Curse of the Triblood

Chapter 8

Percy POV

Once the bus exploded Annabeth made sure we were already on the run. Vasilias was looking to the sky ready to fight it and Grover was muttering something about perfectly good tin cans. We walked for a few miles trying to avoid mortals.

Grover asked why we were trying to avoid the mortals and Annabeth told him that we had no way of knowing what they saw through the mist. I added on that knowing I hugged one of the Kindly Ones to death, the mortals might see me as a fugitive and making sure we were far enough away where they can't put two and two together was best. We were hungry and weak from walking then we found a place and Grover had to read the name to us since Annabeth and I were dyslexic.

"Aunty Em's Garden Gnome Emporium," Grover told us.

"The lights are on," I told them peering in.

"Food," Annabeth uttered. The two of us were going in when Grover told us he was getting a bad vibe. Vasilias was backing him up and hated the idea of going in but because I didn't eat in a day since the bus exploded yesterday, I was not in the right state of mind. We could smell the hamburgers from outside.

"Aren't you hungry?" I asked.

"Vegetarian, remember?" Grover reminded me.

"Oh, yeah. Sorry."

I knocked on the door and a middle-aged, middle eastern woman came to open it. She was wearing some cloth covering her head. I could swear I heard a few snakes nearby. I looked at her and her eyes softened a bit when she saw me as she could recognize me. Annabeth and I were going to make up some lie about being orphan circus travelers but sadly that didn't work.

"Perseus Jackson? It would seem a member of the Jackson family has come to buy some of my statutes. I always wanted to have one of my statues in the famous gardens," she told me. "Call me Aunty Em."

"Yes. My father sent me here to check out the statues myself. While we are looking do you have any food? My servants and I rushed over here as quickly as possible to see the statues ourselves and haven't eaten anything. I'm sorry for the trouble," I lied quickly. Living with a bunch of people related to Athena and actress my entire life makes you a good actor and a better thinker under pressure.

"Of course, of course. I would be happy to help," Aunty Em told me. She led us into the warehouses that were filled with hundreds of statues that looked amazing.

"Good thinking," Annabeth told me.

Vasilias was trying to convince us to leave like it was the most important thing to do. When we got to a table it was filled with food which was enough for everyone. We started gorging on the food while Grover went ham on the nachos and some tin cans. Grover mentioned the hissing sound as well and I thought it was weird. I didn't notice any snakes but we both heard them. It couldn't have been a coincidence.

"These statues look incredibly good. You made these yourself?" Annabeth asked.

"Yes. Once upon a time, I used to have two sisters to help. Sadly, they are no longer with me," she said. "You know Perseus, you look like your father. The same green eyes." Once she said that I got more than a few red flags going off in my head. "You as well Annabeth. Those deep gray eyes, just like your mother."

"I believe we have seen enough statues. I thank you. I will send word to my father and will buy half a dozen," I told her.

Annabeth seemed to sigh in relief knowing that we both had an idea of who Aunty Em was. I looked nothing like my dad, and I heard from Aphrodite I looked exactly like Poseidon. From what I have seen from Athena's kids they all have her gray eyes, meaning she knows both of our parents. Only one creature could have a relationship with those two gods, have two sisters, and make stone statues this good.