The Rise of Gaea

Percy 29

     Fighting every survival instinct he had, Percy stepped forward to face Gaea.

     "It's about time you showed up." He commented.

     Gaea looked at him incredulously. "Have you been waiting eagerly for your destruction?"

     Percy paused, considering. "Not so much the 'destruction' part as your arrival."

     Piper stepped up beside him. "We actually wrote a song about it in your honor."

     Percy nodded in agreement, sipping his tea nonchalantly.

     Gaea's emerald eyes widened in disbelief.

     "So, we know you have a busy schedule, but we were wondering if you'd have time for a performance honoring your arrival." Annabeth put in.

     Gaea considered this. "I suppose you can honor me before I destroy you."

     Percy looked around to see his friends getting into position. The Apollo kids were pulling out their instruments; Leo, Thalia, Nico and Frank were huddled up; and Jason and Calypso were ready.

     Percy kissed Annabeth quickly. "I love you, Wise Girl."

     She smiled, though Percy could see the anxiety in her eyes. "I love you too, Seaweed Brain."

     Piper gave Jason a grin and a thumbs-up, and he and Calypso both lifted their hands in unison, using Jason's powers and Calypso's magic to raise Percy and Piper into the sky.

     Percy fought back his fear of flying, the reasonable side of his brain reminding him that Zeus wasn't going to strike him down. He stole a quick look at Piper, envying her confident composure.

     Gaea eyed them expectantly, and then the beat kicked in, and Piper began to rap.

          "Two great prophecies

          Ain't runnin' out a' steam

          It be Perseus Jackson

          And Piper McLean

          So grab yourself some warm milk

          And count yourself some sheep

         'Cause it's about time, Grandma,

          For you to get some sleep

          You'll be like Sleeping Beauty

          'Cept the beauty here is me

          'Cause I'm the daughter

          Of Aphrodite

          Go and leave us in peace!

          How 'bout you catch some Z's?

          Just you at your lonely slumber party

          You'll be deep in your slumber

          M'boy Sparky brings the thunder

          Leo'll blow you up

          Put your plans asunder

          The Argo II crew is tight

          Turn your day to night

          But you won't get a fright

          You'll be sleepin' so tight

          We turn your armies to dust

          Defeating you is a must