A/N: Days 24, 25, and 26. 3648 words!

Rising Storms

A Harry Potter and Percy Jackson crossover

Chapter 26:

Percy

It took them two days for them to notice that they were walking in circles. Percy was frustrated, both with the situation and with not noticing it beforehand. He looked around, trying to figure out what was causing this, but only saw an old gas station. The attached building said, according to Grover, "Auntie M's Garden Gnome Emporium" in big letters.

In the heart of the statue garden, Percy, Annabeth, and Grover cautiously approached, the air heavy with the eerie stillness of statues frozen in time. Among the stone figures, they spotted the ominous presence of Medusa, her serpent-covered head poised and ready.

Annabeth stopped the boys quickly. She looked at them wide-eyed. "That's Medusa. Her gaze can turn you to stone. Be careful."

Now aware of the danger, Percy kept his gaze fixed on the ground, while Annabeth and Grover followed suit. Medusa, sensing intruders, hissed, "Welcome, demigods, to my garden of eternal stillness. Your fate is sealed."

With a swift, coordinated movement, Percy, Annabeth, and Grover unsheathed their weapons without making direct eye contact. Medusa advanced, serpents hissing, but the trio navigated the maze of petrified statues with caution.

Grover, maintaining focus on the ground, began to play a mournful tune on his reed pipes. The haunting melody echoed through the garden, creating a dissonance that seemed to disturb the serpents on Medusa's head.

Annabeth whispered urgently, "Remember, don't look at her directly. We need to rely on our other senses."

As Medusa lunged forward, Percy deftly parried with Riptide, the clang of metal reverberating through the silent garden. Annabeth, using the sounds around her, anticipated Medusa's movements and evaded the deadly gaze.

Grover's music grew more intense, causing the snakes to writhe in agitation. Seizing the opportunity, Percy lunged, focusing on the sound of Medusa's hissing and the rhythm of her movements.

In a climactic moment, Grover's music reached a crescendo, momentarily disorienting Medusa. Percy, relying on his senses, struck a decisive blow, severing the serpent-covered head. The Gorgon crumbled into dust, her deadly gaze closing.

Annabeth grabbed a cloth from inside the store and tossed it over the head without looking down at it. "Here," she said, wrapping it up and handing it over to Percy. "It's your spoil of war."

The garden of statues bore witness to the triumph of the demigods and satyr, who stood among the frozen figures, victorious but surrounded by the haunting reminder of those who had fallen victim to Medusa's deadly stare.

Grover and the demigods sat down, exhausted by the fight. "That looks like my Uncle Ferdinand," he said, looking at a nearby statue. After a moment, he got up and made his way closer. "Hey! That IS Uncle Ferdinand!"

Percy made a sympathetic noise, standing up and leaving the severed head on the bench. He walked over to wrap an arm around Grover's shoulders. "I'm sorry for your loss."

Grover nodded. "At least we know what happened to him. I'll tell the family next time I see them."

Annabeth stood up from the bench. "Come on, we need to get going." She came over and placed a hand on Grover's arm. "I'm sorry, Grover."

"Thanks," Grover said. They started to head out, Percy grabbing the head of Medusa after putting it in a bag. "What do we do now?" Grover looked at Percy for the answer.

Percy thought about it. "I guess I could tie the bag to the bottom of the shoulder strap. And then, we continue West. I don't know if there are any buses heading west right now, but we can check at whatever bus stop or station we come to."

They set off, looking for a bus stop or a bus station, noticing that whatever spell had kept them there was now gone. They walked for thirty minutes before they came to a diner. Percy's stomach rumbled and the other two looked at him in disbelief. "What?" he asked. "I'm starving."

As they got closer to the diner, Annabeth's stomach grumbled. "Maybe we should stop and eat." She blushed slightly.

The bell above the door jingled as Percy, Annabeth, and Grover stepped into the roadside diner, the warm aroma of comfort food filling the air. Their attention was drawn to a burly figure at the counter, clad in leather armor – Ares, the god of war.

Ares glanced up, eyeing them with mild interest. "Demigods in my diner. What brings you here?" he grumbled.

Percy, choosing his words carefully, explained, "We're on a quest to prevent a catastrophe. We're just passing through."

Ares smirked, considering them. "Passing through, huh? How about a little detour? I've got a side quest for you. Prove your mettle, and maybe I'll consider letting you continue on your way."

Annabeth, ever cautious, asked, "What's the quest?"

Ares pointed to a worn map on the counter. "There's a monster causing havoc in a nearby village. Deal with it, and I might find your quest worthier."

Percy, always up for a challenge, nodded. "Consider it done. We'll handle the monster."

The god of war chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Good. Make it interesting."

As Percy, Annabeth, and Grover left the diner, the doorbell jingled once more. Ares's voice echoed behind them, "Bring me the beast's hide as proof. Now go, demigods, and show me what you're made of."

The trio set off towards the village, knowing that this unexpected side quest could prove crucial in gaining Ares's favor. The road ahead was filled with uncertainty, but as demigods on a quest, challenges were part of the journey.

"We haven't even eaten yet," Percy said with a slight whine.

Annabeth nodded. "Maybe when we finish this side quest."

The trio ventured down the road, guided by the map Ares had provided. The air grew thick with tension as they neared the outskirts of the troubled town. The fading sunlight cast long shadows, adding an eerie quality to the looming task before them.

Percy, Annabeth, and Grover approached cautiously, the distant sounds of distressed townspeople reaching their ears. As they entered the town, the signs of chaos were evident – broken structures, panicked residents, and a sense of impending doom.

Following the map's markings, they arrived at the town square. There, a monstrous creature, a Chimera, roared defiantly. The lion's head snarled menacingly.

Annabeth, her eyes sharp with determination, assessed the situation. "We need a plan. Percy, distract the serpent tail. Grover and I will handle the Lion's head."

The team nodded in agreement, preparing for the imminent battle. Percy unsheathed Riptide, its celestial bronze blade gleaming in the dim light. Grover took out his reed pipes, ready to weave a melody to entice the lion head. Annabeth gripped her knife, focused on helping Grover when the Chimera got closer.

As the Chimera noticed their presence, it lunged forward. Percy moved with a fluid grace, engaging the serpent tail in an attempt to cut it off. The serpent tail lunged over and over as Percy deftly parried its attacks.

Grover played a haunting tune on his pipes, capturing the lion's attention. The creature, entranced by the melody, approached Grover with a curious tilt of its head. Seizing the opportunity, Annabeth attacked the goat underbelly of the beast, cutting it with her knife.

Percy, with a swift strike, cut off the serpent tail. The beast staggered, wounded but not defeated. Grover, maintaining the mesmerizing melody, moved closer to the lion, calming its agitated movements.

Annabeth, using her agility, dodged the goat hooves and delivered a precise blow. The Chimera, now weakened on multiple fronts, roared in frustration. The demigods pressed on, relentless in their pursuit of victory.

In a coordinated effort, Percy, Annabeth, and Grover converged on the wounded Chimera. Percy delivered the final blow, and with a mighty roar, the creature collapsed to the ground, dissolving into dust.

The town square fell silent. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover, battle-weary but victorious, exchanged triumphant glances.

As the demigods caught their breath, Ares materialized in the fading light, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, well, you actually managed it. Impressive."

Percy, his tone firm, addressed the god of war. "We completed your side quest. Now, let us continue our main quest without interference."

Ares chuckled, a begrudging nod acknowledging their prowess. "Fine, demigods. You've earned your passage. Go on, and may the fates be in your favor." He handed Annabeth a backpack.

With that, Ares vanished, leaving Percy, Annabeth, and Grover to face the grateful townspeople. The trio, despite the weariness in their bones, couldn't help but share a sense of accomplishment. The Chimera defeated, the side quest concluded, they could now resume their journey with renewed determination.

Before the townspeople could come out of their homes, Percy led the others back to the diner where they had met Ares. They were starving, and having to go out of their way, backtracking for a few miles, to deal with a monster for a god was taking time away from their original quest. Percy tried not to fall asleep at their table as they ate, and Grover kept an eye out for monsters and other gods.

Annabeth found them a hotel for the night and they fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows. Because they didn't want to be separated, Annabeth took one bed and the boys shared the other.

The next morning, they took turns using the restroom and showering before they sat down to plan the next part of their journey. "The side quest from Ares put us back by half a day," Annabeth said. "Now, how can we make up for it?"

Percy looked up from the bed he had slept in. "I'm not sure. I suppose that we should turn a little more south as we head west. That way, we cut off a little more time, and we don't miss the deadline." Percy bit his bottom lip. "It's not a perfect plan, as the roads aren't always in a straight line, but it's a plan."

Grover nodded. "Seems like the best one we have right now."

"I can't believe I'm agreeing to a plan from a son of Poseidon," Annabeth said, grabbing the backpack from Ares. "Okay, let's get some breakfast before we head out."

Percy shook his head at her actions. "Okay, let's get breakfast. I'm starving!"

"You're always starving." Grover laughed.

They left the hotel, checking out, and walked to the restaurant nearby. As they ate, Percy saw a news update on the case of a missing mom and son. The name 'Jackson' had him looking up at the tv in shock. Gabe was on tv, telling everyone that Percy must have done something to his mother, as he's a troubled teen. When Percy noticed that people started looking at him, he said loudly, "Or maybe she just wanted to get away from your lazy beer drinking, poker playing, money extorting self?" He heard laughter coming from a few people and Percy told Annabeth and Grover, "Come on. Let's go meet up with mom at the store."

"Sure, Perce," Grover said. "I love Sally."

Percy paid for the food, and they left the restaurant. Soon after, they caught a bus and paid for a day pass for each of them. It took a few buses, and a few days, but they found themselves in California. "Now to find our way to the Underworld.

The trio navigated the city streets, their quest to uncover the true lightning thief pressing them forward. As they approached a nondescript store, to get a quick snack, Percy's instincts tingled with a sense of impending danger.

Annabeth surveyed their surroundings. "Stay on guard. I have a feeling we're not alone."

Before they could react, the door of the store slammed shut behind them, sealing them inside. Shadows coalesced, revealing a monstrous form — a Hydra, its multiple heads hissing and snapping in the confined space.

Percy, drawing Riptide, positioned himself protectively in front of his friends. "Looks like we've got company, and it's not here for a shopping spree."

The Hydra lunged, each head targeting a different demigod. Percy engaged the central head, deflecting its strikes with his celestial bronze sword. Grover, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, attempted to distract the serpent-like heads with his reed pipes, while Annabeth circled, searching for an opportunity to strike.

The store transformed into a battleground, shelves toppling, and merchandise scattering in the chaos. Percy, fueled by determination, parried the Hydra's relentless attacks. The sounds of combat reverberated through the confined space.

Grover, the multiple heads fixated on him, played an urgent tune on his reed pipes, attempting to draw the creature's attention away. Annabeth, using her agility, avoided the snapping jaws and aimed for the Hydra's vulnerable necks.

The battle unfolded with intensity, the trio weaving through the aisles, each move a dance with the monstrous foe. The Hydra, resilient and determined, seemed hell-bent on keeping them trapped within the store.

Percy, seizing a moment of opportunity, lunged at the central head. With a swift strike, he managed to cut it off and let another head of the Hydra cauterize the stump, causing the Hydra to recoil. Grover, exploiting the creature's momentary confusion, played a dissonant melody that disoriented the serpent-like heads.

Annabeth, capitalizing on the Hydra's disarray, delivered precise blows to the remaining necks. The Hydra, now weakened and overwhelmed, roared in frustration.

Percy, with a surge of determination, struck the final blow, taking care of the eighth head. The Hydra collapsed to the ground, dissolving into dust. The store, no longer distorted by the monster's influence, returned to its mundane appearance.

As the trio caught their breath, the door swung open, revealing the cityscape beyond. The trap had been lifted, and they were free to continue their quest.

Percy, his eyes still alert, spoke, "Let's not underestimate the challenges ahead. The gods have woven a complex tapestry for us, and we can't afford to be caught off guard."

With a shared nod, Percy, Annabeth, and Grover left the store, ready to face whatever awaited them on their journey. Their determination burned brighter than ever as they stepped back into the urban landscape, prepared for the twists and turns that the gods had in store for them.

The three teens found themselves at the entrance to a tunnel that gave them the chills, and they entered the tunnel knowing that it would lead them where they needed to go. Percy led the way into the darkness, using a flashlight from his bag. A few feet in, they came to a room. It looked like a waiting room, filled with ghostly figures and the person behind the desk looked bored.

"What's this?" he asked. He looked over the counter at the three. "Two demigods and a satyr. What brings you three here?"

"We're here to see my uncle, Hades," Percy said, truthfully.

Annabeth started to say something, but Charon nodded slightly. Charon's voice was silky as he asked, "And what, may I ask, do you want with the Lord of the Underworld?"

"I'm sorry, but that's none of your business," Percy said politely. "I'm afraid that Uncle Hades wouldn't want the news to get out, if you know what I mean."

Charon nodded emphatically. "Of course." He paused. "Do you want to come back when you're dead?"

Percy smacked his forehead. Of course it wouldn't be so easy. He pulled out a few golden drachmas. He raised an eyebrow as he placed three of them in front of Charon.

"Make it five," Charon griped. Percy smirked, placing two more drachmas on the counter. Charon swiped them up and led the trio into a secondary room, where a barge rested on a river.

It was a river full of junk, Percy noticed. He looked around the barge as they got in and started forward.

"Hopes and Dreams," Annabeth told the two boys.

They moved down the river Styx and came to a stop at a dock, where the dead lined up in lines for judgment. Percy led the way past the lines and towards the big black building in the distance. He wanted to get his mom back, and find the master bolt while he was at it, but his mom was more important to him.

The building had skeleton guards protecting the place, but Percy knocked politely on the front door, barely hearing Annabeth complaining about the weight of her new backpack. The door creaked open and Percy's group stepped inside. "Uncle Hades," he said, bowing slightly to the Lord of the Underworld. "I hope you are doing well. I was wondering if you could please return my mom to me."

Hades looked surprised by the polite greeting, but he asked, "Where's my helm, boy?"

Percy frowned in confusion. "I don't know, uncle, but if we find it, may my mother please come back with us?"

Hades looked to be considering it, and he nodded. "If you find out who took my helm and where it is, I will return your mom to wherever you are at the time. I promise on the River Styx."

Percy sighed in relief. "Thank you, Uncle."

Hades nodded in intrigue.

Annabeth stepped forward. "Excuse me, Lord Hades. Do you know where Zeus's Master Bolt is? Zeus blamed Percy, but Percy didn't even know that the gods even existed when the bolt was taken."

Hades frowned. "Why, you brought it here, girl."

"What?" She looked at Percy and Grover.

"That backpack you have is the container for the bolt. Who gave you the backpack?" Hades asked, looking between the trio.

"Ares," Percy growled.

Hades's expression cleared in understanding. "Ah, yes… he would want war, wouldn't he? However, maybe this time, he caught the thief and decided to watch the chaos…"

"I don't care," Percy said. "He's still a part of this and he must be punished. Maybe Zeus will take care of him when he gets the bolt back." He looked up at his uncle. "I'll get you your helm back, Uncle."

Hades nodded. "Thank you, nephew. In a show of good faith, you can see your mother… she's suspended in time, but still alive."

Sally Jackson floated in a grainy pillar before Percy. "I'll get you back, mom," he told her. "Come on, guys. Let's find Ares." Percy's expression darkened.

It didn't take long to find Ares after they left the Underworld. He was standing on a beach waiting for them. "Well," he said, turning around to look at the trio of heroes. "You survived Uncle Hades. I'm impressed."

"You wanted us to give the bolt to Uncle Hades and kick off the war between the gods, didn't you?" Percy asked. He glared at his cousin. "You caught the thief that actually stole the bolt, but you let him or her go…"

"Huh," Ares laughed. "You really are smart! I thought Athena's girl would be doing all of your thinking for you." He smirked. "Yes, I caught the thief. He had both the Master Bolt and the Helm of Darkness. I gave you the bolt to see what Uncle Hades would do to you just to get his helm back."

Percy lunged forward, pulling out his pen and uncapping it… turning it into Riptide. He attacked Ares with everything he had, not thinking through his moves. He was just allowing his body to react, so that Ares couldn't read his moves. Ares fought back, the two of them trading blows, until Percy drew first blood and the Furies swept down to 'chat' with Ares.

Ares grudgingly threw the Furies the Helm of Darkness and sighed, knowing that this was the end for him. He would be punished by his father for trying to start a war amongst the gods.

Hades appeared with Sally and let her run to Percy. "Thank you, Perseus Jackson. You did well, nephew." He nodded to the boy and took the helm from the Furies.

Percy stretched. "I'm exhausted."

"Percy," Annabeth cried out. "Today's the last day!" She was pointing at a newspaper, making everyone pale.

Percy drew a drachma out of his pocket. "I need a rainbow." He turned to the sea and made a wave send a spray out, creating a rainbow. He called for the goddess Iris to connect him to camp.

Chiron turned when he heard the sound of waves behind him. "Percy, Annabeth, Grover. How are you doing? The deadline is here and things are getting worse."

"Chiron," Percy said. "We need transport, and we'll get that in a moment. I just wanted to see how things were going first."

"It's not good. The campers are fighting amongst themselves. Some are teaming up with Poseidon's side. Others are siding with Lord Zeus."

"I figured something like that would happen." Percy sighed. "Okay, thanks. I'll let you know what happens when I see you next." He cut off the rainbow connection as Annabeth threw a drachma at the beach.

She called upon the chariot of Damnation, and the gray car sprung out of nowhere. "Get in," she said, even making sure that Sally got into the car. "Empire State Building," she told the sisters.