Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The winter solstice council was in full flow when a loud crack interrupted Zeus in the middle of his argument with Poseidon. Just as he opened his mouth to roar at the intruder he did a double take. In front of the Gods stood Chiron the centaur with a large group of demigods, one of which was clearly a Hunter of Artemis, a Satyr and what appeared to be a mortal. Chiron appeared to be clutching a note that he looked at in surprise.

“What is the meaning of this?” Zeus thundered. 

“I’m not sure, my Lord.” Chiron told him carefully. 

“What’s going on?” Clarisse asked angrily.

“Where are we?” Hazel whispered to Frank. He shrugged, looking around at the strange group gathered around him before nervously glancing at the Gods. He hadn’t been claimed yet and frowned trying to guess who his father would be.

“Who are you?” Annabeth looked at the group of Romans she didn’t know. They all looked at each other helplessly. Chiron interrupted to read the note in his hand.

Dear Gods, Demigods and others,

We brought you all together to read about a great hero who will help prevent the fall of Olympus twice. You are now ten years before Percy Jackson will be born. We hope you can finally act like more of a family and realise your mistakes (Zeus), that some rules don’t help, they make things worse. The Demigods are from slightly different points in time. Piper, Jason, Leo and the Romans are all from between the fifth and sixth book. Everybody else is from about a week before the fifth book begins. The first five shows how Percy Jackson prevented the fall of Olympus for the first time and the next four books tell the story of seven heroes and how they save Olympus a second time.

Learn and use the information wisely

Hermes and Apollo, awesomest Gods around.

With a little help from the Fates.

“We are so awesome.” Hermes and Apollo high fived. The Romans stared at the Gods in surprise and then at the Greeks. The Gods looked down in horror as they realised the Romans and Greeks knew each other in the future. Zeus looked around to find out who had brought them together when his brother spoke up.

“Well, state your name and godly parent.” Hades told them all. All the Greek demigods looked to a blonde girl first. She rolled her eyes but sighed and stepped forwards.

“Annabeth Chase, Daughter of Athena.” Athena smiled down at her daughter. Percy looked around, wincing. If this was before he was born then they would not be pleased to find out who he is.

“Percy Jackson, Son of Poseidon.” He muttered.

“POSEIDON!” Zeus and Hades both roared.

“Peace brothers.” Poseidon held up his hand, Then he studied his future son and was pleased with what he saw. “The note said he will save Olympus.” Neither of his brothers looked happy about it but they sat back in their thrones. Poseidon made a couch by his throne for Percy to sit on which he did, grinning up at his dad, Zeus made to speak at this but Poseidon glared.

“Clarisse La Rue, Daughter of Ares.” Ares grunted, studying his future daughter. Then he shrugged and nodded to her.

“Connor..”

“...and Travis Stoll.”

“Sons of Hermes.” They finished together. Hermes beamed at his kids waving them to come and sit by his throne, conjuring a comfy couch for them. 

“Hermes…” Zeus warned.

“It’s not like we can avoid our children the whole time we read nine books, father.” Apollo told him, rather hoping some of his own children would be there. Ares and Athena both made couches for their children. All the thrones also shrunk to normal human size.

“Will Solace, Son of Apollo.” Will chimed in, looking at his father. Apollo grinned happily and  waved him over to sit with the Stoll brothers as his throne was next to Hermes’.

“Chris Rodriguez, Son of Hermes.” Chris went to sit by his brothers, enjoying having his father beaming at him. The sons of Hermes were used to playing second fiddle to Luke, even when he was evil. Here, it seemed that none of them were born so their parents wouldn’t have favourites yet.

“Piper McLean, Daughter of Aphrodite.” Aphrodite squealed happily and Piper winced slightly, going to sit by Annabeth on a couch Athena had conjured rather than by her mother. Annabeth looked at her in surprise but guessed she might know her in the future. Aphrodite looked a little hurt.

“Leo Valdez, Son of Hephaestus.” His father gave a grunt of recognition and waved his hand making a workbench appear with plenty of materials for Leo to fiddle with. “Wow, thanks Hephaestus.” He said excitedly and ran over to his spot.

“Silena Beauregard, Daughter of Aphrodite.” She went to sit by Clarisse looking at Piper curiously. She didn’t know her and as the Senior Counsellor, she knew everyone in her cabin so she obviously wasn’t at camp yet but would be. Piper wasn’t sure how to react around someone she knew to be dead.

“Charles Beckendorf. Son of Hephaestus.” Leo looked up from his materials in surprise. This was the famous head Counsellor of Hephaestus cabin who had died before Leo got to camp. He came over to look at what Leo was doing and it took all his restraint not to blurt out something about the future. The bench expanded so both of them had their own work area.

“Nico di Angelo, son of Hades. Born before the oath.” He added quickly at the look on Zeus’ face. Hades nodded to his son and made a spot for him, silently wondering where Bianca could be. All of the Romans glared at him, remembering him from Camp Jupiter. To find out he was really a Greek made them furious but none of them wished to start an argument in front of the Gods. Reyna sent them all warning looks so they would know to keep quiet. She was quite pleased to see that Jason was alright, though it seemed he had been sent to the Greeks for some reason. He hadn’t seemed to recognise them which is why Reyna had not yet confronted him.

“Thalia Grace, Daughter of Zeus and Lieutenant of Artemis.”

“Really Zeus? You broke the oath and cheated on me again?!” Hera thundered furiously. Zeus flinched but didn’t even bother to really look ashamed. Thalia calmly went to sit on Annabeth’s other side. Artemis smiled at her but was wondering what happened to Zoe.

“Brother, you were about to vaporise young Nico and Percy for the exact same sin you committed.” Hestia frowned at her youngest brother. Now he flushed and looked down, mumbling about how it wasn’t the same. Jason stared at Thalia. His sister didn't seem to recognise him so obviously she was from a time before she met him. That made his brain hurt so he didn't dwell on it. She looked at him with a curious expression but shrugged and then nodded in encouragement.

“Jason Grace, son of Jupiter.” He said. There was uproar. Thalia cried out, ran over and hugged him fiercely. Then she stood back a little and looked him over. She could not believe her baby brother was alive. The last time she had seen him he had a been two years old and now he stood before her almost fully grown. Annabeth was staring at Thalia in surprise as she had never mentioned having a brother, let alone one who recognised the Gods in their Roman form.

“Twice?” Hera was screaming at Zeus. The rest of the Gods were considering the biggest question which was what on Olympus a Roman was doing with a bunch of Greeks. Jason went and sat by Thalia before explaining briefly to the group that he had very few memories at the moment. All the Romans went over to greet him and tell him they knew him although Frank just hovered awkwardly as Jason had disappeared before he arrived. Then another note floated down and Chiron caught it.

“It states that all will be explained in the books. Also the Gods are going to be temporarily turned mortal so no one can kill anyone by accident.” He explained to the Gods. There was some very loud protesting at this before a blinding flash of light stopped all arguments. All the Gods looked around and then at themselves. It was clear they were trying to summon their powers and having no success. “Please continue, children.” Chiron sighed. Frank looked about to faint but stepped forward anyway.

“Frank Zhang, I don’t know who my dad is.” He looked hopefully towards Apollo. The Gods all studied him until Ares frowned and snapped his fingers. Despite Ares being mortal, the claiming still worked. The War God wasn’t sure how he knew as the kid hadn’t been born yet but somehow he did. Frank looked above his head in horror as he realised who his dad is. “My dad is Mars?” He groaned. Clarisse looked up in surprise and anger at his apparent dislike of her dad but he didn’t sit with her, instead hoping to sit wherever Hazel decided to sit. 

“Hazel Levesque, Daughter of Pluto.” Zeus looked about to yell when Nico stood up from the couch beside Hades’ throne.

“She was also born before the oath. In fact, my father is the only one who didn’t break the oath despite being forced into it.” He looked at Zeus coldly. He wasn’t exactly impressed with Poseidon either but at least he didn’t condemn his brothers for breaking the oath. In fact, while Zeus and Hades looked ready to blast each other, he sat back calmly. Hazel and Frank went to sit with Nico. Poseidon, unlike Zeus, also allowed all other demigods to travel in his domain. So while Percy and Nico couldn’t even risk getting on an airplane, Thalia, Nico and Jason could all travel by sea and go swimming. Hazel got seasick but that wasn’t anything malicious by Poseidon. 

“Reyna Ramírez-Arellano, Daughter of Bellona.” Reyna stepped forwards. As she had no parent among the Olympians, nor any friends in particular, she moved to sit beside Jason which drew a scowl from Piper. 

“Dakota Johnson, Son of Bacchus.” Dionysus smiled slightly and made a couch for his son.

“Gwen Slip, Daughter of Venus.” Aphrodite smiled and Gwen went to sit with Dakota so he wasn’t alone. 

“Grover Underwood. Satyr.” Grove spoke up before going to sit on Percy’s other side.

“Rachel Elizabeth Dare, Mortal.”

“What is a mortal doing with demigods?” Hera asked in disdain.

“She knows about our world and was a great help this summer as she was able to guide us through the Labyrinth.” Percy told the Gods. Rachel went to sit by Percy which made Annabeth scowl fiercely but she didn’t say anything.

“Very well, we should begin. Who will read?” Poseidon asked.

“I will begin, Lord Poseidon.” Chiron offered. Poseidon gestured for him to take the book labelled ‘1’ and he did. There was no title.

Chapter Text

Chiron looked up and raised an eyebrow at Percy, easily guessing what this was about. Percy grinned back.

“How do you accidentally vaporise someone?” Hermes asked with a startled laugh.

“When you kill them without the faintest idea what’s going on,” Percy told him with a shrug. All the Gods raised an eyebrow at this.

Look, I didn't want to be a half-blood.

“We all feel that way at some point," Thalia assured Percy who had winced.

“Really?” Apollo frowned. All the demigods suddenly found the floor very interesting.

If you're reading this because you think you might be one...told you about your birth, and try to lead a normal life.

“Not bad advice for Percy,” Will laughed.

“Although I don’t think it would work, telling them to believe a lie if they know it’s a lie," Chris spoke up. Percy shrugged.

Being a half-blood is dangerous

“Yep,” Clarisse agreed.

It’s scary.

“Double yep," Piper and Leo said together.

Most of the time, it gets you killed in painful, nasty ways.

All the demigods winced. The Greeks all looked down sadly in memory of those who had died in the battle at camp not so long ago. The Gods frowned at this reaction.

If you're a normal kid...Don't say I didn't warn you.

“You didn’t warn me,” Connor smirked. Hermes chuckled and Connor was clearly almost bursting with pride.

My name is Percy Jackson.

“Urm, pretty sure it’s Chiron," Travis said, speaking as if the Centaur was a little slow. Chiron rolled his eyes. Connor high-fived his brother. 

I'm twelve years old...Am I a troubled kid?

“Yes!” All the Greeks yelled except Percy who looked down. Maybe he should have stayed on Calypso’s island. All he did was cause trouble, it was true. Usually lethal trouble too. He didn’t notice Nico, Grover and Thalia frowning at his reaction.

“Yeah, that would be Poseidon’s kid,” Hermes laughed. Poseidon sent an affronted look at his nephew on his son’s behalf.

Yeah. You could say that.

Now everybody let out a small chuckle.

“See, Perc, at least you admit it.” Grover nudged him gently with a small smile. He knew better than most about Percy’s self confidence issues but didn’t really know how to help. He could feel emotions but knowing what to do about them was completely different. Thankfully Percy grinned back.

I could start at any point in my short, miserable life...Metropolitan Museum of Art to look at ancient Greek and Roman stuff.

“That sounds amazing,” Annabeth smiled dreamily. Athena nodded in approval.

“No, it sounds awful,” Leo corrected. Chiron kept reading before Annabeth could reply.

I know—it sounds like torture.

Everyone except Annabeth, Athena, Chiron, Zeus and Hera nodded their agreement. Chiron raised an eyebrow at Percy who gave him a grin and then shrugged.

“You should be grateful for the opportunity to learn,” Athena told him sternly. 

“I’m sorry Lady Athena but demigods have ADHD and that makes it kind of hard to concentrate on that sort of stuff for long, especially in a museum,” Percy told her. “Besides, I didn’t know just how much it mattered at that point.”

Most Yancy field trips were...so I had hopes.

Chiron sent Percy a quick smile.

Mr. Brunner was this middle-aged guy in a motorized wheelchair...always smelled like coffee. 

Everyone glanced at Chiron who smiled serenely and continued reading without pause.

You wouldn't think he'd be cool...the only teacher whose class didn't put me to sleep.

Percy grinned at his teacher sheepishly. Chiron gave him another pleased expression though it was tinged with amusement.

I hoped the trip would be ok...but of course I got expelled anyway. 

Everyone burst out laughing.

“What exactly were you aiming for?” Nico asked him in amusement. Percy almost did a double take. He had very rarely, possibly never, seen Nico look genuinely amused.

“I can’t remember. I don’t think I was aiming anywhere in particular, just messing around,” Percy shrugged.

“Boys," Artemis rolled her eyes.

And before that, at my fourth-grade school...our class took an unplanned swim. 

More eruptions of laughter.

“Oh uncle P, your kid is awesome,” Apollo bit out through his chuckles. Poseidon grinned, slightly concerned at his sons perchance for trouble, but amused nonetheless.

“It sounds quite lovely," the sea god said mildly.

“Yeah, well, the sharks wouldn’t eat you,” Hades muttered.

“I didn’t realise at the time but one of the sharks told me to press the wrong one. I thought it was one of the teachers talking to me but having spoken to sharks now I’m pretty sure it was them who told me to,” Percy told the group, trying to defend himself.

And the time before that... Well, you get the idea.

“No! We need to hear more about this," Hermes complained.

“I’ll tell you some stories later,” Percy promised. He and Apollo both looked thrilled.

This trip, I was determined to be good

There was some snorting at this front he Greek demigods.

“I’m hoping for some more fun stories,” Hermes grinned.

“Definitely not fun,” Percy told hin.

All the way into the city...peanut butter and Ketchup sandwich.

“Gross!” Leo, Silena, Will and Gwen all called out together.

“Never tried it,” Nico admitted.

“You don’t want to,” Will assured him.

“It’s perfectly nice," Travis told the son of Hades who looked more unconvinced than ever.

Grover was an easy target...on top of all that, he was crippled. 

“Thanks, Perc,” Grover said sarcastically.

“Anytime,” Percy smirked.

Everyone was now wondering how they would be described. Percy glanced at them all nervously, now wondering the same thing.

He had a note excusing him from P.E...when it was enchilada day in the cafeteria.

“Way to blow your cover,” Thalia told him in exasperation.

“You haven’t tried those enchiladas. They were worth it," Grover assured her, a dreamy look on his face.

Poseidon didn’t look too happy that his son’s protector was willing to blow his cover for food. Seeing the look on his dad’s face, Percy leaned over, his father’s throne was much closer now it was human sized, to whisper.

“Don’t worry, father. Grover is a great protector. You’ll see.” Poseidon didn’t look completely convinced but nodded.

Anyway, Nancy Bobofit was throwing wads of sandwich...threatened me with death 

“What?” Poseidon exclaimed angrily.

“It’s ok, let Chiron finish,” Percy pleaded.

by in-school suspension if anything bad, embarrassing, or even mildly entertaining happened on this trip.

Poseidon nodded but still looked unhappy. Percy grumbled to himself that this was going to be a very long reading if his dad got worked up over this little thing. Plus, his dad might be better than the majority at showing he cared but Percy wasn’t sure he had earned the right to be this overprotective. Especially given that an oath had been broken to sire him. His dad must have seen what happened to Thalia because of it. Although, this version of his dad hadn’t yet.

“Not even mildly entertaining?” Leo complained. “It’s like she wants you to fall asleep.”

"I'm going to kill her." I mumbled..."It's ok. I like peanut butter."

“In your hair?” Piper asked, unconvinced.

“It was better than Percy getting in trouble for doing something,” Grover shrugged. “Not that it worked,” he grumbled to himself. 

“Of course it didn’t. It’s Percy,” Annabeth stated, making Grover realise he hadn’t been as quiet as he meant to.

He dodged another piece of Nancy's lunch...compared to the mess I was about to get myself into.

“I don’t think it would have made much difference. Clearly she knew who you were," Grover muttered to Percy.

“That’s a good point. Mrs Dodds had been there for half a year. Why didn’t she do anything before then? She must have been able to smell that it was me," Percy whispered back. Grover frowned not having considered this before.

Mr. Brunner led the museum tour...because it was kind of interesting, 

“You found it interesting?” Annabeth asked in astonishment. Percy shrugged, trying to hide his annoyance. He knew she thought he was stupid but she didn’t need to constantly point it out.

“Mr. Brunner was a good teacher," he replied, throwing a quick smile to Chiron.

but everybody around me was talking...Mrs Dodds, would give me the evil eye

“You’re trying to learn,” Athena pointed out in shock.

“She didn’t care,” Percy told her.

“Once a teacher decides you’re a troublemaker then they don’t care, they just make your life miserable,” Leo stated. The Hermes kids and Percy all nodded their agreement.

Mrs Dodds was this little math teacher from Georgia...last math teacher had a nervous breakdown.

“Yeah, a nervous breakdown," Percy scoffed quietly.

“Knowing Alecto, she probably did give the teacher a nervous breakdown,” Nico whispered back. 

From her first day, Mrs Dodds loved Nancy Bobofit and figured I was devil spawn. 

“No that’s Nico," Thalia smirked. Nico pouted at her. Percy and Annabeth both looked confused again. Nico was acting very differently to when they had last seen him. “You’re kelp head.”

“Yeah, you’d really think she would know better,” Percy smirked. Nico laughed quietly as did Grover. Everyone else looked confused.

She would point her crooked finger at me...after-school detention for a month.

“Surely she had a reason?” Reyna frowned. She had not meant to speak but the idea of a teacher punishing someone for no reason irritated her. 

“Na.” Percy shrugged. He seemed to be doing that a lot, he noted. “She just didn’t like me.” Poseidon scowled.

One time, after she'd made me erase answers...You're absolutely right."

The demigods all groaned and Grover looked sheepish.

“Really Grover?” Thalia laughed. “I thought you wanted to keep him in the dark?” 

Mr. Brunner kept talking about Greek funeral art...It came out louder than I meant it to.

“Of course it did.” Annabeth shook her head in amusement.

The whole group laughed...I said "No, sir."

“He was trying to listen,” Chris pointed out.

“I know," Chiron assured him.

Mr. Brunner pointed to one of the pictures.."That's Kronos eating his kids, right?"

“It’s always that one,” Hades complained.

“Urgh, why Chiron?” Poseidon asked, pulling a disgusted face.

“He should know his history.” Chiron gave a crooked smile.

"Yes," Mr. Brunner said, obviously not satisfied. "And he did this because ..."

“Well, you only asked him what the picture represented,” Piper pointed out.

"Well..." I racked my brain to remember. "Kronos was king god, and—"

“GOD!” Zeus thundered.

“I got corrected,” Percy rolled his eyes.

"God?" Mr. Brunner asked...said one of the girls behind me.

“Try living through it, mortal,” Hera said disdainfully.

"—and so there was this big fight between the gods and the Titans," I continued, "and the gods won."

“Wow, you summed up such a massive war in a few sentences.” Clarisse shook her head.

“It got the main point across,” Percy grinned. 

Some snickers from the group.

“Why?” Will asked “He got it right.” 

“They were weird," Percy told him.

Behind me Nancy Bobofit mumbled to a friend...Miss Bobofit's excellent question, does this matter in real life?"

“Busted," Travis snickered.

“Well, if he doesn’t know who he is then he won’t know the answer to that,” Thalia pointed out to Chiron.

"Busted," Grover muttered.

“Haha, you think like a goat,” Connor laughed at Travis. Grover gave an annoyed bleat as Travis pretended to hang his head in shame.

"Shut up," Nancy hissed...he had radar ears.

“Horse's ears actually,” Chris sniggered.

“But his top half is human, how come he has horse's ears?” Leo asked.

“Not literally, he just has awesome hearing,” Connor told him.

“Ruins so many pranks,” Travis complained. Chiron smiled at them both.

I thought about his question...Mr. Brunner looked disappointed. 

“What were you hoping he would say?” Annabeth asked curiously. Chiron shrugged.

"Well, half credit, Mr. Jackson...would you lead us back outside?"

“Happy note?” The children of Kronos all looked at Chiron as if he had gone mad.

“Well, the destruction of Kronos was a happy note,” he told them. None of them looked convinced.

The class drifted off, the girls holding their stomachs, the guys pushing each other around and acting like doofuses.

“Boys are doofuses," Thalia smirked. Artemis nodded her agreement as all the males in the room protested.

Grover and I were about to follow...and had seen everything.

“Not quite everything," Chiron corrected with a smile.

“Most things,” Annabeth said. 

"You must learn the answerto my question,"..."And how your studies apply to it."

“Well unless you plan on telling him, I don’t think he will,” Will pointed out.

“You know I found out," Percy reminded him with an eye roll.

"Oh."...I will accept only the best from you Percy Jackson."

“Well, you got that,” Grover stated firmly. The Greek demigods and Chiron all nodded while Percy looked embarrassed. Poseidon smiled proudly.

I wanted to get angry, this guy pushed me so hard.

“It’s for the best,” Annabeth said.

“I know that now,” Percy sighed. He got the feeling he would be repeating that a lot through these books.

I mean, sure, it was kind of cool...and what god they worshipped. 

“That sounds amazing!” The Stolls cried out.

“It was,” Percy agreed.

“I can’t believe you got Chiron to teach you at school,” Beckendorf complained good-naturedly.

“Way better than any of my teachers,” Leo agreed. Not that it was a high bar.

But Mr. Brunner expected me to be as good...much less spell them correctly.

“Well, it’s easier to remember the names of monsters once they’ve tried to kill you a few times,” Percy chuckled slightly. “Still a problem on the spelling though.”

“A few times?” Poseidon asked, fear creeping into his tone. “Have many monsters attacked you multiple times?” 

“A few,” Percy shrugged, not wanting his dad to get more worked up until it was necessary. 

I mumbled something about trying harder, while Mr. Brunner took a long sad look at the stele, like he'd been at this girl's funeral.

“I was," Chiron sighed sadly.

He told me to go outside and eat my lunch...I wouldn't have been surprised if this was a hurricane blowing in.

“What are you two fighting about this time?” Demeter threw an exasperated look at her brothers. Zeus and Poseidon both shrugged.

Nobody else seemed to notice...Mrs Dodds wasn't seeing a thing.

Everyone turned to look at Hermes who shrugged.

“Not every klepto kid is mine," he told them. “Besides, it said she was only trying to pickpocket someone. My kids would have done it without being seen,” he added proudly. All the Hermes kids puffed out their chests in delight and pride.

“Of course we would,” Travis said eagerly.

“Although, Percy is pretty damn observant when he wants to be,” Connor pointed out thoughtfully. “He might have noticed but we would have done it much quicker anyway.”

“Yeah, when he wants to be," Rachel muttered, knowing Percy could be very oblivious too.

Grover and I sat on the edge of the fountain...loser freaks who couldn't make it elsewhere.

“You’re not a loser freak!” Thalia stated firmly, looking at Percy who didn’t meet her gaze. They may not have always got on but she had come to view him as a little brother. She had never quite realised he felt this way about himself and couldn’t help but wonder if he still did.

"Detention?" Grover asked...I mean- I'm not a genius."

Annabeth snorted a little. Thalia might have done so too but figured Percy might take it the wrong way. She knew he could be very intelligent when he wanted to be but he hid it and she didn’t like the reasons why he might do that.

Grover didn't say anything for a while..."Can I have your apple?"

Everyone laughed as Grover blushed.

“Sorry, Perc,” Grover said. Percy grinned.

“Don’t worry about it.”

I didn't have much of an appetite, so I let him take it.

Now many of the campers were looking at him in concern. Percy’s appetite was well known at Camp Half-Blood. 

I watched the stream of cabs...I wouldn't be able to stand that sad look she'd give me.

“Mummy’s boy,” Clarisse scoffed.

“Definitely,” Percy stated.

“I don’t blame him,” Nico added, having been mothered by Sally Jackson himself.

Mr. Brunner parked his wheelchair...making it look like a motorized cafe table.

Leo and Beckendorf both looked up in interest. Then they exchanged a look and began designing their own versions ready to compare ideas. Hephaestus smiled fondly at his children.

I was about to unwrap my sandwich...dumped her half-eaten lunch in Grovers lap.

Thalia, Annabeth and Percy all scowled.

"Oops." She grinned at me...spray-painted her face with liquid Cheetos.

“Oh yuck,” Silena cringed and Aphrodite looked contemplative.

“She needs one massive makeover," the love goddess said firmly.

I tried to stay cool...A wave roared in my ears.

Poseidon smiled.

I don’t remember touching her...it grabbed her—"

“How did it take you so long to work out whose son he was?” Thalia looked at Grover who shrugged.

“We just didn’t consider it as a possibility.”

“He made water grab her? How many other possibilities could there be?” She asked incredulously.

“He might have been the child of one of the minor gods,” Grover replied. 

“Yeah, it really should have been obvious,” Will muttered to the Hermes kids who all nodded.

“It should," Chris agreed a little bitterly. He might have been claimed now but it still angered him that his dad had ignored him for so long.

I didn’t know what they were talking about...a month erasing workbooks."

“Never guess your punishment," Hermes and all his children called out. The God gave his kids a warm smile.

That wasn’t the right thing to say.

“Duh!” The Stolls said.

"Come with me." Mrs Dodds said...I pushed her. "

“Thanks for trying man,” Percy told him.

"It was my job. And you're my friend," Grover reminded him.

I stared at him, stunned..."But—"

Poseidon sighed. At least the Satyr was making an effort.

"You—will—stay...I’ll-kill-you-later stare. 

The Greek demigods all shuddered. Percy looked at them strangely.

Then I turned to face Mrs Dodds...How'd she get there so fast?

“Monster,” all the demigods breathed. The majority of the Greeks had thought the Minotaur was Percy’s first monster. To learn he had fought at least one more with no training made them hold him in even higher regard. 

I have moments like that a lot...brain misinterpreting things.

“Not this time," Grover muttered. Percy gave him a look that clearly said ‘well duh!’.

“Is it like that for you often?” Hestia asked Percy kindly. He nodded.

I wasn’t so sure.

“You’ve always had good instincts,” Chiron smiled.

I went after Mrs Dodds...Mr. Brunner was absorbed in his novel.

“Chiron!” Poseidon glared at the Centaur.

“I knew what was happening,” Chiron assured the God. Although he was not looking forward to his reaction when he found out what Mrs Dodds actually was. “Even if I hadn’t, Grover came and got me immediately.” Poseidon’s opinion of the Satyr went up a little.

I looked back up... new shirt for Nancy at the gift shop.

“Nope," the sons of Hermes all said.

But apparently that wasn't the plan...Except for us, the gallery was empty.

“Wonderful,” Poseidon groaned.

“Finally, some action.” Ares leaned forwards, looking excited. 

Mrs. Dodds stood with her arms crossed..."You've been giving us problems, honey," she said.

“That’s Percy. Always causing problems for monsters,” Nico smiled.

I did the safe thing. I said, "Yes, maam."

“Percy did the safe thing?” Annabeth asked, looking shocked. Poseidon let out another groan. That didn’t sound promising.

She tugged on the cuffs of her leather jacket. "Did you really think you would get away with it?"

Almost everyone looked confused.

“That doesn’t sound like she is upset at Percy for being alive," Thalia frowned.

“She must have known who I was so maybe she was waiting for proof before acting,” Percy whispered to Grover.

“Maybe. I think she was talking about stealing the helm not the bolt though. Even on the way to Camp, there was only the Minotaur after us. Hades wasn’t punishing you for being alive like he was Thalia. I guess he either did think you stole it, which is strange considering he’s had her watching you for so long, or he was trying to get your help in a roundabout way,” Grover suggested. Percy considered. Both possibilities seemed mad.

The look in her eyes was beyond mad...Thunder shook the building.

“Thunder?” Percy frowned. He had forgotten about that.

“Maybe this attack was a way to draw Zeus’ attention to you," Grover suggested. “It’s possible...someone...wanted to make sure you went on the quest.” He carefully avoided Hades’ name.

“What quest?” Poseidon asked. 

“That sounds very possible,” Nico spoke up. He had heard stories about what happened to Percy before getting to camp, along with his first quest, and it did seem like something his father would do.

"We are not fools, Percy Jackson...I didn't know what she was talking about.

“You never do, seaweed brain,” Annabeth told him in a fond tone.

“Well people should stop accusing me of things I haven’t done,” Percy replied shortly. “If I haven’t done it, how am I supposed to know what they are talking about?”

All I could think of was that the teachers must've found the illegal stash of candy I'd been selling out of my dorm room. 

“Nice!” Exclaimed Hermes, all his kids, Leo and Apollo.

“Your kid is definitely awesome," Hermes added, looking at Poseidon who glanced at Prcy proudly.

Or maybe they’d realised I got my essay...and now they were going to take away my grade. 

More snickers from that group while Annabeth and Athena looked scandalised.

“Dyslexia," Percy reminded the two of them.

“I managed,” Annabeth replied.

“You’re a child of Athena,” he shrugged.

Or worse, they were going to make me read the book.

“Dyslexia!” He said again as Annabeth’s glare deepened.

"Well?" she demanded...she was about to slice me to ribbons.

“You sent a fury after my son?” Poseidon bellowed at Hades who was cowering in his chair. He whirled his trident only for nothing to happen.

“Honestly dad, it could have been worse," Percy tried to soothe his father. “He sent all three after Thalia.” Then he stopped and groaned. Thalia glared at him as now Zeus joined Poseidon in glaring at Hades.

“YOU DID WHAT!?” He thundered. Hera was nodding, out of his view, as if she agreed with Hades’ decision. Thalia, Annabeth and Percy all glared at her instead. Zeus and Poseidon had got to their feet and were advancing on Hades.

“Hey!” Nico sprung up and scowled furiously. “You can’t blame him for being mad. You two broke the oath that you made him swear.”

“Son,” Hades said quietly, not wishing harm to come to his child.

“No, it’s not right,” Nico told his father angrily. “Yeah, you shouldn’t have sent monsters after Percy and Thalia,” he included Percy because he didn’t want to give anything away despite his growing suspicions. “It’s not their fault they were born. They didn’t ask for any of this. But, they don’t get to be mad at you because they shouldn’t have broken the oath in the first place.” It was the most anybody had ever heard Nico speak and they stared at him in shock. He seemed to quail under all the attention. Percy stood and moved next to him.

“He’s right. You make these oaths, break them and then your kids are the ones who have to pay. It’s not fair. Especially as you aren’t supposed to interfere so you’re not even allowed to help out when you screw things up for us.” He glared at all of the big three before turning his gaze on the other gods. “It’s bad enough that monsters hate us because of what you guys did to them, we don’t need you attacking us for things beyond our control either.”

“Despite being boys, they are both right," Thalia stood and joined her cousins. Both of them stuck their tongues out at her, ruining the tension but they presented a united front to the Gods who gaped at them. Everyone else was looking between the big three Gods and their children like it was a tennis match.

“How dare you..!” Zeus began.

“We dare because we have to suffer through your petty squabbles," Thalia stared at her father. “Poseidon broke the oath, you try to kill Percy despite the fact that you broke it first AND would be angry at him for doing the same. Poseidon is the only one who hasn’t tried to kill any children of his brothers.”

“You tried to kill my son too?” Poseidon turned his furious gaze on Zeus now. Hades let out a sigh of relief. 

“Enough. All of you. The children are correct,” Hestia spoke up and everyone turned to look at her. “You should not take your arguments out on your children. Now, let us continue reading.” Everyone obeyed immediately and returned to their seats. Chiron continued a little nervously. Poseidon was still glaring at both Zeus and Hades.

Then things got even stranger...Mrs Dodds lunged at me.

“Dodge!” Everyone except Percy, Chiron, Zeus, Hera and Grover yelled.

“I’m fine,” Percy reminded them. None of them seemed to hear him.

With a yelp, I dodged...which he always used on tournament day.

“At least you’ve got a weapon now,” Clarisse stated. She refused to admit she was actually concerned for the son of the sea god.

Mrs. Dodds spun towards me...I almost dropped the sword.

“Wimp,” Ares rolled his eyes. Poseidon glowered at him now and he shut up.

She snarled,  "Die, honey!"...I swung the sword.

“How is that natural if you’ve never held a sword before?” Jason asked, speaking for the first time since the reading started.

“It just was,” Percy shrugged.

“Percy is a natural. Best swordsman in Camp for three hundred years or so,” Will told Jason.

“That’s Luke,” Percy protested, wincing slightly at the name. 

“No, pretty sure you’ve got him beat by now,” Chris said quietly.

“He’s alright,” Clarisse added casually. Chris smiled at her.

The metal blade hit her shoulder...as if those two glowing red eyes we're still watching me.

“You killed a fury in one hit with no training?” Reyna asked in awe. Percy only shrugged.

“Yes he did,” Grover nodded proudly. Poseidon finally smiled again, clapping his son on the shoulder.

“Good job, son,” he said. Percy beamed at this and the other demigods looked at him enviously. Hermes and Aphrodite caught the look on the kid’s faces and both resolved to interact more with their children.

I was alone....magic mushrooms or something.

“Magic mushrooms?” Connor laughed.

“The mist is still affecting him,” Athena stated.

“I made it do so. I had hoped to keep Percy protected for a little longer,” Chiron told them.

“That was you? I thought I was going insane,” Percy protested.

“I am sorry Percy. I just wanted to keep you protected past the deadline. Now I see that it wouldn’t have made much difference," Chiron replied. He nodded, still annoyed.

Had I imagined the whole thing?...Mrs Kerr whipped your butt."

“Who?” Asked all the demigods. Chiron chuckled.

I said, "Who?"

“Argh, we think like Percy," Connor and Travis groaned in unison.

“Could be worse, you could still think like you guys," Katie told them. They stuck their tongues out at her.

"Our teacher. Duh!"...I thought he was messing with me.

“Grover can’t lie,” Annabeth groaned. “He’ll give it away.” Grover grinned sheepishly. Poseidon frowned. He really was not impressed with this protector so far. Either he needed to tell Percy who he was or stop giving him such big clues.

“We’ll give him lessons,” Chris told her. Hermes grinned at his kids.

“Good for you. Show them how it’s done by a master,” he nodded. They all grinned happily and he relaxed a little.

"Not funny, man," I told him...He stared at me blankly. "Who?"

“Now Chiron can lie," the Stolls said plainly.

"The other chaperone, Mrs Dodds...Are you feeling alright?"

“Yeah he can lie, made me think I was definitely insane,” Percy complained, throwing a wink to Chiron so the Centaur would know he wasn’t still mad.

“You are insane,” Silena told him with a small smile. She was struggling being around all the demigods and Gods, knowing she was betraying them to Luke. She really wanted to tell someone but didn’t know how.

“That’s the end of the chapter," Chiron announced.

“That took quite a while,” Gwen commented, speaking for the first time. 

“There were a lot of interruptions,” Reyna pointed out.

“Who will read now?” Chiron asked.

“I will,” Beckendorf offered.

Chapter Text

“Errr? Are all these titles going to be so weird?” Beckendorf asked, frowning at the page in confusion. 

“It’s Percy’s thoughts, so probably,” Annabeth laughed. 

I was used to the occasional weird experience...was more than I could handle.

“Yeah that sucks,” Jason sympathised. He had felt like that waking up on the bus.

For the rest of the school year...had been our pre-algebra teacher since Christmas.

“How did the mist create a whole new person immediately?” Nico asked, not having thought of this a minute ago.

“It didn’t. I had a teacher on standby, a few blocks away, just in case. I knew there was a monster in the school,” Chiron explained. “She is a daughter of Athena. The mist just made everyone think she had been there all the time instead of Mrs Dodds.”

Every so often I would spring Mrs Dodds...Almost.

“I’m guessing the Satyr gave it away,” Dionysus rolled his eyes.

“You’re paying attention?” Apollo asked in astonishment.

“Of course not,” Dionysus replied, taking a sip of diet coke and turning a page of the magazine he was reading.

But Grover couldn't fool me...But I knew he was lying.

“You’re going to have to get started on those lessons soon, boys,” Hermes told his children as he winced. They nodded eagerly. Grover looked less thrilled by this.

Something was going on. Something had happened at the museum.

“You don’t say,” Ares sneered.

I didn’t have much time to think about it...would wake me up in a cold sweat.

“Sadly, I’d take those over real demigod dreams,” Percy sighed. All the demigods nodded vigorously.

“Are they that bad?” Aphrodite asked. They nodded some more.

“Percy’s are worse than most,” Annabeth added.

The freak weather continued...sudden squalls in the Atlantic that year.

Hera, Hestia and Demeter fixed Zeus and Poseidon with glares that made both Gods cringe.

“There is no need to kill mortals in your petty fighting,” Hestia said disapprovingly. 

“You both need more cereal," Demeter told them. “Maybe some time farming. It builds character.” Hades rolled his eyes at this, making sure his sister couldn’t see him.

I started feeling cranky and irritable most of the time. 

“You’re very in tune to your father’s mood," Athena noted. Percy nodded.

My grades slipped from Ds to Fs. 

Annabeth gasped loudly.

“I take it that’s very bad?” Athena asked her daughter, not having kept up with mortal school grades. Her daughter nodded.

“Dyslexia, ADHD and my dad fighting with Zeus,” Percy pointed out irritably. 

I got into more fights with Nancy Bobofit...it sounded good.

There was some scattered laughter.

“What’s it mean?” Leo asked.

“Old drunk," Annabeth told him.

“Oh, so he called him Dionysus,” Hermes chuckled. Suddenly he found vines wrapped around his head, covering his mouth. 

"How'd you do that? We don't have our godly powers?" Apollo demanded, laughing at Hermes' predicament. Dionysus shrugged.

"I guess even the powers that be wanted him to be quiet."

The headmaster sent my mom a letter...I wouldn't not be invited back to Yancy Academy.

“I was used to it by that point,” Percy shrugged at some of the sympathetic looks he was getting.

Fine, I told myself. Just fine...and his stupid poker parties.

“Paul doesn’t play poker does he?” Nico asked in confusion. He also didn’t think Paul was obnoxious given what he had seen of him when they played monopoly a few weeks ago.

“Not Paul. My stepfather before him,” Percy said through gritted teeth. Nico, Thalia, Poseidon and Grover all looked at him in concern. Nico would rather die than admit his growing crush on Percy but he still cared, no matter the guise he wore.

And yet. . . There were things I'd miss at Yancy...I’d miss Grover

“Thanks, Perc,” Grover smiled.

“Anytime G-man.”

who’d been a good friend, even if he was a little strange. 

“Thanks, Perc," he said again with far more sarcasm.

“You’re welcome,” Percy grinned.

I worried how he'd survive...faith that I could do well.

Chiron smiled.

As exam week got closer...I'd started to believe him.

“Good,” Poseidon stated firmly.

The evening before my final...across my dorm room. 

Annabeth and Athena both gasped. Percy rolled his eyes at both of them.

Words had started swimming off the page...as if they were riding skateboards. 

“Is that really what dyslexia is like?” Frank asked, unable to contain his curiosity. All the other demigods nodded.

“Are you not dyslexic?” Clarisse questioned. He shook his head.

“Just lactose intolerant.” The Stolls both snorted.

“Greek is easier but it’s still a struggle sometimes,” Beckendorf added.

There was no way I was going to remember the difference between Chiron and Charon, 

“Well I know the difference now,” Percy said brightly. “Although I did mean the spellings.”

“Please tell me you know because Chiron is your teacher?” Poseidon asked.

“Of course," Percy replied unconvincingly. Poseidon groaned.

or Polydictes and...Forget it.

“That’s easy for us.” Jason grinned over at Reyna, making Piper scowl. Since they'd come here, memories had slowly started to return to him.

I paced the room...he could give me some pointers. 

Chiron and Poseidon grinned proudly at Percy. Chiron then winced as he realised when this was and what Percy likely heard.

At least I could apologise for the big fat F...thinking I hadn’t tried.

“I knew you had tried your best,” Chiron assured him. Percy nodded, looking slightly happier. "I also knew you would have issues given the ADHD and Dyslexia."

I walked downstairs to the faculty offices...best friend talking about you to an adult.

“Yeah, I don’t blame you,” Nico said.

“I would listen in too,” Chris agreed.

“I think we all would given the circumstances," Will stated.

I inched closer..."We need the boy to mature more."

“You’ll be waiting a while," Thalia teased. Percy stuck his tongue out at her.

“Kinda proving her point,” Piper pointed out quietly. He grinned.

“She knows she is just as immature as me.” 

“I am not!” Thalia protested.

“Are too.”

“Am not.”

“Are too.”

“Am not!”

“Now you’re proving his point,” Annabeth told Thalia who suddenly grinned at Percy.

"But he may not have the time...enough to convince him of that."

“Yeah but you underestimate how bad a liar Grover is,” Connor told Chiron. The Satyr winced.

"Sir, I . . . I can’t fail..."You know what that would mean."

“You didn’t fail," Thalia told him in exasperation. Grover said nothing but it was clear he did not agree. Poseidon frowned. This Satyr hadn’t impressed him much so far and he had already failed an assignment? He wondered if he should ‘convince’ Chiron to assign someone else to Percy in this timeline.

"You haven’t failed...hit the floor with a thud.

“Never give away your position!” Called the Hermes kids. Hermes nodded approvingly.

“It is a little shocking to hear your teacher and best friend discussing how to keep you alive,” Percy shrugged.

"Yeah, fair enough," nodded Travis.

Mr. Brunner went silent...looked suspiciously like an archer’s bow.

“Now you’re blowing your cover?” Poseidon asked Chiron.

“We had one Fury in the school, I did not wish to take risks,” Chiron explained.

“Surely at least one of you should sense if there was a second monster?” Artemis asked. Chiron shrugged and gave no response. He had simply wanted to be careful.

I opened the nearest door...then moved on.

“How did you not sense Percy?” Beckendorf paused to ask.

“I did, I just did not wish to scare him in my true form,” Chiron stated. There was some nodding at this.

“Bit late for that," Percy muttered to himself, though he easily forgave Chiron. At least his teacher had his best interests at heart, unlike pretty much everyone else who just wanted him to do something for them.

A bead of sweat trickled down my neck...haven't been right since the winter solstice."

“What happened at the winter solstice?” Athena asked.

“You’ll find out," Percy told her. She glared at him.

“Show some respect," she told him angrily.

“You should probably get used to that, Lady Athena," Grover spoke tentatively. “Percy isn’t the most...tactful when it comes to speaking with the Gods.” 

“Is that so?” She turned her glare to Grover before looking back at Percy who shrugged.

"Mine neither," Grover said...like he'd there all night.

“At least you can act well," the Stolls said, giving the Satyr and appraising look.

"Hey," he said, bleary-eyed...so he couldn't read my expression, 

“That won’t work," Dionysus stated.

“I know that now," Percy sighed.

and started getting ready for bed...as I was leaving the three-hour Latin exam, 

“Three hours?” Chris asked incredulously. All the demigods winced in sympathy.

“It was awful," Grover complained.

my eyes swimming...that didn't seem to be the problem.

Percy inwardly cringed. Chiron might be an awesome teacher but he could not give pep talks for anything.

"Percy," he said...sarcastic little kissing motions with her lips.

Chiron looked at Percy with a bewildered expression.

I mumbled, "Okay, sir."...It was only a matter of time."

Now the rest of the demigods cringed.

My eyes stung...telling me I was destined to get kicked out.

“Oh, Percy. That’s not what I meant,” Chiron told him.

“I know now,” Percy assured him. “It’s just what it sounded like.”

“It might have been better not to do it in front of the entire class,” Silena pointed out to the Centaur quietly. He nodded, looking thoughtful.

"Right," I said, trembling...That’s nothing to be—"

“Sorry, Percy,” Chiron sighed.

“Chiron needs pep talk lessons," Travis said to Connor.

“Not from you two,” Will leaned over to join the conversation. “You’ll make it worse.” They pouted at him.

"Thanks," I blurted...But I was already gone.

Chiron threw yet another apologetic look at Percy who waved it away easily. Thalia narrowed her eyes though. She didn’t think Percy had dismissed this as easily as he pretended. 

On the last day of term...I was a nobody, from a family of nobodies.

All the Gods looked highly affronted while the demigods burst out laughing, except the Romans. They didn’t seem sure whether to look amused or affronted.

They asked me what I'd be doing this summer and I told them I was going back to the city.

“At least they were nice enough to ask," Hestia smiled.

“Not all rich kids are like that,” Rachel muttered.

“I know that now but until I met you, I’d never had a good experience with rich kids,” Percy told her and she nodded. It’s not like she enjoyed spending time with her dad’s friend’s kids either.

What I didn’t tell them was that I'd have to get a summer job walking dogs or selling magazine subscriptions, 

“Why would you need to get a summer job?” Chris asked. Percy said nothing but flushed slightly. Thalia and Grover exchanged concerned looks.

and spend my free time worrying about where I'd go to school in the fall.

“You’re twelve. That shouldn’t be your responsibility,” Poseidon frowned in concern.

“I’d been to most of the ones that would actually accept me and mom couldn’t afford to quit work to homeschool me," Percy reluctantly told his father. He didn’t mention he would have probably had to stay home with Smelly Gabe all day, every day while his mom went to work.

"Oh," one of the guys said...as if I’d never existed.

“Rude," Annabeth huffed.

The only person I dreaded saying goodbye to was Grover...heading into the city.

“Yeah, that’s a complete coincidence,” Beckendorf laughed.

“Percy’s got a stalker," Travis laughed.

“I’m not a stalker," Grover protested.

During the whole bus ride...there was nobody to tease him on the Greyhound.

“You’re going to freak him out," Nico told Grover who winced.

Finally I couldn't stand it anymore. I said, "Looking for Kindly Ones?"

Everyone burst out laughing.

“Way to give him a heart attack,” Travis snickered.

“He almost did," Grover complained.

Grover nearly jumped out of his seat...the night before the exam.

“Never confess!” The Stolls, Chris, Hermes and Apollo all yelled out.

“This was like three, almost four years ago,” Percy pointed out.

“You can still learn,” Hermes told him seriously.

Grovers eye twitched...hallucinating about demon math teachers..."

“I don’t think that’s going to work,” Piper laughed. 

"Grover—...you're a really, really bad liar."

“Yeah, you are," The Greek campers agreed in unison.

His ears turned pink...which was murder on my dyslexic eyes, 

“Why is it in a fancy script? I always wondered that?” Clarisse asked Chiron.

“Mr D prefers it that way,” he sighed.

“Of course he does. Yet another God who likes to take his annoyance out on us,” Percy scowled.

“What?” Poseidon asked.

“Mr. D is Dionysus. As he has been made Camp Director, which he hates, he spends time taking out his annoyance on us,” Percy explained. Poseidon turned to glare at Dionysus, as did the other Gods with children at the camp. The wine god slid a little down his throne, hiding his face completely behind the magazine.

“Get those cards reprinted," Poseidon told Chiron sternly.

“I’m the Director," Dionysus complained sulkily. All the Gods with kids at the camp continued to glare at him. Dakota frowned at the Greek version of his dad. “Oh fine," he sighed. 

but I finally made out...never considered that his family might be as rich as the others at Yancy.

“Not quite,” Nico said.

“Yeah, we are way better,” Apollo cheered. Grover sent an apologetic look to Percy who was avoiding everyone’s eyes. He hadn’t considered Percy would think that, which he should have done given he knew about Percy’s experience with other rich kids.

"Okay," I said..."Why would I need you?"

“Lots of reasons,” Percy told himself.

“That was kind of rude.” Annabeth told him. He shrugged.

It came out harsher than I meant it to.

“At least you acknowledge that.” Chiron said.

Grover blushed right down to his Adam's apple...I stared at him.

“Yeah, I can see why that would sound strange to him.” Jason frowned. “I mean it sounds like he protected you from bullies most of the time.”

“He did.” Grover agreed. Percy was the first demigod who had really befriended him in that way.

All year long, I gotten into fights...beaten up next year without me. 

Grover let out a horrified bleat. “You never told me that. I mean the losing sleep part, I knew about the fights.”

“It didn’t matter anyway.” Percy shrugged. Some of the Gods were exchanging looks. This demigod seemed exceedingly kind so far. Artemis gave the young boy an appraising look. Maybe he wasn’t as bad as most boys. Still, plenty of time to prove her wrong.

And here he was acting like..."What exactly are you protecting me from?

“Monsters.” Clarisse said.

“Death.” Nico added.

“Making stupid decisions.” Annabeth stated. Thalia frowned at her for that one. The Gods all frowned. 

“Are your lives truly that terrible?” Apollo asked anxiously. Suddenly nobody wanted to look at the Gods. The Olympians exchanged worried looks. They would have to speak with their children when they took a break.

There was a huge grinding noise...to the side of the highway.

“That’s suspicious.” Beckendorf said with a frown.

“That’s Percy’s luck.” Grover muttered. He had kept his word to Percy and never mentioned this incident to anyone, despite desperately wanting to tell Chiron. He still feared for his best friend on a daily basis, wondering when he would be taken by the Fates.

After a few minutes...biggest pair of socks I’d ever seen.

Horrified gasps echoed around the large room as several Gods, and a few demigods, realised who those were. They all looked at Percy in concern. The demigod in question was staring at the floor. This was why he hadn’t told anyone. He didn’t want them constantly looking at him as if he were on his deathbed. Beckendorf forced himself to read on.

I mean these socks were the size of sweaters...they seemed to be looking right at me.

Poseidon choked slightly. Then he moved out of his throne to sit beside his son on the couch he had conjured earlier. Then he threw an arm around his son’s shoulders, ignoring the disapproving glare of Zeus. Percy risked a glance up and everyone was looking at him as if he were about to drop dead. Chiron’s expression was incredibly sorrowful with a hint of annoyance that Percy had not told him this sooner. 

I looked over at Grover...You think those socks would fit me?"

“Not the time, Percy.” Thalia said quietly. She and Nico had moved to sit with Percy, Grover and Poseidon. Rachel moved to the end of the couch to make room for them as they knew Percy much better than she did. Leo bit back his snort of laughter given the reactions around him. This Percy guy seemed pretty cool. A bit goofy which Leo could appreciate but seemed to live up to his reputation given that he killed a monster with no effort on his first go. Leo had spent most of his first fight knocked out.

"Not funny, Percy. Not funny at all."

“Agreed.” Annabeth said.

The old lady in the middle..."It's a thousand degrees in there."

“Percy, please just go.” Nico whimpered.

“This already happened and I’m right here.” Percy reminded him, surprised at the concern from the son of Hades.

"Come on!" He pried open the door...hear that snip across four lanes of traffic. 

Everyone inhaled sharply. Even the Gods. Many of them had already come to like the humorous young demigod and were saddened that his life should be shortened so much. Athena frowned thoughtfully. Usually if the Fates cut a thread, death was imminent. The boy should not be alive almost four years later.

Her two friends balled up the electric blue socks...Sasquatch or Godzilla.

Leo laughed loudly. Hermes and Apollo gave subdued snorts of laughter. They had both taken to the son of Poseidon pretty quickly and were saddened to learn of his upcoming demise but they still couldn’t help but find his commentary funny.

At the rear of the bus...the engine roared back to life.

“Now it works.” Leo muttered. He was not entirely sure what had just happened but it seemed serious.

“It was deliberate. Percy was supposed to see that.” Beckendorf told him in a sad tone.

“What does it mean? It was just three old ladies.” Leo asked. The older boy gave him an incredulous look.

“I only just found out I was a demigod recently.” Leo told him. “Don’t know how this stuff works.”

“Those three were the Fates. If you see them cut your lifeline then it means you are going to die.” Beckendorf explained gravely. Leo looked at Percy in shock. The guy had lived knowing he was going to die at any time for almost four years. Longer, given that he was still alive when Leo got to Camp. Or he had been a few days previously.

The passengers cheered...as if I'd caught the flu.

Poseidon tightened his grip on Percy’s shoulders. Percy opened his mouth to tell his dad to stop worrying but it felt too nice to have his dad actually openly worrying about him. He avoided looking at the other demigods, not wanting to see their jealousy. He desperately wished he could change things so the other Gods would be as awesome as his dad.

Grover didn’t look much better..."What are you not telling me?"

“Just about everything.” Will muttered.

He dabbed his forehead with his shirt sleeve...Mrs. Dodds, are they?"

“Very perceptive.” Chiron said to himself.

His expression was hard to read...and she cut the yarn."

Everyone winced at hearing Percy say that so casually.

He closed his eyes and made a gesture...It was something else, something almost—older.

“Definitely perceptive.” Athena agreed with Chiron.

“So perceptive and yet so oblivious at the same time.” Thalia snickered.

“What can I say, I’m a walking contradiction.” Percy grinned.

He said "You saw her snip the cord."..."I don't want this to be like the last time."

“It’s nothing like that.” Thalia protested. 

“Yeah, well, even you didn’t see the Fates.” Grover replied sharply. She nodded grimly.

“Still, you didn’t fail me.”

"What last time?"...Promise me."

“He’s not going to do it.” Leo said.

“Why not?” Silena asked.

“Because Grover is already freaking him out. I know I’d ditch him as soon as possible.” Leo explained.

This seemed like a strange request...Does that mean somebody is going to die?"

“You got that quick.” Will raised an eyebrow.

“Given the way Grover was acting, it was the only thing serious enough that I could think of.” Percy shrugged. Will nodded.

He looked at me mournfully, like he was already picking the kind of flowers I'd like best on my coffin.

“Chapter’s done.” Beckendorf announced.

“Definitely not helping, Grover.” Annabeth said. “But I totally get why you’re freaking out too.”

“Yeah.” Grover nodded.

“Sorry, Grover. I didn’t really think about how it would affect you.” Percy apologised looking upset with himself.

“I don’t blame you for being a little preoccupied.” Grover assured him.

“Who wants to read now?” Beckendorf asked. Nobody looked too eager.

“I will.” Apollo said finally. The son of Hephaestus eagerly handed the book over.

Chapter Text

Despite the tension, everyone in the room burst out laughing except Grover, who turned bright red.

“Why would you be losing your pants, Grover?” Travis asked, wiggling his eyebrows. Grover rolled his eyes.

“I’m guessing it’s where Percy finds out Grover is a Satyr.” Thalia put in. Apollo began reading.

Confession time: I ditched Grover as soon as we got to the bus terminal.

“Rude.” Annabeth frowned.

“Knew it.” Leo said at the same time.

“You almost gave me another heart attack.” Grover glared at Percy.

“Sorry, G-Man.” Percy told him.

I know, I know. It was rude..."Why does it always have to be sixth grade?"

“Yeah, ok. I’d definitely have done the same as Percy.” Piper admitted.

“Me too.” Jason agreed.

“That would freak anyone out.” Connor stated. 

“Sorry, Perc.” Grover said. Percy waved this off.

Whenever he got upset, Grover's bladder acted up, 

Grover blushed.

so I wasn’t surprised when, as soon as we got off the bus...and caught the first taxi uptown.

“Would have been easier if you had at least stayed at home.” Grover muttered so only Percy and Poseidon could hear him. The God was so close there was no whispering to Percy without him hearing. Poseidon was having a hard time not constantly glaring at the Satyr. Not only had he helped his son realise something was wrong, now he had scared him off and lost track of him. He was beginning to see why Grover might have failed a previous assignment. The only reason he was restraining himself was the blatant affection his son held for the Satyr. And that his son was alive and in his arms so had survived regardless of the Satyr’s incompetence.

“Couldn’t miss going to Montauk.” Percy whispered back with a dreamy smile. “Besides, I didn’t realise you’d be coming after me.”

"East One-hundred-and-fourth and First," I told the driver.

The Stolls grinned.

“I don’t live there anymore.” Percy told them hurriedly. Their grins faded while Hermes smiled at his kids.

A word about my mother before you meet her.

“Sally is amazing.” Thalia said with a smile.

“Yeah she is.” Nico agreed. He had pretended to be annoyed by her mothering but he secretly adored it. No matter how grown up he felt, he was still only twelve and missed having a mother figure.

Her name is Sally Jackson...her own parents died in a plane crash when she was five, 

“Zeus!” Demeter growled. “You need to stop making planes crash when you’re in a bad mood.”

“Not every plane crash is my fault.” Zeus complained petulantly. All of his siblings rolled their eyes.

and she was raised by an uncle...she was left with no money, no family and no diploma.

“Wow, poor Sally.” Thalia frowned in sympathy.

“A diploma?” Athena queried. Annabeth explained the concept to her mother, still finding it strange she didn’t know this. She guessed that the Gods rarely bothered with mortal affairs.

The only good break she ever got was meeting my dad.

“Awwwww!” Aphrodite and Silena squealed. Piper winced at the shrill sound coming from her mother. She saw those around her giving her curious glances, clearly having expected her to do something similar. She just shrugged, it was definitely sweet but there was no need for shrieking.

I don’t have any memories of him, just this sort of warm glow, maybe the barest trace of his smile. 

“You visited him?” Zeus asked angrily.

“Of course I did.” Poseidon scoffed. Even if he hadn’t done it yet he knew he would. Percy was his first demigod child in a long time. “He is my son.”

All the other demigods sighed and the Gods exchanged more glances. The rules were there for a reason but many of them wished to see their children more often and be able to answer their prayers. Those with children present made another promise to interact with their children when they stopped to take a break.

My mom doesn’t like to talk about him...Not dead. Lost at sea.

“Woah. A lie but not a lie.” Hermes looked impressed. “That’s one impressive woman, Poseidon.” The Sea God smirked and then sent his nephew a look that clearly said ‘hands off’.

“I’m guessing she knew who your dad was then?” Apollo asked. Percy nodded.

“Yeah, she can see through the mist.”

She worked odd jobs, took night classes...But I knew I wasn't an easy kid.

“She sounds amazing.” Chris sighed a little bitterness creeping into his voice. Not only had his mom not understood him at all, not that she tried very hard, but his dad hadn’t even bothered to claim him until he was seventeen.

“She is.” Percy agreed, giving him an understanding look. 

Finally, she married Gabe Ugliano...reeked like moldy garlic pizza wrapped in gym shorts.

“Ewww!” Aphrodite wrinkled her nose in disgust.

“Why do you know what that smells like?” Thalia asked in amusement.

“It was my best guess.” Percy gave her an innocent smile. She just raised an eyebrow. “Oh fine, one of the guys at one school decided to put such a thing in my locker as a prank.”

“That’s not a prank.” The Stolls grimaced. 

“Nor is a tarantula in my bunk.” Annabeth told them with a glare. The cringed away from her but straightened again when Hermes high fived them both. Athena then glared at Hermes who grinned in return.

Between the two of us, we made my mom's life...Chips and beer cans were strewn over the carpet.

“Males.” Artemis sniffed disdainfully.

“We’re not all that bad, Sis.” Apollo told her.

“Don’t call me that.” She glared.

“Sure thing, little Sis.” He smirked. An arrow lodged itself right by his head and he gulped as Artemis put her bow and quiver away with a smug smile.

Hardly looking up...You got any cash?"

“That’s all he has to say?” Thalia asked angrily. Percy shrugged vaguely. He was too busy cursing the Fates for making him sit through this. He didn’t want anyone to know.

That was it.  No welcome back. No good to see you...as if that made him handsome or something.

Aphrodite, Silena, Gwen and Piper all cringed.

He managed the Electronics Mega-Mart...he expected me to provide his gambling funds.

“Is this why you would have to get a summer job?” Piper asked with a frown. Percy nodded.

“That’s terrible. You’re twelve, it’s not up to you to get a job and pay him.” Beckendorf said.

“Why didn’t you just tell him to stuff it. You usually do when people ask unfair things of you?” Thalia asked. Percy visibly stiffened and then relaxed very quickly. He just shrugged and everyone exchanged concerned looks when he wasn’t looking.

He called that our 'guy secret.' Meaning, if I told my mom, he would punch my lights out.

“WHAT?” Poseidon exploded, along with all the Greek campers, Hermes and Apollo.

“It’s no big…” Percy began.

“Don’t you dare say it’s no big deal.” Thalia cut him off in a dangerous voice. Percy decided against continuing his argument.

“Percy, did he ever actually hit you?” Chiron asked carefully. He cursed himself, wishing he had seen something and helped one of his favourite students. Percy paused but it was answer enough. Percy was never more grateful that the Gods had been turned human. He suspected his dad would have gone to hunt down a certain mortal if he could. Still, he was warmed by the sentiment. 

“Why would Sally put up with such a guy?” Nico asked thoughtfully, though he was shaking from the effort of containing his temper.

“For me.” Percy told them in a small voice. It was the reason he had never been able to resent his mom for her decision. She did it for him. It was his fault she had to put up with Gabe so he deserved whatever happened. Unfortunately his dad must have caught something of his thoughts and his expression darkened further. Everyone backed away from the Sea God. Given his usual jovial nature they frequently forgot the wrath of the sea. Only Thalia and Nico remained next to Percy.

“We are going to talk.” Thalia announced.

“Can’t it wait for a break?” Percy asked. He saw her glance at his dad and then nod. Great. He had some time to figure out an escape. As if sensing his plan, his cousin sat right next to him, sandwiching him tightly between Thalia and his dad. Nico sat on the floor in between his legs as if to help stop him escape. He sent a betrayed look to the back of Nico’s head.

“Please keep reading, Lord Apollo.” Percy begged. Apollo jerked out of his furious stupor and turned back to the book. Each word came out laced with anger. Percy wondered why the God seemed so angry on his behalf. His dad he understood but the rest of them...it made no sense to him.

Piper suddenly felt bad for complaining about Jane. Sure the woman was horrible, but nothing like this.

"I don’t have any cash...since his own smell should have covered up everything else.

“Oh.” Athena said softly. “She is a very clever mortal.”

“Not that clever if she let a child abuser into her home.” Thalia snapped, every good thing she had said about Sally forgotten. 

“Better a human monster than some alternatives.” Athena pointed out.

“She should have sent him to camp.” Annabeth agreed with her friend. “She might have been doing it to protect Percy but there were other ways that didn’t involve that.”

"You took a taxi..."The kid just got here."

“At least one of them is a semi decent human.” Travis growled. Percy had done so much for their Camp that every single one of them was outraged on his behalf. They would have been angry to hear about abuse to any child but the fact that it was Percy made them all extra furious.

"Am I right?" Gabe repeated...The other two guys passed gas in harmony.

Artemis and Aphrodite both scowled and muttered under their breath. Then Artemis threw a horrified glance at the other Goddess for thinking the same thing as her.

"Fine," I said..."Your report card came, brain boy!" 

Thalia inhaled sharply. She was so close to Percy that she had felt the barely there flinch. He had never visibly reacted to the nickname given to him by Annabeth but now Thalia wondered. Even her own nickname for him might need to change if it held such negative connotations to her favourite cousin.

he shouted after me...smell like his nasty cologne and cigars and stale beer.

“Lovely.” Silena commented sarcastically.

I dropped my suitcase on the bed...old fruit lady's shears snipping the yarn.

“Wow that’s bad.” Leo looked at Percy as if he were crazy.

“What happened to him?” Nico asked.

“You’ll see.” Percy gave them a twisted smile. It looked so creepy that everyone shuddered, including the Gods.

But as soon as I thought that...pounding its way up the stairs, growing long, horrible talons.

“She’s not there, right?” Piper asked nervously.

“No.” Percy assured her. “It was just a bad feeling.”

Then I heard my mom's voice...and my fears melted.

Ares opened his mouth to comment but a glare from Poseidon stopped him.

My mother can make me feel good...or say qn unkind word to anyone, not even me or Gabe

“She’s certainly got a lot of patience.” Hermes muttered.

“That thing needs more than an unkind word.” Artemis scowled angrily.

"Oh, Percy." She hugged me tight. "I can't believe it. You've grown since Christmas!"

“Why do adults always say that?” Connor wondered. “If you’ve been gone more than five minutes they think you’ve grown. Everyone shrugged.

Her red-white-and-blue Sweet...she always did when I came home.

“Ok that is awesome.” Travis admitted reluctantly. He was still unhappy this woman had forced Percy to live with someone like Gabe but free sweets were a weakness.

We sat together on the edge of the bed...Was her little boy doing all right?

“You mean other than having to give money to his stepfather and being threatened by the same man?” Thalia asked through gritted teeth.

“Guys, please.” Percy frowned slightly. “She did the best she could and Paul’s around now. It all worked out fine.” Thalia didn’t look happy but agreed not to mention it. At least until the break where they would definitely talk.

I told her she was smothering me...I gritted my teeth.

So did everyone in the room.

My mom is the nicest lady in the world. She should've been married to a millionaire, not to some jerk like Gabe.

Percy sighed. Paul might not be a millionaire but he was definitely good for his mom.

For her sake, I tried to sound upbeat...Even Nancy Bobofit didn't seem so bad.

“Wow, I really want to know how you spun that story.” Clarisse frowned. 

“Carefully.” Percy told her.

Until that trip to the museum...but I thought it would sound stupid.

“To most people I guess it would.” Nico admitted.

She pursed her lips...My eyes widened. "Montauk?"

Grover grumbled under his breath but grinned at Percy when he looked over. As Thalia, Nico and Poseidon were surrounding Percy, Grover had taken a seat next to Rachel at the other end of the couch.

"Three nights-same cabin."...Gabe said there wasn’t enough money.

“Jerk.” Many Greek demigods and a few of the Gods muttered.

Gabe appeared in the doorway and growled. "Bean dip, Sally? Didn't you hear me?"

“He would make a very nice jackal for me to hunt.” Artemis said through gritted teeth.

I wanted to punch him,

“Do it!” Clarisse and Ares both yelled.

“That wouldn’t have ended well.” Percy replied softly. Clarisse gave an understanding nod but Ares looked like he was going to scoff. A look from Poseidon stopped him.

but I met my mom's eyes...You mean you were serious about that?"

“Of course she was.” Thalia rolled her eyes.

"I knew it." I muttered. "He won't let us go."

“He’d better.” Poseidon stated firmly.

“He did.” Percy assured his father.

"Of course he will...Sour cream. The works."

“I mean, it’s disgraceful that she has to bribe him to go on a trip with her son but damn is she good.” Hermes whistled.

Gabe softened a bit. "So thus money for your trip...it comes out of your clothes budget, right?"

“WHAT?” Aphrodite looked scandalised. 

"Yes, honey...if the kid apologises apologises Interrupting my poker game."

“Interrupting!? He funded it you stupid..!” Thalia yelled furiously.

“I’m going to kill him.” Nico muttered.

“It’s been taken care of.” Percy assured him.

“Probably not well enough.” Nico stated firmly.

Maybe if I kick you in your soft spot, I thought. And make you sing soprano for a week.

“I’ll do it for you.” All of the demigods offered, even the Romans. They may still be wary of the Greeks but no child deserved this. They were all for strictness but that was simply unacceptable.

But my mom’s eyes warned me not to make him mad.

“Does this mean she definitely knew he was violent?” Will’s eyes narrowed.

“I’m fairly sure he hit her too.” Percy admitted with a sigh.

Why did she put up with this guys? I wanted to scream. Why did she care what he thought?

Percy sighed to himself.

"Im sorry. " I muttered...His tiny brain was probably trying to detect sarcasm in my statement.

“That thing has a brain?” Annabeth asked.

“Not that works.” Percy shrugged.

“Unless it’s working out how much money you have.” Grover scowled.

"Yeah, whatever," he decided.

“He can count money but that’s about it. Anyone could have detected the sarcasm in that.” Thalia rolled her eyes.

“Be glad he didn’t recognise the sarcasm.” Nico told her darkly. She scowled again and now Percy rolled his eyes. He was back to cursing the Fates for making them read his thoughts and find out all of his secrets.

He went back to his game...whatever you've forgotten to tell me, okay?"

“I guess that’s where you get your perceptiveness from.” Annabeth said with a slight smile.

“That’s just a mother’s instinct.” Aphrodite told her with a fond glance at her children.

For a moment, I thought I saw...mom too felt an odd chill in the air.

“I guess she’s worked out that whatever you’re not telling her has to do with your Godly side.” Will said.

“If she did, she shouldn’t have taken him away on a trip before making him tell her. She should have got the story out of him and taken him straight to camp.” Clarisse protested.

“Probably didn’t want to talk about things like that in front of that thing they live with. Especially if they need his car to go anywhere.” Chris pointed out. She glanced at him and nodded.

But then her smile returned...and more important, his 78 Camaro

“So he’ll miss her cooking but not her?” Silena scowled.

“And he’ll miss his stupid car more than his wife.” Piper agreed. Percy and Grover exchanged grins at what happened to the car.

for the whole weekend..."Not one little scratch."

“He won’t be driving! He’s twelve!” Beckendorf exclaimed. Apollo chuckled a little.

Like I’d be the one driving. I was twelve. 

Everyone laughed. Thalia chuckled briefly but was still watching Percy in concern. There was Gabe’s stupid nickname again and a pained look had crossed her cousin’s face. She made a mental note to speak with Annabeth.

But that didn’t matter to Gabe...he'd find a way to blame me.

“Of all the things that happened, I don’t think bird poop was one of the issues.” Percy grinned.

“I don’t think so.” Grover agreed with a snicker.

Watching him lumber back towards...as if he'd been shot from a cannon. 

“What?” All the Gods looked at Percy in astonishment.

“What?” He asked in return, nonplussed.

“You must be very powerful to be able to do that. And he must truly be evil.” Hades said gravely.

“Well, I’ll agree he was pretty nasty.” Percy shrugged.

“You are very powerful.” Thalia argued. He didn’t look convinced.

“Mount St Helens.” Annabeth pointed out. Percy went red as all the demigods who knew it had erupted looked at Percy in renewed awe.

Maybe it was just the wind, or some freak accident with the hinges, but I didn't stay long enough to find out.

“It definitely wasn’t an accident.” Aphrodite said.

I got in the camaro and told my mom to step on it.

“Good idea.” Nico muttered.

Our rental cabin was on the south shore...and spiders in the cabinets, 

Annabeth shuddered violently.

and most of the time the sea...I loved the place.

Poseidon beamed.

“Of course you did.” Silena smiled.

We’d been going there since I was a baby...It was the place where she'd met my dad.

“Awww!” Aphrodite exclaimed. “She still loves you.” Poseidon shifted a little uncomfortably.

As we got closer to Montauk...Her eyes turned the colour of the sea.

Poseidon frowned. “I wonder if she has some distant naiad blood.” He murmured to himself.

“Why?” Percy asked.

“Because of her eyes changing colour. Mortals eyes can change colour a little but to change to the colour of the sea when she goes near it?  That is probably what drew me to her in the first place.” Poseidon explained.

We got there at sunset...free samples my mom had brought from work.

“More free sweets.” The Stolls groaned.

“What’s with all the blue food?” Jason asked curiously.

“It’ll probably explain.” Percy shrugged.

I guess I should explain the blue food...She did have a rebellious streak, like me.

“You don’t have a rebellious streak. You have an obedience streak.” Annabeth laughed. Percy grinned.

When it got dark, we made a fire...but I never got tired of hearing them.

“We never do.” Piper sighed, thinking of playing the question game with her dad.

“Can never hear them enough.” Connor agreed.

"He was kind, Percy,"...you know, and his green eyes."

“You do look extraordinarily like your father.” Hestia smiled.

“Yeah, they could almost be twins.” Apollo agreed.

“No other demigod is such a close replica of their immortal parent.” Chiron said. “Many inherit set traits, like Athena’s children are almost always blonde and Hermes’ children have similar facial features. But Percy seems to have inherited it all from his father.”

“How does that even work? Gods don’t have DNA so how do we inherit anything from them?” Will asked. Everyone shrugged at that.

Mom fished a blue jelly bean...He would be so proud."

“I certainly am.” Poseidon stated firmly. He may have only known his son for a few hours but he was definitely proud of him.

I wondered how she could say that...for the sixth time in six years.

“The sea never likes to be restrained.” Poseidon told him with a smile. “Besides, those things are strengths.”

“I know that now. Although dyslexia isn’t much of a strength. My brain might be hardwired for Greek but it is still difficult to read.” Percy grumbled.

"How old was I?" I asked. "I mean...when he left?"...Right here at this beach. This cabin."

“That makes no sense.” Annabeth frowned.

“Why not?” Percy asked, an edge in his voice. He did not want to think his mother lied to him about this.

“Because your birthday is in August. If you count summer as June to August, even September, it doesn’t add up. Normal pregnancy is around nine months so you should have been conceived in November or December.” Annabeth explained. Percy blushed as she camly discussed his conception.

“But Montauk is not a place you wanna be in the winter.” Percy frowned. “We only ever go in the summer.”

"But. . . he knew me as a baby."...A warm glow. A smile.

“I’m sure I did visit.” Poseidon told him. “Even if it was just once.” Zeus glared at him. 

“You can’t say anything. You went back to the same woman and had another child.” Hera glared at her husband.

“That was Jupiter.” He argued weakly. She continued to glare and he cringed.

I had always assumed...I felt angry at my father. Maybe it was stupid, 

“That's not stupid.” Chris assured him immediately.

“Yeah, we all feel that way.” Will agreed.

“You do?” Apollo looked at his son.

“Well yeah.” Will looked at his dad like he was crazy. 

but I resented him...now we were stuck with Smelly Gabe.

“I am sorry, Percy.” Poseidon sighed. “I would most likely have done something but…”

“The rules. Yeah.” Percy sighed in frustration.

"Are you going to send me away..."Because you don't want me around?" 

“Why would you think that?” Grover asked Percy. He shrugged and made no reply. Stupid books he cursed inwardly.

I regretted the words as soon as they were out...I thought Yancy Academy would be far enough away. 

“Far enough away from what?” Travis asked. “The monsters can smell you no matter where you are.”

I thought you’d finally be safe."

“We’re demigods. We’re never safe.” Beckendorf sighed. All the Gods fidgeted guiltily. They all knew the life of a demigod wasn’t easy but none of them had realised just how bad it was for their children.

"Safe from what?"...right in the middle of his head.

“So monsters found you even as a toddler? How did you survive to twelve?” Will asked in astonishment.

“I think he might have been sent by dad.” Percy guessed. 

Before that-a really early memory...managed to strangle to death with my meaty toddler hands.

“You strangled a snake. Just like Hercules.” Connor whispered in awe. Artemis scowled and Percy wrinkled his nose. He did not wish to be compared to him. Zeus looked affronted that Percy was not delighted by this comparison. Every demigod should want to achieve as much as his son had.

In every single school, something creepy had happened, something unsafe, and I was forced to move.

“So it wasn’t always your fault.” Grover pointed out. 

“Aww, we wanted to hear about more unplanned swims.” Hermes chuckled.

“Or exploding cannons.” Ares added. This story was boring him. Apart from one tiny bit it had had no action.

I knew I should tell my mom...end our trip to Montauk, and I didn’t want that.

“Percy.” Thalia, Annabeth and Nico all groaned.

“I know, I know. I should have told her. But we hadn’t been on the trip for a couple of years and I just wanted some time to relax.”

“Boys.” Artemis sighed.

"I’ve tried to keep you as close...about a summer camp? 

“Yeah that does seem a bit weird when you don’t know.” Chris nodded.

And if it was so important, why hadn't she ever mentioned it before?

“Because she knew you were the son of Poseidon and that you would probably have to stay at Camp year round.” Annabeth guessed.

“Still, she should have sent him to Camp rather than have Gabe in the house.” Nico said firmly. The rest of the demigods were torn. They all agreed that nothing was worth having that thing in the house but they couldn’t help wishing their mortal parents put so much effort into understanding them and wanting them around. Of course, it helped that Sally could see through the mist.

"Im sorry, Percy...might mean saying goodbye to you for good."

“Well, you don’t stay year round anyway.” Clarisse grunted.

“I do get attacked every year though.” Percy told her.

“Why don’t you stay at Camp year round?” Poseidon asked.

“You’ll find out.” Percy told him.

"For good?...goading goading animals to fight harder.

The Gods all turned to look at Hades.

“Hey, don’t automatically blame him.” Nico scowled.

I ran toward them...and I screamed, No!

“Ha!” Zeus crowed triumphantly. “Even your son knows I would win.” Thalia and Jason exchanged a look and rolled their eyes at their dad’s behaviour.

I woke with a start...But the ocean seemed to have forgotten. 

“Oh dear, how could you forget, Uncle P?” Apollo asked with a grin. Poseidon rolled his eyes.

Over the roar of the wind...he wasn't exactly Grover.

“What?” Connor asked.

“I’m guessing he has got rid of the disguise. Now he looks like a Satyr.” Annabeth said.

"Searching all night," he gasped. "What were you thinking?"

“That you were being really freaky.” Percy smirked.

“Man’s got a point.” Leo agreed. 

My mother looked at me in terror...Whay didn't you tell me?"

“Oh you know, everything important.” Piper muttered.

I was frozen,  looking at Grover..."O Zeu kai alloi theoi!" He yelled. 

“What does that mean?” Reyna asked with interest.

“By Zeus and all the Gods.” Annabeth told her. Reyna nodded her thanks.

"It's right behind me!...where his legs should be...

“There was nothing?” Travis suggested.

“He was made of sand?” Connor called out. Hermes grinned while everyone else rolled their eyes.

My mom looked at me sternly...There were cloven hooves.

“Aww, how boring.” Travis groaned.

“Definitely was not boring to me.” Percy told him with a grin.

“Fair enough.” Connor acknowledged. “Still, it would have been better for just his top half to be floating on air.”

“How would that be better?” Grover asked.

“It would be cooler.” Travis agreed with his brother. Grover bleated indignantly.

“That’s the end of the chapter.” Apollo announced.

“I’ll read.” Offered Hermes. Apollo gave him the book.

“How about we take a break after this chapter?” Leo suggested. The Gods looked around and saw all the demigods fidgeting a little. 

“We don’t like staying still and concentrating so much for long periods of time.” Will explained. “We need to at least stretch our legs. Plus it was late afternoon when we were brought here so I’m pretty tired.”

“Alright. One more chapter then we shall break to eat and for you to get some sleep.” Hestia smiled.

Chapter Text

Everyone glanced nervously at Percy. All the Greek demigods knew what this must be about but they had never heard the full story.

“Finally, there should be some action.” Clarisse said excitedly. Percy shot her a glare.

We tore through night along dark Country roads...but she kept her foot on the gas.

“Now that’s how you drive.” Ares said approvingly.

“That kind of driving is why you keep ending up in my infirmary.” Apollo reminded him. Ares shrugged, a pleased grin still on his face.

Every time there was a flash of lightning...if he was wearing some kind of shag-carpet pants. 

Everyone except Grover and Percy burst out laughing. The Stolls were practically rolling on the floor.

“Percy!” Grover complained.

“Sorry, G-Man, that’s what it looked like.” Percy told him with an unapologetic grin.

“Shag carpet pants wouldn’t explain the hooves.” Annabeth pointed out once she stopped giggling. 

But, no, the smell was one I remembered...the smell of wet barnyard animal.

More laughter.

“I mean, you are part goat. Goats are barnyard animals.” Percy defended himself against Grover’s glare. Somehow his best friend didn’t seem placated by that.

All I could think to say was, "So, you and my mom...know each other?"

“Oh, Perc, you’re killing us.” Travis spluttered through yet more laughter. Both Percy and Grover went red. It didn’t help that Percy could feel his dad shaking with laughter next to him. Although, he figured it was better than the freaking out that was about to happen.

Grover's eyes flitted to the rearview mirror...But she knew I was watching you."

“So your mom knew you had a stalker.” Connor smirked.

“I was not stalking him!” Grover protested.

“Oh sorry, constantly watching him.” Travis corrected. Grover just glared.

"Watching me?"..."I am your friend."

“I know man. You’re the best friend I could have asked for.” Percy assured the Satyr. He stopped glaring at the Stolls to throw Percy a grateful smile.

"Urm . . . what are you, exactly?"

“That’s rude.” Silena said reproachfully.

“Yeah but I had had a long, head spinning day.” Percy shrugged. “Grover wasn’t too offended.”

“Not by that part.” Grover muttered. Percy grinned.

"That doesn’t matter right now...my best friend is a donkey—"

All the Greek demigods winced.

“I don’t recommend saying that to a Satyr.” Dionysus said with a raised eyebrow.

“You’re lucky it’s Grover and not Gleeson.” Clarisse told Percy. Percy cringed at the idea of saying that to Gleeson Hedge’s face.

Grover let out a sharp, throaty...it was more of an irritated bleat.

There was some snickering.

"Goat!" He cried...from the waist down."

“You just said it didn’t matter.” Leo pointed out. Hermes sniggered.

"You just said it didn’t matter."

“See, Percy agrees with me.” Leo said. He and Percy exchanged air high fives.

“It matters very much to Satyrs.” Dionysus told him sternly. 

"Blaa-ha-ha. There are Satyrs who would trample you..."So you admit there was a Mrs. Dodds!"

“Not the time.” Annabeth rolled her eyes.

“Well, to be fair he spent ages thinking he was completely insane. I would want confirmation as well.” Piper pointed out fairly.

“Percy is insane.” Clarisse laughed.

"Of course."...like that should be perfectly obvious. 

“Yeah it really was not perfectly obvious. Given that you of all people knew that I had no idea what was going on.” Percy now glared at Grover. 

"We put Mist over the humans eyes...You started to realize who you are."

“Well he only really knew that something was wrong. He clearly has no clue about Gods or anything.” Jason frowned.

“It doesn’t matter. He was becoming more aware. Even just the awareness that true monsters do exist is enough.” Grover said.

"Who I- wait a minute...the Lord of the Dead and a few of his blood-thirstiest minions."

“Grover!” The whole room cried out.

“Sorry.” He cringed.

“Hades!” Poseidon was glaring at his brother.

"Grover!"...I could never dream up something this weird.

“So how do you explain pretty much all of your plans?” Annabeth asked.

“Insanity.” Percy shrugged with a grin.

My mom made a hard left...signs on your white picket fences.

“Almost there.” Poseidon muttered to himself.

"Where are we going?" I asked...Try to understand. You’re in danger."

“How is he supposed to understand when nobody tells him anything?” Leo asked. He remembered the attack at the Grand Canyon and being picked up by Annabeth. It felt like he was going mad and nobody would explain anything for ages.

“Exactly!” Percy cried out.

"Because some old ladies cut yarn."

“Yes!” Everyone cried.

"Those weren’t old ladies." Grover said...when you're about to...when someone's about to die."

“Grover!” Thalia groaned. “It’s like you want him to freak out.” Poseidon glared at the Satyr. He really wasn’t proving to be very helpful. In fact he seemed to be making the situation worse.

“Sorry.” Grover cringed again.

"Whoa. You said you."...I said someone."

“No, you said you and then changed it to someone.” Piper corrected.

“I didn’t want to point that out.” Grover pointed out.

"You meant you...Not you, you."

“What?” Leo looked completely confused.

"Boys!" my mom said.

“Thank goodness for Sally.” Thalia muttered. It was only the knowledge that everyone was alive so they must have got through this fine that was keeping her calm.

She pulled the wheel hard to the right...She'd really meant to kill me.

“Well duh!” Ares rolled his eyes.

Then I thought about Mr Brunner...and our car exploded.

Thalia glared at her dad furiously. He had been mad at Hades for sending monsters after her but was quite happy to kill Percy.

I remember feeling weightless...Lightning. 

“ZEUS!” Poseidon roared. The King of the Gods cowered in the face of his brother’s wrath. Given that they were all mortal, Poseidon was probably the strongest of the three brothers and was looking like he was about to punch Zeus’ face in.

“Lord Poseidon, I believe we should find out what happened.” Chiron put in before an actual fight could break out. Poseidon looked at him and then back at Zeus.

“We will speak of this later.” He assured his brother but took his seat once more, slinging an arm tightly around Percy.

That was the only explanation. We'd been blasted right off the road. 

Poseidon’s glare intensified.

Next to me in the backseat...you're my best friend and I don't want you to die!

“Thanks, Perc.” Grover smiled.

"It's true. You are." Percy told him.

Then he groaned "Food," and I knew there was hope.

Everybody laughed.

“It still works as a method for checking if you’re ok.” Percy grinned.

"Percy," my mother said...made it look like he had horns.

“You sent him?” Poseidon asked Hades in a deadly calm voice. 

“It would seem so.” Hades replied with a wince.

I swallowed hard...White House Christmas tree sized pine at the crest of the nearest hill.

“Hey look, I’m in the story.” Thalia mock cheered. The Gods and Roman Demigods all looked at her weirdly. 

“What?” Jason asked.

“It’ll come up.” She told him.

"That’s the property line...Don't stop until you reach the door."

“He won’t leave you.” Annabeth told the book.

“Fatal flaw?” Athena asked her daughter. She nodded.

"Mom, you’re coming too."

“She can’t.” Chiron said sadly.

Her face was pale...And the points that looked like horns...

“You are pretty slow.” Clarisse rolled her eyes. Percy, Poseidon, Thalia and Nico all glared at her.

"He doesn’t want us," my mother told me. He wants you. Besides, I can't cross the property line."

“Still, if he can’t get Percy, he might well attack you two anyway.” Clarisse pointed out.

“She wanted Percy to be safe. If she told him that there was no way he’d leave.” Annabeth told her.

“It’s Percy, she should have known he wasn’t going regardless.” Thalia said.

"But. . . "...I got mad then-

“Ut oh! Duck and cover!” All the Greeks demigods called out.

“Why?” Ares asked.

“Percy is terrifying when he is mad.” Grover said.

“I’m not that bad.” Percy protested. However all the gods were looking at the similarity between the sea god and his son. They could well believe the boy was capable of being terrifying. To mortals anyway.

—mad at my mother...Help me with Grover."

“Thanks, Perc.” Grover sighed. He felt even more useless than his first failure. Although even if he had been conscious, he hadn’t been much use to Thalia.

I didn’t wait for her answer...my mom hadn't come to my aid.

“Yeah, even if he’s light, it’s hard to carry deadweight.” Will nodded.

Together, we draped Grover's arms over our shoulders...bright white Fruit of the Looms

There was some tense laughter.

“Did you get him out of bed to chase Percy?” Nico asked his father in exasperation. Hades shrugged, not knowing. It was news to him that the beast wore underwear at all.

which would’ve look funny...horns with points you just couldn't get from an electric sharpener.

There was some more laughter.

“I love your descriptions.” Hermes sniggered.

I recognized the monster, all right..."Pasiphae's son." my mother said.

“Oh she’s very clever.” Athena nodded in approval.

 "I wish I’d known how badly they want to kill you."

Poseidon renewed his glare towards Hades and Zeus.

"But hes the Min—"..."Names have power."

“Yeah, something Percy has never really understood.” Annabeth rolled her eyes.

“He still goes around throwing names everywhere.” Grover added. Poseidon glanced at his son worriedly.

The pine tree was still way too far-...I wasn't sure why he bothered, since we were only about fifty feet away.

“I know now.” Percy said quickly, forestalling any comments.

"Food?" Grover moaned...But he'll figure out where we are soon enough."

“She studied up for this then.” Thalia said. Percy nodded. 

“She told me afterwards, she’d always found the myths interesting but when I was born she made sure to read up on them all properly.”

As if on cue, the bull-man...Not a scratch, I remembered Gabe saying.

“Oops.” Leo said.

Oops.

There was some scattered laughter.

“It was Zeus’ fault mostly.” Percy shrugged.

"Percy," my mom said...I was selfish, keeping you near me."

There was some nodding at this when Percy wasn’t looking. Yet the demigods still wished their mortal parents wanted them around that much.

"Keeping me near you?...He reeked like rotten meat.

“Urgh. Eww.” Aphrodite and Silena wrinkled their noses.

He lowered his head and charged...at the last moment, I jumped to the side.

There were some quiet cheers from the demigods.

Poseidon exhaled in momentary relief. 

The bull-man stormed past...trying to lead the monster away from Grover.

Grover winced. Percy gave him a smile.

“It wasn’t your fault the car got hit. Zeus was after me.” He whispered. Grover nodded but still looked unhappy.

"Run, Percy!"...He lifted her as she struggled, kicking and pummeling the air.

“Oh gods.” Piper whispered. She couldn’t imagine how they got out of this but clearly they had as some of the others had met Percy’s mother.

Percy grimaced, closing his eyes as he remembered the horror of thinking he had lost his mom forever.

"Mom!"...A blinding flash, and she was simply . . . gone.

“What?” Everyone except Chiron, Annabeth, Grover and Percy yelled out.

"How can she be gone?" Thalia yelped. "We met her. She drove us to..." She trailed off.

"It'll explain." Annabeth told her friend quietly.

Poseidon turned to Hades and glared. Then he nodded his head in a small gesture of thanks. He knew his brother had taken her which angered him but she wasn’t dead so that was something. 

"No!”...couldn’t allow that.

“Thanks.” Grover said.

“Can’t have my barnyard friend being killed.” Percy smirked. Grover’s smile turned to a glare.

I stripped off my red rain jacket..."Hey, stupid! Ground beef!"

“Those are terrible insults.” Clarisse told Percy.

“I didn’t really have much time to think about it.” He shrugged.

"Raaaarrrrr!" The monster turned towards me...But it didn't happen like that.

“It never does.” Annabeth sighed.

“With your luck it’ll work out better though.” Thalia added.

The bull-man charged too fast...turning in midair, and landing on his neck.

“Woah!” Everyone gaped at Percy. Even Clarisse and Ares looked impressed.

“How did you manage that?” Clarisse asked.

“No idea. I mean, it was raining, maybe that helped.”

“Your father’s element is the sea not the rain.” Apollo frowned.

“Yeah but any type of water gives me a power boost.” Percy shrugged. All the Gods exchanged glances. He was definitely one powerful demigod. Zeus wasn’t happy. Someone that powerful could easily destroy Olympus, especially if he was the one of the prophecy.

How did I do that?...the impact nearly knocked my teeth out.

Thalia winced.

“Did you actually feel that?” Percy asked in a whisper.

“Not that I remember.” She replied.

The bull-man staggered around...I put both hands around one horn and I pulled with all my might. 

“That won’t work.” Ares scoffed. “Not even my kids could do that.” Percy smirked as Clarisse put her face in her hands. Given his spoil of war, she knew it had worked.

The monster tensed, gave a surprised grunt, then—snap!

“How strong are you?” Leo asked, staring at the wiry frame of the other demigod.

“Stronger with water. I doubt I’d be able to do that without any.” Percy told him. All the Greek demigods looked sceptical about that.

The bull-man screamed and flung me through the air...the same way Mrs Dodds had burst apart.

“You killed a Fury and the Minotaur without any training.” Hermes looked at the young demigod in awe. He was liking this kid more and more. Percy blushed.

Leo definitely knew why this guy had such a reputation at Camp. He hoped they found him soon.

“I got lucky.” He tried to wave it off.

“Yeah you got some luck but not many demigods could defeat the Minotaur without even a weapon.” Thalia told him.

The monster was gone...but there was Grover, needing my help, 

“You are very loyal.” Artemis told him with a frown as if she could not quite believe she said that to a boy.

so I managed to haul him up...a pretty girl, her blonde hair curled like a princess’. 

Annabeth blushed as everyone looked at her.

They both looked down at me..."Silence, Annabeth," 

“Ooooh, he’s ‘the one’ is he?” Connor asked Annabeth who had gone even redder. Nico scowled and folded his arms.

“And Percy thinks she looks like a princess.” Travis added with a smirk. Now Rachel joined Nico in scowling. Percy avoided looking at Annabeth as Aphrodite cooed about how wonderful they would be together.

the man said. "He's still conscious. Bring him inside."

“That’s the end of the chapter.” Hermes announced.

“Break time.” Leo called, jumping away from his work station and stretching.

“Follow me to the dining hall.” Hermes called, standing up himself. All the demigods followed him with most of the Gods following closely behind. Percy sat down with Thalia, Nico, Poseidon and Grover as none of them would leave his side. Rachel awkwardly sat on the end of the table next to Grover. Hades seemed to think about joining them to sit with Nico but caught Poseidon’s expression and sat with Hazel and Frank instead. The three of them sat with the rest of the Romans, except Jason, and Dionysus. Annabeth looked like she wanted to sit with Percy but he was already surrounded so she sat with her mother, Piper, Leo, Jason, Beckendorf, Silena, Aphrodite and Hephaestus. Will, the Stolls, Chris, Clarisse, Hermes, Apollo and Ares sat at another table. Zeus, Hera, Demeter and Artemis didn’t stay, instead choosing to stay in the throne room. Chiron stood at the entrance to the dining hall to keep an eye on everything with Hestia.

Percy was afraid they would keep pressing him to talk about Gabe but Poseidon wanted to hear about his powers and his time at Camp Half Blood. The bits Percy could tell him anyway. Thalia and Nico chipped in with some of their own powers and experiences as the children of the Big Three. Grover tried not to say much. He had sensed the God of the Sea was angry with him and he didn’t blame him. Percy may have forgiven him but he knew he made mistakes, some of which could have gotten Percy killed.

Over at the Hermes, Apollo and Ares table the Hermes kids were eagerly telling their dad about various pranks that they had played. The God was delighted to have such an enthusiastic reaction from his kids and happily cheered their every prank, while giving pointers on how they could have been better. Apollo and Will were happily discussing various medicines and healing techniques. Will was in his element when his dad agreed to give him some lessons during other breaks. Ares and Clarisse awkwardly looked at each other, with Chris squeezing her hand in support under the table. The War God wasn’t quite sure what to do with a female demigod child of his but eventually they settled on talking about weapons, specifically the electric spear he had given her in the future.

As they were about to leave, Percy pulled Nico aside to speak with him privately. Poseidon showed them to a room they could use but indicated he wished to speak with Percy afterwards which made the boy cringe inwardly.

“Are you ok? I mean, you’ve been acting strangely since we got here.” Percy asked the younger boy. Nico was trying not to blush. He really did not want to be alone with Percy, lest he blurt out something he shouldn’t.

“I’m fine.”

“I could have sworn you hated me before we got here.”

“I never hated you.” Nico protested. Percy raised an eyebrow and he grimaced. Yeah, his actions said rather differently. “I owe you an apology. I blamed you for Bianca’s death when really it was her I was mad at. I was angry she chose the Hunters over me, and that she went on the quest at all.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t protect her better.” Percy sighed.

“I shouldn’t have made you make that promise. I just...when you rescued us I got put under the impression you were super powerful and could do anything.” Nico admitted, a blush now visible on his cheeks. “I thought you were invincible and I now know you’re only human.” Nico frowned. “Kind of anyway. You know what I mean. You are powerful but not even you can save every single person.” Percy nodded though Nico could tell he was still unconvinced. 

“Well, I probably deserve your hatred but I’m glad you don’t hate me now.” He admitted. Nico felt his cheeks darkening further and thought desperately for a way out before he gave too much away.

“Me too. Anyway, your Dad wanted you.” Nico said quickly. He saw Percy cringe. Still the older boy nodded and Nico almost sprinted out of the room, almost crashing straight into Poseidon. The God deftly moved out of the way with incredible reflexes considering he was currently mortal. “Sorry.” Nico mumbled before dashing off to find his own father.

Percy had to bite back a groan as his dad came into the room. He gave Percy a small smile and gestured for him to take a seat on the couch he hadn’t even noticed was there. He sat and his dad sat right next to him.

“Percy, I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you growing up. Many of us Gods resent the rules about not interfering in our children’s lives.”

“Do you think Zeus will change his mind after this?” Percy asked, quite eager to stay on this topic. Poseidon shrugged in an oddly human gesture.

“The note at the beginning did say that some rules don’t help so maybe your adventures will prove that it won’t destroy the order of things if we interfere a little.”

“It’s not even interference we want so much as to at least meet our parents. I mean, I’m lucky and you’re a pretty awesome dad but Chris, he’s never met his dad once until now and he’s seventeen. There are a lot of kids at Camp in a similar situation and this whole thing that the books are about was caused because kids felt abandoned by their parents. I understand you can’t always be there or do quests for us but a quick visit to say hi, even once a year, surely can’t be too much to ask.” Percy said. Poseidon smiled.

“It shouldn’t be. I am glad you consider me a good father but I’m not sure I can think the same given the situation I have left you in, in the future. I should have seen and stepped in.” Well that diversion didn’t last long. 

“It’s fine dad. I was angry with you for a long time but I forgave you ages ago.” Percy shrugged.

“It is not fine.” Poseidon told him firmly. “Now, you didn’t actually answer earlier. Did Gabe hit you?” Percy sighed but his dad gave him a stern look.

“Yeah.” 

“Often?”

“Only a couple of times. Nothing too bad, I mean I still had school to go to.” That seemed to be the wrong thing to say. The Sea God may not have had his powers but there was definitely a storm brewing in his eyes. “But it gets sorted. He’s gone at the end of this book.” Percy assured him. Poseidon nodded, still angry. Then he pulled his son into a tight hug. He wanted to keep pushing but didn’t want to upset his son for his own curiosity. Instead he stood up and showed him down a few corridors before stopping at a door that looked just like the one on Cabin 3. Poseidon gave him a smile and opened it. Percy was hit with the smell of the sea. Inside was a large living area that looked like it belonged in an undersea palace. All the furniture was made from coral . The floor was carpeted the colour of sand while the walls were all bluish green with swirling patterns that actually moved like waves. Occasionally a fish or a shark would swim across a section of the wall. 

“This is incredible.” He said in awe.

“This is my quarters for the odd occasion I stay on Olympus. There is a guest room for you to stay in.” Poseidon told him. “If you want to.” He added hurriedly. “Or I can take you back to your friends to share a room with them.”

“Na, I’m used to having my own room at Camp.” Percy grinned. Tyson didn’t stay often or for very long. Poseidon smiled happily and showed Percy to a room on the left which looked very like his cabin at Camp except there was only one bed, which was huge. It even had the water fountain at the other end. 

“I shall see you in the morning. There will be clean clothes in the cupboards.” Poseidon told him, gesturing to a wardrobe on the left hand side of the room. Percy nodded. He hugged his dad once more before the God left and he sunk onto the heavenly soft bed. He was out like a light.

Chapter Text

The next morning the demigods trickled into the dining room in ones and twos. The Hermes kids had all stayed together in their dad’s quarters and Will had done the same in Apollo’s. Clarisse had shared with Thalia and Rachel. Neither demigod wanted to stay with their parents and Rachel had no Godly parent. Grover had taken the guest room next to them. The Romans had all bunked together too while Piper had reluctantly agreed to stay with Aphrodite and Silena. Jason had chosen to stay with the Romans as he agreed with Thalia about not staying with their dad. Not that Zeus had actually offered anyway. They both suspected Hera had forbidden it. Annabeth, Nico, Leo and Beckendorf had all stayed with their parents. 

Eventually everyone had eaten and were at least mostly awake so they trudged back to the throne room. The God’s thrones were gone much to their horror. In their places were even more, very comfy, looking couches. They sat in the same arrangement as the day before except now the Gods all had to sit with their kids. Hermes was quite pleased with this, sitting himself between the Stolls and slinging an arm around each of them. Apollo then sat between Chris and Will in the same position. Athena and Ares sat at opposite ends of the same couch as the couch with Annabeth and Clarisse on was full. Poseidon sat himself on the end of a couch with Percy beside him. Thalia was on Percy’s other side with Grover next to her. Nico next to the Satyr with Hades on his other side. Poseidon and Hades had spoken the previous night and come to an agreement. They could not change their actions in the books but would not attack each other’s children when they were born in their timeline. Not that Poseidon had actually done any attacking. Rachel took a seat to herself. Zeus and Hera sat together with Hestia and Demeter. Dionysus sat next to Dakota with Gwen on Dakota’s other side. Aphrodite sat with Silena as Piper was on a full couch already. Chiron preferred to stand.

“Who shall read?” Zeus asked in a moody voice.

“I will.” Connor offered. He took the book and opened it to the correct page.

I play Pinochle with a Horse.

Chiron glared at Percy who went a little red.

"At least it's not just me." Grover muttered.

I had weird dreams full of barnyard animals. Most of them wanted to kill me. The rest wanted food.

“That’s almost normal for me now.” Percy said with a grin.

“Of course it is. Although I don’t blame you for thinking about barnyard animals wanting food given how much Grover mumbled about it.” Thalia laughed. 

I must’ve woken up several times...she scraped drips off my chin with the spoon.

“You’re feeding him?” Athena turned to look at her daughter in horror. “That is a job for Apollo’s cabin.”

“It’s because he’s ‘the One’.” Travis sniggered. He stopped quickly as Athena and Poseidon both glared at him. Nico sighed and folded his arms against his chest. He really didn’t want to hear about Percy and Annabeth flirting and dancing around their blatant feelings for each other. He’d heard plenty of stories from other campers while they had been on the quest to save Artemis.

When she saw my eyes open, she asked, "What will happen at the summer solstice?"

“Why would you think Prissy knew anything?” Clarisse asked. Annabeth shrugged.

“I didn’t realise he didn’t even know who he was yet.”

I managed to croak...We've only got a few weeks!"

“Something was stolen?” Hermes asked brightly.

“Whatever it is is probably the reason that Father and Poseidon are fighting. That’s not good.” Athena snapped at him.

"I’m sorry," I mumbled...filled my mouth with pudding.

There was a round of laughter.

The next time I woke up...on his cheeks, his forehead, the backs of his hands.

“Argus.” Hera smiled fondly. Zeus scowled.

When I finally came around for good...my mouth felt like a scorpion had been using it for a nest. 

“How do you know what that’s like?” Poseidon asked his son anxiously.

“I don’t.” Percy shrugged. He wondered about the description given what Luke had tried to kill him with when he got back to Camp.

My tongue was dry and nasty...a paper parasol stuck through a maraschino cherry.

“It’s very strange expecting apple juice and getting a warm drink.” Percy said. Piper nodded in agreement straight away.

My hand was so weak I almost dropped the glass...Just plain old Grover, not the goat boy.

There was some sniggering.

“Thanks for that, Grover. Not sure I could have dealt with waking up to you being a Satyr.” 

“Anytime, Perc.” His best friend smiled at him.

So maybe I’d had a nightmare...Reverently, he placed the shoebox in my lap.

“Spoil of war?” Jason asked. Grover and Percy both nodded.

Inside was a black-and-white bulls horn...The Minotaur. Half man, half bull."

“Telling him it’s not a good idea only encourages him.” Annabeth laughed.

Grover shifted uncomfortably...He looked down.

All the demigods sent Percy sympathetic smiles.

I stared across the meadow...huge pine tree on top. Even that looked beautiful in the sunlight.

“Even that?” Thalia asked indignantly. Percy gave her a small smile.

“Yeah. Even that monstrosity.” She elbowed him in the side.

My mother was gone. The whole world should be black and cold. Nothing should look beautiful.

“Yeah, alright.” Thalia allowed. “I don’t blame you for that.”

"Im sorry,” Grover sniffled. "I'm a failure. I'm- I'm the worst Satyr in the world."

“No you’re not!” Percy, Thalia and Annabeth all shouted.

"It's not your fault the Gods like trying to kill us." Percy told him. 

He moaned, stomping his foot...except for a hoof-shaped hole.

“Well, he was going to find out at some point.” Connor laughed. Grover sighed.

“At least I had time to wake up a little.” Percy grinned at his friend.

"Oh, Styx!"...if I shaved his curly brown hair I'd find tiny horns on his head. 

Grover made a muffled sound of protest as his hands flew to his hair. The Stolls exchanged mischievous grins.

“No shaving Satyrs.” Chiron told the brothers in an exasperated tone.

“Awww.” They both complained.

But I was too miserable to care...dissolved into yellow light.

“That’s not what dying would look like.” Hazel frowned, muttering to herself. She glanced over at the Greek version of her father. 

"How would you..?" Frank began to ask before trailing off at her warning glare.

I was alone. An orphan. I would have to live with . . . Smelly Gabe? 

There were growls echoing around the room.

"Definitely not." Thalia scowled.

"He might not even let you live with him." Beckendorf muttered thoughtfully. Percy's eyes went wide. He hadn't even thought of that. Thankfully his mom was fine.

No. That would never happen...join the army. 

Everyone who had been at Camp when Percy arrived suddenly had huge coughing fits. Even Thalia who had met him a year after that was having trouble hiding her amusement.

“What?” Percy asked indignantly.

“You thought you could pass for seventeen?” Clarisse asked him in amusement. “Back then you could barely pass for the age you were let alone five years older.”

“I wasn’t that short.” Percy protested.

“Annabeth was taller than you.” Grover pointed out.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Annabeth’s expression had gone from fond amusement to indignation. 

“N...nothing.” Grover told her unconvincingly. “Please keep reading.” He begged Connor. The son of Hermes seemed to consider this, clearly enjoying himself but finally kept going.

I’d do something...I said, "It wasn't your fault."  

“Exactly.” Percy agreed with his past self.

"Yes, it was. I was supposed to protect you...I recoiled at the taste, 

“What? Why?” Apollo frowned.

“Because I didn’t know about nectar and it looked like apple juice.” Percy explained. The Sun God nodded and relaxed again.

because I was expecting apple juice...with the chips still melting. 

“They sound amazing.” Connor and Travis said together.

“They are.” Nico nodded.

“You’ve had some?” Annabeth frowned. Nico suddenly found the floor very interesting.

“Yeah, Nico came to talk to me about something a few weeks ago and my mom decided he needed feeding up.” Percy smirked. Hades smiled inwardly. At least someone was willing to help his son. He knew his kids usually got a bad rep and some certainly had deserved it but that didn’t mean all his children were evil. It upset him that he didn’t have a cabin at Camp. While he didn’t mind not having a throne on Olympus anymore, well, not as much anyway, it wasn’t fair on his children.

Drinking it, my whole body felt warm and good...told me everything was going to be okay.

Ares snorted slightly but said nothing out loud.

Before I knew it, I'd drained the glass. 

“Be careful.” Apollo winced.

“I know that now.” Percy rolled his eyes. “Besides, Grover was right there.”

I stared into it..."I should've let you taste."

Artemis studied the young demigod. He was certainly different from most boys. She still did not like her future Lieutenant sitting so close to a boy but she supposed it could be worse. There was clearly nothing romantic between them.

His eyes got wide..."Like I could throw Nancy Bobotfit a hundred yards."

“I’m not sure any amount of nectar could make you able to do that.” Clarisse sneered. Percy smirked at her, knowing she didn’t mean it these days. They had come to a sort of truce recently.

"That’s good," He said..."Come on. Chiron and Mr D are waiting."

“That got SO annoying!” Percy exclaimed. “Like, every single time I asked a question, it would be ignored.”

The porch wrapped all the way...I'd paid for that souvenir the hard way. I wasn't going to let it go.

“Good. Spoils of war are important.” Reyna nodded.

"I'd rather have had my mom." Percy shrugged.

As we came around the opposite end of the house...unless I was hallucinating, some of the horses had wings.

All the Greeks had dreamy looks on their faces, thinking about their Camp.

“You have Pegasi?” Reyna asked in awe. 

“Yes.” Silena nodded with another dreamy smile. “They’re lovely.” The Romans all looked jealous at this pronouncement.

“I do love Blackjack.” Percy grinned.

Down at the end of the porch...He looked like a cherub who'd turned middle-aged in a trailer park. 

All the gods except Dionysus were trying desperately to hide their laughter. Apollo and Hermes failed completely. Dionysus and Dakota were glaring at Percy.

“You should show some respect, boy.” The wine god said sternly.

“I didn’t say it out loud. It was just my thoughts and I can’t control those.” Percy scowled back. The wine god did not look impressed with this argument. Other people started looking around at each other wondering how they would be described in Percy’s head. So far his descriptions had not been favourable, even to Grover who was his best friend. Of course, Annabeth got a nice one.

He wore a tiger-pattern Hawaiian shirt...this guy could've outgambled even my stepfather.

“Of course.” Dionysus stated firmly.

"Thats Mr. D," Grover murmured to me. "He's the camp director. Be polite.

“Yeah, Percy doesn’t do polite at the best of times, let alone when he’s confused and grieving.” Annabeth pointed out.

The girl, that’s Annabeth Chase. She’s just a camper, 

“Just a camper?” Annabeth looked at Grover.

“Compared to Mr D who is a God and Chiron who is an immortal teacher.” Grover shrugged. Annabeth conceded he had a point.

but she’s been here longer than just about anybody...made all the multiple choice answers B.

There was some good natured groaning from the Greek demigods. The Hermes kids looked quite impressed and a bit sad they didn’t get Chiron as a teacher in the mortal world.

"Ah, good, Percy," He said...Now, don't expect me to be glad to see you."

“Dionysus.” Poseidon frowned. 

“What? I don’t want to be there.” Dionysus shrugged. “Nor am I pleased to see more children that I’m supposed to look after.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure Mr D’s punishment is actually a punishment for us kids.” Percy muttered. All of the Greek campers nodded.

"Uh, thanks."...If Mr D was a stranger to alcohol, I was a satyr.

Thalia, Annabeth, Grover and Poseidon looked at Percy wondering if he had actually been afraid of Dionysus because of his experience with the drunken mortal.

"Annabeth?" Mr. Brunner...and a whole lot more athletic looking. 

“You bet.” Annabeth laughed. “Though I’m probably not anymore.” 

"It's close." Percy acknowledged. 

With her deep tan and her curly blonde hair...except her eyes ruined the image.

“Why?” She glared at him.

They were startling gray...analyzing the best way to take me down in a fight.

“Oh ok.” She decided that was acceptable. It was also true.

“I bet she was.” Thalia laughed. Annabeth nodded.

She glanced at the Minotaur horn...or 'Wow,  you're so awesome!' or something like that.

Everyone who knew Annabeth began laughing. Hard.

Percy went slightly red.

Instead she said, "You drool when you sleep."

Now everyone else joined in the laughter.

Then she sprinted off down the lawn..."Not Mr. Brunner," The ex—Mr. Brunner said. 

“Ex-Mr Brunner?” Leo snickered.

"Grover already said his name is Chiron." Clarisse rolled her eyes.

"I’m afraid that was a pseudonym...You don't just go around using them for no reason."

“Well, given the welcome you gave him, I’m not surprised he wants to know who you are.” Piper said with a frown.

"Oh. Right. Sorry."...I'd hate to think I've wasted my time."

“It definitely was not a waste.” Chiron smiled at Percy.

“When was the last time you made a house call?” Percy asked a little tentatively. He wasn’t sure he was that special. Even Thalia had not received a house call. Though he guessed it probably had something to do with the Lightning Bolt situation.

“Over a century ago.” Chiron told him with a smile. Percy’s eyes went wide.

"House call?"...keeping a lookout. 

“So all fauns, I mean satyrs, are useful?” Reyna asked. She had been under the impression it was just this particular one. The idea of all fauns being protectors was very strange.

“Of course we are.” Grover said indignantly. “What do your fauns do?”

“Wander around and beg mostly.” Hazel said quietly.

“Beg?” Grover looked horrified. The Romans all nodded their heads.

But Grover alerted me as soon as he met you..."You came to Yancy just to teach me?" I asked.

“There’s the beginning of his big head.” Annabeth sighed.

“Percy doesn’t have a big head.” Thalia frowned at her. “He’s the most modest male I’ve ever met. He has the odd moment, don’t we all, but mostly he underestimates himself.” Artemis was intrigued by her future Lieutenant’s statement.

Chiron nodded...you made it here alive, and that's always the first test."

Thalia winced and Grover looked down.

"Grover," Mr. D said impatiently...pudgy little man in a tiger-print Hawaiian shirt.

Some more sniggering from the other gods.

“There is nothing wrong with Hawaiian shirts.” Poseidon said, looking at his son.

“Sure, dad.” Percy agreed, trying to keep the sarcasm out of his voice.

"You do know how to play Pinochle?"...I was liking the camp director less and less.

Dionysus glared at him some more but Poseidon glared right back. 

“The feeling is mutual, Perry.” The wine god muttered.

"Well," he told me...Grover flinched every time on his pile.

“Are you ok?” Rachel asked the satyr a little concerned. 

“Yeah. Well, I am now. I’m sure it will explain.” Grover told her.

Chiron smiled at me sympathetically..."Did your mother tell you nothing?

“Nope. Not even a little bit.” Percy sighed.

“Yes, we know that now. I didn’t realise you had absolutely no idea at all.” Chiron replied looking grim.

“You taught him for a year. Surely you should have realised how little he knew.” Rachel pointed out. Chiron didn’t reply.

"She said . . . " I remembered her sad eyes.."That's how they usually get killed. 

“Harsh but he’s not wrong.” Chris muttered to himself.

Young man, are you bidding or not?"...our usual orientation film won’t be sufficient."

“You didn’t show him the orientation film?” Annabeth exclaimed in exasperation. “That explains so much. I assumed he had seen it.”

“Is that why you expected me to know more?” Percy asked. She nodded.

“Surely an orientation film is best used for children who have no idea who they are?” Demeter asked curiously.

“It’s not the best film.” Chiron said cautiously.

"Orientation film?...I waited for somebody to yell, Not! 

“You did see the Minotaur. It shouldn’t be too much of a stretch.” Rachel pointed out.

“I still hadn’t really processed that.” Percy told her. “I got a bit caught up on the fact my mom was gone.”

“Fair enough.” She nodded.

But all I got was Mr D...the immortal gods of Olympus. That's a smaller matter."

“Smaller?” Zeus thundered furiously. Chiron decided to say nothing.

"Smaller?"..."Hera, Apollo. You mean them."

“Ha! He said me.” Apollo cheered to Hermes.

“Yeah, well, he also mentioned Hera and he definitely doesn’t like her so it doesn’t mean anything.” Hermes whispered back. Chris and Travis, who were sitting between the two gods, both frowned in confusion.

And there it was again...They're what people believed before there was science."

“Oooh.” All the older Greek demigods winced. They had all learnt not to say that to Mr D.

“Yeah, I know. Bad move.” Percy held his hands up.

"Science!" Mr. D scoffed...Existing, just as you are, for all time?"

“That would be cool.” Leo said.

“Not really.” Percy frowned. “Staying alive forever while all your loved ones pass on.”

I was about to answer...to explain how little bots can get over losing their mothers?"

“That was harsh, Chiron.” Thalia said reproachfully.  The Centaur nodded.

"Sorry, Percy. That was unnecessary."

My heart pounded..."Before one of them incinerates you."

“I would like to see you try it.” Poseidon scowled. Dionysus shrunk down a little in his seat.

“I will be most upset if you incinerate the children you are supposed to be watching over.” Zeus told his son sternly.

Grover said, "P- please, sir."...working with boys who don't even believe."

“Stop chasing after off limit Nymphs then.” Hermes told his half brother, though he completely understood why Dionysus had done it. The nymph in question was very pretty.

“Why exactly was the nymph declared off limits?” Hera asked her husband. Zeus didn’t reply but gestured for Connor to keep reading.

He waved his hand...The goblet filled itself with red wine.

“Dionysus.” Zeus said warningly. 

“It’s not bad enough you make me look after all the brats that you lot ignore, you also won’t let me have my own invention and domain. It’s not fair.” Dionysus complained. “You wouldn’t ban Uncle Poseidon from the sea.”

“He does have a point, brother.” Hestia said softly. Zeus’s frown deepened but he said nothing.

My jaw dropped, but Chiron hardly looked up...More thunder.

“Old habits?” Zeus questioned.

“I was able to summon wine whenever I wanted for millennia. It’ll take a while to forget that habit.” Dionysus pointed out. Zeus considered this and nodded slightly. While he suspected his son had done it completely deliberately, he did have a valid argument.

Mr. D waved his hand again...and went back to his card game.

“That’s different. Bacchus drinks Diet Pepsi.” Dakota said absently.

“Diet Pepsi?” The Stolls gasped. “I can’t imagine Mr D ever even touching the stuff.”

Chiron winked at me..."Father loves to punish me. 

“I do not.” Zeus protested. All the other Gods stared at him incredulously.

“Yes you do.” Apollo said firmly.

"The only ones of us you don't like punishing are Artemis and Athena." Hermes stated.

The first time, prohibition...Be a better influence he told me. 

“Yeah, a better influence is not something you could ever accuse Mr D of being.” Clarisse muttered to herself. Those near her all nodded their agreement.

Work with youths rather than them down. 

“So you consider threatening to incinerate them as working with them?” Poseidon asked. Dionysus shrugged.

Ha. Absolutely unfair...like a pouting little kid.

Percy considered that all the gods sounded like children relatively frequently. He wondered if it was a side effect of being so old. But then Chiron never acted like a six year old so maybe it was just a godly thing.

"And . . . " I stammered...Did you think I was Aphrodite, perhaps?"

“You wish.” Aphrodite sniffed disdainfully.

"You’re a god."..."A god. You."

“Looks can be deceptive, son.” Poseidon warned Percy. His son nodded.

“Yeah, I definitely learnt that lesson.” The Sea God decided he didn’t want to know exactly how he learnt that lesson.

He turned to look at me...wearing a strait-jacket in a rubber room for the rest of my life.

“He wouldn’t dare.” Poseidon said firmly. 

"Would you like to test me..."No. No, sir. "

“Wow, that’s twice in this book that Percy has done the safe thing.” Thalia laughed.

“I used up all the safe options back then.” Percy grinned.

“That explains so much.” Nico snickered.

The fire died a little. He turned back to his card game. "I believe I win."

“No way!” Travis exclaimed.

“I’m perfectly capable of winning.” Dionysus said, affronted.

“Except against Chiron.” Connor muttered.

"Not quite, Mr D," Chrion said. He set down a straight, tallied the points and said, "The game goes to me."

“There we go.” Beckendorf chuckled to himself.

Dionysus grumbled unhappily.

I thought Mr. D was going to vaporise...used to being beaten by the Latin teacher. 

“He is.” Will laughed.

“I don’t believe he has ever won.” Clarisse said.

“No, he has not.” Chiron told them with a slight smile. Dionysus glared at the Centaur.

He got up, and Grover rose too...less-than- perfect performance on this assignment."

Poseidon nodded to himself at that. He was coming to like the Satyr a little bit but was still concerned about his ability to protect Percy.

Grovers face beaded with sweat...He just hates his job. 

“Well he should be punished in a way that doesn’t make all of your children miserable.” Percy muttered. 

He’s been . . . ah, grounded..."And then they died."

“Really, Perc?” Nico asked with a laugh.

“I know you’ve had a lot of shocks recently but you literally just met a God.” Thalia rolled her eyes. Percy shrugged with a sheepish grin.

"Died? No. Did the West die?...amd I simply adore chocolate."

“Understatement.” Said all the Greek demigods.

And then he did rise from his wheelchair...I thought he was wearing very long, white velvet underwear, 

There was some snickering as Chiron blushed and glared at Percy though there was no heat behind it.

but as he kept rising...Let's meet the other campers."

“The chapter is over.” Connor said.

“I’ll read next.” Hermes offered, taking the book from his son.

Chapter Text

There was a lot of sniggering at this. However Clarisse suddenly groaned and then glared at Percy who smirked back at her.

Once I got...trusted his front.

Everybody roared with laughter except Chiron who had gone a little red and glared at Percy. Said Demigod gave his teacher a sheepish grin.

We passed the...flip or something.

“You should have. That would have been awesome.” Connor told Percy.

“We were staring because it’s not often we get a new person who defeated the Minotaur.” Chris explained.

I looked back...being watched.

“Woah, it moved back then?” Thalia asked in amazement.

“Seems like it.” Annabeth frowned.

“That’s twice it moved with Percy around.” Grover said.

"Whats up there?"...living thing."

Apollo sighed sadly and looked down. He still wondered why his Oracle refused to change bodies. Hades scowled. He still despised that stupid Oracle.

“True but not the whole truth.” Hermes nodded appreciatively at Chiron.

I got the...that curtain.

“You definitely notice far more than you let on.” Annabeth told Percy who just shrugged.

"Come along, Percy,"...grew strawberries instead.

“Can’t even grow grapes.” Dionysus grumbled.

“Oh alright. I lift your restrictions on wine and grapes.” Zeus threw up his hands in exasperation as Hestia frowned at him once more in reproach. The Wine God’s face lit up and he immediately tried to conjure himself some wine. Nothing happened and he remembered he was mortal. His face fell once more. Then a goblet of wine appeared in his hands and he looked around in surprise. 

“Thank you, Father.” He said, gratefully.

I watched the...magic with music. 

“Not back then.” Percy stated. Grover flushed.

“You have improved massively.” Annabeth assured the Satyr.

“His taste in music hasn’t.” Thalia muttered. Grover mock glared at her.

I wondered...protector. Really."

“Thanks, Perc.” Grover smiled.

“You are.” Percy shrugged like he was stating an obvious fact. Poseidon frowned a little but said nothing. He was still reserving judgement.

Chiron sighed...to Half-Blood Hill."

“He got Percy there.” Connor pointed out.

“Yes but Grover was unconscious at the time.” Dionysus reminded him. “And Perry’s mother didn’t make it.”

“She’s a mortal. She couldn’t have made it no matter what Grover did.” Thalia stated angrily. The Wine God shrugged.

"But he did that!"

“Oh no! I think like Percy!” Connor exclaimed dramatically. “Save me!”

“Sorry, brother. It’s too late.” Travis told him solemnly. 

"I might agree...in New York. 

“Percy ditched him. That’s not Grover’s fault.” Silena pointed out.

“Well, it was his behaviour that caused Percy to ditch him.” Nico reminded her. “Sorry, Grover.” He added.

“No, you’re right.” The Satyr sighed.

Then there’s...your mother. 

“There was definitely nothing Grover could do about that, even if he was conscious.” Annabeth stated firmly.

And the fact...on Grover’s part."

“Well that was dad’s fault. If he hadn’t hit the car with lightning then Grover would have been conscious.” Thalia scowled. Poseidon glared at his brother at that reminder.

I wanted to...gotten in trouble.

“I’d have gotten in trouble for the rest of it.” Grover shrugged.

“But if I hadn’t ditched you, we would have gotten to camp earlier and the Minotaur wouldn’t have caught up to us.” Percy reminded him guiltily.

“Zeus would probably still have hit the car with lightning.” Poseidon said with another glare at his brother.

"He’ll get...won’t he?"

Grover winced.

“Hey man, it doesn’t matter what they think. You found Pan.” Percy leaned over to whisper to his friend.

“He did?” Thalia asked interestedly. She hadn’t been to Camp in so long she had missed that story. Percy nodded proudly. “Go, Grover!”

Chiron winced...five years ago. 

“What happened?” Frank asked, sounding a little nervous.

“I’m sure it’ll explain.” Percy told him.

Olympus knows...Oh, twenty-eight."

“Twenty eight?” Rachel asked in astonishment. Grover nodded.

“Satyr’s mature half as fast as humans.” Chiron told the mortal girl. 

“So he’s roughly the equivalent of fourteen?” She asked. “Back then, anyway.” Chiron nodded. “That sucks.”

“Yes it does.” Grover stated firmly.

"What! And...past six years."

“Ouch.” Leo winced. Grover nodded.

"Thats horrible...woodland magic. 

Grover blushed.

“Like we said, you’ve improved.” Thalia told him with a smile.

Alas, he was...other career..."

“That would have been bad.” Percy said.

“Very.” Annabeth agreed with a small smile.

"That’s not fair...shall we?"

“Not your best topic change.” Hermes laughed at the Centaur.

But I wasn’t...in my mind.

“You wouldn’t?” Hades looked at his nephew in astonishment.

“Oh he would.” Grover laughed nervously.

"Chiron," I said...is real, too?"

“Is this what you meant by knowing the difference between Charon and Chiron?” Poseidon asked with a groan.

“Might be.” Percy admitted. All the Gods looked at the young demigod in surprise. His dedication to his mother was impressive but his reckless attitude to his own life was disturbing.

Chirons expression...of your mind."

“Not going to happen.” Beckendork muttered. They all knew Percy was not easily swayed when he made a decision. Especially when it was to save someone.

“I could hope.” Chiron sighed.

"What do you...and shield?"

“Why would you think he had his own sword and shield?” Clarisse asked the Centaur in surprise. 

“It’s a standard question.” The Centaur shrugged.

"My own—?"...like very much), 

“Wonder why?” Silena asked sarcastically. Percy grinned.

the javelin range...the mess hall."

“Usually?” The Gods all asked. Ares sounded more excited than worried, unlike the rest of them.

“Accident happen.” Chiron told them. None of them looked happy with this revelation. Camp was supposed to be a safe place for their children. Maybe they needed to review what went on.

Chiron pointed to...a little weird. 

“Seems like a valid question to me.” Leo pointed out.

“See, this is what was so frustrating! I’d ask what seems like a perfectly valid question and everyone looked at me like I should already know despite them not explaining a damn thing.” Percy exclaimed angrily. Annabeth winced knowing she had done that quite a lot to him.

"We still have to eat, don’t we?" I decided to drop the subject.

“Yeah but most places would have an indoor area or a cover for the rain.” Piper stated.

“You still didn’t actually tell me it doesn’t rain at Camp unless you want it to.” Percy pointed out.

“I’m sorry, Percy.” Chiron told him. He hadn’t realised he had done such a poor job of showing the boy their world. “Perhaps you could assist us in making a new Orientation film that we will show to every new camper.” Percy nodded.

Finally, he showed...I’d ever seen.

“What?” Piper asked in confusion.

“What’s wrong?” Silena asked her.

“There’s only twelve cabins?” Leo stated.

“Of course there are.” Beckendorf frowned.

“There’s definitely more than that when we got to camp.” Piper told them. All the Greek demigods exchanged glances and began whispering amongst themselves wondering why there were more cabins.

Except for the...like a tiny factory. 

Leo and Beckendorf cheered. Hephaestus smiled at his children.

Number four had...of real grass. 

Demeter gave a smile.

Seven seemed to...to look at. 

Will and Apollo both grinned proudly.

“The best cabin.” Apollo boasted.

“Hardly.” Ares told him.

“Ha, he mentioned my cabin, not yours.” Apollo gloated to Hermes quietly. Hermes glared.

They all faced...more my speed).

“Cool.” Jason said. “We’ll have to play sometimes.”

“Agreed.” Percy nodded.

In the center...with a stick.

Hestia smiled at Percy warmly.

“Sorry I didn’t stop to talk.” Percy told her.

“That’s quite alright.” Hestia replied easily.

The pair of...his-and-hers mausoleums, 

Zeus and Hera frowned while the rest of the Gods, and some of the braver Greek demigods, all snorted.

big white marble...across them. 

Thalia and Jason both cringed. Both of them felt that mausoleum was a good description of their dad’s cabin.

Cabin two...cabins look empty."

“As they should be.” Hera stated primly.

"Several...cabins are. 

“Hardly several.” Will frowned. “Only Zeus, Hera and Artemis’ cabins are empty and Zeus’ isn’t anymore with Jason arriving. Well, I suppose at the time Poseidon’s cabin was empty too.”

“Zeus’ should be empty.” Hera scowled.

That’s true....some be empty?

“No kids.” Connor said.

“I know that now, Connor.” Percy rolled his eyes.

“You guys are separated by your parents?” Reyna asked.

“Yeah.”

“How horrible.” Hazel sighed. “I’d be alone.”

“Don’t some cabins then get overcrowded?” Gwen asked. She knew that Mercury and Apollo in particular had a lot of kids and legacies at Camp Jupiter.

“Yes!” The Hermes kids all yelled loudly.

“How do you divide up the campers then?” Annabeth asked.

“We have cohorts which are a mix of campers.” Reyna told her, not wanting to give too many details to the Greeks. Annabeth looked like she wanted to ask more but Hermes started reading again.

I stopped in...cabin three.

Poseidon smiled and Percy grinned happily. He loved his cabin.

It wasn’t...wouldn’t do that!"

“I wouldn’t be angry at him for looking.” Poseidon told the centaur.

Before he could...sheets turned down. 

“It sounds pretty nice in there.” Nico said.

“It is.” Percy agreed.

But there was...buckets and fists. 

“It was.” Clarisse smirked as Ares grinned proudly at his cabin description.

The roof was...rock music blared. 

Ares continued to smile happily. It sounded like his kids were having good fun.

The loudest was...me of Nancy Bobofit, 

“Oi!” Clarisse protested.

“Sorry, Clarisse.” Percy said. Privately he wasn’t sure the description was too far off but Clarisse was at least loyal to her friends.

“You will be, punk.” She grumbled.

though the...and tougher looking, 

“Of course.” She sneered.

and her hair...I observed.

“Ahhh, the Party Ponies.” Travis said wistfully.

"No," said Chiron...see any here."

“They were pretty cool when you got them to help us out.” Percy said. Chiron smiled slightly.

"You said your...you be dead?"

All the Greek campers snorted loudly.

“Tactful as ever.” Thalia laughed.

Chiron paused...Wish For list.

“Mine neither.” Leo, Travis, Connor and Nico agreed.

“But we are very glad it was the thing Chiron wished for. I hate to think where we would be without him.” Annabeth smiled. All the Greeks nodded and Chiron looked a little embarrassed. 

"Doesn’t it..."Why depressing?"

“Really?” Chris asked with a laugh.

Chiron seemed to turn hard of hearing again.

“Why? It’s not like it’s not obvious if you actually think about it.” Annabeth frowned.

“I didn’t want to dwell on the thought of people dying at that current moment.” Chiron explained. “Especially given his question about the underworld.” Annabeth nodded.

"Oh, look," he said. "Annabeth is waiting for us."

“That’s a slightly better topic change.” Hermes nodded approvingly.

The blond girl...much I drooled.

There was a round of sniggering throughout the room.

I tried to see...an architecture book.

“It was an architecture book.” Annabeth confirmed. Athena smiled proudly.

"Annabeth," Chiron said...brown paint peeling. 

“It wouldn’t be so bad if you lot claimed your kids.” Hermes grumbled.

“We’ll definitely do better.” Apollo stated firmly. 

“It’s not like you claim all your kids either.” Chris muttered bitterly. Hermes looked at him with a frown and Chris winced, realising he had said that a bit too loud.

“I didn’t claim you?”

“Not until this summer.” Chris said.

“Sorry, Chris. There’s no excuse. I’ll make more effort too this time around.” Hermes promised. He switched places with Travis and pulled Chris into a sideways hug. The demigod stiffened in shock but then relaxed and gladly hugged his father in return.

Over the...A caduceus.

“Us?” A voice hissed.

“Hey George, Martha.” Percy called. Hermes looked at him, startled. He had met the boy often enough that he knew his snakes? 

“ The boy knows us.” Martha hissed happily.

“Do you think he brought us some rats?” George asked.

“Sorry, no rats. I didn’t know we were coming here. I’ll have some next time.” Percy promised. The Hermes kids were also all looking at Percy, a little shocked but also slightly jealous.

Inside, it was...an evacuation center.

The Hermes kids all winced and the other Gods looked at Hermes sympathetically. They once again made a silent vow to be better at claiming their kids. Piper, Leo and Jason looked confused again. Sure the Hermes cabin had a lot of kids but not that many? They all exchanged glances and figured it would be explained at some point in the books.

Chiron didn’t go in...bowing anymore. 

“Why should they be?” Artemis asked scornfully.

“I didn’t say they should be. It was just an observation.” Percy defended himself.

They were staring...from the campers, 

There was snickering in the room as well. Even Percy laughed a little.

but none of...Everybody groaned.

Hermes tightened his arm around Chris and Travis’ shoulders.

A guy who...rest came forward. 

All of the Greek demigods froze and then scowled. Annabeth and Thalia both looked angry and sad at the same time. Chiron just sighed as the Gods wondered who this person was to cause such a reaction in the children.

"Now, now, campers...old knife slash.

Hermes winced having assumed this was one of his kids. The glares of the demigods intensified and he was concerned that even his own kids looked angry. 

"This is Luke," Annabeth said...she was blushing. 

“I was not.” She protested.

“You so were.” Connor told her, his voice still more subdued than normal.

She saw me...god of thieves.

“Aww.” Hermes complained good naturedly. His kids all grinned.

I looked around...pick my pockets.

“Of course.” Travis laughed.

“Sadly, Percy is annoyingly observant. It was really hard to pickpocket him.” Connor sighed.

“Of course the challenge is what made it fun.” Chris laughed. Hermes nodded approvingly.

"How long will...The campers all laughed.

The Gods all winced.

“Another valid question that got laughed at.” Percy complained.

“Sorry, Perc.” Travis said sincerely. “We all assumed that Chiron had explained.”

"Come on," Annabeth...better than that."

“How is he supposed to do better than that?” Leo asked in confusion. “I would have asked the same thing.”

“Well, I thought he had seen the orientation film so asking how long it will take until he is claimed was a stupid question.” Annabeth told him. “Especially as the answer might well be never.”

"What?"..."Whats your problem?" 

“Good question.” Piper frowned at her sort of friend who didn’t know her yet.

“I had my priorities a bit skewed back then.” Annabeth admitted.

“A bit?” Percy asked. She glared at him.

I was getting...had your chance?"

“Not that many.” Beckendorf said with a frown. “I can’t say I’d particularly want to take on the Minotaur.”

“Me either.” Leo agreed firmly.

"To get killed?"...we train for?"

“To survive?” Chris said, looking at her like she was crazy.

“Yeah.” She sighed. Athena looked at her daughter anxiously.

I shook my head...But they don’t die."

“Well that clears that up.” Jason said sarcastically.

“Of course it does.” Athena told him.

“Not when you’re new to everything.” Percy pointed out.

"Oh, thanks. That clears it up."

Percy and Jason grinned at each other. Thalia smiled, happy to see her brother getting on with her basically adopted brother.

"They don’t have...if you’re lucky. 

“Which Percy is definitely not.” Grover muttered. Poseidon sighed. Why did his son have to be a danger magnet?

But they are...very, very mad."

“How do you know about his teacher?” Piper asked curiously. Hermes chuckled.

"How did you know about Mrs. Dodds?"

Piper smiled at Percy.

“Oh no! Piper thinks like Percy too.” Travis said dramatically. 

“I think a lot of people were thinking that particular question.” Piper pointed out. A lot of the demigods nodded.

"You talk in your sleep."

“You were watching him while he slept?” Athena asked her daughter with a raised eyebrow.

“I was waiting for him to wake up so I could ask him about the solstice.” Annabeth muttered, going a little red as the Stolls wolf whistled. Nico and Rachel both scowled. Rachel noticed Nico was scowling as well and raised an eyebrow at him. He caught her look and went an even brighter red.

"You almost called...them at all."

“Ironic.” Leo muttered.

"Look, is there...I didn’t care.

“You had a right to be a little whiny.” Thalia told him. 

“And the answer is no, Zeus will probably thunder at everything you say because it’s you.” Nico laughed a little, trying to compose himself.

"Why do I...Annabeth turned pale. 

“Why would you turn pale? It wasn’t an offensive question really.” Beckendorf looked at Annabeth curiously. Maybe someone else should have shown Percy around, one who didn’t have such high and ridiculous expectations of him. While Annabeth had been right, he was ‘the one’ she had been waiting for, it wasn’t fair of her to put those expectations onto someone who didn’t know what was going on.

"You don’t just...me to get it.

“You’d be waiting a while.” Clarisse snorted.

“This whole thing would have been a lot less painful if you just told me rather than waiting for me to guess. It should have been obvious I still didn’t get it because everybody just sat around waiting for me to get it rather than just telling me.” Percy sighed.

“You’d actually met a God by then and been shown round by Chiron. I assumed you’d have accepted Gods were real by then. Besides, it’s usually easier if you come to the conclusion on your own because you’re more likely to accept it.” Annabeth told him.

"My mom is...You know him?"

“Not personally.” Annabeth smiled.

"No, of course not...one of us."

“One of us! One of us!” Connor and Travis chanted.

“You make it sound like we are a cult or something.” Silena said.

"You don’t know...Probably ADHD, too."

“It looks creepy that you know so much about him.” Will laughed. 

I tried to...for ancient Greek. 

“It might be hardwired for Ancient Greek but that’s still a pain to read.” Percy complained.

“Unless you’re a child of Athena.” Thalia added before Annabeth could.

And the ADHD...them are monsters. 

“Oh that’s comforting. Telling him most teachers are monsters.” Piper scoffed.

“Besides, it’s not most of them.” Chiron corrected, shooting Annabeth an amused look. “Some are but the majority are simply mortals who do not understand.”

They don’t...what they are."

“Surely if they were monsters, they would want us dead?” Questioned Jason. Annabeth scowled at the floor. She really hadn’t done a great job of showing Percy the ropes.

"You sound like...You’re a half-blood."

Piper made a face. She still hated that term. Demigod was much better.

A half-blood...where to start.

“Don’t bother, they probably won’t be answered.” Percy told his book self moodily. 

Then a husky...looking like her,

Ares and Clarisse glared at Percy who shrugged.

all wearing camo...than it sounded. 

“It is.” Annabeth told him. Ares switched his glare to Annabeth. He might not get involved in his kids fights but he still didn’t like them being insulted. He hoped Clarisse taught both of those rude punks to keep their mouths shut.

"You don’t stand...on the threat. 

Clarisse growled. Percy noticed way too much for her liking.

She turned toward...the war god?"

“Not like the War God. The War God.” Clarisse snarled.

“Yeah, I got that now.” Percy rolled his eyes.

Clarisse sneered...the bad smell."

Ares and Clarisse glared while all the other Greek campers sniggered. 

“You really don’t have any sense of self preservation, do you?” Thalia asked Percy in exasperation.

“I just really hate bullies.” He told her, glaring back at Clarisse.

Clarisse growled...wise girl."

“Oh wow!” Connor muttered, eyes wide.

“What?” Leo asked.

“Percy got his nickname for Annabeth...from Clarisse !” Travis breathed. “That’s so weird.”

Annabeth looked pained...my own rep.

The Romans all nodded in agreement.

“What have I told you about your initiation ceremony?” Chiron looked at Clarisse with a disappointed expression.

“To stop it.” Clarisse muttered petulantly.

“Indeed. We shall speak of this later.” He frowned. She nodded and scowled at the floor.

I handed Annabeth...hands like iron. 

“Naturally.” Ares boasted, grinning at his daughter. Clarisse now looked slightly pained and he frowned. She should be enjoying this.

She dragged me...afford classier johns.

The demigods all laughed while the Gods looked either affronted or confused.

Clarisse’s friends were...so stupid looking."

“Never underestimate an opponent in battle.” Ares told her sternly. Percy stifled a laugh, trying not to catch Grover’s eye. Poseidon and Thalia looked at them both in confusion.

“Yes, father.” Clarisse nodded.

Her friends snickered...through her fingers.

“I was not.” Annabeth protested.

“You were.” Clarisse told her, though she was now glaring at the ground. This was definitely not her favourite memory.

Clarisse bent me...I won’t.

“There’s the stubborn Percy we all know and love.” Thalia snickered.

Then something...of my stomach. 

Ares then groaned as Poseidon began to smile.

I heard the...onto her butt. 

All of the demigods, except Clarisse, burst out laughing. Even the Romans were amused. Frank was busy looking slightly horrified by his half sister’s behaviour and couldn’t help but think she got what she deserved. He might not like Mars but he thought he might like Ares even less.

The water stayed...being washed away.

The laughter intensified. They all stopped when Clarisse and Ares all glared at them fiercely. Chris left his seat to go and sit next to his girlfriend, putting his arm around her. He didn’t approve of her behaviour but it was never fun being laughed at. Besides, Percy had insulted her first.

As soon as...hadn’t been spared. 

“Ouch.” The Stolls snickered some more.

“Sorry, Annabeth.” Percy grinned sheepishly.

She was dripping...me in shock.

“Seriously, how did you not work out who his dad was after that?” Thalia asked in astonishment. All the Campers who had been there at the time looked embarrassed and shrugged.

I looked down…my clothes. Nothing.

“It couldn’t have been more obvious.” Thalia face palmed. “You thought Percy was being stupid but really…” Annabeth winced.

I stood up...You are totally dead."

“Well, you were trying to stuff his head down a toilet. You can’t blame him for fighting back.” Rachel frowned.

“He used powers though.” Clarisse pointed out.

“Well he didn’t mean to. He’s been there a day, he wouldn’t have control of them yet, surely? Besides, doesn’t your strength partly come from your dad? That gives you a Godly advantage right there.” Rachel stated. Clarisse just growled.

I probably...Close your mouth."

“Yeah, not helping yourself there.” Rachel rolled her eyes at Percy. Percy grinned.

Her friends had...for dousing her.

“A little bit of both.” Annabeth admitted.

"What?" I demanded...capture the flag."

Percy glared at her, remembering what had happened. 

“Chapter’s done.” Hermes announced.

“I’ll read.” Poseidon said. Hermes threw the book at him. The Sea God only just managed to catch it before it hit Percy in the face.

“Hey!” Percy complained.

“Oops. Sorry.” Hermes called, looking sheepish.

Chapter Text

“Oookay?” Piper looked confused.

“I guess it’s talking about the offerings we make at meals.” Annabeth told her. She nodded. These chapters really had weird titles.

Word of the...much dripping wet.

“It was a bit of both.” Chris shrugged.

"Besides, soaking people in toilet water isn't exactly a common power." Will added.

"Oh, I wonder which God has water related powers?" Thalia asked sarcastically. The Greek demigods who had been there all went slightly red.

She showed me...their own swords), 

Leo and Beckendorf grinned.

“Did you make your own sword yet?” Beckendorf asked Leo.

“No. I haven't been at Camp long. Besides, I’m not really any good with weapons.” Leo admitted.

“None at all?” Beckendorf asked in concern. How would he survive without a weapon?

“Maybe you just haven’t found the right one yet.” Percy offered. “No weapon works well for me except Riptide.”

“Maybe.” Leo conceded though he privately doubted it. He was just the one weird demigod who sucked with all weapons.

the arts-and-crafts...top fast enough.

“I love that.” Leo grinned.

“You would. You’re fireproof.” Piper rolled her eyes.

“I quite like it.” Percy added.

“You’re almost fireproof.” Annabeth reminded him.

“Not completely though. The lava still burns.” He pointed out.

Finally we returned..."Whatever."

“Rude.” Thalia frowned at her friend. Annabeth winced and sighed. She really hadn't treated Percy very well to begin with.

"It wasn’t my fault."

“Well, it was.” Grover chuckled.

“Still, I didn’t mean to and I didn’t really have control over it.” Percy shrugged.

She looked at...with the plumbing.

The demigods, Hermes and Apollo all snickered.

"You need to...Annabeth said.

“Why?” Chris asked. Annabeth shrugged.

"Who?"...answer for once.

“Doesn’t seem likely.” Rachel muttered.

“It didn’t happen.” Percy sighed.

"I see what you mean. That would frustrate anyone." Will whistled.

I wasn’t expecting...long-lost friend.

“To them you sort of are.” Poseidon smiled.

I didn’t know...are terrible flirts."

“Jealous much?” Thalia teased her friend. “He was just being friendly.”

“I was warning him to be careful.” Annabeth replied, going a little red.

"Naiads," I repeated...go home now."

“Naiads are what did it?” Nico laughed.

“Just the straw that broke the camel’s back.” Percy told him.

Annabeth frowned...You are home. 

“Why would he get it? So far the Camp director has been horrible, everybody keeps staring at him but nobody will explain anything properly and someone tried to shove his head in a toilet. Doesn’t really give you the feeling of home.” Rachel pointed out.

All of the Greek campers and Chiron all looked down.

This is the...mentally disturbed kids?"

“In some cases.” Annabeth laughed, looking over at the Stolls and then at Leo.

“Hey!” The three of them protested.

"I mean not...about my dad.

Poseidon smiled again.

"God," I said…a sensitive subject.

“Yep.” Thalia agreed, popping the ‘p’.

"My dad is...How sexist is that?"

“Very.” Piper agreed.

“To be fair in most of the myths it’s the male Gods who have kids. There aren’t many stories about kids of Athena or Aphrodite.” Percy pointed out. “Plus, according to all the myths Athena is a virgin goddess so I really didn’t expect her to have kids anyway.” Annabeth nodded at this.

“I am a virgin goddess.” Athena glared at him.

“I know, Lady Athena. I wasn’t aware how your children were born until later.” Percy told her.

"Who’s your..."Cabin six."

“Are you trying to make him feel stupid?” Thalia asked. “Even if he did know what number means which God of Goddess, he probably wouldn’t have memorised them in a couple of hours.” 

"Meaning?"...reveal their identities."

“Sorry, Percy. Your mom was pretty rare.” Annabeth said. Percy nodded.

"My dad would...sometimes it doesn’t?"

“More often than you’d think.” Silena muttered quietly. The Gods all looked uncomfortable again.

Annabeth ran her...They ignore us."

“We might be forgetful and terrible parents but we always care.” Hermes frowned at the daughter of Athena.

“But it is hard. Imagine thousands of years of watching your children die. Sometimes emotional distance is the only way we can stay sane.” Apollo told the demigods.

I thought about...deal with them. 

Piper winced.

But gods should behave better.

“We should.” Aphrodite agreed.

"We will try to from now on." Hermes said. Zeus frowned at his son.

"So I’m...of my life?"

“Most demigods go off to college at some point.” Annabeth shrugged. 

“You don’t have a college at Camp?” Reyna asked.

“No.” She replied. All the Greeks looked confused at the idea. “You do?”

“We have an entire city in our camp.” Reyna stated proudly. The Greeks all stared in awe.

"It depends,"...real powerful force. 

“Hey!” Aphrodite, Demeter, Piper and Silena all cried out indignantly.

“Sorry.” Annabeth apologised. 

The monsters might...Practical jokes."

“I don’t think practical jokes are supposed to be life threatening.” Rachel pointed out quietly. “Why would you summon something that could kill someone else...as a joke?”

“It’s mostly for practise fights.” Assured Chiron. “Even that is rare.”

"Practical jokes?"...I was seven," 

“Seven?” Athena looked at her daughter in concern.

“Yeah.” Annabeth nodded, her expression clearly showing she did not want to talk about it.

she said….all in college."

“So do you just stay at Camp and go to nearby colleges?” Jason asked.

“Sometimes. Again, it depends how powerful you are and how many monsters you attract.” Annabeth told him.

"Why did you...I wanted to?"

“No. Especially with your mother gone, Chiron would never let you go without somewhere to go to at the very least.” Silena said.

“Indeed.” Chiron agreed.

"It would be...hadn’t gone well.

The Greek campers all stiffened again. 

"Back in the...do know something?"

“Or he’s curious about why you were asking him about it.” Thalia pointed out.

"Well. . . no...been to Olympus?"

The Romans gaped at the Greeks in jealousy and awe. Until now, none of the Romans had ever been to Olympus. 

"Some of us...know this already. 

“Again with the no explaining.” Percy threw his hands up, almost hitting Thalia in the face.

“Oi! Watch it.” She warned him.

“Sorry.” He grinned.

"You are a New Yorker, right?"

“Yes but that doesn’t mean he would know automatically that Olympus was now there.” Rachel frowned.

"Again, it was something mentioned in the Orientation film." Annabeth replied.

"Oh, sure."...point that out.

“Probably a good idea. You’d just get another ‘are you stupid’ look.” Grover nodded with a smirk in Annabeth’s direction.

"And I'd had enough of those." Percy muttered.

"Right after we...rivalry with Poseidon. 

There was a lot of muffled laughter at this.

“Just because we have a rivalry doesn’t mean we expect our children to have the same rivalry.” Poseidon told Annabeth gently. Athena's expression suggested she did not agree with this statement.

But, I mean...me the problem..."

“That’s your fatal flaw talking.” Athena warned her daughter.

“I know that now.” Annabeth sighed.

I could smell...a battle plan.

Percy scowled once more, pretty sure he knew what battle plan she was mapping out. He did not appreciate her plan at all, even if it had worked.

Back at cabin eleven...the stealing part.

“I doubt it.” Hermes grinned proudly.

I said...get any easier."

Hermes frowned.

The bitterness...who he sponsors." 

Hermes’ frown deepened. That didn’t sound like his son meant it in a positive way.

I figured...me a nobody. 

“He probably did.” Thalia muttered angrily. 

He just had...got his scar.

“What?” Hermes looked horrified.

“It didn’t.” Annabeth assured the God. “He got it on his quest.” The God relaxed but still didn’t look happy.

Luke looked up...of each other."

“Oh yeah. How have you been looking after other campers recently?” Thalia asked sarcastically under her breath. Clarisse looked equally angry at that statement. She pulled Chris a little closer to her.

He seemed to...me all day.

“Excuse me. I gave you a tour.” Annabeth protested.

“Yeah but you weren’t very nice to him.” Rachel pointed out.

I decided to..."I hate prophecies."

“Don’t we all.” Percy grumbled.

“Hey.” Apollo complained.

"What do you mean?"...heard one before.

“Because it’s from the sea.” Poseidon smiled.

Luke yelled...the sun went down.

Artemis and Thalia both smiled fondly.

We marched up...a hundred campers, 

The Romans, Leo, Piper and Jason all looked shocked. There had been a lot more than that when the latter three had been at camp and the Roman’s couldn’t imagine so few demigods.

a few dozen...butt hanging off.

The Hermes kids all sighed. The God frowned. He wanted to reproach the other Gods for not claiming their kids and leaving them in his cabin but then he glanced at Chris and kept his mouth shut.

I saw Grover...being hosed down, 

“I hadn’t.” Clarisse told him. Ares nodded approvingly.

“I figured as much.” Percy nodded at her.

because she was..."Blue Cherry Coke."

Everyone smiled sadly, guessing what Percy was thinking about.

The soda turned...then someday…

“Yes, Hades is good at taking people who aren’t his.” Demeter grumbled. Hades rolled his eyes at this and didn’t dignify it with a response.

"Here you go...dessert or something.

“Why would we go for dessert before we even finished eating?” Annabeth asked him incredulously.

“It wouldn’t be the weirdest thing I had seen that day.” Percy shrugged.

"Come on,"..."You’re kidding."

“No, it’s amazing.” Hermes said dreamily.

His look warned..."Hermes."

The God smiled.

I was next...tell me. Please.

“I’m assuming I did?” Poseidon asked his son.

“Yeah. It wasn’t too much longer.” Percy smiled.

I scraped a...off that smoke.

“Hermes tried to live off of it once.” Artemis rolled her eyes.

“Ended up in the infirmary.” Apollo laughed.

“You both made the bet. If he had won you would have been the one in the infirmary.” Artemis reminded her brother.

“But I won so I didn’t.” Apollo beamed happily.

When everybody had...from the Ares table.

Ares nodded as if this was to be expected.

"Personally,"...Peter Johnson."

“Dionysus.” Poseidon said warningly. 

“Son.” Zeus sighed. “Maybe we need to consider a different punishment for you.”

“Yes please...I mean, oh that would be a shame.” Dionysus said, trying to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. The King of the Gods glared at him.

"Maybe some time as a mortal would do you some good." Zeus threatened. The Wine God gaped. That was a pretty serious punishment considering all he had done was chase a Nymph that his father declared of limits.

Chiron murmured something...a sing-along. 

Apollo clapped Will on the shoulder, sporting a proud smile. The demigod looked thrilled.

We sang camp...my new home.

“Well that’s not ominous at all.” Piper muttered.

“Chapter’s over.” Poseidon stated.

“I’ll read.” Thalia said, taking the book from the Sea God.

Chapter Text

Percy glared at Annabeth as Clarisse glared at him. The rest of the campers looked a little confused as they had never heard the full story and most arrived once the action was over.

The next few...too much headache.

Only a few lines even in Greek?” Athena looked at Percy disdainfully.

“I still have dyslexia. Greek might be easier but it’s still difficult.” He replied.

The rest of the...teach me archery, 

Chiron winced and Will burst out laughing.

“What’s so funny?” Apollo asked his son.

“Percy absolutely sucks at Archery.” Will explained.

“Nothing a bit of training can’t fix.” Apollo said excitedly.

“No, no thank you, Lord Apollo.” Percy declined desperately.

“Nonsense, give me a few days and we can have you shooting wonderfully.” Percy kept trying to decline but Apollo was so insistent that he ended up agreeing to some lessons during the next break. 

but we found...of his tail.

“Er? His tail?” Apollo asked, suddenly feeling a little nervous. “Where was Chiron standing?”

“Behind him.” Chiron sighed. The Archery God cringed.

“Well, on the plus side he can’t get any worse.” 

Foot racing?...lovesick gods. 

Hera glared at Zeus.

But still...than a tree.

“I never really thought about it like that.” Chris frowned thoughtfully. “Yeah that is humiliating.”

“Like Percy pointed out, they have had a lot of practise.” Aphrodite reminded him.

And wrestling?...pulverize me.

“Naturally.” Ares smiled evilly.

"There’s more...the Minotaur.

“The clues were all there.” Thalia rolled her eyes.

I knew the senior...master of none. 

“Hey!” The Hermes kids cried out indignantly.

“We are masters of pickpocketing.” Travis stated.

“And prank pulling.” Connor continued.

“I’m sure he didn’t mean it badly, boys.” Hermes tried to defend his future son.

“Oh I’m sure he did.” Chris said darkly.

But I got...of his smile. 

Poseidon smiled at his son.

I tried not...his father, Hermes. 

Hermes and Poseidon both winced, looking sad.

So okay, maybe...or something? 

“Rules are rules.” Zeus said sternly.

“And some rules are stupid.” Percy muttered. Poseidon gave him a warning look. While he agreed with his son, he couldn’t continue to speak to the King of the Gods so disrespectfully.

Dionysus could...a phone appear?

“I would have loved to.” Poseidon assured Percy.

“I know that now.” Percy told his dad.

Thursday afternoon...work for me.

“So only that one sword is balanced for you?” Reyna frowned. “What happens if you lose it?”

“I can’t lose it.” Percy told her. “It always reappears in my pocket.”

“What if you break it?” She asked.

“I don’t know. I might be able to use another sword that was made under the sea. I’ve not tried.” Percy shrugged.

We moved on...on me," I said.

“Then you wouldn’t learn anything.” Ares scoffed.

The camper snorted...feel so awkward.

“You really do get strength from any water, not just sea water.” Athena eyed him curiously. Zeus scowled. This demigod was clearly too powerful, possibly even more so than his own children. It simply could not be allowed. Poseidon would not allow anything to happen to the boy but maybe he could prevent the boy being born this time? He would have to wait and see.

"Okay, everybody...Percy get pounded.

“It was kinda funny.” Connor laughed.

“Well, once it got to the Percy got Pounded show.” Travis agreed.

The Hermes guys...master this technique."

“Pffft, years.” The Greek campers all scoffed.

“It is a relatively advanced maneuver.” Reyna noted.

He demonstrated...undefended chest.

“Very impressive.” Ares nodded in approval. Percy cringed inwardly. Getting compliments from Ares was just weird.

“I wonder how you would have fared without the water but with a balanced sword?” Athena pondered.

“Probably not as well.” Percy said.

The other campers..."Um, sorry."

“Don’t apologise.” Ares snorted.

“Luke was one of the few people who had been nice to me. I didn’t want to upset him.” Percy said.

For a moment...But Luke insisted.

“The power boost didn’t last very long.” Nico noted.

“Yeah well, beats me. I don’t get a power boost for breathing in air.” Thalia muttered.

“I don’t get a power boost when I’m flying.” Jason added.

“At least you can fly.” Nico said. “Why can’t you do that?” He asked Thalia. She ignored him.

This time...balanced sword..."

“A lot.” Annabeth smiled.

Friday afternoon...off my forearms.

“That’s not a bad result for your first week.” Will said.

We sat on...searchers license?"

“What’s a searcher’s license?” Reyna asked.

“Satyrs have been searching for centuries to find the great God Pan.” Grover told her in a sad voice. Hermes sighed. Grover skipped over the fact that he had found him, figuring it would come up later. “Silvanus to you.” He added.

"Well. . . no. "...job complete."

“That was almost nice of him.” Apollo raised an eyebrow.

“Almost.” Percy agreed.

My spirits lifted...want me along?"

“I always want you along, Grover.” Percy assured his friend.

"Of course...the different gods. 

“Pros and cons...of us?” Hera asked in a dangerous voice.

“Er, yeah, pros and cons of each God being my dad.” Percy told her.

“Who did you want to be your dad?” Thalia asked him.

“Honestly?” Percy grimaced. “None of them. Apollo would have been cool but given how abysmal I was at shooting that was almost definitely out.” Frank nodded in agreement at this. The wanting Apollo to be his dad part anyway. He couldn’t quite grasp being so bad with a bow that you shot someone behind you by accident. Apollo grinned smugly at Hermes. “So were the Big Three given what I’d been told.” Percy continued.

“What’s wrong with me?” Hermes asked, not sure if he was offended or not.

“It would have sucked to be staying in your cabin, being your son, and not be claimed.” Percy shrugged. Chris nodded.

Finally, I asked...she’d be mad."

“Also my Hunters need a place to stay.” Artemis stated.

"Yeah, okay….her husband’s job. 

“It is not his job.” Hera scowled.

When we say...Let’s leave it at that."

“Rude.” Nico complained. Hazel looked mildly offended and Hades glared at the Satyr.

“Sorry, Nico. I was prejudiced based on the stories.” Grover apologised. He still found Nico to be quite a creepy kid but he knew he was a good kid deep down. And Percy had told him that part of the reason Nico wouldn’t come to Camp, where he would be safe, was because of opinions like that. Hades sighed, he hated the stigma that was attached to his children and being unable to do anything about it.

"But Zeus and...the River Styx."

“Look how that turned out.” Hera scoffed furiously.

Thunder boomed...word—no kids?"

“Of course not. When do they ever keep their word?” Demeter sighed.

“I kept my word.” Hades pointed out. She scoffed.

“Yes, yes you keep your word but you kidnap children and trick them into staying with you.” 

“Persephone is perfectly happy.” Hades let out a long suffering sigh. They looked like the argument was going to continue so Thalia started reading again.

Grovers face darkened...couldn’t help himself. 

Hera scoffed. Thalia’s expression turned sad at the mention of her mother but she composed herself quickly.

When their child...on his daughter."

Zeus looked regretfully at his future daughter.

"But that...little girl’s fault."

“Nope but that’s just how it works. They break their promises and we pay for it.” Percy muttered angrily. 

Grover hesitated... to torment Thalia. 

Zeus glared furiously at Hades. His glare was returned in equal measure.

A satyr was...horde of hellhounds. 

“Hellhounds and three Furies?” Zeus thundered. Hades just shrugged. He wasn’t afraid of his brother while they were human. Part of him did feel sorry for Thalia but not enough to completely regret his actions. Zeus deserved to suffer for everything he had done.

They were about...Half-Blood Hill."

“So you were turned into a tree? How come you are human?” Jason asked his sister in astonishment.

“Percy.” Thalia told him. Zeus and Jason both sent Percy grateful looks. 

“I had help.” The son of the Sea God pointed out. “Annabeth and Clarisse were there.”

“It was your determination that got a quest allocated and you worked out the prophecy allowing us to get the thing back in time.” Annabeth reminded him.

I stared at...saved my mother?

“No. You couldn’t have done anything differently.” Thalia assured him. “I’d been out in the world fighting monsters for ages by that time. Plus I had him and Annabeth with me. It was a completely different situation and you did great.” Percy smiled at his cousin but he was not completely convinced.

"Grover," I said...seriously thinking—"

“Of course he was.” Grover muttered to himself.

"No," I lied...guard a demigod?"

“That was a terrible topic change.” Travis winced.

“Yeah, I doubt that’s fooling Grover.” Connor said.

Grover studied...Underworld idea. 

“Definitely not.” Grover nodded.

“It all worked out in the end.” Percy grinned at his best friend.

"Not always...really huge problems."

“Hey!” Percy, Thalia and Nico all protested. 

“I meant by attracting lots of monsters.” Grover told them.

“But he’s not wrong.” Beckendorf laughed.

"And you found...god of revenge. 

“You realise Nemesis is a Goddess, right?” Silena asked the Satyr. He blushed.

“Yeah.”

Don’t worry, okay?"...more than me.

“Yeah, I was. Sorry, Perc.”

“No worries.” Percy shrugged.

That night after...capture the flag.

Ares suddenly looked far more interested. He was hoping there would finally be some more action.

When the plates...a silk banner. 

Athena smiled proudly.

It was about...a boar’s head.

Ares cheered and nodded to Clarisse.

I turned to..."But often."

Ares and Athena both smiled proudly.

"So, if another...something I didn’t. 

Percy glared at Annabeth once more.

The scar on...the torchlight. 

Hermes frowned while the Greek campers all scowled furiously.

"We’ve made a...two of them. 

All the Greeks looked down sadly. Dionysus had been smiling proudly but then he spotted the reaction of the campers and suddenly felt cold.

Demeter’s kids had...very aggressive. 

“Oh, I’m sure they can be aggressive when they want to be.” Hades muttered.

“Of course they can.” Demeter smiled smugly at him.

Aphrodite’s sons...hair and gossiped.

Aphrodite smiled at Silena while Piper face-palmed. That was exactly the reason nobody took Aphrodite’s kids seriously and she hated it.

Hephaestus’ kids...four of them, 

Leo frowned in confusion. There were a lot more than that in his time. Beckendorf smiled fondly, thinking of his siblings.

but they were...be a problem. 

“Of course.” Beckendorf grinned.

“It’s not even the fighting. It’s the traps they are great at.” Will complained. Beckendorf’s grin widened.

“It works even better when we have the Hermes cabin on our side.” He replied.

“Why do you think we try and keep your two cabins separate?” Annabeth asked with a laugh.

That, of course...on the planet.

Ares and Clarisse glared at Percy.

Chiron hammered...maiming is allowed. 

“It’s not like you actually get punished if you maim people.” Percy complained.

“What do you mean?” Poseidon asked curiously.

“I’m sure it’ll come up.” Percy sighed.

I will serve...to run fast. 

“You get used to it.” Beckendorf shrugged.

“I still prefer fighting without a shield.” Percy told him. “But yeah, I’m definitely more used to it now.”

“To be fair, those shields were almost bigger than you were.” Clarisse sniggered.

“That wasn’t hard.” Annabeth muttered. Percy glared at both of them.

My helmet...She kept marching.

“Rude.” Piper frowned.

"So what’s the...I’d stolen something.

“I still thought you might be a son of Hermes.” Annabeth explained.

"Just watch Clarisse’s...has a plan."

“Yeah. A plan.” Percy grumbled to himself.

She pushed...the dust.

“Wow, how did you two ever become friends?” Rachel asked.

“I worked out my priorities.” Annabeth told her.

“And Percy doesn’t hold grudges.” Beckendorf muttered. “Not usually anyway.”

"Okay," I mumbled...an idiot. 

“You looked like one too.” Connor smirked.

The bronze sword...liability issues, right?

The demigods all laughed.

“Chiron had said maiming wasn’t allowed.” Percy pointed out.

“Yeah, the Ares cabin never takes much notice of that.” Travis said. Chiron glared at Clarisse.

“Which Annabeth knew.” Percy muttered.

Far away, the...enemy territory.

Apollo smiled.

Great, I thought...as usual.

“Wish I had missed all the fun.” Percy said to himself.

Then I heard...close by.

“What?” Poseidon asked, looking concerned. Annabeth looked at Percy with a frown.

“It was already there?” She asked. He nodded.

I raised my...of the dark.

“So actually, it worked out quite well.” Annabeth tried to sound cheerful. Percy glared.

"Cream the punk!"... with red light. 

Ares grinned happily.

Her siblings had...the Ares cabin.

“You sent half your cabin to deal with one person?” Reyna frowned. “That seems like a terrible tactic.”

“It wasn’t a tactic.” Percy told her. “They just wanted to beat me up.”

I managed to...was electric. 

“My spear is not stupid.” Clarisse glared at him.

“No, just fragile.” Percy smirked.

I fell back..."Grab his hair."

Chiron looked at Clarisse in disappointment.

“I expect better of you.” He stated. “We shall talk about this later.”

“Yes, Chiron.” Clarisse muttered.

I managed to...out that way.

“It didn’t.” Clarisse snickered.

“You gave up the flag?” Will asked.

“No, I was pointing in the wrong direction.” Percy told him.

“Nice.” Connor grinned.

"Yeah," one of... I told them.

“Really, Percy?” Rachel cried in exasperation.

“Hey, I hate bullies.” Percy shrugged.

“Still, you need to get a sense of self preservation.” Poseidon told him son. Percy didn’t respond to this. 

It probably... thing to say.

“You don’t say.” Leo said sarcastically.

Two of them...a good-size cut.

Poseidon scowled angrily. Chiron shook his head.

Seeing my own...my dessert privilege.

“That’s the punishment for maiming another camper?” Poseidon asked.

“Lord Dionysus came up with the punishments.” Chiron told him. Poseidon turned to glare at the Wine God.

He pushed me...They all laughed. 

Clarisse sighed while Poseidon stopped glaring and grinned at his son.

I figured as...into the water.

“Woah.” Leo looked at Percy in surprise.

“That’s one heck of a power boost.” Jason muttered.

Ugly Number...like a twig.

“How dare you!” Ares yelled.

“Well she shouldn’t have tried to stab me with it.” Percy shrugged. “I figured that if they are allowed to attack me and actually cut me then breaking a weapon isn’t that bad. Especially as you guys decided to attack me five against one. Pretty cowardly really.”

“It was a magical weapon. And a gift from my dad.” Clarisse scowled. “We are not cowards.”

“Really? You attacked a new camper with less than a week's training with five, very well trained, fighters. Seems pretty cowardly to me.” Nico pointed out. Clarisse turned her glare to the son of Hades. Nico wasn’t that bothered and it was definitely worth it for the look at gratitude Percy gave him.

"Ah!" she screamed...of the creek.

“Nice.” Thalia laughed.

Then I heard..."It was a trick."

“It was hardly a trick. They didn’t force you to take half your cabin to pick on one kid. You decided to come after me.” Percy reminded her.

They staggered after...of cabin eleven.

“Cool.” Said Piper.

Everybody on...off her head.

Annabeth smiled fondly at the mention of her cap.

I felt myself getting angry

“I don’t blame you.” Thalia muttered, frowning at Annabeth. Her friend knew what the Ares cabin were like and she still deliberately used Percy, untrained and alone, as bait. Poseidon was glaring at the daughter of Athena.

“If you were going to do that, you should have had someone else nearby, keeping a lookout.” Beckendorf said.

I wasn’t even...as I could. 

“Not fast enough then. Had the water not been there he could have been seriously hurt.” Rachel pointed out.

“Yeah, I get it. It wasn’t one of my best plans.” Annabeth admitted.

“It worked perfectly so I would say it was a good plan.” Athena told her daughter. POseidon’s glare switched to Athena.

I was about...didn’t need help."

“Not by then.” Percy muttered.

Then she noticed...and disappeared.

“That is so cool.” Frank whispered.

“I wonder if you could heal other people with water?” Will frowned. Percy shrugged.

“I shouldn’t think so.” Poseidon stated.

"I—I don’t get it,"...the gears turning. 

“You must get who his dad is now?” Thalia looked at her friend. Annabeth nodded.

“Yeah, there really wasn’t any other option.”

She looked down...Annabeth steadied me.

“Thankfully the come down isn’t quite as bad anymore.” Percy said. “Only when I really exhaust myself.”

"Oh, Styx,"...would be Zeus..."

Hera glared at her husband.

Before I could...drew her sword.

“A monster?” Leo asked. Beckendorf nodded.

There on the...like daggers.

“There’s a hellhound in camp?” Poseidon looked horrified.

“I thought you said monsters had to be summoned?” Dakota asked.

“They do.” Silena said grimly. The Romans all exchanged wary glances.

It was looking straight at me.

“Of course it was.” Poseidon groaned.

Nobody moved...after the other. 

“Percy!” Poseidon was suddenly checking his son for any injuries.

“Dad, I’m fine. This was years ago.” Percy protested.

“Yeah, you were only fine because of the water.” Grover muttered. The Sea God paled.

“I wasn’t going to tell him that.” Percy muttered back. Grover grinned sheepishly.

From the hounds...his face grim.

“Thank you, Chiron.” Poseidon said. The Centaur inclined his head.

“The Apollo cabin also helped.” The Sea God glanced gratefully at Will and Apollo.

"Di immortales!"...inside the camp."

The Romans and Gods all looked at the Greek demigods who were all staring angrily at the floor. Hermes had a suddenly terrible feeling that his son was involved. It was the only demigod mentioned who these campers reacted badly to.

Luke came over...Percy summoned it!"

“What? How stupid can you be? Why would Percy summon a monster to attack himself?” Nico raised an eyebrow.

“She’s just upset that she got beaten.” Thalia guessed.

"Be quiet, child,"..."Im okay."

“Seriously?” Will looked at Percy. “You were definitely not ok.”

“I didn’t want to complain.” Percy muttered. Poseidon looked both furious and concerned. He suspected that slime Percy had lived with had taught him to hide his pain.

"No, you’re not,"...the campers gasped.

“It was so cool to see.” Connor said.

“A little bit terrifying though, given what it meant.” Travis added.

"Look, I—I don’t...above my head.

“Yeah, that part is weird.” Leo agreed.

"Percy," Annabeth said...a trident.

Poseidon smiled at his son who grinned back.

"Your father,"...happy about it.

“Damn right we weren’t.” Clarisse muttered.

"My father?"...the Sea God."

Percy grinned widely.

”Chapter’s over.” Thalia announced.

“I’ll read next.” Grover said.

“Can we have a quick break after the next one?” Leo asked. He was feeling edgy and full of pent up energy. He needed to move around. All the demigods nodded their agreement.

“Alright. We shall have a quick break after the next chapter.” Chiron agreed.

Chapter Text

“That’s the least weird title yet.” Leo noted.

The next morning...absolutely miserable.

“Why?” Poseidon asked worriedly.

“Everyone was treating me like I had some contagious disease.” Percy told him. Poseidon glared at the Greek campers.

Just when I’d...some rare disease.

“I wonder if that would have happened to me?” Thalia asked. When she’d finally made it to Camp Half-Blood everyone already knew who she was but because Annabeth was there she’d been accepted pretty easily. There were a few wary looks but nothing too bad. They still interacted with her. She wondered what it would have been like being there without a friend already there to help settle in.

“Probably.” Will said. “Especially as you were the first child of the broken oath.” Thalia sighed, her sympathy for Percy increasing.

Nobody mentioned...been considered safe.

“The monsters weren’t able to invade camp. Someone summoned it.” Annabeth pointed out.

“Well, Clarisse had already accused me of summoning it myself. That didn’t help.” Percy reminded her.

“Sorry.” Clarisse muttered as the Sea God glared directly at her.

The other campers...in the woods, 

Hermes looked at his kids in disappointment.

“He only did that to them because they attacked him unfairly.” He told them.

“We know, dad.” Connor said. “We train with Percy now.” Hermes nodded.

“It was just a bit disconcerting that he was good enough to beat all those Ares kids after only a week of training.” Chris admitted. Hermes nodded again. He could understand that.

so my lessons...he promised, 

“Well, he’s not wrong.” Percy muttered bitterly.

as we were...Fifty more repetitions."

“Fifty? He really was pushing you.” Will whistled. The Romans were all nodding approvingly.

“Came in useful though.” Percy noted.

“I wonder how he feels about the fact that it’s partly thanks to him how good you are?” Thalia gave a hollow chuckle. Percy nudged her gently. He knew that she had joined the Hunter of Artemis partly because of Luke. She claimed it was because she didn’t want to be the child of the Prophecy but he knew Luke had played a huge part in it. If she had been able to convince him back to their side during their confrontation with Atlas then she probably wouldn’t have joined.

Annabeth still taught...between the eyes.

“Seriously?” Thalia looked at her friend.

“I took our parents' rivalry seriously.” Annabeth admitted. Athena nodded like this was a good thing to do but Poseidon frowned. “I was twelve.”

After lessons...Dirty rotten... 

Poseidon raised an eyebrow and Percy glared. Annabeth went very red.

“Sorry, Lord Poseidon.” She muttered.

“Even if you felt that way, there was definitely no need to say that about his dad in front of Percy.” Rachel stated. She really was beginning to wonder what Percy saw in Annabeth. Of course, the fact that she wanted Percy for herself had nothing to do with that particular thought. Annabeth winced at that statement.

“Sorry, Percy.” She said. The boy shrugged.

Got to make...be ignored.

“You shoulda said. I’ve have loved to pulverise you.” Clarisse told him.

“I think I’m quite alright really, thanks anyway.” Percy grinned.

I knew somebody...feet before exploding.

Poseidon glared at Zeus once more.

Mother and son...in black marker.

“I guess that was Luke?” Thalia whispered to Percy. He shrugged.

“Probably. I didn’t actually find out.”

I wadded up...worst dream yet.

“If only it stayed that way.” Percy muttered.

I was running...the wind rose.

Demeter and Hera rolled their eyes.

“You two are so childish.” Demeter told the two brothers.

I had to stop...over a toy.

“That’s basically what they are.” Hera stated.

“Give it back?” Zeus looked at his brother. “You stole from me.”

“Or you just accused me for no reason.” Poseidon rolled his eyes.

The waves got...blood to ice.

Everyone turned to look at Hades.

“Hey!” Nico protested. “Don’t just assume it’s my dad.”

“It has to be.” Zeus stated.

“No it doesn’t. Just because you don’t want something to be true doesn’t mean it isn’t.” Percy told the King of the Gods.

“It can’t be anyone else.”

“Oh, you’ll find out when we keep reading.” Percy sighed. Poseidon paled. If it wasn’t Hades then the alternative was not good. In fact it was a terrible alternative. He exchanged glances with Hades.

Come down...I was falling.

“I hate that feeling.” Jason shuddered.

“Me too.” Leo agreed.

I was still...Grover trotted inside,

“Why did you use your hoof to knock instead of your hand?” Percy asked.

“It’s louder.” Grover replied.

looking worried...wants to kill…

“Dionysus.” Poseidon said warningly. 

“I wasn’t going to kill him.” Dionysus sighed as if the admission made him unhappy.

“You’d better not kill any of them.” Zeus warned his son sternly.

“Of course not, father.” The Wine God said petulant.

I mean...in huge trouble.

“You had done nothing wrong.” Poseidon said.

“I wasn’t sure that mattered.” Percy muttered back. The Sea God frowned. His son shouldn’t have to live in fear of being punished for something that wasn’t his fault. Still, he couldn’t bring himself to regret having Percy in the future.

For days...to be alive. 

“It is.” Hera sniffed.

The other gods...me for existing, 

“We wouldn’t do that.” Hermes said jovially. Percy glanced at Thalia and then at Hades.

“Yeah, I think you would.”

“Well, Uncle H might because of the oath. The rest of us don’t really care about that.” Apollo shrugged. “Besides, the world would be much less funny without you in it.”

“Er...thanks.” Percy said.

and now...want it to."

“Thank you for actually answering the question.” Percy nodded to Grover.

“I’d say anytime, but apparently that isn’t true.” Grover smirked back.

I pointed at...always does."

“Unless Zeus is angry.” Grover corrected himself.

“You made it rain all over Camp because of one demigod?” Aphrodite asked angrily. “My children’s hair could be ruined!” Piper face palmed again while Silena nodded in agreement.

“Father, you really need to stop punishing all of the children when they have done nothing wrong.” Artemis spoke up. Zeus grumbled to himself furiously. How dare they all question him. Him ! He was the King!

I realized he...the satyrs. 

Apollo clapped Will on the back. “Did you win?” 

“I honestly can’t remember. We usually do though.” Grover grumbled about stupid Apollo kids and their annoying shooting accuracy.

“That’s my kids.” Apollo beamed.

Dionysus’ twins...the plants grow. 

Said God smiled fondly while the Greek demigods all looked at the floor again.

Everybody was..."Our little celebrity."

Piper, Chris, Will and a couple of the Gods all burst out laughing.

“What?” Dionysus asked them in bewilderment.

“S..Snape.” Piper said through her snickers. Jason was looking at her as if she had lost her mind.

“What’s a Snape?” He asked. Piper stopped laughing and gaped at him. 

“Do you Romans not read mortal books? Harry Potter is awesome.”

“Definitely.” Will agreed.

“That doesn’t answer my question. What’s a Snape?” Jason asked again.

“Snape is a teacher in the Harry Potter books.” Chris explained.

“Please keep reading.” Dionysus asked Grover.

I waited...is your father."

Dionysus winced a little as Poseidon raised an eyebrow.

“You’ve been borrowing Athena’s insults. At least create your own.” The Sea God told his nephew.

“To be fair, she’s probably used them all at some point, she insults you so often.” Hermes pointed out.

“Quite possibly.” Poseidon agreed, looking slightly amused.

A net of...of the house.

“I’m assuming Lord Zeus isn’t upset about Mr D insulting Lord Poseidon so what’s with the thunder and lightning?” Will asked. Dionysus looked mildly affronted that the other two Gods mentioned got called ‘Lord’ while he was referred to as ‘Mr D’.

“I’m assuming that was Father being overly dramatic at the reminder of who Perseus is.” Artemis rolled her eyes.

“I am not overly dramatic.” Zeus protested. All the other Gods and Goddesses turned to look at him, each of them raising an eyebrow. He spluttered angrily but even his wife was agreeing. “Read.” He ordered Grover grumpily. The Satyr eagerly complied.

"Blah, blah, blah,"...erupt in flames. 

Dionysus cringed again as Poseidon’s expression turned decidedly unfriendly at this pronouncement.

“You are treading on thin ice, nephew.” The Sea God stated.

“You’re probably going to have to get used to it, dad.” Percy sighed. “Mr D likes threatening us relatively often.” Sadly this did not reassure his father, who’s expression darkened further.

“I don’t think that’s helping.” Grover whispered to him.

“Hey just think about next summer.” Percy replied equally quietly. “Tantalus. I don’t think the Gods are going to like Mr D after that episode either.” Poseidon stiffened at his son’s words. He suspected, quite rightly, he wasn’t supposed to have heard but it was difficult not to when Percy was sat right next to him. What was Tantalus doing at Camp Half-Blood? It would seem he was going to be having some strong words with his nephew about his conduct.

We’d sweep up...brats safe from harm."

“Indeed it would.” Zeus stated firmly. Dionysus made no reply given the threat earlier. He may hate life as Camp director but it was infinitely better than life as a mortal.

“Thank you for reminding him of his duties.” Poseidon said to Chiron. The Centaur nodded.

"Spontaneous combustion...feel a thing. 

“Not really the point.” Frank muttered.

Nevertheless, I’ve...to your father."

“You wouldn’t dare.” Poseidon stated calmly.

“It would be kind of cool to see your palace.” Percy pointed out.

“I shall show you some time.” Poseidon promised. All the other demigods, except Nico, Frank and Hazel had to try and hide their jealousy at this pronouncement. While Frank and Hazel were jealous of how much Percy’s dad cared and interacted with his son, neither of them wished to visit the palace of their parents. Frank was also jealous that Percy got such a cool dad. He really wasn’t too happy with finding out his dad was Mars. 

"Mr. D—" Chiron...Atlantic bottlenose. 

“See, Mr D just likes threatening people.” Percy shrugged.

“Along with getting names wrong it’s his favourite hobby.” Travis agreed.

Do you understand?...you must do."

“Chiron? What do you want him to do?” Poseidon asked nervously.

“Go on a quest. It’s part of the title.” Thalia pointed out. The Sea God didn’t look any happier at this idea.

Dionysus picked up...lingering behind.

“Wow, normally people just see us disappear.” Hermes grinned. “Nice observation skills.”

Chiron smiled at...gotten to use.

“Darn.” Dionysus grumbled.

“You know you can’t beat him.” Ares rolled his eyes.

“I can and I will.” The Wine God stated stubbornly. Chiron smiled innocently.

"Tell me, Percy,"...for breakfast. 

“I think I might have suspected you were lying.” Chiron laughed.

“Yeah, probably.” Percy agreed with a grin.

But I didn’t feel like lying.

The Centaur smiled.

"It scared me,"...you’re done."

“Back with the comforting pep talks.” Thalia chuckled.

“He needed to be prepared for what he might face.” Chiron sighed.

“Yeah. I don’t think anything was going to prepare me for that adventure.” Percy muttered. 

"Done . . . with...you accept it?"

“You didn’t tell him what the quest is.” Reyna pointed out.

“For good reason.” Annabeth muttered.

I glanced at...aren’t they?".

“You stole from me!” Zeus accused, jabbing a finger in Poseidon’s direction.

“I would not resort to petty theft.” Poseidon retorted angrily.

“Hey!” Hermes complained quietly. “He makes theft sound like a bad thing.”

“If it’s making those two fight like that then it’s definitely bad.” Aphrodite pointed out. Zeus and Poseidon continued arguing until Hera and Demeter stepped in, forcing them both back to their seats. Grover kept reading very tentatively.

Chiron and Grover...lightning bolt."

“MY LIGHTNING BOLT!” Zeus shouted furiously. “POSEIDON!”

“What would I want with the stupid thing?” Poseidon asked, his voice deceptively calm. Everyone on the same couch began edging away from the God, even if he was mortal. Even Percy was inching away from his father.

“Stupid? My Lighting Bolt is not stupid.” Zeus yelled.

“Whatever.” Poseidon rolled his eyes. “I have no need for it.”

“You wish to take my weapon and usurp me.” The King of the Gods accused.

“No. I really don’t. I have no desire to rule over this rabble and keep them in line.” Poseidon gestured to the other Gods who looked slightly offended. “Maybe I did a few millennia ago but I am content in my palace under the sea.” Zeus looked like he wanted to continue the argument but his wife silenced him with a look.

“How about we read and find out what happened rather than pointlessly accusing each other.” Hestia said quietly. Everyone was quiet so Grover took this as his cue to start reading again.

I laughed nervously...god-level explosives."

Leo whistled appreciatively.

"Oh. "...look like firecrackers."

“Sounding both amazing and terrifying.” Leo muttered to himself. Beckendorf nodded his agreement.

"And its missing?"..."By you."

“YOU..!” Zeus was back on his feet in an instant, this time his finger was pointed at Percy who rolled his eyes.

“Oh don’t be stupid brother.” Hades drawled, making everyone look at him in shock. “If young Perseus had stolen it, I think there is a tiny chance we would have noticed before now. You know, given the fact we are reading his thoughts and everything.” Hermes and Apollo both snorted quietly. Zeus grumbled some more but sat back down. Poseidon nodded gratefully to his brother.

My mouth fell...et cetera. 

“Those are not nonsense.” Poseidon stated. Zeus nodded in agreement.

Afterward, Zeus...Zeus is crazy!"

Zeus glared.

“Kid’s not wrong.” Ares muttered quietly. He may not like the punk but he had to admit the kid had guts.

Chiron and Grover..."Perhaps paranoid," 

“Just a tad.” Poseidon muttered sarcastically.

Chiron suggested...getting busted. 

Poseidon’s expression became even blacker at the reminder of the scum his son had lived with. Thalia, Nico and Rachel all scowled while Percy tried to sink down in his seat.

Chiron was waiting...better ruler, right?"

“Not that it worked.” Hera sighed.

“And it wasn’t just me in that particular affair. Any of the others could have stolen your precious bolt.” Poseidon pointed out.

"Correct," Chiron said...at the accusation. 

“Of course I did.” Poseidon stated.

The two have..."But I’m just a kid!"

“A very powerful child without even being trained.” Artemis pointed out.

“No more powerful than Thalia, or Nico. I mean, Nico can do some pretty scary powerful stuff.” Percy protested. Nico was grateful the older boy was not looking at him as he felt his cheeks warm at the praise. His heart also did a little tap dance in his chest. Then he tried to get a grip on himself. He doubted Percy even liked guys. It was wrong. He would be Percy’s friend and nothing more. He needed to accept that. 

“Hate to admit it but I think you probably are more powerful than me. You already have more different demigod powers than anyone else.” Thalia pointed out. “Of course, I’d kick your butt in a fight still.”

“Of course.” Percy agreed good naturedly. “I don’t have that many powers.” He added.

“I can summon lightning and, to some extent, manipulate the air. That’s kind of it.” Thalia said. “You can breathe underwater, you have perfect bearings at sea, you can heal yourself with water, you can speak with sea animals and horses and you get power boosts from water. That’s more than most of us get right there.” Thalia listed off his powers that she knew of.

“You can also automatically work out how to run any boat.” Annabeth added, remembering the Sea of Monsters. “Not to mention, you might not be immune to fire but you’re pretty resistant. Plus the biggest one, your general ability to control water, not just the sea but any water. You could probably create earthquakes if you tried.”

All of the Immortals were now staring at Percy. Most of these things they either knew about or had heard mentioned but to hear them all listed out like that...it was a little terrifying. A demigod should not be that powerful. 

"Percy," Grover cut...in your toga?"

“Exactly!” Zeus agreed.

“You broke the oath first.” Poseidon rolled his eyes.

“Two wrongs do not make a right, brother.” Hestia frowned.

"But I didn’t...not Poseidon’s style. 

“Exactly.” Poseidon threw his arms up in exasperation,

But the Sea God...Zeus of that. 

“Zeus is also too thick headed to believe him.” Hera sighed.

“There is no way he would listen to reason. Before he found out about Percy, maybe, but afterwards...no way.” Hermes agreed. Zeus glared at both of them.

Zeus has demanded... brothers see sense. 

“Not possible.” The three sisters said in unison. Zeus and Poseidon gave them betrayed looks.

But your arrival..."Bad?" I guessed.

“Worse than bad, punk.” Clarisse rolled her eyes.

"Imagine the world...water-balloon fight."

“That is definitely worse than bad.” Rachel muttered weakly. “And completely unfair because it’s the mortals who would suffer and die because you two wouldn’t stop fighting like children.” Suddenly she glared at both Gods. They looked taken aback. Poseidon’s expression held an undercurrent of amusement while Zeus looked ready to blow his top again. Grover hurriedly kept reading.

"Bad," I repeated.

There was some snickering from the demigods.

"And you, Percy Jackson...because of me. 

“Yeah, you really need to stop doing that.” Aphrodite demanded.

“Our children have done nothing wrong.” Hephaestus agreed in a gruff voice.

I was furious.

“Duck and cover!” Travis yelled. He and Connor both leapt off of their couch and pretended to hide behind it. Nico, Thalia and Grover joined in by edging further along the couch, away from Percy.

“What?” Said demigod looked confused. As did pretty much everybody else. Clarisse was just rolling her eyes.

“Percy being furious is a scary thing.” Connor said.

“I’m not that bad.” Percy protested.

“Yeah, you are!” All the Greek demigods chorused in unison. The Gods looked even more wary now. If this boy were to turn against them, they could be doomed. Athena figured that of all the fatal flaws he could have, loyalty might well be the best one. It might be the deadliest but it might just keep the boy from betraying them. Given the bond he seemed to have with Poseidon now, he would not be able to betray his father or his friends to the Crooked One who was most likely rising.

"So I have to find the stupid bolt," I said. 

“It is not stupid.” Zeus complained but he didn’t sound angry. He was more whiny. Hera rolled her eyes at her husband. 

"And return it...Zeus’ property?"

“He should not have to make a peace offering.” Poseidon snarled.

"If Poseidon..."I believe I know." 

“Oh, here we go.” Hades sighed. Obviously he would be the first and only suspect.

“I apologise for the assumption, Lord Hades.” Chiron inclined his head. Hades sighed once more and Nico crossed his arms angrily.

Chirons expression was... accept the challenge."

“Somehow I doubt that.” Athena stated.

“Is that a compliment? To a son of Poseidon?” Apollo asked in astonishment.

“If they suspect Uncle Hades has the bolt then they will have to travel to the Underworld. Where was it Perseus wanted to go to fetch his mother?” She asked.

“Oooh. Yeah. He will definitely accept then.” Aphrodite smiled.

“He is certainly a good son.” Hera nodded approvingly. Percy was a little disturbed by praise from Hera.

I swallowed...wanted to kill.

Grover winced.

"All right,”...into a dolphin."

I’m not so sure about that now. At least the time as a dolphin would be short. Dad would have turned me back quickly enough, I’m sure.” Percy shrugged.

“Yeah but then there would be war so I don’t think it would matter.” Clarisse pointed out.

“Details, details.” Percy grinned.

"Then its time...will talk more."

“You actually have an Oracle?” Reyna asked in astonishment. It had been mentioned a couple of times but she had either been distracted or just assumed they meant something similar to what Octavian did. This actually sounded like they had a real Oracle.

“Assuming you’re still sane?” Frank asked at the same time.

“Yes we have an Oracle.” Annabeth told them. All the Romans looked jealous at this, except Frank who was still caught up on the being sane part.

Four flights up...CIRCE’S ISLE, 

Reyna winced at the reminder of the place that had been her home for a while. She missed her sister fiercely.

and LAND OF THE AMAZONS... to a husk. 

“Oh yuck.” Leo mimed vomiting. “So glad that’s no longer…” Jason shoved a hand over Leo’s mouth to stop him talking. They didn’t need to be giving more of the future away than necessary. Besides, they would probably read about it. 

She wore a...dead a long, long time.

Hades scowled while Apollo sighed sadly. His poor Oracle. He just wished he knew what the problem was so he could fix it.

Looking at her sent chills up my back. 

“Don’t blame ya.” Chris muttered.

“It’s hard to believe it gets creepier.” Thalia said to herself. Percy still heard her and nodded in agreement.

And that was...twenty thousand snakes. 

“Oh Gods.” Hazel whispered. It sounded horrific.

I stumbled over...around my brain: 

“I’m not sure I want an Oracle anymore.” Dakota muttered to Reyna who seemed inclined to agree. That was way too creepy.

“I’m so glad something happened and that changed.” Piper whispered to Jason. He nodded.

I am the...the mighty Python. 

“Really, brother? You just had to boast, even through your Oracle.” Artemis rolled her eyes.

“It was an important achievement. I was protecting my baby sister and mother.” Apollo replied with a grin.

“I am not your baby sister.” Artemis growled.

Approach, seeker... for the bathroom. 

The demigods all burst out laughing.

“Yeah, that wouldn’t have helped.” Percy muttered.

“If you need to hear what she has to say then she will find a way.” Thalia agreed.

But I forced...definitely not human.

“Very good.” Athena nodded approvingly. For a sea spawn, he wasn’t as unintelligent as he could have been.

But not particularly...me, either.

“Always a bonus.” Percy grinned.

“It makes a change.” Nico snickered. “The list of people who don’t want to kill you has to be pretty short.”

“Shorter than I’d like.” Percy grimaced. Poseidon did not look happy with that comment.

I got up...and his buddies.

There were some growls echoing around the room.

“Your Oracle has despicable taste.” Artemis told her brother.

My fists clenched...who has turned.

Everyone immediately turned to look at Hades.

“Well, if it was him is it any wonder? You all automatically accuse him with no proof.” Nico burst out.

“The entrance to Hades’ realm is to the West.” Clarisse pointed out, even though she knew it wasn’t Hades. She didn’t particularly want to think about her dad being a traitor.

“Everything is west from Camp Half-Blood. We are on the East coast.” Will pointed out.

His buddy on...safely returned.

“Good.” Zeus nodded happily.

The guy on...you a friend.

The demigods all scowled while the Gods looked confused. The only person Percy seemed friendly with was Grover and from their interactions, it was clear the Satyr hadn’t betrayed him. Percy didn’t seem the type to forgive betrayal very easily.

Finally, Eddie...in the end.

“What?” Zeus suddenly looked angry again.

“It already said I found what was stolen and gave it back.” Percy rolled his eyes.

“What could be more important than my bolt?” The King of the Gods asked.

“The boy’s mother.” Hestia pointed out quietly. The other demigods, except Annabeth, who had met Sally, glanced at Percy in confusion. If he failed to save her, how could she be alive?

The figures began...fail to save?"

“Sorry, kiddo. The Oracle doesn’t work like that.” Apollo told Percy.

“Yeah, it’s a shame.” Clarisse muttered.

The tail of...anything else.

“True.” Apollo nodded.

My audience with the Oracle was over.

“Well that might have been creepy but it was way better than what Octavian manages.” Gwen said to Dakota.

“I think making it up would be better than what Octavian does.” Dakota replied.

"Well?" Chiron asked..."That’s great!"

“The rest of it, not so much.” Thalia said

“It worked out ok. Mostly.” Percy told her.

“That’s not reassuring.” Nico stated.

"What did...look satisfied. 

“Prophecies are rarely that straight forward.” Chiron said.

"Anything else?"...that many.

“Hey! What are we?” Connor asked.

“Chopped liver.” Travis continued.

“I wasn’t really friends with you guys then.” Percy reminded them.

“Well, you have lots of friends now.” Rachel told him with a smile. Percy nodded happily. He couldn’t ask for better friends either.

And the last...you’ll fail

“It doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll fail the quest. Just fail to save something important to you. Which isn’t much better but there is a distinction.” Apollo stated.

How could...double meanings. 

“By often, you mean, almost always.” Clarisse muttered.

Dont dwell on...me feel better.

Chiron nodded.

“Chiron can pretty much always tell when you’re not telling him everything.” Annabeth smiled.

“That was a lot more encouraging than your last attempt.” Hermes told the Centaur.

"Okay," I said...stands to gain?"

“Not me.” Hades growled. “You think I need more dead in my realm. I already need to expand because there are too many.” 

“I am sorry, Lord Hades.” Chiron bowed his head.

"Somebody else...the ground. "Hades."

“Pretty sure that wasn’t me either.” The God complained.

Chiron nodded...only possibility."

“The only possibility I was willing to consider.” Chiron corrected. Hades considered this and what his nephew had said earlier. Yes, quite honestly he could see why they would rather think it was him. Quite frankly, he would rather it had been him. His father rising was not good for anybody.

A scrap of...one lord: Hades.”

“That is true.” Nico admitted. “But father could have just been upset about Poseidon breaking the oath.”

“She was at Yancy for months. Surely, given how strongly Grover says I smell, it shouldn’t have taken her that long to work out who I was.” Percy pointed out. Everybody considered this. 

"Yes, but—but...a spy here. 

“Let’s be honest, given Hades’ reputation, what Camper would agree to act as a spy for him?” Will asked, throwing an apologetic look towards the God of the Underworld. Silena flinched. She was spying for a much worse cause than Hades. She glanced over at Beckendorf and wandered what he would say if he found out she was a spy. Silena shuddered.

He must suspect...to kill me."

“Oh for the days when it was only two, The numbers just keep going up.” Grover muttered. Poseidon swallowed nervously and then glared at both of his brothers.

“How many is it now?” He asked anxiously.

“Er…” Percy thought about it. “Probably at least four plus a few more who really don’t like me. I’m not sure if they dislike me enough to want to kill me though. And a couple who don’t particularly care but want to kill me so I can’t fulfil the prophecy.” The Gods all looked at each other, wondering which of them the young demigod would upset enough to want to kill him. Given his run-ins with Clarisse, they figured Ares would be one of them but the others were harder to guess. The majority of the Gods all like him currently and couldn’t imagine wanting to kill him. Having gotten to know him a bit and read some of his thoughts, they were fairly confident he wouldn’t turn against Olympus, even without the note that came with the books.

"But a quest to... time of year."

A few people snickered.

"Hades sent a...motives perfectly, 

“Or at all.” Hades muttered.

or why he...reveal the truth."  

“Well, we did end up having to go to the Underworld to get answers.” Percy admitted. “Just not the ones we were expecting.”

A strange fire...and the hellhound. 

“Only two of those were me.” Hades pointed out.

“That isn’t much better.” Poseidon snapped angrily. All this talk about Gods who wanted to kill his son was putting him on edge.

It was his...take him on.

Hades smirked.

“Alright, so maybe not actually take him on then.” Percy admitted.

“I don’t know.” Annabeth mused. Hades’ eyes widened. The girl thought his nephew could actually take him on? At the age of twelve. That was concerning.

Besides, if my...Hades is a god.

“There’s that sense of self preservation we didn’t think you had.” Hermes said cheerfully.

“It didn’t stay long.” Grover muttered.

Grover was trembling...This was suicide.

“You were awesome G-man.” Percy grinned.

"Look, if we...bust some heads."

Hades snorted.

“Ooh, I miss Heracles busts heads. That was a good show.” Apollo said, more to himself than anyone else.

"Suspecting and knowing are not the same," Chiron said. 

“Tell Zeus that. He doesn’t know for sure that dad did it but he’s ready to go to war anyway.” Percy pointed out.

“Percy.” Poseidon said warningly. He was starting to understand why some of the other Gods would want to kill his son. He really didn’t know when to stop talking, or when he should be more respectful. While he agreed with his son’s views, he needed to learn a better way to get his point across. One that left him in less danger of being vaporized.

"Besides, even if...have certain privileges. 

“Yeah, it’s a total privilege to be able to go to the Underworld.” Thalia muttered.

“It’s really not a privilege to be able to go anywhere or challenge anyone. That just leads the Gods to ignoring us until they need some dirty work done.” Chris stated.

They can go...being used."

“Basically, yes.” Annabeth stated. Poseidon and Athena both winced.

"I’m saying it’s...He needs you."

“But didn’t revealing that Percy is his son make it worse?” Frank pointed out.

“True but Zeus still suspected Poseidon, even without Percy in the picture. Without Percy, Poseidon had no demigod who could find out the truth.” Chiron told him.

My dad needs...he needed me.

“I am sorry, Percy.” Poseidon gave a heavy sigh.

I looked at Chiron...his prophecy, 

“You didn’t need to know.” Chiron stated. Percy nodded. Too much information would distract him from what he needed to do.

but I decided...of the Dead."

“And that’s the easy bit.” Percy muttered.

"Check," Chiron said...in ten days."

“That’s loads of time.” Jason said, thinking of how he had been given three days for his quest. 

“It seems like loads of time. Didn’t quite work out that way.” Grover muttered.

"That’s about right...he asked weakly.

“Once or twice.” Annabeth told him. Grover blushed.

"You don’t...let you down."

Poseidon nodded approvingly. Maybe this Satyr was not quite as bad as he had feared. He was certainly brave and willing to face the Underworld to help his son.

“You’re the best G-Man.” Percy grinned at his best friend.

I felt so...very heroic. 

“Definitely not heroic.” Clarisse sneered.

Grover was the...a few months. 

Percy looked down as everyone looked at him in pity. 

“Ah well, you’re stuck with all of us now.” Thalia nudged him. Percy suddenly grinned.

“Yeah, I really should have paid attention to the phrase ‘be careful what you wish for’.” 

“Are you implying you don’t want us for friends?” Rachel asked, putting her hand over her heart dramatically.

“Well, you are all insane.” Percy shrugged, smirking.

“Given the titles for the chapters, you aren’t sane yourself.” Nico pointed out.

I wasn’t sure...its in America."

“America doesn’t exactly narrow it down.” Percy said with a grin.

"Where?"...Los Angeles."

“Again with the things that should be obvious.” Percy complained.

"Oh," I said...on a plane—"

“If only it were that easy.” Grover sighed.

“It’s kind of unfair that me and Nico can go swimming while Percy can’t fly even in a plane.” Thalia frowned.

“Can you imagine Zeus’ face if my dad tried to drown you just for daring to go in the sea?” Percy asked her quietly. Thalia shuddered and then rolled her eyes. Her dad could be seriously embarrassing sometimes.

"No!" Grover shrieked...a plane crash.

“That’s a fair reason for her not to want to fly.” Silena admitted. “Poor Sally.”

"Percy, think," Chiron...down again alive."

“I mean, why do you even care?” Thalia asked her father in confusion. Zeus glared at her. “What harm can it possibly do to let Percy use a plane?”

“The Sky is my domain.” Zeus growled. Thalia was still confused but didn’t press the issue. She figured he was just being dramatic again.

Overhead, lightning crackled...quest like this?"

The Greek demigods, except Annabeth and Percy, all broke out into snickers.

The air shimmered...messing up."

“Still true.” Annabeth turned to grin at Percy but he simply frowned.

“So you just reminded him you don’t like his dad and said you have no faith in him not to mess up. Why would he want you on a quest with him?” Reyna asked in confusion. Annabeth flushed.

“Someone has to fix things when Percy’s plans go wrong.” She replied.

“No wonder he has no self confidence with friends like you.” Reyna frowned. The son of the Sea God certainly seemed a little goofy but not stupid. Reyna also got the feeling he did downplay the intelligence he did have probably due to who he grew up with. It was clear he had very little self confidence and his so called friends seemed to frequently put him down further.

"If you do...I could get.

“There is that.” Beckendorf acknowledged.

"A trio," I said..on your own."

“So they have to get to Los Angeles by themselves and be unable to take a plane?” Rachel asked. “Ten days doesn’t seem like quite such a long time now. Public transport isn’t exactly quick.”

“We managed.” Percy shrugged.

“Eventually.” Grover replied.

“Just about.” Annabeth spoke at the same time as Grover.

Lightning flashed...all get packing."

“Chapter’s over. That was really long.” Grover announced.

“Right let us take a little break.” Chiron stated. “Be back here in an hour.”

“Right, come on, Percy.” Apollo said, bounding over. “Time for some archery practise.”

“No, honestly Lord Apollo…” Percy tried to beg off, sending pleading looks to his father, Nico and Thalia. None of them looked like they were going to come to his rescue. In fact, they all looked rather amused.

“No need for the Lord business. Just call me Apollo.” The God waved a hand absently.

“What about Will? I’m sure he’d love to practise with you.” Percy tried again.

“Nonsense, Will doesn’t need practise. He’s already brilliant.” Apollo scoffed. “Come on Perc, is spending time with me that bad?” Percy swore the God was actually pouting at him. Nico glared as he realised Apollo just wanted to spend time with Percy because he liked him. His first reaction was jealousy and then a jolt of shock went through him. If Apollo did indeed like Percy in that way then he clearly wasn’t nervous about it. Nico thought about the old myths and realised that the Gods weren’t particularly fussy about the gender, or species of the people they slept with. He blushed at the idea. Still, if a God was interested in Percy, what chance did he stand? By the time he dragged himself out of his misery, Percy had been dragged away by the Sun God.

“You ok?” Thalia asked him.

“Yeah, fine.” Nico nodded but it sounded unconvincing even to his own ears. Thankfully, his cousin let it go. 

“Let’s go eat.” She suggested. Nico nodded. They set off for the dining hall.

Chapter Text

Percy was quite reluctant to train. He had given up completely at Camp and Chiron was quite happy to let him skip archery lessons in the interests of everyone’s safety. If Apollo had been a God it might not have been so bad but he was currently mortal and Percy was rather afraid of hurting one of the few Gods who actually liked him. He really couldn’t afford more enemies.

“I’m sure you’ll be fine.” Apollo assured him as he was led to an archery range. “Right, just pick up the bow and show me how you hold it.” Percy did so. 

“Well, to start with you’re holding it upside down.” Apollo told him. Percy went red. He didn’t know you could hold a bow upside down.

“I did say…”

“Ah, lighten up, Perc. I was kidding.” The God smirked at him and Percy smacked him on the arm without thinking.

“Sorry.” He said, eyes widening as he realised that he just just punched a God, even in jest.

“Ah, Arty does worse to me on a regular basis.” Apollo waved this away with a laugh. He was just glad Percy felt relaxed enough around him to do that.

“Don’t let her hear you say that.” Percy muttered. The Sun God smirked at him.

“That’s the fun part.” Even if he was not holding the bow upside down, not surprisingly, the God still had to correct his grip. The surprising part was that when his grip had been corrected it actually felt far less awkward. Maybe this would be ok. 

Apollo then went through the general rules of being on an archery range before handing him an arrow. Percy wasn’t sure if it was just him but the air seemed to get a little tense as Apollo gently moved his hands into the correct position while teaching him to knock the arrow. The God seemed as relaxed as ever so Percy dismissed the feeling as simply nerves. Once everything was ready, Apollo stepped back to give him room to shoot. Percy frowned in concentration but his clammy hands were slipping slightly. He let go of the arrow before the string had been pulled back. It fell to the floor, landing no more than a foot in front of him.

“Well, that was alright.” Apollo tried to sound encouraging. Percy just looked at him and raised an eyebrow. “Ok so it wasn’t great but you didn’t shoot me and the arrow did in fact go forwards if only a little.” The God grinned. “From your horror stories I was expecting much worse.” Percy chuckled. 

They kept practising for the whole hour. By the end, Percy could at least get the arrow a fair distance and it always went in the direction it was supposed to even if it never hit the target. Apollo seemed overly enthusiastic about his progress and announced he just needed more lessons. Knowing it would be useless to decline, Percy agreed that once a day he would practise with Apollo for a little while. His agreement seemed to please the God as he broke into a smile that was almost blinding. They returned to the Throne Room in quite a good mood. Most people were already back, they just appeared to be waiting on Zeus and Hera. Finally they arrived and Nico picked up the book.

“I’ll read then. I ruin a perfectly good bus.”

“Well that didn’t take long.” Thalia laughed.

“No, it really didn’t.” Percy agreed.

It didn’t take...in my cabin, 

“Good idea.” Jason nodded.

“Yeah, never take anything you don’t need.” Leo nodded though he had a different sort of experience with having to pack light.

which left me...twenty golden drachmas.

“It’s not a loan. They don’t expect us to pay it back.” Annabeth told him.

“That would have been nice to know back then.” Percy sighed.

These coins were...than pure gold. 

“That’s because gold is the best.” Apollo stated proudly, puffing out his chest. Hermes glared at him. He was still unhappy that Apollo had a way to spend time alone with Percy whereas he didn’t. He wanted some time with the hilarious young demigod. Although, come to think of it, the young demigod had promised some more tales of his school years. He would have to remind him when Apollo wasn’t around.

Chiron said the...whatever that meant. 

“Just a hunch but I’m betting it means it is for transactions with people that aren’t mortal.” Connor stated in mock solemnity. 

“You might be right, brother. I suppose it had to happen some time.” Travis said.

“Hey.” Connor complained. “I’m right more often than you are.”

“You wish.”

He gave Annabeth...from her mom. 

Athena smiled at Annabeth, happy to be able to give something useful to her daughter. Annabeth grinned in return. She loved that cap.

She carried a...she got bored,

“Bored?” Jason gaped.

“You seriously had no idea what quests were like, did you?” Reyna asked the other girl.

“Luke had told me about his quest but I had no personal experience.” Annabeth admitted.

“You knew what it was like while we tried to get to camp.” Thalia pointed out. She thought her friend would know better. Annabeth went a little red.

“It sounded like a lot of the trip would be travelling.” She shrugged.

and a long...metal detector.

“I’m guessing nobody taught you about the mist then?” Nico asked.

“Nope.” Percy shook his head. It had always bothered him that Chiron had taught Thalia how to do it but not him.

Grover wore his...on reed pipes.

“Hey!” Grover complained.

“Sorry man but they really didn’t sound good.” Percy cringed a little, remembering having to listen to Hilary Duff.

We waved...daughter of Zeus.

“You just had to mention me.” Thalia rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, for some unknown reason, your story kinda stuck with me.” Percy told her.

Chiron was waiting...the sick room. 

Hera smiled fondly while Zeus scowled.

According to Grover...eye on things."

Hermes, his kids, Leo and Apollo all snickered while everyone else cringed.

“Bad pun, Chiron.” Annabeth shook her head.

I heard footsteps...basketball shoes.

Hermes perked up. 

"Hey!" he panted...Luke was around.

“I did not.” Annabeth stated firmly. Aphrodite cooed eagerly. She was sensing a love triangle which made her excited. She did love drama.

“Yeah, you did.” Percy replied.

"Just wanted to...kind of normal.

“Why would you smell them?” Nico asked.

“I spent a week living in the Hermes Cabin.” Percy reminded him. Nico nodded.

“Oh yeah, makes sense.”

Luke said, "Maia!"

Hermes grinned. Now Percy would have a useful magic item to help.

White birds wings...turned sad.

Hermes was suddenly sad that his son was giving away a gift that he had given him. Even if Luke didn’t get to use them on quests it didn’t mean he had to give them away. But still, at least it was Percy he was giving them to.

I didn’t know...much as Annabeth.

Nico looked up, feeling a little bit of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Percy dld like guys too.

"Hey, man," I...might pass out.

“Oh shut up, I did not.” Annabeth growled.

“You really did.” Grover told her.

After Luke...didn’t you?"

Annabeth went bright red again as the other campers all gaped at her.

“No, I had to go and rescue you.” She pointed out.

“Only once the flag had been won. You could have got the flag and sent Luke to help me, especially as you knew I was against the Ares cabin and Luke is the better fighter.”

“I had the advantage of being invisible.” Annabeth reminded him. Percy shrugged. It wasn’t worth arguing. Plus it just annoyed him, thinking about the fact that Annabeth still had a huge crush on Luke.

"Oh . . . why do...these, will I?"

“What?” Hermes protested. “Why not?”

“Zeus already wants to kill Percy. He’d probably kill him for flying, even with your shoes.” Will pointed out. Hermes slumped in his throne. 

He shook his...magic item?"

“That’s very nice of you.” Hermes smiled at Percy. At least the shoes could still help them on the quest.

“Yeah, thanks, Perc.” Grover said with only a small amount of sarcasm. Percy grinned at his friend.

“You made a great flying goat boy.” 

“Flying goat boy?” Leo asked between snickers. Percy nodded.

His eyes lit up...like tiny broncos.

Hermes burst out laughing, as did most of the demigods.

"Practice," Chiron...possessed lawn mower, 

“Possessed lawnmower?” Athena looked at Percy strangely. He shrugged.

“You think of the weirdest things.” Silena told Percy.

heading toward the...got more training."

“Most heroes get more than a week’s training.” Apollo stated.

“Yay for being special.” Percy deadpanned.

"That’s okay...Annabeth’s invisible cap.

“Sorry, Percy.” Poseidon grimaced. He made a mental note to think of a good gift for his son.

“I’ve just realised, Percy was talking about Annabeth’s knife giving them away at security. Does that mean he doesn’t have a weapon?” Piper asked. It sounded like Annabeth was the only one with a weapon. 

“I didn’t have one yet.” Percy told her. “None of the Camp ones felt right.”

"What am I...cost thirty cents.

Chiron gave Percy an amused look.

"Gee," I said... into a sword. 

“Oh cool.” Leo said. 

“Can you still write with it?” Piper asked.

“Never tried.” Percy shrugged. 

“Of course you haven’t.” Athena rolled her eyes. He took out Riptide and examined it. Uncapping it, his sword appeared in front of him. Then he frowned, unsure what to do next.

“Try putting the cap back on.” Annabeth suggested. Percy did so. As soon as he touched the cap to the tip of the sword, the blade shrunk back and he was left holding a pen he was able to write with.

“Cool. Good to know.” He said with a grin.

“I can’t believe it’s taken you three years to work out you can write with your pen sword.” Rachel laughed.

“Well, if I have to turn it into a sword before I can actually write with it then I can’t exactly use it in school.” Percy pointed out. “And I don’t tend to need to write things down on quests. Nor do I usually have time.” 

“Fair enough.” 

Could this be...name is Anaklusmos."

Artemis pursed her lips and frowned. Thalia and Percy also looked a little grim. It did indeed have a sad history.

"Riptide," I translated...came so easily.

“You’re still surprised by that?” Dionysus asked, rolling his eyes.

“It’s weird suddenly realising you know a whole new language without even learning it.” Percy replied.

"Use it only...against monsters.

“Yeah, Percy. Monsters only.” Rachel told him, trying to sound stern but failing and bursting into laughter.

“Well if you will give me a heart attack…” Percy replied with a smirk.

“I sneezed!”

“At a very bad time!”

“What are you two on about?” Nico asked.

“How we met.” Rachel said.

“You tried to attack her?” Chiron raised an eyebrow.

“There were monsters after me and she surprised me.” Percy defended himself. “I’m sure we’ll read about it.”

No hero should...in any case."

“Good thing too.” Rachel muttered.

I looked at...blade to kill. 

“Gee thanks.” Rachel glared at Chiron.

“You just said it was a good thing it can’t kill you.” Percy pointed out.

“Well yeah, I’m glad you didn’t slice me in half but I don’t appreciate being called unimportant because my parents aren’t Gods.” She snapped. Leo, Piper and Jason were all slightly amused at the idea of Rachel not being important. Clearly that changed in the future.

And I should...as vulnerable."

“Yay for us.” Nico mock cheered. Thalia and Percy both snickered.

“So we’re twice as important.” Connor did actually cheer as he said this.

“As what? A rock?” Chris snickered.

“Hey!” Connor complained. 

“Yeah, Chris. You undervalue rocks.” Travis stated solemnly. Connor punched his brother in the shoulder. “Ow! No need for violence.” 

"Good to know...losing pens at school.

“Everyone loses pens in school.” Clarisse told him. The other demigods nodded vigorously. 

"You can’t,"...he said. 

“It’s creepy when you know exactly what we are thinking.” Will said with a grin.

“I’ve trained heroes for a long time. You learn a few things.” Chiron told him.

"It is enchanted...pen was there.

“That is so useful.” Reyna stated.

“Saved my life a few times.” Percy admitted.

"Okay, that’s...version of reality."

“Yeah the human imagination is pretty good but it’s helped by the fact that most mortals are magically unable to see what is really going on.” Rachel pointed out.

I put Riptide...of the Dead.

“Yeah, your first quest is pretty daunting.” Jason agreed. He didn’t have his memories to back that statement up, it was more of a gut feeling. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Reyna flinch, as she seemed to every time he mentioned not having his memories. Jason wondered if they had a thing when he was at Camp Jupiter. 

"Chiron . . .”...before them, right?"

The eldest Gods all shuddered. Aphrodite simply frowned. She hadn’t actually taken part in the Titanomachy but she remembered the world under Titan rule and it wasn’t a pretty sight.

"Four ages...definitely a misnomer. 

“Definitely.” Aphrodite confirmed. Most of the demigods turned to look at her in surprise. They frequently forgot that the Love Goddess was actually the oldest of all the Gods

This, the time...fire to mankind, 

Zeus scowled at the mention of his former best friend.

that your species...radical thinker.

“He was branded a little worse than that.” Ares murmured.

Zeus punished him...up everything, right?"

“Maybe not quite everything but certainly life as you know it.” Apollo stated grimly. “The world itself would most likely survive in some form. Not even we are strong enough to destroy Gaea entirely.” Jason, Piper and Leo all exchanged nervous glances. If the Gods couldn’t defeat the Earth Goddess then what chance did seven demigods have?

Chiron gave me...such a doom, 

“Let’s hope so.” Percy muttered. Some people gave him surprised looks. “Hey, I may not agree with some of the rules and I think the Gods should probably behave better but I wouldn’t want any of them to suffer that fate.” The Gods all looked relieved. It certainly sounded like the boy would not agree to serve Kronos should he indeed rise. Even with the note that had told them he had saved Olympus, some of the Gods were still unsure about him and his motives. If the boy ever decided to work against Olympus then they would be in trouble, though they were loath to admit such a thing even to themselves.

or that we...human history."

“Not going to help him relax, Chiron.” Hermes stated with a dry chuckle.

“It didn’t.” Percy added.

“Sorry, Percy.” Chiron gave him a smile which Percy returned. He knew Chiron meant well.

"Relax," I said. "Im very relaxed."

“I’m sure there was no sarcasm in that.” Apollo laughed.

“There was plenty.” Percy grinned.

When I got...daughter of Zeus, 

“I love how you have to give me my full title every time you think of me.” Thalia smirked.

“Just reminding myself what happened to the last child of the Big Three.” Percy said. The grin slid off her face.

“Fair enough. That’s pretty disturbing I suppose. By the way, it’s illegal for you to be alive and the last person like you almost died and got turned into a tree.” Thalia frowned. 

“Putting it like that, Percy’s dealing with that news pretty well.” Nico stated. There were a few nods while Zeus looked angry at the reminder of his daughter’s fate.

“I was more worried I’d end up as a patch of kelp or something.” Percy grinned.

“Well, it would suit you.” Thalia laughed. “Kelp head.”

“Don’t worry. Should anything occur, I will make sure not to turn you into a patch of kelp.” Poseidon smirked at his son.

“Thanks dad. I appreciate you taking my preferences into account.” Percy replied.

“Maybe some algae instead.” Poseidon continued. Thalia and Nico snickered. As did the sons of Hermes and Leo. Percy pulled a face.

“No thanks, dad.”

Chiron was now...your typical centaur.

“Very typical.” Will agreed.

“We get that all the time.” Travis agreed.

“Who doesn’t?” Connor added.

“Me.” Frank spoke up, feeling a little braver having spent so much time in the company of the Greek demigods. It seemed that they were pretty friendly. This Percy guy sounded like he was scarily powerful but reading his thoughts made him strangely relatable and Frank was starting to kinda like the guy.

“You have missed out on so much.” Chris grinned.

“We’ll have to fix that for you.” Travis agreed. Frank suddenly regretted speaking up.

“I’m good thanks.” He tried to backtrack.

“No, no. We can’t have you missing out on such a typical occasion.” Connor assured him. Hazel patted his arm sympathetically realising the trouble he had gotten himself into with the sons of Mercury...Hermes...whatever. 

Argus drove us...and shopping mall.

“Yeah, it’s jarring going back to the mortal world.” Thalia agreed.

"So far so...a single monster."

“You just jinxed it.” Nico groaned.

“Maybe?” Percy admitted. Poseidon groaned as well.

She gave me..."I don’t hate you."

“You definitely act like you do.” Jason pointed out. He was still having trouble reconciling this Annabeth with the one who had picked him up at the Canyon demanding Percy Jackson.

“I was just a little caught up in our parents rivalry.” Annabeth reminded him.

"Could’ve fooled me."...Our parents are rivals."

“Doesn’t mean you two have to hate each other.” Will said.

“I know that now.” Annabeth sighed in frustration.

“Aww, overcoming your parents' rivalries and working together. It has the makings of a wonderful romance.” Aphrodite sighed happily. Percy grimaced and Annabeth went a little red. Ever since Percy had come to rescue her from Atlas, she had been having trouble seeing him as just a friend. In fact she most definitely had a massive crush on him but she would never tell him that. Still, it annoyed her that he was so oblivious. The problem was she was also conflicted given her feelings for Luke. She still hoped to find a way to bring Luke back to their side but if he did she wasn't sure who she liked more. Luke or Percy.

"Why?"...hugely disrespectful. 

“Very.” Athena stated angrily. Poseidon shrugged but shifted awkwardly in his seat when he saw the disappointed look on his son’s face.

“Her Temple, dad?” He asked. The Sea God didn’t respond.

Another time...for his gift. 

“It was not stupid.” Poseidon protested.

“What would they do with a saltwater spring?” Athena asked scathingly.

My mom created...really like olives."

There was a lot of snickering from the Greek demigods and some of the Gods.

“Olives are gross.” Piper muttered.

“Agreed.” Leo said.

“They are amazing.” Jason disagreed.

“Nope, I’m with Piper and Leo.” Percy spoke up.

“Sorry, Perc but Jason is right.” Nico put in. Soon there was a full blown debate as to how good or bad olives were. Finally Nico decided to keep reading.

"Oh, forget it."...could understand.”

“Oh yeah, Who wouldn’t vote for the one that invented pizza.” Clarisse nodded.

“Me.” Frank said. Given that he was lactose intolerant he didn’t really like pizza. He could eat small amounts with certain cheeses on, or with an alternative but he found them all horrible.

“Pizza is the best. Plus it’s the second most distracting food. After ice cream.” Connor added his opinion in. A few people gave him confused looks for his last comment.

“Pizza is distracting?” Silena asked.

“Oh yeah.” Percy nodded his head.

“Any food is distracting to you, seaweed brain.” Annabeth rolled her eyes.

"I said, forget it!"...starting to rain.

“Always a good start.” Silena sighed.

Argus dropped...Grover could notice.

“Sorry Perc but I saw that.” Grover admitted. Percy sighed. Annabeth frowned. She had been deliberately ignoring Percy and so had missed that.

“Isn’t that going to make things difficult if Percy is reported as missing and someone sees him?” Piper asked.

“Only if someone cares enough to look closely which I doubt.” Leo assured her. She wasn’t sure that made her feel better. While it was obviously good for their quest it was quite sad that a twelve year old reported missing could just wander around and nobody would notice or get him some help.

Argus unloaded our...the parking lot.

“At least he made sure you got the bus.” Beckendorf nodded approvingly

I thought about...even missing her.

Angry muttering broke out around the room. Hermes and Apollo exchanged glances and nodded to each other. They were in agreement that whatever happened and regardless of the rules they would do something about that monster.

Grover shouldered his...can do that. 

“You forgot to tell me a lot of things.” Percy chuckled. 

“Yeah, yeah.” Grover waved away his complaint with a laugh.

You were thinking...to tell me.

“Ah, not too much.” Grover shrugged.

“Yeah, not much at all.” Percy rolled his eyes.

"Your mom...told me. 

“That is definitely not going to make him feel better.” Rachel winced.

“Sorry, Perc.” Grover said as he realised that it was definitely not the right time to tell Percy that. He made his friend feel even worse. Percy smiled at him.

"You call him...nearest shower?"

There was some laughter.

"You should be grateful, Percy.

“SORRY!” Grover blurted out loudly. Having now gotten at least a reasonable idea of the full story he knew that Percy had absolutely nothing to be grateful for. Well grateful for the fact his mom loved him but she put him in harm’s way to avoid being in harm's way.

“It’s ok. You didn’t know.” Percy shrugged.

“I should have seen or sensed something.” Grover moaned.

“How? You only read emotions and I deliberately didn’t think about him very often.” Percy assured his friend.

Your stepfather smells... feel any better."

“Thanks for trying.” Percy gave Grover a tight smile.

It didn't, but I...as they were. 

“I got the jist.” Grover told him.

I was glad...this crazy quest.

“We both guessed.” Annabeth chuckled. “You weren’t exactly subtle with your questioning.”

The truth was...Zeus’ lightning bolt, 

Zeus sputtered angrily. 

or saving the...a job done.

Poseidon winced. He opened his mouth but Percy beat him to it.

“Look, dad, I don’t feel that way any more, I know you did what you could but there is probably going to be a lot of thoughts like that in this book particularly. So I’ll just tell you now that I love you and I know you love me.” Poseidon nodded, grateful his son was so forgiving.

All I cared...give her back.

“He’d better.” The Sea God glared at his brother.

“I’m sure I will.” Hades shrugged. At least, he hoped he would.

You will be...you a friend, 

Apollo suddenly went pale. Putting the clues together he realised who the most likely person to betray Percy was. He glanced over at Hermes, trying to hide his sorrowful expression. His friend and brother was not going to like this one bit. Apollo wished he was wrong but logically it made a lot of sense and he was the God of logic and reason.

the Oracle whispered...I told it.

“Best not to dwell.” Chiron told him. Percy nodded.

“Sort of hard not to though.” He replied. 

“Yeah, I think I’d be dwelling on that. It’s gotta be pretty hard going on a quest with pretty much your only friend given that he knows a friend will betray him.” Will pointed out. Grover suddenly looked horrified. Percy had never said anything.

“I trusted you, Grover.” Percy assured his friend.

“Too loyal.” Athena muttered.

The rain kept...wasn’t too bad myself.

“If you do say so yourself.” Annabeth raised an eyebrow.

“Hey, I admitted you were better.” Percy shrugged. 

The game ended...core, stem, and all.

Grover went red while everybody else burst out laughing.

Grover blushed...busy cracking up.

So were people in the room. Nico was struggling to read coherently.

Finally the bus...Maybe its nothing."

Everybody sobered up at this. 

“Definitely not enchiladas.” Grover muttered mournfully.

But I could...stowed our backpacks. 

“Bad idea. Keep those with you in case you need to make a quick getaway.” Leo said wisely. 

“Yeah. That would have been a good idea.” Percy sighed.

Annabeth kept...skipped a beat.

“You sent a Fury after him? Again?” Poseidon scowled furiously.

“Seems so.” Hades said weakly.

It was Mrs. Dodds...more old ladies: 

“All three?” Poseidon’s voice rose in volume and Percy winced, covering his ears.

one in a green...Triplet demon grandmothers.

Nico and a few others snorted.

They sat in...nobody leaves.

“You didn’t want to get off yet anyway.” Piper pointed out weakly.

“With them there we definitely did. We could find another bus.” Grover said.

The bus pulled..."You’re obviously not."

“Yeah, definitely not lucky.” Percy sighed.

"All three of them,"...Grover moaned.

“What?” Leo and Beckendorf frowned. “That’s terrible safety.”

“It gets worse.” Annabeth told them.

"A back exit?"...There wasn’t one. 

“Seriously? Faulty windows and no back exit. That’s an appalling design.” Beckedorf wrinkled his nose.

“Mortals.” Hephaestus rolled his eyes.

“Bad bus design...or simply Percy’s bad luck?” Thalia wondered jokingly.

“Probably just my luck.” Percy told her.

“Oh yes, the people who made the bus thought ‘at some point in the future a boy named Percy Jackson will ride on this bus. Therefore we must design it badly’. Nico rolled his eyes.

“It wouldn’t be the weirdest thing that happened to me.” Percy shrugged.

Even if there..."Will they?"

“Yes.” Hades stated. Poseidon glared.

"Mortals don’t...reminded me. 

“Hey, our eyesight is perfectly fine thank you.” Rachel scowled. “It’s not our fault you magically stop us from being able to see what’s going on.”

"Their brains can...won’t they?"

“Na, they’ll probably see a young boy attacking three harmless old ladies.” Nico snickered.

“They are not helpless.” Grover muttered.

“No but they will look it to mortals.” Silena said.

She thought about...the rest-room."

Leo and the Stolls all burst out laughing.

“Who practises saying they need the rest-room?” Leo snorted.

“Demon grandmothers, that’s who.” Connor answered, trying to sound solemn but he was laughing too much to pull it off.

"So do I,"...third sister.

“That’s creepy.” Silena frowned.

They all started...and get away."

“They should still be able to smell him.” Will frowned.

“His smell should be all over the bus, they wouldn’t be able to pinpoint him if he was invisible.” Annabeth said.

"But you guys—"...be overpowering."

“Yeah, Percy stinks.” Travis smirked.

“If I smell then so do Thalia and Nico.”

“We do not.” They said in unison.

“You all stink.” Grover stated with a laugh. “Percy smells of the sea, Thalia smells of ozone and Nico smells of, well, death.” The Satyr frowned and sniffed. “And McDonalds.” Nico blushed furiously.

“You smell of McDonalds?” Will asked in amusement.

“Nico used to feed happy meals to the dead.” Percy laughed. Nico reached over to smack him on the arm for telling them that.

“What is McDonalds?” Hazel asked.

“You’ve never heard of McDonalds?” Leo asked, looking over at her. She looked at him and gaped. Despite all this time she had never really looked at the son of Hephaestus. There had been an awful lot of other things going on and she had tried to focus on Frank instead of the Greek demigods who made her nervous. Besides he had been quite quiet through the readings. It was like truly seeing him for the first time and she felt like she had been punched in the stomach. Sammy. Faintly she noticed that Sam...Leo was still staring at her waiting for a reply.

“Er, no.” She said, her voice coming out barely above a whisper.

“You ok?” Frank asked her quietly.

“Yeah, I think so.” Hazel replied. “Just a shock, that’s all.” 

“Well, we totally need to fix that.” Leo announced. “Nico, we have a mission. Your sister has not had McDonalds chicken nuggets.”

“I don’t carry it with me at all times.” Nico rolled his eyes. Then he continued reading before Leo could reply.

"I can’t just...put it on.

It doesn’t make you a coward for trying to stay alive.” Silena told him.

“It does if my life has to come at the risk of others.” Percy sighed. “How can I ask them to risk their lives if I’m not willing to do the same.”

“You were willing to do the same but the risk was less for them.” Will pointed out.

When I looked...there anymore.

“That is what happens when you turn invisible.” Clarisse rolled her eyes.

“Well, with the way Annabeth had been and the way she talked about how much her mom hated my dad, I wasn’t sure if a gift from Athena would actually work for me.” Percy shrugged. Annabeth looked at him in surprise. It hadn’t even crossed her mind that the cap wouldn’t work.

“To be fair, at least two Gods want to kill him and the last magic gift he got given he was unable to use due to the risk of dying. I don’t blame him for being wary about a cap given from another Goddess that sounds like she would probably want to kill him too.” Rachel frowned.

“I may not like the children of Barnacle Beard but I would not kill them simply for being his child.” Athena stated. It bothered her a little that they thought she would do that. Then she looked at her Father and Uncles and realised that it was actually a relatively logical thought given what the boy knew already.

I started creeping...kept going.

“That’s good.” Poseidon breathed. The quest had barely started and he was already on edge. This was not going to be a fun reading.

I was free….get any uglier— 

There was some snickering from the demigods.

but their bodies...into fiery whips.

Thalia, Annabeth and Grover shuddered.

The Furies...Where?"

“It? Percy’s not an ‘it’.” Apollo frowned.

Nico and Percy exchanged looks. 

“So, do they think Percy has the bolt? If they do then that means Hades definitely doesn’t have the bolt.” Hermes pointed out.

“If Hades doesn’t, who would steal it?” Apollo asked grimly. Nobody answered that because none of them wanted to voice the answer.

The other people...raised their whips.

“So much for his smell overpowering yours.” Thalia muttered.

“Guess I don’t stink enough.” Percy smirked.

Annabeth drew...to throw it.

“A tin can? Against Furies?” Nico raised an eyebrow at Grover.

“Hey, it beats a plastic hair brush against a Titan.” Percy chuckled. Rachel smirked.

“What?” Poseidon asked, looking startled. The other Gods and most of the demigods all looked at him as if he had gone insane.

“Nothing. You’ll probably find out later.” Percy laughed.

What I did...of the year.

“Hey, that’s my title.” Leo protested.

“Yeah, I think Leo wins that one.” Piper agreed.

“Nuh huh. It’s definitely Percy.” Annabeth said.

The bus driver...against the windows.

“It was.” Grover said,

“It was also the sound of us hitting the window.” Annabeth told him.

“Oops.” Percy grinned.

"Hey!" the driver...like bowling pins.

Everyone winced.

Somehow the driver...toward the river.

“Bad idea.” Will muttered.

“It would give Percy enough of a boost that he could probably fight off the Furies.” Chris pointed out.

“Yeah but he’d be the only one safe in the river. The mortals would be in trouble.” Silena reminded him.

“Percy could save them.” Connor shrugged like it was obvious. Percy blushed.

Another great...the emergency brake.

Annabeth and Grover both groaned again.

“Hey, it was better than plunging into the river.” Percy told them. They both nodded.

The bus wailed...let them pass.

“You should have gone outside. More room to fight.” Ares stated.

“I couldn’t leave Annabeth and Grover.” Percy shrugged.

“So take the cap off and draw them outside.” Ares rolled his eyes.

“The mortals were there. Couldn’t risk them getting hurt.” Percy replied. Rachel smiled at him.

The Furies regained...threw tin cans.

There were some more sniggers at this.

I looked at...The Furies turned, 

“There is your chance to stab them.” Ares told Annabeth. Finally this story was getting a little exciting.

baring their yellow...the barbed leather.

“I think you should move now.” Apollo said.

Her two ugly...nasty lizards.

“Lovely.” Silena said sarcastically.

“Why haven’t you stabbed them yet?” Poseidon looked at Annabeth.