????? ? percy jackson

"We are not our parents until we choose to be," Medusa said. "You three have chosen."

Grover had disappeared, wearing the shoes Luke gave to Percy. Annabeth had put on her Yankees cap and disappeared. Cora and Percy were together behind a box.

"Daughter of a self-righteous mother, who chose self-righteousness for herself."

"A daughter of tragedy who convinces herself that she's something she isn't."

"And you, you could have shown your father what it means to stand up for someone you love. You could choose to save your mother instead of doing your father's bidding. If neither of you will help teach these lessons, perhaps you should be the lessons."

"When I ship your statues to Olympus... maybe that will get my point across even better. Stand up. Let's have a look at you."

Percy shut his eyes tight and pulled out his sword, standing to his feet.

Before anything could happen, Grover yelled and there was a crash.

"Now!"

Then Annabeth put her invisibility cap on her, and Percy slashed her with his sword. Something landed on the ground with a thud.

"Did you hear that?" Percy said.

Cora stood up, playing with her ring out of worry.

"Hey, are you okay?" Annabeth asked as she helped Grover to his feet.

"Aw, man," Percy winced as he lifted up something they couldn't see.

"That's it, right?" Cora asked hopefully, walking over to him.

"Hope so," Percy sighed.

♬

"What is it?" Annabeth asked.

"Uncle Ferdinand," Grover answered, staring at the petrified satyr in front of them.

"Oh, no," Percy said.

"Grover, I'm so sorry," Annabeth said.

"This is as far as he got on his quest. We aren't even to Trenton. But look at him," Grover chuckled. "He's not like the others, he... he doesn't look afraid." Grover then cleared his throat. "You used the, um, you used the head to get rid of Alecto?" he asked.

"Yeah," Percy replied.

"Good. That was the right move," Grover said.

"Uh, we probably should get going. It'll be dark soon."

"What about the head?"

"I just took down a Fury with it and I wasn't even trying. We can't just leave it for someone to find. Leave the hat on and bury it in the basement, that oughta keep it safe," Percy said.

"Sure. Now, can we talk about the bigger issue here?" Annabeth asked.

"What bigger issue?" Percy asked.

"'You could have saved your mother.' That's what she said to you, like you discussed it already. Is your mother still alive?" Annabeth said.

"She's with Hades. But I appreciate your concern," Percy responded.

"Wait, what?" Cora spoke up.

"Guys, just please stop," Grover said.

"Oh, I'm concerned. What are you actually doing on this quest? And why did I have to hear about this from Medusa?" Annabeth continued.

"Okay, while we're at it, 'you should have accepted my offer?' What's that about do you think? And why did we have to hear it from Alecto?" Percy said.

"Enough!" Grover snapped. "The hat was a gift from her mother. It's the only thing she's ever possessed that connects them. That oughta matter to you."