Blood Of Poseidon

I. The Call of Hunt

Percy Jackson gripped the reins of Blackjack, his loyal black Pegasus, as they soared through the crisp winter air. His heart pounded with anticipation as he approached Westover Hall, a sprawling estate nestled amidst snow-covered grounds. The journey from David's Island had been exhilarating, filled with memories of his training. As Blackjack descended upon the snow-covered grounds of Westover Hall, Percy's keen eyes spotted familiar figures waiting below. Annabeth Chase, his wise and resourceful friend, stood alongside Thalia Grace, the fierce and fearless daughter of Zeus. Their faces lit up with joy as they caught sight of Percy and Blackjack, the bond of friendship instantly reignited after months of separation. "Percy!" Annabeth exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace him. "I can't believe you're here!" Thalia grinned, her electric blue eyes sparkling with excitement. "Looks like trouble follows you wherever you go, Percy." Percy returned their smiles, feeling a surge of warmth and belonging wash over him. "It's good to see you both," he said, his voice filled with genuine affection. "But what brings you to Westover Hall?" Annabeth glanced at Thalia before turning back to Percy, her expression grave. "Chiron sent us," she explained. "He received a distress call from Grover, asking for help to guide some powerful demigods to Camp Half-Blood." "Yeah, Grover has also called me," Percy said agreeing that the situation might be pretty bad. They looked at the Westover Hall, It looked like an evil knight's castle. It was all black stone, with towers and slit windows and a big set of wooden double doors. It stood on a snowy cliff overlooking this big frosty forest on one side and the gray churning ocean on the other. Percy could feel the weight of the teachers' gazes on his back as he walked closely to Thalia. In a low voice, he asked, "How did you do that finger-snap thing?" "You mean the Mist? Hasn't Chiron shown you how to do that yet?" Thalia replied. An uncomfortable lump formed in Percy's throat. Chiron, their head trainer at camp, had never shown him anything like that. But He couldn't blame Chiron for not showing it to him. After all he wasn't a year-round like Thalia or Annabeth.  

Grover hurried them to a door labeled GYM. Even with Percy's dyslexia, he could make out the word on the glass. "That was close!" Grover exclaimed. "Thank the gods you got here!" Both Annabeth and Thalia hugged Grover, while Percy gave him a big high five. It was good to see his friend after so many months, though Percy couldn't help but notice Grover's growth and the few more whiskers on his face. Grover still maintained his disguise to pass for human, with a red cap hiding his goat horns, baggy jeans, sneakers with fake feet to conceal his furry legs and hooves, and a black T-shirt with the inscription "WESTOVER HALL: GRUNT," which Percy wasn't sure about its significance. "So what's the emergency?" Percy inquired. Grover took a deep breath. "I found two." "Two half-bloods?" Thalia asked in amazement. "Here?" Grover nodded. "A brother and a sister. They're thirteen. I don't know their parentage, but they're strong. We're running out of time, though. I need help." "Monsters?" Percy asked. "One," Grover replied nervously. "He suspects. I don't think he's positive yet, but this is the last day of term. I'm sure he won't let them leave campus without finding out. It may be our last chance! Every time I try to get close to them, he's always there, blocking me. I don't know what to do!" Grover looked at Thalia desperately, causing Percy to try not to feel slighted. It used to be him that Grover looked to for answers, but now Thalia, with her seniority and experience, seemed to be the go-to person. "Right," Thalia said decisively. "These half-bloods are at the dance?" Grover confirmed with a nod. "Then let's dance," Thalia declared. "Who's the monster?" Grover hesitated before answering, "Oh, you just met him. The vice principal, Dr. Thorn." 

The military school was abuzz with excitement for the special event, with students going wild over being out of uniform. The strict environment seemed to amplify their exuberance. Black and red balloons adorned the gym floor while students engaged in chaotic activities like kicking balloons at each other's faces and attempting to strangle each other with crepe-paper streamers. Meanwhile, girls huddled in groups, wearing elaborate makeup, spaghetti-strap tops, and brightly colored pants, while occasionally targeting unsuspecting boys for impromptu makeovers. Some older students, like Percy, seemed uncomfortable, lingering at the edges of the gym and appearing ready to fight for their lives at any moment, which, for Percy, wasn't far from the truth. "There they are," Grover pointed out a couple of younger kids arguing in the bleachers. "Bianca and Nico di Angelo." Bianca seemed more aware of their surroundings, while Nico appeared oblivious, absorbed in shuffling trading cards. Percy recognized them immediately as Hades's twins. He had escorted them out of the Lotus Hotel once before. Actually it was the only quest he went that was peaceful and not life-threatening. The only thing he didn't like about the quest was the one who accompanied him, Alecto the fury. She had transformed herself as a woman. But nothing could change her ugly face. And Percy had so much fun thrashing it on her face. But if it wasn't for the orders of Hades, he would have pretty much become her meal. Upon meeting them at the Hotel, Percy introduced himself to the twins as their cousin while Alecto introduced her as Ms. Dodds, A lawyer. Percy remembered their innocence during their previous encounter, particularly Nico's childlike demeanor.