Chapter 360 - My CO Stash #60 - Not So Ancient History by MachineExDeo (PercyJacksonXFate/staynight) (2/2)

”Eh.” Shirou waved him off. ”Percy, under normal circ_u_mstances I would probably agree with Mr. Brunner. But the differences between you and the other demigods is that you have the power of one of the eldest gods. You will always be in the spotlight. And, from what Ms. Dodds said, someone is actively hunting you, and are determined enough to send a monster despite your protectors. What was she, by the way? She seemed different from the rank and file. More intelligent.”

”… She was one of the Kindly Ones. The Angry One.”

”…You should have said that from the start. Do you genuinely Percy will be safe from him if he truly decided to pursue him?”

”Whoa, whoa.” Percy sensed the change in tone. ”Hang on, enough with the pronoun game, what's a Kindly One and why is this bad news?”

”Percy,” Shirou held his attention. ”Percy, the Kindly Ones are not ordinary monsters. They are old and strong and only serve one master. Hades, the god of the underworld.

”Why? If it's…the king who's missing the weapon, why is… this other guy coming after me?”

”Why else? To take possession of the master bolt. At least, that's what everybody thinks. Hades has always been an isolationist, so it is almost impossible to question his real motives.” Mr. Brunner explained. ”A few months from new, during the summer solstice, the king has declared that should the master bolt remain missing and the perpetrator unidentified until then, there will be war.”

”…This is so above my paygrade.”

”Just a bit.” Shirou agreed.

”What do I do now? Is there gonna be like, a trial or something? I don't even know how this is gonna work?”

”Trial?” Shirou scoffed. ”Percy, these are gods. As far as they're concerned, their word is law, period. If Poseidon claims you, that's it. Zeus won't hear another word of it.

”As for what you should do, step number one would be to inform your mother about recent developments. She'll understand the circ_u_mstances. She won't like it, but she'll understand.”

”Okay, there is no freakin' way I'm explaining all this to her alone.”

”You won't have to, right?” Shirou looked pointedly at Mr. Brunner and Grover. It wasn't meant to be threatening, but they had a responsibility to Percy.

”Don't worry.” Grover assured. ”I'm sure Ms. Jackson was expecting this. She'll adapt quickly enough.”

”Second thing to do, well, that's your choice.” Shirou said. ”While you are at Yancy, I can handle any of the monsters that come after you. My dorm is quite close to yours too, so night attacks won't be a problem. The question is, what would you do during that time.”

One would question why Percy needed to do anything. If he was safe in school and Camp Half-Blood meant he would be safe during the summer, then he really didn't need to do anything, did he? But Shirou knew better, and he suspected that Mr. Brunner and Grover knew too, considering the knowing looks they gave him.

Percy was restless by nature. He wasn't made to sit around doing nothing. He got bored quickly and his attention span was just as abysmal. He was used to action. If there was something he could do, he would do it, if only for the reason that there was nothing else he could do.

”Could you…could you teach me some of that magic stuff?”

”I could try. Keep in mind, that I'm only a third-rate magus. It's highly probable that my brand of magecraft wouldn't suit you at all. But there are other things I can teach you if you are willing to go through with it.”

”Like what?”

”Like how to use one of those.” Shirou nodded towards the sword in Mr. Brunner's hand.

”Dude, are you serious? You'll teach me sword fighting?”

”As soon, as I can find a place to do it. I doubt I could rent out the gym for a few hours, but it shouldn't be too difficult to find somewhere else.” Shirou mused.

”That will be awesome.” Percy admitted.

”It will be tough. I've been told that I'm a very harsh teacher.”

”Heh, I can take a beating.”

Percy was taking this lightly. Shirou couldn't really change that with words. Once the training begins, Percy would probably want to quit, and Shirou was going to let him. He wouldn't force anything onto Percy, even if he thought he needed it. You can't educate someone who isn't receptive. But he had high hopes in that regard.

”I certainly hope that you know what you are doing.” Mr. Brunner spoke in a hushed voice so as to not draw the attention of Percy who was asking Grover more questions about Camp Half-Blood. ”I must warn you, I have no idea how the Olympians will react when they learn of your existence and your intervention. This is a delicate enough situation as it is without a wild card coming into play. They will want to learn your motives. Why are you doing this?”

Motives. It wasn't the first time someone had questioned his, and it certainly won't be the last. His motive was simple enough, but very few people seemed to really understand it. Of course, its meaning has changed over the years, how could it not, with what he went through, what he had to do? He had questioned it, redefined it, even abandoned it at times. And yet time and time again, he gave his answer, unwavering.

”I just want to be a hero.”

Sitting on a bench in the park were three withered old ladies. They looked so fragile, it seemed the breeze would blow them into dust. All three were staring at them, though it was unclear who it was specifically that they were looking at. All of them were completely still, their faces set in confusion.

The one on the left was holding a peculiar set of items, a ball of blue twine in one hand, and on the other, a coil of barbed wire. The woman in the middle was gripping a pair of massive, tattered socks. They were in truly terrible condition, the stitching was uneven, there were holes in the product, and there were loose and frayed strings everywhere. The final woman was holding a string of barbed wire in her hand, not mindful of the sharp spikes digging into her skin.

Why are you here?

Chapter 3

”Where did you even find this thing?!” Percy screamed.

The thing in question, was a large, shaggy black dog. It would take anyone just one look to realize the dog was abnormal. At least, anyone who could see through the Mist. The most obvious example would be its size, the dog was as large as rhinoceros, and much more intimidating. They would see fur that seemed to writhe and sway in an unseen wind, darker than shadow. They would observe eyes dyed a deep red, the color of blood, and its dark face, and the contrast made them seem like shining beacons. Its teeth reflected its monstrous appearance, long and wicked canines like butcher knives.

Hellhounds, the hunting dogs of the Underworld.

”I didn't have to find it. It was looking for you. I captured it while it was sniffing around in the tennis courts last week.”

Hellhounds were some of the most common monsters that Shirou had come across, and he learned much from them. They were not to be underestimated, for one thing. Not only were they powerful, but they were much faster than their bulky stature suggested. They were stronger at night, or in areas with little light, and were highly susceptible to weapons designed against dark creatures, even more than most monsters.

Obviously, if one wanted to capture them, Black Keys would be the go-to weapon, but they had this annoying habit of melting into the shadows, before he could pin them. Shirou surmised that it was some kind of teleportation unique to them because he had never seen any other kind of monster do it.

More to the point, due to their commonality, Shirou decided that Percy would benefit from some live combat.

Thinking back on his own experiences, Shirou never really had a combat instructor. Whether it was against Saber, Rider, or a dozen other people he had fought in his previous life, he learned by experience, through pain and injury. A theoretical blade will never kill anyone, only one that has been beaten and tempered repeatedly. Of course, he wasn't planning to put a child through the same hardsh_i_p_s, but a reasonable simulation seemed to work.

The hellhound lunged, its claws facing forward. Anticipating the threat, Percy swiveled to the side, the claws missing him by inches. He dug his heel into the ground, kicking himself forwards to thrust the consecrated blade into its side. He managed to drive the blade through its flesh, but the cut was too shallow to kill.

Shirou frowned. He was trying to find a good sword for Percy to use. The sword he was using now was a simple one-handed xiphos that he had altered to have properties strong against creatures of shadow. He wanted to see what kind of sword suited Percy's personality best, and as expected, he seemed to have an affinity for Greek blades. He had contemplated Tracing Anaklusmos, but he was a little leery giving sword with such a long history to him.

The hound landed on its front feet and raised its hind legs. Percy caught its kick to the c_h_e_s_t, its claws tearing at the leather armor. Percy leapt back, gasping in shock, but to his credit he recovered quickly and neatly lopped off the hound's legs. From there, it was child's play to keep out of the reach of its claws and stick the sword in its throat.

Percy let out a breath, dusting off the monster dust that had gotten on his clothes. ”That would have gone easier if I could just get some water.” Another thing they were experimenting with were Percy's inherited abilities. It was easy enough to find out that water made him stronger, and a little experimentation told them that seawater had the most effect, and tap water had the least.

”And if you can figure out a way to souse yourself in seawater during combat, then I highly encourage you to use it.” He replied dryly, tossing him a bottle of water. Honestly, Shirou wouldn't put it past Percy to find a way to do that. As diligent as he could be, he would often find the most roundabout ways to be lazy. Just the other day, he was attempting to use his water powers to summon an opened can of coke. Suffice it to say, he ended up being very sticky, with a bump on his head.

”Ahh man, can you get this stuff off of me? I'm boiling.” Percy was tugging at the padding on him. Shirou acquiesced and tugged open the straps to free him. ”Oh, much better.” He then upended the water bottle over his head, soaking his shirt. ”So how did I do?”

”Not bad.” Shirou admitted. ”I saw a few openings during your attacks, but monsters wouldn't be able to take advantage of them. Even so, make sure to be doubly alert when you're facing multiple enemies. A smarter monster might spot it before you can.”

”Right.” He settled down on the ground, catching his breath, the sword resting cross his lap. ”One week, huh?”

Shirou took a second to look at Percy. Really look at him. The past month has changed him only slightly, but surely. His arms had faint lines from scars that had yet to fade. Several bruises dotted his body from the most recent training session, which hadn't had time to heal. The sword he held, was another tell. At first glance, his grip may seem lax and unrefined, but Shirou could see the firmness and confidence where discomfort used to be. ”Yes, only one week until summer.”

”Are you coming to camp with us?”

”I'll do my best. They might try to bar me from the camp, but they won't be successful.”

”You know, you're kinda scary when you just say stuff like that. You're gonna give Grover an aneurysm.”

”He'll get used to it.” At the least, he better. He had no ill intentions against the satyr. He was hardworking and only wished for his friend's safety. He was a far cry from what the legends depicted his kind to be. But he had a cowardly side that made Percy wary, and a blind loyalty to the gods, neither of which he could fault him for. ”Speaking of summer, are you ready for the exams?” he asked, getting a groan from his friend. ”Don't be like that. Grover and I have helped you a lot.”

”I know, and I appreciate it, but jeez…” Percy slumped down. ”Hopefully I'll pass most of them, but there are some that I'm still pretty iffy. At the very least, I'm sure I'll be in Yancy for another year. Which come to think of it is a barrel of mixed feeling right there.”

Shirou smiled. Percy didn't like Yancy. He never did, and he never will. But his mother fought tooth and nail to get him here, an expensive school that showed success with the so-called 'problem children', and Percy wasn't the type to squander someone else's efforts, much less his own mother's.

”How is Ms. Jackson?”

Immediately, Percy's grimace was wiped away to be replaced by a massive grin. ”Fantastic. The divorce will be finalized by next month, and the cheapskate's not wringing a single penny from her. And she's getting the apartment!”

”I'm glad to hear it.” As expected, it was easy enough for Sally Jackson to accept that her son was now fully aware of his heritage, and that one of his friends was a magus, and another was a satyr. What was not expected was her reluctance to divorce Gabe Ugliano. Admittedly, Shirou should have accepted that, but he didn't because of a bad habit he had developed in the past years.

He forgot that in the eyes of everyone else, he was still very much a child. Sally Jackson had absolutely no reason to entrust the safety of her only son to a twelve-year-old, no matter how competent he may be. It took a demonstration of Tracing and a few simple Bounded Fields to convince her of his ability to protect Percy on and off campus, even though Percy was rather miffed at being presented as so helpless.

Shirou deactivated the Bounded Field around the football field, removing the compulsion for incomers to avoid the field. The Field was rather shoddy, detectable by anyone with a hint of magecraft, but that didn't matter to Shirou, since those weren't the type of people who he was trying to drive away. ”Let's hit the showers, class starts in 45 minutes.”

”Remind me again, why should we allow you to do this?”

Shirou knew that Chiron's question was very much rhetorical, but he answered for Grover's benefit, who was chewing an aluminum can like a chipmunk. He always wondered how on earth his innards could withstand that. They were all in the Jackson's living room, watching Percy

”For one thing, I'm not the one doing anything you're arguing against. Second, school is over, and neither of us have been to Camp Half-Blood yet. You have no authority over either of us. Besides, Ms. Jackson has already given Percy permission. That should be enough, don't you think.”

”I did.” Sally nodded, wringing her hands. ”But I'd be lying if I said I didn't have second thoughts.”

”Relax, Mom.” Percy tried to take a reassuring tone. ”I've learned a lot this past month, and Shirou will be around. I'll be fine!” With that, Percy snapped his backpack closed and hefted over his shoulder. ”Besides, it's like a day's walk from here? It's not like I'm going to the West Coast.”

Shirou glanced at his watch. ”Alright, Percy. You go on ahead, and I'll be right behind you. Out of sight, of course. Remember what you're looking for?”

”Delphi Strawberry Service.” Percy recited. ”I got it. See you guys at camp.” With one last c_o_c_ky smirk, and a kiss on the cheek to his mother, Percy was gone.

Nobody said anything for quite a while, not that there was anything that needed to be said. All of them were watching the hands of the clock on the wall, or the watches on their wrist. Once the hands hit the noon, Shirou made his move, taking out an old, battered flip phone.

Ring-ring. Ring-ring! Rin-

”Start running, Percy.”

”Hearing ya loud and clear.”

If he were to be honest, Percy was in two minds about this. Having seen Shirou pepper an ogre with arrows in a couple of seconds, he knew that he wasn't in any real danger. But the minute he hung up the phone, the anxiety kicked back in. He did his best to push that down, and continue through the city, another face in the crowd.

He fingered the bronze pen in his hand. Riptide, the current that takes one by surprise. Despite Shirou's efforts and apparently endless supply of swords (seriously, how many does the guy have?), this was the one sword that he truly felt comfortable with, the one that felt like it belonged in his hand. But both Mr. Brunn- Chiron, and Shirou had warned him about its history.

Honestly, Percy didn't really worry about it. According to them, the sword wasn't cursed, its previous wielders just had really bad luck. And once he thought about that for a few minutes, Percy concluded that he probably wouldn't even notice the difference.

Shirou told him that he could choose whatever route he chose, and take as much time as he needed, so long as he travelled completely by foot. Manhattan to Long Island Sound wasn't too far, if he walked straight there, he'd probably reach it by nightfall. But he really doubted that he'd be so lucky.

He started having troubles halfway across the Williamsburg Bridge.

He made it about, he would say a quarter of the way across when the East River started boiling. He didn't hear anything at first, the constant honking of commuters and cursing of hot-headed drivers overwhelmed the ears. It was only when the bridge started shaking that Percy realized something was wrong.

He leapt over the multitude of iron railings, ignoring the panicked shouts of other people. He barely managed to look over the edge when a geyser erupted in his face. Something in the pillar of water lunged towards him, and only the glinting, metallic light clued him in to the fact that he should not be standing so close to the edge. He leapt backwards but ended tripping over the railings behind him.

He quickly shook off the embarrassing fall and sprang back up in what he hoped was a smooth motion. Percy looked around, seeing similar geysers on all sides, creatures leaping out of the water onto the Williamsburg Bridge. Traffic on the bridge stopped almost immediately as the monsters invaded the roadways, people fleeing without hesitation. As to be expected, people were panicking. He had no clue what they were seeing through the Mist, but it must have been pretty darn terrifying.

Then again, Percy really didn't have a great view either. The creatures that came were like twisted mermen. Their skin was mottled grey-green, like fish that had been left out in the sun too long and covered in barnacles and seaweed. They were bipedal, slogging along on long flippers, dragging their fat bodies across the tarmac. Their upper limbs were disproportionally short and ended in a lizard-like claw. In short, they looked like a mix of the ugliest parts of fish and lizard, two animals that weren't that good-looking in the first place.

He counted six in total, each one slowly but surely making its way towards them. It seems they only had eyes for him, mostly ignoring the screaming mortals. Percy was perfectly happy to wait until the bridge, or at least the immediate area was completely clear before making his move. But things don't often go according to plan.

It seems one silver Audi didn't quite see the monsters in time. Brakes screeched, and rubber burned, but the sealizard in its path barely flinched, extending one arm and stopping the car in its tracks detonating the airbags within. The metal crunched within its claws and continued to be deformed when the creature tore it out, along with a chunk of steaming engine. It roared at the driver, who started screaming.

The sealizard walked towards the driver, a woman who was struggling with her seatbelt. It reached out with one claw, but before it could extend its arm even more, a metal spike instantly embedded itself in its hand.

Crap, crap, crap! Percy was on the move, uncapping Riptide in one smooth motion. Before the sealizard could react, Percy had swung the Celestial Bronze blade in a deadly arc towards its neck. He struck true, but the monster's thick hide clasped the blade like armor. Thinking fast, he kicked it hard in the c_h_e_s_t to wrench his sword free, which wasn't easy because their heavy-set bodies made it feel like kicking a fleshy dumpster. It responded with a shriek of pain and a swipe to his face, which he easily avoided. Strong, but stupid.

A slightly higher pitched shriek drew his attention, and he dove to the side. Still on the ground, he barely managed to raise his blade to intercept another claw that was thrust to his heart. With less coordination than he would have liked, he scrambled away to get himself from breathing room. Alright, this was going to be tougher than he thought. Riptide was sharp as hell, but a month of haphazard beatdowns didn't give him the muscle needed to just cut straight through the hide and fat. And their numbers made it hard to focus on just one.

He eyed the ground, soaked from their appearance of the sealizards. Then again, maybe not. It wasn't a lot, but it was enough. That's one of the first things Shiro drummed into him. In battle, with everything from time to resources, that's all you ever need. Just enough.

With a simple command to push, the river water rose out of the cracks in the road and shot into the monsters faces with the force of a fire hose. Too slow to dodge, most of the sealizards were knocked on their asses, the rest were pushed into the road dividers. Percy went after them first.

He managed to kill two of them while they were still dazed, shoving Riptide into their throats where their hide was thinner. It was easy enough to stay out of their reach, they were big and slow, and he could easily keep them at bay with jets of water. The problem was whenever he got close. One of the sealizards clipped him on the shoulder, and its scaly fist felt like a bowling ball.

He drew on the water, but rather than aim it at the lizards, he had it wash over his body. Instantly he felt stronger, faster and lighter. His senses sharpened, and the already-slow sealizards might as well have been moving in slow motion. He punched the nearest one in the eye causing it to rupture. With a crunch, he drove his sword into the side of its head, which would have been unwise if it had been a kind of animal because he could get himself stuck in its thick skull. But this was a monster, its entire body dissolved upon death. Once it was dead, he could move on immediately.

The final three were simple to take care of after that. He tried to keep the collateral damage to a minimum, but he couldn't help but use the cars and road dividers as cover. The monsters had absolutely zero restraint and buried their limbs in the concrete and metals. It was laughably easy to just pivot to the side as they punched and chop them up while they were trying to free themselves. He could only apologize in his head for the people who wouldn't be able to go to work for a while.

Within a minute, the rest of them were dead.

Adrenalin left his system, the water dried off. The fatigue from the burst of action quickly set in. He spent less than five minutes fighting, and his arms already started to ache, and his breathing was heavy. Shirou's a_s_s kickings were brutal, but they were long and sustained, it was meant to sharpen his instincts and raise his experience. Short bursts of combat took more of a toll on him, especially if he used his water powers, but in a built-up area like this he wanted to finish things quickly.

BZZT

Not bad. Remember, you don't have to concern yourself with mortals, I'll take care of them. Focus on protecting yourself for now and getting to camp. Also, it seems that the monsters have noticed you're no longer protected and are coming more vigorously. This text is probably not helping. Remember, if you want to quit, just get in a taxi, or call me. I'll kill all of the monsters once you get in.

BZZT

By the way, according to Grover, those monsters were called Cetae, Cetus singular. Their kind shouldn't bother you again once you're on land.

BZZT

Police are coming. Run.

As if on cue, sirens were faintly heard in the distance. Percy huffed, looking out into the sprawling metropolis ahead, the dozens of miles he had to travel. ”And yet somehow, my math exam went worse than this.”