daylight | percy jackson

the home alone guys in an alternate universe

The zebra turned away.

There was a loud, obnoxious tapping outside the vehicle, and one of the men inside the truck yelled out. "Whaddya want, Eddie?"

A voice outside shouted back, and Percy presumed it was Eddie.

"Maurice? What did you say?"

Maurice answered. "What are ya banging around for?"

The knocking continued.

"What banging?" Eddie said, his voice drifting through the small compartment.

Percy heard Maurice scoff and exit the truck, muttering a few curse words under his breath.

Annabeth materialised, staying clear of the turnip pile. "This has to be illegal."

"The lion over here says that these guys are animal smugglers," Grover said, and Percy was relieved he wasn't the only somewhat crazy one.

"The lion told you? What is this, Madagascar? Did he tell you his name was Alex too," Aria said, rising from the pile of vegetables. She brushed them off with a dignified hand.

Percy laughed until Grover shot him a look.

"Actually," Grover said. "He told me his name was Micheal."

Suddenly the zebra spoke again. "Michael is right. Open the cage please."

Could this day get any weirder.

All heads turned as the bickering outside intensified. Percy reached for his sword and Grover smiled. Uncapping riptide, Percy slashed at the lock of the zebra's cage, the lousy metal contraption falling off instantly.

The zebra ran out of the cage, not before bowing down to Percy. 'Thank you.' was all it said before the animal turned to Grover.

Grover made some funny motions with his hands and uttered something to the zebra, almost as if casting a blessing.

Maurice poked his head into the truck, confused by all the noise, but he was no longer confused (well.. maybe just a little) when a zebra jumped over him and into the bustling street. The chaotic scene unfolded as the freed zebra galloped down the street, its hooves thundering against the pavement. Maurice and Eddie sprinted after the runaway zebra, hotly pursued by a few determined policemen.

At the entrance of the truck, Grover, Aria, Percy, and Annabeth observed the unfolding spectacle. Percy leaned over, "This is our chance to get out of here."

However, Grover interjected, a determined glint in his eyes. "No, we can't leave the others behind. We need to free the rest of the animals."

Ignoring the ongoing chase, Percy and Grover approached the remaining cages. Percy deftly opened the cage of the antelope, while Grover, with a gentle touch and another blessing-like movement of his hands, released Michael the lion. The antelope leaped out, darting away to join its liberated zebra companion. The lion, free from the confines of captivity, stretched its limbs and let out a deep, echoing roar.

"See ya Michael," Grover said.

The lion gave what Percy assumed was a nod of the head, and then the animal sauntered off, screaming following closely behind.

"Mommy, I want that lion!" a child on the street said to his disinterested mother, who was busily typing on her phone.

"Uh huh, put it on the list for Santa sweetie," she replied, oblivious to the fact that Michael was just roaming around.

"Will the animals be alright?" Aria asked Grover.

"Yes. I made sure of it. I placed a satyr's sanctuary on them," he said, as if that made it any clearer for Percy.