XIX
Percy could easily claim to be the first one to recognize their surroundings. The abandoned shipping yard being a dead giveaway at where they were. Stacked shipping containers and an upturned truck being the most prominent of the landmarks that he recognized.
However, there wasn't that blanket of white snow on the ground any longer. Instead, it was just asphalt with splotches of puddles muddled about the area. It was early evening and the sun was starting to set.
Finishing his mocking greeting to Thor and Sif, Jane's pocket and what Percy assumed to be her phone, began buzzing violently as if she had a dozens of missed messages and calls that all hammered her phone in quick succession.
Not only that but it began playing pop music.
The three turned to her and she flushed in embarrassment and fumbled to get her cell phone out of her pocket.
"Eighty four messages and thirty nine missed calls." She mumbled as she quickly dialed a number.
"While you do that I have a couple of my own calls to make." Percy said as he fished another small leather pouch from his enchanted satchel and waved a hand in front of him, causing a cascading mist to appear, making a rainbow appear as it stretched over the sunlight. "Sally Jackson." He intoned.
"Perseus!" A voice he recognized as Iris' exclaimed. He winced slightly at the sudden sound. "Where were you?"
He twisted his head to the three on the other side of him and brought a finger to his mouth. The universal gesture to be quiet. Jane was still on her phone though was staring wide eyed at the display, while Sif and Thor were as surprised but hid it well with hopefully, understanding nods. "I was returning the artefact to their owners. I had a…let's just say that I wasn't on Earth for the past week."
"Oh okay! Did you want me to let Hecate know?" Her bubbly personality easily dismissing whatever curiosity she may have had.
"Please. And is there to be a Council meeting in the near future?"
"Not that I know of. Did you need to speak to the Council fully?"
"Yes, would it be possible to do it for when I get back to New York? Probably tomorrow in the early morning."
"Sure thing! Hecate says Hi, by the way."
"Thank you, Iris. I'll be calling her later on." Percy said genuinely. "Can you put my mom through?"
"Oh! Almost forgot about that! See you then, Perseus!" The rainbow and the cloud of mist shimmered for a second before the form of a bespeckled Sally Jackson took shape in the oval shaped mist. She was writing and typing away at a computer and glancing at notes that were beside it.
He watched her for a moment. Seeing her so at peace was not a normal sight these days after Paul's death. Even if it had been months since it had happened, she was never the same.
Often she would become distant with him or Estelle. Staring off into nothing or the screen of her computer for hours on end.
Percy understood it, as even after nearly three years since the Second Gigantomachy, he would still sit by the beach staring out into the ocean but instead of hours, he would spend days.
Though he loved Paul, there just wasn't a strong connection that the two ever shared. And that was what had probably horrified her even more. That he wasn't as fazed by his death as she was. Estelle was still too young to understand what happened and thus she didn't have anyone to grieve with save perhaps the few distant relatives that the late collegiate professor had.
Internally shaking himself from those thoughts he whispered, taking care not to startle her. "Mist message." Something he and her worked out in an attempt to alert the other when they were otherwise caught unawares by an Iris Message.
She jumped in her skin and the papers she was looking over had near scattered about her desk. She whipped her head around. "Percy!" She exclaimed as she took off her glasses as she narrowed her eyes. "You promised to call once a day."
In hindsight, he should've never promised such a thing.
Instead, he smiled, already knowing there was no excuse that could make it up to her but he wasn't about to tell her that he had commanded an army of alien Asgardians in a war against Dark Elves for a primordial artefact that had the potential to destroy the universe.
So instead, he lied by omission of information and vague. And when he meant vague, he meant vague. "I got sidetracked. You know how it gets." She scoffed but even through the IM, he could see the worry in her eyes. "I'll be coming home tomorrow."
"I take it whatever the gods wanted is done right?"
He tapped his nose. "Piece of cake." Even he was almost convinced with how real and truthful the words sounded.
"Good, Estelle misses you. Though I think she just wants to play on the beach again." She smiled softly, though she still looked concerned, not at all convinced by his words. "I'll see you soon then. I have to get back to work. This book isn't going to write itself."
He nodded and smiled once again as they both waved a hand through the oval cloud of water spray.
Jane was still on the phone, seemingly arguing with someone as he turned to Thor and Sif. The latter speaking. "You didn't tell her about us?"
"She already knows somethings up." Percy conceded. "Better I explain the situation in person because we have to go through the Council first and I can't guarantee anything when it involves them."
He probably could guarantee the outcome of the meeting though but it was best to play it as if it was going to go horribly wrong.
Jane hung up on her phone, sighing as she did so. "Well, that went well." She smiled brightly at them. "Want to head over to my place?"
They all nodded but Percy stopped them. "One sec." He stepped in front of Sif first. "Just going to manipulate the Mist a bit so no one recognizes or stops us. Especially you Thor. I don't think nor want to be stopped right now. The clothing instead of armor will just help it out." Sif nodded as he brought a hand beside her face and, with the intent to make her appear as innocuous as possible clear in his mind, snapped his fingers sharply, a puff of white mist emanating from between his fingers as he then waved it over her face, falling like veil before finally dissipating.
"She still looks the same." Jane pointed out, earning an eye roll from him.
"To us, yeah she'll look the same. To mortals, she won't. We won't know what she looks like until someone says something about her appearance." He clarified as he stepped in front of Thor and doing the same thing. He blinked a couple times, his eyes actually sparking blue at the gesture before the Prince of Asgard.
"I don't think it worked." He commentated and the Son of Poseidon frowned as he agreed with him. Just to be sure, Percy repeated the gesture, focusing a little more intently on the Mist, gathering more of it and forcing it to actually appear as a cloak around his fingers before snapping once again. The thick veil covering his face entirely before it dissolved once again.
"Now it should work and if it doesn't, well. we won't know until someone says something." He muttered as he turned to Jane.
"How does it work?"
"It just does." Was Percy's quick retort as he brought his hand up. If he had been looking he would be able to see the smirking Asgardians behind him.
"Does it hurt?" She stepped backward as he approached her.
"Why don't you let me know?" He snapped his fingers sharply, causing her to flinch and waved the pale Mist over her face. It didn't look to having adverse reaction as Thor's did, but her recoiling was amusing if nothing else. She did blink a couple times in response to the suddenness though. "Did it hurt?"
"You could have just said so." She grumbled as shook her head and blinked again. He would admit it was probably an odd sensation but having grown used to it, there was barely a prickling sensation if that whenever he had to use the veil magic on himself. "Let's just get going."
It was an odd thing, waiting by the side of the road for, Darcy, Jane said her intern's name was, to show up. Thor was the first to say something his deep voice rumbling. "Can you not just mist us there?"
"Mist? More magic?" Jane asked, looking at him. Sif did as well with an questioning look on her face.
He didn't bother answering her as he thought for a moment looking towards the God of Thunder. "No. I have to know where I'm going. Besides, there's wards around Europe and I wasn't keyed into them for this. So even if I did know, I wouldn't be able to. Plus I've never actually done it with more than myself before best not to try it with three Asgardians."
Probably something he should learn, he determined just in case he needed to move his mom and Estelle on the spot.
He did do that misting in from the English airport to the abandoned warehouse district though. He frowned. How did that happen? He attempted to mist.
And he felt his consciousness slam face first into a wall of divine energy.
He internally recoiled at the sensation.
He would have to investigate that later. He didn't even notice that he did it then.
Percy mentally grimaced at the growing list of tasks that needed to be done.
"Wards?"
Percy wanted to face palm but instead explained for the sake of the other two Asgardians. "To the best of my knowledge they are hardwired spells and defensive runic schemes. After the Second Gigantomachy, there was a problem with rogue demigods and immortals traveling throughout the East. The Council, myself and my Roman counterpart, decided the best way to combat this was to limit travel the mortal way, to force them to come out into the open where we would be able to track them down. Considering it worked, it was prudent to keep the wards in place." He sighed.
Memories of hunting demigods and immortals that still took up the cause of Gaea flashed through his mind.
He blinked them away refocusing his gaze onto the street before them where they stood.
"The King determined that this wasn't all that important and kept me restrained to mortal travel." He grumbled that last part.
Any further conversation was interrupted when a small red station wagon swerved into view. And when he said swerve, he meant it. The vehicle quite literally jumped the curb at the corner.
It pulled up and stopped suddenly right in front of them. "Jane!" An out-of-breath raven haired woman, that Percy assumed to be Darcy, had exclaimed as she leaned over into the rolled down passenger side window. She faltered as she took in the sight looking at them all.
"Who's your friends? Didn't you say you were with Thor?"
They all looked to him. "Told you so."
"Darcy, its Thor still." Jane said
The brunette cocked her head and Percy could see the distinct form of a taser in her hand.
"Are you sure? That just looks like some dude to me."
Any other time, Percy would have laughed at the expressions exchanged but he was getting slightly annoyed with the conversation. Even if he was responsible for it. Oh for gods sake. Percy reeled in his mind as he snapped his fingers and threw a small cloudy ball of white mist at the woman's face.
She blinked as it washed over her face. "Oh! Thor! Are these other Asgardians? By the way, how's space?"
"I am Lady Sif of Asgard." The warrior woman inclined her head towards her who was still in the car. Though a frown was playing on her face, probably at the apparent excitable nature of Darcy
"Space is good." Thor simply said with a light smile.
Percy didn't introduce himself.
Only some of it was due to the fact that he had no inclination to do so yet. Mainly it was because he was trying to figure out how they were all going to fit in the car.
Thor was a big dude and he would take a seat all by himself. If he sat in the front that left Sif, Jane and him in the back, where there was only two seats while the trunk area was filled with all sorts of contraptions. Thor sits in the back and that left the three to share, either one to sit in the front and two to share a seat in the back.
He didn't favor the idea of having to share that much uncomfortable contact with them if the three had to sit in the back.
And he didn't think Sif would appreciate it all that much if Jane had to sit in her lap, in a cramped car. She may be able to sit in Thor's or his but it was a tossup with how small the car was.
He may have to live with them but he didn't want to be that close to them.
He was also pretty sure there was a weight limit on this car. No offense to the Asgardians but he knew for a fact that they weighed more than the average human that was in their prime, even if they kept in phenomenal shape and didn't look it. His duel with Sif attested to that. He had not expected her to hit him as hard as she did when she had tackled him to the ground, as he had prepared to meet her like a wall.
And the station wagon was already tilting on its axis with the weight already in it.
But it wasn't him that voiced the thought, instead it was Sif. "How are we to fit inside this vehicle?"
There was a moment of silence as they all regarded the small Volvo that was their mode of transportation.
Percy decided he would bite the bullet. "Give me the address. I'll make my own way there. I have to get these two passports anyways." Fishing out his an old phone that he kept in his satchel, mostly for emergencies and turned on the camera. "Lady Sif say cheese."
"I beg your pardon?" She cocked her head slightly as she voiced the word. The camera flashed and she blinked and narrowed her eyes at the sight. "Did you cast a spell on me, Greek?"
"No, just took your picture." He showed her. In all, it looked alright and easily captured her face which was all that was really needed.
"Hmm." She looked at it intently before being seemingly satisfied with it.
"Thor, say cheese." He easily grinned widely, flashing a natural charming smile, not even uttering the words.
"I would like to take my picture again." Sif muttered. "I was not aware that we were to smile."
He shrugged and brought it up once again as she smiled brightly at the phone, before quickly moving to his side to look at the photo again and nodding, more assured this time in her decision.
Jane quickly took his phone and put in her details. "Just call me."
"Yeah, that's not going to happen. Text me the address and I'll meet you there." Having to deal with monsters would be something he would rather avoid, even though his phone was warded against that, he wouldn't take the risk. Not in Europe at least. She frowned but nodded anyways.
He then turned to Thor, giving him that maroon bead that Hecate had given him in the airport before he had been whisked away to Asgard.
"Anyone from my world comes, show them this bead and tell them I gave it to you. That'll at the very least force them to listen and wait for someone that can find me to show up."
He still wondered what it did. It had Hecate's symbol on it.
They were soon gone and Percy stood there for a solid minute before intoning in his mind, Hecate.
There was a distinct pause before a coalescence of a pale mist gathered into a solid womanly form that he was easily able to identify as the Magic Goddess. "Perseus." She greeted with a smile and a slight nod of her head.
His phone buzzed, Percy assumed it was the text.
He bowed slightly, enough to show his respect but no deference. If she cared, she didn't comment on it. Not that he thought she did, she seemed to detest standing on ceremony as much as he did. Though it was most likely for entirely different reasons.
"I take it your mission went well?" She scrunched her eyes at him as if she were studying him.
He nodded as he stepped forward. "I was on Asgard, returning the artefact took longer than expected."
He eyes widened very slightly at the proclamation. "You were gone for eight days."
"I thought I was gone for four?" Before he scowled slightly. He was stupid to assume that time ran the same as it did in both places. It felt like a twenty four hour cycle at least but apparently it wasn't. Or maybe it was and time just moved differently.
Whatever the case, he still returned so he wouldn't make a fuss about it but it did explain that concerned look she had.
She shook her head. "The Queen was getting worried at your disappearance but I was able to stave off a quest from being issued to investigate it."
Hera was worried? What for? He shook his head of it. It didn't necessarily matter all that much to him.
He hesitated. "I need a favor." And cringed slightly at coming right out of the open and saying it. He did not like asking for favors. Especially when it concerned Asgardians or Olympians.
"Name it, Perseus." She instantly responded.
"I need two passports."
"For who?"
"Two Asgardians."
There was a slight silence as she narrowed her eyes at him. "Perseus Jackson, would you like to tell me why there two Asgardians on Earth?"
He couldn't help himself as he visibly cringed at his next words. Even if she was a near foot shorter than he was and the fact that he had caused a literal being of creation to fade from existence. It didn't change that she was still a Goddess.
And a damned powerful one at that. His own run-ins with magical users had instilled a slight fear in him given their abilities as they were really the only beings that gave him pause when he had to confront them. They were basically capable of anything given enough time.
But Hecate was still a Goddess that he respected. So he wouldn't lie to her not concerning this at least. Not when she could help him.
"Actually, there's three. But I only need two passports."
"Perseus!" She exclaimed as she closed the distance between them.
There was a rumble of thunder in the distance.
So he then reiterated the events of what had occurred, taking special care that not to mention the Aether by name but still an artefact of obscene power that had been hidden on Earth. He didn't speak of the Undine. He figured that was a conversation simply had with his father. After he was done, she still stared at him with narrowed eyes but there was less tension in her posture, so he could at least tell that she was not decently angry at him.
Only a little angry now.
"Asgard wishes for a formal peace with Olympus." Percy explained, with a glance to the side. "Olympus doesn't need to be in a cold war that can be avoided. So I was inclined to give it them."
Hecate nodded but didn't speak for a moment. When she did, the Magic Goddess sighed. "Very well. But do not go around making treaties with every power that there is. Athena would have your head if you did so. I doubt this will go over all that well with the rest of the Council as it is."
Since when has she stopped? Was his mental retort, wisely keeping his mouth shut in that regard. The less said about the Wisdom Goddess the better. If there was any actual cold war in the Immortal Realm, than it was the one between Athena and himself.
"Let me see the pictures that you took of them." He quickly pulled his phone from his pocket and showed her the pictures which she studied with a scrutinizing look.
She then flicked her hand, conjuring two passports of American origin and handing them over. "For now, passports, I will see about getting full identities for them. For now, take these as well." She conjured three thin simple but silver bracelets. "For the Asgardians. It will mask their auras when they are before beings of our world. They'll still be seen as what they are but the bloodlust should be greatly diminished."
"Is there anything we can do about that?" It would probably be in their best interest to do something about that if this was going to be a long term thing.
She shook her head but did look thoughtful for a moment. "I cannot think of anything but if I find something that could help, I will inform you as soon as possible."
He took the proffered items, but he did take a look into them to simply sate his curiosity. "Donald Blake?"
"I do not like Thor." Was her simple retort. He looked at the next one, this one seemingly more fit for the woman it was for.
"Sylvan Chambers." He shrugged it was a decent enough mortal name, if a bit weird similar to Thor's mortal moniker. They did not look at all like their handles. It was most likely the Magic Goddess' way of making her displeasure known.
He pocketed the items. "I'll see you on the morrow, Perseus. Please do not bring anymore Asgardians to Earth. That is a headache that I would rather avoid."
And with those parting words and with a smile on her lips, she dissipated in a fine white mist.
He thumbed his temples. That went a lot better than I thought it would. Shaking the thought away, he fished out his phone.
Now to get to Jane's apartment.
It was an easy affair, after getting to a busy street, he was able to flag down a cab where he gave them the address. Luckily, the guy took American currency otherwise, he would be on the receiving end of some Mist and confused as to why his meter had some distance but no payment.
After tipping well, he quickly found himself in front of the apartment where he could hear voices emanating within. Jane's most prominent as well as the woman's, Darcy.
He rapped on the door loudly.
Thor was the one to answer. "Perseus." The Asgardian Prince inclined his smiling face, letting him in. Though it seemed the mortals and Jane were working diligently on packing their belongings.
He maneuvered, to stand by the duo, content to just watch.
"Are humans are always so…loud?" Sif spoke from beside him as Darcy shouted from another room for Erik's help.
"Only the weird ones." Was his quip as a harried older gentleman stepped into view, carrying a trio of metal looking spikes in his arms and into the living area, passing the two as Thor attempted to help where he could.
Someone had yet to say anything from his sudden appearance. Though he figured the Mist was responsible for that.
Something that he would do, but he was on schedule as it was. They couldn't just stay and pack. Jane would need some clothes yes, but they would need to leave within the next couple hours to get to Olympus on time.
Damn Zeus for not letting me travel fast.
"Jane!" He barked over the cacophony of noise, startling Sif.
"I'm over here!" She shouted back from a room across the entire apartment.
He followed the voice, maneuvering around Darcy and the older man that he finally recognized as the guy from atop Stark Tower during the Battle of New York. He looked frazzled and like an odd mad scientist.
He could tell Sif was following him, probably wanting to do something other than awkwardly stand around like he assumed she had been doing. Thor saw them and joined as well.
He entered the room, knocking on the door as he did so to announce his presence. The mortal-turned-Asgardian was, while not actually trying on clothes, pressing them close to her body in an attempt to gauge how they fit.
They didn't.
She threw the shirts that had offended her with a slight huff onto a large pile of other clothes.
There was no separate pile.
He had totally spaced that she may need an entire new wardrobe considering her new Asgardian heritage. She had gained something like four or five inches in height from the altercation with the Aether and had filled out to a more athletic but petite physique.
Not that she wasn't before.
Simply more defined in her features. Something that she seemed to share with Sif.
"My clothes don't fit me anymore." She near exclaimed. Darcy appeared to have heard her as she proceeded to shout from a room that was off to the side.
"I'll take them!"
Jane scowled and Percy decided to intervene. "We have to get going. We are going to be on the next flight to the US. Pack a bag and let's get going."
She was about to retort when there was a sudden rapping on the door to the apartment. "Doctor Selvig! Doctor Foster! SHIELD! Open up!"
Percy stood stock still before he immediately leapt into action. His mind running the speed of light as he considered all his options as his instincts kicked in as well.
"Thor! Sif! In the closet!" He whispered harshly. He pulled both the Asgardians into the space, not caring of the surprised grunt of Thor or of Sif's yelp, thanking the gods that it was a walk-in closet and not a cramped interior. "Jane, we are not here! Get them to leave!"
She nodded, wide-eyed at the suddenness and not knowing what else to do. The Mist could only do so much and unless they did something drastic, he wouldn't intervene.
He could do mass confusions, alter memories and appearances as well as passively clouding himself from outside viewing but that was about the extent of his abilities without doing some serious focusing. Percy wasn't as skilled nor refined as Hecate or Calypso in the art of manipulating and using the Veil Magic.
If they were the government, they would have a support team. Backup. He had seen the stuff this SHIELD had been able to field and he doubted that their teams would travel so lightly without some form of heavy response teams.
He knew he could take them. That wasn't the issue.
The issue was that it would be draw a whole lot of unnecessary attention if he did so. Something he would rather avoid.
He turned off the light to the closet and quickly joined the other two Asgardians inside as Jane leapt to get the door. He kept an ear pressed to the door to listen in on whatever conversation. Luckily, he was able to peak through the small shutter of the door.
"What is the matter, Greek?" Thor whispered as he felt the forms of both Sif and Thor get close as well to do the same. "SHIELD are our allies."
"Yours, maybe, they'd probably arrest me. Now shut up and get your hand off my ass." Percy retorted in a whisper. "I'm trying to listen."
"That is not-" Thor was cut off.
"My apologies!" Sif whispered quickly.
He could feel the embarrassment from the Asgardian woman.
Percy elected to keep his focus on whatever was going on out there. "Doctors Foster, Selvig." A pitched but diplomatic voice greeted. "Agent Sitwell from SHIELD. Are you aware that there have recently been gravitational anomalies in and around England?" There was a pause where the Son of Poseidon assumed Jane nodded considering Sitwell's next words. "And are you aware that these readings are similar to the ones you took in New Mexico?"
"I am aware." She exasperated as if she hated dealing with these people and it was a chore in and of itself just speaking with them. "Is there something you are getting at, Agent?"
"We are just curious if you've recently come into contact with Thor Odinson?"
There was a pregnant pause and Percy cursed. "I may have. What's the matter? Come to snatch him up again?"
It wasn't that hard to draw a conclusion even if it was a reach of one. They were probably looking for him, or rather The Golden Warrior, as well. He played it out in his mind. If Thor was around then maybe the golden guy is as well.
Percy scowled at the thought.
"Please, Doctor Foster, no one snatches Thor. We are merely wondering where he may be and if he is the source of these anomalies." He could just imagine the smug look on the Agent's face, considering his voice was practically dripping in it. "Is he here with you?"
"No!" She said quickly and Percy did actually let out a string of ancient greek expletives in a low whisper.
Jane had a lot to learn and he readied himself to tackle whomever opened the closet door, as he gripped the knife at the small of his back. Thor, from what he could see, seemed to be uneasy with whatever may happen while he could see the outline of Sif also tense in preparation.
He pressed his hand to the door, willing a white mist to engulf it. Hopefully, none of them would be particularly intrusive or strong willed to see through the quick and messy veil he was forming.
"Doctor Foster, I am going to have to ask you to step out of the way." He spoke quickly and he felt and heard the hurried footsteps that went throughout the apartment. "Where are you headed?"
"The state of none of your damn business!" Jane growled.
"Can't say that place exists." The man easily replied. Percy sucked in a breath of air as he saw through the wooden and solid shutter of the forms of several agents, scan the bedroom before exiting.
But there was one among them that caught his attention.
And that was the supposed Kate Lockwell who paced the interior of the room as well, casting a speculative glance in their direction and began walking towards them.
He dropped the veil and focused hard as he reached out. Just as she stretched her hand towards the door, she stilled and went wide eyed as Percy willed her to freeze in place. She made to shout, but her voice caught in her throat as Percy started to focus his will upon the cords in her throat willing them to still as well.
In as low as a whisper as he could manage, he intoned. "Sif open the door slowly and quietly." He could feel Kate, if that was even her real name, struggling violently to regain control of her body.
But he was Percy Jackson and a mere mortal wouldn't be able to hold a candle to him.
It was still hard to do though. One of his more chaotic and unrefined powers that could drain him of energy even if done on a mortal, as he felt a trickle of blood begin to seep from his nose at the action.
The Asgardian woman fumbled for a moment as she located the knob and inched it open ever so slowly.
As soon as it was possible, he reached out and tapped the side of the agent's head with a misty white fore-finger, implanting the thought and memory of checking the closet and finding nothing into her mind. Her eyes wide and disbelieving before growing lidded and heavy.
He moved back as Sif closed the door with a soft, almost imperceptible click.
Then sucked in one more breath as he released his hold on the woman.
'Kate' blinked and blinked again as she gazed back at the door with another curious glance before moving out of the room.
"Anything?"
"Place is clean." The man cursed.
Percy released the breath he had been holding.
"Well, if you come into contact with him, feel free to let us know. We have some questions for him."
"Of course. Unless you want to 51 the place like your goons did back in New Mexico too?" Was Jane's snarky response. "Not like you guys return my calls anyways."
The man seemingly ignored her. "Let's get out of here. We have other places to be."
He heard a stampede of footfalls before another moment passed and the front door shut loudly.
They didn't immediately exit the closet much to the detriment of Thor who was getting antsy and Percy forced him to wait until Jane came to get them.
Which she did after a couple more moments. Thor was the first to get out and Percy wiped at his nose to get rid of the drying blood. Sif cleared her throat as she spoke. "I suggest we get moving."
Percy nodded, agreeing with the Asgardian woman, in no mood to be waiting around any longer. "Jane, pack a bag. We are leaving now."
"Fine." She grumbled as she did as she was told without further argument. Thor was highly uncomfortable as he looked to Percy.
"I was not aware you could do that. Blood is not the domain of your father."
"I've always had an affinity with any form of liquid. Just be lucky that I do or the Aether would be with Malekith right now." Was his retort as Sif shifted in her spot. Now he understood why the woman had wanted him to tour the place for her. She was probably there on the orders of the Director. Who just simply continued to dig where he shouldn't.
Well if he gets himself vaporized its not my fault. His parting thought on the matter may have been a little callous but the guy was just doing it to himself at this point.
They only waited for a couple minutes before Jane returned.
"You have your passport?"
"I do, mother."
Percy deadpanned at the woman while Sif and Thor looked on amused.
"Right. Not funny." Jane but her smile betrayed her words as she moved to the door. But not before telling a guy, Ian, to tell the others to take a cab to the airport. Percy hesitated as he peeked first not entirely convinced that SHIELD would just leave them alone but it looked like they did as he couldn't see any vehicles that had any sort of decent tint in their windows.
Nor could he see anyone lurking about.
So he followed after her, scanning the street with caution as he did so.
Sif followed after him as did Thor and Jane who quickly took command of the front seat while Thor took the passenger side, his broad shoulders going easily over the shoulders of the seat, while also making the vehicle rock and lean as the Asgardian prince eased himself in.
In an effort to balance the weight, he took the seat behind Jane while Sif sat adjacent to him.
The vehicle groaned in protest but held them.
Percy would thank his lucky stars that the small Volvo was able to make the journey, creaking and groaning in protest the entire way to the airport.
Luckily, it wasn't busy at all and seemed rather slow in comparison to when he had arrived. The hardest part was getting through security as Thor, begrudgingly, had to temporarily part with and allow him to hold Mjolnir the Umbrella and tuck it into his enchanted satchel while Sif and Jane handed their enchanted traveling satchel and bag/purse respectively.
Mostly so it would be even more of a breeze.
The run-in with SHIELD though had him on edge as he was constantly looking over his shoulder. Not trusting anyone to not be in bed with them. Luckily, there was hardly if any looks directed towards them.
After a gesture and an application of the Mist, the four were easily waved through. Not that it was needed. There was hardly any wait time and the security just as everywhere else looked to want to be anywhere else but still did their jobs.
After all, they couldn't just let anyone through the front gate. There was a process that even he followed as he was x-rayed and chosen for the random pat down by the young lady that he had been stuck with.
He was glad he was able to use the Mist with impunity here and shuddered at the memory as he sat down in his first-class seat. The gleam in the mortal's eyes reminded him eerily of Aphrodite. She had glanced between him and Thor, and he had apparently drawn the short straw in his opinion.
Jane had spent the flight sleeping as did Sif and Thor, the days events apparently having worn them down.
But being in the air in his uncle's domain, made him feel uneasy. Combined that with the last time he had fallen asleep on a plane, having being visited by some sort of entity, caused him to be wide-awake during the entire time.
Not that he wasn't tired. He was. Sort of. A small power nap would fix the drain of energy well enough but he wasn't about to do it in Zeus' domain.
The entire flight and proceeding customs check went without issue.
It was just after midnight when they arrived at JFK international but before they began to head to their final destination, Percy bought them food, mostly to discuss what was about to go down.
After they ate, Percy began without further preamble, swallowing a bundle of fries before speaking. "When we get to the elevator, summon your armors. Mostly as insurance." He spoke. It was also to come from a position of respect and strength and given the Asgardian warrior heritage, even though that seemed to have waned over the course of the eons, would present a decent image of their culture. "And put these on." He handed them the simple silver bracelets that constricted to their size as the donned them. "From what I've been told, they'll hamper that grudge our pantheons seem to have."
"And of the negotiations?" Thor asked, rubbing the bracelet absentmindedly. "Who will lead them?"
"I will, mostly because I started them without their permission. To be honest, just go along with whatever I have to say. But they may ask you questions. I am telling you now, be as vague as you can be. There is a God of Truth among them. If you say anything that you know to be a lie, he'll know. Whether he calls you out on it, is up for debate but I'd rather not risk it."
"Can we expect support from any of them?" Was Sif's venturing questioning.
He nodded. "My father, the Queen, the Goddess of Hope I can guarantee and maybe The Goddess of the Hunt, her twin brother and the Greek Goddess of War. Other than that I can't say for sure who will support us. The Romans on the wider Council will be against us though, maybe not the Mother of Rome. So long as we have the Queen on our side though, the King will at the very least listen to us."
Jane scrunched her eyes. "Do they have names at all?" And Percy palmed his face as Thor took the liberty of explaining the Power of Names and why he was being as indirect as he could in referring to them.
Even afterwards she didn't understand how saying someone's name could incite someone to kill. Which she made known to him.
"Its because you're essentially being disrespectful to them." Percy retorted. "Beings they consider lesser than them addressing them in that manner just pisses them off."
The mortal-turned-Asgardian grumbled as she folded her arms across her chest. "And how are we lesser?"
"You ever hear of Noah and the Ark?"
"Of course I have."
"I'm like fifty percent sure that it was because the mortals were getting too friendly with the gods and my father drowned the world because of it, either that or a fully human mortal decided to challenge him directly or maybe it was a combination of the two." He shrugged. He wasn't actually paying attention during that particular history lesson and only remembered it slightly because Noah was a half-brother of his.
The gist of the lesson was don't piss off the immortals as most history lessons tended to lean towards.
There was a silence as Jane gulped. "And what about you?"
"What about me?"
"Could you drown the world?"
He looked to her as Thor and Sif glanced back and forth between him and Jane.
Could he? He didn't think he was that powerful but he knew that if he truly let loose, he could level the Eastern Seaboard.
He almost did it to Japan in 2011 when the Trojan Sea Monster had made itself known off the coast of the country. Percy and Triton had determined that the incident with Thanatos and the Doors of Death had accelerated the legendary creature's reformation in the Pit.
But he wasn't about tell Jane that. He was pretty sure being complicit in the act of killing twenty thousand plus mortals wouldn't wash down that well, even if it was to kill a Sea Monster that could and would do a whole lot worse if left on its own for too long.
She would find out sooner or later and he would deal with it then and not add another earful to his already growing list of them.
"No." Was his simple answer as he returned the conversation back on track. "Anyways, when we arrive in front of the Council and I cannot stress this enough, Jane, do not kneel and do not make eye contact. No matter how much you may want to or feel the need to, you cannot do those things." He continued before she could ask why. "You are a subject of the King of Asgard. He is the only one you kneel to. The best way for you to show respect to the Olympians is simply to keep your head glued to the floor in front of you. That goes for the both you as well. Bow if you must but do not kneel."
I hate politics. Percy thought bitterly. The only reason he kneeled is because he was a subject of Asgard for the time spent as Executioner and even after his anointment Percy would only bow slightly in respect.
"We are peacekeepers, Perseus. If there is anything we are good at, it is being diplomatic. Right, Thor?" Sif scoffed as she looked to the Prince of Asgard who nodded but then turned sheepish as he seemed to realize something as Sif looked away from Thor and back to the tray in front of her. "Of course, there is an extant as to which that diplomacy goes." She mumbled with a slight flush creeping up her neck.
Percy shrugged. So long as they didn't screw this up, he didn't care very much of past experiences that might have been botched.
If they hadn't learned then they better do so quickly.
Another silence.
"And if they sour?" Thor asked after another moment.
"That won't happen."
"If they do?" Sif pressed.
"It won't. I can guarantee it because I still have an ace up my sleeve." He would use the favors he was still owed from the war to secure a peace if it came down to it which he sincerely doubted would happen. "Now since you are worried if you'll be attacked, just place yourselves behind me."
No one would risk a conflict with Poseidon.
The only ones that would, would be other Olympians or maybe their Roman counterparts.
It was a low and scummy move to pull but he would rather risk an internal war than an external one. At least then they could mend the ties with diplomacy or turn it into animosity than open warfare. If Asgard got involved, then the fight would be a long and bloody one that wouldn't end until one or the other ceased to exist.
They didn't linger in the airport for too long after that and found themselves in the desolate 5th Avenue lobby of the Empire State Building. The security guard and the attendants inside immediately recognizing him, the one behind the counter being a Son of Ares and the others being legacies of Athena and Ares if he was correct.
He recognized the demigod though. He was one of the heroes that had been amongst those that were involved in the stand-off with the Olympians after the war with Gaea. His name was something Daniels if he remembered correctly.
"They're waiting for you, Jackson." The Son of Ares grumbled with a nod to him before his eyes narrowed at the sight of the other three. "Best to not keep them waiting any longer. You know how they get."
Percy nodded his thanks to the man as he and three other's moved to the elevators. An eerie silence settling upon them that made it seem as if they were in an abandoned library rather than the entrance to the hallowed Mount Olympus.
"Who was that?" Jane asked quietly.
"A Son of the Greek War God." Percy whispered as he explained further. "You couldn't ask for a better soldier. You know that mortal supersoldier?"
"Steve Rogers?" She ventured.
Percy nodded. "The guy in the lobby makes him look like a kid in comparison without even trying. If he did, I reckon he could match me in a one on one fight if I wasn't using my powers." Which was saying something.
Reyna and the other dozen Roman and Greek demigods and demigoddesses sat among the best this generation had to offer along with the deceased Seven, whether by their own innate powers or their fighting skills. Who were still by no means incapable of wielding their own divine authority nor were they slouches in combat.
Percy simply combined the best of both sides.
She didn't answer as the four entered the lobby. Percy's armor forming upon him, but he took his helmet off and clipped it to his side.
The others doing the same, Thor actually forming a helmet this time and mimicked the action of Sif and took off his helmet to cradle it at her side. Percy began handing their weapons back, who attached them to their person. Percy electing to wrap his new sword around his waist.
They waited for a moment as Jane took a couple more seconds to form her own armor about her person. Something Percy would work on with her later. A helmet or breastplate could mean life or death and something that they couldn't afford to always waste precious time on waiting for. It needed to be instantaneous or pretty damn close to it.
Percy waved his hand in front of the buttons and a delta appeared to form and mold from the metal paneling. Which proceeded to glow a vibrant blue before the elevator locked and began going upwards.
"This is the entrance to Olympus?" Jane asked, utterly unimpressed.
"You're lucky. There used to be elevator music." He quipped.
There was silence as the mortal-turned-Asgardian huffed and crossed her arms across her feathered cuirass, holding the inside of her own helmet with one of her hands as she did so.
After a couple more seconds, there was a slight lurch in his stomach as the feeing of crossing a sort of barrier was felt. They were officially in the realm of the Olympians.
The elevator doors opened as Percy stepped through the threshold first upon the cobbled roads of Olympus. It was eerie as it usually was when on the Mount. Dark astronomical skies filled with vibrant stars glittering above them while everlight glinted off the marble buildings making shadows dance and flicker about the city of the Immortal.
Jane was as awestruck as she was on Asgard as was Thor and Sif but they still seemed to look uncomfortable simply setting foot upon the realm.
Percy gestured for them to follow. "Come on the Council is waiting on us."
He led them through the streets of Olympus as nature spirits and immortals alike giving them a wide berth.
Percy still noted that they spoke in hushed whispers and he could pick up the words they were saying. Apollyon. Their gazes not caring at all about the wary Asgardians in tow but on him.
As they usually were.
He ignored them and hoped that the Asgardian would do the same and wouldn't bring it up. He'd rather not have to explain exactly why they called him that even if they may already have an idea as to why they did so.
Regardless, they soon arrived at the massive Imperial Gold doors that towered over them all. They waited for a moment before the doors inched open slowly, only enough to allow them to walk in one at a time.
He took that moment to remind them. "Remember do not kneel and be vague."
With those parting words, Percy entered the Throne Hall of Olympus. It was just as he remembered it from the last time he was here. The Olympians in their thrones along with their weapons and symbols of power with the wider Council sitting off in the galleries to the flanks of each side.
Percy escorted the Asgardians before the sitting Olympian Council and in front of the Heath of Olympus proper. He held a hand for them to stop and then stepped forward kneeling before the King of Olympus as much as he detested the act, meeting the gaze of Zeus as he did so. "King Zeus." Percy intoned, reverting to his formal tone. "I have completed the mission issued. The artefact has been safely returned to its owners."
"And what was it, Perseus?" The Olympian King spoke, his voice rumbling like a wave of distant thunder. He looked to want to be anywhere else. Which was a good thing. Because that meant that those silver bracelets were working.
And that this wasn't going to turn into a bloodbath and wouldn't take longer than it needed it to.
"I am not entirely sure what it was." Technically the truth. It could've been the Aether or the Convergence that was playing games with the heavens. He didn't know exactly. "However, Asgard was thankful for my assistance. Enough to extend a hand of friendship and alliance with Olympus."
"Father," It was Athena to speak, through narrowed eyes at both him and the Asgardians behind him. "I do not believe that the simple returning of an artefact would incline the Aesir to treat with us. Unless it was powerful, in which case, Perseus would know exactly what it is."
Apollo spoke up in his defense, straightening. "He spoke the truth. He knows not what it was."
Athena growled at her half-brother causing the Sun God to recline back into his seat. "Regardless, Apollo, I doubt this. Perseus knows how to evade your domain just as we all do. So why would Perseus spend over a week upon Asgard if he was simply returning an artefact? One with enough power, might I add, to distort the barriers between the realms of the worlds?"
Percy sighed, biting back the retort that to him it was actually four days. "A war. Lady Athena." He intoned, the gazes that were previously disinterested in the proceedings locked to him in interest. "An ancient one that had been previously fought over for this very same artefact. I assisted and in my assistance the King Odin offered a formal truce of friendship and mutual defense that should either Olympus or Asgard be in direct danger, and should Olympus call for aid, that Asgard would answer and vice versa."
And so he recounted a modified version of events, the same as he told Lady Hecate. Playing the part as an advisor to Odin's War Council and assisting in the climactic battle that was fought against the Svartalfar as a force multiplier as was his way, leaving out the Aether in its entirety.
He even told him of the initial treaty altercation much to the dismay and anger of Zeus and Athena.
All of it in highly specific wording or words spoken in a grand generality. And all of it, technically speaking, true.
There was silence through it all.
"And what do the Asgardians say in regards to this?" It was, surprisingly, Hestia, that spoke up and actually standing from her immaculate and sheen polished rich mahogany throne.
Thor stepped forward and offered a slight bow. "As Crown Prince of Asgard, it is my intention to honor the treaty laid out between our peoples. My presence should suffice that the Throne of Asgard is committed to upholding, in good faith, the proposed details."
Sif stepping forward this time and bowing slightly as well. "As the Sword of Asgard, it is my King's wish that I serve as envoy and ambassador between our peoples where I would stay upon Earth until I am recalled by my King."
"And what of the mortal-turned-Asgardian?" Hades spoke, his eyes narrowed at Jane, who shrinked under the look. Percy's gaze whipped to the Lord of the Underworld as his uncle turned his attention to the nephew. "Do not give me that look, Perseus. I am the Lord of the Dead. Her life force is amalgamated and refined but there is a still a distinct mortal feel to it."
"I don't know exactly what happened." Percy said as he turned to Apollo. "I took an oath of silence to not speak of it at the behest of Odin." It was a clear lie and hoped the God of Truths would understand that he wouldn't talk further of it.
Thanking the Fates themselves, Apollo seemed to understand what he was getting at and nodded. "He speaks the truth and even the bull-headed Ares knows that Percy takes his oaths seriously."
Percy's breath hitched.
The God of Truths lied.
Percy reeled in his mind. That shouldn't have been possible.
"Very well." Hades spoke shrugging as he stood. "Asgard shall have peace from the Underworld."
Poseidon stood, grinning as he slammed his trident. "And shall have peace from the Oceans and Seas!"
All looks turned to the King of Olympus who grunted, clearly displeased. "We will put it to a vote, as is our way. All those in favor of a peace?"
Hera, Poseidon, Hestia, Hades and Demeter were the first ones to raise their hands followed by Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Artemis, Apollo, and Hermes. The galleries, minus Bellona, led by Hecate raised their hands as well.
"All those opposed?"
Bellona was the only one to raise her hand, receiving a glare from the Son of Poseidon. The Roman deity glaring right back at him.
Flickers of their Roman aspects appeared at the gesture but quickly reverted back to their Greek forms.
"And those who abstain?"
Zeus, Athena, Ares and Dionysus raised their hands. The Wine God only doing so after being shaken by Hermes' staff to pay attention. Percy internally scoffed at the sight.
"Then Olympus accepts the treaty put forth by Asgard and its terms." Zeus spoke then turned to look at Percy. "Don't ever offer Olympian aid without our permission again, sea spawn." Lightning arced off his beard and pinstripe suit. "However, it is up to you to nurture this alliance. The armies of Olympus are not to be so easily mustered and deployed."
Percy remained unfazed at the implied threat but nodded his assent. If it came down to it, he would help them himself, with or without the help of his kin.
That seemed to be the plan between him and Odin at the very least.
"Easy brother." Poseidon warned with narrowed eyes. "My son's intentions were good natured."
"There is one thing I ask." Percy said after his father's words, diplomatic and as polite as they could be considering who and what he was about to ask. It was going to be uncomfortable regardless because of what was about to happen. "I require a tutor, for the Asgardians. I would hate to get something wrong about our history."
A few uncomfortable glances were directed to Athena whose narrowed stormy grey eyes looked on the verge of closing with how lidded they were as she scanned the room. "Absolutely not! I will not allow it!"
The implication was there. "Your children are the best there is." Hestia admitted, even with a slightly cringing at her own words.
"I will not place another in his care!" She seethed and Percy internally flinched at the rage in her voice and looked to the floor. Memories of a near-death Annabeth lying in his arms upon the worn battlefields of Greece.
He would've personally asked a demigod at camp but the children of the Wisdom Goddess, much more so than all the others, avoided him as if he were Gaea incarnate.
Not that he blamed them. He had taken it upon himself to care for Annabeth after her injury during one of the final battles.
And then she had ended up being the catalyst to raise Gaea fully from her slumber.
He blinked away the thoughts before they carried further.
"And besides, they do not care for him. Not any longer." She continued.
It was Hera who spoke now. "This is not for him. This is for the Asgardians who wish to learn of us and and us from them. What task is better suited for one of your priestesses?"
Athena growled, something so animalistic that it was alien to his ears coming from the Goddess of Intelligence. After another moment, she whipped to him reverting to their ancient language in her righteous fury. "Should she come to any harm, Sea Spawn, not even your father will be able to keep you safe from my wrath!"
Perseus kneeled before the Goddess, easily responding. "My life is forfeit willingly if it comes to pass." He would die before they even came close to harm.
Athena disappeared in a violent pillar of light.
"I am guessing this meeting is over?" Hermes jested weakly and with an awkward smile.
No one laughed. No one smiled not even slightly.
Zeus disappeared in a bolt of lightning scoffing at him before doing so.
And one by one, the other Olympians did as well, Hecate only doing so after a pointed look from his father, leaving only Poseidon and Hephaestus in the Throne Hall and awkwardly standing having been forgotten about in the ensuing…argument.
Welcome to the Immortal World in all its damned glory, Asgardians. Percy thought bitterly as he stood to face the two Olympians that approached him.
"Show me your new sword, Perseus." His father asked slightly.
Percy wasted no time in unsheathing the blade and proffered it hilt first for his father to take. A slight tingle and warmth entering and escaping his body as he held and let go of the blade.
"Hmm." The Sea God hummed as he examined the blade alongside Hephaestus who had taken a place beside Poseidon and summoned an eyepiece that had an attached magnifying glass to it. "Its of the Sea isn't it?"
Percy nodded and told them of his encounter with the water spirits of Asgard. Poseidon frowning as he did so and he glanced to the Asgardians who still awkwardly stood behind Percy, a little ways away, entirely unsure of what to do now.
"Do you know why weapons of the sea are so difficult to make and thus an near extinct form of weaponry, Perseus?"
He shook his head at that. All he knew was that Zoe had forged the Riptide. Hephaestus continued with a smoldering grumble as he took the weapon in his hands, easily. Perseus seeing no reason to deny the legendary smith, allowed it. "It requires the willing sacrifice of a water spirit."
Perseus choked on his next breath. Aeira. The ribbon.
"This Aeira left her essence in the ribbon and now it is in the blade." Poseidon's face remained neutral as he further explained as he examined the blade. "Willingly." He added off-handedly.
Then the implications set in. Zoe was once a Hesperide, a nymph daughter of a minor sea goddess.
Did she sacrifice her affinity of the Seas to craft Anaklusmos?
There was nothing else to say from Percy as he clamped down on those thoughts.
"It is a fine blade." The God of Forges intoned as a puff of smoke left his lips. "I will say that I would've done a better job had you asked but that is neither here nor there now. This blade was crafted just for you."
Poseidon agreed with a nod as he relinquished the blade back into his son's hand. He felt that familiar warmth run through his body once again as he sheathed the sword. "Take care of her, son, and she will take care of you." And with those parting words, Poseidon left in a mist of water.
Hephaestus grumbled something about show-off dwarves as he burst into a pillar of fire.
"We should get going." Percy said as he turned to the Asgardians who merely nodded.
"That went well." Thor said quietly to him as they began to leave. "I expected to do more talking."
Honestly, so did Percy. As well as more arguing.
But he didn't say anything in response as he saw the distinct form of an Athenian Priestess waiting by the pavilions, a small briefcase in her hand, that he knew to be enchanted.
"Perseus Jackson. I am Allison Edwards." She mocked as they neared. Of course she already knew who he was. "By the Will of Olympus, I place myself in your care." She had a distinct English accent as she held her worn luggage in front of herself and joined the group in the elevator. She looked to be about fifteen and had the distinct features of a child of Athena with pixie cut blonde hair and stormy grey eyes though her hair was a little paler in comparison to the usual golden locks that Athena's children normally possessed.
She was simply dressed, with a light grey vest over a white t-shirt and blue denim jeans and wholly unarmed.
Percy scowled at the words but didn't say anything.
There was silence in the elevator as their armor was willed away from their forms and replaced by their previous clothing. For some reason the ride down seemed infinitely longer than before.
This is just a powder keg waiting to go off. He thought to himself.
They entered the lobby and quickly exited the building, the attendants and security not caring in the slightest at their presence.
"I think I am going to visit the Avengers and then head back to Asgard." He spoke a little despondently. "I will visit when I can."
Percy nodded and offered a handshake which he took easily. He may not like the Asgardian Prince from his seeming naivety but his heart was in the right place.
Much like he was before the wars.
He snapped at Thor removing the Veil from his person and did the same for Jane and Sif as they said their goodbyes with awkward hugs shared.
It was time to return home.
And that would be an encounter in and of itself. Now he was coming home with two women and a teenager that probably wanted nothing more than to suffocate him with a pillow the first chance she got.
Percy could already feel the headache that was to come.
'A warrior is not a person that carries a gun. The biggest war you ever go through is right between your own ears. It's in your mind. We're all going through a war in our mind, and we have to callus are mind to fight that war and to win that war.'
-David Goggins