Olympus' Biggest Mistake

Chapter 6

A dangerous battle of close quarters combat, or CQC for short, is what will decide the fate of many whether the affected know it or not.

Percy and Lycaon launched at each other ready to fight for the kill; or at least for Lycaon. Jabs, swings, kicks, feints, and blind punches were thrown in the fight. Percy did manage to judo flip Lycaon once early on in the fight, but even then he was much heavier than expected. He knew that in order to win this fight he could not rely on brute force and straightforward attacks.

It was quite obvious that Lycaon was using his wolf speed and strength to his advantage in the fight. Percy didn't think it was unfair, in fact, he respected the idea and decided to use the water in the nearby small river. Drawing the water towards him, Percy would use it for a single simple purpose, keeping his energy up and his stamina low.

After what seemed like a fight that would last a fortnight, Percy used the ace up his sleeve in a final attempt to end it. Once the two fighters had backed off for a small breather, Percy knew he would need to be exceptionally agile for this next move. The opponents dashed towards each other ready to give it their all in this final moment. Just as Lycaon stopped ready to land a blow, Percy did the unexpected, he evaporated right before his eyes.

Lycaon's fist passed through air where the young demigod's head should have been and left him bewildered. A second later, he was thrown off balance and put into a head lock. Percy wrapped his legs around Lycaon's waist, one arm around his neck, and the other arm acting as support and a block.

Lycaon was effectively pinned and being chocked into submission by the young demigod. However, with his stubborn wolf pride, Lycaon would not submit. He laid there trying to wriggle out or force Percy's arms away from his neck. That is until Percy summoned a trident of water in the air and aimed it at Lycaon's neck. The great mighty father of wolves gave up in a fair battle and respected Percy's resolve.

Percy released Lycaon and warily awaited for what comes next. "So, did I pass your test?" The young raven haired demigod waited nervously for a response. Maybe Lycaon would force him to stay.

"You're a strange one, sea spawn" Lycaon stated stretching his arms, "but you have earned the curse."

Percy let out a breathe he wasn't aware he was holding in and braced for his new curse.

Lycaon walked around Percy like a wolf circling it's meal. "Unlike most, you didn't complain about advantages and instead used your own fairly. We have all seen your resolve and the strength you wield without your godly powers." He stopped in front of Percy, eyes bearing into his. "As you know, a bite from one of us can kill a demigod."

Percy nodded in acknowledgment, "I can handle it I'll use the water to heal while I wait for the curse to spread." He knew this was going to be extremely difficult.

"You misunderstand young Perseus." Lycaon stepped closer fangs, claws, and more hair visible in his features. His eyes growing with a slight glow in them. "As king and father of the wolves, my bite will most definitely kill you instantly." With another step forward, Lycaon could see Percy visibly pale at his statement. "Which is why you will take a drink of my blood immediately after my bite. Do you accept?"

Percy could only stare at Lycaon as he made a cut into his own wrist with a claw. It was now or never, he has nothing to lose and plenty to gain right? "I graciously accept." He finally stated.

"Be warned demigod, though you won't be one anymore, once you pass out, one of my own will carry you away and deep into the forest. You will have to go through the first transition on your own and our deal will stand from that point on. Make it seem like you intimidated us away from the demigods and we will stay away as long as they do us no harm."

"Understood." Percy shook his clean hand and prepared himself. "I'm ready whenever you are and I promise to keep you and demigods safe."

Lycaon actually showed a small smile before bring his open wrist to Percy and grabbing one of his arms to bite. Percy braced for the pain and when he felt him finally release; immediately drank the blood provided.

The moment Percy wiped his mouth of blood he dropped to the floor writhing in pain. Lycaon only stood over and watched until the demigod passed out from the curse in his system. He called over a wolf, placed young Perseus on its back, and sent the wolf off into the forest.

Now it was up to Percy to handle the rest and hold up his end of their deal. Just as he was told, Percy was carried to a dead-zone of sorts, dropped off, and safe from lurking eyes. The wolf took one last glance back at the newly cursed teen and made their way back to the pack. Their task was complete yet it felt like a profound change was soon to come.

It was a blind spot to most celestial beings, a small clearing free of monsters. Kissed by sunlight yet protected by some branches to provide comfortable shade. Like a cell phone dead zone, the surrounding area of the clearing was quiet and without a monster in sight. Had a god or goddess kept an eye on the unsuspecting demigod, they would have lost him within the area he was currently in. Out of their field of vision, out of their power to watch, a place even godly eyes cannot see.

Percy was actually completely safe from all that would seek to harm him; be they monsters, gods, titans, giants, and even humans. Safe for the moment, safe until his inevitable return to the mythological world. Such a shame that it would be the last taste of so-called peace that the young wolf godling would have for a rather long time.