Percy Jackson - Beyond the Gods

Late afternoon, Camp Half-Blood.

The Camp Half-Blood arena was almost deserted, the soft light of late afternoon filtering through the trees, casting long shadows on the dirt floor. Swords and shields were stored away, and the smell of sweat and dust hung in the air, a silent witness to the training that had just taken place.

Percy and Annabeth sat on the stone steps, still breathing heavily, Percy's hair plastered to his forehead from physical exertion. Annabeth pulled her blonde hair into a ponytail, her gaze distant as she observed the empty space in front of her.

"Good training," she said, finally breaking the silence. There was a softness in her voice that rarely appeared, a sign that, at that moment, she was relaxed, something rare for the daughter of Athena. "You've improved a lot with the sword."

Percy smiled, still catching his breath. "Thanks, I have to train hard so I can stand side-by-side with Ikki…"

His words brought a certain silence between them.

Annabeth's gaze was fixed on a distant point on the horizon, lost in thoughts that seemed to weigh more with each passing moment. She had pushed herself to the limit during training after Percy suggested they do something to distract themselves while their friends were facing danger, trying to occupy her mind with physical exercise. However, as soon as the training ended, the questions that haunted her returned in full force.

The mission. Ikki. Artemis. Everything seemed to intertwine into a confusion of feelings that were difficult to process.

She felt a mixture of frustration and restlessness at not being chosen for the mission. Part of her understood that it wasn't personal; the Hunters had their own reasons for choosing Ikki and the others. Still, it was hard not to question. Why not her? After all, Annabeth knew she had the experience, intelligence, and ability to face any challenge. She had proven it countless times.

But, at the same time, something deeper was bothering her. It wasn't just the fact that she hadn't been chosen. It was the fear that something would go wrong. Artemis was in danger, and Annabeth knew how much the goddess meant to the Hunters—and to the balance of the world.

She also knew how much Ikki carried on his back, leading such a diverse and, frankly, complicated group.

Annabeth took a deep breath, trying to push away the feeling of helplessness that seemed to be taking over. She didn't like feeling this way, as if she were on the sidelines of events. Throughout her life, she had been someone who acted, who made a difference. Now, all she could do was wait and trust in others.

"Don't you feel frustrated that you weren't able to go with Ikki on this mission?" she asked the boy beside her after a few seconds of silence.

Silence fell again, but this time it was denser, as if something unspoken hung between them. Percy, normally impulsive, hesitated, looking at the dirt floor before finally raising his eyes to Annabeth. He knew he needed to speak, that this was eating him up inside, but he didn't know how to begin. He took a deep breath, his fingers drumming on his knee, before finally breaking the silence.

He looked away, staring at the distant trees. "I thought about running away. Leaving camp to go after Ikki and help him on the mission."

Shock crossed Annabeth's face, but she quickly hid it, her mind working rapidly to understand what he was saying. "But Percy… you know we can't do that. Chiron was clear. This mission is theirs."

Part of her admired Percy for his impulsiveness; for a brief moment, she, too, imagined herself running away from camp, going after the group on her own. It wouldn't be the first time she made such an impulsive decision. But something held her back. Perhaps it was Chiron's firm gaze before they left, or maybe it was the fact that, this time, she knew she needed to trust others—or she was just making excuses because she didn't know how to face her feelings for Ikki after learning he liked Artemis. She was too proud to swallow that...

Funny, she was someone who analyzed every situation with a logical and focused mind, yet when it came to Ikki, it was as if her logic failed, and her emotions took over—something she hated to admit, even to herself.

He had a way of stirring her up, of making her carefully erected walls waver, and Annabeth didn't know exactly how to deal with it. She could claim it was his transcendental beauty, but there was something about Ikki that attracted her, something that went beyond his looks or his strength. It was the way he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders without complaint, how he seemed so comfortable facing danger, yet so clumsy when dealing with his own feelings.

She was pulled from her thoughts by Percy, who spoke frustratedly, "I know. But I can't get it out of my head. Ikki is my best friend. He's out there, facing who knows what, and I'm here, training like everything is fine. It's not right."

At the end of his words, Percy let out a long sigh. He felt an uncomfortable mix of frustration, worry, and, to his own annoyance, a pang of envy.

He had spent hours thinking about going after Ikki, even formulating hasty plans in his head. His mom, surprisingly, hadn't discouraged him. Sally Jackson had always been a force of calm and understanding in his life, and when Percy confessed his desire to abandon camp to help his best friend, she simply looked at him with those kind eyes and said, "I trust you to make the right decision."

And, after hours of thinking, he made a decision. He decided to believe in Ikki. To believe that his best friend knew what he was doing, that he would be able to complete the mission without him by his side. That didn't make it any easier to swallow the fact that he wasn't there to help.

Ikki wasn't just his best friend; he was the most powerful demigod Percy had ever met, perhaps the most powerful in history. That was undeniable. And, as much as Percy was proud of him, this realization also brought with it a bitter feeling.

Because, even after almost two years of relentless training, facing monsters and challenges, Percy still felt like he was miles behind where he wanted to be.

He clenched his fists, staring at the arena floor. It wasn't just a matter of power or skill—it was the idea of being useful, of being a true force alongside Ikki, and not just someone who needed to be protected.

He wanted to be someone his best friend could rely on to fight beside him, as equals.

But he knew that wasn't the case now. Ikki was a storm unto himself, a hurricane of power that seemed unshakeable. Percy, on the other hand, was still learning, still stumbling in his own steps as he tried to find his place in the world of demigods.

Part of him wanted to scream at the sky, to demand answers from the gods, or at least a sign that he was on the right path. He wondered if Ikki had ever felt this way, this sense of inadequacy, or if he had always been so… unshakeable.

He knew Ikki didn't need him, and that was perhaps the hardest part to accept. Not that his best friend was arrogant or anything—quite the opposite. Ikki was always someone who carried the weight of everything in silence, without complaint, as if it were his responsibility to protect everyone around him. But it was precisely that which made Percy want to be more. He wanted to be someone who shared that burden, someone who could stand beside Ikki, instead of always behind him.

Annabeth sighed, her gaze softening as she placed her hand on Percy's shoulder. "I understand how you feel. But leaving like that, on impulse, won't help. You know that."

"I know," he admitted, his voice full of reluctance. "That's why I didn't go. I just… I wanted to do *something*, you know? I don't like standing idly by."

"I know," she said softly. "But sometimes, the hardest thing to do is wait. And trust."

Percy looked at her, feeling the weight of her words. He knew Annabeth was right, but that didn't make it any easier. "Thanks, Annabeth."

"You're welcome," she replied, her smile soft but firm. "And remember, we're not alone. We're in this together. Now enough rest, let's get back to training."

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The constant drone of the van's engine was the soundtrack as Ikki kept his eyes fixed on the road.

The chill in the air was relentless, but inside the van, heat was starting to accumulate, a result of the number of bodies crammed into the limited space.

Zoë sat beside Ikki, occasionally casting suspicious glances at him, while Grover, in the backseat, leaned forward, trying to make conversation. The satyr, with his ever-gentle demeanor, seemed determined to ease the tension in the air, but Ikki's replies were perfunctory, as if he were deliberately avoiding engaging in any kind of deep conversation.

It was evident that Thalia was also trying. She was sitting next to the satyr, although her approach was more direct and abrasive, full of sarcasm and pointed remarks. Occasionally, Ikki would let out a sigh or shake his head as he responded to some question or observation from a restless Thalia, but overall, he remained immersed in the silence he had imposed upon himself.

In the back, Phoebe and Atalanta remained quiet, exchanging occasional glances and perhaps a few muffled words between themselves. Despite their rigid posture and unshakeable composure, even the hunters seemed to be feeling the effects of the long journey.

As they drove on, the landscape around them gradually changed. The dense forests that characterized much of the Northeast gave way to a mix of small farms, rolling hills, and occasionally small stretches of bustling towns. Maryland was a state of contrasts, with urban and rural areas coexisting in a strange balance.

Snow-covered hills glistened under the weak sunlight of the late afternoon, while frozen streams snaked alongside the road. Around every bend, they passed small towns with red brick houses and white churches with steeples that seemed to touch the sky. The scenery was peaceful and picturesque, but there was something unsettling about the absolute silence that seemed to hang over everything.

The scent of fresh pine mingled with the cold air that occasionally entered through the cracks in the windows, creating an almost calm atmosphere inside the van.

After several hours of uninterrupted travel, the tension inside the van became less noticeable. Thalia, who had initially tried to keep the mood light with her biting remarks, began to quiet down, her arms crossed as she looked out the window with a distant expression. Grover, always sensitive to the emotions of others, seemed to be picking up on the general tiredness and irritation, and his attempts at conversation became less frequent.

It was then that Ikki noticed something. Grover was clutching his stomach, and, although he hadn't said a word, it was clear he was hungry.

The same could be said for Thalia, who occasionally glanced at the backpack on the floor, as if considering looking for something to eat. Even the hunters, who were known for their discipline and self-control, seemed a little uncomfortable. Phoebe, in particular, was staring out the window with a slightly irritated expression, while Atalanta maintained her usual serene appearance, but there was something in her eyes that revealed weariness.

Zoë seemed pragmatic at his side, making almost no more comments about the boy driving.

Ikki took a deep breath, his fingers tightening on the steering wheel for a moment before relaxing. He didn't need anyone to say anything. He knew it was time to stop.

A short while later, he spotted a small roadside diner, with an illuminated sign that flickered intermittently, announcing "Bob's Diner" in red neon letters. It was a modest place, with a chrome metal facade that looked like it had come straight out of the 1950s. The parking lot was almost empty, except for a few cars, and a thin layer of snow covered the asphalt.

Ikki turned the wheel and guided the van into the parking lot, parking near the entrance. When he turned off the engine, he glanced at Thalia and Grover, both of whom were giving him furtive glances, as if trying to hide their relief.

"Let's stop here for a while." Ikki said, his voice calm. He looked back at the hunters, who, though they didn't openly show it, seemed to accept the decision with a slight nod from Zoë.

The group exited the van and walked towards the diner entrance. The smell of greasy food and hot coffee enveloped them as soon as they stepped through the door, and, for the first time in hours, Ikki felt a slight sense of relief at seeing the others relax, even if only a little.

The interior of Bob's Diner was cozy, with red leather booths lining the windows and a chrome counter with swivel stools. An old-fashioned jukebox softly played a country song in the background, and the clatter of plates and cups being stacked added a sense of normalcy to the atmosphere.

Ikki chose a large table in the corner, where everyone could sit together. He barely noticed the curious glances from a few of the other patrons present, who seemed intrigued by the peculiar group that had just entered, but used his [Presence Manipulation] to avoid drawing any undue attention.

When the waitress came to take their orders, Ikki let the others choose first, watching as Grover eagerly ordered something vegetarian, Thalia opted for something simple, and even the hunters placed discreet orders. He himself only ordered a coffee, not feeling particularly hungry, as he had reached a level where he didn't need food or drink; even physiological necessities didn't exist for him.

While they waited for their food, the group remained silent, but this time it wasn't the tense silence that had dominated the van. It was more of a reflective silence, the kind that comes when people finally have a moment to breathe.

Ikki leaned back in his chair, looking out the window at the snow falling softly outside.

When the food arrived, the clatter of forks and knives replaced the silence, and, for the first time in hours, the group seemed almost… normal. Grover even let out a funny comment that made Thalia laugh, and, although Zoë rolled her eyes, even she seemed a little more at ease.

After they finished their meal, they didn't leave immediately. Ikki leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, as he watched Grover prepare what he called "a safe tracking charm."

The satyr placed a small pile of acorns on the table, arranging them carefully as he murmured words in an ancient, guttural language. The acorns seemed to absorb the surrounding energy, emitting a faint glow that illuminated the tabletop.

"Grover, you really think that's going to work here?" Thalia asked, leaning forward, her face a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.

Grover glanced up quickly before returning to his work, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Trust me, Thalia. Just… give me a minute."

The hunters, seated across the table, watched in silence. Zoë maintained a stern expression, arms crossed, as she stared at Grover as if trying to assess his competence. Atalanta and Phoebe, on the other hand, seemed more interested in the outcome than the process, although there was a slight shadow of disbelief on their faces.

Grover continued murmuring, and the acorns began to move slowly, rotating in almost imperceptible circles. The golden light around them grew stronger, and a faint scent of fresh wood and moss filled the air.

Finally, Grover raised his hands, looking satisfied. He touched the central acorn with two fingers, and in the same instant, it began to spin faster. Then it stopped abruptly and pointed in a specific direction, like a supernatural compass.

Grover smiled, clearly proud of himself. "It's done. The next clue is in Washington D.C."

Thalia raised an eyebrow. "And you're *sure* about that?"

Grover hesitated, biting his lip before answering. "Well… almost sure. Ninety-nine percent."

"Right," Thalia said, crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair. "That's… reassuring."

Atalanta arched an eyebrow, looking at him with a mix of skepticism and amusement. "And you did that with *acorns*?"

Grover paused, clearly offended. "It's a time-honored tracking charm. I mean… I'm practically certain I did it correctly."

Phoebe, who sat beside Atalanta, couldn't help a wry smile. "Washington D.C. is almost sixty miles from here."

Zoë narrowed her eyes at the acorns, disbelief evident on her face. "I don't like this," she said, her voice firm and irritated. "We should head directly west. The prophecy said west."

Thalia rolled her eyes, already losing her patience. "Oh, like *your* tracking skills are any better?"

Zoë stepped forward, glaring at Thalia intensely. "You challenge my skills, handmaiden? You know nothing of being a Hunter."

Zoë's tone made Thalia stand up, her eyes sparking with anger. "Oh, handmaiden? You're calling me a handmaiden? What in Hades is a handmaiden?"

Grover held his hands up between the two, trying to intervene. "Whoa, you two. Come on. Not this again!"

Atalanta shrugged, seemingly disinterested in the rising tension. "I think the satyr is right," she said casually. "Washington D.C. is our best bet."

Ikki was thoughtful as he listened to the group's conversation. He mentally listed the powers that were currently unusable.

Just like his magic, wind, and lightning, he had also begun to comprehend the concepts of [Artificial Divinity], losing all the upgrades he had made through it. This ability had been absorbed by his [Conceptual Void] to ferment within his Divinity, just like all the others. He was also trying to comprehend more about the [Source]—the first thing he was trying to use to fulfill the requirements of his Divinity—rendering all powers based on it unusable.

From what he understood in recent days, it wasn't that he couldn't generate [Mana] because of his state of trying to understand the concept of [Magic]; it was because he was also comprehending the [Source] that had been swallowed by the [Conceptual Void]. He could still feel the sensation of shaping [Mana], but it disappeared into the depths of his core. This made his [Conceptual Void] even more terrifying and complex.

Something that was formed by the [Nameless Manual] couldn't be so simple.

In other words, he only had his physical attributes and martial skills, honed to their peak, to use. And also his weakened [Telekinesis] and his [Presence Manipulation], but he wasn't worried about it. This limited his arsenal but didn't diminish his strength.

Formerly, his [Presence Manipulation] had begun with the manipulation of his Qi, but it had long since become a superpower in its own right, just like his [Artificial Divinity]. Both were separate from his [Source]; in fact, his [Artificial Divinity] was only unusable because he was comprehending its concept as well.

Although he could no longer use any sensory methods, he could still extend his senses to cover the entire country. With subtle control of his hearing, he could hear everything in Washington D.C., and quickly noticed that a museum there was almost impenetrable to his senses, like Medusa's lair in his first mission. It seemed to be magically protected by some magic from someone inside.

He thought it would be worth investigating. If it yielded nothing, they would continue west. His voice cut through the tension like a sharp blade: "If Grover says that's where it is, that's where we're going."

Zoë narrowed her eyes at him, clearly dissatisfied. "You ignore what the prophecy suggests?"

Ikki maintained his calm but firm tone. "The prophecy doesn't give us a map. It gives us possibilities. Grover believes this, and I trust him."

Zoë looked as though she was about to retort, but she decided to remain silent, though she was visibly displeased.

Grover, relieved, turned his attention back to the acorns. Thalia nodded, pleased that Ikki had sided with her; Zoë had been put in her place...

"Finished with your meals?" Ikki asked, already standing up.

One by one, they prepared to leave, following the direction indicated by Grover's charm.