants, he nods and gets up, following her out of the Pavilion. He can feel the eyes of several other demigods following them as they leave, but Percy doesn't pay them any mind.

Annabeth leads him back to his cabin, interestingly enough, though she stops outside and looks at him until he invites her in. Once they're both inside, she finally spills the beans.

"The plan was to use you as a distraction. You humiliated Clarisse and her sisters in the bathroom so badly that I just knew they would be after you during Capture the Flag. You were going to be the bait that drew enough of Ares Cabin away that they ultimately left their flag unprotected, allowing us to pick up an easy win."

Percy's eyes widen at that. Annabeth had told him she wanted to avoid Clarisse recruiting him to her side as one of the reasons she'd been so gung ho about having sex with him, but she hadn't told him THAT part. It was… strategically sound and incredibly ruthless. He couldn't help feeling a little hurt if he was being honest.

"You were going to use me as some sort of sacrificial pawn?"

Annabeth rolls her eyes at that.

"The plan was to station you at the creek, Percy. It acts as the natural boundary between either side of the match and if I'd put you there, not only would you have drawn Clarisse and her cronies to you like bees to honey, but you would have been perfectly positioned to kick their asses."

Wait, what? His expression must show his incredulity, because Annabeth waves a hand dismissively before continuing on.

"Since we're no longer pretending like we don't know who your father was… as an obvious Son of Poseidon, I knew you'd be fine in the creek. So long as you're submerged in water, you're pretty much unstoppable. Unfortunately, that plan is no longer possible. Clarisse no longer has as much incentive to hunt you specifically. Instead, you've given her WAY more incentive to focus on the actual objective for once instead of just trying to brute force it. She's not as likely to take the bait anymore."

Percy opens his mouth… and then closes it. Then, he tilts his head to the side. This time, it's his turn to narrow his eyes at Annabeth.

"How could you know that? The part about a Son of Poseidon being unstoppable in water? And why didn't you just tell me the plan so I couldn't ruin it for you?"

Annabeth has the good grace to look a little guilty at least, even as she shifts from foot to foot. Given the girl's difficulty with properly expressing her emotions, Percy takes that much as a win. Still…

"Since they won't let me go on my own Quest, I've had plenty of free time to read up while I've been trapped in camp. I've devoured every book, journal, and history that I could get my hands on. And I didn't tell you because operational security deemed it unnecessary for you to know. The plan was best carried out with as few people aware as possible. I know… a lot. I am the daughter of a Goddess of Wisdom and Strategy, after all."

She pauses briefly… and then sighs.

"Still, I'm sorry I didn't tell you the whole truth. I'll understand if you want to go and take Clarisse up on her offer after all. I did intend to use you as bait…"

Percy doesn't really have to think about it too hard. Sure, he's annoyed… but at the same time, he can sort of understand where Annabeth is coming from. He's not going to forgive her immediately, but he's also not going to abandon her at the drop of a hat. Not only had he already given his word, but also… he'd made that wager with Clarisse. At this point, he HAD to be on the team opposite of the Daughter of Ares this Friday.

"No, Annabeth. I'm not going to abandon you."

Looking relieved, the blonde glances down at his crotch next.

"Perhaps I can… still make it up to you?"

It's obvious what she means but, and Percy can't believe he's thinking this… he's got a better use for their time. He nods, but before Annabeth can drop to her knees, he holds up a hand.

"You are going to make it up to me. But not that way. We're going out, down to that creek, and we're going to train. And come Friday… we'll make your plan work."

Annabeth furrows her brow at that, tilting her head to the side.

"But… how? Clarisse has every reason to ignore you and focus on the flag now."

Percy just grins.

"Sure she does. But let's be honest… I haven't been here very long and you know them better than I do. So you tell me. Does anything about Clarisse or Ares Cabin strike you as particularly reasonable?"

Annabeth blinks and thinks for a moment before a small smile slowly forms on her face.

"… You're right. Let's go."

Percy chuckles at her muted enthusiasm. But then, a lot about Annabeth Chase is muted, so he knows that if he's seeing this much, it's because she's practically hopping up and down in excitement in comparison to her usual self. With that, the two of them leave the cabin and head for the woods. Friday is just around the corner after all, and if he's going to play his part, he needs to know what he can do.

-x-X-x-

Friday comes around quickly enough, and as the sun sets, Percy finds himself standing alongside Annabeth and her Athena Cabin, as well as Hermes Cabin and Apollo Cabin. Percy might only be one person, but he supposes he makes it four cabins in total, since he's representing Poseidon Cabin. On the other side of the clearing, holding a red flag that contrasts nicely with Annabeth's blue flag, is Clarisse and her squad.

Clarisse's team has five cabins and overall superiority in numbers, but it's not as far off as it might seem in Percy's opinion. Still, according to Annabeth, Clarisse and Ares Cabin haven't lost a Capture the Flag Match in weeks now, no matter what Annabeth has done to try and topple them. Her gambit this time is Percy, and from the crowd he meets the blonde's eyes, easily able to tell that she's still worried that this won't work out.

Well, it's up to him to get a move on, isn't it? Smiling thinly, Percy makes his way over to Clarisse for a second, making it clear that he's not joining them by stopping a few feet away. Clarisse and her sisters all look him up and down, sizing him up like he's a piece of meat. Clarisse in particular gives him a wicked grin.

"Starting to regret your choice in team, Jackson? I'm not letting you switch sides now just so you know. We've got a wager going on, after all. Get ready to eat dirt."

Percy just smirks as he crosses his arms over his broad chest and tilts his head to the side. Admittedly, the spear she's wielding looks pretty wicked, especially with its barbed tip that flickers with red light. He doesn't want to find out what it does first hand… but at the same time, he's feeling pretty confident.

"You know Clarisse… I really don't think you have what it takes. I don't think any of you have what it takes."

The whole lot of them bristle aggressively at that, and a couple even take a step forward, looking ready to hurt him right then and there. But Percy just stands his ground as Clarisse smirks.

"Yeah? Did Chase lie to you then? Because we've been winning Capture the Flag for two months now. You'll see soon enough; we definitely have what it takes."

Percy scoffs, flicking out a hand in a dismissive motion.

"I wasn't talking about that, Clarisse. Capture the Flag? A kid's game. No… I was saying that you don't have what it takes to beat ME."

He pauses just long enough to see Clarisse's eyes widen at the incredibly direct, wholly blunt challenge. The fury that spreads across her and her teammates' faces is a sight to behold as each and every one of them develops quite a dark look. Without waiting for a response however, Percy turns on his heel and walks back over to Annabeth's side.

"We'll see about that, Jackson!"

Clarisse's shouted response is the only one that Team Ares and Co. manage to get out before a sharp clapping can be heard echoing across the clearing. Hestia stands on top of a wooden platform with Chiron beside her and looks down at them all. There's a matronly warmth in her gaze and smile… but also a hint of something more. Something stronger.

"Attention, everyone. Settle down now. This week's Capture the Flag game is about to begin. The Blue Team, led by Annabeth Chase, will be made up of Cabin Six, Cabin Seven, Cabin Eleven… and Cabin Three."

Percy blinks at having the cabins numbered at that, noting Hestia's smile and nod towards him when she mentions 'Cabin Three'. Then, she looks over to the other side.

"The Red Team will be led by Clarisse La Rue and will be made up of Cabin Five, Four, Nine, Ten, and Twelve."

Sweeping her gaze back and forth across ALL of them, Hestia's expression hardens somewhat.

"I shall remind you all of the rules. The creek is the boundary line between the two camps. The forest is all fair game but try not to venture too far into its depths. Magic Items remain permitted… for now. However, intentional maiming is still punishable by immediate exile from Camp Half-Blood. The same goes for both accidental and intentional killing. You are playing a game. Always remember, your enemies exist beyond these woods, in the world outside."

Silence reigns as Hestia's words have a moment to sink in. Then, she's all smiles again as she claps her hands together three times.

"Begin making your way to your respective bases, please. In five minutes, the battle begins."

As everyone moves off, Percy lets out an explosive breath and then inhales deeply. This was it… the Capture the Flag game to end all Capture the Flag games… or something.

Okay, so maybe the stakes weren't that high. But he still wanted to win. More badly than most, he wagered… but maybe not AS badly as Annabeth or Clarisse. Still, in the end it didn't truly matter who wanted it more. It mattered who could take it.

Chapter 10: Battle of the Creek

Chapter Text

After retrieving a breastplate and a sword, Percy heads straight for the creek to wait for Clarisse and the rest of Ares Cabin to come running. For a moment, he had considered doing a little proactive hunting of his own first before making his way for the natural boundary… but best not to chance it. Annabeth's plan, now that he'd been fully read into it, was a good one Percy had to admit. And with his little bout of pre-battle banter delivered to the enemy, he didn't think for a second that the sons and daughters of Ares wouldn't come straight for him as soon as they had the chance.

Setting up on his team's side of the river, Percy gives his sword a few test swings, tilting his head to the side as he swishes it back and forth. Truth be told, he hadn't wielded a sword much before now, but apparently he was a natural if Luke was to be believed. The man had roped him into a couple of swordplay lessons once it was confirmed that Percy would be joining their side even though he was no longer part of Hermes Cabin.

From what Luke had declared after those lessons, Percy was born to wield the blade. Which was… nice. Really it was. But ultimately, his heart just hadn't fully been in the lessons if he was being honest. He'd been too busy contemplating his parentage and everything that it meant to worry about being a prodigy with the sword on top of everything else.

Thinking about his father being Poseidon tended to lead to him thinking about his mom, which in turn sent Percy into a spiral of depression and anxiety. Was she even still alive? They'd said that she was, but at the same time… Percy didn't know what to believe. All he knew was that he couldn't very well save her by standing around here. But he also couldn't go running off to find her without any information on where the hell she could have been taken to in the first place.

And setting that aside… how had his parents even gotten together? How had his mortal mother ended up seduced by his divine father? Percy knew from the stories that Poseidon could be quite the ladies' man, and the only reason he wasn't known more for it was because his brother Zeus tended to overshadow him in that regard. But still, it was a little hard to wrap his head around the fact that his mother and the Sea God Poseidon had ended up doing the horizontal tango and producing him. Though really, the proof was-

Before Percy can think on his mind-boggling parentage any longer, he starts to hear the sound of people rushing towards him and knows that not only has the Capture the Flag Game began in earnest, but he's already been discovered by the enemy team's scouts. Not that he was trying to be particularly sneaky or anything like that in the first place.

Swinging his sword in his hand, Percy watches across the creek as Ares Cabin comes rushing out of the trees. ALL of Ares Cabin from the look of things, a good dozen demigods all running out, eyes locking on him, and then charging forward to run him down.

Clarisse is at the head of the pack of course, that wicked spear of hers still sparking with red lightning as she gives him a vicious, sadistic grin, leading the rush across the creek. She doesn't say anything, but there are hoots and hollers from her siblings, and the hunger for violence in their eyes makes it clear that they expect him to turn and run.

However… Percy doesn't do that. And as more and more of them enter the creek, he can see some of the slower ones at the back starting to falter. In fact, one of them, the dark-skinned one from the bathroom who wore her hair in a tight ponytail, actually proves to have some modicum of intelligence, because she slows to a halt right at the edge of the creek on their team's side and looks at the water.

The epiphany she's clearly having is quite amusing, even as Percy finally moves. However, rather than stepping away from the creek and leading them back into the woods on his team's side of things, Percy steps forward… meeting their charge with a nonchalant walk of his own as he smiles thinly.

Seeing the confidence etched in every line of his being, the Daughter of Ares with half a brain squawks and then cries out in warning.

"WAIT! He's the Son of Poseidon! He can-!"

But Percy just chuckles and shakes his head, cutting her off with two crisp words. He doesn't raise his voice, and yet… they resound throughout the clearing all the same.

"Too late."

Sure, he might not have been overly focused on Luke's sword fighting lessons, but Percy had two very good reasons for that. One, there was the aforementioned parentage weighing rather heavily on his mind. Coming to terms with his father's true nature and his mother's kidnapping was enough to distract anyone. But two… there was the one good thing that had come out of being Poseidon's son.

In an instant, the water of the creek rises at Percy's command, capturing those from Ares Cabin foolish enough to go running into the body of water in its clutches. Clarisse and the others shriek and howl in anger, even as tendrils of liquid scoop them up and hold them aloft, disabling them effectively in an instant.

Percy can't help but smirk as he does this. His and Annabeth's experimentation in this very same creek a few days back had wielded… exceptional results. As such, he was coming into this battle with a pretty clear understanding of his powers over water. Honestly, he didn't know if it had something to do with him hitting eighteen, or coming to Camp Half-Blood, or possibly the fact that he'd been claimed by Poseidon.

He was a literally an athletic school swimmer, and yet… not until coming to this place had he ever felt like this in water before. The control he had over water hadn't come easily, but he'd managed to work it out with Annabeth's help swiftly enough. However, the other part… that HAD come easily.

Even as those who haven't entered the creek just yet skid to a halt, Percy is already dashing forward, moving through the water like it's nothing. No, more than that… he moves through the water faster than he did on dry land. Bursting out the other side, he swings the flat of his blade at the mocha-skinned Daughter of Ares first, smacking the side of her helmet hard enough to send her flying to the ground, unconscious in an instant.

He took half a second to send a silent apology her way… truth be told, it was more of a compliment than anything else. She was the smartest opponent here as far as he could tell, so of course he would deal with her first. After she went down… the others still on dry land didn't last much longer either.

None of them run to their credit. But then again, facing down an empowered juggernaut like Percy has become, maybe they SHOULD have turned and ran. After all, he wasn't their objective. Or rather, he wasn't supposed to be.

But these aren't children of Athena. They aren't sons and daughters of the Goddess of Wisdom and Strategy. No, they're demigods because Ares, God of War and Spirit of Battle, had to go and get his dick wet. And as children of Ares, they exemplify his traits… both the best and worst of them.

They stand their ground and fight him, and Percy lays them all out one by one, carefully taking them each down. He's careful because he truly doesn't want to hurt any of them, but he's also mindful of Hestia's words before the match started. To put it bluntly, his power after entering water is so insane that it's a very real concern that he might kill someone with his newfound strength.

Luckily, they're all wearing armor, so he's able to knock them all out without having to stab a single one of them with his blade. Only once he does so, does Percy turn back to the creek where the other half of Ares Cabin's fighting force remains raised up in the air, the water holding them aloft with his mental focus.

Their restraints are liquid, so they can't cut themselves down or break free. And because they're dangling in midair, they can't even get the leverage they need to try to escape either. Cursing and shouting and snarling have filled the background of Percy's fighting with their siblings, and now that he's actually facing them all, their volume only increases. Above all of them, Clarisse's voice is still the clearest, however.

"DAMN YOU JACKSON! LET ME DOWN, BASTARD! FIGHT ME LIKE A MAN!"

It would have been child's play to disarm Clarisse and her siblings and then knock them all out with a little bit of drowning to really bring this to a close. And maybe that's even what Percy should have done. After all, the faster he cleaned up here, the sooner he could go and see if Annabeth and her team needed his help in securing the actual objective.

… However, with the entirety of Ares Cabin having come over here to fight him, Percy didn't think that Team Athena and friends really needed any more of his assistance. If they couldn't win a simple game of Capture the Flag with this sort of advantage… well, he'd be the one who would pay for it in the end, but even still… he doesn't end it like he could.

Instead, he steps into the water again, walking back across the creek as he sets Clarisse down on Blue Team's side of the small river. As her feet find solid ground, the statuesque blonde lets out a huff of relief, though she tries to mask it as a huff of anger instead. Then, seeing him approaching, she grits her teeth and sets her stance, glaring daggers at him as she points the tip of her electric spear in his direction.

It's a dangerous weapon for sure. If it was just Clarisse and her spear against him and his borrowed sword, with all of Clarisse's years of experience in fighting versus his two measly sword fighting lessons… sure, Percy would put money on Clarisse coming out the victor of that fight.

But that's simply not the case right now. Moving through water, Percy feels almost too powerful as he speeds forward to meet Clarisse's opening thrust. The blonde Daughter of Ares might as well have been moving in slow motion. He bats her spear aside with his blade, being sure to hit it with the flat so that he doesn't sheer right through it with his current strength. They might be enemies, but Percy at least doesn't hate Clarisse enough to destroy what looks like a prized weapon just like that.

Still, the sheer strength of his swing is enough to tear the spear right out of Clarisse's hands. She gasps in shock as it's wrenched from her grasp, before her features twist up in raw fury. However, she doesn't get a chance to act on that anger, because Percy has already glided right into her personal space… and landed a nose-crunching elbow right to her face.

Clarisse's head snaps back, blood spurting out as she lands on the riverbank right next to the creek and lands hard. She flops down, still conscious, but holding a hand to her nose to try and contain the bleeding. And yet, those her eyes water from the pain, he can see she's still pissed as all hell and that anger will probably act as the quintessential painkiller, keeping her in the fight.

Percy just shakes his head as he watches Clarisse's other hand dig into the moist dirt under her, the statuesque blonde preparing to push herself to her feet and keep fighting. He didn't want to hurt her any further, but it looked like she might not actually give him much of a-

"VICTORY! BLUE TEAM VICTORY! TEAM ATHENA WINS!"

Luke's voice, carefree and cheerful as it resounds throughout the forest, draws both Percy and Clarisse's attention down the length of the creek. There, off in the distance, they can both see the Hermes Cabin Leader standing on Blue Team's side of the creek, waving Red Team's flag in the air as his teammates surround him, cheering and clapping him on the back.

Capture the Flag was over. Percy's team had won. Of course, no one from his side of things was close enough to see the battle that Percy had successfully waged against the entirety of Ares Cabin… but Percy didn't care about that, truth be told. He wasn't out for glory or anything like that. Rather… he'd won his wager with Clarisse. That was all that really mattered at this point.

Grinning as Clarisse slumps back in defeat, scowling but no longer looking like she was planning on trying to take his head off right that moment, Percy moves over and picks up her spear, before going and offering her his hand.

The blonde looks surprised for a moment, but ultimately she lets him help her to her feet, while at the same time behind Percy, the rest of Ares Cabin who had still been held aloft by the water, falls into the creek with much cursing and splashing.

Clarisse, far from looking upset on their behalf, glances past him and lets out an amused snort, even as he hands her back her spear and gives her a nod… a nod that Clarisse begrudgingly returns.

"Looks like it's my win, Clarisse."

She scowls and blushes furiously at that, before opening her mouth. However, whatever she might have said… he never gets to hear it. Just before the Daughter of Ares can speak, a loud, rumbling growl catches their attention. Percy and Clarisse both swing around… to find themselves facing down a massive, hulking, dog-like monster with red eyes and pitch-black fur.

Beside him, Clarisse's sharp intake of breath is enough to tell Percy that this is most definitely not part of the game.

"Hellhound… that shouldn't be possible. We're still within the Camp's borders."

Percy frowns at that, before flexing his fingers and shaking his head. The power he gained from stepping into a body of moving water was only temporary unless he fully submerged himself. Already, he could feel himself being drained of the enhanced strength and speed that he'd used to so readily defeat the whole of Ares Cabin. But at the same time… it didn't look like this hellhound was going to let them go easily.

No… they would have to fight.

Chapter 11: The Hellhound

Chapter Text

In the end, he doesn't really decide so much as he reacts. The Hellhound lunges forward and Percy charges it right back, no hesitation. He could have retreated… and left Clarisse, already weakened from their fight, to face it alone. He could have pulled back and turtled up… and left any number of the Ares Cabin as easier prey for the monster in the process.

They might have been his enemies mere moments ago, but that was then and this was now. More than that though, they were only his enemies for a simple game of Capture the Flag. This was much more serious. In the end, Percy just doesn't have it in him to risk others in order to save his own bacon. It's probably the height of foolishness, and there's certainly a better way to do things… but in the split second he has, he can't see any way except forward.

Letting out a shout, he meets the Hellhound in the middle of its charge. The massive, hulking, red-eyed monster snarls at him, and Percy finds himself snarling right back as he thrusts his sword forward with all of his considerable remaining might. Even with his supernatural strength beginning to drain from him, Percy's sword finds easy purchase in the Hellhound's flesh. With his godly father's blessing empowering him and thus empowering the blow, Percy is able to slam the sword into the Hellhound all the way to the hilt.

Unfortunately, he doesn't have time nor the training to aim the blow properly. His thrust finds the Hellhound's shoulder and even as Percy sinks the entire length of his borrowed blade into the thing's body, he's immediately aware that it's not a killing blow. Especially since the Hellhound doesn't immediately keel over and die.

What it does do is let out a particularly pain-filled howl… before lashing out, its large head twisting around and its massive jaw opening and closing around Percy's shoulder in turn. The borrowed chestplate he's wearing for the Capture the Flag game is probably the only thing that saves his life from the bite, even as it crumples under the Hellhound's teeth and he feels massive canines sink into his flesh.

Percy grimaces, trying to draw his sword back for another swing, his free hand pushing on the Hellhound's face in an attempt to get him off of him. But just as he's beginning to make progress with both of these things, he feels it… the last of the strength granted to him by his little dip in the creek fades away, leaving him feeling all too mortal once more.

There's a moment of silence as Percy meets the red eyes of the monster that currently has him in its grasp. They stare at each other for what feels like a single frozen second.

"Well. Fuck."

And then the beast shakes him and shakes him HARD. The pain is overwhelming, with Percy seeing white as he finds himself pulled too and fro before the Hellhound simply lets go of him and tosses him through the air. He lands heavily on the ground, not having the fortune to have fallen into the water unfortunately. The pain in his chest is immense, and he doesn't think it's just puncture wounds he has to worry about. He might have broken some ribs from the throw.

But even as he's struggling to stay awake, he hears a rumbling growl and manages to raise his head enough to see the Hellhound still approaching him and him alone. Persistent fucker wants to make sure it gets its kill, doesn't it? Or maybe that was how Hellhounds operated. Maybe they only went after one, killed them, and dragged them back to the Underworld as a snack. Percy honestly didn't know.

… Still, if that was how it worked, he supposed he was glad it was him and not any of the others. If this was how he died then-

"BEGONE FOUL FIEND!"

Just as Percy is coming to terms with staring Death Itself in the face, a familiar voice fills the clearing and the sound of arrows whistles through the air. For a moment, Percy's foggy, pain-filled brain stutters, wondering how he's being saved by Mr. Brunner of all people. Then Percy remembers who 'Mr. Brunner' really is, just in time to watch Chiron, famed trainer of Greek Heroes and immortal centaur, come bounding into the clearing.

In the meantime, his arrows have found purchase in the Hellhound mere feet away from Percy's downed body, and the red-eyed, black-furred monster has already fallen to its side, dead and dissipating into nothingness.

As Percy's strength fails him and he can hold his head up no longer, he finds himself laying back on the forest floor, staring up at the blue sky overhead.

"Percy!"

Ah… but that's Annabeth's voice, isn't it? She sounds worried, heh. Oh, and there's her face. She LOOKS worried too. Percy tries his best to give her a smile… but it's hard when her first action upon getting to him is to grab ahold and start dragging him towards the creek. Ow. OW!

But Percy's cries of pain do nothing to dissuade the Daughter of Athena, who might be the only one who's seen first hand how moving water can heal him. He realizes what she's trying to do, what her aim is… but he doesn't stay conscious long enough to see if she succeeds. Still… at least he won her Capture the Flag, right?

-x-X-x-

She'd froze. Inexcusable. Unforgiveable. She'd fucking froze.

In all fairness, the entire encounter had lasted less than a minute once it had truly gotten underway. The clash between Percy Jackson and the Hellhound had been unbelievably fast. Like, blink and you'll miss it kind of fast. But that didn't make it any better. Clarisse La Rue had frozen. She was a Daughter of Ares for fuck's sake. She was made for war! BRED for BATTLE! And yet… and yet, when a true fight had shown it's face so shortly after her ignoble defeat, Clarisse hadn't rose to the occasion. Instead, that bastard Jackson had… and he'd furthered her debt to him in the process.

Don't get her wrong. She was angry they'd lost. Really angry. More pissed at herself than anything else though, especially when everyone knew Jackson was a Son of Poseidon. In hindsight, fighting him at the Creek was an idiotic, brain dead move. Her only consolation was that almost nobody else in Ares Cabin had realized it until it was way too late.

Even now, some of Ares Cabin were dealing with the defeat with their usual bad grace. Muttering and growling and snarling about how Jackson cheated. Some were even callous enough to say they wished the Hellhound had actually gotten him. But no, Chase had been wise enough to know how to save the young man. She'd dragged his broken, bleeding body right back into the creek. A death sentence for anyone else, but for a Son of Poseidon… it'd worked. He'd begun healing almost immediately.

Leaving Clarisse and her siblings to skulk away, nursing their humiliation and embarrassment. Truth be told, under most normal circumstances, Clarisse might have been right there alongside the rest of Ares Cabin in cursing Percy Jackson's name. The bastard had known. He'd KNOWN what he was doing when he'd provoked them all right before the match. He'd focused all of their attention on him, and not just held them at bay… but flat out DESTROYED them in the lopsided battle that had followed.

It was, in hindsight, a perfect plan. An amazing strategy, really. Probably not entirely his own either. Probably Chase that came up with it. Pretty much everyone had to admit that it was really well played. But Clarisse wasn't 'pretty much everyone'. And she wasn't normally one to take defeat gracefully. No, she was the type to nurse grudges. To let her anger fester, and her fury burn.

She definitely would have resented Jackson, if it was just the way he'd defeated them in Capture the Flag. Some among her Cabin would even say that she still SHOULD. But not all of them had been conscious by the time the Hellhound showed up. And none had been on their feet like she had been. They had excuses for why they hadn't been able to interfere in the fight. Clarisse did not.

Not only had Percy helped her to her feet when the Capture the Flag Match ended, he'd gone ahead and rearmed her as well. And Clarisse… Clarisse had still frozen. There was no excuse for it. None that she would accept herself anyways. It didn't matter that the Hellhound shouldn't have been there. It didn't matter that she'd just gotten her ass kicked.

She'd been on her feet, weapon in hand. No self-respecting Daughter of Ares should ever freeze up in those circumstances. Her least of all.

Clarisse grits her teeth and clenches her hand into a fist. The statuesque blonde knew that she owed Percy way too damn much at this point. Begging forgiveness for how she'd dropped the ball wouldn't be enough. And besides, he owned her ass for the next week. Perhaps that's where she'd start then. Yes… that would work.

A plan begins forming in her mind's eye. It will further her humiliation in the short term to be sure, especially if anyone finds out… but her personal honor is in tatters as it is. Further humiliation might be the only way she sees that she can regain some of her pride in the long run. No matter what, she must make her cowardice up to Percy Jackson. And seeing how the likelihood of her getting a chance to save his life any time soon is low… well, there's only one way she sees to do that in the immediate future.

-x-X-x-

Watching over Percy's sleeping form in one of the Big House's guest bedrooms, Hestia wonders how it came to this. Something like this never should have happened, not in a million years. Camp Half-Blood was SUPPOSED to be safe. She was the Goddess of the Hearth after all, and this entire camp was within her aegis.

However, while the camp itself and some of the surrounding forests were protected by Hestia's Domains, not all of them were. Indeed, there were parts of the forest if one went too deep in where monsters roamed, drawn to the border of her power by so much demigod blood concentrated in one place. That said, the part of the forest where the campers enjoyed their weekly games of Capture the Flag was well within her borders.

This should not have happened. This should never have been possible. Even though Percy was alive, even though he was already healed and just sleeping off the exhaustion from his wounds… Hestia's mind still kept going around in circles, wondering how she'd been bamboozled so easily.

Thankfully, Annabeth Chase had been smart enough to know what Percy needed. By dragging him back into the creek when she had, she'd set his demigod abilities to healing his body. Poseidon's divine blood made it incredibly hard to kill his Son while Percy was submerged in water, and the wounds he'd taken from the Hellhound had largely been healed even before he was brought to Hestia.

She had, of course, made sure to heal him the rest of the way. All the while, the Daughter of Athena that Percy had apparently so thoroughly captured the attention of remained at his side. It was only now, hours later after the sun had long since set, that Hestia had sent Annabeth away. It pained her to do so, but the girl had needed her rest, even if the Goddess knew that Annabeth likely wouldn't be celebrating her victory.

To be fair, the mood in camp was somber. No one was really celebrating, even among the victors of today's match. Hestia suspected they were all wondering the same thing… were the protections around Camp Half-Blood failing? Was her domain failing?

But no. Hestia's Domain was as strong as ever. This place was still her Hearth. In fact, she knew more than most of them did. She knew the moment that the Hellhound had appeared within the borders. She knew that it had not pushed through into her domain by force… but rather, been invited in. She knew that someone within Camp Half-Blood had summoned the Hellhound and sicced it on Percy Jackson.

With that knowledge came… fury. Glancing down at her hand, Hestia blinks at finding it formed up into an unconscious fist. Said fist is trembling with contained rage. If any of her siblings saw her like this, they would likely be surprised… or afraid. Hestia, Goddess of Home and Hearth, was not prone to displays of emotion. She was not one to snarl angrily, not one to bite anyone's head off.

More often than not, she expressed her displeasure through quiet disappointment… and usually that was enough all things considered. But not this time. This time, Hestia is very, very angry. And she swears, sitting there by Percy's bedside, that she WILL get to the bottom of what's happened here today. Percy might not be dead; he might even already be fully healed physically… but that did not make the crime committed against him any lesser.

Still… still. She would start her investigation tomorrow. She would find out who dared to summon a monster into her hearth and she would see them expelled from Camp Half-Blood if it was the last thing she did. Tomorrow. Tonight… well, tonight she would sit vigil at Percy's bedside, making sure the young man did not have need of any further healing.

… She bites her lower lip at that thought as she watches him sleep. He looks peaceful now that his wounds are gone. She didn't have to see him at his worst thankfully, but she DID have to help peel the punctured breastplate off of his body, causing some renewed wounds where it had to be pulled free of his healed flesh.

Seeing him jerk in pain, even while unconscious… it had torn her heart in two. But now, now he looks peaceful. Content. Rested. His bare chest lays exposed, rising and falling with only some fresh scars to give any sign that he had been so grievously injured a few hours before. Unbidden, Hestia's hand comes up and then drops down. She shouldn't. It wouldn't be right. But the thought is there…

The conventional healing is done. Perhaps some unconventional healing is in order now. She knows from prior experience that he would enjoy waking up to such a thing. Ah, but she still shouldn't. She should maintain some semblance of… of propriety, shouldn't she? The young man was just attacked, after all. It would be wrong to… to give in to her base desires again so soon, under such circumstances…

Chapter 12: Recovery

Chapter Text

A low groan leaves Percy's lips as he slowly comes back to consciousness. There's a hand on his cock, soft and feminine, stroking him up and down. For a second he almost calls Annabeth's name… but he's grateful he doesn't, because when he opens his eyes a moment later, it's not Annabeth jerking him off. Rather, it's the Goddess of the Hearth herself, Hestia.

The brunette divinity blushes when their eyes meet, but she doesn't stop what she's doing. Nor does Percy ask her to stop. In fact, despite Hestia's clear lack of experience in these matters, he's quite enjoying her novice-level technique for what it is. Her hand positively glides up and down his member, which throbs with need. He might even call it… heavenly.

That said, Percy can tell from the way Hestia suddenly bites her lower lip and glances between him and his pulsating prick that she's only a few moments more of silence away from terminating the handjob and pulling back out of embarrassment and guilt. Rather than let that happen, Percy decides to fill the awkward silence in his own way by blurting out the first thing that comes to mind.

"You know, if I had a quarter for every time I woke up after a fight to find a beautiful woman jerking me off, I'd have two quarters now. Which isn't much, but it's weird that it's happened twice."

Hestia's blush intensifies and her eyes widen slightly at the revelation, no doubt thinking of just who the first one would have been. After a moment, she tilts her head to the side and offers a wry smile.

"Annabeth."

Percy chuckles and nods, not surprised that she figured it out so quickly. He'd feel bad about throwing Annabeth under the bus to the Goddess, but frankly, it didn't seem likely that Hestia would hold it against the Daughter of Athena, all things considered.

After a beat though, Hestia's brow furrows and she frowns.

"… A quarter?"

Blinking, Percy lets out a light laugh.

"Ah, I suppose you don't really have access to the internet here in Camp Half-Blood, do you? It's this thing called a meme… it's a little hard to explain, truth be told."

How would he even go about describing memes to an immortal Ancient Greek Goddess? Hestia would probably just nod along, smiling in confusion, not understanding a lick of it but willing to humor him all the same… or something. It would be an exercise in futility, Percy was sure. He would- why was she smiling knowingly at him?

"I'm not quite as computer illiterate as you think, Percy. I know about the internet. And I know about memes. I only asked because… I thought it was two nickels, not two quarters."

Percy's mouth opens… and then clicks shut as a sense of soul-deep shame threatens to overwhelm him. Holy shit, she was right. To be fair, it was a little pedantic to get down into the nitty gritty of it being nickels or quarters, or even dimes and pennies. But she was still right. He'd just been schooled on internet memes by the Goddess of the Hearth.

"… I don't know how I'm ever going to recover from this."

Hestia just giggles at his depressed tone, her hand still on his cock, still stroking him up and down. At least Percy had managed that much with this whole thing. She was no longer thinking about removing her hand from his dick… which as far as Percy was concerned, was a definite plus, even if it had cost him his pride to make it happen.

Of course, just as he's thinking that, Hestia looks back down at her hand wrapped around his cock, hesitates for a moment… and then pulls away all the same. Curses and damnation! But before Percy can really bemoan his failure, the Goddess surprises him… by climbing onto the bed.

Looking anywhere BUT into his eyes, Hestia hikes up her dress, exposing long legs and shapely thighs and curvaceous hips to him. Then, she sits herself down right between his spread legs. For a moment, Percy thinks she's about to impale herself upon his cock right then and there, virginity be damned. But no… while it looks like she might do that for just a moment, it quickly becomes apparent that she has something else in mind, something that will keep her virginity intact.

Instead of actual penetration, Hestia wraps her thighs around his cock, which ends up slapped up against the wet crotch of her underwear. The Goddess of the Hearth's breath hitches at the sensation, her eyes glowing with the golden proof of her divinity as she bites her lower lip again, staring down at his dick. Slowly, she begins lifting herself up and down, sliding her thighs along his member in a way that Percy has to admit… is positively fantastic.

Groaning in heartfelt enjoyment, the young demigod stays where he is. He figures it's probably doctor's orders that he not move too soon… even if he feels perfectly fine and like he's been completely healed.

As she gives him what might just be her first thigh job of her entire existence, Hestia licks her lips and speaks, looking downright apologetic while sliding her legs up and down his member.

"What happened today should never have happened, Percy. That hellhound… someone would have had to have summoned it. And right under my nose at that. I'm sorry that I failed you in such a monumental way. You are well within your rights to be angry with me, to be clear."

Percy blinks at that. Maybe it's the thigh job, but he's finding it really hard to muster even basic frustration towards the Goddess.

"… Why would I be angry at you, Hestia? You didn't do anything wrong."

Frowning at that, Hestia shakes her head, even as she continues to glide her pale thighs up and down his shaft. Her underwear-clad crotch slides along the underside of his cock as well, providing a slick wet sensation that lets him know how aroused she is, even if she's managing not to show it too much.

"The very fact that you were attacked is a failing on my part, Percy. Camp Half-Blood is my home and hearth. To be exact, this place is my Domain. That is how I know the hellhound was summoned in, not lured. I knew the moment that it appeared within my borders, the moment it was brought in by… by a traitor."

She positively spits out the last word, but not before getting a little choked up by it. Percy could tell that it bereaved her almost as much as it infuriated her to know that someone in Camp Half-Blood HAD to be responsible for the hellhound. Frankly, for Percy himself, the revelation was a scary one. The hellhound had been summoned? That lined up with what Clarisse had said before he and the monster had fought. About how it's very presence shouldn't have been possible.

Speaking of which…

"I assume since we're… conversing like this, that no one else was seriously hurt, right? Just me?"

Hestia looks pained but nods her head as she sighs.

"Just you, Percy. I think… I believe that the hellhound was after you to begin with. I believe it was summoned in order to target you specifically."

Percy's eyes widen at that. Wait, really? But… why? In the end, he doesn't even have to ask. Hestia can read the question in his eyes.

"… You might have already been told this, but just under a century ago, your father along with his brothers swore an oath to father no more demigod children. You, Percy… are proof that that oath was broken."

Oh right. Shit, he'd completely forgotten that bit. Annabeth had told him of course, but… well, he'd let it slip his mind he supposed. And Poseidon had certainly seemed all too ready to claim him, right? So he had figured it couldn't be a REALLY big deal. And yet… Hestia was making it sound like it was.

"So then… someone is trying to kill me because I'm a Son of Poseidon?"

Looking pained… and still giving him a thigh job that Percy is greatly enjoying, the Goddess of the Hearth nods.

"I believe that might be the case, yes. I want to be clear Percy… none of this is your fault. Nor were you the first instance of my brothers' breaking that particular oath. There have been other demigod children born of the Big Three in the last few decades, even if my brothers might think I don't know about all of them."

That… okay. Percy just nods, head spinning a little bit as he forces himself to adjust his worldview a bit more. So, being the Son of Poseidon wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. He'd technically already known that thanks to Annabeth, but in the wake of everything that had happened since that conversation she'd had with him, he'd sort of let it fall to the wayside. Still…

"Well, they tried and they failed. And I'm sure they'll try again… but don't worry, Goddess. I'm not going to make it easy for them."

Percy tries to give Hestia a brave smile at the end of that statement, only to have the Goddess frown and all but slam her hips down, her thighs clapping around his cock as she scowls at him.

"You should not have to defend yourself from them in the first place, Percy. At least not here, within my Domain. Camp Half-Blood is supposed to be safe for all of its denizens. I promise you I won't let anything like this happen again. I'm going to get to the bottom of what happened here today…"

Honestly, he doesn't quite know what to say to that. In the end, Hestia seems really worked up about this… more worked up than even he is, and Percy is the one who almost died. In the end, he just gives the Goddess a smile and a nod.

"I believe you, Goddess. Thank you."

Startling, Hestia blinks and then blushes profusely at his simple, sincere response. Finally it seems he's taken some of the wind out of her self-flagellation sails, because she falls quiet after that. Though, she doesn't cease her efforts to get him off with her thighs. In fact, if anything she doubles them, focusing solely on his pleasure now that the conversation has come to a close.

Percy groans as he enjoys the feel of Hestia's soft, creamy thighs clenching down around his rock hard cock. He moans as her panty-clad slit rubs against the underside of his member as well, leaving his balls churning with need. In the end, once neither of them is distracted by talking any more, it's not long at all before Percy can feel his balls tightening up and can tell he's getting close.

"A-Ah… Goddess… I'm going to cum."

He expects her to pull away, to want to handle his load in some way that won't make a mess of her. But then, that's what he expected last time as well, and she'd completely blown those expectations out of the water too. In the end, he supposes that he shouldn't be surprised that Hestia only picks up the pace even further, humping away at his cock until at long last… he blows his load.

His seed geysers up into the air but at an angle, resulting in the entirety of his massive load of cum winding up staining Hestia's body instead of landing back on him. Rather than just her face and tits this time, he ends up coating her entire dress with his cum, covering her from head to crotch. It's as embarrassing as it was last time… but thankfully, there's no glowing trident floating overhead to make things even more embarrassing at least.

Hestia, for her part, shivers as she comes down from what looks to be some sort of pleasure high. Huh… she didn't cum, did she? Percy honestly can't say… and he's not nearly brave enough to ask. Pulling herself away from his cock, lifting one leg over so she can scoot out from between his legs and stand up off the bed once more, Hestia blushes as she turns back to him, covered in his cum.

"… Please stay here in the Big House for the night for me, Percy. You can return to Poseidon Cabin tomorrow once I've made sure there are no lasting effects from your injury…"

Percy has to bite back a comment at that, tempted to ask if they really should have been doing anything sexual if there COULD have been lasting effects after he healed. But… no, he can already tell Hestia is beating herself up enough for everything that's happened. He's not going to pile it on even more for the good-natured, beautiful Goddess.

Instead he just smiles and nods, leaving Hestia to give him one last tentative smile before leaving him alone. For a moment, he's sure that he's never going to be able to go back to sleep after all of this… but no sooner has the thought crossed his mind than a wave of exhaustion hits him. His eyes are closed before his head even fully hits the pillow again.

-x-X-x-

The next day, Hestia doesn't let him go until a little after noon. Percy half-expects her to use the opportunity as an excuse for more sexual antics that don't involve penetration, but it would seem in the light of day that she's feeling ashamed of herself, so nothing happens.

Still, by the time he makes his way back to Poseidon Cabin, Percy is feeling perfectly fine. Maybe a tiny bit sore, but overall, he's healed in record time and is actually doing pretty good. He figures he'll hop by his cabin, get a change of clothes, and then head over to the Dining Pavilion to try and sneak a late lunch if at all possible.

That's the plan, anyways. Alas, that plan does not survive contact with reality. His expectations of a quick in and out when it comes to the cabin he currently has all to himself are subsequently dashed upon the rocks when he steps inside and finds that someone is waiting for him.

Scrambling into position the moment she heard the door opening… is Clarisse La Rue, Daughter of Ares. The position she's chosen to take in order to greet Percy is… an interesting one to say the least, especially given the fact that she's entirely naked. Percy finds himself admiring the curve of her toned, bare-naked ass, her rippling back muscles, and her flared hips, even as she takes up her pose.

The all-around statuesque blonde prostrates herself before him, pressing her forehead to the ground as she speaks in a hesitant and surprisingly submissive tone.

"This… humble maid greets her Master for the week. How may I serve, Master Jackson."

Well now… that was a thing, he supposed.

Chapter 13: Daughter of Ares

Chapter Text

Once he gets over his shock at both the sight of Clarisse La Rue prostrating herself before him as well as the words that just came out of his mouth, Percy spends a moment considering how best to answer her declaration. Because it was a declaration. Despite there being a question in her words, there was no question in her tone. This was how it was going to be, apparently.

Never mind that they hadn't finalized what being the other's… something for a week would even mean. Clarisse had apparently had a very clear image of what that would entail in her mind's eye. It made him glad that he'd won. Even still, just what was he supposed to do with her now, precisely?

Before Percy can decide, his stomach makes the decision for him, growling loudly enough that both his and Clarisse's eyes snap up to it. Aha! That was perfect. Latching onto the lifeline provided by his stomach, Percy takes a step backwards.

"So I missed breakfast and lunch… and I assume you're not hiding a full meal somewhere around here, so I'll go ahead and-

"Err… actually…"

Clarisse interrupts him, looking hesitant for the first time as she does so. When he just looks at her, the naked blonde flushes in an uncharacteristic manner and falls silent for a moment before jerking her head off to the side.

To be clear, his comment about her 'hiding a full meal somewhere' had been more of a joke about the statuesque Daughter of Ares' naked state than anything else. Like "haha, it doesn't look like you could hide anything on your person right now!" … That sort of thing.

But as he looks off to the side, Percy can only blink at the sight of a large plate wrapped securely in tinfoil, waiting for him over on one of the cabin's beds. Caught off guard by the unexpected thoughtful gesture, Percy slowly makes his way over to the plate and unwraps it, finding that it's all of his favorites. Or rather… it's what he'd been choosing to eat all week long in the Dining Pavilion.

The fact that Clarisse had been keeping track spoke volumes. Before he'd come back to the cabin to find her in her current state, he would have worried she was doing so in order to find an opportunity to poison him. Now though, he's really left wondering. Pressing his lips together in a thin line, Percy lifts the plate from the bed and sits down, resting it on his lap.

The plate itself is almost supernatural in its warmth. The contents are still steaming. Magical tinfoil or something, maybe? Percy doesn't know, but he does know as he brings a burger to his lips and bites down, that it tastes delicious, like it was freshly cooked.

Chewing slowly, Percy stares at Clarisse for a long moment and Clarisse stares expectantly back. She's lifted herself up out of the prostrating pose and is now kneeling there with her back ramrod straight and her hands on her legs. It's giving off… serious 'fuck me' vibes if he's being honest. But in a servile way?

Still, Percy is hungry. So… one-handing his burger, he gestures with his other hand around the cabin.

"… You can go back to cleaning now."

He resists the urge to hesitate. He resists the urge to be all questioning about it, to say something like 'I guess you could go back to cleaning now if you wanted'. That's not what Clarisse is looking for, Percy is pretty sure. But he also doesn't have it in him to be mean either.

Though she stiffens up a little bit, the blonde nods sharply a moment later and gives him a crisp 'Yes sir' before getting back to work. Percy watches as the Daughter of Ares moves around the cabin, tidying up the place. She's not amazing at if, of course. He can only imagine the state of Ares Cabin at this point in time, because it's obvious that Clarisse isn't the kind of person who comes by the knack for cleaning up naturally… and he imagines that the rest of the children of Ares tend to follow their leader in that regard.

Still, it's fine because her lack of experience runs into a need for perfection right now, which means she's constantly going back on herself. This means it takes her a while longer to get everything done, which is perfect for Percy since it allows him to take the time to handle his hunger and fill his belly. Both his bacon cheeseburger and his fries go down relatively quickly, satiating his growling belly.

However, at the same time… another type of hunger is rearing its ugly head as he finds himself studying Clarisse's naked form. The Amazonian of a Demigod is beautifully built, and to see a warrior woman like her reduced to his maid… yeah, okay. It's doing things for him. Percy won't lie. Even still… should he really take advantage of her?

… Heh, no, he wasn't that stupid. OF COURSE Clarisse clearly wanted him to take advantage of her. She wasn't any better at seduction than she was at cleaning, but that just made her hamfisted attempts at drawing his eye down to certain… assets of hers even more obvious. It's less sexy and more endearing, if Percy had to put a word to it. Still, for all that she has no clue what she's doing… she's still beautiful, still naked… and still willingly put herself under his power for the next week.

"Clarisse."

Percy's clipped tone causes the naked blonde to freeze up and look over at him, at which point he gestures to his crotch.

"You've caused a problem. Come handle it before it turns into a mess, alright?"

If he had any doubts about what she REALLY wanted out of this, the statuesque blonde puts those to rest by wasting no time in scurrying over and dropping to her knees before him. Reaching for his crotch, she hurries to free his erection as Percy sets his plate aside and slowly eats the last of the French Fries from it, one at a time.

It's very, very clear that Clarisse was anticipating this more than anything. For the second time since Percy has arrived in Camp Half-Blood, the Daughter of Ares goes down on him. Taking him into her mouth, she begins to dutifully suck his cock. Of course, she's doing so under very different circumstances this time around.

And yet, even though Clarisse had more reason to want to try and make him cum back in the bathroom during her and her sisters' little hazing ritual, Percy notes that she's even more enthusiastic about things now. Bobbing up and down on his cock, the blonde looks up into his eyes as he continues eating, clearly trying to find any sign that she's getting him off.

Unfortunately for her, just like before… Percy isn't going to cum unless he wants to. And while he doesn't have it in him to be overly cruel to Clarisse, he also doesn't necessarily want to forgive her for their prior animosity. Especially when he didn't know if this was at least partially an act of some sort.

It was entirely possible that when this week ended and Clarisse had fulfilled her end of the bargain, she would go right back to being the caustic, antagonistic bitch she was before. That said… he's not just going to suddenly be nice to her or anything like that.

Besides, looking down into her eyes, it's almost like she's egging him on even as she goes down on him. As though she's saying 'am I not good enough? Then fucking take matters into your own hands, Master'.

… Okay so he's not a psychic and she's probably not thinking that directly, but even still. Finishing up the last of his meal, Percy brushes any errant crumbles off of his hands onto the plate. Then, he reaches down and grabs hold of Clarisse by her hair. The blonde wears her hair relatively short, but still long enough that he's able to gather her locks up into a makeshift ponytail in one fisted hand.

The Daughter of Ares pauses at the sudden movement… and then visibly relaxes her body, while also relaxing her jaw. Her tongue all but lolls out under the underside of his cock for him as she opens her mouth and lips as wide as humanly possible. Seeing this, Percy nods approvingly… and then starts to face fuck Clarisse La Rue right there on the spot.

"Gagkh! Gagkh! Gagkh!"

No build-up. No hesitation. No mercy. To be fair, Clarisse had already handled the build up with her… enthusiastic but ultimately terrible technique beforehand. Her efforts to get him off while he ate his fries had been somewhat better than what she'd done back in the bathroom, but she was ultimately still so far off the mark, it was somewhat laughable.

Now though, Percy is in control. He's the one fucking her face now, pounding away at her throat and gullet as she chokes and gurgles on his dick. His cock barrels its way down the back of Clarisse's esophagus as he has his way with her, using the naked blonde's mouth as his own personal toy.

Tears well up in her eyes, though they don't fall down her cheeks. Drool and saliva begin to build around her lips, which come sucking down on his cock as it pistons in and out of her throat. No teeth though. She's smart about that, and despite her clear inexperience at getting face fucked, she keeps the teeth out of things, focusing heavily on it from the look of concentration in her eyes.

She doesn't just expect him to be rough with her, Percy realizes. She WANTS him to be rough with her. Grunting, he gives her what she wants, quite enjoying doing so as he fucks her face until she's properly drooling all over his cock and her own tits.

"Glughk! Glughk! Glughk!"

Clarisse just takes it. She takes the oral abuse like she was born for it. She wasn't, of course. She was a warrior through and through, not this… defeated thing kneeling before him. Part of Percy has to wonder how she talked herself into this. How did she come to the conclusion that THIS was the only way she could satisfy their best?

It wasn't like they detailed things beforehand after all. The wager certainly wasn't so specific as 'oh and I better find you waiting for me in my cabin wearing nothing but a smile and ready to call me Master as my own personal maid' or anything like that. Then again… the hellhound had clearly thrown everything into disarray, hadn't it?

Could that be it? Could Clarisse be feeling bad about the hellhound or something? There was no way the Daughter of Ares had summoned the damn beast in the first place… right? She wouldn't be here, acting like this, if she did.

And yet, as he fucks her face and looks down into her eyes, Percy sees a startling level of self-recrimination in her gaze. And he doesn't think it's purely because she lost Capture the Flag to him. No, he feels like it might just go deeper than that.

However, just as he's trying to decide if he wants to probe into that or not… the door to Poseidon Cabin suddenly opens, making both Percy and Clarisse freeze in place.

To her credit, Annabeth Chase also stops dead in her tracks at the sight of a naked Clarisse on her knees between his legs, his hands holding her tightly by the hair and burying her head in his crotch. Though only for a moment. The Daughter of Athena quickly recovers, closing the cabin door behind him as her eyes narrow and she nods sharply.

"Right. The bet."

Wait, did Annabeth not have an issue with this? Percy slowly blinks, even as Clarisse gurgles on his cock, wiggling a bit and causing him to loosen his tight grip on her. The Daughter of Ares pulls back a little bit… and then resumes sucking his dick, though without his rough direction and treatment from before. Percy is too focused on Annabeth, who is in turn very focused on Clarisse and what the other blonde is currently doing.

Seriously… was he the only one who hadn't understood the stakes of this bet? Because based on Annabeth's reaction so far, she seemed to have expected this. That Clarisse would wind up as his naked live-in maid for a week. That… that was crazy, right?

Except everything about Percy's world was crazy now. Annabeth makes her way over to the two of them… and promptly sits down beside him opposite of the emptied plate. Scooting in close, she doesn't hesitate to reach up, turn Percy's face towards her, and kiss him. The Son of Poseidon's eyes go wide as Annabeth inserts her tongue into his mouth quite matter-of-factly, working it this way and that for a moment until he finally responds with his own tongue.

As they makeout with one another, Clarisse redoubles her efforts to suck him off down below, trying desperately to make him cum for her. She doesn't quite manage it of course, not just because Percy isn't ready to cum just yet, but because he's now singularly distracted by Annabeth kissing the ever-living daylights out of him.

But then, that's sort of the point, isn't it? Annabeth has completely distracted him from Clarisse at this point. The two of them makeout for what feels like an eternity as the Daughter of Athena not-so-subtly stakes her claim with him. And Percy can't deny it feels good, so he lets it happen.

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. The two of them eventually have to come up for air, causing them to pull apart as they both gasp for some much needed oxygen. A thin strand of saliva connects their lips for a moment, showcasing just how deep their tongues got into one another's mouths… and then breaks. The trance they both find themselves in breaks with it, and Annabeth finally turns away from him, looking down at Clarisse as she leans into his side.

"So then… what are we going to do with her next, Percy?"

Percy blinks at that, while Clarisse stiffens down between his legs. That was… a pretty big assumption, wasn't it? His wager with Clarisse was just between the two of them. It never had anything to do with Annabeth, despite her position as Team Captain. And yet… hm. Percy finds himself conflicted. On the one hand, he likes Annabeth a lot more than he likes Clarisse. On the other hand, she hadn't even asked for permission, or to be included. She'd just assumed, which Percy was beginning to see was a common thing with her…

Communication was key to any healthy relationship, really. He just wasn't sure if he wanted to get into it right now with the Daughter of Athena…

Chapter 14: Laying Down The Law

Chapter Text

Percy lets out a sigh and shakes his head, which causes Annabeth to stiffen in the same way Clarisse did mere moments before.

"You're doing it again, Annabeth."

Blinking owlishly, the Daughter of Athena furrows her brow in consternation.

"… Doing what?"

Nobody was perfect. Everyone had their character flaws and Percy was beginning to realize this was just one of Annabeth's. She was so used to being not only the smartest in the room, but immediately acknowledged as the smartest, that she had some pretty terrible social skills. Looking her right in the eye, Percy makes sure his gaze is as meaningful as possible.

"Making assumptions. Not communicating. The wager that I made with Clarisse was between just the two of us. I made sure of that so in the event that Blue Team lost, only I would suffer the consequences. But that also means Clarisse is only beholden to me and me alone. And while I could extend that to you… it's a pretty big leap to just assume that you get to do whatever you want with her just because of our relationship."

Down between his legs, Clarisse has gone back to sucking him off properly and has sped up the more he's spoken. This time around her efforts seem to have less to do with trying desperately to make him cum and more to do with her appreciation for the words coming out of his mouth. As she bobs up and down on his cock, Percy tosses her an amused glance and brings a hand down atop her head again, carding his fingers back through the statuesque woman's blonde locks.

Annabeth, meanwhile… looks a little stumped. She blinks some more at his words and then spends the next few quiet moments just processing what he's said to her. Percy lets her, but before she can muster a response, he goes ahead and offers her an olive branch. After all, while he does want her to acknowledge her character flaw and stop making so many assumptions… he also doesn't want to shut her out completely. He DOES like Annabeth far more than Clarisse to be honest, so…

"Make a case."

Both girls pause again at that, but Percy just shoots Clarisse a look that has his 'maid-for-the-week' going right back to sliding her lips and tongue down his member. For Annabeth, he offers a soft smile.

"You want to join in? You want to enjoy the fruits of my labor alongside me? Then make a case for why you should be involved."

For a moment, the Daughter of Athena just sits there on the bed next to him, watching Clarisse blow him down between his legs.

"… Because I asked nicely?"

Percy raises an eyebrow at that.

"Did you ask nicely?"

"… No. Ahem. Percy… may I join you in sexually tormenting Clarisse La Rue over the course of the next week?"

Clarisse's eyes are darting between them now and though she's still doing as she's supposed to and sucking his cock, it seems to be dawning on her that Percy is just looking for an excuse to let Annabeth join in. Though even if he is, he's not going to give it to the other blonde that easily. Not after how she started.

"Asking nicely probably would have worked if you'd begun with that Annabeth, but you didn't did you? You began with an assumption. So now I want to hear reasons. I want to know why you not only deserve to help me out, but also why Clarisse deserves to be beholden to you as well as me for the next seven days."

Annabeth's eyes slide down to Clarisse and her lip curls back as the Daughter of Ares stiffens under her rival's gaze. And then… it all comes flooding out.

"Because she's a bitch. Not just to me, not just to you, but to everyone in Camp Half-Blood. She's been a bitch for as long as I've known her, and she's acted like nothing but a cunt to me for the entirety of our acquaintance. We're supposed to be fellow demigods, but she buys into that whole 'Cabin versus Cabin' nonsense hook, line, and sinker. No, she doesn't just buy into it… she perpetuates it. Never mind that Hestia has done everything in her power to try to bring us all together for as long as she's been Director of Camp Half-Blood. It's people like Clarisse that keep us divided. And I want my pound of flesh. Not just for myself, but for everyone else she's tried to 'initiate' into the camp with a swirly or bullied and harassed to make herself feel better."

By the time Annabeth is done talking, she's breathing heavily. Percy can't help but raise both eyebrows, half-tempted to say something like 'Well now, tell me how you really feel'. But no, that doesn't feel very appropriate. Instead, letting Annabeth slowly catch her breath, he lets silence hang for a few moments. Down below, Clarisse has stopped moving entirely again, though she hasn't taken his cock out of her mouth interestingly enough.

Percy does it for her, using his grip on her short blonde locks to pull the naked young woman's head off of his dick and force her to look them both in the eye even if she doesn't want to. Tilting his head to the side, the Son of Poseidon graces his current 'maid' with a crooked smile.

"Any rebuttal, Clarisse?"

Face flushed red with some mixture of embarrassment and anger, Clarisse half-heartedly scowls as she glances at Annabeth, barely able to muster a glare to toss in the other woman's direction.

"… I'm a daughter of war. I don't know what you expect from me. I-!"

"Bullshit."

Annabeth cuts her off with an even bigger sneer, her own glare MUCH more impressive and to Percy's shock, enough to make Clarisse rear back as if struck.

"I'm a daughter of war too, you cunt. You think I don't know war? You think I don't know battle? The difference is, I know where the real war is. I know who my fucking allies are. The real war is out there, past the camp's limits, with the fucking monsters that hunt us down and try to kill us. The real war is against whoever the fuck summoned that hellhound that Percy saved you and the rest of your sorry-ass siblings from down at the creek. We demigods only have each other. No matter who our parent might be, we can ONLY rely upon each other for safety. Whether it's a quest or just a fucking trip to the mall, if we can't trust one another to have each other's backs, then who CAN we trust, huh?!"

It's funny. Percy wanted Annabeth to be more communicative. Well, she was certainly being more communicative now. Clarisse just kneels there, staring up at the Daughter of Athena with wide eyes and a stunned look on her face. Percy, meanwhile, finds himself nodding along with Annabeth's words. She's completely right and he knows it even though he's only been here for a little while. Being a demigod doesn't sound like it's going to be fucking easy. Hell, he's only known he was one for a short time and look at what's already happened to him and those he loves.

Annabeth swallows thickly and pulls back, before giving him a somewhat anxious look.

"S-Sorry. I don't… I know that's probably not what you-!"

Leaning in, Percy cuts Annabeth off with a kiss. She freezes for a moment and then lets it happen, melting into said kiss as they makeout for a few seconds before pulling apart again. This time, Percy gives Annabeth a much broader smile.

"That was precisely the sort of thing I wanted to hear from you. Never mind being 'right' or 'wrong' Annabeth… I just want to know what you're thinking. I want to know what you actually want before you just… decide something is going to be the way it's going to be. I want to be included in the decision-making process, especially when it involves me. I think that's fair, don't you?"

Annabeth just stares at him, mouth open a little bit for a few seconds, until finally Percy reaches up and taps her chin from below, causing her teeth to click as her mouth shuts. Then she blushes profusely and turns away.

"… seaweed brain…"

Percy just snickers, before finally turning his attention back down to Clarisse. The Daughter of Ares freezes up again as his gaze falls on her.

"Annabeth has convinced me that she should be allowed to join in Clarisse. So for the next seven days, you answer to both of us. Is that understood?"

Biting her lower lip, clearly frustrated, Clarisse nevertheless bows her head.

"Yes… sir."

Percy can't help himself. His eyes twinkle as he reaches out and grabs Clarisse by the chin, forcing her to look back up at them both.

"Oh? It was Master Jackson before Annabeth arrived. Where did that go, hm?"

Clarisse's eyes widen at that and her blush goes damn-near atomic as she quivers for a moment. But then…

"A-Apologies, Master Jackson…"

Seeing the belligerent bully of a woman on her knees, naked and apologizing to him… Percy won't lie, it definitely does something for him. Of course, it also does something for Annabeth, who sucks in a sharp breath at Clarisse's words. Suddenly, the blonde at his side has climbed off the bed and is looming over the blonde at his feet.

"I've never seen her so docile. Even with the wager, I would have expected her to be ranting and raving. Hell, I would have expected her to say the deal was off by now…"

Shrugging, Percy leans back, his hands palm down on the bed behind him, his cock still twitching with need.

"She was like this when I got here. She stripped naked for me and even called me Master completely unprompted. Fuck, she even made sure there was food waiting for me when I arrived."

Annabeth shoots him a disbelieving look at that, which Percy just raises an eyebrow at in turn. What… did she think HE'D been the one to order Clarisse naked? Sure, he'd made her suck his cock… but that was only because SHE'D gotten him rock hard and throbbing with need completely of her own volition in the first place.

"Seriously? That doesn't make any sense. Unless…"

Percy watches wordlessly as Annabeth grabs Clarisse by the hair. He releases his own hold on her chin and watches Annabeth tilt the Daughter of Ares' head back, looking down into Clarisse's eyes in silence for several long seconds. In response, Clarisse positively vibrates with anger, looking like she wants nothing more than to push Annabeth away. Until…

"You feel guilty, don't you?"

Clarisse stiffens at Annabeth's words, suddenly looking downright hunted. The Daughter of Athena grins as she looms over the Daughter of Ares, holding her in place.

"You froze. When the hellhound showed up, only Percy moved to fight it. But you weren't beaten on the riverbank or half-drowned in the creek like the rest of your siblings when we arrived. You were on your feet and armed with your spear. And yet, Percy fought the hellhound alone. Because… you froze."

Percy blinks. He hadn't really thought about it. Not at the time, nor at any point after. The hellhound was a terrifying monster to be sure. Not quite as terrifying as the minotaur though. But still very dangerous and very deadly. Percy had nearly died fighting the thing. But he hadn't thought about what Clarisse had been doing while he and the hellhound were fighting. He'd helped her to her feet and given her back her spear so technically Annabeth was right. Still, he'd also just beaten her up, so…

"Yes."

Taken out of his inner thoughts, Percy looks over as Clarisse stares at him, not Annabeth. Her eyes filled with unshed tears; the red-faced Daughter of Ares looks… apologetic. It's not a look he's ever seen on her face before. She actually looks sorry.

"I… I am a disgrace to my father's name. I am unworthy of the spear that he gifted me. You should have shattered it over your knee when you beat me, for I do not deserve to w-wield it. When the hellhound showed itself… I froze in fear. When you moved to fight it, I stayed back and did nothing. I am a failure of a warrior… this… this is all I'm good for now."

That was… wow. That was a lot. Percy honestly didn't even know how to feel about it. He didn't know how to feel about Clarisse's actions OR her words now. Annabeth on the other hand just scoffs.

"You only wish he'd shattered your spear so that you could have an excuse for why you didn't fight in the first place, coward."

Clarisse flinches and tries to look away, but Annabeth reaches down with her free hand and yanks up her skirt, pulling down her panties. Then, she shoves the other blonde's face forward.

"You're right. This is all you're good for now. Lick."

Whimpering like a broken bitch, Clarisse La Rue leans forward and does as she's told, her tongue tracing out and licking at Annabeth's cunt. Percy watches this and his cock twitches in arousal at the admittedly hot sight. Seeing Annabeth dominate the taller, more muscular blonde is just plain sexy, there's no denying it. And seeing a bully like Clarisse get put in her place, especially after hearing from Annabeth that she's always been a bully and nothing but a bully… that's pretty hot too.

At the same time though, Percy wonders what to do. Because he's already given Annabeth the go ahead to join in on the fun of tormenting the Daughter of Ares. He's not going to take that back now. But on the other hand… Annabeth's previous words echo through his mind. They're supposed to be allies at the end of the day. They're supposed to be comrades. If they can't trust each other to watch their backs, then who can they trust?

With that said, knowing everything he knows now, Percy has to wonder… has Clarisse burnt up every chance she should be given? Has she destroyed any good will she deserved? Was pushing her further down this path and turning her into a fuck toy really the best for all involved? Or… was there an opportunity here to forge her into something better? Into something strong? Was there perhaps an opportunity here… to build her back up?

Annabeth had said it herself. In the whole wide world, dangerous and monster infested as it is, they only had each other. They were all demigods at the end of the day. If Clarisse could be taught that, if she could grow from this experience… then maybe… well, Percy didn't know for sure. He was admittedly having a hard time thinking things through with how hard his cock currently was and how hot the two blondes going at it in front of him were.

Chapter 15: Destiny Beckons

Chapter Text

A/N: Percy has all the time in the world to build Clarisse back up... right?

-x-X-x-

In the end, Percy doesn't immediately do anything. And not just because the sight of Annabeth humping Clarisse's face and riding the Daughter of Ares' mouth with her cunt is quite arousing. It's also because Annabeth was right to be upset. Setting aside what ways Clarisse might have wronged him, it wasn't right for Percy to immediately forgive her because of all the ways she'd wronged Annabeth before he'd even arrived.

With that said, Percy sits and watches for a spell as Annabeth lets her eyes drift shut and a low moan leave her lips. Her grip on Clarisse's hair tightens up and she forces the naked kneeling blonde further into her crotch.

"That's right, bitch. Keep licking. Fuuuuck…"

As Clarisse does precisely that, the bully thoroughly put in her place, Percy's cock twitches in between his legs. Hm, he actually hadn't cum yet, had he? He hadn't let Clarisse bring him off with her mouth so his cock was still rock hard and ready for action. Annabeth, of course, didn't have the same skills that he had it would seem. As much as the Daughter of Athena might have wanted to prolong things and make Clarisse really work for it… she couldn't last like he did.

In fact, maybe it was Percy's fault because Clarisse's actions definitely seemed very, VERY enthusiastic. Had he set the bar so high for the naked blonde that she was going absolutely wild with Annabeth now? Or was she simply getting off on the humiliation and degradation that Annabeth was foisting onto her in this moment?

Either way, the end result is the same. Annabeth's eyes suddenly snap open and Percy sees the Daughter of Athena's face twist in a mixture of emotions. There's pleasure and arousal there of course… but also some distaste and perhaps even a degree of self-loathing. She wants to put Clarisse in her place but at the same time, she feels like she's surrendering in some small way by letting the other woman make her cum.

Or at least, that's the impression Percy gets from where he's sitting, anyways. In the end though, Annabeth simply can't hold it at bay like he can. Her eyes go crossed and she lets out a throaty, wanton moan as Clarisse's tongue finishes her off and she ends up climaxing all over the other woman's face. She bucks her hips from the experience, shuddering in place for a few moments as Clarisse gulps down Annabeth's pussy juices. And then she all but throws Clarisse's head away from her, pushing the kneeling blonde off of her crotch and stumbling over to the bed to collapse onto it with a huff.

Seeing how wobbly her legs were until she finally laid down, Percy just smirks in amusement, even as Annabeth gives him a half-hearted glare.

"What're you looking at?"

Deciding that in this case, discretion is the better part of valor, Percy doesn't voice his earlier thoughts regarding her mild self-loathing. Instead, he leans over Annabeth and gives her a kiss that makes the Daughter of Athena blush and drop her glare in an instant. They kiss rather tenderly for a moment and then Percy pulls back just enough to be able to whisper down at her.

"Trust me?"

Looking into his eyes, Annabeth jerks her head up and down in a nod, making him give her a crooked smile.

"Then follow my lead."

With those whispered words, Percy pulls away from Annabeth and rises to his feet, looking down at the still-kneeling form of Clarisse La Rue. She looks up as he approaches and with lidded eyes and a flushed face, opens her mouth and lolls out her tongue quite submissively. In that moment, she looks like a broken woman. Completely and utterly broken.

But the flash of surprise and wide-eyed involuntary indignation as he grabs her and suddenly hoists her off the ground makes it apparent that she's not quite all gone. There's still a spitfire under all of that self-hatred.

As she squawks, Percy just laughs and lifts her to her feet and then into the air entirely. He doesn't try to hold her aloft for very long though of course, instead spinning them both around and dropping her onto her back on the bed. Grabbing hold of her ankles, he lifts her legs into the air and crouches a little bit so he can plant his twitching, throbbing cock against her slit.

Clarisse' breath hitches as her knees bend and her feet end up pressed against his pecs. She doesn't try to push back on him or anything like that though. She just lays there, docile and waiting for him to take her.

"… Is that really all you're good for now, Clarisse?"

The statuesque blonde freezes up at his words as he parrots what Annabeth said earlier. Annabeth, laying on the other part of the bed and watching this, also tenses up for a moment. But the Daughter of Athena doesn't speak, eventually forcing Clarisse to break her silence.

"W-What?"

Running his hands up and down her legs, pressing his cockhead into her slit just enough to tease her but never enough to penetrate, Percy smiles.

"You fucked up, Clarisse. Not just with me… but from the sound of things, you've been fucking up the entire time you've been in Camp Half-Blood."

That makes the Daughter of Ares flinch and avert her gaze, shame filling her eyes as she's reminded of her cowardice regarding him and the hellhound. But that's not what Percy cares about. That might be what has Clarisse acting like this, but Percy doesn't mind that nearly as much as all the other stuff.

"Annabeth is right. The real war is against the monsters. We demigods only have each other. We aren't your enemies, Clarisse… and you shouldn't be ours either. We should be allies."

To punctuate that statement, Percy finally pushes into her. Clarisse's knees bend further as her feet push against his chest involuntarily… but to no avail. She can't stop him from penetrating her, though she also doesn't try. A full body shudder runs through the young blonde woman, and a wanton moan leaves her lips. But her eyes… her eyes are fixed on him now. She's staring at him, hanging off of his every word.

"You deserved to be taken off of your high horse and brought down a notch. Several notches, in fact. You needed this wake up call, there's no denying it… and I'll tell you right now, I'm going to enjoy having the opportunity to boss you around for the rest of this week."

Clarisse blushes at that but doesn't look away again even as he continues to thrust in and out of her, starting to really pump away as her mewling moans grow in volume. All the while, Annabeth is watching them. Not just watching but fingering herself as he fucks Clarisse.

"… But that doesn't mean redemption is out of the question."

With that, both girls freeze up again. Annabeth relaxes after a moment, remembering his previous words. Her eyes narrow to slits, but she can't very well speak up when he's using her own words from earlier against her. They only have each other. That's what she'd said. And they needed every last one of them to be able to watch each other's backs if they were going to survive outside of the Camp.

Clarisse, meanwhile, stays frozen, looking at Percy with wide-eyed hope but also a tiny bit of self-recrimination at even the idea that she should be feeling hope.

For his part, Percy wraps his arms around Clarisse's legs and abruptly pulls them flush with his body. Instead of bent at the knees with the soles of her feet pressing against his pectorals, her legs are suddenly straight in the air at a perfect right angle. Percy straightens up as well, his cock impaled in Clarisse's cunt lifting her lower body entirely off the bed and leaving her only on her upper back.

Her hands claw at the bed on either side of her as Percy fucks her in the alternative mating press, pounding into her pussy all the harder as her toes curl in satisfaction and ecstasy. Her inner walls get tighter and wetter the more he fucks her.

All the while, even as he's holding her legs against his chest with her feet on the side of his head, Percy maintains eye contact with Clarisse.

"Should this be the end of your path as a warrior, Clarisse? Should I order you to bring me your spear right here and right now? Make you walk through Camp Half-Blood naked so that you can present your weapon for me to break over my knee as you suggested before? Perhaps you think you deserve that. But I disagree. I think you're worthy of a second chance. And I think you aren't quite the adversary to me or Annabeth that you might think you are."

Percy looks between both girls at that, raising an eyebrow as he scoffs a bit.

"All of this animosity and enmity over Capture the fucking Flag of all things? Seriously? Annabeth, you said it yourself… it should never have gotten this bad."

Annabeth frowns at that and looks away for a moment.

"You don't understand Percy, you're too new."

At the exact same time however, Clarisse finds her voice.

"I-It's about more than just some f-flag, Master."

The two both jolt as they realize they spoke at the same time… and in agreement at that. Accidental agreement sure, but still agreement. They look at one another briefly… and then just as quickly look away, neither wanting to acknowledge the other at that moment. But Percy just chuckles and shakes his head.

"Well, well. Look at that. Common Ground."

Fucking Clarisse even harder, all he gets from her is more moaning. But Annabeth sputters and scowls at him, crossing her arms over her chest.

"You know that doesn't really count."

Percy isn't so sure but he knows his point is already made so he lets the two girls actually ruminate over it for a while, fucking Clarisse harder and faster. He's got time, after all. Time to figure out everything later, he figures. For now, he's going to fuck Clarisse. He's going to plow her silly. He still owes her some payback for her bullying and so does Annabeth, after all.

But he's not going to let this break her. He's not going to let the warrior that Clarissa La Rue is capable of becoming fade into memory. She can beat herself up all she wants. Annabeth can smack her around too for good measure. But Percy… Percy is going to help Clarisse rise again. Better than ever. This is his pledge to himself and as he makes it, he grunts and thrusts forward one final time before pulling out and cumming all over Clarisse's body, his cock nestled between her thighs for a moment.

The statuesque blonde gasps as her front is coated in his seed, her eyes widening in surprise and then fluttering in some level of satisfaction over being treated so… degradingly. It's clear she still feels like she deserves no small amount of punishment for her cowardice against the hellhound.

They'll have to work on that, of course. But before Percy can say anything or do anything else, Annabeth is suddenly there. The Daughter of Athena looms over Clarisse, studying the Daughter of Ares' face for a moment… and then leans down and gives her a dominating, tongue-filled kiss. Percy grins at the sight of it, even as Clarisse lets out a muffled squawk of surprise. From the look of things, Annabeth was on board with his plans for the rest of this week at least…

-x-X-x-

Hestia sits in her chair in front of the fireplace of the Big House, frowning most severely. Deep in thought, but also stretching her senses out across the entirety of her domain, the Goddess of the Hearth hunts. She can feel young Percy, Annabeth, and Clarisse engaging in certain… activities in the Poseidon Cabin. Activities that Hestia can't help but be amused by if she's being honest.

It's not as though she has room to be offended by the threesome, of course. After all, her own actions regarding Percy Jackson had been… well, she was getting distracted wasn't she? Instead, Hestia focuses on the matter at hand. Someone had summoned a hellhound into her domain. Never mind that it wasn't summoned directly into the Camp, her domain spread much further than that.

That a monster was able to invade HER Hearth was… as terrifying as it was infuriating. But even more terrifying was the fact that she couldn't figure out who'd done it. The number of individuals who could possibly obfuscate their actions from her should have been countable on just one hand. Especially in Hestia's own domain. And yet… she didn't THINK any of them had been the one to do this. Which meant it was someone else… or most likely of all, someone within the Camp.

And yet, who among her flock would betray her like this? Who would betray their fellow demigods in this fashion? Hestia felt like she was getting close to the truth. She felt like she was-

HESTIA.

The Goddess of the Hearth flinches, pulling herself back together in an instant and turning her attention away from uncovering the identity of the traitor and instead towards her brother. Zeus wasn't directly present in Camp Half-Blood thankfully… but this was far more than a simple phone call.

Plastering her best smile on her face, Hestia lets out a shuddering breath.

"Zeus. Brother."

DO NOT. HOW LONG DID YOU THINK YOU WOULD HIDE HIM FROM ME? ESPECIALLY AFTER POSEIDON CLAIMED HIM.

Ah, of course. And there it is. Zeus finally knows. Ever since Poseidon had claimed Percy, Hestia had known she was on borrowed time. She had managed to keep things at bay for a little while longer than she expected… but this hellhound debacle had taxed her focus to its limits and ultimately stretched her attention just a bit too far, hadn't it?

And even if it hadn't… someone in Camp would have eventually 'told'. All they had to do was pray to one of their parents and spill the beans and then their divine parents would go to Zeus. Hestia hesitates for a moment, considering how best to handle this situation. She's suddenly navigating VERY choppy waters, well aware of her brother's legendary temper. And Zeus had even more reason to be angry of late, because apparently his Master Bolt had been stolen.

Quite frankly, Hestia didn't even know why the King of the Gods had time to be angry about Poseidon's infidelity. After all, the investigation into his Master Bolt's disappearance should have been taking up all of his time. More than that, Zeus' own infidelity had resulted in a certain tree that resided on Half-Blood Hill to this day. But then… Hestia was used to her brother being a hypocrite.

She couldn't say that to his face though, now could she? But a response was still needed all the same…

Chapter 16: Destiny Beckons Pt. 2

Chapter Text

A/N: In which Hestia pops off.

Also if you've enjoyed reading this story and want to hop on board my next story right at the moment of its conception, please check out The Soul Engine for me! I'm really excited for it~

-x-X-x-

… Hestia knows she should be patient, calm, and respectful with her little brother. After all, while she might be the older sister, Zeus was still the King of the Gods. Moreover, she knew how Zeus could be. She knew how he could get and also how he reacted to perceived disrespect. By all rights, she should have just bit her lip, held it all in, and taken it on the chin.

But she couldn't. After the day she'd had, Hestia simply couldn't hold it in anymore. Snarling, the Goddess of the Hearth balls her hands into fists as she glares at nothing and everything at once.

"Given the tree that sits atop Half-Blood Hill to this day, I don't really think you have room to talk, brother. Or should I have pointed out HER existence to the others as well when it came to my attention?"

Silence falls. Palpable silence. Silence that Hestia knows is more because Zeus is shocked that she's talking back to him, not because he's actually been shamed into a round of introspection or anything like that. Still, Hestia capitalizes on it all the same, deciding to go for broke while she has the floor so to speak.

"And frankly, I don't like your TONE little brother. I am DEALING with my own issues right now. SOMEONE set a hellhound loose in MY Domain. Someone has launched a direct attack on MY Hearth! Someone has made an attempt on one of MY camper's LIVES!"

Rising from her chair at long last, Hestia snarls.

"Now, admittedly I don't think you're the one who did it, brother. I don't think you conspired to have a hellhound summoned into MY Domain just to strike at a boy of barely eighteen years of age. I know it's not your style. But let me make one thing CLEAR, Zeus. It doesn't matter to me that Percy is Poseidon's son anymore than it mattered that Thalia was your daughter! Camp Half-Blood is MINE to administer, a safe haven for all, and I'm not about to let YOU or ANYONE else change that! Not even for a moment!"

The fireplace next to her blazes with her anger and only Hestia's control over her surroundings and her Hearth keeps it from flat out burning the Big House down on the spot. Slowly, she pulls herself back together in the silence that follows, waiting for her brother's response. Hestia is smart enough to know that Zeus isn't going to apologize. She's also smart enough to know that her little outburst will likely have consequences.

… But this particular dressing down was a long time coming and truth be told, very cathartic. Standing tall with her head held high and her back straight, Hestia waits for her brother's response, ready for whatever wrath he's going to bring down on her head for daring to talk back to him.

YOU WOULD EVEN PROTECT A THIEF THEN, WOULD YOU?

Though… that wasn't what Hestia was expecting. When Zeus finally responds, and in such a dangerous tone, Hestia can't bring herself to be all that afraid. Instead she's more confused than anything else. Her brow furrows and she shakes her head.

"What do you mean?"

THE BOY! OR DO YOU THINK IT COINCIDENCE THAT POSEIDON'S GET WOULD SHOW UP AT THE SAME TIME MY MASTER BOLT WENT MISSING?! HE IS OBVIOUSLY THE THIEF!

For a long moment, Hestia just stares forward blankly. Then… she laughs. She throws her head back and laughs because the very idea is… is absurd. Of course, she immediately feels Zeus' displeasure. He doesn't have to put it into words for her to feel the Skyfather's weight pressing down on her Domain. Laughter abruptly cutting off, Hestia glares and grits her teeth as she reinforces her Hearth, pushing back while also biting out her response.

"You must be joking."

I AM NOT.

The pressure alleviates a bit, but Hestia continues glaring and grinding her teeth together.

"Then allow me to explain something to you, brother. Percy Jackson knows nothing of our world. He knows nothing of yours and Poseidon's feud either! He is completely green in every possible way. He did not even know the danger he was in until a few weeks ago when the monsters started sniffing him out! He didn't even know he was a demigod until his mother was taken by the Minotaur, for fuck's sake!"

She tries to keep her response measured, calm, and collected… but even this latest attempt ends with her shouting rather crass language at her brother.

WAIT. MINOTAUR?

However, that's not what Zeus focuses on. Hestia furrows her brow again and frowns.

"… Yes. Percy and his mother were attacked by the Minotaur. His mother was kidnapped but Percy managed to slay the Minotaur and arrived in Camp Half-Blood soon after."

THE BOY SLEW THE MINOTAUR AND YOU EXPECT ME TO BELIEVE HE KNEW NOTHING OF OUR WORLD.

Hestia grimaces, recognizing full well how it sounds. Yes, Percy's feat regarding the Minotaur was, to put it succinctly, incredible.

"He was not… armed or anything like that. He had to use the monster's own horn against it to deal the killing blow…"

… SO YOU'RE SAYING THAT HE KILLED IT WITH HIS BAREHANDS. IS THAT IT?

Wincing now, the Goddess of the Hearth bites her lower lip. Before she can muster a response, Zeus speaks again. Now he is the one pressing the advantage.

AND YOU MENTIONED A HELLHOUND AS WELL. SENT TO KILL POSEIDON'S SPAWN YES? I WONDER. IF PERCY JACKSON IS SO INNOCENT, WHY DOES HADES WANT HIM DEAD?

Hestia flinches. She hadn't wanted to think about that. About the possibility that the most obvious answer was the correct one. A hellhound somehow managing to break through into her Domain? Hades could do it. Perhaps. But she didn't think he had. She didn't want to believe he had. And yet… it was also the first thought that Zeus had jumped to as well.

NO MATTER. COUNT YOURSELF FORTUNATE, DEAR SISTER. MY LOVE FOR YOU OVERFLOWS EVEN WITH YOUR WORDS. BUT YOU MUST BE HELD TO ACCOUNT. PRESENT YOURSELF TO ME ATOP MOUNT OLYMPUS IMMEDIATELY.

With that, Zeus hangs up on her. At least, that's the best way to describe it. His presence leaves Camp Half-Blood and all remaining pressure vanishes as she finds herself abruptly and totally alone in the Big House. Slumping back down into her chair, Hestia puts her head in one hand and groans.

To say she's incensed would be an understatement, but at the same time, she knows she can't ignore a direct order from Zeus, King of the Gods. That said, she also knows he can't actually DO anything truly impactful to her so long as she plays her cards right. Summon her before him? Sure. Dress her down verbally? Oh, she's almost certainly in for a tongue-lashing most definitely.

But while the next generation of Gods and Goddesses had to be a bit more careful of incurring Zeus' wrath, going after any of his siblings TOO hard would usually result in all of them rising up in arms against him.

… Unfortunately, it wasn't herself who Hestia had to be worried about. While she was tied up on Mount Olympus, Camp Half-Blood would remain her Domain. It would still be where her Hearth rested. However, she would NOT be there to personally oversee it. Meaning that more incidents like the hellhound or possibly even worse could potentially occur.

Zeus wouldn't even have to do anything himself. He now knew for a fact that there were others who wanted Percy dead as much as he did. All he had to do was distract her and Percy wouldn't survive the week.

Gritting her teeth, Hestia tenses up in supreme frustration, wanting nothing more than to scream. But in the end… she lets it all out in an explosive breath instead. Releasing the air from within her lungs is somewhat therapeutic for the Goddess of the Hearth, and as she slowly deflates she reflects that it's not ALL bad.

For instance, if Zeus had known that Percy was Adonis' reincarnation, he DEFINITELY would have brought it up in the course of their conversation. The fact that he hadn't meant that he still didn't know… that none of her fellow divines knew the truth just yet. That was good. That was very good. However, it also made this situation even more precarious than it already was, didn't it?

She could not refuse Zeus' summons. Not without giving him ammunition to use against her that even their brothers and sister would not be able to ignore. However, even if she left and Percy survived her absence, there was always the possibility that Zeus would get fed up with waiting and summon PERCY himself to account for the Skyfather's missing Master Bolt. It didn't matter that Hestia knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Percy hadn't stolen it. Ultimately, Zeus still believed he had.

In the end, she really only had one choice, didn't she? With a low sigh, Hestia reaches out and summons Chiron to her side. Within a couple of minutes the centaur steps into the Big House, moving to where she's seated staring into the fire place.

"Goddess. What is your Will?"

Pressing her lips together in a thin line, Hestia questions whether she's REALLY going to do this for a moment. But in the end… the answer is yes. The answer HAS to be yes. Because there's no other option.

"Chiron. I have been summoned to Mount Olympus to account for myself."

Beside her, Chiron's eyes widen and he goes stiff, knowing full well what that means. Smiling softly, Hestia waves off his concern.

"Do not fret my friend. At least… do not fret for me. It is not I who we need to worry about. Here's what I need you to do while I'm gone…"

Hestia speaks and Chiron listens. And together they conspire to save the life of one Percy Jackson. No matter the cost.

-x-X-x-

"Through here, Percy. And remember, listen carefully. The Oracle does not oft repeat herself."

"Err… right."

Just when he thought he was getting a handle on things, everything goes to shit. Percy resists the urge to rub his forehead as Chiron gestures for him to climb up to the attic of the Big House. Letting out an explosive sigh, he does as he's told. What other choice does he have, really?

Hestia is gone. That's the key thing. The Goddess of the Hearth has left Camp Half-Blood, called to Mount Olympus by Lord Zeus himself apparently. And it was all Percy's fault. Or at least, they were blaming it on him. Chiron had explained everything that Percy needed to know and yet he found himself wishing he didn't know it.

Zeus' Master Bolt had apparently been stolen. A divine artifact of immense power. And of course, Zeus thought that Poseidon… or rather, Percy as Poseidon's son, had taken it. Apparently, Zeus and Poseidon had been fighting over it for months and now Percy showing up and being claimed as his father's son was like throwing gasoline on a fire.

Hestia had tasked Chiron with giving Percy a quest. A quest to find and retrieve Zeus' Master Bolt before things could go from bad to worse. And in accepting that quest, Percy was now expected to speak with the Oracle, to talk to her about what said quest would entail.

As he enters the attic, Percy wrinkles his nose at the dust. Not just dust either, but also cobwebs. Oh, and a bunch of junk. Armor stands, shields, trunks. There was even an entire bookcase dedicated to glass jars filled with numerous pickled things.

However, the most disturbing thing was definitely the mummy sitting on a stool of all things by the attic window. Not an Egyptian-looking mummy either. No, she was completely unwrapped and… and wearing a sundress of all things.

Just looking at her was horrifying enough, but as Percy steps deeper into the attic, things get way more horror movie-esque when she suddenly sits up and opens her mouth.

Approach seeker. I am the Spirit of Delphi, Speaker of Prophecies. Approach and ask.

Right. That was what he was here for. Apparently whenever demigods from Camp Half-Blood went on these divine quests, they received guidance from the Oracle. It was Tradition with a Capital T and as much as Percy wished he could decline it, it didn't seem like something he could say no to. So… here he was.

"Fine. Tell me what I need to know."

There's a brief pause… and then an ethereal feminine voice echoes through his mind.

You shall go west and face the god who has turned.

You shall find what was stolen and see it safely returned.

You shall be betrayed by one you call ally.

And you shall fail to save what matters most in the end.

Percy grimaces as the words wash over him. He finds himself quietly contemplating each sentence on its own. Good to hear that he would seemingly succeed in his quest. But facing down a God who had 'turned' sounded terrifying. Being betrayed sounded like it was really going to suck. And last but not least… what mattered most? Fuck that was ominous.

By the time he gets out of his own head, the mummy is still once more. Letting out a short sigh, Percy descends back down from the attic to find Chiron still waiting for him.

"Well?"

For a moment, Percy considers withholding some or even all of the prophecy from the centaur. On the one hand, Percy has rapidly decided he hates the very idea of prophecy. He would much prefer to just go with his gut and make his own luck… his own fate. Unfortunately, now that he's knee deep in this Greek Bullshit, Percy is well aware that he doesn't get to necessarily make his own fate anymore.

And Chiron… Chiron is experienced with all of this heroism business in a way Percy can only hope to lean on. So he tells him. He repeats the entire prophecy verbatim to the centaur, causing Chiron to go quiet for several long minutes in consideration.

Finally though, he breaks that silence with a heavy breath.

"… My advice to you is to focus on the first pair of lines, not the second. The first line in particular tells you where you need to start your quest at least. Everything else will happen as it is meant to and all you can do is your best to overcome. This betrayal… what matters most… these are distractions, Percy. Your first priority needs to be tracking down the Master Bolt. Only then will you be able to clear your and your father's names."

Honestly? Good advice. Still, some things are easier said than done. How is Percy not supposed to worry himself sick over who was going to betray him? How is he supposed to set aside that he's apparently going to lose what matters most?

"Now though… you need to decide exactly who you're taking with you on this quest."

Percy blinks at that… and then blanches a little bit as he catches Chiron's meaningful gaze. Right. That WAS a good question, wasn't it? After all, Clarisse was still technically beholden to him for the rest of the week. Meanwhile, Annabeth would most definitely want to come. But could he risk taking both girls along? Or was it better to only take one?

Chapter 17: The Quest Begins

Chapter Text

A/N: Percy makes his choice, gets some gifts, and things finally get underway.

Also if you've enjoyed reading this story, please check out The Soul Engine for me! It would really mean a lot!

-x-X-x-

"… And that's why I'm taking both of you with me."

As Percy finishes his explanation of recent events to Annabeth and Clarisse in the privacy of the Poseidon Cabin, he falls quiet, watching the two girls for their reactions. Clarisse looks like a deer caught in headlights, her frozen form and wide eyes making it clear that he couldn't have surprised her more if he'd tried. She no doubt never expected in a million years to be taken on the Quest with him… but here they were all the same.

It just made sense in Percy's eyes. Sure, he could have left the Daughter of Ares behind, but that would run directly counter to what he'd already decided to do with her. Clarisse had effectively been broken down by her own cowardice. Freezing up against the hellhound had left her in a sorry state, but it had also left her in a malleable one. Percy wanted to build her back up into the warrior she could be, but he couldn't very well do that if he left her behind in Camp Half-Blood for the remainder of their wager, now could he?

Meanwhile, Annabeth is almost vibrating with excitement. The blonde Daughter of Athena has an unholy glint in her eye as she whispers under her breath.

"I knew it… I knew you were my ticket onto a Quest. I just knew it…"

Percy lifts an eyebrow at that and she blushes, flinching back as she hears herself.

"Err… I mean, I-I would be happy to join you on your Quest… if you would have me, Percy."

Chuckling softly, he just nods in response. He's got a pretty good handle on what Annabeth is like at this point, and he doesn't take it personally. They've shared too much for him to do so. Including the other blonde in the cabin with them. Speaking of which…

"But wait. You want to take HER with us? Percy, the prophecy kind of makes it obvious. She's going to betray you!"

Clarisse stiffens at that, her jaw clenching in response to Annabeth's accusation. Her hands curl into fists and for a moment Percy wonders if he's going to have to step in to break up a catfight. But then, as crazy as it sounds… Clarisse uses her words.

"Don't be an idiot."

Okay, so they aren't very nice words but they're words all the same and THAT is some serious progress. Of course, now Annabeth is the one who looks like she's a moment away from launching herself at the other woman, whipping her head around and gnashing her teeth at Clarisse. But Clarisse isn't done yet.

"Percy said the prophecy stated he would be betrayed by one he calls ally. Do either of you really consider ME an ally after everything that happened leading up to and during Capture the Flag?"

That brings Annabeth up short. She blinks, considering Clarisse's words, before slowly nodding as she leans back and begins to relax. Too bad Percy has to burst both of their bubbles.

"I do consider you an ally actually, Clarisse. And no Annabeth, I don't think she's going to betray us, prophecy or no prophecy."

That gets reactions from both girls. They each give him wide-eyed looks. Clarisse's is one of honest shock and awe, while Annabeth looks a little betrayed. But Percy just stands his ground, crossing his arms over his chest and flaring his nostrils in frustration.

"I'm not going to let the latter half of the prophecy define my actions, Annabeth. Chiron himself told me to only focus on the first two lines because they have the most actionable information. We know to go west and we WILL succeed in our quest. That's all that matters. The rest of it… it could mean anything. No point in worrying over it, to be honest."

For a long moment, silence falls in the cabin. Then, Annabeth's shoulders slump and she lets out a rough sigh.

"Where do you get off being so damn wise, Percy? I'm the Daughter of Athena here, Seaweed Brain. Wisdom is supposed to be my thing."

Her rueful tone causes a somewhat goofy grin to appear on Percy's face. Even if the compliment is a little backhanded, it's still high praise from the blonde.

"I wouldn't be taking you along on this Quest if I didn't think I'd need your wisdom, Annabeth. No way am I going to succeed here without my Wise Girl."

It's the first time he's used a pet name with her in the same vein as Seaweed Brain. And part of him feels like 'Wise Girl' isn't quite as clever as Seaweed Brain is. But… it's his name for her all the same. And judging by the way Annabeth both lights up and goes scarlet at it, she certainly doesn't mind being called that. Certainly not by him. Of course, they aren't alone in the cabin…

"Right, if you two are going to be that cute, can we graduate from you both eye-fucking to actual fucking? Because the flirting is just making me horny."

Clarisse gets a look from both of them at that, causing the Daughter of Ares to blush and belatedly remember her place as she ducks her head and squirms under their gazes. But Percy just grins and shakes his head with a sigh.

"Unfortunately, no. We're expected to leave within the hour. Or rather, I am since Chiron told me there's a car waiting for me. You two are still entitled to stay or go… you don't HAVE to come with me."

"Of course I'm coming with you!"

"I'm definitely in!"

Their responses come at the same time, making Percy snicker and shrug. Annabeth and Clarisse exchange a glance before seeming to come to a miniscule understanding.

"Right… we need to get our things together then. We'll meet you at the car, Percy."

With that, they both leave the cabin. Percy lets out a sigh and rolls his shoulders. Bringing Clarisse and Annabeth along… it still felt right. It felt proper. Getting his own things together takes only a few moments, seeing as he doesn't have much to pack anyways. Then, he heads out of the cabin and towards the edge of Camp Half-Blood, where not just the car but several other people are waiting for him.

"Percy! I heard you're going on your first Quest! I wanted to give you something before you left."

The first to accost him, so to speak, was Luke Castellan, which admittedly surprised Percy a little bit. They'd had some swordsmanship lessons together, but ultimately Percy had been claimed by his father so quickly that they hadn't gotten to talk much, nor did they have the opportunity to get very close. Then again, Luke and Annabeth were friends and it was Percy's actions during Capture the Flag that had allowed Luke to carry the Red Team's flag to victory…

As Luke offers an arm to clasp, Percy returns the gesture. When they pull apart, the other demigod smiles and holds up a pair of winged shoes.

"A gift from my father to me. But I think you'll probably have better use of them then I would. Really, you haven't truly lived until you've flown under your own power."

Percy blinks as he takes the shoes from Luke and slowly nods.

"Err… thank you. This is incredibly generous."

Chuckling, Luke reaches out and places a hand on Percy's shoulder.

"We might be stuck here in Camp, but most of us aren't blind or deaf to the world around us. And admittedly, as Head Counselor I know things most of the others aren't privy to. This is an important Quest, Percy… maybe the most important Quest in any of our lifetimes. No pressure, of course."

With that, Luke gives Percy a wink, his shoulder a squeeze, and then steps away, leaving them to it. Percy watches him go for a moment before looking down at the shoes in his hands again. He only tears his gaze away when Chiron clears his throat. Looking up at the hero-training centaur, it's to find the other man looking rather… disturbed by Luke's gift.

"… A generous gift to be sure, but perhaps one that Mr. Castellan did not think all the way through. I would not use those shoes for anything but the most dire of situations, Percy. Certainly do not use them on a whim. Actually… it would be best if you did not personally use them at all."

Percy blinks at that, tilting his head to the side in confusion. Chiron is quick to explain.

"Zeus currently has it out for you. And he's called the Skyfather for a reason, Percy. You are better off keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground for the duration of this Quest. We know from the prophecy that you are destined to succeed… but there's no point in tempting fate."

Oh. Right. That actually made a lot of sense and Percy felt a little dumb for not thinking of it. But then, neither had Luke right? The other young man had made the exact same oversight. Still, with Chiron's warning in mind, Percy takes one long look at the winged shoes… and turns to Grover.

"Here, you take these for now."

His best friend blinks in surprise but nods all the same, taking the shoes from Percy. Better that they be used by SOMEONE rather than risk him getting blasted out of the sky for daring to invade his Uncle's Domain. Even Chiron nods approvingly, before holding out a familiar pen.

"This is…"

"That's right. This is what you used back then, in the museum. It's called Anaklusmos and you should consider it a gift from your father."

Anaklusmos… Riptide. Percy blinks as the translation comes easily to him. He takes the pen from Chiron and uncaps it, causing the beautiful sword that he'd used to slay Mrs. Dodd what feels like a lifetime ago to appear once more in his hand.

"Beautiful…"

"That it is, Percy. That it is. Celestial Bronze… perfect for monster slaying. It won't ever hurt a mortal though, so don't even try. Not that I think you're going to around murdering innocents, but just so you're aware. It's also impossible to lose it. So long as you don't give it away willingly, Riptide will always return to your possession, no matter where it's taken."

Percy nods slowly, still a little mesmerized by the gift. Riptide had felt Right in a way nothing ever had all the way back when he'd used it against Mrs. Dodd, but now that it was back in his hands, it felt even better. Certainly, he was glad to have this if he was going on a Quest to retrieve Zeus' Master Bolt. Especially given the first line of the prophecy. Speaking of which, Percy looks to Chiron sharply, even as he caps the sword and it returns to being a pen.

"I know I'm going west now. I know I'm facing 'the god who has turned'. Any idea who that might be, Chiron?"

Chiron grimaces, even as Grover shifts from foot to foot uneasily. Speaking ill of Greek Gods never really worked out well in the myths that Percy knew of… but what other choice did they have?

"… If you go west, you will eventually run into one of the entrances of the Underworld. And who better to pit two of the Big Three against each other than the third? To say nothing of the hellhound… Percy, it is my belief that the one who stole Zeus' Master Bolt might be Hades himself, Lord of the Underworld. You must go there to retrieve that which was taken."

Alright then. No pressure or anything. As Percy comes to terms with Chiron's words, the centaur in question claps his hands together.

"That said, we're not expecting you to hoof it all the way there or anything. Argus will drive you into the city at the very least, and then you'll go from there on your own."

As Chiron waves at the nearby car, Percy lets out a low sigh. In the driver's seat sits Camp Half-Blood's Head of Security, Argus. He would be your typical blond surfer bro, save for the fact that he had a hundred blue eyes all over his body. He was also supposed to be a giant, but obviously his size was contained to a pretty reasonable state at the moment, given he was in the driver's seat of a car.

No sooner has Chiron introduced them then Annabeth and Clarisse both come running up with a backpack each and Clarisse's spear slung over her shoulder. Chiron's eyes slide over them both for a moment before he looks back to Percy with a somewhat grim expression. Reaching out, he takes him by the shoulders.

"… I wish you'd had more time to train. Hercules… Jason… they all got more time than this. You're being thrust right into the deep-end Perseus and to be honest, it's not right."

Percy blinks at hearing his 'proper' name used for the first time since arriving in camp. He squirms a bit under Chiron's heartfelt words. In the end, he can't help but crack a joke in the midst of the heavy atmosphere.

"Well, I guess it's lucky I can breath underwater, isn't it?"

Chiron snorts, Grover and Clarisse both laugh, and Annabeth scoffs as she punches him in the shoulder.

"Seaweed Brain."

It's said affectionately as much as it is admonishingly, and Percy just grins some more. Shortly after that… they're off. Making their way into the city in the back of Argus' car. Well, he, Annabeth, and Clarisse are in the back of Argus' car. Grover is seated in the front seat riding shotgun, while Percy finds himself sandwiched between the Daughters of Ares and Athena. It made sense, there was no way he was going to let them sit next to each other for hours even if he WOULD have preferred a window seat.

However, just as Percy is thinking this… he feels a hand on his leg. And then another on his opposite leg. And he looks to see both Annabeth and Clarisse are… beginning to move their hands up his legs, to his thighs. They'll come into contact with one another soon if he does nothing to stop them. But then… he's pretty sure they'll have an audience if he lets them do anything. Argus might have the two eyes set into his skull on the road, but that's to say nothing about the eyes visible on the back of his neck.

Annabeth and Clarisse didn't seem to care that much. But did Percy? Or was he up for finding a way to… surreptitiously pass the time?

Chapter 18: Riding into Town

Chapter Text

A/N: A fun car ride, followed by a not-so-fun bus ride~

-x-X-x-

DID Percy care about getting caught? Eh… not really. So long as Annabeth and Clarisse were fine with it, he was fine with it. But at the same time, if they weren't willing to walk the walk… well, there was an easy way of checking on that front, wasn't there?

Looking to his right and then to his left, Percy sees that Annabeth and Clarisse are actually barely paying him any mind, even with their hands on his inner thighs. Instead, the two are looking past Percy at each other, slightly challenging expressions on their faces as their eyes narrow and they play a game of proverbial chicken with one another.

Cute, but Percy wasn't going to just sit here and let them turn him into a battlefield. No, as far as he was concerned… he was the third faction in this little dust-up, and he was armed to the teeth. His own hands come down upon Annabeth and Clarisse's respective thighs and Percy wastes no time in moving his fingers further up towards their crotches.

This causes both blondes to freeze in surprise, as if they really didn't expect him to retaliate in any way. For a moment, they seem to be stuck, caught in their own indecision, but Percy finally manages to make eye contact with them both, giving them each little grins that make it clear that he's fine with this… so long as they're okay with him giving as good as he gets.

"… C-Chilly back here! Luckily I brought a blanket!"

Annabeth's sudden declaration is accompanied by her pulling a large blanket out from between her and the car door. Percy can't help but raise an eyebrow as she reveals the damn thing and hastily begins to spread it out across her and Percy's laps. Of course, she scowls when Clarisse tries to tug it over onto herself as well, and even attempts to prevent the Daughter of Ares from doing so… but Percy quickly gauges that there's more than enough blanket to cover the length of the car's backseat and teams up with Clarisse to make Annabeth share.

Soon enough, the three of them are all covered from the waist down, allowing for their… exploration of one another to continue. When Percy gives Annabeth a slightly judgmental look, she just blushes and averts her gaze, even as her fingers fiddle with his zipper under the blanket. Really? She'd been all for playing chicken with Clarisse without a blanket before, but the moment Percy decided to extend the fun, she just had to cover up?

As much as he liked Annabeth Chase, his very own Wise Girl, Percy had to admit… she wasn't without her flaws. Still, if he couldn't handle her at her worst, there was no point in sticking around. And to be fair… she was worth a few personality flaws here and there; Percy couldn't help but feel.

Clarisse, meanwhile, is still hesitant after everything that's happened between them. However, where she's cowed when it comes to Percy, the same cannot entirely be said for Annabeth. Sure, she understands that she wronged the other girl quite a few times, but after the two of them competed for so long, neither is really willing to set down the rivalry quite so soon, no matter what sort of pecking order might be established.

In the end, Percy is the main beneficiary of their competition, so he can't really bring himself to complain. Underneath Annabeth's blanket, his cock is quickly extracted from his pants by their hands, and the two girls both begin steadily stroking him up and down, working at odds of one another as they each try to one up the other and prove that they're better.

Of course, they both seem to be forgetting something. Percy only cums when he wants to. And right now, sitting in the back of Argus' car, he doesn't really feel much like cumming. After all, he would just wind up ruining Annabeth's blanket, wouldn't he? The two girls on the other hand… well, that was different.

His own hands are not idle, though it takes Percy a little bit longer to get into their respective pants and stick his hands down the front of their panties, all things considered. While Annabeth and Clarisse might not have been working together necessarily, they WERE still both eager to get a move on, so they'd managed to get his cock out of his boxers in record time.

By comparison, Percy only has one hand for each girl, so they've already been giving him a dual handjob for a little bit by the time Percy's fingers finally land on both of their pussies and he begins to feel them up. Still, the results are well worth the wait, as both Annabeth and Clarisse stiffen and then begin to pant, blushing heavily and averting their gazes.

For Annabeth, this means leaning her free arm on the window and placing her face in her hand so she can bite down on the inside of her palm to quiet the moans that he's provoking from her with his fingering of her cunt. For Clarisse, she doesn't fully look away or stare out the window. She just stares straight ahead, her lips pressed into a thin line as she tries to contain her whimpers and mewls that escape from her mouth.

All the while, Percy is in his element. He's not sure why that is. Why does all of this sex stuff seem to come so… naturally to him? From all the way back in the bathroom where he'd just decided not to let Clarisse or her sisters make him cum, Percy had felt like he was always large and in charge when it came to sex. The only woman he'd been with where he didn't feel like he was in absolute control of the situation was Hestia, but then to be fair… she was a literal Goddess.

Still, was it something to do with Poseidon? Maybe he should have asked Chiron or Hestia herself earlier, but it was a little embarrassing wasn't it? 'Oh hey, am I super good at sex because of my dad or something?' just wasn't the kind of thing you talked to other people about… right?

Either way, it makes for an excellent way of passing the time as Argus drives them all into town. Both Annabeth and Clarisse have to do their best to hide the respective orgasms he draws out of them, even as their own efforts fail to bear fruit. They even split their attention eventually, with Clarisse lowering her hand to focus solely on fondling and massaging his balls as Annabeth jacks off his member… but to no avail.

It's not until Grover suddenly speaks up that Percy realizes they've been made… though not by his best friend.

"Uh, didn't we already take this turn?"

Its then that Percy makes eye contact with one of the eyes on the back of Argus' neck and realizes that the driver has been taking them in circles for a few moments now to give him extra time to… finish. He almost barks out a laugh at the realization that the giant is actually a total bro, but in the end he just offers a carefree grin and a shake of his head towards the other man to let him know he's perfectly fine.

A handful of seconds later, before Grover can get any more suspicious, the car pulls to a stop outside of the bus station.

"We're here."

Percy just keeps on smiling as his frustrated female seatmates have to hurriedly work together to tuck his erection back into his boxers and pants. Annabeth is even nice enough to fit his cock down his inner pants leg for him, though it seems she does so out of guilt for failing to get him off more than anything else. Percy, meanwhile, pulls his hands back out of each girls' respective panties and makes sure to get their clothes fixed up as well.

It's all one mad scramble under the blanket to try and get themselves decent before Grover fully gets out of the car and turns his gaze onto them. But while it's close, they aren't found out by the satyr, even as Annabeth collects her blanket and the three of them pile out of the car. Argus gives them all one final nod, and a particularly impressed nod to Percy specifically, and then drives off.

From there, they make their way into the bus station to get their tickets, but as soon as they've entered the building, Annabeth grabs Percy by the hand and speaks in an authoritative tone.

"Grover, take Clarisse to get our tickets and figure out our route. I need to speak with Percy for a moment alone."

"Huh? Oh, sure!"

Clarisse doesn't look nearly as okay with that as Grover does, but in the end Percy just gives her a nod and the Daughter of Ares submits, moving to follow the satyr deeper into the bus station. Annabeth, meanwhile, quickly takes Percy around a corner and drops to her knees, rapidly removing his cock from its confines again.

"Look… we don't have much time. So please… let me take care of you."

Her tone is almost plaintive, Percy notes with amusement. He remembers their last time like this, out back behind one of the cabins of Camp Half-Blood. And he remembers quietly messing with Annabeth by not cumming even as her jaw likely began to ache, ultimately forcing her to take things all the way. This time around… she's right, they don't have much time. And he appreciates her trying her best to return the favor that he'd paid her and Clarisse in the car.

"Go ahead, Annabeth."

Something in his tone, maybe the affection, makes Annabeth blush and scowl a little bit.

"Tch… Seaweed Brain."

Then, she takes him in her mouth, bobbing up and down on his cock in some secluded corner of the bus station. Technically anyone could turn the corner at any moment and see what she's doing, but while there is a certain frantic energy to Annabeth's sucking, it's not because she's afraid of being caught by strangers, he doesn't think. No, rather, the Daughter of Athena merely recognizes that she's on a time table before Grover and Clarisse come looking for them both again.

Percy recognizes that fact as well and, leaning back against the wall and resting a hand atop Annabeth's head, he sighs… and lets go. He doesn't try to hold back with her this time, letting himself feel every bit of pleasure from her enthusiastic nob-gobbling.

"Glughk! Glughk! Glughk!"

He doesn't cum immediately, but he does cum pretty fast as a result, all of that foreplay in the car contributing to his arousal. Though if he's being honest… making Annabeth and Clarisse both cum from his fingers while Grover sat unsuspecting in the front seat was more arousing for Percy than their efforts to jack him off with their hands had been. He was a people pleaser first and foremost he supposed, and as much as they'd tried their best, neither Annabeth nor Clarisse were experts with their fingers or anything like that.

Either way, Annabeth's tongue and mouth and even her throat are working overtime on his dick, and with Percy no longer holding back, it's only a couple minutes before he groans and lets loose. Annabeth's eyes widen slightly in surprise at how easy it was for her to suck him dry this time, but she's nothing if not adaptable. She quickly begins to swallow, drinking down every last drop and pulling back off of his cock with a pop just as Grover's familiar voice calls out from around the corner.

"Annabeth? Percy? We got the ticket situation all figured out! And even have a proper route planned and everything! Where'd you two go?"

He's getting closer and closer, but before he can fully turn the corner, Annabeth has already tucked Percy's softening member back into his boxers and fixed up his pants for him, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand as she hops to her feet and pulls him out from behind the corner right behind her. They very nearly run into Grover… or rather, Grover very nearly runs into them but pulls up short at the last second.

"We're right here, Grover. Let me see what you've got figured out and I'll decide for myself if it's a proper route or not."

"O-Oh! Sure!"

Percy just watches on with a slightly fond smile as Annabeth takes over planning. She COULD have just sent Clarisse off to take care of him while she figured out the bus schedules and their route with Grover from the very beginning… but it was obvious Annabeth didn't quite trust Clarisse in that way just yet. No, she still had to do it all herself, or at least take on way more than she really needed to.

If one of Percy's side goals for this quest was to reshape Clarisse into a more honorable sort of warrior, then another side goal would be teaching Annabeth that she could and SHOULD delegate where possible. She couldn't keep doing everything all the time… that way lay burnout and madness.

Still, for the time being at least, he doesn't raise any sort of protest as Annabeth makes some minor changes to Grover's plans but declares his work 'passable'. And soon enough, the four of them are all on a bus heading into New Jersey. The prophecy had told them they had to journey West. But where that would take them, Percy still didn't fully know…

That said, he doesn't get a chance to ponder it for very long, nor does the possibility of any more public hanky-panky on the buss materialize either. Because just as they're all really getting settled in their seats, the bus pulls up to it's next stop about fifteen minutes into their trip and three more 'people' get on. And one of them… one of them is undeniably Mrs. Dodds, the math teacher that Percy had wound up killing during his recent field trip to the museum.

Except she seems to be alive and well now… and she's looking at him with a twisted expression on her face, one that has Percy reaching into his pocket and preparing to uncap Riptide as he leans over to the others.

"Annabeth, Clarisse, Grover… don't look now, but I'm pretty sure we have company. Grover, tell me I'm not going insane. That IS Mrs. Dodds, yes?"

The satyr looks over and jolts, his eyes widening.

"Oh… yeah, that's… well, that's not just Mrs. Dodds, Percy. Those are the Furies. Spirits of Vengeance that serve Hades."

Annabeth and Clarisse tense up right alongside Percy at that. Clarisse reaches for the wrapped spear she's brought with her, pulling it out from under her seat slowly even as she looks to Percy.

"… What do we do?"

Chapter 19: Battle on the Bus

Chapter Text

Percy and Co have a somewhat illuminating convo with the Furies, but it was only ever going to end one way.

-x-X-x-

He only has a split second to decide, but at the end of the day while Percy might have learned he was a natural at combat, that didn't mean he necessarily WANTED to fight. Still, could they possibly talk it out? Well, there was only one way to know. Holding up a hand to stave off Clarisse's battle preparations, Percy shakes his head.

"Let's try words first."

Annabeth, Clarisse, and Grover all look at him like he's insane. But Percy has made up his mind.

"Look, be ready for a fight… but let me see what I can do."

Then, he stands up right there in the middle of the bus and waves his hand.

"Hey! Mrs. Dodds! Back here!"

The three Furies had been about to sit down at the front of the bus, perhaps to make sure that he and his friends couldn't get off. But as Percy flat out calls them out like that, they freeze and look almost incredulous under all that twisted grimacing and seething rage they're giving off. Then, as Percy persists in waving them back, they slowly begin to approach.

It's obvious they expect some sort of trap, even as they get closer, but while Percy does have his hand in his pocket and Riptide merely a single tug away, he's not planning to fight if he doesn't have to.

Hissing at him, the woman who'd masqueraded as his math teacher narrows her eyes.

"My name is not Mrs. Dodds, brat. It is Alecto."

Right. Alecto of the Furies. Glancing at the other two angry-faced women, Percy holds back the urge to shiver in fear.

"Of course. Alecto. And that makes you two Megaera and Tisiphone, yes?"

The two don't seem inclined to dignify that with a response. Percy gets the impression that the Furies don't talk much. He also gets the impression that they'd much rather be flensing the flesh from his bones at the moment over chatting with him. Still, they ARE chatting with him, so that's a good sign right?

"Look, you guys work for Hades right? God of the Underworld? And me and my friends are on a quest right now for a God too. So since we're all servants of the Gods, do you think you guys can back off? I get that monsters kill demigods or something, but aren't you lot supposed to be a more civilized kind of monster?"

There's a brief pause at that question, and Percy can feel his friends all giving him even more incredulous looks than before. Okay so maybe diplomacy isn't his strong suit. But still…

Alecto and her sisters sneer at him, with the former being the one to reply.

"Foolish brat. Do you think you can lie to us? Do you think you can hide it from us? Return what you stole, and we will kill you quickly. That is the only offer I will give you."

Return what he stole? Wait, did they think he had the Master Bolt too?! Starting to feel a little frustrated, Percy growls, not quite registering the way it makes every woman on the bus, Furies included, straighten up a bit as the sound reverberates through his chest. He's too busy being annoyed to be honest.

"I don't have the damn Master Bolt! Look, Alecto… you literally tried to kill me while I was on a school field trip. You of all people should KNOW that I knew nothing about all of this bullshit just a couple weeks ago. I seriously only found out I was a demigod AFTER we fought in the museum! So how in the world could I have stolen Zeus' Master Bolt, huh? How could I possibly have gotten away with it?!"

There's a brief pause and Percy thinks he might actually be getting through to the Furies. In fact, they all look at each other for a moment, seeming to communicate privately between one another. So maybe he's actually-!

But just as Percy is feeling a kernel of hope, the trio of Furies suddenly have fiery, burning whips in their hands, uncurling and hissing and sizzling as they land on the bus' floor and seats.

"Foolish boy. Even now you persist in your trickery. You say you knew nothing of our world. You lie as easily as you breathe! You slew me with a sword of celestial bronze on our very first meeting, giving truth to how your father must have trained you in secret for these tasks! You have angered the Gods, Perseus Jackson! You have crossed Zeus! You have crossed Hades! Prepare to die!"

As if to punctuate Alecto's words, there's a sudden crashing sound way too close to the bus that sends the whole thing rocking. Up ahead in the driver's seat, Percy hears the bus driver curse.

"HOLY SHIT!"

But neither he nor his companions have time to worry about that because the three Furies all bring their whips to bear a moment later and all Percy is left time for is to draw Riptide from his pocket. Alecto's eyes widen in outrage and also vindication when she sees him wielding the celestial bronze sword.

In hindsight, she sort of had a point. Percy could even kind of see how it must have looked from her perspective. How could he, some completely unknowing brat, manage to not only get his hands on a sword like Riptide, but also kill her, an immortal long-lived monster, in a duel?

Somehow, he didn't think that Alecto would accept the truth that she was just that terrible at fighting, to be honest. Or that he was simply a natural with the blade. Oh well, he tried.

The Furies flick out their whips and try to ensnare him in particular, but Percy puts the flexibility of his swimmer's body to good use and bends around them. At the same time, he lunges forward at Alecto and… performs a last minute target switch, stabbing one of her sisters in the throat instead. None of them are expecting it, and Alecto and the other remaining Fury both howl in outrage as their sister is turned into a whole bunch of golden dust.

Percy just grins, especially when Clarisse shows up at his side, her spear in hand and deflecting the next whip strike from one of the Furies. This is easily winnable, Percy realizes, and he can see it on the Furies' faces too. Alecto in particular looks as angry as ever and he's just about to throw out a pithy remark her way when Annabeth suddenly grabs him by the arm.

"Percy, we have to get off this bus."

Percy blinks, even as he finally realizes the bus is starting to slow down and pull over to the side of the road. Meanwhile, what was a sunny sky one moment has rapidly turned into a huge thunderstorm. Annabeth looks downright frightened when he looks over at her… but not by the Furies, Percy notes.

"It's too big of a target. And the metal… the metal conducts lightning really, really well."

Percy's eyes widen as he finally realizes what she's saying and also finally realizes what the original crashing sound that shook the bus originally was. It was a missed strike.

"Alright everyone, off the bus!"

Even the bus driver is getting all of the mortals off the bus, though they can't possibly understand what's happening between his group and the Furies. Seeing this, Percy grimaces and pushes forward, even as Alecto sneers and snarls at him and raises her whip.

"YOU WILL DIE HERE, PERSEUS JACKSON! YOU WILL-!"

Before she can strike at him though, Percy puts on a burst of speed and swipes her head off her shoulders with Riptide.

"Shut up. You're in the way."

At the same time, Clarisse has finished dealing with her Fury as well. In the end, the three Furies weren't nearly as dangerous as Percy had thought… hell, he felt like even a bunch of children could have taken them. But he and the others weren't children. Not by a long shot. However, the Furies WERE a signal booster, weren't they? And a beacon for…

Just as Percy, Annabeth, Clarisse, and Grover are all racing off the bus, it happens.

KRAK-THOOM!

A massive lightning bolt comes down from the sky above and strikes the bus, practically exploding it. Percy just stares for a moment in awed amazement until Annabeth tugging on his arm again pulls him out of it.

"Percy! Percy, we have to GO! We need to get away from the civilians!"

That… that was fair. More than fair, even. Not only was Zeus' attention apparently on this spot, but if he tried to kill Percy again, he might hurt innocent people. Grimacing, Percy nods and lets Annabeth drag him into the nearby woods as Clarisse and Grover follow behind them. They leave a bunch of confused people and a smoking wreck of a bus behind, but at least no one lost their lives. No one important, anyways.

-x-X-x-

"Holy shit, this is so good…"

As Percy chews the burger he's currently holding in both hands, he groans in enjoyment. Beside him, both Annabeth and Clarisse are enjoying their own burgers as well with similar looks of contentment and happiness on their faces.

Running into a forest to escape Zeus' wrath, Percy never in a million years would have expected to find sanctuary like they had. But here they were in Aunty Em's Garden Gnome Emporium, being served burgers and fries that were cooked up right in front of them by Aunty Em herself.

Smiling slightly, the beautiful woman behind the counter clasps her hands together in front of her.

"I'm happy to hear you say that. You lot looked half-drowned when you came upon my Emporium. It's so good to see you all looking so much better."

It was true, they'd been soaked from the rainstorm and everything. Percy also can't help but wondering if they smell by this point… hopefully not.

Aunt Em, by comparison, looks downright pristine. The beautiful, dusky-skinned woman wore a dark black gown that covered her from her neck down to her toes. Her coffee-colored face and hands were quite young in appearance though, almost making him feel weird for calling her 'Aunty'. But she insisted. And… she was very pretty. Her eyes were hidden behind a pair of ever-present sunglasses, but she was still gorgeous by al other accounts.

Her hair, however, was also done up in a turban that wrapped around her head tightly and lifted quite high into the air. Percy didn't know what that was about and he felt kind of ignorant for needing to ask so he hadn't yet. Did it mean she was Middle Eastern or something? But wasn't it usually the guys who wore turbans?

Either way, best not to say a word, especially not when Grover had already stuck his foot in his mouth a few times and the beautiful Aunty Em had been so generous as to ignore the satyr. In fact, even right now, Grover was quietly whimpering off to the side, something about this place giving him the heebie-jeebies.

… Maybe it was the stone statues. If Percy had to put money on it, he would bet it was the stone statues. Em's Emporium was supposed to just be Garden Gnomes, but there were actually statues of all sorts of creatures and people practically all over the place. Many of them were so life-like and life-size that Percy could only really imagine them being bought by some big establishment or rich dude. Like maybe for a church, or maybe for a mansion's garden. Certainly, your average home owner with a garden wasn't going to want a six foot tall statue of a dude smiling and waving, Percy suspected.

But then, what did he know really? People were super fucking strange.

"Thank you for this, ma'am."

Percy is pulled from his thoughts by Annabeth's voice as the Daughter of Athena pipes up. Beside her, Clarisse pauses and then quickly swallows and nods.

"Err, yeah. Thanks."

Throwing Clarisse an approving grin for her efforts to be a more social person, Percy completely missed how Aunty Em tenses for a moment at Annabeth in particular's thanks. However, he does not miss the way the beautiful coffee-skinned woman looks at him a moment later with a smile.

"Percy… might I speak with you alone for a moment?"

Seeing no reason not to, Percy shrugs and nods, rising from his seat just as Grover grabs him by the arm and whispers to him in a frantic tone.

"Don't do it, Percy. It's not a good idea!"

Blinking at the satyr, Percy rolls his eyes and chuckles at Grover's antics.

"I'll be fine, Grover. What, do you think Em just fed us all to fatten us up or something before the slaughter? Don't be ridiculous."

"Percy, that is exactly how a LOT of monsters operate!"

Well… okay, true. But still, Aunty Em wasn't a monster. He was sure of it.

"Percy?"

From over in the doorway, Em pokes her head back through.

"Coming!"

He quickly hurries over, leaving Annabeth and Clarisse to their meal and Grover to his frantic worrying. Had his best friend always been such a worrier? Or was that something that was only coming out now that the satyr was no longer hiding his true identity? In the end, Percy puts it out of his mind and follows Aunty Em down a hallway and into another room.

Of course, he's not expecting it to be her bedroom. Perhaps he should have. As the beautiful dusky skinned woman turns and sits down on the edge of the bed, smiling up at him, Percy realizes Grover might have been at least partially right. Em DID want to gobble him up. Metaphorically speaking. Even wearing sunglasses, she has this intensity to her gaze that even Percy can't ignore.

"I've noticed you looking, Percy. Do you like what you see? It's alright if you don't… I'm not trying to take advantage of you… unless you want me to."

Crossing her legs and then uncrossing them, Em all but poses for him. Her dark dress is actually quite form-fitting now that Percy is paying more attention. It shows off her beautiful curves, from the swell of her breasts to the width of her hips. She had a womanly figure that just would not quit. The type of woman that you'd see in passing and have to stop and go 'damn!' to yourself under your breath.

And she was right in front of him. Propositioning him. Despite saying that she didn't want to take advantage of him, Percy did feel slightly beholden to Em. She'd taken them in when she didn't have to, when she didn't know anything about them. And then she'd even cooked for them and fed them. And the food was delicious.

But… he thinks of Clarisse and Annabeth, just a couple hundred feet away. Should he really be indulging in another woman right now? Or should he turn Aunty Em down?

-x-X-x-

A/N: For those having trouble imagining her as someone sexy, 'Aunty Em' (who is also someone else) is actually played by THIS ACTRESS in the upcoming Disney TV Show of PJO. The TV Show will probably be shit, but the actress is hot at least. So I'm happy to not go off of the book description of Aunty Em on this one.

Chapter 20: Aunty Em

Chapter Text

A/N: *gasp* Aunty Em is WHO?! What a shocking turn of events!

-x-X-x-

For some reason, staring at the provocative dusky-skinned woman propositioning him so brazenly… Percy comes to one simple conclusion. Annabeth and Clarisse will only be disappointed in him if he's the one who gets taken advantage of here. On the other hand, if he's the one doing the whole 'taking advantage' part of the deal, he somehow thinks that they'll actually be far more approving.

Why? He couldn't say. But he knows in his heart of hearts that it's true. With that in mind, Percy slowly begins to move forward, prowling towards the bed like a particularly big cat or something. Aunty Em freezes up in response for a moment before slyly grinning.

"… And what if I wanted to take advantage of YOU instead, Aunty?"

A light blush develops on the beautiful woman's cheeks. He can't see her eyes, but he still catches how her head tilts ever so slightly… she's glancing down at his crotch. The way she licks her lips for a moment only reinforces his certainty of that fact.

"Well… I certainly wouldn't be one to complain, Percy. But please… if we're going to get closer, you don't need to call me Aunty or ma'am. Just call me… Em."

Grinning right back at her, Percy finishes his journey over to the bed where Em waits for him. He reaches for her and she doesn't do a thing to stop him, her pouty lips parting and her chest thrust out in his direction. His lips land on hers and the two of them kiss as Percy runs her hands up and down her curvy sides. She's very much all woman, with a figure that could only be described as 'hourglass'. And she was all his.

Best of all, it turned out that her dress was more of a wrap than anything. Meaning after a moment of his fingers tracing across her body and the garment covering it, Percy finds the point where a slow and steady tug brings the whole thing apart. Slowly, he pulls open Em's dress and reveals her body, inch by beautiful inch. Kissing her deeply for a moment more, he then pulls back and slides her black dress down onto her arms, exposing her chest, her abdomen, and her crotch.

Em wastes no time in uncrossing her legs one last time, spreading them nice and wide. Percy finds himself caught upon her dusky caramel thighs for a moment, and her perfectly trimmed bush sat right atop a glistening wet slit. Her arousal is already evident, but he doesn't want to rush things. Instead, his gaze slides further up her bared body to her trembling belly and then further on to her quivering breasts.

Each of her perfectly sculpted tits are capped with a dark nipple that's already growing hard just from being in open air. Staring at them, Percy is entranced… and then he's leaning forward and taking them in his mouth, one after the other.

Em moans for him as he focuses on her tits in particular. They're just so perfect and perky and round. He grabs each breast by the base and gives them a good squeeze, lifting them up from her chest into his waiting mouth. His tongue swirls around one nipple and his teeth nibble at it for a moment before he then pulls back and transitions to the other one to repeat the actions.

"Oh Percy… such an, a-ah, attentive lover…"

He's happy to hear it. There's just one minor problem, truth be told. When he looks up at her, he's looking into those sunglasses she's wearing. Not her eyes. Em is all leaned back, naked and bared before him, but she's still wearing those dark shades, hiding her gaze from his view. Even with his current position, she's got her chin tucked in so that he can't look up under the rim of her sunglasses.

It's a little strange, admittedly. Slightly off-putting. Grover's words from before echo through his mind. About monsters and fattening up their prey. But… no. Em doesn't seem like a monster to him. And sure, Percy is rather new to this demigod business. His only experiences with monsters so far have been the Furies, the Minotaur, and the Hellhound.

Beyond that, he doesn't actually know what most monsters might really be like. Only what he remembers from various myths.

On the other hand though, Annabeth and Clarisse had a ton of experience with monsters right? Or at least, they had more experience with monsters than Percy did, since he was the new guy and all. And neither of them had seemed to have any issue with Em. So… it was fine, right?

And yet, Percy couldn't help himself. He was curious. And tempted. And so, as he suckles at her breasts, nibbling at her teats, Percy slowly reaches up towards her glasses, intending to take them off so he could see the look in her eyes as he pleasured her.

He almost gets there as well. Perhaps Em had her eyes lidded by the pleasure. But no, just before he touches the glasses, her hand comes up quick as a whip and grabs him by the wrist.

"… Please don't, Percy."

Frowning slightly at her surprising strength, Percy pulls back from her breast. Em immediately releases him and with a flush, pulls back further onto the bed.

"The shades stay on, please. As does the turban. But the rest of me… is all yours~"

She shucks off her open dress at that point, treating it like a robe as she discards it and leaves herself fully naked. Then, she turns over onto her front, going onto all fours as she looks back over her shoulder at him and waves her ass in his direction. Admittedly, he's drawn in by the sight of her puffy pussy lips perfectly framed between her thighs. INCREDIBLY drawn in.

To be fair, he'd never intended to mess with her turban. Percy wasn't some culturally insensitive asshat or anything like that. He'd assumed the turban had something to do with her culture or religion and was always going to leave it alone for her to decide if she wanted to undo or not. That said, the sunglasses were something else… right? Or maybe he WAS being culturally insensitive after all?

Arching her back and lifting her hips into the air, Em reaches back under herself between her legs and spreads her slit wide with her fingers in invitation.

… Yeah. He was being culturally insensitive. There was no reason he NEEDED to have the glasses off. They could definitely stay on. Needless to say, Percy isn't the type to look a gift horse in the mouth. He's already rock hard after all, and sure there are warning signs everywhere but… well, it is what it is.

Stepping forward, he reaches down and frees his cock from his jeans. It comes springing out ready to party, throbbing and fully erect. Em coos when she sees it, looking back over her shoulder still and licking her lips in anticipation.

"Give it to me, Percy. Give me your big fat cock~"

Grabbing her by the hips with both hands, his member twitching with arousal, Percy lines up and does precisely that. His cock slips against her entrance a couple times, but with her holding her lower lips apart, it doesn't take more than a handful of seconds for him to find purchase and thrust inward. His cock spreads Em even more than her fingers already were, making the dusky-skinned woman groan and moan her loudest yet as she shudders on the bed before him.

Percy, meanwhile, groans at how tight and wet she is. Her pussy wraps around his dick like it was made for it, a snug fit… but also a sopping fit, one that has Percy shuddering in pleasure. That said, he'd already decided that HE was going to be the one taking advantage of Em here. So… he'd best get started on that. Digging his fingers deeper into her hips, Percy starts to thrust, rapidly picking up the pace and fucking her harder and faster as the beautiful woman gasps and jolts on his cock, her body jostled by his powerful thrusts.

"O-Oh Percy! You're s-so rough! Nnngh, like a stallion!"

Percy just grunts. The comparison is nice… and actually kind of apt. Wasn't one of his father's domains 'horses' after all? Regardless, he doesn't let up. His cock continues to pound Em's pussy, giving it the gorgeous business owner with all his might. He wants to make her feel good, truth be told. He wants to thank her properly for her help. After the bus debacle, they'd needed a win. Aunty Em's Emporium had shown up like it was heaven sent out of nowhere, a true light in the darkness after they'd stumbled through a storm-filled forest for what felt like hours.

Em was a godsend, and Percy was going to treat her like one. Fucking her like his life depends on it, he really gives it to her harder and faster than he's ever fucked any woman before. He fucks her like an animal, and she responds like one too, squealing and moaning and hissing under him.

Honestly, he's half-expecting the others to come barging in with how much noise Em is making. But they never do… and he can't quite bring himself to try to stop her. Grunting, Percy tosses his head back as he redoubles his pace and gets even more of her lewd cries from her. Pounding deeper and deeper into her pussy, plowing her as her back arches and her snake hair tosses and hisses and flies all over the- wait, what?

Percy's head snaps forward, his eyes snapping ALL the way open as he takes in Em's… situation. Still fucking her from behind, the young demigod sees that the roughness with which he's pounded her pussy has resulted in… well, her turban coming undone. Something that it would seem Em hasn't noticed yet, or else she might have said something.

As it is, Percy finds himself staring at the head of snakes instead of hair that the gorgeous, dusky-skinned woman is currently sporting. No, not woman… monster. Gorgon, specifically. Or rather… Medusa.

Percy's eyes snap shut as he realizes who he's dealing with. Aunty Em. Aka Medusa. No wonder she wore sunglasses and a turban. But then, why hadn't her snakes turned him to stone? As he thinks over the last few seconds in his mind's eye, he comes to a plain and simple conclusion… none of her hair snakes had been looking his direction. Instead, they'd all had their tongues out and were hissing out their own pleasure, slitted eyes going all over the place except for looking his way.

"Percy? Ah! My turban!"

Of course, in processing all of this, with his eyes still shut, Percy has slowed down. A lot. He's still buried in Medusa's quim as she realizes why he's stopped fucking her however. For a moment, he freezes in place, wondering if he can pull Riptide out fast enough to survive. But probably not. He should have listened to Grover…

He hears movement, but there's no attack. Nor does Medusa try to pull away from him either. Instead, it sounds like she's putting her turban back into place for some reason.

"Percy… Percy, you needn't worry. I'm not going to harm you. I've fixed up my turban. It's safe to open your eyes."

He does not open his eyes. Grimacing, Percy considers his options for a moment.

"… You'll understand why I'm kind of leery to do so. You ARE Medusa, aren't you?"

A light giggle comes from the immortal, ancient monster woman. She might SEEM like an absurdly beautiful young woman, but now that Percy knows who she is, he knows she's thousands of years old.

"I am, Percy. Which is precisely why you should know I don't intend to harm you. Yes, it was your namesake who slew me in my sleep and paraded my head around for quite a long time. But it was your father who I loved, once long ago. Your father who, until now, gave me the best sex of my life. Let me tell you, you were well on your way to surpassing him before we stopped."

Embarrassingly enough, that of all things is what causes Percy to open his eyes again. Thankfully, Medusa was telling the truth about it being safe. She still has her sunglasses on, and she has the turban in place once more. Though now that he's looking for it, he sees the turban… shifting every once in a while.

Groaning, Percy gives Medusa an imploring look now that the danger is past.

"Please don't say things like that."

Giving him a coy, sultry grin, Medusa lets out a tinkling laugh.

"And whyever not? It's the truth."

"… Because as much as I think he was proud of me when he claimed me after Hestia gave me a titjob, I don't really want him to turn around and disown me for showing him up with a past lover."

Medusa's jaw drops open at that, and she coos in delight.

"Oh my. Now THAT sounds like a story I HAVE to hear~"

Sighing, Percy endeavors to get her to shut up in the only way he knows how. No, not by pulling out Riptide to behead her, he's not a jackass. He shuts her up by fucking her some more, hoping to get her to go back to those lewd cries of hers as he pounds her pussy from behind. And hey, wouldn't you know it? It actually works! He's careful not to fuck her TOO hard this time around, just to avoid another turban incident. He doesn't know if he'll get as lucky as the first time after all.

But he still fucks her solidly and for as long as he can manage, bringing Medusa of all people to multiple explosive climaxes before finally spilling his seed inside of her with one final groan of his own. She doesn't raise a single protest as he creampies her, moaning up a storm the entire while and shuddering under him, her smoking hot body quivering for a moment before going still.

Pulling out, Percy rolls over onto his back, panting heavily as Medusa collapses right next to him, also struggling to catch her breath. Her hand comes up and runs along his chest for a moment, toying with his shirt before she lets out a breathless happy sigh.

"You were… at least as good as your father, Percy."

He shoots the gorgon a grateful look at that, only to tense up a moment later at the very next words out of her mouth.

"Now, if you will just agree to leave the Daughter of Athena with me when you depart from this place, I would be happy to let you and your other two allies go in peace."

Well… shit.

Chapter 21: Em's Price

Chapter Text

A/N: Percy and Medusa make a deal.

-x-X-x-

"… Please don't make me choose between you, Em."

In the end, he just can't bring himself to attack her. Certainly not right after sex. It would make him feel scummy, even if he was doing it to protect Annabeth. Em might have turned out to be the legendary Medusa, the Cursed Gorgon, but they'd shared a tender moment all the same and Percy didn't necessarily want to ruin that.

At the same time, he had to be honest with her. Trying to trick the Gorgon into letting them all go was never going to work. Not when she'd already made up her mind. But maybe their short time together would mean enough for Medusa to capitulate to his earnest, heartfelt request.

At hearing his blunt, begging words, Medusa is the one who tenses up beside him now. Her fingers clutch at his chest for a moment before she huffs, looking up at him through her sunglasses.

"Why? Because you would choose her over me?"

The answer to that is an unequivocal 'yes', of course, and Percy thinks she already knows as much. He's pretty sure she knew it when she'd originally suggested he leave Annabeth in her clutches in the first place. Truly, there was just no contest between the two of them. He and Em had had their fun together, sure. But Annabeth was… she was his lover. He didn't know how else to describe it, only that Annabeth mattered to him. End of discussion.

Still, he doesn't think saying THAT out loud is a wise idea in this moment. Instead, Percy tries to deflect.

"Annabeth hasn't done anything to you, has she? Your problem isn't with her… it's with her mother."

Medusa's lips thin out and he can imagine the beautiful woman's eyes narrowing behind her shades as her nostrils flare for a moment. They both know he's right, of course. Medusa's grudge is against Athena. For obvious reasons.

"Do you know your history, Percy Jackson? Do you know how I came to be what I am?"

Hesitantly, Percy nods. It involved, as most stories from Ancient Greek Mythology did, the gods. Specifically, it involved two gods very close to matters.

"From what I understand… you were a Priestess of Athena. But Poseidon seduced you and the two of you copulated inside one of Athena's temples, on the altar there. In response, Athena cursed you."

Medusa's lips curl into a bitter, sad little smile.

"Yes. I was but a mortal woman once upon a time. Raised by my parents, Phorcys and Keto, I joined the Priesthood of Athena because it was expected of me. She was, after all, the Patron Goddess of our small town. And yet… was I wrong for pining for something more? Was I wrong for being excited when a different God entirely started to show me interest? More interest, in fact, than my own Goddess ever had, despite my worship and service to her."

Percy squirms in response to that, knowing full well that the different God in question was… his father. Grimacing, he feels compelled to speak, even if it's not exactly in defense of Poseidon.

"The stories say that Poseidon seduced you as a way to get back at Athena. That he was bitter over something she'd done to him."

Medusa snorts derisively.

"Yes. I found that out after the fact. Your father… was never a perfect being, Percy. He is as flawed as anyone else. And if I were anyone else, I might incur his wrath for saying as much… but tis the truth. Still, for all his flaws, he came to me in his divine form and made no lie of his identity. I was warned about him by my sisters, but I allowed myself to be taken in by him all the same. I allowed him to court and seduce me. I allowed him to bed me."

Percy is a little impressed at how she takes accountability for her actions. She's clearly bitter about it… angry too. But at the same time, she's willing to own up to her own mistakes. That speaks to a mentality that can be reasoned with. He hopes.

"Even still, what was I to do? Poseidon wished to take me at the foot of my Goddess' statue. His intentions were obvious, but I was already in too deep. If I had denied him, what would have been my fate, hm? Would he have simply let me go, let bygones be bygones? By that time, I had no choice. And… he was a persuasive man, your father. Almost as persuasive as you are."

Percy blushes deeply at that, even as Medusa shoots him a teasing grin. It doesn't last long, however.

"And yet Athena punished me all the same. Made me into a monster. Cursed me. So yes, my grudge is with her, Percy Jackson. But she is a Goddess and I am but a lowly Gorgon. Am I to sit here and continue to stew in my anger and angst when one of her children is less than a hundred feet away? Am I to just let a chance at vengeance, no matter how small, slip through my fingers?"

Percy opens his mouth at that… and then closes it. Medusa nods in vicious satisfaction, likely thinking that his silence is him seeing her point or perhaps coming around to her way of thinking. This is not exactly true. While Percy does see her point, he's still not going to give her Annabeth. Or at least… he's not going to give her Annabeth permanently.

Another idea sprouts in Percy's mind and he finds himself considering a different option entirely.

"What if… what if you could have your cake and eat it too?"

Medusa tilts her head to the side at that. Percy just grins.

-x-X-x-

"Trust me?"

"… Yes?"

Percy chuckles as he wraps the blindfold around Annabeth's head.

"You're a smart girl, Annabeth. I don't think I have to spell anything out for you. If you haven't figured it out already… you'll figure it out soon. All I ask is that you play along, alright? I think this is the best way of doing things."

As he closes the blindfold tight, Annabeth lets out a shuddering breath.

"You're right, Percy. I'm not stupid. Though I'm starting to feel stupid for not seeing it earlier. The blindfold though… it's all I needed to figure out what was happening. I DO trust you, Seaweed Brain. I guess I just have one question… are you absolutely sure about this?"

"Yes, Annabeth. We stepped into the lion's maw, but it hasn't closed its jaws yet… and it won't, so long as we convince it we're worth more alive. Put simply, this is a challenge like any other. Keep the blindfold on no matter what, don't ask questions… and we'll make it out of this in one piece, okay?"

"… Okay."

Percy smiles softly and takes Annabeth's hands in his one he's made sure the blindfold is fully secured and once he's pushed the sunglasses up the bridge of his nose again, making sure they're fully secured as well. Technically, this isn't a challenge for him. But it's actually just as dangerous for him as it is for Annabeth if not more so. One slip of the shades he's now wearing and… well, they won't slip. Easy peasy.

Having left Clarisse with orders to watch over a fretful Grover, Percy had led Annabeth away from them and then asked her to let him blindfold her. He'd seen the realization dawning in her eyes then, and knew she'd finally figured out why Aunty Em's Garden Gnome Emporium had a LOT of life size stone statues and not many actual garden gnomes at all.

Still, that she was willing to trust him like this… it did Percy's heart good. Not least Medusa had made that part of the challenge. Percy wasn't allowed to tell Annabeth anything. Annabeth was supposed to go in blind both figuratively and literally, to show that she wasn't so much her mother's daughter that she HAD to know everything all the time.

So far, so good. Pulling Annabeth into the room, Percy turns to see Medusa waiting on the bed for them. Still naked, the beautiful dusky skinned woman no longer has her turban or her sunglasses on. The turban wrap is off to the side and the sunglasses are on Percy's face instead, allowing him to see her in all of her… glory.

The snakes that make up the infamous Gorgon's hair writhe and twist at the sight of Annabeth, but then focus on him in particular, seeming almost intense as they stare at him. Medusa's actual eyes however, just as snake-like as her hair, are fixated on Annabeth, almost as if she expects the younger woman's blindfold to slip off right then and there.

"Good… very good."

Slowly, Medusa spreads her legs wide and then reaches down and uses her fingers to do the same with her pussy. The same pussy that Percy had creampied about half an hour before. His seed still seeps out of her, leaking from betwixt her thighs. But Medusa doesn't care.

"Bring her here."

He can tell from the tenseness in Annabeth's shoulders and the way her breath hitches that she very much wants to ask questions. Fortunately for him, she's as aware of all the Greek Tragedies as he is. So many myths ending in heartbreak because the main character couldn't follow simple instructions. They might be Greek Demigods themselves, but that doesn't mean they have to be as stupid as their predecessors.

Percy leads Annabeth over and guides her to her knees as Medusa's hand motioned instruction. Annabeth's nose twitches as she smells his seed and likely Medusa's arousal as well. Silence falls for a moment as the Gorgon sits there on the edge of the bed patiently. Percy gives her a look from behind his sunglasses, causing her to finally huff out a laugh.

"Very well, very well. She's done well so far. Now though… now she will lick."

Percy gently cups the back of Annabeth's head, sliding his fingers through her hair. He pushes her forward towards Medusa's pussy, expecting some resistance from the blonde, some reluctance. To his surprise, Annabeth is fully relaxed. She lets him guide her in… and when her lips finally meet Medusa's slit, her tongue slides right out into her cunt. Percy knows this because the Gorgon's eyes widen, her snake hair kicked up into a frenzy as she tilts her head back.

"O' Daughter of Athena… thou art little more than a SLUT!"

A clear provocation, and one that makes Percy scowl. And yet, Annabeth doesn't rise to the bait. She doesn't push back against his hold; she doesn't stop licking Medusa out. If anything, he starts to wonder if she even heard the Gorgon's words. She seems to be diving in to scoop out his cum with her tongue with… rather single minded intent.

"Ah… never would I have thought one of Athena's get would stoop so low. I could not imagine it. But… you're right, Percy. This is a much better revenge."

Percy grins at that, even as Annabeth stiffens a bit, revealing that she IS listening to Medusa. Still, she continues to do as she was bid. She continues to eat out the monster woman. Medusa, meanwhile, gestures for him to come closer.

He leans over Annabeth, only to have the Gorgon grab him by his hair and pull her into a tongue-filled kiss. If she wanted to, she could have torn off his shades right then and there and turned him to stone. But she doesn't. Instead, Medusa moans into his mouth, humping Annabeth's face with her crotch. Her free hand eventually winds its way into the blonde's hair, being a bit rougher with her, grinding her down harder. But she doesn't remove the blindfold. That would be cheating. That would go against the spirit of this… quest.

As far as 'labors' go, Percy knows this is probably one of the weirder things that any Greek Demigod has ever had to do on one of their quests. And that's certainly saying something. But if it works… it works, right? Better this than having to cut Medusa's head off with Riptide. Maybe he could have gotten away with it just like his namesake if he'd fucked her harder until she passed out… but it would have made him feel grimy and filthy.

This did too, in its own way. But it was a nicer kind of filthy. The sort of filthy that would wash away with enough time. Or even be a pleasant memory to look back on.

With a lewd cry, Medusa suddenly arches her back, pulling away from their kiss and letting go of Percy as she proceeds to climax all over Annabeth's face. The blonde flinches but takes it like a champ all the same, her face and the blindfold both getting splattered with not just Medusa's pussy juices, but also the last remnants of Percy's creampie.

There's a long moment as Percy waits with bated breath to see how Medusa will react to Annabeth not just taking on her challenge but passing with flying colors. Honestly though, he's not too worried. Mostly because Medusa's hair is all laid back, the snake heads all heavily lidded and looking like they're about to curl up for a well-deserved map.

With a sigh, Medusa nods to Percy.

"Very well… I am sated."

Thank fuck.

-x-X-x-

"I really am sorry, Annabeth."

"And as I told you before, you have nothing to apologize for. You did what you needed to do. We got out of there intact. That's all that matters. Besides, we even got out of there with more than we went in with."

Percy winces at that, because as aloof as Annabeth is acting about it… he still feels a little bit like she's gotta be slightly mad. After all, it was one thing to pass Medusa's challenge by not giving in to her innately curious nature while also sexually submitting to a woman that her mother had cursed. It was another entirely to get paid for it afterwards.

But Medusa had insisted. Probably because she knew that turning Annabeth into a prostitute would add insult to injury, so to speak. And in the end… they hadn't really been in a position to refuse the money that 'Aunty Em' offered them.

"If we hadn't taken her money, we would still be wandering through the woods more than likely. But because she paid us for our time, we had enough cash to purchase these train tickets and continue on our way. We ARE on a time table, after all."

Percy nods at that, before grinning half-heartedly.

"I suppose if we had to become prostitutes… at least we did it together."

Annabeth gives him an amused but also exasperated look at that, one that causes Percy to grin even wider. Yeah, they were fine.

"Still… I can think of a way for you to make it up to me…"

Oh? Percy raises an eyebrow, curious… and excited to find out what Annabeth had in mind.

Chapter 22: Gateway Arch

Chapter Text

A/N: The Gateway Arch~

-x-X-x

"Amazing…"

"Isn't it?!"

Pulling back from the small viewport he'd been looking out of, Percy gives Annabeth an amused glance. The blonde demigod isn't looking out of a small window of her own, after all… but rather, she's standing in the center of the admittedly cramped observation deck, slowly turning around and marveling at it.

He supposes he really shouldn't be surprised, all things considered. This was… well, this was like a dream come true for Annabeth from what Percy could tell. Ever since they'd arrived, she'd been regaling him, Clarisse, and Grover with tales of the St. Louis Arch and its history. Commonly known as the Gateway to the West, it had been built over half a century ago, which Percy had to admit was quite impressive.

Annabeth claimed it was not just the tallest arch in the world, but also the tallest human-made monument in the entirety of the West. That was very impressive, Percy had to admit… though there was just one problem from where he was standing. He disliked confined spaces. He disliked them quite a lot.

Unfortunately, the small little tram car they had to ride to get up here in the first place was the definition of a confined space. The only upside was that because there were four of them and only five seats to a tram car, they got one all to themselves.

There had been an incredibly large woman with a chihuahua that had had to wait because of this. She'd looked incredibly cross for the single moment that Percy had laid eyes on her before the car had made its way on. But Percy couldn't bring himself to feel bad over it to be honest. Just the idea of having to share that small tram car with a stranger of THAT size unsettled his stomach something fierce.

Alas, things only got marginally better up at the top. The observation deck of the St. Louis Arch was effectively a long carpeted strip with a bunch of tiny slits for windows. It was still very confining, and Percy… Percy could only shudder at the thought of how bad it would be once that obese woman made her way up here with her dog.

But then… they didn't really have to be HERE when she got here, right? At least, he and Annabeth didn't have to…

Moving over to the blonde's side, Percy nudges her with a slight grin.

"Hey."

When Annabeth looks at him, it's with an almost euphoric expression on her face. She's already as happy as can be to be in this place. But…

"I know you enough to know you wouldn't have suggested what you suggested or come here without some sort of plan, Wise Girl."

Annabeth blushes, though whether it's at his insinuation or the affectionate nickname, he doesn't know. Either way, she looks around for a moment surreptitiously before nodding and taking him by the hand.

"Not here."

They meet up with Grover and Clarisse a moment later and Annabeth considers the two of them for a long second before smiling at Grover.

"Hey Grover, can you head back down and see about getting us our next set of train tickets? The three of us will be right behind you."

Both Grover and Clarisse react with surprise at that, but for very different reasons. Percy has to admit, he's a little shocked too. Annabeth willingly including Clarisse in something? Had hell frozen over when Percy wasn't looking? Actually, probably best not to joke about that sort of thing now that he knew places like the Underworld had to be real…

"Err… sure, yeah I can do that. Seen all there was to see up here anyways. You three stay safe, you hear?"

Annabeth just smiles sweetly at that and nods, prompting Grover to turn and make his way towards one of the Arch's exits. Once he's no longer looking their way. Annabeth grabs Clarisse by the hand as well, startling the taller girl as she pulls them along.

"C'mon, both of you. And don't read too much into this, Clarisse. You're just the lookout, got it?"

"I… yeah, got it."

Percy, amused as all hell, allows himself to be pulled along in Annabeth's wake. Before he and Clarisse really know what's happening… they're on the outside of the Arch. Specifically, they're on the top of the Arch. Not quite on the actual top, but definitely on some sort of maintenance platform. Percy doesn't know how Annabeth knew about it, but she's undeniably smug as she clasps a railing and looks out over the Mississippi River down below.

"You're right, Percy. I always have a plan~"

Chuckling as Annabeth waves her ass at him enticingly, Percy moves forward and grabs her by her hips. He pulls her back to his crotch and she bends over further to accommodate him, moaning as she grips the railing. The maintenance platform is actually pretty masterfully hidden from what Percy can see. It definitely doesn't give the best view or anything like that either.

Though, if someone were in just the right spot and looking up from below… yeah, they might see them. At the very least, they'd see Annabeth. But the Daughter of Athena doesn't seem to care about that possibility anymore than she cared back in the car. Or the train station. Or hell, all the way back behind that cabin! Hang on a second… did Annabeth Chase have an exhibitionism kink?!

Well, now wasn't the time to be thinking about that, really. After positioning Annabeth how he wants her, Percy slides his hands from her hips around to the front of her jeans. He quickly manages to unbutton and unzip them, pulling both her pants and her panties down to her knees. Annabeth moans as the air, colder up here six hundred feet high, ghosts across her already dripping pussy.

Feats of Architecture turned Annabeth Chase on immensely. Noted. Freeing his cock from his confines quickly, Percy slides himself into Annabeth before either of them can get any colder. Better to make their own heat, in the end… and that's precisely what he proceeds to do, fucking Annabeth from behind with short, sharp thrusts that soon have her moaning up a storm as she pushes her hips back into him, her hands gripping down on the railing.

Clarisse watches from nearby, her spear still wrapped up and on her back. When Percy makes eye contact with the other girl, he gives her a grin and a permissive nod. Blushing profusely, the Daughter of Ares begins to touch herself as she leans back against the wall behind her, running her hands over her body and disappearing one down into the front of her pants.

Man, Percy was kind of living a really… lewd life, wasn't he? Still, after what he'd made Annabeth do with 'Em', he felt like she'd earned this. He was happy she'd given him a way to make things up to her, in the end.

As if reading his mind, Annabeth suddenly speaks up, grunting as he continues to fuck her from behind.

"I'm really… not mad about what happened with Medusa, Percy… if our positions had been… reversed, I would have done the exact same thing."

Percy blinks at that, imagining it for a second. Yeah, that did sound like Annabeth. And honestly, if their positions were reversed he's not sure he would have been all that upset either. A weight he hadn't even truly noticed lifts off his chest at that realization, and he smiles slightly as he hugs Annabeth from behind, continuing to thrust up into her as she mewls.

"I'm glad, Annabeth. I never want to hurt you."

A shuddering breath leaves Annabeth's lips and she's quiet for a moment. Then, she speaks.

"You know… I wanted to be an architect when I grew up, originally."

Percy furrows his brow at that. He knows Annabeth is older than him, obviously. But…

"Why didn't you?"

Letting out a quiet laugh, Annabeth shakes her head.

"Been on the run ever since I turned eighteen. All my plans, up in smoke. Full Ride to Uni, rescinded because of my tardiness. Can't exactly go to college when the Monsters are on my tail… on everyone's tail. The only place we demigods are safe after we reach adulthood is Camp Half-Blood, Percy. And as much as Hestia tries her best… she's the Goddess of the Hearth, not the Goddess of Knowledge. Her Domain allows her to make a safe home for all of us. But that comes with… limitations."

He can see what Annabeth means. Even as he continues to fill her with his cock, her words are having a… sobering effect on Percy. Even for him, his life was over. He just hadn't fully accepted it yet. His mom… well, he didn't want to think about her. Meanwhile, the potential for him to become a professional swimmer… it was gone, wasn't it? He definitely wasn't going to get a swimming scholarship to a good college or something like that now, was he?

It hadn't really sunk in for him until now, but Annabeth is right. Camp Half-Blood is their safe haven… and they only seem to really leave the camp when they have a quest. Is that really all life is for demigods? Playing Capture the Flag every Friday and waiting for some sort of mummified Oracle to tell them their next divine task?

Percy's lips thin out as he considers the problem. In the end, it all comes down to monsters, doesn't it? The reason that demigods are by and large confined to Camp Half-Blood is because they're constantly hunted by monsters.

"Annabeth… dumb question, I know… but where do monsters come from?"

Blinking, Annabeth looks back over her shoulder at him for a moment before biting her lower lip and responding.

"T-Tartarus. They come from… Tartarus. That's where its said the gods have imprisoned all of their enemies. And when you kill a monster… it doesn't die for good. It reforms in… Tartarus."

Percy narrows his eyes at that. That doesn't make all that much sense, actually.

"But wait… if the default is that the monsters reform back in a cage… how do they get back out again?"

Annabeth lets out a shuddering breath, his cock still sliding in and out of her, almost on autopilot at this point.

"Sometimes… s-sometimes the gods let them out. If the monsters s-swear to do their bidding."

Percy blinks, his mind immediately going to the Furies. That's right. They were after him on behalf of Zeus himself, weren't they? Fuck… so the Greek Gods were actually the ones keeping their children from having real lives?

"But also… Tartarus isn't… a perfect prison. Sometimes some monsters j-just seem to… slip through the cracks. And then they inevitably hunt demigods because… well, most monsters hate the gods with all their souls. But they can't attack divinity. So they go after the next best thing… their children."

Well that sounds like bullshit. Not that Percy thinks Annabeth is lying to him, but still… that's seriously fucked up. You've got the gods up on Mount Olympus picking and choosing what terrible beasties to pull out of their mythological prison in order to send them after their own kids… or in Zeus' case, his brother's kid. And then you've got some monsters just running rampant, hunting demigods solely because they're easier prey.

What utter bullshit. The more Percy learns about this life, the more he thinks he just might hate it. But… he's not sure what someone like him can do. He's just a guy with some seriously cool water powers and an awesome pen sword. But he's starting to think he might have to take on the gods themselves at some point and he's not sure how that's going to go for him.

"P-Percy…"

Blinking, Percy realizes he's stopped fucking Annabeth altogether. Snugly inside of her still, he flushes, ready to begin thrusting again. Only, before that can happen… the hatch they'd snuck out of to get to this platform in the first place suddenly slams open and a lion suddenly begins to drag itself out.

Letting out a curse, Clarisse quickly pulls her hands back from her body and gets her spear out. Meanwhile, Percy and Annabeth are also very quick to pull away from each other. Fortunately, the lion is… large and struggles to make its way out of the hatch, giving them all enough time to fix their clothing and in Percy and Clarisse's cases, draw their weapons.

Unfortunately, that hatch is also the only way back into the Arch and thus the only way back down to the ground, so they're forced to stay put. In the end… Percy quickly realizes that it's not just a lion they're facing but something far, far worse.

"The Chimera…"

Annabeth's whispered tone of horror is more than appropriate given the monster in front of them. Head of a lion, body of a goat, blood-caked mane and a massive snake-headed tail that looks like it has to be at least ten feet long. Standing between them and the hatch, the Chimera growls at them all… but doesn't attack.

That's when Percy notices the rhinestone dog collar the damn thing is wearing, along with the plate-sized dog tag hanging off of it.

CHIMERA

RABID, FIRE BREATHING, POISONOUS

IF FOUND, PLEASE CALL TARTARUS

EXT. 954

… Seriously? Percy blinks rapidly at the sight… and then also notices the leash attached to said collar as well. Then, the leash's holder starts to come out of the hatch too.

"Give me a second, kiddies! Oh, you little heroes… always being such a PAIN IN MY ASS!"

It's the fat woman from before and she definitely struggles with getting that aforementioned ass out of the hatch. But against all odds and everything they're witnessing with their own two eyes, she somehow sucks her form through the hatch and climbs up onto the maintenance platform, a wide grin on her face. Her sleeves are rolled up, revealing scaled arms and as she licks her lips, Percy can't help but noticing that her tongue is… forked.

"Alright. Here we are at long last. You lot ran off on me and my darling boy here. But your scent was still so close by, so I knew you hadn't left the Arch! Pah! Decided to make me work for it, aren't you? Just a poor mother, struggling to make ends meet for her children."

"… Echidna. Mother of Monsters."

Annabeth's voice is still filled with fear, but she can't seem to help herself when it comes to expositing. Still, good to know. Holding Riptide aloft while Clarisse holds her spear up alongside him, Percy grits his teeth as Echidna blinks at them all and then laughs.

"Oho! Even knowing who I am, you're all so ready to fight. But you don't need to, children. All Lord Zeus needs is the boy. Give me the boy and you two can go free. Simple as can be."

Clarisse and Annabeth stiffen up at that.

"Never!"

"Not on your life, bitch!"

Echidna hisses but Percy… Percy is considering it. She's right that they don't need to fight, necessarily. In fact… he might even have a plan, as much as plans are Annabeth's thing.

… But on the other hand, he'd just gotten done talking with Annabeth about monsters. And now the Mother of Monsters and the Chimera were in front of him. How many demigods have they slain, the two of them? How many dead over the centuries, or even the millennia?

Percy isn't sure it's a good impulse, but he suddenly has the desire to stand and fight… and kill. In defense of not just himself and his friends, but every demigod out there right now. Probably a bad idea though. Unless…

Chapter 23: The Mississippi

Chapter Text

A/N: Percy and the ladies go for a swim~

-x-X-x-

No. It was a bad impulse, in the end. As much as Percy wanted to fight and kill Echidna and her Chimera, it wouldn't be permanent. They would just come back down the road madder and meaner. On the other hand, the same couldn't be said for Percy or his friends. And while he might be willing to put his own life on the line for a temporary victory, he couldn't say the same about Annabeth or Clarisse. If something happened to them because he insisted on standing their ground and fighting monsters, he would never forgive himself.

Which meant it was time to implement his other crazy plan instead.

"She's right. We don't have to fight."

The female demigods at his sides both look at him askance, their eyes widening with incredulity. Even Echidna looks surprised, the grotesque Mother of Monsters tilting her fat head to the side, making her numerous double-chins jiggle as she chuckles.

"Oh? Going to sacrifice yourself so they can go free, boy? How very, very noble of you. Mm, if you all play nice and the boy comes quietly, I see no problem with this arrangement. Might even be a reward in it for you on our way to Zeus, boy~"

When Echidna licks her lips suggestively, Percy's stomach curdles at the thought. Her… intentions are obvious and he's starting to really wonder what it is about him that seems to draw women in like moths to flame. He's also starting to realize it's not always going to be a boon, all of this female attention.

Needless to say, Annabeth and Clarisse are not on board with that plan. Like, at all. But even as they bristle and start to both snarl, Percy reaches out and grabs them by their shoulders, tugging them a half-step closer to him and causing them to look him in the eye.

"Girls. Trust me? Please?"

Both Annabeth and Clarisse look as unhappy as they can while Echidna just watches on in amusement. The Chimera is still hissing and growling, but the Mother of Monsters seems content to hold her 'son' at bay for the moment, especially since she thinks she's going to get what she wants.

Percy, meanwhile, tries to explain without explaining that he has a plan… one that requires the two girls to be fully committed. Thankfully, it doesn't take too long for both Annabeth and Clarisse to catch on that not all was as it seemed. Clarisse is the first to nod, with Annabeth right behind her.

"I trust you, Percy Jackson."

"Don't fuck this up, Seaweed Brain."

Fuck, he hopes not. Unfortunately, the moments of him looking at both girls meaningfully are also enough to begin to arouse Echidna's suspicions as well.

"If you really mean to turn yourself over, boy, step forward. You'll leave with my sonny and I first and then these two can make their way back down once we're gone. No funny business now."

Rather than obey, Percy just smiles and speaks as quietly as he can out of the corner of his mouth.

"Relax your bodies… and get ready to jump."

Annabeth and Clarisse go wide-eyed as they do what they're told, which Echidna, clearly not hearing his actual words but seeing him speaking all the same, gets more suspicious.

"Boy-!"

Percy doesn't give her a chance to speak again though. He could have grandstanded a bit more, he supposed. He could have said something like 'I only said we didn't have to fight… not that I was going with you' or something suitably badass like that.

He doesn't say anything though. He doesn't waste words on this creature and her pet monster, not when actions will suffice. Both Annabeth and Clarisse have relaxed when he abruptly moves his hands from their shoulders to around their waist. Grabbing them both as securely as he can, pulling them tight against his body, he spins with the two of them and together, they all jump over the railing.

"NO!"

Whether Echidna really doesn't want him dead or somehow immediately understands his plan, Percy doesn't know nor does he care. The Mother of Monsters and her Chimera don't leap after them, even as Annabeth and Clarisse cling to him, wrapping their bodies around his. In turn, Percy stares down at his target below as they go hurtling through the air.

The Mississippi River grows bigger and bigger as they fall and Percy can tell they're going to hit it, just as planned. Of course, under normal circumstances, diving from this high up into a river is no guarantee that you'll even survive. There's a reason a lot of people commit suicide by jumping off of bridges. At a certain height, water becomes as 'solid' as any other surface for the sake of going splat against it.

If he were a normal human being, even being the best swimmer in the world wouldn't save him from breaking his body on this dive. But Percy isn't a normal human being. He already knows the power of running water for someone like him, a Son of Poseidon. And that was just a creak of all things, really. A stream of sorts, one that you could wade through. A river… well, it might not be the ocean, but that didn't… shouldn't change things.

There's just one part about all of this that Percy isn't too sure about. Whether he can transfer his protection to other living things or not. As he, Annabeth, and Clarisse get closer and closer to the water, Percy turns onto his back, making sure both girls are pressed against his chest. It's hard because while Annabeth is small enough, Clarisse has a stockier, more Amazon-like build. But he does his best to put himself between the impact and them all the same.

The two are just starting to realize what he's done when they hit, which is probably for the best because otherwise they might have tried to stop him. As it is, Percy strikes the water… and any pain he might have felt from the impact is immediately diminished by how GOOD he feels at being in water.

They still sink all the way down to the bed of the Mississippi River of course, the height they'd fallen from sending them deep. But Percy doesn't have to wait even a moment before kicking off the muddy floor and pushing his legs to start shifting back and forth so he can swim upwards. Annabeth and Clarisse had felt heavy when he'd thrown the three of them over the railing up on the Arch. But now, they're as light as a feather while he's in his element.

The three of them breach the surface of the river in mere moments, with Percy making sure the girls are held above the water most of all. After all, he can breathe underwater, so it's not like he needs the oxygen. Instead, he's far more concerned about making sure Annabeth and Clarisse are uninjured. He can't heal them like he can heal himself… but from the way they're gasping for breath but not screaming in pain or unconscious with broken bones… he think he managed it. He got them all out safely.

"P-Percy… you… you're fucking i-insane…"

Before he can pull his head above the water to respond to that, a voice calls out to him. A voice that sounds strangely like his mother's.

Percy… please hold for a moment… we must speak…

It's not his mother. That much, he instinctively knows. But at the same time, he can't help but be curious. And while it might be a monster, the fact that both he's in water and they're asking to talk rather than attacking right off the bat gives him confidence. Instead of answering Annabeth's words when he finally breaches the water's surface, Percy has a serious look on his face.

"You two… you both alright? Nothing broken?"

"F-Fine… just… wet…"

"Nothing broken…"

"Great. Need you both to get to shore together. Can you do that? I'll join you soon."

"What? Percy!"

"… Very well."

Annabeth squawks when Clarisse is so quick to agree, but Percy just gives his Wise Girl a wicked grin.

"Looks like one of you remembered that you said you'd trust me."

That brings a flushed scowl to the blonde Daughter of Athena's face, but in the end she huffs and pulls away as well, and together she and Clarisse begin making their way to the shore. Percy watches just long enough to make sure they're both alright before dipping back below the surface. Immediately, that same feminine voice from before assails him.

I cannot stay, Percy. The river is too foul to abide by my presence for much longer.

Percy frowns and nods at that… before a thought strikes him and he opens his mouth.

"What can I do for you?"

As expected, if he can breathe underwater, it seems he can talk underwater as well. That's nice to know, he supposes.

You must not go West immediately. Your father bids you come to Santa Monica, to the bay there before you journey West. Please promise you will do this for me…

His father. Poseidon. Percy has never met the god and all he really knows about him is the tales as well as his interactions with those Poseidon has touched. First there was the Sea God claiming him after his and Hestia's first encounter, and then there was his experience with Medusa. In the end… Poseidon wasn't a bad or evil person, Percy didn't think. Or at least, Percy hoped.

Letting out a shuddering breath, he nods.

"Alright. We'll go to Santa Monica first then. I promise."

He didn't like that whatever this creature was, it had his mother's voice. But if she spoke with his father's authority… and if she didn't, surely Poseidon would have stepped in by now, right? So that meant she had to be here for him. Made sense, really. If Zeus and Hades both got to have their own monsters at their beck and call, surely Poseidon would have water-themed creatures as well to do his bidding…

Thank you, Percy. Thank you. Go to Santa Monica. And Percy, do not trust your gifts...

Wait, what? Percy goes wide-eyed at that.

"Gifts? What do you mean? My powers?! Something else?!"

He gets the impression that the voice tries to talk one last time before ultimately fading away. Great, she'd told him just enough to leave him with more questions than answers. Fucking hell.

Well, he was still on a time table. And now he had a divine order from his godly father himself to go the opposite direction that his Quest said he needed to go. With a grunt, he pushes back up out of the water and begins making his way to the shore of the Mississippi River. No rest for the wicked, Percy Supposed.

-x-X-x-

Once he spoke to Annabeth and Clarisse they had been… understanding about things at least. To a certain extent. Apparently, what Percy had talked to was almost certainly a Nereid, one of the fifty Nereids as a matter of fact. They were minor sea goddesses, which would explain why the Nereid hadn't been able to stay in the Mississippi River for too long before having to return to the sea. Or maybe it was just that the Mississippi River was an overly polluted fouled up waterway. One of the two, anyways.

Regardless, they'd eventually picked up Grover, only to find out that Percy was on the news in a bad way. Echidna hadn't taken his, Annabeth, and Clarisse's escape well. She'd gone on a rampage and done some damage to the Arch before leaving. But nobody had seen her or her 'dog' because… well, they were monsters and mundane people couldn't apparently comprehend them properly or something.

However, who HAD been seen? Percy Jackson. On security cameras. And wouldn't you know it, his description had also been recorded by the survivors of the bus that the Furies had attacked him on and Zeus had eventually blown up with his lightning bolt.

… Nobody was using the word 'terrorist' yet, but Percy was decidedly a 'Person of Interest' that was currently being hunted by the authorities. Even if he hadn't technically done anything wrong, the fact that he was at the scene of two crazy events apparently had everyone suspicious.

Fortunately, it didn't stop him and the others from sneaking onto the train, taking them away from the area and up to Denver. Percy could only hope that the investigation wouldn't follow him too hard. At least the video they were showing of him from the security cameras at the Arch was pretty blurry…

So yeah, should be fine. At least, that's what Percy was telling himself as he, Annabeth, Clarisse, and Grover all stopped off at a Car Wash in Denver.

"… Err, what are we doing here, exactly?"

"Iris-Messaging, Percy. Thankfully, Medusa saw fit to give us some drachmas as a parting gift. Basically… we can talk with the people back at Camp Half-Blood through a rainbow. Director H probably isn't back yet but Chiron should be able to give us some advice about the Nereid's offer."

Ah, right. Well that seemed fair. It wasn't right to expect them all to follow him to Santa Monica without getting confirmation from one of the primary sources of authority in all their lives. Truthfully, Percy wouldn't mind getting some advice from the legendary Hero Trainer either if he was being honest.

Watching Grover set up the car wash nozzle and feed some quarters into the machine before setting it to mist and turning it on, Percy gets a front row seat to seeing Annabeth toss a drachma into the ensuing rainbow.

"O goddess, accept our offering."

Seeing as the drachma disappears in a golden shimmer, it certainly seems like Iris, Goddess of Rainbows, has accepted their offering. Something Annabeth clearly agrees with because she clears her throat before making a polite request.

"Half-Blood Hill, please."

In an instant, the mist suddenly transforms into a shimmering vision. Percy's eyes widen as he takes in the sight of the Big House's porch. Unfortunately, Chiron isn't there at the moment… instead it's Luke, wearing shorts and a tank top and holding a sword as he stares off in the opposite direction of them. Annabeth, Clarisse, and Percy all exchange glances before Annabeth shrugs and calls out.

"Luke!"

Turning, his eyes wide, the scarred young man takes them all in for a moment before grinning.

"Annabeth! Percy! You're all right then!"

Nodding, the Daughter of Athena shrugs.

"As alright as can be considered. We were hoping to talk to Chiron though…"

"Yeah, he's down at the cabins right now. We've been having some unfortunate issues with some of the campers. What's this about exactly? Maybe I can help?"

Annabeth looks to Percy at that, clearly expecting him to take over as 'leader' of their quest. Percy steps forward and opens his mouth, not quite sure what he's going to say. Tell Luke everything? Or hold something back? He really didn't know the other man all that well yet…

Chapter 24: The Diner

Chapter Text

A/N: A pair of talks with a pair of assholes~

-x-X-x-

In the face of Luke's curiosity, Percy shrugs.

"Like Annabeth said, we're as alright as can be considered. But what's this about unfortunate issues with the campers? What's going on over there at the Camp?"

As Percy changes the subject and turns the question back on Luke, he can feel the eyes of the others on him, perhaps questioning why he hadn't asked Luke for his help. But the truth was… how could the Hermes Cabin Leader help them to begin with? They'd called because they were hoping to speak to Chiron. Luke shouldn't have much experience with Nereids, so in the end it was best not to overly worry the other boy.

Plus, Percy was curious. What WAS going on back at Camp Half-Blood? With Hestia away, were the other demigods acting up?

Through the spray of water, Luke's visage shimmers and then he sighs as his shoulders slump.

"Things are getting rather dire here, you guys. We don't know how, but everyone has found out that Zeus and Poseidon are currently engaged in a bit of a standoff. Whichever asshole summoned that hellhound probably also leaked the info, I guess."

Oh. Well shit. Percy throws a glance at Annabeth and Clarisse, trying to gauge how bad this might be. From the pale looks on their faces, pretty damn bad. And without Hestia there…

"Chiron can keep things under control though, right?"

Luke smiles weakly but shakes his head.

"He's trying. That's why he's not here right now, he went down a little while ago to break up another fight. Don't get me wrong, Chiron has the respect of every person here in Camp Half-Blood. But respect only goes so far when you get a bunch of young adults together and tell them that their divine parents might be about to start another war."

Percy's eyes widen at that.

"War?! Surely not!"

Shrugging, Luke glances off to the side, running a hand through his hair.

"… Yeah, hope not. But it's definitely shaping up into something not so pretty. Like the Trojan War all over again. Everyone is taking sides right now. You've got Aphrodite, Ares, and Apollo backing Poseidon while Athena is backing Zeus. And their children and thus their cabins are expected to follow."

Percy's mouth goes dry at that. To his credit, Luke seems to realize what he's just said and who he's just said it in the presence of a moment later. His face scrunches up into an expression of pure apology directed at Percy, even as his eyes dart to first Annabeth and then Clarisse standing just behind and on either side of him. Quite suddenly, Percy can feel the weight of them both at his back.

"Oh, but none of you should let that distract you from your quest, you hear me? Don't worry about what's going on here at Camp Half-Blood! Just focus on your Quest! Get back the Master Bolt, asap! In fact-!"

All of the sudden, a car pulls up with its radio turned to maximum volume, blasting so much bass into the air that Percy couldn't even begin to tell you what genre of music it is. Not with how distracted he is. But also… it makes for the perfect excuse.

"What- what is that noise?"

"Sound of our time running out I'm afraid! Talk to you later, Luke!"

"What- but Percy I-!"

Before Luke can finish what he was going to say, Percy takes the nozzle from Grover and shuts it off, moving hurriedly. He can't say for certain why he feels the need to shut Luke up so suddenly… well no, that's not quite true. He feels the need to shut Luke up because the other man might have just dropped a fucking hand grenade into the dynamics of Percy's party. Slowly turning around to regard the girls, Percy looks at Clarisse and Annabeth, trying to gauge their reactions to Luke's news.

He almost wishes he hadn't asked the man what was going on at camp. He could have told Luke about their adventures and maybe the fact that the campers were taking sides would never have come up. Maybe the fact that Athena was siding with Zeus against Percy's father could have stayed a secret.

"Annabeth…"

Jolting from a moment of quiet contemplation, the Daughter of Athena straightens up, looking Percy in the eye with a slight flush to her face.

"It… it makes sense. My mother… she's Zeus' favorite daughter. One of his closest advisors too…"

She bites her lower lip for a moment, dropping back into her own thoughts before jerking upwards again and looking at him.

"It doesn't matter, Percy."

Doesn't it? Obviously he wants to trust her. No, he DOES trust her. He and Annabeth might have only known each other for less than two weeks now, but that doesn't mean he doesn't trust and care for her. Still, to ask her to go against her mother… her mother who is a Goddess of War…

"I'm serious. It doesn't matter. Athena and Poseidon have been at each other's throats for longer than any living human has walked this Earth. And I still chose you. Not to mention… I'm already going to owe my mother an explanation for what we did with Medusa when all is said and done."

Percy winces. He hadn't thought about it like that but Annabeth is sort of right. Flipping her blonde locks back over her shoulder, Annabeth huffs and crosses her arms over her chest.

"In the end, none of this matters so long as we succeed. The Quest comes first, always. And if we get Zeus' Master Bolt back, if we find out who really stole it and can clear your father's name, then there will be no war for our parents or us to be on opposite sides of. Alright?"

Letting out an explosive breath, Percy nods and forces a smile onto his face.

"Right. Alright. You're right of course. As always, Wise Girl."

Coloring slightly at the nickname, Annabeth huffs and rolls her eyes. But she can't quite keep the smile off her face either as she looks at him with no small amount of affection.

"Seaweed Brain."

There's a beat of silence between them. Clarisse stands off to the side, quiet as a mouse. One might consider that rather uncharacteristic of her, but if anything she looks slightly vindicated. After all, HER loyalty isn't in question at the moment. It doesn't matter if they fail and things do turn into a war, because Luke just made it clear that her father was on Percy's father's side in all of this, leaving there no question of where she and Percy stood with one another.

Grover on the other hand…

"Okay but what do we do now? We missed our chance to ask Chiron about the Nereid and whether it was worth going to the ocean or not. Didn't even bother asking Luke for his opinion! So what do we do next?!"

Looking at his friend, Percy can tell Grover is getting a little frazzled. At the same time, Percy himself is exhausted. But more than exhausted… he's hungry. And they still had money in their pockets from 'Aunty Em'. That said…

"Let's get some dinner, yeah? Then we'll decide our next move."

No one has any objections to that, in the end. Mostly because they're all just as hungry as Percy is.

-x-X-x-

The diner they find nearby is stereotypical to a T, Percy notes. Gleaming and chrome and filled to the brim with families eating cheeseburgers and fries while drinking fizzy, bubbly soda. Once they're all sat down in a booth, a waitress comes over and takes their order and then leaves them be. Which is a bit awkward, because Percy doesn't actually know what to do or say to fill the silence. Nor does anyone else. But… it should be filled, he realizes. Best not to leave the others in their own heads. Or himself for that matter.

However, just as he's getting ready to speak up and say… something witty hopefully, a rumble sounds out that's powerful enough to shake the entire building. For a brief moment, Percy worries that Zeus is flinging another lightning bolt… but then, outside of the diner through the window, he clocks a motorcycle pulling up into the parking lot.

The thing is massive and its owner doesn't bother with a parking spot. He just goes right up to the diner's curb, shuts the motorcycle down, and hops off. As the glaring red headlight dims to nothing, everyone in the diner has turned to stare, Percy notices. But to be fair, Percy is staring as well. He's just not sure whether to stare at the bike or the biker.

The bike has literal flames painted on it, but while those would just be somewhat humorous by themselves, the shotgun holsters on either side of the bike with shotguns loaded in them gave the flames a bit more of an… unsettling feel.

Meanwhile, the biker is a mountain of a man, hulking and huge in a way Percy has never seen anyone be before. He's dressed in red and black, with the red being a shirt and the black being black jeans and a black leather duster. Percy WOULD say the guy was trying too hard, but he pulled it off in a way that a lot of people couldn't. He was the goal that those who actually were trying too hard were trying and failing to meet, Percy found himself thinking.

"Father…"

Percy blinks and his head whips back to the table. Clarisse is staring at the Biker with wide eyes, her hands trembling above the table for a moment before she shoves them down into her lap. The Daughter of Ares looks truly shaken and even with her hands hidden… Percy realizes she's trembling. Is it fear? Anticipation? Either way, she's already revealed the truth, be it intentionally or otherwise.

Ares steps into the diner and everyone except for their table stands up as if in a trance or something. But the God of War dismisses them with a simple wave of his hand, sneering as he walks over to their table, his boots impacting the ground again and again. Finally, he sits down at their table, forcing Clarisse, Annabeth, and Grover all to scrunch up around the table's bend.

His sneer transforms into a grin… at least partially. Percy gets the impression that the God of War is still sneering under that grin, even as he steals some of Grover's fries, dips them in Annabeth's milkshake, and eats them like a pug, chowing down like it's no one's business but his own. Then again, maybe it isn't. He is a God, after all.

"Hello cousin."

He's looking right at Percy. Doesn't even spare a glance to Clarisse his daughter or Annabeth, his rival's daughter. He certainly pays no mind to Grover. Percy… Percy feels a slight spike of anger on their behalf. Especially on Clarisse's. This was Ares, her father… and he was ignoring her. It was frustrating. Irritating. Ares' attitude was the whole reason Clarisse was the way she was at the end of the day.

Even knowing he's facing down a God, even knowing that he's so out of his depth it isn't even funny… Percy's hands curl into fists laid out on the diner table as he finds himself glaring at Ares in anger.

"Ares. What do you want?"

The sharp inhales from Annabeth, Clarisse, and Grover are completely overshadowed by Ares letting out a bark of laughter in response.

"Hah! You know exactly who I am, but you're still that uppity. I like that. I like a punk. So long as you remember who's in charge."

Not Ares, Percy wants to say. But then, he can't exactly claim that to be true when the God of War reaches over, grabs half of his daughter's cheeseburger off her plate, and begins chowing down on it without Clarisse giving a single word of complaint. The God of War continues to eat like a pig, chewing sloppily and letting grease dribble down his chin. Then, he points the burger at Percy.

"Need you to do something for me, cousin. A favor for a God."

Percy realizes suddenly that Ares wants him mad. He wants him angry. He wants this to be a fight… because that's where the God of War excels. In battle. Percy needs to change things up. Letting out a shaky breath, he uncurls his fingers and tilts his head to the side.

"Yeah? What's in it for me?"

He can feel the others all staring at him like he's nuts. Even Ares goes still for a moment mid-chew. Finally though, the God of War finishes chewing and swallows before wagging Clarisse's stolen cheeseburger at Percy.

"Cocky, cousin. Very, very cocky. You like making deals, don't you?"

It takes every fiber of Percy's being not to glance over at Clarisse as their little wager regarding Capture the Flag comes to his mind. Does Ares know? If he doesn't, Percy certainly isn't going to be the one to tell him.

"Fine! A deal it'll be! Favor for a favor! I left my shield at an abandoned water park. And you're in luck, because that water park is right here in this very town! Me and my girl were on a little date you see, and we got… interrupted. So I had to leave the shield behind. You'll go and fetch it for me."

There are a ton of questions on the tip of his tongue. Things like 'who the fuck is stupid enough to date you' or 'why don't you just go and get it yourself'. But Percy holds them all back and keeps his eye on the prize, so to speak.

"And in return?"

Ares' eyes burn with the fires of war. Percy hadn't noticed that before, but he's noticing it now as the god peers at him.

"In return… I'll give you all a lift West. That's where you have to go, isn't it? For your little quest? Only… time ain't on your side, cousin. But with a God to help you out, you could get there so, so much faster…"

Well fuck. He was right. They needed to go West, but they had less than a week left before everything went to shit. The prophecy hadn't exactly been clear about how far West they needed to go, but Percy would be lying if he said he wasn't concerned about their chances after all the setbacks they'd had so far. And there was still the Nereid's request too.

But now Ares, God of War, was giving them an offer they couldn't refuse. Percy wasn't an idiot. He knew how bad of an idea it would be to say no to this deal. The only question he had to answer was… would it be an even worse idea to say yes, in the long run?

Chapter 25: Ares, God of War

Chapter Text

A/N: In which things go a little bit awry.

-x-X-x-

He wants nothing more than to say no, Percy realizes. Sitting there staring into the God of War's eyes, he wants to reject Ares' deal and send the jackass packing. And he knows perfectly well why that is too. It's because Ares is a dickwad of a god who loves to lord his power over other people. He could crush all of them like bugs and he knows it too. That doesn't make him any more likable though. And Percy has never been the type to just bow his head and submit.

… But at the same time, they ARE on a time crunch. Literal divine war between the gods of Mount Olympus is going to break out any day now. And on a more personal note, if Percy doesn't get Zeus' Master Bolt back to the Sky God, not only will war likely break out, but Zeus is likely to continue trying to kill Percy, either personally with lightning or through proxies like the Furies and Echidna.

In the end, they need to go West. That was what the Oracle said. And here they were having barely gotten anywhere so far in their journey. Hitchhiking a ride with a literal god would almost certainly cut down their travel time by a ton so long as they could trust Ares to hold true to his end of the bargain. But then… they should be able to, right?

As much as Ares was clearly a jackass with too much goddamn power (pun intended) he was also Clarisse's father. And while that alone might not mean fuck all, Luke had said himself that Ares Cabin had sided with Percy's father in the schism that Camp Half-Blood was currently experiencing. And that sort of distinction would only happen if Ares himself had also sided with Poseidon… right?

In the end as much as it pained Percy to admit it… they needed Ares' help. Otherwise, this quest was doomed to failure, given how they'd stalled out. Letting out a deep breath, he nods before he can second guess himself any further.

"Alright. We have a deal. We'll retrieve your Shield and you'll take us West."

Ares smirks, the glow of fire in his eyes intensifying. But… there's something behind that smirk, behind his smug countenance. Something almost nervous. Percy wouldn't normally recognize it, but he's seen the same look on Clarisse's face. Faux confidence. Like they're putting on an act and trying to be something they don't think they truly are, deep down inside.

Of course, Percy keeps such observations to himself, even as Ares shoots out the hand not currently holding Clarisse's cheeseburger.

"Shake on it then, cousin."

Percy really doesn't want to… but what other choice does he have? Deciding not to hesitate or show weakness to the godly biker before him, he reaches out and takes Ares' hand, shaking it. Ares' smirk remains for all of a moment before something in the air abruptly changes and his face slackens in shock.

The God of War's aura or perhaps presence had been there this entire time in the background, scratching at Percy's senses. But suddenly it magnifies a hundredfold, bearing down on Percy like the weight of an entire mountain. Percy's eyes widen and he's glad to be seated because he's not sure he could have remained standing. No, scratch that, he definitely would have collapsed if he were on his feet.

Ares' burning gaze is suddenly so much more intense than before as he holds Percy's hand in an almost-crushing grip.

"You."

Percy doesn't know what's happening. He doesn't know what's going on. But he also doesn't have it in him to back down. He holds the God of War's gaze and faces death head on, almost certain that this is it. This is where he dies.

… And then, just as quickly as it started, it ends. The presence reels itself back in and Ares yanks his hand away from Percy's as though it's on fire. It's not thankfully, though it is a little red. Percy supposes he should be lucky it's not broken after being in a god's grasp. Or perhaps lucky that it even still exists. Regardless, he can only furrow his brow at Ares in confusion, not really sure what set the God of War off.

"… How can it be you?"

Suddenly, it dawns on Percy what must have happened. Percy Jackson was someone's Reincarnation. He didn't know who because he'd specifically asked Hestia not to tell him. Still, Hestia had known the moment she laid eyes on him but Ares… Ares hadn't known until they'd touched. Regardless, from the way the War God had reacted, he wasn't too happy about whoever Percy had previously been.

For a moment, Percy considers asking for clarification… but he hesitates. If he didn't let Hestia tell him who his previous incarnation had been, it didn't seem right to let Ares do it instead. And could Percy even trust anything that came out of the God of War's mouth in regard to all of that? In the end, he waffles for too long. Ares abruptly stands.

"No matter. Get my Shield and I'll get you West. Those are the terms. Now go."

And then, just like that, the God of War leaves the restaurant. He takes Clarisse's burger with him but she doesn't seem to really care. No, rather, she and Annabeth and Grover are all staring at Percy with wide eyes. Ares' dismissive attitude towards Clarisse has already been forgotten by his daughter because now she's looking at Percy with a pale face, as though he's a dead man walking. And hell, maybe he is.

"Percy… Ares looked ready to kill you. What the fuck was that?!"

Annabeth is the one who gives voice to all of their thoughts. Percy winces before deciding to just be honest with them. They should really know what they're getting into if they keep traveling with him. Especially since Percy suspects if Ares HAD decided to squish him like a bug right then and there… no one else in the vicinity would have survived the god's wrath either.

"I think… I think it's because I'm a Reincarnation."

This causes all three of his friends to go wide-eyed, though once again Annabeth is the one who speaks up in a squawk.

"What?! A Reincarnation?!"

Nodding slowly, Percy looks down at his food for a moment.

"Hestia told me about it. Took me aside and… explained to me that I'm not just a Son of Poseidon but also a Reincarnation. Someone who bathed themselves in River Lethe to erase all memories of their past life and get reborn back into the living world."

Annabeth hesitates for a moment at that… and then jolts in surprise when Clarisse takes the chance to ask Percy a rather brusque question.

"Who's Reincarnation, exactly?"

The Daughter of Athena gives her fellow female demigod a look at that, as though Clarisse is being incredibly rude. But while the tips of Clarisse's ears do go red, she doesn't waver for even a moment. She's staring at Percy expectantly, a strange expression on her face. Percy, meanwhile… sighs.

"I don't know."

"WHAT?!"

Shock ripples through the others again at that, with Annabeth being the most vocal.

"You don't know?! Goddess Hestia didn't tell you?!"

Ah, yeah he can see why Annabeth would be surprised by that. Shaking his head, Percy smiles a sheepish smile.

"Well she offered to actually. She said that the person I was a Reincarnation of… they're someone she recognized on sight. So she offered to let me know who I once was right then and there. But I turned her down."

Everyone exchanges glances at that. This time, Grover fields the obvious question, his brow furrowed in consternation and confusion.

"… Why would you do that, Percy?"

Percy's hands have slipped back into his lap as they've been talking. Which is good because they curl into fists at that question.

"Because I'm me. I'm not… I'm not whoever that person was anymore. I'm Perseus Jackson, son of Sally Jackson and apparently Poseidon. I don't want to be anyone else but myself. And I don't want to go through life thinking of myself as 'That Person's Reincarnation'. I just… I just wanted to be Percy."

His reasoning had sounded so good to him back when he'd originally made the choice with Hestia. Ignoring the fact that he was Reincarnated really had sounded like a good idea at the time for all the previously mentioned reasons. But now, sitting there across from his friends after having been mere inches from being pulverized by a God of War… Percy was feeling more than a little stupid.

Whoever he was the Reincarnation of, Ares seemed to hate them with a burning passion. In truth, Percy didn't know why he was still alive. Was it because Ares really was so fully aligned with Poseidon that he couldn't risk the Sea God's Wrath by killing Percy? Or was there something else at play here?

"… Guys, I don't think we can trust Ares."

Having fallen into various states of contemplation at his heartfelt words about just wanting to be Percy, the others all pause at that. Annabeth is the first to respond with a scoff.

"Well no shit Percy, he's Ares."

"H-Hey!"

Clarisse's defense of her father is weak at best, but she still looks ready to throw hands with Annabeth all the same. Annabeth just rolls her eyes which does nothing to defuse the situation. Percy steps in before it can come to blows though, even as he hopes that Clarisse isn't so loyal to her deadbeat dad that she'll betray them.

"No, I mean on a personal level. Ares… he wanted me dead. You all sat that. For a moment there, he wanted to kill me. But something held him back. And I don't think it was just my father. I think he chose not to kill me… because he knew there would be others who might do his dirty work for him soon enough."

"Shit… you're probably right. What do we do?"

Percy was beginning to feel dumb for not asking more about this damn water park. But to be fair, Ares had left rather abruptly. All they knew was that they needed to go to a place called Waterland and find the damn shield. That… wasn't much. In the end though… the situation hadn't really changed. It'd just gotten more dangerous.

"We stay the course. Meaning we go get that shield and force Ares to hold up his end of the deal. We just do it while keeping our heads on a swivel, alright?"

Everyone looks varying degrees of uncertain but as Percy meets each of their eyes, they slowly nod. Of course, he doesn't fail to notice the mistrustful look that Annabeth gives Clarisse. Truthfully, Percy isn't sure how to feel about all of that. On the one hand he has Luke telling him Athena is siding with Zeus. On the other hand, he has Ares literally wanting to kill him. And here he is, caught in the middle of a Daughter of Athena and a Daughter of Ares. He wants to trust them both, but damn if that shitty prophecy isn't always in the back of his mind.

You shall be betrayed by one you call ally.

It was so vague. So… undefined. Technically he was calling Ares his ally right now since they'd made a deal together. So would the God of War be the betrayer? Would it be Annabeth or Clarisse? Someone else entirely? Percy didn't know. Part of him didn't want to know. But one thing was certain… they needed to get that damn shield fast.

… And that meant they would need instructions on how to get to this Waterland place.

-x-X-x-

"Trap."

"Oh yeah."

Luckily, the waitress at the diner had known about Waterland and been able to tell them where it was located. Of course, she'd also told them it was closed down and looked a little weirded out when that hadn't seemed to bother them. In the end though, they'd paid for their meals and left so hopefully she wouldn't see any reason to call the cops on them.

Reaching Waterland from there, they'd had to scale the barbed wire fences together. Well, him, Clarisse, and Annabeth did. Grover had just flown over on the shoes that Luke had given Percy at the start of this quest. After that, they'd explored the abandoned water park, looking for Ares' damn shield. And when they finally found it… well…

Looking up, Percy reads the name of the ride again.

THRILL RIDE O' LOVE: THIS IS NOT YOUR PARENTS' TUNNEL OF LOVE!

The 'ride' as it were, was a massive bowl that was probably once a pool. Now it was empty of water though. The bowl's rim is surrounded by bronze cupid statues and down in the bowls' center was a pink and white boat. And in that boat, on the left seat… was a shield.

Yeah, this was definitely a trap. There was simply no denying it. Even if Percy didn't know Ares definitely had it in for him or whoever he'd once been, he would think this was a really fucking obvious trap.

"… There's a Greek letter carved here. Eta."

Over at one of the Cupid Statues, Annabeth runs her fingers over the letter in question. Percy frowns.

"What does it mean?"

The Daughter of Athena thinks hard for a moment.

"It means… H."

And then, just like that, her eyes widen in realization.

"It means Hephaestus! Of course! Ares' lover is Aphrodite… Hephaestus' wife. This isn't a trap for us, it's a trap for the two of them and they must have managed to slip out of it but left behind Ares' Shield!"

Huh. Okay well that was good to know. So that meant this trap wasn't designed by Ares to kill Percy personally. But it WAS designed to do something to a pair of two-timing cheating gods by a third, spurned god. Great.

"There's… there's no helping it. We'll need to go down there."

Percy nods to Annabeth. He doesn't see another way either… although… maybe? No, probably not. Shaking his head of the silly thought as he looks down at the incredibly dry bowl, Percy sighs.

"I'll go. This is my deal, my job, my quest. You all stay here while I get the Shield."

"What?! No, I'm going with you!"

"You can't go alone! Percy, allow me to accompany you!"

Annabeth and Clarisse both speak at the same time, only to immediately turn and glare at each other angrily. They don't even have to say anything. It's incredibly obvious that Annabeth doesn't trust Clarisse as far as she can throw her. Meanwhile… Percy doesn't get the impression Clarisse wants to kill him. She definitely wouldn't try this early while his guard was still up. No, she's offering because she wants to PROVE herself.

Looking between the two female demigods, Percy sighs. Picking either would be damaging to the other. But going down there alone IS a bad idea, admittedly. A heroic self-sacrificing one, but nevertheless a bad idea.

But they couldn't just stand here waffling forever. He had to make a choice.

Chapter 26: Waterland

Chapter Text

A/N: Thinking outside the box... or rather, outside the bowl as it were.

-x-X-x-

"… No."

His refusal sends a jolt of surprise through both Annabeth and Clarisse as they look at him with confusion and hurt in their eyes. But even still, it feels right.

"I'm taking neither of you down there."

At this, the two young women exchange a glance and quite quickly set aside their differences.

"You can't possibly go down there alone!"

"You need someone to watch your back!"

"Even if its her, it's better than no one!"

"Tch, right back at you!"

The female demigods glare at each other for a moment but then their gazes soften. Percy tries not to laugh too hard at how swiftly they just managed to come to an understanding because they both thought he was being an idiot. He can't hide the mirthful smile though, even as he shakes his head in response.

"I'm not going down there either. None of us are."

That gives them both pause, with Annabeth furrowing her brow and frowning as she looks down into the bowl at the shield sat upon the seat of the marooned boat.

"… Are we giving up then, Percy? Or… no, wait… you don't think?"

Percy grins and nods. He should have known Annabeth would pick up on it. She's not the Daughter of Athena and his Wise Girl for nothing after all.

"It's worth a shot, isn't it?"

Annabeth bites her lower lip, looking around the bowl's rim at the ominous cupid statues. After a moment, she finally nods.

"Y-Yeah. It's better than willfully springing whatever Hephaestus' trap for Ares and Aphrodite was. Ugh, can't believe I said we had no choice…"

She actually looks upset at herself for not thinking it over longer. Stepping up to her side, Percy pulls Annabeth into a one-armed hug.

"Hey now. It's fine. After all… this shit is a Hail Mary anyways."

With that said, he tries to… reach out for lack of a better word. This isn't something he's done outside of practice just yet, but back when he and Annabeth had been messing around with his abilities, Percy had learned a lot about what it meant to be a Son of Poseidon. His father's domain wasn't just salt water or else Percy would never have been able to use the stream back at Camp Half-Blood like he had. On the other hand, would it work on an artificial, man-made water park like Waterland? Percy honestly didn't know.

That said, when he reaches out… he feels something. Something stagnant. Not what he was hoping for but also not the end of the world. Looking down into the bowl, looking past the obvious trap… Percy sees piping. He sees where water must have once flowed back when this ride and indeed the entire water park was still in use.

And best of all, he sees a glass-covered building, what can only be this particular ride's control room. Grinning, he nods over to Grover.

"Grover, see that booth there? I want you to try to turn the ride back on."

It takes him a moment, but even Grover's eyes widen in understanding at that, as do Clarisse's. He nods enthusiastically and rushes over, while Percy and the two female demigods all remain standing at the rim, watching down below. A few moments later and Grover calls out, even as Percy begins to feel something in the stagnation starting to move.

"I pressed every button I could, Percy!"

"You did great, Grover!"

And really, he had. Percy focuses then. He focuses like he's never done before. He focuses on the feel of the water he can sense thanks to his divine blood. He focuses on what the Mississippi River felt like when he, Annabeth, and Clarisse had all dived into it to escape Echidna. And… he feels something. Something good.

"Here it comes girls!"

Both Annabeth and Clarisse tense up as a moment later water explodes out of the pipes and into the pool, positively roaring. Percy has control of it though and he's able to direct it down the sides of the bowl, under the boat instead of on top of it. In an instant, the boat jostles and begins to lift… and that alone turns out to be enough to activate Hephaestus' trap.

"Percy!"

Annabeth shouts and points as the cupids all around the rim of the bowl drew their bows back… and fired not at them or at the boat, but at each other. Thick gold cables explode across the top of the defunct water ride, not quite covering the entire top of the bowl… but where they don't cover, smaller threads quickly begin to expand between them, creating what can only be described as a net.

The boat was rising fast, but the webbing was blocking it off from them quickly. Percy grits his teeth and focuses on the water, trying to get the boat up faster for them. More specifically, he focuses on angling the seats of the boat in their direction.

"GET READY!"

Both Clarisse and Annabeth rush forward to the rim of the bowl, getting into position. Strands cover the surface just as the boat is pushed up by the water under Percy's control, with Percy growling as he strains with all his might. The net holds… but Annabeth and Clarisse both snatch out their hands, grabbing something apiece from the boat's seats through the gaps still present in the golden net.

"Got it!"

Clarisse's voice rings out and Percy has to trust her on this because the net is pretty much complete and their window has ended. Indeed, this is no more clear then when the cupids around the rim all pop open their heads, video cameras sprouting from their necks. Big bright spotlights rise up from the ground as well, coating the bowl in their light as a voice comes from nowhere and everywhere at once.

"Live to Olympus in one minute! Fifty-Nine Seconds! Fifty-Eight Seconds-!"

As the countdown continues, Percy, Annabeth, and Clarisse all take several steps back, with Percy letting the tidal wave he'd summoned die down and carry the boat back to the bottom of the bowl. Not a moment too soon either it would seem, because after that all those mirrors that Ares and Aphrodite had probably chose this place for pop open… and a very different sort of tidal wave comes flowing out down the sides of the bowl.

As thousands, perhaps millions of mechanical spiders rush down towards the empty boat, Percy feels Annabeth tense up at his side in abject terror. Fortunately, the net is complete by this point and so finely woven that not even the robot arachnids can get past it. Still…

"We need to get out of here. Now."

The countdown is still going after all, the droning voice of whom Percy can only assume to be Hephaestus reaching forty at that exact same moment. Grover comes out of the control booth at the same time and both he and Clarisse are nodding in agreement. Annabeth though, is a bit more frozen up, her hands clutching at something made of cloth that he doesn't remember her having before.

In the end, Percy just grabs Annabeth by the shoulders and pulls her along, the four of them fleeing the scene as fast as they possibly can with the Daughter of Athena damn near catatonic. Fortunately, that's still pretty fast. By the time Hephaestus' countdown reaches zero and the video cameras begin transmitting to Olympus, they've slipped right back out of Waterland with hopefully nobody, deities or otherwise, seeing them.

-x-X-x-

That last bit is confirmed when they get back to the diner to find Ares waiting for them with a mulish look on his face.

"Clever brats, aren't you? Got in and out with that cuck of a blacksmith being none the wiser to who actually sprung his trap. Though perhaps you shouldn't have been so clever. Olympus might not have seen any of you, but they saw the water settling. Looks like Poseidon decided to help me out, you know? Might mean Hephaestus sides with Zeus in the coming war."

Percy bristles, wanting nothing more than to tear Ares a new asshole right then and there. And maybe if he had a big enough body of water at his back, he might have even tried it. But… no. They're nowhere near even a river and Percy… Percy is already a little tired from that stunt he'd pulled back at Waterland. He was pretty sure that application of his powers while he wasn't submerged in water wasn't something he was supposed to be doing much of yet.

Besides, Ares' words were a whole bunch of shit-stirring for the sake of shit-stirring and that was incredibly obvious. The God of War might be right about Hephaestus siding with Zeus now, but seeing Percy himself on those cameras would probably have had the exact same effect. Not to mention there wasn't going to BE a war if Percy had any say in things…

That all said… he swallows his pride while at the same time keeping his head held high. Tossing Ares his shield, Percy bites out his response.

"Time for you to hold up your end of the deal."

Ares sneers as the shield melts in his hands, transforming into a bulletproof vest that he then puts on almost casually. Then, he gestures to a nearby truck.

"Your ride."

Percy's eyes narrow as he looks over the eighteen-wheeler.

KINDNESS INTERNATIONAL: HUMANE ZOO TRANSPORT

WARNING: LIVE WILD ANIMALS

Looking back to Ares, Percy wants to be snarky and sarcastic… but he holds his tongue again. Because even now, even after everything, he gets the impression that the God of War really, really wants him dead. But deals were deals, right? Ares had to hold true to his word… or so Percy had to hope.

After a beat of silence, Ares just growls at not getting a reaction from Percy and snaps his fingers. The back door of the eighteen-wheeler pops open half an inch right in front of their eyes and Ares smirks in a way that doesn't quite reach his glowing, flaming eyes.

"One free ride west, punk. Straight to L.A. with one stop in Vegas. Have fun. Oh, and because I'm such a nice guy…"

He reaches back and grabs a duffel bag that Percy hadn't even noticed slung over the handlebars of Ares' motorcycle until now. Lobbing it in Percy's direction, he forces Percy to catch it against his chest, grunting as he manages to keep his feet under him despite its weight. Not trusting it for a moment, Percy puts the duffel down on the ground and opens it up right then and there, uncaring of Ares' reaction this time.

… Unfortunately, he doesn't immediately find anything that might be a trap intended to kill him and his friends. Instead, there were four sets of fresh clothes, eighty bucks in cash, a pouch full of drachmas, and a bag of double stuffed Oreos of all things. Percy still doesn't trust it for even a moment, but before he can reject the gift, Grover speaks up for them.

"Thank you, Lord Ares. For a generous boon."

Heh, of course his best friend knew when he was about to be an idiot. The warning glance Grover shoots Percy tells him that it's probably a lot more serious than just a massive social faux pas to refuse anything from a god. Even still, he knew for a fact that taking all of this was going to come back to bite them later on somehow. He just didn't know in what way just yet…

Whatever. Percy zips the duffle bag closed and hoists it up onto one shoulder while giving Ares a begrudging nod. In response, the God of War just scoffs and gets on his bike.

"Good luck, kiddies. You're going to need it. And you, Percy Jackson… I'll be seeing you again. Real soon."

Before any of them can say anything to that particularly ominous statement, Ares' bike roars to life, damn near deafening in its sound as the God of War rides off. Percy exchanges glances with his friends, or at least with Clarisse and Grover seeing as Annabeth is still averting her eyes, but in the end… what other choice do they have? They get in the back of the damn Zoo Truck and latch the door behind them.

-x-X-x-

Hours later, after the Kindness International Truck has left the diner behind and begun barreling down the road towards what was hopefully the West Coast, Percy has gone through every inch of the damn duffle bag and its contents. But if Ares had trapped the thing… Percy couldn't perceive it. He just has this feeling… but divine bullshit will be divine bullshit.

As he's huffing and zipping up the duffel yet again, he suddenly has two bodies pressed up against either side of him. Annabeth is the first to speak, even as she runs a hand along his chest.

"S-Sorry… about earlier. Spiders are… a bit of a sore point for me. My mother Athena has a rather acrimonious relationship with the Mother of Spiders, Arachne. So… well, spider monsters tend to have a distinct fixation when it comes to me and other children of Athena. S-Still, I shouldn't have frozen up like that. You had to pull me out of there."

Shaking his head, Percy gives Annabeth a broad smile.

"It's not an irrational fear if they really are out to get you, Annabeth. You didn't have to explain yourself to me… but I appreciate that you did."

The Daughter of Athena blushes at that… and then suddenly holds up something between them. It's what she had in her hands back at Waterland but didn't have visible when they met back up with Ares, Percy realizes.

"This… this is Aphrodite's Scarf. Just like Ares' Shield, it's a powerful divine artifact. And I think you should have it. It could be a potent bargaining tool later on. Just be careful with it, okay? Aphrodite uses it to enchant those she takes an interest in…"

Percy blinks as he slowly takes the shimmering pink scarf from Annabeth's hands. It has a very interesting scent to it. One that's both intoxicating… and familiar? Why would it be familiar though? But then, maybe that's part of the enchantment. Knowing about it from Annabeth, he can resist the scarf's effect, rolling it up and tucking it away in the duffle bag for the time being. He gives Annabeth a grateful smile and also squeezes her hand comfortingly for a moment before turning to the OTHER woman pressed up against his side.

Clarisse La Rue is blushing profusely even in the darkness of the Kindness International Truck. The statuesque blonde bites her lower lip for a moment before taking his free hand and shoving it in between her legs so he can feel her heat and arousal.

"You still own me for the rest of this week, Percy. A-And as your maid… I'm beginning to feel a little neglected."

Oh. Well then.

Chapter 27: Kindness International

Chapter Text

A/N: The Kindness International Truck sucks.

-x-X-x-

They couldn't do much in the back of the Kindness International Truck… or so Percy figured. Between Grover and the animals, it just didn't seem like a good idea to get up to much hanky panky, even with it being dark as hell in here. But just as he's thinking that, Annabeth and Clarisse are working together to pull open the zipper of the duffel again, dragging out a blanket. After they've quickly spread it over all three of their laps, Annabeth gives Clarisse a significant look.

"Good maids are neither seen nor heard… wouldn't you agree, Percy?"

Clarisse flushes from his other side, before looking at him expectantly. Percy raises an eyebrow and glances at both of them for a moment, not entirely sure what they're going for here. But in the end, they SEEM to be of the same mind on this, regardless. So… he just shrugs and goes with it.

"Sure… I guess?"

Blushing even harder in the very dim light they're dealing with, Clarisse nods in response and then ducks under the blanket. Suddenly, Percy knows exactly what the two were going for, as Clarisse shifts into place and leans over his lap. Sitting with his legs crossed and his back against the wall of the Kindness International Van, Percy feels Clarisse quickly work open his belt and pants, sift out his cock, and proceed to put it in her mouth.

He holds back the groan that wants to spill out of his lips as this happens, but Annabeth has a pleased smile on her face all the same, even as she nestles into his side. The girlfriend and the maid, the lover and the servant. It's obvious the sort of dynamic Annabeth is trying to cement… and also obvious that Clarisse isn't willing to fight her on it. Perhaps because the Daughter of Ares doesn't know there's a battle to be fought over the issue.

Regardless of Annabeth's duplicity, Percy settled in to enjoy the moment for what it was as Clarisse works her mouth and tongue around his cock beneath the blanket. Better that then focusing on their surroundings, truth be told.

He had a sinking feeling that 'Kindness International' was actually one big joke, truth be told. Grover had been up in arms about it from the moment that they'd slipped into the back of course, but before the Satyr could do something drastic or detrimental to their quest, the engine had fired up and they'd been on their way.

Still, even hours later, Grover wasn't happy about what they were dealing with back here. The trailer had been pitch black before Percy pulled out Riptide and handed it to Grover to use as a faint source of light. But that alone had unveiled the true conditions that the animals in this so-called humane transport were being kept in.

There were three animals in the back of the truck with them, each with their own cages. And frankly, they looked… well, they were depressing to even glance at, so Percy was doing his best not to look their way at all. The zebra, lion, and antelope were all some of the most miserable creatures Percy had ever seen.

They'd done what they could for the animals, of course. For some reason, the idiot truck drivers had given the lion a bag of turnips and the zebra and antelope both a Styrofoam tray of hamburger meat. The zebra had been covered in chewing gum, like someone had been spitting it into his fur whenever they needed to get rid of a piece. The antelope, meanwhile, had a joke birthday balloon tied to one of his horns saying 'Over the Hill!'.

It seemed like nobody had wanted to get close enough to fuck with the lion, but his cage was just as filthy and tiny as the other two animals, so it wasn't like he was much better off.

After making sure the food wasn't completely rotted, they'd gone ahead and switched the meat to the lion's cage and the turnips to the zebra and antelope. Grover had been able to talk to the creatures, letting them know they'd do whatever they could for them on the other end of this trip, but they hadn't gone so far as to let them out just yet.

Not only was there little point while the truck was still moving, but Percy really didn't want to see if just being able to communicate would be enough to keep the lion from taking a bite out of them. Still, they'd done everything they could. And now hours later, Grover was trying to sleep and Percy found himself being given a blowjob under a blanket while Annabeth nestled into his side.

"… There's something you should know, Percy. About the last quest Grover and I went on together."

Percy blinks, even as a shifting from Grover's corner makes it clear the Satyr isn't fully drifted off yet. But he also doesn't try to stop Annabeth from speaking, so after a moment of gathering herself, Annabeth begins to tell the whole sordid tale of her, Grover, Luke… and Thalia Grace.

Hearing that there was once a Daughter of Zeus out there kind of prickles at Percy a bit. Because… wasn't part of Zeus' problem with him the fact that he, Poseidon, and Hades had all made a pact not to have anymore demigod children anymore? Only, it sounded like the Sky God had broken that pact even before Poseidon did with Percy's mom.

Not that that was Thalia's fault though. Not one bit. Hearing about how Thalia had given her life so that the others could get to safety… it was honestly amazing and even inspiring. And frankly, his heart went out to Thalia… it sounded like she'd gotten just as bad of a rap as the rest of them. It was also clear that both Annabeth and Grover blamed themselves for how things went down, even to this day.

Shaking his head, Percy gives Annabeth a smile, seemingly focused on her but knowing that Grover would hear him as well.

"It wasn't either of your fault. Not Grover's for trying to help as many people as he could, nor yours Annabeth. Frankly… if anyone is to blame, it's the gods themselves."

Even Clarisse under the blanket pauses at that one, her mouth still wrapped around his cock as she hesitates briefly at his blasphemous words. Annabeth and Grover meanwhile, both jolt, with the latter even finally sitting up in wide eyed horror as he shakes his head back and forth.

"Percy! You can't say things like that!"

Huffing, Percy rolls his shoulders.

"Yeah, I know. But it doesn't make it any less true. Maybe I'm pissing some powerful people off when I say it… but what's the point of being gods if they can't even protect their own kids? Why is it sink or swim for us demigods when we're literally being hunted by monsters from THEIR past mistakes? Why-mmph!"

As he's been talking, Annabeth has reacted by pulling the package of double-stuffed Oreos that Ares had left them out of the duffel. Ripping it open, she's grabbed an Oreo and unceremoniously stuffed it in Percy's mouth to shut him up. He gives her a look before slowly chewing and swallowing, even as Annabeth places a hand on his chest.

"Percy… the gods are the gods and we are but mortals. It's not our place to expect their intercession at every corner. We can't expect to be coddled or treated like children when we just… aren't. We have to forge our own paths, make our own fortunes."

Percy can see that Annabeth is torn on whether she actually believes that or not. But what she's not torn on is her conviction that talking ill of the gods, even in a place like this, is a bad idea. She's giving him this beseeching look right now that's all but begging for him to drop it. So in the end… Percy drops it with a sigh.

"Fine. Whatever."

Grover looks like he might have more to say, but in the end the Satyr just lays back down and curls back up. Which is good, because Percy has plenty more to say as well. Like why is a deadbeat dad like Zeus who can't even save his own daughter the King of the Gods when someone like Hestia is clearly so much more suited for the role? But… no. Voicing THAT thought out loud was sure to be a recipe for disaster like no other.

After a few beats of silence, interspersed with Annabeth sharing more Oreos with him, albeit this time by splitting each one and giving him half while she eats the other half, Clarisse returns to sucking him off under the blanket. It's not long after that, with Percy no longer distracted by everything else, that she manages to finish him off and relieve him of his load.

He just wished he could say she'd also relieved him of his stress, but even as Clarisse is sucking down his cum, drinking his jizz, Percy remains stressed as all hell. And he carried that stress into his sleep… perhaps that's why he had the nightmare he did.

-x-X-x-

"Percy! Wake up, the truck's stopped!"

It's one of those nightmares that begins to slip away the moment he wakes up. Percy has always hated those kinds of nightmares. It's especially egregious this time because the nightmare feels so damn important.

He remembers… he remembers a pit and two presences conversing. He remembers his name being thrown about. He remembers an epiphet… the Crooked One. He remembers being seen… and he remembers being shown his mother. But that's about it. All the other details have already faded away, leaving Percy uncertain of even the things he does remember.

Was it just a nightmare anyways? Or was there more to it than that? He would have chalked it up to just being a bad dream before learning that he was a demigod, before finding out that Greek Gods and Goddesses were all real, that monsters were all real, that there was an Oracle handing out prophecies and quests like fucking candy.

With all that considered… what was a little bit of prophetic dreaming, right? But that just made it worse, because if it was more than just a nightmare… well, he didn't remember enough to be of much use, now did he?

"Hide!"

And of course, they were dealing with THIS shit now as well. The engine was off, the truck was stopped… and the doors to the back of the truck were in the process of being unlatched. Annabeth has things the easiest. With her magical cap, she can just turn invisible at the drop of a hat… no pun intended. But Grover, Percy, and Clarisse all have to make do with what they have. Hopefully in the dim light, their blanket wasn't too colorful, because that's what Percy and Clarisse hid under. Grover, meanwhile, was stuck hiding behind some burlap sacks filled with smelly rotten feed, hoping he would blend in.

As the trailer doors finally open up, the trucker that appears in the entrance groans and plugs up his nose.

"Fuck, we need to get out of this business. Transport any-fucking-thing else."

The smell was pretty fucking awful, Percy had to admit. But he didn't have much pity for the trucker, not when it was obvious the bastard was in on this whole operation. And any pity he did feel vanished quite rapidly given his next actions. The trucker pours some water into each of the animal's dishes, before splashing the rest right into the lion's face, much to the poor creature's indignation. He throws the antelope a happy meal bag of all things, before sneering at the zebra in particular.

"No need to feed you. We're finally getting rid of you at this stop, heh. Wish I could stick around and see them finish you off after all the shit you've given us, Stripes."

Finish him off?! Percy's eyes widen as the zebra suddenly looks right at him. There's no voice, not even a neigh, but Percy nevertheless hears words in his head all the same.

I beseech you, Lord, free me.

Oh shit. That's right. Poseidon was the God of Horses too, wasn't he? Percy finds himself shifting, considering what to do. He couldn't lie… he didn't consider himself some great big animal-lover. But the abuse that these creatures were suffering… it was unconscionable. More than that though, this had gone from animal abuse to something way worse now that Percy could actually understand the zebra. How could he possibly say no at this point?

Before he can do something drastic however, a series of knocks, seemingly coming from outside the truck, distracts the man inside.

"What? What do you want, Eddie?"

"Huh? Maurice? What're you talking about?"

What followed was a short game of telephone, before the trucker, now named Maurice, finally got fed up enough to go outside and talk to Eddie directly. Which is when Annabeth reveals herself again, her face set in grim determination.

"Guys, we need to act… fast."

Percy just nods, mind already made up. Uncapping his sword-pen and revealing Riptide once more, he doesn't waste time. He cuts the zebra's cage door free and watches as it carefully slips out from all that metal, before turning to him and bowing its head.

Thank you, my lord.

With that said, the zebra launches himself through the open doors of the truck, much to the immediate fury and aggravation of Maurice and Eddie. As they run after it, Percy doesn't stop there, freeing the lion and antelope next. Only once they're gone does Percy finally peek his head out of the back of the truck… only to realize they've made it to the 'stop' Ares talked about. They've made it to Los Vegas.

"They'll be okay. I made sure to give them all a satyr's sanctuary blessing, so they'll reach the wild safely no matter what."

Grover's words settle Percy's worries about releasing three wild animals onto the streets of Las Vegas, but at the same time… it doesn't settle his worries about what to do next.

"Should we get out of here, I guess?"

But even as he suggests that with some uncertainty, Annabeth shakes her head.

"We're not where we need to go yet, right? We haven't gone all the way West and we still need to get to Santa Monica above all else, don't we?"

Percy slowly nods at that… only for Annabeth to look pointedly to the front of the truck with a smirk.

"While I was invisible, I checked things out up front. They left the keys on the dash. So… why not just take the truck the rest of the way, right?"

That gets a blink from Percy.

"Wait, you can drive?"

Annabeth huffs.

"Of course I can drive! Who do you take me for? I just… don't own a car. There'd be no point. But I can handle this! I'm a Daughter of Athena after all!"

Well now…

Chapter 28: Santa Monica

Chapter Text

A/N: Percy and Co. make it to Santa Monica, but not without having a chat first~

-x-X-x-

Percy doesn't really have that much time to consider the pros and cons of stealing the truck and letting Annabeth drive. In the end, they have to make their decision quickly, because the actual owners of said truck won't be held up by the zebra's escape for long. They didn't seem like the types to chase a zebra through the streets of Las Vegas forever and ever so…

"A-Alright. Let's do it."

Annabeth gives Percy a cheery grin, clearly pumped that he was willing to put his faith in her. But then to be fair, Percy trusted Annabeth. He trusted Clarisse and Grover too. This might have been his quest, but they were a team all the same. If he couldn't count on them to tell him the truth about their skills and capabilities, what COULD Percy count on?

The four of them all quickly move to the front of the truck, preparing to pile in… only to realize that not all of them will fit upfront. Fortunately, it's one of those trucks that has an overhang of sorts for sleep times, and Grover volunteers himself for slipping up top to take a nap.

"Slept horribly anyways, knowing about the conditions those poor animals were in… so if you all don't mind…"

Percy just smiles and shakes his head, noting how Annabeth and Clarisse exchange a glance. It doesn't surprise him that as soon as they've gotten the Kindness International Truck on the road and Grover has slipped away and begun snoring, that Clarisse is already climbing into Percy's lap.

"I'll… keep you warm. As a proper maid. Sir."

Percy just huffs as Annabeth keeps her eyes forward, on the road. The young woman looks smaller than she ever has before, sitting in the big driver's seat of the truck. But her feet can reach the pedals so at least there's that.

"Did you sleep well, Percy? If you want Clarisse to back off, just say the word."

The Daughter of Ares throws Annabeth a betrayed glance, but the Daughter of Athena doesn't spare her a single look. Annabeth is a very focused driver, from the look of things. Even as they pull out of Las Vegas and into the Mojave Desert, heading for Santa Monica, she keeps her eyes forward.

"No… I'm fine. I just… I guess it was a nightmare?"

His confusion takes both Annabeth and Clarisse back, with the latter looking at him in concern.

"You're not sure whether it was a nightmare or not?"

"Well… it was one of those things that started slipping away the moment I woke up. And then we were in a pretty dire situation immediately so I didn't even have a chance to remember much if I'm being honest. But it felt like it might have been more than just a dream. And I thought… I thought I remembered my mom at the end. But also a name. No… a title?"

Looking from Clarisse to the side of Annabeth's head as she continues driving them down the road, Percy breathes out a shuddering breath.

"Have either of you ever heard of 'The Crooked One'?"

Clarisse's response is honest confusion. Annabeth though, she very nearly jerks them off the road with how hard she jolts, only the fact that she jolts upwards instead of side to side saving them from a bad accident. And the truck being so large and unwieldy, Percy supposed.

Once she has it back under control, Percy peers at her closely.

"… Annabeth?"

"You… Percy, you're sure? You have to be sure. You're absolutely certain you heard that title? Not… not the Silent One? Or the Rich One m-maybe?"

He considers for a moment, wanting to actually be absolutely certain… but in the end, he has to nod.

"Yes. It's one of the few parts of the dream I remember clearly. The Crooked One. Why? What do those other two mean?"

Annabeth lets out a shuddering breath as she collects herself for a moment.

"The Silent One and the Rich One are both titles of Hades, God of the Underworld. It would honestly almost make sense if he was behind all of this. If the Sky and Ocean go to war, everyone loses… but not the Underworld. If a dominant winner doesn't arise from your father and the Skyfather's upcoming conflict, then Hades would be best positioned to step in and take everything for himself."

Oh. That did make a lot of sense, actually. But then…

"Okay so who is the Crooked One then? Not Hades, I assume?"

His Wise Girl bites her lower lip, eyes still focused on the road in front of them. But now Percy gets the idea it's not just because she's such a focused driver, but also because she really doesn't want to confront this.

"… Maybe it was just a nightmare. A dream. Maybe it didn't have any other meaning."

She clearly wants that to be true. Desperately so. But Percy doesn't think it is.

"How could it be, Annabeth? Whoever this Crooked One is, I don't know them. And yet I still heard that title in my dream, clear as day. How is that possible unless it was more than just a dream?"

In the face of his impeccable logic, Annabeth nods her head tightly.

"You're right. It's just… it shouldn't be possible. And if it is possible, things are a lot worse than I initially thought."

She's still slow rolling the reveal, but Percy can tell she's working herself up to it so he stays quiet. Clarisse shifts back and forth in his lap, her impatience leaking through in a fashion that makes the crotch of his pants somewhat tight, but she too remains silent. Until finally…

"The Crooked One… is an epithet given to Kronos, the Titan of Time, Evil, and Harvest. Kronos, the King of the Titans and father… father to Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Demeter, and Hestia."

Percy's eyes widen at that as his brain makes the connection to the myths he's read.

"The one who ate all of his children until his wife replaced Zeus with a boulder and Zeus made Kronos spit them all back up?"

Nodding her head slightly, Annabeth bites her lower lip.

"T-That's the one."

Furrowing his brow, Percy grunts.

"But… didn't that story end with them cutting Kronos into a thousand pieces so he could never return?"

"… It did. But Gods and Titans… they don't work on the same level as us. Cutting Kronos into a thousand pieces didn't kill him. It just immobilized him and massively weakened him. Still, he's supposed to be imprisoned. I think… well, I don't know what to think truth be told. But the moment we can, we need to tell someone about this. Preferably one of the Olympians."

He can't help but snort a little at that.

"Which one, exactly? The one who tried to blast us with lightning? Or the one who sent us knowingly into a trap that could have been fatal if we hadn't handled it the right way? I mean, I guess I could try to pray to my dad…"

Annabeth shakes her head.

"No. That's not safe. If you pray to Poseidon, all of the Gods will be able to find us. Honestly, just talking about them as much as we have is probably a bad idea, but since we're constantly on the move right now, it should be fine. In fact…"

Annabeth glances at their surroundings and then at the truck's speedometer.

"… I think Ares blessed this truck back when he made us climb into the back of it. We shouldn't have been able to drive across the entirety of the United States as fast as we did. And even now we're making incredible time."

Percy scowls at that, still not trusting Ares one bit. But before he can say anything more, the Daughter of Ares in his lap suddenly shifts, rubbing against his engorged cock.

"Ah… Master… this worthless maid has created a problem. Please allow her to fix it."

Annabeth snorts while Percy sighs at Clarisse, grabbing her by the hips as she shifts so that she's facing him instead of sitting sideways atop him.

"You're not worthless, Clarisse. But… alright. Go ahead."

The Daughter of Ares wastes no time in reaching down between them and hastily freeing his cock from its confines. Then, she just as hastily exposes her own crotch, kicking off her panties and simply tucking her panties to the side before sinking down onto his member with a groan. Percy covers her mouth with his palm before she can moan too loudly, giving her a meaningful look that tells her not to wake Grover.

Understanding perfectly, Clarisse nods and keeps quiet as she steadily begins to ride him. From the driver's seat, Annabeth doesn't exactly watch them… but Percy does see the side of her face getting redder and there's no doubt she's enjoying what little of the view she can get from her peripheral vision.

Well, better this than passing the ride in silence, Percy supposed. Trapped with his own thoughts running round and round, he might have gone mad. Would explain why there were so many bouts of recorded madness in Greek Mythology, wouldn't it? The Gods really were a bunch of fuckers at the end of the day.

Letting out a sigh, Percy pushes his head back on the worn headrest behind him, letting his eyes drift shut. At the same time, he holds Clarisse by the hips and helps her bounce up and down on his cock, even as she buries her face in the crook of his neck to muffle her eventual moans. And so they wile the time away while driving their stolen truck across the desert, all the way to California…

-x-X-x-

"We're here."

Percy opens his eyes, having wound up taking a short nap after all once he and Clarisse had been finished. At the same time that Annabeth's voice rings out, the truck's engine suddenly begins to sputter and the truck slows to a crawl. Annabeth frowns and looks over everything before sighing and shaking her head, twisting the wheel and steadily bringing them off the side of the road so they'd be out of the way at least.

"Truck's dead. I guess Ares really did bless it… we probably shouldn't have been able to drive all the way here without stopping for gas, especially since the previous drivers didn't have a chance to fuel back up before we took it. And yet… here we are."

Yep. Here they were. Percy looks out and sees the sun setting on the horizon… a horizon dominated by water. Not just any water either, but the Pacific Ocean. The Kindness International Truck had gotten them all the way to the beach in Santa Monica. There was a massive pier off to one side with carnival rides up and down it, and behind them palm trees lined the sidewalks.

Out on the beach itself, with the sun beginning to set, Percy could see that most people had packed up and gone home for the day. All that were left among the sand dunes were homeless vagabonds and surfers waiting for the perfect wave.

The sea… calls to him.

"What now, Percy?"

"I think… I think I go in."

They all clamor out of the truck, making sure to bring all of their belongings with them while they do so. And then Percy, almost as an afterthought, hands off his belongings to Annabeth and Clarisse for safekeeping. His shirt, socks, and shoes as well, though he keeps his pants and boxers. Technically, he knows he could go in completely clothed and come out completely dry… but it feels right to do this instead.

Giving his three companions a reassuring smile, Percy nods.

"Wait for me. I'll be right back."

They all look varying degrees of nervous, but if Percy really has anything to fear from the Ocean… then he's already dead. He can't fight both his father and Zeus, after all.

Walking into the surf feels right. Better than right, it feels good. Nobody else on the beach seems to notice him disappearing further and further out into the water, save for his companions. Giving them one last wave… he slips under the surface.

It's so easy, walking underwater. He quickly finds himself among the shoals and even though he can't actually SEE with how murky and polluted the water is, he doesn't have to be able to see. He can feel everything. From the geography to the sea life, any and everything touched by water is available to his senses. Which is why he's not at all taken aback when a mako shark rubs against his leg.

He'd seen the thing approaching, of course… but he'd felt a sense of affection towards it that made it impossible for him to be frightened. Now… now the damn thing is acting like an excited puppy as it nuzzles him. Chuckling underwater is an interesting experience, even as he reaches down and pets the mako shark's fin. And then the thing bumps into him, as if asking him to grip down.

Ah. It'll take him where he needs to go. Is that it? Nodding to himself, Percy takes hold of the shark's dorsal fin with both hands and it immediately takes off, pulling him deeper out to sea. In short order, Percy finds himself hundreds of feet underwater, standing on the edge of the sand bank where the ocean itself begins. From there, it's nothing but darkness, a huge chasm.

It should have terrified him, but it didn't. The pressure should have been crushing him, but it wasn't. This… this was his home. The Ocean was where Percy belonged. He lets out a shuddering breath as he feels power coursing through him. Was this how his father felt all the time? No, Poseidon probably felt even better than this, didn't he?

"Hello again, Percy Jackson."

Out of the darkness comes a glimmering shimmer. Finally, a woman's shape crystallizes before him. Riding on the back of a majestic, giant seahorse, she has gorgeous black locks, a silken green dress, and a body and face so beautiful it would have left Percy's mouth dry if he wasn't underwater and that wasn't entirely impossible.

Still, Percy doesn't know what to say for a moment, struck speechless by her beauty. She waits patiently after dismounting and sending the seahorse off to play with the mako shark.

"You… you're the Nereid from before, right?"

"I am a Nereid, Percy, yes. And I am the one you spoke to before. I am sorry I could not be of more use to you, but that far upriver, I was only sustained by my freshwater cousins, the naiads. Now… now I am whole. As are you, hm?"

Yes. Yes he did feel whole. He felt… Percy blushes as the Nereid approaches and runs her hands along his arms.

"We have things to discuss, Percy. You have questions, I'm sure… and I have information for you. But what form would you prefer the following conversation to take, precisely? Say the word and I am all too happy to make myself… available to you."

Wait, seriously? What was with women, monster or human, all wanting a piece of him?! And yet… was he really going to pass up the opportunity?

Chapter 29: The Nereid

Chapter Text

A/N: Percy and the Nereid fuck. Oh and there's some talking too.

-x-X-x-

On the one hand, Percy wished he could say he just hesitated and gave it some thought. But on the other hand, when else was he going to get the chance to do something like this? To have full underwater sex? It wasn't like any of his current lovers could breathe underwater like he could. Well, except for maybe Hestia. She was a Goddess after all, so what did he really know about her true capabilities?

Regardless, there was simply no way that he was going to pass on the Nereid's offer. Especially with how beautiful she was. Smiling softly as though reading his thoughts but more likely just reading his face or body language, the Nereid bobs her head in a nod as she slides further into his arms and takes her up in her own.

Down here in the ocean depths, there was no real need for them to descend onto the sand bank. Instead, they both float there as Percy's cock is extracted from his clothes and the Nereid hikes up her gorgeous sea-green dress to expose shapely long legs, beautiful thighs, and a shaved cleft nestled betwixt them.

He's inside of her before he can even really blink, his cock sliding up into her cunt without any issue. There's no need for lubrication, and he can't really tell precisely how wet she truly is for him, mostly because… well, the water surrounds them from every angle. Still, her pussy is as snug as it is slick, as tight as it is inviting. As he slides up into her, she clenches down on him, holding him in place as a soft moan leaves her lips.

Percy shivers, greatly enjoying the moment, even as the Nereid's arms wrap around his neck and she gives him a soft smile.

"You did well to make it this far this swiftly, Perseus Jackson."

He blinks at the use of his proper name. It feels surprisingly right coming off of the Nereid's tongue, even if she hadn't been using it before. Feels… good.

"Thanks. I had help, of course. Not just my friends… but also a monster too. Medusa."

The Nereid's eyes widen in recognition.

"Interesting. It has been some time since our Lord had us watch that one. She has come to avoid bodies of water and some among us thought she did so to avoid our Lord as well. It is good to hear she still holds enough affection in her heart for Lord Poseidon to care for his son."

… Care was one word for it. Looking back on his interaction with Medusa, Percy didn't know for sure if the female monster had really spared him because of his father… or because of Percy himself. Maybe a little of one and a lot of the other?

But Percy wasn't going to correct the Nereid. No real reason to be talking about one bedding while he was in the middle of another. Indeed, as they talk, the Nereid continues to gyrate her hips, circling them over his cock. It's not a hard and fast fuck or anything like that… more of a friendly bout of lovemaking if he had to describe it. But even that wasn't quite enough to truly put the singularly unique experience into words.

"Not just her either. Ares helped us as well."

Mentioning the God of War does bring the Nereid up short for a moment. She looks confused, pursing her lips in thought. Finally, she shakes her head.

"… As he should. The War God has sided with your father, Perseus. It is only right that he render what aid to you that he can."

Percy narrows his eyes, catching what she's leaving unsaid.

"But Poseidon didn't send him, did he?"

The Nereid gives herself away with her reaction, giving Percy a meaningful look even as she stresses the emphasis of his father's title when next she speaks.

"Lord Poseidon is very busy, I'm afraid. You must believe me when I say that your father has no desire for this war… but he will not sit idly by and let the God of the Sky wage it against him unchecked. More than that, he is forbidden from giving you direct assistance. It is good that Ares acted on his own… lest Lord Zeus have even more reason to accuse Lord Poseidon of favoritism."

That sounds both reasonable and unreasonable at the same time to Percy's ears. On the one hand, yeah, he can get how Poseidon's attention might be occupied at the moment. On the other hand, a more petulant part of him just wants to complain if he's being honest.

"I'm his son, aren't I? I would think a certain amount of favoritism should be expected, right?"

He sounds a little whiny even to his own ears, but the Nereid just smiles softly as she continues to rotate her hips around on his cock. Her inner walls flex and squeeze along every last inch of his member almost rhythmically, and her technique… her technique cannot be understated.

"I'm here, aren't I? I traveled all the way up the Mississippi River to contact you, did I not? Do you think your father didn't have a hand to play in that?"

… Fair.

"There is some leeway, of course. But the gods must not show too much direct favoritism, especially towards their own children. They can only work in indirect ways… usually."

Percy thinks about that. Ares had felt pretty direct, but then… it wasn't like he'd given them a ride all the way to California on the back of that divine motorcycle of his or anything. No, in the end he'd set up a pretty shitty experience for them, for all that he'd clearly used some power to make them travel all the way here so quickly.

Still…

"I don't trust it. I don't trust Ares. Will you tell my father for me? I think he has ulterior motives."

That doesn't exactly inspire the response from the Nereid that Percy is hoping for. Rather than taking him and his words seriously, the beautiful sea spirit laughs. It's a beautiful, melodic sound that Percy would enjoy quite a bit if it wasn't at his own expense.

"Oh Percy… of course he has ulterior motives. Neither Lord Zeus nor Lord Poseidon want this war to happen. But Lord Ares is the God of War. He, more than anyone, would benefit from this upcoming conflict."

Frustrated, Percy reaches out and grabs the Nereid by the hips, startling her for a moment as he forces her to look him in the eye.

"Then why exactly did he help me get this far West this fast completely unprompted by my father? You say he's Poseidon's ally. You also say he wants this war no matter what. And yet… if I succeed in my quest, there should be no war. So why would Ares assist me?"

That gives the Nereid pause. She hesitates, concern finally crossing her face. Percy is pleased to see that she's finally actually listening to him.

"… You're right. I apologize, Perseus. It had been quite a long time since the Lord of the Sea gave birth to a demigod child. My sisters and I have watched you grow up for quite some time…"

So her excuse was that she was having a hard time seeing him as anything but a kid? Percy scoffs at that and finally moves his own hips, thrusting up into her and reminding her that he's very much not a kid anymore. He might only have just turned eighteen a little while ago, but even still… he was an adult now. In the eyes of not just the mortal world, but apparently the divine world as well given the monsters and gods that he found himself abruptly tangling with.

"Let my father know about Ares. Please. And… let him know I had a dream too."

The Nereid, a little flustered from his sudden proactive movements, slowly nods.

"I will, Perseus. And this dream?"

"I don't remember much of it. But… the Crooked One was mentioned."

That brings true alarm to the Nereid's face, the raven-haired sea spirit's eyes widening in disbelief.

"The… the Crooked One? Are you absolutely certain? Not… not the Silent One? Or the Rich One?"

Percy shakes his head.

"Annabeth asked the same thing. No, I'm certain of what I heard. It was the Crooked One. Annabeth told me what that might mean. I need you to warn my father about that as well. Though… why bring up Hades' nicknames like that?"

The Nereid looks solemn until Percy asks that last question. Then, she just looks confused before turning apologetic.

"Ah, my sincerest apologies, Perseus. I assumed you already knew or had at least guessed at this point. Your father believes Hades to be the one behind the theft of the Master Bolt. When the Lord of the Sea heard the prophecy the Oracle gave you, he was even more convinced. Journeying this far West… well, there's an entrance to the Underworld near here. You were told to come here… told to venture into the Underworld itself."

Percy blinks at that. No one had ever explicitly said that he was going to have to go up against Hades himself to retrieve Zeus' Master Bolt. But then, maybe they hadn't said it because they really thought it was that obvious. Or maybe they just hadn't wanted to scare him. Either way, he knew now. Actually…

"Back in the river, you told me to come here before going West. But this is about as West as I can get. When you said you wanted me to come to Santa Monica before coming West…"

The Nereid gives a sheepish smile, even as she returns to gyrating her hips upon his now thrusting member.

"Ah… I was not in my best state when we first spoke, Percy. Something got… lost in the translation, I suppose. What I was asking of you was to come here to Santa Monica before going to West Hollywood… where you will find DOA Recording Studios, a clandestine entrance to the Underworld."

Oh. Well then, that made this trip to the beach well worth it in the first place. Percy couldn't help feeling like someone had dropped the ball somewhere along the way. Had Annabeth, Clarisse, and Grover known where they were going this entire time? Was it just him in the dark about all of this shit with Hades? Or had someone really just… sort of forgotten to tell them that Hades was the main suspect until now?

"Thank you for the information. I promise, I won't let my father down."

Either way, Percy is entirely sincere as he thanks the Nereid for her help. But she just laughs in response, wrapping her legs around his waist and tightening her hold on him.

"Perseus… silly boy. Do you think that was why I asked you to come here? Do you think that was all I had for you?"

As they continue to fuck, the Nereid reaches behind her and then pulls forth her hand, holding it out and revealing four pearls in her palm.

"You journey to the Realm of the Dead, Perseus. Few of the living have ever dared to do so. Even fewer have survived to tell the tale. Take these, please."

Percy takes them, having no reason not to trust the Nereid at this point. Once he's got possession of the pearls, he gives her a curious look. Fortunately, she proceeds to tell them what to do with them.

"When your need is great, when the situation is most dire, smash the pearls at your feet."

Percy furrows his brow at that. Smash them at his feet? What did that mean? What would happen? When he asks that last question out loud, the Nereid just giggles.

"That, my dear Perseus, will depend entirely on the need."

That sounded like the best he was going to get out of her. Oh well. Percy nods, opening his mouth to thank her again, but the Nereid silences him with a finger on his lips before he can do so.

"I also have a warning for you, Percy. The Lord of the Dead feeds on doubt and hopelessness. Even if he is not the one behind the theft of the Master Bolt, once you are within his realm, he will be loath to let you let you leave. Indeed, he will do everything in his power to keep you in the Underworld, to trick you into choosing to stay or to hold you by force. You must stay true to yourself, above all else."

Funny that it's just as she's saying those final words that they both tip over the edge. Percy grunts as he spills his seed deep inside of the Nereid's quim, while she cries out, tossing her head back in audible enjoyment and shuddering as her pussy walls milk him for all they're worth.

As her words ring in his head, they both silently disentangle from one another, a mutual understanding that they've reached the end of this conversation passing between them. It's only as the Nereid summons her sea horse back to her side and slips into its saddle, riding off towards the void, that Percy remembers the other unsettling thing she'd said to him back in the Mississippi River.

"Wait! Back in the river you said not to trust my gifts! But what does that even mean?!"

She doesn't look back at him he's pretty sure, but it's hard to tell with how fast she disappears into the ocean depths. He still hears her last words clearly though.

"Listen to your heart, Perseus. Listen to your heart and all will be well."

… Great. Whatever that meant. Percy groans and covers his face with his palms, rubbing the heels of his hands into his eyelids. He feels the Mako Shark rubbing against his legs like an excited puppy again a moment later though and is forced to stop his impromptu self-pity party to hastily fix up his pants and make sure his dick isn't still hanging out.

For a moment, he wants to swim down. Maybe command the Mako Shark to take him all the way to the ocean depths. Just give up on this whole quest and join his father in his court. But if he did that, he'd probably be expected to fight in the wars to come due to his delinquency. And Annabeth would be expected to fight on the other side as a Daughter of Athena…

Fuck. Fuck everything. Grumbling a bit, Percy grabs hold of the Mako Shark's fin and lets it swim him back up to the beach above. He comes out of the water inch by inch, step by step, and as he does so, he's dry without having to wait. Even his clothes are dry the moment they're no longer submerged.

Annabeth, Clarisse, and Grover are all waiting for him there. Percy finds himself hesitating about what to tell them in regard to the meeting…

Chapter 30: DOA Recording

Chapter Text

A/N: Percy tells all.

-x-X-x-

"… You had sex with the Nereid?"

Percy tilts his head to the side, a little surprised that out of everything he'd just told his three companions, that was what Annabeth chose to focus on. Then again, neither Clarisse nor Grover were actually speaking up either, so it seemed they were focusing on it as well. Grover in particular looked a little… strained.

"Uh… yes. Yeah. Sorry?"

Annabeth shakes her head at that.

"No, no need to apologize. I'm just jealous. Though I'm not sure if I'm more jealous of you or the Nereid to be honest…"

Percy blinks at that. Was Annabeth saying…? Aaaand now he was picturing her and the Nereid going at it. Kind of hot, truth be told. A light flush begins to spread across his cheeks when Clarisse bluntly butts in.

"I could fuck you underwater. I-If you wanted…"

She loses some steam there in the middle, seeming to realize what she's saying as she blushes and averts her gaze. It would seem Clarisse is also jealous, but more of the Nereid then Percy. She's also probably recognizing that there are limitations to what she and he can do together sexually. Then again, Percy feels like as a Son of Poseidon he could probably figure out a way to make it work…

Grover stays quiet. He looks a little distressed, but he doesn't say a word, even as Percy finds himself starting to wonder if telling his companions everything that happened down there might have been a mistake after all. But he'd figured they should know everything, including about the sex, because they were more aware of the greater world than him and maybe they could have told him if the Nereid was trying to slowly transform him into a merman or something or setting up some diabolical thing for later.

… Yeah, in hindsight Percy didn't really know what he was thinking. Either way though, it seemed like it was up to him to get the group back on track here.

"Guys? Uh, there's the rest of what the Nereid and I talked about as well. The part where she told me that we needed to go to West Hollywood and find DOA Recording Studios? We have to go to the Underworld here. I mean… do we even have a chance?"

At his worried tone, Annabeth and Clarisse snap out of it at least, the former nodding sharply and the latter focusing up.

"Right, the Underworld. I mean… it's like the Nereid said. There have been others who survived the Underworld. It's not easy though. Not by a long shot. But… what other choice do we have?"

Not exactly the ringing endorsement that Percy was hoping for, but Annabeth was right. What other choice did they have? He'd even considered it back there at the edge of the sandbar. Leaping down, abandoning his quest, and joining his father in his kingdom. But doing so now was no more viable than doing so then had been. If they didn't do this, then Poseidon and Zeus were going to war. And that was bad for everyone involved.

Of course, Annabeth isn't done being the bearer of bad news now that she's not quite so focused on his underwater romp with the Nereid.

"Those pearls, Percy… no gift comes without a price."

Aha! See, this is why he told them everything! So they could help him out like this!

"What do you mean?"

Annabeth sighs.

"It's that old saying. 'There's no such thing as a free lunch'. Most people don't know it, but that's ancient Greek saying that just so happens to translate pretty well into English. There will definitely be a price attached to those pearls… even if you don't ever use them."

Taking the four pearls out of his pocket, Percy narrows his eyes in thought as he stares down at them for a moment. The milky sphere rolls in his palm as he thumbs them and sighs.

"Well… we'll burn that bridge when we get to it I suppose."

Annabeth furrows her brow.

"Isn't the phrase 'cross that bridge when we get to it'?"

But Percy just gives her a crooked sort of grin.

"I know what I said, Wise Girl."

At his term of endearment for her, Annabeth colors a little and huffs, crossing her arms over her chest while rolling her eyes.

"Seaweed Brain."

That felt more applicable than usual given he just got done having sex with a Nereid surrounded by seaweed. The experience was phenomenal but Percy does wonder now if it was a mistake… or if maybe the pearls will turn out to be the mistake. Either way…

"Nothing for it, is there? We go to DOA Recording Studios. We go to the Underworld. We try to find the Master Bolt."

His confident tone gets to them all, causing them to straight up more and more with each sentence he speaks. When he's done, all three of his companions have more determined looks on their faces and they all give him decisive nods when he meets each of their eyes. They were as ready as they ever would be… and so was Percy.

-x-X-x-

Though, being ready and actually finding this dumb place were two different stories apparently. To be fair, night had fallen shortly after Percy left the Nereid behind and returned to his friends, so they were trying to navigate Los Angeles in the dark. Still, it was irritating to try and find their way through the city all the same.

There were some weird people that came out after dark too, the sort that had Percy on edge, his eyes narrowing as he kept his head on a swivel. Fortunately, between him and Clarisse, they had some visible firepower in the form of tough, muscled bodies. And Clarisse's spear on her back, while wrapped up, was still kind of obviously a weapon. His Riptide was less so, but his time as a swimmer had done him a lot of favors.

There was one group of kids that looked like they were trying to play at being a gang, but after eyeing him and his companions up for a moment, they seemed to decide they wanted softer targets and moved on. From there, Percy and company continue on their way as well. The only thing noteworthy to happen for a good while is that they pass by a store called "Crusty's Water Bed Palace" just after finally figuring out that they've arrived in West Hollywood.

Needless to say, the bed store is the kind of place Percy would never willingly go into in a million years. The place just gives him the heebie jeebies, and that's saying something considering he's literally the son of a water god.

Regardless, after that, they actually find DOA Recording Studios only a block away. Fortuitous? Maybe, but it didn't feel right to be all that happy about it when it also felt like they were marching to their doom if Percy was being honest.

Standing there looking up at the golden letters etched into black marble, Percy's miniscule sense of satisfaction at finding where they needed to go only withered even further as he shifted his gaze downwards to the words stenciled into the Recording Studio's glass doors.

NO SOLICITORS. NO LOITERING. NO LIVING.

Even though it was bordering on midnight at this point, the place was still open. But then, Percy supposed that made a terrible amount of since. This was an entrance to the Underworld after all, and death didn't wait for you to be awake, so why would its caretakers either? The lobby is brightly lit and filled to the brim with people, and even from outside, Percy can see a no-nonsense man with sunglasses and an earpiece sitting behind a desk.

"Alright… are we all ready to go?"

"As ready as we'll ever be, I imagine."

"I'm ready."

"… Yes, I'm good to go."

Having received confirmation from all three of his companions, Percy lets out an explosive breath, belatedly realizing part of him had hoped one of them wouldn't be ready so they could procrastinate a little longer. But at this point midnight was ever approaching and if they weren't going to go in tonight, they might as well find a motel and come back in the morning and- no. No, this was it.

Firming up his resolve, Percy walks forward, bringing his companions with him as he enters the lobby of DOA Recording Studios and makes his way right up to the front desk. His eyes glance down at the nametag that the guard manning the desk is wearing for a moment, only for Percy to do a double take at what he sees. Wait, the guy's name was Chiron?

Percy almost blurts that out loud but manages to hold his tongue at the last second. Instead, clearing his throat, he gets the sunglass-wearing man's attention.

"Hm? Yes? What can I do for you?"

"We'd like to go to the Underworld, please."

'Chiron' lifts his eyebrows at that.

"'We'd like to go to the Underworld, please… sir'."

Seriously? Then again, it wasn't like being respectful was going to cost Percy anything but a tiny bit of time. Bowing his head in a nod, he offers a hopeful smile.

"We'd like to go to the Underworld please, sir."

Humming, the security guard considers them all for a moment.

"Bit surprising, that. Most of the time, nobody wants to go. It's all 'but I was too young' and 'I can't die now, I had so much left to do!'. Tell me, how did you lot kick the bucket?"

Percy looks back at his companions, but they're as caught off guard by the question as he is. Thinking fast, he finds himself looking back on all the ways they ALMOST died so far on this quest and…

"Lightning Strike."

Annabeth's palm hits her face as 'Chiron' gives him a confused look.

"All four of you?"

Percy just smiles wanly.

"We were all on the same bus. And a lightning strike hit it."

The guard's eyebrows raise higher at that, before finally he snorts.

"Damn. Not a fun way to go. Surprised you aren't all more burnt up and charred from the experience though. But no matter. I don't suppose you lot have some coins for passage, do you? Normally I'd just charge your credit cards or add it on to your last electricity bill… but none of you seem to have one of those…"

The man's eyes narrow in suspicion at that and it's in that moment that Percy finally realizes his dyslexia had been fucking with him. Not Chiron like the centaur, but rather Charon… as in, the boat keeper for the Underworld. Mouth suddenly dry, Percy realizes what they need to do and hurries to unzip the duffle bag that Ares gave them.

"Will these work?"

Spilling four golden drachmas onto the counter causes Charon's eyes to light up in shock, wonder… and most importantly of all, abject greed.

"Oh-ho! Well now. Drachmas. Real golden drachmas. I haven't been paid in those in an eon…"

He hover hands the coins, looking downright desperate for them. For a second, Percy feels hope rising in his gut. This is actually going to work! And then Charon pauses and flashes them all another look… a deeper, more probing look. Then… he leans forward and SNIFFS them of all things.

"You lot aren't dead. You're demigods. Tch. Should have known."

Percy grits his teeth, not even bothering to look to his companions for support this time.

"We need to get to the Underworld and we can pay. I don't see a problem here."

His insistence earns him a growl from Charon though, which causes the entire lobby of the DOA Recording Studios to come alive with activity. The lobby was full before, but most definitely NOT lively. Now though, all of the people waiting for their turn get up and start moving around, very clearly agitated as Charon snarls at him.

"Leave while I still let you, godlings. I'll take these and forget I ever saw you."

But Percy isn't having that. He snatches the four drachmas back off of the counter before Charon can go for them and shakes his head.

"No. No service, no payment."

This time, Charon's growl is bone-deep… nay, soul-deep. The people in the lobby, or rather the spirits of the dead, start banging on walls and doors. Not aggressively, Percy realizes, but in fear. They're trying to get away from him. But Percy stands his ground. Ares wanted them to get to the Underworld at the very least. That much is clear now. That's why…

"Shame, I've got this whole bag of drachmas here in fact. Could all be yours if we got where we needed to go."

Charon's eyes snap to the pouch as Percy makes a show of pulling out a fistful of drachmas before letting them drop back into the bag and out of sight one… by… one.

"… How much you got there, exactly?"

Percy huffs and gives Charon a self-deprecating smile.

"Demigod, remember? Numbers aren't my strong suit. But it's a lot, as you can see. And I bet you don't get paid nearly as well as what we're offering."

Just a shot in the dark really, but Percy isn't sure Charon gets paid at all, at least not by his employer anyways. And the amount he's charging souls to crossover into the Underworld is probably piddling.

"Heh, I can see what you're doing godling… but you're not wrong. Fuck, I haven't gotten a pay raise in three THOUSAND years. Can you imagine?"

Percy nods immediately, jumping on Charon's bellyaching.

"You deserve better. So much better. You deserve… good pay."

He sets the entire pouch on the counter but doesn't remove his hand from it. Charon looks between him and it thoughtfully, clearly very, very tempted by the offer.

"… Fine. Boat's almost full anyways. I might as well add you four and be off."

He reaches for the bag and Percy doesn't fight him on it, letting him have the drachmas as he looks to his companions. They look about how well he feels. They've succeeded in getting past Charon… but that means they're still going to the Underworld now.

"Come along now you four. No dilly dallying or I WILL leave you lot behind, money or no."

Together, they hurry forward through the lobby's waiting spirits, who all start trying to grab at them and speak to them. But their voices are just as wispy as their hands and not only can they not find purchase in his or his companion's clothes, but he also can't make out a single thing any of them are saying.

Finally, they reach the elevator alongside Charon, who shuts the doors as soon as all four of them are inside. Producing a key card and sliding it into a slot in the elevator's control panel, Charon stands at the front as the elevator begins to move.

And with that, they start their descent into the Underworld.

Chapter 31: The Underworld

Chapter Text

A/N: Down, down, down... down by the river...

-x-X-x-

Somehow, Percy thought that the elevator ride might replace the old boat that Charon was famous for wholesale. But instead, between one blink and the next, they weren't even in the elevator anymore, but standing on a large wooden barge that the ferryman is slowly poling them down a river on. Not just any river either, but the River Styx.

Stiffening, Percy shoots a warning glance at both Clarisse and Annabeth. It's not that he wants to believe the two women will try anything, but they don't have a great track record when it comes to transportation so far. It felt like pretty much any form of transport they found themselves on, no matter what the circumstances were, he wound up getting a handjob, blowjob, or even full-blown quickie from one of the two girls.

But this wasn't the time for that. Judging by the way Clarisse flushes and ducks her head at his stern look, she was either considering it… or just got off to him giving her stern looks. Annabeth though, isn't even looking in his direction when he glances her way. Instead, she's staring out at the river that the ferryman is taking them down, her nose wrinkled in distaste.

"This… this is the River Styx?"

Percy peers out into the darkness alongside her, staring harder at the water itself now that she's drawn his attention to it. Charon, meanwhile, just lets out a bark of laughter.

"More polluted then you expected, hm?"

Polluted was a good word for it. The River Styx seemed fairly dark and oily and inky black on its own… but there was more than that. Bobbing up and down in the water, covering almost every inch of the river's surface as the ferryman's barge cuts through it, are all sorts of things. Trash, really. It reminds Percy of hearing about how polluted the oceans were supposedly coming back in school. How human garbage could completely destroy water sources. It reminded him of his dip in the Mississippi River in fact, but ten times worse.

"Thousands of years of you humans throwing your shit in it will do that, you know. Hopes and dreams, wishes that never came true. You lot aren't even very considerate when you're alive. Once you're dead, you shed your baggage without a worry for those who come after you."

Percy's eyebrows raise at that and he finds himself looking closer. Charon is right. What Percy initially took to just be trash and garbage, were actually things with more meaning to them. Beloved dolls. Soggy diplomas. Crushed flowers. Fond memories of the past, brazen hopes for the future, a desire to just be loved… all of that was polluting the Styx.

Of course, he barely has time to fully comprehend all of that before a sense of danger alights on his senses. Percy stiffens up, even as he suddenly finds his sides occupied by Clarisse and Annabeth. He doesn't blame them, nor does he rebuke them. This isn't sexual in any way, but rather more of a confirmation that they're not alone on this voyage of the dead and damned.

They aren't supposed to be here. Logically, Percy already knew that. How could he not? He'd come to the Underworld and he was still alive. Only a handful of mortals had been stupid enough to do that in all of mythology… or rather, history as Percy supposed he now had to call it. Their chances of getting out of here were next to none, though did increase thanks to his trip to Santa Monica.

Even still, it was one thing to know they weren't supposed to be here. It was another entirely to feel the weight of the Underworld pressing down on them, to FEEL their lack of belonging in this place.

As the shoreline comes into view, there's no relief to be had. Not when the howl of a large animal suddenly comes from elsewhere up ahead, echoing off of the cavernous space. Charon cackles, his smile turning rather wicked.

"Ah. Sounds like Old Three-Face is hungry. Bad luck."

The barge lands on black sand. The dead start to depart. Percy doesn't pay them much mind. They're where they belong. He and his companions aren't. It's up to him to make sure they all make it out of this in one piece though.

"Best payment I've had for a trip in years. For that alone… well, best of luck to you lot. You're going to need it."

Percy turns to Charon as the ferryman uses his pole to push off the beach. Truthfully, the Son of Poseidon doesn't even remember walking forward, but at some point he must have because he finds himself standing on the black sand alongside Clarisse, Annabeth, and Grover. All four of them had made it… but is that really a good thing given the circumstances?

Wordlessly watching Charon depart, Percy finally turns to the others once the boatman has completely vanished into the dark.

"Right. I guess… I guess we press on?"

Annabeth grimaces but nods.

"It's all we can do, really."

With that stellar endorsement, the four of them start to move. Percy isn't sure what he was expecting from the entrance to the Underworld, but he has to admit… this wasn't it. Instead of some gateway of darkness, there were three different entrances, each with metal detectors, security cameras, and tollbooths manned by creatures of the underworld clad in black robes.

Two of the entrances were marked 'Attendant on Duty', and the third was marked 'EZ Death'. Kind of… disrespectful, wasn't it? A moment later Percy feels a little stupid for that thought. Hades was the God of the Underworld. Why should he care about being respectful of the dead? Rather, it was the dead who needed to be respectful of him?

"EZ Death must go to the Asphodel Fields."

Annabeth sounds confident in her assertion, even as Percy glances over at her, making her launch into an explanation. To hear her tell it, there was apparently a court for the dead where famously unbiased and impartial figures from history might sit in judgment of souls who sought out their verdicts. Then, based on what those judges decided, your entire afterlife would be decided.

The Asphodel Fields were for the souls who were uncertain or anxious about their chances of earning a good afterlife based on their actions on Earth. Instead of risking punishment, they went to the afterlife that was the equivalent of standing in a wheat field for the rest of eternity. Sounded a bit… tedious, Percy couldn't lie.

But he wasn't dead. He had to keep reminding himself of that. He wasn't dead, so he didn't need to worry about where he was going to end up just yet. He just needed to worry about trying to find the Master Bolt.

Glancing to Annabeth, Clarisse, and Grover, Percy opens his mouth to ask their advice but before he can get a word out, a much louder growl than before reverberates up ahead, causing him to whip back around.

They'd been walking closer as they talked, and now suddenly there was an enormous shade standing before them all, about fifty or so feet away. No, it was always there, Percy realized. But before… before it had been more transparent. Now it was becoming more and more opaque. Unbidden, Annabeth lets out a breath of realization beside them all.

"I t-think it's becoming more real because we're all getting close to death."

Well shit.

"B-But don't worry… I have a plan."

Wait, what? Percy looks over at Annabeth as she begins rifling through her own pack quickly. She had a plan? Why was this the first time he was hearing about this? Not that he was complaining, but damn if he wouldn't have preferred to have been in on the plan earlier…

Suddenly, Annabeth pulls out a large red ball. Percy's confusion on where she got the damn thing lasts right up until he sees the words stamped on its side. WATERLAND, DENVER, CO.

"Cerberus! Ball!"

Immediately, the three-headed dog and gatekeeper of the underworld… perks up. Percy gapes as the big honking canine monster becomes more and more defined. However, it's no longer glaring at them quite so much. Instead, all three heads are staring at Annabeth… and the ball in her hand.

"You want this ball? Sit!"

Percy can only gape as Cerberus' nostrils all flare wide. For a moment, he's convinced that Annabeth is dog chow. But then… the great big lug sits. He sits and crushes at least a dozen ghosts in the process. Percy winces at that, but… well, it worked he supposed?

"Good boy!"

Annabeth then proceeds to do the most insane thing of all, at least as far as Percy is concerned. She tosses Cerberus the ball. The three-headed dog catches the toy in his middle head's mouth, with the Waterland merchandise almost being too small for him to even chew on. But he manages it, even as the right and left heads start snapping at the middle head, both wanting a piece of the toy.

Percy lets out a low breath. Okay. This was working. While Cerberus was distracted they could-

"Drop it!"

What was Annabeth doing?! Percy stares at the Daughter of Athena, truly bewildered as all of Cerberus' heads stop fighting and look at her. The red rubber ball is only visible between the middle head's teeth because of its distinct coloring. After whining for a moment, Cerberus finally drops the ball, letting it roll to Annabeth's feet. The thing is covered in slime, but Annabeth doesn't hesitate to pick it up.

And so they find themselves getting past Cerberus by a game of fetch. First, Annabeth gets the three of them through, directing them to the EZ Death line because it's quicker. Then, with one last throw, she followed them up to the metal detector. There was a frankly disturbing but also heartwarming moment where she had to promise the big dog monster she'd come back later with another ball… and then they all had to run, because even going near the 'metal detector' found them out. They had 'unauthorized possessions' and 'magic' on their persons after all.

Fortunately, they were able to find a place to hide relatively quickly, slipping out of sight just as a bunch of the security in black robes came racing pass them. This in turn gives Percy an opportunity to give Annabeth a bewildered look.

"That was… incredible. Also insane. Where did you learn to do that? And why didn't you tell me you had a plan earlier?"

Annabeth shrugs.

"Obedience School for my childhood Doberman. It was… a long time ago."

She gets both wistful and regretful at the same time for a moment. Then, she turns rueful as she shrugs again at him.

"As for why I didn't tell you… well, like you said, it was positively insane. Didn't want you to try to talk me out of it."

That was fair, he supposed. Though he's not sure he whether he would have or not. Maybe he would have tried his own plan instead though, to avoid risking her. Tch… in the end, did it matter? They were past. And they still had a long way to go from here.

"Let's get moving."

The Asphodel Fields are… well, a thing. It's way more than just a wheat field. It's a million wheat fields, endlessly sprawling outwards in more than one direction. Thankfully, it's not endlessly sprawling outwards in every direction, or Percy and his group might have been stuck there forever and ever. Creeping along the edges of the fields, they were able to make their way towards a large black tent that seemed to almost split the different versions of the Underworld into portions. There was Asphodel, there were the Fields of Punishment… and then there was one final area. A small valley surrounded by walls. Elysium.

"That's where heroes go. That's where you want to end up."

As always, Annabeth is a fount of exposition. Percy though, finds himself staring at Elysium and wrinkling his nose just a little bit. Why does the valley feel ever so slightly familiar to him? And why does some part of him balk at the idea of Elysium, of spending his afterlife there among such decadence and happiness?

There were a lot more people in Asphodel and the Fields of Punishment. A LOT more. It was kind of daunting in a way. But of course, none of these places were where Percy and company needed to go.

As they continue on their way, it feels rather strange. He doesn't really know how to get to where they need to be, and yet here he is anyways, his feet moving in front of the other. Slowly, they leave Elysium behind them first. And then the Fields of Punishment. Finally, even the Asphodel Fields are at their backs. What feels like miles later, Percy hears what has become a familiar screeching noise in the distance.

Looking ahead, he sees what can only be the Lord of the Dead's Palace. And flying above its parapets, very clearly agitated and angry, were the Furies. Percy narrows his eyes.

"… They know we're coming."

Annabeth's lips thin out at that. Clarisse stiffens. And Grover… Grover yelps.

"W-Whoa! What's happening?!"

Percy looks back just in time to see the satyr lifting off the ground against his will. Those flying shoes that Luke had gifted Percy back at the start of this adventure are acting on their own now. Grover shouts the command word to shut them off, but it does nothing.

As Grover begins to fly along, Percy and Clarisse both lunge forward in unison, each of them grabbing a shoe at the same time and yanking them off of Grover's hooves. Fortunately they'd always been rather loose on the satyr's non-human feet. Though the moment they're in his and Clarisse's hands, the shoes try to lift THEM off the ground and drag them along as well.

The two demigods let go… before exchanging a glance as the shoes fly off to the side, away from Hades' Palace. After a moment, Percy and Clarisse both grin and chase after them, following the shoes somewhere… else.

"Wait! Don't go any further!"

Annabeth stops them from pursuing the shoes into the massive cave entrance they wind up flying into, with Percy and Clarisse skidding to a halt.

"You idiots! That's the entrance to the Pits of Tartarus!"

Not a moment later, they both feel something tug at them… like a massive, hot inhale from some giant. It makes them stumble a little closer to the cave entrance, but nothing too bad as they both straighten themselves up, flushed.

Tartarus. Right. Looking at a shaken Grover, a pale Annabeth, and a frowning Clarisse, Percy grits his teeth.

"Don't trust your gifts. That's what the Nereid meant, I guess. But… why would…"

Annabeth looks more and more stricken and now Grover is pale as well. But Percy cuts himself off, shaking his head.

"We don't have time for it. The trap didn't work. Now we need to decide… do we sneak into the palace or walk right up to it? They're waiting for us, but that doesn't necessarily mean they know we're already here…"

-x-X-x-

Also shameless plug time: Just started a new Free Write yesterday and it would mean the world to me if you guys checked it out!

An Iron Resolve (Marvel)(Time Travel)

Summary: Tony Stark travels back in time after the Snap determined to get things right this time. Even if he has to take over the world to make sure everyone actually works together against the threat that Thanos poses. He's not going to let everyone down. Not ever again.

Chapter 32: Hades, Lord of the Underworld

Chapter Text

A/N: Percy confronts his God-Uncle.

-x-X-x-

It was extremely tempting to try and sneak in. The Lord of the Underworld's Palace was a big fucking place and he was pretty sure they could have slipped inside even with everyone on high alert… if they were lucky. And in doing so, maybe they could have found out more about this damn mystery. If Hades was behind the theft of Zeus' Master Bolt, then Percy might have tried it.

There were just two problems with the idea of sneaking in. Number One, attempting to sneak in and then failing to do so would have closed more doors than it opened. It would have ended any chance at diplomacy, no matter what Percy said. And number two… Percy was becoming more and more confident that Hades wasn't the true culprit here. That he was a patsy, just as much as Percy was.

Glancing back at the entrance of the cave the flying shoes had zipped off into, Percy's jaw clenches for a moment before he shakes his head. No, there's only one way forward now he's pretty sure.

"Let's get this over with. Let's go try and talk down a god."

Annabeth, Clarisse, and Grover are all quiet as they follow Percy up the main path towards the Palace. He fully expects them to be stopped and even has his hand on Riptide's pen form in his pocket, ready to uncap and draw the sword of Celestial Bronze in a heartbeat if it proves necessary. He's especially keeping an eye on the Furies up above the palace's parapets, half-expecting them to come swooping down to attack him and his allies at any moment.

… But that doesn't happen. And soon enough, Percy can't focus all of his wary attention on the Furies, because the closer they get to the Palace, the more guards he sees. Admittedly, he begins to feel rather good about his decision to try diplomacy instead of subterfuge. The guards that Hades 'employs' at his palace… they're all military. Each and every one of them.

Percy recognizes what must be dozens of different military uniforms, spread out across hundreds if not thousands of years of progress. On top of that, all of them were skeletal, and though none stopped him and his party for even a second, it was decidedly unnerving having a skeleton in full tactical gear with an M-16 following Percy with its hollow eye sockets on one side, while a skeleton dressed as a Roman Legionnaire wielding sword and shield followed Percy on the other side.

Very unnerving. Percy grimaces, even as he straightens his back, feeling the weight of Ares' duffel on his back more than ever at this point.

Finally, they reach a large set of double doors. Looking around, Percy notes two skeletons wearing the gear of U.S. Marines guarding said doors with grenade launchers in their grasps. But they didn't seem inclined to stop them. Frowning, Percy steps forward and prepares to knock, only for the doors to swing open of their own accord and the guards to step aside.

"… I guess we're expected."

Before he can take more than another step forward, Annabeth reaches out and grabs his hand.

"Percy… be careful."

Looking back at her, he gives a crooked smile.

"I'll try."

Through the double doors, they find themselves in a throne room. It's the first throne room Percy has been in, to be fair. But at the same time… it felt almost otherworldly in its nature. Hades was seated upon his throne before them, and while he was the third god that Percy had met after Hestia and Ares, he was definitely the most imposing god Percy had ever met until this point.

Hestia had felt godly in her domain, but in a warm way that left Percy feeling safe. Ares, meanwhile, had always felt like he was trying too hard. Hades doesn't have either of those problems. The God of the Underworld is at least ten feet tall, and dressed in silken black robes that match his pure white skin. He had a golden crown atop his head that contrasted nicely with his jet black hair.

Hades positively radiated power… and menace. Though to be fair, the fact that his throne was clearly made of fused bones might have something to do with that. All in all, he was a Big Dog in this place. He was so strong that fighting him wasn't ever a good idea. Percy feels more relieved than ever that he hadn't tried to sneak into the palace. He's glad because really, Hades should-

Percy grimaces. The Lord of the Underworld's aura was trying to effect him. The Godlike power that the Greek Deity wielded was trying to seep into his mind. He wouldn't let it.

"You are quite brave to come here, Son of Poseidon. After your crimes against me, you are either very brave indeed… or supremely foolish."

Crimes? Was Hades talking about infiltrating the Underworld? That's the only thing Percy can think of really. But it wasn't like they could just ask for a meeting up top, now could they? Hades didn't even have a cabin in Camp Half-Blood, or a throne on Mount Olympus. He was truly apart from the Realm of the Living and the affairs of the other gods.

Percy wondered if the Lord of the Underworld was happy with that state of affairs. Either way… he had to press on. Forcing himself to ignore the current feelings that Hades' aura is trying to push upon him, Percy steps forward.

"Lord Hades… I have come to ask for your help."

That brings everyone in the throne room, not just Hades, pause. The God of the Dead's eyes narrow and he leans forward on his throne, resting his chin on a fist. There's an intense fury barely contained in his eyes as he sneers at Percy.

"My… help? The arrogance on you… bah! And what help would I give, hm? Speak and perhaps I shall not kill you just yet."

Yeah, that was a very real possibility. Percy had kind of known that going in. He'd come anyways, hadn't he. Still… in for a penny, in for a pound.

"Someone has framed us, Lord Hades. Both of us. Someone wants Lord Zeus to believe that Lord Poseidon had me steal his Master Bolt, when I wasn't even aware of my true heritage at the time of its theft. That same entity wants me and my friends to believe that you stole Lord Zeus' Master Bolt, and has contrived to have me come here to try and get it back from you. They want my presence here to incite you to join the war between my father and Lord Zeus. Instead… instead, I've come in the hopes that you will help me put an end to this, once and for all."

Silence falls as Percy finishes speaking. The ball is in Hades' court now, but the Lord of the Underworld is frozen upon his throne, staring at Percy without saying a word. Time itself almost seems to stand still, until Hades finally speaks, his tone as oily and dark as ever.

"Foolish demigod. Do you think me so easily taken in? That I will be thankful for being brought into your confidences, and ignore the obvious right in front of me?"

The obvious right in front of him? Percy grimaces.

"I'm not… I'm not sure I understand, Lord Hades. I-!"

"Oh yes you do!"

The doors to the throne room suddenly burst open. Percy looks back, stiffening… but there's no point in trying anything as hundreds of skeletons pour into the room, blocking all possible exits and representing overwhelming firepower. It's certainly an incredible show of force, though privately Percy feels like Hades could kill them all with a single flick of his finger if he wanted to. Or maybe that was the god's aura talking. Maybe he wasn't as personally strong as he seemed.

Either way, it didn't matter. If it came down to a fight, they were royally fucked.

"You didn't just take Zeus' Master Bolt on the Winter Solstice, little thief. You took my helm as well!"

Wait, what? Percy jolts in shock, baffled by this development. Beside him, Annabeth can't help but pipe up, sounding just as bewildered thankfully.

"L-Lord Hades?! Your Helm of Darkness is missing as well?!"

The god scoffs, throwing out a hand in Annabeth's direction. Thankfully it's just a dismissive gesture and not an expression of power intended to turn her into a tree or a toad or something.

"Don't play games with me, Daughter of Athena. You think me a fool? Does Poseidon truly think I will succumb to blackmail? My brother has lost touch with reality and his perception of me if he thinks I am so easily forced into submission."

Wha- blackmail? No, but Percy could sort of see it. He could understand what Hades meant, kind of. He thought they'd come here to tell Hades he had to side with Poseidon in the upcoming war or else he wouldn't get his Helm of Darkness back. This… Percy's mind reels. This changed things. But at the same time, he can't help but be a little angry, his hands clenching into fists at his sides, his teeth grinding together.

"Lord Hades… I am no thief. I did not take Lord Zeus' Master Bolt. And I did not take your Helm of Darkness. Please believe me."

But the Lord of the Underworld isn't having it… and for startlingly good reason, as it turns out.

"Oh?! And why should I, whelp? Were you so arrogant to believe that I would not be able to detect my brother's favored tool simply because you hid it from my sight?!"

For a moment, Percy doesn't understand. And then… it dawns on him what Hades is talking about and his heart sinks in his chest. Almost uncaring of the angry god before him or the hundreds of skeletal warriors surrounding them, Percy unslings the duffel from his back, sets it down on the ground, and unzips it.

There, sitting in the center of the duffel bag, is a spiked metal cylinder, easily two feet long and humming with power… a god's power at that.

"Percy, how-?!"

"Ares."

Percy doesn't even hesitate. Annabeth falls silent at his answer. Clarisse flinches. And Hades… Hades scoffs.

"Ares? What of the whelp?"

Feeling more and more confident by the moment, Percy stands back up, back straight and shoulders squared.

"Lord Hades… Uncle. I now know who stole your Helm of Darkness. And who framed us both. It was Ares, God of War."

Hades' eyes narrow and his nostrils flare.

"Oh?"

He clearly doesn't believe Percy for even a second. But Percy has to try. Gesturing to the duffel bag, Percy does his best to lay out the evidence.

"It was Ares who gave us this duffel bag in the first place. Ares who made sure we got to the West Coast, to LA, so that we could come down here and confront you. Ask yourself this, Lord Hades… who benefits the most from a war between the Big Three? Is it really my father? By all rights, if I was the thief, all my father has done is incite your wrath as surely as Lord Zeus'. Why would he want that? Why would he want to force you both to fight him?"

Hades slams a fist onto the arm of his chair.

"So that he could be the undisputed ruler of Olympus! So that he could subjugate or supplant us both, his most powerful rivals!"

Percy shakes his head.

"My father has enough on his hands as it is with seventy percent of the world's surface being covered in water… as I'm sure you do as well, handling all the world's dead."

He finds himself thinking of the Asphodel Fields. How they stretched on for eternity. And how the entrance to the Underworld was a bunch of fucking lines. It couldn't be easy, dealing with all of the dead stretching on forever and ever. And judging by the appraising look in Hades' eyes, Percy had hit the nail on the head.

"Really, of the three of you, its Lord Zeus who would be the most inclined to try and find a way to curtail yours and my father's influence and power. But we both know Lord Zeus would never give up his Master Bolt willingly, even to use in such a scheme as this. No, the Master Bolt WAS stolen… and so was your Helm of Darkness. By Ares. Ares, who would benefit the most from a war between you, my father, and Lord Zeus. Ares, who gave us this duffel bag and planted the Master Bolt on my person in the process."

Silence falls again as Hades contemplates Percy's words. Percy can't help but feel like he might actually be getting somewhere with the Lord of the Underworld. And hey, he didn't even have to go so far as to tell Hades about his even greater suspicion. Though maybe he still should? Eh, fuck it.

"… And I don't think Ares is the mastermind either, Lord Hades. From what I've seen of him so far, he wouldn't be so capable."

Sorry Clarisse, but it was true. Hades, meanwhile, lets out an involuntary chuckle at that, amused in spite of his anger.

"Oh?"

"… I believe that Ares has been turned against you all… by your father Kronos, the Titan of Time."

That… that truly brings everything to a standstill. Even the hundreds of skeletons lining the room don't produce a single clack as they freeze up at Percy's words. Hades himself freezes in place for a moment, a flash of fear appearing upon his face before he sneers to try and cover it up.

"Impossible. The Titan King is locked away in Tartarus, trapped for all eternity."

Percy shakes his head.

"I don't think he's escaped, Lord Hades. But I do believe he's managed to accumulate a few minions. I had a dream about 'The Crooked One'. Ares worked so hard to get me to the Underworld. And most damning of all… I was given a pair of flying sneakers by a fellow camper before we left Camp Half-Blood. Flying sneakers that, the moment we got close enough, tried to fly their wearer straight into the Pit of Tartarus itself, located next to your Palace. If everything had gone according to Kronos' plan, he would have me and the Master Bolt right now."

There it was, all laid out like that, it felt right to Percy's ears. It felt… true. And damn did it feel good to properly unravel this mystery. Even if Hades didn't believe him, at least he could say he'd tried. And worst comes to worst… he still had the pearls from the Nereid.

Chapter 33: Hades' Verdict

Chapter Text

A/N: Everything is finally turning up Percy... right?

-x-X-x-

The tension builds for a long moment, silence filling the Lord of the Underworld's Throne Room. Surrounded by skeleton guards, Percy and his friends can only wait with bated breath to see which side the coin will fall on. Until finally…

"I believe you, Perseus Jackson."

Percy's eyes widen as the tension in the room suddenly evaporates. Hades even smiles, though it's a somewhat sickly thing. Still, the pale God leans back in his throne with that smile on his lips and the army of the dead that he has at his command all physically lean back a few inches as well. They don't leave or anything, but it's certainly a very clear sign of just how ready they were to tear Percy and his friends to pieces on Hades' orders.

Meanwhile, Percy is finding himself struggling with the casualness that Hades has delivered such good news.

"You… you believe me, Lord Hades?"

Waving a hand through the air, Hades huffs.

"I believe you have not told me a lie. And if you have not told me a lie, the implications cannot be ignored. I could believe that Ares might try to spark a war between my brothers and me. That whelp was always a fool and quick to blunder in truly extravagant ways. But these shoes you say were cursed to fly you into the Pit itself… yes, the thought of my Titan Father getting his hands on his brother's Master Bolt curdles the blood in my veins."

Holy shit. A reasonable god. Percy could hardly believe it, though at the same time he does everything in his power to keep his shock and wonder off of his face. He doesn't want to insult Hades, not now. Still, it's rather impossible to stop the big broad smile from curling up along his lips.

"T-Thank you, Lord Hades. Thank you for believing me."

For the first time since all of this shit had gone down, Percy was feeling like he was on the up and up. Finally, they were making some sort of headway. Not only had he made sure his father would be informed about Kronos via the Nereid, he'd managed to convince Hades of the threat as well.

So far, all Percy had experienced was a divided Olympus, and he had to admit that seeing the gods squabbling like children had set him more than a little on edge. Was this truly what divinity looked like in their world? Were these his uncles and cousins? Until now, ignorance had truly seemed like bliss and he'd almost begun to wish he'd never turned out to be a demigod in the first place.

But now… now things could go back to the way they were supposed to be, couldn't they? Sure there was still the matter of Luke and Ares, but with Hades believing him, they could get him, Zeus, and Poseidon all together and get things figured out. Percy's part in this whole ordeal could almost be over.

"But of course, young Perseus. Let it not be said that I am an unreasonable god. In fact."

Hades snaps his fingers… and Percy freezes, eyes widening as he finds himself staring at his mother suddenly in the Throne Room. Standing at the feet of the dais leading up to Hades upon his throne, it's like she's in stasis, frozen in a shower of golden glimmering light, just the same as when Percy last saw her.

That's right. Percy remembers that part of his dream now. Seeing his mother in Hades' Throne Room. A clear provocation from Kronos meant to turn him even further against the Lord of the Underworld. However, not every provocation had to be a lie. Indeed, the best lies had a kernel of truth to them. In this case, the truth was… Hades did have Percy's mother. He always had.

But to be fair, the god had thought Percy stole his Helm of Darkness. In hindsight, sending the Minotaur after him made a lot of sense. Indeed, Hades confirms it a moment later as he admires Sally Jackson's frozen form.

"When I initially believed you were coming here to blackmail me into submission on behalf of your father, I thought that perhaps your mother would make a fine counteroffer. Now I know better, of course."

No apology, but even still it sounded like Hades was about to give Percy his mom back. That alone was enough to lift Percy's already high spirits, leaving the young man smiling brightly and waiting for the God of the Dead to unfreeze his mother.

He should have been waiting for the other shoe to drop.

"Alright then, let's make the exchange, shall we? I shall make sure my brother receives his Master Bolt, and I shall make sure the Daughter of Ares reveals everything she knows about her father's scheming and the whereabouts of my Helm. In turn, you may take your mother, the satyr, and the Daughter of Athena and go back to that quaint little camp of yours."

… What?

For a moment, Percy doesn't quite process what Hades is saying. It doesn't help that the god sounds so cordial and casual as he speaks. As though it's a foregone conclusion that all of those things will be happening and not even really a negotiation. As though… as though Percy really doesn't have a choice.

A spark of something ignites deep inside of Percy, even as he swallows thickly and seeks to clarify.

"Ah… excuse me, Lord Hades… but I'm not sure what you mean. I have a quest to retrieve Lord Zeus' Master Bolt and return it to him to prevent the war between him and my father from breaking out. Clarisse is a member of my party… she hasn't done anything wrong. In fact, she's a large part of why I made it here in the first place."

He shoots Clarisse an encouraging smile back over his shoulder, only to see the Daughter of Ares looks as pale as a ghost. But then to be fair, being told that you're about to be tortured by the Lord of the Underworld will have that effect on anyone, even someone with as much bravado as Clarisse.

Of course, when Percy turns back to Hades, the god looks annoyed again.

"So was Ares, boy. Or did you already forget that? Do you think it a coincidence that his daughter stands at your side? Is it really that surprising that she's a traitor?"

You shall be betrayed by one you call ally.

The Oracle's prophecy echoes through Percy's mind and for a moment he has to consider it. Maybe… maybe if it wasn't for the situation with the flying sneakers he might have even believed it. Hades was right after all; Ares had clearly been immensely motivated in getting Percy to the Underworld and Clarisse helping him had indirectly assisted in that goal. But that was just it… indirectly.

Percy didn't believe for a second that Clarisse knew anything about what her father was up to or what he might have been planning with Kronos. Just the way Ares treated his daughter back at the diner had made it obvious that the relationship between them was pretty much nonexistent.

"As for the Master Bolt… am I not my brother's brother? Do you not trust me to see the Master Bolt delivered back into my brother's hands?"

You shall find what was stolen and see it safely returned.

Another line from the prophecy echoes through Percy's mind as Hades leans forward in his throne again, his eyes narrowing. Supposedly at the perceived insult, but Percy… Percy thought he knew better. He'd almost allowed himself to be fooled, to be lulled into a false sense of security. But in the end, his first impression of Hades was the correct one. The Lord of the Underworld was a tyrant plain and simple. Just like Zeus. Maybe even like Percy's father as well, he didn't know.

But one thing was certain. This god in front of him was used to having his way… and Percy was going to have to deny him.

"It's not that I don't trust you, Lord Hades. But the prophecy was very clear. I must be the one to see what was stolen safely returned. And I will… for both Lord Zeus' Bolt AND your Helm, my Lord."

It's an olive branch, plain and simple. Percy doesn't want to make an enemy of yet another god, regardless of how much of a crapshoot this whole thing has turned out to be. Unfortunately, Hades isn't buying it.

"Now that, Perseus Jackson… was a lie. You don't trust me one bit."

Percy tenses up as the skeletons surrounding them all begin to rattle ominously. His hand goes into his pocket, where his fingertips touch the pearls that the Nereid gave him on behalf of his father. Hades just smirks.

"You only have four pearls, boy. Four pearls for four people. Did you think I didn't know what tools and toys you brought with you to the Underworld?"

Hades leans back in his throne again, but this time the tension in the room only ratchets up as he looks downright amused by Percy's predicament.

"You'll end up leaving my nephew's daughter with me after all. Simple math, isn't it? Who's the least valued member of your little party? Who would you happily abandon for your mother, hm? You can save her right now… by giving over the Daughter of Ares. And you can save yourself my wrath by giving over the Master Bolt as well. Or you can sacrifice the Daughter of Ares and earn my undying enmity. Either way, we both know you won't give up a chance to get your mother back just to save this girl."

That… that was a very good point. Percy didn't believe Clarisse had willingly betrayed him at any point, but it wasn't like she'd been a stalwart ally from beginning to end. Their relationship had started off rocky and stayed that way until he'd literally beaten her into submission. And sure, she'd switched up rather hard after that point, but what was their bond, truly? One purely of sexual gratification?

And yet… staring at his mother's frozen, glimmering golden form, Percy lets out a slow breath.

You shall fail to save what matters most in the end.

He hated this. He hated prophecies. He hated the gods and their egos. And he thinks he might especially hate Hades now for forcing him into this situation in the first place. But staring at his mom's frozen face, her entire body paused in the act of reaching out to him… Percy knows what she would say. He knows what Sally Jackson would tell him to do.

Percy doesn't bother with words until after he's yanked the pearls out of his pocket and thrown them upon the ground, shattering them at his and his companions' feet. Hades' eyes widen at the clear defiance, but before the god can speak, Percy shouts across the Throne Room at him.

"You won't lay a finger on my mom's head, Hades! Because know THIS for the truth! I'm going to get your Helm back to you, just like I'll deliver the Master Bolt to Zeus! And if you've harmed a single hair on Sally Jackson's head, I'll return the Helm by STICKING IT UP YOUR FUCKING ASS!"

Hades' look of outrage increases a hundred-fold at those last words and the God of the Dead finally rises from his throne, truly angered.

"YOU DARE, GODLING?! DESTROY THEM!"

The army of skeletons surrounding them rushes forward, weapons from swords to fully automatic rifles all pointed in their direction. But just as bullets begin to fly, the broken pearls do their work and Percy finds himself encased in a milky white sphere that replicates itself around Annabeth, Grover… and Clarisse.

Weapons from centuries of warfare all ping off of the bubbles they find themselves in, even as the four of them all begin to float up… and up… and up. As they gather speed, Percy glances upwards to see them heading straight for the ceiling of Hades' Throne Room. There was no way they would survive the impact… except that they race right on through.

He's suddenly surrounded by pitch black darkness, but the feeling of movement remains. They're still going up. They'd gone down in an elevator that turned into a barge that ferried them down the River Styx. Now they were traveling up from the Underworld in a collection of pearl bubbles that… well, they burst right out onto the ocean floor itself after a few moments, and then keep going from there.

As they're going, Percy takes stock of his belongings. He has the Master Bolt now. He still has Riptide too. They have everything they need to end the war. And if Percy is right about what will come next, then he won't even have to wait long for a chance to retrieve the Helm of Darkness either.

Perhaps antagonizing Hades as he'd done before they left wasn't the smartest idea Percy had ever had. But he meant the threat. Every last word. If Hades harmed his mother, then Percy would find a way to kill even a god. He didn't fucking care.

The bubbles hit the ocean's surface and pop. They're not too far from land, and from what he can see, they're in Santa Monica Bay. Grabbing Grover, Annabeth, and Clarisse, Percy is able to keep them all afloat with powerful leg kicks while they all catch their bearings. Each of them is looking at him with a different sort of bewildered and aghast.

Percy pays them no mind. Fortunately, they don't have the oxygen to spare for words like he does, even as he begins dragging them all to shore. They probably could have waited for a boat. But Percy was feeling impatient and had a lot of angry energy to burn off. More than anything though, the water was as invigorating and empowering as ever. It took none of his stamina or strength to move through it. If anything, he felt more powerful the longer he was swimming.

Ares is waiting for them of course. Black leather jacket, sunglasses covering his eyes, a baseball bat instead of a shotgun resting against his shoulder. His bike defies all logic and good vehicle sense by sitting on the beach itself, its headlight turning the sand in front of it red as Ares sneers at Percy.

"You were supposed to die, brat."

Percy gets the impression that there's something beyond just Ares working for Kronos at work there. Some hatred for Percy in particular that goes beyond this whole fucking debacle. But he doesn't care. Nor does he particularly want to know. Standing there in the surf, Percy draws Riptide wordlessly.

Ares just laughs at him.

"What? Going to fight a God of War? Mm, perhaps for this?"

He pulls a bank robber mask out of his pocket and it immediately transforms into a bronze helmet straight out of Greek Myth. The Helm of Darkness.

Gritting his teeth, Percy nods.

"If I have to."

Now Ares looks amused. But before battle can be joined, his burning gaze shifts from Percy… to Clarisse.

"Well, girl? What are you waiting for? Get over here and face your enemies! I didn't give you that spear for you to hide behind another demigod and ride his coattails, now did I?!"

Percy feels Clarisse stiffen at his back. And even after everything they've just been through together… he's a little dismayed to say he's not completely sure who she'll side with, now that Ares has made it an ultimatum.