Title: Start of Something New (A Percy Jackson AU fanfiction)
Chapter 1: A Trip to Remember
Rachel Elizabeth Dare's summer vacation had started off like any other. Her father's business
trips meant she was frequently dragged to less glamorous places, but this time, they ended up
in Milburn, Oklahoma. She found herself in a little town that seemed to cling stubbornly to its old
ways. Yet, as she wandered around, she stumbled upon a small venue with a marquee that
read: "Shaun Olsen Live Tonight."
Intrigued by the lack of options and the promise of live music, Rachel decided to check it out.
The place was intimate, and filled with a crowd that seemed as eclectic as it was small. Shaun
Olsen, the performer, was an imposing figure with his 6'0" frame and striking brown/red hair that
seemed to catch the stage lights just right. As he strummed his guitar and sang heartfelt country
tunes, Rachel felt an unusual connection.
Chapter 2: Smoke and Mirrors
Shaun, having noticed a very beautiful girl in the crowd, invited the red haired beauty backstage.
He went back into a moderate sized room The dimly lit room was filled with the sweet, pungent
smell of marijuana. Shaun lit up a joint, taking a big puff.
"Ya don't have to, if ya don't wanna" said Shaun
"No. It's okay, I smoke too. It helps me with my art" smiled the mystery girl.
" What's your name, or do I just call you beautiful?" asked Shaun.
"Woah there cowboy! My name's Rachel Elizabeth Dare." said Rachel.
"Like DARE Enterprise?" asked Shaun
Rachel took the joint and took a big hit.
"Yeah. But if you're gonna ask for something I'm just going to go." She said, exhaling and
starting to get up.
"I fell for you before I even knew your name. And I'm a small town boy. I don't care bout your
money. I care bout you." Shaun professed.
Rachel sat back down, looking relieved.
"So, what brings you to our little corner of the world?" Shaun asked, exhaling a plume of smoke.
Rachel took a puff, savoring the rich, earthy flavor. "Just a family trip. My dad's business brings
us everywhere."
Shaun chuckled. "Sounds like a wild ride."
As the smoke swirled around them, Shaun broke into an impromptu rendition of "I Can Love You
Like That (by John Michael Montgomery)," his voice husky and raw, each note resonating
through the haze.
Chapter 3: Songs and Secrets
Rachel returned to Shaun's shows night after night. She became a familiar face in the crowd,
always drawn to his music and the way he performed. During these sessions, Shaun revealed
more about his life, speaking of his time in Queen Creek, Arizona, and his roots in Frederick. He
liked to sing funny songs as well.
One night, he sang Online and Alcohol (by Brad Paisley) and made the crowd chuckle.
In their smoke-filled hangouts, Shaun's stories and melodies became more personal. He sang
about heartaches, small-town dreams, and the wanderlust that had shaped his life.
One evening, as they shared a joint, Shaun confided, "There's more to me than just the music,
Rachel. I don't know my Dad, but I feel like he wasn't just a drug addict that left me. I feel like I
can remember a warm glow."
"Do you feel like something bad is going to happen?" asked Rachel.
"Yeah, but first I wanna play you something!"
Shaun broke out in "Check Yes or No (by George Strait) and Hush (by Shaun Olsen) (Video on
YouTube)
When he finished he asked Rachel:
"Would you be my girlfriend?"
"YES!" exclaimed Rachel.
They kissed, and walked out holding hands.
Chapter 4: Unveiling the Truth
Rachel's curiosity about Shaun deepened, and she began to notice peculiarities about him. His
uncanny ability to heal minor injuries, his almost otherworldly charisma—things started to add
up. She told him that she wanted to meet a couple of friends of hers at a summer camp in New
York.
"Okay. We're almost there. Any questions?"
"Yeah." I breathed. So I know Percy, Annabeth, Chiron, and Mr. D. Anybody else?"
Rachel chuckled.
"That's all for now lol."
I drove my '85 Ford pickup up to the entrance.
"Truck won't fit through. Guess we're walking the rest of the way".
Chapter 5: Clash of Worlds
I wondered why everyone but Chiron and Rachel were lookin at me funny.
Then I remembered I
was wearing my scuffed up cowboy boots, blue jeans, a Buc-ee's shirt,
tucked in to reveal the steer head belt buckle I was wearin. I wore my tan cowboy hat.
Of course Percy was the first to talk.
"So you're a cowboy?"
"Naw. I ride but not competitively. And this one won't let me on a bull. If you don't do rodeo, you
ain't a "cowboy" per se."
Chiron broke in.
"Now we have some questions. In order to get into camp, you have to be a demigod. So we
need to figure out your godly parent."
"Right. I kinda figured it would be Apollo or Ares. I'm into music but I can fight."
Chiron said"Hopefully you get claimed tonight."
We had just made it to the pavilion, when Annabeth exclaimed. When I looked above my head,
the symbol of Apollo was blazing above my head. I broke out into a rendition of Pickup Man (by
Joe Diffie).
We ate then spent the night singing at the campfire.
Chapter 6: It all goes to shit
After a couple of months, we discovered Percy is a complete stoner and my new best bro.
Annabeth likes to smoke occasionally and gets super goofy. We were having a smoke session
one night. After bout midnight, Percy and Annabeth said goodnight and went to their respective
cabins. I kissed Rachel goodnight and went to cabin. I passed out immediately.
Come mornin', everyone was running around. I pulled a kid aside and asked what was goin on.
He said Percy had disappeared. I ran off barefoot into the woods and started searchin. All I
found was an old man peeling a peach with a knife.
"Who are you?" I asked.
"Well that ain't no way to greet your grandpa!"
"Grandpa? Lord Zeus?"
"Yes boy. Now I know in Southern culture boys get their knives from their granddaddies, so
here's a knife to help you on your journey." With that he disappeared leaving a knife made of
celestial bronze.
Now I'm armed and I'm a gonna get my best bro back.l sense of connection.