Work Text:
Did We Check the Meat?
Percy panted as he came back over and freed his friends he was about to do an offering to the archer twins for that lucky shot to take out his technical Nephew. He whispered the names of the archer twins and was about to toss the meat into the flames. He was going to thank them, when he paused… that BBQ was likely Sun Cattle… Percy did not want to be on Apollo’s bad side. Sure the sun cows were originally Helios’ but they went to Apollo apparently after the titan faded… or went on vacation he wasn’t paying much attention when Apollo went over it.
“Hey Eurytion is the BBQ regular meat or is it uh… from the cows?” Percy asked nervously. He only got on the sun god’s good side for saving his sister during the winter. The ranch hand was freeing everyone and paused at Percy’s words. Neither knew that the archers were listening in even though Hera was overseeing the quest and preventing most prayers from escaping. She cannot however stop offerings.
“Shouldn’t be, Geyron wasn’t stupid enough to eat the meat himself unless the sun god gave his approval first.” Eurytion informed. He freed Grover and Tyson.
“Ah ok, I was going to give an offering to the archer twins, I prayed to them for help.” Percy explained. “It's not exactly easy to beat a guy with three hearts unless you’ve got a bow and arrow.”
“Why? It’s not like you actually used a bow and arrows. Besides you’ve never used divine intervention before I highly doubt you started now.” Annabeth argued from where she was still tied up. “We don’t have time to waste-”
“Never prayed for-? Annabeth, I have prayed to gods for help before. You just never saw it. St Louis Arch, I prayed to dad for help running from the Chimera and it’s mother, I asked Mr D for help when Thalia, Grover, Zoe, and I were cornered by the Manticore, and just now I used a bow and arrow to kill Geyron because he had three hearts. I prayed to the archers because I was desperate and didn’t have any other means to counter him.”
Percy countered and looked fed up. Though he also felt fed up given that he had just fought an annoying monster after using his powers in a new way to clean out some nasty ass horse stalls. While she has the gall to insult him by saying he never asks for divine help. She also got to sit tied up like a prisoner because Geyron is an asshole and a traitor to the gods. She didn’t have to work hard to clean nasty ass horse pens.
“Oh who cares! Percy, we have to save the camp! We already wasted time because you wanted to play hero-”
“Who cares-? Are you an idiot or something Annabeth? After all the myths you made me recite back and forth, one would have recognised that the gods must not be antagonised. And sacrifice is the most common way of tribute.” He reminds her. “Also given how much you love the Odyssey so much one would think you’d recall what happened to Odysseus’ men when they killed the sun cows!”
Annabeth’s face turned red at that and she snapped back. “We don't have time for that! We have to find Deedalus and stop Kr-UMP”
She was silenced by the ranch hand as he looked quite spooked.
“Names have power don't call his eyes here,” Eurytion snapped at her and didn’t release her yet. “What the hell is camp teaching you lot? You don’t say any gods’ names, all will nilly.”
“Nothing, we learn absolutely nothing at camp. You wanna know who teaches the myths? She’s sitting there still bound up.” Percy pointed at Annabeth. He didn’t notice how the sun was a little brighter.
“Chiron barely teaches a single archery class, let alone anything proper about sacrifices or how things are supposed to be done.” Grover explained to the immortal son of Ares.
Nico was untied next as was Tyson but Eurytion didn’t untie Annabeth yet.
“I will inform the sun lord of what has happened, and pray for mercy.” The son of Ares explained to the children. “Hopefully he recognises I was bound by my oath to serve Geyron and follow his orders, and my punishment might be lessened if I am fortunate.”
“But you didn’t do anything wrong, he shouldn’t-” Annabeth tried to argue since Eurytion said it himself he was following orders.
“Yes he can and yes he should.” The immortal countered. “This isn’t just about the sun lord’s cattle, there are many other gods who use this ranch as a safe haven for their divine animals to be cared for and protected. Something I was complicit in for a long time with their poor care because of my oath.”
He finally untied Annabeth but gave her a look. “You lot can stay for a day or two to rest up before going back in. The Labyrinth ain’t a safe place, and son of Hades? Best wisen up before that bitter king uses you as a meat suit.”
Nico was going to argue when shadows creeped near him. “You-”
“Ah said his name on purpose cuz I’m pretty damn sure he didn’t know you were conversin’ with bitter old Minos.” Eurytion confessed. Plus with how hot the sun is right now it seems Apollon is mad at him. Ah well, best get a sacrifice ready and feed the guests.
“I did not, I appreciate the information ranch hand,” Hades informed as he left some money and took his child away.
“Um Uncle Hades we’ll probably need Nico at some point because of the prophecy,” Percy called out. “Just so you’re aware.” He felt a shift in the shadows and a ruffling of his hair… odd but it felt like his uncle accepted what he said. That’s good at least.
“Why did you do that?” Annabeth demanded as the shadows went back to normal and Hades’ attention went elsewhere.
“Because the Prophecy you got specifically mentioned the Ghost King and no offense I doubt Minos would help save the Camp. Or our friends, which is the entire reason we’re doing this quest.” Percy reminded her coldly. He’s still cranky and mad and tired and she has the gall to get mad at him for saving their lives, again. Especially because he doubts Geyron would’ve ever kept his word even if their mysterious benefactor paid for them to have safe passage.
“Well if that’s how you feel, we don’t have time for you to be playing hero Percy!” Annabeth snapped back at him. Why is she so angry? What is wrong with her?!
“Play- I COULDN’T LET NICO SUFFER BECOMING A WEAPON!” Percy snapped at her causing the pipes inside to rattle at his anger. “He’s a fucking kid Annabeth! He’s younger than I was when I thought I lost my only family!”
The immortal son of Ares blinked at that and frowned. Sounds like he needs to get the gods here or else he’s gonna have a murder to cover up. He is not in the mood to bury a body without rites. Then again with how bright the sun is and the fact one of the Lady Queen’s peacocks was watching them all intently. She’s watching too… ah this is gonna be a pain in the ass.
“Gods what is wrong with you?! Why are you acting like a bitch?” Percy demanded. Normally Grover or Tyson would try and diffuse the situation, but something or someone was making them stay quiet.
“What’s wrong with me? I should be asking that of you, SeaweedBrain!” She glared at him like he was nothing but a nuisance who refused to listen to her. “Questioning the beef? What’s gotten into you? This is my quest and if I say the beef is fine, then it’s fine. Gods you’re so stupid and impulsive! You can’t do anything right without me there to bail you out!”
“Bail me-! Oh that’s fucking rich coming from the bitch who didn’t disarm herself when making us go past the sirens. I thought you’d be smart enough to know that it’s stupid to stay armed when you’re gonna be tied up for your own safety.” Percy snapped back. “But no, I had to save your worthless ass!”
“AS IF YOU’RE ANY DIFFERENT!! WITHOUT ME YOU’D HAVE DIED TO MEDUSA! YOU’D NEVER GOTTEN PAST CERBERUS OR OFF CIRCE’S ISLAND! YOU’RE MY WEAPON! MY SHIELD! MY PAWN! YOU DO AS I SAY JACKSON!” Annabeth screamed at him.
There was a beat of silence as Grover and Tyson looked at Annabeth in horror! How could she say that about Percy?! The same guy who has gone to bat for her time and time and time AGAIN!! And she has the nerve to-
“I should've known that's how you see Lord Uncle’s son,” a familiar voice spoke up as the God of the Sun and many other things arrived with… a weird glowing man? Is this Helios?
“Let alone to be so hubristic and not double check the meat isn’t the sacred cattle or other sacred animals,” the male immortal commented. “I wasn’t pleased the last time my cows were slaughtered. I am even less pleased this time. Though I do appreciate you killing him, it would’ve been better had we done it.”
“Ah no problem, and honestly I don’t think he would’ve kept his word regarding that payment stuff either. Apparently someone paid for us to come and visit and leave, but it didn’t include my cousin.” Percy explained.
“Quite alright little cousin and I’ve checked the meat, it would’ve been okay for a sacrifice, though how did you use an arrow? I didn’t bless it and Arty hasn’t gotten a prayer for shooting help.” Apollo asked.
“Huh? But I prayed to you both asking for a single shot.”
“I believe I can answer, I see the Queen has been given a quest to patron,” Helios commented as his glowing golden body shone quite literally like the Sun. He was pointing at the bow. “It has her divine essence on it, a good thing Eurytion called to us otherwise we never would’ve known of the cattle.”
“Ah that explains it,” Apollo nods.
“Oh… um if the meat is safe, can I do a sacrifice then as a thanks? Because I couldn’t have done this without that.” Percy explained.
“Why not?” Helios asked as they all pointedly ignored the foaming at the mouth Annabeth who is not taking well that she’s being ignored. Apollo was confused too and with a golden hand touching the sea child’s head, he got his answer.
“Ahh divine core exhaustion, it seems you use your powers to clean the stalls, my only guess since Geyron is a cheap asshole who doesn’t even properly care for animals.” Apollo said and clearly was still furious about the cows.
“Can’t Eurytion kill him when he comes back? Or take care of the ranch and force Geryon to work for him?” Percy asked the two immortals as he sighed in relief, not realizing he was in pain from using his powers so much.
“Hmm, not a bad idea, would be a suitable punishment, though you’ll be on probation, ranch hand.” Helios stated as he leveled a cold look to the immortal son of Ares.
“Mainly for not informing us the moment Geyron turned traitor.” Apollo agreed as he waved the non-sacred cow beef to Percy to sacrifice for Hera as thanks for the arrow. The son of Poseidon did that while the two gods spoke to the immortal. Annabeth tried to stop Percy only to be stopped by Tyson and Grover who agreed Percy should thank the Olympian Queen for her help.
“Understood Lord Helios and Lord Apollon.” Eurytion nodded in respect and bowed to the two gods. He’s bound to the ranch, and it would make more sense to make Geyron work for him and be on probation for a while.
-Consequences-
The next day the group would head back into the labyrinth with fresh supplies courtesy of Eurytion as a form of payment for the horse stalls, and covering for the money that their patron used to try and buy their passage. Plus a means to find Hepheastus, a mechanical spider.
“Now y’all be careful goin’ back in. Labyrinth has lot of monsters callin’ it home,” Eurytion warned as they prepared to activate and follow the spider to Hepheastus.
“We will,” Percy assured the Ranch Hand who was on probation. Apparently Helios will be staying for a while to ensure proper changes happen and the cows and other animals will be cared for. Since Apollo needs to still do his duties the retired Sun Titan can spend some time on the Ranch.
Annabeth activated the spider and off they went, not much else for a goodbye as it seems the daughter of Athena was eager to get back onto her quest while the boys just wanted to just find a way to save the camp or in Grover’s case, find/save Pan.
Their trek with Annabeth in the lead would come to an end however, once they stumbled upon a Sphinx.
A modern one, she elected to change from riddles mortals already knew the answer to and chose 20 question tests! Far more fun and challenges basic knowledge! Plus any child of Athena worth their salt has pride as a fatal flaw.
Very few do not.
“I refuse to answer-”
Those had been the last words Annabeth Chase spoke before the Sphinx in a move so fast none of them had time to react. Annabeth’s head was removed from her shoulders in one swift bone crushing CHOMP from the Sphinx. The limp body fell to the ground as a pool of blood began to form beneath where the head of the daughter of Athena had once been.
Although… if Percy was being honest… he wasn’t going to react. A part of him wanted to… but in truth? He was done being Annabeth’s shield.
“Hmm now that the naughty one is gone,” the sphinx cleaned her mouth. “How to challenge the rest of you?”
“Or a reverse? We have a question for you, and answering it correctly gives us freedom?” Percy suggested. Hey might not work, but he can try.
The sphinx blinked and tilted her head curiously. “A reverse? Oooh I’ve never done that before, but I am quite brilliant.” She smiled with all teeth. “I can tell the Cyclops fears my kind, I can tell the Satyr seeks the Wild God, and I can see for you child of the sea, you do not mourn your quest leader. Interesting.”
“It is true I do not mourn her, for I did my mourning the night before. Can you tell why?” Percy asked as his question to the monster of riddles and puzzles.
“The night before? Ooooh~ you planned to kill her?” The Sphinx questioned but then paused and watched him closely. She is a bit frustrated as he has quite the poker face. “No… no the sea is loyal unless it is lost… ah! Is that it? She lost your loyalty, and that is why you do not mourn her.”
“In a way, yes. I mourned her because it was yesterday I learned that she abused my loyalty as a weapon. She saw me as nothing more than a weapon, a pawn, a human shield she could rely upon to ensure she won victory. She had been my friend, someone I trusted, someone I could rely on, someone I loved. I mourned the version I thought was real, and had to accept that the version I loved either ceased to exist before yesterday. Or she was never real to begin with.” Percy replied.
“Hmm, a correct answer, and a complex one. Brilliant! You three may pass. Though, don’t think this will work a second time should we meet again.” She warned her teeth flashing hungrily at them.
“I should hope not, even if you’ve changed it to a modern test, you’re still a creature who seeks to end those who do not answer correctly or follow your rules.” Percy gave her a nod of respect as she let them pass to continue the quest. Percy wasn’t gonna go home just because Annabeth was dead, he still had a camp to save after all.
“Hmmm I like you, I can see why so many find you fascinating little godling,” She hummed and went to enjoy the rest of Annabeth’s dead body. The boys leave to chase the Spider and finish the mission.
The quest doesn’t end when the leader dies, it ends when the job is done.