When Pirates Clash (Percy Jackson Pirate Au)

Chapter 11

Luke Castellan, captain of the Princess Andromeda, had the scroll in hand as his crew slowly circled Annabeth and her friends.

"You're not the brightest bunch, are you?" Luke began. "I knew that you would hurry and come if I let it slip that Magnus was going to be here."

"Where is he?" Percy growled. 

"He was never here," Luke laughed. "It was a false tip that Ethan let slip to your dark-haired friend."

"What?" Percy sounded to be shocked. Annabeth couldn't blame him.

"Oh, Percy. You didn't really think he was going to be here, did you? I just wanted you here, and with my allies and my crew, we outnumber you five to one. The scroll was real, but everything else was just a lie to get you here so I could finally be rid of you. And get the princess, of course, but I don't see her anymore."

Luke scanned us and his gaze caught on Annabeth's disguise. "Who is this? You traded the princess off for a new member?"

He walked over to Annabeth. 

Percy saw where he was headed. "Don't touch her, Luke, or I'm warning you-"

"Warning me? No Percy," Luke's voice was suddenly sharp, "I'm warning you. If even one of you step out of line, you're all dead."

He turned back to Annabeth. "Where did you come from?" Luke studied her, and his gaze landed on her eyes. 

"Oh," Luke said, recognization in his voice, "This is the princess, isn't it? Very clever. I almost didn't recognize her, but those eyes are unmistakable."

Annabeth glared at him, but it did little to faze to blonde captain.

"Interesting." He said, "But now, I really must kill you all." He waved his hand, but Percy stepped forward.

"Wait, Luke."

"Are you going to beg? That seems highly unlikely."

"No," Percy said, sounding offended, "I want to fight you. Me versus you. It was always going to happen."

Luke looked at Percy. "I do want to beat you finally, after all these years. What are your terms?"

"If I win, my crew goes free and you don't hurt any of them, and that includes the princess. If you win, you can do what you want."

Luke looked at him, dead serious. "Fine. You have a deal. But you're not going to win."

Percy rolled his shoulders back. "We'll see."

                                                                                       ***

It wasn't long before Luke's many allies and crew had cleared a space for the duel. Everyone made a wide circle around the two captains, with the 'prisoners' in front.

Annabeth didn't even notice as she was ushered around, she was just too worried for Percy. Nico saw this, and since he had been placed close to her he whispered, "Percy will be ok, Annabeth. He's the most powerful person I know, even if he doesn't act like it."

Annabeth nodded. "Thanks Nico," Then to herself she quietly whispered, "He'll be ok."

But even as she said the words, she could see Luke in the corner sharpening a wicked looking double-bladed sword. It didn't help her sense of unease.

Sooner than Annabeth would've liked, the fight was supposed to start.

Percy and Luke stood in the center of the circle, as still as they could be, waiting for the other to move.