The Mark of Athena (Fan-Fiction)

Chapter 8- Percy

Chapter 8

Percy

     Percy and Annabeth got a ride from Argus, the hundred eyed security guard, to the city. When they got to Percy’s apartment building, Percy felt a little nervous.

     “Are you nervous?” Annabeth asked as they went in the elevator.

     “Yeah,” Percy admitted.

     “Don’t be,” Annabeth assured him. “When your mom got that phone call a few days ago, she was a little relieved.”

     They stood outside Percy’s apartment. He held Annabeth’s hand for comfort.

     “Relax,” Annabeth told him, knocking briskly on the door.

     A few seconds later, the door opened, revealing Percy’s mother, Sally Jackson. Her brown hair was tied back in a ponytail. She looked thoroughly depressed. She had bags under her eyes. She looked thinner. Her eyes widened when she saw who was standing in the hallway.

     “Percy?”

     “Hi, Mom,” Percy whispered.

     His mom threw his arms around you. “Percy, I was so worried! Where… how…”

     “I’ll explain,” Percy said while his mom hugged Annabeth.

     “You better,” Sally almost growled. “Get inside.”

     Once inside Percy’s apartment, his stepfather Paul came out. They sat down at the table while drinking lemonade.

     “Ms. Jackson,” Annabeth began. “As I already told you, Percy was taken by Hera.”

     “Hera?” Sally asked. “Annabeth, you once said she did that to get the Greeks and Romans to trust each other.”

     “Yes,” Annabeth agreed. “Today or tomorrow we’re going to Rome. We have to close the Doors of Death. And then we need to go to Greece.”

     Percy touched the glass of his lemonade. “I didn’t remember anybody.” Annabeth elbowed him. “Okay, fine. I only remembered Annabeth.”

     “Isn’t this dangerous?” his mother asked anxiously. “Percy…”

     “I know,” Percy said glumly. “I thought I was done with prophecies. But when we defeated the Titans, Gaea woke up, well, kind of. She wants to destroy human civilization.”

     “Who is this Gaea?” Paul asked.

     “Mother Earth,” Annabeth told him. “She’s the mother of the Titans.”

     “And she wants to kill her grandchildren?” Paul asked, raising his eyebrows.

     “Yes. Gaea is not nice like you see in movies. She’s evil.” Annabeth stared at her lemonade glass.

     “That’s why we need to stop her,” Percy said. “Annabeth is one of the seven demigods. So she’ll keep me alive.”

     Annabeth looked smug. “I promise to keep him as safe as possible.”

     Percy’s mom relaxed. “Well, that’s reassuring.” She looked at Percy. “I’ve missed you. But I know you have to go to get ready for this quest.”

     Percy’s throat felt thick. “Mom… I’ll Iris message you and Paul.”

     “I know you will.” They hugged. “Stay safe.”