Chapter 13 The First Pearl

"Hello Mother." Is what the three people heard right after they closed their eyes. They were too scared to open them, in fear of being turned to stone. "Lucian. Why are you back?" They heard a cold voice devoid of almost all emotion. "Aren't you glad to see me? Didn't you miss me? I missed you." They heard Lucian say. There was some silence after this before it was followed through by the cold voice. "Why are you here?" Medusa asked again.

"*sigh*...I'm helping Percy rescue his mother from the underworld." Medusa was shocked. He's going to the underworld? Medusa was going to scold this adopted son of hers but was cut off before she could speak. "I know what your going to say. Dont worry, I have thought this through. I know the significance of the underworld, especially to me. The reason we are here is for that pearl on your wrist."

Medusa looked at the shiny pearl on her wrist. You want the pearl Persephone gave me? I mean I never plan to go to the underworld to visit that slutty woman anyway, so I dont mind giving it to him. "Sure you can have it, but why should I give it to you?" Lucian was for a loss of words. "Because I'm your son?"

"Yes you are, but you want me to help the children of Poseidon and Athena? The people who made me look the way I am now?!" Medusa started to raise her voice. "Mom...please. They are not their parents. They are not the ones who did this to you, please do not blame them." Lucian tried to calm his mother down. "AND WHY SHOULDN'T I!!? THEY TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME!" Medusa started to yell now, she couldn't control her anger.

"Mom...if they didn't do this to you, you would have never found me. I think that at least counts for something, dont you think?" Medusa had a glimmer past her eye, and she started to hesitate. "Plus, dont you think I shouldn't be held accountable for my father's sins? Or should I be killed because I'm his son?" At this point Medusa has already calmed down. He's right, I shouldn't blame them.

While Lucian was calming down his mother, Annabeth and the two boys were all thinking. 'Lucian should not be held accountable for his fathers sins? Who's his father?' Annabeth and Percy were both really anxious and hoped that Medusa did not kill them then and there.

"Fine. You can have it." Medusa pulled out the pearl and tossed it to Lucian. She then put on a pair of shades she always carried on her person. "You guys can look now." Lucian gave the a-ok. The three slowly opened there eyes and got their first look at the famous Medusa. The three were stunned to see a beautiful snake lady, that even with the curse it was hard to damage her beautiful appearance.

"So did you miss me mom?" Lucian asked smiling. "*humph* you were gone for less than a week brat, Nobody missed you. Also, what happened to school?" Medusa asked coldly. Lucian nervously laughed as he explained to his mother the sequence of events that have transpired the last few days. "I see, so that's why you are looking for the Pearl's. Then I guess you better get going then, you haven't a moment to lose." Medusa urged them to leave. "Aww, do you care about us saving Percy's mother?" Lucian started to tease his mother. "What you stupid brat?! Leave, your making my eyes sore!"

The three watched the mother and son argue with each other, but for some reason it was a refreshing sight. They couldn't help but think that Medusa was not so scary after all. "Well at least let us eat, were hungry from that bus ride." Lucian said as he went to their kitchen to prepare some food. "Stop wasting my food!" Medusa said but did not try to stop him, she actually missed his home cooked meals. "You guys get the table ready while I prepare our food!" Lucian slipped into the kitchen as the three followed Medusa to the table.

They set the table quietly, because although they were not as scared of Medusa as they were at the start, they were still on guard. "Are you three scared?" Medusa asked suddenly, making the three tense up. "N-no ma'am." Percy replied. "I could hear your heart beat quickening." Medusa said with a smile that was not a smile. "What made you decide to adopt Lucian?" Annabeth suddenly asked, changing the topic. Medusa was quiet at the sudden question.

Annabeth was scared that she might have angered Medusa, so she stayed quiet. "His eyes." Medusa said suddenly. Annabeth perked her head up suddenly and looked at Medusa. "His eyes that stared into my soul, his eyes that had no fear, his eyes that reflected his pure innocence and intelligence. He was very brave for a baby, even playing with one of the snakes in my hair. I felt like I could find salvation through him." Annabeth was shocked since she did not expect such a profound answer, but this answer made her happy and made her think that Medusa is actually not that bad.

"Is that why you named him Lucian Amarie?" Medusa nodded her head at Annabeths question. They finished setting the table and sat on a chair waiting for the food. "Why did you kill my uncle Ferdinand?" Grover suddenly asked. Percy and Annabeth wanted to suddenly choke him, the atmosphere was finally so good! Medusa narrowed her eyes at Grover. "I have killed many boy, you must be more specific."

"He was a satyr like me, most distinguishing feature being a mole on his forehead." Medusa widened her eyes. "That was your uncle?" Grover nodded. "Why did I kill him you ask? That's simple." They all waited for her answer, curious as to the reason. "He was a pervert." They all nearly fell off their chairs. "He looked at me with disgusting eyes, so I made sure it was the last thing he saw. He should be grateful I did not gauge his eyes out." Grover suddenly started to laugh. "Yep, that sounds like my uncle Ferdinand. He has always been a bit of a perv." The nice atmosphere seemed to return after that.

"Alright! Foods ready, who's hungry?" Lucian came out with a big pot that was still hot, he was holding it with towels to not burn himself. "Soup?" Asked Percy. "Do not look down on his soup, it's the best soup you will ever taste." Medusa said patiently waiting for the soup with anticipation. The three were doubtful vegetable soup could be that good. Lucian served them and they all grabbed their spoons to taste the soup. The moment they did, it felt like the world has suddenly gained color, and the world before tasting the soup was merrily in black and white. They started to devour the soup, like it was there lover they have not seen in ages. Medusa calmly sipped the soup and enjoyed the taste. Pretty soon the three were asking for seconds.

"Haha, there is no need to rush. There is plenty to go around." Lucian said while he served them some more. "This is the best soup I have ever tasted my while life!" Said Grover as he ate some more. "How are you so good at cooking?!" Asked Annabeth. "Well, I cooked since young because mother Medusa cant cook to save her life." Medusa didn't even argue and nodded her head in agreement, her cooking really was terrible.

The atmosphere was really good as they talked happily with one another. Mother Medusa would even sometimes jump into the conversation! Pretty soon it was time for them to go, so they all helped wash the dishes.

"It was nice seeing you again, even though it was way too soon my son." Medusa said as she hugged Lucian. "I'm living in camp half blood now if you ever want to find me. I know the whole reason you sent me out was so that I find a life to live, and now I have." Lucian smiled happily. Medusa nodded with a rare smile. "You should go and save your friends mother now, and make sure to keep that anger of yours in check." Lucian nodded and got in the truck his friends were in. Turns out the couple that was here earlier came in a truck, and since they were not using it anymore...might as well use it right? Lucian waved to his mother as he left home for the second time.