The Birth of the First Demigod Chapter 9 - Journey to the Unknown, a percy jackson and the olympians fanfic

I'm back with the newest chapter. I edited a few of the chapters before publishing this one. Recently finsihed my exams, so hopefully more will follow if everything else runs smoothly.

As always, all credit to Rick Riordan for creating the Percy Jackson Series.

Enjoy!

~Nyx Chapter 9 - Journey to the Unknown

Percy's POV - Flashback - Camp Half Blood

"Chiron." I asked as I walked up to my teacher.

"What is it my boy?" He asked, a kind expression on his face.

"Where do the gods live? I mean I know they are out there somewhere, they have to be after all right?" I said. It was something that I had been curious about for a while now, I knew that Olympus existed, but did the gods reside there too? I suppose that was the most viable option.

"I'm sure you know that answer to that question already, Percy. What is it that you really wish to ask?" Chiron said, a small knowing smile appearing on his face.

"Where is Olympus?"

Chiron let out a long sigh. Olympus is a sacred place Percy, I don't know what fate has in store for you, but Olympus is a place that not many get to go. I suspect however that Olympus is on Mt. Olympus, a place that towers above the world, one from which the gods can see their creations.

"Mt. Olympus huh…" I said trailing off, lost in thoughts about potentially visiting to see my father.

"You should never enter a place uninvited, Percy." Chiron said warningly, as if he was capable of reading my mind.

"What- of course not! I wasn't thinking about visiting Olympus, after all I'm sure the gods would kill me on the spot." I said letting out a small chuckle.

Chiron stared at me for a moment before saying, "Perhaps, perhaps not. Only fate knows what's going to happen."

End of Flashback

"Percy… PERCY!?"

My sight returned to me as I stopped reminiscing about the past, I saw Delia staring at me, a bit of worry in her eyes.

"Oh- sorry. I was just thinking about some stuff." I said, smiling at her.

"I could tell", she said as she chuckled, "lets keep going, yeah?"

I nodded at her, as I stood up. The rest of the group was ready to go and looking back at me.

"So Mr. Old guy, where is Olympus anyways?" Aris said as he snickered at his own joke.

"Very funny. I suspect that Olympus is most likely on Mt. Olympus, that makes the most sense doesn't it?" I said, voicing my thoughts to the group. Silence and a pondering face were reflected back at me as I looked at the group members.

"I don't know! But that makes sense." Cassie said with a smile as she added, "I think that's a pretty logical assumption."

I flashed Cassie a smile, silently thanking her for agreeing with me.

"Right shall we get going then? Did anyone get a map?" I asked. I had no idea how to get to Mt. Olympus from where we were.

"Lucky for you I did." Aris grumbled.

"Wow… using your brain for once, what a surprise!" Cassie said laughing as I held back on snickering at the joke.

"Shut up and look at the map." Aris said as he rolled his eyes, annoyance evident.

The oracle had been an experience, not just for me but for all the other members of our group. No doubt it left more questions unanswered than it had answered.

I sighed as we walked the road, "It looks like it will take a few days to get there, probably two or three." I heard Cassie say behind me.

"Mk sounds good." I replied as I glanced over at Delia, giving her a smile. She sent a beaming smile back at me, it was odd to suddenly have a sibling out of nowhere. However, since knowing Delia, I felt like it was my duty to protect her, even though there were a lot of things I felt I didn't know about her.

"Well I'll lead the way with Aris, just follow us you two." Cassie said as she dragged Aris to the front of the group, ignoring his groans of annoyance.

To Percy the time seemed to fly by. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the road as we continued our journey. The air was cooler now, a welcome relief from the day's heat. We walked in relative silence, each of us lost in our own thoughts. The only sounds were the crunch of gravel under our feet and the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze.

As night began to fall, we decided it was time to set up camp. We found a small clearing just off the road, surrounded by trees that would provide some shelter from the wind. Aris and I worked on setting up the tents while Cassie and Delia gathered firewood.

Once the camp was set up and a fire was crackling in the center, we all sat around it, the warmth and light a comforting presence in the growing darkness. Cassie pulled out some dried meat and bread from her pack, and we shared a simple meal.

"So, what do you think we'll find on Mt. Olympus?" Delia asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"Hopefully, answers," I replied, staring into the flames. "The Oracle's words were cryptic, but I believe we'll find out more about our purpose there."

"Do you think the gods will be welcoming?" Cassie asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

"I don't know," I admitted. "We are there kids, but we are the first as well. The Oracle's words made me think that perhaps the gods have a plan for us… for perhaps a use."

Aris, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up. "I don't trust them," he said, his voice low. "The gods have their own agendas. We need to be careful."

Cassie reached out and placed a hand on his arm. "We'll be careful," she said softly. "But we can't let fear stop us from finding out the truth."

We sat in silence for a while, each of us lost in our own thoughts. The fire crackled and popped, sending sparks into the night sky. Eventually, the exhaustion of the day's journey caught up with us, and we decided to turn in for the night.

As I lay in my tent, staring up at the canvas ceiling, I couldn't help but think about what lay ahead. The journey to Mt. Olympus would be challenging, but I was determined to see it through. For the sake of my mother, for Sparta, and for the future of all demigods.

The next morning, we woke at first light, eager to continue our journey. After a quick, light breakfast, we packed up camp and set off down the road once more. The landscape began to change as we traveled, the rolling hills giving way to steeper, rockier terrain. The air grew cooler, and the trees became sparser.

As we continued the journey I realized that when we weren't being attacked by monsters, or other people, but there was something freeing about traveling with the companions around me.

For the first time since the fall of Sparta, I felt myself relax and start to enjoy the things around me. As I walked over the well traveled dirt roads, I reflected about all that I had. A sister, one that I hadn't known had existed until recently, two companions that while I might not always get along with, I still cared for. It felt like this world that I was living in was full of color and life as if nothing could go wrong.

That night we settled into our nightly routine, the plan was that we would arrive at Mt. Olympus in three days time. Hopefully we would learn more about the Oracles' Cryptic words and be able to figure out what the gods had in store for us.

As we sat around the fire that night, the mood was a mix of fatigue and reflection. I looked around at my companions' faces and saw that they all seemed to be in deep thought.

"It seems like forever ago that we left Camp Half-blood and Chiron… doesn't it?" I heard Delia whisper to my left.

I looked over at her and grinned at her, "Yeah but are you having some fun at least?"

She gave me a beaming smile and said, "Yeah! You're making the trip pretty fun. I've never traveled like this before!"

As I lay down to sleep that night, I felt a sense of calm wash over me, before I slipped into a deep sleep. It only felt as if I had been asleep for a moment before Cassie shook me awake.

"Cmon old man, your shift is starting- I need my beauty sleep too." She said jokingly as I grumbled and slowly sat up.

"Sleep well then…" I grumbled as I exited the tent and went to sit by the fire, which was burning low.

"Really? Couldn't have gotten firewood or something…" I muttered as I looked at the almost dead embers of the fire.

I sighed as I stood up, I guess I'll get some firewood myself then, I thought as I headed towards the forest. The forest which had seemed to accompany us for most of the journey was only a few minutes walk off the path, and as I entered it felt as if I was stepping into an entirely new environment.

The ambient sounds of critters that resided in the long grass on either side of the path outside the forest died away almost instantly. The moonlight that had been so bright was shadowed and hidden by the large growth of trees and canopy coverage.

"Talk about a mood change…" I said as I looked around for some viable firewood. It only took a few moments before I found a stock of old logs.

"These should do, they look dry enough." I said to myself as I bent down to pick up the wood.

*twang*

The sound of a bowstring sounded as an area implemented itself into the log I was about to pick up. I froze looking at the arrow, its glittering silver head that was buried into the log, the construct of the area itself seemed to let off an aura strikingly similar to the moon.

I retracted my hand slowly, keeping them insight hoping that whoever had shot the arrow would show themself.

"Who dares to take from the forest that lieth near the camp of Lady Artemis?" A female voice sounded out from behind me.

Artemis… I knew that name of course. She was one of the more powerful Olympian gods. Chiron had told stories about her group known as the hunters, they traveled the land hunting monsters and following the goddess Artemis.

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I slowly stood up, turning to face the direction of the voice. There, stepping out from the shadows, was a young woman clad in a silver tunic, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders. Her eyes, an intense shade of silver, locked onto mine with a gaze that could pierce through stone.

"Who are you?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"I am Zoë Nightshade, lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis," she replied, her voice carrying an ancient, timeless quality that sent chills down my spine. "What is your name human?"

"Percy Jackson," I said, my heart pounding in my chest. "We mean no harm. We're on our way to Mt. Olympus, seeking answers."

Zoë studied me for a moment, her expression unreadable. "Mt. Olympus is a dangerous place for those who do not belong… perhaps..", she stopped for a moment before changing her train of thought, "Why do you seek it?"

"Well we seek guidance," I said, choosing my words carefully. "The Oracle told us that our presence was requested there… on Olympus."

She tilted her head, a curious look on her face. She muttered to herself and I was only able to catch a few words, "Prophecy… Artemis… People…"

She sighed as if she was pushing the thoughts out of her head and addressed me. "Whatever may happen you must remember that requests from the gods are never simple. I have heard that you are… a demigod, one of your parents is a god?"

I paused, unsure of the reason why she was asking this. "Yes… my father is a god and my mother is a mortal."

"I see… interesting, I suppose that makes you the people my Lady was telling me about." Zoë mumbled as she slowly withdrew the arrow from her boy.

I paused, not sure how to respond, feeling the weight of her words. "Well… regardless, we will try to speak with the gods. The Oracle pointed us in this direction, and for the others who haven't met their other parent it's important."

Zoë's eyes softened slightly. "Very well, Percy Jackson. I hope that everything will go accordingly. The gods do not look kindly upon those who seek to meddle in their affairs."

"We figured the same," I said. "But we have no choice."

Zoë glanced at the arrow still embedded in the log, then back at me. "You may take the firewood, but be swift and leave this place. The forest is under the protection of the Hunt."

"Thank you," I said, bending down to gather the wood.

"Well Zoë, I didn't expect you to be the one who let a man go, one that trespassed into the protected land of the hunt as well…" A mysterious voice sounded out again.

I had a sense of deja vu as I looked around once more for the voice.

I glanced over at Zoë, wondering if perhaps she knew who the voice belonged to. I saw her head bowed down as she stood quietly, almost as if she were awaiting the next words of the mysterious voice.

"Well… I understand why you did it. I suppose I too am curious to see the choices demigods make in this world. Perhaps they will be a changing point, or perhaps they will falter and become another tool for my father." The feminine voice said as she stepped into my line of vision.

Before I even looked into her eyes, I could tell by the seemingly faint silver glow that encompassed her body that this was Artemis. I felt my heart rate increase as I slowly looked into her silver eyes, ones that were surprisingly not full of hatred and disgust; rather a curiosity towards me. As if I were a new type of prey that was more intelligent than the usual rabbit.

"Perseus Jackson…", Artemis said as she looked at me, "To think that we would meet so soon.."

"Lady Artemis..", I said, remembering that if I wanted to stay alive I should show some respect. One of the first lessons that Chiron taught us was that the gods expect respect to be given. I bowed my head and decided it was best to kneel down as well.

"I see you have met my lieutenant, Zoë Nightshade. Though it seems you have piqued her interest more than I would have expected." Artemis said in a neutral tone. I kept my head down, wondering what exactly she meant by that statement.

"Well, it doesn't matter. I believe that we shall meet again very soon, Perseus. That is, if you manage to speak to my father." Artemis said in a teasing tone. One that I wouldn't have associated with a god, much less her.

"Yes Lady Artemis…" I said as I collected the firewood and slowly stood up. I turned away from Artemis, still feeling her piercing gaze on my back as I looked at Zoë. Artemis's words returned to me, 'piqued her interest'... I looked into her brown eyes for a moment longer before I slowly walked away. Leaving the two huntresses to their forest.

Back at the camp, the fire was nothing more than a few glowing embers. I quickly added the new wood, and soon the flames were dancing merrily again. I sat down by the fire, the warmth a welcome comfort against the chill of the night.

As I stared into the flames, I couldn't help but think about Zoë Nightshade. There was something about her that intrigued me, something that made me feel a strange connection. But there was no time to dwell on it. We had a mission, and we couldn't afford to be distracted. After meeting Artemis, I realized how insignificant I felt in comparison to a god. Perhaps something would change once I learned how to use my powers more effectively… Once I was able to get stronger.

The next morning, we broke camp and continued our journey. The landscape grew more rugged as we traveled, the path becoming steeper and more challenging. But we pressed on, determined to reach Mt. Olympus.

Days passed in a blur of travel and exhaustion. The air grew colder, and the terrain more treacherous. But finally, as the sun began to set on the third day, we saw it: the towering peak of Mt. Olympus, its summit lost in the clouds.

"We're here," I said, a sense of awe filling me as I gazed up at the mountain.

The others gathered around, their expressions a mix of relief and trepidation. "What's the plan?" Aris asked, his voice steady despite the obvious tension in the air.

"We climb," I said simply. "And we hope that the gods will see fit to grant us an audience."

We began the ascent, the path winding up the mountain in a series of steep switchbacks. The higher we climbed, the thinner the air became, and the more difficult the journey. But we pressed on, driven by a sense of purpose and determination.

As we neared the summit, the air grew colder still, and the wind howled around us like a living thing. But finally, after what felt like an eternity, we reached the top. Before us stood the gates of Mt. Olympus, towering and majestic, shimmering with an otherworldly light.

"Wow," Delia breathed, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Now what?" Cassie asked, her voice tinged with awe.

"We go in," I said, my heart pounding with a mixture of fear and excitement.

We stepped through the gates, into a realm of unimaginable beauty. The sky above was a deep, endless blue, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. In the distance, we could see the shimmering spires of the gods' palaces, each more magnificent than the last.

"Welcome to Mt. Olympus," I said, a sense of wonder filling me as I took in the sight before us. "Let's find out what the gods have in store for us."

As we made our way towards the palaces, I couldn't help but feel a strange mix of anticipation and dread. The journey ahead would be challenging, and the answers we sought might not be the ones we wanted. But we were here, and there was no turning back.

We approached the grand palace that lay at the center of the city. The walls were crafted from shining marble, and great columns lined the entrance, each carved with intricate depictions of ancient myths and legends. As we drew nearer, a figure appeared at the top of the steps, descending gracefully to meet us.

"Greetings, demigods," the figure said, her voice resonating with authority and power. "I am Hera, queen of the gods. What brings you to Mt. Olympus?"

I stepped forward, trying to steady my nerves. "We seek an audience with the gods. We have been given a prophecy, and we believe the answers lie here."

Hera studied us for a moment, her expression unreadable. "Very well. Follow me, and we shall see what the Fates have in store for you."

We followed her into the palace, our footsteps echoing on the marble floor. The halls were filled with an otherworldly light, and the air hummed with the presence of divine power. As we made our way deeper into the palace, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and trepidation.

Finally, we entered a grand chamber, the throne room of the gods. The thrones were arranged in a semicircle, each occupied by a figure of immense power and majesty. Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, Apollo, and the others were all there, their eyes fixed upon us as we stood before them.

"Welcome, children of the mortal world," Zeus said, his voice booming like thunder. "You have come seeking answers. Speak, and we shall listen."

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the gods' gaze upon me. "We have been given a prophecy by the Oracle. We believe that our fate is tied to the future of both gods and mortals, and we seek guidance in understanding our role."

Zeus nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Prophecies are the threads that weave the fabric of fate. Tell us, what did the Oracle say?"

I recited the prophecy, my voice steady despite the pressure of the moment. As I spoke, I saw the gods exchange glances, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and concern.

When I finished, Zeus leaned back in his throne, his eyes narrowing. "This prophecy speaks of great change, and of a choice that must be made. The future of Olympus, and of the mortal world, hangs in the balance."

The room fell silent as the gods pondered the meaning of the prophecy. Finally, Athena spoke, her voice calm and measured. "The path you have chosen is fraught with peril, but it is also one of great importance. You must be prepared for the trials ahead, and for the choices you will be forced to make."

Poseidon leaned forward, his eyes fixed on me. "You carry the blood of the sea in your veins, Percy Jackson. The future of our world may well rest upon your shoulders."

I nodded, feeling the weight of his words. "We understand the responsibility we have been given. We will do whatever it takes to fulfill our destiny."

Zeus stood, his presence filling the room. "Then go, children of the mortal world. The Fates have decreed that your journey is far from over. But know this: the path you tread will shape the future of both gods and mortals alike."

With those words, we were dismissed, the doors of the palace closing behind us. As we stepped back into the light of Olympus, I couldn't help but feel a sense of determination.

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The trip to Mt. Olympus took us through rugged terrain and steep paths, the air growing colder as we ascended. The area around the mountain was considered sacred land, meaning there were no civilizations around it. The mountain in question loomed above us, its peak shrouded in clouds as if it were settled above the rest of the world. The closer we got, the more reality started to set in. This was the home of the gods, the very same that I heard stories about when I was young, and the home of my father.

On the final day of our ascent, the path became treacherous. The wind howled around us, whipping through our clothes and biting at our skin. But we pressed on, driven by a sense of purpose that kept us moving forward.

As we neared the summit, the air grew thinner, making each step a struggle. But finally, we reached the top. The gates of Mt. Olympus stood before us, towering and majestic, shimmering with an otherworldly light.

"We're here," I said, a sense of awe filling me as I gazed up at the gates.

The others gathered around, their expressions a mix of relief and trepidation. "What's the plan?" Aris asked, his voice steady despite the obvious tension in the air.

"We go in," I said simply. "And we'll figure out what to do after that. I have a feeling that maybe the gods will speak to us first. "

"So this is Mt. Olympus…" I found myself saying, overcome by a sense of wonder filling me as I took in the sight before us.

I looked back at Delia, her face painted with wonder and curiosity. I hadn't told any of the others that I had met with Artemis. I decided that they needed to stay focused on getting here, to Olympus, instead of interrogating me about breaking into the land of the hunters.

I sighed as I looked around once more, we were here. The end of the short journey, though it had felt like a lifetime that we had been traveling.

"It's really odd, you know.", I found myself saying aloud to the group, "that we're actually here after everything that's happened."

Cassie snickered and said, "Look the old man is getting all reflective now."

"Shut up." I said, rolling my eyes.

"Well… it's probably only the beginning, right?" Delia asked, ignoring the argument between Cassie and I.

We both looked at her and smiled, "Yeah, let's see what the gods have in store for us." Cassie said, I nodded in agreement.

We made our way towards the grand palace at the center of the city. The walls were crafted from shining marble, and great columns lined the entrance, each carved with intricate depictions of ancient myths and legends. As we drew nearer, a figure appeared at the top of the steps, descending gracefully to meet us.

"Greetings, demigods," the figure said, her voice resonating with authority and power. "I am Hera, queen of the gods. We've been expecting you."

Chapter End.

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed!

~Nyx