The Betrayed Hero

Chapter 19

Soon, Blackjack was landing on the roof of the building where Sally Jackson and her husband resided. He quickly made his way down to their apartment, while Blackjack kept a watchful eye on the surroundings to ensure they weren't being followed by demigods or satyrs who were still on the lookout for Percy Jackson. Once inside, Blackjack waited patiently outside, ready to whisk Percy away at a moment's notice if needed.

As he approached the door, he could hear muffled voices inside, causing him to hesitate before knocking. He took a deep breath, knocked on the door of Jackson-Blofis, and pushed his hood down, revealing his tanned face, sea-green eyes, and unruly jet black hair. After waiting for a few seconds, the cream coloured door opened.

Sally and her husband were surprised to see Percy standing on their doorstep.

"Percy?" Sally asked.

"Hey, mom," Percy greeted with a small smile, relieved to see his mother's familiar face. "Can I come in?" he asked.

Sally's eyes filled with tears as she wrapped Percy in a tight hug and pulled him inside the apartment. Percy stepped inside, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort wash over him as he reunited with his family.

"Percy, we've missed you so much," Sally whispered, her voice filled with emotion. Percy felt a lump form in his throat. "I missed you guys too." Sally led Percy to the living room, where his stepfather was waiting with a proud smile on his face. "We're glad you're home," he said, patting Percy on the back.

As he walked into the apartment, he noticed that the apartment had changed; there were picture frames lining the wall, some new and some old. Percy could see a few of his own pictures from when he was younger, mixed in with recent family photos. It was clear that his family had made an effort to keep him at home and included him in their lives, even during his absence. The sofa was new and much more comfortable than the old one they used to have. There was paint chipping on the wall, a new plant by the window, and a rug that was starting to fray at the edges. The familiar scent of his stepfather's cooking had filled the air, bringing back memories of family dinners. Percy felt a sense of warmth wash over him as he looked around the cosy apartment.

Soon, he was rushed to sit on the sofa with warm chocolate milk thrust into his hands, and a pile of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies was placed in front of him.

"Percy, where have you been?" Sally asked, concern evident in her voice. Percy let out a sigh before beginning to recount his journey. He told her all about the monsters, about Chaos, his new friends, and the battles he had faced since leaving home while munching on the cookies and sipping on the warm milk while his mom continued to rub a soothing hand on his back. Sally listened intently, her eyes widening with each new detail Percy shared. As he finished, she enveloped him in a tight hug, relieved to have him back safe and sound. "I'm so proud of you, Percy," she whispered, her voice filled with love and pride.

"Did anyone come looking for me here? They are on the lookout for me." Percy asked worriedly; he did not want anyone troubling his parents while he was absent.

"Yes, Annabeth and some campers and some other lady, which I'm sure was a goddess, came looking for you and even Grover and Nico." Paul answered. "But we did not say anything," he hurriedly added.

"Yes, we did not tell anyone anything, but also, when anyone asks about you, our mind easily blocks you out," Sally said in confusion.

"Ah, that might be chaos magic, so that's why they have not gotten any hint about me yet. So even if they were using any tricks on you, it might not have worked out." Percy replied, his shoulders sagging in relief, nodding his head and leaning back on the sofa.

"Percy, what are you doing here now? Is it anything serious?" Paul asked, his voice filled with concern. Sally and Paul had been worried sick about him during his absence, but seeing Percy safe and sound brought them immense relief. Percy let out a groan before explaining the situation he had just gotten into.

"Oh, that's very unfortunate. What are you going to do now?" Paul asked, his brow furrowed with worry.

"I'm not quite sure yet," Percy replied, "but I know I need to come up with a plan as soon as possible and make sure everyone gets out of here safe." Sally and Paul nodded in agreement. They knew that Percy was capable of handling the situation with his quick thinking and bravery, but they still worried for him.

Percy sighed. "I should get going; it's getting late. I need to go to camp." As Percy stood up to leave, Sally placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and said, "Stay safe out there, Percy. We'll be thinking of you, and please try visiting us more often."

"I'll try, mom. You take care." Percy said, hugging his mom tight.

"I'll see you. Paul, take care." Percy nodded at his stepfather. Paul smiled and replied, "You too, Percy. Be safe." Percy waved goodbye, pulling his hood back up, and headed out the door before turning around and asking.

"Hey, do you have any donuts or sugar cubes?"