The Nature of a Demigod

Uncomfortable Truths

(Just a general content warning. More of a trigger warning. This chapter will have scenes and dialogue that may be seen as upsetting or triggering to people.)

[Percy's POV]

We were crossing the Potomac when we spotted the helicopter. It was a sleek, black military model just like the one we'd seen at Westover Hall. And it was coming straight toward us.

"They know the van," I said. "We have to ditch it."

Zoe swerved into the fast lane. The helicopter was gaining. "She might just be trying to kill us and save them the trouble!" Y/N groaned, trying to stay upright in the van.

"Maybe the military will shoot it down," Grover said hopefully. "The military probably thinks it's one of theirs," I said. "How can those guys use mortals, anyway?" Y/N questioned.

"Mercenaries," Zoe said bitterly. "It is distasteful, but many mortals will fight for any cause as long as they are paid."

"But don't these mortals see who they're working for?" I asked. "Don't they notice all the monsters around them?" Zoe shook her head. "I do not know how much they see through the Mist. I doubt it would matter to them if they knew the truth. Sometimes mortals can be more horrible than monsters."

"I hate to say it..." Y/N started, looking incredibly worried. "But I agree with her." The helicopter kept coming, making a lot better time than we were through D.C. traffic. Thalia closed her eyes and prayed hard. "Hey, Dad. A lightning bolt would be nice about now. Please?" But the sky stayed gray and snowy. No sign of a helpful thunderstorm.

"Oh great, he'll knock a couple of kids and a mother off the road but he won't help his daughter! Typical!" I shouted.

"There!" Bianca said. "That parking lot!"

"We'll be trapped," Zoe said. "Trust me," Bianca said. Zoe shot across two lanes of traffic and into a mall parking lot on the south bank of the river. We left the van and followed Bianca down some steps. "Subway entrance," Bianca said. "Let's go south. Alexandria."

"Anything," Thalia agreed.

We bought tickets and got through the turnstiles, looking behind us for any signs of pursuit. A few minutes later we were safely aboard a southbound train, riding away from D.C. As our train came above ground, we could see the helicopter circling the parking lot, but it didn't come after us.

Everyone let out a collective sigh. "Nice job, Bianca, thinking of the subway." Grover patted her on the back. Bianca looked pleased. "Yeah, well. I saw that station when Nico and I came through last summer. I remember being really surprised to see it, because it wasn't here when we used to live in D.C."

Grover frowned. "New? But that station looked really old."

"I guess," Bianca said. "But trust me, when we lived here as little kids, there was no Subway." Thalia sat forward. "Wait a minute. No subway at all?" Bianca nodded. Y/N looked her over with a strange sense of understanding in his eyes. He looked like he'd seen Bianca before, but that would be crazy. I thought about what the younger girl had said.

Sure, I pretty much knew nothing about D.C., but I didn't see how their whole subway system could be less than twelve years old. I guess everyone else was thinking the same thing, because they looked pretty confused.

"Bianca," Zoe said. "How long ago..." Her voice faltered. The sound of the helicopter was getting louder again. "Of course they found us. I need to stop acting surprised." Y/N groaned.