Origin of a Hero - [A Percy Jackson Fanfic]

One day.

It had only been a day since Andy, Thalia, and Annabeth had embarked on a mission to recover Zeus' stolen master bolt, in order to prevent a war between the gods that would devastate the entire world.

Only a day had passed and they had already faced the three Furies, Hades's tormentors, who had attacked them on the first bus they boarded. They had to take drastic measures to free themselves from them. In other words, a bolt from the blue summoned by Thalia.

Luckily, no Morals were hurt and they were able to take care of the three Furies. Andy looked at Thalia with stars in his eyes for a couple of hours after that.

Then, they had faced Medusa herself, who posed as a kind woman who offered them food that put the three demigoddesses into a trance-like state. Thalia and Andy didn't want to admit it, but they fell completely in love with their cheeseburgers and fries.

It was only thanks to Annabeth's quick thinking and insight in identifying her mother's nemesis that they were able to make it out alive.

For Andy, it was somewhat ironic to see Medusa freak out at her own reflection imprinted on Thalia's shield, Aegis, but it was all it took for him to sneak up behind her and decapitate her with the sword that had been given to him by Chiron. Oddly enough, it was the same sword that he had given her to kill Ms. Dodds in that museum.

When he had decapitated Medusa with it, he had to admit that it cut very well, and didn't feel unbalanced and uncomfortable like the previous weapons he had wielded. Chiron had told him that the sword had once belonged to a son of Poseidon and perhaps that was why he felt so comfortable with it.

But even the threats posed by the Furies and Medusa, for Andy none of them were more terrifying than what they encountered when they boarded the train: a group of fans who wanted to take photos with Thalia and ask for her autograph.

It was a total surprise for the young demigoddess to discover that Thalia Grace, daughter of Zeus and the most powerful demigoddess at Camp Half-Blood, had published a book that had become a best-seller and was like a rising star in the world of literature.

As they boarded the train to Denver after Andy decapitated Medusa and sent her head to Olympus, they were quickly swarmed by a group of people asking to take a photo with Thalia or get her autograph. She thought the daughter of Zeus would send them packing, but was surprised when she accepted all of their fans' requests with a friendly smile and a considerate attitude.

When he asked her why she was so kind, Thalia replied:

"It's thanks to them that I've come this far. If they took the time to read my book, why shouldn't I take a few minutes to take a couple of photos with them and sign some autographs?

His humility surprised her, even more so considering that ever since he met her he had always acted with pride, but that only made her more admirable in his eyes.

The rest of the trip was relatively uneventful.

To the three demigoddesses' delight, they were not attacked by any monsters, and they were able to sleep somewhat comfortably because Thalia had paid to sleep in bunk cars. There were only two beds, so for the two-day journey to Denver, they took turns sleeping while one kept watch.

Andy also learned a few things from both demigoddesses. Like the fact that Thalia lived alone in a New York apartment to go to college. When she asked her how she could live alone without being attacked by monsters, she revealed something that surprised her again.

"I have a barrier covering my entire apartment," Thalia replied disinterestedly. "That way, I can sleep peacefully without worrying about some monster trying to screw me over at night."

" A barrier? Like the one at the camp?

Thalia smiled slightly.

"Actually, it's the same barrier. I have a piece of Percy Tree branch in my apartment in a pot. It's like a mini pine tree. A mini Percy." She chuckled. "For some reason, the branch doesn't die, or wither. And it provides a barrier that repels all monsters within a block. Not to mention it scents my entire apartment with a nice pine smell."

Andy was shocked by that revelation.

"That… That's amazing!" Andy then frowned. "But… if you can have a personal barrier with a tree branch, why doesn't everyone do the same? That way, no demigods would be in danger in their homes."

"We all thought the same thing," Annabeth said. "When we cut a couple of branches off Percy's Tree and some of the campers took it home, they saw that the branch withered and died within a few weeks. And it didn't provide any kind of barrier."

Andy raised an eyebrow in confusion and looked at Thalia.

"So why does it work for you?

Thalia didn't answer and looked at the landscape that passed quickly by the train window.

"We don't know exactly," Annabeth answered instead. "Maybe it's because Percy and her..."

"That's enough, Annabeth," Thalia said, her voice harsh.

From the tone he said it in, I didn't want to talk about it.

Andy and Annabeth didn't bring up the subject again during the entire trip.

At the end of the second day on the train, on June 13, eight days before the summer solstice, the train crossed the Mississippi River into St. Louis.

Annabeth stared dreamily at the Gateway Arch, causing Thalia to chuckle. She frowned at her friend but didn't say anything.

Under Andy's curious gaze, Thalia decided to reveal that Annabeth's dream was to be an architect. To build a monument that would last a thousand years, and for her name to live on through history. In a way, Thalia had already accomplished that by writing a book. Her name would be remembered many years ahead even when she was dead, but Annabeth aimed even higher, wanting to be remembered for the next millennium.

Andy couldn't help but feel a little admiration for that. Annabeth was only twelve years old, but she already had a very clear idea of ​​what she wanted to achieve in her life. On the other hand, the only thing Andy knew for sure was that he wanted to eat lunch when his stomach growled as he got off at the train station in downtown St. Louis.

"Pizza," she said.

His stomach growled in approval.

" Pepperoni?

Her stomach fell silent.

" Four cheeses?

A grunt was the answer he received.

" Filled edge?

Another grunt.

"So it's decided, off to the pizzeria!" he exclaimed, pointing in a random direction.

Annabeth and Thalia chuckled at the conversation Andy had with his stomach.

"Well, we have three hours before we have to go to Denver, Thalia said. I wouldn't mind stopping for lunch.

"I agree," Annabeth agreed. "I want to do some sightseeing and go to the Gateway Arch. This is a unique opportunity."

Her eyes seemed to sparkle at the mention of personally knowing a national monument. Thalia paled slightly at that but quickly recovered.

"If you want to... get on that thing, go ahead. I'll stay somewhere to smoke and have something to eat at the bar.

Annabeth wanted to say something about not separating, but seeing how reluctant her friend was to climb the arch, she remembered her fear of heights and didn't insist on it.

Instead, he decided to say:

"You shouldn't smoke. It's bad for your health, you know?

Thalia simply shrugged.

"When you get to a certain age, you realize that everyone has a vice. I mean, look at Luke. He's an alcoholic and a sex addict. And he's only nineteen. Chiron is a chocolate and coffee addict. As for me? I like to smoke, and I love beer. That reminds me, isn't there a liquor store around here?

She looked around but was disappointed when she found nothing.

Annabeth just sighed tiredly. Sometimes she found it hard to believe what Thalia and Luke, those she considered her family, had become. She wondered inwardly, if she reached that age, would she develop an addiction too? She hoped not.

Thalia looked at Annabeth, who was a little down and patted her shoulder several times to comfort her.

"Cheer up, Annabeth," she said with a smile. "I know alcohol and cigarettes hurt me, but I've forgiven them."

He decided not to comment on how stupid that sounded.

" Hey! What are you waiting for?! " Andy called from across the street. She was sitting on a chair at a bar. " I already ordered the pizza! And they're selling beer for you too, Thalia!

" Really?! "Thalia asked excitedly. She crossed the street with a big smile. "I love you, Andy!

The young demigoddess just shrank back in her seat with a deep blush. She had a happy expression though.

Annabeth just sighed again and followed Thalia. Truth be told, she was a little hungry too. And pizza sounded pretty good.

After satisfying their hunger, they decided to spend their remaining time going to the Gateway Arch.

There was an underground museum beneath the monument, and Annabeth never stopped talking about how the arch had been built, even ridiculing the guide about details she didn't know.

Andy would have found it boring at any other time, but he was sharing a bag of chips and jelly beans with Thalia, and he found it kind of cute the way Annabeth's eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked at the various pieces on display in the museum.

By the time they reached the elevator that led to the top of the arch, Thalia quickly excused herself by saying that she wanted to use the bathroom. Andy caught a glimpse of the pale and slightly sweaty face of the daughter of Zeus before the elevator doors closed. She figured she really wanted to use the bathroom and couldn't wait for the ride to end.

In Andy's opinion, Thalia didn't miss much. Yes, the view overlooking the city on one side and the Mississippi River on the other wasn't bad, but she didn't feel very comfortable being in a small space at a height of one hundred and eighty meters.

As if reading his thoughts, Annabeth turned around and said,

"We are at 192 meters high, isn't it incredible?!

Andy could only nod absentmindedly.

¨ Can Athena's children read minds? I hope not. That would be terrifying.¨

Not long after, the guard announced that the observation deck would be closing. Andy sighed in relief at that, needing a break from listening to the human encyclopedia that was Annabeth.

"Come on, Thalia will probably be waiting for us downstairs" Andy urged. She doesn't seem like a very patient person.

Annabeth rolled her eyes but followed Andy toward the elevator nonetheless.

"You have no idea. They're probably trying to flirt with her again. And someone's going to get hurt if they're too persistent.

Before his brain registered it, Andy found himself saying:

"I wouldn't be surprised, she's very beautiful.

She blushed after she said it.

Annabeth narrowed her eyes at him but didn't say anything.

But when they got to the elevator, there was only room for one more. Annabeth tried to be nice to Andy, telling him to go down first because she wanted to stay and look at the architecture of the place a bit more, but Andy insisted that she go down when he saw the slightly desperate look on the guard's face. He really didn't want to be left with the walking encyclopedia.

Annabeth finally relented, and Andy was left on the platform accompanied by the guard, a fat lady in her forties who was holding a... was that a pet pig by a leash? Its bright pink flamingo-like fur made it look a bit ridiculous, and a bit grotesque with its ugly, hairy face. It looked more like a wild boar than anything else.

She decided to ignore the strange pet, but she couldn't do so when the pig stood in front of her and glared at her with angry black eyes. This unnerved her a little, and even more so when the pig started squealing and snorting angrily.

"Well, well, Ugly," said the fat lady who was holding her by the leash. "Does this seem like a good time to you? There's a witness present."

"Ma'am, please control the pig," the guard said, with a hint of annoyance as he continued to hear the pig's squealing.

"And you named him "Ugly"? "Andy asked. "I mean, yeah, he's pretty ugly, but isn't it a little cruel to call your pet that?

The fat lady frowned and whistled in her throat as a forked tongue stuck out of her mouth.

"Wait a minute..." Andy thought, his fear growing. "Bifid?"

"Demigods," the fat woman spat with disgust. "They think they are right about everything. Nothing pleases me more than to see them fall into despair when confronted by my kind."

He smiled, showing his pointed yellow teeth. When he blinked, his eyes turned vertical like a snake.

Andy was stunned as the pig began to grow larger and larger. First the size of a full-grown dog, then the same size as Miss O'Leary, but that was not all. A pair of wings grew from its back, the same pink color as its body, and its face took on a wilder and even more grotesque appearance.

"A pig… with wings?" she asked, torn between disbelief and fear.

A hiss that resembled laughter caught her attention and she turned to look at the fat lady. Causing a chill to settle in her stomach at the sight of the new beast in front of her.

Its fat torso was naked, to the dismay of his young and innocent eyes, revealing the bluish, scaly skin that covered it entirely. Its face was more reptilian, with its forked tongue sticking out between its sharp teeth. But what caught his attention most was that from the waist down, it had the enormous body of a bluish snake that was more than two meters long.

"You are honored, Andy Jackson," the snake woman said, her voice hissing. "To think that Lord Zeus allowed me to try out a hero with one of my own kind after he reformed me from the depths of Tartarus pleases me greatly. And the fact that you look almost exactly like, and smell exactly like, that demigod who killed me only pleases me even more! For I am the mother of all monsters, the fearsome Echidna!"

Even with fear hammering in his heart, Andy stared at her intently. He found her words curious, but instead, he only managed to say,

" Isn't that some kind of anteater? I saw it on Animal Planet once.

The snake woman howled in rage, and her face turned greenish-brown with anger.

"I hate it when people say that! I hate Australia! Calling that ridiculous animal after me. That's why, Andy Jackson, my daughter, the Clazmonia pig, is going to destroy you!

"Since when does a pig have wings?!" Andy exclaimed as he dove to the side to avoid the sow's attack.

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the guard trying to open the emergency door in fear, but it was no use. Andy didn't want anyone innocent to be hurt.

She took off the ring she had on her index finger and it immediately transformed into her new sword. She felt a little more confident having a weapon in her hands to face two monsters. One of them terrifying, and the other ridiculous, but also terrifying.

The sow was the first to attack. She released a roar and charged forward, intent on mashing her into a demigoddess's flesh. She quickly dodged to the side and tried to inflict a wound as she passed by, but the sow was too fast and easily dodged her blow.

She recognized that she was at a disadvantage, the corridor where they were was very narrow and there was barely enough mobility to avoid his attacks. Sooner or later he would run her over and she would be left like a rolled-up toad on the road.

I had to think of something, and fast.

The pig skidded to a stop and then turned to look at Andy as if to say, "Next time, you're not getting away."

¨ Where's Annabeth and her encyclopedic brain when I need her?! ¨

He didn't have time to say anything when the pig charged again. Against his better judgment, Andy did too. He had a crazy plan in mind and he just hoped it would work because she was so small.

When the sow was within a few feet of running over her, Andy climbed onto the catwalk that ran to either side of the observer, his small frame helping with that. He knew how fast the sow was at charging. So as she passed him, he stabbed the pig's side, severely wounding the spot where its right wing emerged from its bulky pink torso.

The pig stumbled from the cut and its body hit the side of the observatory, causing a huge crack to form that shook the entire place. Andy feared that the monument would collapse and that everyone would fall 192 meters into the air.

Annabeth would be proud to know that Andy learned something from everything she told him.

Back to the life-or-death battle Andy was having, she was relieved when the platform didn't give way, but the massive crack only spread further and debris began to fall into the void. She just hoped that no one was below.

Andy noticed that the pig had fallen at the end of the hallway, right where Echidna was, and was rearing up fiercely. He quickly moved in to try and kill the monster, but recovered too quickly and lashed out again in a blind rage. Its bulky pink body slammed into her small frame and dragged her forward, right into the gap that led to a nearly two-hundred-meter drop.

The sow couldn't see where she was running because Andy's body was blinding her, and with her mind clouded by the rage she felt, she didn't think about where she was going either. She only intended to crush the demigoddess who hurt her.

Andy felt the air escape from his lungs and his eyes widen as he stepped into the open air. His body reacted on instinct and he reached out with his hand, gripping the edge of the crevice.

She could hear the sow's squeal as it plummeted into the void, but she didn't dare turn around to look. All her concentration was on not letting go. Her sword had also fallen next to the sow, so she grabbed the edge with her other hand and tried to pull herself up, but her blood ran cold when she saw Echidna looking at her over the edge with an angry sneer.

"You killed my daughter! "he hissed with hatred. "You mere disgusting demigoddess! I will watch you die!

Echidna reached out her clawed hand towards Andy's clinging fingers on the edge of the cliff. For a second, she thought this would be the end for her. That she would fall into the void and crash to the ground like an egg, but she was shocked when Echidna let out a muffled moan.

Andy watched as a celestial bronze sword protruded from the middle of his chest. The snake woman, with a pale face, turned to see her attacker and opened her eyes in surprise.

"You... aren't supposed to...

She was unable to finish her sentence when her attacker pulled the sword away and in one fluid movement decapitated the mother of all monsters. Echidna dissolved into golden dust that was carried away by the wind.

Andy looked through the crack, expecting to find Thalia or Annabeth, maybe even the security guard, but he didn't expect to see someone he didn't know.

It was a boy, about sixteen years old, with shiny black hair and piercing dark eyes. From the way he looked at Andy hanging over the edge, it looked like he was considering letting her fall.

But to her enormous relief, he reached out and grabbed Andy's wrist. With remarkable strength, he lifted her up and carried her safely onto the observation deck.

Andy panted, trying to catch his breath, but managed to say shakily.

"Thank you for... saving me there.

It had not yet registered in his mind that he had been hanging from a national monument.

"You're welcome," the boy said. "Monsters are just as irrational and arrogant as the gods they serve, don't you think?"

Andy didn't say anything, but frowned in annoyance.

Echidna said she had been sent by Zeus to kill her. She bit her lip to hold back a curse to the sky god. She was trying to get her stolen lightning bolt back, and what was he doing? Helping her in any way? Nooo. He was sending a fat lady with a monstrous pet pig to kill her. Suffice it to say she would have a word or two with the king of the gods if she came out of this alive.

"You should get out of here before the cops come" the voice of the boy who saved her took her out of her thoughts". You don't want to get involved in all this mess.

"Who are you? "Andy asked.

A bitter expression graced the boy's features.

"I'm just like you. A demigod. But unlike you, I don't dance to the beat of the gods. And if you were any smarter, you'd do the same.

Andy's eyes widened in surprise. Were there other demigods who didn't live at Camp Half-Blood? But that question faded into the background when he realized the last thing he said.

- What are you talking about?

"I know about your mission. And what you are trying to do. Do you really think that the gods will allow you to complete your mission without problems? You were close to dying, and none of the gods did anything to stop it. In fact, the very god you are trying to help sent someone to kill you.

Andy bit her lip, annoyed. She had thought the same thing.

"How do you know about my mission? "he asked.

The boy simply shrugged.

"The rumors that travel among the spirits of nature are really fast. Nymphs, dryads, and the like are really gossipy. You just need to know how to pay them to tell you everything they know.

"I'm not doing this to do the gods a favor," Andy said. "I'm doing this to prevent a war that nobody wants."

The boy raised an eyebrow, skeptical. But he had a grim expression on his face.

"What makes you think that nobody wants this war?

Even at the height they were at, she could hear the sounds of sirens approaching, and a large group of people began to gather at the foot of the monument.

"You have to go," the boy insisted.

He turned to walk to the other side of the arch, but paused for a second before turning and looking at her over his shoulders.

"I'll give you some advice as someone who has fulfilled a mission for the gods: don't trust them. They are treacherous, and selfish. Even those who seem nice. They won't hesitate to stab you in the back if it would be beneficial for them.

With those last words, the boy disappeared around the edge of the arch, possibly to go down the elevator that was on that side.

Andy couldn't stay to think about his words. He turned around and walked towards the elevator on the other side of the arch. Surprisingly, the guard was still there, stunned, not knowing what to do.

As he got off the elevator, Andy noticed that his sword had returned to its ring form on his finger. He mentally thanked the spell that allowed it to return. He didn't want to lose the sword Chiron had given him. He grew fond of it because it had allowed him to survive against the winged pig. Maybe he could name it?

As the elevator doors opened, both she and the still-dazed guard were greeted by the worried expressions of Annabeth and Thalia.

Annabeth immediately demanded to know what had happened, although the expression on her face showed how worried she was and she looked her over from head to toe checking to make sure she didn't have a serious injury.

Before more curious people could arrive, Thalia quickly ushered the younger demigoddesses toward the exit. They didn't want to be caught up in all the hustle and bustle that would come with a national monument being destroyed.

Before leaving the place, Andy could see Thalia snap her fingers in front of the guard, who adopted a glassy look.

"The observation deck collapsed due to lack of proper maintenance. There was no one there besides you when it happened.

The guard repeated the words Thalia had told him sleepily, as if he were drunk.

Satisfied, Thalia nodded and they quickly left the place, mingling with the crowd that curiously looked at the top of the monument.

It wasn't until they reached the train that was about to leave for Denver that Andy told them what had happened at the top of the arch.

Surprisingly, Annabeth didn't attack her for destroying part of the national monument. Although it wasn't her fault, it was that flying pink pig's.

Thalia still found it hard to believe, but she accepted the explanation.

But they were both shocked when they found out about the strange demigod who saved her. When she asked them if there were really demigods living outside the camp, they lowered their gaze.

"It wouldn't be surprising," Thalia said. "There have been those who were able to survive on the streets on their own."

"But this kid knew about the camp, Annabeth said. "So he's on the streets because of his choice.

"He said he was on a mission for the gods," Andy said. "And he told me not to trust them."

"If he can say that, it means he knows the gods," said Thalia.

"Andy, you shouldn't take his words too seriously," Annabeth warned. "There are demigods who resent the gods for failing in their quest to prove themselves. They feel ashamed of failing, and they don't come back to camp. And if they do, their resentment toward the gods is noticeable. Although they feel more ashamed of failing."

"So, this kid failed his mission and didn't return to camp," Andy deduced.

Annabeth nodded.

"We're likely to encounter other demigods during this mission. It's fortunate that this one decided to help you.

Andy looked down in contemplation.

"I'll be sure to thank you if I ever see you again.

A silence fell over the cabin. Thalia seemed deep in thought as she stared out the window. Annabeth fiddled with her beaded necklace.

It was then that Andy asked something that he found curious.

"By the way, what's this about a mission to prove yourself? "Andy asked. "I think I heard Luke mention that once. It happens twice a year, right?

Annabeth was the one who decided to answer.

"Yes. It happens twice a year. More specifically, during the summer and winter solstice. On that date, a demigod is chosen to undertake a mission given by his or her father or mother. Each mission is unique, but all of them are dangerous. The chances of surviving are fifty percent, and the chances of you succeeding in it are only twenty-five percent.

Andy swallowed hard upon hearing that.

"You mean I only have a twenty-five percent chance of succeeding in this mission? "he asked. "That's encouraging.

"Not quite. You have us"Annabeth pointed at Thalia and her". Normally, missions to prove yourself are done solo. With us here, the chances of success are much higher. And with Thalia here, they are even higher. It's not for nothing that she's considered the strongest demigoddess in the last millennium.

Annabeth looked proudly at Thalia, who had a slight blush on her face that she tried to hide by looking out the window.

"Have you done that mission yet? "Andy asked.

Annabeth lowered her head at his question.

"I haven't done it yet," she said, her voice a little bitter, but she quickly recovered. "But Thalia did it two years ago. Her mission was to kill the Nemean Lion."

" Huh?! The lion that was said to have indestructible skin!?

"The only one.

Andy looked at Thalia, curious and surprised.

"And... you killed him?

Thalia glanced at her and smiled as she nodded.

"Wooo~, but how did you kill him if his skin is indestructible?

Thalia's smile turned slightly feral at that. She raised her hand and electricity sparked sharply in her palm, lighting up the entire cabin.

"I threw him into a lake, and then fried that bastard to a crisp with a bolt of lightning straight from the sky!... Although I also accidentally killed all the fish... and pissed off the nymph in that lake quite a bit," she finally admitted, somewhat embarrassed.

He still remembered the power in that lightning bolt. It was five times more powerful than the lightning he had summoned when he killed that wendigo all those years ago. His powers had only grown since that day.

She also recalled running like a bitch from the angry nymph.

Throughout the rest of the trip to Denver, Andy looked at Thalia with a star in his eyes. As if he had found a new idol.

The incident of destroying a national monument was filed away deep in his mind as collateral damage.

Over time, it would become a story that they would laugh at when they recalled it many years later.

If he even survived until then.

...

..

.

[T/N: Nobody commented on the sexy Thalia pic ;-; If you like this chapter then leave a comment, write a review, and drop some stones. If you can't wait for the next chapter then check out my Patreon for some advanced chapters! For just $10, you can get access to over 300+ posts. That means you get access to all my other works. I changed the pricing of tiers to be cheaper overall after a vote over on Patreon, now there is only one tier but instead of paying $10 for like 13 chapters a month, I only just realised how ridiculous that was, you can pay $10 for 50+ chapters a month. You could also just join the free membership, I always appreciate it. (*/ω＼*) ]

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