Origin of a Hero - [A Percy Jackson Fanfic]

"That's a great ambition you have, young demigoddess," Artemis said, with a small smile. But seeing who your mother is, I'm not surprised.

Annabeth blushed in embarrassment at the goddess's honest compliment and tucked her hair behind her ear.

"That only leaves you, Thalia. What is your decision?

Thalia shifted uncomfortably in her position. Until now she had been sitting in the Indian position, her legs felt numb and she had the need to get up and do something instead of sitting. Sometimes, the instincts of a demigod were a little overwhelming and annoying. He studied Artemis briefly. She wondered how on earth she could do such a perfect lotus position without looking the slightest bit uncomfortable.

"Uh... do you mind if I think about it for a bit? "she said, a little doubtful". You said it was a very important decision in my life. And I would like to think properly to make sure I am making the right decision.

Artemis nodded solemnly, understanding his words.

"A wise choice. If you wish, I can ask one of my hunters to show you what hunting life is like, so you can have an idea of ​​what awaits you if you decide to join us.

-Alright.

"Zoё, can you accompany her?

"Of course, my lady," Zoё said. He stood up and looked at Thalia, expectantly. Follow me, there is a lot to look at.

Thalia slowly stood up because her legs still felt a little numb and accompanied Zoё, who was waiting for her at the entrance of the store.

"Zoё, one last thing," Artemis said, drawing everyone's attention. Please bring this boy, Percy, before me. I wish to speak with him.

The girls felt a chill run down their spines. They felt that nothing good could come of that conversation. Percy was very... direct with people, no matter who they were. That often got him into trouble. They only hoped that the goddess would be lenient, although she did not give that impression.

Zoё looked at his lady with obvious surprise, but did not question her. He had no concern for his mistress, she was a goddess, she could defend herself. And he clearly didn't care what happened to Percy. She was just curious as to why her mistress wanted to talk to a boy.

"Okay, Luke." "Now that the rabbit is skinned, we need to remove the guts," Percy instructed, causing Luke to turn a little green. To do that, we have to cut into the belly part. Be careful not to cut the bladder or intestine.

- Because? Luke asked, watching as Percy prepared to cut up the skinned rabbit.

"Because you could ruin the meat," said a new voice.

They both turned and saw the huntress lieutenant, Zoё, approaching them with an annoyed expression, but a slight intrigue could be seen in her eyes.

"How do you know that? Have you done this before?

Zoё looked at Luke like he was an idiot.

"I'm a huntress, silly boy," she replied, with a frown. I've hunted rabbits long before your mother could say a word.

"A simple 'Yes' would have been enough," Luke huffed, grumpily.

"So, can you show us the way you gut the rabbit?" Percy asked. I assume you know the easiest way to do this since you have more experience than me.

Zoё raised a skeptical eyebrow.

"Do you want me to instruct you on something? Are you asking a hunter for knowledge?

Percy raised his eyebrow in confusion.

"Yes, is it wrong? -asked-. Or did I offend you in some way?

"No, it's just... strange, but it's not bad."

"Is that a yes?

"I...I guess," she said, still confused.

Zoё advanced, a little hesitant and cautious, as if she expected both men to attack her in some way.

Under the watchful eye of Percy and an increasingly ill Luke, Zoё taught them how to properly gut a rabbit using his own knife, as he felt more comfortable with it. For her, it was like second nature since she had done it so many times in the past that she could even do it with her eyes closed. He had even bet Phoebe on who could gut a rabbit the quickest and most accurately. At this time, his count was 1,327 in his favor and 1,323 against. A fairly close count.

After a few minutes, Zoё was finished. He had even taught them how to properly butcher the rabbit, without wasting a single part. It was a little curious to Percy. The huntresses had been very hostile in the presence of Luke or him, but Zoё taught them patiently, answering some of Percy's questions about how he should cook the rabbit and what spices would be good for them, although he completely ignored Luke's questions, cataloging them. like stupid

"Well, that's all," Zoё said, putting away his knife. "Now that I'm done with this triviality... You, boy," he pointed at Percy. Come with me. Lady Artemis wishes to speak with you.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but can I reject it? Percy asked, a little exasperated. Not to be rude or anything, but I don't want to talk to any goddess. Or with any god in general...

"This is not negotiable," he said flatly. Now, follow me.

Percy sighed tiredly and prepared to follow the hunter.

"And now what do I do?! "Luke asked in the distance.

"Just make a bonfire! "Percy yelled from a distance". When I get back we will cook the rabbit and prepare the others! Don't touch them! You'll cut your finger or ruin the rabbit!

" Thank you for your vote of confidence!

- Whenever you want!

He dismissed Luke and walked to where Zoё was waiting with a frown. He felt something lightly tap his leg and looked at Miss O'Leary who walked beside him, putting herself between him and Zoё, causing the hunter to cast wary glances.

"So, what's it like to be a hunter? Percy asked, simply to break the silence and out of a bit of curiosity. You must have seen all kinds of ugly monsters if you spend your life hunting them.

Zoё gave him a slight sidelong glance. Percy thought she would ignore him, but was surprised when she replied:

"When you live as long as I do, you tend to see a lot of things. The number of monsters I have seen and hunted exceeds anything you would imagine.

"So there's not much that can surprise you, is there?"

Zoё took her time responding again, with a faraway look in her eyes before glancing sideways at Percy and Miss O'Leary, then looking straight ahead again.

"Life always tends to surprise us in some way. Even when you've lived as many centuries as I have.

"Oh, that's deep," Percy commented, they were silent for a few seconds before Percy asked something that intrigued him. Have you ever seen Bigfoot?

They reached the tent of the goddess Artemis before Zoё could respond. Percy was surprised to find her alone, sitting in an Indian position with something resting on her lap. Percy thought it was some kind of animal skin, but when he moved he was surprised to see a deer with shiny fur with silver antlers.

"Sit down, Percy," Artemis said, when their eyes met.

Percy sat across from her in a relaxed position, as if it didn't affect him that he was in the presence of an ancient and incredibly powerful being. Zoё sat next to Artemis, studying him with a frown.

Miss O'Leary imitated the deer and rested her head on Percy's lap, casting a defiant look at the deer, which was returned. It was a curious image. A goddess with a beautiful deer on her lap. And a demigod with a hellhound on his lap. Both sitting opposite each other.

"Do you like a cold drink? "the goddess broke the silence, handing him a glass made of polished clay. Inside, it had an orange liquid.

"Oh, thank you," Percy said, grabbing the glass and taking an experimental sip, delighting in the delicious flavor. He felt a warm feeling settle in his stomach, but decided to ignore it in favor of drinking more of the delicious juice. Oh wow. This is very good. What is it?

"An old family recipe," the goddess answered vaguely. Now, I think you're wondering why you're here.

"To tell you the truth, I didn't even want to be here," Percy said, cheekily, even he himself was a little surprised. He wanted to make a small fire and cook the rabbits he had caught. I would even put the advice that his hunter gave me to the test"he finished pointing with his head at Zoё.

Artemis raised an eyebrow in curiosity at her lieutenant.

"Did you give him advice on how to cook rabbits? "She asked, intrigued by her hunter's behavior.

"Eh...Yes, my lady. The boy asked me for it, so I decided to show it to him as payment.

- Pay? Percy asked, confused. I don't remember doing anything to get you to do me a favor. Hell, I even killed the monster they were chasing. You should be upset.

" I still am! ' he said hotly. Do you know how difficult it was to find the trail of that elusive beast!?

"I wasn't going to stand by while that monster threatened my friend," Percy grumbled, putting his hand to his chin as if he were thinking. How about I give you one of the rabbits I caught as a token of apology?

"Don't try to buy me in some crude way, boy," Zoё snapped.

"Are you sure? One of the rabbits I caught was quite big. It should be around three kilos.

"Pff, I could get as many rabbits as I wanted. And many bigger than you could imagine.

Percy chuckled.

"Yes, I'm sure you could.

Artemis watched their interaction with mild amusement. It was strange that his lieutenant did not speak with hostility against a boy. She still seemed quite reluctant to talk to him, but he couldn't detect any hatred towards him, although she did look visibly upset. Which, for Zoё, was a great advance, although she herself did not seem to realize it.

"Petty squabbles aside, I've brought you here to answer some questions," Artemis said, staring at Percy, as if she were waiting for something.

"And what would you want to know from someone like me? Percy asked lazily. For some reason, he felt a little sleepy.

-Not much. First, I would like you to answer a few simple questions. Let's start with something simple; What's your name?

Percy raised his eyebrow in confusion. The goddess already knew her name. He had said it when he entered his store. But he shrugged and responded.

"My name is Percy.

"Just "Percy"? "She raised an eyebrow slightly.

"It's an abbreviation for Perseus, but it's too formal for my taste. I prefer to be called Percy.

-I see. And your last name?

Percy narrowed his eyes coldly, feeling a little annoyed.

"I'm just Percy." I don't have a last name.

"But you are a demigod, right? It means that one of your parents is a mortal. And normally demigods take the surname of their mortal parent.

Percy's eyes became glassy, ​​as if he was remembering something that happened a long time ago. Before he knew it, he responded:

"I had it once, but I don't deserve it anymore. I don't deserve to have that last name. "Now, I'm just Percy," he said with a somber tone. Then Percy's eyes focused and he frowned in annoyance. I don't see how this is important.

"Believe me, it is," Artemis stated. How old are you?

If Percy was confused before, he was even more so now and he didn't try to hide it.

"I'm fifteen," he answered slowly. I will turn sixteen this August 18th. Why are you asking me these meaningless questions?

Artemis's eyes glowed for a moment, though Percy could pass it off as an effect of the light emitted by the fire on the bracer.

"To meet the three-question requirement. Now, it's time for you to answer my real questions"his eyes became cold and hard". What is your intention with those young maidens who accompany you? Do you plan to take advantage of them in any way?

The confusion Percy felt gave way to anger. I was about to tell you that girl, goddess or not, about how she had the nerve to ask such a thing when she had only met the girls less than an hour ago. But the words that came out of his mouth were completely different from what he thought.

-No. I don't plan to take advantage of them in any way. They are the closest thing I have to a family. I would never hurt them.

Artemis's hard expression seemed to soften a little, although she still had those cold eyes. Even Zoё's frown relaxed a little, although she looked a little disappointed, as if she hadn't received the Christmas gift she was hoping for.

-I see. "That's good," said Artemis, satisfied. Although I would have liked to add to the jackalope population by becoming one. But you can still give me reasons to do so"he finished with a warning tone.

"Wait... What?... Why did I say that? Percy asked, more confused than annoyed. Although he had a hard time focusing his eyes on the goddess because his eyelids felt a little heavy.

"This is why," the goddess showed him the clay glass where there were traces of the liquid that Percy drank before. You see, there are only very, very few useful things that my annoying brother Apollo can do. He is the god of medicine, so he can cure almost every known illness or injury. He is also the god of truth. He can tell when someone is lying, regardless of whether they are a god, demigod, or mortal. Using and combining that knowledge and skills, I asked him, as a special favor, to create this concoction that is a nervous system inhibitor. That's why you feel a little sleepy. And for the desired effect to arise in the person who drank it, three questions must be asked and answered honestly. From there to the simple questions I asked you at the beginning.

"In simple words, so that a slow boy like you can understand it; "What you just drank is a truth serum," Zoё explained, condescendingly. You will answer all questions asked with absolute sincerity, even if you don't want to.

It took Percy a few seconds to process everything both girls were telling him because he felt a little sleepy.

"Why... Why would you do this to me!? Percy exclaimed, but his words seemed slurred, as if his tongue were numb.

"To know the kind of person you are," Artemis said, her voice hard. Those maidens accompanying you hold you in high regard, especially the mortal girl. I wanted to make sure they were safe if they traveled with someone like you. That you wouldn't take advantage of the feelings they have for you. I've seen that countless times. And, unfortunately, I will continue to do so. That's how men are; manipulative and selfish.

"Just because you just met them do you worry about them? Percy asked pointedly, his eyes matching the goddess's coldness.

Artemis slowly stood up. His aura seemed to change and his body began to emit a dangerous silver glow. The air felt much thicker. And Percy began to feel a pressure on his shoulders that was pushing him against the floor, but he gritted his teeth and resisted it.

"I am the goddess of maidens." Her silver-yellow eyes looked at him as if he were nothing more than a cockroach that she wanted to step on with her combat boots. It is my sworn duty to protect all innocent maidens and women from anyone who tries to harm them, especially men"he spat that last word in disgust.

"Well, don't be offended, but you do a terrible job," Percy said, earning a dirty look from Zoё and Artemis. And if your intention is to protect Sammy, Annabeth and Thalia, the damage has already been done! Each one of them was hurt by those who were supposed to be their family. Those who were supposed to protect them!

Percy didn't know if the speaker was himself or the truth serum, but he didn't care. He was greatly bothered by the goddess's audacity to proclaim that it was her duty to protect all maidens and women.

"You call yourself the protector of women, but... Where were you when Annabeth's stepmother mistreated her daily for simply existing? "Percy spat angrily, as he stood taller than the goddess. Where were you when Thalia's mother came home drunk and hit her to get back at her because Zeus abandoned her? Where was he when Sammy's aunt poured boiling water on his body, causing scars that were impossible to heal?! WHERE WERE YOU WHEN MY MONSTER STEPFATHER TORTURED AND RAPED MY MOTHER COUNTLESS TIMES!?

At that moment, tears fell on Percy's cheeks, but he didn't care. He didn't care about the look of complete shock that Zoё had. Whether it was because of what he just said or how he spoke to an Olympian goddess, he didn't know. He didn't care about the glazed look Artemis had, or how her shoulders were shaking slightly. He didn't care about anything. Not even if the goddess turned him into some kind of animal and then hunted him. Or if he killed him right then and there for his audacity.

The anger Percy had began to slowly subside. He fell hard on his butt, like a puppet whose strings were cut. She put a hand to her face to wipe away the tears and try to control her breathing. He felt incredibly tired after venting like this.

Miss O'Leary walked over with a pitiful moan and licked Percy's face in an attempt to cheer him up. He just smiled sadly at her as he stroked her head.

He slowly looked up and saw how Artemis had a downcast gaze and a strong frown that trembled, her eyes seemed to burn with pure rage, but it wasn't directed at him. His fists were so clenched that he drew blood from the palm of his hands. Percy watched in fascination as his blood was a golden color, like liquid gold.

"Do you think I don't know all that? "Artemis spoke, slowly. His voice no more than a whisper. You think I don't know about all the atrocities that all women are going through, even right now?

"Artemis..." Zoё whispered, worriedly.

"You don't know how frustrating it is for me, a goddess who calls herself her protector... to not be able to do anything to save all those innocent women!

-... Because? Percy asked, dejectedly. If you know what's happening out there... Why can't you do anything? You are a goddess, aren't you? You can do whatever you want.

"I may be a goddess, but I am not omnipotent, nor omnipresent." Artemis relaxed, her fury evaporating into sad resignation. He sat down next to Zoё again and looked at the fire in the brazier. Her face was stoic, but Percy caught a deep sadness in her eyes, so much so that it was painful. Even gods have limitations. It is something that we often ignore. We only realize this when it is too late and the consequences are devastating for the victims.

"I've heard about it... Ancient Laws, right? That is what prevents the gods from speaking directly to their children.

"Not just with his children. The gods have too many limitations when it comes to interacting with the mortal world. We only do it in extreme cases if necessary.

"But my lady Artemis is a little different," Zoё intervened. His domains allow him to interact more with the mortal world. That's why he can have a group of huntresses under his command.

-I see. "That's... cool, I guess," Percy said, not sounding too impressed. He still felt very tired and his tongue was numb.

"Don't you understand what that means? Gods, you are indeed slow. But that shouldn't surprise me, you are a boy, after all"Zoё said, with a mocking tone.

"Maybe if you stopped speaking with so many obstacles...

"Maybe if you were a little more discerning...

Percy and Zoё scowled at each other, trying to get the other to back off. Maybe it was a lighting effect, but sparks flew between their eyes until they both looked away at the same time with a "hump" and crossed their arms.

¨They act like children,¨ Artemis thought as she watched their interaction with tired eyes. ¨ That's a bit refreshing, though. It's been a long time since I've seen Zoё react like this. And with a boy, no less¨

"Percy," Artemis called, earning the young demigod's attention. As Zoё has said, it is within my capabilities to lead a group of young maidens that I believe worthy under my command. And I'm always looking for them.

"Wait, then..." Percy fought against drowsiness and a foggy mind. And finally he could see the big picture. Do you want to ask Sammy, Thalia and Annabeth to join your slayers?

Artemis nodded.

"I'm glad you understand quickly.

Percy turned to Zoё and gave her a cheeky smile.

" See? I can be insightful.

"Hmp. For me you are still a slow boy.

"So, Sammy, Thalia, and Annabeth... have you agreed to join your slayers?" Percy asked carefully. Feeling a heavy heart at the thought of separating from any of them. Each one of them was important to him. But if they really wanted to join the goddess, then he would accept it.

"Unfortunately, no," Artemis replied. The mortal girl, Sammy, rejected my offer on the grounds that she would not abandon the person who saved him in his time of greatest need; you.

Percy opened his eyes in surprise. Feeling immensely moved by Sammy's action. But she couldn't help but wonder if that was what was best for her.

"Athena's daughter, Annabeth, also rejected my offer. Deciding to pursue her dream of being an architect. And as for Thalia...

Percy felt his heart clench at the mention of Thalia. He felt strangely anxious at Thalia's response.

"...She is considering the offer.

"I... I see," Percy said, slowly. Feeling a little confused.

" Is that a problem? Artemis asked, turning her cold eyes on him. Daring him to say something, again.

"It's your decision. No matter what path she chooses to take, I will support her. Because that's what a friend would do"Percy said, and he really meant that. Truth serum, or not.

It was at that moment that he had an epiphany. A possible solution to the dilemma that had been presenting himself in recent weeks that had tormented him in his dreams. But to do that, he needed the support of the goddess in front of him. But I had to do it, for Sammy.

With that in mind, he asked his question.

"Is there... is there a chance that I could ask Sammy to join the hunt again?"

Artemis and Zoё raised an eyebrow, confused at the request.

"The hunt will always have open arms to accept any young maiden it deems worthy," Artemis said. Do you perhaps wish to get rid of that young maiden?

Percy didn't flinch at the harsh look the goddess gave him, or the disapproving look from his lieutenant.

"No, that's not what I want," Percy said sadly. But I have no choice if I want to keep Sammy safe. Since, in the future, I will no longer be able to do it.

Artemis looked at him with mild curiosity. Knowing that Percy couldn't lie to him in any way, he said:

"Explain.

Percy nodded and lowered his head, staring at the floor.

"The place where the satyr takes us, Camp Half-Blood, is a safe place for demigods," Percy began, slowly. According to him, we can live there without worrying about monsters. We will find others like us and live in peace, as peaceful as a demigod can. But Sammy is not a demigoddess, she is a mortal. And I fear that camp won't be a home to her like it may be to Luke, Thalia, and Annabeth.

"I can understand your reasoning, but I don't agree with your solution," Artemis said. That girl doesn't go to camp because it's safe for all of you, she goes because you go to camp. As long as you are there, it will not be in his desire to join the hunt.

A sad smile appeared on Percy's lips.

"Then that's no problem. When everyone gets to camp, I won't be there with them.

"Are you going to abandon them? Zoё asked, her face taking on a clear mix of disgust. After proclaiming so much your desire to protect them, are you going to abandon them when they are safe?

Percy shook his head gently.

"My desire was, is, and will always continue to be, to protect those I love. I won't let anyone die again if I can help it. And if my last action means giving those I love a future, then I will do it without hesitation.

It was then that realization hit Zoё's face and caused him to open his eyes in surprise. Artemis seemed as unfazed as ever, but for a second, Percy could see a flash of something he didn't know. Sadness? Disappointment? Distress? He didn't know it, but he felt a little moved by the slight empathy he produced in the beautiful goddess.

"By "last action", do you mean...? "Zoё began.

Percy nodded, still smiling with sad resignation.

"When we reach Camp Half-Blood... I will die.

["You know, Luke, I think I want to kick your dad in the balls... with steel"toed boots," Percy said, with a blank look as he took in the space where they were standing.

"Then get in line, brother. Because I arrived first. "And I have a special twelve-year abandonment coupon that gives me the right to the first kick," Luke said, without taking his eyes off the same place.

"But you told us you already did when you met him two days ago.

"It was in my dreams. Doesn't count.

"Is this really necessary?" Thalia asked, looking at the place where they were with annoyance.

"Your shield was helpful, right?" Luke said. "Maybe my dad will give me something just as cool, like an indestructible sword, or one of the slippers he uses to fly."

Of course, the idea of ​​obtaining a weapon that was a gift from the gods was very tempting for all of them. It would help them face the monsters in a more appropriate way, increasing their chances of survival. Furthermore, although Luke had the dagger that Hal had given him, he didn't feel comfortable with it. It was like it was for someone else. So, when Luke's father had appeared in his dreams to give him a mission, in the same way that Thalia's father had done with her, he had accepted.

Although it was a bit of a tense meeting for both of them.

Luke always hated his dreams.

Many people found it comforting to be able to close their eyes and enter a world of meaningless fantasy, or happy memories.

For Luke, there wasn't that.

For him, it was like entering a deep black pool, where his worst memories were stored. The memories of his past. The monsters that had tormented him in his childhood. The mortals who denied him a piece of bread when he was hungry, or a glass of water when he was thirsty. The months of loneliness he lived on the streets before meeting Thalia.

But there was one memory that stood out among them all. One that stood out the most. It was from the night where he had lost everything. A childhood, friends, the possibility of a normal life... and the one woman who mattered to him more than anyone else, his mother.

When he closed his eyes to sleep, he mentally prepared himself to relive some of those memories he hated so much, but he was pleasantly surprised to find nothing. There were no screams, no monster growls, there was nothing. He was in what looked like a five"star hotel room, except there was nothing in it. There were no chairs, tables, doors, or windows. The walls were a pure marble" white color as was the floor, which was so white that Luke could see himself in it. The four corners of the room were supported by pillars that seemed bathed in Heavenly Bronze, due to the brilliance they cast.

The funny thing was that Luke knew he was in a dream. He tried to wake up. He bit the inside of his cheeks, pricked his arm, even repeatedly banged his head against the walls, but it didn't work. It only gave him a severe headache and a forehead as red as a tomato.

"I never took you for someone who was impatient," said a voice, behind Luke's back.

Luke didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Despite having seen it only once in her life when she was twelve years old, she remembered it as well as if it had been yesterday. And she didn't enjoy meeting him again, because doing so meant trouble.

"I'm a demigod," Luke said, without turning around. It is in my nature not to sit still. Besides, you don't know me. Don't talk like you do.

"Oh, that's where you're wrong," the voice said, amused. I know you much more than you think. I have always found a little free time in my busy schedule to watch them. Especially you, Luke.

"You sound like a stalker.

"I like the term "Concerned Parent" better.

Luke slowly advanced until he was in front of the god. Hermes thought his son would give him a much-needed hug since they hadn't spoken in quite some time. He opened his arms with a warm smile and Luke imitated the gesture, but instead of hugging him, he delivered a sharp kick to his groin, causing the god of messengers to hunch over with a squeak very similar to that of a pig.

"My... my immortal balls..." Hermes complained, with a high-pitched voice. He looked up with a wince and looked at Luke. Of all the places you could have hit me... Did you do it where you come from? That's cruel, Luke...

"Then don't you dare call yourself my father again," Luke said, with a disgusted expression.

His father, Hermes, was unaffected by his son's outburst. Instead, he just gave her a sympathetic look, as if he understood the reason for her anger. That only annoyed Luke.

For twelve years, Hermes had left him and his mother helpless without any help. Luke acknowledges that things could have been worse. His mother could have taken Hermes' abandonment in a worse way, becoming crazy or violent towards him. Instead, he genuinely cared about his son, as if he were the only reminder of ever having met Hermes. She was a wonderful mother.

Yes, it was.

"What have you come for? Why have you brought me to this place?

Hermes stood up slowly, as if he hadn't been kicked hard in the balls.

"I want to talk to you, Luke," Hermes said, his voice soft. I've wanted to do it since the last time.

"That was more than two years ago," Luke said coldly.

"Yes, I know... And there isn't a single day where I haven't wanted to talk to you after that.

"But you haven't. The only time you visited me was when Mom died. And you told me who I really am.

Hermes' expression fell at the mention of Luke's mother. His shoulders slumped and his eyes lost the mischievous sparkle that characterized them.

"This is not how I wanted things to end," Hermes said sadly. Your mother... you... deserved better. The only comfort I can get is that your mother is in a better place.

A cold feeling settled in Luke's chest as he thought about what happened to his mother.

Yes, she deserved the best. Now I had it. And he was happy about it, but he couldn't help but feel a little sad because he couldn't see her. I really missed her. There wasn't a single day where I didn't think about her. I wanted to see her and talk to her like before. Tell him all the things he had done and the people he had met. But she was gone, and I couldn't see her. And if what Hal prophesied for him was true, he wouldn't be doing it for a long time.

"I don't think you came to talk about Mom," Luke said, wanting to change the subject. Why are you here, Hermes?

"You're right. "I didn't come here for that," Hermes said, recovering his smile. I'm here for you. I want to help you, son.

Luke narrowed his eyes at his father.

" What are you talking about?

"Let me explain," he said, as he began to walk around the room. "As you know, the Old Laws prevent us gods from directly helping our children, but the laws are not followed exactly to the letter," Hermes explained, giving Luke a knowing wink. There are little...holes, you could call them, where we have the opportunity to interfere. All gods do it. The sword I gave you when you turned twelve, and the spear and shield your friend received from her father are perfect examples of this.

Luke remembered that sword. He'd be lying if he said he hadn't grown fond of her. A beautiful Heavenly Bronze blade that was almost as long as his arm. It felt so natural for him to wield that weapon. When he fell into that container of acid it really saddened him. He knew deep down that the real reason he valued that weapon was because it was the first gift his father had given him. A sign that Luke meant something to him.

"I've been watching you this last week," Hermes continued. And I couldn't help but notice that, despite having a gun, you're not very comfortable with it, and that's not something you can afford when your life depends on it. That's why I've decided to help you... indirectly.

Luke studied his...father. Looking for any sign of falsehood in his words. Maybe he was being too cautious, but it was that same caution that had saved his life on more than one occasion, and the lack of it that had put him in too many dangers.

"What do you have in mind?" Luke asked, curiously.

"A mission. Nothing too big. Something you've done countless times these last two years. Prove yourself before the gods, and prove yourself worthy of our favor.

"Why should I prove myself to you?" he asked scathingly.

In his mind, he still held a resentment for what had been done to Hal. A man who did the right thing, but was punished in a cruel way by the gods. By his own father, no less. Luke wondered if Hermes would be able to punish him if he ever did something to anger the gods.

"Because it's the only way I can help you without breaking the Old Laws," Hermes said, his voice becoming slightly pleading. "Please, Luke, allow me to help you."

Seeing his father almost begging, Luke had no choice but to accept his help. But he wouldn't fool himself, he was still very upset with his father. And that wouldn't change in the very near future. But he wouldn't deny help when it was offered. Despite coming from a god, who was also his father, who had abandoned him throughout his life.

Yes, his annoyance wouldn't go away any time soon.

"Okay, okay," Luke said, with resignation. "If with this I can better defend myself from the monsters that stalk us, and be able to protect my little gang, then I will do it." I can't leave all the work to Thalia and Percy.

Hermes smiled at his son proudly.

", what you should do is quite simple. You must go to an abandoned factory that is on the side of the road and... clean it.

"Clean it? Do I have the face of a maid?" Luke asked.

His mind began to wander, imagining a girl with large breasts and dressed like a revealingly dressed maid. Who was seductively asking him if she could do anything for him while bending over and showing off a large amount of cleavage.

Luke shook his head fervently to clear away the thoughts. As nice as it is, this was not the time to think about such things. Damn, teenage hormones.

"Not that kind of cleansing," Hermes said, shaking his head in amusement. "You could call it a 'monstrous' cleansing." In recent months, a somewhat unusual number of mythological creatures have gone missing. Nymphs, satyrs, demigods... even mortals. A few days ago, we received prayers for help from the nymphs hanging around, and when an incredibly beautiful nymph, enough to annoy even Aphrodite, asked for help by offering herself... well. The male gods could not reject her.

"You too?" Luke asked, in an inquisitive manner.

An embarrassed chuckle from Hermes was all he received, causing a grimace of disgust from the demigod.

"And Percy calls me a pervert." The gods are degenerates and damn depraved¨ thought Luke.

He put a hand to the bridge of his nose. I felt a migraine slowly starting to form. Was it possible to have migraines in your dreams?

"There are monsters at the request of a prostitute, that's great," Luke said, with obvious sarcasm in his voice. "Do you at least know what monsters they are?"

"Cyclops. We are not sure how many, but with the number of missing people in such a short time, we assume that there are several of them. "I recommend that you don't go alone," Hermes warned, the concern in his voice was evident. "Those friends of yours, the daughter of Zeus and the other boy, ask them to go with you." I've seen what they're both capable of, especially the boy. Being able to face the Minotaur with just a knife... He will undoubtedly become a very powerful demigod in the future.

"Yes, Percy is great," Luke said, proudly towards his friend. "Just in case, don't you know who his father is?" He told me that his mother was a mortal, so his father had to be a god.

Hermes looked away.

"Yes, I know, but it's not my place to say. I'm sorry.

Luke clicked his tongue in annoyance. After seeing what Percy was able to do in Hal's mansion, he was completely amazed. He attributed it to the powers he inherited from his father, but none of them knew who their father was. And Percy refuses to talk about it.

He trusted Percy. He considered him his friend, maybe his best friend with everything they've been through these past few months, but he felt a little hurt that Percy didn't trust him.

"It doesn't matter," Luke said. "If that's all, I'd like to go back to sleep." If I have to face several monsters, I need to rest well.

Hermes lowered his gaze slightly, a little disappointed. He wanted to continue talking to his son, even if it was in his dream, but he recognized that Luke was right. He needed to rest if he wanted to succeed in his mission.

"Okay," Hermes said, preparing to snap his fingers. "I'll be there. Please, stay safe."

The last thing Luke saw before the darkness claimed him was his father's worried look.

"I just hope this is all worth it," Percy said. "This place is creepy."

"It looks like the kind of place a pedophile would take his victims," ​​Thalia said.

Annabeth looked at the place with slight fear in her eyes, while Sammy just tilted her head in confusion.

"What's a pedophile?" Sammy asked, innocently.

"Oh, gods. "I love your innocence," Thalia said, caressing Sammy's head, eliciting a small laugh from the girl.

"Can we stop being stupid and take this seriously?" Luke asked, impatience in his voice. "We have to be cautious." I don't want this to end like it did at the mansion.

"Was that place that bad?" Annabeth asked, curiously for the thousandth time.

"It was," Luke said, quickly and simply. Not wanting to talk about it.

Since Thalia, Percy, and Luke had returned from the mission given by Thalia's father, they had changed. Maybe not in a noticeable way, but the small changes were there.

Thalia had become more overprotective of everyone, and much more daring when it came to facing the monsters, not wanting to put anyone in danger. Luke had become more cautious and cautious when it came to facing problems. He no longer ran and ran from monsters, but he also didn't face them unless necessary. But when they fought, he did it fiercely with the knife he had obtained on that mission, as if he had something to prove to someone.

And Percy...he was the one who had changed the most. On the nights when it was his turn to stand guard, he always had a sad and melancholic look. He looked more tired. His dark circles were more noticeable, as if he couldn't sleep. And, from time to time, the kind and welcoming shine in his eyes that characterized him so much would go out.

Thalia had a suspicion it was because of the future Hal had predicted for him. She tried to talk to him about it. To open up to her, but he always refused, saying it was nothing important, followed by a change of subject. Any other time, she would have beaten the truth out of him. But seeing the gloomy state she was in when she mentioned Hal, she decided not to do it, since the death of the old demigod who sacrificed himself to save them still weighed on her.

"This is different. "This time we know what's in there," Percy said.

"Cyclops," Thalia growled, cracking her knuckles. "I'll tear their eye out of their faces."

"Don't underestimate them. They may be incredibly stupid, but they are very strong.

"That's why we will infiltrate," said Luke"We will finish them off in the most stealthy way. I will enter from the front. Thalia, Percy, you...

"I'm not going in," Percy said, surprising everyone.

"What!? Why not!?" Luke exclaimed, indignant.

"Yes, we would have a better chance if you come with us! "Thalia said, just as surprised.

"Like I told you... This time it's different," Percy said, pointing at Sammy and Annabeth. "Don't get me wrong, Luke." I'd be happy to help you, but we can't leave the girls unprotected when we don't know how many cyclops there are in that place. One of them could escape and meet them.

[T/N: God damn! Thats a long chapter. part 3 is already up If you like this chapter then leave a comment, drop some stones, and write a review! If you want to read some advanced chapters then check out my Patreon!]

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