Third POV
"We need to go with him." Grover said. Annabeth gave him a dirty look. "Why?" She asked. "He's strong and clearly fast enough dodge probably anything. He'll be fine." She said. Grover glared at her. "You're not saying that, because you believe in him. This is about your parents again, isn't it?" He asked. The blonde looked at him and he withered under her intense glare, but he didn't back down.
"You feel like it's his responsibility to deal with her. Because of what his dad did." He said. Annabeth didn't answer. "Look. I'm a saytr, so I don't get the whole sentiment of honoring your godly parent by hating the kids of their rival. I just don't understand it, but Percy is right. He's not Poseidon and you're not Athena. It's their job to handle their problems. Not yours." He said. Annabeth hated it when people were right. She's the daughter of Athena. She's the wise one. She's supposed to be right. They're not.
"Look, you can stay here if you want. I'm going with him. Percy is strong. That much is clear, but I'm still his friend." Grover said and started walking away. That stung a bit. The blonde knew Grover was Percy's friend, but she thought they were too. No matter how little they spoke to each other. Why would cowardly, scared little Grover leave her here to possibly die to Medusa? Grover did know she saw him as a friend, right?
Percy of course heard the entire conversation and subtly slowed his walking speed. Just enough so that Grover could catch up without realizing Percy had slowed down. Catch up he did, pretty soon Grover was walking beside Percy. Percy didn't need to say anything. Neither did Grover. Words were pointless between these two. All they had to do was smile at one another.
Annabeth huffed as she sat against a tree. This quest wasn't going how she thought it would. Of course, you couldn't predict life unless you had some power or blessing that allowed you to do so. However, she obviously expected things to go a certain way. Percy would be the powerhouse. Dumb, but strong. Needing someone to be his... 'director' in a way. Pointing his destructive power at their enemies and keeping it contained in other times. That would be her role. Despite this not being her quest, she'd be the metaphorical leader.
Making sure the other two stayed on track, rationing their supplies, keeping Percy out of trouble and keeping Grover from breaking down mentally. Percy destroyed that vision though. He was strong, that much she had accounted for. She didn't expect him to also be so intelligent. So strategic, so in control. He's new to this world. He didn't even know that he was a demigod until yesterday. How did he adjust so quickly? Annabeth looked around, then in the direction of the monster's lair. After a few moments of thoughts, she got up and followed her quest mates.
Percy was standing at the entrance, Grover looking at him in confusion. That is, until he heard and saw Annabeth walking towards them.
"Glad you could join us." Percy smiled. He didn't mean for it to sound sarcastic or smug and after inspecting him for a second, Annabeth realized that. Percy could intentionally be a dick, but he wasn't trying to be all the time. It's just who he is. She just nodded. "So, we ready?" He asked. "Do you have a plan?" Annabeth asked. "Why don't you make the plan this time." He suggested. Annabeth gave him a look. "Really? You don't have anything?" She asked.
"Let's see your wisdom." He said. Another sarcastic remark. Annabeth thought about the situation. "Ok, well no matter if we have food. Free food is free food so I say we go in and see if we can get something to eat first. Get a little energy." She said. Percy shook his head. "The food has sedatives in it. Likely to keep people from getting too far away if they manage to run. The food will slow us down." He said. 'Well, slow you down.' Was what he didn't say. Annabeth gave him a look. "How can you know that?" She asked. Grover silently agreed. Jealousy in his eyes.
"I can smell them." The demigod shrugged. "Ok then, can you tell if she knows we're here already?" Percy closed his eyes and reached out with his senses. Medusa was in the kitchen. That much he could tell. He tried to use his telepathy to look into her mind, but it was pretty strong and more prodding would let her know someone was trying to get in. So he pulled back. "She can likely smell us, but she's in the kitchen right now." Annabeth nodded. "Do you think she can hear us?" She asked, talking a little quieter. "Depends. Is she known for her hearing?" He asked. Annabeth shook her head.
"Then we're fine." The blonde nodded. "Ok, so Percy and I will stay here. She'll want us more because of our parents. Grover, you use the magical shoes to stay out of eyesight. Hover above us or something. Percy, make sure you don't look her in the eye. Um, how good are you at talking your way out of problems?" Percy chuckled mirthfully. "Terrible. I'm much better at talking myself into situations." He responded. "Good, you'll be the one to piss her off."
His smile dropped and Annabeth reveled in the small win she had over him.
"Go Grover." The saytr spoke the magic word and the wings sprung out on his shoe. He flew up to the roof of the shop and stayed up there. He even grabbed a fallen branch to use as a bat. Annabeth took out her hat. "What's the hat for?" Percy asked. She smiled and put it on before disappearing from sight. Percy frowned. "I said that I'd be here. Not that I'd be visible." Annabeth said from beside him.
Percy huffed with a shake of his head before knocking on the door.
