𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐞𝐥𝐚; percy jackson

𝟏𝟒 | lunch with a monster

"Hey, guys!" Grover suddenly sniffed the air, pulling their attention.

"Do you smell that?" He sniffed again, a hint of excitement in his voice. "Hamburgers!" Grover started speed-walking forward.

The mere mention of hamburgers was enough to propel them all into action; Percy, at least, was starving.

They emerged from the forest to find a house adorned with a massive sign and a garden decorated with an array of stone statues.

"Grover, I think we should slow down. I don't feel good about this place," Meara said, glancing around with unease.

Annabeth seemed to be taking in the surroundings, her expression thoughtful.

"Not everything revolves around your feelings," Percy pointed out, earning a glare from Meara.

"She's right; Auntie Em has a garden full of petrified folks," Annabeth chimed in.

"Does that ring a bell? Anyone want to guess what 'Em' is short for?" Meara added, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Ooooh," Grover backed up, suddenly looking apprehensive.

Percy, still unsure of who they were discussing, glanced between the three.

"Let's get out of here while we still can," Annabeth suggested, scanning their surroundings. They all turned to leave when suddenly, a monster landed directly in front of them, blocking their path.

Instinctively, Percy grabbed his pen and transformed it into Riptide, his sword.

From the corner of his eye, he noticed Meara pulling a dagger from the sleeve of her hoodie.

"Not on my doorsteps," an unfamiliar voice echoed around them.

At the reaction of his companions—covering their eyes—Percy assumed it was wise for him to do the same.

"Why not resolve this in my house? Will you be joining us, Alecto?"

The monster remained still, its eyes shielded.

"Didn't think you would. They won't bother you as long as you're with me," the voice continued softly. "Not if it means reporting that she failed to retrieve the son of Poseidon and the daughter of Zeus."

Percy turned to look at Meara, catching the way she flinched at the mention of their identities.

But then it hit him.

"How do you—" he mumbled, shaking his head in denial.

"Two forbidden children were claimed; it was never even considered a secret," the voice explained, pausing for effect. "Pleasure to meet you. I'm Medusa."

Oh, Auntie 'Em'.

Percy raised his eyes, an instinctive urge pulling him to look at Medusa.

"Percy! Don't! She's a monster!" Annabeth's voice cut through the air, her disgust clear as day.

"We all choose who we make our monsters," she spoke calmly as he recalled his mother's words. "And right now, that one wants to tear you limb from limb, while I'm offering you lunch. The choice is yours," Medusa said, a nod accompanying her invitation. With that, she turned and walked away, leaving them momentarily relieved.

"I think we can trust her," Percy said, surprising even himself with the confidence in his voice.

"Dude!" his friends chorused in disbelief.

"That's Medusa, Percy! You know, the lady with the snakes that can turn you to stone for eternity?" Meara's tone was incredulous, her eyebrows arched in skepticism.