The Sea Tyrant's Obsession (PJO x ROR) *18+* WTM/WTS Book 1

*We Visit The Garden Gnome Emporium

As soon as the scene ended, the gods in the chamber erupted into conversation, each sharing their opinions on the wild events that had just unfolded.

Artemis was the first to speak, shaking her head in amazement. "Three Furies? That's overkill, even by Underworld standards. Poor Percy—she doesn't even know what she's up against yet!"

"I can't believe that satyr thought it was nothing," Apollo chimed in with a frown, crossing his arms. "He should know better—monsters could be lurking anywhere."

"She handled herself well, considering," remarked Athena, her expression thoughtful. "I can see her potential growing, but she needs to learn to control that impulsiveness. Grabbing the wheel of a bus? That was reckless."

Zeus couldn't contain his excitement. "Impulsive? Maybe. But that's what makes her a demigod! That driving stunt—brilliant! I wish I'd been there to see those Furies smash through the windows firsthand!"

Thor, who had been quietly watching, nodded in agreement with Zeus. "The girl didn't just run; she faced her enemies with a resolve that defied her fear. It's that fire that makes heroes worth watching."

Hades, rubbing his chin, added, "I do wonder what they were searching for, though. It wasn't just her they wanted. Something else is at play."

Dionysus chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, at least the mortal tourists got a great show. I imagine some of them will never ride a bus again after this."

Aphrodite rolled her eyes. "The poor girl shouldn't have to deal with such hideous creatures. Honestly, they were an affront to beauty itself."

Poseidon had been silent throughout most of the discussion, his face unreadable. Internally, he was quite impressed with Percilla's impulsiveness.

The gods murmured in agreement, some still shaking their heads at the danger she'd willingly put herself through.

"Still," Rhea said softly, "Percilla must be careful. She's brave, yes, but her recklessness could cost her dearly one day."

A new title appeared on the screen:

We Visit The Garden Gnome Emporium

Zeus and Loki's eyes lit up, and they both leaned forward with anticipation.

"This is going to be wild!" Zeus exclaimed, grinning widely.

"I agree. I wonder what'll happen next," Loki added, rubbing his hands together, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Hnn, this will be interesting," said Buddha, breaking a piece of pocky with his teeth.

In a way, it's nice to know there are Greek gods out there, because you have somebody to blame when things go wrong. For instance, when you're walking away from a bus that's just been attacked by monster hags and blown up by lightning, and it's raining on top of everything else, most people might think that's just really bad luck; when you're a half-blood, you understand that some divine force really is trying to mess up your day.

Zeus laughed. "Blown up by lightning, huh? Is that my counterpart's style?"

Loki smirked. "I like the part about messing up someone's day. Divine pranks are always entertaining."

Hades, shaking his head slightly, muttered, "It's not always about mischief. Sometimes fate just gets... complicated."

Thor, arms crossed, said in a deep voice, "Facing monsters, surviving divine wrath—sounds like a test of strength to me."

So there we were, Anthony and Grover and I, walking through the woods along the New Jersey riverbank, the glow of New York City making the night sky yellow behind us, and the smell of the Hudson reeking in our noses.