Son of Hypnos

by IFan

Clovis, once an ordinary man named David, wakes up in a new reality where he's no longer himself, but Clovis, son of Hypnos. Struggling with confusion over merging memories from his old life and his new one, he finds himself in a cabin filled with demigods at Camp Half-Blood yearning to change his fate. Includes SI(Self Insert), OC, world building, & stronger characters/monsters.

5. Ruinous Fury

Clovis sat near Thalia's tree, the young pine's shadows stretching long across the grassy hill as the sun slowly climbed higher in the sky. He had arrived at Half-Blood Hill much earlier than necessary, as was his habit. With no immediate need for action and his fellow quest members yet to arrive, he let himself relax, his gaze drifting over the familiar landscape of the camp, before his eyes slowly closed.

His thoughts began to wander back to nearly two weeks ago, to the whirlwind of events that had led him to this moment.

---

FLASHBACK:

In the twelve days since Percy arrived at camp, Clovis had fully embraced his role as both mentor and friend. He crafted a meticulous training schedule for Percy, ensuring that he would be well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

But Clovis also understood the importance of balance from his own experience—Percy wasn't just here to train. He needed to experience camp life and bond with the community. Clovis encouraged him to spar with Luke, attend Annabeth's Greek mythology classes, and participate in other camp activities.

Socially, Percy was awkward at first, but Clovis smoothed the way. He introduced him to his friends, like Beckendorf, and invited Percy and Grover to hang out with the Stoll brothers with him, who of course dragged them all into a few pranks.

Clovis also made sure to drag Percy over to hang out with Annabeth, if only to get them to strengthen their friendship for when they went on the quest, and if he got them together a little earlier than canon? Well, that was a consequence he was willing to bear…

Of course, there was much more to say about Percy's activities as he got used to the camp, far too much to recall in one sitting, so Clovis focused on their more memorable personal lessons—beginning, as one might expect, with mythology…

"Alright, Percy," Clovis said, leaning back on a rock by the lake. "Let's start with the basics. Forget the usual monster myths for now, you'll learn about that with Annabeth or Malcom. We're going deeper—gods, Titans, Primordials, and how it all ties together."

Percy groaned. "Can't I just wing it? I mean…"

Clovis shot him a sharp look that cut off his sentence before it started. "You've survived by luck, not by knowledge. You go into a fight with the wrong god, titan or more likely one of their servants, and you're toast. Trust me—knowledge is power."

He launched into an explanation of the Greek pantheon, starting with Chaos, the primordial force. "First, there was Chaos, many things spawned from it but we'll start here;" he said, drawing lines in the dirt. "Gaia, the Earth, and Ouranos, the Sky. They had the Titans, and after them, the Olympians…"

Percy scratched his head. "Right, so… Zeus is king of the gods, Poseidon rules the sea, and Hades is the underworld guy. Simple enough, right?"

Clovis shook his head, a small smirk playing on his lips. "You wish. Zeus isn't just 'king of the gods.' He's also in charge of justice, law, order, honor, kingship, thunder, lightning, and the skies. You've got to remember their domains—even now I'm simplifying his authorities."

Clovis went on to explain it further, before changing topics to The Mist, Divine Laws or magic, once it looked like Percy got tired of speaking about gods.

Throughout these lessons, Clovis was subtly using his powers to help Percy retain all this knowledge, similar to how he recalled information himself.

One evening, after Percy rattled off a list of gods and their domains with perfect accuracy, Clovis confessed, "I'm helping you out with a memory boost. It's a trick I developed, so don't get cocky—you'd be struggling a lot more without it."

"Wait," Percy interrupted, frowning. "You're… messing with my brain?"

Clovis grinned. "Think of it as me opening a few dozen extra filing cabinets in your mind. No harm done. In fact, plenty of demigods would probably pay good money for that."

Percy couldn't argue with that, especially since the memorization was going far more smoothly than he had ever expected. He felt smart for the first time ever, even Annabeth had commented on his progress in her class.

"Well, let's make the most out of it then." Percy said smiling.

And make the most out of it he did, surprising Clovis with his determination.

---

Clovis also recalled as they delved into Percy's potential powers…

"Alright," Clovis said, leaning forward slightly. "Let's talk about powers."

There was a weight to his words, a seriousness that hadn't been there in their earlier lessons.

He spoke openly about his own powers first—a rare thing for him—but he figured Percy was just as trustworthy as the rest of his friends, who were in the know. He mentioned how, as a son of Hypnos, he had unlocked abilities not usually tied to his father, like shadow manipulation, something more in line with gods like Hades. "Just because Hypnos is my dad doesn't mean I'm limited to sleep powers. The gods aren't as one-dimensional as people think. Their kids can inherit or discover abilities that branch out in surprising ways."

Percy leaned in once Clovis moved onto Percy's own powers, curiosity sparking in his eyes.

Clovis said with a thoughtful smile, "Now, if we were to imagine that your father is Poseidon—just hypothetically, of course—there are a lot of abilities you might develop."

He noticed Percy's slight discomfort but wasn't surprised—the boy had likely picked up on his true parentage. Clovis had dropped enough hints over the course of their lessons. To his credit, Percy wisely kept it to himself, probably hearing the full story about the Big Three from Grover.

"Let's talk about water control," Clovis continued. "Hydrogenesis, for example. People often assume that if you can control water, it's limited to the sea. But that's not the case. You'll be able to manipulate all kinds of liquids. Sea water will come more naturally to you, but you'll also have control over fresh water, rivers, and even the moisture in the air."

Percy's eyes widened a little, clearly intrigued. "All liquids, even like a can of soda?"

Clovis nodded, then clarified himself. "Yes, though more accurately, almost all liquids. Most liquids are connected to the sea in some way, but there may be exceptions. But there's more, your strength will be enhanced whenever you're in water or near the sea. You could be fighting on dry land, but if you're in contact with water, it'll give you a noticeable boost, like having your unconscious divine enhancement multiplied many times over.

Percy leaned back, processing the information. "That explains why I always feel stronger when we spar by the shore, or even when I just get a little wet."

"Hypothetically of course." Clovis said with a grin. "And it doesn't stop there. Sea creatures, horses, and Pegasi—they're all connected to your father's domain. They might respond to you, obey your commands, or even communicate with you. You could find yourself leading an entire school of dolphins, or even summoning a Pegasus from the sky."

Percy raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical but amused. "Command sea creatures? I'm going to be like Aquaman?"

Clovis chuckled. "Maybe. But don't underestimate how useful that can be."

He paused for a moment before continuing in a more serious tone, "Poseidon's powers go beyond just the sea and its creatures. His domain covers earthquakes and storms too. In time, you could learn to summon or control the earth—cause tremors, split the ground beneath your enemies, or even manipulate the land itself. And as for storms, it's not just wind and rain. You might one day be able to create your own hurricane, complete with lightning. But when branching out into flat manipulation of the earth or lightning, you'll still find yourself weaker and less skilled than a child of Hades or Zeus, respectively."

Percy nodded slowly as understanding settled over him.

"The idea of controlling the earth and sky feels overwhelming, but also… exciting." Percy said.

"Of course," Clovis added, leaning back, "all of this takes time. You're just starting out, and some abilities might take years to fully develop—some demi-gods aren't even able to access those powers. But I think for you, the potential is there. The real question is: how far do you want to go with it?"

Percy gazed out at the lake, his mind clearly racing. "As far as I can," he said, determination shining in his eyes.

Clovis knew that Percy was thinking about his mother, Sally, and probably a tiny bit about making his father proud too.

Well, whatever floats his boat.

Clovis's grin widened. "That's the spirit. Just remember—your powers are both a gift and a responsibility. Use them wisely. Sometimes, people lose control of their abilities. Take Thomas Faynor, for example. In 1666, he was the last known pyrokinetic child of Hephaestus. He accidentally lost control of his powers while working in his bakery, and the Great Fire of London was the result. By the end of his... episode, nearly 85% of the people in London lost their homes."

Percy shuddered at the grim tale and promised to not destroy New York.

---

On the more practical side, he remembered when he led Percy to the lake for their first water manipulation exercise. The evening air was crisp, and the lake shimmered under the fading light.

They had been training longer in recent sessions, and Clovis suspected Percy was getting hooked. Not that he minded.

"Start small," Clovis instructed. "Focus on gentle waves and small jets. Get a feel for it."

Percy nodded, extending his hand toward the water. Nothing happened at first, his brow furrowed in frustration.

"Relax," Clovis advised with a patient smile. "Visualize the water moving, then guide it."

Percy took a breath, and slowly, ripples formed. Encouraged, he pushed harder, creating gentle waves that soon crashed onto the shore.

A few moments later, the waves turned greater, with growing power as they grew more choppy, crashing on the shore. Percy smiled, satisfied.

"Good, now try a small jet of water," Clovis said. Percy focused, and a thin stream shot from his hand, though it wavered. It was more difficult for him to summon water without a source.

Clovis offered some tips, but also internally breathed a sigh of relief, seeing that Percy didn't immediately master, then innovate the water jets.

He couldn't help but feel a little inadequate after seeing his waves. Percy was mastering his abilities far, far faster than he ever did, but then again as the protagonist, that was expected.

As they trained, Clovis cautioned, "Keep this under wraps. If people suspect your parentage, we might get unwanted attention—like Big Z's lightning turning you to ash attention."

Percy nodded a bit worried. "Got it."

Clovis grinned. "Don't stress. Anyway, it's always fun to surprise people later. You should've seen Annabeth's face when I showed her my shadow manipulation."

That got Percy smiling real quick.

As the session wrapped up, Percy's confidence grew. Clovis, who got over his mild jealousy, was very pleased with Percy's progress, but knew he'd need to ramp up his own training after this quest. After all, the protagonist's aura was clearly overpowered.

---

Strength and power wasn't the only thing he taught Percy though, he also gave him some insider information hoping to keep him grounded…

Clovis told stories he had heard from other campers about the harsh realities of demigod life, trying to explain their points of view.

"Not all of us are lucky," Clovis said, as they strolled along the shore. "Some of the campers here barely hear from their godly parents after they're claimed. They feel like tools, or worse—mistakes. They might be wrong, but that's how they feel. "

"That's rough," Percy muttered, his brows furrowed. "You'd think having a god for a parent would be… different."

Clovis shook his head, a sad smile tugging at his lips. "It's not like the myths make it out to be. Sure, the gods care more than you'd ever expect, but for the most part, we're left to figure things out on our own." He glanced at Percy who looked upset, his tone softening. "I'll tell you what my father told me, about how things were back in the day…"

Percy looked out at the water, his mind obviously occupied by Clovis' recollection about his father's words.

"How do you deal with it?" Percy asked after a long pause. "The gods being so distant."

Clovis sighed, a thoughtful look on his face. "You learn to lean on your friends and the camp. The gods... well, the rules could use some improvement. There's got to be a better balance, but for now, things won't ever be exactly how we want them. It might sound cheesy, but the real strength of Camp Half-Blood isn't the magic or the training—it's the people. It took me a while to see that. Don't get me wrong, I love my dad, but... well, you get it."

Percy nodded slowly, understanding dawning on him.

Of course it wasn't all just training and life lessons, he taught some realistic things too.

One day Clovis led Percy to a shaded area of the camp, where he introduced him to the Hermes Express catalog.

"Check this out," Clovis said, handing Percy a glowing tablet. "This is where you can find enchanted items from all over the supernatural world." He gestured to the screen, showcasing an impressive array of shimmering weapons, potions, and artifacts. "You can buy almost anything here—if you have enough drachma."

Percy's eyes widened in childish awe as he browsed the catalog, occasionally asking clarifying questions about some of the magic items.

It was only after half an hour Percy finally answered a pertinent question:

"This is incredible! But where can I get my hands on some golden drachma?"

Clovis chuckled. "That's the challenge. Most demigods earn their drachma in a few ways. The easiest is hunting monsters in the forest and selling their spoils—it's the most lucrative, but scaling it can be tough, unless you go out in the real world. Then there are people like me who use our abilities to start profitable businesses. Most cabins have their own ventures, Hephaestus's Cabin for example. And believe it or not, some campers don't care about golden drachma at all—it's strange, but true."

Percy's face lit up with curiosity and excitement as he continued scrolling through the catalog, while simultaneously asking him more about his sleep business…

---

And so, after many days of rigorous training, guidance, and study, Percy had transformed from a bewildered newcomer into a confident, knowledgeable, relatively skilled demigod.

His talent was truly astonishing, especially given the chance to improve.

His progress extended beyond physical or magical abilities; he even took a 150-question exam, an essay included, made by Clovis himself, encompassing nearly everything he taught and ended up scoring 92 out of 100—not bad at all.

To be fair, he couldn't take all the credit. Not counting Percy's other activities in camp which aided him, Percy's mother Sally had clearly unknowingly educated him a lot when he was younger, not to mention he spent nearly a full year in classes with Chiron studying the mythos. He was able to save quite a bit of time by using his powers to enhance and reinforce those memories.

Still, on the evening of their twelfth day, their training sessions came to a close.

Percy and Clovis sat at the edge of the waters, as they rippled gently in the fading light.

Percy wiped the sweat from his brow, still catching his breath after their training session. His control over water had grown immensely, and his progress showed in every meeting.

But all good things have to come to an end.

"That's it, I think," Clovis said, his tone calm yet final. "For now, we're done with our training sessions, all of them."

Percy paused mid-stretch, confusion creasing his brow. "Wait... what? We're done?" He sounded genuinely surprised, almost disappointed.

After nearly two weeks, Percy had begun to grasp how much Clovis had taught him. He no longer felt lost in this mythological world. Clovis had equipped him with tools, knowledge, and techniques beyond anything the usual camp lessons offered, and now he felt a sharp pang of unease at the thought of it all ending.

Clovis regarded him seriously. "Yes, unfortunately there's not much time left," he said quietly, "a quest will be issued soon—very soon, if my dreams, or rather premonitions, are correct."

Percy blinked as the weight of Clovis's words sank in. "A quest? Already?" he asked, a mix of excitement and dread washing over him. After a moment, he nodded slowly. "I had a feeling. I've been having my own dreams." His voice trailed off, unsure of how to explain, but he quickly straightened, trying to sound more optimistic. "Whatever it is, I'm sure we'll do great on any quest!"

Clovis raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at his lips. "We?" he repeated playfully.

Percy froze, realizing his slip. His eyes widened, but before he could stammer a response, Clovis burst into laughter.

"I'm just messing with you, Percy," Clovis chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "If you'll have me, I'd be honored to join..."

It was later that same day, instead of attending the Capture the Flag match, Clovis decided to skip the game entirely, craving a break from the intensity and trusting Percy to not, well, die.

He chose to unwind with friends Daphne and Laurel, finding a quiet spot away from the impending chaos.

They spent the evening lounging beneath the trees, sipping fresh juice and chatting casually about camp life and Clovis's upcoming quest, which he mentioned he'd learned about in a prophetic dream. They savored the peaceful atmosphere as they drilled him about staying safe.

However, their nagging about being careful was abruptly shattered when a frantic camper rushed past them—apparently he didn't go to a secluded enough place.

The camper was breathless and wide-eyed, with 'startling' news. "Percy fought a hellhound!" he shouted. "A giant one—almost the size of a pick-up truck!"

Clovis felt a jolt of concern, but that quickly dissipated, he had confidence in Percy.

Soon he heard the full story: the massive beast had sneak attacked Percy during the game, but to everyone's amazement, Percy not only dodged the attack but managed to subdue the hellhound using his newly honed powers. Clovis imagined the scene as the camper described it—Percy standing in the creek, shaping the water into a giant hand that held the hellhound down, while Chiron's arrows found their mark in its skull.

Word spread quickly throughout the camp, and within an hour, everyone knew what had happened. Awe and fear rippled through the campers as rumors circulated, but the real buzz wasn't just about the hellhound. It was about the shimmering trident that appeared over Percy's head after the game, when the hellhound lay dead.

Clovis leaned back, continuing to relax with his friends as they observed the camp from afar, watching whispers of disbelief ripple through the crowd. He knew this was just the beginning. If he recalled correctly, the quest to retrieve Zeus's master bolt would commence tomorrow morning.

Events unfolded rapidly from there, just as one might anticipate. Percy transitioned from the Hermes Cabin to Cabin Three almost immediately, and unlike the original timeline, he didn't concern himself with camp gossip.

After nearly two weeks of intensive training, he had forged stronger bonds with Annabeth, Clovis, Grover, Beckendorf, Connor, and Travis. As a result, Percy felt little of the isolation he might have experienced upon learning that Poseidon was his father. In fact, he seemed more focused and driven. His resolve was clear: he would rescue his mother at any cost—whether by sword or storm, he was determined to retrieve her from the Underworld.

At least, that's what Clovis guessed. Spending so much time with Percy made his train of thought somewhat predictable, ironically enough.

That night, after getting claimed, Percy, Annabeth, and Grover approached Clovis with a sense of urgency as soon as they spotted him.

Percy took a deep breath once in front of him and began speaking, "Chiron sent me to the Oracle just over an hour ago. I got a prophecy."

Grover chimed in with faux confidence, "The prophecy is pretty simple really. It says we need to go to the Underworld, confront the Lord of the Dead, find the most powerful weapon in existence, and get it back to Olympus before the summer solstice. That's in ten days."

Percy turned to Clovis, his eyes brimming with determination. "So, Clovis, will you still join us on this quest? I want another member on the quest."

Clovis studied Percy for a moment, then smiled. "Of course I will. It sounds like great fun, minus the whole death and destruction part. I'd be honored to join you, Annabeth, and Grover."

Just as he hoped.

---

And that's how Clovis found himself standing atop Half-Blood Hill, ready for the epic quest ahead. He was all geared up, Claymore on his back, enchanted necklace on his neck, magic briefcase in hand, weighted bands stashed away, ready and eager to get going—well, almost. Unfortunately, he had arrived way too early.

He sighed as he opened his eyes and found a more comfortable spot to lean against Thalia's tree, deciding to take a nap while he waited.

His rest didn't last long. Soon enough, Annabeth knelt in front of him, her presence unmistakable. She approached with her signature grace, holding her magic Yankees cap, her special gift from her mother. Alongside it, she carried a book on classical architecture, written in Ancient Greek—an intriguing read for when she needed a break from the hustle. Her long bronze knife peeked out of her sleeve, as she tried to adjust the dagger to conceal it better.

"Clovis, you're up early," Annabeth said with a hint of amusement as she shook him gently awake. "I didn't expect to find anyone else ready at this hour."

Clovis stretched and grinned. "Well, without all my extra training, I got a bunch of spare energy. Besides, I wanted to make sure I was prepared for anything."

Annabeth raised an eyebrow. "You know, you could've just stayed in your cabin. No one's going to start the quest without us."

"I know, I know," Clovis replied, rubbing his eyes. "But it is very peaceful up here, perfect spot to take a nap, you know? Anyway, I'm glad you're here now."

Annabeth smiled, her gaze shifting to the horizon. "Me too. We've got a lot ahead of us, but we're ready. And besides," she added with a playful smirk, "there's no such thing as too early when it comes to preparing for a quest."

Clovis chuckled, shifting his position slightly on the tree. "You're right. Let's make sure we're ready for whatever comes our way. First things first, another nap."

Clovis closed his eyes again, brushing off Annabeth's mutterings about his supposed lack of respect.

When he opened his eyes next, Chiron stood before him looking amused, with Argus beside him casting a disapproving glance.

Chiron sighed and said with a wry smile, "I suppose it's fitting. You arrived at camp two years ago in a similar state, and now you're leaving in it as well."

Clovis blushed at the comment and didn't have the face to go back to sleep. He was glad he didn't, as the quiet morning soon broke with the sound of approaching footsteps.

Grover appeared first, making his way up the hill with his usual easy stride. He wore his typical disguise: fake feet and human pants to blend in, along with a green rasta-style cap to hide the tips of his horns when it rained. His bright orange backpack was bulging with supplies.

He actually got along quite well with Grover, he had often joined Percy, Travis, Connor, and himself in setting elaborate pranks.

He very much confirmed that Grover did indeed, have evil thoughts for a goat.

Grover's eyes sparkled with mischief as he reached the top and gave Clovis a friendly wave. "Hey, Clovis! Up and about already? Looks like I'm not the last one to get ready. Percy should know better, being the quest leader."

Clovis laughed in agreement, then asked, "You got everything you need for our adventure?"

Grover pulled out a set of reed pipes from his pocket. "Got my favorite pipes here," he said with a grin. "I'm all set to go."

Clovis coughed, well aware that Grover's musical skills were more.. endearing than impressive, though he was actually quite good at offensive types of nature magic. "We'll see how those tunes hold up on the road."

Just then, Percy came into view, his presence marked by his messy black hair, and familiar orange camp shirt. Percy's backpack was overflowing with supplies Chiron had provided: cash, golden drachmas, nectar, ambrosia, and an assortment of food and snacks.

"Hey, Percy," Clovis greeted, gesturing to the packed bag. "Looks like you've got everything you need for the journey."

Percy grinned and nodded at his bag. "Yeah, Chiron really loaded me up. I think I'm ready for whatever comes our way."

He then glanced at Chiron, who offered a warm nod of approval before gesturing toward Argus, standing quietly nearby, observing everything with his many eyes. "This is Argus," Chiron said. "He'll be driving you into the city and, well, keeping an eye on things."

Clovis let out a snort at the awful pun.

Percy was about to reply, but the sound of quick footsteps approached from behind. Luke came jogging up the hill, slightly out of breath, clutching a pair of worn basketball shoes in his hands.

"Hey!" Luke called out, breathless as he joined the group. "Glad I caught you."

Annabeth's face flushed with her usual blush when Luke appeared, her admiration for him evident. Unfortunately, her feelings were just as obvious as Luke's clear disinterest in any romantic involvement with her. Annabeth, though, remained oblivious.

"Just wanted to say good luck," Luke said, smiling at Percy, but his eyes flicked toward Annabeth briefly with worry. "And I thought... well, maybe you could use these." He handed Percy the sneakers, which seemed like ordinary shoes—scuffed but serviceable.

"Maia!" Luke said with a grin.

Suddenly, white wings sprouted from the heels of the shoes, flapping wildly. Percy was so startled he dropped them, and the shoes hovered above the ground for a moment, flapping like two impatient birds, before the wings folded themselves neatly away.

Luke chuckled. "These served me well on my own quest. They were a gift from Dad—Hermes. I don't use them much anymore, though…" His expression darkened, anger flickering across his face, before vanishing.

Percy, caught off guard by the generosity, and started blushing, causing Clovis to stifle a laugh. Percy could be so easy to embarrass sometimes.

As Clovis observed Luke, a pang of regret hit him. Knowing Luke's future betrayal made moments like these difficult to enjoy, as he knew what the true 'gift' was. Clovis had considered stopping this friendship from forming, maybe warning Percy about Luke, but he decided against it. Prophecies were complicated things, and besides, Percy and Luke bonded too quickly to prevent.

"Hey, man," Percy said, his voice a little shy. "Thanks."

Luke gave him a brief, almost strained smile. "Listen, Percy... there's a lot riding on you. So, just... kill some monsters for me, okay?"

Percy shook his hand, gratitude written on his face. Luke turned, giving Grover a friendly pat on the head between his horns, then waved at Clovis, who returned it. Finally, Luke hugged Annabeth, who looked like she might pass out. Clovis couldn't help but laugh out loud this time. Annabeth was too dazed to even give him one of her typical death glares.

After Luke walked away, Percy turned to Annabeth, his face still a little flushed. "You're hyperventilating," he said with a teasing grin.

Annabeth immediately snapped back, "Am not."

"You let him capture the flag instead of you, didn't you?"

Annabeth rolled her eyes angrily. "Oh, why do I want to go anywhere with you, Percy?" she grumbled before stomping down the other side of the hill where a white SUV waited at the roadside. Argus followed her, jingling his keys as he trailed behind.

Clovis laughed again, which led to Annabeth quickening her pace, practically running to escape the situation.

Percy picked up the flying shoes, his expression uncertain. He looked back at Chiron. "I'm guessing I won't be able to use these, will I?"

Chiron shook his head slowly. "Luke meant well, Percy, but taking to the air... that wouldn't be wise for you."

Percy sighed, his face showing mild disappointment. After a pause, he brightened and turned to Grover. "Hey, Grover. You want a magic item?"

Grover's eyes lit up with excitement. "Me?"

A few minutes later, Percy had helped Grover lace the shoes over his fake feet. The satyr beamed, clearly thrilled to have something magical of his own. "Maia!" Grover shouted, activating the wings.

He managed to lift off the ground—barely. But then he immediately toppled sideways, his backpack dragging along the grass. The winged shoes bucked like tiny broncos, as if trying to fly in every direction at once.

"Practice!" Chiron called after him, smiling in amusement. "You just need practice!"

"Aaaaa!" Grover yelped, as he careened sideways down the hill, bouncing awkwardly as the shoes pulled him along like a wayward kite.

Chiron winced slightly. "Clovis, why don't you lend him a hand," he suggested.

Clovis nodded, taking Chiron's cue to help Grover, giving Chiron a moment to have a private word with Percy. He couldn't help but smile as he jogged after the wayward satyr.

It was a shame the shoes couldn't be kept after the quest…

A few moments later, Percy joined the group in the camp's van, and Argus, their silent and many-eyed driver, began steering them out of the countryside and toward western Long Island. Clovis spent most of the drive staring out the window, mesmerized by the outside world. It had been two full years since he'd left camp, and he missed the little things—junk food, movies, TV shows, even the mean city streets. He glanced over and noticed Annabeth doing the same, practically glued to the window. She was just as eager to see civilization again.

The spell was only broken when Percy's voice cut through the quiet, pulling everyone's attention back inside. "So far, so good—ten miles, and not a single monster," Percy said casually.

Annabeth shot him a sharp look, and Clovis and Grover groaned in unison. "It's bad luck to say stuff like that, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth muttered, clearly irritated.

Percy shrugged off the warning. "Remind me again—why do you hate me so much?"

"I don't hate you," Annabeth replied quickly.

"Could've fooled me." Percy quipped back.

Annabeth folded her Yankees cap of invisibility, clearly agitated. "Look… we're just not supposed to get along, okay? Our parents are rivals."

Percy raised an eyebrow. "What, just because of the Gorgon thing?"

Annabeth gave him a surprised glance before turning her eyes toward Clovis. "You really stuffed his head full of information, didn't you?"

Clovis smirked and shrugged, silently proud of how much Percy had improved from their training sessions.

Annabeth sighed, looking back at Percy. "How many reasons do you want? The Gorgon's one, sure. But there's also when Athena and Poseidon competed to be the patron god of Athens. Your dad created some ridiculous saltwater spring as a gift, while my mom created the olive tree. The people chose her gift, so they named the city after her."

"They must really like olives," Percy quipped, his expression innocent.

Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Oh, forget it."

"Now, if she'd invented pizza—that I could understand," Percy continued, completely unfazed.

"I said, forget it!" Annabeth snapped, her patience clearly wearing thin.

Before the bickering could escalate any further, Clovis jumped in, deadpan, "Can you guys stop flirting already?"

That earned him a swift kick to the shin from Annabeth. Ouch.

A few moments later, Clovis, leaning back in his seat, casually asked Percy, "So, what did you and Chiron talk about earlier?"

Percy's expression darkened briefly as he shrugged, "Oh, just the usual—end of the world stuff if we fail the quest. You know, no pressure." But then, almost as if he'd remembered something that erased the grim thoughts, his face lit up with excitement. "But! He gave me something from my dad. A gift."

Percy dug into his pocket and pulled out what looked like an ordinary pen, holding it up for everyone to see. "This is Riptide, it always returns to my pocket, even if I lose it." he declared proudly.

Clovis raised an eyebrow, while Grover and Annabeth exchanged amused glances, trying to suppress their snickers.

Percy shot them a scowl, clearly annoyed by their amusement. Though he did seem to realize he wasn't exactly explaining himself well, so without another word, he twisted the cap off, proving that actions indeed spoke louder than words.

In an instant, the pen morphed, expanding into a magnificent double-edged sword. Its hilt was wrapped in leather, riveted with gold studs, and its celestial bronze blade shone with an otherworldly glow, casting a soft, golden light throughout the van.

Clovis couldn't help but exhale in admiration. "Beautiful," he murmured, his gaze fixed on the sword's shimmering brilliance. The craftsmanship, the sheer energy pulsing from Riptide—well, it was Zoë Nightshade's immortal power that lived within it, that was for sure.

"Riptide," Percy repeated, his voice now filled with awe.

This time, no one laughed. They all just stared at the sword, glowing in the warm light of the sun, its presence radiated unyielding majesty and command.

Traffic began to slow as they entered Queens, the noise and bustle of the city growing louder as the sun dipped below the horizon. By the time they reached Manhattan, it was sunset, and rain had started to patter against the van's windows.

Argus dropped us off at the Greyhound Station on the Upper East Side, making sure we had our bags and our bus tickets before driving off. The eye on the back of his hand opened, watching us as he pulled out of the parking lot.

Clovis couldn't help but think how irresponsible it was to just leave four kids like that, right in the rain too, but he kept the thought to himself.

As Clovis glanced around, he noticed Percy tearing down a poster taped to a nearby mailbox. He only caught a glimpse of it, but it was enough: a soggy flier with Percy's picture and the words HAVE YOU SEEN THIS BOY?

"Naturally, that must be Gabe's doing. Percy's infamous stepfather—what a major asshat." Clovis thought, feeling a bit of pity for the Jackson family.

Grover, who was always perceptive, was already by Percy's side, shouldering his backpack. Clovis subtly pulled Annabeth back a few steps, staying within earshot but giving Percy and Grover a semblance of privacy.

Grover spoke softly, "You want to know why she married him, Percy?"

Percy turned to him, his brow furrowed. "Were you reading my mind or something?"

"Just your emotions." Grover shrugged, like it was no big deal. "Guess I forgot to mention that satyrs can do that. You were thinking about your mom and Gabe, right?"

Percy nodded, his expression tight, clearly waiting for Grover to cut to the chase.

"You should be grateful, Percy," Grover continued. "Your step dad smells so... human, it actually masked your scent from monsters. When I got in his Camaro, I knew right away—Gabe's been hiding your demigod scent for years. If you hadn't been around him, monsters would've found you a long time ago. Your mom stayed with him to protect you. She must've really loved you to put up with that guy—if that makes you feel any better."

Percy's face was a whirlwind of emotions, and he stayed silent, clearly processing what Grover had told him. Clovis observed him for a moment, understanding the turmoil Percy must be feeling—grappling with the complicated mix of hate, resentment, gratitude and love toward Gabe and his mother respectively.

Clovis's thoughts drifted to his own mother. She had always been kind and loving, but far from perfect. She hadn't planned to have a child, let alone a demigod. Young and lazy by nature—not that Clovis wasn't—she had never been strong in spirit. She simply wasn't prepared for the enormous responsibility that came with raising a child, much less a demi-god. Despite all that, she had given him a decent childhood.

But when the time came for her to leave him at Camp Half-Blood after the hellhound attack, it was like she had finally freed herself from invisible chains. She tried to stay in touch at first, sending letters once a week. But over time, the letters grew shorter and less frequent until they stopped altogether after eight months.

The original Clovis had begged Chiron to check on her, worried something might have happened, and Chiron had agreed. The next week, Clovis had been called to the Big House for a private conversation. Chiron told him that his mother had sold their cozy house in upstate New York and set off to travel Europe.

Even as a young boy, Clovis knew what that meant—he had been abandoned.

Now, looking back with a more mature perspective, Clovis could see that his mother had tried her best, and that, in her way, she had loved him. Maybe in her mind, leaving him at camp had been for the best. She might have convinced herself that he would never be able to live a normal life among mortals and that he would be safe at camp. It was for the greater good that they separated.

Those were probably the comforting excuses she told herself before she decided to leave.

Clovis as he stood now, didn't hold it against her, not completely at least. But deep down, he couldn't help but think of her as a coward. She was nothing like Sally Jackson, who had stayed and sacrificed so much for Percy…

Soon we moved to a spot in the corner to wait for the bus. The restless energy built up quickly, especially after Percy and Grover's heavy conversation, and his own thoughts about his mother.

Clovis, trying to lighten the mood, suddenly stood up.

"Pizza," he declared, stretching his arms. "Be right back."

Annabeth gave him a curious look. "Pizza?"

Clovis nodded seriously.

With that, he headed to the pizzeria he had noticed earlier, a charming little spot in the station with a neon "Open" sign casting a warm glow in the evening light. As he entered, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked dough and melted cheese filled the air, making his stomach growl in anticipation. He placed his order and chatted with the friendly staff while they prepared his food with practiced skill.

A short time later, Clovis emerged from the pizzeria, carefully balancing a towering stack of pizzas in his arms. Three steaming pies, two topped with a generous assortment of ingredients, and one plain, all precariously stacked on top of one another. On top of the pizza boxes, he stacked an aromatic order of garlic knots, their golden-brown surfaces gleaming with a buttery shine, and a container of penne alla vodka stacked on the very top, its creamy sauce visible through the clear lid.

Clovis made his way back to the group, his steps steady despite the heavy load. As he approached, he couldn't help but smile at the sight of his friends, their faces lighting up with excitement and hunger.

"You're a legend, Clovis," Percy exclaimed, his eyes sparkling as he reached for a slice of pizza and a handful of garlic knots.

Clovis shrugged and handed a whole pie to Grover and Annabeth. "I know I am. And it's been so long since we've eaten anything unhealthy, Chiron is actually torturing us."

Annabeth took a bite and nodded in agreement. "I'll give you that. This is really good."

Percy, his mouth already stuffed with pizza, reached over for another slice from Grover's side, eyeing the plain cheese pie Clovis had ordered, Grover, too engrossed in his own meal, was a split second too slow to prevent Percy from swiping a slice.

"Hey!" Grover protested, clearly protective of his food.

Clovis chuckled at their playful bickering, the tension momentarily lifting. For a brief moment, it felt as if they were just regular kids, enjoying a meal together—no monsters, no quests, just pizza and good company.

But all good things had to end. Just as we were finishing up, the bus finally pulled in. As we stood in line, Grover's nose twitched, and he started glancing around nervously, sniffing the air like something foul had just passed. Clovis had a sinking feeling in his gut, he had a premonition that things wouldn't go as planned…

We boarded the bus and found seats at the back, which seemed like the best idea—until Annabeth suddenly grabbed Percy's knee.

"Percy," she whispered, her voice urgent.

An old lady had just gotten on the bus. She wore a wrinkled velvet dress, lace gloves, and a shapeless orange-knit hat. Her face was hidden in shadow, but when she tilted her head, her black eyes gleamed menacingly.

Percy leaned in, whispering fiercely to us, "That's Mrs. Dodds, the Fury. She looks older, but it's definitely the same evil face."

Behind her, two more elderly women stepped onto the bus, one in a green hat, the other in purple. Aside from the different colors, they were identical to Mrs. Dodds: the same gnarled hands, paisley handbags, and wrinkled velvet dresses. Clovis's heart raced as he watched them take their seats.

"Triplet demon grandmothers," Clovis muttered under his breath. This was bad. Really bad.

The moment he saw them, he knew why he felt uneasy. Annabeth's original plan in the books of turning Percy invisible was going to be useless, already their eyes locked onto us, seemingly locking in directly on our souls—they would never lose track of us.

He should have realized that despite the accuracy of the books, reality was always variable, especially in the fights that were heavily underpowered.

They took seats in the front row, just behind the driver. The two women on the aisle casually crossed their legs into the walkway, forming an X that blocked any escape route.

As the bus rumbled out of the station and into the slick streets of Manhattan, Percy's voice wavered with fear. "She didn't stay dead long. I thought you said they could be dispelled for a lifetime."

"I said if you're lucky," Annabeth replied, her tone grim. "Looks like you're not."

"All three of them," Grover whimpered, his voice trembling. "Di immortales!"

"It's fine," Annabeth said, clearly trying to think fast. "The Furies. Three of the worst monsters from the Underworld. No big deal. Simple really, we'll just slip out the windows."

"They don't open," Grover groaned as he tried to open one.

"What about a back exit?" she asked, glancing back.

There wasn't one. Not that it would have mattered by then—traffic was thick as we rolled down Ninth Avenue, heading straight for the Lincoln Tunnel.

Clovis sighed, realizing he had over-relied on his foresight, especially during seemingly 'unimportant' moments. Still now was not the time to scold himself, his mind raced as he considered their options, until inspiration struck.

He spoke quietly but with resolve to his friends, "If we can't flee, and we can't fight outright, then we'll do what all good heroes do—use trickery and cunning."

Clovis leaned in close, whispering his plan with careful precision to his companions.

The tension in the air thickened as we entered the Lincoln Tunnel. The bus plunged into near total darkness, the only light coming from the faint running lights along the aisle. The steady patter of rain had ceased, replaced by an eerie silence that only heightened the tension.

Then, without warning—at least for everyone other than him—Mrs. Dodds or rather Alecto stood up. Her voice, flat and emotionless as though she had rehearsed it a hundred times, carried through the bus. "I need to use the restroom."

"So do I," said the second sister, Tisiphone, her voice dripping with malice.

"So do I," echoed the third, Megaera, their words spoken in unison, like a twisted chorus of doom.

The mortals seemed to think nothing of it, under the power of The Mist.

They began to move down the aisle, their eyes locked on us. That's when Clovis acted.

His eyes glowed with an eerie, faint but unmistakable light. With a mere flick of his hand, every mortal on the bus sank deeply into their seats, falling into an instant, deep sleep. The driver, however, had a brief delay, his head nodding as he grew drowsy. But in those few seconds, before sleep overtook him, he instinctively eased the bus to a jerky stop. Good.

The Furies seemed completely indifferent to the sudden wave of sleeping mortals. They didn't even blink as their focus remained squarely on us. As they advanced, their forms began to shift, twisting into ugly forms. The 'old ladies' vanished, replaced by leathery hags with bat-like wings, clawed hands, and grotesque faces. Their handbags morphed into fiery whips that crackled menacingly in their grasp.

Before the Furies could act any further, Clovis moved swiftly. Bowing deeply, his voice rang out with a strange reverence, smooth and hypnotic.

"Hail, Mighty Alecto," Clovis intoned, his voice low but commanding. "Greatest of the Three Sisters, Chief of the Furies, Master of the Fields of Punishment."

Annabeth, Grover, and Percy followed his lead, bowing alongside him, their faces carefully neutral.

Clovis knew his usual powers wouldn't work on creatures like these—too ancient, too strong. But he had other skills, ones he rarely employed, yet still formidable nevertheless.

Instead of using Sleep Inducement to put them to sleep, he used it to subtly tap into their minds, inducing the effects of extreme sleep deprivation: irritability, impaired judgment, and emotional instability. Along with that, Clovis wielded a subtle form of hypnosis—not as overtly commanding or powerful as charmspeak, but far more delicate, subtle and mild in its influence. Most of the time it was useless unless someone consented to be hypnotized, but now when combined with Sleep Inducement…

The Furies hesitated, their eyes clouded with confusion as their minds grew foggy, like someone who hadn't rested for ages.

Megaera, the most temperamental of the three, was the first to speak, her voice dripping with suspicion. "Mighty? Greatest and Chief of the Furies? Who dares to tell such lies?"

Her name meant Jealousy, and Clovis was going to play into that perfectly.

He kept his glowing purple eyes on Alecto, who unbeknownst to her sisters suddenly dozed, missing his next words completely, his voice weaving through the air like a spell. "It was Alecto herself who told me, or rather my friend here."

He gestured grandly toward Percy, who was doing his best to remain calm. "You see, your sister once took the form of Percy's math teacher, before she attempted to kill him. It was only through Chiron's intervention that Percy managed to survive. But before that, Lady Alecto had him at her mercy. She boasted of her Might, told Percy that it was an Honor to fall by her hand—the Greatest of the Furies. Most Trusted by Hades, she whispered to him. Only she was entrusted with the task of punishing him, while her sisters were left to rot in the Underworld, forgotten, toiling away."

Clovis pressed on, completely disregarding the darkening expressions of the Furies. "I was utterly taken aback," he said, his voice smooth and unwavering, "when Percy told me about his encounter with Alecto. Why, I never imagined she would wield such mastery over her sisters..."

His words lingered, feigning confusion as if the notion of Alecto wielding dominance over her fellow Furies was genuinely baffling to him.

The tension crackled like a live wire, the weight of Clovis's insinuation hitting its mark, perhaps more than he ever expected. Megaera and Tisiphone's eyes narrowed, their faces warped in ugly outrage as their fiery whips flicked ominously in their hands. Their rage shifted, no longer directed at Clovis and his friends but squarely on Alecto, who, for the first time, seemed genuinely unsettled. She opened her mouth to defend herself, to say something, but the moment had already slipped from her grasp.

Clovis remained calm, watching as the cracks between the sisters widened—exactly as he had planned.

And that was their folly.

Clovis moved in a flash. His massive Claymore, gleaming and deadly, appeared in his hand without a sound. With one powerful stroke, he cleaved Megaera cleanly in half, her body disintegrating into golden dust before it even hit the floor. At the same moment, Percy unleashed Riptide. The celestial bronze blade hummed through the air, striking Tisiphone with deadly precision. She too burst into a cloud of golden dust, her form dissolving in an instant.

Only Alecto remained, and she was now fully aware of her grave mistake.

Whatever influence Clovis's words or power once held over her was shattered—and just in time to save her life. Alecto had been Annabeth's target, but as Annabeth lunged with her dagger, the blade narrowly missed its mark.

Annabeth's shorter reach, limited by her weapon, put her at a disadvantage. Alecto, positioned farther away than the other Furies, managed to evade the lethal strike. With a furious shriek, she spread her wings wide and propelled herself backward, narrowly avoiding the same fate as her sisters.

"We've got a problem!" Percy yelled, his grip tightening on Riptide as Alecto snarled, her fury palpable.

Clovis had to agree, but his head hurt, a lot—backlash from Alecto violently breaking his power over her, but he suppressed it. He did idly notice something unsettling though—Alecto seemed to be growing larger...

Alecto, struggling to keep her composure, spat out, "You have defied my Lord and the Gods, faithless thieves, and with your actions, you have angered them. You shall die for your offenses. Zeus will annihilate you!" she vowed. "Hades will claim your soul!"

Before Alecto could continue her threats—or worse, attack—the bus was jolted by a thunderous crack that reverberated through the sky. The metal rattled violently, sending a shiver down Clovis's spine. His instincts screamed: RUN!

"Get out!" Annabeth's voice cut through the chaos, sharp and urgent. "Now!"

No one needed further encouragement. The group sprang into action, though not before Clovis grabbed his briefcase, bolting toward the exit with adrenaline fueling their every move. They dashed past the stunned Alecto, who likely couldn't have imagined they'd dare to bypass her so boldly, right to the front door.

Clovis idly removed his power over the mortals as they ran, and filled them with fear with his rapidly progressing nightmare abilities; he hoped they were smart enough to get off the bus otherwise…

In a blur of motion, they burst out of the bus and raced towards the nearby woods, their breath misting in the cold air. The dense trees loomed ahead, but their destination was clear: the Hudson River. The thundering roar of the river seemed to act as a beacon to them as they ran.

However, just as they reached the cover of the trees, a blinding flash of lightning split the sky, illuminating the bus in a stark, surreal light. The bolt struck the bus with a deafening crack, sending a shower of debris into the night.

The bus erupted in a massive fireball. Clovis and his friends stumbled as the ground shook beneath them, the force of the explosion propelling them forward. The shockwave sending them sprawling into the underbrush. Trees splintered and flames roared, casting eerie shadows as the fire consumed the vehicle.

Alecto's enraged shrieks were drowned out by the deafening roar of the explosion, and the group, bruised but unharmed, scrambled to their feet, ready to continue towards the Hudson. But suddenly, an unseen force seemed to freeze them in place. They turned slowly to the now-wrecked bus and were confronted with a terrifying sight.

Alecto emerged from the wreckage of the bus, no longer the small, hideous winged hag she once appeared to be.

She now towered above them, an imposing twenty feet tall. Her wings spread wide, casting a dark, foreboding shadow that seemed to suffocate the light around her. On one hand, she brandished a whip ablaze with an intense fire, its flames twisting and crackling like serpents.

Her other hand was equipped with colossal claws, each one akin to a short, wicked sword, gleaming with a sinister, malevolent light. Her appearance was a horrifying fusion of demonic majesty and unrestrained fury, a sight so fearsome it sent a shudder through anyone who dared to meet her gaze.

This was a Fury of Hades in her greatest form.

Clovis caught Annabeth's nearly inaudible whimper, "Not again."

Percy's gaze quickly turned toward her, but he stayed silent, clearly sensing that this was not the right moment for questions.

Clovis, however, understood exactly what Annabeth meant. This was likely the same terrifying form Thalia had encountered years ago on Half-Blood Hill—the battle that Annabeth and Grover had fled from.

"So, what's the plan, Wise Girl?" Percy asked in a falsely cheerful tone as Alecto menacingly and deliberately advanced slowly, clearly relishing their fear.

The tension in the air was thick as Alecto prowled toward them. It was then Clovis noticed something, her whip no longer crackled with ordinary fire, but if his eyes didn't deceive him, it crackled with Hellfire, he could feel the familiar menacing, unnatural energy. The very atmosphere seemed to thrum with the dark energy, each spark from the whip casting flickering, eerie shadows on the forest floor.

Clovis glanced at Annabeth, whose brow furrowed for just a moment, still silent. She looked as if she were lost in thought, her mind whirling through strategies, but then, as if shedding the last vestiges of uncertainty, her grey eyes sharpened, her focus firmed.

Clovis couldn't help but smile. He knew she had likely envisioned this battle countless times, crafting the perfect strategy to defeat a Fury in her mind. Now, she was on the brink of turning that vision into reality, but instead of aiming to save Thalia, the goal had shifted to saving themselves.

"Alright," Annabeth said, her voice steady and commanding. Her expression reflected a blend of determination and focus as she addressed her friends. "Here's the plan. I'll use my invisibility cap to prowl in the shadows. While I'm hidden, I'll strike whenever there's an opportunity, watching for openings to act when Alecto's attention is diverted."

She turned to Grover, who was adjusting the flying shoes Percy had given him. "Grover, you'll be crucial to our strategy. With those flying shoes, you can stay airborne and out of Alecto's immediate reach. Use your nature magic to assist us from above—create barriers, summon vines to entangle her, or disrupt her aim. But if she turns her attention on you, your best bet is to fly far away; Alecto's strength is beyond what you can handle head-on."

Annabeth paused for a moment, her gaze shifting to Percy and Clovis. "That leaves Percy and Clovis to face Alecto directly," she announced, the weight of her words hanging in the air. Clovis felt a mix of anticipation and responsibility swell within him. He was about to be thrust into the heart of the battle.

"Clovis, do you have a plan for tackling the frontal battle?" Annabeth asked, her voice steady as she handed off the responsibility to him, surprisingly restraining her hubris. She understood that he would be in the thick of the fight, while her role would keep her hidden in the shadows, unable to communicate in the heat of battle. Clovis could feel her trust in him—a silent acknowledgment of his strength and capability.

As for Percy, he didn't take Annabeth's dismissal to heart—he understood that he was still new to all of this. Instead, he remained focused on Clovis, eager to hear his plan.

Clovis sighed, the weight of his recent experiences pressing down on him. "Yes I do, but a small disclaimer; I've exhausted a significant amount of my divine energy during that battle of wills with the Furies on the bus. Manipulating them was no easy task, and in the end, Alecto broke my hold."

He could still feel the backlash, though that was very quickly fading.

Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he continued, "Nevertheless, I still have enough power left to enhance my body and fight. While I won't be able to influence Alecto with my powers, I am still combat ready."

"Now the plan, Percy." Clovis started, his voice calm but firm, "Alecto's whip isn't just covered by an ordinary fire anymore—it's Hellfire. I've seen Hecate's kids summon it before. That stuff can scorch more than your skin; it burns your very soul… So, I need you to fight on the side of the whip. I'll deal with her claws."

Percy blinked, looking stunned for a moment. He opened his mouth to protest but Clovis cut him off before he could start, explaining himself further.

"Percy, you're the son of Poseidon, and we're right next to the Hudson River. You might not realize it yet, but with the water empowering you, combined with your own divine enhancement, you'll feel strength like you've never imagined, second only to fighting in the sea."

Percy still gulped, and a trace of concern slipped into his voice. "That sounds awesome, Clovis, but you did just say Alecto's using Hellfire now, not regular flames. How's some water supposed to handle that?"

Clovis chuckled, a confident glint in his eyes. "Percy, when you command water, it's not just water anymore. It's an extension of your father's divine power—a force of nature, capable of doing things no ordinary liquid could ever manage. Your strength and by proxy, Poseidon's strength flows through it, and with that you're changing its very essence."

He gave Percy a reassuring nod. "Hellfire or not, your water will overwhelm it. Trust me, this isn't just a splash of water—it's the power of the sea itself."

A slow grin spread across Percy's face. "Alright, alright. I guess I get the good side. Those claws look like they could ruin my whole day."

Annabeth spoke immediately after our plan was set, with a firm and unwavering resolve. "Ok, remember the plan. We need to work as a cohesive unit. No one should act on impulse. Follow the plan, keep communication clear, and trust in each other's strengths. If we execute this with precision, we stand a real chance of bringing her down. Let's get to it."

Her voice was filled with powerful determination. Clovis couldn't help but wonder if she was subconsciously channeling her powers to inspire them; as he felt a surge of purpose and fighting spirit ignite within him—it also completely eased the remainder of his mental aches. But that thought was secondary now, as they geared up for the confrontation, each of them acutely aware of their vital roles in the looming battle.

Anyway, even if they had wanted to strategize further, they couldn't. Alecto reached the edge of the clearing, her monstrous form casting long, ominous shadows that loomed over them.

Annabeth slipped on her invisibility cap, vanishing into the trees, while Grover shot up into the sky, his reed pipes ready. Percy and Clovis spread out, flanking Alecto on either side.

The battle erupted into a whirlwind of chaos, escalating from calm to full-blown intensity in an instant. Percy, still mastering his newfound powers, extended his hands toward the Hudson River. At his command, the water surged like a living force, crashing down in wave after wave against Alecto's whip, which crackled with Hellfire. The liquid hissed and spat as it collided with the searing flames, dousing them and sending up clouds of steam that thickened the air. Despite the intense heat radiating from the Fury's weapon, Percy's resolve remained unshaken. He wielded his trusty weapon, Riptide, its celestial bronze blade glowing with an ethereal light as it parried Alecto's whip.

The sheer volume of water Percy commanded was astonishing, especially for someone who had only unearthed his abilities two weeks prior. Not only did it withstand the inferno, but Percy also instinctively controlled the water, ensuring it didn't harm his allies; otherwise, Clovis and Annabeth might have been swept away before their fight even began.

Meanwhile, Clovis found himself locked in a brutal duel against the other side of Alecto's grotesque form. His Claymore, heavy yet nimble in his grip, clashed with the Fury's razor-sharp claws in a thunderous exchange of metal and bone. Each strike sent violent tremors through his arms, shaking him to his core. Alecto's blows were imbued with strength far beyond any other opponent he had faced, they felt as if they could crush mountains. Yet Clovis, gritting his teeth through the searing pain, refusing to back down. His blade danced and whirled, barely managing to deflect the relentless onslaught as he drew deeply on his divine reserves, drawing forth new strength.

Alecto snarled, her eyes burning with malice, yet Clovis remained steadfast, his focus razor-sharp. The pressure was relentless, but his training and instinct kicked in, guiding his movements as he parried and countered, looking for any opening to land a devastating counterattack.

From the shadows, Annabeth worked with precision and deadly grace. Her invisibility cap rendered her nearly untraceable, allowing her to strike when Alecto was too focused on her two main opponents. Her dagger flashed like lightning in the darkness, finding soft spots between Alecto's defenses. She moved like a specter, slipping in and out of view as she slashed at the Fury, inflicting wounds that chipped away at her formidable defenses. Though Alecto was furious and sharp-eyed, Annabeth's careful, tactical strikes wore her down, each hit weakening the Fury a little more.

Above them, Grover hovered, his enchanted flying shoes keeping him aloft as he played his reed pipes. The air shimmered with the magic of his music, and the ground responded. Roots and vines surged from the earth, coiling around Alecto's feet, tangling her movements and forcing her to falter. Every time Alecto tried to lunge, the plants ensnared her, giving Clovis and Percy the seconds they needed to catch their breath or land a solid hit.

At one point, Alecto lashed out with her whip, the flames flaring dangerously close to Percy. He narrowly dodged, laughing nervously. "Okay, note to self—Hellfire is still scary!" he called, using the moment to summon a fresh wave from the river.

Clovis, panting from the exertion yet still grinning, shot back, "At least you're not facing her claws. I almost get the feeling that she's trying to cleave me in half!"

They fought as a cohesive unit, each playing their part in the fierce struggle. Every swing of Clovis's Claymore, every wave Percy summoned, every hidden strike from Annabeth, and every vine Grover conjured—it all worked in tandem, wearing down the terrifying creature before them. But even in the face of their combined efforts, Alecto was far from done. Her attacks only becoming more erratic, yet no less powerful. The ground beneath them cracked with the force of the battle, and the very air felt thick with the heat of her Hellfire and the clash of divine powers.

"Hey, Mrs. Dodds!" Percy shouted over the chaos, dodging a swing of her whip. "Ever thought about anger management?"

Alecto snarled in response, her ferocity only increasing at Percy's words.

"Guess not." Percy muttered, shaking his head as he sent another wave of water crashing into her.

Clovis laughed between labored breaths. Percy's terrible trash talk seemed to be more insulting than legitimate trash talk was.

As the strikes continued to land on a weakening Alecto, her fury escalated to a fever pitch. Her eyes glowed with murderous intensity, and her Hellfire whip crackled louder, scorching the earth beneath her. Her twisted form quivered with rage, every muscle tensed like a coiled spring ready to snap. The air around her shimmered with the heat of her wrath. Then, without warning, she unleashed a shriek that reverberated through the clearing, making the trees tremble. It was a sound of pure, unbridled anger—a Fury's war cry.

The ferocious cry stunned her opponents, giving Alecto the chance to regroup and quickly change her strategy. Clovis's gaze sharpened as he observed her shift. The change in her expression was subtle but unmistakable—a grim, calculated decision that sent a chill down his spine. Her rage had reached its boiling point, and she was done playing their game; she wanted them to suffer.

With a powerful beat of her leathery wings, Alecto launched herself into the sky, leaving a trail of dust and embers in her wake. Clovis tracked her ascent with intense focus, immediately recognizing her new target: Grover. Alecto's gaze was fixed on the satyr as she rose, her speed both awe-inspiring and terrifying, like a demon ascending to the heavens. Clovis clenched his jaw. The sight of her dark silhouette streaking toward Grover was unsettling; she moved with the relentless precision of a predator, her flaming whip trailing behind her like a serpent, illuminating the night sky with fiery arcs.

Grover, hovering above with reed pipes in hand, froze as he realized what was coming for him. His eyes widened in panic as he urged his magic shoes to gain altitude, but Clovis could see it was futile, he was no son of Hermes. He couldn't utilize the shoes to their fullest potential.

Alecto was closing in fast, her monstrous form cutting through the air with deadly grace. The fiery crackle of her whip cast flickering shadows over her twisted features, making her even more menacing.

"Grover, fly!" Percy shouted, his voice filled with urgency. He turned to Clovis, his expression a mix of fear and helplessness. "She's going for him!"

Clovis's pulse raced as he heard Annabeth nearby, her breath catching in her throat, unable to speak. He knew Grover wouldn't be able to escape Alecto for much longer. The fury was relentless, and the Hellfire trailing behind her seemed to hunger for the satyr's soul.

But Alecto had made a critical blunder, believing herself untouchable as she soared high above them. She had no idea who she was dealing with.

Clovis stood firm, his gaze narrowing as he tracked Alecto soaring above them. Time seemed to slow as he reached for his enchanted necklace, his fingers brushing over the etched javelins that gleamed with a faint, otherworldly light.

He didn't hesitate.

In a smooth, practiced motion, he summoned the weapons, the Stygian Iron javelins materializing in his hand as he wielded them like an extension of his will. The cold, heavy shafts pulsed with dark energy, their sleek forms razor-sharp and thirsty for blood.

He drew forth all his divinely enhanced strength, and with a flick of his wrist, Clovis hurled the first javelin. It sliced through the air with a crack, shattering the sound barrier. Alecto was fast—faster than any mortal eye could track, especially in her truest form—but not fast enough. She dodged the first javelin by a hair's breadth, the dark metal whistling past her ear as she twisted midair. The second javelin came just as swiftly, aimed for her chest, but again she managed to evade it, her wings beating furiously as she mimicked Grover's previous actions, spiraling higher.

But Clovis was already prepared for her actions. The third javelin left his hand with deadly precision, arcing through the sky like a lightning bolt. Alecto, caught in the rhythm of her desperate flight, didn't see it in time. The javelin struck with a sickening crunch, the blade embedding itself deep into the base of her right wing. For a split second, there was nothing but silence—a brief, suspended moment where even the Hellfire seemed to dim.

Then, with a shriek of agony, Alecto plummeted from the sky. The sound of her wing tearing from the blow resonated through the clearing, black blood scattering in her wake like a noxious rain. Her descent was chaotic, her body spiraling out of control as she tumbled through the air, unable to steady herself with only one wing. The ground trembled as she crashed into the earth, a plume of dirt and dust rising up from the impact.

It was like watching a fallen angel, her once-mighty form now broken and twisted. The wing that had been sheared off lay a few dozen feet away, mangled and bloodied, while Alecto herself struggled to rise from the crater her body had created. She let out a guttural growl, her face contorted in both pain and disbelief as she tried to move, her remaining wing hanging limp at her side. For all her fury, for all her strength, she had been grounded—by Clovis's javelin and the teamwork of the demigods she had underestimated.

But even in her defeated state, Alecto's eyes burned with intense hatred, and her Hellfire whip, though flickering, still crackled in her grasp. The fight wasn't over yet.

"You shall pay for your INSOLENCE!" Alecto's voice echoed from the woods, layered with malice as though it came from the very pits of Tartarus.

The ground beneath her feet scorched with each step as she stumbled slowly through the woods, making her way back towards them. The air around her seemed to vibrate with her seething rage.

Clovis knew they only had a moment to regroup. With Alecto still some distance away and struggling to walk, Clovis dashed into the forest where he had previously stashed his briefcase once it became clear Alecto lived. Quickly rummaging through his belongings, he pulled out a few cubes of ambrosia.

"Annabeth! Percy! Eat this now!" He ordered eating one himself, then tossing Percy a piece, while an invisible hand grabbed the other from his palm. "We need every bit of energy we can get."

The ambrosia worked its magic swiftly, sending warmth through their bodies, knitting their wounds, revitalizing their weary limbs, and slowly refilling their empty energy reserves.

Just as they began to catch their breath, Alecto emerged from the woods. Up close, her appearance was more grotesque and terrifying than ever before. Her once proud, bat-like wings were now reduced to a single, tattered remnant. Her body, twisted and deformed from the injury, looked more monstrous than ever—her skin a sickly, molten shade, bubbling with anger, her bones jutting at odd angles. She moved like a nightmare made flesh, a beast of Tartarus reborn in rage.

The battle reignited with the force of a storm. Clovis and Percy worked in tandem, their coordinated efforts a testament to their skill and determination. However, Alecto's renewed fury transformed her into a tempest of rage, making her faster and more aggressive with each passing moment. Percy, water swirling around him like a protective barrier, hurled torrents from the Hudson in a desperate bid to subdue the Fury.

Yet, despite his relentless efforts, he was growing increasingly weary—still too young—the powerful torrents struggled to quench the blistering intensity of her Hellfire. The heat from her flames seemed to siphon the strength from his water, creating a searing steam that made each breath feel like an assault.

And then, it happened.

In the throes of battle, Percy overreached. His sword, Riptide, clashed against Alecto's whip with a resounding clang, the impact reverberating through his arm. In that split second, the force of the collision sent Riptide spiraling from his grasp, its celestial bronze blade emitting a glint of inner light before it clattered to the ground, far out of reach.

Percy watched in horror as his weapon skidded across the field, the sudden loss leaving him exposed and vulnerable. His eyes widened with the stark realization of his precarious situation.

Alecto's lips curled into a sadistic grin, her eyes gleaming with sinister anticipation. She raised her whip high, poised to bring it crashing down on Percy with enough force to obliterate him on the spot. "Now, boy, you will taste true agony." she hissed, her voice dripping with venom.

Without a second thought, Clovis acted. Instinct took over as he lowered his sword, and raised his hand. In a blur of shadow and movement, a shadow construct formed, appearing as an indistinct figure that barreled into Percy with a force that was stronger than Clovis intended, sending Percy flying through the air—straight into the Hudson River with a loud splash.

"Whoops!" Clovis muttered, but before he could even react at his unintended overcorrection, he realized his folly. Alecto never meant to kill Percy, she tricked him. She had anticipated his move, knowing he would prioritize saving Percy. She had lured him into lowering his guard.

Clovis's heart pounded in his chest as he turned his head, but it was too late. Her claws, shining in the light of her Hellfire, as sharp as obsidian, were already descending, aimed directly for his chest. He couldn't bring his Claymore up in time to defend himself. He was exposed, vulnerable, and utterly at her mercy.

His breath caught in his throat. This was it. This was the end.

Time seemed to slow. He closed his eyes, a bitter pang of regret flashing through his mind. An apology to his father, Hypnos, formed on his lips. The image of his friends—Annabeth, Percy, Grover—flashed before his eyes.

He braced for the final blow, the fatal strike that would send him to the Underworld...

Clang.

Clovis hesitantly opened his eyes to the sight of Annabeth standing resolutely before him. Her dagger was pressed against Alecto's vicious claws, struggling to hold them at bay. The sheer force of their confrontation had caused the ground beneath them to buckle, creating a crater that launched debris high into the air and sent Annabeth's hat spinning away. Despite the chaos, Annabeth remained unwavering, her grey eyes burning with a fierce, unyielding defiance.

In that tense moment, Clovis saw more than just a determined fighter and friend; he glimpsed the visage of Athena reflected in Annabeth's stance. It was as if the warrior goddess herself had infused Annabeth with divine fortitude. Her posture, fierce and resolute, seemed to channel a celestial strength, granting her an unbreakable resolve that stood undaunted against the force of Alecto's rage. The air around them seemed to crackle with the intensity of her resolve, fueling her divine power, but her strength would not last forever.

So despite the close brush with death, Clovis sprang into action. With a powerful swing of his Claymore, he drove Alecto back, the blade fueled by his own anger and fear cutting through the air with a force that made the Fury stagger. The Fury's snarl of frustration was almost palpable, but her full attention remained locked onto Annabeth and Clovis, leaving her vulnerable to an unexpected threat.

That would be her final mistake of the night, as with a roar that echoed like a tempest, Percy emerged from the Hudson. His entire form was glowing with a celestial aura, empowered by the waters of the river, and his own terrible wrath. As he rose from the river, the water around him seemed to respond to his call, swirling with an almost palpable energy, and with a fierce, commanding gesture, Percy summoned forth a colossal tidal wave, its crest towering like a wall of liquid fury.

The tidal wave surged down upon Alecto with such force that it felt as if it might upheave the very earth beneath them. The water roared and crashed, a colossal, unyielding force that engulfed Alecto in its crushing embrace. As the wave swept over her, the ground quaked, and the air hummed with the raw intensity of Percy's power.

Fortunately, they were not caught in Percy's attack, and the water flowed around them without harm, just as it had with the waters he had summoned earlier...

When the waters finally began to recede, the clearing was blanketed in a shimmering veil of golden dust. The fierce roar of the wave gave way to a profound silence, broken only by the gentle lapping of the river. Alecto's once fearsome form was now a mere wisp of smoke and shadow, vanquished by the sheer might of Percy's divine power. The remnants of her Hellfire were extinguished, leaving only the quiet aftermath of a battle hard-won.

They stood there, panting and battered, but with triumphant smiles on their faces. Clovis glanced around, feeling a rush of exhilaration. He suddenly understood why demigods dreamed of fighting monsters—it was in their blood. The thrill of battle was unlike anything he'd ever experienced.

Glory, Honor, and Immortality—the words resonated in his mind as Clovis finally relaxed.

It was a few minutes before Grover finally stumbled into the clearing, looking both relieved and sheepish. He was dragging Alecto's severed wing and her sisters' far smaller claws behind him, clearly exhausted. "Sorry, I ran out of energy and… uh, couldn't fly back," he explained with an apologetic shrug.

Clovis, who got a sudden burst of energy from seeing loot, practically teleported over and was now busy inspecting the spoils of their victory. He waved off Grover's apology. "Don't worry about it. We're just glad you're okay," he said, his tone reassuring but distracted.

Grover's expression was relieved, but it soon turned to one of dismay. "Wait… guys, we left all our bags on the bus. I managed to salvage only the spoils of war, but everything else…"

As everyone groaned in dismay, Annabeth's eyes lit up with a sudden thought. She turned to Clovis, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and suspicion. "Not all our bags…"

Clovis, sporting a large self-satisfied grin, lifted his chin with an air of high society. "How could I possibly forget my briefcase? It set me back 2,500 golden drachma."

The clearing erupted with a collective, incredulous "WHAT?!" as his friends gaped at him, including Percy, who was lying on the floor utterly exhausted from his final attack. Clovis, however, simply ignored their astonishment and continued to stuff the Fury loot into his briefcase with practiced ease.

"We should probably get moving," Clovis said, ignoring their incredulous stares, gesturing toward the woods. "Unless you want to wait for someone to come and investigate the scene?"

That got everyone moving quickly, though Percy required Grover's help to move.

As they made their way to safety, Clovis's friends were still incredulous about the cost of the briefcase. Their voices mingled with a mix of frustration and amusement as they walked through the woods with Clovis's flashlight illuminating the way.

"Seriously, Clovis?" Annabeth exclaimed, her tone a mix of disbelief and annoyance. "2,500 golden drachma for a briefcase? That's insane!"

Clovis chuckled, glancing back at her with a smirk. "I know it sounds crazy, but it's not just any briefcase. This thing is enchanted. You have no idea how spacious it is inside."

Grover gave Clovis a skeptical look. "Spacious? I'm more concerned about the fact that you spent an insane amount of drachma on it."

Clovis shrugged nonchalantly. "Trust me, it's worth it. The interior is like half a shipping container. It's perfect for storing all our stuff. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to tell you guys before we lost our bags, but don't worry—I've got enough supplies to last us a while. You wouldn't believe how much it can hold."

Percy, still pale from the battle despite having taken another cube of ambrosia and a sip of nectar Clovis had given him, grinned and said, "So, it's like a magical TARDIS? That's actually pretty cool."

Annabeth raised an eyebrow, a gleam in her eyes and a faint smile playing on her lips. "Okay, I'll admit it's impressive. I never realized the business of sleep could be so profitable…"

Clovis chuckled. "Hey, don't get greedy now, Annabeth. And it's not just about the size—it's about the convenience and planning ahead. For example, without this briefcase, we wouldn't have had space for all the spoils we just earned. The value of that Fury's wing alone justifies a quarter of the briefcase's cost."

As they walked, the tension from the battle started to fade, replaced by a growing sense of relief. Grover let out a surprised bleat. "Seriously, is the wing worth that much?"

Clovis couldn't help but grin, "Who exactly do you think is able to defeat a Fury in her full form, then rip off her wings. I'd even bet we can upsell the wing based on its rarity..."

Percy added with a growing smile, "Now there's an idea. You wouldn't believe how much golden drachma some people would pay. I've seen some crazy stuff on the Hermes Express catalog…"

"Like I said, totally worth it," Clovis said with a wink.

After a few minutes of silent walking, Annabeth finally broke the quiet, her voice low and thoughtful.

"That was… too close," she muttered, almost as if speaking to herself. "We could've died, and that would've been it—quest over. This might be my only chance to see the real world, to prove myself. I can't mess this up. But after all that training, I contributed so little when it mattered most…"

Percy, walking beside her, let out a sudden guffaw. Annabeth shot him a sharp glare, her expression instantly turning offended.

Realizing his mistake, Percy quickly raised his hands in surrender. "Whoa, hold up there, Wise Girl! What do you mean you contributed so little? You were everywhere, landing stabs and slashes left and right! As far as I'm concerned you contributed just as much as me, and trust me, that's saying something. In my book, that makes you a certified badass."

Annabeth's serious expression softened, a small smile tugging at her lips, and despite the dark forest, a blush crept onto her cheeks. She was clearly pleased by Percy's words, though trying not to show it.

Before she could respond, Clovis chimed in. "Yeah, not to mention you literally saved my life back there," he said, his tone sincere. "For a second, I honestly thought Athena herself had descended from Olympus to save me for some bizarre, cosmic reason before I realized it was just you. That was super impressive, Annabeth… I'm sure Athena's looking down, proud as ever."

Annabeth's blush deepened, spreading across her entire face, now visible even in the dim glow of Clovis's flashlight. The others noticed and immediately seized the moment to tease her.

"Wow, Annabeth, you're practically glowing!" Percy said with a wide grin.

"Oh, don't let it go to your head," Grover added with a playful smirk, nudging her shoulder.

Amid the laughter, Annabeth tried to roll her eyes, but even she couldn't help joining in.

Their shared laughter and lighthearted banter provided a much-needed reprieve from the intensity of their recent battle. Despite the chaos and danger they had faced, the bond between them grew stronger, their spirits buoyed by the triumph of their victory and the reassurance of their friendship…

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Thanks for the follows, favorites and reviews. I appreciate your appreciation. I hope you all enjoyed the next chapter here. Let me know what you think, also if you see any large loopholes I might have missed; don't think too much on it, this is a fanfiction.

I hope you guys liked the fight scene, I was excited to post it. Though I considered keeping it canon, with the group fleeing from the Furies and then fighting Medusa, I chose to do it differently. I figured the fight scene with the Fury would be a more epic fight purely because of the Hudson river. Moving on, I had a bit of difficulty with the mentoring part, because it was going to be a lot of repetitive information and a huge amount of filler, so I just made some key moments in the flashbacks. Hope you guys can fill in the blanks with your imagination.

Coming up is a small overview/preview of the next chapter, just so you know, SPOILER ALERT; You can probably guess what's coming up; another monster, Medusa. I tried something new and creative though, hopefully it'll be fun to read. The only thing I'll spoil is it won't be a fight, don't worry it'll still be just as exciting, I think it's too early to do another, the group isn't ready especially after the fight in this chapter. We also get some nice bonding with the group throughout the next chapter, and finally we find some actual loot at the end. After all, what's an adventure without loot?