Percy Jackson: Wouldn’t You know it

[anaklusmos]

You know waking up in a void isn't exactly what I thought would happen today. I mean I don't know my name or family. Just know a weird amount of stories. I mean really what do you need so many books for?

I don't know what to do. I mean I can't do anything but think. I could review the stories and books in my head. I just noticed I don't have hands. I'm just a little ball of light. Heck, I'm just really calm right now.

"Hey you numbskull"

Wait what, where is that voice coming from have I already gone insane? That was fast. I mean it feels like it's only been a few hours.

"No you aren't insane, you're just annoying"

'HEY, I'm not annoying I'm just me.' I mean there are some parts of me that I know people don't like but I'm not that annoying. Wait I just contradicted myself.

"Hey, stop talking to yourself what are you ultimate Spider-Man?"

'Whoa, that's a bit far. Wait which one the TV show or the comic.'

"Does it matter"

'I mean just a tiny bit. I mean it hurt my feelings just a smidge.'

"Oh just shut it"

'Okay sheesh fine.'

"Okay you annoying pest. Why are you even awake? I mean you should be sleeping right now"

'Sleeping? I mean I don't really feel tired right now

" well for whatever reason you are awake. And if you awake that means I can't sleep. And I don't like being awake"

' um, so what you gonna do about it?'

"Well you're not the first person to wake up before so I just need to throw you out into the universe"

'Wait what, why'

"Because then I won't be able to go back to sleep and I like sleeping"

'Uhh, can I choose?'

"No, I like sleeping but since you woke me up may as well play around"

'Really you want to sleep but now you don't'
I was really hoping that I would be able to go to a safe universe. Like some of the stories in my head.

" so we are going to spin the wheel"

' spin the wheel?' Well, let's hope luck is on my side and I don't go anywhere that will kill me the first day there.

"Yes, spin the wheel, and here… we… go…

*tik, tik, tik x5*

Just missed my hero academia, bloodborne, DC, Marvel, 40k, worm, Elden Rings, Narnia, and dxd.

" and there you go, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, a pretty alright world. And here's the kicker you get to be the main character"

'Uhh, do I have to be'

"Yeah, your annoying so you get to be him, you can annoy other people now, goodbye"

'WAIT, can't I like have time to process this'

" No, goodbye"

Why is there a hole under me? Oh, I'm falling. Down the rabbit hole, I go. Man, my life is going to be hard, isn't it?

Ohhhhhhhhhhh, gods everything is hurting I mean why?

*Poof*

 

[anaklusmos]

At the top of the hill waiting for the others to arrive all I did was stare at Riptide. I mean seriously this feels as if she was made for me. I know it was made for someone else in the universe but technicalities. Holding the sword I still can't believe I have her. Since I didn't believe I was going to get the chance to own her. I thought I might have lost the chance of owning Riptide because of never getting her at the museum.

Swinging the sword in an arch I wonder if I would need the water swords. Nah, this is the one for me. When riptide is out of reach that's when I'll make the water swords. Otherwise riptide all the way.

Done with my brooding. I paid attention to Chiron who was coming up the hill.

"Chiron, can you help me out a bit with my swordsmanship, just so I can get a feel for Riptide."

"Of course, it pains me that I did not have enough time to teach you. If only I had a few years. Like with Hercules and Achilles. Alas, I only had a few days. Let's get down to the basics.

The basics as he called them are straight down from the top, straight up from the bottom, diagonally down to the left, diagonally down to the right, diagonally up from the left, diagonally up from the right, and left and right strikes horizontally.

Instead of one of the members of my quest being the second to show up, Luke did. Hiding something behind him. I made sure to keep Riptide ready at a moment's notice.

"Hi Chiron, hi Percy I came up here to wish you luck, oh I see you have a personal sword now. What's its name?" He said cheerfully.

"Not a it, "it's" a she, I'll have you know. Her name is Riptide," I said, giving him a glance filled with suspicion.

"I'll give you two some space to talk." Said Chiron as he stepped away from us.

"Okay well, ahem, I wanted to ask you something", Luke said.

The moment he said that I prepared for any action he could do. Instead, he did something more mundane.

"Will you take care of Annabeth for me?" He said in a serious tone.

I did not expect that. Thinking it through my image of him in my head clouded my thoughts about him. He isn't a bad guy, it's only a matter of circumstances. Doesn't mean I'll be any nicer to him.

"Yeah, definitely. I mean it would be wrong of me if I don't help her."

"Thanks, I mean it. I can't join you on the quest as I'm needed here and stuff."

"Right, anyway. I'm just going to get back to my sword, That's fine with you."

"Hmm yeah, it's cool. Wait uh I have something for you."

Before he could finish his sentence Annabeth and Grover showed up. She looked… excited? I don't know what to call it. A mixture of excitement and nervousness. At least she didn't frown when seeing me. When she saw Luke she walked faster.

"Hi, guys. What's happening here." Grover asked.

"Luke, what are you doing here?" Annabeth asked.

"Hi, Grover, we're just talking," I responded.

"I thought I would wish you guys luck. Oh, and I brought something for you guys." Luke responded to Annabeth.

Huh, I can't believe I almost forgot about that box. Once he opened it, two shoes were shown. I felt this tingle at the back of my neck.

"These helped me during my quest, I was hoping it would help you as much as it did for me. Maia!" He said with a smile.

The shoes then sprouted wings on the sides and started flying.

"Maia, so what do you think Percy? Pretty cool right." He said giving me the shoes.

"It's pretty cool, thanks."

I then left Annabeth, Luke, and Grover. I picked up my backpack at the tree where I left it. I then put the shoes inside the bag as I didn't want the shoes to get one of us dragged into Tartarus. Once I get the chance I'll get rid of it. It keeps messing with my senses.

Then Chiron walks up to me with a look of embarrassment.

"I forgot to tell you something. The sword you can't lose it."

"Oh, that's awesome," I said with pure excitement.

"Well, now that we are all here it is time for you children to leave. Argus is down that hill, he will be driving you to the countryside, Long Island. Where he will take you to Greyhound station alright? GodSpeed to you all"

We said our affirmations and our goodbyes, and then we left for the car. When we entered the car I focused on Grover as he took this moment to freak out. It seems that him bottling things up is not a good idea who knew? Annabeth helped out so it didn't take long to calm him down. Argus just stayed quiet, keeping an "eye" on us. Emphasis on the eye part.

When we arrived Argus unloaded our bags and made sure to get our bus tickets, then he left. Those damn shoes kept bothering my senses. I know it isn't doing anything right now but it's like a ticking time bomb.

I then saw something in the corner of my eye taped to a mailbox. A flyer that had a picture of me and my mom saying: "HAVE YOU SEEN THIS BOY?" Well, that's going to be annoying to deal with when I get back home.

We waited for a while, but then the rain came around so Grover thought we should play some Hacky Sack with one of his apples. It felt like deja vu. Seeing Annabeth bounce the apple wherever she could on her body was amazing.

I could do it, but that would be a given. When she saw me do the same thing she did, she did this little pout but smiled in this proud way.

Grover almost ate the apple but I grabbed it before he could. He grazed his teeth alongside my hand. That surprised me, forgetting he could be fast when it comes to food.

He smiled sheepishly at me. Apologizing to me. While Annabeth was laughing. I then joined her in laughter and soon followed Grover.

Eventually, the bus came and we stood in line. At that moment Grover started sniffing the air, like he did when enchiladas were being served for lunch.

"Grover, what's wrong?" I asked.

"I smell something in the air. I don't know what though. Maybe it's nothing."

Damn it these shoes, I need to get rid of them soon, and without them noticing.

"Grover you should probably keep sniffing, with how our lives our nothing is something," I said tensely.

"He's right, Grover," Annabeth agreed.

I entered the bus watching my surroundings, noticing whatever could help us when, and not if, we needed to escape. The sad thing is that there is no place to escape except for the front door, and if need be breaking the windows.

Putting our bags away and finding seats at the back when I kept saying that it would be better at the front but Annabeth didn't seem to like the idea of anything being behind them. Sitting down I noticed Annabeth was the most nervous out of us, she kept tapping at a Yankees hat.

Which both made and didn't make sense. Why it didn't make sense is because she has been training for this her whole life. Why it made sense for her to be nervous because she didn't have enough experience in the outside world. So they balance each other out, her knowledge and her experience.

Then I saw an old lady enter the bus. Oh, come on. Now I can remember this moment. She looked like Mrs.Dodds but older and more withered, something I didn't think was possible.

What an idiot. I then saw two more old ladies enter. Okay, I need to be careful. I know that by myself I could take them but those three old bats are not the kind of people to care about civilian casualties.

"Annabeth, look at the last three "people" to enter the bus," I said seriously.

The moment she saw them she clamped on my hand. We both watched them sit at the front of the row, right next to the bus driver. Okay, this is both good and bad.

Good because they are not too close to us. Bad because of the fact I almost got us sitting right next to them and this means a more prolonged fight.

"Percy, are they who I think they are?"

"Yes, I do believe they are servants of you know who." Currently, they don't know that I killed them. That could change with whatever the old bats say.

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

"It's okay Grover, I'll get us out of here. All we need to do is open the windows and slip out", she said with conviction. Sadly I had to ruin what hope she had to survive against the furies.

"We can't because they're locked and there's no back door. The only way out is the front. We can't escape, all we can do is face them." I said.

Annabeth looked mad with how things were turning out to be, while Grover looked like he was close to passing out. By the time of this conversation, we hit the Lincoln Tunnel. The bus went dark and eerily quiet, there was suspense in the air. The lack of rain seemed to make it worse.

Mrs.Dodds then got up, then said, "I need to use the restroom." In the most deadpan way, I've ever seen.

"So do I", said the second sister.
"So do I", said the third sister.
Then they all started heading towards us. Grover looked like his soul was leaving his body.

"Percy take my hat. It can turn anyone who uses it invisible", Annabeth said.

"I can't do that, I can't just hide while they---", but I was interrupted by Annabeth.

"No, I need you to do this because there's a chance that they won't notice us with you having a scent that will overpower ours. So go to the front of the bus and wait there."

"That may be true but they will still smell me, so they'll know I'm still here. So your plan is flawed." I know she's stubborn but so am I.

"Just put it on, follow the plan", she then forcefully put the hat on my head. By then I had to follow the plan as I didn't want to face a woman's wrath.

I then looked down at my body, seeing nothing. I then stood up from my seat and went down the aisle. By the tenth row; much to my chagrin as I felt like a coward, Mrs.Dodds started sniffing the air. She then faced right towards me.

At that moment I had one hand ready to flick the cap off riptide and the other hand ready to shoot a water bullet. I aimed straight at her head. I know that seeing an old lady have her head blown off would look insane thanks to the mist but if need be I will kill her then and there. I don't want to traumatize anyone though.

Instead of heading toward me she and her sisters continued forward, seemingly not fully noticing me. It was at this moment that I noticed a button, an emergency stop button to be exact. I was interrupted from pressing the button when I heard a hideous wail come from behind me.

I looked and saw that they no longer were old ladies, they had transformed. They had shriveled into leathery brown hag-like bodies, wings like bats, claws, mouths full of huge yellow fangs, and glowing eyes. They carried whips that danced with flames every time they flicked them.

"Where is it? where is it?", they hissed out. I knew now what they were looking for but Grover and Annabeth didn't.

"He's not here and you won't get him," Annabeth stated as she brought her bronze knife out. Grover surprised me by bringing out the prized tin cans he was planning to eat.

All the people on the bus were terrified, I didn't know what they saw but they sure looked traumatized. This then brings me to my former decision. This means many will need therapy for years, so I shot Mrs.Dodds in the head.

*Boom*

She then exploded into dust right then in there, going everywhere. I then faced the bus driver, took the wheel, and turned. I just lost the element of surprise, so this will help.

The driver tried to get the wheel back, but with how strong I was he couldn't even do much, I heard some smashing behind me. Using this distraction I shot the other sister, inducing even more screams.

I then hit the emergency break the moment we got out of the bus. The people ran out of the bus the moment the door opened. I then shot the last fury. She dodged it at the last moment.

"YOU, you will pay dearly for this, I will rip you apart for this," she rasped out in fury. Heh, fury.

"Sorry, I thought you could handle a little water," I responded.

With her looks, you would think she would be too slow. I was wrong. I then went into close combat moving faster than most could see. I did a diagonally down to the left slash. She exploded like a pinata.

I then felt the tingle increase in intensity. I then heard thunder. OH come on.

"Percy we need to get out", Shouted Annabeth.

We ran out of the bus and there was absolute chaos. People running around like headless chickens. A guy in a Hawaiian shirt took a picture of me but I shot the camera so it couldn't be used against us, Specifically me.

"Our bags", yelled Grover.

*KRACK-BOOM*

It was too late to recover them as lightning had struck down from the sky and hit the bus, there was an upside to this. The shoes were gone now.

"Don't worry Grover, I got them before it was too late", said Annabeth.
Which made Grover sign in relief. I on the other hand just wanted to rage over still having those damn shoes.

"I didn't get yours though, sorry Percy."

Oh, okay well that gets rid of one problem.

A bunch of people then started pointing at us. Which prompted us to start running. The worst part is the amount of cameras there were. Seems that lady luck was against me today.

We ran into the dark woods. soaked to the brim, leaving behind one problem for another that will soon come to pass. With me giving a middle finger to the sky.

 

[anaklusmos]

Seeing Chiron with his look of distress made me weary of what was to come. He took a deep breath in and out.

"Percy, your father and uncle may enter a war and it's all because you were born."

"Wow, way to make a guy feel special, you really need to work on your delivery."

"My apologies, I didn't mean it like that. You see, after World War 2 Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades made a pact to never sire children again as their children had affected the world far too much for their liking. So they swore on the river Styx to never sire children." He said tiredly.

"So, that's why you said I never should have been born. Was my father the only one to make a mistake?" I quirked my eyebrow to convey my curiosity.

"No, there was another. A girl was born 17 years ago, by the name of Thalia."

"How come she's not around? She has to be pretty powerful."

"I was getting to that Percy. *Sigh* When Hades learned of this he sent the worst of his monsters to destroy her. A satyr was sent to retrieve her to camp, alongside two other half-bloods. In the end, it was never meant to be, she made the ultimate sacrifice so that the others may live. As her life was fading away Zeus took pity on her and turned her into the very pine tree that now protects the camp's borders."

I love this story, it feels like a final stand. One person against an army. I've always dreamed about that happening to me.

With how my life currently is I might just fulfill my dream; the annoying part is having to act ignorant as I just entered this world. It would be suspicious of me to know things I shouldn't. Just hope I don't make a mistake that gets me caught.

"Okay, I understand that much but was that the only reason you called me here?"

"No, there is more to why I called you here. The two have been fighting because of a crime. A crime that many believe you have committed."

"Whoa, I may be called a troublemaker, or a little criminal in the making but you know I'm not that type of person," I said defensively, it annoys me when people make assumptions about me when they know nothing.

"I know that Percy, but they don't know that. All they know is that there is a son of Poseidon on the loose that may be the thief they are looking for."

"So what exactly do they think I stole?"

"*sigh* they believe that you stole Zeus's lightning bolt." He looked as if he aged a few years after saying that sentence.

"Okay... well now I know they're insane," I said with a deadpan face.

*Rumble*Rumble*

Looking up and then down Chiron said, "We don't use the insane word, I prefer to call them... eccentric."

"Okay, so what do you want me to do about it?"

"Zeus does not believe that Poseidon is telling the truth thanks to past actions of his but a god can not steal another god's symbol of power which brings major suspicion to both you and Poseidon as a half-blood is not limited like a God. Well since Zeus believes that Poseidon stole his bolt then what better piece offering is there than his son retrieving it?"

"Okay, so I have to return a bolt that no one can find. Well, that'll be super easy, NOT. I mean seriously this is stupid. If a God can't find it, how can I do it?" I said with annoyance.

"This isn't something you can treat lightly, this is a matter that may create a third world war." He said with a worried look in his eye.

"Okay, you should have started with that in the first place. Alright, how long do I have to retrieve it and how am I going to find it?" I sat straighter to convey he had my full attention.

"There is a prophecy that I heard in the past, but before I get further I need you to go to the attic."

"The attic? Wow, what are you going to do, lock me in there as an offering for Zeus." I said sarcastically.

"WHAT, no, of course not. Why would you think such a thing?" He said in a confused but worried manner.

"Meh, I was just checking that's all," I said with a smirk.

"I need you to go up there and speak to the oracle, which will give you a prophecy that will help you on your quest."

I Stood up from my seat and walked to the stairs, entering the attic I saw an old shriveled female mummy in a tie-down dress. She had black hair that clung to her skull and glassy eyes that were starting to freak me out.

The moment I stepped forward the oracle began to speak in this raspy voice.

"I AM THE SSSPIRIT OF DELPHI, SPEAKER OF THE THE PROPHECIES OF PHOEBUSSS APOLLO, SLAYER OF THE MIGHTY PYTHON. APPROACH SEEKER, AND ASSSK."

"What is my destiny?"

"You shall go west, and face the god who has *Static*Crackle* stolen, and see it safely returne *Static*Crackle* shall fail to save *Static*Crackle*."

"Uh, did I break it? Well if anyone asks it wasn't me. Now, how did the prophecy go? I'll try to remember it. Might not get it word for word though.

I head downstairs finding both Grover and Chiron waiting in their seats for me to come down. The moment Chiron notices I came back he asks me what the prophecy said.

"Okay here goes, You must travel towards the west to confront the god who has turned. There, you shall retrieve what was stolen and ensure its safe return. However, be aware that someone whom you consider a friend will betray you. In the end, you will not be able to save what matters most."

"Hmm, this is troubling. So many messages and double meanings in Prophecies. Especially with that of a God who has betrayed us for another."

Well, I already know who it is, Ares, but no one seems to suspect Ares of anything. Which I suppose makes sense with how he's a son of Zeus. This is still not a great defense but meh, what you gonna do? All I can do is be careful around him.

I should probably ask Chiron who exactly is the traitor before things get quiet.

"So who is it, the traitor?"

"Think Percy, it could only be someone who gains powers from the deaths of many. Someone left unhappy thanks to the actions of his brother. It can only be Hades."

It's a sad thing that a God who has the least amount of crimes against humanity is condemned this way. His stories always make him out as a guy who has helped others and is pretty chill compared to the other Olympians.


"Okay, so we have a suspect and we have a motive but how do we get to the underworld, do I have to get a shovel and dig myself down there?"

"As time passes so does the location of the underworld; it currently is at the D.O.A recording studios in Los Angeles. In your quest, two companions will be chosen to join you. Grover has been chosen to be one of those Companions. As a way to show his worth. Your other companion has been waiting to be announced."

"Right, so it's Annabeth isn't it? I mean she's the only person I know, well the only person that'll talk to me, that would want to go to the underworld for a quest."

"Wow, seaweed brain, it seems that you can deduce something. Also don't mock my decisions, a lot of people would kill to have a quest."

"Right okay so it's not like I don't want her to be on my quest but why was I not given a choice to choose?" I said facing Chiron.

"Because seaweed brain you need someone that can make a plan, not run in and punch everything in sight."

"I do make plans, it's just I never say them out loud."

"Very impressive, why didn't I think of that."

Okay now she's starting to annoy me, she may be cute and have this frown where her nose would crinkle up adorably, but still, she doesn't have to be so mean to me.

"I don't know, maybe I'm just that good." That frown is too much for me.

"Right, I doubt that."

"Now, children I do believe that there is no need for any animosity between you two as there is a quest that you need to fulfill", Interrupted Chiron.

"I'll try, won't be that hard if she doesn't insult my intelligence all the time."

"Give me a reason to and I won't, seaweed brain."

I can't believe this is my type. No, that's a lie, I can believe that.

"I'll grow on you, eventually we'll be the best of friends and this will all be a thing of the past."

"Like a moss, also what are you spouting right now."

"To be honest I have no idea", I responded with a shrug.

I then turned to Chiron to ask him a question.

"When exactly are we supposed to leave?"

"You leave in two hours."

"ARE YOU SERIOUS?!!"

"I assure you I am very serious."

"Okay fine, then you will be the one to tell my Mom why exactly I'm on the quest and not in bed when she wakes up."

He looked more nervous than I'd seen him before. I swear I could see him sweating.

"Right okay, get prepared and be ready to leave."

The other two began to leave first while I was behind them, but Chiron stopped me before I could get any further than a few steps.

" Oh, and Percy there is something I wish to give you."

Wait, is this where he gives me riptide? That is awesome. I may not need that, especially because I can make swords out of water but that is my signature sword.

He then takes out a pen and puts it in the palm of my hand.

"This... This... is a pen."


"No, Percy this is not just any Pen, this is Anaklusmos. Which translates to Riptide. Go on, take the cap off the pen."

Once I take the cap off the pen grows longer in my hand. Currently, there was a shimmering bronze sword with a double-edged blade, a leather-wrapped grip, and a flat riveted with gold studs. Just as beautiful as I imagined it.

" This sword is a gift from your father, he gave it to me for safekeeping. I never knew why till you showed up. Now this belongs to you."

"Thank you Chiron, I'll take care of it."

I then walked away to take a nap before we had to leave.

 

[anaklusmos]

A few days have passed since the fight between Luke and me or as everyone for whatever reason seems to be calling it "the incident". I mean really they couldn't have made it sound cooler, it just sounds ominous.

Having people give you looks of awe, respect, fear, and disgust is weird. I just wish I had thought things through. It's even worse because of my Mom's disapproving face. I didn't even earn that, I was just fighting him. Oh, I was fighting him when I was supposed to be relaxing.

Surprisingly Luke is the only one in the camp giving me smiles all the time. Even though I know that it's probably not a real smile I can at least appreciate his acting; something that annoys me is that I can't exactly yell out "he's the traitor, he stole the thunderbolt".

I don't have the proof to show that he's a traitor. The only thing I can do is keep watch over him. Which he makes it easier with how he makes us spar in secret. It helps me a lot in growing my combat experience.

Then there's the issue between me and Annabeth. At the start she was angry but then later she got this grin on her face and told me if I wanted to make it up to her I would have to join her team to capture the flag. My mom and her then had a whole conversation with me on the sidelines. Next thing I know I'm standing to her left while she sets off a plan for defense and offense. She hasn't exactly said what exactly would be my role here.

"Hey Annabeth what exactly am I gonna do?"

She then gave me a little smirk which brought shivers down my spine, and not in a good way.

"You are going to make them too scared to try to capture the flag and I mean terrified."

"Do I have to do that, I mean turning myself into Batman would be a bit much."

"Batman? Why would you be Batman? Just go upfront and show them your face."

"I… I don't know how to react to that. I think I'm just gonna go."

"You go do that."

Walking away I head into the frontlines. You know what screw this. I'm just going to have fun. Grabbing a sword I put it in my scabbard and ran to the middle of the battlefield and started a massacre. Not a literal massacre, more of a metaphorical one… gah you guys know what I mean.

I duck and weave through their hits. Doing a flip over a slash. Doing uppercuts and over punches. A front push kick, a sweep. Doing a jump or spin every few seconds to evade an attack. A crescent kick to jumping spinning back kick sent to a butch girl with a spear with lightning on it.

"Hey come on guys why don't we just not fight? No, no one is going to take my offer. I mean seriously you're not doing much to me. Where exactly are you getting an electric current from?"

"Does it matter?" She says spitting blood out of her mouth.

"Ooh sorry, thought you could handle a kick like that. Names Percy, what's yours."

"Names Clarisse and I'm about to make you bleed."

I evade her stab, kick it in another direction, and do a side kick. Which throws her against a tree. I then move toward the others with the same colors as her. By the time I'm done with most of the invaders, Luke already got the flag running away with a group chasing after them.

I run towards those behind them and do a scissor kick. I felt exhilarated doing that. I then do a hook kick to one of them and do a roundhouse to the closest. The others stop as they see me do easy work with their teammates and Luke gets the flag to our side, making it so I can't fight the rest.

Sad that I didn't get to use my sword but well none of them were strong enough for me to need to bring it out. I mean using a sword on them would have been overkill. It would make things more painful for them.

"Well done Percy, you did even better than I expected," Annabeth said from behind me.

"Yeah, it was fun I suppose."

Then out of the forest came a hellhound. At this moment I took out my sword and threw it at the hellhound. It dodged the sword of course but I came right next to it and used at least 10 tons of strength in a side kick. I know it's overkill but it works.

"So anyone wants to tell me why exactly a hellhound was able to enter inside the camp? This place has a literal forcefield around it. Maybe I'm just seeing things. You'd think you guys would be used to me doing the impossible but you still get surprised at whatever I do"

I wonder why Luke thought one hellhound was enough to kill me. He should have at least brought something stronger.

*THud*Thud*Thud*

Looking into the forest I see something huge in the distance. "Is that a cyclops, okay now I know that I'm seeing things. Maybe I need a nap. Well, at least after I deal with this."

I then run deeper into the forest, Chiron yells behind me to not go towards it but I'm already too far away. I run faster than the eye can see. The moment I get in front of the cyclops I prepare to make a water bullet and fire.

*Bang*

The moment I shot the Cyclops it grabbed a tree, ripped it from its roots, and used it as a shield. Since when were Cyclops smart? It's like most of the monsters here are stronger than what they were insinuated as.

"Heheheh, Foolish demigod, I have been given the chance to feast on your body and I will not allow anything to stop me."

"Hey shockwave, how about you wash your mouth of that filth you spew out because no one can handle that much."

"Are you mocking me, I'll show you that no one can mock me. I'll be taking that name you gave me. I will be known as shockwave."

I think I accidentally made a full-on enemy. Damn it, I still can't keep my mouth shut.

"Not possible big guy, you're going to get sued for that."

"Sued, what does that even mean?"

"You take that name and people will hunt you down. Like the furies."

"I don't care, I'll take them all on, this is my name from now on, the terrible shockwave."

"Now that's something I can believe in, 'the terrible'; because you'll be terrible at everything you do. *Sigh* not my best work."

"Ahh" He then runs towards me where I prepare another water bullet.

This time it hit him in the arm, and instead of stopping he just continued to come after me. I then shot him straight in the center but he used his other arm instead.

"Uh, now you're making me feel bad. Do we have to do this? I mean I can give you a really fast death. Then you can have two hands again."

"AH, I'm going to kill you."

"Why does no one ever take up my offers? I mean seriously is it so hard to take the easy way out? Now you're making me feel hypocritical."

I then give him one final chance before I shoot. Still, he responds unkindly and I just aim for the head this time. It would be wrong to leave him alive right now.

*Bang*

This time I put him out of his misery. Well, I think I made things worse for this guy. F*CK, I mean I shouldn't feel that bad for this guy but seriously I put him back in Tartarus.

I kind of wish I just fought him hand-to-hand. Could have made this guy have one fun fight up here, but well I didn't want any casualties around me for when any of the Campers were too weak to fight the Cyclops would die.

The others then arrived and saw me standing near a pile of golden dust.

"You defeated a Cyclops, now how did the monsters get in here?" Said Chiron. Most of the Campers didn't know what to do other than disburse as the danger was gone. This also ruined the victory of Capture the Flag for many.

"For now we do not know how they entered Camp, so I want people guarding Camp for tonight. You either volunteer or you are chosen. You will guard for two hours then be switched for another and rest."

"Percy, are you alright?" Annabeth came running towards me in distress. That's right, she has a bad history with Cyclops. She must have been worried for me, that's nice.

"Yeah I'm fine, were you worried?"

"No, I wasn't you seaweed brain. I was worried about the Cyclops", she said with a huff.

"So, does this mean I redeemed myself in your point of view?"

"Don't get ahead of yourself, but yes you made it up to me. You stopped many from getting the flag, killed the monsters that entered the camp, and gave a beating to Clarrise."

"Who's Clarrise again?"

"You forgot about Clarisse, huh okay, well seaweed brain she's the buff girl with a spear."

"OH, her yeah she was a fun fight."

"Fun? Most would dislike fighting her."

"Well, I'm not most people."

"No, no you are not."

"Now children, are you done talking or will I need to do something drastic to make you both go to bed," Chiron said as he intercepted our conversation.

"Uh right, sorry Chiron, we'll get going now."

While walking away I noticed something. Whatever happened to Grover, I've been so busy lately that I haven't seen Grover these past few days.

LATER THAT NIGHT

*Knock*Knock*Knock*

Waking up in the middle of the night was not the first thing I expected. I stood up softly so as to not wake up my mother who was tired after the scolding she gave me.

*Knock*

"Alright, alright I'm coming. I mean really who wakes someone up at this time."

I open the door and I see Grover. Huh, this has happened two times now. Which is kind of weird but whatever. I step out close the door behind me and give him a hug

"Grover, where have you been, you just disappeared on me."

"Sorry I was busy, the council punished me by making me their servant. I still have my license though."

"That's great, so not like I don't like you visiting me but it's the middle of the night."

"I know it's just that Chiron wants you at the big house."

"Oh, really, right now? That is highly impractical. Let's go."

He needs a really good reason for waking me up at this hour.

 

[anaklusmos]

Getting out of bed was annoying because of how comfy it was. These pillows are fluffy, the blanket is just the cherry on top. Till my Mom told me she made blueberry pancakes. I asked her where she made the pancakes as there is no kitchen around here but she said it didn't matter giving me a tender tap on my cheek. That was a rhetorical question. My mother's food is the best and people should be grateful if they ever taste her food.

I just went along with it, as long as I get my blue pancakes I'm fine with whatever she does. You'd think I would go to the dining pavilion but nah, with this who wouldn't be filled?

"Percy, why don't you freshen up so you can see the rest of camp with Annabeth?"

With pancakes in my mouth, I muffle out, "You're not coming." *gulp*

"No sweetie, they showed me some of the camp while you were sleeping and I need to talk to Chiron about our stay at Camp Also don't talk with food in your mouth. I'll see you later."

"Right okay, I guess I'll go fix myself up and then leave."

I swallow most of the pancakes in one fell swoop and leave some for later. I then replace my clothes with a camp-half blood shirt, jeans, and Converse shoes.

I hear a knock on the door and I move to open it. The first thing I see is her gray eyes with a slight glare. Ah, I see she's still not happy over me being a son of Poseidon.

"I'm here to give you a tour of Camp."

"Yeah I know, my mom told me."

She looked happy at the thought of my mom.

"Is she here right now?"

"No, she isn't here but I still have leftover pancakes that I was planning to eat for later."

"Pancakes? Made by your mom, where did she even make them?"

"No clue, but since it's my mom I'm not questioning it."

"Well since you insisted I suppose eating something made by her wouldn't be that bad" " she said with a huff.

Huh, who would have thought all I had to do was get her to be less mean to me if I gave her mom's food? Wait a minute I did not insist on anything, did it sound like I was offering food to her? Damn, I don't want to be too rude. Ugh, trying to be nice to her is hard, but also fun I think?

"Well come on in I guess."

"What is your head full of seaweed, I can't enter unless your dad lets me."

"Oh okay, wait here for a second." I ran into the house, grabbed the pancakes, and brought them to her. Wait a minute, she called me Seaweed Brain. Just in different wording.

"Here they are. My mom's amazing blue pancakes."

She grabbed the plate from my hand and ate the pancakes in relish. It was breaking my heart not being able to eat those. At least she seems to understand their worth.

Once she was done she gave me the plate back and said thank you. It seems she likes me a bit more now.

"Thanks, alright let's go."

Well, that was fast. She went back to how she was before.

We first went to the mess hall, but since we technically ate we only took a look. Well, she took only a look. I took a long look at the food being served there. I swear I wasn't drooling while walking away.

We then went to the climbing wall where I saw people falling every few seconds. I mean that is highly dangerous, I'm definitely coming back here. I mean seriously a climbing wall with lava coming out of it.

She dragged me away before I could climb it. I think that won me some points as she looked at me with amusement in her eyes, her face was a whole different story. We left for the canoe lake. Where my first instinct was to jump into the water, thankfully I held myself back as I didn't want her to give me another glare, well a worse glare than the one she has right now.

She showed me the amphitheater which they used for ceremonies and celebrations. A few of the Campers were singing, then a whole fight between two blondes happened so we left before it could get dragged into it.

We went through the Arts and crafts buildings, the volleyball court, the Big House, the forge, the pegasus stables, the armory, and at last the arena.

"So, how good are you at fighting against people?"

"Well, I'll have you know that I'm amazing at mano a mano."

Ha, you have no idea. So much practice. I can still feel the aching in my bones from all that practice. Hmm...practice...pressurizing... I have an idea.

"You won't be going mano a mano, you'll be learning how to hone the blade. Now I'm going to introduce you to Luke. Who is the greatest swordsman in 300 years? Don't think you can beat him just because of a few hours of practice."

"I didn't even say anything about beating him, it's not like I'd try to beat him."

"Well since you feel like you don't need to try to beat me, why don't we put that to the test?", Came a voice from out of nowhere.

I look in the direction of the voice and see a blue-eyed, sandy-blonde guy taller than my 5'7. Who had a scar on the right side of his face. Something was off about him. I can't remember much about him. My memories are still a mess. I know that it's been a while but my brain doesn't feel like cooperating with me, just great.

"I didn't mean I would fight you."

"Oh come on what's wrong with friendly spar, promise I won't go too hard on you."

You're not the problem, it's me, I need to be careful as I don't want to hurt you too hard. He doesn't seem like a guy who would take no for an answer. It's a good thing they didn't see how I fought, or else this would be... slightly more tricky. Not harder, tricky.

"Alright, let's fight."

"Great, since you don't know how to fight with a sword, we're going to fight hand to hand. We can fight another time with swords once you have enough practice."

Alright, that's fair. At least he's reasonable.

"Alright hands up."

I put my hands up and the next thing I know he's right in front of me. He tries to punch me in the chest but I move back away from his punch and give him one to his face. He blocks it and tries to headbutt me.

It's crazy how he thinks he'll win this fight. I have super physiology, he's Captain America while I'm Superman. That's how I would compare the both of us. Let's go the Spider-Man route for this fight. Get him distracted and mad, a level headed enemy is a hard enemy to fight.

"Heya slow poke, you're going to need to move faster than that, oh so close, try harder."

"You need *grunt* to keep your mouth shut."

"No can do, you're just too slow. A swing and a miss. Today is just not your day."

He's starting to look frustrated right now, maybe I should end the fight. Nah, I'm having fun.

"A hit over here, a hit over there. Are you even trying? Ooh, low blow. I'll give you a nickel if you can hit me. No, go, okay then. What is with you and missing."

I eventually got bored enough that I just gave him one good hit and he went down.

"Well, that was fun but you need to step it up, didn't even break a sweat."

When I looked back I saw the shocked expressions on everybody's face. Whoops, I got too into it. Hehe, this might be bad. Looking at Annabeth with a stunned face is kind of weird.

I hear a shuffling in front of me and see Luke getting up. He has a huge grin on his face.

"HAHAHA, that was amazing. You know you don't even need training grab a sword."

Wait what, he wants to fight again? Maybe he wants to humiliate me with his swordsmanship. Two swords are then handed to the both of us and he immediately rushes towards.

I can't believe he's serious, I mean really. He didn't even have any time to rest. Whoa, his speed with a sword is crazy. I guess he doesn't practice in hand-to-hand combat that much.

"Well if that's what you want. Hey don't go slashing below the waist, that's too important. How about you rest, you look as tired as a fish out of water. Yeah, I felt bad the moment it came out of my mouth. Hey, don't judge me, you're the one who thought he should fight a 12-year-old. I mean seriously who thinks hey let's fight the 12-year-old who just entered this secret society of Gods, heroes, and monsters."

"Do you ever just shut up."

"Nah, it's not on my contract, let me get it out for ya. Whoops hand slipped, silly me. If I were you I would stop swinging the sword and start stabbing, maybe you'll hit me. Ooh, so close this time, I mean by a centimeter."

Ooh, I think I might have gone too far. He's practically livid. He looks like steam would be coming out of his ears in rage. It's probably bad for him to keep it all inside. Man, he must have thought he would be humiliating me but instead, I'm the one doing the humiliating. Does that make me the bad guy?

He slashes my shirt clean in the middle, if I hadn't moved back I would be bleeding right now.

"Hey watch the clothes blondie, I'm starting to like these clothes. Alright, at least you're doing better now. The swinging is starting to get old pal. Don't you know any other tunes?"

"ALRIGHT I'M DONE PLAYING AROUND."

"You call this playing around-whoo." Damn, he just got faster, oh shit. I forgot who he was and why I had a bad feeling about him. He works for Kronos. I can't believe I forgot about him, I should have tried harder in getting that knowledge.

With his increased speed, he started to cut me. He even went farther than a flesh wound. I think he doesn't like me much, I wonder why?

"Oof, that's a bit harsh don't ya think. I think you need to calm down. Stop cutting my clothes. Okay fine how about I show you my serious side. Whoa, you cut me."

He started kicking along with his slashes, going towards my leg to attempt to make me lose balance. Won't happen but still.

He was fast enough before but he just got faster, must be the influence of Kronos. My Spidey sense isn't going to be much use if he gets faster. My swordsmanship can't help me much here. I then notice something off about his sword.

"I do believe that you're finished, Buster. You see your sword, I've been slowly chipping away at a specific spot to break it one more hit and we're done."

The truth is that was a lie but well I may have let go of my strength a bit so I left a crack on it. Before he can stop the sword he drops it down on me in an overhead swing. I put my sword at the crack and twist. It breaks into pieces.

"Do you surrender, because you don't have many options."

"Yeah, I surrender."

Showing everyone my skills with swords and hand-to-hand combat wouldn't be that bad. Oh, who am I kidding I'm such an idiot. I let my emotions control me and now I'm going to have to deal with the consequences of my actions. I just had to win. I...forget about it.

"WHAT EXACTLY IS HAPPENING HERE!!! "

Oh, moms here, and of course I just made things worse between me and Annabeth. This day couldn't get any worse. I just jinxed myself. Today is just filled with so many mistakes.

 

[anaklusmos]

It's dark, I don't know where I am. I see a beach, a storm, and two animals in the distance. A horse and an eagle. Oh, I'm in a demigod dream. Haven't seen one in a while, weird.

In the distance, the animals change into two men who are grappling with each other. One man is in a white toga, while the other is in a blue toga. That must be my Uncle and my Father. They look like whiny children right now.

"Give it back, give it back", damn he does act like a child. My father on the other hand has a grimace but slight amusement on his face. Then everything changes.

The sea and storm no longer surround me, only the sand under my feet. Oh, and also that hole in the distance. In the distance, I see a shadow.
A man in a hood.

"Come child join me, and I'll give you what you desire. The Power to protect your mother. I'll give you weapons and armor of such caliber that you would be unstoppable."

"Offer sounds nice but nah, sounds too suspicious. Feels like I'm about to sell my soul." I'm pretty sure this is Kronos.

"Are you sure, this may be your only chance to get stronger? To be the BEST." Yeah, this is Kronos.

"I'm good. Now why don't you go away and stop disturbing my dream."

Just for a slow slight second his eyes then tightened around the corners and glared at me. Then that look disappeared to one of complacent.

"If you are sure, I'll see you another time."

"And I am not looking forward to it."

He then disappeared into dust.

Well, that was weird. I should probably be waking up right now. Need to make sure my mom is being taken care of well by the campers.

If they aren't, well, I'll be giving them a talking too.

DREAM ENDS
———————-———————-—————

Waking up in a cot I see that it's dark and right in front of me is a blonde. This must be Annabeth. She's beautiful. Her hair is in a nice ponytail. Her eyes seemed to be discerning my entire existence as if I were a puzzle she was waiting to solve.

This is crazy, I can't be thinking this. I may like her but I can't love her this early. Love is something that grows through time. Stop thinking this way, Percy.

Ahhhh, it's so hard. She is my type. Smart; I always liked the smart ones. They always know what to do and you can be dependent on them. Looking at other discerning features I see that she does look like a California girl.

Oh, she noticed I'm awake, better say something.

"You drool in your sleep", she stated. She said the line. SHE SAID THE LINE.

Percy, control your emotions. You're better than this, but she's the perfect pretty girl.

Okay, I'm calm, I'm calm. I need to stop focusing on this. I need to find Mom.

"Sure, I believe you. Now if you don't excuse me I have a mom to find."

I sat up and got off the bed. I stretched a little and focused on her reaction. She seemed mildly annoyed but focused intensely on my body, awesome.

"You should sit down, you fought the minotaur. Something that you should be honored about."

I mean I suppose I am? If it was only me during that fight I would have probably won with less of a problem. Probably I said, not that I would.

"Nope, I'm good. Fully healed and everything. Also about the whole Minotaur thing, not that fun of a fight. Rate it four out of ten. Would have been better if the beef was rare but meh. It wasn't, I might speak to his boss if he doesn't step up the act."

She looked livid. Oops, I might have gone too far.

"This isn't something you can joke about. You fought the minotaur and a bunch of hellhounds before we got to you. You should have more respect for all those who fought them and died."

She's... letting her emotions get the better of her. Huh, I don't remember much of that happening. Maybe it did, hmm.

"Alright, I'm sorry. Just making jokes to lighten up the mood. I just made it worse."

She didn't seem to lighten up at that but her glare lessened.

"Never mind whatever. Since you're up and don't seem to want to go back to bed you have to see Mr.D and Chiron."

"Uh, did you not hear what I said? I want to see my Mom."

"I did, she's currently with them."

Okay, that's good. I thought we would have had a dispute but nothing like that happened.

I then decided to make small talk with her.

"So, what's your name? My name is Percy."

She ignored me for a few seconds then looking over her shoulder she answered me.

"I know your name. Everyone knows your name. Mine is Annabeth."

Right, okay. Maybe if we talk about something she would like she would be less exasperated with me.

"So, read any interesting books."

That made her light up for a second, she then reigned in her excitement in a huff. She then faced me and answered my question.

"Yes, I did. What do you think about architecture." This may seem like an innocent question to anyone but to me, the answer I give could decide how she sees me in the future.

"I think it's fascinating. The aesthetic to it. How it defines the creator."

That made her lighten up to me just a slight bit, but that's enough. For the rest of the walk, she talked to me about architecture animatedly. I barely even got a word in.

It continued till we got to the big house. That's when she chose to go quiet again.

"we're here, get inside and you'll see all three of them. What are you waiting for get inside."

I entered the room to see them all playing a card game. With my Mother smiling ear to ear. I looked at Chiron and Mr.D where I also saw Grover eating a can of... pepsi? Chiron and Mr.D looked tired and miserable. Once the door closed behind us and the both of them looked up at us in hope.

"Oh well, it seems we will have to end the game here, look up Mrs.Jackson your son is here."

My Mom looked up from her cards and when she saw me leaped up from her chair.

"Oh, I'm sorry for not being there with you when you woke up Percy. After being there for too long they began to worry over my health and took me here to relax. Are you feeling better, they said something about how your body was different compared to most demigods. I hope it didn't affect your health too negatively."

My Mom continued to ramble off worriedly till I chose to stop her.

"Mom, there's no need to worry. It's okay that you weren't there and I'm fine, look at me I'm fully healed, nothing to worry about."

When I said that last sentence my mom's attitude changed from a total of 180.

"What do you mean don't worry you got hurt, you were hunted down and you chose to fight them. What you did was foolish, what were you thinking?"

"I apologize for interrupting but I agree with your mother, what were you thinking about taking on the Minotaur and the hellhounds?" Came in the voice of Chiron.

"I thought I needed to make sure my Mom and best friend were safe. Oh and also why are they calling you Chiron, not Mr.Brunner?"

"Now Percy don't change the subject, but if need be I will tell you. I am Chiron of the myths, trainer of heroes."

While saying this Mr.D chose to interrupt.

"While it's fun seeing someone else being yelled at, I would like to know one thing. How exactly did you defeat them, hm?"

I had to think fast, something that is both a truth and a lie.

"I just punched them till they died."

That just gave me deadpan looks all around the room.

"Are we sure he's old Barnicle beards son, I don't think that he has power over strength or does he?"

Man, he has a lot of important questions to his name. Wait, he knows that I'm a son of Poseidon. That makes sense with the fact mom is here and must have told them the truth, so there's no need to worry.

"WAIT, he's a son of Poseidon."

All heads turn to Annabeth.

"Yes, Annabeth he is. When he was fighting the monsters he was claimed by Poseidon. You did not know this because you were still at camp."

She looked annoyed at not knowing something. She then looked at me scoffed and walked away.

One single thing, one thing changed her opinion of me. Our parent's stupid rivalry. All that work of getting her warmed up to me down the drain. Now I sound like a creep.

"Well, I think this got out of hand", said Mr.D

"I do believe that we should relax and think things through, now Percy I want you to explain how you beat them, in detail."

Meh, I already know what to do.

"I just knew how to fight them, it was all instinct. My body knew exactly what to do to beat them."

Chiron remained skeptical but seemed to accept what I said.

"I suppose it's not too strange for a demigod to know how to fight with no training whatsoever."

"Are we done now I don't want to deal with this anymore, I want a nap", said Mr.D

"Right, well then we should end this meeting for now. Grover go show Percy and his mother to cabin 3, please. Tomorrow I will have Annabeth introduce you to the rest of camp."

"Alright, Chiron I'll do that."

On the way back to the cabin Grover was silent until I hit him on the arm.

"Ow, what was that for?"

"You looked depressed, only I get to be depressed around here."

That made my mom shake me in alarm.

"You're depressed, it's going to be okay son. I'll make you happy, just don't do anything drastic."

"Mom, I wasn't serious. I was joking."

"Oh, okay it's just with what happened yesterday I thought that what you just said was connected to the fight. Like you had a death wish or something."

Sheesh, next time no dark jokes.

"It's fine mom, I'm not depressed."

My mom gave me a nod but still looked worried over me. I would have done something but I know being too pushy with her is a bad idea. So I turned my attention back to Grover... who was currently staring at a tree, anyway.

"So buddy what's wrong?"

*Sigh*" I failed to bring you to camp, so now the Council of Cloven Elders is talking about rescinding my license."

That was easier to get out of him than I thought.

"Grover you didn't fail you brought us here alive."

"I needed to be awake, not sleeping while being saved. So no, I did fail."

"Well, you bringing us here has got to count for something."

When I said that we got to the cabin. The cabin is low, long, and solid, with all the windows facing the sea. The outer walls are rough gray stone with pieces of coral and seashells and look like the bottom of the ocean floor.

"Here is your cabin, I need to get back to the big house to speak to Mr. D. Have a good night."

"Wait Grover, good luck with keeping your license. If you need anything I'll be there."

He smiled ruefully at me and responded, "Thanks Percy."

"Bye Grover", my Mom says.

He then turned and left. I then turned my attention to my Mom entering the Cabin. On the inside, it has six empty bunk beds and the walls glow like abalone. Which is just the color green.

"Well this is it kiddo, this is where we'll be spending the rest of the night. I won't be taking a no for an answer. You will be resting, you fought against a group of monsters that no one your age should have gone against. Now rest up."

"Fine, I'll go to sleep. Again, which is unnecessary but we can't argue with you."

I got onto the bed and contemplated how things would go tomorrow. Will there be more or less danger?

Oh, who am I kidding? Me and Annabeth will be arguing for the rest of the day, just hoping that she won't hate me more than she already does.

 

[anaklusmos]

In the car, Mom and I told stories about what happened during our time separated from each other. Such as her time with her job. She always seemed to have an adventure. One time a child tried to steal a bag of candy but dropped the bag and slipped on all the candies that fell.

I mostly told her about how I made friends, got better grades, that kind of thing. Mom may have believed me but she still looked skeptical. In the end, her belief in me won over her skepticism.

While talking, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I was too distracted to even notice we even arrived here. "Percy, what are you waiting for? We need to get everything inside."

I got out of the car, got everything we had, and ran inside the small house. After that, I changed and ran into the water. My Mom just laughed behind me in amusement.

Entering the sea one thing seems to keep repeating in my mind, Saltwater is more refreshing. Maybe because my Father is God of the sea; or it's my personal preference but it just feels better.

The sad thing is I had to go back inside because there was a hurricane. Damn it old man, things were going great. You just had to butt in; I left the water and ran back towards my Mom.

Entering I see my Mom has a towel ready for me. I dried myself up and sat on the couch. She then gave me a cup of hot cocoa from who knows where. Probably Mom Magic.
"Well, this is an amazing day."

"This is what you call an amazing day? There is a hurricane outside our window."

"It's all a matter of perspective, Percy, it's an amazing day because you're here with me."

Well, now I feel like a jerk. I only thought about the surrounding area, not the scenario we were in.

"This place has a ton of memories in it. I remember when I first met your father. You look exactly like him. The same hair and eyes. You even have his looks."

Well guess I'm hearing this story again, may as well play along.

"Bet he doesn't have the same amount of smarts as me."

My mom gave me a rueful smile, "Oh, no, you're just as smart as him."

I... think that I'm okay with that. I mean she said it so I just have to agree with her.

"Sad thing that your father was lost at sea, he would have been so proud of you. Especially this year."

I blushed a little at that. If she's saying he would be proud of me then that means she's proud of me.

"Percy, there's something I have to tell-",
before she could finish her sentence there was a knock at the door. That means Grovers here. I forgot all about Grover. That's what happens when things are going great.

I went to stand up while my Mom told me to sit down. I know she's worried about me but with how strong I am that damn bull will need something overpowered to defeat me.

I open the door and I find Grover there wet, panting, falling, and pantless. The only reason this happened in the original storyline was because of the whole ditching Grover thing.

"I've been looking everywhere for you. I went to your apartment but you weren't there so I asked that old fat guy tried to rough me up but I dealt with him. Anyway, that's not important, you're in danger."

"Me in danger, psh, perish the thought."

"Percy this is not a time to make jokes, be serious."

"I'm always serious, you just never noticed, also you have donkey legs. I'm pretty sure that's not physically possible."

"Excuse me, explain what's happening right now, what do I not know." My mom interjected.

"Mrs. Jackson, Percy is currently being hunted right now."

My Mom had a grim look on her face which then turned to one of determination.

"Percy get your stuff and get in the car right now."

"Okay on it."

We all entered the car with my Mom explaining to me what I already knew. So of course I have to play the part of the clueless son.

"Percy, what you know about the world forget about, okay? This world is filled with what is considered impossible but it isn't, the Greek myths are real Percy and your father is one of them."

"Whoa back up there so you're saying that myths are real and my dad is one of them. What's next you're going to say Godzilla is real too."

"Percy, be serious. Your father is a god and you're a demigod. There's a place for children like you. I'm sure Grover knows about it. It's called Camp Half-Blood and we're currently heading there."

"Okay, you would never lie to me unless for my protection but I have a question. Why does Grover have donkey legs? I mean seriously, how do you not find this weird." I just had to do this, I know that this was a moment of seriousness but I couldn't help but troll Grover.

"Bla-a-a haha, they're not donkey legs, they're goat legs. You call them donkey legs to anyone other than me and you would be trampled by them for giving such an insult."

"Okay, okay, I can tell this is a touchy subject for you. We'll end the topic here for now."

"Okay, one more question though. Mrs. Dodds, real or fake."

"*Sigh*, she's real."


"HA, I knew it. So what happened to her."
"We don't know all we know is that she was killed by someone or something.

"Okay, that is out of context in so many ways. So what is she one of your myths."

"Yes, Percy, she was one of the myths, one of the kindly ones."

"Okay, so what's hunting us then."

"Something worse."

*KABOOM*

"Ahhhhh", seriously why Zeus? There was no point in doing that. I would live either way. Oh, and you just hurt my Mother. Prepare for misery.

The car crashed over the hill, tipping over. I am seriously going to kill him once I have enough Power, I may be overpowered but he's a level above me. He's the overpowered of the overpowered. Still, I'll find a way.

Crawling out of the car I make sure to help my Mom get up and check her for injuries. She doesn't have anything harsher than a few small cuts so she's good.

Grover on the other hand keeps groaning for food. Specifically enchiladas. Dragging him out of the Car I see a silhouette in the woods.

Oh, it seems the minotaur is here. Also it seems he brought a few friends. Seems he brought a few hellhounds no biggie.

Before I could do anything dangerous for them, my mom stopped me.

"Percy, you need to get you and Grover out of here. There after you, not me."

"Well, you just jinxed yourself, Mom, now I'm legally obligated to stay here with you. Now why don't we take Grover away from here, okay?"

She sighed and agreed with me.

"It's just over there, pass that tree and you'll be safe."

"But you won't be. Why don't you hold Grover, it seems I'm about to do something cool."

The hellhounds got to us first. I punched one of them while making an ice sword so I could cut them to pieces. Seems that while I was having "fun" one of them got behind me and tried to hurt my Mom. Couldn't let that happen. So I made a water bullet and aimed.

*BANG*

The pressurized water went right through its head. Play times over, time to get serious, I should have paid more attention. I almost got Mom killed.

I then aim at all the hellhounds and shoot.

*BANG*BANG*BANG*BANG*BANG*

I got all of them but doing it continuously tires me out faster than usual. Especially because of how much control I have to put into it. At least there's water around me.

I then look behind me and barely dodge the minotaur. Thank the void for my spider sense. That could have knocked me out. That would not be good for my Mom and Grover.

I continue to dodge him but he seems to be getting faster every time. I then look closely at him and notice that under his hood he's wearing some kind of armor.

Seems that my earlier thought came back to haunt me once more, not terrifying but still. The armor must be what is making him stronger. I then attempt to punch him with the force of 10 tons. It barely pushes him back.

That is such bullshit. I mean seriously okay what if I go even stronger? I didn't even get to land a punch because he got even faster than I could handle. My spider sense can't seem to capture his speed now.

I keep getting punched but I get a few licks here and there. I thought I was overpowered, that damn armor is way too useful. So how did a brute like him get it?

I'll think about that later. I just need to hit him with something that will leave lasting damage. I'll use the water bullet.

*Smash*

"PERCY!!!"

SHIT, I forgot about my Mom. Ugh, he knocked me into a tree. Need to get up fast.

Not enough time. I'll use the water cannon.

I kneel in place, focus on the palm of my hand, and fire.

*BOOM*

I aimed straight for his head. Well, there's not much left of it now. I watch as he turns to dust. I can't believe I almost lost to this.

I'm tired. I can't sleep though I need to make sure Mom is safe. Whoever gave that Minotaur that armor is gonna pay.

"Percy, sweetie, stay with me. Don't close your eyes."

Maybe I can go to sleep Now. It wouldn't be that bad. In the distance, I can see flickers of light and shouts. I can see it getting closer.

Must be the campers, they can keep Mom and Grover safe. I think I'll take that nap now.

Now if only Mom wasn't screaming in my ear.

 

[anaklusmos]

Leaving school at last was nice. I was able to increase my grades and I wasn't expelled. Which makes this even better. With this, I know that I'll make my Mom proud.

For the rest of the school year after Mrs. Dodds left was quiet. My friend group got closer and I still trained after midnight. At times when the monsters came I was able to sharpen up my swordsmanship, I worked on my Parry, slash, dodge, strike, stab, lunge, feint, sweep, block, advance, and more. I think my favorite was the parry. It's so fun. The vertical slash is also fun.

I also was finally able to find out how much I can currently carry. I just made a block of ice. One ton of ice is 2,000 pounds. So I just increased it till I couldn't handle it anymore. I first started with 5 tons, which is 10,000 pounds. It was nothing, so I doubled it, to 10 tons which is 20,000 pounds. I doubled it again. I increased it to 20 tons, which is 40,000.

I then got bored so I quadrupled it. Which is where I fell to the ground. It was a bit too much. So I took away some of the ice and went down to 50 tons, where it was hard to carry but I still stood. I increased it to 60 tons which I had to stop so that what happened with the 80 tons wouldn't happen again.

I stagnated in my increase in speed compared to before. I only went up to 170 mph. Disappointing but better than nothing. I also started making water bullets. I accidentally destroyed a few trees. Not a good idea, at all.

I then had to plant a few trees, which was lenient coming from the dryads. I suppose they must like me.

Anyway, I was able to make them go fast, sadly it was slower than a bullet. This makes sense because a bullet can go two times the speed of sound. I don't have that type of control underwater.

There's no way at this moment I could go that fast. I also made a water cannon. It does take a lot out of me to use it. There's a slight recoil and I don't have enough practice with it so I need to be careful with it.

Okay, I put too much focus on what I did at night but it's pretty important to think about. I mean water bullets, water cannons. I don't even know why I would need a sword unless I just want to play around in a fight. Which would be dumb of me. Unless whoever I'm fighting is weak.


Anyway, I keep getting sidetracked. I said bye to everyone I knew. Then left on the bus. With Grover by my side. Having to go by bus to get home was okay, to say the least. I mean the drive was hectic. Grover kept looking sick right next to me, he was way too pale for my liking.

"Hey Grover, buddy, pal, you sure you're okay."

"Huh, yeah I'm fine." He said with a shaky thumbs up.

Pffft... That... was... I don't know what to call it. It felt like Dejavu as if he should be spitting blood out.

"Hem hem, well if you're sure."

For the rest of the ride, we sat in silence. More me than him. He was making groaning sounds.

After getting to our stop we hailed a cab and went to my mother's apartment. After getting out Grover got a card out of his pocket.

"This is my address and phone number. Call me if you need anything, okay Percy."

"You don't want to come in?"

"No, I can't, I just wanted to walk you home. I'll be going now, bye."

"Bye Grover, take care."

I watched him walk away until he was out of sight. I then turned my attention towards the apartment building and opened the door. Time to face the music. I walked up the stairs towards the apartment door. I opened the door and entered.

There I saw Gabe and his poker buddies. I can't believe I forgot about smelly Gabe, he is in his pot belly, tank top wearing, smelly as garlic pizza glory. Did I forget to mention smelly? Still, I suppose I forgot about him because he didn't show himself that much in the books, well book. Only a few scenes with him.

"Pip squeak you're here. Good, give me some of your taxi money."

"Don't get any." I could probably deck him and his friends but mom would show up any minute now and I don't want her to worry. Oh if only, for now, he's safe. When we leave he won't be.

He then got up patted me down, took my backpack, searched through it, and found nothing.

"Seems you were telling the truth,*sniff*, well get to your room and don't bother me."

So I went to my former room which Gabe uses as his office. Which isn't an office because there is nothing in there except for a bed, a desk, a chair, and a ton of magazines.

Heh, he fell for it. I threw my money out of my pocket the moment I saw him. I threw it to the room hallway floor but I picked it up without him noticing. I have an amazing aim after everything I've gone through.

I waited out in the room just wondering when I'll see my mom. I mean she's the most amazing mother in the world. Her beautiful brown hair and eyes are as warm as chocolate milk on a nice night. Her smile to me was as warm as a quilt.

I then hear a knock on the door. In comes my Mother and all is right in the world. I get off my bed and rush towards to hug her. She laughs softly and gives me a tender smile.

"How's my little boy doing, I do hope you've been behaving yourself. I haven't checked whatever mail that the school has sent."

"Nope, no trouble from me. I've been doing great since the end of the school year."

"Really, well done then. I knew you could do it. I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, Mom, you know I even got my grades up."

"Wow, and how did you do that, my sweet little boy."

"Well, I-", before I could finish that sentence smelly Gabe entered the room. That damn piece of trash, how dare he ruin my moment with my mom. I'll tear you to pieces. I hate that mom had to marry you just so she could protect me.

"Sally, where's that bean dip, me and the boys are getting hungry. Hey boy knock that glare out of your face or I'll knock it off for you."

Before I could say anything my Mom stood in front of him trying to tranquilize the situation.
"Now, now, there's no true need for violence in this apartment. I'll go get you some bean dip."

That made smelly Gabe pause and think it over, for whatever reason, and walked away.
That did calm me down though, I can't go against my mother's wishes. Ugh, this just had to be one of them. I can't exactly hit smelly Gabe now.

"Oh, and Percy I have some of that candy we like, the blue ones. Have some while you wait. Oh, and we're going to Montauk in a few minutes ."

I already knew this but I at least have to act surprised.

"That's awesome Mom, thank you."

"Of course now just wait here; I need to make sure Gabe agrees to this."

Oh, this is going to be great. First I see Mom, get blue candy, and go to Montauk. I can't wait to kill a Minotaur.

So for a few seconds, I waited for Mom and eventually, she walked back into the room.

"Alright, Percy, me, and Gabe talked and we're going to be driving to Montauk in his Camaro. So I need you to pack your stuff and get ready"

"Mom, I already have my stuff and I'm already ready."

"Ah, I see well then I am the one who needs to get ready."

So then I had to wait another few minutes. Where we were then able to leave but before that I got a talking to from Gabe.

"Not one scratch kid, not one scratch."

"Not like I'm the one who's going to be driving it. I'm only twelve."

"Hey you don't get to talk like that to me, say you're sorry."

I almost didn't say sorry till I saw the look in my mom's eye. Damn, looks like I'm going to have to say sorry for appearance's sake.

"I'm sorry for insulting you with a fact."

He seemed to mull it over till he nodded like he had just done the hardest equation in the world. Ha, he couldn't even tell that was an insult. How sad is that?

We left the apartment with smelly Gabe glaring at me from behind. I then used some nearby water to make him slip. *Snicker*Mom said I couldn't cause violence while in the apartment, we're not in the apartment right now.

I entered the Camaro with a smile from ear to ear, while my Mom just entered while trying not to smile at Gabe's misfortune. In the end, she did smile. Yup, all was right in "my" world.

 

[anaklusmos]

It's been a couple of days since the beach clean-up; I've had to deal with a few monsters here and there. They were always easy to deal with. I saw recently saw a group of Empousa, that was crazy. They tried to jump me but I just punched her till they "died".

I still hung out with my friends. We played around and studied at times. Mrs. Dodds is still giving me a hard time but she seems to give me more looks of curiosity than hatred. Other than that it's been okay.

Sometimes we would have issues with Nancy and her clique. Which makes absolutely no sense. We were bonding last time. This feels like a betrayal. I hate betrayals. Especially "Those kind" of betrayals.

When it was night time I still went to the woods but made sure to keep my powers in check. The fish have also gotten used to me being there, they act more casual than they did in the past. It took a lot to wear them down.

While practicing I was able to go faster than a standard torpedo. I was able to go around 140 mph on Friday night. Sadly still not faster than the VA-111 Shkval which has a top speed of 230 mph. Still need more practice. I do know that eventually, I will be faster. I also attempted to make weapons with the water which aren't fully solid enough to be weapons, not just yet.

I then tried to make a water clone. That did more damage than good for me. Won't be trying that again anytime soon. I then spent the rest of that night practicing my spider physiology. I spent the time working on my strength.

I never truly found out the limit of my strength at this current moment because most of what surrounded me didn't even weigh two tons. At least I know Peter Parker could carry around 10 tons, with the way things are going I know that I probably can carry more than him.

I also started sticking to things when practicing with my strength. Turns out that holding things can cause your hands to get sticky, who knew? I focused on wall walking after that. It was fun balancing on trees sideways with one leg off the trunk.

I was also able to do water walking, which was fun. Heh, I just ran on top of the water most of the time on Saturday night. I also tried making the water into ice. It was difficult at first but I was able to manipulate the heat out of the water.

Which then gave me the idea that I could do the opposite. I could increase the thermal energy in the water. I took a blob of water out of the river walked to the River bank and attempted to increase the thermal energy till it was scalding hot. The heat of the water was starting to make me sweat so I lowered the heat and then threw it in the water.

I was also finally able to make solid water swords. Where I then attempted to learn how to use it. It was surprisingly both easy and difficult.

On Tuesday I went to the library to find books on swordsmanship. Where at midnight I learned from those books as much as I could. Even harder since I didn't have a real teacher to show me how the ropes.

An idea for a better version of the bubble came to mind. One that could mimic my abilities underwater. More specifically not getting wet and moving fluidly, and being able to breathe underwater at the same time. Eventually, when the time comes I will be able to use this but first I would have to practice on someone.

Currently, it's Wednesday morning, the day of the field trip. The day "everything changes". I know that I've been training for this day but I still don't feel ready. I'm currently stronger than canon Percy so that counts for something.

looking at myself in the mirror I noticed I got taller and just a bit more toned. Heh, who can brag about having muscles like these at my age? A knock on the door distracted me from my thought process.

"Hey Percy, we need to go. We're going with Mr. Brunner for our field trip. So we have to get to his class."

Right, should probably leave the bathroom. After leaving the bathroom me and Grover rushed over to Mr. Brunner's room. Once there we found Henry, Emily, and Johnathan.

Emily was the first to say hi to us, "Hey guys, how was your sleep."

"Well my sleep has been fine, sometimes I hear things in the night. It's weird hearing a thud in the night, right Percy?"

"Yeah... right very weird. Hearing noises near our room can be kind of terrifying."

Sometimes I forget that Grover isn't human and is a satyr instead. I mean I don't make sounds when I run or walk. Quiet as a cat. Those ears of his hear too much.

"How was your guy's morning?", Asked Grover.

Johnathan and Emily responded with an excited great, while Johnathan was too tired to even try.

"Children come, line up in two straight lines. It's time to go on the bus. Make sure you have your lunch!"

Entering the bus Emily excitedly chose our seats and tried to ask Henry for help with a game. Turns out Henry had been planning for something like this because he had UNO cards. We ended up playing five rounds before reaching the museum.

During this time the same events of the book were playing out. Except for a few changes. For one I wasn't fighting with Nancy. Sure we may not talk much but well, we seem to have an understanding. I also had more than one friend. So while Mr.Brunner has done his speech he was never interrupted by me.

During lunch time Mrs. Dodds was watching me like a hawk. A bit unnerving. The good thing is that I've done nothing to be dragged inside the museum against my will.

That's where I was wrong. Seems fate wants things to play out the way they were supposed to go because Nancy still got her shirt wet. Instead of me pushing her it was Henry who did it entirely by accident.

This then led to John getting a talking to by Mr. Brunner and me well... being blamed for telling him to do that. I mean come on. I'm no gang leader I can't order him to do things like this.

Which then led to me having to go into the museum. Oh come on this is so unoriginal, I mean does fate need things to play out the same? Seems they do.
We

Well, she's going to have a hard time dealing with me. If she couldn't deal with a Percy who didn't know what was going on, how was she going to deal with me?

Entering the museum she beckoned me to an empty room. Well, let's do this.

"Percy Jackson, you have caused me and a lot of powerful people quite the amount of trouble."

"Yup, absolutely no argument coming from me."

That just left here quiet. Guess she didn't think I would agree with her.

"Well, so you do admit to your robbery."

"I admit to nothing, I just know that I've caused trouble."

"Hmm, well if you do not wish to tell the truth then I will just have to take it out of you. Oh, it'll be fun to hear your screams of pain you annoying pest."

"Not like you're going to get far with that body of yours, you look like you could break any second now." I don't know why I said that but a distracted enemy is better than a focused enemy.

"Oh, you believe me to fight you in this form. No, no, I'll be dealing with you in my true form."

Then she started breaking. Her body was deforming itself to become some hideous monstrous form.

"That is disgusting. Why would you do that? There is no good reason for that being your way of transforming. You can't be doing this just to be dramatic."

Then she growled at me, "Grrr, you are too annoying to be left alive."

"That's what they always say but I'm stil- whoa."

Before I could finish my sentence she tried swiping at me with her claws.

"Uh, was it something I said? Whoa, don't get the whip that's child abuse."

"You, you pest if you stop moving I'll be lenient in your suffering."

"We both know that's a lie."

That made her sadistic grin grow. That whip is way too close for comfort. Well may as well make my water swords. These two beautiful lápiz blades. Which I made sharp enough to cut through stone like butter.

"What, you should not be able to do such things you're just a boy." She shrieked out.

"Well, I suppose this does make me a rule breaker. So I'm going to break you."

I ran towards her and threw one of my swords at her, she avoided getting hit but got cut in the face. While she was distracted by having seen her blood after so long I slashed her with my sword. I then made the swords go back to water and sent them to a plant nearby.

I don't know how to express how I feel right now.
I suppose you could say disappointment. She may have lost to the original but you would think one of Hades Fury's would have been able to do more than that.

I left the museum and saw Henry just sitting in a corner sulking. While Nancy and her friends were snickering at him.

Seems things are okay out here. Then a blonde lady walked up to me reprimanded me and then walked away.

Uhh, what? Was that supposed to be Mrs. Kerr, if it was then Mr. Bruner works fast. I mean he didn't even show up during the fight. Must have been too busy with Henry. He could have at least shown up last minute.

"Percy, a word."

Oh, now you show up, the moment where I don't even need your help.

"Are you alright, you seem tired."

Huh, I suppose I was being too harsh. I mean he was busy. I don't even know why I'm complaining.

"I'm fine Mr. Bruner, just fine."

"Well if you say so, Percy."

He then rolled away leaving me to walk up to the group.

"So, How did it go with Mrs.Kerr," Johnathan asked.

"Nothing happened. She just reprimanded me that's all."

He just nodded his head and left it at that.

We then spent the rest of the field trip in the museum learning and playing around.

Eventually, we had to back to Yancy Academy. Which was disappointing. Looking into the distance I wonder about my Mother. I could visit her but then she would get disappointed with me.

Either way, I need to get back to school. I'll be seeing her soon anyway. So it's fine.

 

[anaklusmos]

After school ended I wanted to slip past everyone and go to the library in the myth section. Instead, I was dragged against my will outside. I couldn't say no so I played along. Emily brought a ball which seemed to make Henry happy.

We all ended up playing soccer. Where Henry kept winning in whatever team he was in. That ended up getting Johnathan so annoyed that he asked that we would stop playing soccer. Which Emily asked for as well.

So we chose to relax and watch the clouds, mostly for Grover. Mainly, well because of the whole being a crippled thing. We then just said what we thought the clouds were.

We then went into the forest. Which I was nervous about but didn't want to show it. So I just made sure to keep watch over my surroundings. Turns out something that I missed last night was a trail which we followed along.

This trail ended up leaving us at the Hudson River. This made me even more nervous. I didn't clean up my mess last night, I just left. 'Stupid, stupid, stupid, you just had to leave a mess.'

Emily was the first to speak up. "Whoa, look at this place. It looks as if a tsunami went through here."

Oh, my gods, that sentence just made me even more nervous. I mean really how did she even guess that? Pure coincidence, I hope.

"Yeah, you're right. Why don't we clean up the place." Responded Grover.

Grover was the first to walk forward, no more like he rushed. He started cleaning up while muttering under his breath. I could hear the words horrible and evil under his breath. Gonna need to make it up to Grover somehow.

Everyone else was apprehensive at first but followed after him. For the next half hour, we cleaned up the place. Leaving me in my thoughts; I thought about how I needed to make sure to watch my surroundings whenever I'm in a fight in the future.

I couldn't just destroy a location just because of an enemy. That means I need to get stronger, but that kind of thinking is for another time.

Emily then had the bright idea of throwing water at Henry. Which then turned into a whole water fight. The sad thing was that no one could know about my abilities. I know we're all friends but I've only known them for about a whole day. Grover will eventually find out about my powers because I'm a son of Poseidon.

Still, I don't need to let him know all about my powers. I would be an idiot by letting others know how strong I am this early. Especially because I already have an enemy known as Lycaon. Hmmm, I almost forgot about him. Wonder how bad he's handling all this.

LYCAON POV

"THAT DAMN SON OF POSEIDON, THE MOMENT I GET OUT OF HERE I'M GOING TO RIP HIM TO PIECES"

END LYCAON POV

Well, I'll deal with him when it's time. I then notice everyone looking at me. See here's the thing. Since I can't use my powers that means that I can get wet. Which means they can see my body.

I look down and see that well. I'm ripped, a detail I forgot to mention when looking at myself in the mirror. Must have not noticed because of how tired I was, though yesterday I wasn't this ripped. Must be the Spider-Physiology, it seems to have jump-started the muscle growth.

Their staring was starting to make me self-conscious. There was nothing to be embarrassed about but well those looks are way too intense. The first one that seemed to get out of their stupor was Henry. Who gave me a nod of respect. Johnathan followed and nodded as well. Emily was too busy hiding her hands behind her face while looking through the cracks of her fingers. Grover was still stunned.

'Ah, shit.' My muscle growth isn't normal. If this had happened over a few months it would have been more believable but well my body changed in less than a month. Anyone would be suspicious of me.

Just hope Grover won't say anything about this.

Grover Pov

'What in Pan's name happened to Percy? First, he acts differently. Then his body changes. This is too weird even for me. Unless this is part of his demigod abilities. Hmm, could be a son of Hercules. That would sour our relationship a bit. Hercules has caused trouble to many. I just hope that whoever is his godly parent explains Percy's change.'

END POV

Now, Grovers glaring at me. His facial expressions keep changing. Confusion, bitterness, confusion, then acceptance. I mean come on. That's a bit much for a little old me.

Henry then walked up to me with the most determined look in his eyes.

"What is your workout regimen? I need to know."

That just left me in my stupor. That much focus was on something I could tell without difficulty. Now... What kind of workout regimen should I give him? Oh, I know exactly what to say.

"You need to do 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10km run."

That gained me incredulous looks from Grover and Emily, who still couldn't stop hiding behind her hands. While Henry and Johnathan gave me worshipful looks.

I think I made a mistake. No, I know I made a mistake. I just couldn't stop myself. I'll just go along for the ride.

Eventually, we finished with both cleaning up and playing around so we went back to our dorm rooms before curfew. Along the way, I saw a hooded figure in the forest that looked... familiar. I then blinked when Emily snapped her fingers in my face.

"Percy, you okay?"

"Hm, uh yeah I'm fine just got distracted that's all." I gave her a little smile.

"Alright, if you're sure." She responded, then walked a bit faster.

I looked back to see if the hooded figure was still there but they were gone by then.

After getting closer to the school we bid our farewells and went into our rooms. Once we entered our rooms, Grover chose to go into the bathroom to get ready for bed. While waiting I chose to look around the room again.

At times I feel like all this is a dream that eventually I'll awaken from. Then I remember everything I've gone through recently. If this was all just a dream then I would have woken up by now. I remember the pain, the emotions. I remember the exhilarating feeling I had fighting Lycaon, but also the worry I have over this world and these powers of mine.

I just know that I'll have to be ready for everything and that I'm going to one day be too strong for whatever the world is going to throw at me.

Until those times come, I'll enjoy everything along the way.

 

[anaklusmos]

I don't know where I am right now. I'm somewhere dark, and all I see is a flicker of light. I walk towards it till I see a campfire in the distance. I walk towards it and see someone in a hood sitting on a log. I reach there and touch their shoulders. Then I woke up.

As I open my eyes, I notice that it is still dark outside. I see that Grover is still asleep. I glance around the room to check the time. To my relief, I see that it is six o'clock in the morning. I get out of bed and make my way to the bathroom. During my shower, I feel as if I forgot something but I don't know what. After the shower, I step out feeling clarity.

I look at myself in the mirror and realize that despite taking a shower, I don't feel fresh. I can barely look myself in the eye. I know that in the future I'll be doing things just as harsh as this but I didn't think it would happen this soon. If it's this bad for me how much worse would it be for those weaker than me?

It's a dumb question that I already know. Something that I can't deal with, not unless I become some kind of god. Which I don't want to be, too limiting. Eventually, I'll have the answer to solve this. For now, I need to get ready for breakfast. Where is breakfast? Oh, right in the cafeteria.
I probably should wake up Grover.

I move towards him and attempt to wake him up. "Grover, buddy it's time to get up." Still unresponsive, I attempt again. "Grover, it's time for breakfast." At that moment he gets up. I knew that using his love for food would wake him up.

"Breakfast, what are you waiting for let's go." He jumps out of the bed and runs towards the bathroom. He then gets out a moment later in the school uniform. Then runs out of the room.

I follow after him and when we enter the lunch room we see Henry, Emily Johnathan. Usually, we would go sit at our normal table but seeing them made me think that it would be nice to have some normalcy for today, I just hope it lasts and nothing too crazy happens. OH MY GODS, what is wrong with me, I just jinxed myself. I need to watch out for everything. The others keep talking to each other leaving me paranoid.

Eventually, they noticed something was off with me. Emily surprisingly, not Grover who's too busy eating, asks me what's wrong.

"Oh, it's nothing just you know, not feeling so good."

"Well, if it's about the quiz then don't worry, we studied for this. " Piped in Grover. Where everyone then starts agreeing with him.

Well, this way I have an excuse for how I'm feeling.

"Yeah, the quiz... Mrs. Dodds is just too harsh. I just hope she doesn't give me a quiz different from you guys?" That put the conversation to a stop. We hadn't thought of something like that yesterday.

Ring, Ring, Ring, Ring, Ring, Ring

Then Johnathan spoke up, "We got to go guys". Everyone stood up from the table and started leaving the dining hall. We then entered Mrs. Dodds's classroom.

The moment she looked at us she grimaced. She then glared at us. Instead of saying anything she chose to stay quiet. While going to our seats I saw Nancy in her seat, I chose to wave at her. She for whatever reason chose to ignore me. What she doesn't know is I see the little smile at the edge of her lips.

"Well, children, it's time to do your quiz. Don't fail, okay." She said in such a joyish tone that was out of place, especially with the sinister smile on her face.

She then gave us all the papers and we started the quiz. During this time she just kept staring at me. Giving me a scrutinizing look every time I looked up.

I know that I already jinxed myself earlier but nothing has happened yet. Doing this quiz feels calming even if it seems to have questions not even on the curriculum. It's not even that hard, the questions not of the curriculum are some that are in the memories, thank the void; Even though After everything that happened yesterday, I think a normal school day isn't so bad.

At the same time after processing all that happened yesterday, I feel exhilarated. That fight may have ended badly but I won. I'm still rough around the edges but for my first fight against monsters. I know I did well.

For now, though, I should probably relax and finish this test. I can have my adrenaline running in the future. Gotta take all the time to relax.

After 40 minutes of class, Mrs. Dodds went to the front of the class after watching people write their tests over their shoulders. Something that annoyed me a lot.

"Pencils down, and put your hands on the table, NOW."

I'm bored. I thought this quiz would relax me but it didn't. I just did the quiz. Knowing her I thought the whole thing would have been a trick. She didn't do anything out of the ordinary this time. What exactly changed? I guess she is giving me weary looks now and then.

Wait weary looks. Why would she give me weary looks? She doesn't know about last night, does she? Oh, why didn't I think of that? It was a whole battlefield. I raised the water out of the river. What if Chrion Knows now?

No, if they knew about this they would probably have ambushed me when I was weak and tired. Maybe it's like how people who have been in battle for years can tell who's dangerous and who's not. Perhaps that's why she's giving me these looks.

I hope so if she only feels I'm dangerous and doesn't know I am. Then that means I still have the element of surprise against her. At least until we fight. By then she would know what kind of a threat I truly am.
She may see me as some weak, little boy. I am so much more than that.

I'm the guy who chooses whether or not this age of Gods will preserve, or be razed to the ground.

 

[anaklusmos]

I fell to the ground in a crouch. I look at my surroundings and start walking. I then start speeding up, into a jog and then into a run.

The wind hits my face as I run. It feels freeing.
I ran to the school and found the custodian's room. While running I notice a flashlight and hide behind a wall. The moment I notice that the light is gone I start running again.

Ramping up in speed the longer I run. I enter the room. I look around and open everything I can. Eventually, I was able to find some rope. I also found a hand towel that I can use as a blindfold.

I put the blindfold in my pocket and put the rope around me.

I eventually enter the woods and stop. I take in the beauty that is the Hudson River. I know I had a plan but I have an idea that seems plausible. I start walking forward towards the River. The good thing about being the son of Poseidon is the fact that I can choose if I want to get wet or not. Entering the River I fully submerge myself and stand at the bottom. Observing, waiting.

I see schools of fish go past me being excited over me being here. Trying to gain my attention again and again. I humor them at times while I watch.

Eventually, I asked them to give me some space. They seemed sad at that till I explained that I only wished to learn how to use my abilities as the son of Poseidon. They then happily swam away.

I attempt to move the water surrounding me. I wanted to make a bubble that would allow air to stay inside. I would make the bubble to be put on the head. That way if there ever was a need to escape into the water and I needed to bring someone with me I won't need to make something up on the go. I try to do it but it's hard to keep it stable, it keeps dissipating. For the first few minutes, the bubble would pop every few seconds. I continued to put a small amount of pressure on the Bubble which allowed it to stay longer. Didn't last longer than three minutes.

That's good but not good enough. What if I increase the volume inside the bubble? Never going to know till I try. I put that thought into practice. I put my hands together and pulled. I brought the bubble out and put the right amount of pressure. I then put volume inside the bubble. The bubble popped many times through this but eventually, I was able to perfect this ability. I was able to keep it longer than 30 minutes.

"It worked!!!" I shouted into the water. Doing so I scared the fish away.

"SORRY, didn't mean to."

One of the fish nuzzled my face and then swam away. I suppose they accepted my apology.

I can't help but explode in excitement. I was able to succeed in making a sub-power. Something that I know breaks the laws of physics. Being a demigod sure has its perks, now if only monsters didn't hunt us down just for being born.

While I'm here I should probably focus on my abilities in the water. When my superstrength shows itself I will focus on my spider physiology, and how could I forget the amount of knowledge of "Tae Kwon Do" I have in my head? Probably a bad idea not to focus on my more physical aspects but I need to focus on my more overpowered abilities.
I then turn to focus on speed in the water. I plan to eventually be faster than a torpedo. For now, I just need to practice, and with spider physiology and the increase of strength given to me by the water. I won't be getting tired anytime soon.

I used the idea of how a Viltrumite flies with how they can make any leverage to fly. I imagined the water to be a solid object and pushed. I then propel into the ground. I tumble on the river floor.

"I think I just went 59 mph," I exclaimed.
This also ended up scaring the fish around me. Most end up just avoiding me. While some of the braver ones seemed to be berating me. Forcing me to have to stop that practice. I'll eventually be able to do this again, just not while they're mad. Son of the sea god or not this is their home.

Now that I'm not doing that I should probably focus on being able to sense anything with water in it. Don't have a name for that just yet. I will but not now. If I call it water sensing it would be unoriginal and I am bad at making up titles.

I get my blindfold out of my pocket, still dry as I the first time I found it. 'These powers rule.'

I then put it over my eyes, sit down, and attempt to meditate. Usually, when you attempt to sense things you need a clear mind.

After a few minutes, nothing happens and I get impatient. I think to myself, 'Ugh it's not working.'

I continued to sit there till I felt something. This tight feeling in my stomach. I try to reach out to it but it's too far. Eventually, I can grab it and I see everything. I MEAN EVERYTHING!!!! I can see up to what I think is 5 km with how far everything is right now. 'My head is starting to hurt.' Seems that seeing everything isn't good for the brain, who knew?

I think it's time for me to get out of the water and focus on my spider physiology for now. I stand up and thank the fish for their hospitality and then leave while they keep saying that they hope to see me again. I hope so too.

I walk out of the Hudson River and take off my blindfold. I then look for a log. Takes me a while to find a log but I do. I found it near the bank of the river. I grab it, hoist it over my shoulder and walk towards a tree that looks firm enough to tie the rope on with the log hanging off it.

Once I finish doing so I make sure that the rope is tied hard and the branch won't break. I then push the log back and forth till it moves by itself while it increases in velocity.

I put the blindfold back on now that I need it. Now that I think about it I could have used the blindfold to train my senses. Next time I'll do that. For now, I'll be focusing on my spider-sense.

I stand underneath the tree with the log. I end up getting hit. 'What, how? My spider-sense should have detected that! I wonder if my theory of the Spider-man abilities is fading into me instead of just coming into full power might actually be true.

'Alright let's do this again.' I then crouch and get ready to stand up. I stand up and get hit again and again and again. Sometimes I manage to dodge but then get hit the next second. I keep getting knocked down, but I still get up.

'I'm not giving up till I dodge five times in a row.'

I continuously attempt to dodge the log. I do end up dodging the log 5 times in a row but I couldn't give in just yet.

' This time I'll dodge ten times.'

It felt ridiculous trying to increase the amount I could dodge in a row but to have my spider sense be so weak. Makes me feel mad and disappointed in myself. What I know now though is that the abilities don't seem to just fade in, but I can also practice to gain more power in the ability I'm focused on.

Eventually, I'm able to dodge the log around 50 times in a row. I stop and take off my blindfold after that.

"Haa, Haa, I did it. I was able to dodge more than twenty times, not a very impressive number. Wait, how did I know the exact numbers? I can't even see anything right now. Maybe I was practicing my water-sensing ability at the same time. There must be moisture on it that allowed me to be able to improve. Ha ha ha, I was practicing both abilities at the same time."

I then look myself over and notice all the scrapes and cuts I have. 'I should probably go into the water. I may have the demigod and spider-physiology healing factor but I'm really tired and don't want anyone to suspect anything based on my appearance.'

Thinking I agree to practicing some of the "Tae kwon Do" after healing up. Don't want to let that be forgotten. It's quite useful especially after all of the work I've done for my senses and working on my instincts along with it.

While walking to the Hudson River I heard a growl. I saw in the corner of my eye something in the shadows. It's shining red eyes ominously watching me.

I start running towards the river while it chases after me.

 

[anaklusmos]

After going through all these classes I don't feel as tired as I thought I would. Seems my physiology has further been changed. Which means my stamina has increased.

I don't know how others will compete with what could eventually be near-endless stamina. It already is superhuman.

Now that I think of it when do my powers fade in. Do I get all of it or some more of it as time goes by? Food for thought.

I'm getting sidetracked here I need to get to detention and Grover already went to get the math notes that he left in our room.

I then started speedwalking to Mr. Brunner's class. On the way there I notice Henry and his friends. This leaves me wondering when Grover will get back.

I then put my attention on Henry. He walks towards me with a calm gait in his steps. He stops right in front of me and prepares himself to talk.

"So, you were telling the truth."

"I do that quite a lot…yet people are always surprised."

He gives me a scrutinizing look as I say that line. Mostly because I'm smiling ear to ear after saying that. I don't know why but that line... it felt perfect.

As if I referenced something. Anyway, I should probably get inside the classroom. I walk inside seeing Mr. Brunner writing on some Papers. He then looks up and smiles.

"Ah~, students you're here. Don't worry about me I'm currently grading some homework done by older students. Sit down, sit down."

I then walk forward to his desk and tell him how grateful I am for his help.

"Thanks, Mr.Brunner we'll be over there in the corner studying."

"Alright, well glad to be of help. I need to get back to grading these if you don't mind." He said as he turned his head towards the paper.

I then turned towards the group." Okay everyone let's go sit over there so we can study, alright."

I then walked over to a table followed by everyone else. Once we sat down I prepared to help Henry's group. I don't even know their names. I should probably ask them.

At that moment Nancy Bobofit walked into the classroom. I can't believe I forgot she had detention. Not tired my ass. I guess I'm not physically tired but mentally. I just hope she won't bother us while studying.

She then noticed us as she walked in. "Uhh, what are you doing here? Didn't you have detention with Mrs. Dodds? What with this group of yours? "

She has a lot of questions, understandable but annoying. "Well, Mr. Brunner talked to Mrs. Dodds Over my detention, don't know how he did it but he did."

Probably had a big argument with each other, which makes me thankful for Chiron, I can't remember if he already knew about her being a fury or not. "As for them, well we're going to be studying."

Henry then glared at her. "You have a problem with that or something."

I should have known that their personalities would clash with each other.

Her face then changed to a grimace. "You know what, yeah I have a problem with that."

Before they could start an argument Mr. Brunner came in and intercepted them. "Now children you should be focused on your work right now. Nancy as you have detention you will sit down and right what you did wrong and how you're gonna improve, understood."

She then grudgingly replied with a groan, " Yes Mr. Brunner, but what about Percy? He has detention too."

"Well, Percy will be serving detention a different way. He even chose his punishment, one that I approve of. He will be studying with these other groups of students for the math quiz for tomorrow."

She then glared at me, flipped her hair, and walked away, I didn't even do anything. I sighed and turned my attention to the group. This time with no interruption I'll be able to ask them their names.

"How about we introduce ourselves to each other, so we can know each other better? I'll go first, as you all know I'm Percy." This is mostly for me, as well I can barely remember anything.

The first one to respond to this was the blonde girl in the group. "Oh, well my name is Emily, and uh sorry for what happened earlier with Henry, couldn't exactly reign him in."

I gave her a little smile and responded, "Well it's nice to meet you, Emily. About what happened earlier, well that was partly my fault. It's all good."

I then turned towards the other member of the group and asked him to introduce himself.

"Well, my name is Johnathan. Nice to meet you."

I repeated what I said before but just altered it. I then saw Grover enter the room looking a bit ruffled up. I got up from my seat and asked if he was okay. "Grover you okay?"

"Yeah, why? Anyway, I was able to get all my notes for the test so we can be ready for it. I got everything from the start of the year."

The fact he kept it all together while getting to this classroom from the dorm room to this classroom is impressive. I knew I had to at least show my gratitude.

"Thanks, Grover, for doing this. I'm sure that everyone agrees with me."

They responded in the affirmative.

"Okay everyone ready, good. Let's begin."

For the next 30 minutes, we spent studying, doing homework, and enjoying ourselves with each other till we were interrupted by Nancy appearing behind us. I expected her to antagonize us but instead, she looked embarrassed.

"Hey... let me study with you." She demanded in an enforcing tone.

That threw me for a loop. If she said that with a please or if she didn't demand this so easily I would probably say yes. I'm not that easy though, at least I think I'm not. I think I can allow myself to be a little petty.

"Now I think you could say that with just a little bit more... compassion."

She gritted her teeth and looked at me in annoyance but seemed to swallow whatever retort she was gonna say, she then spoke in a soft tone, "Will you please let me study with you?"

Something weird is going on. What's the point of being soft-spoken? At the same time, she sounds genuine.

Scrutinizing her I noticed something that I didn't before because I was too focused on her emotions. She looks tired. She has bags under her eyes.

I can't help but let go of my pettiness and say yes. I should ask the group first.

"Guys, you wouldn't mind if she studied with us, right?"

They look at each other as if they were having a secret conversation. Even Grover gets in on it. They seem to have decided because
Henry then moves to speak.

"Yes, she can. As long as she doesn't cause me trouble."

She then pulls up a chair, puts her book on the table, and sits down. For the next few moments, the tension between us all.

I'm surprised Chiron Chiron hasn't noticed what just happened. I take a glance at him and see that he has a little smile on his face. Suppose that means he's okay with what happened.

As we study we get to know each other more. Nancy drops in a word here and there at times. I know now that Henry has a little brother and likes playing soccer. Emily likes reading books all the time. Johnathan on the other hand gets bored of reading books and enjoys the outdoors.

Eventually, we managed to get Nancy to loosen up. She explains that she lashes out because of issues she has at home. She never goes further on that topic.

Eventually, it's time to go as detention technically already ended and Mr.Brunner needed to lock up.

We soon get up and leave. The first of us to say something at that moment was surprisingly Nancy.

"Thanks for letting me study with you." she walks away before any of us can respond.

That was entirely out of character. Perhaps this might be the real Nancy. I then chose to respond to her.

"Let's do this again another time Nancy, okay?"

That just seemed to make her walk faster. Guess she didn't like that idea.

I then turned towards the group, " The same goes for you guys. Let's do this again. I don't mean just study but hang out."

Henry, Emily, and Johnathan look pretty happy about that.

"Yeah. Let's hang out some other time." Henry responds.

Emily and Johnathan nod in agreement.
They then said goodbye and walked away.
Me and Grover were the only ones left.

" Hey Grover, this day was weird. First, it started badly. Then in the end it changed to a good day. We made friends. It's great, right?"

"Yeah, today was a good day." He replied with a smile.

We then chose to go through the school to our dorm rooms.

MIDNIGHT- GROVER FINALLY FELL ASLEEP

I get up from the bed and open the window. I then jump out. It's time to train.

 

[anaklusmos]

PERCY POV

Me and my confidence just keeps bringing me more trouble. I had to antagonize Mrs.Doods okay. She and her dumb face with a look of superiority.

I know that I was supposed to avoid her today but my emotions aren't in check right now. Must be part of the memory problem.

Now I have detention with her. I need to be careful, I don't want her to attack me anytime soon. Maybe I can find my sword, Anaklusmos AKA Riptide.

It's not exactly my sword but it will be. That sword is extraordinary. Especially with how it can turn into a pen. It even comes back if I lose it.

Now that I'm thinking about it, I think that it can be used in pen mode. I might be wrong though. Something about putting the cap on the opposite of the point.

Okay, I'm getting sidetracked. I need to focus. Now that I'm not as distracted with a magical pen. Why exactly is Grover talking to Chiron right now? I then look towards the classroom and notice he's heading right towards me. I should ask him.

"You done talking to Mr.Brunner?" I then mentally kicked myself for not asking him, I know he's done talking with Mr.Brunner, there was no reason to ask.

Grover looks at me and says, "Yeah I'm done."

"Alright cool let's go get lunch."

Now to ask the question.

"So what did you talk to Mr.Brunner about."

Turns out he was already planning to answer me.

"I was planning on telling you that, I asked if I could spend detention with you. That way you wouldn't be alone. He then said he would talk about having to serve detention with him instead of Mrs.Dodds."

This is one of the moments where I am still grateful. Even if I'm just a bit butt hurt over him keeping secrets from me. I'm not one to talk to right now. I am currently keeping a secret. Won't be telling that secret anytime soon.

While walking he gave me this determined look and opened his mouth.

"Percy, did something happen to you recently? You seem... different."

Here's the part where I have to lie to my best friend.

"I don't know what you mean. Nothing really special happened to me."

Heh, nothing special. Not like I was sort of reborn into another world or given memories that aren't fully mine. Don't have a title for it, yet. Even the abilities of Spider-man are showing themselves, even if they are coming in at random.

"Are you sure, You solved all those questions on the board easily. You have dyslexia. You can't answer those questions so perfectly."

Damn it, I had to get ahead of myself. I didn't think of the consequences that solving those answers would cause for me. I mean seriously, come on what was I thinking?

"Oh, well pfft I just focused hard, and then boom I could just do it. No biggie."

Why did I say that? What is wrong with me? I just sounded more suspicious. I'm too much of an idiot. I just hope he won't notice. Oh who am I kidding, who wouldn't notice?

Turns out I was wrong. He didn't even notice my mistake.

"I see, knowing you, that checks out."

"I... can't tell if that was an insult or a compliment."

"Why not both?"

"Both are good."

We then entered the cafeteria and I noticed a few glares here and there from those who were in the same class as me when I antagonized Mrs.Dodds. While standing in line for lunch one guy walked up to me looking down at me with his little glare of his. I feel like I should be afraid of him but well with how my future is gonna be spent with being both the hunter and the hunted. He even looks like the definition of a dog with all bark but no bite.

"Hey, you, yeah you, what's your problem? Why did you have to make Mrs.Dodds mad at us? Now we have to deal with a quiz we want no part of. That's on you."

As he growls out some spittle comes out and hits my face. That... really... and I mean pisses me off. I moved forward to give him a piece of my mind but Grover took hold of me and pulled me back. Then he moves forward as if he was gonna deal with this. I know he's a satyr but there isn't much he can do as his cover story is that he's crippled.

"Hey uh, why don't we calm down here? There's no need to be this mad. He made a mistake, we all made mistakes."

"Yeah that's true but he didn't have to drag us into his issues."

He then moves forward to grab Grover but I move fast enough to be between both of them. 'Seems I'm faster now, perhaps another factor that shows itself.' I grab this guy's hand and glare at him.

"Grover thanks for the help but I don't need it. This is something that I need to deal with. Now I know that I made a mistake but it's just a little quiz."

"IT'S NOT JUST A LITTLE QUIZ, she is going to make this perfectly hard for us all, because of you. You do know what kind of school this is right? A school for troubled kids, she is literally at home here. She can do practically anything because who would believe a bunch of "little criminals in the making."

Another mistake that I made because I couldn't keep my DAMN mouth shut. If this was only happening to me it would be okay, that's a lie it's not okay, but her bringing others into this is just wrong. It's even worse when I know he's right. This school takes what they consider the worst of the worst. I don't know whether she can do anything she wants because she's a fury or if it's just because of how the education system is.

"I understand that and I'm sorry. I wish I knew how I could help you but this is something that everyone is going through."

"You don't understand, my grades are already horrible. If I fail this quiz I might just have to repeat the year."

"I can help with that. We can study together."

"How you have detention with Mrs.Dodds."

"Not anymore, or at least not with her. I'm going to have detention with Mr.Brunner instead. So you can come to class and he won't get mad if you say that you want to study."

"You mean it, this isn't a lie, right? If it is, I will end you."

"It's not a lie I promise."

His eyes soften and look contemplative. The look in his eyes then hardened. He opens his mouth and speaks,

"You wouldn't have a problem with me bringing my friends with me, do you?"

"No, no problem at all."

Huff," Alright… good talk."

He then turns in the direction of his friends and walks away. Well, that was dealt with more easily than I thought it would. I turn to look at Grover and notice that everyone in the cafeteria is looking at us right now. Right.. We made a scene. Actually, where are the teachers? This is highly irresponsible of them.

"Come on Grover."

"Uh right."

I drag Grover over a table while ignoring the stares given to us. I sit down and so does Grover.

"Percy you do know that we forgot to get food right?"

"Uhh… right you stay here I'll get the food."

I stood up and went to get some lunch. I picked up two pizzas and walked back to our table. I don't know what to do about the stares. These stares I'm being given are starting to annoy me. I just hope that lunch ends soon. Even if it won't.

I don't fully know if Grover is okay so I should probably ask.

"Grover, are you okay? I know that this was a bit much and I'm sorry for dragging you into this with me." May have gone a bit farther than originally but well, I meant it.

"Yeah, I'm okay but you shouldn't be the one asking that question. How are you feeling?"

I know how I'm feeling. I'm feeling regretful. I caused so much to happen.

"I'm feeling… whelmed. I think that's the word I'm looking for."

I know Grover's my friend but those looks of pity need to end. I know things aren't exactly going my way. I still haven't even understood the current situation I'm in. I'm still processing this. My memories also seem less jumbled up. I'm starting to remember Mom more clearly. Well as much as my brain lets me.

"Grover, what exactly do we have after this?"

"We have music after lunch, how did you forget?'

"Ah, well it just seemed so irrelevant that it slipped my mind."

"Alright, that's understandable."

Okay, I am getting tired, and it's only basically the first day. I already got detention and a… sort of fight. I mean we didn't hit each other. Okay instead of a fight it was an argument. I also resolved that peacefully. Which is a plus. I have so many issues right now that I feel like I don't even know what's going on. For now, though I need to focus on one issue and one issue only.

"Grover, I need your help."

"Yeah sure whatever you need." Always the most loyal friend, aren't you?"

"I need you to help me make a study plan."

"We could start by looking through the recent lessons in detention."

"Good idea Grover, we could use your notes as well. Maybe we can even get Mr.Brunner to help us."

"Alright, then we have the plan ready. Now we need to just do it."

With the conversation ended I now think about how the timeline is right now. I know that we're in May and as always the big events start in the summer. I have a field trip next week. And one week of normal school left till the story truly starts.

I also need to make time to learn how to control my abilities. I mean as Percy Jackson with his powers he is overpowered. With the ability to control water and the fading in abilities of what I'm starting to believe are those of Spider-Man.

Need to make a schedule. I can probably find an empty classroom at night. I could also just leave the school at night to go to the Hudson River. I wonder how I'm going to train my powers. I have a few ideas but I don't know if my ideas will work.

I could try using a blindfold and find a log or something. Probably going to need rope. Wonder where I'll get rope. I could go into the custodian's office, and might just find rope. Okay, that's my idea for my spider-sense.

This could also help me train the rest of my senses. Such as sound, smell, and scent. I could also work with reaction time. As well as speed. I wonder when the rest of my abilities will kick in.

With super strength, I'm going to need to watch over it. I've seen or well I've seen the memories that showed what happened when Spider-man stopped holding back. I need to make sure that I don't make the mistake of letting go of my strength. Just hope it doesn't show itself with horrible timing.

Now something else that I don't want to show up with horrible timing is being able to crawl on walls. I still don't truly understand how this power works with how an electrostatic force allows comic Spider-man to climb on walls. I could probably learn how to stick to any surface area and then unstick myself before things go too far.

Something that I know I'm not getting is the web shooters. What with me not being that smart. I mean to make something I would need to be a super genius. I am no super genius. Maybe in the future, I could find someone who can make me one. Maybe I can do something for Hephaestus and he can make me one. I don't know. I look forward to web swinging. It looks so freeing. The only other problem is the web. I don't know how to make webs but I'll deal with that when the time comes. Hmm, maybe they could be some special kind of rope.

Wait what if I use a grapple hook? That way I could have practice before I get the real thing. How would I use it though? It won't be like Batman's or the one used in dying light. One has an explanation for how it works while the other doesn't. I could probably do something like breaking the laws of physics with the grappling hook like it does in the game because of how my abilities work.

Now for my Percy Jackson abilities. As I thought before, I can use the Hudson River. I could learn how to move the water in a safe environment. Maybe I could do something with how all bodies have water and sense them. Hmm, that would work well with spider-sense. I will need a lot of practice something with sensing water inside the human body. I hope that eventually, I can turn it on and off as fast as I can with a thought.

I could also work up my resistance. Don't exactly have a plan yet but I will. Something else I could work on could be the geokinesis. My… huh well I guess I'll acknowledge it, my father is called the earthshaker for a reason. My ADHD isn't affecting me too much right now for some reason. Wonder if it's because I'm focusing on combat. I suppose the adhd had to make an exception or maybe it's just because my brain is becoming less messed up.

Ring*Ring*Ring*Ring*Ring*Ring

The bell is ringing at the perfect moment. Well, time to get to the next class.

 

[anaklusmos]

This is chapter two and I hope that whoever reads this enjoys this.
_________________________________________

Okay, everything hurts. My body feels like it's on fire. The worst part is my head. It's Like a hammer just keeps on hitting it again and again and again.

'Ahhhhhhh', oh gods all these memories. All these birthdays. All the sad days, the happy days. My head just got worse. At least the pain is fading away. Now all I need to do is open my eyes.

Do I need to though? I mean I could just avoid waking up. The sad thing is all I would be doing is waiting for the inevitable.

"Ugh," opening my eyes I see light. Not darkness but light. Seeing light after being in the void feels refreshing. Now to check my surroundings.

I look around and notice a clean room. Well, that's a good sign. I'm still in Yancy Academy. That means that the first book hasn't started yet.

Mmm, my memories are still jumbled in my head. Going to have to get used to this headache. Hard to remember normal things of Perc- no our life. Okay so it's a school day, I need to check the time.

Damn it, it's 7:15 I need to get ready for class. I need to find my clothes. Where in the world is my uniform? Is there a closet around here look around and notice that there is no clue closet around here.

That makes absolutely no sense, I mean it's a boarding school. Okay, don't have a closet. Need these memories to stop being so jumbled up.

Okay Pay attention to your surroundings, Percy, what do you see? Alright, I see another bed; which is empty who sleeps there? I see a chair and a desk. Oh, there are drawers right in the corner.

Okay now to get that uniform on. These pants are so annoying to get on, especially in a rush. Got to run to the restroom.

Whoa, as I look at myself in the eyes I notice the sea-green tint to them, I see the disheveled black hair that looks so wavy. You know I still don't think I truly processed this. I truly am the main character now.

Pause, didn't I have a best friend? Yeah, I did something with a G. Think it was Grover. I guess that's who sleeps on the other side of the room.

Yeah, it's Grover, but where is he right now? Oh man I got distracted, I guess this is one of the downsides of having ADHD.

"Uhh, Percy you alright?"

There he is right outside of the doorway, actually, why was he not in his room? He looks pretty tired too. His eyes are red, he's got some bags under his eyes. Frankly, now that I've noticed he's giving me this look.

Did I do something alarming? I mean I'm not exactly as clean as I should be. Wait I need to respond, he's basically lingering in the hallway right now.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Why?", as I say that I wonder if that was something I would do.

" It's just you are awake that's all. Regularly you wake up pretty late. I mean you Can't get out of the mattress unless I get you off".

"Well, I didn't feel that tired today, actually I feel great today".

"Okay well I got you a banana for breakfast, you have to eat on the way to class though, or else Mrs.Dodds will get mad at us, specifically you, I don't know what it is with her but she doesn't exactly like you."

That's right, she's one of Hade's furies, Alecto I think. Looking out the window I glimpse how cloudy it was. Hmm, maybe it's field trip week.
"Hey, uh Grover when is the field trip right."

"It's next week on Wednesday, how come?"

Okay so at least I know somewhat where I am in the book.

"What day is it today?" I feel like an idiot right now but with my memories as they continue the way it is I need to know.

"It's Tuesday, come on Percy if we keep talking we're going to be late."

" Alright then, let's get going."

Okay, now what to do about this scenario I'm in. I'm about to do middle school all over again which I know both versions of me seem to hate.

What's even worse is the dyslexia? I mean I can't read any plain book to understand it. I have to read one in Greek to fully comprehend it.

Then theirs Alecto, who is a major threat to me. I mean I don't think that a few years of taekwondo in my head will help. Well not as much as I hope it could.

"Percy, come on we're about to enter the classroom."

Wait I need to think. Oh wow, these hallways look nice. Pay attention, Percy. Okay, the plan for now is I will avoid being alone with Alecto.

For now, that solves that issue, not a very good plan but the only one I got, but now it's time for the hardest period of the day, math.

"Percy Jackson, how nice of you to join us on time for once. Take a seat, I hope that you won't cause too much trouble today"

Oh, now I truly don't like her I mean it's not like I try to cause trouble. As I look at her I feel this tingle in my head. As if I'm in danger. I know I'm in danger but well it's like I'm Spider-Man. Wait, this feels weird, what if that being in the void, gave me something extraordinary?

Oh my gods he gave me spider sense. I'm already overpowered by being Percy Jackson. With spider-sense, I may as well be unstoppable in the future. I can't tell if this is a good thing or a bad thing. Just me and my luck.

" Percy Jackson, will you stop daydreaming, and pay attention to me, now."

"Yes, Mrs.Dodds."

I can already tell this is gonna be a long day.

 

[anaklusmos]

The third chapter was made to focus on Grover's point of view and a few paragraphs of Percy as well. Hope I did him some justice and I hope that you enjoy reading this. Also if possible leave a comment so I can know How I'm doing.
________________________________________________________________________________
GROVER POV

Percy's acting different. It's not that noticeable but the way he carries himself is different. He seems more attentive. As if he knew something I don't. He keeps looking around the room, in a frantic motion. What's even more different is he's paying attention to class, he never pays attention to class. Even weirder he's paying attention to Mrs.Dodds. He's looking at her right now. I wonder what changed, what exactly made him want to pay attention to her.

''Oof", my head. What hit me? As I look around I notice something in the corner of my eye. 'Is that an eraser'. I then turn around to notice Nancy Bobofit looking at me. Nancy Bobofit, the class troublemaker. With her curly red hair and freckles, which Percy says look like they were sprayed on with liquid Cheetos. She gives me a mean look and then sticks her tongue at me. She laughs and looks away.

Percy then leaned over to me and whispered "Psst, Grover, you okay",

I breathed in then whispered back " Yeah, I'm fine".

Seems Mrs.Dodd noticed us talking because she looked livid.

Mrs.Dodds growled at Percy, "Percy Jackson it seems that you believe you can talk in my class, well if that's what you believe then get up here and solve these questions I will put on the board."

Mrs.Dodds looks pleased with herself for targeting Percy. Usually, she does this but today she seems more focused on embarrassing Percy. She even has this victorious grin on her face as if this was a great achievement.

I look towards Percy and notice he seems pale but otherwise calm. He must be keeping a facade of confidence. I suppose he wants to show a brave face. He's doing a great job. He then looks at me and I give him a pity look, alongside one of reassurance.

I do wonder though, what exactly is going through his head.

END POV

BEGIN PERCY POV

OH, why, was I brought here, was it all only to suffer? Wait yes I was brought here to suffer. That makes things worse for me. I then look towards Grover and see him giving me a pitying look. I know that you're trying to help but pity isn't helping.

Okay Percy you need to pay attention if you want to go through this mentally unschathed. Looking at Mrs.Dodds write the questions I notice something weird.

The math questions are not floating everywhere anymore. How is that possible? I check my book and notice that anything that doesn't have any numbers in it stays still. While the rest just float around.

Is this something else that the being in the void gave me? What's next super strength? That would be pretty useful though, hmmm. What if you are turning into Spider-Man? You can process this later Percy you have other things to deal with.

Like these math questions. 'Argh', my head. All these equations. Hmm, it seems that if I start focusing on a subject that subject will enter my head forcefully. Another thing to think about later.

Okay, I have high school-level math in my head, which helps me a lot. Middle school math doesn't hold a candle compared to Trigonometry, Geometry, and Algebra 2. This also tells me that I died before I could finish high school as the math seems to be around two years worth.

Mrs.Dodds then hisses at me "Percy Jackson, come here now, the questions are ready for you to answer. If you can that is."

As I got up I noticed Grover giving me another look of pity. Stop giving me pity Grover. I know that I wasn't the best at math but at least have some hope for me. Ah, who am I kidding if it was me in his place I would be giving him the same look. The least he could do was not give me that look every single time.

At the corner of my eye, I notice something. No not something, someone. I turn my head as I walk to the front and notice red hair and freckles, which my brain automatically called sun kisses. New term learned.

She notices I stare at her and she gives me this look. Then she smiles. I don't know whether to call it cute or chaotic. I think it's both.

I get to the front of the class in front of the board and Mrs.Dodds says in a sickly sweet tone that came out of nowhere and says" Well what are you waiting for? Get to answering."

Okay, I got this. As long as I stay focused I can solve this. Darn it Grover stop giving me that pitying look. Adhd really won't leave me in peace.

Breath in breath out, time to amaze everyone and show the new me.

END POV

BEGIN GROVER POV

Giving Percy another pitying look, I watch as he reaches the front.

He picks up the chalk, or what was left of it. He positions the the chalk on the board, he presses on it. He breathes in and then out.

His hands start flying, they're everywhere. Out of the corner of my eye, I see something soaring through the air. 'Is that another eraser?'

The eraser soared through the air towards Percy. Instead of hitting his head. Percy ended up dodging it. He tilted his head and just continued answering the questions.

'How?' He didn't even see that, so how did he dodge? So much has changed about him. Such as him knowing how to do that math problem even though he has dyslexia. And him being able to dodge in ignorance.

I look back and notice Nancy Bobofit having the most confused look on her face. Which then changed to one of annoyance. Where she then leaned back into her seat with a huff.

I look back at Percy and Notice that he is done solving all the questions. With a look of satisfaction on his face. His eyes quirked and his lips quivered upwards as if to smile. Percy then looks at her in the eye. It was like he was challenging her. Percy wouldn't do that. At least I don't think so. I don't know what to think right now.

"Mrs.Dodds was that good enough, or is there something else that needs to be done."
Did he just attempt to sass her? I need to talk to Chiron when I get the chance. Chiron would know what to do.

Mrs.Dodds then hissed out the answer to his question " For that sass you'll have detention after class, other than that you can go back to your seat." She then gave a satisfied smirk towards Percy.

Percy's look of satisfaction changes to one of annoyance. He frowns and walks to his seat. Curiously he looks at Nancy Bobofit but looks away faster than he changed directions.

"Well, class it seems that we need to end class here for now. Next time we will do more work and we will have a quiz tomorrow since the actions of Mr.Jackson show that he understands the curriculum. And if he can understand it so can you." Mrs.Dodds states this with a wicked grin.

Percy angered her. This is a new record. She gives Percy one last look and then walks away. This isn't good though, I'll talk to Chiron to see if I can take detention with Percy. Just so he won't be alone with Mrs.Dodds. That would be a horrible thing.

"*huff*, let's go, Grover, we got to get to Mr. Brunner's class."

Percy doesn't seem too happy. Going to have to do something that will make Percy happy.

Going to "Mr.Brunners" AKA Chiron's Class is exactly what Percy Needs. Latin is Percy's favorite class. It could help Percy relax.

"Welcome children, welcome. The class will be in session in a few seconds. Get yourselves comfortable and ready for class."

The moment Chiron talks, so much of the tension in Percy's shoulder seems to have gone down.

"well are we all situated in our seats, yes, good then I want you to get your books out and open to page 235."

As class continues I see Nancy in the corner of my eye with this look in her eye. As if she was planning something.

I soon found out I was right. She was planning to throw paper balls. She had little balls on her desk. All that I needed to know was who she would send it to.

Nancy keeps looking at Percy so maybe she's aiming for him. Maybe she feels embarrassed about the fact she was not able to get him during math class. I Should probably warn him.

"*psst*, Percy watch out for Nancy, she looks like she's planning to throw paper balls at you," I whispered to him to not alert Nancy of this.

"Hmm? Which one is Nancy again?"

What does he mean which one is Nancy? We've been in School for three fourths of the school year.

"The one with red hair and freckles, remember?" Hopefully, this is just a phase of his.

"Oh, her, okay well I'll be as careful as possible. You know me, I don't get myself into trouble."

"Yes, Yes you do Percy. The teachers, the students, and even the janitors know you get into trouble. I know you don't mean it but you have really bad luck."

"Even if something happens I can take care of myself you know." He then gives me this grin, he needs to start being more careful, he's already twelve. This is when the monsters start showing up.

Even though I warned him he just seemed carefree. I could tell Chiron but he seems focused on this lesson so I'll leave him be for now.

As the period continued, I noticed that there was no need to worry. The reason for there being no need to worry is the fact that no matter how many times she tries to get him with the ball, he just dodges it.

He doesn't even look behind him. He either ducks or weaves. Don't understand how he weaves on his chair but he just does it.

Nancy looks annoyed and this time she overextends her arm and throws the paper ball farther than the other ones.

It ends up hitting Chiron in his wheelchair form. Chiron stops teaching the lesson and looks down.

He then looks up and looks Nancy in the eye. Who looked like a tomato at this moment.

"Nancy, I do believe I do not condone this kind of behavior, do I not?"

"Yes, Mr. Brunner."

"So why exactly have you chosen to throw these paper balls? Now that I look at the class it seems that there are a certain amount of balls that seem to surround Percy. It seems that you missed him and hit me. Well since you decided to bother your classmate. Also not allowing him to learn when he needs it means you deserve detention after class, is that understood."

"Yes, Mr.Brunner."

"Good, now then let's resume the lesson, where was I, *ahh* it seems I found it let us continue."

After that Nancy kept giving Percy the stinkeye. She isn't happy. This is on her not Percy so she should not even be mad with him.

Percy seemed oblivious to everything for some strange reason. He has this vacant look in his eyes. Now that I look at them they seem to be glowing. I wonder what that means.

"Now then I am going to say a sentence and I want one of you to translate it, ready, good the sentence is "Acta non verba". Now who wishes to translate it."

No one chose to raise their hands. Which was typical. This class was still hard after all these months of class.

Out of nowhere, I see someone raise their hand. What makes it even weirder is... that hand belongs to Percy. Percy never raises his hand. He would rather not do any work.

"Well, this is a rather happy surprise, Percy. I would very much like to hear your translation of the phrase."

"The phrase translates to "Deeds, not words."

"yes, that is precisely correct, now why do you believe I used this phrase for today's class."

"You used it to show how we should show with our actions instead of just our words. Just like answering this question is a deed. This is also similar to the phrase "actions speak louder than words."

"Yes, correct again Percy."

*Ring*Ring*Ring*Ring*Ring*Ring*

"Well, I do believe that is the end of class. I want you to read pages 240-243 for tonight. That is all have a good lunch."

Before I left I chose to go talk to Chiron about Percy having detention with Mrs. Dodds.

"Mr.Brunner can I take detention with Percy."

"Now why would you wish to do that Grover."

" I don't wish to leave him with Mrs.Dodds, I don't trust her."

"You believe her to be a threat to Percy? What is your reasoning?

"The way she kept looking at him, she looked like she was hunting."

"In your eyes, she is akin to a predator, and Percy the prey?"

It hurts to say this but I have to.

"Yes, I do believe so."

"Hmm, how about this, he has detention with me, that way he is with someone he can trust."

Why didn't I think of that? It's a good plan.
"So you agree then, good, I will speak to Mrs.Dodds about this enjoy your lunch."
"Have a good day."

After that, I walked out of the classroom and saw Percy waiting for me. He still had this vacant look in his eye. Even though he's not paying attention I am thankful he waited for me.

"You done talking with Mr.Brunner?"
"Yeah, I'm done."

"Alright cool, let's get going to lunch I'm starving."

Now to find some answers.

 

[anaklusmos]

In the light the beast that follows after me seems to be a pack of wolves. The one in the lead seems to be the most terrifying of them all.

Around the height of 5'7( 162 cm) just a bit taller than me. His dark coat of fur with red blood-like eyes. I know that these are wolves but why are they so big?

Before I can reach the River a wolf runs past me and gets in my way.

"Come little demigod, There's no need to be afraid. We just wish to have some fun~. That's all." The wolf rasped out in a haunting tone that left shivers up my back.

"Ahhh, well you see I have to get home right now. Can't exactly play with a bunch of mutts. Mom would be mad if I played around with fleabags."

OH MY GODS, WHY DID I SAY THAT? What is with my mouth taking control of me before I can think things through?

"Well, little demigod that was quite rude of you. Since you wish to be rude we'll do more than just play around. Boys get him"

I know that I shouldn't feel so scared right now but my body can barely move now with them surrounding me. I have been training for this, granted this is still day one but I shouldn't be this afraid.

The wolf to my left leaps at me and I do the dumbest shit I can do. I punched the wolf. Instead of using my broken water abilities, I punched it. My super strength hasn't even fully kicked in yet. If I wasn't so busy I would be hitting myself for my stupidity. I TRAINED FOR THIS.

Instead of running to my death. The punch knocks back the wolf. After the punch, I just stayed standing there in disbelief. So do the wolves who are watching the other wolf fly away.

Oh gods, I love these powers. Thank you for showing yourself up at the perfect time. I can use the wolves as practice. Ha, what was I so afraid of? They're just wolves.

The lead wolf just growls in place. And then leaps forward. 'Oh, crap.' I attempt to punch this wolf but instead of hitting it. IT FUCKING DODGES MID-AIR. What in tarnation? I'm the guy with spider powers. Not you, me.

He then attempts to bite my shoulder off. Ha, you fool, as I said before I HAVE THE POWER. I dodge to the side and kick it.

The lead wolf instead of being thrown through the air just moves a few centimeters back.

Uh… what. Was that punch too weak or was the wolf too strong?

"Heh, you're strong for a young demigod. My name is King Lycaon. The first werewolf. Tell me your name demigod and my pack and I will be lenient by giving you a swift death."

What kind of cliche crap is this. This is not an anime. I then chose to respond.

"Couldn't even put painlessly in there could you? I mean that would have been a done deal but you just had to cheap out."

"Well, that could be arranged, little demigod."

" Nope too late. You should have started with painless from the start. Now I'm going to kick your ass."

That just seemed to bring him to a pause.

Then he just started Laughing.

"Aha aha aha aha, your not serious are you? I have been alive for centuries. I have a battle experience that you can't handle."

"Ha, well I'm Percy Jackson and I'm going to show you the future greatest warrior the world will ever see. Believe it."

"Too bad you won't live for long. Boys go full in. No more playing around."

Do you mean you guys were seriously playing around with me? Well then seems I might be more screwed than I thought. Not, I have water on my side.

"You guys should have taken me seriously from the start."

I then start focusing my full intent on the river. The river rumbles as it listens to me. The Wolves stop running after noticing the water rise.

"You, you are truly unordinary. No matter even as a son of Poseidon we will destroy you. You're still wet behind the ears."

"You should be afraid wolves. You can't stop an unstoppable force. Especially since you are not an unmovable force."

Then the waterfalls on top of them. A few attempt to run away. While others run at me.
None escape.

Except for Lycaon who pushes against the water in an impressive display.

"You can't stop me, little demigod. I'm too strong for little waves like this to hurt me."
After all the other wolves are pushed away I focus the water more on Lycaon. Instead of doing the intended it to do.

It instead surrounded Lycaon in a ball and increased in pressure every single second.
I attempted to stop it by then it was too late. It crushed Lycaon to a pulp. All the other wolves that saw this ran away.

I was too busy focused on Lycaon to even notice the others left. I was still processing the attack I just did. I know that what I just did was torture. I tortured someone to death. I… am tired. I can barely handle this. THIS IS STILL ONLY DAY ONE. Will it just keep getting worse from here?

I just made an enemy for life. Monsters can come back to life thanks to… Tartarus. Which is highly unfair.

I need more practice with these abilities. Now that I have super strength I need to make sure I don't break anything.

I look around and find a boulder. I touch it and put my hand on it. I then put pressure on it. As I think that I flinch. I also need to not use my Percy Jackson powers like that till I have more control.

I put pressure on the boulder till I notice it cracking. That's when I stopped. It took some time to get adjusted to the strength but I know now that I won't be breaking people just by touching them.

I then turn to the river and walk in. I go to the bottom and rest. After a few moments where all the scrapes and cuts from practice, as well as the wolves I get out of the water and start heading out of the woods.

I'm too tired right now. I need to get to bed. I get to the school. Enter my room and fall on my bed. I attempt to get back up, but filled with exhaustion I stay there and sleep.

 

[anaklusmos]

Walking through the woods all I felt like doing was swearing at Zeus cause then there's someone else beside me to blame for all this. Me and my idiocy. At least my powers protect me from the rain, the others at the moment not so much.

Which then reminded me about making ice umbrellas. I took some water, sculpted it, then froze it into ice. Before I could give it to them Annabeth walked up to me and pushed me into a tree, with her knife right next to my throat. Of course, I let her do that as I knew that I could push her away when needed to. She was also a little too close for my liking.

"How... how did you do that, one moment there standing in front of us, then there's absolute chaos, and they're dead. How did you do that." She asked tensely.

"I... just knew okay, my time at camp, I spent it practicing." That was a lie, no one would stop watching me. All those eyes made it hard to practice.

"No, I want you to tell me the truth. There's no way you could have so much control over your powers in just a few days," She said in suspicion.

"I'm not lying, why don't we calm down? I made something for the rain, so you don't get even more wet. Uh, and let's get rid of all that unnecessary water." I said, giving her an umbrella.

"Are you blushing?" She asked as she took the umbrella and looked at her clothes.

"What no, of course not." I said "confidently".

At that moment Grover saved me when he just fell on the ground.

"We're not done here, come on," Annabeth said, rushing towards Grover.

"Grover, are you okay talking to me," I asked, while also mentally thanking Grover for having the topic changed.

All I heard was little whispers under his breath and saw him shiver, which prompted me to get the water off his clothes and to get the umbrella close to him.

He then sat up braying in fear, "Three kindly ones, targeting us. All at once."

"Come on Grover it'll be fine, They're gone now," Annabeth said soothingly.

"It's crazy Percy, that was Mrs.Dodds right?" Grover said, looking straight into my eyes.

"Yes, it was," I responded.

"Mrs.Dodds, I should have known, with how she acted." Grover chuckled.
Oh dear, this isn't good.

"Percy did you know, and don't lie. It's harder to know when you lie to me these days. So did you know about Mrs.Dodds being a kindly one?"

That just made me feel guilty, lying to my best friend. What became of me? At times I feel like this is a mission I have to fulfill, not a life. Still, I'm going to have to keep lying, even if it hurts my conscience. A half-truth will work.

"Yes, I did know, not that long though. A week before the field trip. I had these dreams. It showed me her true face." All of this is true, but it's not the whole truth.

"You...he's telling the truth Annabeth," he said.

"Don't think this gets you off the hook. You're going to listen to everything I say from now on. If you hadn't created that mess of yours we would be dead... so thank you for coming back," She said in a huff.

We then quieted down from there. Until Annabeth broke the silence.

"What else can you do, you just made an ice umbrella and took the rainwater from us and our clothes. I know you killed the furies, but how."

I guess I could tell them the truth.

"To make the ice umbrella I first changed its shape and then cooled the water down enough to turn into ice. For the whole taking water away I think that explains itself. To kill them I used pressurized water and focused it on my hand, which I then aimed and fired at them."

That left her in silence, till she started nodding her head to me. Grover on the other hand just looked stunned.

"That... makes sense, pressurized water can cut through diamonds. The second one was a dumb question, and the ice umbrella trick is impressive. What else can you do?"

I was still hesitant towards her, I knew that in the future I could trust her but this is an Annabeth who has known me for only a few days.

"That's pretty much it, the ice trick and the water control. As time passes I'll probably be able to do more."

"*sigh* Okay, let's go. We may have these umbrellas but it's cold and I would very much like to find some shelter." She didn't look that convinced but she let it go at the moment.

She then walked away taking the lead. Not like we would argue against finding somewhere cold, I could make an igloo. It would keep the warmth in, and increase with the body temperature as it's preserved inside.

"I could make an igloo, it would keep us warm inside."

Annabeth looked at me incredulously for a moment till she looked in acceptance then nodded at me. Grover was up ahead so he didn't hear what I said.

"Grover, I'm going to make an igloo come back," I yelled.

"How is that even possible, forget I asked you are the impossible."

"Thanks for the compliment buddy."

I then thought about how to do this, then I remembered when the air temperature at the ground is less than 32 F, the precipitation begins falling as snow from the clouds. I then made the rain into snow crystals. Then I started clumping them all together to make snow. Then made them form an igloo, that would stay in place as long as I focused on it.

"Well, why don't you guys come in? It isn't that big but it's good enough for us." I said in excitement. This was a building, imagine a house in the future. Imagine the armor. Oooooh, runes. Wait, why were runes the first thing to come to mind with armor? Whatever, doesn't matter, not like I'll find runes.

"This is very impressive. Now I think that we all deserve a rest after the series of events we have all gone through." Even though she tried to hide it there was a sense of awe in her words towards the igloo.

Grover on the other hand expressed his excitement to the igloo excessively.

"It's beautiful Percy, even if it looks out of place."

"Come on guys, let's just go inside. It's too late to be awake right now," Annabeth interrupted Grover from continuing.

That much we all agreed on. Annabeth then took out a sleeping bag from her backpack. Grover did the same thing. I was wondering why I didn't think of that. Well at the same time, I didn't exactly have my backpack anymore. Upside, the shoes are gone and they aren't messing with my Spider-sense.

When Annabeth saw me without my backpack she had a look of regret.

"Sorry, for not getting your backpack in time." She said apologetically.

"It's fine, I didn't even have a sleeping bag, I just took whatever I found," I said with a smirk.

She then glowered down at me and then put her sleeping bag down, and entered it in a huff.

"Percy, you can join me in my sleeping bag, it's nice and cozy," Grover said.

"Uh, it's fine the cold won't do much and I've got my sweater on. So thanks for the offer but no thanks." I said with a shake of my head.

It was lights out for us all.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello darkness my old friend, I mean seriously I don't want to deal with a demigod dream. Walking through the darkness I see a light. Here we go again. Another hijacked dream by "the dark one".

"Hello Kronos," I said

"Hello Perseus, are you ready to take my offer?" He said ominously.

"Nah, no thanks. I'm okay with what I have. So can you get out of my dream?"

He didn't like that as he glowered down at me.

"I'll be back." He said tersely.

I may not be physically tired but I am mentally.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------


Waking up was great, instead of sleep being peaceful it was annoying. I hope today will be less annoying.

Getting off the floor, wait a minute. I'm such an idiot, I could have made a bed. Probably would have been hard to sleep on for all of us but it would have been fine. It's too late though, next time.

Walking out of the igloo I find Annabeth eating a... granola bar, and Grover eating a tin can.

"Morning guys, how was your sleep?" I asked.

"It was nice, but on the other hand, it didn't look so great for you. You were frowning in your sleep. Want to talk about what you dreamt about?" Asked Annabeth.

"No, it's fine. It was nothing."

I guess she didn't feel like being pushy as she only nodded and went back to her beef jerky.

I turned my attention back to Grover who was just finishing his tin can.

"I don't know about you guys but I think it's time to leave. Even if I wish to keep looking at the forest." Grover said.

"How about you let me eat some breakfast then we go," I responded to Grover.

Annabeth then threw me a Granola bar which I caught. I spent a few seconds eating it. Then we left.

We then walked in a random location till we saw a road. It was a run-down place, especially the buildings and decorations. I saw a billboard with some old 90s movie, a run-down gas station, and one open business with a neon sign. A smell of burgers surrounded the area.

"Do you guys know what the sign says?" Asked Annabeth.

"Aunty Em's Garden Gnome Emporium," responded Grover.

"Guys I have a bad feeling about this." Of course, I have a bad feeling about this. I know how this plays out.

"It's fine Seaweed, we should go in and ask for some food. We have the money to pay." Seems I'm not the only one who is still hungry. That Granola bar was not fulfilling at all.

"Percy's right Annabeth, this place is weird. It smells like monsters."

Annabeth just continued walking, ignoring our warnings.

I walked in front of Annabeth and stopped her in place.

"Annabeth, I want you to think things through. Don't you think this place is a little weird? Grover and I both say that this place is suspicious, how about you listen to us."

I saw Annabeth freeze in thought. She then sighed in understanding.

"I'm sorry, I just wanted something other than a granola bar. Something cooked on a grill."

"It's fine Annabeth, but how about we skedaddle."

At that moment she smiled. I... don't want to explain what that smile just did to me, nor do I want to.

The moment we turned and left was the moment the door opened. A woman showed herself, she wore a long black gown that covered everything but her hands, and her head was completely veiled. She looked of Mediterranean descent.

"Children, what are you doing here all alone? Especially at this time of the day." The woman who could only be Medusa asked.

"Sorry Miss, didn't mean to be a bother. We were about to ask for directions but we remembered where we were going."

"Hmm, well it saddens me when I see children leave, why don't you come inside," she said in a beckoning tone.

"Sorry we have to go, right guys."

The both of them agreed with a nod.

"Well, I'm sorry to say I can't let you leave son of Poseidon. Oh, don't act so surprised. I would recognize those eyes anywhere. Hmph, speaking of eyes, a daughter of Athena. I do believe I have been blessed by the fates."

"Listen, Miss, please let us go before things have to get any more drastic."

"Oh, you're such a sweet talker. Just like your father but no, I can't let you leave. I think I'm going to keep you here forever son of Poseidon, as for the other two they will be smashed to pieces."

She then started to take off her veil. At that moment I sprang to action. I brought Riptide out and slashed at her head. She couldn't do anything at that moment.

I felt bad for what I did, I just brought more pain and suffering towards her with my actions.

"Guys, I know this is wrong but look for any food. Since we came here for food in the first place we may as well eat it or take it with us."

They looked at me in surprise but just nodded. I helped out and we found two patties that were just freshly cooked, as well as french fries that we would leave to Grover. Me and Annabeth then got some buns and made full-on burgers. We didn't feel like making small talk at the moment.

"So, what are we going to do with the head," Asked Grover.

I then had a thought, something that was so savage and amazing.

"What if... and hear me out... we send it to Olympus."

We then spent the rest of our time there just arguing over what to do with the head.

I won in the end.

 

[anaklusmos]

Having Hermes stand in front of us wasn't what we expected when we sent Medusa's head through the mail.

"Well, what have we here, a demigod son of Poseidon, a daughter of Athena, and a satyr. A group who are about to create one of the greatest pranks towards Olympus?"

I swear you could hear a pin drop from how the other two reacted to him showing up. I, on the other hand, was calm about this. Which then prompted me to ask him the big question.

"Yup, so you wanna join in?"

"That's the only reason I'm here, thankfully I had just a few minutes in my busy schedule to come here in the first place. Now how about we make that box look presentable."

He then snapped his fingers and the box turned into a blue velvety fabric, with a little bow on top.

"The blue is for the old man, and the bow is for the ladies." He said with a wink.

"Now I have to go, and I will personally send this to the council. Peace." He said with a two-fingered salute.

He then disappeared in a gust of wind.

"Well, that happened," I said.

"Really, That's how you react to this, and what made you think it was a good idea to act disrespectfully to Hermes and ask him to join us in this stupid plan of ours you seaweed brain." Annabeth huffed out.

"Relax Annabeth, it all worked out in the end. I did all the talking while you two were gawking at him."

"Don't tell me to relax. We just talked to Hermes face-to-face," she said in a huff. Still, she didn't argue over me doing all the talking.

Damn, I forgot that you never tell a woman to relax.

"Sorry, but everything went well. He even went along with it. So there really is no need to worry too much."

"Yes, there is. I shouldn't have agreed to this."

Annabeth he'll vouch for us, he even brought it to them himself."

Grover was just looking at a statue like it was a puzzle he had to solve. Stroking his goatee like an old man.

*Sigh"You're right I don't need to get this worked up about it, don't tell me to relax again like that."

"AHA, this is Uncle Ferdinand," He said, nodding his head. "... noo Uncle Ferdinand."

"Sorry about your uncle Grover," I said, Annabeth repeated after me.

Grover looked saddened by this finding but gained a look of acceptance as to what had happened to his uncle.

"It's fine guys, this just confirms what I already knew. It's just sad that Uncle Ferdinand didn't make it that far." He said depressingly.

I thought it would be better to hug him than to say something. So that is exactly what I did, Annabeth joined in as well a moment after me. We stayed like that till I thought it best to leave.

"Come on, we should get going. We don't want to be late." It hurt me to say that but the mission came first... that was wrong of me. I don't know why I thought that. He matters more.

Annabeth then glared at me, "How about you think over what you said."
Her reaction was understandable. I didn't need to be that insensitive about this. This was a dead family member for god's sake.

"It's okay Annabeth, we can go now."

He then stood up and walked away. Leaving me to stew in my thoughts.

We then chose to walk down the road for a while, Annabeth chose to walk ahead. There was silence between me and Grover for a while till he chose to break it.

"You don't need to be so regretful for this."

"Yes I do, that was insensitive of me."

We then went back to our former silence.

"It's sad really, how the forest is. It's the main reason why this searcher license is so important to me."

I knew this much but with how I "don't know" about his backstory I should be somewhat oblivious.

"To find Pan, the God of the wild. This searcher license shows the bravery of many past Satyrs who chose to join a mission that many called obsolete. For Pan was our protector, the world, and the Satyrs."

"That's... an impressive display of willpower. You're right, they are brave."

"Thanks, Percy."

We stopped talking after that but instead of being in an awkward mood, I was more satisfied.

Eventually, we found a map of the surrounding area.

"Look if we keep going forward there's an intersection a mile up ahead that would lead us to an Amtrak station that we will use to take us to the west. We still have time so let's go," Annabeth said in her best strategy voice.

"It's a good thing you got the bags in time or else we would have had a hard time finding a way to pay for the tickets," Grover said in relief.

"Yeah, I know," She said proudly.

Eventually, we made it there in half an hour. We spent the time mainly talking, or playing "I Spy".

Then me and Annabeth started arguing over the little things, I don't know how this even started. Everything was fine, then it changed.

Once we got on the train after getting the tickets and getting a sleeper car the first thing she did was take a nap facing away from us.

"Don't be too harsh on her Percy. She's just stressed."

"I know, I just don't know how it started."

"How about when you insulted her mother's intelligence? When you insult her mother's intelligence you insult her intelligence." Grover offered.

I don't even remember that part. I must have really gotten into the argument.

"You don't need to be so rough with her Percy, she's had a hard life. She's a good person, she's just focused. She even forgave me for what I did."

"Grover if you feel regret for what you did, or if you repented for it. Makes you a good person too. so you deserve whatever she considers forgiveness." I knew this was a hard topic for Grover but I didn't want him to look down on himself for something that was in the past, something that he dealt with at a young age.

"It's not that simple, what happened that night," he let out a shudder, " I failed. I failed miserably. I... couldn't save who everybody wanted to be alive. It should have been me." Tears were coming down, he was still being quiet for Annabeth's sake.


"Grover, never and I mean never think like that. You're my best friend, you're like a brother to me. If you weren't around, my life would have been miserable for the whole school year. I might have even done a crime or something."

That just made him start crying harder. I moved forward to hug him.
We stayed like that till he ended up falling asleep on my shoulder.

Seeing him like this hurt me to my core, the only way I could help him was emotionally and I was horrible at that.

With Grover sleeping on my shoulder all I could do was look out the window.

I saw never-ending fields and trees that touched the sky. A beautiful blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Eventually, I fell asleep as well, leaving the room filled with snores.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
DREAM BEGIN

Waking up right next to a pit was not what I thought would be the first thing I would see. Which ended up making me sigh as I guessed how this would go.

"Percy Jackson, we meet again. Very soon compared to normally."

"Not like I had a choice, it's like you get your kicks of ruining my sleep,"

I saw him grind his teeth in annoyance.

"Boy, I tire of your disrespect. You will either join me or I will bring you pain with whatever power I currently hold."

"No, I won't be joining you. All you want me for is my body and you're never getting it," I said, hugging myself jokingly.

*GRRRR*

"Fine so be it. Feel neverending pain." He then faced his palm towards me then closed it.

My instinct at that moment was to say "Performance issues, don't worry all old guys go through it" but instead, all I knew was pain.

*AHHHHH*

I felt this burning pain inside of me as if I was being pulled apart and being put together again and again. All I heard were my screams and his laughter. It was haunting, that laughter of his. It felt like I'd been here for hours.

Eventually, he relented but it didn't seem by choice. He looked in disappointment when my screams ended.

*Sigh* It saddens me beyond belief that I depleted this much power for only five minutes of your singing, it was beautiful I will admit. Until next time, little demi-god."

I couldn't respond, I didn't understand how he could do that. I mean you can't hurt someone in a dream, can you?

I started hearing voices calling my name. It can't be, did I go insane just by that? They kept saying my name. The voice sounds similar... to Annabeth's. It's warm, soft, and comforting. She keeps telling me it's going to be okay, and that I need to wake up.

I don't want to though. I just want to rest, I deserve it after that. It's insane that it was only five minutes. Hahaha, those measly five minutes, imagine ten, twenty, thirty, an entire hour. I don't want to face that just yet. I couldn't even do anything. I believed myself to be strong, but I was wrong.

DREAM END
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Having Annabeth waking me up felt like the first time I saw her. Still as beautiful as ever.

"Percy, are you okay, you started shaking in your sleep. You are incredibly pale right now." She said in distress.

"I'm sorry." The first words I said after that dream.

"What are you sorry for, that stupid fight of ours? Forget about it, I already did. Now tell me what happened. Was it a demigod dream?"

"Yes, it was. I don't really wanna talk about it." I turned away from her.

"Oh no seaweed brain you are going to tell me what happened, right now," she said sternly with worry in her eyes.

I eventually relented as I couldn't refuse when she had this much worry over me.

"I was being tortured by a man. It felt like he was ripping me apart and putting me back together again. He said it was only five minutes, but it felt like hours to me. He said his name was Kronos."

Annabeth just gasped. She then got close to me and hugged me, it was warm. Seems that today was all about hugs, not that I'm complaining.

"What did he want?" She said,

"He wanted me to join him, I don't think that Hades is our main problem," I said in a joking tone for that last part.

"Don't joke about this, you just got tortured by the king of the Titans, The crooked one." She said quietly.

I looked around me, noticing that Grover wasn't there.

"Where is Grover right now," I asked.

"He went to the bathroom after he ate too much. Now don't change the subject, the fact he even showed up is horrible. How long has this been happening?"

"He's only shown up a couple of times, I didn't see him as much of a threat. I thought he was too weak because of the whole being cut into pieces, I was wrong."

"We need to tell Chiron about this. If he's recruiting then a whole war is ahead of us. You did say no right."

I then gave her an incredulous look.

"Would I have been tortured if I had said yes?"

She looked me straight in the eye, her eyes truly are beautiful.

"Alright, I believe you but if you do anything suspicious I will end you. You got it." I know she said that but there wasn't too much conviction in that sentence, I was growing on her.

"I believe you," still looking her in the eye.

Eventually, we noticed that we were staring at each other too long and separated. We both had red faces.

"I'll uh, go tell Chiron about this yeah, uh bye," she said running out of the room.

I on the other hand had the goofiest smile on my face. Which was wiped out when Grover ran into the room.

"What happened in this place it's like an emotional rollercoaster, negative rather than positive," he sniffed the air for a moment," and something else."

I didn't really want to talk about it so I just pushed the responsibility to Annabeth, "Just ask Annabeth when she comes back."

"Uh alright, are you okay, you seem... giddy."

"Yeah, I'm good. I think I'm going to the bathroom."

"You sure, I mean it isn't in very good condition right now."

"I'm sure to see you in a minute, Grover."

"Okay, bye?" He said confused for whatever reason.

Eventually finding the bathroom I noticed something.

He was wrong, or maybe it's just because- oh I see. The smell is horrible. One of the few moments that I wish I didn't have this Spider physiology of mine.

"WHAT", oh, it seems that Annabeth told him about what happened. Damn that was loud.

 

[anaklusmos]

For TWO WHOLE DAYS, Grover has been fussing over me as if I were a baby. It may have hurt but that doesn't mean they have to treat me this way. Other than Grover fussing over me Annabeth and I have been getting a little closer. Annabeth trusted me enough to tell me parts of her origin. Her hardships and pain, her family essentially abandoning her.

I mean she still insults my intelligence but I think it's more a jest than a full-blown insult. About Chiron well all he said is that he would talk with Mr. D about this. Which doesn't help that much. I bet Mr.D is just lazing around, acting as if he did so simply.

Enough about me complaining about Mr.D, near the end of the second day when she saw the Gateway Arch she told me how she was going to create something even better.

"I bet you are," I said. Full-heartedly believing that she would.

She looked surprised that I believed her, and she then smiled proudly.

"I'm going to be the greatest Architect in the world, I'll build a monument that will last thousands of years," looking at me to check my reaction. So I gave her what she wanted.

"I believe you."

For the next few hours, she had a smile on her face. Grover was just sleeping. Eventually, the train stopped at an Amtrak station downtown. We would have three hours till the train was to go to Denver.

"Come on, let's go sightseeing," she said in excitement, pulling me by the arm. This ended up waking up Grover who was moaning for food.

"Come on Grover, we're going sightseeing," I told him.

"Will there be food," he said in the most focused I've seen him in a while.

"There's a cafe near it, after we look at the arch we can eat."

"Alright, what are we waiting for, let's go," he said.

It took a while to get there but in a way, it was worth it. Annabeth was spilling out facts about the Arch, she was smiling from ear to ear. While I was paying attention to Annabeth, Grover was eating jelly beans.

"Guys, let's go to the top," Annabeth said, something that I only agreed to because I didn't want to ruin this for her. Even if I'm not good with confined spaces. They make me nuts.

In all this excitement I saw a chihuahua. Which then ended up with me swearing in my head. It was already too late as we were inside. I can't believe I forgot. I should have been paying attention to my surroundings more.

"No parents," asked the owner of the chihuahua. She had beady eyes;coffee-stained teeth; a floppy denim hat, a leather bag, and a denim dress. That did not look very good on her.

This ruined Annabeth's momentum as she was still spewing out facts about the Arch.

"They're downstairs ma'am, They couldn't handle how small these elevators are, or how high we would have been."

During this time I was getting ready to attack. Riptide would be protected by the mist, which allows for the supernatural to be hidden from the world, but I think it would make things worse for me as earlier today I saw a newspaper with my face on it, of me attacking a bunch of old ladies. What's even worse is what Gabe did, I mean seriously a reward to capture me, a twelve-year-old. Granted if they knew the truth about me then it would make sense to capture me. Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked.

"mmm, how sad."

The chihuahua then started growling. At that moment I didn't care that much about my image and prepared to get Riptide out in the open.

"Now, now, sonny, behave."

"Nice name, for your dog I mean," Grover said.

"That's not his name," the lady said.

After that, there was silence in the elevator. Once we got up there Annabeth went back to being chatty again. Talking about the structural support to hold all this up, and what she would have done if she was in charge. Such as bigger windows and see-through floors. Something that I didn't agree with.

Out of the corner of my eye, I was watching Echidna and her chihuahua. I was prepared to use a water bullet for a long-range attack.

Eventually, we had to go back downstairs but there wasn't enough space for all three of us to go inside. It was better this way, I would be able to deal with them easily. At least I hope I do, my confidence in my strength is waning but compared to Kronos they are nothing. The only issue in this probable fight would be the people.

"Are you sure you're okay with staying up here Percy, we can wait for the next one."

"It's okay, I'll see you guys in a bit," I said with a smile.

They still looked like they disagreed but they relented.

The chihuahua then started barking again. I even heard a… meow? Where did that even come from?

"Now, now children of mine… but if you insist."

"That's nice, that you consider him your child that is," I said.

"That's because he is my child, the chimera."

She then rolled up her sleeves, showing green scales. With fang-like teeth. The chihuahua then started to grow. It had the head of a lion with a blood-caked mane, the body and hooves of a giant goat, and a serpent for a tail, a ten-foot-long diamondback growing right out of its shaggy behind. Seeing its height made me almost afraid of what was to happen. The people in the background were already afraid, crying out for safety.

The chihuahua wasn't the only monster she brought. A cat jumped out of her bag. I already have a bad feeling about this. It then started growing into a lion but bigger. I don't know how to describe it. It was just bigger. I already could assume what it was. The Nemean lion.

"Almost forgot about the other, because at least he had the patience that my other child did not have," she said while glaring at the chimera.

"Must be hard, having children that are merely footnotes in history."

"What," she growled out.

"I mean they lost to heroes of the past and now they're basically out of date. If they lost once then they can lose again." I don't think that what I said works but it felt right to me.

"*Grrrr* be honored demigod, Zeus has permitted me to have my children show your worth. For I am the mighty Echidna, the mother of monsters."

"Wow, they named an anteater after you."

"*grrrr* go get them my children show him pain for his disrespect to me."

At that line, I uncapped Riptide. I also made an ice sword for my other hand.

The chimera came from the left while the Nemean lion was just circling us.

The chimera pounced at me but I slashed straight up from the bottom. Which gave me more than enough momentum to push it back. I was able to slash it diagonally down from the left leaving a gash on its side. It cut me on the shoulder but that's fine. I heard a scream of annoyance come from the side which sounded like Echidna.

Then something moved fast. I couldn't react in time but Riptide was knocked out of my hand. Finding the Nemean lion right in front of me wasn't exactly a good thing but I had the one thing that countered it. The proportional strength of a spider and my demigod abilities. So it's time to start getting grabby.

It moves forward toward me but I jump right over it. I kick it one face making the Nemean lion step back. It slashed at me but I just moved forward and punched it in the chest. I used my whole strength as I didn't know how much was enough.

It went down just like that. It didn't stay down there for long. So I did the next best thing. I tried grappling it. I grabbed it and just started making it stand down. With its impenetrable skin, the only thing to do would use brute force. I didn't stay on its back as it kept pushing back onto the walls, making me smash into them.

I don't know how this place is still standing. I eventually relent and get off its back. It tries to bite me but I just grab it by its mouth. My back is currently facing the wall. My only saving grace is my strength. I hear cheering in the background. I can't tell who it's from, or for who the cheering is for.

Grabbing it by its maw and standing up I start increasing the pressure I have on it. While my hands are occupied it starts slashing at me. It hurts but not as much as those five minutes with Kronos.

It gets a claw in my shoulder increasing the pressure as much as I do. I then go full in. Breaking the jaw. My hands are all bloody from holding the jaw and having touched the teeth one too many times.

Echidna behind me is just yelling profanity after profanity. I was too tired to care what the people thought about me so I just walked up to her and punched her. Instead of her being knocked out she held my hand and gave me a punch of her own.

She threw me across the room. My back is starting to hurt now. I stand up again. This time she transforms into some human beast monster thing. She goes from ugly and fat to tall and strong. I mean she's still ugly.

Her scales go all over her body, and she increases her height. Her muscle mass increases. Then she lunges at me. She's too fast for Spider-Sense to work.

She grabs me by the shoulder and just bites me. I then start unleashing punch after punch on her stomach. I increased my strength with every single punch, pushing myself so that I could get her off me. Instead, she stays there.

I then grab her hips and start crushing it. At this, she starts twitching. I eventually felt Riptide in my pocket again so I grabbed it out of my pocket and put Riptide right through. I was going to make sure I cleaned Riptide after this. She then turns into dust.

I look around and see the people. How they're afraid. Not of them, of me. I look out the window and think if I should jump. If normal Percy could do it so can I but normal Percy doesn't have deadly wounds on him.

*Growl*

I feel a tingle go down my neck but by then it's too late.

ARE YOU SERIOUS, from behind me the chimera stings me with its tail. I feel even worse now.

"You know what, I can't leave you out here. So we're both going down."

I use riptide to cut off its tail. Grab the chimera and jump. Time to drown you damn monster.
Water rises from the river to catch me. I make sure that I hold the chimera tightly to not drop it on the people.

In the river, I keep pulling it down. I use the water to push him down. To increase the pressure. I crush it before it can do too much.

I think I'm going to rest for a moment. No, I can't, I need to get up. In this water, I feel rejuvenated. It heals me. Not as much as I need but enough to keep me awake.

I see something moving in the water. Instead of it being another monster it's … a lady. Okay, that's cool. I'm still light-headed right now.

"Brave child, I am a messenger, head to the beach of Santa Monica before you descend to the underworld. I cannot stay long. Stay safe, young one."

Right, I don't want to deal with this right now but I'll have to. Getting out of the water, I wish that I wouldn't have to deal with all the people there.
It's just a wish though.

 

[anaklusmos]

Once she left I put my focus on torpedoing out of the river.

Walking out to see news cars, emergency vehicles, and helicopters everywhere was annoying. It would be hard to get out.
I made sure to hide behind whatever I could so that those who made it out wouldn't recognize me. It's probably suspicious of me to do this but still.

A little girl almost saw me walk out of the water earlier so I think I'm doing good in the whole don't be a noticeable thing.

The reporters on the scene kept talking about me through my search for Annabeth and Grover.

I eventually found them hidden in the background. I grabbed them by the shoulder which ended up with me on the floor. Annabeth judo threw me. I landed on my feet.

What surprised me was that my spider sense didn't go off. I think it's because she is a close ally. So my spider-sense didn't work on her. That is complete bullshit. How can my Spider-sense not work on her?

"Di immortales Percy, what were thinking I could have hurt you." It seems she hasn't fully realized that I'm here.

"Annabeth, he's right here," he then put more attention on my body "Oh my gods, you're bleeding! What happened up there, Percy?" Asked Grover.

"So you know that lady with a chihuahua, yeah that was Echidna."

"That's only part one Percy, we need to know what else happened. How are you not wet? What monster did she bring to fight you, or did she fight you herself?" Annabeth asked.

"Monsters, plural. The chimera, which was the chihuahua, and the Nemean lion. I fought them and won. Then she chose to show herself. I crushed the Nemean lion and drowned the chimera. I don't even remember what I did to Echidna, it wasn't very memorable."

"How did you not smell them, Grover?" Asked Annabeth.

"My sense of smell was muddled there, we were underground," said Grover in embarrassment.

I then staggered a little. I looked down at my leg and noticed a deep gash. I don't even know when that happened or which one of them did it.

"Oh I'm sorry, let's get you somewhere where we can deal with your wounds. Grover, you have our medkit in our backpack?"

"With this much danger following us, yes," Grover answered.

I almost argued against this but then thought it through and noticed something, I'm stupid she isn't. She knows what she's doing mostly. I should listen to her.

She dragged me away from all the people to a secluded area. Grover then handed her some disinfectant, which made me feel like I was being burned. Not fun at all, I wouldn't recommend it.

"Stop being such a baby, you dealt with all these cuts why are you wincing now."

"Uh, I always was wincing," I stated.

"Seaweed brain, you don't get to talk right now. I'm mad at you," she said in a huff.

I mean seriously. First I have to talk now I have to stop, make up your mind.

"Take off your shirt," she said. Something that surprised both me and Grover.

"Come on, I need to check your body."

Once I took off my shirt I heard a gasp. I look down and see bruises forming across my body. I looked like a bruised banana.

It seems that being thrown around the place and the hits that the monsters got on me were much worse than I thought.

"Percy, you need a hospital. You have a bunch of broken bones," Annabeth said in a soothing tone.

Before entering the water I can infer that it was much worse than it is now. I probably need a day's rest for my healing factor to deal with this.

Maybe two days. To speed things up I'll stay in the water. Which is something I can't do because of recent events, damn it.

"It's fine, I'll heal up fast," I said.

She got out a bottle with some gold liquid in it.

"Seaweed brain, we have ambrosia. This will heal you and leave you without scarring."

I can't believe I forgot about that. I was so focused on my healing factor I didn't think of outside influence.

She gave me the bottle, told me to take a few sips, and then poured it on top of me, near the more damaged parts. She then got some self-adhesive bandage wraps. Once that was done she got flustered for a moment.

As if when done with being a doctor she noticed I was shirtless. With my amazing genes of mine, well I do think that warrants some attention.
"*ahem*, okay now tell us more about how you beat them," Annabeth said.

I then spent the time explaining everything.
Once I was done telling the whole battle. Grover then said something that got my attention.

"You're like a modern-day Heracles."

I… that hurt me to my very core. Being a modern-day Hercules in this world isn't something I consider to be proud of. Not after the crimes he committed. Now if this was Hercules: The Legendary Journeys then I would accept that.

"You should be proud, Percy. You dealt with monsters that Heracles fought at the age of twelve," said Annabeth.

Fuck, I feel old. I may be twelve but I feel like I've been here for years.

"I don't know if being like Heracles is something to be proud of. I mean he's all brawn and no brain."

Damn, that's me.

"I know that I'm only saying you should be proud of beating them at your age," said Annabeth.

"We should get out of here before things get even more chaotic, or worse we get caught," said Grover.

I stood up with the help of Annabeth, even if I didn't need it. We were somehow not spotted by the news vans or even the police. That's a good thing because somehow, again, someone got my picture.

"Percy Jackson is considered to be the known perpetrator who caused this destruction. That's right folks a twelve-year-old boy did this. He also caused an accident in a New Jersey bus. Here is a picture for the viewers."

That made us start walking faster. We were able to get to the Amtrak just before it departed.

The annoying part was having my wounds open. I'll be taking that nap now.

 

[anaklusmos]

DREAMSCAPE BEGIN

It feels like I'm suffocating right now. In this dark pit, I just keep falling. I hear screams of terror. I see the bottom but I just never reach it. All of a sudden something grabs my arm and throws me.

I tumble and roll on the spiky red floor. I'm bleeding from everywhere, scraped and cut. The floor feels like glass. I attempt to get up but I just keep getting kicked to the ground.

I get grabbed by the head and am smashed into the floor. I hear laughter, this bone-chilling laughter. Once whoever is smashing my head stops I'm able to look closer, I see golden sinister eyes with a smile that makes my skin crawl.

"Hello little demigod, I got lucky today. One of my followers was able to make me stronger. Sure I won't be able to do what I did the other day but this is almost just as fun. Now, will you be joining me or not because I can do this all day?" He laughs near the end.

Now that just pisses me off, he just used one of the greatest heroes in the MCU's line, Captain America. Now if only my jaw didn't hurt so much that I could swear at him.

"You don't want to answer me, that's fine. I'll just keep having fun here."

He then goes back to smashing my head against the glassy ground. He kept doing this but eventually, he just stopped and sighed.

"You know what, I'm getting bored of this, how about I go back to kicking you around, I'll get to see you roll away, hehe," he says in this psychotic tone.

*Boom*

I can feel my ribs not just break but crumble into pieces. I spit out blood all over the place. Noticing how my shade of blood matches the ground.

"Hm, I kicked you too hard. I'll have to waste some of my Power just so that you don't wake up."

Wait, that's it, I just need to wake up. This way I'll be able to get out of this nightmare.

"You're probably wondering where we are."

Well with how it looks, this is Tartarus. It seems he knew I realized as he just started laughing.

"That's right little demigod, this is TARTARUS, or at least how it looks. It's not the real deal, sadly."

He then chose to stop talking and just went back to kicking me. I went tumbling and rolling, flying through the air. My blood surrounded me from all areas.

After who knows how long he stopped.

"I think that's enough for now, when I have enough power I'm going to do something special. Oh, almost forgot to ask. Will you join me or not."

All I did was spit in his face. A big wallop of blood just gave him a big grin, even if everything hurt.

"Hm, it seems I didn't discipline you enough, I'll need to teach you some more manners next time."

He then smashed my head to the ground again and kicked me one more time. I heard the echoes of his laughter as I ended up falling back down the pit.

Falling in the black.

DREAMSCAPE END

I jump off my bed and land on the ceiling of the room. I stick to there taking a deep breath in and a deep breath out. That's when I realized where I currently was. I couldn't unstick it right now, I was too stressed at the moment. I had to think of my Mom and her cookies to relax enough to let go.

Thankfully I landed on my feet, the bad news is my body is sore. MY BODY! I look over my body to see the wounds, seeing that most of it is healed up except for most of the one's my back. I notice that I have a small scar on my chest, not very noticeable. You would have to pay keen attention to my chest to notice it.

I then notice that Grover and Annabeth are nowhere to be found. Good, don't want to deal with their babying.

"Annabeth... Grover, huh, they aren't here," I said.

I find a shirt that was left on a chair and put it on, I then go looking for Annabeth and Grover. It takes a while but eventually, I find them in the cafe car.

I see Grover and Annabeth eating some breakfast and having either a cup of coffee or chocolate milk. I then walk towards them and sit right across from them.

"So, what'd I miss?" I asked while stealing a fry from Grover.

Annabeth and Grover gaped at me, then they both got out of their seats and hugged me.

"Ow, ow, ow, how about you guys lighten up on the pressure."

"You've been asleep for two days Percy, I think that warrants this much attention," said Annabeth.

"Percy, are you okay," asked Grover."

"Yeah definitely, never felt better. Nah that's a lie, I'm still sore and my back hurts a lot. Also, did you say it's been two days?" Definitely not telling them about what happened in my dream.

"Yes it has, you've been nearly fully healed. You're back was the only issue, but by tomorrow it'll be fine," said Annabeth.

"Okay well, can someone answer my question now," I ask.

"Oh right, let's sit down," said Grover.

They went back to their seats leaving me in peace after their recent actions.

"Okay so, these past two days have been somewhat hectic, especially because you have been asleep for two days. It was hard to stop the adults from entering the room and finding you," said Annabeth.

She took a deep breath and then continued.

"We tried to talk to Chiron about everything that happened recently but Luke showed up instead. We told him about our findings and he said he would talk to Chiron for us, and that we should continue our quest. The newspapers and shows have been talking about us recently, and I do mean us. There's also been a bunch of storms coming around. Lord Zeus is getting restless. That's pretty much it."

"Okay thanks, now I'm really hungry so I'm going to order something to eat."

The other two wanted to order for me but I didn't let them, I wanted to do something normal today. Ordering breakfast is normal.

I ordered a blueberry muffin and a strawberry Greek yogurt, something soft for the stomach. Don't want to end up throwing up later. What happened in my dream was... horrifying. It was painful, I didn't think that Kronos would have been able to do something like this so fast. It was not a welcomed surprise.

After breakfast we ended up playing a game for the rest of the day, it was nice. It was ordinary.

 

[anaklusmos]

For the rest of the ride to Los Angeles, everything was quiet. When the train made a stop or two a monster or two would show up but after everything I went through they were easily dealt with. Kronos at the time hasn't even shown himself. It makes me wonder what he has in store for me in the future.


That is until we found out that the train would be overrun with cops looking for us, specifically me.

It started as an "ordinary day", we got breakfast, we talked, and we planned. Sadly I couldn't train around here. Heh, get it, train, because we're on a train. *Sigh*I need to work on my jokes. Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked.

When the train stopped at the Kingman Amtrak Station, I noticed that Police were arriving at the station we currently were in. They tried to be sneaky but that just made them more suspicious.

"Guys we need to go," I told them.

Grover was still eating. So when he responded it was all muffled and food was going everywhere.

*Gulp*, but why, nothing is happening. Wait, do you see monsters," he then started to sniff the air," I don't smell anything, so what's the issue."

That's when Annabeth answered for me.

"The issue is that the police are currently on this train, which means they are either here for us or something else, and I don't think it'd do us any good if we were arrested because we didn't leave in time," she told him.

"Oh, we should be getting out of here then," he said in distress," we can't get arrested, this quest is too important."

"We know Grover, that's why we should leave right now."

We got out of our booth, but not too fast that we would look suspicious. We went to our rooms and got all our belongings.

We went to the exit all inconspicuously like. Sadly I was wrong. We were noticed and the chase was on. A cop had noticed us while holding a picture of me.

It was awkward, he did a double-take and then yelled out.

"Hey kids, I need you to come with me."

Too bad for him, as when he started talking we did a mad sprint, with him yelling out into his radio about finding us. I pushed a garbage can down, which ended up tripping him. He didn't give up though.

"We got a 10-80 over at Kingman station, convey at my location."

That made me frustrated, I would be on the news even more and would have to deal with the publicity after.

Getting out of the station a Humvee appeared in front of us. Instead of it being the military or the cops inside, what I found was a buff guy in a leather jacket with sunglasses.

"Come with me if you want to finish this quest," he said gruffly.

I immediately went to say no, but Annabeth stopped me.

"Percy, this is the God of war, Ares, we don't have time to say no. The police are right behind us," she said.

I look behind us and two blocks away I see a bunch of them running right at us.

"Fine, let's go."

The moment we got inside he immediately pressed on the accelerator. It was amazing how fast this was going. I know I've gone faster, but not in a situation like this.

"So, you're the kid everyone's talking about, eh cuz," he said looking in the rearview mirror.

"Yeah, I am. What's it to you," it annoyed me that I couldn't control my emotions very well, what with him having an aura that makes people mean and rude.

"What's it to me you say, kid I'm the god of war. You're the reason for a future war to happen. Then there are your skills. They're impressive for someone of your age. You fight like a would-be warrior. Not many people like that," he said.

"Okay, well that was informational but why did you save us?" Asked Annabeth.

"I've been busy looking for the old man's bolt and knowing that there is a bunch of kids sent on a quest that they're meant to fail. It just tickled my fancy," he said with a grin.

"Right but what do you want?" I asked.

"I'm bored," he said in a teasing voice.

I was starting to get a little more mad. I needed to keep my emotions in check, he's either doing this on purpose or this is just how he talks.

"Would you please get to the point?" Asked Annabeth. Seems I wasn't the only one getting frustrated.

"I want you to do me one favor in the future, and I will send you directly to Los Angeles. Just like that," he said pointedly, staring at me.

"There's gotta be more, what's the catch?" I asked.

"There's no catch, just take the deal and you'll be right there," he said.

Knowing how this may go, and with him being manipulated by Kronos. I can't accept this deal.
Instead, Annabeth took the deal for me.

"We'll do it, send us there," said Annabeth.

For a moment I was in shock, I couldn't believe she would take this deal. Then for just a second, I saw a gold shimmer in her eyes.

It can't be what I think it is, it must have been a trick of the lighting.

"Great answer", he said.

That's when he disappeared and I was in the driver's seat.

"Oh crud, I don't even know how to drive."

I accidentally stepped on the wrong pedal which made us stop. I switched pedals immediately.
I was still mad at Annabeth but I wanted to pay more attention to the road than her.

Grover on the other hand could do what I couldn't.

"Annabeth, what were you thinking? This is the god of war. Taking this deal was a mistake. He even lied, he said we would be there in Los Angeles, but we're not in Los Angeles. We're on the road."

"I-I'm sorry, I don't know why I agreed. I know that I didn't want to say yes, it was like my mouth had a mind of its own," she said in distress.

"It's not okay, but we'll just have to deal with it," said Grover.

"Percy, are you okay?" Asked Annabeth.

"No, didn't you hear what I said? I don't know how to drive. All I know comes from books and movies, not experience."

That's when they started to panic with me.

"Um, uh you're pressing the accelerator right?" Asked Grover.

"If I wasn't we wouldn't be moving right now but well I did make the mistake at the start."

"Right okay, uh do you know which route to take?" She asked

"Nope, can one of you check the glove box?"

Grover went to the front seat, leaving Annabeth in the back. He went through the glove box to find a small tablet with GPS on it.

"Okay, Grover can you input Los Angeles, please," I asked.

He put the tablet in my view, which conveniently had a magnet on it. The tablet said that it would take around six hours to get there.

For a few minutes, we stayed in silence, till a cop car showed up, then another and another.

"Get out of the car, do not escalate this." yelled out a cop.

I just increased in speed.

We spent a few minutes with this chase. I almost crashed every single time but with spider sense, I was able to save us. Annabeth and Grover were screaming in the background and the GPS was loading like crazy looking for a new route.

We managed to lose them and went back to the road, to finish this goddamned quest.

 

[anaklusmos]

Throughout the rest of the car ride, everything was calm. Ha, that's a goddamned lie. Grover was currently berating Annabeth while I was freaking out on the inside. Annabeth had golden eyes for a second, I'd be an idiot if I didn't realize who was behind her accepting this. Well, I am an idiot, so you would have to be more of an idiot than me.

I would have to deal with this eventually, and I don't know how he did this, or how long he's been there, and if this is permanent or a one-time thing. This just got more complicated. What if I tell her and this sets off a reaction like her dying? Ahh, why couldn't I think of things like this in the past? I just need to think things through, I used to do that but then just went all act first and ask questions later.

Oh, brain of mine thank you for working today, I can ask for Hade's help. Telling him that Kronos is doing this would possibly make him help us.
If I don't annoy him that is.

Okay, now that's one issue dealt with. Then there's Ares, he showed up when we needed to escape, a crazy coincidence. The working theory is that he's the reason the cops came on the train in the first place, just so he can.... give us the bolt. THE BOLT, I forgot that he's the reason why the original timeline they got the bolt. So where in this humvee is it?

The glove box has already been essentially checked. It wouldn't have fit in there anyway. So the only place it could be is the trunk. I wonder if he left it in a bag or changed its shape, changing its shape would be dumb so maybe it would be in a bag this time as well.

Spatial manipulation is going to be an issue, the bolt never showed itself until they were in front of Hades. So going straight to Olympus right now could be a mistake. Unless we could get Annabeth's mom or Hephestaus to deal with this issue but with Ares compromised, going back right now would be dangerous. He may not act smart but he's the god of war for a reason. That reason is being born but whatever.

Okay, a plan is set. Something I can't exactly tell them about because of well... the circumstances I'm in. Now I just need to not ruin this plan...
*Sigh* I Just jinxed myself, didn't I?

Now there is the thing with Procrustes, otherwise known as crusty. His business is too dangerous to stay around. The only benefit to his services would be the increase in...height. Sadly he tends to stretch others too far or to cut them to fit in his, I believe waterbeds. It would be dangerous but I could use his services only once so that I may grow above six feet.

I know that the original does grow to six foot one or six foot three but there are many arguments towards this. I do not wish to stay at this height of mine because of my lack of sleep but with my genetics and activities, the course of action where I tie myself to a bed would be well.. dumb, but I already knew I was being dumb about this.

I just didn't want to stay small. I may be big for someone of my age but being taller would give me more reach in hand-to-hand combat. Longer legs would allow for better running speed on land as well. This does hurt my ability to dodge things if I get too huge but I'm a swimmer and... I suppose a gymnast with my spider physiology.

I didn't even notice how focused I was on this till I noticed it's been around an hour. We had a few days to get back to Olympus, and that time was enough. At least I hope it'll be enough.

Annabeth and Grover were quiet in the back, not saying anything. I was too focused on my plans to pay attention to what they were doing. The fact I haven't been pulled over or crashed the car.

They were probably talking about what Annabeth did earlier, accepting the deal with Ares. If I started the conversation again it would probably ruin things even more. At the same time, it's calm, danger hasn't shown itself yet.

Thinking that I chose to pay more attention to my surroundings. Surprisingly nothing happened for the rest of the ride. Annabeth and Grover dozed off in their seats after nothing happened.

The only eventful part of the drive was when I had to get some gas for the car. Being tall and having muscles helped me look like an adult and no one asked me where my parents were. I know that it's dumb buying snacks with the quest money but I wanted them to at least have something to snack on when they feel hungry. We reached Los Angeles around eight o'clock. I chose to go to a hotel that didn't look too shady but wouldn't ask questions. It wasn't the best looking one but it would work. I sadly had to wake them up from their nap.

"Guys, it's late. I got us a hotel room for the night," I said soothingly.

Annabeth just groaned and swatted at me, even if she couldn't reach me, but she did reach Grover which startled him enough that he woke up Annabeth as well.

"Woah, we're under attack I'll hold them- oh, I guess that was a dream. Sorry guys," he said with a chuckle.

"Uh, why are we right next to a hotel?" Asked Annabeth.

"It's late, and sleeping in the car when we could rest in a bed would be better," I responded.

"But the quest, we need to do it. The deadline." Annabeth said with a look in her eye that I wish I wasn't there, but soon I would deal with it. If the plan doesn't work then... I would have to do something drastic.

"Uh, I know this quest is important Annabeth but I think we would do better being well-rested," said Grover. There was a twinge of reluctance in his voice.

Annabeth wanted to argue but relented in both of us agreeing that "they" should rest to be ready for tomorrow.

"Right well since we're in Los Angeles I should go to Santa Monica," I said.

"What, this late? I thought we were going to rest up for tomorrow," asked Grover.

"Well dealing with this now when nobody will be around would be better than doing this on a crowded beach," I attempted to convince him.

"He's not wrong Grover," said Annabeth, agreeing with me.

"I also want to go alone, " I said.

"What, no, out of the question. We're a team, we should go together," said Grover.

"Grover, I have this feeling that this is something that needs to be a solo mission."

When he saw how I wouldn't change my mind I was he chose to let me go, Annabeth just stayed in the background. Saying nothing, just staring. I knew that this needed to be dealt with soon before things got too far.

I gave them the key to the hotel room and went on my way to the pier.

I made a slight detour though. I chose to park the car and check the trunk.

When looking in the trunk I saw Paper towels, Cable ties/zip ties, Bungee cords/ratcheting straps, duct tape, a toolbox, jumper cables, a flashlight, some flares, and a blue kitchen backpack. Just what I was looking for. Inside I found emergency rations, a compass, some rope, a head torch, a can of spray plaster, waterproof matches, batteries, a survival spade, and a survival straw. I also found a blue windbreaker bomber jacket inside and another dark blue jacket that seemed meant for the fancy stuff then fights; This backpack feels like it was made for me.

Seems I was right as I found a note in the backpack. I opened it, to find that it said "It was embarrassing to watch you run around without any resources."

I put everything back where I found it, not the backpack though, I chose to keep it near me.

I then started driving to the pier. Getting there I got out of the car and walked into the water.

Entering the water I torpedoed down till I knew I was far enough that the sea spirit could find me. I waited for a while but eventually, she appeared in front of me on a seahorse. Now that I could see her, she had flowing black hair, a dress made of green silk, and eyes as green as mine.

"Good, you made it here with good time. Lord Poseidon sends his apologies for not being here instead of me. He cannot show favoritism, especially on the brink of war but he can help indirectly that is why I am here.

She then opened the palm of her hands and three shimmering pearls showed up.

"With your current mission leading you to Hades realm, this will aid you in escaping when needed," she said.

"Right, thank you. Tell my father that I thank him as well."

"Of course little hero," she said with a smile and left on her seahorse.

I torpedoed out of the water and went back to the hotel.

Once I returned I saw Annabeth and Grover waiting for me.

"We couldn't sleep so we just waited for you, also where did you get the backpack and jacket?" asked Grover.

Annabeth just nodded her head.

I told them what happened, hiding it would hurt us more. It would be suspicious if I lied about something like this.

I also told them about what I found in the trunk, and about what Ares left for me.

Grover was happy that I had something to call my own. Annabeth was more vocal in not trusting Ares to give us this. I agreed with her, but this may just be the bag with the bolt in it. Just like there's no such thing as free lunch, having the bag as the lunch, but the bolt as the "consequences" isn't that bad. I just needed to deal with it carefully.

The humvee was the only issue here. I don't know how I'm going to be able to own it later, I mean it's a humvee that a twelve-year-old is driving. Mom would probably take it and safeguard it till I'm driving age.

After we talked over the recent events they went to sleep. I didn't, I couldn't. So all I did was worry. That everything I planned could fall and break into pieces.

 

[anaklusmos]

Waking up in this hotel felt weird. I was so used to being on that train, especially that bed, it was too comfortable. This one on the other hand was... sufficient. What made it worse was how much I slept. Staying awake for most of the night was a mistake. All those negative thoughts floating around. I turn to the clock on the wall and see that it's 6:34.

*YAWN*

I get off my bed and stumble my way into the bathroom, once done with my business there.

I got my backpack and headed to the door, I felt it would be nice to get some breakfast for them to wake up to. Something about my decision felt off though.

I chose to think over what I was doing. If I leave right now and arrive after they wake up they would think I left them or something happened to me.

I used a napkin from the train that survived everything we went through and wrote what I was doing.

Once I felt this was sufficient I left. I got in the Humvee and went on the GPS. Remembering how this only showed the streets and towns. I chose to just explore. Maybe it would help clear my mind.

Once I parked the Humvee I entered the diner and went to order. I made sure to look around just in case. I saw another exit on the side, and around six other people in the diner. Nothing seems too suspicious but I need to be careful. I've been too relaxed compared to the past.

"Hi, how can I help you," asked a waiter, she had blonde hair and green eyes. She looked like she was in high school, even if she was small.

"Hi, can I get two bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches, and an egg and cheese sandwich, to go? Oh, and three orange juices as well please," I said with a smile.

She gave a little smile back. While tucking her hair behind her ear.

"Would that be all?" She asked with this expectant look.

"Yes, thank you."

She looked a little disappointed, she hid it well but with me having to be attentive to my surroundings I noticed. It confused me that she was disappointed, did she want me to give her more work? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN.

"Okay, your food will be ready soon," she then walked away with this sway at her hips.

I blushed a little at that. Damn hormones, calm yourself. Which then brought me to a realization. Was she flirting with me? No, uh uh, you're just getting mixed signals. You need to sleep more, maybe I should've ordered some coffee too.

While waiting at the counter she walked towards me. I wondered if that food was ready now. I didn't see anything in her hands though.

"So where are you from," she asked.

"I'm from New York," I responded.

Stop being so nervous, you've been in worse situations. There's no reason to act this way. You're being dumb.

"Where in New York," she asked leaning closer.

I leaned back, but she just kept getting closer. How I was acting around her was starting to annoy me.

"I live in Queens, now uh don't you have any other people to take orders from?" I asked.

"No one else entered after you, so I'm just wasting time," she said with a little giggle.

This started making me think. What if she's a monster, but she seems so human? At the same time, that's how monsters lure in humans. She doesn't show the signs of being a monster, which is them attacking me when they think they have the chance.

"So what's a guy from New York doing in California," she asked.

"Road trip, here and back. That kind of thing," I responded.

Before she could ask another question someone asked to have their order taken. Looking over I saw it was a blonde-tanned guy.

She then moved towards him to take her order. Once she was done and gave the order to the cooks she came back to me.

"Now hold on a sec, you've been asking all these questions, how about you let me do one," I said.

I did this on a whim, so I didn't exactly have a question for her.

"Uh, what do you like to do in your free time?", welp I've had a good run. I should have just left and come back. This whole situation feels dumb. Even if her smile widened a bit.

"Read, or go to the park," she responded.

"That's awesome, what kind of books do you like?", the moment she brought books into this my nervousness started fading away.

"Well, I like Harry Potter, Narnia, Dune, and The Dark Tower. What about you."

Before I could respond one of the cooks yelled out my order.

She gave me a sheepish smile and then walked away.

The sad thing was that I was just getting into this, having to leave after getting into such an interesting topic would have been fun after everything I've been through. I probably wouldn't be able to read anything again unless I chose to have something that could instantly translate books or words into Greek. Not a bad idea, better remember this.

She then came back and gave me my food.

"So, you got to go now, right?" She said in a disappointed tone.

"I mean I have the food now," I said sheepishly.

"Right, well this was fun. Hey if I ever go to New York maybe I'll find you?"

"Yeah definitely, but uh I never got your name. Mine's Percy," I said, giving out my hand for a handshake.

She put her hand in mine, having a firm grip.

"Mine's Cassandra, but you can call me Cass," she said.

"Well, I have to go now Cass, if we ever see each other again I'll make sure we have time to hang out."

She then let go of my hand and we said our goodbyes to each other. This whole situation was weird. I mean at first it was hard to talk to her but then it was the easiest thing in the world.

I mean seriously this felt...meaningful. We probably won't be seeing each other again. Thankfully she didn't ask if I had a phone number because I wouldn't have been able to give it to her in the first place.

The phone would send a signal to every monster in the vicinity. I mean I could deal with them but I don't want to deal with that unless I want a sparring partner. Then I'll use a burner phone or something.

Once I came back to the Hotel I saw that both of them were awake.

"Why didn't you wake us up when you left," asked Annabeth, annoyed.
Something that Grover agreed with.

"I thought it would be nice if I got you guys to have breakfast waiting for you before you guys wake up, seems that half of my plan failed. At least I got the food," I said with a smile.

"Oh, well with that good reason, I can't be mad at you. What did you get me?" Asked Grover. As usual, any mention of food would make him forgive me.

"I got you an egg and cheese sandwich, I almost got you a bacon egg and cheese sandwich but remembered that you don't eat meat."

"Thanks," he said as I handed him his sandwich.

"What did you get me?" Asked Annabeth.

"I got the both of us a bacon egg and cheese sandwich."

"Alright thanks," she then snatched the sandwich out of my hands and sat down.

While eating Grover asked me what the plan was.

Which then brought me the idea of Crusty. My plan could be put to use. I just need to get him to like me.

"Well, turns out there's another son of Poseidon around here. An old one though. Someone from ancient times," I said.

"What? How did you find this out?" Asked Annabeth.

"I got it from a dream, he owned this waterbed business. I'm just going to talk to him."

"Are you seriously thinking of making a detour? This quest is too important for you to look for this half-brother of yours"

She was right, it's not like he was going anywhere. I can deal with him on the way back. Then I can start Mission: Get Big.

"Right sorry, the quest comes first for now," she gave me the stink eye for a moment but it went away a moment later.

That's when I made the realization I may have made a mistake, I just essentially told Kronos about someone that he could use to aid him.

After talking with Cass I got too comfortable, and relaxed. The exact thing that I wasn't supposed to do.

Going to Crusty right now would be too suspicious, Kronos was a leader once. He's been here for centuries. So that may mean Mission: Get Big may not be happening.

That's when Grover chose to interrupt.

"Come on Annabeth, he wants to see his family member. Maybe this will be helpful to the quest."

She seemed to mull it over but made a decision.

"Only if we all go together," she said.

"I mean we were all going together anyway but okay," I said.

So they started to get whatever they had and entered the car.

We drove around while I tried to remember his shop's name so I could put it in the GPS. I couldn't remember if it was Crusty's Waterbed Kingdom or Crusty's Waterbed Palace. Instead of wasting time thinking over it I just put it in the GPS. Turns out it was the second name, Crusty's Waterbed Palace.

Once we got in the car we immediately started driving to his shop. Arriving outside his shop I made sure to tell them what needed to be done.

"Okay, when we get in there I'll be doing the talking or even better you don't come in with me and spook the guy. No, no takers. Okay."

"We wouldn't spook him, and why would you do all the talking and not me?" Asked Annabeth.

"Well this is"family ". It would make more sense for me to talk to him," I said.

"Come on Annabeth, Percy dreamed this, and he looks like he knows what he's doing," said Grover.

She looked frustrated but since she was outvoted she didn't say anything.

I entered the shop and made sure to remember the plan.

"Well hello brother," I said.

He looked immediately surprised but looked interested in what was happening. He had no hair and this gray leathery skin, thick eyes, and yellow teeth and he was about seven feet tall.

"Hmm, now this is interesting. What can I do to help you."

"I'm here to give you a business proposal."

"What would that entail," he said in suspicion.

"Just a small thing, you don't kill those who enter your shop," I said with a smile.

That just stopped most of the momentum in the shop. They were all shocked at the mention of killing.

"What do you mean he killed people? Why didn't you say anything."

"Because I knew this was going to happen and you wouldn't let me in here. Now I need to conclude business with this brother of mine."

Who was currently laughing, deep belly laughs?

"Now*ha* why*ha* would I do that?"

"So that people would pay you to stretch them out."

That stopped his laughter.

"You see your whole business is on killing people and taking your money, but what you don't seem to notice is that your business is more profitable than you think. People would pay millions just to gain an inch or two. What I can do is bring in those who wish to be taller than they currently are and you would be getting a gracious amount of revenue for this humble little shop of yours. Now if you're feeling generous you could give me 15% of this business."

He stayed silent for a while till he responded to what I said.

"What makes you think I won't steal this idea of yours or just not do it at all," he said.

"Then sadly I'll have to kill you," I said, getting Riptide out.

He stared into my eyes till he started laughing again.

"Oh, I like you little brother, I'll give you ten percent but if this doesn't work I'll kill anyone I see."

"So we have a deal?" I asked for confirmation.

"Yes, yes we do."

"Now how about we swear to the River Styx," I said.

"Hmm, fine. I swear to the River of Styx that as long as my business is more profitable than today than I will give him ten percent of my business and I won't kill anyone that enters this shop," he said.

"I swear to the river of Styx that as long as he doesn't harm others I won't kill him and that I shall help in getting his business some traction," I said.

Thunder crackled in the distance.

"Now how about you get your first customer, and as your first customer I think this one should be free," I said.

He grumbled under his breath but agreed to my "reasoning".

Even if he did try to kill me, I could easily get out of whatever chains or ropes he used and kill him right there and then.

I played down on the waterbed and prepared myself to be taller.

For two minutes I was stretched out. I was full of expectations for this. I could use this to get anyone I tell about this to consider this to be truthful. I mean a twelve-year-old being six foot would be crazy.

Getting off the bed felt like a whole new world. I quickly adjusted to the height difference and started heading towards him.

He gave me a handshake and I walked out. Followed by the other two who seem lost.

Today was a profitable day.

 

[anaklusmos]

Having Annabeth and Grover berate me while we left Crusty's shop was getting old. Nothing went wrong and I now have a semi-job, I'm a living walking ad for Crusty.

Not telling Annabeth and Grover about the whole him being Procrustes wasn't fair, especially to Grover as he believed in me but I didn't want to let Kronos know about my plan. If he can get into her head once he can get into her head again.

After they finished berating me, after what felt like hours but only minutes they didn't speak to me unless it was about the quest.

"Now no more detours, we are going to Hades domain and that's final," said Annabeth in a huff.

Grover just nodded followed along by a pout. The sad thing is Grover isn't mad at me. Oh no, it's worse. He's disappointed in me.

A disappointed Grover is a sad Grover. There are a lot of reasons for a sad Grover, and today I am that reason; now he's going to start thinking depressing thoughts all over again. All because he thinks I don't trust him enough, which is sort of true but still I can't tell him everything.

"Okay, I promise no more detours. To the DOA recording studio," I exclaimed loudly. I wanted to lighten up the mood, but something told me I made the wrong decision.

Looking across the street I saw a sports store, with a bunch of balls in the window.

I gained an idea.

"Maybe just one," I said with a smirk.

I heard groans the moment I said that.

Finally arriving at the recording studio, I parked the car and we entered. Entering I saw a few people staring aimlessly.

At the front desk was a tall man, handsome, with chocolate-colored skin and bleached-blond hair, shaved. He was wearing a silk Italian suit that was similarly colored to his hair. He had tortoise-shell shades and a black rose was pinned to his lapel under a silver name tag.

A name tag that said, Charon.

I felt it would be a better idea to be respectful to someone of his status than to go with the same strategy as Crusty. I walked up to him to say something but instead, Annabeth walked right past me, told me she could handle this, and started talking to him.

"Sir, we just died recently. Can you bring us to the underworld please," she said with a glare.

I mean her words work with my original idea, but that glare and tone do not help her one bit.

"You know kid, I think it would do you better to watch your tone, and how did you even know about this? You don't feel like a spirit. How did you even die."

Seems she was unprepared so I stepped in before things went too far.

"We were run over, this asshole in a Humvee thought it would be fun to drift but he lost control of his car and drove right into us. We were one step off the curb and boom we're dead. It all happened so fast. It took a while for me to notice what happened. Then we came here," I said politely.

He just stared at me and rubbed his chin in silence, now if only he had a beard to make him look like a wise old man.

"Well, that's a sad way to die, since you guys are too young you probably won't be able to pay for a fare into the underworld. So you're going to have to stay here for a few centuries until I feel like sending you down there," he said bored.

That's where you're wrong, good sir, we do have the money for this. I do believe two drachmas was the toll," I said, holding them out in between my fingers. Don't ask how I pulled them out of thin air. It was magic.

"Sorry, inflation has been crazy these past few centuries. You're going to have to increase the money," he said while putting his palm out.

I then started drachma after drachma. Until he finally said yes to 10.

"This is enough for me to let you leave without me telling my boss that a bunch of kids on a quest want to see him. This will be enough for me to get a new Italian suit. Now scram, before I change my mind," he said with a smile on his face.

I knew this was going to happen so I didn't complain. I mean I would get more money in the future with this business of mine. Having a business at my age feels insane. Especially compared to the new normal. At least Annabeth and Grover haven't asked me about getting some of the profits.

"I expected you to find out about us, and how greedy you are. So I came prepared. "

I grabbed into Annabeth's backpack which looked like she was about to protest but seemed to have some sort of realization and let me.

I took out the bag of drachmas we got from Medusa's place. It was a good thing we grabbed this because then we wouldn't have had enough money to sway his mind.

I held the bag in the air but didn't give it to him immediately.

"What are you waiting for, kid, give me the rest," he said.

"I'll give you half now and the rest later, for insurance. I'm sure you understand," I said with a cheeky smirk.

He grumbled under his breath but just nodded. I'm pretty sure I heard 'all for the suits'. If that's true then I can understand why he's trying to cheat us out of our money. I'm a suit man myself.

"Alright follow me, the ride was getting too full anyway so may as well do this now," he then turned to everyone else in the building yelling out, " Anyone who wants to get down there follows after me now."

Grover smiled at me instead of a frown now, and Annabeth had a neutral look on her face. I suppose that I did well from their Point Of View.

We followed him into a cramped elevator then smoke enveloped us all. I know that I wouldn't be in too much danger but I took Riptide out of my pocket in pen form, just in case something happened. I could have taken it out before but I didn't feel a tingle on the back of my neck so there wasn't a reason, but here my tingle is overloading.

Once the smoke dissipated we were in a boat on a river, the River Styx specifically. Charon had changed from a man in a business suit to a grim reaper-looking fellow without the scythe.

Grover was shivering in fear but tried putting on a brave face. Annabeth was stoic but looked like she was on the edge. I on the other hand just thought this whole place was suffering, like a certain adorable murder beast.

We eventually got to the bay and he pointed to a castle in the distance.

"That's the place you want to go. Now give me my money kid," I handed him the money and he chuckled, which made him, and I swear to the gods, rattle. It was a bit funny to see.

"Pleasure doing business kid, good luck. Not like there's much around here," he said as he left with even more rattles.

"That was overwhelming," said Grover.

"Really? This all felt whelming," I said with a smirk.

"Whelming? What does that even mean?" Asked Annabeth.

"Just take away from overwhelming and you get whelming or whelmed if you're overwhelmed," I responded.

"So you're happy being here?" Asked Annabeth.

For the rest of the walk to Hades Castle, me and Annabeth spent talking back and forth over the word whelmed. It was fun. It made Grover less scared and more amused.

Once we got there, there was one big furry wall in front of us. Wait a minute, that's no furry wall that's the adorable murder beast.

The three heads turned towards me with a growl. This feels like a fun fact moment, did you know that Cerberus can be translated to spot? Hades named his adorable little murder beast Spot. He's such a softy.

"Well hello there you adorable little guy. Would you like something I got for you, yes you do, yes you do," I said in a baby voice.

Grover and Annabeth looked incredulously at me. As if asking if I had gone insane. Spot over here looked mad and confused but his tail was starting to move from the left to the right and his growl was lessening. Except for the one on the right, he just looked grumpy; I put my backpack on the ground and took out three balls, a soccer ball, a basketball, and a ball that looked like the one they use in school, a dodgeball.

That just made Spot even more excited, even the grumpy one wanted to get in the action.

I threw the ball in the air and they reached and snatched the ball. The grumpy one put his ball on the floor and looked at me expectantly. The other heads did the same.

"Okay get ready to catch it, three, two, one, go."

I threw the ball away and they started chasing after them.

"Quick this is our chance to leave," said Annabeth.

"What? But adorable murder best," I said in a saddened tone.

"What, no, we have to go now," she grabbed my sweater and started pulling me away.

I reluctantly let her drag me away otherwise she would hurt herself, she didn't even let me say goodbye. When it comes to the adorable, my heart takes over the operation.

It took us a few minutes to get to the main entrance but when we did we found a group of skeleton guards waiting for us there. Instead of attacking us, they made a follow-up motion and so we did. I made sure to have Riptide at the ready. I know that's unfair but it would be suspicious if I didn't look like I was getting ready for battle.

The guards lead us to what I believe to be a throne room. Once the doors opened we entered.

Sitting on the throne was a long-haired, pale, muscular, really good-looking guy.

"Welcome children, I've been expecting you," he said in an ominous and mysterious tone.

 

[anaklusmos]

It's kind of crazy how cool he looks. The edginess factor makes it even better. He should get some dark armor instead of that cloak and suit of his. That doesn't matter right now though, what matters is I get him on my side.

"Would you like anything before we start? It was a long journey for you to get here."

"So, how did you know we would be here Uncle?" I asked.

"Straight to business then I see."

He gave me a look of amusement and interest.

"You don't think I'm dumb do you nephew, you've been heading in this direction since the bus. There aren't many places around here that are known by you campers."

"Of course not Uncle. I didn't think we made it that obvious we were heading here."

That was dumb of me, it's like I was telegraphing my attacks in a fight. That's how I was feeling right now.

"So what is your plan now?" Asked Hades.

Annabeth then took this moment to interrupt.

"Lord Hades, we are here to ask you to return the lightning bolt," said Annabeth, bowing her head.

That seemed to bring a look of annoyance and anger from him.

"You think I would steal my brother's blasted lightning bolt? Your media has painted me in a horrible light, they always think I'm the bad guy," said Uncle Hades.

"But, weren't you planning to steal the lightning bolt and start a war to bring more death and make you stronger?" Asked Grover

That's when he gained an incredulous look and started laughing, a deep belly laugh.

"Me, start a war, to get stronger," his laughter then ended, and gave us a serious look " I don't want more people here, I don't want more death. I am perfectly content with what I have. All I want is my Helm back, not that stupid bolt, now give it back."

"What? You didn't take the bolt?" Asked Annabeth.

"That's literally what I just said," Hades said with an incredulous look on his face.

"But then who stole the lightning bolt?" Asked Annabeth.

My backpack then chose that moment to gain weight.

Hades's head then snapped towards me.

"You, what's in that backpack?" He asked.

"Just some necessary supplies, that's all. Uhh, would you believe me it feels heavier right now?"

He stared at me for a few seconds but then nodded.

"Yes, I would. I thought it was my imagination when I felt Zeus and a hidden gaze in the area but it was just you three. Now who gave you that backpack?" Asked Hades.

"It was Ares," Said Grover, me and Annabeth at the same time.

If this wasn't such a serious moment I would have said, jinx.

"So Ares stole the bolt? To be honest, I didn't think he would have been the one to do this?" said Hades.

"You didn't know, we thought you were helping him in jealousy and revenge. We told Luke who told Chiron who told the gods," said Annabeth.

"That's what you know kid,*sigh* I need the bolt," he said, giving out his hand.

"What but you just said that you didn't want it," said Annabeth.

"That was before this is now, and this isn't something I want, this is something I need to survive. Without my helm I'm weak. If the old man's coming back I'll need all the power I can get."

This seemed the perfect moment to deal with the issue in Annabeth's head…that came out wrong, whatever.

" I'd like to point out something before we can continue," he gave me a look but nodded," I want you to look at Annabeth very closely. Not just physically alright."

"What, why, there's nothing wrong with me," asked Annabeth.

"I never said anything was wrong with you, just that he should pay more attention," I said.

That's when Uncle Hades chose to get off his throne and immediately walked towards Annabeth.

"Hypnos to me now," shouted Uncle Hades.

A gust of wind appeared and a man was in the air. He had short curly hair, shadow-like skin, golden eyes, and wings on his back.

"*Yawn* Lord Hades how can I help you," he said sleepily.

"Deal with the issue in her head, NOW."

Hypnos didn't waste a second till he was in front of Annabeth, before any of us could do something he put his hand on her head.

A glow appeared and Annabeth started falling. I was immediately there before she hit the floor. Grover was right by my side.

"WHAT DID YOU DO?" I shouted out.

Did I just get Annabeth killed? No, don't overreact Percy… but to defeat his father he may be willing to do anything.

"Calm down, Hypnos only removed the pest in her brain," he then gave his attention to Hypnos, "Did you succeed or fail?"

"I succeeded, lord Hades, with your permission I need to go. This energy felt…familiar. I need to find out if this is who I think it is," he pleaded.

"Go, take care of yourself. You see anything you can't handle, you come back immediately or call for me."

Hypnos then left in a gust of wind.

"It felt like my father but only a sliver of the energy was his, he must have gotten some friends to help him. Kid, I need that bolt, now or I could take it from you, you're choice."

I took out the pearls from the ground, gave one to Grover, and left one in my pocket. I picked up Annabeth and stood up.

"Uncle, I'll make sure you get your helm back, just wait for a bit. Oh, and tell Cerberus I said goodbye."

Me and Grover threw our Pearls on the ground and we disappeared from the underworld instantly.

We appeared near Santa Monica pier but we didn't arrive by shore, we were in the water.

I put a bubble around their bodies so they could breathe and survive the pressure of being so deep underwater, and then I immediately torpedoed to the top of the water, holding both Grover and Annabeth.

Once I got to the top I stood on the water, still holding Annabeth in a princess carry, and gave Grover a little ice platform so we could get out of there. I then dried their clothes from whatever water got on them before I gave them the bubbles.

"So, when were you going to tell me that Annabeth was being controlled?" Asked Grover.

"I... I don't know. You weren't exactly part of the plan," I said with a nervous look.

"PLAN, what plan?" He asked.

I winced at that.

"The plan to survive and succeed in this quest," I said.

"Right, okay. At least you made a plan to help us survive. Next time you tell us the plan," he said.

I expected things to get worse but it's like he just accepted it, was I that bad that he accepted this?

When we reached the shore I saw exactly what I expected, Ares.

"Grover, watch over Annabeth will you?"

He nodded and prepared to carry her. With those arms of his, he could never carry her. So I just made an ice box perfectly sized. I put Annabeth inside and then covered her with my jacket with my backpack right next to her. The box was then moved away from the oncoming battle.

I started walking towards Ares, preparing. I made a few ice swords in the sand. I had Riptide right out in the open. I had one more thing I wanted to do though. I wanted to make myself some kind of armor. Making one out of ice would work, even if it may break easily because of one fact, it's ice.

"So, you found out eh kid," Ares said.

"Yeah, I did. I know you have the helm, give it now!"

"HAHAHA, so you knew about the helm, so what? You think I would give it to you without a fight."

"No, I don't. You're supposed to be the god of war. You should pay more attention to your surroundings. Before we fight let's do first blood there isn't much I have on me that would be worth as much as the helm, so if I lose to you I'll be your soldier. If I win you give us our helm back. Fight till a fatal blow, something we can't stand up after."

I knew I wouldn't lose because the original won, if he could beat Ares how hard could it be?

"*Snort* Alright kid, you got yourself a deal."

I immediately used a water bullet on him to distract him. Then moved in close to diagonally slash up from the left.

He moved faster than my spider-sense could tell and I was hit in the gut. While blocking the water bullet one of his hands let go of the handle of his sword.

I was knocked back far, pretty sure I'm going to bruise but with all this water around me, I'm going to be just fine.

"Like you said little cousin, I'm the god of war."

In the distance, I heard sirens. Someone must have called in about the fight. I wonder what they're seeing right now. What with the mist hiding the mystical parts of our fight?

I then had all the prepared swords start to float, aimed, then fired.

"you're going to need to try harder than that to knock me down," I yelled out.

I took that time to start making the armor I was thinking of. I started with the chest plate, then the arms, the legs, and finally the head. All in all, I looked good for the first time. Just wish I had more time.

I increased the amount of swords but he bulleted through them and reached me.

"Armor, for me. You shouldn't have," he yelled out.

I did a downward slash which he dodged but I made a water bullet and shot at his head.

"Watch out for the head, wouldn't want you to lose it," I said.

He did a back step but then came back with an even greater force, with a manic smile on his face.

He slashed upwards at me but my sword met his.

Every move I did he responded with the same. Every slash, strike, stab, lunge, feint, sweep, block, advance was met.

"Stop copying me, if you start spewing out water attacks I'm going to sue," I groaned.

"What are you talking about," he yelled.

I was surviving on parries and blocks right now. He then got in my face and headbutted my helmet. Which had cracked. Before I could make another that could take its place he hit me with another headbutt.

I was disorientated for a second, but a second was all he needed.

He threw me on the ground and I could just hear my heartbeat.

*ba bump* ba bump* ba bump* ba bump*

"You did well kid, you almost impressed me but it ends now."

He put his sword away and started punching and punching.

I started timing the punches, to see the distance between each punch, I then grabbed one of his fists at the most opportune time and started giving him a pounding. If this was till first blood then I would have lost a long time ago. That headbutts oh his are no joke, especially those fists. My ribs are in so much pain. I'm pretty sure he made me float earlier.

Jab after jab, uppercut after back kick. Whatever I could do physically I would do.

"You should have used the sword when you had the chance, it ends here," That is when I thought to quote someone that I hold very dear in my heart, "One shall stand and One shall fall," I said seriously.

"Is that Transformers?" He asked curiously.

I immediately made an ice sword and stabbed it right through his leg.

"ARGH", he yelled out in pain.

He then looked up at me from the ground and yelled out.

"ENEMY FOR LIFE, how dare you use transformers against me!!!"

"I know, and I beat you now. Imagine when I'm older. I didn't even use most of my water abilities to beat you and I'm right next to an ocean," I said with a smirk.

"NEXT TIME I WON'T BE HOLDING BACK", he then took a breath in," The next time you use a weapon made of ice it will fail you when you need it worse."

"It's a good thing I didn't do this with Riptide then," I said with a smirk.

He just growled at me but disappeared into thin air. In his place was the helm. I immediately went towards Annabeth and put the helm in my backpack.

Grover ran up to me and started worrying over me. I immediately got rid of the armor, what with all its cracks.

"Percy, how much does it hurt," he exclaimed.

"If I rated it one from ten I would make it eleven. For the amount of abuse put on my bones. I'm going to throw myself into the water now, hope you don't mind."

He just shook his head.

Something that surprised me was how Annabeth hadn't woken up at all after all this commotion. Well, something else has been here for a while now though.

In the distance, I saw numerous cop cars destroyed in the fight. Seems that he did something while he was pummeling me that I didn't notice.

I walked back out of the water and saw the cops talking to Grover.

"We saw everything kid, whatever trouble that you were in, in the past will be dealt with. This damn child trafficker will get what he deserves, mark my words. Now you kids get yourself warmed up," he then turned his face towards the officer next to him, "Joe, go get the girl out of the cardboard box."

For the next several minutes was spent being interviewed and taken care of.

The interviewers were interesting. Well, more amusing. They were turning the past events into a story where the guy kidnapped us and my mom forced us to do crime for him, Who was also a child trafficker.

They then brought us to a hospital, thankfully the mist helped us out a lot. Turns out that during the fight he had a pistol and a shotgun while I had a submachine gun. Till the bullets jammed in my gun and he ran out of ammo. That's when it turned into a fistfight; the armor part was said to be a bunch of wood put together that didn't help much.

All in all, this was a crazy day. Now I just need to return the bolt.

Right next to my bed, I saw one of the furies, more specifically Alecto.

"Do you have the helm?" she asked.

"Yup, just go in my backpack. Right over there on the chair," I said.

Once she opened the bag she faced towards me and gave me her gratitude?

"Hmm, you weren't the thief, well Lord Hades sends his thanks. I will be taking my leave now."

"Hey uh, no hard feelings right."

She stopped leaving and turned towards me, "Yes, no hard feelings."

She then disappeared in a flap of her wings.

I wonder how Mom is doing right now.

 

[anaklusmos]

It's been a day since the fight with Ares, and we have three days to get the bolt to Zeus. This is a better time than the original, so in my opinion, that's pretty good. It could have been better, not like I would be able to redo everything.

During this time Annabeth still hasn't woken up. The working theory is her brain is exhausted, or she's in a coma. They might just be the same thing, I don't know.

If she's in a coma then I'm going back to the underworld to yell at Hades and say hi to Cerberus. Even if yelling at Hades is a bad idea and may kill me I... now that I think this through it's a dumb idea, not the Cerberus part, the Hades part.

Yelling at Hades wouldn't solve much, I would just be escalating everything. Maybe just a talk, with a little bit of huge hostility. Ahh, who cares I'll just run in, run out, and not come back till I'm dead. Wait now that plan is stupid because if I never come back then I can't play with Cerberus. I'll get back to this topic... eventually. Anyway yeah, I hope Annabeth wakes up soon.

Grover and I are on better terms... I think. I mean he's still frustrated but he can never stay mad with me for too long. I just need to bring him his favorite foods for a week, not cause trouble, and be an even better friend.

You know what's crazy, it feels like I've been on this quest for months but it's only been a week. That means I have an entire summer of relaxing and training of course.

I've been thinking over the whole armor scenario. I'm going to need to make sure that it allows for movement and doesn't slow me down much. With my spider physiology, I'll be fine but I'm going to need the agility for the big fights.

I also want to see if I can make it small enough to fit in my backpack. I get one of the Hephaestus kids, or even better Hephaestus, and ask them for a favor or I do a quest for them.

Now earlier Mom called me with the supernatural form of a phone call, Iris's message. My ears are still ringing from the scolding she gave me. In the background of the Iris message, I saw Chiron and Dionysus looking tired as ever. Seems I wasn't the only one who got a scolding.

After her saying her peace and then our goodbyes I talked to Chiron. This was the perfect time to talk about Luke. I told him about how I had a dream about Luke, over how he has been working with Kronos.

He then exclaimed how this was the first time he'd heard of this. That's when I remembered that Annabeth said she talked to Luke, alone, not with Chiron. My brain had autocorrected itself to Luke and Chiron. I then spent a few moments arguing with myself over if that's how autocorrect works.

I told him how Annabeth told Luke about the recent findings. That's when he started galloping away. The Iris message immediately ended after that. I just hoped that he was going to essentially arrest Luke before he disappeared.

*SLAM*

I looked to my left and saw Grover panting, trying to catch his breath. I had a serious sense of deja vu. Aha, this is like when he entered the cabin. This wasn't the time to remember that I needed to make sure Grover was okay.

"Grover what's wrong, are you okay," I said worriedly

"Annabeth *huff* is *huff* awake," he said.

"Okay do you want me to carry you or leave you here because I'm going to run to her room right now," I said.

He just waved me off and I was gone, like the wind.

Reaching the door I immediately entered and ran straight to her bed. That was a bad idea as she was just drinking water, so she spewed it all over me.

"Di immortales Percy, don't scare me like that," she yelped.

"Right uh sorry," I said sheepishly. I looked around for a moment and dried myself off.

"Anyway, how are you feeling?" I asked.

"I'm fine," she said bluntly.

There was an awkward silence that filled the room after that. I almost wished Grover would just start running into the room. Since he didn't I attempted to lighten up the mood.

"So I'm doing fine, I got scolded but it felt kind of lighthearted, I saw Mr.D more exhausted than I've seen him, I'm pretty sure my Mom also gave him a scolding, sadly Chiron was also scolded. Which helped lighten the load of harshness in her voice. I also stubbed my toe earlier, it's weird that it hurt more than a stab wound. The doctors said I got a clean bill of health." After saying all that I just droned on for a minute. She was smiling throughout it. Once I stopped talking she spoke.

"You're such a seaweed head," with a fond smile on her face.

Her face then went back to seriousness.

"Did you know the entire time that Kronos was in my head, and you chose not to tell any of us?"

I took a deep breath in and told her the truth.

"Yes, yes I did," I then prepared myself for some even more scolding. Instead, something completely different happened.

"Good, it would have been dumb of you to tell me or Grover. Kronos would have known that you knew which would mean Grover would know and 'I would know'. So good job."

I was left stunned, completely out of left field.

"So you're not mad at me?" I asked.

"Not at you, I'm mad at myself. I was too weak-willed to stop him from entering my mind," she said frustratedly

"How could you stop him, he's a titan. We're just demigods," I said in defense of her.

"You resisted him while I couldn't. He did horrors to you, you may even be sparing us a few details of what he did to you."

I couldn't argue with that, but I was different. I wasn't normal.

"As we both can agree I'm not normal, I'm abnormal," I said.

"I guess you're right, but I was still too weak," She said.

"Come on, you're a daughter of Athena. You can't be defeated by something like this. You're smart, you'll beat him next time at his own game," I said.

She then gained a confident look.

"You know what, you're right I'm a daughter of Athena and I will not be defeated like this."

She then decided to stand up but instead, she tripped on her blanket and fell on me.

There was dead silence in the room. Just two people staring into each other's eyes.

At least till Grover entered the room. The moment he looked at us he had an impish look on his face.

She immediately pulled away and went back to her bed, I moved away to the wall.

"Grover it's not what it looks like," exclaimed Annabeth.

"Oh, I'm sure this isn't what it looks like," he said while his eyebrows were moving up and down. He sure was enjoying this. It was also kind of fun seeing Annabeth so flustered.

"Well I guess I'll leave you two alone," he pauses for a few seconds. Looking as if he was holding his tongue from saying a word but with Annabeth starting to glare at him he just left.

"So uh that happened," I said.

"Yeah, uh I'm just going to... sleep some more," she said.

"Right, good idea I'll leave you alone. Bye, have a good sleep," I said.

A few hours later I finally got some plane tickets for both of them, I didn't need them as I would just swim there. I mean I could go on the plane but it seems more fun this way, just appearing on shore. I also want to see if I'll beat them there. I want to push myself to the limit farther than before, nonstop.

Oh and one of us needed to get the bolt to Zeus before the summer solstice, almost forgot about it. Wait no the three hags I forgot about them, how far would they go if I paid them a few drachmas? At the same time having Annabeth who seems dizzy and Grover who gets nauseous in cars, it would be a bad idea for them to be in there for too long. So it's better this way.

Now who would be holding the bolt, me or them? It would probably be safer with them than with me in the water. Now I feel dumb, I guess I can't torpedo my way back to New York.

So I got the plane tickets, and since I have the bolt he won't crash our plane so we're all good.

What a tiring day.

 

[anaklusmos]

Once we got on the plane everything felt off and it wasn't just my spider-sense going off the whole time we were in the air; I was tense the whole time.

I couldn't focus one bit, especially with how Grover had been looking at me, I mean couldn't he just give it a rest? Nothing happened between Annabeth and me.

Sighing to myself I felt I could take a short rest, with my spider-sense on full alert I thought it would be fine. Which turned out to be a mistake.

DREAMSCAPE BEGIN

Yup, our most hated Titan has chosen to come back to me after being in Annabeth's head for so long.

"Perseus Jackson, you have been an annoyance for too long. Sadly I'm not here to bring you pain, well not my kind of pain at least. I can no longer enter other's minds after what happened between Hypnos and my servant I am... let's just say cut out from entering others' dreams, but your brain has been left wide open for me," he said with a sinister smile on his face.

"What, wait you mean that I'm the only person's dream you can hijack."

This was both a good thing and a bad thing. A good thing because that means he can't enter my mom's or anyone I care about's mind. The bad news is I have an unwanted roommate who comes and goes when he wants to.

"But luckily for you, I'm weak without my servant's aid in the power of the mind as he is currently still... dealing with Hypnos. Otherwise, we wouldn't be having this talk." He said disappointedly.

"Why are you telling me this, what's the point," I asked.

Him telling me he can't enter other's minds is a disadvantage unless he believes that I'm too weak for him to fight. Which currently is true, sort of but, I can't figure it out.

"Because I want to," he said with a sickly smile. Followed by a cackle.

This... was not how I remembered Kronos from the stories. He was supposed to be bold, serious, and strict. This Kronos reminds me of the Joker at times. Just plain insane, when I first saw him he was exactly as I thought he was.

"Well, I do think that I will leave now, don't worry. Next time we'll have a great time," he left with a cackle on his face.

DREAMSCAPE END

Waking up I chose to go to the bathroom. I noticed that it's only been a few minutes since I fell asleep. My spider sense seems to have lessened. I no longer feel as if danger surrounded me. Even though I'm in Zeus's domain.

"Percy, are you okay?" Asked Grover.

"Yeah, I just need to go to the bathroom," I responded.

I needed to freshen up. Entering the bathroom the lights flicker.

If this was a normal world I would believe this was nothing but since this is a supernatural world, well I wouldn't trust this one bit.

Instead, I was worried about nothing. Too much media is stuck in my head.

Leaving the bathroom I was ambushed by Grover.

"Want to play go fish?" he asked.

"Yeah, where did you get the cards?" I asked.

"I got them at the hospital, and a cop gave them to me."

"Well, that's lucky."

We then started walking back to our seats.

"Annabeth, let's play go fish," I announced. A few of the people were disgruntled at how loud I was.

"What's go fish," she asked innocently.

I felt my heart shatter at this, she doesn't know what go fish is.

She then started laughing, just a full-out cackle. I shuddered for a moment but then I remembered it was Annabeth and not Kronos.

The others on the plane were now staring. It was kind of creepy how synchronized they were.

"I'm just kidding, I may not have played it before but I know of it. Come on, let's play." She said.

For the rest of the plane ride it was spent playing around. We made sure to stay quiet as it was pretty late.

It took six hours but we eventually made it to New York.

We then hailed a taxi to take us to the Empire State Building.

Entering the building we went to the front desk.

"We need to go to the 600th floor," Annabeth said.

"There's no such thing as the 600th floor, now scram before I call security for your prank," the man said reading his book.

"Well that's harsh buddy, well if you don't want a war on your conscience I think it would be better for you to just let us through."

"What war? Like I said, kid, there is no 600th floor." He said looking away from his book.

I then chose to put my backpack near his face and show him the lightning bolt.

"Let us through, NOW!" I said.

"Is that, *gulp* the real lightning bolt?" He whispered.

"Yes, yes it is and if you don't want the owner to continue his tantrum then you should let us through."

He just nodded and stood up walking towards the elevator.

He then used his key to get the 600th floor to show itself.

"Just press the button."

"Right, thanks for stating the obvious," I said sarcastically.

Entering the elevator we waited while listening to 'Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head'. It was pretty good.

The door opened and we immediately saw golden palaces, parks, gardens, temples upon temples, and a huge amount of gods.

They were whispering and pointing at us, something that was starting to annoy me.

Arriving at a huge door I knew we were in the right place. I was about to knock but it just opened by itself.

I saw two huge chairs, around 12 of them. Only 10 were vacant. 2 were being used. As we were early compared to the original timeline no other gods were around. I looked at the two gods who could only be my father and Zeus.

Zeus was wearing a dark blue pinstripe suit, he had a well-trimmed beard, a proud handsome face, and rainy gray eyes.

My father had sandals, khaki shorts, a Bahama t-shirt, deeply tanned skinned, and hair just like mine, he looked like an older, more handsome version of me.

The others were stopped from walking forward as if an invisible forcefield was in front of them.

"I guess we can't enter with you, good luck Percy," Annabeth said.

Grover gave me two thumbs up.

The door then closed behind me.

I walked into the room and I kneeled to my father, he deserved more respect than Zeus did.

"Hmph, why do you not kneel to me, the master of this house boy," Zeus said.

I felt the tension rise in the air, maybe this decision wasn't such a good idea.

"Peace brother, I am his father. Of course, he would kneel towards me. It is only right," Father said.

"You still call him your child then, you admit to your wrongdoings," Zeus said menacingly.

"I do, he is my son and he always shall be," Father said.

I felt a little warm in my stomach, he may have said that I was a 'wrongdoing' but he said I would always be his son. Do I constitute a daddy issue kid? Hopefully not.

"Hmph, well what are you waiting for boy, give me my bolt or I shall rip it out of your bag. I am already being kind enough to you," Zeus said.

I immediately opened my backpack and the bolt flew to his hand.

"Tell us what happened my boy," my father asked me.

So I immediately told them what happened throughout our adventure.

"Hmm, it seems you're telling the truth," Zeus muttered," that Ares betrayed us is unlike him."

The moment I got to Kronos, things changed.

Zeus and my father then immediately started talking to each other in ancient Greek. I may be hardwired to the language but I could barely follow along. At least I knew enough about what was happening, even if enough isn't... well, enough.

Once they stopped talking Zeus stood up.

"Let us speak of this no more, I must purify my thunderbolt in the waters of Lemnos," he then gave me a disgruntled look," to remove the taint that has been left on it."

Yeah, screw you too buddy.

His face then softened up," You have done me a service, something that few other heroes could do," his face then hardened," For that, I will spare your life, I consider you a danger to me and my family. Do not step out of line... or there will be consequences."

With a flash of lightning, he disappeared.

"He always had a flare for the dramatics," he muttered with a sad but fond smile.

He then put his full attention on me.

"I would like to apologize, son," he looked so tired right now," for not being there for you and your mother."

"You know if this was a while back I would have been overjoyed at this, at meeting you but this is... subpar compared to how I always imagined meeting you," I said with a smirk.

Something that he returned.

"So, how come you never came to see us?" I asked. I wanted to hear it, not just know it.

" *SIGH* Son I would have been with you every day if I could but the ancient laws. Even gods seem to have limits. I am sorry that you had to be born into this world; Your mother is a queen among women, I never met someone like her for thousands of years. If I could I would have taken you both and made a castle for the both of you but your mother wanted you to have a normal life, and I respected her wishes. Just know Percy that you were given a hero's fate, and a hero's fate is not one to be wished for. It is both a gift and a curse. For how you have been raised, for how you have acted you are truly a son of Poseidon. You have made me proud," he said with a bright smile at the end.

I thought I could handle whatever he said but instead, I'm barely holding in the tears. I mean him telling me he's proud, I mean I just met him today.

He then walked forward and hugged me, "Till next time my boy, good luck with your endeavors. Oh, and there's something that will be sent to you soon."

He then disappeared into water.

I walked out of the room seeing both Annabeth and Grover in front of me.

"Is everything okay," asked Grover.

"Yeah, everything is great. We just stopped a war." I said with a smile. They smiled alongside me.

Now I need to see if Chiron dealt with Luke. Fate better not have screwed me over.

 

[anaklusmos]

Leaving the building we haul a cab to camp.

I was worrying over Luke the entire way. If he were to escape even though Chiron knew what had happened, I would be so annoyed.

If he were to escape all I can hope for is that Luke didn't leave unscathed.

Arriving near the strawberry field we prepare to get off.

"Sir, you can leave us here," said Annabeth to the cab driver.

"Are you sure?" he asked hesitantly, but once he saw her nod he just accepted it.

Leaving the car we paid and thanked him.

We arrived at the edge of camp where two guards were standing.

One immediately started running towards us.

"Lukes gone rogue," he yelled at the top of his lungs.

The other guard just nodded at us, not giving any more of a reaction.

"What do you mean he's gone rogue?" asked Annabeth.

"Chiron took him to the big house and next thing we know he's running out of the big house. He ran to the woods chased by Chiron. It was the most insane thing ever. It turns out he was the lightning thief. Chiron told us to go after him but next thing everyone knows they're all fighting Luke and getting their asses beat," he took a deep breath in," then he slashes the air and this ripple appears and he enters, and poof he's gone."

Annabeth was in shock the entire time, she didn't look like she wanted to accept this at all, which made sense as he was her surrogate big brother.

"We need to see Chiron, where is he?" I asked.

"He's in the infirmary." The other guard said.

"Come on, let's go," said Annabeth.

"I need to go to the cloven of elders, I don't want to find out that I'm about to lose my job because I didn't come back in time, they are that vindictive."

Since he left me and Annabeth rushed there immediately, we saw that Chiron was currently helping the Apollo cabin in taking care of any injured campers.

"I told you I'm fine, I need to start hunting blondie," yelled out who could only be Clarrise.

"And I told you that you need to rest after the beating you got," said a child of Apollo.

She just growled but when Chiron showed up near her giving a placating look she just nodded and stayed quiet, even if she looked like she was ready to start attacking.

She almost did that when she saw me.

"What took you three so long, took a little rendezvous at a zoo," she snarked.

"Nah, we just went to your mom's place," I snarked back. I then reached the realization of what I said.

I meant to say something mean but nothing like this. I hate mom Jokes. I used to get in fights because of those jokes.

I was given a mild look of respect from Clarrise then she walked up to me and tried to punch me.

Instead of that happening the Apollo kid just dragged her back to the cot.

"Percy, I understand that she was rude but there was no need to say such a thing, what came over you," asked Chiron.

"Instinct, reflex, whatever you want to call it. I didn't think about it, I just did it. I'll say sorry to her later… okay now what is this about you Luke escaping when you had time to make sure that didn't happen."

Before he could answer, my mom arrived, frantically waving her hand.

"You arrive at camp and you don't come to me first I-," she then stopped talking and stared at me for a few seconds," how in the world did you get so tall in under a week."

"Uh, well I made a deal and it made me taller," I responded. I really should have thought about my answer.

"What kind of deal?" She asked.

"The kind of deal where you get stretched. Like really pulled. I mean there really is no downside to this deal."

"You met Procrustes? You're half-brother, the murderer?" Asked Chiron

"And you didn't think to call me about something like this." Yelled my mom.

"Well, I didn't think this through as much as I thought I did, but I now own a business," I then faced towards the other campers, "oh and uh anyone who wants to get taller will have to pay whatever amount Procrustes says, or at least don't be cheap. We're still talking over the business."

"I'm both proud of you and disappointed with you at the same time. Proud because you own your own business and disappointed because you left and didn't trust me enough."

Seems that's been going around for a while. Of course, I couldn't say that aloud so I closed my mouth.

"Well there's one more good thing, you're proud of me," I said with a smile.

"Yes, yes I am." She said with a fond smile.

"Now Mrs.Jackson I do apologize for this interruption of such a wonderful moment but we were dealing with something important," he said with a sheepish smile.

"Oh, right. Well, you guys talk and once you're done," she faces me," you are coming with me alright?"

I just gave a nod to my mom.

"Why did Luke betray us?" I overheard Annabeth ask Chiron.

"We believe it to be because of the same person who was in your head," he said

He probably didn't say Kronos because he didn't want everyone in the infirmary to know. We should probably leave it.

"Then there's a chance he could be saved, like me," she said hopefully.

"I suppose there is a chance, but with how he was acting I do not truly know." He said sorrowfully.

While they were talking I took the time to stew in my thoughts since I finally had the chance.

I was furious, Chiron had a chance, and we had time to get Luke. I shouldn't have told Chiron. I could have come back and beat Luke down so he could tell everyone what he did. At the same time, this wouldn't help me and would make me an outsider, with everyone in the camp.

Who would they believe, the person who has been there for years or the one who just arrived?

I could have just killed him before I left, I mean… *sigh* I keep making dumb plans.

"Percy you'll help get him back right?" Asked Annabeth.

I was so stuck in my head that I didn't notice I was about to get put in another quest, I don't even like the guy. I mean I heard snippets of what happened from Chiron's perspective that there's no more reason for me to talk to him, and at the same time talking to him would have led to this. So what's the point of talking to him…. What just happened? Did I go on another rant?

Facing Annabeth I responded," Yeah sure right, bring him back." I snorted.

I'm pretty sure I said that sarcastically. I don't know anymore I'm so tired. I feel like I just want to collapse and sleep on the floor. Something so easy compared to everything else.

Seems I was right since Annabeth whipped around to look at me, she frowned but said nothing.

"Ahem, right. We'll save him no worry," I gave her a thumbs up.

"Better, I suppose," she says.

"Right okay tell my mom I'm in my cabin I'm too tired for everything, and I mean everything. I'm going to sleep," looking at their incredulous faces I can't help but chuckle," Okay, toodles."

I then slowly walk back to my cabin. Till I see a little girl tending to a campfire.

I walk towards her, hoping she is who I think she is.

She looks up towards me and gives me a warm hopeful smile, like a ray of sunshine comforting me in the darkness.

"Hello there Percy, are you well? Hmm, no you are not. You are tired but with how worried you are you'll never be able to get enough rest. Come let us go to your cabin."

If I couldn't trust her, then who could I trust? I immediately followed her. I knew that she would be able to enter the cabin as my father adores her, and her kindness.

"Come get into bed and I will stay by your bed till you sleep."

I got into bed and closed my eyes, I heard some singing in ancient Greek. It was beautiful, and I felt better than I had in so long.