𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐞𝐥𝐚; percy jackson

𝟏𝟓 | one look can be fatal

The tension hung like a heavy mist in the air, weighing down every breath. They could feel Medusa's presence without even looking at her, as if her gaze was a physical force pulling them in. The stone statues that filled the area only reinforced the danger they were in. One wrong move, and they'd join her collection of stone victims.

"I hope you're not in a hurry to leave," Medusa's voice slithered through the space, deceptively sweet yet sinister. "Why rush? You've only just arrived. Stay, and we can... chat."

"Listen guys! I have a plan," Grover said, panic edging his voice. "We'll split up, and when you hear me shout 'Maia,' you all start—whoa!" His words were cut off as the enchanted shoes pulled him toward the shadowy heights of the ceiling.

"Seems like we need a plan," Annabeth declared. But before anyone could respond, Medusa began her lengthy monologue in an unsettlingly calm tone.

As she kept getting closer, the three sprang into action, ducking behind the stone statues to buy themselves some time to devise an escape.

Percy clenched Riptide tighter in his hand, the celestial bronze sword a comforting weight. But how could they fight her without looking? He felt Meara tense beside him, her usual cold exterior cracking under the pressure of the looming danger.

"We don't want trouble," Percy said, trying to keep his voice steady, though every fiber of his being screamed at him to run. "We'll just... be going now."

"Going?" Medusa echoed mockingly. "Oh no, my dear boy. I don't think you'll be leaving at all. Not when I've finally caught the son of Poseidon and..." She trailed off, the venom in her voice becoming palpable. "The daughter of Zeus. What a deliciously forbidden pair. Oh how surprised they will be when I send your statues to Olympus"

Meara flinched visibly at Medusa's words, though she quickly masked it, her jaw clenching. Percy didn't have time to dwell on it—his heart was pounding in his chest, and the grip on Riptide was his only anchor.

"Close your eyes," Annabeth whispered urgently, her voice low but commanding. "We can't fight her like this."

"Yeah, no kidding," Meara mumbled.

Medusa's voice turned into a low, menacing hiss. "Why do you resist? Don't you know it's pointless? One glance... and you'll be mine forever."

Annabeth's mind raced, searching for a way out. "We move now," Annabeth whispered. "Slow and careful."

"But what about Grover?" Meara urged.

Percy heard the distinct hiss of Medusa's hair—a sound that made his stomach drop. Her footsteps echoed closer, slow and deliberate. "You're only delaying the inevitable."

"I've got an idea," Percy muttered under his breath, keeping his voice low enough for only Annabeth to hear. "Distract her."

Annabeth nodded, catching on quickly. She shifted slightly, her body tense. "Medusa," she called out, her voice ringing out across the basement, steady despite the fear in the air. "You talk big, but I'm guessing you haven't had much company lately. Must be lonely, living here with all these... statues."

Medusa's laugh was chilling, like the rustle of dead leaves. "I have my... treasures," she responded, her voice dripping with malice. "But you'll soon understand. Beauty is eternal, child. I am offering you a gift."

As Medusa spoke, Percy—eyes shut—edged slowly toward the sound of her voice. His hand gripped Riptide tightly, his pulse hammering in his ears. He couldn't look directly at her, but he could feel the weight of her presence growing nearer. If they were going to take her down, they needed the element of surprise—and Percy knew that meant acting fast.

Annabeth kept Medusa's attention, her voice dripping with disdain. "Gift? Right. Turning people to stone, stealing their lives. That's your idea of beauty?"

Medusa hissed in anger, and Percy could almost hear the snakes writhing on her head. The moment was coming. He just needed to get close enough.

"You foolish child," Medusa spat, her voice lowering into a dangerous growl. "You're nothing compared to me. I have seen the rise and fall of empires. You are but dust beneath my feet."

"Breezie," Percy whispered, nudging her gently, while opening his eyes since he was hidden. "I need you to cover me."

Meara scoffed under her breath, her lips curling into a smirk despite the situation. "You're lucky I'm here to save your butt—again," she muttered, but Percy didn't miss the way her fingers shook slightly as she readied herself.

Even in the most dangerous situations, she always had a sharp comment or two to throw at him, but Percy could feel the weight of the moment pressing on her. He didn't push it.

"Just don't mess up, Bimbo," she added, her voice more brittle than usual, though the words came out with her usual tone.

Percy didn't answer. Instead, he moved in closer, focusing on the sound of Medusa's voice as she argued with Annabeth, her pride blinding her to their movements. He kept his head down, not daring to glance up at her face.

Meara shifted beside him, ready to strike at any second. Finally, Percy was close enough. Turning over to Medusa with closed eyes, he gripped Riptide tighter, willing himself to stay calm.

Suddenly, Grover yelled in panic as he tumbled into the scene, crashing into one of the scattered boxes. This was the moment.

Annabeth sprang from her hiding spot, tossing her invisible cap to Meara, who immediately caught on. She placed the cap on Medusa's head, using Grover as a distraction to keep Medusa's attention away long enough for Meara to do her part. "Now!" Annabeth shouted as Percy opened his eyes and slashed at the invisible form of Medusa. Her head hit the ground with a thud, later followed by the rest of her.

Silence.

Percy approached the spot where the now invisible head had fallen, giving it a slight kick to locate it. Crouching down, he grasped it in his hands as it emitted repulsive sounds. "Oh man," he said, his face contorting in disgust.

"Did you—?" Grover's voice wavered, but he didn't finish the question. None of them dared to ask what had just happened. The reality of it hung heavy in the air, like a weight they couldn't shake off.

Annabeth, spoke up first as Percy kicked into an invisible object on the ground. "Found it?" She asked.

"Hope so." He replied with a grimace.

The four of them approached the entrance to Medusa's lair where Alecto was waiting outside, Percy clutching the now-invisible head while Annabeth stood beside him, offering quick tips. Grover and Meara lingered at the back of the room, their eyes glued to the unfolding scene.

As Percy stepped outside, Annabeth pulled the crisscrossed, translucent door shut behind him. He moved slowly toward Alecto, trying to provoke her into attacking. Just as she lunged at him, he yanked the cap off Medusa's head, watching as she turned to stone and crashed to the ground with a deafening crush.

After dealing with Alecto, they made their way back to the basement. "So, what do we do with the head?" Percy asked, glancing at the invisible bundle in his hands.

"We can't just leave it lying around. It's way too dangerous as a weapon," Annabeth said, her voice laced with concern.

"Herme's Express," Percy suggested. "They ship all sorts of stuff, some of it goes to Olympus."

"Percy, you can't just ship Medusa's head to Olympus" Annabeth exclaimed, trying to rein him in.

While Annabeth and Grover debated with him, Meara chimed in, leaning toward Percy's side. What was the harm in showing that they're capable of something? "Okay it's not the best idea, but seriously, do any of you have a better plan?"

Silence.

"Wrap it up," she said, nodding toward the box, giving Percy the go-ahead.