Chapter 390
Edward came up and sat next to Percy. They both were right now in
the waiting area in the front of the shop.
"Michael is getting his suit done," Edward said with a smile, "these are
going to come out so great!"
Percy rolled his eyes, "you sure you're not a son of Aphrodite?"
Edward smiled, "my mom was a fashion designer, I learnt a lot from her
when I was young."
"They why didn't you follow in her footsteps?"
"I have the worst hands," Edwards said showing his skinny slender
fingers, "totally not what a tailor should have."
"They seem pretty okay to me," Percy said taking another sip of his
coffee.
"Yeah sure they do," Edward smiled, "anyway that's enough about me.
Tell me about that Thalia girl."
Percy narrowed his eyes. He had to strain himself to not allow the
Bloodlust to show when he spoke up, "what about her?"
"How long have you had a crush on her?"
Percy coughed almost dropping his coffee, "w-what?!"
"How long have you had a crush on her?"
"I don't-"
"-Oh please, it's clear as day. Well maybe not for most teenagers, but
as an adult I can tell these kinds of things. They way you growled when
I kissed her knuckles, hell even just now. So….how long?"
Percy sighed taking another sip of his coffee, "a few days. I mean…. I
think a few days. It just kind of happened."
"What happened?"
"We were out last night. Went to a concert. She got a little bit wasted
and…..well she kissed me. And I kind of kissed back."
Edward nodded, "and the problem is that you don't like her?"
"What? No. I like her…..it's just… I didn't realise I did until it happened.
Sure I talked to her before, and we do have our moments, plus she is
hot. But you know I never had…..it's not like my feelings were obvious
from the start. So I'm worried, is this real? Do I actually like her? Or you
know...am I just imagining things?"
Edward stayed silent for the longest time before speaking up again,
"Percy….love is…. complicated. It's not like in the movies where those
big romantic gestures always win the girl's heart and it's not like in the
books where someone sees someone and knows they are in love. It
just happens, and that's a good thing. Love shouldn't be predictable
Percy, and you don't have to be in love before to make something
matter. I know it seems strange but when you grow up, you will realise
that love, is just two people who want to be together, being together."
Percy thought on that when Michael came over. They waited for a few
more minutes before their suits were ready for wearing.
Percy's was similar to the first one he wore, only this time he had a
black shirt underneath the black suit and a bright blue tie around his
neck.
Michael and Edward both wore tuxedos, but for some reason Percy
didn't like them, it was something to do with the bowties, so lame.
Percy looked at himself in the mirror, the suit looked very form fitting. It
was smooth and also very flexible, Percy won't have any trouble
moving in this if he had to fight. Plus he looked far older than he
actually was. If he was to guess, he looked 16 rather than 13, which
while not that much of a leap was enough for people to not look at him
funny.
Percy walked out of the changing room and looked at Michael and
Edward, both very finely dressed. Michael looked a little stiff in his tux,
but Ed looked like he was born to wear it. Percy even saw Edward's
serious side for the first time in a long time which reminded Percy just
why the man standing before him was in fact 30+ and the oldest
demigod he knew.
"I look so hot," Edward smiled.
Percy sighed, 'he may look old, but that guy is as mature as a third
grader.'
"Okay I don't like this at all," Thalia's voice came out behind them.
Percy turned and suddenly every single nerve in his body short
circuited causing him to be paralyzed in shock. His eye's widened
comically and his heart was beating so loudly that Percy was afraid it
would burst out of his chest.
Thalia wore a tight midnight black dress with a heart shaped dress line
over her breats and a long gown that was cut at the side to give view of
her long slender legs. Her hips filled out the dress well, stretching them
out to be form fitting while her chest gave a modest view of her
cleavage. There was a thick blue line flowing down from the sides till
they meet in the front joining together like the bottom tip of a heart. The
blue matched her eyes, and Percy's tie.
'Ed so did that on purpose,' Percy realised as he gained control of all
coherent thoughts again, "Thalia you look…..you look...ah…."
"Hot!" Michael yelled out, "holy shit girl! I didn't realise you could pull of
a dress like that!"
Thalia blushed but smiled, "thanks arrow head. Though I still think it's a
bit to much."
"Nonsense. The blue matches your eyes and the black matches your
hair. Plus the cut in the side will help you move better," Edward said
with a nodded, "yup, I still got great taste."
Thalia groaned, "you act like a child of Aphrodite."
Edward laughed, "yeah, that's what Percy said."
Thalia then looked at Percy, "do you like it?" she asked in a quiet voice.
Percy's mouth was still wide open in shock, "I...ah, I-I….I think you look
beautiful."
Thalia blushed a little but smiled, "thanks fish head."
"Hm, but I can't help feel like you're missing something," Michael
commented rubbing his chin, "like the dress and all looks great, but
something's missing."
"Yeah," Thalia said looking down, "my neckline feels empty."
"You need a necklace!" Edward said, "maybe we can find one for you."
"No," Percy said suddenly, "I-I think I have just the one." Percy then
opened his inventory and pulled up his jeans. He searched in it's
pockets and pulled out a necklace of a skull with red eyes and a set of
crossbones behind it.
Chapter 391
Percy put away the pants and presented the necklace to Thalia, "I got
the last night from Billie Joe."
"What?!" Thalia asked in shock and amazement, "he gave you his
necklace?! He did give you it right? You didn't steal it right?"
Percy smiled, "no, of course not. He gave it to me when I told him a
story. He said he liked it so he just gave the necklace as payment."
Thalia's eyes were sparkling now. She looked at the necklace and
immediately turned around lifting her hair, "put it on me."
Percy gulped but did so. He put the necklace around Thalia's neck and
locked it in place.
The daughter of Zeus turned around and smiled running her fingers
over it, "thanks Percy."
The demigod of the sea blushed and nodded, "no problem."
Michael looked at Percy and then at Thalia. He looked at the two over
and over before suddenly a proverbial lightbulb went off in his head.
"Holy shit," Michael whispered out, "Percy likes T-"
Edward put his hand over Michael's mouth shutting him up, "don't ruin
the moment kid."
After the shopping spree the four demigods all got into a car that
Edward had rented and they were off. Michael sat in the front seat
bugging Edward about what he did for a living while Percy was in the
back with Thalia next to him.
"So….you really like me dress huh?" Thalia asked in a teasing voice.
Percy sighed, "yes, I do. And stop that."
"Stop what?"
"That."
"What?"
"That voice you're doing."
"Really? Okay…..by the way you know something?"
Percy sighed, "what?"
"You think I'm beautiful," Thalia teased again.
Percy smiled, "I never said you weren't."
Thalia's smile dropped as a blush overtook her face. That was
obviously not what she expected Percy to say.
"S-shut up," Thalia mumbled.
"Make me," Percy smiled.
Thalia and hims remained silent for a long time before Thalia spoke up
again, "so Percy...I was just wondering, ah, about last night..."
'Shit!' Percy started to panic but Gamer's mind came in and crushed
the panic down, "yeah, what about last ki- I mean last night?"
Thalia looks suspicious at Percy's slip up but ignored it, "I was just
wondering, ah...what happened?"
"You mean you don't remember?" Percy asked surprised.
"No, sorry. It's just, well you have been avoiding me all day, and well I
don't remember what I did last night. So if I did something that made
you angry at me or something I just wanted to say-"
"-No, it's fine," Percy stopped her, "you just got drunk last night and I
had to carry you back to your cabin. And ah... yeah, that's all."
"So nothing happened last night? Nothing?"
"Nope."
"And the reason you have been avoiding me?"
"When did I avoid?"
"Today at lunch. You just zoomed away when I called out your name."
"Oh, right. Well I really had to go to the bathroom, so..."
Lie success!
"Right. Got it," Thalia crossed her arms and looked out the window.
Percy figured she must be mad at him for some reason or another,
maybe she remembered the kiss and was testing him? Percy shook his
head, no, no if that was the case his lie detection skill would have
noticed it. But then again the lie detection skill isn't really full proof.
The two of them remained silent as they drove to the place where the
auction was to be held. Edward stopped in front of a building on 7th
ave, a place called, 'The Writer's den.'
Percy and the other got out while a valet took the car away. They
entered an elevator and Edward began to speak.
"The auction is being held within a political gathering," Edward
explained, "on the top floor there are the New York richest and among
them, members of the Abyss. We go up and fit in. We wait in the
normal party and when it is time for the auction to start I'll bring you
guys along. But there is a very high chance that the assassin will be
hiding in plain sight in the party, so keep your eyes open and be
carefull."
They checked their dresses and their equipment. Percy could feel both
Riptide and Waverider in his pants pocket waiting to be used. Thalia
had her Aegis bracelet on and inside her small purse was her spear
disguised as he can of mace.
Michael however was weaponless, a bow and quiver isn't exactly fitting
in. So Percy leant him Riptide and the son of Apollo promised to take
care of it.
The elevator opened and everyone got out. Edward lead them into a
ball room where he and Michael went ahead. Percy extended his arm
for Thalia to hold.
The daughter of Zeus raised an eyebrow, "really?"
"Hey we look cool," Percy admitted as the demigoddess chuckled
wrapping her hand around Percy's.
Percy smiled, 'maybe Edward was right. Maybe this could work.'
They entered the room and immediately the entire feeling of the place
changed. There were people dressed up with the most expensive
jewelry and clothes. Even the bodyguards, who Percy could easily pick
out, were dressed in silky suits.
"It's a good thing Ed insisted on these dresses, or else we would have
stuck out like sore thumbs," Thalia admitted as they both walked up to
Ed and Michael.
"Alright here's the plan," Edward spoke, "me and Michael will be
around, I have a lot people to talk to and make deals with. Why don't
you and Thalia try and spot something out of place or strange in this
place."
Percy nodded, "got it." He and Thalia went away walking hand in hand
as they looked around the place.
There were caterers walking around all over the place serving wine
and expensive food like caviar and fresh lobster served on flatbread.
Thalia's eyes looked around in wonder at all the beauty, but Percy
could only focus on the statuses he saw.
Everyone here was around level 10 or something with many sharing
the same title, 'Politician' or in one case, 'Asshole'. But there was also
the few that had higher levels, some were level 30 while some being
level 47. Percy could feel their power flowing through the room. Most of
these people were human, while some were part of Abyss.
Percy saw Edward talk to someone familiar, someone….wait...is that
the mayor of New York? Percy was puzzled at the way Ed spoke to the
man, it was almost like they were old friends.
Percy turned to Thalia, "and idea where to begin?"
Chapter 392
Thalia shrugged, "I suppose we just… I don't, pretend to be a couple
and talk while keeping an eye out for trouble?"
Percy shrugged, "sounds good to me."
Percy and Thalia spent some time walking around in the crowded
room. Percy spent that time looking at all the people, searching for the
title of assassin appearing over one of their heads. Thalia in the
meantime looked around for any suspicious activity while takeing in all
the delicious entrees she could.
"So Percy," Thalia said eating a slice of caramelized apple, "I was
wondering whether I could ask you something."
Percy nodded, "shoot."
"What happened last night?"
Percy grew stiff but immediately responded, "I told you. Nothing
happened."
"Really? Because I had the weirdest dream last night."
Percy became nervous again as Thalia suddenly tightened her grip on
him. "D-dream? What kind of dream?"
"Well, it's silly really. I dreamt I was in my cabin, and there was some
guy there," 'Oh shit! Oh shit! Oh shit! Oh shit!' "and well….this guy kind
of bent over and kissed me." 'Oh fuuuuuuck.' "and then I woke up."
Percy gulped, "weird dream."
Thalia narrowed her eyes, "Percy tell me the truth, did I do something
stupid last night?"
Percy was frantically looking for a way out, "what do you mean?"
"I mean did I…. did I kiss somebody at the after party? I was pretty
drunk and….well there were some pretty weird looking guys there.
Percy…. Did I kiss someone there?"
Percy narrowed his eyes, "you think you kissed somebody in the after
party?"
Thalia nodded, "yeah."
"Really? In the after party?"
Thalia blinked, "well where else was I when I was drunk. Shit….don't
tell me I ran out of the after party and you had search for me!"
Percy gihed, "no, you didn't. And no, you didn't kiss anyone at the after
party."
Thalia sighed, "thank the gods. It was just as dream," Percy didn't say
anything as he avoided all eye contact, "although it was pretty sad
though."
Percy looked surprised "why's that?"
"It was a really good kiss."
Percy was stunned and was about to respond when suddenly he saw
something in the corner of his eyes. It took Percy a few moments, but
he quickly spotted a person dressed as a waiter walk into the back
room. He was bald with a tattoo on the back of his head, and his title
was;
Agent 46, Hitman
Lv- 59
"It's the assassin," Percy said as he took off with Thalia right behind
him.
"Percy wait up!" she called out but the demigod wasn't listening.
Percy entered the back room and spotted the hitman walking away
deeper into the storage room. Now that Percy had a better view he
realised that the tattoo on the back of the assassin's head was a
barcode.
"Hey you," Percy said walking up to the man.
The hitman turned around and smiled, "yes sir? Can I help you?"
"Yeah I was wondering if you knew where the bathroom was," Percy
asked as he continued his fast pace towards the man. The assassin
knew he was found out, Percy knew that the assassin knew. They were
just waiting for the first person to make the move.
"Of course sir, just-" Percy cut the man off by throwing a punch at the
man's head. The assassin skillfully dodged it and punched Percy's
stomach.
The demigod barely felt it and instead kneed the assassin in the ribs
sending him backwards. Percy then activated his Body Form and
Speed Demon charging into the Hitman.
The assassin moved away at the last second, but Percy was much
faster than him as he sent a strike across the man's face breaking his
nose.
Percy shook his arms, it felt like hitting a stone wall, and right now he
was in Body From mode, it was very difficult to hurt him as he was.
The assassin quickly got back up and took out a gun out of nowhere.
He aimed and fired at Percy who easily dodged every bullet.
"Give up Agent 46," Percy said reaching into his pocket, "we have you
surrounded."
The man's eyes went up in surprise, "how do you know my name?"
"Information is what I'm about," Percy took out Waveride and
transformed it into a trident leveling it at the man, "now give up."
The bald man narrowed his eyes, "not happening."
Percy charged swinging the rident down. The Hitman put both hands
up and stopped the blow, but in doing so his bones snapped in half just
from the force of the attack.
Pain shot through the assassin's body, but he didn't let it show. He
kicked Percy and jumped backwards disappearing into thin air.
Percy looked stunned, 'okay, so he can go invisible. I have just the
thing for that.'
Percy levels Waverider down and he channelled 100 mana points into
it summoning a gallon of water. Percy then converted said water into
mist and pushed it forward trying to get the invisible form of the Hitman.
Percy looked all over, but the mist showed nothing. He then sent a
wave of mana to sense where he was, but came back with nothing but
just a hint of what his mana felt like, cold and deadly. 'Damn, he got
away.'
Percy sighed and turned Waverider back into its pen form. He noticed
Thalia standing there panting.
"Did you get him?" she asked.
"No," Percy grumbled, "he got away."
Thalia sighed, "do you know where he is?"
"No."
"Why was he dressed up like a bartender?" Thalia asked the two
quickly moved to rejoin the party.
"The only reason I can think of is…. to serve someone a poisoned
drink," Percy's eyes shot up in realization as he and Thalia moved
quickly.
They looked around and saw a crowd of people gathered around a
fallen man. Percy could see Michael's hair down on the ground, the
child of Apollo must be trying to save whoever was hurt.
'Shit,' Percy realised as he opened his inventory and pulled out a bottle
of medium grade potion. He couldn't use his healing powers in public,
that would attract attention.
Percy and Thalia pushed passed the crowds and reached Micheal to
see him bent over Ed who was foaming at the mouth.
"Oh fuck me!" Percy cursed as he dropped besides Michael uncorking
the bottle.
"Percy he's been poisoned!" Michael said.
"I know," Percy dipped the potion into Ed's mouth and the man
chugged it down.
"That won't cure his poisoning."
"I know, it will help him for now," Percy replied, it was true. The potions
only restored health and mana, not cure statuses.
Chapter 393
The moment the potion bottle was empty someone the colour came
back to Ed's face. Percy lifted the man up, "move!"
The people around them obeyed immediately as they gave room for
Percy and the questers to bring Ed to a men's bathroom. Once inside
Percy put the man on a toilet seat, he was beginning to look sick again,
the poison was taking effect.
"Close the bathroom door," Percy said as he Observed that man's
status;
Poisoned,
Poison used: Tetrodotoxin
Tetrodotoxin is found in the puffer fish. It is enough to kill 30 adult
humans.
Destroys 10% of HP in 10 seconds.
Percy cursed himself, the potion he gave Ed was only enough to save
him for a few more seconds. Percy pressed his hand up against the
man's chest and activated his healing powers. A golden glow took over
the toilet and the healing process started.
Percy selected the poison element to be removed and immediately he
felt a drain on his mana. Ed's skin began to turn back to normal instead
of the pale tone it was before. Percy sighed as he took out another
potion and feed it to the man who slowly began to regain
consciousness.
"Is he going to be okay?" Thalia asked him.
"He'll be fine," Percy assured her, "he's just exhausted that's all.
Michael, what happened?" Percy asked turning to Michael.
"I don't know," the son of Apollo hung his head down in shame, "he was
fine and talking and one second later he was on the ground."
"Was he drinking something?" Thalia asked.
Michael blinked, "yeah… yeah, he was. A drink, something really fruity."
"A pink Starburst cocktail," Ed muttered as he picked himself up, "it's
my favorite drink."
"The assassin must have known that," Thalia said with narrowed eyes,
"were you served by a bald guy?"
Michael and Ed shared a look before they nodded, "ah, yeah. How did
you know?"
"Because that was the assassin," Percy grumbled out, "good catch
Thalia."
Thalia nodded when Michael spoke up, "wait, how do you guys know
this?"
"Because Percy took him on," Thalia supplied, "but he got away."
Percy grumbled, "I lost sight of him. I was careless."
Beep Beep!
Edward looked down at his watch, "it's time for the auction."
"Can you go through with this?" Michael asked in worry.
"I don't have a choice, I have to."
The demigods left the bathroom and went back to the main room.
Everyone saw that Edward was fine and they were able to pass it off as
an upset stomach as to not upset to many people, with a little help from
the Mist of course. Soon they were moving again and Ed took them to
a side room which lead to a set of stairs going three levels up.
"I must warn you guys, where you are about to go is the very height of
the Abyss organization," Edwards said before they entered the room,
"be careful, and don't piss off anyone," he narrowed his eyes at Percy.
The son of Poseidon grumbled, "I don't piss off everyone I meet."
"Yes you do," all three repeated at once causing Percy to pout in
protest.
On the third floor was a smaller meeting room with the center of the
room filled with 20 comfortable looking padded seats arrange in a
circle. There were around 30 people gathered in the room, including Ed
and the party. The rest however were all gathered in the center of the
room or standing to the side making sure everything was secure.
"Ah Edward, so glad you are still with us," came a voice, "we were
afraid that the assassin had gotten to you."
The voice came out of the group, it belonged to one tall thin man who
stood out. He stood at 6 feet tall, with pale white skin and white hair
and flew down his shoulders like an aristocrat of old. He wore a silky
black tux, a complete opposite to his skin tone and on his face was
plenty of smile lines around his blue eyes that showed the man was
always in a joyus mood.
Percy was surprised at the man's title;
Joseph Ahasver, The Immortal Wandering Jew
Lv- ?
'Immortal? Just who is this guy?' Percy knew he had to be weary
around this man, he was an unknown factor.
"Collector," Edward put on a smile, "so glad to see you. And yes, I am
still alive, mostly thanks to my trusty gaurd detail."
"So these the bodyguards you hired Edward?" The Wandering Jew
asked in a perfect American accent.
"Yes, they are," Edward said, "the one with blonde hair is Michael, the
one with black hair is Percy, and the young woman is Thalia."
Percy noticed Ed didn't give their last names, that said something,
these people were considered friendly, and Edward still didn't trust
them.
"Ah, named after the great Greek Hero Perseus," The Jew said with a
smile, "and I can feel the power radiate off of you, so I believe that you
are a Greek demigod, yes?"
Percy nodded, "right in one. Mr…?"
Edward laughed, "yeah don't bother. No one knows his real name. In
Abyss he is just know as 'The Collector'. People have been trying to
find out who he is for ages, but no luck."
Percy raised an eyebrow, 'really? Hmm, maybe I shouldn't mention the
fact that I know who he is.'
"Now now Edward you exaggerate," the immortal said, "I am just a
humble worker of the Abyss."
"You run the whole thing Collector," Edward shot back with a playful
smile.
"Yes, I suppose I do, but just a little bit," the man gave a hearty laugh
that the people gathered around copied.
"And what exactly do you do for the Abyss Mr. Collector?" Percy asked.
"Well like the name implies, I collect things."
"And sell them?"
The immortal nodded, "some yes, others, which I find interesting, I
keep for myself."
"Yes Mr Collector here is hosting today's auction," said a preety
brunnet by the left of Edward, "in fact he is releasing someone of his
prized collections today for purchase. It is one of the reasons so many
people have come."
Percy looked at the woman's name;
Dalena Foture, Art Theif
Lv- 23
"Oh how rude of me," the thief said extending her hand, "my name is
Dalena Foture."
Percy shook it, "yeah, you're that art thief right?"
The woman looked stunned as Edward turned to control his laughter.
She quickly gathered her composure, "I assure you those allegations
are nothing but a fantasy."
Percy shrugged, "I don't know. I pretty good with my intuitions and they
are telling me you are a thief."
"And how do you know that Mr. Percy?" The Collector asked amused.
"I have the power of an informant," Percy casually replied.
Chapter 394
"The power of an informant is nothing but a glorified emotional empath
mixed in with a little bit of mana seeing," Dalen shoot back.
"Most yes, but I am special," Percy said, "I can feel things, like the
power of a person. For a demigod I can tell who their divine parent is.
And for you, someone who is skilled at stealing I can feel you are
similar to a child of Hermes."
Lie successful!
Dalen narrowed her eyes, "that is well and good, but can you prove
your claim?"
Percy shrugged, "sure."
"Then do so."
"How? I already told you who you are. And if I tell something about Ed
you might call me a cheater."
Dalen huffed, "that isn't my problem."
"Do me," a man next to the Collector called out. He was a fiery redhead
with large arms and scars all over his bald head. Percy looked at his
title;
Harvey Dawson, Soldier
Lv- 30
"You are a soldier," Percy replied causing Harvey to look impressed.
"That is right," the man replied.
"That doesn't prove anything," Dalen said again, "you obviously noticed
his scar and his trained body."
Percy sighed when another man spoke up in a french accent, "you may
try to guess my profession."
Percy turned to man and saw he was a rough looking individual with
barely any hair left on his head and a very big suit. He looked like he
barely got any sleep and suffered from many different diseases;
Patrick James, Son of Pestilence
Lv-30
Percy's eyes widened immediately, he couldn't believe it. A son of
Pestilence?! What the fuck?! Percy knew about the four horsemen of
the Apocalypse, he had seen enough supernatural movies about
monster to basically be called an expert. And this guy….this guy's was
the son of one of them?!
Percy immediately used Observation on the man;
Patrick James, Son of Pestilence
Lv-30
HP: 1,900/1,900
MP: 3,000/3,000
Race- Demi-devine
Str- 7
Vit-2
Dex-12
Int-72
Wis-81
Luc-10
The son of the entity of Pestilence, Patrick has always been
cursed with a weak body, but has strived to increase his mental
fortitude. He controls all diseases, but in doing so is effected by
them as well. His existence if both a curse and a sign of the end
times. He struggles daily with his powers a prays to god to take
them away.
Likes: Life, sandwhiches and Marco, his lover.
Dislikes: his powers, his father
Thinks Percy is interesting and what's to see what he can do
He is feeling sick.
Perc still couldn't believe what he was reading. This man was just
further proof that the biblical hell existed in this world. First there was
Marcia, then came the map to hell, now the child of Pestilence itself.
Did the immortal Jew also have something to do with this? After all they
basically dealt with the same God.
"Ah, Percy?" Thalia asked, snapping his attention from the man, "are
you alright?"
"Yes, what happened? Unable to read me?" Patrick asked with a sad
smile.
Percy shook his head, "no, no that's not it. It's just I… I have never
thought that Pestilence could have a child."
Patrick's eyes shot wide open as a wave of whispers fell down on the
group.
"H-How did you know?" Patrick asked.
"You felt like death, but not actually death, like you were dying. And you
felt…. Powerful, more powerful than the average demigod. And you
felt….like you belong to the Christian pantheon. Your aura reminds me
off a demon I faced a year ago," Percy finished.
Lie Successful!
Patrick looked amazed, "incredible. What else can you tell me?"
Percy shrugged, "that's all I can do."
Lie successful
Just then The Immortal Jew spoke up, "you mentioned a demon you
Perseus. Do you happen to know it's name?"
Percy nodded, "yeah, she was called Marchais."
Another murmur went through the crow as Dalen spoke up,
"impressive, but….still not proof enough."
Percy sighed and then turned to The Collector, "how about I tell you
your name?"
The group around them seized all talking and simply looked at Percy in
surprise.
"W-what?" Edward asked in surprise, "P-Percy are you serious?"
Percy nodded, "yup."
"Bullshit," Dalen said, "you don't know the names of people, you said
you could only feel them out!"
"And based on that I have a pretty good idea on who 'The Collector'
here is."
Lie Successful!
A wave of murmurs went through the crowd and Michael and Thalia
looked nervous. Percy had said everyone here was dangerous, and he
wasn't even here for an hour and already he was causing a ruckus.
"Very well," The Collector said with a smile, "please, tell me who you
believe I am."
Percy approached the monster and the vampire bent down. Percy
leaned into the man's ear and in the lowest tone he could manage he
whispered, "The Immortal Jew, Joseph Ahasver."
The pale man shot up in surprise, "h-how did you know?!"
Percy smiled, "it's one of my gifts."
"Wait this kid actually knows who you really are?!" Dalen asked in total
surprise.
"Yes, he does," The Collector was in shock.
"Kid I'll pay you a million dollars to tell me who he is," Harvey said
immediately.
"I'll pay 2 million!" Dalen said next.
"3 million!" another man said.
"10 million!" Patrick yelled out.
Percy backed up, "ah, what is going on?"
"Enough!" Joseph said shutting everyone down, "I will not have any of
you harass this child. Yes, he knows my name, and that means he is
the victor of the challenge, no one else."
Percy blinked and turned to Edward, "Ed, what is he talking about."
"I have no idea," Edward said just as confused as Percy and the other
demigods.
"It is because of a deal I made years ago," The Collector spoke, "it was
a challenge to find my real name. The winner could ask me anything
they wish, money, power, items of great value. That was why everyone
wanted to know who my name was. But you figured it out first, hence
you get the prize."
"But Collector he isn't even part of the Abyss!" Dalen complained, "he
is a stranger Edward, someone who just recently joined, invited!"
Chapter 395
"It matter's not," Joseph said turning to Percy, "he won. He get's the
prize."
Several people groaned in the group as several others sent dark glares
towards Percy. The demigod could feel the Bloodlust rolling off of them
and he gulped.
'Great I was supposed to just come in and protect Ed, now I have to
deal with a room of powerful crazy people who all hate me. Just what I
needed.'
The Collector approached Percy and the demigod gulped, "ah, we
aren't going to have any problems are we?"
The pale man smiled, "only if you tell other people who I am."
Percy nodded, "sounds reasonable."
The Collector reached into his coat pocket and took out a pure black
card with a red border line on it, "here. This is my Abyss card. It is
similar to a hand held mobile device, use it to call me whenever you
wish to ask your favour. Oh, and please do be reasonable."
Abyss Card: The Collector,
Serving as a device to connect to the particular person it is
bounded to.
Note: This card has a tracking device on it allowing the bonded
individual to track user.
Percy looked at the card, 'so he wants to track me huh? Good Luck
with that.' Percy took the card and put the card away in his inventory.
The Collector narrowed his eyes at the card disappearing into thin air
but said nothing.
'If my theory is correct he can't track the card inside my pocket
dimension, meaning I just pissed him off even more.'
"Ladies and Gentlemen," a hypnotic voice spoke out distracting
everyone. Percy and the others turned to the middle of the room where
the platform raised up by a foot showing the holographic projection of a
woman with blond hair in a neat business suit, "please sit. The auction
will start momentarily."
Edward turned to Percy and the others, "you guys go to the back and
stay on look out. Remember, the Agent is targeting the people who
want to by the Scent Destroyer, meaning he is probably going to try
and kill us when the auction is going on."
Percy nodded, "right, be careful Ed."
The son of Hermes nodded and went to take a seat in one of the 20
chairs around the holographic stage. Percy and the others went to the
side of the room and meet the other security guys. Each were dressed
in nice suits and had a NJ-7 strapped to their chest.
"Is the room secure?" Percy asked the head of the security team, and
he knew he was the head due to the man's title;
Damian Barnes, Head of Security
Lv- 21
The man looked down at Percy, "who are you?"
"We are part of Edward Neak's protection detail," Thalia spoke up.
The man eyed them up and down then eventually sighed, "they get
younger and younger each year. Yeah, the room is secure. The only
way he is going to get in is by blowing a hole through the floor or
ceiling."
Percy was alert at that, "what?"
Damian shrugged, "joking kid."
"Yeah, but I wouldn't put it passed the man," Percy narrowed his eyes
as he sent a wave of mana to try and see if the Agent was anywhere
close. Luckily it seemed that he wasn't within Perec's range, which
could ether be good, or very very bad.
"Welcome to the Abyss auction," the holographic voice spoke again, "a
reminder of the rules for newcomers. All items produced in the auction
will be delivered to you in 2 days or less, if you wish for them to be
given to a specific location please tell us in advance. Any and all
exchange of money will be done via online baking, hence please input
your Baking ID into your seat's interface to begin."
Suddenly the front of ever right arm rest popped open and a pad slide
up and positioned itself in front of the person sitting on the chair. Percy
saw people type in banking ID and passwords and so the pad changed
to the display system which was presently blank.
"Now, let us begin. The first item on our list is a classical painting done
by the late Giovani Foronoche, it is titled, 'A Forest's Dream,' we begin
at 1 million dollars."
The holographic image changed to one of the painting. It was a
beautiful painting, even Percy could tell that. It featured a man and a
woman sitting together on a boat roaring across a river that cut through
a dense forest. The details were so sharp and pecius that Percy
couldn't help but feel lost in it. The pads on the chairs displayed the
image of the object in question with a bide option below it.
"1 million," a man spoke up.
"2 million," another said.
"3 million," this time it was The Wandering Jew who spoke.
"3 million going once, going twice. Sold to the Collector," the image
changed back to the woman, "up next, the lost verse of Panicous..."
And like that it continued. Percy saw items being sold that he couldn't
believe. There were ancient stone tablets, ancient weapons that were
thought to be pieces of God's power, the Christian God that is, not the
Greek.
Eventually though what he came for showed up.
"And now out next product isn't much of a look into the past like our
previous ones, but a look into the future," the woman disappeared and
a giant green pill showed up in her place, "this is the Scent Destroyer, a
formula developed by Abyss scientist that will destroy the scent of any
demigod that wears it. This will allow them to travel freely in our world
and essentially become like a human. We will start the bidding at 10
million dollars."
Percy saw Patrick's eyes light up, but Edward was already on the hunt,
"20 million dollars."
"30 million," Patrick declared.
Edward shot him a dirty glare, "40 million."
"50."
"70 million."
"90."
"100 million," Edward spoke up startling Percy and the rest, they didn't
realise just how rich the man was.
"110 million."
"Why are you blocking me on this Patrick? 120 million," Edward said.
"I need that pill Edward, 125 million."
"So do I. I'm going to use it to make more and give it to other
demigods, 130 million."
"A noble gesture, but disastrous. Who knows what will happen if the
Greeks were allowed to roam free. 140 million."
"You are the son of one of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, and
you say are telling me the Greek are worse than you? 150 million."
Chapter 396
Patrick growled his teeth but before he answered something
happened.
Warning! Attack from outside!
Percy read this and immediately turned around. He saw a giant
wrecking ball coming straight for the window. Percy turned and shouted
out, "get down!"
Everyone turned their heads towards Percy and just as the giant
wrecking ball broke through the wall tearing into the room. Percy
activated his super speed and took over out of harm's way putting them
on the far side of the room. He looked back at the wrecking ball and
saw it got stuck a few feet into the room.
However before Percy could move to see who did this attack he felt
something launched at him wrapping itself around his neck. Percy tried
to remove it and saw that it was a collar of some kind. It was black and
suddenly it glowed green;
Your powers have been deactivated! Specifically;
Pocket dimension control
Earthquake, Water, Shadow, Ice manipulation
Power of the Kefka gauntlet neutralized
Super speed
Flow of mana has been disrupted! You can no longer use your
mana!
Percy couldn't' believe what he was seeing. Somehow this collar
powered him down, he was useless!
Just then several gun shots went off and Percy heard Dalen scream.
He turned to see The collector down, bleeding out as the assassin from
before stood over Edward with his gun pointed down.
The assassin was just about to shoot Ed in the head when Michael
jumped in and attacked the guy with Riptide in hand.
Percy watched as Michael swung Riptide down on the assassin only to
have his swing blocked by the man's two guns, he must have healed
from Percy's attack already. The assassin then kicked Michael back
and leveled his gun at the demigod and fired repeatedly.
Just when it seemed all over Thalia stepped in and lowered her shield
deflecting all the bullets off of Aegis startling the Agent due to the face
of Medusa portrayed on the shield.
The Assassin then jumped in and knocked Thalia's shield to the side
before punching the demigoddess across the face breaking her nose
with an audible crunch. He then pulled out a knife from nowhere and
shoved it between her ribs.
"Thalia!" Percy was furious, he moved before he really had time to
process what was going on.
He may not have his powers, but he still had his weapons. Percy
reached in and pulled out Waverider and activated the weapon. He
transformed it into it's sword mode and attacked the Agent head on, he
may not have his powers, but he still had his skill.
The Agent pulled out his knife and blocked Percy with it. The knife
snapped in half the moment Waverider hit it. The Agent and Percy went
back and forth in their attacks. Soon the body guards finally got their
shit together and leveled their weapons at the Agent, "get down now!"
The Agent simply looked at them before he backed up slowly putting
both hands up in the air. Everyone watched him as slowly two guards
came to try and arrest him when suddenly he dropped both gus and
with a flick of his wrist two remote control detonators appeared in his
hands.
"Move and I blow you all up to kingdom come," Agent 46 spoke up in a
cold tone shocking everyone.
"You're bluffing," Percy narrowed his eyes.
The Agent moved his jacket revealing a vest strapped onto his body
containing large amounts of C4.
"Are you crazy?!" Dalen shouted, "you would kill youself!"
The Agent didn't look conflicted, he just looked determined, "my
mission comes first."
"Everyone back away," the Collector said as he growled out in anger.
He held his shoulder in pain, Percy figured Agent 46 must have hit the
man with something that could hurt a vampire.
"What do you want from us?" Edward asked.
"Not you," Agent 46 said turning his eyes to Percy, "just him."
Percy's eyes shot up in surprise. But before he could do or say
anything the Agent pressed one of the triggers in his hand sending a
shock through Percy's neck from the collar knocking him out.
Some time later;
Percy woke up as his eyes slowly lifted themselves. He heard the
sound of a motor boat tearing through the water. Percy felt before he
saw the water splash around by the side of the boat.
"Where am I?" Percy murmured but as he looked up to see Agent 46
standing at the boat's wheels steering them away from New York.
"With me," the Agent said as he slowly stopped the boat the moment
they were out of the bay.
"Why aren't I dead?" Percy asked as he felt around. His arms were
bound behind him with a ziplock, it was tight, but Percy knew he could
break it. He decided against doing so, first he needed to find out what
the Agent wanted.
"I could have killed you any time I wanted to," the Agent turned around
and took out a briefcase from the seat next to him and placed it in front
of Percy.
"If you didn't have this collar you wouldn't be saying that," Percy
grumbled out as the Agent opened the suitcase revealing a screen
inside with a strange logo displayed. It was a triangle with a skull in the
center with a crown on top of it. On each corner of the triangle was a
letter I, C and A.
"Your powers are great, but you have no proper training and lack the
skill," the Hitman said activating the screen which changed to an image
of a man in a silhouette.
"Hell Mr. Jackson," the shadowed man said in a muffled voice, "I am so
glad The Agent was able to bring you in."
Percy looked at the screen and then at the Agent, "why am I here?"
"Because we wanted you here," the man said.
"So wait, you went through all this trouble, you killed Don Fanico,
targeted Edward and the heads of Abyss, just so that you can get your
hands on me?" Percy asked with a raised eyebrow.
Chapter 397
"You underestimate your worth Mr. Jackson," the shadowy man replied,
"and who said you were our only objective? The Agent had a mission,
we knew he couldn't complete it with you around, so we decided to cut
our losses. Luckily we managed to get you as bonus."
Percy narrowed his eyes, "so what do you want?"
"To offer you a position in our ranks," the man said surprising Percy.
"Why do you want me to join you?"
"Any person who managed to kill Kishin Argo is worthy of our
attention," the man replied surprising Percy.
"How do you know that?" Percy narrowed his eyes.
"We have contacts everywhere," the man replied, "in this case it was
Argo's assistant, Mr. Jake Haro that provided us with the information.
Once we knew what you looked like all it took was a little digging and
we knew who you were."
Percy looked down, "I assume you made this collar off the information
Argo collected about my powers?"
The man nodded, "yes, with a few modifications of our own. We are
very much aware of your ice powers and your speed. That along with
disrupting your mana leaves your virtually powerless."
Percy calmed down, 'so no mana, no Kefka crystal and no speed.'
Percy was in panic mode before but now he could finally think.
Suddenly an idea came to him, 'Idiots.'
Percy nodded, "this is very impressive. You people must have been
tracking my movement and powers for some time now."
The man nodded, "yes, we have. Information is what we are good at."
Percy smiled, "but you forgot one thing." The Agent and the man were
surprised by the smile and Percy immediately activated his seals
removing 3 of them;
Seal Release: Layer 3, Time: 20 hours.
STR- 72 (+20)= 92
Feeling his strength flow through his body Percy flexed his arms and
broke the zip lock holding his arms back. He reached up to the collar
around his neck and crushed it with a tight squeeze.
The Agent took out his guns and fired. But by that time Percy's powers
had activated already causing him to regain every single one of his
powers, including marble skin.
Defence- 296,175,500
The bullets took off only 500 defence points. Percy took the bullets
head on, they barely bothered him. He punched the Agent in the
stomach sending Agent 46 into the boat's control and before the
assassin could get back up Percy was already on top of him.
Percy drew back an arm and launched it right into the man's face
plowing through it and into the controls below. Percy took out his arm, it
was covered with blood and brain matter. The man was a killer for hire
and a murderer. But worst of all he had hurt Thalia, he didn't deserve
any mercy from Percy.
Exp Gained: 60,000
The body of Agent 46 disappeared into nothing leaving behind Loot in
the form of two fully loaded silver guns with a black grip and spare
clips, 200,000 $ and a scroll of stealth.
Percy took the guns and scroll and put them away for later. Percy then
turned to the computer in the briefcase, the screen was not facing
Percy, meaning the man didn't see what just happened. 'Good, last
thing I need is someone I don't know finding about my gaming powers.'
Percy used blood control to remove the gore off of his hand, he then
sat down in front of the laptop and reactivated his strength seals,
"so….are we done?"
"How did you do that?"
"You have your secrets, I have mine."
"Indeed…..is he dead?"
"No."
Lie success!
"Why didn't you kill him?"
"I have my reasons."
The man remained silent for a long time, and Percy mimicked him. It
felt like hours had passed by before the mysterious figure spoke up,
"we will find him."
"You can try."
"Join us Mr. Jackson. We need people like you. People who are willing
to make this world a better place."
"No thanks, I don't want to be part of an assassin's guild," Percy
smiled, "stealth is not my style."
"We can offer you our help in exchange for your….services."
Percy raised an eyebrow, "what type of help?"
"We can help you fight Kronos," the man replied back.
"Yeah, sure you would," Percy rolled his eyes, "I'm sure a group of
assassins will be very useful against the Titan of time."
"We would be, we are very good at what we do."
Percy smiled, "I just killed your top assassin. How would anyone else
do any better?"
"We never said he was out top assassin." Percy narrowed his eyes, "he
was sloppy, he was noticable. The Agent was exceptional, but he was
also famous. The most well known assassins are also the worst."
"So you're telling me that you have someone better than Agent 46?"
The man in the shadows was startled, "I don't know how you know that
name…...but yes. We do have someone better."
Percy looked at the man and remained silent for a long time. He
thought it over, 'could I really join up with these guys? If we could have
them assassinate Kronos and the others...no, of course they can't.
They are just desperate.'
"Sorry bud, no deal," Percy finally said.
"But-" Percy didn't let the man finish. He grabbed the laptop and threw
it overboard into the water.
"Damn that guy was talkative," Percy then controlled the water around
him to turn the boat around and take him back into the city.
Once he reached the docks Percy got off the boat and took off at full
speed. He reached 'The Writer's Den' in minutes and saw that there
were cops outside setting up a perimeter. Percy looked at the cops and
recognized Kate Beckett in the crowd.
Percy didn't know how he should feel about the woman, technically he
lived with her for a week. She was a kind person and very good at her
job. Hell she even figured out that Percy's mom's 'death' had been
done by a wild animal.
But now is not the time for a reunion, Percy couldn't let himself be
seen. Percy snuck around and finally spotted Edward by an ambulance
pacing around.
"Ed!" Percy called out drawing his attention.
"Percy? Oh thank the Gods!" Edward rushed Percy giving him a hug,
"we thought you were dead."
I'm fine, where's Thalia?" Percy asked looking around frantically for the
girl.
"She's fine, we got her in a stable condition," Edward explained. Just
then;
Ping!
Quest completed!
Saving Edward Neak. Don't let him die.
Reward,
Skill disk- 10
10 points
Abyss card
Percy had received the Abyss card already, from Joseph. So instead a
golden disk spread out of thin air in front of Percy. Edward looked
surprised but didn't say anything as Percy put the disk away for later.
Percy turned to Ed, "did you get it?"
Ed nodded, "since technically I was the last one to bid for it I won."
Percy nodded, "good. Now, take me to Thalia."
"Right, follow me," Edward took Percy into the ambulance he was
standing in front of.
Chapter 398
Inside was Thalia on a gurney with an oxygen mask on her with
Michael next to her using his healing powers to keep her stable.
"Michael, is she okay?" Percy asked stepping into the ambulance.
"Percy? Thank the gods, yeah, she's fine," Michael said looking down
at the daughter of Zeus, "I managed to get her stable, they were
planning to take her to the hospital, but with you here we don't have
to."
Percy nodded, "right," he turned to Ed, "we have to go Ed. I took care
of the assassin, you and the others should be safe."
Edward nodded, "right, you guys go ahead. I'll call you when I have
completed the scent destroyer."
Percy nodded. Michael gave Percy back Riptide before the son of
Poseidon opened his inventory and put Michael inside. He then moved
to Thalia, carefully lifting the girl and putting her inside the inventory as
well.
Percy then switched shoes, from the nice leather ones of his suit to the
Fric shoes he used for running.
He took off a near mach 1 reaching the camp in minutes. He ran into
the Big House and up to the Med Bay.
He opened his inventory and took out Micheal first. He then went to a
bed and carefully took out Thalia setting her down on it.
"The assassin's blade was poisoned," Michael said looking through his
shelf for medicines, "it's a the degrading kind, cure her of the poison
and I'll get something to improve her vitals."
Percy nodded and immediately pressed his hand to her side activating
his healing skill. The room glowed with a hue of gold as Percy
destroyed the poisoned alliment she had.
Michael then stepped forward with a vial of green liquid that he
carefully poured down Thalia's throat. Thalia started to cough out loud,
Percy held her hand tightly as slowly she began to swallow more and
more of the medicine.
"Is she going to be alright?" Percy as asked holding onto her hand in
worry.
"She'd be fine, the danger has passed," Michael assured him, "what
happened with the assassin?"
"I'll tell you later," Percy told him, "can you get me a chair Michael?"
"You know you don't have to stay by her side right?" Michael told Percy
as he put a chair next to Thalia's bed.
"I know…. I want to," Percy told him.
"Right… you stay here, I'll go tell Chiron what happened."
Percy nodded and the son of Apollo left leaving Percy and Thalia
alone.
That moment still was fresh on Percy's mind. The way Agent 46
stabbed Thalia...it felt like Percy's heart was going to stop. It was his
anger that helped him overcome his shock and move to attack the
assassin. If he didn't…. He was afraid to think what the man would
have done.
Percy looked at the girl, her nose was twisted the wrong way, it was still
broken from the attack. Percy cursed the dead assassin again, that
man almost took away someone Percy cared about.
Percy pressed a hand on Thalia's face and healed her broken nose in
a flash of light. Percy smiled and slowly Thalia's eyes started to flutter
open.
"P-Percy?"
"I'm here Thalia," Percy said looking over her with a smile, "you're
okay. You're going to be fine."
"Where...where are we?" she tried to get up but Percy stopped her.
"You are back in camp, and stay down. You were poisoned, you might
be weak from the after effects."
"I….remember….what happened to the assassin?"
"I took care of him."
"What did you do?"
Percy narrowed his eyes, "I... I put a fist through his skull."
"Percy you shouldn't have-"
"He nearly killed you Thalia," Percy snapped back, "I was weakened,
and I couldn't stop him. And because of that he nearly killed you."
Percy lowered his head, the shame, the guilt, Thalia could hear it in his
voice.
"Percy...I'm fine, look at me," Thalia said raising his head up with a
hand, "I'm fine."
Percy nodded, "yeah. I know."
Thalia smiled, "you know.. While I was knocked out I had the strangest
dreams."
Percy smiled, "really? What kind?"
"It was the same dream as before. You know, the one about somebody
kissing me."
Percy was scared again. He didn't want her to find out. But after nearly
losing her completely….thing's didn't seem that bad.
"So what happened in this dream?" Percy asked, finally confronting his
worries.
"You were there," Thalia smiled, "you brought me back to my bed and
tucked me in. And then... and then I kissed you."
Percy smiled, "was it a good kiss?"
Thalia blushed, "it was my first kiss."
Percy chuckled nervously, "I hope I rocked your world."
"You did," Thalia's blush grew bigger, "so...is that why you were
avoiding me? Because I kissed you?"
"It's not that it's….yeah. I… I didn't really know how to react."
Thalia looked down, "oh, right." Percy could hear the disappointment in
her tone. She paused for a second, "well, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to
freak you out. I realise I took advantage of our friendship and I was
drunk. I know that's not an excuse and I don't want us to not be friends
any more, I-"
"-Oh shut up," Percy said throwing away and his fears and doubts. He
threw caution to the wind as he bent over Thalia and pressed his lips
against hers
"Hmm!" Thalia mumbled in surprise. Percy pressed his lips up against
hers and slowly deepened it. The daughter of Zeus slowly let her
instincts take over as she wrapped her hands around Percy's neck.
Percy was pulled on top of Thalia as he supported himself with one
hand using the other to hold her head as he kissed her over and over
again.
They stopped after what felt like hours. Thalia looked into his eyes,
"what the Hades was that?"
"I have no idea…..but I liked it," Percy said as Thalia pulled him down
to kiss him again. They were all over each other as they both finally
gave into their desires. Percy made sure to not put too much weight on
Thalia, she was still hurt, but the demigoddess kept pulling him closer
by wrapping her arms around him.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?!" someone yelled out.
Percy and Thalia stopped making out and slowly looked behind them to
see Annabeth standing there with her mouth wide open.
"Ah….we can totally explain" Thalia said. Annabeth didn't move or say
anything.
"Ah, I think we broke her," Percy replied as the two stared at their
paralyzed friend.
Status:
Percy Jackson
Health- 11,550/11,550 (+1000) = 12,550
Mana- 6,500/6,500 (+1000) = 7,500 (+20% more mana, +1,500) =
9,000
The Gamer
Title- Son of Poseidon
(+20 Str,+20 Vit, +20 Dex, while in water)
Level-42 Exp- 91,860/117,000
Race-Demigod
STR-100(+20)=120 (Multiseal – 6- 1.5(+20)=21.5)
VIT-100(+10+20)=130
DEX-50(+10+20)=80
INT-100
WIS-53
LUC-100
POINTS- 129
MONEY- 688,043$/ 556D
Chapter 399
Percy sat next to Thalia on her bed as they both hung their heads
down.
"So you two went to a party," Annabeth said pacing around the Med
Bay.
"Technically it was an after party," Percy spoke up causing Annabeth to
send him a death glare in response, "but-ah, that really doesn't matter."
"So you went to a party," Annabeth repeated, "you got drunk," she
pointed at Thalia, "and then kissed Percy."
The daughter of Zeus nodded, "right, after he tucked me in."
"And then you freaked out," Annabeth turned to Percy, "and pretended
nothing happened. But after Thalia almost died you basically said, 'fuck
it', threw caution to the wind and kissed her."
"Ah, yeah. I did, that is what happened," Percy nodded.
Annabeth started at the two long and hard. Soon it started to become
awkward for Percy and Thalia, it felt like they were being judged for
everything they did. Every twitch, every look, Annabeth's grey eyes
spotted it.
"So….what are you?" Annabeth finally asked.
Percy and Thalia shared a look. Percy shrugged, "well… I'm not sure."
"I like Percy," Thalia said as she closed her hand around his,
"and….the kiss was pretty good."
Percy smiled and leaned towards her, "yeah it was."
"Ahm," Annabeth cleared her throat.
"Right," Thalia said turning back to Annabeth, "ah, well I don't know
whether we are dating or anything."
"I mean I wouldn't mind, but this thing just started and….well I don't
want it to go to fast," Percy admitted as he squeezed Thalia's hand.
"Oh Gods you two are so irritating!" Annabeth threw her hands up in
frustration, "do you know how much of a shit storm you two being
together might cause?!"
"Well...yeah, but-"
"-But nothing!" Annabeth snapped back, "a son of Poseidon and a
daughter of Zeus. This couldn't get any worse!"
"Relax Annabeth," Thalia said with a smile, "we'll be fine."
Annabeth narrowed her eyes at her long time friend, "really? Doesn't it
bother you Percy's like 13! He's six years younger to you!"
Thalia shrugged, "does he look like he's 13?" Percy shook his head.
Thanks to the Goblin's growth perk he was taller than the average 13
year old, he also looked a lot more mature. "Plus technically I'm 15
right now, thanks to my little 'nap' inside a pine tree so that would make
it only 2 years older."
"Plus my birthday is in like a month, so that reduced it to 1 year," Percy
said.
"Yeah but my birthday is in December so it kind of get's evened out,"
Thalia said and Percy scratched his head before agreeing to it.
Annabeth sighed, "fine…but...Gods dammit! For fuck's sake Thalia!
You couldn't have picked anyone else?!"
Thalia crossed her arms, "I don't' know why you are so upset. And
what's wrong with picking Percy?"
Annabeth massaged her temples, "you both are the most impulsive,
powerful and reckless demigods I know. If you two start dating who
knows what shit you might cause?"
Percy scratched his head, "come on, we aren't that bad."
"You tried to take on an army from the Underworld by yourself,"
Annabeth pointed at Thalia. She then turned to Percy, "and you….I
don't even know where to begin with you."
"Annabeth look, we want this," Thalia spoke up, "we really do. I haven't
been happy in a long time. It's always been me up against this damned
prophecy and….and I've had to face it alone."
Annabeth looked saddened at that, "Thalia you were never alone. You
had me a Luke."
"Yeah, but as children Annabeth. Luke was like my brother, but I was
always the one who had to look out for him. And you….you were a kid
then Annabeth. I never had someone who could help me fight, who
could help me face the future. I…. I might die Annabeth. And I want to
know that the person I'm with," she looked to Percy, "I want to know
that Percy can stand by my side if that ever happens."
Percy looked at her, "you are not going to die Thalia. I know I can't
guarantee it, but I promise, I won't leave you."
Percy bent down and caught Thalia's lips in a kiss once again.
Annabeth sighed, "you two are too stubborn for your own good."
Thalia smiled, "yeah, we are."
Annabeth rubbed her temples again, "fine…if you two are happy then
fine. But be carefull, the others might not be….as accepting as I am."
Percy blinked, "first of, you weren't accepting at all. And second, what
others?"
Annabeth rolled her eyes, "the girls who have a crush on you."
Percy blushed, "what?!"
"Yeah, you didn't know?" Thalia asked surprised.
Percy looked at her, "you knew?!"
Thalia and Annabeth chuckled as the daughter of wisdom spoke up,
"everyone knew Percy."
"Who was it?!" Percy asked in surprise.
"Well there was Nina-"
"Nina?!" Percy asked in further surprise, "Nina has a crush on me?!"
"Had," Annabeth corrected, "I think it kind of went away ever since the
Sea of Monsters quest. Then there was Bianca-"
"What?!"
"Yup, hero worship. But I think she is to shy to say anything. Then
there is Nancy, the daughter of Apollo, and the other Nancy from your
school."
Percy blushed when remembering the human Nancy back at Yancy
academy, boy is she going to be pissed he she found out Percy was
taken.
"And...ah, yeah, that's it."
"Holy shit," Percy said in surprise.
"Rethinking this?" Thalia asked with a smile. She might have
mentioned it as a joke, but Percy could tell that she was worried.
Percy bent down and kissed her again. He moved back, "not even for a
second." Thalia smiled back, this time it was genuine.
"Oh I think I'm going to be sick," Annabeth said as she fake barfed in
the corner.
Percy and Thalia chuckled as Percy sat down in the chair next to
Thalia. The three then began to talk into the night. Percy and Thalia
told Annabeth about their mission and why Thalia was in the hospital
bed in the first place.
Eventually Annabeth left them, with a final warning that they should try
and hide their relationship for as long as possible to avoid a whole lot
of drama. After all the last thing they wanted was for Zeus and
Poseidon to get into a fight because Zeus 'accidentally' zapped Percy
with a lightning bolt.
Chapter 400
Thalia and Percy spoke for a little while longer before soon the
daughter of Zeus fell asleep. It had been a long day, and she was
understandably exhausted.
While she slept Percy's mind was running a 100 miles per hour. He
kept wondering to himself whether this was real, whether she really
cared about him the way he cared about her. Did he care about her?
Was it just a spur of the moment thing?
Percy asked himself these questions over and over again, but
eventually he realised the truth, he did like her, a lot. And these
feelings, they had been growing since the first time he met her. Sure
before it was purely physical, but now….now it was more than that.
Percy wanted to be with her, help her become stronger, protect her.
Maybe it was because of the hero complex he slowly realised he had,
but he wanted to make sure that nothing happened to Thalia.
Eventually Percy's thoughts turned to another terrifying thought, did
she like him? He wondered that again and again and it kept him up all
night by Thalia's bed side. Percy didn't need sleep, but even if he was
tired he doubt his mind would allow him to take a break.
'If only I could feel what she felt,' Percy wondered to himself when
suddenly it hit him. He could do that. Percy opened his skill menu and
quickly looked through it. He found what he was looking for near the
end of the list;
Empathy, Lv- MAX
You will understand the emotions of others. This is a skill you can
only use consciously.
Percy closed his eyes, 'empathy activate.' Percy suddenly felt himself
being opened up to the world around him.
Percy turned his scenes to Thalia herself. He looked at her through his
mind's eye and felt her emotions. They were happy. She was asleep,
but Percy was willing to bet anything she was having a happy dream.
Percy gently touched her skin and suddenly he felt a new emotion
shoot into her. It was warm and fuzzy, like the emotional equivalent of
feeling full after dinner.
"Thalia?" Percy asked and suddenly another shot of that warm feeling
went through her body. She couldn't react to him, but she heard him
speak. Percy focused on that feeling, he gently pressed his lips against
her forehead and gave her a small peck.
Suddenly the war feeling exploded up mixing with the feeling of
happiness she had. Soon Percy realised what this was. This was love.
She loved him.
Percy opened his eyes and slowly let the emotional world he felt slip
away deactivating his Empathic powers.
Percy smiled at the girl in the bed, 'she loves me. She really loves me.'
Percy closed his eyes and relaxed. He had nothing to worry about. He
slowly let himself be taken into the realm of Morpheus.
The Next Day;
The next day Percy had woken up to Thalia still in bed and asleep. The
sun still hadn't risen fully but Percy knew he couldn't stay here all day,
plus it would be super weird to be at her bedside all night.
He had gone back to his cabin and immediately Leo had demanded for
a plate of bacon and a walk. After taking out a plate of bacon from his
inventory, courtesy of the Lotus hotel and casino, Percy took Leo into
his ID world for a 'walk.'
The pair had slowly started from the Forest clearing it out of all the
zombies. Leo had finally gotten better at attacking. His added mass
made him a swift and deadly opponent. Eventually the Forest was
cleared giving Leo two additional levels;
Leo
Lv-9
HP: 750/750
MP:110/110
Race- HellHound (1/2)+Wolf (1/2)
Exp- 200/1,700
Str-11
Vit-11
Dex-6
Int-5
Wis-3
Luc-4
Points-15
Percy put 5 points in Leo's Vit and 5 in Str. He also put 2 in his Wis and
3 in his Int;
Str-16
Vit-16
Dex-6
Int-8
Wis-5
Luc-4
Points-0
Percy however wasn't really certain now that the whole going slow
approach was working. He wanted to wait before because he wanted
Leo and him to grow closer, but he realised that fighting together was
their way of growing closer. So with that in mind Percy decided to step
it up a notch.
He took Leo for the first time out of the Forest to face the Greek
Zombies. It took a while for Leo to get the hang of it, he usually
constantly fell prey to the Greek Zombies blades. But eventually he
learned how to avoid the weapons and bite of their heads.
After killing around 30 legion zombies Leo gained a total of 2,250 Exp.
Resulting in another level up;
Leo
Lv-10
HP: 950/950
MP:135/135
Race- HellHound (1/2)+Wolf (1/2)
Exp- 550/1,900
Str-16
Vit-16
Dex-6
Int-8
Wis-5
Luc-4
Points-5
Ping!
Your companion has reached level 10! It has gained a new Perk!
Strength of the Hellhound- + 5 Str for every level gained.
Percy was seriously jealous of the perk Leo just got. Hell if he had that
the first time he started this whole thing he would probably be stronger
than Zed by now!
Percy turned to Leo, "Hey Leo, do you feel stronger?"
Leo turned his head to the side, "hm, a little master. Why?"
Percy looked at the hellhounds stats and saw that it was still the same.
'Hmm, maybe the boost only applies from the next level onwards.'
Percy nodded and began allotting the stat points for Leo. Since Str was
no longer going to be a issue he figured why not focus on the important
stuff. He put 2 points in Int and 3 in Dex;
Str-16
Vit-16
Dex-9
Int-10
Wis-5
Luc-4
Percy then closed the box and looked around. Leo had cleared all the
Greek zombies, meaning…
"GRAA!" A roar exploded form behind Percy and Leo. The two turned
to see a Legion zombie being formed.
Leo whined, "master I don't like this."
"Why are you so scared? You faced one just like this yesterday," Percy
said with a smile.
Leo lowered his head, "it's still so big! And scary!"
Percy smiled, "okay how about this. You just go in there and scratch it.
It's strong, but super slow. After that I'll take over, okay?"
Leo whined again, "do I have to?"
Percy rolled his eyes, "damn, I should have named you Cringer instead
of Leo. And yeah, you have to, now move."
Leo whined again, but got ready. The Legion Zombie started to charge
them and Leo pounched. He moved quickly for a dog, and quickly
scratched the Legion zombie's ankle. Leo then went for it' other ankle
and managed to cut into that as well. But as he was about to make his
escape the Legion zombie's giant hand came down and grabbed the
dog picking it up like nothing.