"Nico that's not what I meant," Percy spoke calmly, "Bianca is...she's strong, she won't let herself get captured. Plus she's not going alone, remember?"
Nico looked down, "yeah...I remember," he started walking and moved in front of Percy. The son of Poseidon sighed and shook his head.
He kind of understood why Nico was so angry, if Thalia was going to go and track Kronos's forces he would be nervous too. Hades he would probably do something stupid like kidnap her in order to make sure she wouldn't' be in danger. But that was just him.
Percy walked behind Nico as they walked to the Mess Hall where everyone was gathered.
In the center of the mess was Hermes talking with Chiron in front of the Hearth. Around them were various other campers saying goodbye to their siblings and friends who were drafted into the 'Hermes Advanced Scouting And Navigation Unit' or HASANU.
Obviously Hermes had made up the name, Percy and the others didn't care for it though and just took to calling it the Hermes Squad.
Percy walked up to Hermes, "we need to talk."
The god turned to Percy and smiled, "oh hello Percy, sure, give me a second," he turned to Chiron, "we'll speak about the emergency transports later Chiron. Excuse me for a second."
The legendary teacher frowned but moved away. He and Percy shared a look, the demigod could see the worry in the centaur's eyes, guess even he was unsure about this whole thing.
Percy and Hermes walked outside the Mess Hall. They started walking around camp as Percy started, "why are you taking so many demigods with you?"
Hermes sighed, "you're starting to sound just like Chiron."
"If someone like Chiron is worried you know there's cause for concern Hermes," Percy narrowed his eyes, "look I understand the need for such a group, I do. But why are you taking so many important demigods?"
"Really? And explain to me who exactly are these 'important' demigods?"
"Oh don't give me that tone," Percy snapped, "you know exactly who I mean."
Hermes nodded, "yes, I do. You mean the daughter of Hades, yes?"
Percy nodded, "and not just her. You're also taking the son of Pan, I still don't understand how you convinced the Cloven Elders to let you do that by the way."
"I didn't do anything, he volunteered," Hermes replied. Percy looked shocked as the God continued, "and I didn't have to speak to the Elders, he did it for me."
"Why would he do this?" Percy sighed as he rubbed his temples.
"I asked him the same, and do you know what he told me?" Percy shook his head and Hermes continued, "he told me it was because he wanted to be a hero, like you."
Percy sighed, "he isn't ready."
"He's strong enough."
"He's a child."
"You were no older than him when you started your adventures," Hermes argued.
"He's only 11," Percy grumbled.
"And you were 12, big difference," Hermes shrugged.
"But there is a difference," Percy shot back, "when I was 12 I took on Ares and lived to tell the tale. I was born into this life, Decker....Percy...he's far more gentle. He's not a warrior."
Hermes nodded, "yes....he reminds me of him you know." Percy looked confused and Hermes clarified, "Pan. My son."
Realisation dawned on Percy, "right....your Decker's grandfather."
Hermes nodded, "yes, I am. So you know I'll take care of him yes?"
Percy sighed, "yeah, it's just, sigh, I can't help but worry, you know?" He chuckled, "just a few short years ago I was worried about how I was going to graduate school, but now, now I'm worried about matters of life and death."
Hermes nodded, "war makes children grow up fast. And if Decker is to survive the oncoming war he needs to grow up quicker as well."
"I understand.....can I ask you something Lord Hermes?"
The God laughed, "oh dear, you called me lord, now I can't deny anything you ask."
Percy chuckled at the joke but quickly took on a serious look. "I want you to take one more demigod with you on this mission."
"Really? You were just arguing about removing demigods and now-"
"-I know, I know, but....look I understand why this needs to happen. And I may not like it but sacrifices have to be made. But if you're going to take Decker, you need to take Nico along with you."
Hermes stopped, "are you serious right now? Do you understand how dangerous it would be to bring along two children of Hades?"
"And yet it would be best if you took him also."
"And why is that?"
"Because I can promise you that he is planning on running away with you all right now. In fact he probably already has his things packed," Percy smiled. Early that day he spotted Nico in the woods hiding what looked like a large bag packed to the brim with snacks, blankets and clothes. It didn't take a genius to figure out what he was planning to do.
Hermes grumbled, "you might be right. But still, the risk of two children of Hades out there is too much."
"And yet you selected the older child to go with you. She's third in line to fulfill the prophecy, at least if you had taken Nico, who is only fourth, you would not be risking much, but you didn't, you picked Bianca."
"Because she's stronger than him."
"True, but like you said, why take the risk? Nico can do what Bianca can, and yours isn't a fighting force, it's a tracking squad. Why exactly would you not need Nico instead of Bianca?"
Hermes sighed, "look the reasons do not matter, I stand by what I said, it's too great a risk."
"And if you don't' let him join you he will run away on his own. So what would you rather have? Nico working for you where you can keep an eye on him? Or somewhere out there in danger of being kidnapped by Kronos?"
Hermes narrowed his eyes, "you could make sure he doesn't do that. Keep him locked up here in camp."
Percy nodded, "I could. But have a life too. I have school, and my job in the police department. I can't watch him 24/7."
Hermes rubbed his eyes, "you are turning out to be a real pain in my side Percy."
"It's not my fault you underestimated the stubbornness of a child of Hades."
"Fine," Hermes snapped, "fine. He can come. But by the Gods Percy if his father asks why he's with us I'll point him to you, understood?"
Percy grinned, "yeah. Understood."
The demigod and the God walked back to the Mess Hall where they split up. Hermes went to talk to Dionysus and Chiron while Percy tracked down Nico who was talking with Decker in one corner of the hall.
"...and that's when I'll meet up with you all," Nico whispered.
"Nico I don't think you should-," Decker spoke up but stopped the moment he spotted Percy walking to them.
The son of Poseidon smiled, "what are you two conspiring about now?"
Nico turned around and put on his best innocent face, "n-nothing. Nothing at all."
Percy raised an eyebrow as he turned to Decker. The son of Pan began to sweat, "N-Nico was just saying goodbye Percy. That's all."
"Ah huh," Percy hummed, "and that wouldn't have anything to do with the bag of supplies I saw him stash away in the Forest, would it?"
Nico and Decker gulped. "I-I don't know what you mean Percy," Nico stammered.
"Really? You don't?" Percy asked.
"No."
Percy chuckled, "fine. Anyway I suggest you go and dig this nonexistent bag up and bring it back here."
"And why should I do that?" Nico asked with a frown.
"Because I just spent the last five minutes convincing Hermes to take you along with him," Percy smiled as he saw the wonder appear on Nico's and Decker's faces, "so I suggest you two hurry up before he changes his mind."
"Please telling your not joking," Decker begged.
"I'm not joking," Percy smiled, "now go. Quickly."
The two took off at full speed. "Thanks for this Percy!" Nico called out, "I owe you one!" Nico and Decker ran out of the Mess Hall and towards the Forest. Percy was honestly surprised at their speeds, even for his eyes they looked like they were going a mile a minute.
"Do you really think that was a good idea?" Percy turned around and saw Bianca staring at him with a worried look on her face.
"He was already getting ready to run away with you lot," Percy admitted, "I caught him packing a bag earlier in the day. So I figured he would get into a lot less trouble if you all could see him."
"Yeah, but....I'm worried. What if he isn't ready for this?"
"And you thought Decker would be ready for this?"
"Decker has always been the more calmer one of the two," Bianca admitted, "he wouldn't get into too much trouble. And despite Nico being able to control the shadows around him he is certainly not the stealthy type."
Percy nodded in agreement, "agreed. But again, it's better to keep an eye on him then let him do whatever the hell he wants. Besides, he might just surprise you," Percy looked at Bianca, "now are you going to tell me what really has you so nervous?"
The daughter of Hades looked away, "I don't' know what you mean."
Lie Detected!
"You do realise you can't lie to me right?"
"I....fine, yeah I'm scared half to death, is that what you want me to say?"
"Quite frankly yes. If you don't think you're going to die, then that's why you die. But if you admit you're scared and address why you're scared you will be able to overcome it."
Bianca frowned, "you think so?"
Percy nodded, "I know so."
The demigoddess sighed, "it's just...I didn't expect the war to arrive so soon. I had always thought we would have a year, maybe more before Kronos attacked. But now here I am, going on a scouting mission with my brother and the god of messengers."
"Relax, Hermes is comeing with you," Percy reassured her, "of all the Gods on Olympus he is the one who cares the most about demigods. And I mean all the demigods. He will protect you all, or die trying."
"I thought Gods couldn't die."
Percy smiled, "then I guess that means you'll all be coming back without a scratch on you."
Bianca smiled, "yeah, I guess," she smiled, but Percy could still tell she was scared. And he quite frankly couldn't blame her, he would be too, you know, if he wasn't Percy Jackson.
'Maybe I could cheer her up,' Percy opened his inventory and quickly looked through it. He smiled 'perfect.'
"Bianca," Percy called out. She turned and gasped as Percy held out a celestial bronze shield for her.
Shield of Ares,
It is the shield of Ares which is charmed to be unbreakable and can withstand godly amounts of force. It is also charmed to give the wielder a + 20% on all attacks.
"It's called the shield of Ares," Percy explained as he gave it to the daughter of Hades, "I got it on my quest to find my mom. Ares gave it to me as a reward, but it was a trick. He had stored the Master bolt in there hoping that I deliver it to your father in order to start a war among the Gods."
Bianca blinked, "what?"
Percy waved the question, "super long story. Short version, I now own it, but haven't used it, ever. Plus I didn't really like it, anything that comes from Ares is like poison in my eyes. It's probably a stupid notion to have, but thems the facts, plus I much rather use the extra arm for magic or even holding an extra sword. Anyway, since I'm not using it, and it's basically just collecting dust in my inventory I figured you would be able to find a use for it."
Bianca looked it over. She ran her fingers down the sharp edge and winced as it gave her a shallow cut. She looked up at Percy, "I don't know what to say."
Percy shrugged, "say nothing, it's the least I can do. Besides, I already gave Decker a sword and Nico a crown, it's only fair you got something as well."
"Wait, you gave my little brother a crown?"
Percy nodded, "yeah, he wanted it, so I figured why not."
"Sheesh, no wonder his ego had gone through the roof," Bianca chuckled and Percy smiled. It was nice hearing her laugh, and the fact that she did it so rarely only made it sweeter to hear.
"Anyway, remember Bianca, I'm just an Iris message away," Percy put his hand on her shoulder, "call me if anything goes wrong, and I mean anything. I will drop everything and be there as soon as I can, I promise."
Bianca nodded, "thanks Percy, I promise." Bianca blushed, and Percy tried his best not to comment on it.
"Everyone!" Hermes called out drawing every demigod's attention, "we are about to leave. Say your goodbyes now."
Percy turned to Bianca, "I guess all that's left to say is goodbye."
The daughter of Hades nodded sadly, "yeah....hey Percy?"
"Yes?"
"Can I just do one thing?"
"And what's the-" Percy stopped midsentence as Bianca pulled him down by the collar and kissed him right on the lips. Percy blanked for a second, pure shock overwhelmed him. Gamer's mind rebooted his brain, but before he did or said anything Bianca pulled away.
"I'm sorry, but I had to do that once before I left," her blush grew bigger. Percy stared slack jawed at the daughter of Hades, he didn't know what to say. She quickly walked away leaving him confused and very, very scared, 'Thalia's going to kill me.'
Soon everyone of the demigods traveling with Hermes gathered in front of the barrier tree. Percy and a few other campers were with them, the rest had already said their goodbyes. Chiron, Dionysus and a few other workers stood to the side, Mera was abset as she was currently in Atlantis finishing off her last few exams in order to become the Sea Enchantress.
Hermes stood straight, "alright everyone this will be my first address to you all as the leader of the HASANU."
"Can we please just call it the Hermes squad instead?" Peter, a son of Ares that Percy was close with asked. He was also drafted into the Hermes squad, he was their battle expert and it was his job to fight off any unwanted threats.
"Yeah, I like Hermes squad better," Nico yelled out with Decker nodding with his best friend.
Hermes sighed, "don't you people like HASANU?"
"Nope," Jaden Crocker, a son of Athena flat out admitted, "it's stupid."
The God of messengers grumbled, "great, just great. We haven't even started yet and you all are already crawling up my ass. Sigh, how does Artemis put up with her Hunters?"
"Simple, she doesn't give them a stupid name," Nico grinned causing everyone to laugh.
Hermes sighed, "fine, we can be the Hermes squad instead. Are you happy now?" No one argued, "good. Now, our mission is simple. We are going to travel around the country looking for and following up on any and all leads we have off Kronos and his army. We will travel together, just the ten of us, and like the Hunters of Artemis I will be with you through every step of the way. Now, any questions?"
"Yes," Bianca spoke up, "where too first?"
Hermes grinned, "Texas, a place called the Triple G Ranch. It's a place where monsters thought long extinct are breed. Olympus didn't much care about it, until we started getting reports that those monsters were being sold to Kronos's army. So now we are going to find these things, track them down and find out where they are going."
