Chapter 46:
Beep! Beep!
Beep! Beep!
Beep! Beep!
You have slept in you own bed; HP and MP have been restored 100% each. All ailments and negative status effects have been cured.
Percy opened his eyes as he felt a familiar weight on his right. The demigod turned, stretching his body awake as a yawn escaped his mouth. The son of Poseidon looked down at the mass of black hair on his shoulder as he bent down planting a kiss on Thalia's exposed forehead.
"Morning," Percy said as Thalia tried to pull herself closer, but they were already as close as possible.
"Turn that thing off before I destroy it," Thalia grumbled out as she swung her leg off of Percy moving away.
"Sorry," Percy whispered as his switched off his digital alarm. He looked down to see a notification alert;
Feed the Horses
Percy sighed, it was early in the morning, the sun was barely up. But it was his turn. "I need to go," Percy told Thalia as he kissed her forehead again before lifting her arm off of him.
"Horses?" Thalia asked as she pulled up the sheet over her nude chest.
"Horses," Percy told her as he put on his clothes, "think you can manage getting up before anyone notices you in my bed?"
"Yeah," Thalia grumbled out, "I'll do it. Don't worry."
Percy rolled his eyes, "we don't want an incident like last time. Mera almost caught you sneaking back."
"Mera's a vindictive bitch," Thalia muttered as she swiftly fell asleep again. Percy chuckled but said nothing. He placed another kiss on her forehead before walking out of the cabin.
As Percy walked out he saw Leo sleeping on the porch. Percy smiled as he carefully walked away into the camp, taking care not to wake Leo up.
Percy breathed the crisp morning air, these days he had taken up Thalia's habit of waking up at 7. The only reason he ever woke up early these days was for some special training or if there was some special chores to do.
Recently they had taken to sharing a bed in Percy's cabin. Thalia would sneak in late at night and would cuddle up next to him, sometimes they would get a little handsy, but most of the times they just liked sleeping next to each other. Percy couldn't honestly say waking up to someone sleeping next to you was one of the best feelings in the world. He was always energetic during the mornings, Gamer's body made sure of that, but having Thalia next to him made him eager to wake up.
Unfortunately they could only do this for a few more days, the moment John came back from whatever quest he was on they would have company and Percy didn't really think John would like them together. Say what you will about the man for all his attempts to adapt to modern life he was still born in the 1920's where if you even kissed a woman it was a sign of marriage.
They could move into Thalia's cabin if John came back, but again there was a problem with that. Sure Thalia was the only daughter of Zeus so it would be empty. But standing right in the center of the cabin was a giant statue of Zeus looking down at the people in the cabin. It kind of freaked Thalia out staying in the cabin, after all which teenage girl wanted to sleep in a room where a statue her dad was planted right in the center?
Percy quickly made his way towards the Stables that were located near the very end of the camp. He rarely ever went there, but over the past week he had become closer to said horses, he even took over for Selina by taking care of them when she couldn't.
Since his dad was the father of horses Percy was again treated like royalty by them all. The first day he saw them Percy was surprised to learn that he could talk to them. He did have the Equus trainer perk, but he never really spent any points to try and understand them like he did for Leo.
Eventually he realised this was part of his demigod heritage, he was technically the prince of all horses. Percy smirked, Poseidon was definitely the coolest of all the Gods. After all Thalia and the Hades kids weren't considered royalty. Percy was a prince in Atlantis and the prince of Horses. Seriously! Could Poseidon get any cooler?!
The stables were designed to look similar to the ones made in medieval times with a wooden roof and stone walls. The ground was covered with cobblestones with a layer of grass and hay on top of it to provide padding.
As Percy approached it he could hear the voices of his eger 'subjects' inside the building telling him to hurry up.
"The boss is here!" a horse shouted from the inside.
"We noticed shit head!" another horse called out huffing in annoyance.
Percy opened the stable doors and went in. He saw a hay square lying on the side. Percy walked over and tore off the straps holding the hay together before grabbing a bunch of it in his arms.
"Who's hungry?" Percy called out gaining the attention of all the horse.
"ME!"
"ME!"
"ME!"
Several horse shouted in anticipation as Percy smiled. He then used his telekinesis to lift up and feed all of them the hay in his hands. Percy had gotten a lot better with his mental powers, right now he could multitask as lot, hence why there was currently 6 clumps of hay floating around the barn like they had a mind of their own.
The horse munched on them gleefully as they thanked Percy for the meals. While Percy wasn't as close to the horses as Selina was he could still make them obey him, it was because of his status as prince of horses and his Equus trainer perk.
"Hey boss can we get some apples?" a red colt asked much to the excitement of the rest of the horses and pegasies there.
"Ah, didn't Seliana say something about you lot over eating?" Percy asked raising an eyebrow, "if I recall correctly she mentioned something along the line of you lot running into the kitchens to steal a sack of apples."
The horses snicked, "yeah, we do love our apples."
Percy smiled, it's obvious that they got their sense of humor from Poseidon, must be a child of Poseidon thing.
"Okay I'll get you all some tomorrow," Percy assured them, "but for now make do with the hay."
The horses nodded in thanks as Percy walked out, closing the stable door behind him.
Percy walked to the Mess Hall but just before he reached an Iris message popped up in front of him. Percy watched as the rainbow cleared up into the image Edward Neak, the son of Hermes had a bright smile on his face and bags under his eyes. He looked miserable, haggard and exhausted, but for some reason he was smiling like a casher cat.
"Ed?" Percy asked in surprise, "I'm surprised you're up so early."
"Hey Percy," Ed yawned, "yeah, I know. I have been up all night trying to figure the formula out but after a few hours of grinding I think I finally got it."
Percy raised an eyebrow, "you mean the immunity pills?"
Edward nodded, "yeah…..Percy, I did it. I finally figured it out. I replicated the formula and managed to find all the ingredients to mass produce it. There were some nicks here and there, for the most part the formula would have only given people a timened immunity, but I think I managed to make it permanent."
Percy's eyes widened, "Ed…..are you sure?"
Edward grumbled, "if I wasn't sure would I be calling you right now?! Bloody hell Percy have some fucking faith!"
Percy was taken back, "alright alright, sheesh, sorry I asked."
Edward sighed, "I'm sorry, it's just, sigh, I haven't gotten any sleep. Look we need to meet. I'm going to be in New York soon, I have a previous engagement with some hot shot business tycoon. After that's done I'll meet you in Central Park at 11, I'll bring you enough pills of last the entire camp. There are like what? 150 demigods?"
Percy formed, 'if you only include the Greek demigods then yeah. But there are Roman demigods as well….shit, should I tell him to bring more?' Percy sighed, "look Ed why don't you just bring 12 pills or so. I'll get the head counselors to try them out first before anything else and then….then we'll see."
Ed nodded, "right, sounds good to me."
Percy nodded, "right, see you at 11. Oh and get some sleep, you look like hell."
Edward grumbled, "yeah….,maybe I can get some rest while on the plane."
The message disappears and Percy imm delicately activated his Speed Demon dashing towards the Big House. He called arranged for a war council meeting and soon everyone of the head counselors meet up in the war room.
Percy quickly explained the situation to them, the demigods looked intrigued while Mera and Chiron looked hopeful. Mr. D on the other hand was blank. Percy couldn't figure out what he was thinking, the God had a very good poker face.
"So what do you all think?" Percy asked them standing at the head of the table with crossed hands.
"A pill that can block our scent?" Lee asked suspiciously, "why haven't you told us this before?"
Percy shrugged, "it honestly never came up. When Ed first mentioned the pills to me even he didn't know if they were legit. We were going on a hunch, and it just happened to pay off."
"And you didn't think to tell us this?" Charles Beckendorf asked raised an eyebrow.
"I didn't want to give people false hope Charles," Percy told the head counselor, "if this ended up being a bust I didn't want to let people done. It was pure luck and nothing else that this thing even ended up in Ed's hands."
"Luck and you," Thalia muttered, "if you hadn't helped stop Agent 46 Ed would be dead right now."
The other head councillors looked at Percy who signed, "a story for another time."
Travis spoke up, "Percy I don't like the fact that you're keeping secrets from us."
"Yeah," Connor agreed, "first it was the whole pocket dimensions thing then Thalia and now this, dude we trust you man, with our lives. Why can't you do the same for us."
Percy rubbed his temples, "look man back then it was different, I still didn't know whether or not I could trust you all. And the thing with Thalia and me was private. I admit that I should have told you all sooner about the pills but I stand by what I said. I didn't want to give you all hope where it might not be."
The campers looked at him as slowly one by one they all agreed to his decision.
"I'm assuming you're going to do this on your own?" Annabeth asked as she looked up from Argo's personal journal.
Annabeth had been carrying that thing everywhere, it seems solving the mystery of that book had consumed her, Percy wanted her to stop, but he would be lying if he said he to wasn't curious. So for now he was willing to let Annabeth have her little obsession, but the moment it became too much Percy knew he would stop in and put a stop to it.
"Yeah," Percy nodded, "I need to make sure that Edward got the formula for the pills down. Once I have that I'll be sure to test it out. Then I'll bring the rest of them to you guys and you can see for yourselves."
"So are we going to give everyone in camp a pill?" Selina asked in anticipation.
Percy nodded, "yeah, that's the plan."
"Are we also going to give them to the Romans?" Annabeth asked.
Percy sighed, "I honestly don't know. I'll ask Ed about creating pills for the Romans as well, let's hope he has enough ingredients."
"Great," Thalia mumbled, "when do we leave?"
Percy raised an eyebrow, "we?"
Thalia nodded as she got up, "yup. No way in hell I'm letting you go alone. Besides, it's been a month since we did anything fun, maybe we can have lunch or something, make a day of it."
Percy smiled while Annabeth rolled her eyes, "you two better not destroy New York while you're there," the daughter of Athena commented, "we have enough problems as it is."
Percy looked offended, "us? Cause trouble? What ever gave you that idea?"
Annabeth simple rolled her eyes again while Chiron spoke, "so when do you have to meet Edward?"
"I am supposed to meet up with Ed in..." Percy looked down at his watch, "...4 hours time. I think I'll go ahead right now, maybe see my mom or something."
"Great, then I'll take over training for today," Mera spoke up for the first time, "I'll make sure they don't slack when you're gone prince Percy."
Mera gave Percy a very suggestive smile that Percy promptly ignored but it did manage to piss Thalia off.
After saying goodbye to Leo and making sure he had enough to eat for breakfast, Percy and Thalia took off for New York.
Thalia was put into Percy's inventory while the demigod ran at at near mach 1 speeds toward New York. He quickly arrived at his mother's apartment at around 8 in the morning.
After sneaking into an alley Percy reached into his inventory and took Thalia out.
The demigoddess looked around, "you know, I think I'm finally getting used to that."
Percy smiled, "good."
The two then left the empty ally went towards Percy's mom's apartment. As they climbed the stairs to the third floor Percy looked at his girlfriend and noticed that she looked worried, nervous even. Last time he saw her this scared they were about to fight a Giant.
"You okay?" Percy asked, "you look like you are about die or something."
"I'm…..I'm fucking scared," Thalia admitted, "I mean, I'm going to see...well….your mom."
Percy blinked in confusion, "yeah….and?"
Thalia sighed, "Percy, I, Thalia Grace, your girlfirend, am about to meet your mom. Do you see where I am going with this?"
Percy blinked for a few seconds before chuckling, "relax Thalia, you don't have to be nervous. My mom's kind of like me, laid back and very caring, I promise she will love you."
Thalia nodded and mumbled under her breath, "I sure hope so."
The quickly reached the third floor as Percy walked towards his mom's apartment door and knocked on the wood.
"Coming!" Sally's voice was heard from the other side as she quickly opened the door. She looked at Percy and smiled, "Percy!"
The demigod grinned back, "hey mom."
Sally wrapped her son in a warm hug, a gesture Percy repeated. Being with her made Percy feel safe, like everything in the world would be alright, a feeling he slowly felt whenever he was with Thalia.
Sally soon broke the hug as she looked Percy up and down, "you have grown Percy. You're almost as tall as me!"
Percy grinned, she was right, Goblin's growth was clearly working for him. He was around 5 foot 6 inches now, something that Percy took great pride in rubbing in Thalia's face as he was finally taller than her.
"Thanks mom," Percy said, "I kind of had a growth spurt this summer."
Sally smiled as she looked at Percy's arms and glared, "Percy….why do you have tatoos?"
Percy looked confused, "what do you-" he then looked down and saw his strength seals in the form of chains around his forearms, "oh these. Well they are kind of strength seals," he explained, "they help keep my strength in cheek, don't want to accidently destroy something."
Sally foran, "really?"
Percy nodded, "yup."
"You sure."
"Yup."
"Percy…."
"Yeah mom?"
"You didn't join a gang or something, right?"
"Mom!"
Sally chuckled as she turned away from Percy towards Thalia, "and who is this?" she asked with a smile.
Thalia stammered, "T-Thalia Grace ma'am, daughter of Zeus." She gulped, "I'm the daughter of Zeus."
Sally looked surprised, "ah, yes. Percy mentioned you before."
Thalia blinked, "he did?"
Sally nodded, "yes, he told me about how you were, what was it again? Brought back by the power of the Golden Fleece?"
Thalia nodded dumbly as Percy smiled, "anyway, can we come in? We were in town on official demigod business and thought we should drop by."
Sally smiled, "of course."
Sally lead them inside and Percy was happy to find that nothing had changed. The place still smelled the same, blueberries with a hint of vanilla floated about in the air. Percy and Thalia sat down in the dining room as Sally went into the kitchen.
"I was just about to make breakfast when you came," Sally called out, "would you two like some?"
"Yeah mom, thanks!" Percy called back as Sally told them to wait for a few minutes. Percy then turned to Thalia who was busy looking around staring at all the pictures on the wall.
Percy smiled, "those are my baby photos," Percy told her pointing at a set of photos hanging in the living room. They were mixed photos, ones of him in preschool or him and Sally at Montauk.
"Those are nice," Thalia said pointing to the ones of Percy as a baby that were above the fireplace, "at least we know you were cute as a baby."
Percy groaned, "and I'm not cute now?"
Thalia chuckled, "no sweetie," she kissed him on the cheek, "now you're handsome."
"Alright who wants pancakes?!" Sally called out joyfully as she brought out a stack of blue pancakes out for Percy and Thalia along with a jug of blue milk.
"Woah, you were right," Thalia said eyeing the plate of blue food Sally just put down, "she does make everything blue."
"Yup," Percy said as he floated two pancakes onto his and Thalia's plates while lifting the jug of milk with his telekinesis pouring himself a glass of said milk.
Sally looked on in surprise, "Percy….since when can you move things with your mind?"
Percy finished chugging his glass milk rubbing the milk mustache that formed, "well it's kind of always been there, but only recently did I really start to train in it."
"And by train in it he means use it for every single manual task you can think of," Thalia huffed biting into her pancake, "seriously, everything. One time I saw a roll of toilet paper float out of the janitor's closet and float towards the boy's toilet. I seriously thought that someone might have slipped me some mushrooms."
"Okay A, that 'incident' was awesome. Do you know how far away the janitor's closet is? I had to struggle to even get a clear picture of what I want to be brought towards me, and B, you're just jealous because of that time I lifted you up and threw you into the sea."
"It was freaking ice cold Percy!" Thalia shouted, "seriously! Ice cold! What type of boyfriend does that?!"
"You insulted Star Wars!"
"All I said was that the prequels had better graphics!"
"And that it had better story!"
"I never said that!"
"Bullshit-"
"Boyfriend?" Sally voice stopped Percy's argument as the who released their slip up. They both turned nervously towards Sally who looked like the cat who caught the canary, "Percy dear, is there something you would like to share?"
Percy looked at Thalia who motioned him to speak up. "Why me?" he whispered.
"Because she's your mom," Thalia hissed back.
Percy gulped, "well mom you see...ah, well Thalia is my...well she's my girlfriend."
Sally smiled, "really now? Does your father know about this?"
Percy and Thalia nodded, "yeah believe me, they know."
"They?" Sally raised an eyebrow. Thalia blinked, 'huh, so that's where Percy got that from.'
"The Olympians," Percy sighed, "Aphrodite kind of spilled the beans on that one."
Thalia nodded, "dumb Goddess. Giving away secrets that aren't her's to give."
"So Zeus was okay with this?" Sally asked surprised, "I can't imagine he was happy learning his daughter was dating a child of Poseidon."
"We ah, kind of worked something out," Thalia said with a shrug, "but I don't really think Percy should meet up with him any time soon. I think for now it's more like a , 'if I see you I'll kill you' kind of phase."
"So...what you're telling me is that I'm the last one to find out," Sally said with narrowed eyes as she turned to her son, "tell me Percy, why was I the last to find out?"
Percy gulped, "w-well you see mo-mom, thing's just got so busy and I was kind of stretched thin. We had this monster to fight and the Romans came up, oh did you know there are Roman demigods? Like seriously, then even have a Roman-"
"Percy," Sally's one word cut Percy's rambling.
Percy gulped, "yeah."
Sally smiled, "are you happy?"
Percy blinked but smiled, "yeah, I'm happy."
Sally nodded as she spent the rest of breakfast talking to Thalia trying to learn more about her and how things were going on between the two. Percy avoided any explicit details, she was his mother after all, but told her everything else. He told her about the giant they fought in their trip to Alaska, about how they joined both the camps. He even told her about how Thalia kissed him in front of the whole camp telling them all he was hers, much to the embarrassment of Thalia.
Time flew by and before they knew it it was to meet up with Edward.
Percy and Thalia walked out of Sally's apartment with Sally waiting by the door. "Don't be a stranger dear," Sally told Percy as she kissed him on the cheek, "and remember to treat Thalia well."
"Mooooom," Percy groaned, "you're embarrassing me in front of Thalia."
Sally chuckled as she turned to Thalia, "take care of him for me."
Thalia nodded, "will do. And don't worry, if he does something stupid I'll blast him with lighting."
Sally nodded, "thank you."
Percy groaned, "remind me again why I'm helping you get stronger?"
Thalia chuckled as they waved goodbye to Sally walking down and out of the apartment complex. When they were outside they went back into that secluded alley from before as Percy put Thalia back into his inventory.
He then took off towards Central Park zooming around the place searching for Ed. The funny thing was Ed didn't exactly tell him where in Central Park he wanted to meet, so Percy was just forced to looked everywhere, but that wasn't really a problem for the demigod.
Soon he found Ed sleeping on a park bench near the Northern entrance looking tired as ever. After finding a private place to take out Thalia, the two demigods then walked over to Ed as Percy shook him awake.
"Ed?" Percy asked as he shook the man gently, "Ed it's me, Percy."
Ed groaned as he slowly got back up rubbing his eyes and yawning, "gods be damned, can't you let me get one moment of rest?"
Percy chuckled, "sorry Ed, just wanted to make sure an assassin didn't kill you or something."
"Don't even joke about that," Ed said as he stood up stretching his tired body, "nice to see you again Thalia."
"Hey Ed," Thalia smiled.
"How's camp life?"
"Good," Thalia nodded, "we managed to join forces with the Romans, so that's nice."
"Romans?" Ed asked in surprise, "what does Romans have to do with this?"
"There are a sect of Roman demigods," Percy explained, "have their own Gods, their own camp and their own city. It's honestly amazing Ed. they have an entire city where demigods can go an live in peace," Percy smiled, "it's a safe place for demigods to get old and die."
Edwards Neak blinked, "are you serious? Like you aren't pulling my leg or anything right? A city for demigods?"
Thalia nodded, "yup. Before I thought you were the oldest demigod alive, but then I saw the people living in New Rome, that's the city's name by the way, and I realised people over there can actually die of old age."
"That sounds so cool," Edward admitted in amazement, "shit if we combine that with my pills demigods might have a chance to actually live a normal human life."
Percy nodded, "yup. That's exactly what I was hoping for. Maybe now demigods don't have a bloody expiration date hanging over our heads."
Edward huffed, "tell me about it. Although, I don't really like the name of the city they have.'New Rome' just sounds to...Roman for me."
Percy chuckled, "yeah I know what you mean. I am actually planning on building a place similar to New Rome but for us Greek demigods."
Edward blinked, "you're serious?"
Percy nodded, "yup."
"That's going to cost you a lot."
Percy and Thalia grinned, "that's not going to be a problem."
Edward nodded, "well if you ever need any help from me just ask. I did make my money creating security for Boston. Maybe I could lend a hand in construction. Half-Blood Inc.'s research and development sector did create some great ideas for an eco green energy system for a metropolis."
Percy scratched his chin, "sounds good, maybe me and Annabeth can swing by your office sometime, show you what we have so far."
Edward nodded, "sounds good."
"So," Thalia spoke up, "now that you two are done trying to save the demigod race, can we get back to business?"
Edward chuckled, "as charming as ever Thalia," Ed reached into the side pocket of his jacket and pulled out a tin case.
Percy took the case and opened it, inside were 15 neon green pills that were about the size of a large tic tac. Percy took one out and Observed it;
Pill of scent destruction;
Just one of these pills will destroy all the unwanted energy leaking out of a being. This will result in a variety of effects;
For humans- If said human has latent magic powers, but said mana leaks out of their body before it can be used, this pill will allow said human to use the leaked mana, hence making them magical. They can also see through the Mist.
For demigods- their scent will be destroyed, monster's will be unable to track them. Also provides a permanent boost of +50 MP.
?-?
?-?
?-?
Time limit- Forever, unless there is a drastic change in the user's mana causing the pill to become useless.
"Ed," Percy spoke clearly, "I think you may have just created a pill to destroy the scent of a demigod."
Edward nodded, "yeah, I know."
"Did you test it out?"
"I did, just now," Edward motioned to himself, "I took one and then slept in the middle of Central Park. I was defenceless for about 2 hours, and from my past experiences I know that my scent is strong enough for a monster to notice in just an hour, tops."
"You risked your life to test these pills?!" Thalia asked, "Ed that's crazy!"
Edward shrugged, "I need to test them out Thalia. Do you have any other way?"
Thalia sighed but said nothing. Percy however kept reading the effects of the pill when he noticed what effect the pill would have on humans. This peaked Percy's curiosity, "hey Ed. How exactly does this work?"
Edward looked surprised but answered, "well after doing some research I found out that the reason we demigods leave behind a scent is because we leak a small amount of mana unconsciously. Every living being does it, it's just that when we demigods do it, it allows the monster's to track us via our mana trail, which is more potent due to our Godly side. And so it was all a matter of creating a pill that can counteract this unwanted leakage of mana."
Percy blinked, "so….let's say a human has mana. If I gave this pill to them….would that mean they could now use their own mana?"
Edward and Thalia blinked. The billionaire spoke up first, "well….I suppose theoretically yeah, that's possible."
Percy looked at the pill before sighing, "a problem for another time. Thanks Ed, we'll get this to camo and test it out. When we are ready I'll call you for more pills."
Edward nodded, "right, oh and don't forget about visiting me, and I still interested in this…..safe haven you wish to build for the demigods." Edwards then yawned, "now fuck off. I'm sleepy."
Thalia chuckled as the two did just that walking away, leaving Edward to get his rest. As soon as they were far enough away Thalia spoke up, "what does your gaming powers tell you?"
"The pills can stop our scent," Percy told her, "permanently."
Thalia grinned, "awesome."
"It even gives us all a +50 for our MP."
"That's mana points right?" Percy nodded, "cool."
"But there is a catch," Percy told her causing Thalia to groan, "if someone's mana changes drastically the pill might not work."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I'm not to sure…...but I think it might mean like if we became a God or something. Or became immortal."
Thalia nodded, "I see…..oh and Percy, about that human thing..."
Percy sighed, "you noticed."
Thalia nodded, "I did. Does the Game say that if you give the pill to a human they will gain magical powers?"
Percy nodded, "yup. I always wondered why certain human never were able to use their mana despite having so much intelligence. Guess this is why."
Thalia sighed "great, so we have a pill that can increase the lifespan of a demigod, while at the same time turn humans into magicians. Just what we need."
Percy chuckled, "maybe in the future we can make every human into a magical being, that way none of us needs to hide any more. We would all be freaks."
Thalia chuckled, "one can dream Percy, one can dream."
Percy took out two pills out of the box, "here," he gave Thalia one, "let's see what happens."
"Oh, isn't this sweet, a romantic walk in the park while my boyfriend gives me a mysterious glowing green pill," Thalia said in a mocking tone, "you sure know how to woo a lady Percy."
Percy chuckled, "I didn't realise I still had to woo you. Aren't you already mine?"
"I am," Thalia nodded, "but it would still be a nice thing to have you try and woo me once in awhile."
Percy chuckled, "alright then how about this, after we take the pills we go out on a date, like a real one. No ice glaciers, no Giants, just a normal trip to the mall that two teenagers would do. Deal?"
Thalia grinned, "deal."
Percy nodded, "alright then," he took his own pill, "bottom's up." They swallowed it together as suddenly a small rush of mana filled their body. Percy felt his entire being heat up a little as he felt something burn. It was like there were these lines of mana streaming out of Percy, small enough to not be noticed before, but now it was the only thing that Percy could feel.
Slowly Percy felt his pores close up stopping the constant stream of mana from pouring out of him;
Ping!
You have gained +50 mana!
Mana- 7,750/7,750 (+1000) = 8,750 (+20% more mana, +1,710) = 10,500
Percy smiled pushing the notification away and put the rest of the pills into his inventory, don't want those getting lost.
He then turned to Thalia who looked like she just ate something spicy. Her head was sweating as her skin turned red before slowly turning white again. "Are you okay?" Percy asked Thalia.
"I'm fine," Thalia said as she coughed, "damn, it feels like I just ate a can of chilli flakes."
Percy nodded, "I know what you mean. Do you feel….I don't know, more powerful?"
Thalia nodded, "yeah, it wasn't like that berry you gave me during our trip to Alaska, it was far less of a boost."
Percy nodded, "yeah this only gave a +50 bonus while that gave a +200 bonus. Anyway, are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine Percy," Thalia said as she looked down at her sweat soaked shirt, "although I could use a clean up."
Percy nodded, "one magical clean up comeing up," Percy snapped his fingers causing all the sweat on Thalia's skin to evaporate into nothing leaving her dry as a bone. "Alright, your dried down and we have complete immunity from monsters…ready for a normal date?"
Thalia grinned, "bring it."
Percy and Thalia walked around the park hand in hand. In the public eye no one cared about the two, they weren't the son and daughter of two Elder Gods, they weren't the leaders of Camp Half-Blood, no. They were just a couple walking around park hand in hand, happy to be alive.
Soon the park got a little boring as Thalia and Percy left the park, "so which way to the mall?"
Percy scratched his head, "well we can go the Manhattan mall but….well it's not really the kind of place you take a girl to to woe her."
Thalia rolled her eyes, "Percy I have never been to a mall in my life, well not really, but what I mean is I have never gone there and actually bought anything. The last mall I went into was because I need to escape a bunch of cyclops's. So yeah, I don't' care if it's just a hole in the wall, let's just go do something."
Percy smiled, "alright, but don't say that I didn't warn you."
A short cab ride later:
"This ain't that bad," Thalia commented as they walked into the mall.
The floors were marble with a black and white checkered pattern, the walls were covered with a chrome cover and the lights were bright neon white illuminating Percy and Thalia's path into the wall.
While Thalia only saw all the glamours lighting and the pretty stores Percy, someone who had been here before, noticed the way the mall looked old and worn out. The edge of billboards had been used and the marble floor had scratches on it from the numerous people that had walked on it before.
The store themselves were okay. To their left was a woman's accessories store called Strawberry, which Thalia seemed almost allergic to due to the store's liking for the colour pink. Something told Percy that his girlfriend wasn't a girly girly.
To their right was a Victoria's secret that automatically made Percy blush. The posters along the store windows featured very beautiful women wearing very sexy linger.
'Damn, those legs go on forever,' Percy noticed as suddenly he began to imagine Thalia in one of those. Her perky breasts filling a black corset as her hips pushed a garter belt to it's limits. The way those stockings would cover thick thighs of her's and the way her eyes would look at him in that sexy face she makes when she want's him…..and immediately all the blood started to rush to his groin.
Percy quickly slammed down Gamer's mind, last thing he needed was Thalia thinking he got turned on by another woman.
"Percy," Thalia whispered into his ear startling Percy.
"W-what?" Percy stammered as he looked at Thalia's grinning face.
"Were you just looking at a lingerie store?" Thalia asked as she closed in on him grabbing his shirt collar.
"Well I mean it was kind of there with big bold words, it would be kind of hard not to notice it," Percy said as he looked into Thalia's eyes gulping as slowly the desire to kiss her grew within him, 'it's not fair! Those damn eyes are just too sexy!'
Thalia smirked as if she knew what Percy was thinking slowly batting her eyes bringing them closer, "would you like me to buy one of those for you?" Percy's blush came back with full force, "is that what you want Percy? To see me wearing those tight," she ran her other hand down his pants, "sexy lingerie?" she rolled her tongue making Percy turn his focus on it as he gulped.
"Thalia someone might look," Percy told her.
"The mall is practically empty Percy," Percy tore his eyes away from hers and looked around seeing that there were only five other people besides them in the store, "besides," Thalia's voice turned into a whisper, "I don't care if they watch."
Percy couldn't take it any more as he wrapped one hand around Thalia's hips while putting the other one up, "ID create: Time dilation." Thalia was surprised at Percy action as the two were transported into an empty pocket dimension where they were the only people living.
Thalia looked at Percy and smiled, "clever boy."
Percy didn't say anything as he grabbed Thalia kissing her hard as he pushed her up the nearby wall. Thalia wrapped her legs around his hips and broke the kiss, "knew you couldn't resist me."
"Are you going to do this every time I look at another girl?" Percy asked recalling several times Thalia did the same when Mira was involved.
"Got to remind you who belong to don't I?" Thalia said as kissed his neck slowly trailing down.
"Believe me, I'm not going to forget any time soon," Percy muttered as she bite into Thalia's neck making the daughter of lighting moan.
10 minutes later;
Percy and Thalia popped back into the real world with their clothes properly placed but their hair were in a mess. Percy didn't mind, his hair was always messy, but Thalia did her best to try and make it seem like she didn't just make out with Percy. But then again the five hickies on her neck kind of gave her away.
Percy smiled, "so, are we actually going to see what's in this mall or what?"
"You're the New Yorker," Thalia commented, "lead the way."
Percy chuckled and nodded as he guided Thalia through the stores.
This time Percy completely ignored the Victoria's secret store which made Thalia happy, but at the same time sad, she didn't want him to feel like he can't be himself, but then again she also don't want to even imagine him looking at another woman like the way he looks at her.
"Hey Thalia, you want some coffee?" Percy asked pointing to the starbucks underneath a set of elevators.
Thalia nodded, "sure." Percy nodded as he went to get the their cups. Thalia sighed, 'maybe I shouldn't worry too much, after all it's Percy, it's not like he would ever cheat on me. Yeah…..yeah, I'm worrying to much, fuck this Thalia you found yourself the perfect guy and you will not screw it up being a little possessive bitch, you got that?!'
Percy came back only to see Thalia distracted. Worried he used his powers of empathy to feel her emotions and was flooded by a huge wave of self doubt. Percy sighed, "Thalia stop beating yourself up."
Thalia blinked, "how did you know I was….Empathy powers, right. Ever tell you how creepy that is?"
Percy nodded as she took her coffee, "constantly. Now, what are you beating yourself about this time?"
Thalia sighed, "I-I was worried I looked desperate. I mean...I didn't like the idea of you thinking about another woman like that and the way I acted…..I don't know Percy. I guess I just get jealous really easily."
Percy chuckled, "please, I get jealous way easier than you," Percy sipped his coffee, "I once punched Apollo off of Olympus because he was ogling you."
Thalia blinked, "you what?!"
Percy nodded, "yeah….didn't I tell you?"
"No!"
Percy shrugged, "must have slipped my mind. No big deal really, he was staring at you, and then implied that I should let him sleep with you, I didn't like that, so I kicked his ass. No big deal."
"Percy…...you know what I'm not even going to address that," Thalia said chugging her hot coffee, "guess we are just two very possessive people."
Percy nodded, "yup," he then leaned in close, "and you know why I got turned on?" Thalia shook her head, "I was imagining you in that," Percy said pointing to the picture of the model he was looking at before.
Thalia blushed, "w-what?"
Percy chuckled, "come on Sparky, I'm in the mood to do some shopping." Thalia didn't say anything as she simply followed Percy as a small smile crept on her face. She turned back to the lingerie store, 'maybe…..'
Percy and Thalia's first stop was at a shack present on the mall floor called Gizmobiles. It was a small shack managed by a single guy named Gary and it sold cell phones. Thalia was about to move on when Percy stopped her. "I think it's time we finally got mobile phones, don't you?"
Thalia raised an eyebrow, "Percy what are even saying? We can't use technology because the monsters can…..track us using our scent…..."
Percy grinned, "right, and if we don't have our scent anymore..." he trailed on for Thalia to continue.
"Then they can't track us anymore," Thalia realised as a sparkle came into her eyes, "I want a flip phone."
Percy grinned, "done."
In the end they both got a phone. Thalia got a black flip phone while Percy got a blue and grey one, it was a lot like the phone he had before in Yancy academy, before he had to get rid of it due to his awakened demigod scent.
Percy quickly saved the numbers of Edward, the Collector, his mother and anyone else he could think of off the top of his head.
They also bought extra phones, one for each cabin head and for each employee at the camp. Percy put all the phones way in his inventory and spent a total of about 360$. Nothing compared to the total amount of money he had saved up.
Thalia then spotted a store that sold leather jackets tucked away in the corner of the mall and quickly proceeded to drag Percy there. The son of Poseidon watched as Thalia tried on coat after coat trying to find one which suited her better than the one she had with her.
"What do you think?" Thalia asked trying on a slim black and red jacket that seemed to really hug her abdomen and enhance her chest.
"I think you look like a dominatrix," Percy said smiling.
Thalia looked down, "it's not that bad Percy."
Percy smiled, "it's not bad Thalia, but it's not something we can wear during battle," Percy commented as he looked around, "it's too...restrictive. You need to be able to move, your previous jacket was bigger for you, but at least it didn't restrict your movements."
Thalia frowned, "yeah...I guess you're right."
"But, that being said I totally think you should buy this jacket," Percy said surprising Thalia
"What?"
Percy shrugged "you like it don't you."
"Yeah, but you said-"
"Yeah, I said it wasn't good in a fight, but we do have a life to live you know," Percy grinned, "besides, one can never have too many leather jackets."
"What about the cost?"
Percy shrugged, "I can summon gold out of the Earth, I think we got that covered. Just buy it Thalia. Consider it a perk of being the girlfriend of a rich guy."
Thalia chuckled as she took off the jacket, "yeah, so you're my what? Sugar daddy?"
Percy sighed, "let's not go there." Percy gave Thalia the cash to purchase the jacket and the couple quickly began roaming the mall once again.
They eventually entered a best buy where Percy spent the next half an hour looking at all the gaming systems he could now buy and use. For the first time he didn't have to ask his mother, who was already strapped for cash. Now he could buy it himself.
Percy was so distracted he didn't even notice Thalia slip out of the store and buy something else from a store in the mall. Luckily the bag was small enough for Thalia to hide it along with her new jacket. It was something she wanted to have as a surprise for Percy.
Percy quickly finished his little shopping spree in best buy as he got a DVD player, a 41 inch flat screen TV a gaming console called a PS3 that had just released and a couple of games for him to play when he got back.
Along with those Percy also got a couple of how to DVD's, they featured documentaries or guides to learn different tasks like sewing, fencing, basketball, modern architecture and even one about karate. Percy was fully planning on watching them all and use his Photographic reflexes to mimic all the skills he saw. The modern architecture however was more of a guide than anything else. After all he did have the crazy plan to create his own haven so it might come in handy.
Percy carried all his stuff in a large cart, he couldn't very well put all these items inside his inventory in front of all these people. The Mist might have covered his tracks, but then he would still be blamed for theft.
Percy pushed the cart with Thalia walking along side him. "So what's next?" Percy asked.
"Well I really want lunch," Thalia told him, "not all of us have a body that doesn't feel hunger Gamer body."
Percy nodded, "yeah, I know. So what are you in the mood for?"
"Chinese."
Percy nodded as they made their way to the lift that took them to the court on the second floor. Percy got them seats while Thalia got them two heaping bowls of noodles. Being demigods their calorie intake was huge, Percy's especially. He barely managed to eat enough food per day, considering the large amount of energy he needed due to his super speed and metabolism. And Thalia was like the average demigoddess, able to eat large portions of food without getting fat. This was mainly due to the fact she trained everyday to maintain her body.
"So what's next?" Percy asked Thalia as he began to dig in.
"We return to camp I suppose," Thalia said as she ate her food, "we have been here long enough, and considering nothing has come to try and eat us means the pills worked."
Percy nodded, "yup. So...did you have fun?"
Thalia smiled, "no monsters to fight, so world ending prophecy, just a normal, almost boring day. Yeah Percy, I had fun. But I don't think I want to do this again any time soon."
Percy nodded, "I know what you mean. After the things we have been through a normal day just seems so...boring. Well other than the time we spent making out, that was fun."
Thalia chuckled, "yeah. That was fun. Gods know how we are going to survive school, I think I might just die from boredom."
Peyc smiled, "relax, I'll make sure to keep you entertained."
The two finished their meals and quickly returned back to camp. Percy had snuck off his cart of electronics towards a blind spot in the parking garage and quickly put all of the items into his inventory.
Once they came back to camp Percy called for an immediate meeting and soon everyone was once again gathered in the war room.
"So did it work?" Lee Fletcher started off with asking.
Thalia nodded, "Percy and I stayed in one place for a long time, two hours at the minimum. In all that time no monsters even came close to us, and considering how powerful Percy and I are..."
"Two hours?" Annabeth asked, "you two were gone longer than that."
"Yeah, we spent time at my mom's place," Percy told them.
Clarisse laughed, "and how was meeting the misses Thalia?"
Thalia blushed "well...it was kind of nice. Ms. Jackson is really nice."
Chiron nodded, "yes Sally is an amazing woman….but how did you two manage to stay there for so long and not attract any monsters?"
"Dad has a force field around the place," Percy said with a casual shrug, "he mentioned something about scaring away monsters. It's like a powered down version of Zeus's blessing on Thalia's tree that created the barrier."
"Do you think Poseidon could do that for the haven as well Percy?" Annabeth asked surprising the demigod.
"Well...I'm not sure. I didn't really think it was a good option to consider since, you know, it would only cover one building."
"Yes but that depends on the caster," Mera spoke up surprising everyone.
Percy raised an eyebrow, "do you know the spell?"
Mera nodded "yes, it is called 'Spring's rush' a barrier type spell that is a type of monster repellent. But it takes a lot of mana to cast and-"
"-Could you please teach it to me?" Percy asked her immediately, "I'll see if I can make something out of it for the haven project."
Mera nodded, "of course my prince."
Percy rolled his eyes, "Mera how many times do we have to go over this? Just call me Percy."
"I would," Mera nodded, "but this is a public gathering of leaders, as such you deserve to be called via your proper title." Percy sighed but said nothing else.
"Okay can we please get back on topic?" Selina asked, "the pills, do they work?"
Percy nodded as he took them out of his inventory and sliding them towards the center of the table, "they work. There should be enough in there for each of you, including Mera."
Mera looked surprised, "thank you my prince….I well I don't' know what to say."
Percy smiled, "think nothing of it. Now, what are you waiting for?"
Lee and the others looked at each other and nodded. Clarisse opened the box and each of them took a pill. They swallowed it without a second thought as they slowly started to sweat heating up from the inside.
"Fuck!" Charles cursed, "this burns!"
"Give it some time," Thalia told them as Percy had already taken a carton of milk out of his inventory. He then created glasses out of ice and poured milk into them serving it to each head coulcer.
Clarisse was the first to recover while, surprising, Castor was the second. Mera recovered next as she immediately starts chugging down her glass of cold milk sighing in relief. Soon the other also recovered as a wave of energy flew into them.
"What was that?" Annabeth asked as she finished her glass of milk, "I just felt a….a burst of energy."
Percy nodded as he explained to them the concept behind the pills and how they would gain a small boost in their powers. He left out the fact that these pills could also give humans magic, if they knew that….well there was still a spy among them. Granted it was Luke's spy, but it was a spy none the less.
Percy also gave each camper one of the burner phones he and Thalia bought at the mall. Needless to say they were all excited about the prospect of using technology, the Hephaestus kids especially, who knows what they could do if they were given access to a computer?
After giving Thalia the bag with all the stuff she bought, Percy and Mera walked to the beach where the two smiled feeling the salty sea breeze on their face. It was a child of the sea thing.
Percy sat down on the sands with Mera in front of him, this was how they usually sat whenever Percy was being trained by the mermaid. So far it has alway been exercises to help improve his water control, like rapidly forming water from the moisture or controlling a drop of water at a time.
Such training resulted in him improving his water control by two levels;
Water Controlling Lv-23 (41%)
Allows you to control any form of water from any source of water. You can reconstruct it in anyway you wish and it will obey your every command.
Cost-1 MP per minute
Special attack- Water Spikes-500 Damage cost 110 MP
Special defence- Water shield-200/200 Durability cost 50 MP
Special control- Blood control-cost 20 MP per minute. (Can control those who are weaker than you.)
Special control- Moisture control- cost same as water control + 5 MP
This resulted in Percy's affinity for water to greatly improve to such an extent that it felt as natural as breathing for him. Mera had also taught him three new spells;
Special defence- Water armour- X/X durability cost- 100 MP + X amount of water available
Special control- Water construction- Create a structure out of the water- 50 MP per liter of water.
Magic spells, Lv- MAX
A collection of all the spells you know;
Negate- Counters a low level spell, 30% chance of sending it back, 65% chance of negating it completely. Cost- 50 MP
The first two spells were water based spells. The water armour basically made water form an armour around his body so thin that it was not visible to the naked eye. If you touched it you could feel it, but otherwise it was invisible. Percy had taken to using this skill whenever he could, usually when he was training with Craig or Zed.
The water construction spells was a little more unique in terms of water spells. When Percy used this spell any thing he made out of water would gain a certain level of sentience. For example, if he created a giant buzzsaw out of water he could then command said buzzsaw to attack a particular person. The water structure would then do just that without the need for constant commanding. Percy had particularly taken a liking to the skill and liked to create water missiles sending them towards people who he wanted to piss off, like Castor.
The third spell however was something new that Percy had never learnt before. It was what Mera called simple magic, it seemed anyone could do it, provided they have the mana. It was created by magical humans from a time long forgotten. Since it wasn't like any spell he knew before the spell 'Negate' was it's own skill.
And Negate did what it sounded like it did. It basically allowed him to reflect spells. He still hadn't gotten a hang of it, but things did look promising.
"So, how do I perform this spell? Spring's rush was it?" Percy asked.
Mera nodded, "this spell is unlike any I taught you before," she took a deep breath, "it involves very fine mana control. This spell would require my full attention, and even then it would be doubtful that I can create a guarded area bigger than the size of a cabin."
Percy nodded, "okay….it sounds difficult, but hopefully I can give it a try. I may not be next in line to be the Sea Enchantress but I am good with magic."
Mera nodded, "indeed you are Percy. Now, remember what I said about useing only your na-"
"Natural mana, got it," Percy nodded, "relax, I already know how to use it. I taught Thalia remember?"
Mera nodded. Natural magic was apparently the name people used to call mana that wasn't affiliated with any elements. It was the same type of magic that Percy had Thalia learn how to use when learning the Marble skin technique.
Apparently it was the basic form of magic the everyone could use, but demigods, being half-god, naturally had the most advanced form of magic, elemental magic. Hence why it was so difficult for Thalia to learn how to use her natural magic, in simple terms she was just too good for it.
Percy took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "Now, listen to the sound of my voice," Mera's voice entered the darkness of Percy's eyes, "take out your natural magic and bring it outside your body."
Percy focused on his core and slowly brought his mana out as it reached his skin, some slipped out of his grasp pouring out into the air, but the rest Percy had an iron grip over.
"Now chant with me," Mera then suddenly switched to ancient Greek, [Mighty Poseidon I ask upon your power to guide my spell upon this hour. Your trident's might to never fall, like the waves of the sea that will never stall.]
Percy repeated the words as slowly his mana started to heat up.
"Remember Percy focus on the words," Mera spoke clearly, "they are meant to be a focus, so that when you perform this spell you do not lose your way. Focus my prince on the chant, repeat it over and over and bring out more of your man, hold it for as long as you can."
Percy nodded as he continued the chant as he began to pour out more and more mana slowly gathering it all on the edge his skin. Soon the mana started to vibrate trying to slip out of Percy's control, but somehow the son of Poseidon managed to hold on.
"Remember try to use this mana to form a dome of protection around you. Think of it similar to your water sphere, visualize how you want the barrier to look. Now repeat this spell as you push the mana out," Mera then switched to ancient Greek, [Spring's rush!]
Percy took a deep breath [SPRING'S RUSH!] Percy pushed the mana outwards clearing his head of any other thoughts but the desire to push the mana out. It would like used a spoon to push back a pile of rocks. The vibrating mana seems to evaporate from Percy's grasps causing him to lose all of it in a matter of seconds;
Ping!
You lost -2000 MP!
Percy grumbled as he pushed the box away, "what did I do wrong?!"
Mera sighed, "you lost your focus Percy. Remember, we say those words to guide our spell. The chant serves as a prayer to your father and as a way to help us control our magic."
Percy sighed, "that doesn't make sense, I could control it well enough before, even spells like Marble skin which took natural magic, I could easily control it."
Mera nodded, "yes I know," Percy had taught Mera the marble skin spell, needless to say the mermaid had begun to spam it as much as she could. "But this spell needs the extra focus. The marble skin spell is a simple, but powerfull spell. Truly a spell worthy of the Gods. But the spell I just taught you is a complex protection spell that needs the extra focus."
Percy rubbed his head, "okay...okay let's try this again."
"You sure?" Mera asked worried, "that was a lot of mana you just used Percy, you don't want to stress yourself. It was nearly the total amount of mana I have."
Percy shook his head, "I'm fine, I have a lot more mana to spare."
Mera blinked, "h-how much more mana?"
"I probably have 3 times your total amount," Percy told her. Mera's mana was just somewhere around 3,000 MP or something while Percy had a total of 10,000 MP.
Mera paled, "you have that much?" she asked in a low tone, "if I didn't know you were the son of a God before I do now."
Percy shrugged, "it's no big deal. Now, we need to get back to business."
Mera nodded, "right. Close your eyes and we'll begin again."
Percy nodded as he did so. He pulled his mana out as he began his chant again, but this time he changed it. Meera said that the chant was a way for him to remain focused, but the words personally didn't hold any meaning to him. So he went ahead and changed them.
[Anger, Greed, Fear, Will, Hope, Compassion, Love, Life and Death,] Percy chanted in ancient Greek as he remembered his trails. Percy felt the wind suddenly pick up as if to react to his chant, it felt like he had actual connections to the words, but something was wrong, it was still incomplete.
[My Anger…...rises from Fear. My Greed… is born out of my duty. My Will commands my actions while my Hope helps others. My Compassion is…..my Love and Death…..is Life,] slowly a feeling of wholeness came upon Percy, but he wasn't down, there was still one more thing missing.
[My Anger rises from Fear, my Greed is born from my duty, my Will commands my actions while my Hope helps others. My Compassion is my Love and Death is Life. I am Percy Jackson, pilgrim of Greece.]
Suddenly it clicked, those 9 nine extra words made him feel whole. The mana in his body started to vibrate with eagerness. Percy could control it easily, he then pushed it outwards in the form of a sphere without a second thought.
"Percy wait! You haven't said the spell!" Mera cried out, but it was too late.
Percy's eyes swung open just in time to see his mana pout out of his body and take on the form of a sphere around himself similar to the water sphere he could make with his water control. But there was a problem, he could actually see the mana, when before he realized of his mana senses to feel mana, now he didn't need to, he could see it with his naked eyes.
His mana was a mixture of blue and green as the two solid colors mixed around like the colours in a tie dye shirt. Percy reached out and touched it and was surprised to feel the mana resisting him, he could actually touch it!
"Zeus above," Mera said in wonder as she looked around with her mouth hanging open. The sphere had covered the both of them, and Percy could feel that it had also was present underneath their feet as well.
Ping!
You have gained a new skill via your 'Mana Affinity' perk!
Mana control, Lv- 1 (0%)
Allows you to control your mana in it's purest form. By expelling your mana in a highly condensed state your can create structure only limited to your imagination.
Cost- 100 MP per second for a single structure
Percy was shocked, ''Mana Affinity'? What the hell?' He quickly pulled up that perk as well;
Mana Affinity-Allows user to control mana in its pure form. Allows for free movement of mana outside of the user's body.
+20% Extra mana
Mana recovery rate increased to 45% every 10 minutes.
Percy was amazed at what he was reading. He didn't realise what this perk actually meant when he first got it. He thought it was simply something that gave him a mana boost and control mana more easily for spells. But now after re-reading it he finally realised what an idiot he had been.
"I think I know what this is," Percy spoke up as he pushed the boxes away from him. He turned toMera who was waiting patiently for his explanation, "it's a type of mana manipulation which I seem to have unlocked due to my large mana pool. If I condensed my mana and expel it out, it seems to become," Percy tapped the mana dome around them causing it to ring out like he was touching ceramic, "solid, somehow."
Lie successful!
"How is this even possible?" Mera asked in wonder, "I have never even heard of this."
Percy shrugged, "well neither have I."
"How do we get out of here?"
"Let me try something," Percy told her as he Observed the dome they were under;
Mana construct- Dome
A construct created out of pure mana. As long as mana is supplied to it it will hold onto it's form. Regeneration will cost extra.
Defence - 500/500
Cost- 100 MP per second + 50 MP per second for regeneration purposes
'So I can't just break out of this. If I do I might end up draining myself of all my mana,' Percy realised. So he then closed his eyes and visualized his connection to the dome, after the description did say that as long as mana was supplied it would hold it's form. So that just meant all he had to do was cut off the supply.
Percy immediately found his connection with the dome and terminated it causing the dome to to slowly disappear allowing them once again to feel the rays of the late afternoon sun on their skin.
"So….maybe we should try and do that again, but this time remember to say the spell Percy," Mera said with a grin.
Percy nodded, "yeah, sure." He then looked down as he felt his mana flow through his body. This new skill of his definitely called for further study.
"Now let's do this again," Meera said sitting down on the sand followed by Percy.
Percy closed his eyes and pulled on his mana again, he repeated his chant, [My Anger rises from Fear, my Greed is born from my duty, my Will commands my actions while my Hope helps others. My Compassion is my Love and Death is Life. I am Percy Jackson, pilgrim of Greece]
The mana was vibrating like crazy as he slowly brought it out imagining it forming a big dome around them both as he spoke the spell as loud as he could, [SPRING'S RUSH!]
As Percy pushed the mana out he made sure to maintain control as he repeated his chant over and over again. Slowly his mana began to move on it's own spreading around him stretching itself as wide as it could.
Percy could feel his mana wined and turn into the form of several wards sending a feeling of warning and danger to all monsters nearby.
"Okay, this I did not expect," Meera's voice caused Percy to open his eyes.
You have used 5,000 MP!
Ping!
You have learnt a new spell!
Spring's Rush- Creates a medium level monster repelling barrier around a particular area. Cost- X, Area covered- 1 feet in diameter per 100 MP spent
Lasts- 20 days
Percy got up and looked around seeing nothing of note, "I don't get it, didn't it work this time?"
Mera nodded, "it did work my prince, use your mana sensing abilities to see what I mean."
Percy nodded as he closed his eyes and did just that. Suddenly he felt his mana all around them in the form of a perfect circle. It spread about 50 feet in diameter and the very ground around him felt safe.
"How long will it last?" Percy asked, "20 days?" he remembered the spell's description.
Mera nodded, "your mana sensing abilities are very impressive Percy, yes 20 days is the limit to the spell."
Percy frowned, "then dad must be reapplying the ward around mom's place every month or so."
"Not really," Mera spoke up, "Lord Poseidon is much too busy for that, I am sure he probably etched the spell into the building so that the spell was self casting."
Percy raised an eyebrow, "self casting?"
Mera nodded, "yes. I understand you are familiar with Greek runes?"
Percy foraged, "yeah, I managed to get Alecto to teach me a thing or two."
Mera sat down, "then you must know that every spell also has a written form yes?" Percy nodded as he sat down next to her. "Unlike other spells, spells performed in ancient Greek is special as they can be directly translated from word to language. If a spell is in...let's say Latin, the latin written words of said spells will not provide a direct relation of the spell and the magic performed."
Percy nodded, "so you're saying whether I write the spell or speak it out, it's all the same."
Mera nodded, "exactly."
"But why is ancient Greek diffrent from Latin?"
"Well in the case of Latin, all the spells they know have been translated from ancient Greek into latin, well most of them anyway. That is why the Romans have never produced any good spell users, they lack the power that the words of ancient Greek provide."
Percy nodded, "so you're saying that we have a stronger connection to magic due to our greek leiange."
Mera nodded, "yes. Your ability to speak ancient Greek, a dead language, is a gift most spell casters would kill for. Like actually kill for. It is a natural focus for magic, something others have tried to replicated to various degrees of success. The Romans invented wands to try and serve as their focus while the Chinese use various weapons or household items. The closest thing we have to an equal, and in some cases a superior, is the Hindu mythology, but let's not get into that right now.
Percy nodded, "so….would I be able to create any spell? Like if I said, 'fireball' in Greek would i be able to create a fireball?"
Mera thought about it and slowly nodded, "yes….you can. But you probably won't be able to do certain complicated spells," Mera wanrned him, "Spring's rush, those words themselves have been blessed by Poseidon himself so that is they are uttered in ancient Greek, and you have enough mana, you can create a complex spell."
Percy groaned, "so only Gods can create new spells?"
Mera shook her head, "well...yes and no. If you want to create a spell, and a complex spell at that, you need to focus on what you want, intent is the water armour spell I should you?" Percy nodded, "I created that myself."
Percy was amazed, "damn, you really are a genius."
Mera blushed, "well...thanks. But-ah, anyway, back to spell creation. Let's say you create a spell that turns….ah, let's say it turns sand into water. Now you would have to calculate how the molecular mass of silicon can be converted into water, and don't' worry about the molecules being different, magic has the tendency to emulate elements on a whim."
Percy blinked, "but isn't one of the laws of the universe that matter can neither be created nor destroyed?"
Mera nodded, "yes, I see someone has been readin their chemistry books. Anyway magic is the exception to it all. Think of magic as a cheat code to a video game," 'hitting the nail on the head there Mera,' Percy told himself, "magic can change what we understand about the world, twisting it into something else. But enough about advanced molecular transmutation, let's get back to your spell.
"Okay, so you can transform sand into water, you have to go through thousands of mental calculations in your head, feel the way your magic moves and command it. Remember Percy Magic is 50% theory and 50% hands on adaptability. So after all that you have a spell which you will have to sum up in a few words. Now every time you say those words the magic reacts and follows your subconscious commands, you guide your magic even when you don't realise you are doing it.
"Now, if you teach someone else the spell they will have to go through all the trials you did until the spell becomes second nature to them. But if a God invented a spell anyone can use it without needing to understand the complexities of said spell."
Percy nodded in understanding, "so you mean it tell me that spells made by a human have to be taught and learnt, but spells made by a God is something you know automatically? But how is that even possible?"
"I told you, words have power," Mera repeated, "your words are a promise to whatever God that created the spell, in this case Poseidon, that you would offer up a tiny amount of mana to that God. And without you realising it you have give said mana to the God, it's part of the mana cost for the spell. You are the son of poseidon, that is why the spell worked for you, even if you didn't invoke your father's name for the spell. You have a natural affinity for all spells created by Poseidon."
Percy nodded, "I see. So it's like a public transport vehicle."
Mera blinked, "I'm sorry?"
"It's like a public transport vehicle," Percy repeated himself, "the Gods are the government and the spells used are buses or trains. If we use a public bus provided by the government we have to pay them a small amount of money for a ticket, and further more we don't' have to do anything as the bus will take us and drop us wherever we want. But if we have a vehicle of our own, like a car, we have to learn how to drive, and spend time perfecting our technique. Right?"
Mera blinked as her mouth hanged open. "Two years. They take a two year course on spell theory in Atlantis. You just summarised two years worth of theory with an example relating Gods to the Government…...you are amazing my prince."
Percy grinned, "I know it."
Mera shook her head, "anyway where were we? Oh yeah, how Lord Poseidon probably self charges your mom's barrier. Well as I said words have power. You simply carve the spell's ancient Greek words into the side of the building or into the location you want it on, and you have a ready made spell. Now all you need to do is add this rune," Mera then drew a rune on the sand, "which supplies magic to the carved spell, and presto! Self charging spell."
Ping!
You have learnt a new rune!
Spell charger- draw the rune next to any spell rune that needs to be charged. Cost- 0
Percy blinked, "wait… I want to try something." Percy then walked over to one tree and took out Riptide. He then used it's edge to carve the rune for 'fire' in ancient Greek as he poured a tiny amount of mana into it.
Suddenly the tree exploded into flames which Percy quickly put out with water he gathered form the moisture.
"This is certainly going to help in the future," Percy said with a smile as he healed the damaged part of the tree, don't want little Percy Decker, the son of Pan, pissed off at him for damaging a tree. The kid kind of got protective when it came to wildlife, understandably considering who his dad is.
"So," Percy turned to Mera, "have anything else to show me?"
Mera smiled, "lots."
Some time later;
Percy had learned a lot of theory form Mera, transfigurations, application of rune and spell based bonding (charms). He even learned a new curse;
Slice- Cuts whatever it is pointed at. Cost- 50 Mp Attack - 50
It wasn't much, but a well placed Slice could kill a person. Percy walked back to his cabin mentally exhausted. As amazing as magic was, it was a pain in tha ass to learn!
Percy opened his cabin and promptly took off his shoes throwing them aside along with his socks. He laid down on his bed as he looked around, this place really was feeling a lot more empty without John in it.
Percy sighed, 'damn it, I don't want to sleep but I don't want to train.' Just then Percy realised something, he still had something to do, set up his TV and entertainment system!
Percy quickly got up with excitement flowing through his body, a change of pace was just what he needed. Percy looked around, 'now….where do I set it up?'
The obvious place would be on his table, it was rarely ever used these days, much to the anger of Annabeth, and it was the closest to a power socket. But Percy didn't want it there, he wanted to hang it on the wall, but he didn't know the first thing about carpentry. If only….wait.
Percy opened his inventory and took out one of the DVD's he bought, 'Learn the tricks and trade of the Handyman.'
Percy grinned, 'Photographic reflexes here I come.'
Percy quickly unpacked the TV and carefully put it on the table. He then took out the DVD player he bought and attached it to the TV putting in the video.
The video itself was boring, and Percy didn't have all the time in the world, well he did, but who wants to watched a documentary about a man who liked to play around with things that are basically giant man sized toys?
Percy quickly pressed the fast forward button activating his super speed to keep up with the increased frame rate. He didn't understand anything the man was saying, but he didn't need to.
80 minutes later;
Ping!
You have learnt a new skill through watching someone via your photographic reflexes!
Handyman skills, Lv- 17 (90%)
The skills to repair/instal/create items inside a household.
Efficiency - 75%
Appraising of property
Auto maintenance
Barbecue pit maintenance
Cabinet refacing
Carpentry
Ceiling repair
Ceramic tile repair
Cleaning
Concrete work
Countertops
Crown moulding
Curtain hanging
Decks
Door installation
Door repair
Dryer repair
Dryer vent cleaning
Dryer vent installation
Drywall Installation
Drywall repair
Electrical wiring
Energy Updates
Fan installation
Fence fixing
Fireplace cleaning
Flooring Installation and Repair
Foundations
Framing
Garage door openers
Garage doors
General Maintenance
Gutter Cleaning
Gutter Repair
Heating system tune-up
Home inspections
Home security systems
Hot tubs and spas
Insulation insulation (batts)
Insulation insulation (blown-in)
Lamp repairs
Landscaping
Lawncare
Lockset adjustment
Molding installation
Moving
Paint removal
Painting
Patio stone installation
Pest control
Plumbing repairs
Porches
Remodeling basements
Remodeling bathrooms
Remodeling kitchens
Roofing
Safety modifications
Sealing driveways
Senior Living Modifications
Septic system repair
Shelf installation
Shelving
Skylight installation
Solar panels
Soundproofing
Sprinkler repair
Sprinkler system installation
Stain removal
Staining furniture
Stone work
Storage area construction
Storage area repair
Swapping a toilet
Swimming pool maintenance
Tiling
Wall building
Waste and junk removal
Water purification
Water softening
Window cleaning
Window installation
Window repair
Percy's mouth hung open as he looked at the huge list of skills he acquired from watching the video. Sure the video was long, it was around 240 minutes long, and Percy took 80 minutes to watch it all, even at fast forward mode. But this was….this was just too much!
Percy now knew exactly how to fix something, that leaky fourth stall toilet in the boy's locker room? Done. That broken fence in Katie Gardener's' garden? Easy peasy. Fixing Apollo's tendency to flirt with committed women? Well, if Artemis couldn't do it then Percy certainly couldn't ether.
But right now, Percy knew what he had to do to instal his little set up. And luckily he had just the thing to help him, Alcyoneus's ring. With this he could control any metal to do what he wanted them to do. Meaning he could make nails out of anything.
Percy walked out to his porch and activated his precious stone manipulation perk summoning a clump of iron;
Ping!
You have spent 50 MP to summon: Iron!
The club of iron was bigger than Percy's first but Percy was able to carry it easily. Percy then used Alcyoneus's ring to purify that clump of iron into a manageable bar of pure iron before transforming said bar of iron into a hanging fixture.
Percy then walked back in and fixed the fixture onto the TV before he made four holes in the wooden wall with his fingers. Super strength had it's uses.
Percy then carefully placed the TV in place as he slowly let go. It seemed the holes were deep enough that the TV didn't just slip out. It wasn't the most effective method but it got the job down.
Percy left the DVD player on the desk, he could figure out a place for it tomorrow, right now he wanted to just lay back and watch some movies.
Percy rummaged through his new collection and quickly took out the one skill he wanted to learn above everything else, martial arts.
The DVD he got was titled, 'Get My Black Belt Wado Ryu Karate' and it honestly looked awesome. It's cover feature black and red flames with people performing flying kicks and other such amazing feats.
Percy put the DVD in and turned the TV on. The DVD was a total of 6 hours, Percy obviously didn't have the time for that, so he just fast forwarded this one as well. He payed attention to everything performed, not one skill was left out of his sight, he saw and understood everything that was being done. Often times it was a slow process as the instructors would constantly repeat what they were doing, but Percy didn't let it bother him too much.
One and a half hours passed by and Percy say down on his bed, the documentary was finally over. He had seen all of it, all 6 hours worth of videos he crammed into a short time frame and…...he was disappointed to say the least.
This form of karate as…..well, it was basically shit. It may have been about combat before but now it is watered down to simple showboating. It featured 20% combat, 40% shouting and 40% dancing. No, wait, not dancing, kata's yeah, that's what it's called, a Kata. Please note the sarcasm.
It seems Wado-ryu karate was basically just for self defence/showing off at competitions. These things called katas were basically a combo move that people could use in a fight, but they were just so boring! It was basically dancing!
Ping!
You have learnt a new skill through watching someone via your photographic reflexes!
Martial arts, LV-X
A series of movements that can cause harm or protect the user.
Attack - Number of combo moves + STR + VIT + DEX
Combo moves available:
52 (Wado-ryu)
Style: Wado-ryu, Rank- Black belt 1
+2 Dex while performing these moves
Percy raised an eyebrow. The most notable bonus of this skill is the +2 Dex, but the combo's are also nice…...though they don't really seem to make any sense. Percy knew them all, but they were all so ridge and complex, it didn't make any sense on how they could be used for practical combat.
'Maybe I should test this out,' Percy groaned as he channeled mana into his jewel and summoned Zed.
The sword's man bowed, "master."
"Hey Zed. I need you to help me out with my training" Percy told him. The servant lifted his blade ready to attack Percy, "no, this time we don't' use our weapons, just our hands."
Zed nodded as he laid his sword next to the wall as he and Percy faced off each other. Percy waved his hands and pushed all the furniture to the side giving them more space to move. Percy lifted his arms up, and widened his legs to his shoulders' length. He put his left hand up vertically and drew his right back, this was the basic stance for Wado-ryu.
"Begin," Percy spoke. Zed charged forward and swung at Percy's head. The demigod blocked with his left hand and punched with his right. Since his still had his seals on it didn't do much damage, but Zed was still sent backwards.
Zed made to move again but Percy was on him. He moved his feet two steps at a time, they spun around and Percy sent a back kick knocking Zed back which he followed with a one two punch combo rattling Zed's helmet.
Zed then kicked back, trying to push Percy off, but Percy's reflexes were so fast he caught it before it landed. Zed sent a punch that almost caught Percy in the chest, but in the last moment Percy blocked it with one arm and twisted the one around Zed's leg.
"Shit!" Zed cried out as he mule kicked Percy backwards.
Percy moved back and rubbed his sore abdomen, Zed still had his super strength and Percy was right now not using his own. Zed got up on his feet and began wailing on Percy.
Gamer's mind activated and Percy began to calmly block and counter Zed's hits. Percy moved faster and faster letting his body take over as he reacted before thinking. Percy then went on the offencive.
He punched Zed in the head and knocked him backward. He punched his abdomen and then putted his shin. Zed fell on his back;
Body Form Activated: Right and Left Arms
Percy jumped up and activated Body Form as he brought both fists down crushing Zed into smoke once more.
Martial Arts combo's used: 8!
Attack- 8 X 1.5 X 100 X 50 = 62,500!
Percy grinned, he finally understood why this was so awesome. Just because the combos were in a particular order when he learnt them didn't mean Percy was stuck with that. It was like a piece of code, or an application. Percy could pick and choose which one he want to use, in no particular order.
That meant the more styles and techniques he learnt the more combos he knew and the more unpredictable the became. This could be the it, the difference between just fighting and winning. Most Godly beings used brute force to fight, that was why Percy could even think about taking them on. But now….now Percy had an advantage, he had a card up his sleeve.
Percy giggled, he actually giggled. He could wait to learn more. He really wanted to spam his Photographic reflexes skill to the max so he quickly took out the karate instruction disk and searched for something else to learn.
Percy eventually selected a DVD about how to sow, it wasn't much, but hey it could hurt to have an extra skill on stand by right? After all it's better to have something and not need it, then to need it and not have it.
He put the DVD in and just as Percy was about to curl up in his bed when his cabin door was thrown open as the majority of Percy's male friends, Michael, the Stoll brothers, Lee, Charles, Peter and Malcolm walked in.
Percy raised an eyebrow, "can I help you guys?"
"Holy shit she was right," Michael said looking at Percy's newly installed TV, "you do have one!"
Percy looked surprised, "what do you mean?" The boys ignored his question as the all walked in as the started jumping on the bed.
"Okay what is going on here?" Percy asked as he looked around, "why the Hades is everyone here?!"
Michael looked through all the DVD's Percy had while he spoke up, "well you see Travis and Conner overhead Thalia mention you bought a TV and a DVD player, so we all thought we should come over and watch a movie. By the way all the movies you have here suck."
Percy raised an eyebrow, " well I happen to think they are very educational Michale."
"You mean boring," Michael looked through them all reading their titles, "Carpentry. Karate. How to Garden? Holy shit man! All of these are so fuckign boreing!"
Percy sighed, "I happen to like them. They are very educational."
Travis and Conner grinned, "well Percy, we have something that is equally educational.," Travis exclaimed.
"Yup, very educational, and very fun," Conner commented in an excited tone.
"Really? Is this going to be like the last time we watched a movie?" Percy asked recalling the time they watched American Pie together.
Lee grinned, "maybe."
The guys in the cabin looked at Percy who sighed, "fine, but if anyone of you mention a word of this to anyone, and I especially mean Thalia, you are all dead. Got it?"
Travis waved Percy's question away, "yeah yeah, got it. We won't tell you girlfriend about how you are secretly a closet pervert that likes to watch pronos."
Percy grumbled, "at least I have a girlfriend, and no Travis, your right hand doesn't count."
The other boys recognized the insult immediately as even Conner startled to heckle his brother.
"There there Travis, I'm sure you'll get a girlfriend soon," Michael assured him, "now, let's watch some movies!"
Percy sighed, "fine, do you at least have a movie to watch?"
Connor nodded as he took out a DVD case from somewhere, Percy could never figure out where Conner hides his stuff.
The DVD was titled 'Backdoor Sluts 9' and it featured very sexy petite black haired porn star by the name Sasha Grey on the cover wearing next to nothing.
Conner grinned, "you are going to love this one."
Percy's eyes widened, "dude! That's an actually porno!"
Michael nodded eagerly, "yup. We could never play it on the projector in the Hermes cabin, to many little kids there, not to mention the girls. So when we heard that you not only had your own TV and an empty cabin…."
"No way! Thalia is going to kill man!" Percy yelled out in horror as a mental image of Thalia frying him with multiple lighting bolts.
"Relax Percy," Lee told him, "we promise not to tell her anything."
Charles nodded, "this is our secret."
Percy gulped, "guys..."
"Look at this Percy," Travis shoved the DVD into Percy's hands, "look at her. I swear she must be related to Aphrodite somehow!"
Percy gulped as he looked at the pron star on the cover. She didn't have any big 'assets' per say, but from all the images seen on the DVD of the video inside she more than made up for that with enthusiasm.
Percy gulped, he had never seen so much spit outside of a person's mouth. And to think all of that came from something so small.
'Please forgive me Thalia,' Percy gulped, "o-okay. Put it on."
"YES!" they cheered.
"Keep it down!" Percy snapped, "somebody close the damn blinds! I don't' want people peeping inside!"
"Sir yes sir!" Michael yelled out as he did just that. Conner quickly put the DVD inside Percy's new player and they all sat back and watched as Sasha Grey entertained them for the next hour.
One Hour Later;
All the boys had their legs crossed as they sat a feet away from each other.
"That was…..." Percy started.
"Yeah…." Michael nodded.
"Do you think all girls like being treated like that?" Travis asked.
"You mean like a literal rag doll?" Lee asked.
Travis nodded and Charles replied, "no, I don't' think so. I think Miss Grey is….special in this case."
"I didn't know the human body could bend like that," Conner said as looked at the black TV screen, "and I didn't realise that dicks could be that…...big."
The boys nodded silently. Michael spoke up first, "I need to go."
"Me too," Travis said as they all started to leave one by one heading towards the bathroom or a private place.
Percy used his telekinetic powers to close the door without even getting up, he probably had it the worst of them all. He kept imagining him and doing what he saw in the prono. Needless to say Percy wasn't going to get up any time soon.
'I really hope this doesn't awaken anything in me,' Percy thought to himself as he looked at the two new skills he gained from watching the porno via his Photographic reflexes.
Acting, Lv- 16 (80%)
The ability of a person to behave like something they are not
80% believable.
Range- Porno (90% success)
Sex, Lv- 12 (30%)
This includes the various actions involved during sex.
Your climax- 1 ½ hours for every 2 Vit stat points. Present time- 65 ½ hours
Bonus- 20% towards orgasm of partner
Skills present;
Fucking, Lv- 13 (90%)
Fucking somebody.
Chance of orgasm- 50%
Finding the G-Spot- 45%
Anal, Lv- 17 (40%)
Sodomizing.
Chances of orgasm- 60%
Oral sex (for women), Lv- 17 (60%)
How to please a woman using your mouth.
Chances of orgasm - 60%
Finding the G-spot- 40%
Oral sex (for me-
Percy closed the box before his eyes laid eyes on the last skill. When he watched that video he learnt everything, and yes, everything. Percy didn't want to think about, didn't want to even acknowledge that he is in possession of said skill. As far as he was concerned it is something that he will never speak of. No one will know of this skill, no one, ever.
Percy was glad Thalia knew about his Photographic reflexes or else he would have to explain why he was so good at sex considering he has never done it before.
In the end Percy was grateful for the new skills, it would make life so much more easier. And hopeful Thalia won't kill him when she finds out.
Next day;
The next morning Percy had received an Iris message from the Collector. He told Percy that he had a plot ready for him, one which he believed Percy would love.
He told Percy took meet up at Sag Harbor, which was just a few short miles away from camp. Percy was nervous, the way the man spoke almost seems like he knew where camp was, but then again he was an immortal and the camp's locations wasn't really a great secret or anything.
So Percy meet up with the man as requested, meeting him at the docks at 12.
Percy walked up to the Collector who waited for him on a very comfortable looking motor boat.
"Are we going anywhere?" Percy asked the man.
"You'll see," he said as he sat down in the passenger seat.
Percy raised an eyebrow, "you want me to drive?"
"You're a son of Poseidon aren't you?"
Percy shrugged as he got into the boat, if this was a trap or something like that, Percy would atleast have homefield advantage. Percy started the boat with a snap of his fingers as he seamlessly connected with the spirit of the sea and all that was on and in it.
Percy carefully took the boat out onto open waters, "where are we going?"
"You'll see," The Collector simply replied, "just head Eastwards, and don't stop."
Percy sighed and did just that. With Percy boosting up their speed, the small motor boat had reached Gardiner's bay in a few minutes. Soon they could even see Gardiner's island in the distance when suddenly the Collector spoke up,
"There," he said pointing to the island, "that is where we need to go."
Percy was surprised by said nothing as he simply streamed the boat towards said island. Percy found a small port near the coast of the island where he carefully guided and anchored the motor boat.
"Tell me Percy," the Collector began, "what do you know about this island?"
Percy shrugged, "nothing really."
The Collector nodded, "it is to be expected. Well then let me tell you about this island. The island has been owned by the Gardiner family and their descendants for nearly 400 years, and it is the only American real estate still intact as part of an original royal grant from the English Crown."
The Collector climbed out of the boat and Percy followed suit. They walked out of the port and saw a car waiting for them with a female chauffeur greeting them with a wave;
Carol Dadeda, Caretaker of the Island
Lv-8
The woman was young, she should be around her late 20's or so. She greeted them both as the Collector and Percy got on sitting in the back. She got behind the wheel and began to drive them away.
"It is 3 miles wide and has a 27 miles long coast line," the Collector spoke as he looked out at the passing countryside, "it was given to the Gardiner family to possess forever, but due to a series of unfortunate events the last direct living member of the Gardiner family died a few years ago."
Percy shot the Collector a look for which the man laughed, "I had nothing to do with that, I assure you. But, the case remains, this land was passed onto the man's closest relative, who cannot afford to maintain this place. And so I bought it from her."
The car soon pulled up to an old looking manner that looked like it was built in the 1940's. The Collector and Percy stepped out as they walked towards the front of the manor, stopping before entering inside.
The Collector turned, "look at this," he pointed to the island in front of them. Percy did so and was amazed. If there was ever any place where a city for demigods could be built….it was this one. An island all for themselves, no need to hide, no need to run. And since it's an island the chances of monsters attacking are next to zero.
But despite all that Percy sighed, "how much?" Percy doubted he could afford it easly, even with all the money he could make from seeing each and every piece of Alcyoneus's body he would still have to work overtime to pull precious metals out of the ground. It would be a long and boring process, but he would do it.
"It's free," The Collector spoke startling Percy.
"W-what?!" Percy shouted, "it's free?"
The pale man nodded, "yes, consider it my gift to you, the prize you earned for guessing my name correctly."
Percy blinked, "is a name really worth all this? This island is probably worth billions!"
The Collector nodded, "yes, this island is worth billions, but so is a name. Don't forget that Percy Jackson," the man started into Percy's as red eyes meet green, "don't ever forget the power of a name."
Percy nodded blankly, "so…..when can I get the official documents out of the way?"
"It's already done," the immortal Jew responded, "I put it under your mother's name to be inherited by you once you come of age. Congratulations Percy Jackson, you are now the owner of an island."
Percy blinked, "holy shit."
The Collector chuckled, "I suggest your run along now, I'm sure you are eager to tell your friends the good news."
Percy blinked, "yeah...sure. But ah don't you need the boat?"
The Collector raised an eyebrow, "Percy I am well aware that you don't need a boat to travel, after all with a max speed little over mach 1 I doubt you need any vehicle at all."
Percy was nervous, "how did you know that? How did you know exactly how fast I can run? I never ever crossed mach 1 when in America, never. So how do you know that I can not only cross it, but surpass it?"
The Collector shrugged, "it's gift, like how you knew my name."
Percy was already getting freaked out. He gulped but said nothing else as he quickly turned as zoomed away in a blur of speed leaving the island and running over the water towards camp Half-Blood.
"That was awfully mean of you," the female chauffeur spoke up chuckling as she snapped her fingers turning her hair blue and her eyes sulphuric yellow, "I think you might have scared him off."
The Collector shrugged, "he's a brave boy sister, I'm sure he'll be fine."
"True, plus the island is just too good a deal to pass up," The woman grinned, "even for him."
"Are you planning on keeping up your disguise? Which one is this again?"
"Carol Dadeda, caretaker of the island," the woman said as she sighed, "and yes, how else am I going to introduce myself to him?"
The Collector raised an eyebrow, "isn't that a bit risky? We don't know if he-"
The woman rolled her eyes, "I told you, I know how he thinks, I know what he will do, and I know about his….particular powers. He won't make me out unless I want him to."
The Collector chuckled, "yes well do be carefull. You do remember the last time you got this excited."
The woman rolled her eyes, "that was one time Jojo!"
"You caused world war 1."
"Well…..fuck, forget this, I'll be careful from now on, I promise. After all," the woman's happy demeanor melted away as she narrowed her eyes, "it's about to start."
"Do you really think he's ready?"
The woman smirked, "yeah, I do. After all, he is The Gamer, there's nothing he can't handle."