Of Gods and Demigods

1

After three encounters with monsters of different varieties, a wild train ride, and a demolished taxi later, Percy finally arrived in Gotham. Why was Percy Jackson in Gotham, the city widely renowned for its strange and violent criminals (as if monsters weren't enough)? The same reason he fell into Tartarus. The same reason he couldn't sleep at night. The only reason that would drag him out of the safety of Camp Jupiter: Annabeth. Three, no, it would be four days now, she had been missing. According to Nico, she wasn't dead, which was the only reason Percy hadn't completely lost it. Annabeth had flown out of California, across the country, to this accursed city to attend an interview for an internship.

"'The architecture is so fascinating there.'" Percy mocked her tone. "'It's just a couple of days.'" Percy harrumphed as he stared out into the city trying to decide what he should do next, now that he was here. A place to stay would be good. But Percy instead pulled out the brochure that Annabeth left behind. There were people at a drafting table smiling and laughing on the cover. Percy practically scoffed at it. He instead turned his attention to the address. He waived down another taxi, hoping this one didn't have a monster in it, and got in. He showed the driver the address and sat back somewhat hopeful that he might find answers.

The taxi pulled up to a fancy looking building made of mostly of glass and steel. Just the building to wow and woo Annabeth. Percy paid the driver. He was running low on money and would have to watch his spending. He probably should have cleaned up a bit before walking into the building. He was dirty and had a nasty rip in his jeans. Everyone looked at him as though he were a homeless person. He tried to flatten down his hair to little results. Percy walked up to the receptionist, who gave a polite smile, but looked like she wanted to be anywhere but talking to him.

"Can I help you?" She asked.

"Yes, you can." Percy was in no mood to play games. "My girlfriend was supposed to have an interview here a few days ago, Annabeth Chase."

"Annabeth Chase." The receptionist mused as she typed her name on the keyboard. "Let's see. Yes, she had an appointment for an interview, but was a no show."

"What do you mean she was a no show?" Percy demanded. Then took a deep breath and tried again. "You were supposed to pick her up at the airport."

"Yes. She never arrived."

"Impossible. I put her on the plane myself."

"I don't know what you want from me, but she failed . . ."

"Annabeth never failed at anything in her life and now because you dropped the ball in picking her up, she is missing."

"Missing?" She repeated.

"I told her, 'Don't go. Not Gotham.' But nooooo."

"Sir." A male voice said calmly behind him. Percy turned around to see a smartly dressed man with a receding sandy hairline and glasses. He hadn't realized he was making such a commotion. "Perhaps this is an issue that would be better suited for the police?"

"I, uh, look sorry." Percy ran a shaking hand through his hair. "I'm just really worried." Percy looked at the receptionist. "I didn't mean to take it out on you."

She smiled politely back.

"I'm okay." Percy moved to leave.

"Why don't I help you." The man offered. "I am on my way to the police department anyway."

"Oh, I, uh, wouldn't want to impose." Percy had only had bad experiences with the police.

"I insist. If your girlfriend went missing here in Gotham, then it is our priority to find her." The man guided him out to the car.