"You shall go West and befriend the enemy, Find the thief and reveal their identity, You shall find a friend that'll turn something more, prepare yourself for the coming war"

I stared at the mummy and raised an eyebrow.

"What... The fuck was that..." I muttered before I shook my head

I looked around the attic and saw tables of items. Some were old and dusty while others looked relatively new. I saw shields, broken spears, swords. There were even pieces of armor an old, wrinkled apple and a dragon tooth. However, my eyes locked on one specific item that seemed very out of place. A simple ball point pen. I quietly moved over to it and picked it up examining it. It really was just an old ball point pen.

Not seeing any harm in taking it I put the pen in my pocket and left the Attic. I made my way back to my room and packed everything up. I put my kit on and put my helmet on my ruck. I then made my way down the stairs where I saw the purple light of Dionysus sitting on the couch.

I made my presence known and locked my eyes with his.

"Where do you think your going Perry" He asked but I shrugged

"I have a few things I need to take care of. Can't get a good rest so I thought I'd just get them out of the way" I said calmly

"Understandable, but did you know that no one can leave camp without myself or Chiron knowing?" He asked and I shook my head "You're lucky there was already some intervention on my end so you are free to go" He said before he sighed "But do me a favor sea spawn, Find my father's master bolt if you can" He asked me and I shrugged

"If I find anything that suits the title Master Bolt I'll be sure to bring it wherever it needs to be" I say as I walk towards the door

"And keep that head of yours on straight!" He spouted a last piece of advice to which I just gave a wave

I walked out in the middle of the night and walked to the side of the big house where I found a van prepped with the keys in the seat. I said a mental thanks to both Dionysus and whoever intervened on my behalf and loaded my gear. I made a final check before I turned the van on and started driving out of the camp. I drove past the tree where the blue girl was still standing and waved goodbye. I kept driving, throwing on my music as I rolled down the window and lit a cigarette. I drove until the sun had risen and was approaching noon. I pulled up at the gate and showed my military ID. Luckily I was still in the system as they let me on with just a quick check of my drivers license.

I then parked the Van in the parking lot of the base's commissary and walked to a house. There I saw a grey Jeep that was sitting in a parking spot. I walked up to it and opened it with a pair of keys that I had in my rucksack. I loaded my equipment into the back seat and placed my weapon case on the floor of the backseat. I then turned the Vehicle on and pulled away stopping briefly at the gas station to fill it up and get some extra in two cans. Once I finished with that task I pulled away and left the base.

I jumped on Interstate 80 and followed the road for several hours. I watched as the scenery passed by and it was around evening when I felt my stomach rumble. I growled slightly as I remembered that I forgot to eat. I pulled off the exit into Cleveland and pulled up to a gas station where I quickly filled up and walked inside to grab some food. It was in there that I saw a trembling girl. She was wearing a purple shirt with blue jeans and combat boots. I walked up and heard her muttering about something.

"P-Please someone has to help..." She stammered and I knelt down to her

"What's going on?" I asked in a calm voice and she looked up at me

Her dark brown eyes and brown hair went to the center of her back. Her fair skin was marred with freckles across her nose.

"A-A Hideous monster in the forest, a garden! Snakes... Please my friends are there" She said and I nodded

"Sir, please, she's hysterical. Monster's don't exist" The store owner said but I shook my head

"It'll be fine, I'm just going to check it out and bring her friends back. It might be some serial killer or something" I shrugged as I looked at the girl

"You can trust me alright?" I say with a smile

"Are you a demigod too? What Cohort were you in?" The girl asked in a strange language but I shrugged

"I guess and no clue" I say as I grab my snacks "I'm going to need a direction or an address, that way I can get your friends back"

"I-I don't know the address but it's a place called Aunty Em's Garden Emporium" She said and I nodded as I put the name into my phone and get a few hits.

I click on the one closest and I give a little wave. I load back up into my Jeep and open the sandwich I got. I press my foot on the gas and drive out of the gas station and onto the road. I then follow the app and after I pull onto a back road I pull off into the woodline a ways from my destination.

I then put my kit and earpro on before grabbing my weapon and walking the rest of the way through the forest. I load a magazine into the mag well of the weapon and rack the weapon loading a round into the chamber. I take a knee next to a tree and look at the emporium and see a ton of statues littering the yard. I pick up and slowly advance forward, keeping my eyes peeled for any movement.

"RU—" a voice rang out from inside as the door flung open and a blond haired kid with a similar purple shirt ran out

"HEY! You have to run!" He yelled his voice full of panic "It's a medusa!!" He screamed and as he got next to me I used my free hand and threw him to the ground

"There is a truck fifty yards from the edge of the woodline, get your ass to it" I ordered "I'll take out the monster" I said as a shadow crossed the threshold of the door

I flicked the weapon to semi-auto and fired three rounds into the door. I heard a cacophony of hisses and raspy scream.

"Go!" I stand up and rush towards the door keeping my eyes low so as not to meet the monster's eyes

I hear a shuffle from the door and I swing the butt of the weapon into it's chin, eliciting a stunned gasp. I whip the barrel towards it and fire off three more rounds before dropping the weapon and drawing my knife. I lunge forward and my eyes find purchase on it's neck. The flesh shimmered for a moment as I swung my knife and slit the throat open. The blood sprayed onto my face as I slammed into the monster. I then brought the knife back down into it's neck completely severing it from the body. I kicked the head around until I knew it was face down before looking at it.

"It wasn't that hard... then again this isn't like the myths where all you have are swords and shields... A gun really does change the pace of these battles..." I said to myself as I chuckle "It was your unlucky day Medusa" I finish as I grab a potato sack and put her head in it

I then search the building and notice how much of a fight there was. There was also the final victim of Medusa holding his sword, I gave him a fist bump and nod.

"I'm sorry I was late, Sleep well" I say as I light up a cigarette and keep searching I grab some cash before walking back to the Jeep where the boy was waiting

He had a pair of Adidas shoes on and blond hair. His eyes were a clear blue and he had a scar on his lip. On the inside of his left arm, he had a tattoo with a barcode.

"Hey your alive!" He shouted and I nodded

"Yeah, monsters can't really hold up against bullets you know" I say calmly as I throw my weapon back into it's case and remove my kit and earpro

"Bullets? So, you actually killed it with a gun?" He asked and I smiled

"Not that hard to believe is it? Not many things can stop a bullet, except probably a bear, those things are just... scary" I comment causing the kid to snicker

"Hey, I was with another person... do you happen..." He trailed off hope still in his eyes

"Yeah, it was her that caught my attention. Percy Jackson, up and coming exorcist at your service" I joke causing him to let out a sigh of relief "I'll get you back to her then we'll go from there aight?"

"Alright, name's Jason by the way, Jason Grace" He said as we both climbed into the Jeep "Dude, you can drive?" He asked causing me to smirk

"Duh, I'm almost sixteen, and I've been driving since I was eleven" I back out of the woodline and start heading back to the gas station "Your lucky as hell, I had just stopped at the gas station to get something to eat on my way west. I found your friend and was able to get her to talk about your location" I chuckled

"Yeah, thanks for that, you really saved my hide" Jason said with a tone of sadness in his voice

"Sorry I was late though, I couldn't save your other friend" I said bitterly

"It's fine, he always said he wanted to go out protecting a friend" Jason admitted and I nodded solemnly

The dark trees passed us by in silence before I sighed.

"Hey, in the back the left side pouch of my bag should be a bottle, can you grab it for me?" I ask and Jason nods as he turns around and rummages through the bag pulling out the bottle after a minute

"I-Is.. this whiskey?" He asked incredulously

"Yeah, open it up real quick" I say as I pull off onto the side of the road next to a field

I get out of the Vehicle and go to the passanger side and open the door. I grab the open bottle and raise it in the air and then tip some onto the ground.

"What is that?" Jason asked as he stared at me

"A way of making sure the fallen are not forgotten" I say with a small smile "Come on lets go get your friend" We load back up and drive until we reach the gas station where the girl is waiting having finally calmed down

Jason and I walk in causing the girls head to jerk up and for her to rush into his arms.

"Jason! Your alive!" She screamed before she pulled back "W-Wait... Where's Eugene?"

"I'm sorry Katya... He didn't make it" Jason said causing tears to well up in her eyes

"I was too slow" I said but Katya shook her head

"No, you were able to save Jason, did you at least kill the monster?" She asked

"Yes, It's been killed, the spoil is in my trunk" I said causing the girl to nod with a sad smile

"So, what now?" Jason asked looking at Katya and myself

Katya looked down before sighing, "We should probably head back and give a report"

"I need to keep heading west, got some family in California that I need to deal with" I said causing both to look at me

"Can we... catch a ride?" Jason asked and I chuckled

"Sure" I say simply as I walk back to the Jeep and climb in

Jason gets in the passenger seat and Katya got in the backseat. Once they buckled up I took off and drove back onto the interstate.

"So, Jason, what were you doing in Ohio?"

"We just had a task we needed to do here. Unfortunately, we ran into the Medusa on our way back" He explained and I nodded

"I see, well, we can just cruise on down to California" I say while throwing the radio on "Do you guys want to sleep in the truck or in a hotel?"

"I want to sleep in a hotel..." Katya said and I nodded as we continued down the road for several hours

We had a general conversation about what we were both doing both sides avoiding the exact details of the situations. Eventually we stopped at a hotel in Chicago where we got out and trudged into the lobby. A woman who looked to be in her forties was sitting in the lobby, a giant lion goat dragon beast was laying next to her. The scene almost looked peaceful if it weren't for the fire breath that occasionally spewed from the lions maw. Both Jason and Katya were dead on their feet the road having lulled them into a heavy doze so I didn't make too big of a fuss. I quickly paid for a night stay and told them to get up to the room and that I'd be up soon.

Once they left I made my way to the coffee maker in the lobby and made myself a quick cup.

"You know we had to move several hours out of our way to get here" The woman said as she slithered up to me looking slightly annoyed

"Well, I apologize for the inconvenience, but I seriously don't want to cause much trouble, I assume you're here about the bolt? Or a test?" I ask as I move to sit on the couch next to the giant monster

"A little bit of both in all honesty" She said with a wicked grin "I'm surprised you recognized me..."

"It's kind of hard to miss the giant Chimera and the snake tail you have" I say with a small shrug as I sip my coffee ignoring the absolute shock that crossed her face

"Y-You saw through the Mist I wove?" She asked as she sat across from me

"Mist? I don't see anything but what my eyes show me" I say calmly as I reach forward to pet the Chimera

"I wouldn't do that, my sonny here doesn't like strangers, or heroes for that matter" She warns while snapping her fingers causing the attendant at the desk to walk to the coffee maker and make her a cup

"Wish I could do that" I mutter as I scratch the Chimera behind it's lion ear causing the monster to slowly open it's eyes and let out a low growl "Oh be quiet and accept the loving" I said causing the monster to tilt one of its heads

"You really have no fear..." Echidna said as she lounged on the sofa drinking her coffee as the attendant went back to the desk

"I mean, sometimes you just take things at face value" I say as I keep petting the monster "Hey, could you teach me that little trick you just did?" I ask properly sipping my coffee

"You want to learn how to manipulate the mist?" she asked and I nodded "Well, you seem like a reasonable young man, so if you can answer my question then I will"

"Sure shoot" I say leaning back on the couch

"What is my name?" She asks with a tone that says to watch what I say

"Echidna" I say thinking to myself that 'Less is more'

"Yes, well done" She smiles as she relaxes "As we agreed I'll teach you how to use the mist" She said

She went over the basics of how to use the 'Mist', saying that in order to use it one must show the target what they want to see. I couldn't force my own story on the target unless I was strong enough to assert my own will upon that person.

"Go ahead and try on that receptionist, she's already under my spell so there won't be any problems" she said

I looked at the woman behind the desk and saw a gentle white mist surrounding her head. I focused on the mist as well as her and thought of her laughing as if she was just told a funny joke by a handsome man. In that instant she started giggling and blushing bright red.

"Very good, now try having her do something for you" Echidna said

After mentally creating a scenario of her getting a tip, I have her make a cup of coffee. I nod to myself as I create an image of her getting ready for bed. At that moment she started by taking off her uniform which I put a stop too.

"Well, your one talented boy" Echidna said with a small amount of pride

"I just had a good teacher" I smirk causing the mother of all monsters to wave me off

"Flattery won't get you anywhere Hero" She said obviously pleased with the complement "Well your friends are probably worried about you, so go get some sleep" She said and I shrugged

"Alright then, thank you for the conversation and the lessons take care" I say with a wave of my hand and as I pass the woman at the desk I use the mist to make her forget about what had happened here

I then went up to the room and used my spare key to open the door. I walk in and collapse in the chair they had provided since both Jason and Katya took the two beds. I close my eyes and fall asleep getting a good nights rest.

I wake up the next morning to see Jason and Katya still sleeping. I go over to Katya and shake her awake before grabbing her pillow and slapped him awake with the pillow.

"Rise and Shine Jasy boy" I say as he tries to defend himself from the pillow causing Katya to start laughing

"I'm up! I'm up!" He said as he rolled out of the bed

I nodded and went through my morning routine before walking downstairs and getting the truck ready. Half an hour later they finally walked down and climbed into the truck. I then turned back onto the highway and spent the next twelve hours driving. Eventually we found ourselves in Denver with both Jason and Katya looking on edge.

"What's up?" I ask as I pull into a gas station and start filling the tank up

"It's just we haven't had a monster attack in a long time..." Jason said and I shrugged

"Take it as a sign of peace and don't question it" I advise as I finish up paying and climb back into the truck as Katya comes out with a bag of snacks

I turn the truck on as the two climb back in. At that moment I see a group of girls clad in silver walk across the street and start setting up a stand in front of a grocery store.

"Oh! Girl Scout cookies!" Katya exclaims excitedly and I raise my eyebrow as I drive up to the group of silver clad girls to see mist gathered around them as they fleece people of money with cookies

"Hello ma'am would you like some girl scout cookies?" A girl with ginger hair asks while ignoring both Jason and myself

"Yes I would love some thin mints please" Katya says and the girl grabs the green box and hands it to her in exchange for some money

"Thank you for your patronage" She said as she claps her hands together in cute gesture causing the Mist to fly out and around the three of us "We have more customers so please leave" she said calmly

Both Jason and Katya smile and nod before leaving and I walk up to the table.

"Yeah, can I get some as well?" I say locking eyes with the girl

She claps her hands again while tilting her head and smiling a bitter sweet smile.

"I'm sorry boy but we already sold you several boxes of cookies" She said manipulating the Mist again to try to convince me

The white fog attempts to cloud my vision but I just let out a long yawn and blow it away.

"Yeah, that shit don't work on me girly" I say calmly "Now, can I talk to whoever's in charge of you right now?" I ask and the girl scowls

"Fine, Zoe we got a customer complaint!" The girl shouted and an older girl who looked around my age walks up

She had a silver short sleeve shirt on with shorts on. Her skin a deep copper from staying in the sun for so long. She had black hair and brown eyes, on her back was a bow with a quiver and a silver circlet on her head.

"What doth thou want boy" the new girl said with a surprising amount of venom in her voice

"Well, I just wanted some more cookies, but I think I've seen you somewhere before..." I say as I lean in and try to rack my brain for where I could have seen this girl before

The girl named Zoe crossed her arms and gave a piercing glare which reminded me of the photo back in the cabin.

"Oh! You're the cute girl from the picture" I say causing both girls to narrow their eyes

"Thou call me 'cute'?" She said with an obvious word of warning

"Yeah, wouldn't mind if I got your number but" I shrug as I pull my phone out and check the time "I'm a bit busy so perhaps we can get it next time" I say as I pull a fifty out and ask for more cookies

"We never said you could buy from us boy!" Zoe said with a harsh glint in her eyes "Now tell me where did thou see that 'picture'" She growls slowly drawing a knife from her waist

"At some camp for demigods I think, must have been a recent picture cause you look the exact same" I say calmly my hand reaching behind my back as I pretend to stretch

"Well thou can forget that picture, walk away boy before thou live to regret your decisions" she said but I shook my head

"I just want some cookies from a cute girl, is that such a crime?" I ask with a smirk causing the girl's eye to twitch as she draws and thrusts her knife at me

I jump back and avoid getting slashed. I draw my own knife and smile.

"Damn girl, with a personality like that and those looks? You must be a demon, Hot and feisty" I say calmly causing the girl to snarl and lunge at me again trying to stab me

I push her off course and step away from her.

"Who do thou think thy is!" Zoe snarls as the girl at the stand draws a bow and notches an arrow and looses it at me

I duck under the arrow and get behind Zoe.

"I'm just an up and coming exorcist, my followers call me Father Percy. But you babe? You can call me Daddy" I say in Zoe's ear causing her to whip around and violently swing her knives which I barely avoid while laughing

"I'll kill thou! How darest thou speak to me like that!" Zoe shouted, red in the face

"Awww someone's blushing!" I keep saying as I back away and smirk "Anyway, I bed thee adieu. This Exorcist has to go and talk to his uncle about sending walking big mac's after me or something" I say with a bow, not taking my eyes off the two girls

I jump back as an arrow hits where I was standing and I feel a random pull in my gut. Going with the flow I latch onto the feeling and a rumbling is heard as a pipe nearby breaks spraying water around us. The two girls stare at the random pipe break and I make a smooth escape into the truck where both Jason and Katya are sitting still in a daze. I pull out and drive down the road with a large smile on my face.

I chuckle as I remove the mist from their eyes and they blink before looking around.

"Yo, Perce what just happened? We were just at the girl scout cookie stand and now we're on the road again?" Jason asked and I shrugged

"You guys just dozed off, I mean it is the afternoon and we have been driving for a hot minute" I say calmly the grin still on my face

"What are you smiling about?" Katya asks and I just shake my head

"Nothing, just thought of a joke just now" I say as I keep my eyes on the road "Though I do think I made a friend"

We spent the next night at another hotel and in the morning started driving again making our way into Cedar City Utah where we had lunch at a diner.

"It's been an extremely quiet road trip... I've never been ignored like this before..." Jason said looking slightly relieved

"Take it as a blessing bro, sometimes things don't always end up this way" I say as I order my food

At that moment a large biker rolls up to the diner parking his motorcycle. I look out of the window and I see a Greek helmet on the handle bars of the vehicle. The man climbs off and walks into the diner walking up to our table. He then snaps his fingers causing my two companions to excuse themselves to use the restroom. His aura screamed god causing me to sigh heavily. I could see flames behind his sunglasses, and his body was well built for combat.

"Interesting company you keep kid" the man says as he sits down and tells the waitress to get him something

"Got something against who I talk too?" I say back to the man who just grins maliciously

"No, but those two are certainly interesting aren't they?" He asks but I just shrug

"They're people that's all" I say as I lean back "Aren't you going to warn me or ask for my help or something?" I ask seriously as the waitress comes back with our food

"Why would you assume I want to ask you for your help?" the man asks and I just sigh

"You have the same aura as someone I know, so I have to assume you're a god, the real question is which god you are and what you need from me" I say causing the man to sneer

"Well kid you certainly speak your mind" He said "I'm Ares, the god of war, don't fucking forget it alright. And I came to let you know that you and your friends are being tracked" He said as he tore into his burger "Artemis' little girl scouts are trying to track you down apparently you did something?" he said

"All I did was hit on one of them, what can I say she was cute" I say shamelessly as I eat a French fry

Ares starts chuckling at my attitude before he looks at me again.

"I can get them off your trail but I need you to help me with something first" He says and I motion him to go on "You see, I was supposed to have a little rendezvous with a special someone when I forgot my shield at the local water park. I need you to fetch it for me" he said and I raised an eyebrow

"Sure, sound's easy enough" I stand up and go to walk out "You can entertain my friends and get the check right?" I joke with a smirk

"Oh kid your asking for an ass whoopin" Ares shoots back causing me to laugh as I throw my card on the table

"Fine my treat this time" I say before I leave the diner and climb into the Jeep and drive out of the parking lot

I take a few turns following my maps until I arrive at a rundown waterpark. I just raise an eyebrow at the location before I pull my equipment out along with my pistol. I put my holster on as well as my plate carrier. After that I put a pair of ear pro in and then walk up to the park to find the gate locked.

"Alright..." I say as I reach into my pocket and pull out my lockpick set and deftly pick the master lock on the gate "They always use the shit locks, and its fantastic" I mutter as I walk into the park

I walk past several attractions that are extremely run down and seem out of order. Paint is peeling from several stalls and the stuffed animals are all disemboweled. However, it all seemed recent, a fact that put me on edge.

"Let's get the shit and get the fuck out of this horror park" I mutter as I stop and lean against a ring toss stall "If he was going to do a secret meet up with a lover, then perhaps that attraction would be a good place to start..." I say as I walk towards a bright pink tunnel in the distance

When I get there I look at the horror ride and see the shield sitting next to a pink scarf. I smile and go to pick it up when I hesitate. I pull my hand back and look for a pole or stick. I turn around and see a glint of metal forcing me to jump back. A knife had slashed through the air in front of me.

"I found thee!" Zoe said as she looked at me with unbridled anger

She made several more swipes at me forcing me to dodge and weave around the ride and the knife.

"Hey, hey! I was complementing you!" I defend myself as I stop her arm from moving by grabbing her wrist

She then switched her grip to an icepick grip and attempted to stab my arm. I let go and draw my arm back before striking with an open palm to her wrist forcing her to drop her knife.

"I do not care boy! Thou hath insulted me in front of mine family! Thou will pay!" She shouted at me as she drew her second knife and continued her assault

We continued to trade blows and since I didn't want to hurt her I took a few good licks. My forearms bleeding slightly, I finally had enough. As I dodge another strike I forcefully kick her back, causing her to stumble into the ride and to fall into the seat, her knife falling into the water below it. As soon as she sat in it the lights of the ride flickered to life.

I heard a voice over the speaker say something so garbled it sounded like the man was drowning so I tuned it out.

"What did thou do boy!" She screamed as she attempted to get out of the ride but seemed to be struggling "Let me out!"

"Calm down" I say as I walk over and offer my hand to her "Just grab hold and I'll pull you out" I say causing her to cast a withering glare at me "Or you can be stuck there, your choice"

After a moment of deliberation, she begrudgingly took my hand and I pulled, however she seemed to be stuck by some other means. I climbed onto the ride as the lights slowly got brighter. A bad feeling was welling up in my chest as I started to scramble to pull her out.

"What the hells?" I complain as the ride lurches forward towards the horror tunnel

"Halt... Is this the Whore's scarf..." Zoe said with a look of fear entering her eyes before she looks at me "Did Ares ask Thou to come here?!" She frantically asked and I nodded "We must get out now! If we do not then we will both be killed"

"What do you mean?" I ask as I start trying to find a way to pull her out

"This is Hephaestus' trap for Ares and Aphrodite!" She screamed in terror causing my brain to kick into over drive only to come to a realization

"Shit" I stated "Will there be cameras?" I ask and Zoe nods her head "Damn, not how I wanted my first date to go!" I say pulling my ear pro out

"Boy! This is NOT a 'date'" Zoe growled but I ignored her as I handed the ear pro to her "What is this?!" she asked

"Put them in your ears, assuming the ride is what we think it is, you wont be able to get out until its over. I am going to ruin their fun by shooting out the cameras. I don't want to harm you and this thing is pretty loud" I say pulling my pistol out and sitting next to her "Don't mind me"

"I can help with mine bow!" She said unslinging her bow from her back and notching an arrow

"I'll take the left side you take the right then" I say and she nods

I grumble at the use of magic as I reach into my pocket and pull out a cigarette and quickly light it, at that moment the ride lurches hard and we start rocketing down the tunnel. The trap was supposed to scare the riders so they'd hold onto each other. I extend my arms and point my pistol at the left side of the tunnel and the moment the first camera comes into view I pull the trigger.

The bullet flies and slams into the stand holding the camera up causing it to fall. Several more cameras appear and I keep shooting them down. I miss a few but I still knock the cameras down.

"Can you get up yet!?" I shout at her as my ears are slightly ringing from the pistol

"Not yet boy!" She shouts back causing me to curse as I fire my last round breaking the lens of a camera

"Shit! Reloading!" I shout as I quickly change out my magazines

The ride at that point had hit a sharp turn that was supposed to be taken at a slower pace. The sudden change of direction made my hands fumble and I dropped my pistol into the water path below.

"Fuck!" I cursed

"Damnit!" I heard her scream in tandem

I looked at her to see her drop her bow. I spit out my cigarette as it had already been made damp and I attempt to stand up. Surprisingly I am able to which prompts Zoe to do the same.

"The Cameras ended at the turn!" I shouted causing her to nod but then pointed ahead of us

"Thou do not see the light. That is the end of the ride! I saw it earlier; it ends in a pool!" She informed me and I cursed as we neared the exit

As the outside became clear I saw a rope spanning the width of the pool. A crazy idea entered my head as I climbed onto the top of the ride.

"What art thou doing!?" Zoe yelled but I kept my eyes trained on the rope, she followed my gaze and caught on

"Thou art crazy!" She said as she climbed next to me and we both crouched

"Yeah, I've gotten that a lot from the boys" I say as I chuckle "Reminds me of when we went off roading in the ATV on base!" I laugh as we exit the tunnel at a speed that was not well suited for a romantic time

"Shiiiiiiiit!" I scream as I leap from the ride and sail towards the rope

Zoe is quiet and graceful as she grabs onto the rope with both hands and like a gymnast twirls around. I, on the other hand, barely grab it with one hand and hold on with all my might causing the poles it was attached to, to strain under the momentum. The ride that we leapt form crashed into the side of the pool leaving a crater in the concrete. The shield and scarf at the bottom of the pool.

Once the rope settled down I look at the ends and a flame licking at the edges of it.

"Zoe we have to get to the ends and drop down before the fire breaks the rope!" I say as I start shimmying my way towards the left end of the rope

Zoe understood and went to the right. By the time we both reached the edge of the pool the rope snapped and we both dropped onto the concrete. I looked down and cursed that the shield was at the bottom.

"Stay focused boy! We are not out of the proverbial fire yet" she said causing me to look up to see large spider like robots twitching to life

"Oh, you have GOT to be shitting me!" I growl in anger as I lit another cigarette taking a long drag of it

I then draw my knife and look over at Zoe to see her going against her own robots with her bare hands.

"Damn it... I just have to be a nice guy don't I" I growl as I throw my knife having it hit the ground next to her feet "USE IT! BUT I WANT IT BACK!" I shout as I turn back in time to see the first spider bot to lunge at me

I dive under it, before rolling to the side to avoid being crushed as it let its body drop, cracking the cement. I felt my frustration building, the sky was even getting darker as if a sudden storm was here to make my day worse. I risked a glance at Zoe to see her elegantly fending off her robots and I knew I could leave her too it. I duck and dive under a few more slashes from the robot as I try to think my way out of this situation.

'They're robots... so I need water or electricity...' I think to myself as I inhale the smoke from my cigarette 'There should be a hose somewhere around here...' I think as I look around and spot an old green hose curled up by the slide

I sprint over to it and turn the handle while grabbing the open end. However, nothing was coming out of it.

'I know there's working water here, why wont it work!' I think to myself as I stare at the robot spiders moving towards me 'Come on, come on, come on!!!' I shake the hose before I felt a tug in my gut

"COME ON!!!" I shout as I latch onto that pull again and the building around me rumbled as cracks started to form

'Aren't I son of someone or something?!' I Think to myself frantically as I feel the tug become painful as I fix the spider with a murderous gaze

After a moment an idea comes to me and I imagine the water flowing forward like a battering ram. Then I focus on the Mist and raise my right hand.

"Come on, this has to work" I mutter keeping the image firmly planted in my mind I snap my fingers

Suddenly there's a loud crashing as thousands of gallons of water rush past me and crash into the spiders. I keep pushing the water into the robots before I imagined myself walking on the water. I take my first step and I find myself able to pull off such a feat. I was surprised and in such awe, that I started laughing.

'I hate it' I think to myself as keep ascending

I walked onto the water and looked over to Zoe who was being pushed back. I waved my hand in her direction with the image of the water flooding into the spiders. The liquid heeded my command as if I was it's god. Once I saw the spiders get drowned I released my hold on the water and landed next to Zoe, who was thoroughly soaked.

"What was that!?" She hissed at me using my own knife to threaten me

I clenched my fist as I reached in my pocket and pulled out my cigarettes noticing only my lucky cig left. I pulled it out and lit it. I then reached up and grabbed my own knife and tore it from her grip surprising her.

"Honestly? I have no clue" I say as I sheathe my knife "But I don't like it" I say before I turn towards the pool and slide down the edge towards the center where I find Zoe's bow, my pistol and mags, both of Zoe's knives, the shield, and the scarf

I pick up what belongs to me and throw Zoe her stuff. I then grab the shield and scarf. As soon as my fingers touch the fabric, several images flash through my head. Mostly images of Zoe but I shake it off. I climb up to the edge where Zoe is looking at me curiously.

"Why did thou help me?" she asked as she put her things on

"Why wouldn't I?" I say bitterly as I snap my fingers while imagining her dry, I couldn't stand looking at her wet clothes and being able to see through them slightly

"I nearly killed thee" She stated

"Wouldn't be the first time" I responded as I holstered my pistol and picked up the shield

"What doth thou mean?" She asked but I waved the question off

"Enough of the twenty questions, do you want the scarf?" I asked but she shook her head

"I came for naught but your head" She said with a hint of hostility "But I can let thou live for now after thine help" she admitted

"Cool" I say as we finish getting ready and we walk out of the park

There is a silence between us but I don't let it bother me as I throw the items into the back seat of the Jeep.

"What is thine name?" Zoe asks as she stares at me

"Percy" I say as I close the back door

"Very well, know that I, Zoe Nightshade, will not kill thou, this time" She said and I nodded

"I knew you had the hots for me" I tease slightly causing her face to go red

"I do not 'have the hots for thou!'" She shouted as she turned to leave

"Don't deny it ZoZo, it was love at first sight!" I state causing her to turn around and grab my shirt collar and push me up against the Jeep "Easy, Easy, at least get me dinner first" I keep going, digging my grave deeper and deeper

"Thou wisheth to die don't thee" She growls and I wink at her forcing her to drop me and walk away

Once she leaves I turn around and climb into my Jeep.

"Holy shit she's hot, and her voice?" I comment to myself as I smirk and drive back to the diner

As I pass by the motorcycle Ares rode in on I spot the Greek helmet, thinking quickly I create an image in my head turning the helmet into a beanie and snap my fingers. I watch as the helmet turns into the item I thought of and I deftly swipe it off of the motorcycle placing it in my pocket. I then walk back into the diner to find Ares sitting at the table entertaining Jason and Katya. As soon as I show up he looks at me with a slightly disgruntled look before smiling.

"So, you're back kid" He says and I nod with a smile

"Yeah, was a bit tricky and I ran into an unfortunate situation but I handled it" I said as I sat down "Your shield is in the truck so when I finish eating we can go grab it" I say as I take a bite of my still somehow warm burger

"I did you a favor and kept it warm for you" He said with a bit of a bitter look on his face

"How thoughtful" I responded blandly as I quickly finished my food "Alright let's get this over with" I say as we all stand up and go outside

I open the back seat of my Jeep and pull the shield out and toss it to him. He catches it and nods to himself.

"Not bad kid, not many can just hold a godly item. I'll keep an eye on those hunters and keep them off your trail" He said causing me to nod

"Thank you" I say as the three of us load into the Jeep and I drive away

I then wave my hand removing the heavy layer of mist on both Jason and Katya.

"There that should be better" I comment to myself as Jason shakes his head

Katya just passes out from the after effects.

"W-What just happened...?" He asked confused at where we were

"A god happened, He needed me for something but I guess he used this Mist to try and hid himself from you two" I explained

"Oh, I see" Jason said as he leaned into the seat as we listened to the radio

We stayed like that until we pulled into Las Vegas, the bright lights contrasting against the dark cloudy sky. Eventually we pulled up to a hotel and I parked. We climbed out and I looked through my truck to find an extra bag. I opened it and looked inside as Jason and Katya walked in to get rooms. Inside was several bandages, splints, and nectar and ambrosia. I just narrow my eyes at the bag as I spot a note from Ares.

'A little thank you for grabbing my shield for me' is all the note said

I grab the bag and sling it over my shoulder, walking into the hotel to find Jason and Katya at the front desk talking about prices.

"Listen, we only want one night" Jason said and the woman gave an unnatural smile

"Please sir, the only package we have is for three nights with full access to the arcade floor" the woman says and I just shake my head

"We will take one day with full access to the arcade floor" I say with a snap of my fingers using the mist to convince her

"I guess we can make some arrangements" She says as she types in her computer and hands us each a card

We take them and head up to our room.

"Percy, why did you get the access to the arcade room? We won't use it" Jason says and I shrug

"Sometimes you have to make compromises" I say as I throw the bag down "Get some rest I wanna check this arcade out"

I walk out of the room and go down stairs where I find a large arcade area where people of all types are playing games. I eventually spot a pair of kids my age or younger and I walk up to them.

One is a young boy who seemed to be playing with cards and figurines and the other is an older girl looking after the boy.

"Hello, do you two know if this place sells cigarettes? My mom was wondering" I ask and the two look at me and I take stock of their looks

Black hair, and black eyes, olive colored skin.

"No, we don't sorry..." The girl says as she ushers her brother away trying to keep him away from people

I just sigh and head back to the room and lay on the couch in the room. After a several hour nap, I wake up and check my phone only to see the time on the phone tick up unexpectedly fast. I sit up and look over the room and find that both Jason and Katya are missing.

Pinching the bridge of my nose I sigh heavily.

"It's always shit like this. I miss the days where things were normal enough" I say as I pull my zippo and flick it open and strike the flint causing the flame to flicker to life weakly "Time to refill" I mutter to myself as I leave the room with our stuff and I search for Jason

I find him at a pool table failing miserably. I shake my head as I grab his shirt and drag him away.

"Hey Perce! What are you doing?!" He yelled and thrashed but I shook him

"Bro, we need to leave remember?" I said using the mist to convince him

"Right right... sorry" He said as we walked around more and found Katya at a karaoke stage

I climbed up and picked her up and threw her over my shoulder walking off with the mic.

We eventually leave the hotel to and I check my phone to find it's been three days. I sigh heavily and move the two demigods to the Jeep and tell them to get in. I then grab my Zippo lighter fluid and quickly refill my Zippo. Once finished I climbed into the driver's seat and get back on the road. Eventually we left Nevada and made our way into California.

"Hey Perce, what city are you heading too?" Jason asked me as we crossed the border

"Well, I'm looking for the entrance to the underworld, you wouldn't happen to know where that would be right?" I ask but Jason shakes his head

"No, but we are always told to avoid Los Angeles so that would be a good place to start" He said and I nodded "However, Katya and I need to head to San Francisco so when we get to the next city I guess that's where we will part ways"

"Yeah, no problem man" I said as I opened my wallet and handed him some money "Take a cab and get yourselves home alright?"

"Of course" He said and eventually we arrived at Los Angeles

I stopped at a gas station and said goodbye to Jason and Katya.

"Hey Perce, if you ever want to visit just head to the Caldecott tunnel in San Francisco" Jason said and Katya smiled and waved goodbye

I waved goodbye and climbed into the Jeep and started driving again. I drove around the city for a time just trying to find anything that would look like an entrance to the underworld. Eventually I stopped at a mattress shop. I climbed out of my Jeep and lit a cigarette. I leaned against the store and kept smoking.

"Where the fuck could it be..." I mutter as I snuff out the cigarette butt and head into the store

Inside was a mountain of a man who was standing hunched over a desk.

"Ahhh welcome!" He said as he came around the desk

I looked around and saw that all the mattresses were about the same size, and the he also had an axe behind the counter. There was a heavy layer of mist covering the axe but it was still visible.

"Yo, you must be a monster right? No one would have an axe in arms reach" I say somewhat confident in my observation

"A monster? No! The name is Crusty!?" He said proudly but I just sigh

"Just... point me in the direction of the underworld mate" I say tiredly

"Why? When you can have the best rest of your life. You see here at Crusty..." He started but I just shook my head more and turned to leave "H-Hey! Where are you going?" He called out to me

"I don't have time to care about a bed, I just need information" I said as I left the building and climbed into my Jeep before pulling away

After another hour of driving around and walking into random places, I found myself at DoA recording studio. I climbed out and I trudged up to the entrance. As usual I smoked a cigarette before walking in not expecting much.

There were benches of people waiting for something and a man at the desk looking over a clipboard.

"Mr. Sanders!" The man called out and a fat man got up and ran through the gates of the building

I walked up to the man and looked at him with tired eyes. The exhaustion of going to so many random spots killing me slowly.

"Welcome to DoA, what's your name and how did you die?" the man said and I sighed

"Another dud" I mutter before clearing my throat "Percy Jackson, and I died from boredom and exhaustion from trying to find the entrance to the underworld" I said seriously

"Do you have payment?" He asked and I nodded

"Yeah it's in my Jeep, mind if I grab it real quick?" I ask and he nods

I walk to my Jeep and grab every type of currency I can find when it finally hits me.

"Did he just ask if I was dead? Did I finally find the place?" I say as I put my gear on slowly getting more determined

I slung my weapon over my kit and back, put my helmet on with my ear pro on. I holstered my pistol at my side and had my knife sheathed on my back. I walked back into the building and handed over however much money I had. The man just gave me a look before ushering me in.

I walked onto a ferry and the man got on. I saw the man Mr. Sanders staring over the edge of the boat. I just sat down and waited patiently. The man started pushing the boat down the river when he cleared his throat.

"I normally don't let living beings through these gates you know" He said almost despondently

"I mean it is for dead people" I respond to which he nods

"But you got a special pass, there is someone who is giving you special permission. It would be wise to not anger them mortal" He said as we continued down the river

I looked over the edge and saw a woman staring back at me with a curious look. I gave a small wave before looking back into the boat to see Mr. Sanders fall off and into the water. We just watched as the soul drifted and screamed in pain.

"You hate to see it" I mutter as we reach the edge of the opposite shore

I stood up and hopped off giving the man a short wave.

"Thanks Chief" I say and I start stomping through the underworld following the souls that were moving in one direction

Eventually I find a massive three headed dog.

"Cerberus! SPOT!" I yell excitedly causing the giant dog to whip all three heads in my direction

I walk up to the giant dog and he growls at me.

"Cerberus, that is enough" a young female voice said and a girl with pale skin, onyx eyes, black hair, a blue sundress and sandals appears next to him "My young soldier, I am glad you have finally made it to me" She said with a smile that brightens up the dreary underworld

"I'm glad I finally made it" I say honestly as I walk up to her "Can you take me to Hades please? I would like to talk to him" I finish and she smiles

"Of course my young soldier" She smiles again as she turns around and starts walking

"Why do you call me that?" I ask and she looks at me

"Because that is exactly what you are is it not?" She says with a cheery tone

"I mean yeah but right now that really doesn't matter, I'm just looking to bring someone back" I finish and she nods slightly

"Well, I am Macaria goddess of Blessed death" She says with a flourish of power "And it is I who answered your prayers" she said proudly puffing up her chest

"Uh... you mean that throw away comment I made because I had too?" I ask and she nodded looking proud

"Uh huh, because you are a soldier who puts his life on the line for those who will not or cannot it is my duty to be your patron goddess!" she says "I've never had a champion before since I'm a small time goddess... Everyone always thinks of Thanatos or those hags that preside over violent deaths! No one ever thinks about me, the daughter of Hades!" she said and she looked like she was about to keep going but I put my hand on her head and stopped her

"Yes, yes, tragic, now about seeing your father?" I asked putting the conversation back on track

"Of course, since you are my champion I will bestow upon you a boon and I will get you an audience with my esteemed father!" She says as she points her palm at me "Blessed be the death thou receive, Courageous thou be at thine final hour, Noble be thine sacrifice, Speak thine name and pledge thine soul to me"

"Percy Jackson, and I swear my soul to the Goddess... Macarena?" I say butchering her name

"It's Macaria!" She corrected me

"I swear my soul to the Goddess Macaria" I say and a blue light envelops me, once it vanished I looked at her and saw her grinning like a child "Okay, now can we go see your father?" I ask and she nods

"Of course! Follow me!" She says and she skips off towards a looming dark palace

I follow the Goddess for some time and eventually we reach the gates of the palace. The skeleton soldiers open the gates and inside I see the most beautiful garden bed I have ever seen. Not that I have seen many.

"Yes, this is Persephone's garden, beautiful is it not?" She asked and I nodded quietly

We left the garden behind and had entered the palace proper. There we walked through the obsidian black halls, where armor adorned the sides and glittering chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The entire place looked beautiful if not a bit dreary, there were, however, flower vases around the place making the atmosphere a bit more light hearted.

As we passed through one of the reception rooms I saw a man with black wings and sword at his waist. In his hand was a tablet that he seemed to be going through.

"Ahh, Macaria... it seems you have a guest" The man says and I shove my hands in my pockets knowing not to smoke in a god's palace

I use my fingers to fiddle with the bullet I always keep in my pocket as a good luck charm.

"That's right Thanatos! This is my new Champion! Say hi Percy!" She says gleefully and I just look at the more popular god of death

"Greetings to you Perseus, it has been a while since I last saw you" He says ominously

"I don't know what your talking about lord Thanatos" I say calmly as my hand clenches around the bullet in my pocket

"I see, well no matter. Well, I must be off. Break time is over, and Macaria, do be more diligent in your work" He says before he spreads his wings and flies out of the palace

I steady my beating heart and I look at Macaria who seems to be more glum about being told to work. I just put my hand on her head and pat it a few times.

"There, there, you have to grow up at some point" I say "Now, your dad?" I prompt causing her to smile and lead me by the hand to a well adorned door

"Here we are, and please be careful not to insult him. He has a very short temper these days due to some personal and familial issues" she warns causing me to nod

"Alright" I say as she knocks on the door and enters the room

"Father! Sally! I'm Back!!" She yelled as she entered the room

I walk in after her confused about the second person when I came face to face with the person who I said was my surrogate mother.

"Percy?!" Sally yelled in shock

"SALLY?!" I yelled in tandem