𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐈𝐍' 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊, 𝐩𝐣𝐨 ¹

09 | Percy you're dying - Litterly Dying!

CHAPTER NINE
"PERCY YOU'RE DYING — LITTERLY DYING!"
—★★★—

The five Demi-gods had lucked out and there had been a Temple built for Athena many years ago. A sanctuary where they would be safe from monsters. The Gateway Arch. It was 630 tall and 630 wide and was only standing due to balance, being held together by leaning together on each side. Held together by symmetry and math.

Annabeth explained everything about the Arch as they hurried down the steps past a fountain into the museum part of the temple. "It's earthquake proof so Posiden can't ruin it." Annabeth said as they maneuvered through People, manly kids exploring the land monument. "This is how you show Athena your love. A monument to the power of perfection."

"It's a monument to some other stuff too." Grover said seeing the skull of an animal and a rifle, out on display.

"You're talking about what some humans want this place to be about. I'm talking about what it actually is."

"It is is cool." Zenon said looking up at the tall Arch that went up forever above his head. "The arch-not the animal stuff." he said, correcting himself to Grover with a smile.

"Whatever," Grover sighed "We are safe here, right?"

"It's a monument, a temple for a God. No monsters can enter without permission." Hadiya said, making Annabeth nod. "Not even Echidna."

"So we're safe." Percy said

"Great. . . Well since our train exploded, I'm gonna see if there's another one we can get tickets on." Grover said "We can't stay here forever." he said looking at a painting on the wall "Just because we're Prey doesn't mean we need to be helpless." He said turning on his hooves and starting to walk away.

"I'll go with you." Hadiya said, looking over her shoulder at the three twelve year olds before following Grover.

"He doesn't like when people mess with animals." Percy said, Zenon nodded, noticing that Percy's skin had gotten just a slight bit paler since they walked off the train, around his eyes got a little darker and a little bit red and his freckles really stuck out.

"Yeah . . . I know" Annabeth said shaking her head "I shouldn't have snapped at him I just. . I know," she said, cutting her sentence off short.

"So. . . This is your moms place?"Percy asked, "Wonder if she's around." he said before they sat in silence, Annabeth looking off in the distance, Zenon watching Percy out of the corner of his eye. "Be right down!Just going to the potty!" Percy said out of the side of his lips his voice raised high.

When Annabeth and Zenon looked over at him, he only looked behind himself, adding onto the joke. Zenon snickers, earning a bright smile from Percy.

"Nice." Annabeth said

"I have a gift." he shrugged with a small smile. Annabeth shook her head with a chuckle.

"And. . . I guess you were right. We needed a safe place and your mom had one waiting." Percy admitted "Pretty lucky we were in the right city for it."

"Luck or fate?" Zenon said

Annabeth nodded "I know you think it's all just in my head. That-that I tell myself my mother cares because it's easier that way."

"I didn't say that?" Percy said, making Annabeth raise an eyebrow. "Look, I have only been a Demi-god since . . . last saturday. Neither of you should listen to me."

"You know. This is my mother's place, but a temple is a temple. Maybe you guys could say Hi to your dads while we're here." Annabeth said

". . . No thanks." Percy said