THADDEUS POV
Once we cleared the library—and by "cleared," I mean pretended that I definitely did not burn a whole bunch of old books while trying to fight a mythical creature—we made our way to Grover's dorm. The whole place was quiet, save for the occasional rumble of thunder outside.
Grover was sprawled out on his bed, snoring softly, with an open copy of Maxim lying on his chest. Of course, Maxim. Why wouldn't that be his choice of bedtime reading?
I sighed and helped Mr. Brunner push his wheelchair into the room.
"Wake him up, Thaddeus," Brunner ordered, his tone sharp. "And tell him to pack up. Quickly."
"Y-Yes, sir!" I stammered, moving over to Grover's bed. I nudged him lightly. "Hey, man, time to get up. We've got... uh... something to do."
Grover didn't even stir.
Meanwhile, Percy was pacing, his frustration spilling over. "Can someone please tell me what's going on?!"
I turned to him, shrugging while trying to shake Grover awake again. "Look, dude, even if I wanted to explain, I can't. I'm as clueless as you are right now. This whole thing feels like the time I found out I could use magic. Confusing as hell and absolutely terrifying."
Brunner rolled further into the room, his patience obviously running thin. "No time for explanations. Grover, out of bed!" he barked, slapping his hand firmly on Grover's chest.
Grover groaned groggily, sitting up with a bleary expression. Brunner didn't wait for him to fully wake up; he guided Grover and handed him a backpack. "Pack quickly," Brunner instructed.
Grover blinked a few times but started stuffing random items into the bag. Percy joined him, helping pack while thunder growled ominously outside.
I, on the other hand, couldn't help but lean closer to listen as Brunner whispered to Grover. "I know it's bad to eavesdrop," I said, "but I really, really need to know what I'm getting myself into."
Brunner shot me a knowing glance before addressing both of us. "As you've likely noticed, strange things have begun 'happening'," he began. "Today's incident in the library—and earlier, in the bathroom with the water—those were signs."
"Signs of what?" I pressed, crossing my arms.
Brunner hesitated, then nodded slightly. "Percy's powers are starting to surface."
Percy froze, his hands still clutching a hoodie he was folding. "Powers? What powers?"
Grover looked equally shocked. "Why now?" he asked, his voice low.
Brunner's tone grew more solemn. "It happens when their lives are in danger. Just as Thaddeus had to break his promise not to use his magic."
I raised an eyebrow. "Wait, how do you know about that? Have you been spying on me?"
"It's not spying," Brunner said calmly. "We've been... monitoring, to ensure things don't spiral out of control."
Before I could argue further, Grover cut in, his voice tinged with panic. "What kind of danger are we talking about?"
Brunner sighed. "Percy was attacked. By a Minotaur. Thaddeus being there likely saved his life. Without his intervention, the outcome could have been far worse."
I shrugged, trying to downplay it. "It was nothing. Percy was paranoid enough to drag me along, so... I guess it worked out."
Grover frowned. "But why would a Minotaur even come after him?"
Brunner's gaze grew distant. "Listen carefully. What do you hear outside?"
Grover tilted his head. "Thunder," he said.
"But no lightning," I murmured, the pieces clicking into place. My mind flashed back to the dream I'd had about Zeus and Poseidon.
Brunner nodded gravely. "Stolen. And they suspect Percy."
"Impossible!" Grover exclaimed.
I stepped in, shaking my head. "Percy? Stealing? No way. The guy barely has the guts to take an extra cookie from the cafeteria."
Brunner gave us both a pained look. "I know, boys. But because of who Percy is... they think he did it."
I stared at Percy, then back at Brunner, realization dawning on me. I couldn't help but let out a nervous laugh. "Oh, no. Don't tell me... Oh shit. He's a child of the Big Three, isn't he?"
Percy frowned. "The what now?"
Grover groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Oh man... nowhere is safe for him now. And Thad? You're dragged into this whether you like it or not."
I smirked, trying to mask my growing anxiety. "Eh, I've got magic. Bring it on."
Brunner didn't share my humor. "There's only one place left," he said gravely.
Grover's expression hardened. "You want me to take him there?"
Brunner nodded, his gaze shifting to me. "Thaddeus as well. He'll need time to understand his role in all of this. Pick up Sally along the way."
Grover sighed, slinging the now-packed bag over his shoulder. "Got it," he muttered.
I let out a long exhale, staring at the floor. "Great. A road trip. What could possibly go wrong?" Grover nods.
The anguished roar of the Minotaur echoed faintly, reverberating like a bad memory that refused to fade. It cut through the muffled city noise outside Percy's bedroom, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.
We left Grover's dorm quickly, leaving Mr. Brunner behind for reasons I still didn't understand. Something about the way he looked at us as we departed left a pit in my stomach. This entire night felt like a ticking time bomb, and I wasn't sure what was scarier—the possibility that the Minotaur was still out there or the questions swirling in Percy's head that neither Grover nor I were ready to answer.
Now, the three of us sat on a packed subway train, surrounded by the hum of tired commuters and the occasional squeal of metal on tracks. The silence between us was suffocating. Percy kept glancing between Grover and me, practically bouncing in his seat.
Meanwhile, I sat back, trying to look as normal as possible. Which was a joke, really. Normal? After tonight? Every noise felt like a potential threat, every person a potential enemy. My fingers fidgeted on my lap, a quiet, subconscious preparation to throw up a barrier spell if necessary.
Percy couldn't take it anymore. He turned to Grover, his voice low but insistent. "Will you please tell me what's going on? What's all this stuff about my powers starting to surface? What powers? And me stealing something? Is that why nowhere is safe for me?"
I tried to defuse him with a casual tone, though I wasn't convinced by my own words. "Chill out, dude. I'm sure—" I looked pointedly at Grover. "—Grover here has a lot of explaining to do."
Grover, hunched over and visibly paranoid, shot me a glare before responding in a hushed tone. "Quiet. Keep your voice down. They could be listening."
I raised an eyebrow at his words. "They?" I asked, my skepticism creeping into my tone.
Percy leaned forward, his frustration mounting. "Who? Who could be listening?"
Grover leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper as his eyes darted around the subway car. "Not here. Not with all these people around. No one can be trusted."
I followed his gaze as it settled on an elderly lady sitting across from us. She was staring directly at him, her expression unreadable. Grover stiffened, gripping the edge of his seat.
"Grover," I said, my voice steady but sharp, "you're starting to sound like a conspiracy theorist."
Percy shook his head, rubbing his temples as if trying to process everything. "This is insane," he muttered.
I shifted in my seat, my hand twitching slightly as I kept my senses on high alert. "Insane doesn't even begin to cover it," I said, my eyes scanning the subway car. I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched. Every passenger—businessmen, students, tired moms, and, yes, the elderly lady—felt like a potential threat.
Grover whispered again, his paranoia spilling out. "Just... stay quiet. Don't draw attention to yourselves. We're safer if they don't know where we're heading."
"Who's they?" Percy pressed.
Grover didn't answer, his focus locked on the doors as the train pulled into the next station.
I sighed and leaned back, muttering under my breath, "I don't feel so good about this."
As the train came to a screeching halt and the doors opened, a fresh wave of passengers boarded. Grover tensed up even more, shrinking into his seat. Percy's confusion turned into irritation as he stared at Grover, and I could feel his frustration bubbling over.
This wasn't over—not by a long shot. Whatever answers Grover had, he wasn't ready to share them here. And judging by the way he kept glancing at the elderly lady, I wasn't sure we'd have the time to wait.
"Stay ready," I whispered to Percy, my voice low and calm. "This feels too quiet for my liking."
Percy nodded, gripping the strap of his bag tightly. And as the subway lurched forward, I couldn't shake the feeling that quiet was the last thing we should be worried about.
The three of us hurried out of the subway and onto the sidewalk, the dim glow of streetlights casting long shadows across the working-class neighborhood. Grover's paranoia was palpable—his eyes darted suspiciously at anyone who passed by, his hands fidgeting with the straps of his backpack.
Percy, struggling to keep up and visibly annoyed, finally broke the silence. "Why did Brunner send you home with me?"
Grover glanced over his shoulder, his expression tense. "To keep you safe. And Thad too. Sure, he's got magic, but..." He hesitated, his voice dropping slightly, "it won't always be enough."
"Wait, you're going to keep me safe?" Percy asked, side-eyeing Grover's crutches and failing miserably to keep the skepticism out of his voice.
Before Grover could respond, I elbowed Percy lightly. "Dude, not funny," I muttered, shaking my head.
Grover's jaw tightened, and his tone turned defensive. "I'm your protector."
Percy let out a laugh—nervous, incredulous, and a little too loud. I sighed audibly, rubbing my temple.
"What's so funny?" Grover snapped, his voice laced with hurt.
I stepped in before things got worse, raising a hand in Grover's direction. "Want me to give him a demonstration of why he should take you seriously?"
Grover quickly shook his head. "Not now, Thad."
Percy raised his hands in mock surrender, trying to defuse the tension. "Nothing! It's just... well, you—"
Grover spun around, his face flushed with frustration. "What? You think because I'm disabled, I can't protect you? Is that it?"
"No, I didn't mean—" Percy started, but Grover cut him off.
"You didn't have to say it," Grover said quietly, his voice thick with insult.
I clicked my tongue and shot Percy a pointed look. "And yet you definitely implied it," I said, my voice calm but firm.
Percy exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean it like that." His guilt was written all over his face.
Grover muttered something under his breath but didn't press further. Though I could tell Percy felt terrible about the whole thing.
As we turned onto a quieter street, the rows of small, weathered two-story homes came into view. They were all tightly packed together, with peeling paint and sagging porches that told stories of a neighborhood that had seen better days.
We stopped in front of a particularly plain, wooden house sandwiched between its neighbors. Grover nodded toward the door, and without a word, we walked up the short steps. Percy hesitated for a moment but eventually followed as I opened the door.
The smell of old wood and something faintly burnt greeted us as we entered, the house dimly lit and eerily quiet. I glanced around, my instincts on high alert, but for now, everything seemed... normal.
"Home sweet home, Mr. Percy Jackson," I muttered under my breath, stepping inside as Percy opened the door.
Gabe Ugliano. Percy's 39-year-old stepfather was sprawled at the table like a king of filth in his small, grimy apartment. He was surrounded by four poker buddies who looked just as greasy as he did, and the table was cluttered with beer bottles, greasy chips, and cards that had seen better days. Some scratchy Southern rock from the 70s played in the background.
In my head, I was already piecing together why Percy despised this man. The nickname "Smelly Gabe" made perfect sense the moment I walked in. The guy looked like he hadn't seen a bar of soap in years, let alone bothered to shower. I watched him shovel a handful of garlic-soaked chips into his mouth, followed by a generous gulp of beer, and then—because life is apparently a comedy—he leaned to one side, lifted a cheek, and let out a fart so loud it rivaled the thunderstorm outside.
It was almost laughable, except for the fact that this man had an air of menace about him. Percy had hinted at how bad Gabe could get when he drank too much—how the yelling would start, then the fights. The way Percy's jaw tightened as he looked at Gabe told me those stories weren't just exaggerations. Gabe wasn't just a slob; he was an ass.
"Sally!" Gabe barked, annoyed. "Get us some beers, would ya?"
Percy's mom, Sally, entered the room with a resigned grace, carrying a six-pack like it was just another part of her routine. She looked like life had dealt her a tough hand but somehow hadn't broken her spirit. Mid-30s, attractive in a way that spoke more to her inner strength than her outward appearance. She had this quiet, radiant glow about her—like a candle that refused to be snuffed out, no matter how bad things got.
Gabe snatched the beers from her and turned to his poker buddies with a smug grin. "Ya know, guys, if God wanted men to get their own beer, he wouldn't have invented wives."
I clenched my fists so hard my knuckles cracked. There was a part of me—a very big part—that wanted to hurl a fireball straight at his head. But no, this wasn't my fight. I wasn't going to intervene unless Percy asked. Still, my gut told me that if Gabe pushed things too far, someone in this room wasn't walking out alive.
Sally forced a smile, placing the beers on the table like she hadn't heard the gross excuse for a joke. Gabe, clearly riding high on his delusions of charm, pulled her in for a sloppy kiss, his greasy hands grabbing her backside.
"Just kiddin', babe. C'mere," he muttered, oozing arrogance.
That was it. The sound of Percy's voice cut through the room like a knife. "Get your hands off my mother."
The room went silent. Gabe and his buddies froze, their half-drunk laughter dying in their throats. Everyone turned toward the doorway, where Percy, Grover, and I were standing. Percy's eyes were blazing with fury, his fists clenched at his sides.
Sally's reaction couldn't have been more different. Surprise lit up her face, quickly followed by a beaming smile. "Percy!" she exclaimed, rushing over to him and pulling him into a warm hug.
I watched as she embraced Percy with a kind of love and relief that made the whole room feel lighter. Then she noticed Grover and leaned in to kiss his cheek like he was another one of her sons.
Meanwhile, Gabe glared at us from the table, his poker buddies muttering under their breath. I locked eyes with him for a moment, my expression as blank and unbothered as I could manage. He didn't scare me, but I wanted him to know that any funny business on his part wouldn't go unnoticed.
As Sally fussed over Percy and Grover, I stood back, quietly taking it all in. This woman—Percy's mom—was incredible. Strong, kind, and way too good for a piece of trash like Gabe. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why she stayed with him. But maybe... just maybe, she had her reasons.
Still, it was hard not to imagine how much better off she'd be without him. And if Gabe so much as thought about laying a hand on her while we were here, he'd regret it faster than he could say, "Pass the Tabasco."
Sally's gaze shifted between Grover, Percy, and me, her expression a mixture of suspicion and concern. "Grover?... You too?" she asked, her tone uncertain. Then she turned to Percy, eyes narrowing. "What are you mixed up with this time?" Finally, her eyes landed on me. "And who's this?"
I straightened up, giving her a polite nod. "Thaddeus Bartholomew, ma'am. Just Thad, really. Percy's my friend... most days," I added with a faint smirk, hoping to lighten the mood.
Before Sally could respond, Gabe—being the ever-charming slob he was—cut in with a sneer. "Probably another punk who got his ass kicked out of school."
Percy's fists clenched at his sides. His voice came low and dangerous. "Disrespect my mom again, Gabe, and you'll be the one getting kicked out—straight onto the street."
Gabe's face turned red, either from embarrassment or anger—or maybe both. "Yeah? Let's see what you've got, tough guy!" he slurred, standing unsteadily, his bulk towering over Percy.
The room went tense as Gabe, in a drunken rage, grabbed Percy by the collar. His intention to intimidate was clear, but it was equally clear he was ready to escalate into a full-blown fight.
Before I could intervene, Grover acted first, bringing his crutch down hard on Gabe's foot. The thud echoed in the cramped apartment, followed by Gabe's pained howl.
"Ahhh! You little—!" Gabe stumbled, clutching his foot.
Grover, ever the actor, feigned innocence. "Oh, geez, sorry! New crutches."
But I wasn't about to let things end there. My calm broke, and before I fully processed what I was doing, I grabbed Gabe by his greasy collar and, with a strength that surprised even me, hoisted him clean off the ground.
"You," I said, my voice quiet but laced with menace, "are going to SHUT. THE. HELL. UP." I slammed him back against the wall, the entire room rattling slightly from the impact. "And while you're at it, take a goddamn shower. You're stinking up the entire block."
With that, I let go, letting him crumple to the floor like the trash he was.
Percy, wide-eyed and surely impressed, muttered, "Holy shit, Thad. That was awesome."
I turned back to him, brushing dust off my hoodie. "You learn a lot when you stop letting people walk all over you," I said with a shrug, trying to sound nonchalant even though my pulse was still racing.
Meanwhile, Grover, not one to miss an opportunity, leaned on his crutch again—this time aiming it squarely between Gabe's legs.
"Sorry again, Gabe," Grover said sweetly, just before slamming the crutch into his crotch with a sickening thud.
Gabe let out a wheezy, high-pitched groan, crumbling to his knees.
"I am so clumsy," Grover said with mock concern, leaning down slightly. "You okay there, buddy?"
Gabe was too busy gasping for air to reply. His poker buddies, sensing the shift in power dynamics, scrambled to help him back into his chair.
I crossed my arms and glared at the remaining men. "And the rest of you... OUT!"
They didn't need to be told twice. Grabbing their jackets and whatever beer bottles they could salvage, they bolted for the door without so much as a glance back.
As the door slammed shut behind them, Grover leaned toward Percy and whispered, "I'm your protector. Are you cool with that?"
Percy nodded, still processing the scene. "Yeah, yeah, I'm cool with that."
I gave Grover an approving nod. "Good stuff, Grover. I might make a proper hero out of you yet." I glanced down at my hoodie, wrinkling my nose at the faint smell Gabe had somehow left on it. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to... deal with this nastiness. Seriously, how does someone smell like that?"
Grover chuckled, Percy shook his head with a small smile, and Sally... Sally just watched us, her expression unreadable but her gratitude shining through. Gabe might still be in the house, but for now, he'd been put firmly in his place.
Percy hid a small, sly smile and gave Grover a quick nod. Meanwhile, Sally, always the peacemaker, hurriedly led us into the kitchen, away from the chaos still lingering in the living room.
We stood there for a moment in the faint glow of the overhead light. Percy finally broke the silence, his voice tinged with frustration. "Why do you stay with that smelly pig, Mom?"
Sally froze for a second, clearly anticipating the question. Then, she said, "Not another word, Percy. He's been good to us in ways you'll never understand."
I raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the counter. "Not to butt into your family drama," I said, gesturing toward the wall separating us from Gabe's guttural grunts, "but I don't think 'good' is the word anyone sane would use for that guy."
Sally shot me a look. "It's complicated," she said softly, her eyes clouding with something I couldn't quite place. Then she turned to Grover, cutting the tension like a knife. "Now... what's going on?"
Grover glanced at Percy and me, shifting uneasily on his crutches. "We got attacked," I said bluntly, folding my arms. "By a Minotaur. In the library, of all places."
Grover nodded, looking pale but determined. "We have to go. To the camp."
Sally blinked, her expression shifting to concern. "Right now? Why?"
"Percy's in danger," Grover said, his words rushing out in a single breath. "And—well—Thad got himself dragged into it too! They're coming after Percy, especially. They think he stole—"
A deafening roar erupted from the other room, cutting Grover off mid-sentence. The sound was loud, guttural, and... not quite human.
Grover's eyes went wide. "The Minotaur!" he yelped, clutching his crutches like they were shields.
"Stop it, drama queen," I said dryly, rolling my eyes.
Sally waved off the panic with a tired smile. "Relax. It's only Gabe."
"PERCY JACKSON!" Gabe bellowed from the other room, his voice slurring with beer-fueled rage. "GET YOUR ASS IN HERE!"
I retorted, unable to resist. "WANT TO TRY THAT AGAIN, ASSHOLE? COME IN HERE AND I'LL GIVE YOU ROUND TWO!"
Grover's panicked expression deepened as he grabbed Percy's sleeve. "Please don't egg him on! We need to go!"
Percy sighed, throwing a glance at Grover. "Maybe you shouldn't have gone for the nuts, man."
Sally clapped her hands, bringing us all back to the urgency of the moment. "We'll take Gabe's car. Come on."
With that, she pushed open the back door, motioning for us to follow.
As we shuffled outside into the cool night air, Grover made a pit stop at the counter, snatching a jumbo bag of Cheetos like it was some sacred artifact.
"You're bringing Cheetos?" I asked incredulously.
Grover shrugged, cradling the bag like a lifeline. "Stress eating is a real thing, Thad." We didn't argue any further.
The battered '78 Camaro, rusted in all the wrong places but somehow still clinging to life, roared out of the garage like it had something to prove. The racing stripes on the hood screamed "glory days long gone," but Sally handled the wheel like she was piloting a war chariot.
We tore down a country road, the Camaro the only vehicle for miles. On one side, an endless sea of trees loomed over us; on the other, hills rolled like waves under a starlit sky. The road stretched ahead, dark and unfamiliar, the tension in the car matching the eerie silence outside.
Sally drove with a calm determination, her knuckles white on the steering wheel. Grover was in the backseat with me, nervously devouring a bag of Cheetos like it held the answers to all his problems. Every so often, he glanced down at a crumpled road map, muttering to himself.
I raised an eyebrow, unable to resist. "You sure are one hell of a stress eater," I said, watching as he shoved another fistful of orange-dusted snacks into his mouth.
Grover just gave me a sheepish look, cheeks puffed like a squirrel's. "Can't save lives on an empty stomach," he mumbled through a mouthful.
Percy, sitting up front, wasn't in the mood for jokes. He turned to Sally, his voice tight and filled with frustration. "Mom, I don't know what's going on. But I didn't steal anything. I swear..."
Sally didn't take her eyes off the road, her voice soft but firm. "I believe you, honey. I know you're scared and confused right now, but you have to trust me. I never wanted this for you." She paused, her expression shifting to something more tender. "I thought you could have an ordinary life. But nothing about you could ever be ordinary."
Percy frowned, his tone bitter as he asked, "So where are we going?"
Sally hesitated for just a moment before answering. "Think of it as a camp. A camp for special people. Like you. And your father."
At the mention of his dad, Percy's face darkened. "Great," he muttered. "A camp full of losers."
Sally's grip on the wheel tightened, but her voice remained calm. "Your father was not a loser," she said firmly. "He was a great... man."
Something in her tone caught my attention. It wasn't just conviction; there was something unspoken but deeply felt. I found myself studying her expression in the rearview mirror.
"Great, huh?" I said, leaning forward a bit. "Care to elaborate? Because, honestly, we could all use some clarity right about now."
Sally's eyes flicked to the mirror, meeting mine for a split second before returning to the road. "All in good time, Thaddeus," she replied, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Grover, still munching on his Cheetos, shot me a look that said, "Don't push it." I shrugged and leaned back, crossing my arms as I stared out the window.
Percy's jaw tightened, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "He was 'a great man,' huh?" he muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "A great man who abandoned his family."
Sally let out a weary sigh, keeping her eyes on the road. "He didn't abandon us, Percy," she said softly but firmly. "He had to leave. He couldn't stay in our world."
Percy turned to her, incredulous. "Our world? What does that even mean? Who was my dad? E.T.?"
I snorted at that but quickly covered my mouth, trying not to derail the moment.
Sally glanced at him, her expression a mix of patience and something deeper—maybe sadness. "Percy," she began gently, "you know all the myths about the Greek gods and goddesses? The stories you've heard in school?"
Percy squinted, clearly trying to figure out where this was going. "Yeah?"
"They're not really myths," Sally said, her tone unwavering. "The gods are alive. They're here."
Percy blinked. "What?"
Sally took a deep breath, as if bracing herself. "You saw the Minotaur."
"Okay, yeah," Percy admitted hesitantly. "But... I mean... if the gods are real, wouldn't they be in Greece or something?"
"They were," Sally explained. "A long time ago. But the gods tend to follow the heart of the West. For the past two centuries, they've been settled in America."
I couldn't help but mutter, "Heart of the West... huh. That's a loaded phrase if I've ever heard one."
Percy ignored me, his focus locked on his mom. "What does this have to do with me?"
Grover, finally looking up from his precious bag of Cheetos, chimed in. "Remember what Brunner said in class? About the gods coming to Earth? Sometimes when they do, they... uh... fall in love with mortals and have kids." He paused, glancing at me. "You know, like how Thad went off on that whole tangent about different terms for them."
"Demigods," Percy said, the word tumbling out before he could stop it.
"Ding, ding," I said dryly, staring out the window. "So my best friend's secretly a kid of Greek a god. That's a new level of flex right there."
Grover nodded, his tone more serious now. "Half-god, half-mortal. Or 'hybrid,' if you prefer Thad's flair for dramatics. There are hundreds of demigods living in the world right now. Some live normal lives, others become pretty famous."
Percy looked between us, clearly grappling with what he was hearing. "What are you saying?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "That I'm one of those people?"
Sally glanced at him, her expression earnest and unwavering. "Yes, Percy. You're a demigod."
The words hung in the air, heavy and undeniable. Percy stared at her, his mind clearly racing as he tried to process it all.
I leaned back against my seat, shaking my head with a faint smirk. "You know, I have about a million questions right now, but... I think I'll save them for later."
Percy didn't respond. He just stared out the windshield, speechless and shell-shocked. For once, I didn't blame him. After all, "son of a god" wasn't exactly a title you could process in one car ride.
The car rumbled along the dark road, its headlights cutting through the shadows of the countryside. I couldn't help but fidget, glancing at Grover, who was finishing the last of his Cheetos.
"Hey, G-man," I said, trying to sound casual, though I was far from it. "You're the protector, right?"
Grover raised an eyebrow. "The hell is that supposed to mean?"
I shrugged. "I was just wondering if I could, uh... call my dad. You know, let him know I'm not dead or anything."
Grover looked skeptical. "Dunno, Thad. Can you vouch for him?"
"Of course, I can," I said, a bit more defensively than I intended. "He knows about my magic. He'll understand."
Grover sighed but gave a small nod. "Fine. Make it quick."
I pulled out my phone and dialed Darren. It only rang twice before he picked up.
"Hello? Thad! Where are you? You haven't answered my texts! Are you alright?" Darren's voice was a mix of relief and concern.
"I'm fine... just, uh, treading some deep waters right now," I replied, "Listen, something big came up. I won't be home for a while."
There was a long pause before Darren spoke again. "The hell? What did you do this time? You know what? Forget it. Just come back in one piece, alright? And after that, we're having a long talk about your school transfer."
At the mention of "school transfer," both Percy and Grover perked up, their curious gazes fixed on me. Percy caught my eye in the rearview mirror, looking more interested than he had been the entire drive.
"Yeah, sure," I said quickly, feeling the weight of their stares. "Bye, Dad."
The call ended, and I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
We sped past a field of grazing cattle, their dark shapes barely visible under the night sky. Inside the car, the silence was heavy until Sally finally spoke.
"I was young when we met," she began, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. "Just out of school, working at a resort for the summer, right on the ocean. Your father was... not like any guy I had ever met. He was just... dazzling."
Grover, ever the expert in these matters, muttered, "They're always dazzling."
I couldn't resist. "So, what, they come off like some majestic, glowing supermodels?" I asked, half-joking.
Grover nodded solemnly as if it were a universal truth.
Sally smiled faintly. "We were very much in love. And then... you came along, Percy." She paused, her voice growing heavier. "But he had to leave..."
Percy's jaw tightened. "So he did abandon us," he said bitterly.
Sally shook her head, her tone firm but patient. "He had no choice, Percy. The gods, by their very nature, can't live among mortals. They're responsible for an entire universe. Their presence... it would upset the balance."
"Then maybe they shouldn't have kids," Percy muttered, crossing his arms.
I stayed quiet, though his words stirred something in me. For a brief moment, I had a flashback—an image of a couple standing over a cradle, their faces obscured but their sadness palpable. A child's wail echoed in the distance. The memory—or dream, maybe—left a dull ache in my chest.
Sally sighed, her voice softening. "Your father loved you, Percy. Leaving you was probably the hardest thing he ever did."
Percy's defiance faltered. He stared out the window, his posture tense but his tone quieter. "What was his name?" he asked after a moment.
The question hung in the air, and even I leaned forward slightly, curious. Sally hesitated, her hands gripping the steering wheel just a little tighter.
Sally turned toward Percy, her lips parting as if she were about to answer his question, but the moment was shattered by a deafening, guttural roar that ripped through the night. The sound was so unnatural, so terrifying, it felt as though the earth itself had cried out. Grover craned his neck toward the window, eyes wide.
Suddenly, with a thunderous crash, a cow flew above and landed directly on the road ahead of us.
Sally screamed, jerking the wheel hard to the right. The Camaro veered wildly, its tires screeching in protest before the car flipped onto its side. Time seemed to stretch as the world turned sideways. The car careened off the road, skidding through mud and rocks, before slamming into a ditch next to a dense forest of pine trees. The sharp scent of gasoline and smoke filled the air.
When the chaos stopped, the car was still, leaning precariously against a tree. Smoke poured from the hood.
"Mom? Mom!" Percy's voice cut through the ringing in my ears.
"Shit! Oh no!" I yelled, adrenaline surging as I unbuckled myself. "I can hear it coming! We gotta move now!"
Sally stirred, blinking in confusion but thankfully unhurt. She quickly assessed the situation. "I'm okay. How's Grover?"
From the backseat, Grover groaned, lifting his head. "Is it just me, or is it raining cows?"
"Not a good time to joke, G-Man!" I shot back, fumbling with my seatbelt before blasting the door open with a quick burst of fire magic. The twisted metal groaned in protest but gave way. I crawled through the debris and dropped into the mud.
The ground suddenly shook beneath us, rhythmic and heavy. Impact tremors. Something massive was DEFINITELY coming, and it wasn't far. The sound of snapping branches and thunderous footsteps drew closer and closer. I spun around, scanning the dark forest as my pulse pounded in my ears.
"Percy!" I shouted, turning toward the car. "What do you see back there?"
Percy squinted through the mud-splattered back window, panic written across his face. "COW!"
"Not the cow, you idiot!" I barked, though I didn't have time to hear the rest.
Sally threw herself against the driver's side door. "Everyone out!" she screamed, but the door was jammed. Percy struggled with his, but it wouldn't budge either.
The tremors grew louder. The creature—whatever it was—was close.
"Damn it! I'll buy you some time!" I yelled, scrambling back into the open. "Grover, get them out!"
Grover nodded resolutely. "On it!" He kicked off his sneakers and shimmied out of his baggy pants in one swift motion.
Percy blinked at him, utterly dumbfounded. "What the hell are you doing?"
Grover glanced at him, his expression deadpan. "My job." He lifted one leg, revealing his feet weren't feet at all—they were thick, furry hooves.
Percy gawked, his voice rising. "Okay. So you're, what, half-donkey?"
Grover snorted, rolling his eyes as he grabbed a piece of debris to pry the door. "Goat, actually. A Satyr. And you're welcome."
From where I stood, fending off, I couldn't help but shout over my shoulder. "I KNEW IT! I wasn't blind or crazy! My best friend's a goat!"
I didn't have time to revel in the absurdity. With a roar, the Minotaur emerged from the darkness, its hulking figure silhouetted against the pale moonlight. Its cruel yellow eyes locked onto me, and it let out a deafening snort, kicking up dirt with its massive hooves.
"Hey, ugly!" I taunted, conjuring an icy blast in one hand and a swirl of fire in the other. "Why don't you pick on someone with magic?"
The Minotaur bellowed, charging toward me like a freight train. With a shout, I unleashed a torrent of fire, searing the ground in front of it. The flames licked at its legs, slowing its advance, but it wasn't enough to stop it. The beast lowered its head, horns aimed directly at me.
"Grover! Move it or lose it!" I yelled, dodging to the side just as the Minotaur barreled past. I sent a shard of ice hurtling into its flank, but the creature only stumbled briefly before turning back, more furious than ever.
"Thad, we're out!" Grover called as he and Percy helped Sally crawl through the wreckage.
"Go!" I shouted, sending another wave of fire at the Minotaur. "Get to the woods, and don't stop running!"
As the beast roared again, I squared my shoulders, ready for round two. Maybe distracting this thing wasn't the smartest move.
Grover pulls back his leg. With a powerful kick, he shatters the rear window and climbs out of the back window. Percy assists his mom out of the car. When Percy climbs out, he sees Grover standing in all his glory...
Grover calls out, "Follow me."
"Go! Go!" I launched a fireball which caused a temporary wall of fire.
With tremendous speed and agility, Grover gallops toward the pine forest. The rest of us follow behind him. I glance over my shoulder and see...The Minotaur.
A few feet away, at the edge of the pine forest, All of us stop, looking back at the Minotaur.
Thad, "Why'd we stop?" Grover replied with a forced sush.
The Minotaur unleashes a chilling, angry, howl, and turns towards us once more. Grover, "He just picked up our scent. Run!"
Thad, "Now that's not fair!" I sprint following them
We all sprinted, hearts pounding, our legs pushing harder than they ever had before. The air was thick with the scent of pine and earth, but all I could hear was the roar of the Minotaur, growing louder and more furious as it tore through the forest behind us. I could almost feel its rage in my bones—each step it took shook the ground, and I knew it wouldn't stop until it had us.
I heard a massive crash and turned just in time to see the wreckage of Gabe's car careening through the trees. I didn't have time to think.
"Look out!" I yelled.
Sally didn't hesitate. She tackled Grover to the ground with surprising force, knocking him out of the way just as the car flew toward us. I raised my arm, instinctively conjuring a wall of ice. It shot up between us and the flying wreckage, a desperate barrier to protect us. The car slammed into it with a deafening crash, shaking the very air. I watched, wide-eyed, as the car flew over our heads, missing the ice wall by mere inches. It landed with a violent thud, skidding to a stop barely a dozen feet in front of us.
Percy wiped his brow, looking over at the mangled vehicle. "Gabe's gonna be so pissed."
Sally shot a look at the wreckage, her face tightening. "I always hated that car."
I couldn't help but smirk. "And I hate the guy who owns that tin can."
We scrambled to our feet, the roar of the Minotaur now deafening as it continued to rip through the trees. Every branch it broke felt like it might be the last thing we heard before it got its hands on us.
Grover was already moving, his legs carrying him faster than I thought possible. "C'mon, we're almost there!"
Ahead of us, I saw what he was pointing at—a weathered wooden gate, standing at the entrance of a small clearing. The faded Greek letters arced across the top of the gate, worn by time but still legible. As we drew closer, I could feel a strange pull in my chest. My mind shifted, and without even trying, I read the letters. "Camp Half-Blood."
I didn't know how I knew it, but I did. It was like my brain had been rewired for this moment, and the words were instantly familiar, like a language I should have always spoken.
Grover was already ahead of me, grabbing Percy and pulling him through the gate. I followed closely behind, but when we reached it, I stopped dead in my tracks. Sally hadn't followed.
"Mom?" Percy's voice cracked with panic as he looked back, realizing she wasn't with us. "Mom, what are you doing?"
Sally stood at the entrance, frozen, as if some invisible barrier was holding her back. Her eyes locked with Percy's, but her voice was steady. "I can't go any further, Percy."
Percy reached for her, desperate. He grabbed her arm, pulling with all his strength, but there was nothing. Nothing but an invisible wall that wouldn't let her cross. His face twisted in frustration as he struggled to pull her through the gate.
"Dammit!" I shouted, trying to keep my cool. "Grover, can't you do something?"
Grover shook his head, his face grim. "She's not one of us. It's impossible."
"What?" Percy gasped, still trying to drag his mother through the force field. "No, I don't—what does that even mean? She's my mom! She has to come with us!"
Sally's voice was low but firm. "I can't go through. I'm not like you. I can't be a part of your world."
There was a long moment of silence. The only sound was the growing crash of the Minotaur, getting closer by the second.
Thad, calm, but urgent, I grabbed Percy by the shoulders. "Calm down. We'll figure something out." My words felt hollow, even to me. I had no idea how to fix this. But I wasn't about to let Sally get torn apart by some half-bull psychopath. There had to be another way.
The roar of the Minotaur was deafening now. It was almost on top of us.
The Minotaur stomps closer, its massive form looming just feet away. The ground beneath us trembles with each step, the beast's snarls filling the air like an ominous drumbeat.
Sally, her voice cracking with emotion, turns to Percy. "I love you, Percy. Now go. Please."
The weight of her words hits like a punch to the gut. Now go. Please. The finality in her voice burns itself into my mind.
Percy yells, "I'm not leaving without you!"
"You have to. You're meant to." That word meant, feels like a knife. Meant for what, I wonder bitterly. To lose her?
Before Percy can react, Sally pulls her arm free and takes a step back—directly into the Minotaur's reach. The beast arrives in a blur, grabbing Sally in its colossal grip. Percy lunges forward, but he's too late.
Percy screams, "No!!!"
Ahead, Grover skids to a stop, turning to see what's happening. The Minotaur lifts Sally into the air as if she weighs nothing, its massive hand closing around her neck. Sally struggles, kicking and clawing at the air.
The Minotaur's grip tightens. Then, without warning, Sally begins to glow—a radiant, golden light envelops her body. There's a blinding flash, and then... she's gone. No trace. No sound. Just... gone.
Percy's anguished scream rips through the clearing. "MOM!!!"
I grab Percy by the arm, shouting, "No! Percy! It's too dangerous!" My grip is firm, but the rage and grief on his face are primal. I KNOW THAT LOOK—the kind of raw fury that makes you blind to reason.
"Damn it," I mutter as Percy breaks free from my hold, his grief fueling his every move. He charges the Minotaur head-on, his anger blazing.
Grover, panic-stricken, yells, "Percy! Don't—!"
But Percy doesn't stop. He leaps onto the Minotaur's back, clawing at the creature with pure desperation. The Minotaur roars, bucking violently. With a bone-jarring motion, it tosses Percy off like a rag doll. He flies through the air, slamming into a tree with a sickening thud. He crumples to the ground, motionless, his eyes shut.
"Shit!" I exclaim, the scene unfolding like some nightmarish Dark Souls fight. "Screw this!" Ignoring my better judgment, I sprint out from the safety of the barrier.
The Minotaur, relentless, lowers its massive head and charges toward Percy. At the last second, Percy rolls out of the way, narrowly dodging the beast's horns. The Minotaur crashes headfirst into a thick tree, its massive horn lodged deep into the trunk.
I seize the moment, forcing magic into my hands. "Get the horn!" I yell, the ice forming on the Minotaur's legs to try to hold it in place. "Kill it!"
The beast roars with fury, jerking and pulling at its trapped horn. With a sickening snap, the horn breaks off, leaving the Minotaur free. It turns its furious gaze on Percy, blood oozing from its wound.
Weak but determined, Percy scrambles toward the tree and grabs the broken horn. As the Minotaur charges again, Percy whirls around, the horn gripped tightly in both hands.
"Now or never!" I shout, hurling a sharp blast of ice that hits the Minotaur from behind, slowing its momentum.
At the perfect moment, Percy stabs the horn straight into the creature's chest. The Minotaur roars in pain, its deep, guttural howl reverberating through the trees. Black blood pours from the wound, staining the earth beneath it.
The beast collapses with a thunderous crash, its massive body lifeless. Percy stands over the fallen creature, his chest heaving, every inch of him trembling from exhaustion and raw emotion.
Percy drops the Minotaur's horn with a heavy thud. His shoulders slump as the adrenaline drains from his body, leaving him unsteady. His eyes glaze over, rolling slightly upward as a faint, broken whisper escapes his lips. "Mom...?"
"Percy!" I shout, rushing to his side. I skid across the forest floor, dirt, and pine needles kicking up around me as I kneel beside him. My heart sinks as I see his pale face, his breath shallow and labored.
Grover stumbles closer, his voice cracking with panic. "Is he okay?! What's wrong?"
I place a hand on Percy's shoulder, trying to assess the damage. "He's alive, but he's hurt badly," I reply, my voice steady but edged with urgency. His skin is clammy to the touch, and the energy he had just moments ago is completely gone.
Grover crouches beside me, chewing on his lower lip anxiously. "We've got to get him to the camp. Fast."
"No kidding," I mutter, glancing at the faintly glowing archway not far from us. "Help me get him up. He's heavier than he looks."
As I lift Percy, his head lolls slightly, and his eyes flutter half-open. He's murmuring something, too faint for me to catch. Grover, who has a better ear for these things, leans in close. "I think he's still calling for his mom..."
"That's not good," I reply under my breath, worry tightening in my chest. "Come on, Percy. Hang in there, man."
With Grover's help, we half-drag, half-carry Percy toward the archway. Every step feels slower than it should, the weight of the moment pressing down on us. Behind us, the Minotaur's lifeless body is a grim reminder of just how close we came to losing everything.
"Almost there," I say, more to myself than anyone else. My mind races as we approach the camp, hoping—praying—that whatever lies beyond that barrier will have the answers Percy desperately needs.