Unlikely Heroes

Chapter 42: Betrayed By Family

The calming sounds of the forest surrounds us as we sit near a creek. Some flower patches surround us while our hand are intertwined.

"My visit to father... it went actually pretty okay. There is still a mountain of things to get through, but you know. Making progress," Annabeth says. It makes me smile, laying my head down on her shoulder.

"That's great, Annabeth! Did you tell him about us?"

"I... I didn't. I haven't seen him in years. So, baby steps are advised. I don't think it is wise to unload everything on him. Being gay, and getting married while only being fourteen. My poor father would get a heart attack," she explains, one of her fingers glides over the engagement ring as she explains.

"I admit, it would... definitely overwhelm him if you say it like that. Well, on a positive note, Hades and Zagreus will come to the wedding! As long as Zeus stays away. Not sure what Hades has against him. Persephone, I am not sure about her," I say and turn to the left as I hear someone approaching.

Grover approaches us. He smiles softly as he sees us. It seems he is going on a trip to find the God Pan again. For Satyr's it is an honor to find him and to prove that you're a true seeker. His clothing suggests it at least. The hair and small horns are hidden by his hoodie, jeans wide enough to hide his goat legs, and a bag pack.

"Grover! Going to find Pan?" I ask. He nods as he looks around the forest for a moment. "Yes, I just dropped by to say goodbye. I already said goodbye to Percy. Congratulations on the engagement! May the years never dull between you two," he says with a smile and gives us a warm hug.

"Thanks, Grover. You're of course invited to the wedding! I wouldn't want one of my best friends to be absent," I say, smiling brightly. "I better come back in one piece then. I'll see you as soon as possible."

"Good luck, Grover! And hopefully you'll have plenty of enchiladas to eat on the road," I call out. He smiles and waves us away as he disappears in the wood.

"I hope it will go well. Grover tries so hard and no one seems to appreciate it," Annabeth says. "Yeah, I have a feeling he'll be the one to find Pan," I say.

My eyes widen in shock as a sensation reaches me. One I never want to sense from Annabeth. Percy is dying. His waning life force reaches my senses as if he is sending it out as a cry for help.

"Percy is dying," I state with shock swimming in my expression. "Dying!? What?!" Annabeth says in shock.

"Come, we need to go!" I say and take her hand before merging with the shadows once again. My aim was the arena, as Percy and Luke were supposed to meet there. I hope they are both safe.

As I stepped out the shadow with Annabeth, I saw Luke standing near him. A dead scorpion in between them.

"Luke? What happened?" I ask as I rush to Percy to look him over, Annabeth close behind me. Percy looks to be burning with fewer as he takes rapid breaths.

"Aileen, I knew you'd come. Death is part of you, after all. Percy, unfortunately, refused my offer. I can't have him around," he says.

"I don't understand, what are you saying?!"

"I am doing what is best for the world. The Gods don't care about us Half-Bloods, they use us for their own selfish gains! Come with me, and we can make this world a better place. A place without the tyranny of the Gods," he says, and holds out his hand for me to take.

"What are you saying? You-" Annabeth says before he cut her off. The hand goes back to his side as he starts pacing around the arena. Luke is not stable in my opinion. He is being honest, that much I know, but something is off.