Chapter 38

Percy sat down in front of the beach cleaning Waverider with a wet stone. He didn't know whether a weapon like this needed to be maintained, but he rather not risk it going dull on him.

Ping!

You have maintained your weapon! 5% bonus!

Plus there was the 5% bonus.

Percy closed and pushed the box away. He then put his weapon away and looked out at the sea. Leo was out playing in the water, the dog was clearly enjoying himself.

Percy sighed, 'okay I have to at least address what happened last night.'

Percy had been a wreck. Last night he kissed her….well she kissed him first but that's not the point. He had no idea why he did that. It just felt….right. It felt like everything in the world just fades away and the only thing that counted was Thalia and him.

'Dad is so going to kill me. Really? A daughter of Zeus? The only way I could have chosen someone worse to kiss is if I kissed a daughter of Athena!'

Percy hadn't gotten a wink of sleep last night. How could he? He just kissed someone, like an actual person he cared for! The first person he kissed was a demon from hell, the second was an older girl after he saved her from the mafia and the third was the queen of the Underworld! This was the first time he ever kissed someone who….who he liked.

He hadn't seen Thalia in the morning, she must have been hungover or something. Thalia was a great friend, and maybe yes, he did want to be closer with her. But they had just started to get along and now….Percy was afraid he had gone and screwed it up.

Percy grumbled and got up, 'if only I could seal away my own feelings. Sigh, what was it Love said? 'Love comes in many forms and in many sources. Do not try to stick to only one path. Look at all, and open your eyes to the feeling of others. After all, you have plenty of love to go around?' Yeah right. It doesn't matter what I want, what matters is what she wants. I mean…. Does she want me?'

"Percy?"

'I think she does. I mean why else would she kiss me?'

"Percy!"

'And she did kiss me first, so she made the first move, not me, so I should be-'

"PERCY!"

"What?!" Percy yelled back turning to see his demigod trainees fight off a Legion zombie. It was the third one they fought in a row, after Percy took care of the Damned Knight that showed up.

"We need your help!" John yelled as several demigods attacked the legion zombie keeping it distracted as they lead it towards the sea.

Percy sighed as he got up, "fine….lazy bums. Can't even fight a giant zombie."

They demigods moved away and Percy approached the monster. The monster spotted the demigods moving away and it constantly tried to attack them by swinging it's big arms around.

Percy sighed and turned around to Leo who was playing in the still waters, "Leo, sick him."

The dog whined, "you want me to do what?!"

"Just bite him, or scratch him. I promise you won't get hurt."

"Bu-But master!" Leo whined even louder looking sad and scared.

Percy narrowed his eyes, 'puppy dog eyes? Really?' Percy almost wanted to apologize to Leo for even suggesting the idea, but instead he quickly slammed down Gamer's mind and crushed all the sympathy he had. "Do it."

"You are heartless."

Percy smiled as the dog charged ahead. The black and white dog was much faster now, and he managed to bite into the Legion Zombies leg before the monster took note of him.

"GRA!" The monster said shaking his foot throwing Leo off of him.

"Master!" Leo barked as he ran away from the zombies giant foot.

"Yeah yeah, don't worry. I got you," Percy didn't even blink as he released all of his strength seals;

Seal Release: Layer 6, Time: 12 hours.

Percy felt power flow into hims as his strength increased over and over from 1.5 to 69,120;

STR- 69,120 (+20)= 69,140

Percy activated his Speed Demon powers and launched himself right at the Legion Zombie barreling through it like a bullet tearing through the monster chest in one clean shot.

Percy landed on the other side and immediately activated his strength seals again. After some testing Percy realised that the time he had left over from each strenght release would be added to each new seal. Hence he took to the habit of constantly only using this power only when he really needed it, similar to Body Form.

Percy turned around to see the disintegrating form of the Legion zombie as a message box popped up.

Ping!

Your companion: Leo, leveled up!

Leo

Lv-7

HP: 550/550

MP:185/184

Race- HellHound (1/2)+Wolf (1/2)

Exp- 1,300/1,400

Str-11

Vit-11

Dex-6

Int-5

Wis-3

Luc-4

Points-5

Percy closed the box and turned to the exhausted looking demigods and one pissied off looking Leo. "Alright everyone, let's line up!"

They groaned but complied as everyone quickly lined up and Percy took them out of the ID and into the real world.

Everyone then quickly went their own way as some wanted to sleep while others were hungry from such a workout.

John approached Percy with an irritated look in his eye, "what happened out there Percy? You were distracted today. We almost got hurt."

Percy sighed, "yeah I know. But relax, I would never allow anything to happen to you guys. But I figured you all needed experience fighting in a real life or death situation. You can't always expect me to show up at the last moment."

John sighed, "yes, I suppose you are-"

"You son of a squirrel!" Leo barked as he tackled Percy and began to bite into his arms, "you nearly got me killed!"

"Relax Leo!" Percy said flicking the dog's nose stunning him. Percy pushed the dog off of him and got up, "it was to make you stronger boy. Don't tell me you can't feel yourself becoming stronger?"

Leo grumbled and looked down, "I do feel a little bigger," he commented. Leo was now around 1 feet and 4 inches big. He was the size of a normal age dog, but something told Percy he wasn't going to stay like that for long.

The three began walking back to the Mess Hall as Percy started talking to John about how his life was at the military. Percy was genuinely interested to know about his brother, after all the man couldn't be cooler even if he tried. He was a freaking naval officer who fought in world war 2, and was the son of Poseidon. The only way he could be even cooler was if he had somehow killed Hitler and fuked his wife.

Percy and John sat down at the Poseidon table today as the two brothers continued to talk about their respective lives. Just then Percy noticed Thalia walk in from the corner of his eyes. She looked sleepy with bags under her eyes and a hand held up to her head.

'Yup, definitely a hang over,' Percy told himself as he sighed, 'maybe she doesn't remember last night.'

Percy took off a piece of meat from his plate and gave it to Leo, who snarfed it down in seconds. The dog then began to whine and beg for more food and Percy gave in, after all who was he to talk about restraint when it came to food?

'He still acts like a dog,' Percy realised seeing Leo behave so well mannered, 'maybe I can eventually get the wolf out of him, but for now he's just a big dog.'

Percy noticed Annabeth walk into the Mess Hall in the corner of his eyes. 'Might as well give it to her now.'

Percy got up and walked towards Annabeth, "we need to talk."

Annabeth blinked, "what about?"

Percy pulled her to the side of the Mess Hall, he looked around, everyone was focused on their own food or conversation. Good. Percy opened his inventory and pulled out Argo's personal journal that he had been reading last night, "I need you to decipher this."

Annabeth took the leather bound book and opened it up. She read a few pages, skimming through each of them. "Percy this thing has codes and encryptions I can't even begin to understand."

Percy nodded, "I know. But you're the smartest person I know belonging to a cabin filled with geniuses, I'm sure you, and a couple of your siblings you trust, can figure this out."

Annabeth could hear the warning in Percy's voice, he was nervous about something. "Where did you get this book?"

Percy looked at her, "it's Argo's personal book Annabeth."

Annabeth's eyes widened as she looked at the thing in her arm. Percy told her about the island's underground base. About how Argo was using science to decrypt and understand the supernatural. And like Percy, Annabeth also felt drawn to that forbidden knowledge.

"Are you sure you want me to decode this?" Annabeth asked, "you might not even get anything useful out of it."

Percy nodded, "yeah. I'm sure. Anything Argo could have written down in there could be of importance. You find out what that is, and we just might find our trump card in this war."

Annabeth nodded, "okay. If you're sure."

"And I hope this goes without saying, but make sure you carefully chose who help you," Percy warned her, "you know how tempting the knowledge in this book is."

Annabeth nodded, "I'll make sure not to pick anyone who is too obsessive or compulsive. Don't' want to accidentally creates another Argo."

Percy nodded and just then he saw Thalia come towards him, 'shit! Shit! Shit!' Percy started to panic, he activated his super speed and zoomed away before the daughter of Zeus could even say a word to him.

Annabeth blinked, "ah...you're welcome?"

Percy ran to the Poseidon cabin and dropped down on his bed. He was mentally exhausted. He screamed into his pillow muffling his voice.

'Why did I run? Why? I should have stayed there and talked to her like an adult! Fucking hell. And I forgot Leo, great. Just great.'

Percy turned around and stared up at the ceiling, he knew he should probably study or train, but right now he wasn't in the mood. It felt like nothing was going right for him. He knew it was whining, he knew he was acting like a kid who was confused.

'Honestly after everything I have been through one would think I would be mature right now.' Percy sighed, and slowly time passed.

Just then a misty cloud started to form in front of Percy. The son of Poseidon was startled and immediately got up. He looked at the cloud and slowly a rainbow formed, 'an Iris message,' Percy realised.

An image in the rainbow came up and Percy saw a man with black hair and grey eyes. The demigod's eyes immediately lite up in recognition, "Edward?"

Edward Neak, the son of Hermes who stole the chains of Hephaestus. Percy remembered the rich Boston native and his fun party going persona. Only now none of the fun was in Ed's face, in fact the demigod looked scared beyond belief.

"Oh thank the Gods I reached you in time Percy," Edward sighed with a sigh, "you wouldn't believe how nervous I have been."

"Ed what's wrong?" Percy got up quickly, "you look scared."

"I am," the man admitted, "Percy, I need your help."

Percy nodded, "name it man."

"Percy things have been going….bad. There's this crime family, the Fanico family. They are a big deal in Boston and a few days ago-"

"-Don Fanico was found dead in the docks. Yeah, I know," Percy nodded remembering the incident he read in Kate's file two days ago.

Edward looked startled, "how do you know that?! It isn't even on the news!"

"My mom has a friend in the police department," Percy replied, "I managed to sneak in a pick on one of her case files."

"Was it detective Beckett?" Edward asked.

Percy nodded, "yeah, how did you know?"

"She questioned me a few hours ago about the murders. Damn she was hot."

Percy narrowed her eyes, "why did she question you? Ed….what's going on?"

Edward rubbed his temples and sighed, "okay, this is why I called you. Look Percy right now I'm… I'm in deep inside the Abyss. Last week I heard from Biggy that an illegal auction was happening in New York and the thing up for bide would be a game changer for everyone."

Percy raised an eyebrow, "what sort game changer?"

"The ability to hide a demigod's scent in all the ways possible. It would efficiently make a demigod a mortal in terms of scent, meaning we could hide in plain sight."

"What?!" Percy shouted.

"I know, I checked out the product just this morning. Percy….it's real."

"B-but….this could change everything," Percy realised the implications of this immediately. The only reason demigods didn't have more of an impact in the world was because the moment one steps outside camp there was a high chance of them getting killed by a monster. But if they had this….it would essentially make camp a thing of the past. Demigods could protect themselves.

Edward nodded, "right. I am planning on mass producing them, but that's not all they were selling. It seems that somehow these people managed to get hold of a pair of my dad's sneakers and were now sealing them. There is also a ton of other items up for sale, dangerous items. I needed a way in, and so I approached Don Fanico to introduce me to one of his Abyss contacts to find out more about the items being sold. He did, and now he's dead."

"Does the people of Abyss think you killed him?"

Edward shook his head, "no, they know it's not my style. But that's not why I called Percy. You see the Don was assassinated by someone, someone who is trying to kill the people who are interested in the scent destroyers."

"Ed, is someone trying to kill you?"

The son of Hermes nodded, "his codename is 'The Agent,' he's-"

"-The best assassin in the world," Percy said with narrowed eyes.

"Yes, how did you know that?"

"I have a friend named Elsa, she told me about him," Percy recalled that time they were in Argo's base. Elsa was telling him how ruthless he was, she mentioned that the only other person she saw being that ruthless was 'the Agent.'

Edward nodded, "right, well yeah. So the world's best assassin is now trying to kill me."

"Okay, I got it. You are in danger and need my help. Where are you? I'll bring you back to camp, you can hide here until this all blows over."

Edward shock his head, "no Percy. I need to do this. I need to be in that auction, I need to obtain my dad's shoes and those scent destroyers. There is also another item I need which I would rather not talk about, but it's important Percy, and unavoidable."

Percy sighed, "God's you are stubborn. Fine, so I assume you want me to come and be your bodyguard for the evening?"

Ed nodded, "yes, please. You managed to fight off a demon from hell when you were 12, you are the strongest demigod I know. I need your help. Help me Percy Jackson, you are my only hope."

Percy chuckled, "don't' go all Star Wars on me Ed, you know I can't resist that. Fine I'll be there. Where are you?"

"The Plaza hotel in Manhattan. Do you know where it is?"

Percy raised a questioning eyebrow, "dude….I'm a New Yorker, of course I know where it is. I'll be there as soon as I can."

Ed nodded, "right. Please hurry."

Ping!

Quest Alert!

Saving Edward Neak. Don't let him die.

Reward,

?

10 points

Abyss card

Failure,

Edward's death

Destruction of scent destroyers

Mayhem

YES/NO?

Percy pressed yes and cleared the rainbow. Just then the door was thrown open by John and Leo.

"Great timing," Percy said as he got up turning to his brother, "I have to go for a few hours John, think you can take care of Leo for me?"

John nodded, "no problem Percy. Where are you going?"

"A friend of mine in New York is in trouble. An assassin is trying to kill him. I'm not going to let that happen," Percy turned to Leo, "sorry boy, but I don't think they allow dogs."

Leo whined, "fine…..but you are feeding me bacon when you get back!"

Perch chuckled, "deal."

"Percy maybe you shouldn't go alone," John said, "this is an assassin we are talking about."

Percy rolled his eyes, "dude, we literally fought a 30 foot tall zombie an hour ago. I think I got this John."

The soldier nodded, "pride is the death of most great soldiers Percy. I have seen plenty of people die because of their hubris, and I will not let you go down the same path."

Percy turned serious, "look John, I promise I will be fine. I have been training myself to face Titans, I doubt a human could harm me."

"That's not the point Percy," John repeated himself, "look just talk to Chiron, if he thinks it's okay for you to alone, then fine. But just promise me that either way you will be carefull."

Percy nodded, "I promise John, I'll be carefull."

The soldier nodded and Percy quickly left after saying goodbye to Leo as well. Percy walked out of the cabin and towards the Big House, he actually just wanted to leave right away, but he did promise John he would talk to Chiron.

Percy walked into the Big House and walked inside. He found the centaur in question sitting down by the fireplace while reading a book.

"Chiron, I need to talk to you," Percy said as he walked up to his teacher.

"Ah Percy. Nice to see you again, you have been quite busy with the demigod training I hear. Why, you have basically taken over my role in camp."

"Yeah," Percy rubbed his head sheepishly, "sorry about that. I just kind of… you know."

Chiron chuckled, "it's quite alright Percy. It's warms my heart to see you find your place in this world."

"Yeah, I know. I just didn't want it seem like I stole your job or something."

"Relax Percy, I have had plenty to do to consume my time. Why just last week I was teaching little Decker how to use his powers."

Percy raised an eyebrow, "Decker?"

"The child of Pan, Percy Decker. I call him Decker so as to not confuse him with you."

Percy shrugged, "well if the kid's okay with it…..anyway I didn't just come here to chat Chiron."

The centaur nodded, "I figured that was the case. Sit, tell me what you need."

Percy nodded and sat down on the chair in front of Chiron, "you remember Edward Neak."

Chiron looked started, "h-how do you know that name?"

"Luke, Grover and I meet him when we went to save my mom last summer. Edward had stolen the chain of Hephaestus and along the way we kind of became friends."

"I see..." Chiron sighed, "Edward was… he was a rebellious child. Not unlike Luke in fact. He ran away due to the way the unclaimed were treated…. I tried to bring him back, but he refused."

Percy nodded, "well you will be pleased to know that he is safe. He made a company called Half-Blood Inc., don't ask why he named it that, he just did. He became super rich in Boston Chiron, he's a good man."

Chiron sighed, "that's good, I'm sad that he is no longer with us, but if he is safe then that's good enough for me. Now, what does Edward have to do with this meeting?"

"He's in trouble. An assassin is trying to kill him."

"What?!" Chiron yelled.

"Relax, that's why I'm going to help him," Percy said trying to calm the centaur down, "he called me a few minutes ago and said he needed my help."

"Where is he?"

"At the Plaza."

"Then go there and bring him back to camp. Now."

"But Chiron-"

"-I don't care Percy. He is in danger, bring him back to camp. I don't care even if you have to kidnap him, throw him into your inventory and bring him back."

"Chiron it's not that simple. Ed is trying to retrieve a pair of Herme's sneakers and a something else he believes can help all the demigods in camp."

"What can be so important that-"

"A device that hides the scent of a demigod," Percy cut off the centaur leaving Chiron stunned at the claim.

"W-What?"

Percy nodded, "I know, I had the same reaction. I didn't believe him at first, but Ed insisted it was real. He checked it out himself. He wants to mass produce them for the demigods in camp."

Chiron sighed, "that boy….even after all these years he still cares so much for the demigods in camp. Fine…..go. But take someone with you."

"Chiron no. anyone who comes with me will just hold me back."

"Percy it is too dangerous to go alone!"

"What's too dangerous to go alone?" a new third voice asked.

Percy turned around and saw Thalia standing there on the stairs.

"Thalia? What are you doing here?" Chiron asked as Percy shut his mouth afraid to ask anything.

"I had a very bad headache," Thalia said walking over to the two. 'Must have gone to the Meb bay for a hangover cure,' Percy realised.

"So what is too dangerous?" Thalia asked again.

Chiron sighed, "Percy here is going to go fight an assassin, alone."

"It's not like I haven't' done anything like this before. Hell my first day here was spent fighting of the minotaur Chiron." Percy replied back.

"That may be the case, but I do not want you going alone," Chiron turned to Thalia with a look of thinking on his face.

'Shit! Shit! Shit! Please don't tell me he's thinking what I think he's thinking!'

"Thalia why don't you-"

"-I'll do it," Thalia cut in, "it'll be fun."

"But-" Percy tried to object.

"Good, so it is decided, you two will go on this quest," Chiron said beaming, "hmm, maybe you should involve a third person, just to be safe."

Thalia nodded, "right, we'll take….Michael. He should be free right now."

Chiron nodded, "good. Alright then you two, go on. No need to keep Edward waiting."

Percy gawked as Chiron and Thalia essentially decided his mission for him. Percy sighed, 'looks like I can't avoid this forever.'

Percy got up, "I'll call Michael," he turned to Thalia, "get your weapons."

The daughter of Zeus nodded but before she could say anything Percy was gone in a blur of speed.

After explaining to Michael what was going on, Percy got the son of Apollo to agree to join up. He and Michael walked up to Thalia's tree and saw Thalia standing under it waiting for them.

"So how are we going to New York?" Michael asked.

"I'll take us," Percy turned to Thalia, "did Chiron tell you what the mission is about."

She nodded, "yeah. Son of Hermes, assassin, auction, something called the Abyss and danger. Is that it?"

Percy nodded, "that's it," he opened his inventory, "who wants to go first?"

"Me!" Michael shouted gleefully, "I haven't done it before!"

Percy nodded, "close your eyes," the son of Apollo did so and Percy picked him up and put him into the inventory. He turned to Thalia, "your next."

The daughter of Zeus nodded and closed her eyes. Percy lifted her up and the moment he did flashbacks to last night's played in his head. He resisted the feeling of want he had as he put her into the inventory.

'I really need to get things together. It's like I can't even be around her without acting like one of those hopeless romantic assholes in romcoms.'

Percy sighed as he put on his goggles and activated his helmet. He took of at speeds just below mach 1 and reached New York in minutes. He quickly entered Manhattan and found the Plaza hotel in seconds. After all a giant hotel near Central Park that looked like a castle wasn't exactly hard to find.

Percy stopped near an empty alley and quickly took off his goggles. He put them away and took out Michael and Thalia.

Thalia looked around in wonder while Michael blinked still not believing what had just happened.

"Waoh," he said, "it's like I was in camp one second and here the next. It's like teleporting."

"Yeah, except I am the one who teleports you," Percy said with a smile while avoiding eye contact with Thalia, "right….let's get to work."

The three came out of the alley and walked a block to reach the Plaza. They quickly entered the lobby and Percy was amazed at everything he saw. The inside was a mix of olden designs and modern technology. There were painting hang up on the wall and fancy golden lighting filling the lobby. The entire place screamed expensive and it gave off an aura of class.

"Which is his room?" Thalia asked.

"Ah...I don't know," Percy turned to the reception desk, "but maybe we could ask."

Percy walked up to the desk and standing behind greeting him with a smile was a woman who looked asian in origin. She smiled, "welcome to the Plaza sir, how may I help you?"

"Ah, we came to see a guest, one Mr. Edward Neak," Percy said flashing his best smile.

"Ah, I see, and what is your business with Mr. Neak?"

"He is expecting us."

"Well then just give me a moment and I will call him," the woman, Linda Parks, said with a smile. Percy nodded at her and walked back to his friends letting his fake smile drop.

"What did she say?" Thalia asked.

"She said she'll check," Percy looked around. He could feel something was different. He first thought it was just because he was at an expensive place, but now….

Suddenly in the corner of his eye Percy spotted a man walking into an elevator. He wore round rimmed glasses and looked very thin and frail, but one look at his level and Percy knew it was an act.

Dominique Franchise, Lv-32

Slave trader

Percy's eyes popped open at the tiles but before he could observe the man the elevator doors closed. Percy looked around frantically now, 'level 31, 21, 32, 24, 28, 19, every guest here is….is not a normal human.'

"Percy?" Michael asked, "what's wrong man? You look like you saw a ghost."

Percy turned to Thalia and Michael, "be carefull. From now on stay on alert."

"Why?" Thalia asked reaching for her can of mace, "is something wrong?"

"Every single person here is at least as strong as me," Percy said, "I might be just a little bit stronger, but they are definitely not someone you want to push around."

"Everyone?" Michael asked in fear, "even the reception lady?"

Percy shook his head, "no, the staff are human enough. But the guests….I think they are all part of Abyss."

Thalia and Michael looked scared but remained calm.

"Sir?" the receptionist called out.

Percy turned and put on his fake smile again, "right. Did you get a hold of Ed?"

The woman nodded, "yes sir. Please go to the 8th floor, he is in room 801."

Percy smiled at her again and the three questers were off. They reached the 8th floor quickly and now stood in front of room 801. Percy knocked on it and after a few seconds it flung open.

"Percy, thank the gods," Ed smiled, "damn dude, you have grown."

Percy smiled, a real one this time, "thanks Ed. Nice to see you again."

The two hug and Percy realised he was now a few inches shorter than Ed, guessed Goblin's growth really was good for something.

Ed broke the hug and turned to Michael and Thalia, "and who are these two?"

"Ed, I would like you to meet Thalia and Michael," Percy introduced, "guys, this is Edward Neak, son of Hermes."

"Hey man, Michael, son of Apollo," the archer shock the billionaires hand.

"Thalia Grace, daughter of Zeus," Thalia shook his as Edward smiled.

"My pleasure little lady," he said bring Thalia's hand up to his lips and gave it a little kiss, "I must admit the punk rock look is really working."

Thalia blushed as she pulled back her hand. Percy scowled, shotting Ed a dirty look. He didn't know why, but he felt angry and….. Jealous? Percy shook his head and slammed down Gamer's mind.

"Maybe we can continue this inside," Percy grumbled out.

"Right, please come in," Ed moved aside letting the three questers inside. The room was small but comfortable for a single person. There was a big flat screen TV on the wall and Ed's bag was left open on the bed. Percy saw that other than clothes Ed had also brought plenty of books and files along with him, guess even Ed had a thing for knowledge.

"Okay Ed, what's the plan?" Percy asked.

"So," Edward began, "the plan is this. The auction is tonight, I'm attending and so are you."

"How are we going to get in?"

"Simple, you three are my bodyguards," Ed said, "that reminds me, we need to get you guys appropriate clothes. The event is black tie, so…."

Percy nodded, "right. So what? We go in, stick with you until the party ends and if the Agent shows up, kill him?"

"Well maybe not kill, but yeah, don't let me die," Edward nodded, "right, so now let's go and get you all suited up!" Edward smiled as he grabbed his coat and began to walk out.

Just then Percy interrupted, "where do you think you are going?"

Edward looked confused, "ah….I'm going to help you guys shop?"

"Oh hell no! I still remember last time Ed!" Percy all but screamed, "we stayed in that shop for an hour!"

Ed shrugged, "it was to get you a good suit, and what happened to that away?"

"I still have it," Percy said grumbling, "though I probably outgrew it."

"And that's why we need to get you a new one."

"B-but-"

"-Oh relax Percy," Michael said with a smile, "what's the worse that could happen?"

Percy grumbled, "fine."

Michael smiled as he put an arm around Edward's leading the man outside, "by the way, you are going to pay for this right?"

Two hours later;

Percy grumbled as he took a sip of his coffee mug. They had in this tailor store for the past two hours. They first spent one hour picking out what material to make the clothes out of and the next hour getting their sizes taken.

This would have been so much easier if they had just bought a ready made store suit, but noooo, Edward had to have them wearing handmade clothes.

Sometimes Percy wondered whether Ed was actually just a shopaholic and loved to play dress up by using them as models. The theory actually fit with the way the son of Hermes acted, plus Percy wouldn't be surprised if it was true.

Edward came up and sat next to Percy. They both were right now in the waiting area in the front of the shop.

"Michael is getting his suit done," Edward said with a smile, "these are going to come out so great!"

Percy rolled his eyes, "you sure you're not a son of Aphrodite?"

Edward smiled, "my mom was a fashion designer, I learnt a lot from her when I was young."

"They why didn't you follow in her footsteps?"

"I have the worst hands," Edwards said showing his skinny slender fingers, "totally not what a tailor should have."

"They seem pretty okay to me," Percy said taking another sip of his coffee.

"Yeah sure they do," Edward smiled, "anyway that's enough about me. Tell me about that Thalia girl."

Percy narrowed his eyes. He had to strain himself to not allow the Bloodlust to show when he spoke up, "what about her?"

"How long have you had a crush on her?"

Percy coughed almost dropping his coffee, "w-what?!"

"How long have you had a crush on her?"

"I don't-"

"-Oh please, it's clear as day. Well maybe not for most teenagers, but as an adult I can tell these kinds of things. They way you growled when I kissed her knuckles, hell even just now. So….how long?"

Percy sighed taking another sip of his coffee, "a few days. I mean…. I think a few days. It just kind of happened."

"What happened?"

"We were out last night. Went to a concert. She got a little bit wasted and…..well she kissed me. And I kind of kissed back."

Edward nodded, "and the problem is that you don't like her?"

"What? No. I like her…..it's just… I didn't realise I did until it happened. Sure I talked to her before, and we do have our moments, plus she is hot. But you know I never had…..it's not like my feelings were obvious from the start. So I'm worried, is this real? Do I actually like her? Or you know...am I just imagining things?"

Edward stayed silent for the longest time before speaking up again, "Percy….love is…. complicated. It's not like in the movies where those big romantic gestures always win the girl's heart and it's not like in the books where someone sees someone and knows they are in love. It just happens, and that's a good thing. Love shouldn't be predictable Percy, and you don't have to be in love before to make something matter. I know it seems strange but when you grow up, you will realise that love, is just two people who want to be together, being together."

Percy thought on that when Michael came over. They waited for a few more minutes before their suits were ready for wearing.

Percy's was similar to the first one he wore, only this time he had a black shirt underneath the black suit and a bright blue tie around his neck.

Michael and Edward both wore tuxedos, but for some reason Percy didn't like them, it was something to do with the bowties, so lame.

Percy looked at himself in the mirror, the suit looked very form fitting. It was smooth and also very flexible, Percy won't have any trouble moving in this if he had to fight. Plus he looked far older than he actually was. If he was to guess, he looked 16 rather than 13, which while not that much of a leap was enough for people to not look at him funny.

Percy walked out of the changing room and looked at Michael and Edward, both very finely dressed. Michael looked a little stiff in his tux, but Ed looked like he was born to wear it. Percy even saw Edward's serious side for the first time in a long time which reminded Percy just why the man standing before him was in fact 30+ and the oldest demigod he knew.

"I look so hot," Edward smiled.

Percy sighed, 'he may look old, but that guy is as mature as a third grader.'

"Okay I don't like this at all," Thalia's voice came out behind them.

Percy turned and suddenly every single nerve in his body short circuited causing him to be paralyzed in shock. His eye's widened comically and his heart was beating so loudly that Percy was afraid it would burst out of his chest.

Thalia wore a tight midnight black dress with a heart shaped dress line over her breats and a long gown that was cut at the side to give view of her long slender legs. Her hips filled out the dress well, stretching them out to be form fitting while her chest gave a modest view of her cleavage. There was a thick blue line flowing down from the sides till they meet in the front joining together like the bottom tip of a heart. The blue matched her eyes, and Percy's tie.

'Ed so did that on purpose,' Percy realised as he gained control of all coherent thoughts again, "Thalia you look…..you look...ah…."

"Hot!" Michael yelled out, "holy shit girl! I didn't realise you could pull of a dress like that!"

Thalia blushed but smiled, "thanks arrow head. Though I still think it's a bit to much."

"Nonsense. The blue matches your eyes and the black matches your hair. Plus the cut in the side will help you move better," Edward said with a nodded, "yup, I still got great taste."

Thalia groaned, "you act like a child of Aphrodite."

Edward laughed, "yeah, that's what Percy said."

Thalia then looked at Percy, "do you like it?" she asked in a quiet voice.

Percy's mouth was still wide open in shock, "I...ah, I-I….I think you look beautiful."

Thalia blushed a little but smiled, "thanks fish head."

"Hm, but I can't help feel like you're missing something," Michael commented rubbing his chin, "like the dress and all looks great, but something's missing."

"Yeah," Thalia said looking down, "my neckline feels empty."

"You need a necklace!" Edward said, "maybe we can find one for you."

"No," Percy said suddenly, "I-I think I have just the one." Percy then opened his inventory and pulled up his jeans. He searched in it's pockets and pulled out a necklace of a skull with red eyes and a set of crossbones behind it.

Percy put away the pants and presented the necklace to Thalia, "I got the last night from Billie Joe."

"What?!" Thalia asked in shock and amazement, "he gave you his necklace?! He did give you it right? You didn't steal it right?"

Percy smiled, "no, of course not. He gave it to me when I told him a story. He said he liked it so he just gave the necklace as payment."

Thalia's eyes were sparkling now. She looked at the necklace and immediately turned around lifting her hair, "put it on me."

Percy gulped but did so. He put the necklace around Thalia's neck and locked it in place.

The daughter of Zeus turned around and smiled running her fingers over it, "thanks Percy."

The demigod of the sea blushed and nodded, "no problem."

Michael looked at Percy and then at Thalia. He looked at the two over and over before suddenly a proverbial lightbulb went off in his head.

"Holy shit," Michael whispered out, "Percy likes T-"

Edward put his hand over Michael's mouth shutting him up, "don't ruin the moment kid."

After the shopping spree the four demigods all got into a car that Edward had rented and they were off. Michael sat in the front seat bugging Edward about what he did for a living while Percy was in the back with Thalia next to him.

"So….you really like me dress huh?" Thalia asked in a teasing voice.

Percy sighed, "yes, I do. And stop that."

"Stop what?"

"That."

"What?"

"That voice you're doing."

"Really? Okay…..by the way you know something?"

Percy sighed, "what?"

"You think I'm beautiful," Thalia teased again.

Percy smiled, "I never said you weren't."

Thalia's smile dropped as a blush overtook her face. That was obviously not what she expected Percy to say.

"S-shut up," Thalia mumbled.

"Make me," Percy smiled.

Thalia and hims remained silent for a long time before Thalia spoke up again, "so Percy...I was just wondering, ah, about last night..."

'Shit!' Percy started to panic but Gamer's mind came in and crushed the panic down, "yeah, what about last ki- I mean last night?"

Thalia looks suspicious at Percy's slip up but ignored it, "I was just wondering, ah...what happened?"

"You mean you don't remember?" Percy asked surprised.

"No, sorry. It's just, well you have been avoiding me all day, and well I don't remember what I did last night. So if I did something that made you angry at me or something I just wanted to say-"

"-No, it's fine," Percy stopped her, "you just got drunk last night and I had to carry you back to your cabin. And ah... yeah, that's all."

"So nothing happened last night? Nothing?"

"Nope."

"And the reason you have been avoiding me?"

"When did I avoid?"

"Today at lunch. You just zoomed away when I called out your name."

"Oh, right. Well I really had to go to the bathroom, so..."

Lie success!

"Right. Got it," Thalia crossed her arms and looked out the window.

Percy figured she must be mad at him for some reason or another, maybe she remembered the kiss and was testing him? Percy shook his head, no, no if that was the case his lie detection skill would have noticed it. But then again the lie detection skill isn't really full proof.

The two of them remained silent as they drove to the place where the auction was to be held. Edward stopped in front of a building on 7th ave, a place called, 'The Writer's den.'

Percy and the other got out while a valet took the car away. They entered an elevator and Edward began to speak.

"The auction is being held within a political gathering," Edward explained, "on the top floor there are the New York richest and among them, members of the Abyss. We go up and fit in. We wait in the normal party and when it is time for the auction to start I'll bring you guys along. But there is a very high chance that the assassin will be hiding in plain sight in the party, so keep your eyes open and be carefull."

They checked their dresses and their equipment. Percy could feel both Riptide and Waverider in his pants pocket waiting to be used. Thalia had her Aegis bracelet on and inside her small purse was her spear disguised as he can of mace.

Michael however was weaponless, a bow and quiver isn't exactly fitting in. So Percy leant him Riptide and the son of Apollo promised to take care of it.

The elevator opened and everyone got out. Edward lead them into a ball room where he and Michael went ahead. Percy extended his arm for Thalia to hold.

The daughter of Zeus raised an eyebrow, "really?"

"Hey we look cool," Percy admitted as the demigoddess chuckled wrapping her hand around Percy's.

Percy smiled, 'maybe Edward was right. Maybe this could work.'

They entered the room and immediately the entire feeling of the place changed. There were people dressed up with the most expensive jewelry and clothes. Even the bodyguards, who Percy could easily pick out, were dressed in silky suits.

"It's a good thing Ed insisted on these dresses, or else we would have stuck out like sore thumbs," Thalia admitted as they both walked up to Ed and Michael.

"Alright here's the plan," Edward spoke, "me and Michael will be around, I have a lot people to talk to and make deals with. Why don't you and Thalia try and spot something out of place or strange in this place."

Percy nodded, "got it." He and Thalia went away walking hand in hand as they looked around the place.

There were caterers walking around all over the place serving wine and expensive food like caviar and fresh lobster served on flatbread. Thalia's eyes looked around in wonder at all the beauty, but Percy could only focus on the statuses he saw.

Everyone here was around level 10 or something with many sharing the same title, 'Politician' or in one case, 'Asshole'. But there was also the few that had higher levels, some were level 30 while some being level 47. Percy could feel their power flowing through the room. Most of these people were human, while some were part of Abyss.

Percy saw Edward talk to someone familiar, someone….wait...is that the mayor of New York? Percy was puzzled at the way Ed spoke to the man, it was almost like they were old friends.

Percy turned to Thalia, "and idea where to begin?"

Thalia shrugged, "I suppose we just… I don't, pretend to be a couple and talk while keeping an eye out for trouble?"

Percy shrugged, "sounds good to me."

Percy and Thalia spent some time walking around in the crowded room. Percy spent that time looking at all the people, searching for the title of assassin appearing over one of their heads. Thalia in the meantime looked around for any suspicious activity while takeing in all the delicious entrees she could.

"So Percy," Thalia said eating a slice of caramelized apple, "I was wondering whether I could ask you something."

Percy nodded, "shoot."

"What happened last night?"

Percy grew stiff but immediately responded, "I told you. Nothing happened."

"Really? Because I had the weirdest dream last night."

Percy became nervous again as Thalia suddenly tightened her grip on him. "D-dream? What kind of dream?"

"Well, it's silly really. I dreamt I was in my cabin, and there was some guy there," 'Oh shit! Oh shit! Oh shit! Oh shit!' "and well….this guy kind of bent over and kissed me." 'Oh fuuuuuuck.' "and then I woke up."

Percy gulped, "weird dream."

Thalia narrowed her eyes, "Percy tell me the truth, did I do something stupid last night?"

Percy was frantically looking for a way out, "what do you mean?"

"I mean did I…. did I kiss somebody at the after party? I was pretty drunk and….well there were some pretty weird looking guys there. Percy…. Did I kiss someone there?"

Percy narrowed his eyes, "you think you kissed somebody in the after party?"

Thalia nodded, "yeah."

"Really? In the after party?"

Thalia blinked, "well where else was I when I was drunk. Shit….don't tell me I ran out of the after party and you had search for me!"

Percy gihed, "no, you didn't. And no, you didn't kiss anyone at the after party."

Thalia sighed, "thank the gods. It was just as dream," Percy didn't say anything as he avoided all eye contact, "although it was pretty sad though."

Percy looked surprised "why's that?"

"It was a really good kiss."

Percy was stunned and was about to respond when suddenly he saw something in the corner of his eyes. It took Percy a few moments, but he quickly spotted a person dressed as a waiter walk into the back room. He was bald with a tattoo on the back of his head, and his title was;

Agent 46, Hitman

Lv- 59

"It's the assassin," Percy said as he took off with Thalia right behind him.

"Percy wait up!" she called out but the demigod wasn't listening.

Percy entered the back room and spotted the hitman walking away deeper into the storage room. Now that Percy had a better view he realised that the tattoo on the back of the assassin's head was a barcode.

"Hey you," Percy said walking up to the man.

The hitman turned around and smiled, "yes sir? Can I help you?"

"Yeah I was wondering if you knew where the bathroom was," Percy asked as he continued his fast pace towards the man. The assassin knew he was found out, Percy knew that the assassin knew. They were just waiting for the first person to make the move.

"Of course sir, just-" Percy cut the man off by throwing a punch at the man's head. The assassin skillfully dodged it and punched Percy's stomach.

The demigod barely felt it and instead kneed the assassin in the ribs sending him backwards. Percy then activated his Body Form and Speed Demon charging into the Hitman.

The assassin moved away at the last second, but Percy was much faster than him as he sent a strike across the man's face breaking his nose.

Percy shook his arms, it felt like hitting a stone wall, and right now he was in Body From mode, it was very difficult to hurt him as he was.

The assassin quickly got back up and took out a gun out of nowhere. He aimed and fired at Percy who easily dodged every bullet.

"Give up Agent 46," Percy said reaching into his pocket, "we have you surrounded."

The man's eyes went up in surprise, "how do you know my name?"

"Information is what I'm about," Percy took out Waveride and transformed it into a trident leveling it at the man, "now give up."

The bald man narrowed his eyes, "not happening."

Percy charged swinging the rident down. The Hitman put both hands up and stopped the blow, but in doing so his bones snapped in half just from the force of the attack.

Pain shot through the assassin's body, but he didn't let it show. He kicked Percy and jumped backwards disappearing into thin air.

Percy looked stunned, 'okay, so he can go invisible. I have just the thing for that.'

Percy levels Waverider down and he channelled 100 mana points into it summoning a gallon of water. Percy then converted said water into mist and pushed it forward trying to get the invisible form of the Hitman.

Percy looked all over, but the mist showed nothing. He then sent a wave of mana to sense where he was, but came back with nothing but just a hint of what his mana felt like, cold and deadly. 'Damn, he got away.'

Percy sighed and turned Waverider back into its pen form. He noticed Thalia standing there panting.

"Did you get him?" she asked.

"No," Percy grumbled, "he got away."

Thalia sighed, "do you know where he is?"

"No."

"Why was he dressed up like a bartender?" Thalia asked the two quickly moved to rejoin the party.

"The only reason I can think of is…. to serve someone a poisoned drink," Percy's eyes shot up in realization as he and Thalia moved quickly.

They looked around and saw a crowd of people gathered around a fallen man. Percy could see Michael's hair down on the ground, the child of Apollo must be trying to save whoever was hurt.

'Shit,' Percy realised as he opened his inventory and pulled out a bottle of medium grade potion. He couldn't use his healing powers in public, that would attract attention.

Percy and Thalia pushed passed the crowds and reached Micheal to see him bent over Ed who was foaming at the mouth.

"Oh fuck me!" Percy cursed as he dropped besides Michael uncorking the bottle.

"Percy he's been poisoned!" Michael said.

"I know," Percy dipped the potion into Ed's mouth and the man chugged it down.

"That won't cure his poisoning."

"I know, it will help him for now," Percy replied, it was true. The potions only restored health and mana, not cure statuses.

The moment the potion bottle was empty someone the colour came back to Ed's face. Percy lifted the man up, "move!"

The people around them obeyed immediately as they gave room for Percy and the questers to bring Ed to a men's bathroom. Once inside Percy put the man on a toilet seat, he was beginning to look sick again, the poison was taking effect.

"Close the bathroom door," Percy said as he Observed that man's status;

Poisoned,

Poison used: Tetrodotoxin

Tetrodotoxin is found in the puffer fish. It is enough to kill 30 adult humans.

Destroys 10% of HP in 10 seconds.

Percy cursed himself, the potion he gave Ed was only enough to save him for a few more seconds. Percy pressed his hand up against the man's chest and activated his healing powers. A golden glow took over the toilet and the healing process started.

Percy selected the poison element to be removed and immediately he felt a drain on his mana. Ed's skin began to turn back to normal instead of the pale tone it was before. Percy sighed as he took out another potion and feed it to the man who slowly began to regain consciousness.

"Is he going to be okay?" Thalia asked him.

"He'll be fine," Percy assured her, "he's just exhausted that's all. Michael, what happened?" Percy asked turning to Michael.

"I don't know," the son of Apollo hung his head down in shame, "he was fine and talking and one second later he was on the ground."

"Was he drinking something?" Thalia asked.

Michael blinked, "yeah… yeah, he was. A drink, something really fruity."

"A pink Starburst cocktail," Ed muttered as he picked himself up, "it's my favorite drink."

"The assassin must have known that," Thalia said with narrowed eyes, "were you served by a bald guy?"

Michael and Ed shared a look before they nodded, "ah, yeah. How did you know?"

"Because that was the assassin," Percy grumbled out, "good catch Thalia."

Thalia nodded when Michael spoke up, "wait, how do you guys know this?"

"Because Percy took him on," Thalia supplied, "but he got away."

Percy grumbled, "I lost sight of him. I was careless."

Beep Beep!

Edward looked down at his watch, "it's time for the auction."

"Can you go through with this?" Michael asked in worry.

"I don't have a choice, I have to."

The demigods left the bathroom and went back to the main room. Everyone saw that Edward was fine and they were able to pass it off as an upset stomach as to not upset to many people, with a little help from the Mist of course. Soon they were moving again and Ed took them to a side room which lead to a set of stairs going three levels up.

"I must warn you guys, where you are about to go is the very height of the Abyss organization," Edwards said before they entered the room, "be careful, and don't piss off anyone," he narrowed his eyes at Percy.

The son of Poseidon grumbled, "I don't piss off everyone I meet."

"Yes you do," all three repeated at once causing Percy to pout in protest.

On the third floor was a smaller meeting room with the center of the room filled with 20 comfortable looking padded seats arrange in a circle. There were around 30 people gathered in the room, including Ed and the party. The rest however were all gathered in the center of the room or standing to the side making sure everything was secure.

"Ah Edward, so glad you are still with us," came a voice, "we were afraid that the assassin had gotten to you."

The voice came out of the group, it belonged to one tall thin man who stood out. He stood at 6 feet tall, with pale white skin and white hair and flew down his shoulders like an aristocrat of old. He wore a silky black tux, a complete opposite to his skin tone and on his face was plenty of smile lines around his blue eyes that showed the man was always in a joyus mood.

Percy was surprised at the man's title;

Joseph Ahasver, The Immortal Wandering Jew

Lv- ?

'Immortal? Just who is this guy?' Percy knew he had to be weary around this man, he was an unknown factor.

"Collector," Edward put on a smile, "so glad to see you. And yes, I am still alive, mostly thanks to my trusty gaurd detail."

"So these the bodyguards you hired Edward?" The Wandering Jew asked in a perfect American accent.

"Yes, they are," Edward said, "the one with blonde hair is Michael, the one with black hair is Percy, and the young woman is Thalia."

Percy noticed Ed didn't give their last names, that said something, these people were considered friendly, and Edward still didn't trust them.

"Ah, named after the great Greek Hero Perseus," The Jew said with a smile, "and I can feel the power radiate off of you, so I believe that you are a Greek demigod, yes?"

Percy nodded, "right in one. Mr…?"

Edward laughed, "yeah don't bother. No one knows his real name. In Abyss he is just know as 'The Collector'. People have been trying to find out who he is for ages, but no luck."

Percy raised an eyebrow, 'really? Hmm, maybe I shouldn't mention the fact that I know who he is.'

"Now now Edward you exaggerate," the immortal said, "I am just a humble worker of the Abyss."

"You run the whole thing Collector," Edward shot back with a playful smile.

"Yes, I suppose I do, but just a little bit," the man gave a hearty laugh that the people gathered around copied.

"And what exactly do you do for the Abyss Mr. Collector?" Percy asked.

"Well like the name implies, I collect things."

"And sell them?"

The immortal nodded, "some yes, others, which I find interesting, I keep for myself."

"Yes Mr Collector here is hosting today's auction," said a preety brunnet by the left of Edward, "in fact he is releasing someone of his prized collections today for purchase. It is one of the reasons so many people have come."

Percy looked at the woman's name;

Dalena Foture, Art Theif

Lv- 23

"Oh how rude of me," the thief said extending her hand, "my name is Dalena Foture."

Percy shook it, "yeah, you're that art thief right?"

The woman looked stunned as Edward turned to control his laughter. She quickly gathered her composure, "I assure you those allegations are nothing but a fantasy."

Percy shrugged, "I don't know. I pretty good with my intuitions and they are telling me you are a thief."

"And how do you know that Mr. Percy?" The Collector asked amused.

"I have the power of an informant," Percy casually replied.

"The power of an informant is nothing but a glorified emotional empath mixed in with a little bit of mana seeing," Dalen shoot back.

"Most yes, but I am special," Percy said, "I can feel things, like the power of a person. For a demigod I can tell who their divine parent is. And for you, someone who is skilled at stealing I can feel you are similar to a child of Hermes."

Lie successful!

Dalen narrowed her eyes, "that is well and good, but can you prove your claim?"

Percy shrugged, "sure."

"Then do so."

"How? I already told you who you are. And if I tell something about Ed you might call me a cheater."

Dalen huffed, "that isn't my problem."

"Do me," a man next to the Collector called out. He was a fiery redhead with large arms and scars all over his bald head. Percy looked at his title;

Harvey Dawson, Soldier

Lv- 30

"You are a soldier," Percy replied causing Harvey to look impressed.

"That is right," the man replied.

"That doesn't prove anything," Dalen said again, "you obviously noticed his scar and his trained body."

Percy sighed when another man spoke up in a french accent, "you may try to guess my profession."

Percy turned to man and saw he was a rough looking individual with barely any hair left on his head and a very big suit. He looked like he barely got any sleep and suffered from many different diseases;

Patrick James, Son of Pestilence

Lv-30

Percy's eyes widened immediately, he couldn't believe it. A son of Pestilence?! What the fuck?! Percy knew about the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, he had seen enough supernatural movies about monster to basically be called an expert. And this guy….this guy's was the son of one of them?!

Percy immediately used Observation on the man;

Patrick James, Son of Pestilence

Lv-30

HP: 1,900/1,900

MP: 3,000/3,000

Race- Demi-devine

Str- 7

Vit-2

Dex-12

Int-72

Wis-81

Luc-10

The son of the entity of Pestilence, Patrick has always been cursed with a weak body, but has strived to increase his mental fortitude. He controls all diseases, but in doing so is effected by them as well. His existence if both a curse and a sign of the end times. He struggles daily with his powers a prays to god to take them away.

Likes: Life, sandwhiches and Marco, his lover.

Dislikes: his powers, his father

Thinks Percy is interesting and what's to see what he can do

He is feeling sick.

Perc still couldn't believe what he was reading. This man was just further proof that the biblical hell existed in this world. First there was Marcia, then came the map to hell, now the child of Pestilence itself. Did the immortal Jew also have something to do with this? After all they basically dealt with the same God.

"Ah, Percy?" Thalia asked, snapping his attention from the man, "are you alright?"

"Yes, what happened? Unable to read me?" Patrick asked with a sad smile.

Percy shook his head, "no, no that's not it. It's just I… I have never thought that Pestilence could have a child."

Patrick's eyes shot wide open as a wave of whispers fell down on the group.

"H-How did you know?" Patrick asked.

"You felt like death, but not actually death, like you were dying. And you felt…. Powerful, more powerful than the average demigod. And you felt….like you belong to the Christian pantheon. Your aura reminds me off a demon I faced a year ago," Percy finished.

Lie Successful!

Patrick looked amazed, "incredible. What else can you tell me?"

Percy shrugged, "that's all I can do."

Lie successful

Just then The Immortal Jew spoke up, "you mentioned a demon you Perseus. Do you happen to know it's name?"

Percy nodded, "yeah, she was called Marchais."

Another murmur went through the crow as Dalen spoke up, "impressive, but….still not proof enough."

Percy sighed and then turned to The Collector, "how about I tell you your name?"

The group around them seized all talking and simply looked at Percy in surprise.

"W-what?" Edward asked in surprise, "P-Percy are you serious?"

Percy nodded, "yup."

"Bullshit," Dalen said, "you don't know the names of people, you said you could only feel them out!"

"And based on that I have a pretty good idea on who 'The Collector' here is."

Lie Successful!

A wave of murmurs went through the crowd and Michael and Thalia looked nervous. Percy had said everyone here was dangerous, and he wasn't even here for an hour and already he was causing a ruckus.

"Very well," The Collector said with a smile, "please, tell me who you believe I am."

Percy approached the monster and the vampire bent down. Percy leaned into the man's ear and in the lowest tone he could manage he whispered, "The Immortal Jew, Joseph Ahasver."

The pale man shot up in surprise, "h-how did you know?!"

Percy smiled, "it's one of my gifts."

"Wait this kid actually knows who you really are?!" Dalen asked in total surprise.

"Yes, he does," The Collector was in shock.

"Kid I'll pay you a million dollars to tell me who he is," Harvey said immediately.

"I'll pay 2 million!" Dalen said next.

"3 million!" another man said.

"10 million!" Patrick yelled out.

Percy backed up, "ah, what is going on?"

"Enough!" Joseph said shutting everyone down, "I will not have any of you harass this child. Yes, he knows my name, and that means he is the victor of the challenge, no one else."

Percy blinked and turned to Edward, "Ed, what is he talking about."

"I have no idea," Edward said just as confused as Percy and the other demigods.

"It is because of a deal I made years ago," The Collector spoke, "it was a challenge to find my real name. The winner could ask me anything they wish, money, power, items of great value. That was why everyone wanted to know who my name was. But you figured it out first, hence you get the prize."

"But Collector he isn't even part of the Abyss!" Dalen complained, "he is a stranger Edward, someone who just recently joined, invited!"

"It matter's not," Joseph said turning to Percy, "he won. He get's the prize."

Several people groaned in the group as several others sent dark glares towards Percy. The demigod could feel the Bloodlust rolling off of them and he gulped.

'Great I was supposed to just come in and protect Ed, now I have to deal with a room of powerful crazy people who all hate me. Just what I needed.'

The Collector approached Percy and the demigod gulped, "ah, we aren't going to have any problems are we?"

The pale man smiled, "only if you tell other people who I am."

Percy nodded, "sounds reasonable."

The Collector reached into his coat pocket and took out a pure black card with a red border line on it, "here. This is my Abyss card. It is similar to a hand held mobile device, use it to call me whenever you wish to ask your favour. Oh, and please do be reasonable."

Abyss Card: The Collector,

Serving as a device to connect to the particular person it is bounded to.

Note: This card has a tracking device on it allowing the bonded individual to track user.

Percy looked at the card, 'so he wants to track me huh? Good Luck with that.' Percy took the card and put the card away in his inventory. The Collector narrowed his eyes at the card disappearing into thin air but said nothing.

'If my theory is correct he can't track the card inside my pocket dimension, meaning I just pissed him off even more.'

"Ladies and Gentlemen," a hypnotic voice spoke out distracting everyone. Percy and the others turned to the middle of the room where the platform raised up by a foot showing the holographic projection of a woman with blond hair in a neat business suit, "please sit. The auction will start momentarily."

Edward turned to Percy and the others, "you guys go to the back and stay on look out. Remember, the Agent is targeting the people who want to by the Scent Destroyer, meaning he is probably going to try and kill us when the auction is going on."

Percy nodded, "right, be careful Ed."

The son of Hermes nodded and went to take a seat in one of the 20 chairs around the holographic stage. Percy and the others went to the side of the room and meet the other security guys. Each were dressed in nice suits and had a NJ-7 strapped to their chest.

"Is the room secure?" Percy asked the head of the security team, and he knew he was the head due to the man's title;

Damian Barnes, Head of Security

Lv- 21

The man looked down at Percy, "who are you?"

"We are part of Edward Neak's protection detail," Thalia spoke up.

The man eyed them up and down then eventually sighed, "they get younger and younger each year. Yeah, the room is secure. The only way he is going to get in is by blowing a hole through the floor or ceiling."

Percy was alert at that, "what?"

Damian shrugged, "joking kid."

"Yeah, but I wouldn't put it passed the man," Percy narrowed his eyes as he sent a wave of mana to try and see if the Agent was anywhere close. Luckily it seemed that he wasn't within Perec's range, which could ether be good, or very very bad.

"Welcome to the Abyss auction," the holographic voice spoke again, "a reminder of the rules for newcomers. All items produced in the auction will be delivered to you in 2 days or less, if you wish for them to be given to a specific location please tell us in advance. Any and all exchange of money will be done via online baking, hence please input your Baking ID into your seat's interface to begin."

Suddenly the front of ever right arm rest popped open and a pad slide up and positioned itself in front of the person sitting on the chair. Percy saw people type in banking ID and passwords and so the pad changed to the display system which was presently blank.

"Now, let us begin. The first item on our list is a classical painting done by the late Giovani Foronoche, it is titled, 'A Forest's Dream,' we begin at 1 million dollars."

The holographic image changed to one of the painting. It was a beautiful painting, even Percy could tell that. It featured a man and a woman sitting together on a boat roaring across a river that cut through a dense forest. The details were so sharp and pecius that Percy couldn't help but feel lost in it. The pads on the chairs displayed the image of the object in question with a bide option below it.

"1 million," a man spoke up.

"2 million," another said.

"3 million," this time it was The Wandering Jew who spoke.

"3 million going once, going twice. Sold to the Collector," the image changed back to the woman, "up next, the lost verse of Panicous..."

And like that it continued. Percy saw items being sold that he couldn't believe. There were ancient stone tablets, ancient weapons that were thought to be pieces of God's power, the Christian God that is, not the Greek.

Eventually though what he came for showed up.

"And now out next product isn't much of a look into the past like our previous ones, but a look into the future," the woman disappeared and a giant green pill showed up in her place, "this is the Scent Destroyer, a formula developed by Abyss scientist that will destroy the scent of any demigod that wears it. This will allow them to travel freely in our world and essentially become like a human. We will start the bidding at 10 million dollars."

Percy saw Patrick's eyes light up, but Edward was already on the hunt, "20 million dollars."

"30 million," Patrick declared.

Edward shot him a dirty glare, "40 million."

"50."

"70 million."

"90."

"100 million," Edward spoke up startling Percy and the rest, they didn't realise just how rich the man was.

"110 million."

"Why are you blocking me on this Patrick? 120 million," Edward said.

"I need that pill Edward, 125 million."

"So do I. I'm going to use it to make more and give it to other demigods, 130 million."

"A noble gesture, but disastrous. Who knows what will happen if the Greeks were allowed to roam free. 140 million."

"You are the son of one of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, and you say are telling me the Greek are worse than you? 150 million."

Patrick growled his teeth but before he answered something happened.

Warning! Attack from outside!

Percy read this and immediately turned around. He saw a giant wrecking ball coming straight for the window. Percy turned and shouted out, "get down!"

Everyone turned their heads towards Percy and just as the giant wrecking ball broke through the wall tearing into the room. Percy activated his super speed and took over out of harm's way putting them on the far side of the room. He looked back at the wrecking ball and saw it got stuck a few feet into the room.

However before Percy could move to see who did this attack he felt something launched at him wrapping itself around his neck. Percy tried to remove it and saw that it was a collar of some kind. It was black and suddenly it glowed green;

Your powers have been deactivated! Specifically;

Pocket dimension control

Earthquake, Water, Shadow, Ice manipulation

Power of the Kefka gauntlet neutralized

Super speed

Flow of mana has been disrupted! You can no longer use your mana!

Percy couldn't' believe what he was seeing. Somehow this collar powered him down, he was useless!

Just then several gun shots went off and Percy heard Dalen scream. He turned to see The collector down, bleeding out as the assassin from before stood over Edward with his gun pointed down.

The assassin was just about to shoot Ed in the head when Michael jumped in and attacked the guy with Riptide in hand.

Percy watched as Michael swung Riptide down on the assassin only to have his swing blocked by the man's two guns, he must have healed from Percy's attack already. The assassin then kicked Michael back and leveled his gun at the demigod and fired repeatedly.

Just when it seemed all over Thalia stepped in and lowered her shield deflecting all the bullets off of Aegis startling the Agent due to the face of Medusa portrayed on the shield.

The Assassin then jumped in and knocked Thalia's shield to the side before punching the demigoddess across the face breaking her nose with an audible crunch. He then pulled out a knife from nowhere and shoved it between her ribs.

"Thalia!" Percy was furious, he moved before he really had time to process what was going on.

He may not have his powers, but he still had his weapons. Percy reached in and pulled out Waverider and activated the weapon. He transformed it into it's sword mode and attacked the Agent head on, he may not have his powers, but he still had his skill.

The Agent pulled out his knife and blocked Percy with it. The knife snapped in half the moment Waverider hit it. The Agent and Percy went back and forth in their attacks. Soon the body guards finally got their shit together and leveled their weapons at the Agent, "get down now!"

The Agent simply looked at them before he backed up slowly putting both hands up in the air. Everyone watched him as slowly two guards came to try and arrest him when suddenly he dropped both gus and with a flick of his wrist two remote control detonators appeared in his hands.

"Move and I blow you all up to kingdom come," Agent 46 spoke up in a cold tone shocking everyone.

"You're bluffing," Percy narrowed his eyes.

The Agent moved his jacket revealing a vest strapped onto his body containing large amounts of C4.

"Are you crazy?!" Dalen shouted, "you would kill youself!"

The Agent didn't look conflicted, he just looked determined, "my mission comes first."

"Everyone back away," the Collector said as he growled out in anger. He held his shoulder in pain, Percy figured Agent 46 must have hit the man with something that could hurt a vampire.

"What do you want from us?" Edward asked.

"Not you," Agent 46 said turning his eyes to Percy, "just him."

Percy's eyes shot up in surprise. But before he could do or say anything the Agent pressed one of the triggers in his hand sending a shock through Percy's neck from the collar knocking him out.

Some time later;

Percy woke up as his eyes slowly lifted themselves. He heard the sound of a motor boat tearing through the water. Percy felt before he saw the water splash around by the side of the boat.

"Where am I?" Percy murmured but as he looked up to see Agent 46 standing at the boat's wheels steering them away from New York.

"With me," the Agent said as he slowly stopped the boat the moment they were out of the bay.

"Why aren't I dead?" Percy asked as he felt around. His arms were bound behind him with a ziplock, it was tight, but Percy knew he could break it. He decided against doing so, first he needed to find out what the Agent wanted.

"I could have killed you any time I wanted to," the Agent turned around and took out a briefcase from the seat next to him and placed it in front of Percy.

"If you didn't have this collar you wouldn't be saying that," Percy grumbled out as the Agent opened the suitcase revealing a screen inside with a strange logo displayed. It was a triangle with a skull in the center with a crown on top of it. On each corner of the triangle was a letter I, C and A.

"Your powers are great, but you have no proper training and lack the skill," the Hitman said activating the screen which changed to an image of a man in a silhouette.

"Hell Mr. Jackson," the shadowed man said in a muffled voice, "I am so glad The Agent was able to bring you in."

Percy looked at the screen and then at the Agent, "why am I here?"

"Because we wanted you here," the man said.

"So wait, you went through all this trouble, you killed Don Fanico, targeted Edward and the heads of Abyss, just so that you can get your hands on me?" Percy asked with a raised eyebrow.

"You underestimate your worth Mr. Jackson," the shadowy man replied, "and who said you were our only objective? The Agent had a mission, we knew he couldn't complete it with you around, so we decided to cut our losses. Luckily we managed to get you as bonus."

Percy narrowed his eyes, "so what do you want?"

"To offer you a position in our ranks," the man said surprising Percy.

"Why do you want me to join you?"

"Any person who managed to kill Kishin Argo is worthy of our attention," the man replied surprising Percy.

"How do you know that?" Percy narrowed his eyes.

"We have contacts everywhere," the man replied, "in this case it was Argo's assistant, Mr. Jake Haro that provided us with the information. Once we knew what you looked like all it took was a little digging and we knew who you were."

Percy looked down, "I assume you made this collar off the information Argo collected about my powers?"

The man nodded, "yes, with a few modifications of our own. We are very much aware of your ice powers and your speed. That along with disrupting your mana leaves your virtually powerless."

Percy calmed down, 'so no mana, no Kefka crystal and no speed.' Percy was in panic mode before but now he could finally think. Suddenly an idea came to him, 'Idiots.'

Percy nodded, "this is very impressive. You people must have been tracking my movement and powers for some time now."

The man nodded, "yes, we have. Information is what we are good at."

Percy smiled, "but you forgot one thing." The Agent and the man were surprised by the smile and Percy immediately activated his seals removing 3 of them;

Seal Release: Layer 3, Time: 20 hours.

STR- 72 (+20)= 92

Feeling his strength flow through his body Percy flexed his arms and broke the zip lock holding his arms back. He reached up to the collar around his neck and crushed it with a tight squeeze.

The Agent took out his guns and fired. But by that time Percy's powers had activated already causing him to regain every single one of his powers, including marble skin.

Defence- 296,175,500

The bullets took off only 500 defence points. Percy took the bullets head on, they barely bothered him. He punched the Agent in the stomach sending Agent 46 into the boat's control and before the assassin could get back up Percy was already on top of him.

Percy drew back an arm and launched it right into the man's face plowing through it and into the controls below. Percy took out his arm, it was covered with blood and brain matter. The man was a killer for hire and a murderer. But worst of all he had hurt Thalia, he didn't deserve any mercy from Percy.

Exp Gained: 60,000

The body of Agent 46 disappeared into nothing leaving behind Loot in the form of two fully loaded silver guns with a black grip and spare clips, 200,000 $ and a scroll of stealth.

Percy took the guns and scroll and put them away for later. Percy then turned to the computer in the briefcase, the screen was not facing Percy, meaning the man didn't see what just happened. 'Good, last thing I need is someone I don't know finding about my gaming powers.'

Percy used blood control to remove the gore off of his hand, he then sat down in front of the laptop and reactivated his strength seals, "so….are we done?"

"How did you do that?"

"You have your secrets, I have mine."

"Indeed…..is he dead?"

"No."

Lie success!

"Why didn't you kill him?"

"I have my reasons."

The man remained silent for a long time, and Percy mimicked him. It felt like hours had passed by before the mysterious figure spoke up, "we will find him."

"You can try."

"Join us Mr. Jackson. We need people like you. People who are willing to make this world a better place."

"No thanks, I don't want to be part of an assassin's guild," Percy smiled, "stealth is not my style."

"We can offer you our help in exchange for your….services."

Percy raised an eyebrow, "what type of help?"

"We can help you fight Kronos," the man replied back.

"Yeah, sure you would," Percy rolled his eyes, "I'm sure a group of assassins will be very useful against the Titan of time."

"We would be, we are very good at what we do."

Percy smiled, "I just killed your top assassin. How would anyone else do any better?"

"We never said he was out top assassin." Percy narrowed his eyes, "he was sloppy, he was noticable. The Agent was exceptional, but he was also famous. The most well known assassins are also the worst."

"So you're telling me that you have someone better than Agent 46?"

The man in the shadows was startled, "I don't know how you know that name…...but yes. We do have someone better."

Percy looked at the man and remained silent for a long time. He thought it over, 'could I really join up with these guys? If we could have them assassinate Kronos and the others...no, of course they can't. They are just desperate.'

"Sorry bud, no deal," Percy finally said.

"But-" Percy didn't let the man finish. He grabbed the laptop and threw it overboard into the water.

"Damn that guy was talkative," Percy then controlled the water around him to turn the boat around and take him back into the city.

Once he reached the docks Percy got off the boat and took off at full speed. He reached 'The Writer's Den' in minutes and saw that there were cops outside setting up a perimeter. Percy looked at the cops and recognized Kate Beckett in the crowd.

Percy didn't know how he should feel about the woman, technically he lived with her for a week. She was a kind person and very good at her job. Hell she even figured out that Percy's mom's 'death' had been done by a wild animal.

But now is not the time for a reunion, Percy couldn't let himself be seen. Percy snuck around and finally spotted Edward by an ambulance pacing around.

"Ed!" Percy called out drawing his attention.

"Percy? Oh thank the Gods!" Edward rushed Percy giving him a hug, "we thought you were dead."

I'm fine, where's Thalia?" Percy asked looking around frantically for the girl.

"She's fine, we got her in a stable condition," Edward explained. Just then;

Ping!

Quest completed!

Saving Edward Neak. Don't let him die.

Reward,

Skill disk- 10

10 points

Abyss card

Percy had received the Abyss card already, from Joseph. So instead a golden disk spread out of thin air in front of Percy. Edward looked surprised but didn't say anything as Percy put the disk away for later.

Percy turned to Ed, "did you get it?"

Ed nodded, "since technically I was the last one to bid for it I won."

Percy nodded, "good. Now, take me to Thalia."

"Right, follow me," Edward took Percy into the ambulance he was standing in front of.

Inside was Thalia on a gurney with an oxygen mask on her with Michael next to her using his healing powers to keep her stable.

"Michael, is she okay?" Percy asked stepping into the ambulance.

"Percy? Thank the gods, yeah, she's fine," Michael said looking down at the daughter of Zeus, "I managed to get her stable, they were planning to take her to the hospital, but with you here we don't have to."

Percy nodded, "right," he turned to Ed, "we have to go Ed. I took care of the assassin, you and the others should be safe."

Edward nodded, "right, you guys go ahead. I'll call you when I have completed the scent destroyer."

Percy nodded. Michael gave Percy back Riptide before the son of Poseidon opened his inventory and put Michael inside. He then moved to Thalia, carefully lifting the girl and putting her inside the inventory as well.

Percy then switched shoes, from the nice leather ones of his suit to the Fric shoes he used for running.

He took off a near mach 1 reaching the camp in minutes. He ran into the Big House and up to the Med Bay.

He opened his inventory and took out Micheal first. He then went to a bed and carefully took out Thalia setting her down on it.

"The assassin's blade was poisoned," Michael said looking through his shelf for medicines, "it's a the degrading kind, cure her of the poison and I'll get something to improve her vitals."

Percy nodded and immediately pressed his hand to her side activating his healing skill. The room glowed with a hue of gold as Percy destroyed the poisoned alliment she had.

Michael then stepped forward with a vial of green liquid that he carefully poured down Thalia's throat. Thalia started to cough out loud, Percy held her hand tightly as slowly she began to swallow more and more of the medicine.

"Is she going to be alright?" Percy as asked holding onto her hand in worry.

"She'd be fine, the danger has passed," Michael assured him, "what happened with the assassin?"

"I'll tell you later," Percy told him, "can you get me a chair Michael?"

"You know you don't have to stay by her side right?" Michael told Percy as he put a chair next to Thalia's bed.

"I know…. I want to," Percy told him.

"Right… you stay here, I'll go tell Chiron what happened."

Percy nodded and the son of Apollo left leaving Percy and Thalia alone.

That moment still was fresh on Percy's mind. The way Agent 46 stabbed Thalia...it felt like Percy's heart was going to stop. It was his anger that helped him overcome his shock and move to attack the assassin. If he didn't…. He was afraid to think what the man would have done.

Percy looked at the girl, her nose was twisted the wrong way, it was still broken from the attack. Percy cursed the dead assassin again, that man almost took away someone Percy cared about.

Percy pressed a hand on Thalia's face and healed her broken nose in a flash of light. Percy smiled and slowly Thalia's eyes started to flutter open.

"P-Percy?"

"I'm here Thalia," Percy said looking over her with a smile, "you're okay. You're going to be fine."

"Where...where are we?" she tried to get up but Percy stopped her.

"You are back in camp, and stay down. You were poisoned, you might be weak from the after effects."

"I….remember….what happened to the assassin?"

"I took care of him."

"What did you do?"

Percy narrowed his eyes, "I... I put a fist through his skull."

"Percy you shouldn't have-"

"He nearly killed you Thalia," Percy snapped back, "I was weakened, and I couldn't stop him. And because of that he nearly killed you." Percy lowered his head, the shame, the guilt, Thalia could hear it in his voice.

"Percy...I'm fine, look at me," Thalia said raising his head up with a hand, "I'm fine."

Percy nodded, "yeah. I know."

Thalia smiled, "you know.. While I was knocked out I had the strangest dreams."

Percy smiled, "really? What kind?"

"It was the same dream as before. You know, the one about somebody kissing me."

Percy was scared again. He didn't want her to find out. But after nearly losing her completely….thing's didn't seem that bad.

"So what happened in this dream?" Percy asked, finally confronting his worries.

"You were there," Thalia smiled, "you brought me back to my bed and tucked me in. And then... and then I kissed you."

Percy smiled, "was it a good kiss?"

Thalia blushed, "it was my first kiss."

Percy chuckled nervously, "I hope I rocked your world."

"You did," Thalia's blush grew bigger, "so...is that why you were avoiding me? Because I kissed you?"

"It's not that it's….yeah. I… I didn't really know how to react."

Thalia looked down, "oh, right." Percy could hear the disappointment in her tone. She paused for a second, "well, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to freak you out. I realise I took advantage of our friendship and I was drunk. I know that's not an excuse and I don't want us to not be friends any more, I-"

"-Oh shut up," Percy said throwing away and his fears and doubts. He threw caution to the wind as he bent over Thalia and pressed his lips against hers

"Hmm!" Thalia mumbled in surprise. Percy pressed his lips up against hers and slowly deepened it. The daughter of Zeus slowly let her instincts take over as she wrapped her hands around Percy's neck.

Percy was pulled on top of Thalia as he supported himself with one hand using the other to hold her head as he kissed her over and over again.

They stopped after what felt like hours. Thalia looked into his eyes, "what the Hades was that?"

"I have no idea…..but I liked it," Percy said as Thalia pulled him down to kiss him again. They were all over each other as they both finally gave into their desires. Percy made sure to not put too much weight on Thalia, she was still hurt, but the demigoddess kept pulling him closer by wrapping her arms around him.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?!" someone yelled out.

Percy and Thalia stopped making out and slowly looked behind them to see Annabeth standing there with her mouth wide open.

"Ah….we can totally explain" Thalia said. Annabeth didn't move or say anything.

"Ah, I think we broke her," Percy replied as the two stared at their paralyzed friend.

Status:

Percy Jackson

Health- 11,550/11,550 (+1000) = 12,550

Mana- 6,500/6,500 (+1000) = 7,500 (+20% more mana, +1,500) = 9,000

The Gamer

Title- Son of Poseidon

(+20 Str,+20 Vit, +20 Dex, while in water)

Level-42 Exp- 91,860/117,000

Race-Demigod

STR-100(+20)=120 (Multiseal – 6- 1.5(+20)=21.5)

VIT-100(+10+20)=130

DEX-50(+10+20)=80

INT-100

WIS-53

LUC-100

POINTS- 129

MONEY- 688,043$/ 556D

Okay here you all go. 3 chapters in 3 days. I hope you are all happy. And yes, this chapter was kind of out there, but I reeeeealy wanted to do it.

I can honestly say I am exaushted right now. Sigh, anyway, see you next chapter.