Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It had started off as a regular day on Olympus. Or, well, as regular as it can get during the Summer Solstice where arguments and debates floated through the air.

Smoke started to fill the room. At first, there were several shouts of outrage and confusion, demands of an explanation of the sorts.

That is, until it cleared.

Every god in the room froze, hastily showing respect to the three Morai as they made their presence known to them.

One cleared her throat to speak. “It has come to our attention that there are many problems that arise in the future that could have been easily diverted. Because of this, we have decided to bring to you demigods of the future so you all may be educated and prevent issues that could've easily been prevented.”

Another starts to talk, a slight scowl on her face. “Hurting the demigods will not be tolerated under anycircumstances. Should we find that you have done so, there will be dire consequences.”

“And last but not least,” The last says, her young face smiling lightly. “Do not avoid your children. Speak to them and learn from them.”

Before anyone could say another word, they're gone, and in their absence a large group appears.

Most exclaim in surprise, tumbling a bit as they get a better sense of the sudden change in their surroundings.

“So… I’m guess we all just got that message?” A sandy haired boy asked, his eyes presenting a natural mischievous glint in them.

“Well then, go on. Introduce yourselves,” Zeus demanded, waving in their genera direction.

A few moments of silence went by, before a blonde-haired girl sighed and stepped up. “My name is Annabeth Chase, and I’m a daughter of Athena.” Athena looked her daughter up and down before nodding and conjuring a couch for her to sit on.

The same sandy haired boy from earlier steps up now. “Connor–“

“–And Travis!” Another boy cut in.

“–Stoll, sons of Hermes.” Connor finished. They looked to where the traveller god was sat down and went towards him.

“Uh, Chris Rodriguez, also son of Hermes.” Chris follows his siblings to where they sat next to their father.

“Clarisse La Rue, daughter of Ares,” The girl said proudly.

After her came a boy who seemed a little more lost than the others about everything. “Frank Zhang… and I don't know who my godly parent is.”

“It’s me,” Ares spoke up, before frowning. “Wait. No it isn't. Are you… Roman?”

“Yes?”

Nearby, a demigod with raven black hair groans, grumbling something along the lines of “of course there are Romans too…”

Ignoring them, Ares continued, “You must be a child of Mars, then.”

Frank tried his best to not look disappointed, deciding it would probably not be the smartest to disrespect the god in front of him and went to go sit next to his Greek sister.

The same raven haired child stepped up now, although they looked reluctant. “Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon.”

“Poseidon!” Zeus roared in anger.

The sea god gave Percy a small, but curious smile, before turning his attention to his brother. “Zeus, may I remind you that these children have been sent here for a reason?”

Zeus opened his mouth to protest, but Hestia was quick to step in. “We can discuss this later. Let us finish the introductions first.”

Percy glanced to where Thalia and Nico stood, before looking back to his father and sitting down on the couch that he conjured.

Piper couldn't help stare at him as he sat down. This was the guy that had gone missing. And, given that no one seemed to recognize her, it was safe to assume that she, Leo, and Jason were probably farther into the future than the rest. She stepped up to introduce herself. “Piper Mclean, daughter of Aphrodite.”

The goddess smiled at her, conjuring a flashy couch. Piper resisted the urge to grimace as she smiled back and sat down.

“Silena Beauregard, also a daughter of Aphrodite,” She gave Piper a questioning look. The girl wasn't familiar, was she perhaps farther into the future? It would make the most sense.

“Charlie Beckendorf, son of Hephaestus.” Hephaestus gave the boy a short nod, allowing him to sit down.

“Leo Valdez, son of Hephaestus.” Leo grinned at Charlie, going to sit next to him. He’d heard many stories about him from the other campers in his cabin. A pang of sadness hit him as he also soon realized that he'd probably have to tell this guy about his future death.

“Dakota Johnson, son of Bacchus.” Dakota was quick to pick out his father, sitting down next to him. Dionysus offhandedly wondered how their forms weren't switching considering the Romans were there, but figured the Fates had probably done something about it.

“Nico Di Angelo, son of Hades,” Zeus opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off by Nico who hastily explained. “And I was born before the oath.”

Hades conjured a seating place for his son, trying not to show too much of a reaction. When had Nico and Bianca gotten out of the Hotel? Where was Bianca, anyway?

Nico ignored the way his father was looking at him, figuring it'd probably be explained later. It wasn't something he particularly wanted to talk about anyway.

“Will Solace, son of Apollo.” Apollo grinned at him brightly, but frowned as his son went to sit next to the son of Hades. Although he was slightly hurt, he decided not to comment on it.

“Jason Grace, son of Jupiter-“

“Jason?” Thalia exclaimed in surprise, running towards her brother. “You- I- what?”

Jason gave her a small smile. “I’ll explain it later. It’s good to see you, though.”

Poseidon cleared his throat. “Yes, while this is a nice reunion—” He turned to Zeus and glared down at him. “Twice? Seriously?”

Zeus huffed, ignoring the blazing look Hera was giving him. “How could you know they're siblings?”

Poseidon gave him an unimpressed look before turning back to Thalia. “Introduce yourself, child.”

“Thalia Grace, daughter of Zeus, and Lieutenant of Artemis”

Poseidon put his hands up in a way to say ‘see?’. Zeus rolled his eyes, but at the same time questioned how his daughter ended up with Artemis.

Artemis shared similar thoughts, worry filling her as she thought of what this meant for Zoë.

“Uh, Rachel Dare, and I’m a mortal.”

Athena narrowed her eyes at the red haired girl. “Mortal? What is she doing here?”

“She’s a friend,” Percy spoke up. They decided to conjure a separate couch for her, in the end.

“Reyna Ramírez-Arellano, daughter of Bellona and Praetor of camp Jupiter.” She made her way to where Rachel was sitting, plopping down next to the curly haired girl.

“Gwen Slip, daughter of Venus,” Aphrodite motions for the girl to come sit next to her.

Hazel steps up, a little nervous. “Hazel Levesque, daughter of Pluto. I was also born before the oath.”

Hades looked down at her in surprise. “You… you are supposed to be dead.”

A silence fills the room, before Chiron speaks up. “Right, does anybody else have any other resurrected-dead siblings we should know about?”

Most of the demigods glance at Percy, who sputters in disbelief. “Wha- no, what the hell?”

“Grover Underwood, Satyr.” Grover considers going to sit next to Percy, but decides against it and goes to where Reyna and Rachel are instead.

A book plops down in the centre of the room, and Chiron bends down to pick it up. “I can read the first chapter, if everyone else is alright with it.”

No one protests, so Chiron begins to read.

Chapter Text

I Accidently Vaporised my Pre-Algebra Teacher

“How do you accidently vaporise someone?” Travis said with a laugh.

“When you kill them, but have no idea what’s going on.” Percy responded with a shrug.

“Are we just going to ignore the fact that you killed your teacher?” Annabeth said with worry in her eyes.

“Nah, don’t question it.”

“Look, I didn’t want to be a half-blood.”

Many of the demigods made noises of agreement.

“If you’re reading this because you think you are one, my advice is:”

“Percy, no offence, but I’m pretty sure you’re the last person people want to walk up to for advice.” Thalia said while snickering.

Percy rolled their eyes.

“Close this book right now. Believe whatever lie your mom or dad told you at birth, and try to lead a normal life.”

“Huh. That’s honestly...better than I expected, coming from a guy who crashed his own funeral” Thalia snickered.

“I’m sorry, what?” Poseidon asked, glancing worriedly at his child, who just shrugged.

“Being a half-blood is dangerous,”

“Check.” Chris said.

“It’s scary,”

“Definitely.” Nico stated.

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

“100% true.” Percy nodded.

“Are your lives all really that bad?” Apollo asked, looking at all the demigods.

The demigods all suddenly found the floor very interesting. The gods who had children all shared concerned glances.

“If you recognize yourself in these pages—if you feel something stirring inside—stop reading immediately. You might be one of us. And once you know that, it’s only a matter of time before they sense it too, and they’ll come for you.”

“Mysterious much?” Grover said with a smile.

“Well, Percy is an enigma. What did you expect from him?” Annabeth said, also smiling. But, at the confused looks she was getting, she added, “He’s mysterious in general and no one can completely understand him.” The demigods who knew Percy accepted that.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“You didn’t warn me.” Nico said with a teasing smile.

Percy rolled their eyes, “I was kind of caught up at that moment. Not to mention it was too late to reverse what you saw.”

“My name is Percy Jackson.”

“I thought it was Chiron.” Connor smirked. Travis snickered beside him. Chiron rolled his eyes but had an amused look in them, and continued reading.

“I’m twelve years old. Until a few months ago, I was a boarding student at Yancy Academy, a private school for troubled kids in upstate New York. Am I a troubled kid?”

“Yes!” All the Greek demigods cried out.

Poseidon looked at his son worriedly again. How much trouble did Percy get themselves into?

“Yeah. You could say that.”

“You even admit it.” Thalia said with a laugh.

"Denial can only get you so far," Percy shrugged.

“I could start at any point in my short miserable life to prove it. . .twenty-eight mental-case kids and two teachers on a yellow school bus, heading to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to look at ancient Greek and Roman stuff.”

“Wait a second...I just realised something.” Percy said, eyes widening. Everyone looked towards them. “So, you know how they always tell people to wear seat belts because it’s unsafe?”

A lot of people either nodded or said ‘yeah’.

“So... they tell us to wear seatbelts in cars, but when putting 28 mentally troubled kids in a bus, it’s okay for them to not wear seatbelts.” Everyone went silent.

“You know what, let’s save ourselves a headache. Chiron, can you continue reading and completely ignore what he just said?” Grover said, turning to Chiron.

Chiron nodded, and Percy added under his breath, “It really makes you question things.”

“I know—it sounds like torture. Most Yancy field trips were.”

“I wouldn’t expect you to appreciate the chance of being taught something.” Athena said, rolling her eyes. Typical thing for a son of Poseidon to say, she thought.

Poseidon glared at her and Percy just looked a bit offended. “I mean, I have ADHD and dyslexia, learning is hard.”

“But Mr. Brunner, our Latin teacher, was leading this trip, so I had hopes. Mr. Brunner was this middle-aged guy in a motorized wheelchair. . .He also had this awesome collection of Roman armor and weapons, so he was the only teacher whose class didn’t put me to sleep.”

“Wait, you slept in class?!” Annabeth exclaimed.

“Again, ADHD and dyslexia. It’s just easier for you since you’re a child of Athena.” Percy responded simply. 

“I hoped the trip would be okay. At least, I hoped that for once I wouldn’t get in trouble.”

“Prissy not getting in trouble? Hah! As if.” Clarisse said with a grin.

“Oh, come on. I don’t get into that much trouble.” Percy rolled their eyes.

“No, Percy, you really do.” Grover said bluntly.

“Boy, was I wrong.”

“Of course, you were.” Grover said with a sigh.

“See, bad things happen to me on field trips. Like at my fifth-grade school, when we went to the Saratoga battlefield, I had this accident with a Revolutionary War cannon. I wasn’t aiming for the school bus, but of course I got expelled anyway”

“What were you aiming for?” Hermes asked while laughing. Apollo was grinning as well. Poseidon’s child was something else.

“The teacher.” Percy deadpanned with a serious expression.

“What?” Poseidon and Hermes asked at the same time. The Greek demigods smiled, knowing Percy was just joking.

“I’m kidding, I was only trying to see if it actually worked. I mean, why would they put a working and loaded canon there? Basically asking for someone to use it.”

Poseidon and Hermes both were relieved they weren’t aiming for a person, but Poseidon was still concerned on why they thought using it to see if it worked would be a good idea.

“And before that, at my fourth-grade school, when we took a behind-the-scenes tour of the Marine World shark pool, I sort of hit the wrong lever on the catwalk and our class took an unplanned swim.”

Apollo and Hermes burst out laughing. Most of the other gods were smiling as well. Poseidon wasn’t sure how he felt at the moment. While he was amused by what Percy had done, he was also worried for how much trouble Percy went around causing.

“And the time before that…Well, you get the idea.”

“No! We need more!” Hermes and Apollo both exclaimed.

“I’ll tell you more stories later.” Percy promised.

“This trip, I was determined to be good. All the way into the city, I put up with Nancy Bobofit, the freckly, redheaded kleptomaniac girl,”

Everyone turned to Hermes, who just said, “Not every kleptomaniac child is mine.”

“Her name is Nancy? She sounds problematic already.” Poseidon said with a raised eye-brow. A bunch of people laughed at that, Percy and Grover laughed even harder, knowing it was true.

“Hitting my best friend Grover in the back of the head with chunks of peanut butter-and-ketchup sandwich.”

“What?!” Thalia and Annabeth exclaimed at the same time, anger in their voices.

“Ew.” Aphrodite scrunched her nose. “That is disgusting.”

“Percy, please tell me you attacked her.” Thalia growled towards them.

“I almost did. But someone stopped me.” Percy answered will looking at Grover, who just sighed (again).

“It was better you didn’t attack her, and you know it."

“Grover was an easy target. He was scrawny. . .with acne and the start of a wispy beard on his chin. On top of all that, he was crippled.”

“Wow. Thanks Percy.” Grover said with sarcasm.

“Any day.” Percy responded with a grin.

“He had a note excusing him from PE for the rest of his life. . .but don’t let that fool you. You should’ve seen him run when it was enchilada day in the cafeteria.”

“Way to blow your cover, Grover.” Thalia said with a groan.

“Anyway, Nancy Bobofit was throwing wads of sandwich that stuck in his curly brown hair. . .The headmaster had threatened me with death by in-school suspension if anything bad, embarrassing, or even mildly entertaining happened on this trip.”

“Anything? That’s unfair.” Will said with a frown.

“Maybe, but it’s not like they care anyway.” Percy grumbled underneath their breath.

“I’m going to kill her,” I mumbled

“Please do.” Thalia and Ares said, both for different reasons.

“Grover tried to calm me down. “It’s okay. I like peanut butter.” He dodged another piece of Nancy’s lunch.”

Thalia and Annabeth were glaring at the book, both hoping Percy would at least just punch her.

“That’s it.” I started to get up, but Grover pulled me back to my seat. “You’re already on probation,” he reminded me. “You know who’ll get blamed if anything happens.”

“No Grover why did you stop him?” Thalia groaned. She really wanted Percy to attack Nancy already.

Looking back on it, I wish I’d decked Nancy Bobofit right then and there. In-school suspension would’ve been nothing compared to the mess I was about to get myself into.

“How do you just causally go around being mysterious?” Chris asked, speaking up for the first time. Percy shrugged.

Mr. Brunner led the museum tour. . .It blew my mind that this stuff had survived for two thousand, three thousand years.

“More, actually.” Athena corrected.

He gathered us around a thirteen-foot-tall stone. . .every time I told them to shut up, the other teacher chaperone, Mrs. Dodds, would give me the evil eye.

Annabeth frowned. Percy wasn’t doing anything wrong. Did she just hate them in general?

Mrs. Dodds was. . .She had come to Yancy halfway through the year, when our last math teacher had a nervous breakdown.

“Who wants to bet Prissy was the reason she had a breakdown?” Clarisse said with a snort.

Percy just rolled their eyes. “I’ll have you know this time it had nothing to do with me, thank you very much.”

“This time?” Poseidon asked with a raised eyebrow. Percy just smirked and didn’t say more.

From her first day, Mrs. Dodds loved Nancy Bobofit and figured I was devil spawn. . .“Now, honey,” real sweet, and I knew I was going to get after-school detention for a month.

“Nah. Nico’s the devil spawn.” Thalia said with a laugh. Percy joined her. Nico just rolled their eyes at them.

One time, after. . .Dodds was human. He looked at me, real serious, and said, “You’re absolutely right.”

“Grover, we seriously need to teach you to lie better.” Travis said with a groan.

Grover gave him a stern look. "I'm good. Rather not be kept in your cabin for an entire day so you can 'teach' me something, thanks."

Poseidon just looked at the satyr sceptically. So far, the satyr that was supposed to protect his son from harm didn’t seem to be doing a great job at that. But, he didn’t lose hope of the satyr just yet.

Mr. Brunner kept. . .“Will you shut up?” It came out louder than I meant it to

“Naturally.” Thalia said with a smirk.

The whole group laughed. Mr. Brunner. . .pointed to one of the pictures on the stele. “Perhaps you’ll tell us what this picture represents?”

“Bet you 5 drachma’s he doesn’t know what it is.” Thalia said, looking to Annabeth.

She simply replied, “Sure. I’m pretty certain Percy knows this one, though.” It warmed Percy to know that Annabeth was willing to bet 5 drachma’s that Percy knew. Percy smiled to themself, knowing Annabeth was right with her prediction.

I looked at the carving, and felt a flush of relief, because I actually recognized it. “That’s Kronos eating his kids, right?”

“Pay up.” Annabeth smirked, putting her hand out.

Thalia gaped, “Well that’s not something you see every day. Percy knowing something.” She said in a teasing tone, then walked over to Annabeth to give her the drachmas.

The 5 who had gotten swallowed all groaned. “Why is it always that one?” Hades said with a disgusted look on his face.

“Yes,” Mr. Brunner said, obviously not satisfied. “And he did this because…” “Well…” I racked my brain to remember. “Kronos was the king god, and —”

“GOD?! How DARE you--!” Zeus growled in rage.

Before he could continue though, Percy just rolled their eyes and cut him off, “Calm down weather boy. I was corrected.”

Zeus blinked. “What did you just call me?” Realization dawned over both Hades and Poseidon who had started laughing.

A majority of the demigods were laughing out loud, as were some of gods. Some looked a little offended, however.

“Poseidon, your son is amazing.” Apollo said with a huge smile.

Percy grinned and responded, “I know. But thanks for reminding me.” This caused some more laughter.

Once everyone settled down, Chiron continued reading.

“God?” Mr. Brunner asked. “Titan,”. . .Kronos, into barfing up his brothers and sisters—” “Eeew!” said one of the girls behind me.

“Yes, definitely ew.” Aphrodite said with a nod.

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

There was a pause of silence.

“Did you- did you just sum up the biggest war in history, in less than 3 sentences?” Athena asked with a bewildered expression.

“Only Jackson can pull off something like that.” Thalia said smiling.

Some snickers from the group.

“Why? You got it right though.” Hades couldn’t help asking.

“They're just idiots.” Percy responded with a shrug.

Behind me, Nancy Bobofit mumbled to a friend, “Like we’re going to use this in real life. Like it’s going to. . .“to paraphrase Miss Bobofit’s excellent question, does this matter in real life?”

“Busted.” Connor said.

“Busted,” Grover muttered.

“Oh no! You think like a goat!” Travis asked in fake horror.

“This is tragic.” Connor responded with fake sadness in his voice.

Grover glared at them both.

“Shut up,” Nancy hissed, her face even brighter red than her hair. At least Nancy got packed, too. Mr. Brunner was the only one who ever caught her saying anything wrong. He. . .Tartarus, the darkest part of the Underworld. On that happy note, it’s time for lunch. Mrs. Dodds, would you lead us back outside?”

“Happy note?!” The 5 children of Kronos scowled.

“Well, yeah, Kronos got defeated and sent to Tartarus. Happy note.” Percy clarified for Chiron.

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

Artemis snorted, “Boys are doofuses.”

"Agreed," Thalia said with a nod. Percy thought about making an offhanded comment as well, but decided that th questioning that would follow afterwards wasn't worth it.

Grover and I were about to follow when Mr. Brunner said, “Mr. Jackson.” I knew that was coming. I told Grover to keep going. . .“is vitally important. I expect you to treat it as such. I will accept only the best from you, Percy Jackson.” I wanted to get angry, this guy pushed me so hard.

“But for a good reason.” Chiron told him.

“I know that now.” Percy said, although a small part of them couldn't help being resentful. They surprised themselves as soon as the feeling dragged in. It had been years since this had happened, they figured they had gotten over it by now. It wasn't even something they thought about often.

I mean, sure, it was kind of cool. . .Overhead, a huge storm was brewing, with clouds blacker than I’d ever seen over the city. I figured maybe it was global warming or something, because the weather all across New York state had been weird since Christmas. We’d had massive snow storms, flooding, wildfires from lightning strikes. I wouldn’t have been surprised if this was a hurricane blowing in.

“What are you two fighting about this time?” Hera asked with an eye roll towards Zeus and Poseidon. They both shrugged.

Nobody else seemed to notice. Some of the guys were pelting pigeons with Lunchables crackers. . .maybe if we did that, everybody wouldn’t know we were from that school—the school for loser freaks who couldn’t make it elsewhere.

“You guys aren’t loser freaks.” Thalia told Grover and Percy sternly. They both nodded, although Percy didn’t look too convinced. Thalia noted that she would have to talk to him about that later.

“Detention?” Grover asked. “Nah,” I said. “Not from Brunner. I just wish he’d lay off. . .comment to make me feel better, he said, “Can I have your apple?”

Everyone laughed. Grover went red with embarrassment.

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

“Oh no. Percy not eating? He is definitely upset.” Thalia said while looking at Percy in concern. Percy just shrugged and gestured to Chiron to keep reading. After a moment of hesitation, he did.

I watched the stream of cabs going down Fifth Avenue, and thought about my mom’s apartment, only a little ways uptown from where we. . .half-eaten lunch in Grover’s lap. “Oops.” She grinned at me with her crooked teeth. Her freckles were orange, as if somebody had spray-painted her face with liquid Cheetos.

“Ew! Way to ruin Cheetos for me.” Leo said with grossed expression.

“That girl is absolutely disgusting and in a huge need of a makeover.” Aphrodite huffed. A few people nodded in agreement.

I tried to stay cool. The school counselor had told me a million times, “Count to ten, get control of your temper.” But I was so mad my mind went blank. A wave roared in my ears.

“Please don’t tell me you hurt her too bad.” Annabeth asked before shaking her head and saying, “Never mind. Actually, please tell me you hurt her very badly.”

Percy shook their head, “Nope, just pushed her.” It was then that Percy realized they were...angry? They had nothing to be angry for though. It was like the moment Chiron had said Percy was angry in the book, they were angry here as well. Maybe that was the price? They would wait till they had more evidence before saying anything.

"Sometimes I forget you were in anger management," Grover commented. It had been years since then, easy thing to forget about honestly.

"Yeah, well, it didn't exactly do much for me."

I don’t remember touching her, but the next thing I knew, Nancy was sitting on her butt in the fountain, screaming, “Percy pushed me!” Mrs. Dodds materialized next to us. Some of the kids were whispering: “Did you see—” “—the water—” “—like it grabbed her—”

Poseidon looked over to his child. Percy didn’t know they were a demigod yet and still was able to use his powers on pure emotion? His son was certainly powerful.

The other gods had similar thoughts. Expect they wondered what this would mean for them. What if he grew up to be a threat to Olympus? Maybe that’s why the Fates had sent them here for this reading?

I didn’t know what they were talking about. All I knew was that I was in trouble again. . .There was a triumphant fire in her eyes, as if I’d done something she’d been waiting for all semester. “Now, honey—” “I know,” I grumbled. “A month erasing workbooks.”

Connor let out a gasp, “Rule number 18, NEVER guess your punishment! It’s only going to make it worse!”

Percy just raised an eyebrow but didn’t saying anything.

That wasn’t the right thing to say. “Come with me,” Mrs. Dodds said. “Wait!” Grover yelped. “It was me. I pushed her.” I stared at him, stunned. . .“You—will—stay—here.” Grover looked at me desperately. “It’s okay, man,” I told him. “Thanks for trying.”

Percy nodded, agreeing with their future self. “I appreciate the attempt.”

“Honey,” Mrs. Dodds barked at me. “Now.” Nancy Bobofit smirked. I gave her my deluxe I’ll-kill-you-later stare.

All the demigods who had seen the look shuddered. The gods stared at them strangely.

“Surely it isn’t too bad.” Hades said doubtful.

"It isn't, they're just being over dramatic." Percy said, avoiding the looks they got at that.

"Percy, you're such a liar," Thalia shook her head in disapproval. "Don't listen to him, I've seen grown men trenple under his stare."

Then I turned to face Mrs. Dodds, but she wasn’t there. . .impatiently at me to come on. How’d she get there so fast?

“Monster.” all the demigods groaned.

Annabeth turned to Percy, “You never told us you faced a monster before the Minatour!”

Poseidon was suddenly worried. When had Percy faced the Minatour? Better yet — why?

I have moments like that a lot, when my brain falls asleep or something, and the next thing. . .The school counselor told me this was part of the ADHD, my brain misinterpreting things. I wasn’t so sure.

“You’ve always had good instincts.” Chiron told them with a small smile.

"If you mean a sixth sense, then yeah," Nico mumbled.

I went after Mrs. Dodds. Halfway up the steps, I glanced back at Grover. He was looking pale, cutting his eyes between me and Mr. Brunner, like he wanted Mr. Brunner to notice what was going on, but Mr. Brunner was absorbed in his novel.

“Don’t worry, I noticed what was happening.” Chiron said when people were giving him looks.

I looked back up. Mrs. Dodds had disappeared again. She was now inside the building, at the end. . .Greek and Roman section. Except for us, the gallery was empty.

Poseidon grimaced worriedly.

Mrs. Dodds stood with her arms crossed in front of a big marble frieze of the Greek gods. She was making. . .“You’ve been giving us problems, honey,” she said. I did the safe thing. I said, “Yes, ma’am.”

Thalia let out a gasp, “The safe thing? Since when did you of all people do the safe thing?! Are you okay? Did you hit your head?” Percy rolled their eyes and her dramatics.

She tugged on the cuffs of her leather jacket. “Did you really think you would get away with it?” The look in her eyes was beyond mad. It was evil. . .I said, “I’ll—I’ll try harder, ma’am.”

“You did it again.” Thalia loudly whispered. This time, Nico laughed.

“We are not fools, Percy Jackson,” Mrs. Dodds said. “It was only a matter of time before we found you out. . .and now they were going to take away my grade. Or worse, they were going to make me read the book.

Athena opened her mouth, but Percy cut her off quickly, “I have ADHD and dyslexia. Reading is an actual nightmare.”

“Well?” she demanded. “Ma’am, I don’t…”. . .She wasn’t human. She was a shriveled hag with bat wings and claws and a mouth full of yellow fangs, and she was about to slice me to ribbons.

There was a moment of silence.

“Is that a...?” Nico started, looking towards his dad.

“HADES! YOU SENT A FURY AFTER MY SON?!” Poseidon yelled getting up. Hades shrunk back into his seat.

“Dad it’s fine, it isn’t one of the worst monsters I faced. Plus, Zeus sent me a worse monster later.” Percy tried reassuring their dad, but failed as now Poseidon was glaring at Zeus too.

It was now that Percy realized their dad also had his trident in his hand. Percy forcefully tugged at his hand and got Poseidon to sit back down again.

Mr. Brunner, who’d been out in. . . chair into the doorway of the gallery, holding a pen in his hand. “What ho, Percy!” he shouted, and tossed the pen through the air.

“What is he supposed to do with a pen? Write the Fury to death?” Hermes asked with a raised eyebrow.

With a yelp, I dodged and. . . It was a sword—Mr. Brunner’s bronze sword, which he always used on tournament day.

“Oh, that makes more sense.” Hermes muttered to himself.

Mrs. Dodds spun toward me with a murderous look in her eyes. My knees were jelly. My hands were shaking so bad I almost dropped the sword.

Percy’s hands and knees started trembling, which was only further proof to their thought earlier. Annabeth sent them a concerned look that Percy just waved off. They would have to tell her what was happening later.

She snarled, “Die, honey!” And she flew straight at me. . .The metal blade hit her shoulder and passed clean through her body as if she were made of water. Hisss!

“Naturally? Percy, no one swings a sword at a monster naturally.” Nico informed them with a raised eyebrow.

“Are we just going to ignore the fact that he killed a Fury with zero training like it was nothing?” Leo exclaimed. “Don’t get me wrong, that was epic, but what the heck?!”

“Yeah, try not thinking too much into how impossible it is. It’ll make your brain hurt, plus, after a while you get used to him doing impossible things.” Grover replied.

"No, I am curious about that as well," Hades narrowed his eyes at the demigod. Killing a fury was certainly no easy feat, especially for an untrained child.

Mrs. Dodds was a sand castle in a power fan. She exploded into yellow powder, vaporized on the spot. . .Nobody was there but me. My hands were still trembling. My lunch must’ve been contaminated with magic mushrooms or something.

“Magic mushrooms?” Connor asked with a snort.

“I couldn’t think of any other reason on what the heck just happened.” Percy told him, trying to hid their still shaking hands under his armpits which caused Connor to look at them worriedly.

Had I imagined the whole thing? I went back outside. It had started to rain. Grover was sitting by the fountain. . .grumbling to her ugly friends. When she saw me, she said, “I hope Mrs. Kerr whipped your butt.”

“Who?” Leo asked.

I said, “Who?”

Leo and Percy grinned at each other.

I blinked. We had no teacher named Mrs. Kerr. . .He said, “Who?” But he paused first, and he wouldn’t look at me, so I thought he was messing with me.

“Grover.” Thalia groaned. “Are you 100% sure you were actually trying to fool him?” Grover went red.

“Not funny, man,” I told him. “This is serious.” Thunder boomed overhead. I saw Mr. Brunner sitting under his red umbrella. . .“where’s Mrs. Dodds?” He stared at me blankly. “Who?”

“Wait, so now Chiron can lie?” Travis asked.

“Apparently.” Chris said with a shrug.

“The other chaperone. Mrs. Dodds. The pre-algebra teacher.” He frowned and sat forward, looking mildly concerned. “Percy, there is no Mrs. Dodds on this trip. As far as I know, there has never been a Mrs. Dodds at Yancy Academy. Are you feeling all right?”

“I thought I was going crazy for a bit, you know.” Percy sighed.

“You are crazy.” Nico deadpanned.

“That’s the end of the chapter. Let’s read 1 more before taking a break.” Chiron said.

"I'll read." Grover said, taking the book from Chiron.

"Also, I think I figured out the price." Percy said before Grover could start reading. Everyone turned to them. "I think the price is that I feel everything that gets described in the books. Like when earlier the book me was trembling, I started trembling too."

Thalia grimaced, "Oh this is going to really suck for you, isn't it?" She said while recalling her quest with Percy.

"Yup."

Chapter Text

THREE OLD LADIES KNIT THE SOCKS OF DEATH

“Should we be getting used to the weird chapter titles?” Connor asked.

“Probably.” Travis responded.

I was used to the occasional weird experience, but usually they were over quickly. . .so I almost believed them—Mrs. Dodds had never existed. Almost.

Everyone looked towards Grover who went red.

But Grover couldn’t fool me. When I mentioned the name Dodds to him, he would hesitate, then claim she didn’t exist. But I knew he was lying. Something was going on. Something had happened at the museum. . .I started feeling cranky and irritable most of the time. My grades slipped from Ds to Fs.

“Percy!” Annabeth exclaimed.

"Listen, you can’t really blame me. I literally was close to thinking I was insane.” Percy tried to reason.

I got into more fights with Nancy Bobofit and. . .I snapped. I called him an old sot. I wasn’t even sure what it meant, but it sounded good.

“It means old drunk.” Athena informed.

“Oh, so basically Dionysus.” Hermes laughed. Apollo snorted. Dionysus glared at both of them.

The headmaster sent my mom a letter the following week. . .even if I had to go to public school and put up with my obnoxious stepfather and his stupid poker parties.

“Paul plays poker?” Nico asks. He didn’t think Paul was the kind of person to play poker.

“No, this was before Paul.” Percy said with a dark look shadowing their eyes. Nico gave them a worried look.

And yet…there were things I’d miss at Yancy. The view of the woods out my dorm window, the Hudson River in the distance, the smell of pine trees. I’d miss Grover, who’d been a good friend, even if he was a little strange. . .The evening before my final, I got so frustrated I threw the Cambridge Guide to Greek Mythology across my dorm room.

“Percy," Annabeth gave her friend a look. "Abusing your books isn't exactly going to help."

Percy sighed. "I know. I was just frustrated, I guess."

Words had started swimming off the page, circling my head, the letters doing one-eighties. . .Chiron and Charon, or Polydictes and Polydeuces. And conjugating those Latin verbs? Forget it.

“I definitely know the difference now.” Percy said with an eye roll at the looks they were getting.

“Oh yeah, you definitely know the difference.” Grover muttered under his breath recalling the first quest he went on with them.

Hades had a tired look on his face. "Please don't tell me it's because of what I think it is." The lack or response was a good enough answer as any.

I paced the room, feeling like ants were crawling around inside my shirt. I remembered Mr. Brunner’s serious expression, his thousand-year-old eyes. . .I froze. I’m not usually an eavesdropper, but I dare you to try not listening if you hear your best friend talking about you to an adult. I inched closer.

“Didn’t think you had it in you to eavesdrop, Jackson.” Clarisse said with a snort.

“Have you met Percy?” Thalia laughed.

"To be fair, I think anyone would have done as he did in this situation," Silena reasoned.

“…alone this summer,” Grover was saying. “I mean, a Kindly One in the school! Now that we know for sure, and they know too—” “We would only make matters worse by rushing him,” Mr. Brunner said. “We need the boy to mature more.” “But he may not have time. The summer solstice deadline—”

“What deadline?” Demeter asked.

“Spoilers.” A couple of the Greek demigods responded. She gave them an annoyed look but said nothing else.

“Will have to be resolved without him, Grover. Let him enjoy his ignorance while he still can.” “Sir, he saw her.…” “His imagination,” Mr. Brunner insisted. “The Mist over the students and staff will be enough to convince him of that.” “Sir, I…I can’t fail in my duties again.” Grover’s voice was choked with emotion. “You know what that would mean.”

“Grover, that time wasn’t your fault. There wasn’t much you could do at the time.” Thalia said with a soft expression.

“I know that now.” Grover sighed. 

Thalia frowned but didn't say anything else on the matter.

“You haven’t failed, Grover,” Mr. Brunner said kindly. “I should have seen her for what she was. Now let’s just worry about keeping Percy alive until next fall—” The mythology book dropped out of my hand and hit the floor with a thud.

“No!” Hermes and his kids exclaimed. “Never give them a hint to your position!”

"I was twelve, it slipped out of my hands," Percy explained simply.

Mr. Brunner went silent. My heart hammering, I picked up the book and backed down the hall. . .holding something that looked suspiciously like an archer’s bow.

“Hold on, now Chiron is giving away his position? You two 100% sure you were actually trying not to tell him about our world?” Travis asked.

"I wasn't exactly sure if it was him or something else," Chiron explained. "It can be... difficult, to tell at times. He ignored the curious looks he received at this.

I opened the nearest door and slipped inside. A few seconds later I heard a slow clop-clop-clop, like muffled wood blocks. . .“Mine neither,” Grover said. “But I could have sworn…” “Go back to the dorm,” Mr. Brunner told him. “You’ve got a long day of exams tomorrow.”

“Wait, didn’t you sense that he was there?” Artemis asked.

“Surprisingly, no. At the time I thought it was just a student.” Chiron said calmly, though she could see the confusion in his eyes. Athena was looking towards Percy. What had stopped Chiron from being able to sense him?

“Don’t remind me.” The lights went out in Mr. Brunner’s office. . .“You going to be ready for this test?” I didn’t answer. “You look awful.” He frowned. “Is everything okay?” “Just…tired.” I turned so he couldn’t read my expression, and started getting ready for bed.

“He’s a satyr, he can feel your emotions.” Dionysus said with an eyeroll.

“Actually, sir, Percy’s emotions are usually always all over the place so it makes it difficult to actually pin down what he’s feeling.” Grover told him.

Athena’s eyes narrowed. Another thing that is strange with a boy. First Chiron cannot sense him, then the satyr can’t feel his emotions?

"They're not that messy," Percy muttered. The greek demigods in the room all gave Percy a look that made them huff.

"You must get it from your father," Hades reasoned.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Poseidon demanded. No one have him a response.

I didn’t understand what I’d heard downstairs. I wanted to believe I’d imagined the whole thing. But one thing was clear: Grover and Mr. Brunner. . .For a moment, I was worried he’d found out about my eavesdropping the night before, but that didn’t seem to be the problem. “Percy,” he said. “Don’t be discouraged about leaving Yancy. It’s…it’s for the best.”

“Chiron, you really need to work on your pep-talks.” Thalia said with a wince. A few people nodded.

"So I've been told."

His tone was kind, but the words still embarrassed me. Even though he was speaking quietly, the other kids finishing the test could hear. Nancy Bobofit smirked at me and made sarcastic little kissing motions with her lips.

Chiron frowned at the behaviour.

I mumbled, “Okay, sir.” “I mean…” Mr. Brunner wheeled his chair back and forth, like he wasn’t sure what to say. “This isn’t the right place for you. It was only a matter of time.” My eyes stung.

“Chiron!” Everyone exclaimed.

“Are you trying to make him feel bad?” Frank couldn’t help asking.

Percy could feel tears forming in their eyes and cursed the Fates while quickly wiping them. Chiron gave him a worried look.

Here was my favorite teacher, in front of the class, telling me I couldn’t handle it. After saying he believed in me all year, now he was telling me I was destined to get kicked out. . .I blurted. “Thanks a lot, sir, for reminding me.” “Percy—” But I was already gone.

“My apologies, Percy. It seems I really do need to work on my pep-talks.” Chiron told Percy with a sigh. He felt bad at the way his sentence from the book came out.

“Don’t worry about it, it doesn’t really matter.” Percy said simply with a shrug. A lot of people looked towards them with concern, since the book had made it obvious that it did matter.

On the last day of the term, I shoved my clothes into my suitcase. The other guys were joking around, talking about their vacation plans. . .or celebrities. I was a nobody, from a family of nobodies.

“Well, I wouldn’t say nobodies.” Zeus said.

“I mean...” Percy said with a smirk. A good majority of the demigods laughed at that. Zeus just glared at them in annoyance.

They asked me what I’d be doing this summer and I told them I was going back to the city. What I didn’t tell them was that I’d have to get a summer job walking dogs or selling magazine subscriptions, and spend my free time worrying about where I’d go to school in the fall.

“What? That isn’t something you should be worried about.” Poseidon asked with concern. The demigods and a few gods who had come to like Percy also were looking at them in worry.

“Oh,” one of the guys said. “That’s cool.”. . .but as it turned out, I didn’t have to. He’d booked a ticket to Manhattan on the same Greyhound as I had, so there we were, together again, heading into the city.

Rachel smirked and said, “Stalker.”

Grover gaped, “I’m not a stalker! I was trying to protect him!”

“Sureeeee.”

During the whole bus ride, Grover kept glancing nervously down the aisle, watching the other passengers. It occurred to me that. . .him on the Greyhound. Finally I couldn’t stand it anymore. I said, “Looking for Kindly Ones?”

“I swear I felt my heart stop for a moment.” Grover said. Percy snickered and Grover half-heartedly glared at them.

"Try not to give the satyr a heart attack, will you?" Dionysus scoffed.

Grover nearly jumped out of his seat. “Wha—what do you mean?” I confessed about eavesdropping on him and. . .Mr. Brunner that maybe you were overstressed or something, because there was no such person as Mrs. Dodds, and…” “Grover, you’re a really, really bad liar.”

“You still are.” Percy said.

"I swear I'm not that bad, you're just impossible to lie to!" Grover defended.

"I'm not, you're just making excuses dude."

"To be fair, it is hard to sneak anything by you," Chris added.

"I'm just really observant," Percy shrugged it off, but Poseidon still couldn't help watching the conversation closely. A part of him wondered if Percy truly was 'just observant', or if there was something else behind it.

His ears turned pink. From his shirt pocket, he fished out a grubby business card. “Just take this, okay? In case you need me this summer.” The card was in fancy script, which was murder on my dyslexic eyes. . .He nodded. “Or…or if you need me.” “Why would I need you?”

“That wasn’t very nice.” Silena said with a disapproving look on her face.

Percy winced, “I didn’t mean it like that.” Then turned to Grover. “Sorry about that, by the way.”

“Don’t worry about, it was a while ago.” Percy nodded but still felt guilty.

It came out harsher than I meant it to. Grover blushed right down to his Adam’s apple. “Look, Percy, the truth is, I—I kind of have to protect you.”. . .There was a huge grinding noise under our feet. Black smoke poured from the dashboard and the whole bus filled with a smell like rotten eggs.

Percy scrunches their nose and put a hand over it. “Ew! I’m starting to hate this price more and more.”

"You're going to hate it even more later on," Annabeth reminded them. Percy winced at the thought.

The driver cursed and limped the. . .was an old-fashioned fruit stand. The stuff on sale looked really good: heaping boxes of bloodred cherries and apples, walnuts and apricots, jugs of cider in a claw-foot tub full of ice. There were no customers, just three old ladies sitting in rocking chairs in the shade of a maple tree, knitting the biggest pair of socks I’d ever seen.

The gods all immediately realized who these were.

“Percy?” Poseidon asked, looking very pale. “Please don’t tell me those are who I think they are.” Percy didn’t respond. Poseidon put a hand on Percy’s shoulder and squeezed it tightly.

I mean these socks were the size of sweaters, but they were clearly socks. The lady on the right knitted one of them. . .silver hair tied back in white bandannas, bony arms sticking out of bleached cotton dresses. The weirdest thing was, they seemed to be looking right at me.

Poseidon’s breath hitched, and most of the demigods now understood who these were.

"You didn't tell me about this," Annabeth said quietly. 

"Of course he didn't," Thalia glared at them, although she couldn't hide the worry in her eyes. 

I looked over at Grover to say something about this and saw that the blood had drained from his face. His nose was twitching. . .“What?” I said. “It’s a thousand degrees in there.”

“Don’t argue just get on the bus, kelp head.” Nico muttered.

"I'm right here, y'know," Percy said with a raised brow. Nobody payed him any mind, though.

“Come on!” He pried open the door and climbed inside, but I stayed back. Across the road, the old ladies were still watching me. The middle one cut the yarn, and I swear I could hear that snip across four lanes of traffic.

Suddenly, the room seemed to have stilled. Now every demigod in the room had understood what was happening.

“How on earth is the boy alive 3 years after this happened?” Artemis asked. Percy flinched slightly at being misgendered. Artemis frowned, noticing his reaction.

No one had an answer to that.

Her two friends balled up the electric-blue socks, leaving me wondering who they could possibly be for—Sasquatch or Godzilla.

No one laughed.

"Not funny, Percy," Will said anxiously.

"I can't exactly control my thoughts," Percy grimaced.

At the rear of the bus, the driver wrenched a big chunk of smoking metal out of the engine compartment. . .as if I’d caught the flu.

Almost immediately, Percy sneezed and looked feverish.

“You have got to be kidding me.” They winced.

They looked towards Apollo, hoping he would help. Apollo shrugged. “Not much I can do, kid. You’re going to have to wait for the book to say you get better.” Percy nodded in understanding.

Grover didn’t look much better. He was shivering and his teeth were chattering. “Grover?” “Yeah?” “What are you not telling me?”  He dabbed his forehead with his shirt sleeve. “Percy, what did you see back at the fruit stand?” “You mean the old ladies? What is it about them, man? They’re not like…Mrs. Dodds, are they?”

“Worse.” Poseidon muttered darkly under his breath, his hand still on Percy’s shoulder.

His expression was hard to read, but I got the feeling that the fruit-stand ladies were something much, much worse than. . .“What last time?” “Always sixth grade. They never get past sixth.”

“You don’t want to freak him out, he might run off without you.” Reyna warned.

"Er. Yeah, about that..." Percy started sheepishly.

Reyna signed. While it was understandable, it definitely wasn't ideal.

“Grover,” I said, because he was really starting to scare me. “What are you talking about?” “Let me walk you home from the bus station. . .Does that mean somebody is going to die?” He looked at me mournfully, like he was already picking the kind of flowers I’d like best on my coffin.

“If you’re wondering, I like blue Hydrangea’s.” Percy said, which did not help anyone's nerves at the moment.

“Noted." Grover responded, voice a little weak. “Also, chapters over.”

“I’ll read next.” Athena said, taking the book from the satyr.

Chapter Text

GROVER UNEXPECTEDLY LOSES HIS PANTS

Everyone bursts out laughing and Grover goes red.

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

Clarisse sighed, “Of course you did.”

Percy put their hands up, “In my defense he was freaking me out.”

I know, I know. It was rude. But Grover was freaking me out, looking at me like I was a dead man, muttering “Why does this always happen?” and “Why does it always have to be sixth grade?”

“Honestly Grover, I think I’d ditch you too if you starting doing this.” Thalia said with a grin. Grover rolled his eyes.

Whenever he got upset, Grover’s bladder acted up, so I wasn’t surprised when, as soon as we got off the bus, he made me promise to wait for him, then. . .“East One-hundred-and-fourth and First,” I told the driver. A word about my mother, before you meet her.

“She’s awesome.”

“The best.”

“Amazing.”

“Most wonderful person there is.”

“Kindest person ever.”

“Best mom ever.” Several demigods who had met Sally called out.

The gods looked at their children. Why was this women so special? Poseidon just smiled happily at the descriptions. She seemed like a nice person.

Her name is Sally Jackson and she’s the best person in the world. . .The only good break she ever got was meeting my dad.

Aphrodite cooed at this. Poseidon’s smile grew a bit wider.

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 in rage.

Poseidon rolled his eyes, exasperated. "Please, don't act as if you've never broken the laws either. And he was young, anyway."

Zeus huffed in annoyance, almost he knew that his brother was right.

Percy muttered something about how stupid the laws were under his breath, but stopped when Poseidon gave him a warning look. 

My mom doesn’t like to talk about him because it makes her sad. She has no pictures. . . Lost at sea, my mom told me. Not dead. Lost at sea.

“Oooh, a lie but not a lie. You got yourself a smart one.” Hermes told Poseidon, you simply smiled but gave a back off look.

She worked odd jobs, took night classes to get her high school diploma, and raised me on her own. She never complained or got mad. Not even once. . .I’m sorry, but it’s the truth. The guy reeked like moldy garlic pizza wrapped in gym shorts.

“Oh us that thing is disgusting. Can you even call it a person?” Aphrodite said with a scrunched nose. A few people nodded along with her.

Between the two of us, we made my mom’s life pretty hard. The way Smelly Gabe treated her. . .Hardly looking up, he said around his cigar, “So, you’re home.” “Where’s my mom?” “Working,” he said. “You got any cash?”

“What the Hades?” Thalia growled. She was hating Gabe more and more by the second. She couldn’t believe Percy was stuck with a person like him. Percy deserved better, so did Sally.

Poseidon’s eyes darkened. He didn’t like how his son had to put up with a pig like that. It disgusted him. Apollo and Hermes were pretty pissed on how this guy was treating Percy as well.

That was it. No Welcome back. Good to see you. How has your life been the last six months? Gabe had put on weight. He looked like a tuskless walrus in thrift-store clothes. He had about three hairs on his head, all combed over his bald scalp, as if that made him handsome or something.

“Absolutely not.” Aphrodite said in disgust. Many nodded in agreement.

Annabeth frowned in thought. Percy had never really talked about Gabe, always brushing off the topic. She hadn't thought much about it before, but now that she was properly getting a description of him...

He managed the Electronics Mega-Mart in Queens, but he stayed home most of the time. I don’t know why he hadn’t been fired long before. He just kept on collecting paychecks, spending the money on cigars that made me nauseous, and on beer, of course. Always beer. Whenever I was home, he expected me to provide his gambling funds. He called that our “guy secret.” Meaning, if I told my mom, he would punch my lights out.

The room went deafeningly quiet, and Percy internally cursed the stupid book.

The demigods were looking at him with a mix of shock and rage, as if not knowing how to respond.

"What." Poseidon said, his voice tight yet dangerously calm.

“Perseus.” Apollo said, now turning to them. “Did he ever… actually hit you?” He asked carefully.

No one said a word, all looking towards Percy carefully.

After a pause, they responded, “Yes, he did.”

The room was deathly silent.

“I am going to send him to the depths of Tartarus and watch fondly as he gets tortured to death.” Poseidon claimed darkly. Many were nodded with murder in their eyes. Percy watched awkwardly, but was touched to how many people cared about their well being.

“That absolute pig.” Artemis spat. While she hated all men, she did not tolerate child abuse. No matter the gender.

“That’s an insult to pigs.” Percy responded flatly. No one laughed.

No one noticed Chiron who was looking extremely guilty. He had literally been Percy’s teacher for a while and yet he never noticed any of this. Not to mention how Percy hadn’t brought up any abuse he used to face to anyone, which made him wonder how much Percy trusted all of them.

"Percy, you do know we have to talk about this later, right?" Thalia said slowly.

Percy frowned. "Listen, this was a while ago. It's not that big of a-"

"If you finish that sentence I'm coming over there to punch you." Annabeth cut in.

Percy froze, but didn't say another word, wanting to just get over this chapter. They tried their best to ignore the watchful eyes on them.

“I don’t have any cash,” I told him. . .Am I right, Eddie?” Eddie, the super of the apartment building, looked at me with a twinge of sympathy. “Come on, Gabe,” he said. “The kid just got here.”

“At least one of them is semi-decent.” Nico grumbled.

Am I right?” Gabe repeated. . .“Fine,” I said. I dug a wad of dollars out of my pocket and threw the money on the table. “I hope you lose.”

“He will.” Dionysus growled.

“Your report card came, brain boy!” he shouted after me. “I wouldn’t act so snooty!”

Thalia frowned as she noticed Percy flinched ever so slightly. If this bothered Percy, should she stop using her nickname for them? She’d have to ask them later. It bothered her that nicknames that she and a lot of other people used reminded Percy of things Gabe called them.

I slammed the door to my room, which really wasn’t my room. During school months, it was Gabe’s “study.”. . .Gabe’s smell was almost worse than the nightmares about Mrs. Dodds, or the sound of that old fruit lady’s shears snipping the yarn. But as soon as I thought that, my legs felt weak.

Percy scowled at their legs which had, sure enough, gone weak.

I remembered. . .Her smile is as warm as a quilt. She’s got a few gray streaks mixed in with her long brown hair, but I never think of her as old. When she looks at me, it’s like she’s seeing all the good things about me, none of the bad. I’ve never heard her raise her voice or say an unkind word to anyone, not even me or Gabe.

“Mama's boy.” Ares sneered

“Yeah, I am. Anything wrong with that?” Percy asked. Ares didn’t respond.

“You are a good son.” Hera told them approvingly. Why couldn’t she have children who cared about her as well?

Percy was freaked out that they were complimented by Hera, of all people, but offered a weakly polite smile anyway.

“Oh, Percy.” She hugged me tight. . .huge bag of “free samples,” the way she always did when I came home.

“Lucky!” Travis and Connor said at the same time.

We sat together on the edge of the bed. . .was really, really glad to see her. From the other room, Gabe yelled, “Hey, Sally—how about some bean dip, huh?”

Almost immediately, everyone got angry again at the mention of Gabe. Poseidon put his arm around Percy in a half hug, which they accepted gratefully.

I gritted my teeth. My mom is the nicest lady in the world. She should’ve been married to a millionaire, not to some jerk like Gabe. For her sake, I tried to sound upbeat about my last days at Yancy Academy. . .“Did something scare you?” “No, Mom.” I felt bad lying. I wanted to tell her about Mrs. Dodds and the three old ladies with the yarn, but I thought it would sound stupid.

“You should’ve told her.” Chris said.

“I know, it’s just I was still trying to kind of process what had happened. It was really surprising and I didn’t want to freak her out or for her to thing I was going crazy or something.” Percy responded with a shrug.

“I have a surprise for you,” she said. . .“The trip? You mean you were serious about that?” “I knew it,” I muttered. “He won’t let us go.”

“He better.” Thalia growled.

“Of course he will,” my mom said evenly. . .“So this money for your trip…it comes out of your clothes budget, right?”

“WHAT?!” Aphrodite exclaimed. “He did NOT just make her take money out of her CLOTHES BUGET.”

“Calm down dear, there’s not much we can do about it.” Ares said, trying to sooth his girlfriend. But this only seemed to make her angrier.

“I will NOT calm down! You know what? I’m going to take that woman shopping the next time I see her!” Aphrodite decided.

“Yes, honey,” my mother said. “And you won’t take my car anywhere but there and back.” “We’ll be very careful.” Gabe scratched his double chin. “Maybe if you hurry with that seven-layer dip…And maybe if the kid apologizes for interrupting my poker game.”

“He FUNDED it for goodness' sake!” Annabeth yelled.

The more they heard of Gabe, the guiltier Chiron got. He still couldn’t believe all of this was happening in Percy’s home, and he hadn’t even noticed!

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

“DO IT!” many of the demigods and gods yelled out. Apollo, Hermes, and Poseidon were already making an interesting list of things they could do to him.

But my mom’s eyes warned me not to make him mad. Why did she put up with this guy? I wanted to scream. Why did she care what he thought?

“Yes, I am wondering the same thing. Why hasn’t she left him yet?” Artemis asked.

Percy’s eyes softened. “She was doing it for me.”

“She put up with an as-” Thalia started, but stopped as Annabeth’s hand flew to her mouth.

“It’ll explain later.” Annabeth whispered to her. Thalia nodded.

“I’m sorry,” I muttered. “I’m really sorry I interrupted your incredibly important poker game. Please go back to it right now.” . . . cooking—and more important, his ’78 Camaro—for the whole weekend. “Not a scratch on this car, brain boy,” he warned me as I loaded the last bag. “Not one little scratch.”

“He’s not driving! He’s 12!” Beckendorf exclaimed.

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

Beckendorf and Percy grinned at each other.

But that didn’t I made the hand gesture I’d seen Grover make on the bus, a sort of warding-off-evil gesture, a clawed hand over my heart, then a shoving movement toward Gabe. The screen door slammed shut so hard it whacked him in the butt and sent him flying up the staircase as if he’d been shot from a cannon.

Grover’s eyes went wide. “How did you do that?” He asked.

Percy shrugged. “Why does it matter?”

“Percy that was satyr magic. There’s no way you could have done that.” Percy’s eyes went wide at that. Athena was studying them once more. They truly were a strange child.

Maybe it was just the wind, or some freak accident with the hinges, but I didn’t stay long enough to find out. I got in the Camaro and told my mom to step on it. Our rental cabin was on the south shore, way out at the tip of Long Island. It was a little pastel box with faded curtains, half sunken into the dunes. There was always sand in the sheets and spiders in the cabinets,

Annabeth shivered at the description.

and most of the time the sea was too cold to swim in. I loved the place.

“You like swimming in cold water? Thalia was right, you are a psychopath.” Nico told them. Annabeth, Grover, and Thalia laughed while Percy just rolled their eyes.

We’d been going there since I was a baby. My mom had been going even longer. She never exactly said, but I knew why the beach was special to her. It was the place where she’d met my dad. As we got closer to Montauk, she seemed to grow younger, years of worry and work disappearing from her face. Her eyes turned the color of the sea.

“I wonder if she has distant nymph blood in her.” Poseidon wondered.

"I don't know, I'd have to ask her," Percy shrugged.

We got there at sunset, opened all the cabin’s windows, and went through our usual cleaning routine. We walked on the beach, fed blue corn chips to the seagulls, and munched on blue jelly beans, blue saltwater taffy, and all the other free samples my mom had brought from work.

“What’s with the blue food?” Hermes asked.

"I think it'll explain in a moment," Percy answered.

I guess I should explain the blue food. See, Gabe had once told my mom there was no such thing. . .Jackson, rather than calling herself Mrs. Ugliano—was proof that she wasn’t totally suckered by Gabe. She did have a rebellious streak, like me.

“Prissy, you don’t have a rebellious streak, you have an obedience streak.” Clarisse snorted.

"That's what I've been saying," Thalia laughed.

When it got dark, we made a fire. We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. Mom told me stories about when she was a kid. . .but I never got tired of hearing them. “He was kind, Percy,” she said. “Tall, handsome, and powerful. But gentle, too. You have his black hair, you know, and his green eyes.”

Everyone looked from Percy to Poseidon.

“Yeah, you do look a lot like Uncle P.” Apollo said.

“That’s an understatement, Perseus looks like carbon copy of him.” Hades said.

“How is that possible? Gods don’t have DNA.” Annabeth asked. Nobody could answer her. Athena added this to her mental list of strange things about Percy.

I wondered how she could say that. What was so great about me? A dyslexic, hyperactive boy with a D+ report card, kicked out of school for the sixth time in six years.

Piper let out a whistle, “And I thought I was bad.”

“How old was I?” I asked. . .He had to leave before you were born.” I tried to square that with the fact that I seemed to remember…something about my father. A warm glow. A smile.

Poseidon smiled. More evidence that he had definitely visited Percy as a baby.

Zeus scowled.

I had always assumed he knew me as a baby. . .I felt angry at my father. Maybe it was stupid, but I resented him for going on that ocean voyage, for not having the guts to marry my mom. He’d left us, and now we were stuck with Smelly Gabe.

Poseidon's smile fell and he turned to Percy.

“I’m not mad anymore, don’t worry. Plus, I understand why you had to leave.” Percy assured him. Poseidon nodded, accepting this.

“Are you going to send me away again?” I asked her. “To another boarding school?” She pulled a marshmallow from the fire. “I don’t know, honey.” Her voice was heavy. “I think...I think we’ll have to do something.” “Because you don’t want me around?”

“Percy–" Silena started, before getting interrupted.

“I know, I know. I wasn’t thinking.” Percy said with a sigh.

"What?" She questioned. "No, I was going to ask why you thought she wouldn't want you around?"

"Oh," Percy paused. "I- well- I don't know. I thought she might've... thought I was a burden or something."

She gave them a worried look at that.

I regretted the words as soon as they were out. . .During third grade, a man in a black trench coat had stalked me on the playground. When the teachers threatened to call the police, he went away growling, but no one believed me when I told them that under his broad- brimmed hat, the man only had one eye, right in the middle of his head.

Poseidon nodded. It was good he had sent someone to go look after Percy.

Zeus started to say something, but Poseidon quickly cut in. "There's no rules against sending someone to make sure he was okay."

Zeus sighed, letting it go.

Before that—a really early memory. I was in preschool, and a teacher accidentally put me down for a nap in a cot that a snake had slithered into. My mom screamed when she came to pick me up and found me playing with a limp, scaly rope I’d somehow managed to strangle to death with my meaty toddler hands.

“Like Heracles.” Leo said with amazement.

Percy cringed. “Don’t compare me to him again or I’ll strangle you.” Zeus looked affronted. It was an honour to be compared to his son, and here this child was acting as if it were a curse.

Artemis sent Percy a strange look. Did they know about Zoë?

In every single school, something creepy had happened, something unsafe, and I was forced to move. I knew I should tell my mom about the old ladies at the fruit stand, and Mrs. Dodds at the art museum, about my weird hallucination that I had sliced my math teacher into dust with a sword. But I couldn’t make myself tell her. I had a strange feeling the news would end our trip to Montauk, and I didn’t want that.

“You were willing to risk your safety for a trip?” Annabeth the asked with a raised eyebrow.

“You can’t really blame me, I didn’t know how serious it was at the time. Not to mention it had been a while since I was last at Montauk.” Percy responded.

“I’ve tried to keep you as close to me as I could,” my mom said. “They told me that was a mistake. But there’s only one other option, Percy—the place your father wanted to send you. And I just…I just can’t stand to do it.” “My father wanted me to go to a special school?” “Not a school,” she said softly. “A summer camp.”

The Greek demigods smiled at the mention of Camp Half-Blood.

My head was spinning. Why would my dad—who hadn’t even stayed around long enough to see me born—talk to my mom about a summer camp?. . .That night I had a vivid dream. It was storming on the beach, and two beautiful animals, a white horse and a golden eagle, were trying to kill each other at the edge of the surf.

Everyone eyed Poseidon and Zeus. Hades opened his mouth but Poseidon cut him off.

“No, we don’t know what we are fighting about. This literally happened in the future.”

The eagle swooped down and slashed the horse’s muzzle with its huge talons. The horse reared up and kicked at the eagle’s wings. As they fought, the ground rumbled, and a monstrous voice chuckled somewhere beneath the earth, goading the animals to fight harder.

Everyone except the demigods who knew who that was turned to him.

“Hades.” Zeus started.

“Why do you immediately assume it’s me? Why would I encourage you two dolts to fight? I’m not an idiot.” Hades stated with an eyeroll. Poseidon just ignored the fact that Hades called him a dolt but Zeus opened his mouth to start arguing.

Percy cut him off before he could, though. “Y'know, there are lots of other things it could be. There are many things that are stuck underground."

The gods froze at that, slightly paling at the implication.

"You don't mean..." Athena started, voice trailing off. Their lack of an answer was more than enough.

I ran toward them, knowing I had to stop them from killing each other, but I was running in slow motion. I knew I would be too late. I saw the eagle dive down, its beak aimed at the horse’s wide eyes, and I screamed, No!

“Hah! I won!” Zeus said with triumph. Poseidon just raised an eyebrow. In all honesty, he couldn’t care any less at the moment.

Hestia frowned. She had noticed how Poseidon hadn’t even tried to start and argument even when both Zeus and Hades gave him plenty reason to. Was something else on his mind?

I woke with a start. . .But the ocean seemed to have forgotten. Over the roar of the wind, I heard a distant bellow, an angry, tortured sound that made my hair stand on end.

Percy shifted uncomfortably as they looked down at their arms.

Then a much closer noise, like mallets in the sand. A desperate voice— someone yelling, pounding on our cabin door. My mother sprang out of bed in her nightgown and threw open the lock. Grover stood framed in the doorway against a backdrop of pouring rain. But he wasn’t…he wasn’t exactly Grover. “Searching all night,” he gasped. “What were you thinking?”

“I don’t think. Thinking is dangerous.” Percy deadpanned. Annabeth, Thalia, Grover and Nico burst out laughing, knowing what happened when Percy put any thought into anything. Hint: disaster.

My mother looked at me in terror—not scared of Grover, but of why he’d come. “Percy,” she said, shouting to be heard over the rain. “What happened at school? What didn’t you tell me?”

“Hey, it’s not like I lied to you about who you were and your father for 12 freaking years.” Percy muttered loud enough for everyone to hear.

I was frozen, looking at Grover. I couldn’t understand what I was seeing. “O Zeu kai alloi theoi!” he yelled. “It’s right behind me! Didn’t you tell her?”

“What’s behind you?” Poseidon asked with worry. Neither Grover nor Percy responded, only sharing a single look with each other.

I was too shocked to register that he’d just cursed in Ancient Greek, and I’d understood him perfectly. I was too shocked to wonder how Grover had gotten here by himself in the middle of the night. Because Grover didn’t have his pants on—

Everyone burst out laughing.

“Well that explains the title.” Nico snorted.

and where his legs should be…where his legs should be. . .tossed me my rain jacket, and said, “Get to the car. Both of you. Go!” Grover ran for the Camaro—but he wasn’t running, exactly. He was trotting, shaking his shaggy hindquarters,

There was more laughter, and Grover went red.

and suddenly his story about a muscular disorder in his legs made sense to me. I understood how he could run so fast and still limp when he walked. Because where his feet should be, there were no feet. There were cloven hooves.

“Done.” Athena said.

“Okay, let’s read one last chapter and then go for a break.” Hestia said. Everyone nodded.

“Can I read next?” Gwen asked.

“Sure.” Athena said with a nod and handed her the book.

Gwen opened the book to the correct page and began to read.

Chapter Text

MY MOTHER TEACHES ME BULLFIGHTING

Percy and Grover grimaced, knowing what was to come.

We tore through the night along dark country roads. Wind slammed against the Camaro. Rain lashed the windshield. . .I looked at Grover sitting next to me in the backseat and I wondered if I’d gone insane, or if he was wearing some kind of shag-carpet pants. But, no, the smell was one I remembered from kindergarten field trips to the petting zoo—lanolin, like from wool. The smell of a wet barnyard animal.

“Excuse me?” Grover asked with a raised eyebrow.

Percy chuckled at rubbed their neck. “You can’t blame me for my thoughts.”

All I could think to say was, “So, you and my mom...know each other?”
Grover’s eyes flitted to the rearview mirror, though there were no cars behind us. “Not exactly,” he said. “I mean, we’ve never met in person. But she knew I was watching you.” “Watching me?”

“Stalker.” Travis, Connor, and Rachel said simultaneously. Grover glared at them in frustration.

“Keeping tabs on you. Making sure you were okay. But I wasn’t faking
being your friend,” he added hastily. “I am your friend.” “Um...what are you, exactly?” “That doesn’t matter right now.” “It doesn’t matter? From the waist down, my best friend is a donkey—. . .Now I realized it was more of an irritated bleat. “Goat!” he cried. “What?” “I’m a goat from the waist down.”

“You just said it didn’t matter.” Apollo pointed out.

“You just said it didn’t matter.”

Percy and Apollo grinned at each other.

“Blaa-ha-ha! There are satyrs who would trample you underhoof for such an insult!” “Whoa. Wait. Satyrs. You mean like...Mr. Brunner’s myths?” “Were those old ladies at the fruit stand a myth, Percy? Was Mrs. Dodds a myth?” “So you admit there was a Mrs. Dodds!”

“Is that seriously the only thing you were able to process? Typical seaweed brain.” Annabeth said with an eye roll. Percy frowned but didn’t say anything. Poseidon noticed this and glared at the daughter of Athena. A few other people *cough* Hermes and and Apollo *cough* were doing the same.

“Of course.” “Then why—” “The less you knew, the fewer monsters you’d attract,” Grover said, like that should be perfectly obvious. “We put Mist over the humans’ eyes. We hoped you’d think the Kindly One was a hallucination. But it was no good. You started to realize who you are.”

“Careful, you’re going to freak him out again.” Thalia warned. “He might think you hit your head and punch you out cold.”

“How is punching him going to fix anything?” Reyna asked.

“He won’t be spitting none sense.” Percy shrugged. Reyna stared at them for a few seconds. Their logic truly was something else.

“Who I—wait a minute, what do you mean?” The weird bellowing noise rose up again somewhere. . .time. We have to get you to safety.” “Safety from what? Who’s after me?” “Oh, nobody much,” Grover said, obviously still miffed about the donkey comment. “Just the Lord of the Dead and a few of his blood-thirstiest minions.”

“Grover!” A few people yelled out. Other groaned.

“Why does everybody keep calling me that?” Hades sighed exasperatedly. Everyone looked at him in confusion.

“What do you mean?” Beckendorf asked.

“I mean the Lord of the Dead. I’m not the Lord of the Dead, I’m the Lord of the underworld. Lord of the Dead is Thanatos.” He explained. Nobody responded. I guess it was something everyone had started subconsciously doing. Whoops.

“Grover!” “Sorry, Mrs. Jackson. Could you drive faster, please?”
I tried to wrap my mind around what was happening. . .racing past darkened farmhouses and wooded hills and PICK YOUR OWN STRAWBERRIES signs on white picket fences. “Where are we going?” I asked. “The summer camp I told you about.”

The Greek demigods all smirked, the Romans looking more curious about the other camp. It sounded much different then theirs in many way's already, and they had barely gotten a glimpse at it.

My mother’s voice was tight; she was trying for my sake not to be scared. “The place your father wanted to send you.” “The place you didn’t want me to go.” “Please, dear,” my mother begged. “This is hard enough. Try to understand. You’re in danger.” “Because some old ladies cut yarn.”

“I hate how causally you talk about it.” Hermes said with a wince. Poseidon nodded in agreement.

“Those weren’t old ladies,” Grover said. . .but Mrs. Dodds and the moment when she’d changed into the thing with pointed teeth and leathery wings. My limbs went numb from delayed shock.

Percy grumbled at their now numb limbs.

“The shock settled in far later then it should have.” Athena said with borrowed eyes.

“What can I say, I’m good at bottling up my feelings.” Percy said with a grin. No one laughed and instead sent them concerned looks.

She really hadn’t been human. She’d meant to kill me.

“No shit.” Annabeth said with an eye roll. Percy, rather maturely, stuck their tongue out at her.

Then I thought about Mr. Brunner...and the sword he had thrown me. Before I could ask Grover about that, the hair rose on the back of my neck. There was a blinding flash, a jaw-rattling boom!, and our car exploded.

“WHAT?” Several people yelled out in shock.

Percy winced knowing what was about to come next.

I remember feeling weightless, like I was being crushed, fried, and hosed down all at the same time.

Percy let out a whimper and clutched their side, leaning forward and keeping their head hung low.

Poseidon out a hand on their back, not knowing what else to do. Apollo cursed and shot up and ran to them. He fumbled for a moment before handing Percy a vile with some sort of liquid in it.

“It’ll ease the pain.” Apollo explained shortly. Percy weakly looked up and took a sip out of it. It tasted surprisingly good and made them feel better. Not completely better no, but it was better then what he was feeling before. They shot Apollo a thankful look.

“No problem.” Apollo said and returned to his seat with a smile on his face.

I peeled my forehead off the back of the driver’s seat and said, “Ow.” “Percy!” my mom shouted. “I’m okay....”

Everyone started at them. By the way they were acting earlier, they were definitely not okay.

I tried to shake off the daze. I wasn’t dead. The car hadn’t really exploded. We’d swerved into a ditch. Our driver’s-side doors were wedged in the mud. The roof had cracked open like an eggshell and rain was pouring in. Lightning.

“ZEUS!” Poseidon growled, getting his trident out.

“Wait a second, it could have just been an accident. I probably didn’t mean to hit the car your son was in.” Zeus said trying to defend himself. But Poseidon just raised an eyebrow in a do I look stupid to you? matter.

“Could you too fight about this later? We’ve got a reading to do.” Hades pled desperately. They glared at each other before both backing down.

That was the only explanation. We’d been blasted right off the road. Next to me in the backseat was a big motionless lump. “Grover!” He was slumped over, blood trickling from the side of his mouth. I shook his furry hip, thinking, No! Even if you are half barnyard animal, you’re my best friend and I don’t want you to die!

"Couch Hedge would've gotten a real kick outta this, y'know," Leo snickered privately to Piper.

Aphrodites daughter snorted. "More like a real quick out of Percy."

Then he groaned “Food,” and I knew there was hope. “Percy,” my mother said, “we have to…” Her voice faltered. I looked back. In a flash of lightning. . .“Climb out the passenger’s side!” my mother told me. “Percy—you have to run. Do you see that big tree?” “What?” Another flash of lightning, and through the smoking hole in the roof I saw the tree she meant: a huge, White House Christmas tree–sized pine at the crest of the nearest hill.

“Hey look, it’s me!” Thalia said with fake enthusiasm. Those who didn’t know about what happened to her looked at her worriedly.

“That’s the property line,” my mom said. “Get over that hill and you’ll see a big farmhouse down in the valley. Run and don’t look back. Yell for help. Don’t stop until you reach the door.” “Mom, you’re coming too.”

“She can’t, she’s a mortal.” Dionysus drawled, not looking up from the magazine he was reading.

Percy felt their hand twitch at their side irritably, but a warning look from Poseidon quickly stopped them from snapping at the other god.

Her face was pale, her eyes as sad as when she looked at the ocean. “No!” I shouted. “You are coming with me. Help me carry Grover.”. . .I got mad, then—mad at my mother, at Grover the goat, at the thing with horns that was lumbering toward us slowly and deliberately like, like a bull. I climbed across Grover and pushed the door open into the rain. “We’re going together. Come on, Mom.”

“Percy you’re going to have to leave her behind.” Poseidon told his child with a sigh. Percy was a good kid, he just hoped it wouldn’t doom him in the end.

“I know that now.” Percy shortly responded.

“I told you—” “Mom! I am not leaving you. Help me with Grover.” I didn’t wait for her answer. I scrambled outside, dragging Grover from the car. . .bulging biceps and triceps and a bunch of other ’ceps, all stuffed like baseballs under vein-webbed skin. He wore no clothes except underwear —I mean, bright white Fruit of the Looms

“What?” Connor asked with a laugh. Others were laughing at this too. Honestly, monsters have a very strange taste in clothing.

—which would’ve looked funny, except that the top half of his body was so scary. . . “That’s—” “Pasiphae’s son,” my mother said. “I wish I’d known how badly they want to kill you.” “But he’s the Min—” “Don’t say his name,” she warned. “Names have power.”

“Something Percy still doesn’t seem to understand to this day.” Annabeth said with a sigh.

Poseidon looked at his son in concern. So far, Percy has only proved to be a walking trouble magnet, and that made him worry for Percy’s future.

The pine tree was still way too far—a hundred yards uphill at least. I glanced behind me again. The bull-man hunched over our car, looking in the windows. . .“Shhh,” I told him. “Mom, what’s he doing? Doesn’t he see us?” “His sight and hearing are terrible,” she said. “He goes by smell. But he’ll figure out where we are soon enough.”

“The woman did her research.” Athena nodded approvingly. She wondered how Poseidon was able to woo her into falling in love him.

As if on cue, the bull-man bellowed in rage. He picked up Gabe’s Camaro by the torn roof, the chassis creaking and groaning. He raised the car over his head and threw it down the road. It slammed into the wet asphalt and skidded in a shower of sparks for about half a mile before coming to a stop. The gas tank exploded. Not a scratch, I remembered Gabe saying.

“Oops.” Leo said.

Oops.

Percy and Leo smirked at each other.

“Percy,” my mom said. “When he sees us, he’ll charge. Wait until the last second, then jump out of the way—directly sideways. . .“Go, Percy! Separate! Remember what I said.” I didn’t want to split up, but I had the feeling she was right—it was our only chance. I sprinted to the left, turned, and saw the creature bearing down on me. His black eyes glowed with hate. He reeked like rotten meat.

“Oh, ew!” Percy exclaimed, and like a hand to their nose, though it was very ineffective.

He lowered his head and charged, those razor-sharp horns aimed straight at my chest. The fear in my stomach made me want to bolt,

Percy felt uncomfortable at the sudden fear he was feeling, he tried his best to ignore it. Poseidon wrapped his arm around Percy in a side-hug.

but that wouldn’t work. I could never outrun this thing. . .Then, with an angry roar, the monster closed his fists around my mother’s neck, and she dissolved before my eyes, melting into light, a shimmering golden form, as if she were a holographic projection. A blinding flash, and she was simply…gone. “No!” Anger replaced my fear

Everyone noticed Percy’s eyes suddenly flash in anger and leaned away from them. The Greek demigods who had seen Percy when they were angry were a bit worried they going to punch someone. Hopefully Zeus.

Newfound strength burned in my limbs—the same rush of energy I’d gotten when Mrs. Dodds grew talons.

Percy straightened at the sudden rush of adrenaline and looked down to their hands. “Huh.” They said simply.

A few demigods groaned. Great, now they had an angry and energetic Percy on their hands.

The bull-man bore down on Grover, who lay helpless in the grass. The monster hunched over, snuffling my best friend, as if he were about to lift Grover up and make him dissolve too. I couldn’t allow that. I stripped off my red rain jacket. “Hey!” I screamed, waving the jacket, running to one side of the monster. “Hey, stupid! Ground beef!”

“I think you’re going to need to work on your insults, Prissy.” Clarisse teased cautiously. A few demigods (including Rachel) stared at her as if she were crazy. Now was probably not the time to tease them. Percy gave her a half-smile.

“Raaaarrrrr!” The monster turned toward me, shaking his meaty fists. . .My legs tensed. I couldn’t jump sideways, so I leaped straight up, kicking off from the creature’s head, using it as a springboard, turning in midair, and landing on his neck.

“What the heck?” Jason said, staring at Percy. In the myths, the Minotaur was definitely taller than what someone should be able to jump to. How had Percy done that?

“Good quick thinking.” Hermes praised with a smile. Percy returned the smile despite the anger in his chest.

How did I do that? I didn’t have time to figure it out. A millisecond later, the monster’s head slammed into the tree and the impact nearly knocked my teeth out.

“Ow!” Percy exclaimed, putting a hand over their mouth. Then they turned to Thalia. “You didn’t feel that at the time, did you?”

“Nope.” Thalia responded.

The bull-man staggered around, trying to shake me. I locked my arms around his horns to keep from being thrown. Thunder and lightning were still going strong. The rain was in my eyes. The smell of rotten meat burned my nostrils.

Percy cringed at the smell.

The monster shook himself around and bucked like a rodeo bull. . .The bull-man wheeled toward him, pawed the ground again, and got ready to charge. I thought about how he had squeezed the life out of my mother, made her disappear in a flash of light, and rage filled me like high-octane fuel.

The anger that was fading from before had now returned but now even worse. Percy growled and clenched their hands tightly, glaring at the floor.

I got both hands around one horn and I pulled backward with all my might.

“You won't be able to do it. Not even my children could do something like that.” Ares snorted. Clarisse looked at Percy wearily guessing he most likely did it.

The monster tensed, gave a surprised grunt, then—snap!

Ares started at Percy in disbelief. “How? You’ve literally had no training whatsoever, so how?”

Percy smirked. “The rain. It gave me a power-up.”

Athena frowned at them. “Rain is not one of your fathers' domains. He controls salt water.”

“Yeah, but all water gives me a power-up.” The gods all glanced at each other at this. This demigod certainly was powerful.

“That’s not fair! Why don’t I get a power-up for breathing?” Thalia asked.

“Well, who knows? Maybe you do. That’s why children of Zeus are usually pretty powerful.” Percy said with a shrug.

The bull-man screamed and flung me through the air. I landed flat on my back in the grass. My head smacked against a rock. When I sat up, my vision was blurry,

“Oh no.” Percy said, leaning back and clutching his head. “I think I have a concussion.” Apollo was about to get up to help him but Percy waved it off. He’d feel better soon enough anyway. Apollo reluctantly sat back down.

but I had a horn in my hands, a ragged bone weapon the size of a knife. . .blown away in chunks by the wind, the same way Mrs. Dodds had burst apart. The monster was gone.

Everyone stared. Most of the Greek demigods had already heard of the story of the second monster Percy faced, but reading about it in full detail...it seemed what Percy had done was now even more amazing. The others just couldn’t believe Percy had actually done that with zero training. It was quite a feat and very impressive.

Most of the gods glanced around at each other once more. No demigod should be that powerful. This may cause problems for them in the future.

The rain had stopped. The storm still rumbled, but only in the distance. I smelled like livestock and my knees were shaking. My head felt like it was splitting open. I was weak and scared and trembling with grief.

Percy had started shaking and went pale. Their body sulked and they brought their hands to their head. Apollo went up to them and knelt down, handing them a remedy that would help. Percy shook their head. He needed to learn how to deal with it. After all, they weren’t even at the worse parts yet.

Apollo frowned and nudged towards their mouth “it’ll make you feel better, c’mon.” Percy drank it reluctantly and felt surprisingly better.

“Thanks”

“No problem”

I’d just seen my mother vanish. I wanted to lie down and cry, but there was Grover, needing my help, so I managed to haul him up and stagger down

Percy blinked back tears that were forming in their eyes, frustrated. They were hating this more and more by the second.

into the valley, toward the lights of the farmhouse. I was crying, calling for my mother, but I held on to Grover—I wasn’t going to let him go.

“Thanks, man.” Grover said. Percy managed to smile a bit in his direction, but winced a bit at what what Grover called them.

“No problem.”

The last thing I remember is collapsing on a wooden porch, looking up at a ceiling fan circling above me, moths flying around a yellow light, and the stern faces of a familiar-looking bearded man and a pretty girl, her blond hair curled like a princess’s.

Percy and Annabeth both went red. Aphrodite squealed. The Greek demigods who knew Percy and Annabeth just sighed, wondering when the two would finally get together.

They both looked down at me, and the girl said, “He’s the one. He must be.”
“Silence, Annabeth,” the man said. “He’s still conscious. Bring him inside.”

“Chapter is done.” Gwen said.

“I would like to read next.” Reyna spoke up. Gwen got up and gave the book to the praetor.

“You ready for this?” Poseidon whispered his child in concern. The last chapter had been pretty tough.

“I’ll be fine.” Percy replied.

Chapter Text

I PLAY PINOCHLE WITH A HORSE

Chiron raised an eyebrow towards Percy who went red.

I had weird dreams full of barnyard animals. Most of them wanted to kill me. The rest wanted food.

Everyone laughed.

“Percy your mind works in strange ways.” Hermes laughed. Despite the child being born because of an affair, Hera couldn’t help smiling a bit. They definitely were amusing and respectful towards their mother.

Percy caught her smile and sent her a strange look. Hera smiling at something they said? (Or thought, whatever.) Well that’s not something you see everyday.

I must’ve woken up several times. . .When she saw my eyes open, she asked, “What will happen at the summer solstice?”

“What?” Athena asked with a frown. “What does the summer solstice have to do with anything?”

“Spoilers.” Many of the Greek demigods answered.

I managed to croak, “What?” She looked around, as if afraid someone would overhear. “What’s going on? What was stolen? We’ve only got a few weeks!”

“Stolen? Something was stolen from Olympus?!” Zeus roared.

“Yup.” Percy said causally, popping the ‘p’. The gods all stared at them. This was definitely not something to be taken lightly. Something being stolen from Olympus of all places should be impossible. Who could have done it? What was stolen?

Athena gritted her teeth. He disliked not knowing things.

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, “I don’t...”Somebody knocked on the door. . .A husky blond dude, like a surfer, stood in the corner of the bedroom keeping watch over me. He had blue eyes—at least a dozen of them—on his cheeks, his forehead, the backs of his hands.

Hera smiled.

When I finally came around for good, there was nothing weird about my surroundings. . . All that was great, but my mouth felt like a scorpion had been using it for a nest. My tongue was dry and nasty and every one of my teeth hurt.

“Oh great.” Percy muttered sarcastically, annoyed at the sudden dryness in their mouth. They winced as their teeth started hurting. They never remembered it hurting this much.

On the table next to. . .He was wearing blue jeans, Converse hi-tops and a bright orange T-shirt that said CAMP HALF-BLOOD. Just plain old Grover. Not the goat boy.

“That’s smart. Don’t want him to freak out the moment he wakes up.” Annabeth nodded approvingly.

So maybe I’d had a nightmare. . .the tip splattered with dried blood. It hadn’t been a nightmare.

“Unfortunately.” Poseidon muttered.

“The Minotaur,” I said.

Most people groaned.

“What part of ‘don’t say their names’ do you not get?” Jason asked astonished. Percy just shrugged. Poseidon sighed. He’s most likely need to talk to Percy about this later as well.

“Um, Percy, it isn’t a. . .There were groves of trees, a winding stream, acres of strawberries spread out under the blue sky. The valley was surrounded by rolling hills, and the tallest one, directly in front of us, was the one with the huge pine tree on top. Even that looked beautiful in the sunlight.

The Greek demigods smiled at the description.

“It sounds amazing.” Reyna commented.

“It is.” Will agreed.

My mother was gone. The whole world should be black and cold. Nothing should look beautiful. “I’m sorry,” Grover sniffled. “I’m a failure. I’m—I’m the worst satyr in the world.”

“You are not the worst satyr in the world.” Percy scolded.

Thalia nodded. “What happened wasn’t your fault.”

Grover smiled at them. “I know, I was just frustrated with myself.”

He moaned, stomping. . .An orphan. I would have to live with...Smelly Gabe? No. That would never happen. I would live on the streets first. I would pretend I was seventeen and join the army. I’d do something.

Grover snorted. “Percy, you were shorter then Annabeth back then, not to mention how thin you were.”

Percy rolled their eyes and Poseidon scowled. He didn’t like the fact that Percy had grown up in such a poor environment. He definitely needed to do something about that this time around.

Grover was still sniffling. The poor kid—poor goat, satyr, whatever— looked as if he expected to be hit.

Percy and Thalia frowned at this, concern filling their eyes.

I said, “It wasn’t your fault.” “Yes, it was. I was supposed to protect you.” “Did my mother ask you to protect me?” “No. But that’s my job. I’m a keeper. At least...I was.” “But why...” I suddenly felt dizzy, my vision swimming.

Percy suddenly groaned at clutches their head. Poseidon put his hand on Percy’s shoulder and squeezed lightly, not knowing what else he could do.

“Don’t strain yourself,”. . .“What did it taste like?” He sounded so wistful, I felt guilty. “Sorry,” I said. “I should’ve let you taste.”

“Are trying to kill him, you idiot!” Athena scowled.

“Again, I didn’t know at the time! Also, don’t call me an idiot.” Percy snapped back. Poseidon glared at Athena and Annabeth sent her mother a warning look. Athena looked at her daughter strangely. Why was she protecting this sea spawn?

His eyes got wide. “No! That’s not what I meant. I just...wondered.” “Chocolate-chip cookies,” I said. “My mom’s. Homemade.” He sighed. “And how do you feel?” “Like I could throw Nancy Bobofit a hundred yards.”

Poseidon raised an eyebrow towards them.

“What?” Hermes said with a laugh.

“Honestly, I’d be concerned if Percy didn’t feel like doing that.” Grover shrugged.

“That’s good,” he said. . .My legs felt wobbly, trying to walk that far.

Percy grimaced as they looked down at their own wobbly legs. At this point, the price was just getting plain annoying.

Grover. . .buildings that looked like ancient Greek architecture—an open-air pavilion, an amphitheater, a circular arena—except that they all looked brand new, their white marble columns sparkling in the sun. In a nearby sandpit, a dozen high school–age kids and satyrs played volleyball.

The Greeks smiled at the description and the Romans were picturing how the camp would look like. It was definitely nothing like Camp Jupiter in any way, but I guess that was to be expected.

“It sounds amazing.” Reyna said.

“It is.” Jason confirmed.

Percy looked at him a bit strangely before realization dawned before them as they remembered that Jason was from earlier in the future and had somehow seen Camp Half-blood.

Canoes glided. . .The man facing me was small, but porky. He had a red nose, big watery eyes, and curly hair so black it was almost purple.

“Sounds like Dionysus.” Hermes said with a grin.

He looked like those paintings of baby angels—what do you call them, hubbubs? No, cherubs. That’s it. He looked like a cherub who’d turned. . .parties, except I got the feeling this guy could’ve out-gambled even my stepfather.

Dionysus snorted. “Well of course I can. Someone like him wouldn’t even be close to being somewhat of a challenge.”

“That’s Mr. D,” Grover murmured to me. “He’s the camp director. Be polite. The girl, that’s Annabeth Chase. She’s just a camper,

Annabeth raised an eyebrow towards Grovers direction. “Just a camper?”

“Compared to a god, yea, at the time you were just a camper.” Grover said with a shrug.

but she’s been here longer than just about anybody. And you already know Chiron....” He pointed at the guy whose back was to me. First, I realized he was sitting in the wheelchair. Then I recognized the tweed jacket, the thinning brown hair, the scraggly beard. “Mr. Brunner!” I cried.

“Grover just told you that his name is Chiron.” Thalia said with a frown.

“I was shocked at confused with everything.” Percy said simply.

The Latin teacher turned and smiled at me. . .I scooted a little farther away from him because, if there was one thing I had learned from living with Gabe, it was how to tell when an adult has been hitting the happy juice.

Dionysus looked affronted to be compared to Gabe, while Poseidon, Thalia, Apollo, and Hermes scowled angrily at the reminder of Gabes very useless existence.

If Mr. D was a stranger to alcohol, I was a satyr.

A few people snorted at this.

“Annabeth?” Mr. Brunner called to the blond girl. . .She glanced at the minotaur horn in my hands, then back at me. I imagined she was going to say, you killed a minotaur! or Wow, you’re so awesome! or something like that.

Annabeth snorted. “Is this when you started getting an ego?”

Thalia frowned at this. “Percy doesn’t have an ego. He’s the most modest person there is.”

Instead she said, “You drool when you sleep.”

Everyone laughed.

Then she sprinted off down the lawn, her blond hair flying behind her. “So,” I said, anxious to change the subject. “You, uh, work here, Mr. Brunner?”. . .“Yes, sir!” Grover trembled as he took the fourth chair, though I didn’t know why he should be so afraid of a pudgy little man in a tiger-print Hawaiian shirt.

Hermes scowled towards Dionysus. “What are you doing to the poor satyr?”

“You do know how to play pinochle?” Mr. D eyed me suspiciously. . .“Typical,” Mr. D said. “That’s how they usually get killed.

“That was harsh.” Connor said with a frown.

Young man, are you bidding or not?” “What?” I asked. He explained, impatiently, how you bid in pinochle, and so I did. “I’m afraid there’s too much to tell,” Chiron said. “I’m afraid our usual orientation film won’t be sufficient.”

“Wait, you didn’t show him the orientation film?” Annabeth asked. Chiron shook his head. “That makes so much sense. No wonder Percy was so clueless on everything when I was talking to him, I assumed he had seen the orientation film and was just slow! Sorry about that, by the way.” She added, turning to Percy. They waved the apology off. It never really bothered them much.

“Orientation film?” I asked. . .Grover asked timidly, “if you’re not going to eat it, could I have your Diet Coke can?” “Eh? Oh, all right.” Grover bit a huge shard out of the empty aluminum can and chewed it mournfully.

“That probably wasn’t the best thing to do right in front of Percy, at the moment.” Thalia added.

“Wait,” I told Chiron. “You’re telling me there’s such a thing as God.” “Well, now,” Chiron said. “God—capital G, God. That’s a different matter altogether. We shan’t deal with the metaphysical.” “Metaphysical? But you were just talking about—” “Ah, gods, plural, as in, great beings that control the forces of nature and human endeavors: the immortal gods of Olympus. That’s a smaller matter.”

“Smaller?” Zeus asked.

“Compared to what mortals think of ‘God’, yes, I think it is much smaller.” Chiron responded.

“Smaller?” “Yes, quite. The gods we discussed in Latin class.”. . .I wasn’t liking Mr. D much, but there was something about the way he called me mortal, as if…he wasn’t.

Percy sighed at their younger self and muttered, “No shit idiot.”

“Language.” Grover said almost automatically.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, you didn’t know at the time.” Poseidon added, looking at his child in concern. But Percy was more focused on Grover.

“Hold up, did you just say ‘language.’? They said with a laugh.

Grover groaned, “That’s not going away any time soon, is it?” Percy grinned and shook their head.

It was enough to put a lump in my throat, to suggest why Grover was. . .never dying? Never fading? Existing, just as you are, for all time?” I was about to answer, off the top of my head, that it sounded like a pretty good deal,

Percy sighed once more at their younger self.

but the tone of Chiron’s voice made me hesitate. “You mean, whether people believed in you or not,” I said. “Exactly,” Chiron agreed. “If you were a god, how would you like being called a myth, an old story to explain lightning? What if I told you, Perseus Jackson, that someday people would call you a myth, just created to explain how little boys can get over losing their mothers?”

Rachel gaped at Chiron. “Okay, I don’t mean to be rude, but why would you say that? His mom just died and instead of being supportive, you say this.” Then she turned to Dionysus. “You too, you did the same. You people are so insensitive.” Percy sent Rachel a grateful look for standing up for them.

Chiron winced. “You are right, Mrs. Dare. I didn’t exactly phrase that right.” He then sent an apologetic look at Percy. This was the second time he had said something that definitely was not one of the ideal things to say to someone, especially someone so young at the time.

My heart pounded. He was trying to make me angry for some reason,

“You were trying to make him angry? Do you have a death wish?” Nico asked, looking at Chiron as if he were crazy.

I wasn’t going to let him. I said, “I wouldn’t like it. But I don’t believe in gods.” “Oh, you’d better,” Mr. D murmured. “Before one of them incinerates you.”

Poseidon scowled, “You wouldn’t dare.”

Grover said, “P-please, sir. He’s just lost his mother. He’s in shock.”

“Thank you. Someone who understands.” Rachel muttered angrily.

“A lucky thing, too,” Mr. D grumbled, playing a card. “Bad enough I’m confined to this miserable job, working with boys who don’t even believe!” He waved his hand and a goblet appeared on the table, as if the sunlight had bent, momentarily, and woven the air into glass. The goblet filled itself with red wine.

“Dionysus.” Zeus warned.

Dionysus rolled his eyes. “I’m going to have accidents.”

My jaw dropped, but Chiron hardly looked up. . .“Mr. D offended his father a while back, took a fancy to a wood nymph who had been declared off-limits.”

“And why was that wood nymph declared off-limits?” Hera asked Zeus with a scowl. He ignored her.

“A wood nymph,” I repeated, still staring at the Diet Coke can like it was from outer space. . .the second time, he sent me here. Half-Blood Hill. Summer camp for brats like you.

The gods with children all glared at him.

‘Be a better influence,’ he told me. . .‘Well, duh!’?” “Y-yes, Mr. D.” “Then, well, duh! Percy Jackson. Did you think I was Aphrodite, perhaps?”

Aphrodite scoffed. “As if anyone could mistake me for you of all people.”

He glared at her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Can we go back to reading?” Percy interrupted before an argument broke out.

“You’re a god.” “Yes, child.” “A god. You.”. . .sailors screaming as their hands turned to flippers, their faces elongating into dolphin snouts.

Dionysus smirked.

Poseidon caught this and glared at him. “What’s wrong with you? He’s twelve! Not to mention he just lost his mother and is getting exposed to our world. He doesn’t know any better.” Dionysus was about to argue but the got a good look at the look on Poseidon's face and paled.

I knew that if I pushed him, Mr. D would show me worse things. He would plant a disease in my brain that would leave me wearing a straitjacket in a rubber room. . . I believe I win.”

Dionysus smiled. “Did I finally beat him?”

“Not quite, Mr. D,” Chiron said. He set down a straight, tallied the points, and said, “The game goes to me.”

“Damn it.” He scowled.

I thought Mr. D was going to vaporize. . .Mr. D turned to me. “Cabin eleven, Percy Jackson. And mind your manners.”

“Hate to break it to you, but that’s most likely never going to happen.” Percy said with a smirk.

He swept into the farmhouse, Grover following miserably. “Will Grover be okay?” I asked Chiron. Chiron nodded, though he looked a bit troubled. “Old Dionysus isn’t really mad. He just hates his job. He’s been…ah, grounded,

The Greek demigods all snorted and chuckled at this.

I guess you would say. . .Oh, different names, perhaps— Jupiter for Zeus, Venus for Aphrodite, and so on—but the same forces, the same gods.” “And then they died.”

Poseidon just turned his head and looked down at his child. “I’m sorry do I look-”

Percy burst out laughing, as did many of the gods and demigods.

“Died? No. Did the West die? The gods simply moved, to Germany, to France, to Spain, for a while. Wherever the flame was brightest, the gods were there. They spent several centuries in England. All you need to do is look at the architecture. People do not forget the gods. Every place they’ve ruled, for the last three thousand years, you can see them in paintings, in statues, on the most important buildings. . .power of the West.

“Huh. I can’t believe I didn’t notice that before.” Annabeth said, trying to think of any other monuments or structures that were inspired by the gods.

And so Olympus is here. And we are here.” It was all too much, especially the fact that I seemed to be included in Chiron’s we, as if I were part of some club. “Who are you, Chiron? Who…who am I?” Chiron smiled. . .I stared at the horse who had just sprung from the wheelchair: a huge white stallion.

“You can only imagine how horrified I was to see someone who I thought was paralyzed from the waist down suddenly have the lower body of a horse.” Percy said, shaking their head. Then a thought came to their head. “Wait a second. Centaurs have six limbs. Does...Does that mean they’re insects?”

The room went silent.

“Once again, we are going to completely ignore what Percy just said and continue reading.” Grover said with a slow nod.

“Am I wrong though? Just think about!” Percy exclaimed.

“I’d prefer not to.”

But where its neck should be was the upper body of my Latin teacher, smoothly grafted to the horse’s trunk. “What a relief,” the centaur said. “I’d been cooped up in there so long, my fetlocks had fallen asleep. Now, come, Percy Jackson. Let’s meet the other campers.”

“Chapters done.” Reyna announced.

“Alright, let’s take a quick break and then come back.” Chiron stated, acknowledging the demigods who were stimming like crazy, in need to move.

After about 20 minutes, everyone came back and took their seats.

“I’ll could read next.” Poseidon said, grabbing the book and flipping it to the correct page

Chapter Text

 I BECOME SUPREME LORD OF THE BATHROOM

Clarisse glared at Percy at the reminder. Percy smirked.

Once I got over the fact that my Latin teacher was a horse. . .but the way they stared at me made me uncomfortable. I felt like they were expecting me to do a flip or something.

“That would have been pretty cool.” Connor admitted.

I looked back at the farmhouse. . .Something had moved the curtain, just for a second, and I got the distinct impression I was being watched.

Apollo immediately sat straighter at that. His oracle actually moved? He glanced at Percy, who didn't meet his gaze.

“Wait what?” Annabeth frowned. “The Oracle moved?”

“Huh, I guess I kind of forgot that happened.” Percy said with a shrug.

“What’s up there?” I asked Chiron. . .To reach his goal, he must first demonstrate great courage by succeeding as a keeper, finding a new camper and bringing him safely to Half-Blood Hill.”

“But he did that though.” Rachel frowned. Grover sighed, but didn't say anything. 

“But he did that!” “I might agree with you,” Chiron said. “But it is not my place to judge. Dionysus and the Council of Cloven Elders must decide. I’m afraid they might not see this assignment as a success. After all, Grover lost you in New York. Then there’s the unfortunate…ah…fate of your mother.

“But it wasn’t Grovers responsibility to bring Sally to Camp alive, only Percy.” Jason stated.

“Not to mention Grover didn’t lose Percy in New York, Percy ran away because Grover was freaking him out.” Silena added.

And the fact that Grover. . .I wanted to protest. None of what happened was Grover’s fault. I also felt really, really guilty. If I hadn’t given Grover the slip at the bus station, he might not have gotten in trouble

“Nah they would have blamed me for losing your mom and being unconscious while you fought the Minotaur anyway.” Grover said to Percy.

“Technically you didn’t lose my mom, she got... ‘killed’.” He said carefully, trying not to spoil anything. “Plus, my mom’s mortal. She can’t pass the border anyway.”

“He’ll get a second chance, won’t he?”. . .“Oh, twenty-eight.” “What! And he’s in sixth grade?” “Satyrs mature half as fast as humans, Percy. Grover has been the equivalent of a middle school student for the past six years.”

“That must suck.” Leo said with a wince.

"Not really. But, I guess that's because that's how things have always been for me," Grover shrugged.

“That’s horrible.” “Quite,” Chiron agreed. . .as if he were intentionally avoiding the word death. The beginnings of an idea—a tiny, hopeful fire— started forming in my mind.

Grovers eyes went wide. “Percy! I knew you were thinking about it, but I didn’t know the thought started this early!” Percy gave him an awkward smile.

Hades grimaced. He certainly did not need more demigods running into his domain when they weren’t even dead yet. And since this has already happened for the child of Poseidon, that would mean they somehow got in and out perfectly fine.

“Chiron,” I said. . .“Armed with what?” “You’ll see. Capture the flag is Friday night. Do you have your own sword and shield?”

Beckendorf looked at Chiron strangely. “He just got to Camp, how would he have any weapons?” 

“My own—?” “No,” Chiron said. . .“Sword and spear fights?” I asked. “Cabin challenges and all that,” he explained. “Not lethal. Usually.

“Usually?” Poseidon asked, looking a bit worried.

Oh, yes, and there’s the mess hall.” Chiron pointed to an outdoor pavilion framed in white Grecian columns on a hill overlooking the sea. There were a dozen stone picnic tables. No roof. No walls. “What do you do when it rains?” I asked. Chiron looked at me as if I’d gone a little weird. “We still have to eat, don’t we?”

“Pretty sure that’s only going to confuse him even more.” Thalia said.

Percy winced at being misgendered but then said, “Do you see what I had to put up with? No one gave me straight answers every time I tried asking things. I didn’t even see the orientation film! Not to mention my mom just died!” They exclaimed. Chiron sent an apologetic look to Percy. He now saw that he really didn’t do a good job introducing Percy to their world.

Except for the fact that each had a large brass number above the door (odds on the left side, evens on the right), they looked absolutely nothing alike. Number nine had smokestacks, like a tiny factory.

Hephaestus perked up at the description of his cabin.

Number four had . . .even seemed to be made of solid gold, which gleamed so much in the sunlight it was almost impossible to look at.

Apollo grinned.

They all faced a. . .Even though it was a warm afternoon, the hearth smoldered. A girl about nine years old was tending the flames, poking the coals with a stick.

Hestia looked at them, “You saw me?”

“Sorry I didn’t stop and say hi, I was kinda busy with being shown around.” Percy said.

“It’s quite alright.”

The pair of cabins at the head of the. . . pomegranates and flowers. The walls were carved with images of peacocks. “Zeus and Hera?” I guessed. “Correct,” Chiron said. “Their cabins look empty.”

“As they should be.” Hera scoffed with a distasteful look towards Thalia and Jason.

“Several of the cabins are. That’s true. No one ever stays in one or two.” Okay. So each cabin had a different god, like a mascot.

“I guess that’s one way you can think about it, yes.” Hermes said looking thoughtful.

Twelve cabins. . . The outer walls were of rough gray stone studded with pieces of seashell and coral, as if the slabs had been hewn straight from the bottom of the ocean floor.

Poseidon smiled at the description of his cabin.

I peeked inside the open doorway and Chiron said, “Oh, I wouldn’t do that!”

Poseidon frowned. “I wouldn’t be angry at him looking, even if he wasn’t my son.”

Percy winced a little. But this time it didn’t go unnoticed by Poseidon, who gave him a concerned look.

Before he could pull me back. . .She zeroed in on me and gave me an evil sneer. She reminded me of Nancy Bobofit,

“You did NOT just compare me to her!” Clarisse glared at them.

“Yeah, sorry about that. You are definitely better than Nancy.”

the camper girl was much bigger and tougher looking, and her hair was long and stringy, and brown instead of red. I kept walking, trying to stay clear of Chiron’s hooves. “We haven’t seen any other centaurs,” I observed. “No,” said Chiron sadly. “My kinsmen are a wild and barbaric folk, I’m afraid. You might encounter them in the wilderness, or at major sporting events.

The Greek campers smiled at the mention of the Party Ponies.

“You said your name was. . .I could be a teacher of heroes as long as humanity needed me. I gained much from that wish…and I gave up much. But I’m still here, so I can only assume I’m still needed.”

“Uh, Chiron, have you met us? We are always going to need you.” Chris said which made Chiron smile.

I thought about being a. . .The blond girl I’d met at the Big House was reading a book in front of the last cabin on the left, number eleven.

“I’d be surprised if she wasn’t.” Thalia amused.

I tried to see what she was reading. . .A caduceus. Inside, it was packed with people, both boys and girls, way more than the number of bunk beds. Sleeping bags were spread all over on the floor.

“It’s always way too crowded.” Travis complained.

It looked like a. . .“Well?” Annabeth prompted. “Go on.” So naturally I tripped coming in the door and made a total fool of myself.

A few people laughed good-naturally as Percy went a bit red.

There were some snickers from the campers. . . The only thing unsettling about his appearance was a thick white scar that ran from just beneath his right eye to his jaw, like an old knife slash.

Suddenly all the Greek campers were glaring and scowling at the book. Hermes frowned at the negative reaction.

“This is Luke,” Annabeth said, and her voice sounded different somehow. I glanced over and could’ve sworn she was blushing.

Aphrodite perked up in interest. Athena raised an eyebrow at her daughter.

Annabeth scowled at the book with distaste. Of course Percy managed to catch that.

She saw me looking, and her expression hardened again. . .“How long will I be here?” I asked. “Good question,” Luke said. “Until you’re determined.” “How long will that take?” The campers all laughed.

Travis and Connor grimaced, knowing they were one of the campers who laughed at Percy.

“Sorry.” Travis said sincerely.

“It’s fine, don’t worry ‘bout it.” Percy replied with a strained smile.

“Come on,” Annabeth told me. . .“Don’t talk like that!” Annabeth told me. “You know how many kids at this camp wish they’d had your chance?”

Thalia frowned. “Annabeth, he almost got killed and lost his mom.”

Annabeth sighed. “I know, I just wasn’t thinking straight.”

“To get killed?” “To fight the Minotaur! What do you think we train for?”

“We’re more training how to not die then how to kill monsters. Monsters just so happens to be on the list of things that can get us killed.” Will stated.

I shook my head. “Look, if the thing. . .“You talk in your sleep.”

“Percy has said some pretty strange things in his sleep. I’d know, I was his roommate.” Grover said, thinking over some memories. Percy went slightly red.

“You almost called her something. . .“Look, is there anything we can say without it thundering?”

“Unlikely. Zeus insists on being dramatic every second of his existence.” Poseidon said with an eyeroll.

“Like you aren’t dramatic yourself-” Zeus snapped.

“Let’s just continue reading.” Hades cut in before an argument could start. Glaring at Zeus, Poseidon did.

I sounded whiny, even to myself, but right then I didn’t care. . .“I bet you moved around from school to school. I bet you were kicked out of a lot of them.” “How—” “Diagnosed with dyslexia. Probably ADHD, too.”

“Uh, you probably don’t want to freak him out even more.” Nico said. Annabeth didn’t bother responding.

I tried to. . .Face it. You’re a half-blood.” A half-blood. I was reeling with so many questions I didn’t know where to start. Then a husky voice yelled, “Well! A newbie!”

Clarisse grimaced, knowing what was coming soon. Percy smirked at the look on her face.

I looked over. . .“Erre es korakas!” Annabeth said, which I somehow understood was Greek for ‘Go to the crows!’ though I had a feeling it was a worse curse than it sounded.

Athena gave Annabeth a pointed look for cursing.

“It basically means go fuck yourself.” Hermes said to Percy.

“Language.” Hestia scolded lightly.

“You don’t stand a chance.” “We’ll pulverize you,” Clarisse said, but her eye twitched. Perhaps she wasn’t sure she could follow through on the threat.

“Of course I can.” Clarisse said with a scoff. Percy raised an eyebrow.

“I dunno, you looked pretty doubtful.” Clarisse glared at them and was about to say something before Poseidon cut her off. By the glares Percy and Clarisse were giving each other, he guessed he put a stop to it at the right time.

She turned toward me. “Who’s this little runt?”. . . Annabeth tried to say. “Stay out of it, wise girl.”

Thalia’s eyes went wide. “No way. You got that nickname from Clarisse?!” she asked Percy. Percy gave her a smile.

Annabeth looked pained. . .I was trying to find the strength I’d used to fight the Minotaur, but it just wasn’t there. “Like he’s ‘Big Three’ material,”

The Greek demigods who had seen Percy fight smirked. Percy was like a different breed when they were fighting.

Clarisse said as she. . .I felt a tug in the pit of my stomach. I heard the plumbing rumble, the pipes shudder. Clarisse’s grip on my hair loosened. Water shot out of the toilet, making an arc straight over my head, and the next thing I knew, I was sprawled on the bathroom tiles with Clarisse screaming behind me.

There was a beat of silence, and then the laughter of Hermes and Apollo. The demigods snickered and Clarisse went red and glared at Percy.

“You showered her in toilet water?” Poseidon asked his child.

Percy shrugged. “She tried to shove my head in a toilet. She had in coming.”

I turned just as water blasted out of the toilet again, hitting Clarisse straight in the face so hard it pushed her down onto her butt. The water stayed on her like the spray from a fire hose, pushing her backward into a shower stall.

More laughter as Clarisse went red.

“Poseidon, your kids amazing.” Apollo exclaimed.

She struggled. . .She was standing in exactly the same place, staring at me in shock. I looked down and realized I was sitting in the only dry spot in the whole room. There was a circle of dry floor around me. I didn’t have one drop of water on my clothes. Nothing.

Poseidon studied Percy for a moment. “That’s impressive since you don’t even know I’m your father yet.”

I stood up, my legs shaky. Annabeth said, “How did you…” “I don’t know.”. . .Annabeth stared at me. I couldn’t tell whether she was just grossed out or angry at me for dousing her.

“Both.” Annabeth admitted.

“What?” I demanded. “What are you thinking?” “I’m thinking,” she said, “that I want you on my team for capture the flag.”

“Done.” Poseidon said. “Who’s reading next?”

“I will.” Demeter offered, taking the book from him. She opened the book to the right page and began reading.

Chapter Text

WE CAPTURE A FLAG

Clarisse glanced at where Poseidon sat tall. He seemed just as fiercely protective here as he was during their time. If that was the case, he probably wouldn't be the happiest about this chapter.

The next few days I settled into a routine. . . He didn't complain, even when he had to desnag a stray arrow out of his tail.

“Uh, where was Chiron standing, exactly?” Apollo asked.

“Behind me.” Percy muttered.

“Then how did you-?”

“Percy has a reputation of being impossibly bad at archery.” Annabeth answered with a teasing smile.

Apollo still looked lost on how the arrow ended up going backwards. "Were you cursed, or something?"

"Gods, I wish." Percy shook is head. Several gods gave him incredulous looks at that. "At least then I would have an excuse for how terrible I am at archery."

Foot racing? No good either. The wood-nymph instructors left me in the dust. They told me not to worry about it. They’d had centuries of practice running away from lovesick gods. But still, it was a little humiliating to be slower than a tree.

“Kinda sad when you put it like that.” Connor said. Percy smiled at him, a little sheepish.

And wrestling? Forget it. Every time. . .But I got the feeling he was just trying to make me feel better. He really didn't know what to make of me either.

“None of us did. I know some of the Athena kids spent a lot of their time trying to figure out who your godly parent was. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them so frustrated over something.” Chiron said. Looking back on it, he feels like he should have figured it out sooner. The child even controlled water for goodness' sake!

Despite all that, I liked camp. . .but I kept wondering: if gods and monsters were real, if all this magical stuff was possible, surely there was some way to save her, to bring her back. . . .

“Please don’t.” Hades pleaded. He hated when demigods traveled to the Underworld. Couldn’t they just wait until they were actually dead? Percy grinned at him and he sighed.

I started to understand Lukes's bitterness and how he seemed to resent his father, Hermes. So okay, maybe gods had important things to do. But couldn't they call once in a while, or thunder, or something? Dionysus could make Diet Coke appear out of thin air. Why couldn't my dad, whoever he was, make a phone appear?

“If only it was that simple.” Poseidon said with a glare to Zeus.

Some of the demigods shifted uncomfortably at the mention of Percy understanding Luke. They didn’t really know how to feel about that considering everything.

Percy couldn't help but feel slightly bitter. They shouldn't sympathize with Luke, his execution on his ideals was extreme and people were going to die because of it. But at the same time, he was right, wasn't he?

Thursday afternoon, three days. . .Luke announced he would be my partner, since this was my first time. "Good luck," one of the campers told me. "Luke's the best swordsman in the last three hundred years. "

“I'm pretty sure you're better than him now.” Thalia grinned.

“I don’t know...” Percy rubbed their neck.

“Dude. Your definitely better than him by now.” Travis said with a raised eyebrow.

"You're very modest about your abilities," Reyna noted. Percy gave her a bit of an awkward smile.

"Maybe he'll go easy on me," I said. The camper snorted. . .Luke poured ice water on his head, which looked like such a good idea, I did the same.

The Greek campers grinned, looking at each other mischievously with the knowledge of what the water would do.

The gods and the Roman campers looked at them strangely.

Instantly, I felt better. Strength surged back into my arms. The sword didn't feel so awkward. "Okay, everybody circle up!" Luke ordered. "If Percy doesn't mind, I want to give you a little demo. " Great, I thought. Let's all watch Percy get pounded.

"I wouldn't be so sure," Poseidon assured.

The Hermes guys gathered around. They were suppressing smiles. . .putting my whole weight into a downward thrust. Clang. Lukes's sword rattled against the stones. The tip of my blade was an inch from his undefended chest.

For a moment there was silence, then Hermes spoke up. “How?”

Annabeth sighed but had a smile on her face. “I should probably warn you that that’s just how Percy works. You tell him somethings impossible yet he does it anyway.”

“I do it out of spite and spite only. Heck, I’m only alive right now out of pure spite.” Percy confirmed.

Poseidon gave him a worrying look. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, so many things have tried killing me so out of spite, I just wont die.”

“You’ll die someday though.” Jason stated.

“Okay but... will I?” Percy smirked.

“Yes...?”

“You sure about that?” Jason stared in confusion.

“So just to confirm, you just...won't die...because a lot of people want you dead?” Reyna asked carefully.

“Basically, yeah.” Hermes smiled. Poseidon’s kid was definitely an interesting one.

The other campers were silent. I lowered my sword. "Um, sorry. "

“Why’d you apologize?” Will asked.

“I was blamed for literally everything growing up, so I apologize for the dumbest reasons.” Percy deadpanned. Poseidon sent him another worrying look.

For a moment, Luke was too stunned to speak. "Sorry?" His scarred face broke into a grin. "By the gods, Percy, why are you sorry?. . .We sat on the pier, watching the naiads do underwater basket-weaving, until I got up the nerve to ask Grover how his conversation had gone with Mr. D. His face turned a sickly shade of yellow.

Percy looked to Grover to see if he was also going to suffer from the price, but Grover's face didn’t turn the sickly shade of yellow. They groaned inwardly but were glad that Grover wouldn’t be affected. That would mean that Annabeth, and anyone else mentioned wouldn’t be affected either.

"Fine," he said. "Just great. " "So, your careers still on track?". . ."Blaa-ha-ha! He might as well have transferred me to stable-cleaning duty. The chances of you getting a quest. . . and even if you did, why would you want me along?"

Percy frowned. “Why wouldn’t I want you along?”

Grover adverted his gaze. "I don't know. I haven't exactly been doing the best at my job."

"Of course you are," Percy scoffed. "I'm still here, aren't I?"

"Of course Id want you along!" Grover stared glumly into the water. "Basket-weaving . . . Must be nice to have a useful skill. ". . ."Thats another honorary thing. Shes the goddess of marriage, so of course she wouldn't go around having affairs with mortals. Thats her husband's job.

Percy choked on a laugh and Grover went red. Poseidon smiled at the satyr in amusement and Hera scowled.

When we say the Big Three, we mean the three powerful brothers, the sons of Kronos. ""Zeus, Poseidon, Hades. . .He doesn't have a throne on Olympus, either. He sort of does his own thing down in the Underworld. If he did have a cabin here . . . " Grover shuddered. "Well, it wouldn't be pleasant. Let's leave it at that. "

Nico and Hades scowled. Grover grimaced.

"But Zeus and Poseidon. . ."Percy, children of the Big Three have powers greater than other half-bloods. They have a strong aura, a scent that attracts monsters. When Hades found out about the girl, he wasn't too happy about Zeus breaking his oath. Hades let the worst monsters out of Tartarus to torment Thalia.

“You what?!” Zeus exclaimed in anger.

Hades glared at him. “You broke the oath! Your actions will have consequences.”

“So... you went after his daughter who did nothing wrong and had no control whether or not she’d be born?” Percy asked with a raised eyebrow. “Doesn’t make much sense to me.” Percy didn’t like Zeus, but that didn’t mean Thalia wasn’t innocent.

“He makes a valid point; you sent a Fury after Percy too.” Poseidon said with a glare.

“Could you all argue about this later please?” Hestia begged.

A satyr was assigned to be her keeper when she was twelve, but there was nothing he could do. He tried to escort her here. . .As she died, Zeus took pity on her. He turned her into that pine tree.

“Why a pine tree?” Percy asked.

Zeus looked at him strangely. “What do you mean?”

“Well, you could’ve turned her into literally anything else, so why a pine tree?”

Zeus opened his mouth, before closing it again and shaking his head. 

Her spirit still helps protect the borders of the valley. That's why the hill is called Half-Blood Hill. " I stared at the pine in the distance. The story made me feel hollow, and guilty too.

Percy grimaced at the uncomfortable feeling. It was strange, he was certainly feeling these emotions, but he was also strangely aware they weren't his.

A girl my age had sacrificed herself to save her friends. She had faced a whole army of monsters. Next to that, my victory over the Minotaur didn't seem like much. I wondered, if Id acted differently, could I have saved my mother?

“Try not to think too much about it. You barley even knew what was going on, you can’t blame yourself.” Poseidon said Percy. Percy smiled at him.

"Grover," I said, "have. . .You’re probably a child of Hermes. Or maybe even one of the minor gods, like Nemesis, the god of revenge. Don't worry, okay?"

“Nemesis is a goddess.” Athena corrected. Grover went a bit red.

“Wait a second.” Nico’s eyebrows furrowed. “Why was Nemesis the first minor goddess you associated Percy with?”

Grover shrugged. “I’m pretty sure it was just the first name that came to my head.”

I got the idea he was reassuring himself more than me. That night after dinner, there was a lot more excitement than usual. . .He gave me a sly look, as if he knew something I didn't. The scar on his face made him look almost evil in the torchlight. "Weve made a temporary alliance with Athena. Tonight, we get the flag from Ares. And you are going to help. "

Annabeth frowned. Percy describing Luke as evil looking... what a weird coincidence.

The teams were announced. Athena had made an alliance with Apollo and Hermes, the two biggest cabins. Apparently, privileges had been traded—shower times, chore schedules, the best slots for activities. . .Prisoners may be disarmed, but may not be bound or gagged. No killing or maiming is allowed. I will serve as referee and battlefield medic. Arm yourselves!"

Percy muttered something about the no maiming rule and Poseidon frowned at them.

He spread his hands, and the tables were suddenly covered with equipment: helmets, bronze swords, spears, oxhide shields coated in metal. "Whoa," I said. "Were really supposed to use these?"

“No, you're supposed to make a sandwich with them.” Percy said with an eyeroll, sarcasm clear in their voice. Looking back, they were a bit embarrassed at how long it took them to understand the things.

Luke looked at me as if I were crazy. "Unless you want to get skewered by your friends in cabin five. Here—Chiron thought these would fit. You'll be on border patrol. " My shield was the size of an NBA backboard, with a big caduceus in the middle. It weighed about a million pounds. . .A blue-plumed ally from Apollo raced past me like a deer, leaped through the creek, and disappeared into enemy territory. Great, I thought. I'll miss all the fun, as usual. Then I heard a sound that sent a chill up my spine, a low canine growl, somewhere close by.

The god's eyes went wide. A monster? In the camp? How was it possible? Who would’ve summoned it? Poseidon looked at Percy worriedly. Percy caught his eye and smiled at him, which quickly tuned into a frown as they remembered what was going to happen soon. This did not help Poseidon’s worry.

I raised my shield instinctively; I had the feeling something was stalking me. Then the growling stopped. I felt the presence retreating. . .They surrounded me, and Clarisse thrust at me with her spear. My shield deflected the point, but I felt a painful tingling all over my body. My hair stood on end. My shield arm went numb, and the air burned.

Percy grimaced. This felt really weird. They also smelled the burnt air which seemed to make things worse.

Electricity. Her stupid spear was electric. I fell back. Another Ares guy slammed me in the chest with the butt of his sword and I hit the dirt.

Percy coughed as pain went through their chest. Poseidon squeezed their shoulder as comfort.

They could've kicked me into jelly, but they were too busy laughing. . ."The flag is that way," I told her.

“No! Why would you tell her that?!” Connor exclaimed.

“Who said I pointed in the right direction?” Percy asked with a raised eyebrow.

I wanted to sound angry, but I was afraid it didn't come out that way. "Yeah," one of her siblings said. "But see, we don't care about the flag. We care about the guy who made our cabin look stupid. "

Chris frowned at Clarisse. “He’s a new camper. You shouldn’t be ganging up on him like that.”

“He’s right.” Thalia nodded. “That isn’t exactly a fair fight.”

"You do that without my help," I told them. It probably wasn't the smartest thing to say.

“You think?” Grover sighed. “Percy, I swear you have a death wish or something.”

Two of them came at me. I backed up toward the creek, tried to raise my shield, but Clarisse was too fast. Her spear stuck me straight in the ribs. If I hadn't been wearing an armored breastplate, I would've been shish-ke-babbed. As it was, the electric point just about shocked my teeth out of my mouth.

Percy clutched their jaw in discomfort, which was a bit difficult because of his 2 numb arms. They squeezed their eyes shut knowing what was coming next.

One of her cabinmates slashed his sword across my arm, leaving a good-size cut.

On que, blood started soaking through their shirt from their arm. Apollo got up to help them but Percy waved him off. they were fine back then; they’d be fine now. Apollo reluctantly say back down after a moment of hesitation.

Seeing my own blood made me dizzy—warm and cold at the same time.

Percy put their head on their knees as the dizziness settled in. Poseidon rubbed their back in an attempt to comfort their child.

"No maiming," I managed to say. "Oops," the guy said. "Guess I lost my dessert privilege.

Poseidon glared at Chiron. “What?! What kind of punishment is that? That won’t stop anyone from maiming!”

Chiron grimaced. He had to admit, it wasn’t very effective since people kept on breaking the rule.”

He pushed me into the creek and I landed with a splash. They all laughed. I figured as soon as they were through being amused, I would die. But then something happened. The water seemed to wake up my senses, as if I'd just had a bag of my mom's double-espresso jelly beans.

Percy’s body immediately jolted upwards, earning a yelp from Poseidon.

Clarisse and her cabinmates came into the creek to get me. . As soon as she thrust, I caught the shaft between the edge of my shield and my sword, and I snapped it like a twig. "Ah!" she screamed. "You idiot! You corpse-breath worm!"

“Again, I think you’re talking about someone said.” Thalia said with a chuckle. Nico sticked his tongue out playfully. Thalia looked at Percy worriedly as they were now rapidly tapping their foot on the ground.

She probably would've said worse. . .I was about to join the celebration when Annabeth's voice, right next to me in the creek, said, "Not bad, hero." I looked, but she wasn't there. "Where the heck did you learn to fight like that?" she asked. The air shimmered, and she materialized, holding a Yankees baseball cap as if she'd just taken it off her head. I felt myself getting angry.

Percy clenched their jaw and glared at the ground. The tapping on the floor increased.

Apollo was still looking at their bleeding arm in worry.

"You set me up," I said. "You put me here because you knew Clarisse would come after me, while you sent Luke around the flank. You had it all figured out.” Annabeth shrugged. "I told you. Athena always, always has a plan." "A plan to get me pulverized." "It came as fast as I could. I was about to jump in, but . . . " She shrugged. "You didn't need help."

“I got electrocuted twice! And cut!” Percy said, anger filling their voice.

Annabeth raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you’re still angry about that.”

“You used me Annabeth. I have the right to be angry.” Percy snapped at her. “And don’t invalidate what I’m feeling.”

Annabeth stared for a second and then nodded. She understood that the anger started because of the book, but it seems Percy was proving their earlier statement. They did bottle up their feelings. She would need to talk to them about that when they have a break.

Then she noticed my wounded arm. . ."Step out of the water, Percy. " "What—" "Just do it.” I came out of the creek and immediately felt bone tired. My arms started to go numb again. My adrenaline rush left me.

Percy immediately slumped over, feeling terrible all over again. Poseidon caught them in a side hug to keep them straight.

I almost fell over, but Annabeth steadied me. "Oh, Styx," she cursed. "This is not good. I didn't want . . . I assumed it would be Zeus. . . . " Before I could ask what she meant, I heard that canine growl again, but much closer. . .There on the rocks just above us was a black hound the size of a rhino, with lava-red eyes and fangs like daggers. It was looking straight at me.

Poseidon groaned. “Of course it is.”

Percy smiled at him weakly but clutched his arm as they prepared for what was about to happen.

Nobody moved except Annabeth, who yelled, "Percy, run!” . . .By some miracle, I was still alive. I didn't want to look underneath the ruins of my shredded armor. My chest felt warm and wet,

Percy gasped as pain went through their chest. Apollo ran towards them. But as Apollo knelt by them to help, he realized that Percy didn’t actually get cut, there was just blood seeping through their skin. There wasn’t much Apollo could do except give them a painkiller.

and I knew I was badly cut. Another second, and the monster would've turned me into a hundred pounds of delicatessen meat. . .Luke came over, the banner in his hand forgotten, his moment of glory gone. Clarisse yelled, "It's all Percys fault! Percy summoned it!"

Travis glared at Clarisse. “Seriously? He’s bleeding at your trying to blame him for something he obviously didn’t do?”

"Be quiet, child," Chiron told her. We watched the body of the hellhound melt into shadow, soaking into the ground until it disappeared. "You’re wounded," Annabeth told me. "Quick, Percy, get in the water.” "I'm okay. "

Apollo, who was still knelt by them, looked at them like they were crazy. “You are currently bleeding from the chest, what part of that is ‘okay’?!” Percy smiled sheepishly.

"No, you're not," she said. "Chiron, watch this.” I was too tired to argue. I stepped back into the creek, the whole camp gathering around me. Instantly, I felt better. I could feel the cuts on my chest closing up. Some of the campers gasped. "Look, I—I don't know why," I said, trying to apologize. "I'm sorry. . . "

Thalia sighed. This was the second time Percy apologized for no reason.

But they weren't watching my wounds heal. They were staring at something above my head. "Percy," Annabeth said, pointing. "Um . . .". . ."My father?" I asked, completely bewildered. "Poseidon," said Chiron. "Earthshaker, Stormbringer, Father of Horses. Hail, Perseus Jackson, Son of the Sea God."

“Done!” Demeter said.

“I can read next.” Frank offered. Demeter handed him the book.

“How about we read one more chapter them go have a break?” Chiron said. Noises of agreement responded.

Frank picked up the book and started reading the next chapter.

Chapter Text

I AM OFFERED A QUEST

"Naturally," Percy muttered bitterly.

The next morning, Chiron moved me to cabin three. I didn't have to share with anybody. I had plenty of room for all my stuff: the. . .out" whenever I felt like it, and not listen to anybody else.

“That sounds amazing.” Travis grinned.

"I was sorta lonely," Percy muttered.

And I was absolutely miserable.

“What?” Connor frowned. “Why?”

“You all literally avoided me like I had the plague or something. I was pretty lonely.” Percy responded bitterly. The Greek campers grimaced.

Poseidon frowned, giving Chiron a disappointed look. "You must have noticed this was going on, no?"

Chiron held his gaze on the ground. "I was preoccupied with other matters to take proper notice to it."

Thalia leaned over to Annabeth. "You think this would've happened to me too?"

"Probably," Annabeth sighed. "None of us really knew how to... react with a child of the big three at camp."

Just when I’d started to feel accepted. . .so my lessons with Luke became one-on-one. He pushed me harder than ever, and wasn't afraid to bruise me up in the process.

“At least it was worth it in the end.” Annabeth said weakly.

“I was 12.” Percy glared at her. “I just left an abusive home, watched my mom die, got told I was a demigod, get attacked by a hell hound, and now everyone's ignoring me as if I had the plague. Honestly, I’m surprised I didn’t have a mental breakdown.”

Annabeth didn’t know how to respond to that. The rest of the Greek campers were looking guiltier by the second. Looking back on the situation, they realized how poorly they handled it. Especially after reading it from Percy’s perspective and seeing their reaction.

Poseidon winced at how causally Percy brought up Gabe. He really needed to talk to them about that.

"You’re going to need all. . .she scowled at me, as if I'd just poked her between the eyes. After lessons, she would walk away muttering to herself: "Quest . . . Poseidon? . . . Dirty rotten . . . Got to make a plan . . . "

“Excuse me?" Poseidon asked with a raised eyebrow. Athena gave her daughter a warning look.

Annabeth went red with embarrassment. “Sorry!”

"That wasn't really fair to Percy, either." Piper spoke up.

Even Clarisse. . .one night I came into my cabin and found a mortal newspaper dropped inside the doorway, a copy of the New York Daily News, opened to the Metro page. The article took me almost an hour to read, because the angrier I got, the more the words floated around on the page.

BOY AND MOTHER STILL MISSING AFTER

FREAK CAR ACCIDENT

BY EILEEN SMYTHE

“Alright who did that.” Thalia glared with anger. Then she turned to the Stolls whose eyes widened immediately.

“It wasn’t us I swear.” Travis said. “We wouldn’t go that far.”

“What if it was Luke?” Chris spoke up. “It’d make the most sense if he wanted to... y’know...”

The campers considered this, and Thalia’s glare intensed. Hermes was still confused on why everyone hated his son so much. What did he do? Why would he want Percy to see the article?

Connor saw the look on his father's face and whispered to him, “I know it doesn’t make sense now, but the book should explain everything.” Hermes nodded, accepting this.

Sally Jackson and son Percy. . .out," I told myself miserably. That night, I had my worst dream yet.

Percy slumped forward the moment the words left Frank's mouth. Poseidon was quick to catch them, securing Percy by his side.

I was running along the beach in a storm. This time, there was a city behind me. Not New York. The sprawl was different: buildings. . .with beards and long hair. Both wore flowing Greek tunics, one trimmed in blue, the other in green.

"Do you two ever stop fighting?" Demeter huffed. The two gods in question avoided her gaze skillfully.

They grappled with each other, wrestled. . .Over the roar of the storm, I could hear the blue-robed one yelling at the green-robed one, Give it back! Give it back! Like a kindergartner fighting over a toy.

Poseidon snorted at the sentiment. 

"Poseidon, don't laugh," Hera scolded. "You both act like children."

Zeus scowled. "You stole something from me."

"Or maybe we should wait to get more context." Poseidon mused.

The waves got bigger, crashing into the beach, spraying me with salt. I yelled, Stop it! Stop fighting!

Beside the sea god, Percy let at a low, distressed noise. Poseidon glanced down at them worriedly.

“See, even the boy knows you two are being foolish, and he doesn’t even know who you are yet!” Demeter exclaimed. 

The ground shook. Laughter came from somewhere under the earth, and a voice so deep and evil it turned my blood to ice. Come down, little hero, the voice crooned. Come down!

"It's not Hades," Annabeth quickly added before anyone could say comment on it. Hades gave her a strange look, but didn't say anything.

"It has to be," Zeus insisted. "There's no one else it can be."

Nico sighed, feeling annoyed. "Of course there is."

Apollo watched the interaction carefully. If not Hades, there weren't many other alternatives as to who this could be, and none of them were good.

The sand split beneath me, opening up a crevice straight down to the center of the earth. My feet slipped, and darkness swallowed me. I woke up, sure I was falling.

Percy suddenly jolted up, causing Poseidon to yelp beside them. They looked up, a little sheepish. "Thanks."

"Of course, son."

I was still in bed in cabin three. . ."Mr. D wants to see you. " "Why?" "He wants to kill. . . I mean, I'd better let him tell you. "

"Dionysus," Poseidon glared.

"I wouldn't actually kill any of the brats," The wine god waved him off.

Nervously, I got dressed and followed, sure that I was in huge trouble. For days, I'd been half expecting a summons to the Big House. . ."Well, well," Mr. D said without looking up. "Our little celebrity. "

“Wait a second.” Leo grinned. “You’ve read Harry Potter?”

“What?" The wine god questioned. 

"That was a Harry Potter reference, wasn't it?"

"Harry Potter isn't technically out yet," Piper reminded him.

I waited. . ."Come closer," Mr. D said. "And don't expect me to kowtow to you, mortal, just because old Barnacle-Beard is your father. "

Poseidon raise an eyebrow at him. “Pardon?"

Dionysus avoided his oppressive gaze. "Er..."

A net of lightning flashed across the clouds. Thunder shook the windows of the house. . .clopping back and forth. "If I had my way," Dionysus said, "I would cause your molecules to erupt in flames.

“You will do know such thing.” Poseidon glared. Dionysus shrunk in his seat a bit.

Percy glanced up at the sea god, a little nervous. These threat's weren't that bad, not compared to everything they face later. 

Wed sweep up the ashes and be done with a lot of trouble. But Chiron seems to feel this would be against my mission at this cursed camp: to keep you little brats safe from harm."

All the Gods/Goddesses who had demigod children glared at Dionysus. He sunk down his seat a little more.

"Mr. D—" Chiron warned. . .We did. Chiron laid his cards on the table, a winning hand he hadn't gotten to use.

Dionysus sighed. He’d beat the old centaur one day.

"Tell me, Percy," he said. "What did you make of the hellhound?" Just hearing the name made me shudder. Chiron probably wanted me to say, Heck, it was nothing. I eat hellhounds for breakfast. But I didn't feel like lying.

“I’d be more concerned if you weren't nervous.” Chiron reassured with a light chuckle.

“As if I don’t concern you enough already.” Percy smirked.

"It scared me," I said. "If you hadn't shot it, I'd be dead.” "You'll meet worse, Percy. Far worse, before you're done.”. . .over something valuable that was stolen. To be precise: a lightning bolt."

“WHAT?!” Zeus roared. "POSEIDON!"

Poseidon sighed. "Why, pray tell, would I want your lightning bolt? I have my own weapon of power."

"You wish to overthrow me," Zeus glared furiously.

"Brother, I have my own duties as a king. I have no desire to add more onto that load."

Zeus opened his mouth to argue, but Hestia was quick to cut in. "How about we continue the reading to discover what has really happened."

I laughed nervously. . ."And its missing?" "Stolen," Chiron said. "By who?" "By whom," Chiron corrected. Once a teacher, always a teacher. "By you."

Zeus stood up and glared at Percy. “You what?! ” Zeus was about to smite them before Poseidon stood up with his trident, standing in front of Percy.

“Brother, think logically. We’ve been reading Percy’s thoughts this entire time. He didn’t even know we existed until recently. He didn’t take it, don’t be stupid.” Hades spoke, watching the two.

Zeus stuttered a bit before sitting down, seeing that his brother had a point. He was still fuming though and glaring at Percy. 

My mouth fell open. . ."But I didn't—" "Patience and listen, child," Chiron said. "Zeus has good reason to be suspicious.

Percy scoffed. “No he doesn’t.”

The forges of the Cyclopes are. . .You could easily have snuck into Olympus. Zeus believes he has found his thief." "But I've never even been to Olympus! Zeus is crazy!"

Zeus glared and was about to say something before Percy cut him off. “I stand by what I said. You are crazy. Instead of investigating demigods who were actually on Olympus, you’re accusing a 12-year-old just because of who their dad is.”

The Romans looked at Percy in shock. How could he be so blatantly disrespectful? And how is he not dead yet?

Chiron and Grover glanced nervously at the sky. . ."Something about a golden net?" I guessed. "Poseidon and Hera and a few other gods . . . they, like, trapped Zeus and wouldn't let him out until he promised to be a better ruler, right?"

“Clearly it didn't fix anything.” Poseidon said with an eye roll.

Thalia couldn't help keep in a snicker. So this is where Percy's legendary sass comes from.

"Correct," Chiron said. "And Zeus has never trusted Poseidon since. Of course, Poseidon denies stealing. . .the proverbial last straw.” "But I'm just a kid!"

“A fact that many seem to either ignore or forget.” Percy scowled. A few of the demigods looked at them with concern.

"You are very powerful though, and completely untrained at that." Hermes pointed out.

"Percy," Grover cut in. . .so big it will make the Trojan War look like a water-balloon fight." "Bad," I repeated.

“Understatement of the year.” Grover muttered.

"And you, Percy Jackson, would be the first to feel Zeus's wrath.” It started to rain. . .this storm to Half-Blood Hill. Zeus was punishing the whole camp because of me. I was furious.

And just like that, Percy’s mood went from being annoyed to anger. The Greek campers who saw the look on Percy’s face clutched their seats anxiously, as if preparing for an earthquake. 

Poseidon noticed the change immediately, readying himself to stop whatever show of power Percy accidentally causes.

"So I have to find the stupid bolt," I said. . .to the attic. When you come back down, assuming you're still sane, we will talk more."

Percy snorted. “Bold of you to assume I’m sane.” Chiron just sighed.

Four flights up, the stairs ended under a green trapdoor. . .slits, as if the real eyes had been replaced by marbles; shed been dead a long, long time.

Apollo grimaced at the description of the state his Oracle was in. 

"That sounds disgusting," Dakota winced.

Looking at her sent chills up my back. . .The mist swirled more thickly, collecting right in front of me and around the table with the pickled monster-part jars. Suddenly there were four men sitting around the table, playing cards. Their faces became clearer. It was Smelly Gabe and his buddies.

Poseidon scowled down at the book. Percy shifted in their seat uncomfortably, taking notice to how the mood seemed the sour.

My fists clenched, though I knew this poker party couldn't be real. It was an illusion, made out of mist. . .The guy on the left threw in two poker chips, then said: You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend.

Percy glared at the ground, anger boiling. Gods, how had they not seen it? Looking back, it should have been obvious something was off with Luke.

Finally, Eddie, our building super, delivered the worst line of all: And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end. The figures began to dissolve. At first. . .Ah, think, Percy," Chiron said. "If Zeus and Poseidon weaken each other in a war, who stands to gain?"

Hades stared at the centaur. “You’re going to blame me for this, aren’t you?”

Chiron winced and apologized. Hades sighed. He never really knew where his terrible reputation came from. 

"Somebody else who wants to take over?" I guessed. "Yes, quite. Someone who harbors a grudge, who has been unhappy with his lot since the world was . . ."Hades.” Chiron nodded. "The Lord of the Dead is the only possibility.”

"Not necessarily," Apollo informed. "It's best not to he closed minded. We must consider all possibilities if we want to find the true culprit."

Nico looked at the sun god with some new found respect at that.

A scrap of aluminum dribbled out of Grovers mouth. "Whoa, wait. Wh-what?" "A Fury came after Percy," Chiron reminded him. . ."Great," I muttered. "Thats two major gods who want to kill me.”

Grover sighed. “Things were more simple when it was just two."

Poseidon looked down at the satyr with worry. “What? How many gods want Percy dead now?”

There was silence as Percy did math in their head.

“Percy.” Poseidon said carefully. “How many gods want you dead now?”

“Hush I’m counting!” Percy waved him off. Poseidon blinked incredulously.

Annabeth sighed tiredly. "Percy has a bad habit of angering powerful beings. He doesn't really do it on purpose, per se, but..." She trailed off.

"But a quest to . . . " Grover swallowed. "I mean, couldn't the master bolt be in some place like Maine? Maine's very nice this time of year.”. . .Now he was trying to frame me and my dad for a theft we hadn't committed. I was ready to take him on. Besides, if my mother was in the Underworld . . .

Hades groaned. “Please don’t try and bring people back from the dead. I'm tired of you demigods coming into my home and trying to mess with the natural order of things."

"She isn't even dead!" Percy exclaimed, exasperated. "You kidnapped her!"

Whoa, boy, said the small part of my brain that was still sane. You’re a kid. Hades is a god.

Grover sighed. “I think you've lost that voice of reason a long time ago.”

Percy smiled at him. "Eh, it was never that strong to begin with."

Poseidon could feel a headache coming along, and sighed. This child was going to be the death of him. And he’s immortal!

Grover was trembling. Hed started eating pinochle cards like potato chips. The poor guy. . .especially when the Oracle said I was destined to fail? This was suicide.

“Your kind of quest then.” Nico smirked.

"If their isn't a chance of imminent death then I'm bored." Percy shrugged jokingly.

"Look, if we know its Hades," I told Chiron. . .No god can be held responsible for a hero's actions. Why do you think the gods always operate through humans?"

“I mean... yeah. That’s why we’re all trained child soldiers.” Percy stated. An uncomfortable silence filled the room. No one could think of a counter-argument.

You’re saying I'm being used.”. . .the universe." "Check.” "And get it back to Olympus before the summer solstice, in ten days.” "Thats about right.”

“Just a quick reminder once again that I was 12 and I just lost my mother.” Percy said dryly.

I looked at Grover, who gulped down the ace of hearts. . ."You saved my life, Percy. If . . . if you’re serious about wanting me along, I won't let you down. "

Percy smiled at him. “You’ve never let me down G-man.” Grover smiled back at them.

I felt so relieved I wanted to cry, though I didn't think that would be very heroic. Grover. . .feigning surprise. "Who else would be stupid enough to volunteer for a quest like this?"

Percy and Annabeth grinned at each other.

The air shimmered behind Chiron. Annabeth became visible. . .violent weather. "No time to waste," Chiron said. "I think you should all get packing.”

“Done!” Frank said.

“Alright, let’s take a break. I believe there are a few things that need to be discussed among ourselves.” Chiron said, glancing at Percy who grimaced a bit. They could guess they were going to have to talk to their father and a few others.

Chapter Text

Everyone got up to walk around. Some people were talking to their parents about various things, while others went to explore on their own. Before Poseidon could turn to Percy, Thalia had rushed over.

“Hey Perce, I think we need to talk.” Percy nodded and got up. Thalia took them to one of the many rooms on Olympus so they could speak in private.

“What do you need?” Percy asked a bit nervously.

“During the reading, you said the nickname Annabeth called you reminded you about the things the disgusting pig called you. Do the nicknames make you uncomfortable?” Thalia asked him bluntly.

Percy shifted a bit. “That was only at first, I’m fine with it now. Plus, it’s not like Annabeth actually thinks I’m stupid.” I hope, they thought, but figured it was best not to say that now.

Thalia studied their face for any indication that they were lying. “You completely sure?” Percy nodded. “Okay, but you’d tell me if something I said or did makes you uncomfortable, right?”

Percy nodded. “Yeah, definitely.”

"Right... Percy, about Gabe-"

"Please don't."

Thalia looked up at them. "What?"

"I don't really want to talk about it." Percy sighed. "It was years ago, anyway. I'm fine now. Gabe hasn't been in my life for a long time."

Before Thalia could say anything, a knock on the door startled them both. “Hi, could I steal Perseus or a moment?” Artemis asked, peaking her head through the door.

"Sure.” Thalia responded. They were done talking anyway. Though she still wanted to bring up Gabe, she was sure their father would be doing it.

Thalia left the room, and Percy could feel their nerves acting up. Why did Lady Artemis want to speak to them of all people?

Artemis turned to look at them. “May I ask a question?" Percy nodded, feeling nervous. “During the reading, you said you weren’t a boy, what did you mean by that?”

Percy froze for a moment. Well, they certainly weren’t expecting her to ask that. Percy hesitated for a moment. Were they ready to say it? They sighed, best get it over with now. “How familiar are you with the term non-binary?”

Artemis frowned at them. “Not at all, what does it mean?”

Percy fidgeted. “Um, basically, I don’t identify as male or female.”

“I see. Then, what do I refer to you as?”

“I’d prefer if you used they/them when speaking of me.”

Artemis nodded. “Alright, does anyone else know of this?”

Percy shook their head. “No one but you. I might tell my dad later today.”

“Alright then. Thank you for informing me.” Artemis got up and left, but before Percy could get up to follow her, Poseidon slipped into the room

“Don’t think you can get out of this, son.” He said with a small smile.

Percy sighed and sat down again, eyes fixed on his hands. "Can't we do this later? You're the third person to corner me."

No one said anything at first, then Poseidon spoke up. “Percy, did he ever hit you?"

Percy clenched their fists. They were worried he was going to ask this. “Yes.”

“Often?” 

“Eh. Just sometimes. Nothing too bad though.”

Poseidon clenched his teeth. He hated this. Why his child of all people? “And you never told your mother?”

“No.” Percy mumbled. “He said if he let him hurt me, he wouldn’t hurt mom.” He didn’t say that he was pretty sure Gabe hit her too, anyway.

Poseidon swallowed thickly. “Perseus, he never touched you in... other ways, did he?"

Percy’s eyes went wide at the implication. “No, he didn’t. Never.” The god felt a wash of relief at that.

The sound of people chattering, assumedly going to start the reading again, caught their attention. "We should go." Percy said quietly.

Before Percy could leave, Poseidon put a hand on their shoulder. “Is there anything else you would like to tell me?”

Percy hesitated, but ultimately turned against it. "Nope. Nothing at all."

The sea god stared at him for a long moment, unbelieving, but willing to let it slide for now. 

•—•—•

Annabeth stared suspiciously at Percy, who was looking a bit uncomfortable. 

“I can read next.” Hazel said, reaching for the book.

I RUIN A PERFECTLY GOOD BUS

Percy winced. “Oh, this.” Annabeth nodded with a similar face.

Thalia snorted. “Again?” Percy grinned sheepishly.

It didn't take me long to pack. I decided to leave the Minotaur horn in my cabin, which left me. . .I was sure the knife would get us busted the first time we went through a metal detector. Grover wore his fake feet

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to hearing that.” Rachel laughed.

and his pants to pass as human. He wore a green rasta-style cap, because when it rained his. . .Half-Blood Hill to the tall pine tree that used to be Thalia, daughter of Zeus.

Thalia sighed. “Can’t wait to not be a tree anymore.”

Percy stared at her with pure pain in their eyes. “No you don’t.”

Thalia winced, suddenly remembering what that’d mean. “No I don’t.”

Chiron was waiting for us in his wheelchair. Next to him stood the surfer dude . . . face and neck. "This is Argus," Chiron told me. "He will drive you into the city, and, er, well, keep an eye on things."

Hera smiled at the mention of him. 

I heard footsteps behind us. Luke came running up the hill, carrying a pair of basketball shoes. "Hey!" he panted. "Glad I caught you.” Annabeth blushed, the way she always did when Luke was around.

Annabeth scowled, cursing Percy’s unrealistic observant abilities for noticing that. “No I didn’t.” Aphrodite cooed eagerly.

“You definitely did.” Percy responded.

"Just wanted to say good luck," Luke told me. "And I . . . But here he was giving me a magic gift... It made me blush almost as much as Annabeth.

Poseidon barely glanced at Percy at this comment. Annabeth was looking at them strangely, as were a few other demigods.

“I’m bisexual.” Percy responded to the looks with a shrug. They didn’t understand why they were getting these looks. "It isn't that weird people, we're greek."

“Well, I know that.” Annbeth said. “I just... didn’t think you liked him too.”

“To be fair, who didn’t like Luke? Even the slightest bit?” Silena said with a shrug.

"Hey, man," I said. "Thanks.” “Listen, Percy . . . " Luke looked uncomfortable. "A lot of hopes are riding on you. So just. . . the flying shoes and had a sudden bad feeling. I looked at Chiron. "I won't be able to use these, will I?"

“Good riddance, too.” Percy mumbled under their breath. Poseidon raised an eyebrow at them but didn’t comment on it, figuring it probably would be brought up in the books.

“What? Why?” Hermes asked.

“Zeus.” Was the only thing Percy said. Hermes nodded in understanding and resisted the urge to glare at his father. He had grown fond of the demigod and thought it would be nice to be able to help, even if not directly or intentionally.

He shook his head. "Luke meant well, Percy. But taking to the air . . . that would not be wise for you.” I nodded, disappointed. . .just need practice!" "Aaaaa!" Grover went flying sideways down the hill like a possessed lawn mower, heading toward the van.

Grover bleated. “What-?” He was cut off but several people laughing.

“That’s genius!” Travis exclamied.

“Possessed lawn mower?” Apollo asked with a wheeze. “I- why?”

“I think the question you should be asking is how?” Hermes laughed.

Percy shrugged, smiling “I blame the ADHD.”

Before I could follow. . . sound like a brat. I was wishing my dad had given me a cool magic item to help on the quest, something as good as Lukes flying shoes, or Annabeths invisible cap.

Chris frowned at them. “That isn’t bratty. I’m pretty sure all of us and wished at some point to get something from our parents.”

"What am I thinking?" Chiron cried. "I cant let you get away without this.”. . .I was waiting for. But the prophecy is clear to me now. You are the one.”

“I love how many Harry Potter references can be made.” Leo snickered.

I remembered the field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, when Id vaporized Mrs. Dodds. Chiron. . .a long and tragic history that we need not go into," Chiron told me. "Its name is Anaklusmos.”

Artemis cringed as she realized which sword this was. Percy noticed the look on her face and his own became grim at the reminder of Zoë.

"Riptide," I translated, surprised the Ancient Greek came so easily.

Annabeth raised an eyebrow at him. “Still?”

Percy shrugged. “It’s weird to be fluent in a language I didn’t previously know.”

“Use it only for emergencies," Chiron said, "and only against monsters. No hero should harm mortals unless absolutely necessary, of course, but this sword wouldn’t harm them in any case.”

“Yeah, Percy.” Rachel glared, but their was no heat or malice behind it.

“How many times do I have to say this, you scared me! And I was already on edge too.” Percy responded exasperated.

“I sneezed!”

“Then take it as a life lesson, never scare the shit out of a demigod.” Rachel playfully rolled her eyes at them. Everyone else looked at them in confusion.

"The sword is celestial bronze. Forged by the Cyclopes, tempered in the heart of Mount Etna. . . through mortals like an illusion. They simply are not important enough for the blade to kill.

Jason, Leo and Piper found this amusing. They couldn’t imagine Rachel not being important.

“Excuse me?” Rachel asked, offended.

Chiron winced. “That wasn’t worded right.”

And I should warn you: as a demigod, you can be killed by either celestial or normal weapons. You are twice as vulnerable.”

“We’re extra special.” Nico said sarcastically.

"Good to know.” "Now recap the pen.” I touched the pen cap to the sword tip and instantly Riptide shrank. . .I admitted. "But what if a mortal sees me pulling out a sword?" Chiron smiled. "Mist is a powerful thing, Percy.”

“Percy, did you ever actually learn how to use the mist?” Thalia asked them.

“Nope” Percy responded, popping the ‘p’.

Poseidon hummed. "It'd be best if you were taught; the Mist can be a very helpful tool."

"Mist?" "Yes. Read The Iliad. Its full of references to the stuff. Whenever divine or monstrous elements. . .I was actually leaving Half-Blood Hill. I was heading west with no adult supervision,

“Which is like asking for everything to go wrong.” Grover grumbled.

no backup plan, not even a cell phone. . .“Chiron…” I said. "When you say the gods are immortal… I mean, there was a time before them, right?"

The 6 children of Kronos cringed at the topic.

Chiron pursed his lips. . .eventually the gods warmed to humans, and Western civilization was born.”

Zeus kept his expression carefully stoic. He never quite got over Prometheus’s betrayal.

"But the gods cant die now, right? I mean, as long as Western civilization is alive, they’re alive. . .prevent the biggest war in human history.” "Relax," I said. "Im very relaxed.”

They could all tell this was a lie at the way said demigod was picking at their skin. Poseidon lightly swatted Percy’s hand before they could do any damage to themselves.

When I got to the bottom of the hill, I looked back. Under the pine tree that used to be Thalia, daughter of Zeus, Chiron was now standing in full horse-man form, holding his bow high in salute. Just your typical summer-camp send-off by your typical centaur.

Thalia huffed. “You talk about me like I’m dead or something.”

Percy shrugged. “To a lot of people at the time, you basically were.” They subtly glanced at Grover and Annabeth.

Argus drove us out of the countryside and into western Long Island. It felt weird to be on a highway again. . ."Remind me again—why do you hate me so much?" "I don’t hate you.” “Could’ve fooled me.”

Annabeth winced. Looking back on it, especially from Percy’s point of view she reluctantly does admit she was being unreasonably rude most of the time. "I took our parents rivalry a tad bit too seriously."

Percy raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Just a tad?"

She folded her cap of invisibility. . .city of Athens. Your dad created some stupid saltwater spring for his gift.

Poseidon glared at her.

Thalia frowned at her friend. “Saltwater has a lot of uses, y’know. And you didn’t need to say it like that to Percy’s face.” Thalia was starting to realize she might now know where most of Percy’s self confidence issues came from, though she didn’t like it.

My mom created the olive tree. The people saw that her gift was better, so they named the city. . .she'd invented pizza—that I could understand.” "I said, forget it!"

Thalia sighed. She really need to speak with Annie about how brash she was. This kind of behaviour definitely wasn’t healthy.

In the front seat, Argus smiled. He didn’t say anything, but one blue eye on the back of his neck winked at me. . .Taped to a mailbox was a soggy flyer with my picture on it: HAVE YOU SEEN THIS BOY? I ripped it down before Annabeth and Grover could notice.

“We did notice.” Grover admitted. “We didn’t say anything in case it upset you.” Percy nodded gratefully. They don’t think they could deal with having that conversation with everything else going on.

Argus unloaded our bags, made sure we got our bus tickets, then drove away, the eye on the back of. . .smell traces of him on you, and you haven’t been near him for a week.” "Thanks," I said. "Wheres the nearest shower?" "You should be grateful, Percy.

Grover cringed. “I take that back, don’t ever be grateful of that slimy douche for any reason.”

"It's fine, Grover. You didn't know."

Your stepfather smells so repulsively human he could mask the presence of any demigod. . .but I forced myself not to show it. Ill see her again, I thought. She isn’t gone.

Hades sighed as he came to accept that this demigod was definitely going to be visiting soon.

I wondered if Grover could still read my emotions, mixed up as they were. . .All I cared about was my mom. Hades had taken her unfairly, and Hades was going to give her back.

Poseidon winced at looked at Percy, who caught his eyes. “I’m not mad anymore, I get why you had to do it.” Poseidon nodded but still looked sceptical.

You will be betrayed by one who calls you a friend, the Oracle whispered in my mind. You will fail to save. . .school cafeteria delicacy—enchiladas. "What is it?" I asked. "I don’t know," he said tensely. "Maybe its nothing.”

“They’ll put those same words on my grave.” Percy deadpanned. “‘Maybe it’s nothing.’” Just about everyone crack up at this, then Apollo realizes something.

“Wait, that means something really bad is about to happen, isn’t it?” Silence. Percy and Apollo stare at each other. Quietly, Apollo gets up to sit next to Percy, getting ready.

But I could tell it wasn’t nothing. I started looking over my shoulder, too. I was relieved. . . they looked exactly like Mrs. Dodds—same gnarled hands, paisley handbags, wrinkled velvet dresses. Triplet demon grandmothers.

Poseidon glared at Hades, “You sent all 3 Furies after him?!” Percy felt as his fathers hand on their shoulder tightened. When they turned to Apollo they noticed he had slightly paled, looking worried.

They sat in the front row, right behind the driver. The two on the aisle crossed their legs over the . . .they could be dispelled for a lifetime.” "I said if you’re lucky," Annabeth said. "You’re obviously not.”

Annabeth snorted, “Understatement of the century.”

“Definitely.” Grover agreed. Percy pouted at them.

"Maybe I'm just cursed." Percy sighed. Noticing the look on Poseidon's face, they were quick to correct themselves. "I'm not — well, probably."

"All three of them," Grover whimpered. "Di immortales!" "Its okay," Annabeth said, obviously thinking. . .we were on Ninth Avenue, heading for the Lincoln Tunnel.

Apollo, Poseidon, Hermes and the Greek campers looked at them in worry. Annabeth was right, bad luck was an understatement.

“No exits?” Leo frowned. “Isn’t that illegal or something?”

Percy shrugged. "Probably some OSHA violation."

"They wont attack us with witnesses around," I said. "Will they?" "Mortals don’t have good. . . down the aisle. It was eerily quiet without the sound of the rain.

Apollo kept glancing at Percy, making sure everything was alright.

Percy noticed this and gave him a small but reassuring smile which Apollo returns.

Mrs. Dodds got up. In a flat voice, as if shed rehearsed it, she announced to the whole. . . a son of one of the Big Three. Your smell might be overpowering.” "I cant just leave you.”

“I now know it was pointless since he wouldn’t leave even if I held him at gunpoint.” Annabeth says.

Athena taps her finger on the couch. The demigods fatal flaw must be loyalty, then. She had been suspecting it before, but this would pretty much confirm it.

"Don’t worry about us," Grover said. "Go!" My hands trembled.

Percy looked down in frustration at their now trembling hands. Without thinking, Apollo grabbed their in his own. He smiled at them and said softly, “Might help a bit.”

Percy blushed. This was- nope nope nope nope— Percy shut down the thought before their mind started wandering in places it shouldn’t be.

Hermes noticed the two and raised an eyebrow at them.

I felt like a coward, but I took the Yankees cap and put it on. When I looked down, my body wasn’t there anymore. I started. . . Mrs. Dodds stopped, sniffing, and looked straight at me. My heart was pounding.

At this point Percy was convinced they were on the verge of a heart attack. They took a few deep breaths, trying to calm themselves.

Apparently she didn’t see anything. She and her sisters kept going. I was free. I made it to the front of the bus. We were almost through the Lincoln Tunnel now. . .Their handbags had turned into fiery whips. The Furies surrounded Grover and Annabeth, lashing their whips, hissing: "Where is it? Where?"

Hades frowned. The Furies were searching for something?

"He’s not here!" Annabeth yelled. . .What I did next was so impulsive and dangerous I should’ve been named ADHD poster child of the year.

“Oh no.” Poseidon said, nervous.

"Of course you did." Thalia shook her head.

The bus driver was distracted. . .people and monsters tossed around the bus, cars plowed aside like bowling pins.

“PERCY.” Almost everyone yelled out. Apollo let go Percy’s hand (much to their disappointment) to check them over as several bruises began to appear.

Another great idea: I hit the emergency brake. . .Every time she flicked her whip, red flames danced along the barbed leather.

Poseidons hand on Percy’s shoulder tightened.

"Perseus Jackson," Mrs. Dodds said, in an accent that was definitely from somewhere. . .you better as a math teacher," I told her.

“Please don’t provoke her.” Hermes said with a grimace. He couldn’t see this ending well. Percy smiled at him sheepishly.

Annabeth and Grover moved up behind the Furies cautiously, looking for an opening. I took the ballpoint pen out of my pocket and uncapped it. . ."Nice try," I told her. “Percy, look out!" Annabeth cried. Mrs. Dodds lashed her whip around my sword hand while the Furies on the either side lunged at me.

Apollo took in a deep breath, readying himself.

My hand felt like it was wrapped in molten lead, but I managed not to drop Riptide. . .Annabeth got Mrs. Dodds in a wrestlers hold and yanked her backward while Grover ripped the whip out of her hands.

Percy gave a yelp, but when Apollo looked at Percy’s hands, excepting to see burns, instead he saw nothing. Sure, Percy’s hands were a bit red, but other then that they looked fine. Unsure what to do, Apollo settled with giving them some fast working painkillers.

The Fury I'd hilt-slammed came at me again, talons ready, but I swung Riptide and she broke open like a piñata.

“That’s a bit… disturbing.” Silent says carefully. Percy grinned, a little sheepish.

Mrs. Dodds was trying to get Annabeth off her back. . ."Zeus will destroy you!" she promised.

"How unoriginal," Percy feigned a yawn, causing a few snickers.

"Hades will have your soul!” "Braccas meas vescimini!" I yelled. I wasn’t sure where the Latin came from. I think it meant "Eat my pants!"

“It does.” Reyna chuckles. This sure was one strange demigod.

Thunder shook the bus. The hair rose on the back of my neck. "Get out!" Annabeth yelled at me. . . A Hawaiian-shirted tourist with a camera snapped my photograph before I could recap my sword.

“Oh no.” Travis winced.

"This is basically a list of everything you don't want happening on a quest," Beckendorf winced.

"Our bags!" Grover realized. "We left our—“ BOOOOOM. . .We plunged into the woods as the rain poured down, the bus in flames behind us, and nothing but darkness ahead.

“That's the end of the chapter." Hazel announced.

Dionysus huffed. “I’m reading next.” Many looked at him in surprise but didn’t question it.

Chapter Text

We Visit The Garden Gnome Emporium

Percy, Annabeth and Grover all wince.

In a way, its nice to know there are Greek gods out there, because you have somebody to blame. . .when you’re a half-blood, you understand that some divine force really is trying to mess up your day.

“Even though you’re trying to help said god.” Percy spat. Zeus glared at them.

So there we were, Annabeth and Grover and I, walking through the woods along the New Jersey riverbank, the glow of New York City making the night sky yellow behind us, and the smell of the Hudson reeking in our noses.

Grover, Artemis, Demeter and Hermes all grimaced at this.

Grover was shivering and braying. . .“I reminded her.” Our food and clothes. Everything.” "Well, maybe if you hadn’t decided to jump into the fight—"

Thalia frowned. “He saved your life. You would’ve died.”

"I know, my pride was just hurt," Annabeth sighed.

"I'd rather your pride then you."

“What did you want me to do? Let you get killed?" "You didn’t need to protect me, Percy. I would’ve been fine.” "Sliced like sandwich bread," Grover put in, "but fine.” "Shut up, goat boy," said Annabeth.

“Sorry, Grover.” Annabeth apologized.

Grover brayed. . .it would mean the quest was over. This may be my only chance to see the real world.”

“Holy shit.” Travis said under his breath, clearly uncomfortable. Poseidon at her, while most of the other demigods looked at her in shock.

“Annabeth!” Thalia exclaimed in surprise. “You basically just told him you didn’t really care if he died.”

Annabeth blushed furiously and turned to Percy, “Sorry, that came out wrong.”

Percy shrugged it off, “it’s fine.” Annabeth visibly relaxed, but Nico couldn't help frown.

The thunderstorm had finally let up. The city glow faded behind us, leaving us in almost total darkness. . .You’re pretty good with that knife," I said. "You think so?" "Anybody who can piggyback-ride a Fury is okay by me.”

Percy and Annabeth both smiled at each other.

I couldn’t really see, but I thought she might’ve smiled. . .He puffed out a few notes, but the tune still sounded suspiciously like Hilary Duff.

A few people laughed at that.

Instead of finding a path, I immediately slammed into a tree and got a nice-size knot on my head. . .This boy needed a double cheeseburger.

Annabeth, Grover and Percy grimaced, knowing what was going to happen soon.

Poseidon caught the looks on their faces and internally groaned.

We kept walking until I saw a deserted two-lane road through the trees. . .The neon sign above the gate was impossible for me to read, because if theres anything worse for my dyslexia than regular English, its red cursive neon English.

All the demigods with dyslexia winced. Now that must’ve been awful to look at.

To me, it looked like: ATNYU MES GDERAN GOMEN MEPROUIM. "What the heck does that say?" I asked. . ."Hey . . . " Grover warned. "The lights are on inside," Annabeth said. "Maybe its open.” "Snack bar," I said wistfully. "Snack bar," she agreed.

Athena’s eyes narrowed. Something about this seemed… off. Perhaps this was another monster?

"Are you two crazy?" Grover said. "This place is weird.”We ignored him.

“Don’t ignore the satyr who can smell monsters.” Dionysus said with an eye roll.

“Sorry Grover.” Percy winced.

“It’s fine, you guys weren’t really… you at the time anyway.” Apollo sent the two a suspicious look.

The front lot was a forest of statues: cement animals, cement children, even a cement satyr playing the pipes, which gave Grover the creeps. "Bla-ha-ha!" he bleated. "Looks like my Uncle Ferdinand!"

Grover sighed and looked down sadly. Suddenly it clicked. Athena was pretty sure she knew who this monster was, and she definitely didn’t like it. She looked around the room to see if anyone else had realized this too, and so far only Apollo seemed to have been catching on.

We stopped at the warehouse door. "Don’t knock," Grover pleaded. "I smell monsters.” "Your nose is clogged up from the Furies," Annabeth told him.

Athena groaned, “Annabeth.”

Annabeth sighed, “I know.” Annabeth had always suspected there was some sort of magic at play. There was no way she wouldn’t have realized earlier.

"All I smell is burgers. Aren’t you hungry?" "Meat!" he said scornfully. "Im a vegetarian.” "You eat cheese enchiladas and aluminum cans,". . .Her coffee-coloured hands looked old, but well-manicured and elegant, so I imagined she was a grandmother who had once been a beautiful lady.

Poseidons tightened his grip on Percy. Percy gave him a small smile which did nothing to calm his nerves. Apollo sent them a concerned look.

Her accent sounded vaguely Middle Eastern, too. . .The ringmaster told us to meet him at the gas station if we got lost, but he may have forgotten, or maybe he meant a different gas station. Anyway, were lost. Is that food I smell?"

“Percy, I mean this in the nicest way possible, that was an awful lie.” Hermes told him blatantly.

Percy shrugged, “I was hungry. Thinking of a good lie was not the first thing on my mind at the time.”

"Oh, my dears," the woman said. . .different expressions on their faces. I was thinking you’d have to have a pretty huge garden to fit even one of these statues, because they were all life-size. But mostly, I was thinking about food.

The gods and some demigods were now realizing who this was. How did the trio get into so much trouble so easily? Was every chapter just going to be them being attacked by different monsters?

Go ahead, call me an idiot for walking into a strange lady’s shop like that just because I was hungry, but I do impulsive stuff sometimes.

“We’ve been knew.” Travis joked.

Athena frowned, “That… was not a proper sentence.”

“Vine hasn’t been created yet.” Connor reminded his brother.

“What’s Vine?” Hermes asked.

Percy scrunched their nose, “…no.” Hermes blinked. Okay then.

Plus, you’ve never smelled Aunty Ems burgers. . .Everything you could want, plus a few steel picnic tables out front. "Please, sit down," Aunty Em said.

“No, just leave.” Poseidon mumbled.

“The magic must get stronger when you eat the food.” Silena inquired.

"Awesome," I said. . .Annabeth had done something wrong, but then the old woman relaxed just as quickly, so I figured it must’ve been my imagination.

Will frowned. "Percy, you're usually pretty observant."

"Magic food," The demigod in question shrugged.

"Quite all right, Annabeth," she said. "You have such beautiful grey eyes, child.” Only later did I wonder how she knew Annabeths name, even though we had never introduced ourselves.

“Even under magic, how’d you ignore all the signs? She was basically wearing a big sign on her head that said “I’m a monster”.” Chris asked curiously.

Percy shrugged, “I was really hungry and all our food was blown up. And I’m pretty sure me ignoring the signs encouraged Annabeth to do so as well."

Our hostess disappeared behind the snack counter and started cooking. . ."Hissing?" Aunty Em asked. "Perhaps you hear the deep-fryer oil. You have keen ears, Grover.” "I take vitamins. For my ears.”

“A much better lie.” Hermes nodded approvingly.

"Thats admirable," she said. "But please, relax.”. . ."So, you sell gnomes," I said, trying to sound interested.

“You failed miserably.” Grover deadpanned.

Percy laughed, “I honestly didn’t really care. I was attempting to be nice.”

"Oh, yes," Aunty Em said. "And animals. And people. . .The sadness in her voice sounded so deep and so real that I couldn’t help feeling sorry for her. Annabeth had stopped eating. She sat forward and said, "Two sisters?"

“Thank goodness, Annabeth is realizing somethings wrong.” Hazel spoke up, surprising most people.

“Maybe she can convince Prissy to get his ass outta there.” Clarisse said.

"Its a terrible story," Aunty Em said. "Not one for children, really. You see, Annabeth, a bad woman was jealous of me,

Jealous? Athena scowled furiously. She was not jealous.

long ago, when I was young. . ."Percy?" Annabeth was shaking me to get my attention. "Maybe we should go. I mean, the ringmaster will be waiting.”

“I don’t think that lie will work.” Hermes told them.

She sounded tense. . . "My, yes, it has been a long time since Ive seen grey eyes like those.”

Athena huffed in annoyance.

She reached out as if to stroke Annabeths cheek, but Annabeth stood up abruptly. "We really should go.”

“Yes, finally, leave.” Apollo pleaded.

"Yes!" Grover swallowed. . .I wanted to stay with her a while.

“Why is Percy more affected my the magic?” Nico said anxiously. The situation seemed to keep getting worse and worse.

“Maybe because he ate more of the food. It could also be because she might have been concentrating more on him, so the magic was stronger on him.” Apollo shrugged. “Or Percy just has some really bad luck.”

"Knowing me, it could be both," Percy sighed.

"Please, dears," Aunty Em pleaded. "I so rarely get to be with children. Before you go, wont you at least sit for a pose?"

“No!” Poseidon shouted. “Get out of there.”

Percy patted their fathers hand, “I’m right here, so obviously nothing bad happened to me.”

“The question is how?” Hermes said with concern.

"A pose?" Annabeth asked warily. . .Everyone loves children.

“Obviously this woman hasn’t met Dionysus.” Travis whispered to Connor, who snorted.

Annabeth shifted her weight from foot to foot. . ."Its just a photo, Annabeth. Whats the harm?"

“Dying.” Grover deadpanned.

"Yes, Annabeth,” the. . .into the garden of statues.

“Annabeth!” Athena and Thalia groaned.

Annabeth shrugged sheepishly. “I was still kinda under the influence of the magic.”

Aunty Em directed us to a park bench next to the stone satyr. . .cement satyr next to him, and mumbled, "That sure does look like Uncle Ferdinand.”

Grover sighed, turning to his gaze to the ground.

"Grover," Aunty. . ,Some instinct warned me to listen to Annabeth,

“You’ve always had good instincts.” Chiron remarked.

but I was fighting the sleepy feeling, the comfortable lull that came from the food and the old lady’s voice. . .I almost looked higher, but somewhere off to my left Annabeth screamed, "No! Don’t!"

“Thank goodness for Annabeth.” Thalia said in relief, though she was still tense.

More rasping. . ."Maia!" to kick-start his flying sneakers.

Despite the situation, Hermes gave a small smile at the usage of the shoes.

I couldn’t move. . .handsome young face," she told me soothingly. "Stay with me, Percy. All you have to do is look up.”

Percy cringed. “Ew.” A few people laughed at this.

I fought the urge to obey. . .Aunty Em. Aunty "M.” How could I have been so stupid?

“You aren’t stupid, you were drugged with magic.” Thalia told them. Percy shrugged. They still felt like they should have realized sooner. It was so obvious!

Think, I told myself. . .talons right now and rake open my face.

Poseidon cringed.

Aphrodite made a sound. “She still has a crush on your father, and since you look like him, you could use it to your advantage.” She gave a squeal, as if a monster being attracted to him was cute or something. Percy was now also cringing.

“Uh, mom?” Piper said with a pained look. “Percy was twelve when this happened.”

Aphrodite shrugged. “So?” Percy swore they felt a tiny part of them die on the inside.

“So he was in the sixth grade and a minor.” Piper explained. “And he still is one too.” She added.

Aphrodite huffed. “Back then, twelve was the perfect age to get married!”

Percy choked. “No, no. Absolutely not. Mr. D, please continue reading before I have a stroke.”

"The Grey-Eyed One. . .cursed Athena, turned me from a beautiful woman into this.”

Percy frowned. “But isn’t that the Roman-“

Apollo covered Percy’s mouth before they could finish their sentence. “Shhhh Percy, it’s for the sake of the plot.”

“But-“

“Hush.”

“No but-“

“Shhhhhhhhh.”

“I- okay.” Percy sighed, defeated.

"Don’t listen to her!”. . .to a comforting purr.

“That’s… really weird.” Leo cringed.

Chris grimaced. “Yeah.”

"You see. . .But you, dear Percy, you need not suffer.”

“No thanks, I’d rather suffer in the real world.” Percy deadpanned. Many of the demigods laughed.

Hermes looked at him in growing concern. “What?”

Percy smiled. “Dark humour.”

"No," I muttered. . .Do not be a pawn of the Olympians, my dear. You would be better off as a statue. Less pain. Less pain.

“Who said I was a pawn?” Percy asked with a raised eyebrow

Poseidon gave them a questing look. “What?”

“I’m just saying, if this is chess, I am definitely not a freaking pawn.”

“He has a point.” Nico put in.

“Yeah.” Thalia agreed. “Percy would be a castle, or maybe a bishop.”

“Wouldn’t those be one of the gods?” Artemis asked.

“Nah, you guys are all the queen and king.”

Percy frowned. “Then who're the players?”

Thalia turned to them. “What do you mean?”

“Y’know, the people controlling the moves.”

“Maybe one of the players would be the gods instead?” Nico said.

“Maybe, but then who’d be the king and queen? ‘Cause once you take out the king, the games over. And of course, the queen is the most powerful piece." The demigods pondered over this for a moment.

“I… think the queen could be Percy.” Annabeth said a bit hesitantly. “Percy’s pretty powerful, and unlike the king, moves around quickly and instead of sitting around doing pretty much nothing. If we were to lose Percy, we’d lose a huge advantage.”

“So maybe the king is Olympus.” Beckendorf says. “Think about it, if Olympus falls, it’s pretty much game over.” The Greek demigods all nodded. It made sense. The Roman demigods and the gods, however, looked at them like they grew another head.

Percy!" Behind me, I heard a buzzing sound, like a two-hundred-pound hummingbird in a nosedive. Grover yelled, "Duck!". . . nose alone."

“Go Grover!” The Stolls cheered. Grover smiled at them.

That finally jolted me into action. . .Grover hitting a tree. Then Medusa roared with rage.

“Yes!” Most the demigods shouted, those who didn’t were grinning.

"You miserable satyr,". . ."Jeez! Don’t do that!“ Annabeth took off her Yankees cap and became visible. You have to cut her head off.” "What? Are you crazy? Lets get out of here.”

“What?” Rachel said angrily. “You’ll just leave her there to keep killing more mortals and demigods?”

"Medusa is a menace. Shes evil. . .a man and a woman with their arms around each other, turned to stone by the monster.

Aphrodite sighed sadly. That poor couple.

Annabeth grabbed. . .The reflections size should be off by a factor of—"

“You might want to put it in words Percy can actually understand.” Thalia said with a chuckle.

"Would you speak English?". . ."Grovers got a great nose, but hell eventually crash.”

“Thanks for believing in me.” Grover said with sarcasm in his voice.

“You we’re flying full speed at her with your eyes close and little to no experience using the shoes. I’m surprised it you didn’t crash sooner.” Annabeth pointed out.

I took out my pen and uncapped it. . .he tumbled through the air and crashed into the arms of a stone grizzly bear with a painful "Ummphh!"

Grover grimaced, glad he didn’t share the price with Percy. The fall had definitely hurt quite a bit.

Medusa was about to lunge at him when I yelled, "Hey!" I advanced on her. . ."You wouldn’t harm an old woman, Percy," she crooned. "I know you wouldn’t.”

Percy raised an eyebrow. “Says who?”

Leo let out a wheezed laughed. “Percy nO-“

“Percy yes.” Clarisse said at the same time with a malicious glint in her eyes. No one commented on the fact that she used their actual name.

I hesitated, fascinated by the face I saw reflected in the glass. . .I could feel warm ooze soaking into my sock, little dying snake heads tugging at my shoelaces.

Percy cringed at the feeling.

“Ew.” Gwen said, looking disgusted.

Poseidon, Apollo, Hermes and Athena all just looked relieved it was finally over.

Annabeth came up next to me, her eyes fixed on the sky. . ."Why didn’t the head evaporate?"

“Spoil of war.” Clarisse informed.

“A very gross spoil of war.” Travis added.

"Once you sever it, it becomes a spoil of war," she said. "Same as your minotaur horn. But don’t unwrap the head. It can still petrify you.”. . .We plopped it on the table where wed eaten dinner and sat around it, too exhausted to speak.

The tiredness hit Percy all of a sudden. They slumped down into the couch.

Finally I said, "So we have Athena to thank for this monster?" Annabeth flashed me an irritated look. "Your dad, actually.

“What dad did was disrespectful and all, but Athena still made her the way she is. I can’t recall the story exactly, but I’m pretty sure a similar thing happened with Arachne, who now spends the rest of her days sending spiders after your children.” Percy said bluntly. Athena glared at them.

Poseidon felt the need to scold Percy but realized there was a clear lack of their usual sass in their tone of voice. Perhaps this was the tiredness speaking?

Don’t you remember?. . . she wanted to preserve you as a nice statue. Shes still sweet on your dad. You probably reminded her of him.”

Aphrodite cooed again. Poseidon put his hand on Percy’s shoulder in an attempt to keep them from lunging at the goddess.

My face was. . .Whats the harm?"

Clarisse raised an eyebrow at her. “He was heavily drugged with magic. You knew that. You also agreed to take the photo in the end anyway.”

"Forget it," I said. "You’re impossible.”. . .The words printed on the side of the bag said: WE APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS!

Annabeth and Grover both winced, remembering what was going to happen soon. They felt fear for Percy as they saw the grin he had.

I was angry, not just with. . .What had Medusa said? Do not be a pawn of the Olympians, my dear. You would be better off as a statue.

Annabeth gave a defeated sigh. Poseidon gave her a curious look.

“Percys mad.” Clarisse told him, noticing the look he had. “That means he’s either going to do something ridiculously stupid, or unreasonably scary.” Poseidon groaned. Why did his child seem to insist on getting in trouble all the time?

"You are not a pawn, son," Poseidon reassured.

"Sure feels like it sometimes." Percy muttered.

I got up. "Ill be back.” "Percy," Annabeth called after me. "What are you—“. . .In the cash register I found twenty dollars, a few golden drachmas,

“Those’ll be useful.” Beckendorf nodded.

and some. . .filled out a delivery slip:

The Gods

Mount Olympus

600th Floor,

Empire StateBuilding

New York, NY

With best wishes,

PERCY JACKSON

“HOW DARE YOU!“ Zeus yelled out, at a loss for words, thunder cracking over their heads. Sure, he knew this particular demigod had no self preservation from what their friends had said, but this was something else entirely.

You’d have to be both insanely brave and incredibly stupid to have the nerve to even think of doing something like this. The gods all gaped at the demigod. While they felt as though they should be offended (and part of them was), they were mostly shocked and somewhat impressed.

The Greek demigods just sighed and shook their heads in disappointment for the most part. As if they were expecting them to do something so extreme. The Roman demigods were in shock. Reyna looked like she was on the verge of a stroke. None of them could imagine doing something so disrespectful, even under torture. Just the idea of it was foreign to them.

Hades smiled at the pure chaos the child of Poseidon had caused. He doesn’t think he’s ever seen such an uproar upon them. This demigod was very bold and would provide great entertainment, it seemed. Perhaps if he encouraged it, the demigod would find better ways to torture his family? ‘Cause this was funny as fuck.

Poseidon sighed. He now understood why so many gods would want to kill his child in the future, especially if they keep pulling things like this. He rubbed his eyes, feeling a headache coming along. “Percy, why? Just why?”

Percy shrugged. “I was angry, tired, and had a decapitated head. You expect too much from me.”

“Clearly."

“I believe a break should be in order after this chapter so we can eat dinner.” Chiron suggested lightly.

"They’re not going to like that," Grover warned. "They’ll think you’re impertinent.”

“They’re worse.” Artemis said blatantly.

I poured. . ."I am impertinent," I said.

“At least he admits it.” Apollo said weakly.

I looked. . .ticking off the gods. "Come on," she muttered. "We need a new plan."

“Done.” Dionysus said, slamming the book shut.

“Alright, let’s go and eat.” Chiron said and headed for the doors. Everyone else followed along.

Chapter Text

Everyone took a seat. Clarisse and Ares had decided to talk about different kinds of weapons and when they’d be most useful, encouraging Frank to join the conversation as well. The Hermes kids were making an alliance with the Aphrodite (and Venus) kids to plan a prank, which Leo and Beckendorf had later found out about and decided to join in.

Poseidon sat across Percy, hoping to talk to them about a few things before Hermes, Apollo and Thalia approached them as well.

Thalia smacked the back of Percy’s head then hugged them. “I am both disappointed and proud. How are you not dead?” Percy gave her a sheepish grin and shrugged.

Hermes and Apollo sat down on both sides of them, both grinning eagerly. “I believe you still owe us some of your stories from school.” Hermes said with a grin.

“Right, which one do I start with…” Percy said in thought. Poseidon sighed, knowing he probably won’t get to speak with Percy as he had wished. He got up and went over to Zeus, dragging him away from Hera and into an empty room.

Before Zeus could open his mouth though, Poseidon effectively cut him off, which earned a glare from the other god. “I know what your going to say, yes I know what he did was disrespectful, yes I understand it wasn’t okay, and yes I will be speaking to him about his behaviour.”

Zeus opened his mouth again, and once more Poseidon cut him off. Zeus gave a frustrated huff. “However, this doesn’t make your behaviour any better. He’s trying to find your lightning bolt for goodness sake. But he can’t do that if you keep trying to kill him. He was rightfully angry. Anything else you’d like to add?”

“He’s too powerful.” Zeus said angrily.

Poseidon rolled his eyes. “He has to protect Olympus, isn’t it good that’s he powerful?”

“He could try to overthrow me!” Zeus exclaimed, anger rising.

“For the love of- not everyone wants to overthrow you! And the note said he saved Olympus for fucks sake.” Poseidon yelled back.

“Things can change.”

“You’ve read his thoughts. Nowhere in there does it even hint of him wanting to betray us. Your being overly paranoid for no reason.”

Zeus opened his mouth to retort, but instead just sighed. “Make sure you speak to him about his behaviour.” And the left the room.

•—•—•

“-and that was how I accidentally blew up half the school.” Percy said. Hermes and Apollo were wheezing and holding their stomachs.

“Holy shit kid, how’d you even manage to cause that much damage?” Hermes laughed out.

Percy shrugged. “I was left unsupervised around explosive materials. That was actually the only reason we didn’t have to pay for any of the damage. They said they wouldn’t make us pay for it as long was we didn’t bring the case to court. I still got expelled though.” Percy suddenly noticed their father arriving across from them. “Hi dad, where’d you go?”

Poseidon gave his child a small smile. “Just having a talk with my brother. I believe I need to have a talk with you as well.” Percy grimaced. Poseidon and Percy stood up and went into an empty room.

Hermes scooted into the seat Percy was previously sitting in next to Apollo. “Sooo… what do you think about it?”

Apollo sent him a questioning look. “What do you mean?”

“Y’know, the whole ‘sending Medusas head to Olympus’ thing.” Hermes clarified.

Apollo shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t really know. I feel as though I should be a lot more offended than I am, but Percy is... well, he's something, that's for sure."

“I feel a similar way." Hermes nodded.

Apollo tapped his finger against the table, before abruptly standing up. "I'll be right back."

•—•—•

"Annabeth," Thalia called out, approaching the daughter of Athena where she was hunched over a book. "I was wondering where you went – I thought you'd be with your mom."

She plopped down onto a bean bag next to her, casually crossing her legs. Annabeth offered her a small smile. "I'm not really sure where she went. It's fine, though. The library here really is brilliant."

"I can imagine," She nodded. Thalia's never been much a reader, for obvious reasons. But even she could agree that the library definitely had much thought put into it. There seemed to be and endless number of shelves, twisting together like a labyrinth. "You think your mom was the one who made it?"

Despite herself, Annabeth shrugged. "The architecture is gorgeous, so maybe."

"Hmm," There was a comfortable silence that laid heavy between them for a moment. "Annie, how have you been? Throughout all of... this."

Annabeth gave her a weary look. "Shouldn't you be asking Percy, that? These are his thoughts, after all."

"Sure," She easily agreed. "But you're in these books too, ergo, you're also being affected. I mean, it can't be hard to have all these details read out to everyone."

Annabeth sighed, closing her book. "You're right, it isn't. I thought I was fine at first, figured Percy had it worse right now, but... fuck, why does he have to be so perspective?"

Thalia huffed out a laugh. "Ahhh shit, I'm just realizing how many private conversations will be revealed during this."

She grimaced. "Thalia, do you... do you think anyone knows Luke is the traitor yet?"

"They would've said something if they knew, wouldn't they?"

"Not necessarily," Annabeth cracked her knuckles, a nervous tick she picked up a while ago. "They could be waiting for it to be confirmed, or... or..."

She trailed off, her eyes slightly unfocused. However, before Thalia could even think of commenting on it, a new voice surprised them both.

"I knew I felt intruders wondering in my library."

Thalia's hand itched for her knife, before realizing just who it was. "Apollo?"

The god nodded. "The one and only."

His words just seemed to catch up to her, Annabeth asked before she had the chance, "This is your library?"

"Mhm," Apollo smiled, running a hand over the spines of the well kept books. "I'm the god of knowledge, after all. Of course I keep a library."

"I thought it might've been Athena's," Thalia admitted.

"She held a part in it, yes. I left the architecture of this place completely up to her. The rest of its me, though." There was an awkward moment of silence, before Annabeth's face flushed red as a thought surfaced.

"Ah– you're here to kick us out, aren't you?"

There was a beat of silence, and Apollo sighed. "Well, I was at first. However, you seem to have a clear passion for knowledge, so!" He reached into his pocket and pulled out a golden coin, tossing it over. 

Annabeth inspected the coin curiously. It wasn't a drachma, like she originally thought. No, this coin had an intricate pattern of laurels on its edge, a hyacinth and book delicately carved into the centre. She ran her fingers over the design in fascination.

"Just keep this on you, and you'll have free access in and out," He paused, before sheepishly adding. "Ah, some areas are still prohibited, though. Wouldn't want to cause a meltdown, y'know?"

"Yes I- thank you," She replied earnestly, slightly stammering over her words.

Thalia can't help stare at the god skeptically as he bids them goodbye. But, for the sake of the excited shine in Annabeth's eyes, she didn't comment on it.

•—•—•

“You do know why we need to speak, yes?” Poseidon asked them. Percy nodded. “Right. And you realize why what you did was disrespectful, wrong and could have put your life in danger.” Percy nodded once more. “All I ask of you is to try. I won’t hold it against you for anything else that you say or do in these books as you obviously can’t change it, but please, try to not anger every immortal you meet.”

Percy nodded once more. “I know, it’s just, I was really angry and tried. And I will admit I still do think he had it coming.”

“Percy, you don’t have to like him, I don’t really either, but you still must be respectful.”

Percy rubbed their arm sheepishly. "I can try."

Poseidon sighed. "That's the best I'm getting out of you, isn't it?"

"Yeah, I'd say so. I'm not very good at being respectful towards assholes."

“One more thing.” Percy froze, looking up at the god. The god seemed unsure as to what he wanted to say. "I have noticed your... discomfort, to being called boy."

"Oh." Percy fidgeted. "Um. Basically, I don't really feel like a girl, or a boy. The terms just don't fit well for me. So, I use 'they' instead of 'he'."

Poseidon nodded. “I see. Thank you for explaining. I believe it's best we get back now, the reading should be starting again soon."

Percy stepped out of the room, and almost immediately they bumped into Apollo. They yelped and went stumbling back, but before they could fall Apollo caught them by the waist and the arm and pulled them upward.

“Sorry about that, you okay?” Apollo asked, not letting go and checking them over for any injuries. Before Percy could respond, they suddenly had noticed how close they were and let out a squeak as they flushed red. Apollo seemed to grow more worried at the sound.

Poseidon coughed and raised an eyebrow at them. “Everything alright here?” Though he sent a worried look to his child who looked like they were going to have a heart attack at the ripe age of fifteen.

“Yup, I was just about to tell you guys the reading was going to start soon when I bumped into Percy.” Apollo responded, still not letting go of them. Said demigod was pretty sure they were hyperventilating.

“Right…” Poseidon said, sending a suspicious look at Apollo and walked away. Percy let out a sound of betrayal.

Apollo turned to Percy, concern returning at how red they were. “You sure you’re okay?”

“I- uh- well-" Was all Percy was able to say before they took a deep breath and said in a squeaky voice. “I’m fine.”

Apollo nodded, but still looked at them in worry which made Percy want to pass out. “Alright, let’s head back then.” Apollo put his hand on Percy’s shoulder to make sure they don’t fall over again, and at this point Percy was convinced they were about to go into cardiac arrest.

As they were walking, Percy asked, “Um, quick question, how old are you again?”

Apollo considered this for a moment before responding. “About 4612, why?”

“No reason.”

Chapter Text

“I can read this time.” Beckendorf offered, taking the book.

WE GET ADVICE FROM A POODLE

“What?” Jason asked incredulously. What a weird chapter name.

We were pretty. . .The ground was littered with flattened soda cans and fast-food wrappers.

Artemis, Rachel, Demeter, Hermes and Grover scowled.

We’d taken some food and. . .I volunteered to take first watch.

Poseidon raised an eyebrow at his child. “Right. And these shifts were evenly split, correct?”

Before Percy could respond, Grover, the traitor, said, “They definitely weren’t. Percy stayed up longer then Annabeth and I.”

Poseidon sighed. “Percy-“

Percy shrugged. “Sleep is for the weak.” Apollo stared at them in concern. Nico snorted.

Poseidon glared at him. “Don’t encourage them.” Apollo froze at this. Them? He made a mental note to ask Percy about that later.

Annabeth curled up on the blankets. . ."And the sky. You cant even see the stars. They’ve polluted the sky. This is a terrible time to be a satyr."

Artemis nodded gravely. “It certainly is.”

“Similar things have been happening with the ocean. And from what I hear of the land, the ocean has most likely gotten worse as well.” Poseidon said with a sigh.

Percy winced. “Yeah, the future isn’t really great. I mean, the mortals literally found a way to set fire to water.”

Poseidon looked at them, horrified. “They what? How?”

Percy shrugged. “No idea. Worst part was, they tried to put it out with more water.” The blue screen perfectly described the look on Poseidons face.

"Oh, yeah. I guess you’d be an environmentalist.” He glared at me. "Only a human wouldn’t be.

Rachel frowned. She understood why Grover had these views, but not all humans were that bad.

Your species is. . .going, Ill never find Pan. "

Hermes perked up at the mention of his son.

"Pam? Like the cooking spray?" "Pan!" he cried. . .just making fun

Percy frowned. “I wouldn’t make fun of you, you definitely seemed passionate about it.” Grover nodded. He knew that now, but back then he was more hesitant when sharing things like this to Percy.

"The God of Wild Places disappeared two thousand years ago. . .return alive.” "Hang on—the first?" Grover took his reed pipes out of his pocket. "No searcher has ever come back. Once they set out, they disappear. They’re never seen alive again. "

Percy shifted a bit as they felt the worry they felt then suddenly appearing.

"Not once in two thousand years?. . . at Medusas, when you were searching her office? Annabeth was telling me—“ "Oh, I forgot. Annabeth will have a plan all figured out.”

Annabeth grinned at them. “You should know this by now Seaweed brain, I always have a plan.”

"Don’t be so hard on her, Percy. . .Annabeth and I agreed theres something strange going on with this quest. Something isn’t what it seems.”

“But isn’t that like, every quest ever?” Percy pointed out. A few people seemed to be considering this. “Seriously, when has a quest ever genuinely made sense?” No one has an answer to this.

"Well, duh. . .we both got the feeling they weren’t asking about a person. They said Where is it? They seemed to be asking about an object.”

“What if something else is missing?” Apollo suggested.

“If that’s true, and the Fury’s were sent by Hades, something of Hades must be missing then.” Athena concluded. The only quest was what was missing?

"That doesn’t make sense.” "I know. . ."I haven’t been straight with you,"

Percy snorted.

I told Grover. "I don’t care about the master bolt. I agreed to go to the Underworld so I could bring back my mother. . .Grover pulled his feet up onto the branch. "Okay, Percy. Whatever.” "Besides, I haven’t done anything worth bragging about.

“What?” Jason spoke up. “But you-“

“Don’t even try.” Thalia sighed, interrupting her brother. “Percy’s way too modest for his own good and constantly discredits himself. It’s hopeless trying to argue with him about this too.” Percy shrugged, not disagreeing with her words.

We barely got out of New York and were stuck here with no money and no way west” Grover looked at the night sky. . .In my dreams, I stood in a dark cavern before a gaping pit.

Percy braced himself for the unconsciousness to wash over, but it never did. Confused, he looked around and realized he was still perfectly awake. What on earth...

"Oh, hey, you're still awake," Grover commented.

"How are you awake?" Apollo frowned.

Percy shrugged. "I don't know, I don't even feel tired. Weird."

"Maybe the price isn't working anymore?" Connor suggested weakly.

Nico shook is head. "As wonderful as that would be, Percy's luck is not that good."

Grey mist creatures churned all around me, whispering rags of smoke that I somehow knew were the spirits of the dead. . .Looking down made me dizzy.

Percy swayed slightly. Apollo put a hand on their shoulder, which Percy barely processed through the starting headache. They did, however, notice how warm it was and leaned slightly into the touch.

"The price is definitely still working..." Percy muttered. 

The pit yawned so wide and was so completely black. . .The little hero, an amused voice echoed far down in the darkness. Too weak, too young, but perhaps you will do. The voice felt ancient—cold and heavy. It wrapped around me like sheets of lead.

The first six children of Kronos felt a chill go down their spine. It couldn’t be, could it? This was certainly not good.

They have misled you. . .Her face was distorted with pain, as if the Minotaur were still squeezing her neck. Her eyes looked directly at me, pleading: Go!

Percy winced at the painful feeling that twisted in their gut. They hated this so much.

I tried to cry out, but my voice wouldn’t work.

Percy immediately tried to use their voice but failed. Panic filled them as their breathing started in quicken. Apollo moved his hand to Percy’s in an attempt to comfort them, but knew it wouldn’t do much until they passed this.

Cold laughter echoed from the chasm. An invisible force. . .I realized it wasn’t interested in pulling me in. It was using me to pull itself out.

Percy let out a panicked sound which had many people turn to them in concern. Apollo squeezed their hand tighter.

Good, it murmured. Good. Wake! the dead whispered. Wake. . .I was trembling from the dream.

Percy trembled, letting out a gasp. Poseidon conjured a glass of water for them, which Percy took gratefully.

“Thanks.” Their voice wavered a bit.

I could still feel the grip of the chasm monster around my chest. . .Look, he found a friend.” My eyes had trouble focusing.

Almost immediately their vision blurred. As they attempted to rub their eyes though, they suddenly realized that they were still holding Apollos hand. When did that even happen? Percy went red, but made no move to remove their hand.

Grover was sitting cross-legged. . .stuffed animal. It was a pink poodle.

Artemis frowned. “Pink? How?”

“The owner probably dyed its fur.” Rachel responded, unhappy.

“Why? That seems cruel.”

Rachel shrugged. “No clue. Everyone has their own reason, still isn’t good though.”

The poodle yapped at me suspiciously. . .Grover warned, "is our ticket west. Be nice to him.”

Connor laughed. “Him? Someone made their male poodle pink?”

"You can talk to animals?" Grover ignored. . ."I said hello to the poodle. You say hello to the poodle.” The poodle growled. I said hello to the poodle.

A few people snickered at this.

Poseidon chuckled. “To be fair, you do need it’s help.”

“That doesn’t mean I want to say hi to a poodle.”

Grover explained that he’d come across Gladiola. . .didn’t really want to go back to his family, but he was willing to if it meant helping Grover.

“Sweet, now you get $200.” Travis said.

“Yeah, but it’s a shame you couldn’t help the poodle.” Rachel added.

"How does Gladiola know about the reward?" I asked. "He read the signs. . .able to see last night in the dark. "Theres an Amtrak station half a mile that way. According to Gladiola, the westbound train leaves at noon. "

“The chapters done.” Beckendorf announced.

“I could read next.” Jason offered. Beckendorf passed him the book.

Chapter Text

I PLUNGE TO MY DEATH

Almost immediately, Jason regretted asking to read.

Poseidon paled, looking down at his child with worry. 

"You what?" Apollo asked weakly.

“It’s okay, I didn’t actually die.” Percy said, gesturing to themselves. “I just almost did.” Which didn’t calm their nerves at all.

"Not helping, Percy," Grover shook his head.

We spent two days on the Amtrak train. . .I tried to keep a low profile because my name and picture were splattered over the front pages of several East Coast newspapers.

Most people either grimaced or scowled at the reminder of this.

The Trenton Register-News showed a photo taken by a tourist. . .Based on eyewitness accounts, police believe the boy may be traveling with two teenage accomplices. His stepfather, Gabe Ugliano, has offered a cash reward for information leading to his capture.

Now everyone was scowling.

“That pig.” Artemis snarled, her fists clenched.

Percy, in an attempt to lighten the mood, nodded and said, “Yeah, I’m worth more then that cash prize.” Almost immediately people were chuckling at this. Percy smiled at the reaction.

"Don’t worry," Annabeth told me. . . The adult riders all had their faces buried in laptop computers or magazines. Who wants your help?“ "What do you mean?" "When you were asleep just now, you mumbled, I wont help you. Who were you dreaming about?"

Percy and a few others grimaced at the reminder of the dream.

I was reluctant to say anything. It was the second time Id dreamed about the evil voice from the pit. But it bothered me so much I finally told her. . . He snorted in his sleep, muttered something about vegetables, and turned his head.

“Dude.” Percy said. “What do you even dream about? You always sleep talk about vegetables.”

Grover went red. “I seriously don’t think you wanna know.” Which, naturally, made Percy even more curious.

Annabeth readjusted his cap so it covered his horns. . ."What would you do if it was your dad?” "Thats easy," she said. "I'd leave him to rot.”

Athena frowned. “Annabeth-“

“Sorry, mother, but I think it’ll explain in a moment.” Annabeth responded, shifting uncomfortably.

Annabeths grey eyes fixed on me. She wore the same expression shed worn in the woods at. . .got a regular mortal wife, and had two regular mortal kids, and tried to pretend I didn’t exist. "

"He what?" Athena seethed. Perhaps she should take Annabeth to Camp herself once the time came, seeing as her father seemed fine with pretending she wasn't there.

I stared out the train window. . ."My mom married a really awful guy," I told her.

“Guess we’re both trauma dumping now.” Percy sighed.

"Grover said she did it to protect me. . . they would both look at me resentfully, like, How dare you put our family at risk. Finally, I took the hint. I wasn’t wanted. I ran away."

Athena's glare deepened. These weren't good conditions for a child at all, much less a child of hers.

"How old were you?“ "Same age as when I started camp. . . Im going to build the greatest monument to the gods, ever. Something that’ll last a thousand years.” I laughed.

Percy was quick to apologize. "Sorry, Annabeth. The idea of being able to do something like that just seemed so impossible with ADHD."

The daughter of Athena offered a small smile. "I get it, it's fine."

"You? An architect?” I. . .create things, not just tear them down, like a certain god of earthquakes I could mention.”

Poseidon glared at her. Annabeth opened her mouth to quickly apologize, before Percy grinned at her and said, “Aw, but wise girl, you know destroying things is the only thing I’m actually good at.”

Annabeth hesitated for a moment before responding. “If only I knew that back then.”

Poseidon frowned at his child, searching for signs of discomfort in their face. When he found none, he relaxed again, albeit he still kept an eye on Percy.

I watched the churning. . ."I mean, didn’t Athena and Poseidon ever cooperate?"

Thalia sighed. At least Annabeth had apologized at the time.

Poseidon and Athena glared at each other. They’d both come to a silent agreement to never speak of the one time they willingly worked together.

Annabeth had to think about it. . ."Come on, goat boy," Annabeth said. "Sightseeing.” "Sightseeing?" "The Gateway Arch,"

Grover and Annabeth both slightly perked up. Maybe they could finally hear the full version of what happened that day now. Percy sank down in their seat. They definitely weren’t excited for this.

"This may be my. . .Are you coming or not?"

Athena sent her daughter a look. “You are on a time sensitive quest.”

Annabeth sighed. “Yeah, but it was the Arch.”

Grover and I exchanged looks. I wanted to say no. . ."Underground air always smells like monsters. Probably doesn’t mean anything.” But something felt wrong to me. I had a feeling we shouldn’t be here.

Poseidon sighed. “This is starting to sound oddly familiar.” He didn’t like that his child had to be attacked by a monster so soon. Immediately, he started worrying for which one it could be. Percy felt Apollo slightly tense beside them.

"Guys," I said. "You know the gods symbols of power?”. . .Doesn’t he have a hat like Annabeths?"

Hades glared. “My helm is nothing like that silly hat.”

“I meant with how it turns you both invisible.” Percy answered with a shrug. Hades sent them a confused look. He just glared at the child, something that would make most cower, and they just shrugged. Hades sighed and shook his head. The demigod was too much like their father.

"You mean the Helm of Darkness," Annabeth said. . . I saw the tiny little elevator car we were going to ride to the top of the Arch, and I knew I was in trouble. I hate confined places. They make me nuts.

Annabeth winced. “I had no idea you’re claustrophobic.”

Percy shrugged. "They make me nervous. It's fine.

We got shoehorned into the car with this big fat lady and her dog, a Chihuahua with a rhinestone collar. . .she looked like a blue-jean blimp. "They’re below," Annabeth told her. "Scared of heights. "

Hermes nodded approvingly. “A much better lie than last time.”

"Oh, the poor darlings.” The. . .talking about structural supports, and how she would’ve made the windows bigger, and designed a see-through floor. She probably could’ve stayed up there for hours, but luckily for me the park ranger announced that the observation deck would be closing in a few minutes.

Annabeth smiled. She hadn’t thought Percy was actually listening to what she was saying at the time, but then sighed as she remembered this was Percy Jackson they were talking about. Of course they were listening to what she was saying.

I steered Grover and Annabeth toward the exit. . .But that was going to mess everybody up and take even more time, so I said, "Nah, its okay. Ill see you guys at the bottom.”

Poseidon groaned. “Are you trying to get attacked by monsters?"

Percy smiled at him sheepishly. “I was twelve, and so was Annabeth.”

“Yeah but you guys just got attacked recently, why would you think splitting up was a good idea?” Clarisse asked. Percy, Grover and Annabeth shrugged.

Grover and Annabeth both looked nervous. . .She smiled back, her forked tongue flickering between her teeth.

“Wait, forked tongue?" Connor asked.

Athena grimaced. The Arch would probably be damaged if the fight was happening there.

Wait a minute. Forked tongue?. . .We have all these nice people here."

Annabeth looked confused. “A monster that doesn’t want to attack in front of mortals?” Percy shrugged. They hadn’t really paid much attention to that at the time, but looking back, it was weird.

"Doggie!" said the little boy. . ."Chimera, dear," the fat lady corrected. "Not a Chihuahua. Its an easy mistake to make. "

“Percy.” Grover said carefully. “You didn’t tell us you got attacked by the freaking Chimera!”

Poseidon had paled. “How did you even get out of this?” He did not like how Percy shrugged.

Apollo got ready to treat any injuries, mentally listing things the Chimera could do.

She rolled up her denim sleeves. . .The bark became a roar. The little boy screamed. His parents pulled him back toward the exit, straight into the park ranger, who stood, paralyzed, gaping at the monster.

Athena sighed. Yes, the Arch would definitely be damaged. At least her daughter wasn’t up there.

The Chimera was now so tall its back rubbed against the roof. . .CHIMERA—RABID, FIRE-BREATHING, POISONOUS—IF FOUND, PLEASE CALL TARTARUS—EXT. 954.

“Hades, please don’t tell me you didn't send a chimera after my child.” Poseidon said although he was glaring at his brother, fists clenched. Hades winced, sinking back into his seat.

I realized I hadn’t even uncapped my sword. . .Be honoured, Percy Jackson. Lord Zeus rarely allows me to test a hero with one of my brood. For I am the Mother of Monsters, the terrible Echidna!"

“ZEUS!” Poseidon yelled out angrily.

Demeter frowned. “Honestly, the boy is trying to get you’re bolt. How is he supposed to do that if you keep trying to kill him?” Zeus bit back a retort at the disappointed look Hestia was him.

I stared at her. All I could think to say was: "Isn’t that a kind of anteater?"

“Maybe don’t provoke the monster that’s trying to kill you.” Hermes said with a pained expression. 

"I wasn't trying to provoke her!" Percy exclaimed. "It was a genuine question."

She howled, her reptilian face turning brown and green with rage. . .I uncapped my sword, ran to the other side of the deck, and yelled, "Hey, Chihuahua!" The Chimera turned faster than I would’ve thought possible.

Apollo tensed. He didn't need to be the god of prophecy to know this was bound to go wrong.

Before I could. . .shot a column of flame straight at me.

Percy coughed a bit and and gagged. Apollo glanced at them worriedly.

I dove through. . .a ragged hole in the side of the Arch, with melted metal steaming around the edges. Great, I thought. We just blowtorched a national monument.

Athena looked horrified. “You don’t sound to upset about this.”

Percy, in an attempt to lighten the mood, said, “Just some property damage, no biggie.” There were some chuckles, but most people had just looked concerned.

Riptide was now a shining bronze blade in my hands, and as the Chimera turned, I slashed at its neck.

“PERCY!” Poseidon, Apollo, Hermes, Thalia, yelled out.

“I’m right here, so obviously I didn’t die.” Percy tried to play off, but Apollo still looked ready to help them.

That was my fatal mistake. . .I completely forgot about the serpent tail until it whipped around and sank its fangs into my calf.

Percy hissed in pain, subconsciously squeezing Apollos arm. Apollo cursed and immediately jumped into action.

“Read!” Thalia demanded. The sooner they got past this, the better. Annabeth and Grover looked horrified. Percy had definitely left out too much.

My whole leg was on fire. . .Arch and down toward the Mississippi River.

Percy bit back a scream, nails digging into someones skin as they bit their tongue in an attempt to distract himself from the pain. 

They were barely aware of the fact that Apollo was applying something on their leg, supposedly to ease the pain. 

I managed to get to my feet, but I knew I had lost. I was weaponless. I could feel deadly poison racing up to my chest. . .I didn’t know, and I wasn’t going to live long enough to figure it out.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck-" Percy inhaled sharply, squeezing their eyes shut.

"Just hang on a little longer," Apollo muttered, loud enough for Percy to just be able to hear.

backed into the hole in the wall. . .I had to protect these people. I couldn’t just die. I tried to think, but my whole body was on fire. My head felt dizzy. I had no sword. I was facing a massive, fire-breathing monster and its mother. And I was scared.

A whimper escaped Percy's lips. They felt someone gently grab their shoulders, but it was hard to tell anything with how overloaded his senses were. Fear clawed at their throat, making it impossible to breathe.

There was no place else to go, so I stepped to the edge of the hole. Far, far below, the river glittered.

Poseidon’s eyes widened. He’s the god of the ocean, not rivers. Whether or not it would save them from such a distance was 50/50. What is his child doing?

Hermes seemed to have similar thoughts. “Poseidon, are you sure you’re kid isn’t suicidal? ‘Cause this is a whole new level of recklessness if he’s about to do what I think he is.” Poseidon didn’t have an answer to that.

If I died, would the monsters go away? Would they leave the humans alone?

“Oh gods.” Thalia breathed out. “The idiot is actually planning on dying to save a few mortals.”

Annabeth grimaced. She hated how self sacrificing Percy could be sometimes.

"How is he even forming thoughts right now?" Will inquired.

"If you are the son of Poseidon," Echidna hissed. . ."You have no faith," Echidna told me. "You do not trust the gods. I cannot blame you, little coward.

“Percy’s anything but a coward.” Nico protested.

He glanced at where Percy was practically curled up in a ball, nails digging into the sun god's skin. And, judging by the small wince whenever Percy groaned, Nico would guess that it's fairly painful.

Better you die now. . .I was dying. I could feel my breath slowing down. Nobody could save me, not even the gods.

How ironic that was, since a god was currently trying to slow down the poison. Poseidon grimaced at how pale Percy had become, lying down on the couch, struggling to stay awake.

A golden glint caught Artemis' eyes, her eyes widened as she realized what it was. "Apollo, you're-"

"I know." The sun god grimaced as sharp nails dug into his skin, drawing out ichor. 

I backed up and looked down at the water. . .I turned and jumped. My clothes on fire, poison coursing through my veins, I plummeted toward the river.

“Done.” Jason announced, voice shaky as he laid eyes on the child of Poseidon.

“Someone read now!” Poseidon barked out, but worry was clear in his voice.

“I will.” Nico said and quickly took the book from Jason.

Chapter Text

I BECOME A KNOWN FUGITIVE

"A fugitive?" Connor asked incredulously. "How the hell did he become a fugitive within a chapter?"

"I think the better question is how he didn't become one earlier," Annabeth laugh dryly. "His luck is as shitty as they come."

I’d love to tell you I had some deep revelation on my way down, that I came to terms with my own mortality, laughed in the face of death, et cetera. The truth? My only thought was: Aaaaggghhhhh!

There were a soft chuckles at at this, but the atmosphere was still rather tense.

The river raced toward me at the speed of a truck. Wind ripped the breath from my lungs. Steeples and skyscrapers and bridges tumbled in and out of my vision.

Percy let out a choked noise that caused most to look at him in worry.

“He’s okay.” Apollo said, but it sounded more like he was trying to reassure himself, which didn't put anyone's mind at rest. 

And then: Flaaa-boooom! A whiteout of bubbles. I sank. . .Clouds of silt and disgusting garbage—beer bottles, old shoes, plastic bags—swirled up all around me.

Percy suddenly jolted up. Everyone stared at them in a mix of shock and confusion.

“You good?” Connor asked after a few seconds of silence.

Percy smiled and tried to say, “I’m f-“ before coughing violently. A green liquid poured out of their mouth, stained with blood.

More silence.

“So not good?” Travis said, looking a bit sick.

Thalia looked horrified. “What-?!”

“He’s fine.” Apollo said with a tiny nod.

Poseidon shot him a look. “How do you know for sure?”

“…he’s fine.” Apollo repeated, not looking well. Poseidon turned to Percy, who grimaced.

“Poison tastes really gross," They coughed again. Their eyes landed on Apollo, and immediately startled. "Oh gods, did I scratch you? Are you ok?"

"You were the poisoned one," Apollo reminded gently, his thumb wiping at a stain of gold on his skin.

At that point, I realized a few things. . .I looked at the garbage floating by and snatched an old cigarette lighter. No way, I thought. I flicked the lighter. It sparked. A tiny flame appeared, right there at the bottom of the Mississippi.

Leo laughed at that. “I love how right after realizing you’re alive you decided to light a piece of garbage on fire." Percy grinned at her, although it was a little strained.

I grabbed. . .But the strangest thought occurred to me only last: I was breathing. I was underwater, and I was breathing normally.

Clarisse snorted. “Only you could realize you could breath under water after lighting a burger wrapper on fire, Prissy.”

“Of course, I’m just built different.”

I stood up, thigh-deep in mud. . .I imagined a woman’s voice, a voice that sounded a bit like my mother: Percy, what do you say?

“Even your subconscious is trying to tell you to be more respectful.” Jason told them. He hadn’t talked much since arriving, it felt a little strange when he barely knew anyone here.

Percy let out a dramatic gasp. “Me? Respectful? Never. I don’t even have any self respect.” Beside them, Poseidon let out a tired sigh.

"Um . . . thanks.”. . .the Arch were probably toast. I couldn’t protect them. I was no hero. Maybe I should just stay down here with the catfish, join the bottom feeders.

Grover bleated. “You were actually considering staying at the bottom of that dirty lake?”

Percy shrugged. “I don’t know. Kind of. Mostly. I was just feeling a bit useless after being defeated by a fucking chihuahua."

“A chihuahua that was the Chimera.” Ares reminded them. "The fact that you're alive is impressive. Take the win, kid."

Fump-fump-fump. . .This time, I knew the voice wasn’t in my head. I wasn’t imagining it. Her words seemed to come from everywhere, rippling through the water like dolphin sonar.

“Poseidon!” Zeus thundered.

“This was completely indirect!” Poseidon yelled back. “If you can do it, so can I!”

Zeus glared at him to which Poseidon clenched his fists. “Fucking prick…” he grumbled under is breath. It was quiet enough Zeus didn’t hear it, but loud enough Apollo and Percy did. They both stifled laughter, glancing at each other.

"Where are you?" I called aloud. . .were green like mine. A lump formed in my throat. I said, "Mom?"

Hestia frowned. “Why would you send someone who looks exactly like his mother?”

Poseidon was also frowning. “I believe it’s because I thought they would listen to her, though I understand why this was not the best idea. I’ll be more mindful in the future.” Poseidon sent an apologetic look to his child who was grimacing at the feelings they were experiencing again.

Hestia looked confused, why did Poseidon refer to Percy as they? She noticed Apollo was giving her a look and she figured he must’ve realized this too. They both silently agreed to talk about to later.

No, child, only a messenger, though your mothers fate is not as hopeless as you believe. Go to the beach in Santa Monica. "What?"

“Santa Monica?” Athena asked. “They are in the middle of a quest. Why can she not give it to them there?”

Poseidon scrunched his nose. “Didn’t you hear the conditions of the lake? I don’t want her to spend too much time there, it isn’t healthy.”

"Surely she can tolerate it for a few minutes, no?" Athena scoffed.

Poseidon sighed. "You don't understand. Being in such conditions will literally make her ill. Just sending her there was risky."

It is your fathers will. Before you descend into the Underworld, you must go to Santa Monica. Please, Percy, I cannot stay long. The river here is too foul for my presence.

“See?” Poseidon said, a little exasperated.

"But…” I was sure this woman was my mother, or a vision of her, anyway. . .If it was my mother, I had lost her again. I felt like drowning myself.

Hermes felt the need to refer back to his suicidal theory, but decided that now was probably not the time.

“What?” Thalia asked, horrified.

“Percy-“ Poseidon tried saying.

“It didn’t mean anything, just a passing thought.” Percy said simply, though even they looked like they didn’t mean it.

Apollo took their hand. “That didn’t sound like a passing thought.”

Percy shrugged, avoiding eye contact. “Yeah, well, it was.” They soon realized it was no use though as no one believed it.

Grover was staring at them with a look Percy couldn't quite dissect, but before he could say anything they quickly cut in. “Can we not talk about this now?”

This was accepted, although reluctantly. "Don't think you can get out of talking about this." Thalia warned.

The only problem: I was immune to drowning.

“Good.” Annabeth muttered, glancing at Percy a little nervously.

Your father believes in you, she had said. . .A little girl said, "Mama! That boy walked out of the river.” "Thats nice, dear," her mother said, craning her neck to watch the ambulances. "But he’s dry!" "Thats nice, dear.”

“Wow.” Percy said. “That’s a perfect description of how it was when I arrived to camp at first. ‘There’s a horse with wings here!’ ‘That’s nice Percy.’”

Chiron winced, but knew they had a point. 

A news lady was talking for the camera. . .Survivors. I felt a surge of relief. Maybe the park ranger and that family made it out safely. I hoped Annabeth and Grover were okay.

“You’re the one that fell of The Arch.” Will reminded with a raised brow.

"Yeah, but a lived," Percy shrugged. "For all I knew, they could've gotten mugged while I was gone."

I tried to push through the crowd to see what was going on inside the police line. "…an adolescent boy," another reporter was saying. . .I turned and got tackled by Grovers bear hug—or goat hug. He said, "We thought you’d gone to Hades the hard way!"

“Technically, it’d actually be the easy way.” Percy pointed out.

“That’s not really the point.” Silena told them lightly.

Annabeth stood behind him, trying to look angry, but even she seemed relieved to see me. "We cant leave you alone for five minutes! What happened?” "I sort of fell.” "Percy! Six hundred and thirty feet?"

Percy shrugged. “I’ve survived worse.”

Everyone stared, waiting for them to elaborate. They didn’t. A pained but knowing look was on Grover’s face, which caused more confusion.

Behind us, a cop shouted. . ."Im not crazy! This boy jumped out of the hole and the monster disappeared. " Then she saw me. "There he is! Thats the boy!"

“Probably best you leave now.” Beckendorf advised.

I turned quickly and pulled Annabeth and Grover after me. We disappeared into the crowd. "Whats. . .out for Denver. The train trundled west as darkness fell, police lights still pulsing against the St. Louis skyline behind us.

“Chapters done.” Nico announced.

“I would like to read next.” Artemis offered. She took the book from Nico and begun reading.

Chapter Text

A GOD BUYS US CHEESEBURGERS

“What?!” Zeus exclaimed angrily, gripping his chair tightly. 

Ares scoffed. “Who would want to do anything for these brats?”

Percy, Grover, and Annabeth all exchanged glances, trying to hold in a snicker as they recalled who, exactly, got them food.

The next afternoon, June 14. . .We hadn’t taken a shower since Half-Blood Hill, and I was sure that was obvious.

“Ew.” Silena scrunched up her nose.

"Lets try to contact Chiron," Annabeth said. . .Medusas place. “Excellent," Grover said. "We could do it with a spray bottle, of course, but the connection isn’t as good, and my arm gets tired of pumping.”

Beckendorf frowned. “Would that be enough water for an iris message?”

The Romans were confused. “A what?” Dakota asked.

“It's a form of easy communication," Beckendorf explained. "You just need to make a rainbow and throw in a drachma for it to work."

"What are. . .rainbow goddess Iris carries messages for the gods. If you know how to ask, and shes not too busy, shell do the same for half-bloods.

“You… have a goddess carry your messages for you?” Reyna asked in disbelief. The Greeks were very, very different from them.

"That's cool," Piper said in thought. "But does she only accept drachmas?"

"Oh, yeah," Leo perked up. "Would she accept, like, cookies or something?"

"I don't think so," Artemis shook her head. "Although, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask her."

"You summon the goddess with a spray gun?. . .an orange tank top. He was holding a bronze sword and seemed to be staring intently at something down in the meadow. "Luke!" I called.

Annabeth just sighed, while Thalia scowled furiously.

Hermes took note of the expressions on the children's faces. It didn't escape his notice how the mood seemed to drop at the mention of his son.

He turned, eyes wide. . .a grin. "Is that Annabeth, too? Thank the gods! Are you guys okay?"

Percy muttered out several threats that worried Poseidon and Apollo heavily.

“You okay?” Apollo asked quietly. Percy froze mid rant and sighed.

“I’m fine.” Apollo doubted it, but ultimately decided to let it go.

Meanwhile, Poseidon was a little more focused on the light tremor that shook the Earth. It wasn't anything strong enough to be noticed by the mortals, but several of the other Olympians seemed to notice. A few gave him strange looks, but he could only shake his head in response.

"Were…uh…fine," Annabeth stammered. . .being harder to understand than the Oracle at Delphi, then he handed me the spray gun and followed Annabeth.

Annabeth went red, embarrassed at her younger selfs behaviour.

I readjusted the hose. . .Its shaping up like the Trojan War all over again. Aphrodite, Ares, and Apollo are backing Poseidon, more or less. Athena is backing Zeus.”

“What about everyone else?” Hermes asked curiously.

“I think most of you were trying to stay neutral so it wouldn’t be a repeat of the Trojan war.” Annabeth answered.

“Wait.” Poseidon said just as Artemis was about to begin the reading again. He send her an apologetic look before continuing. “Athena, did you seriously back up Zeus while your daughter was with my child?”

“I- well-“ Athena stammered a bit. “Yes. Why would I ever side with you?”

“Because you should’ve realized how stupid of an idea it is that I stole the lightening bolt. Aren’t you supposed to be smart?” Percy asked her with a cold look. Many of the demigods looked at each other, feeling skeptical.

Everyone stared at Percy in horror. Poseidon opened his mouth to say something, anything, but felt a little at a loss for words. Athena glared, stormy grey eyes almost swirling with anger. “What did you say to me you insolent little-“

“Goddess of wisdom doesn’t mean she always makes good decisions.” Apollo informed Percy with a straight face. “I’m the god of logic and common sense, thus why I sided with your father.”

Poseidon didn’t expect Apollo to say something like that, and ended up letting out a laugh before quickly covered it with a cough. A few other gods had similar reactions.

The Romans, however, were still looking at Percy in pure horror and wondering how they weren’t dead yet. The demigods all watched with a bated breath, frozen in place.

“So, the god of logic and common sense sided with my father and Zeus still doubted him? That... feels more than a little ignorant.” 

Poseidon gave Percy a sharp look, obviously attempting some form of damage control. "Perseus, I advise you do not-"

Athena stood up with her spear in hand, moving towards Percy. Poseidon was quick to react, getting his trident out. Face to face, Poseidon said, “I would pick your next words carefully, niece.”

“Both of you, sit down. We can figure this out later.” Hestia scolded, now standing in between them. "I don't wish to play peacekeeper this entire reading, but I will if I must."

Neither budged for a moment, but with one last stern look they reluctantly gave in. 

Percy opened his mouth to add something, perhaps an apology, but was shut down when Apollo winched his arm with an urgent look in his eyes.

I shuddered to think that. . .it had to be Hades who took the master bolt. He was there at Olympus at the winter solstice. I was chaperoning a field trip and we saw him.”

Apollo looked up at this. The master bolt was missing… Luke was at Olympus during the winter solstice… Kronos was definitely back… everyone’s negative looks when Luke is brought up…

Suddenly, it all clicked to Apollo what was probably happening. Luke is the lightning thief. He looked around to see if anyone else had got this, which they didn’t. Athena might have if she wasn’t too busy fuming in her seat about a certain demigod child of Poseidon.

Chaos, what was he going to tell Hermes? 

"But Chiron said. . .How could anybody else sneak into the throne room and steal the master bolt? You’d have to be invisible.”

“He said that on purpose, didn’t he?” Rachel said with a frown. Thalia glared at the book.

We were both silent. . .In the stall next to us, the music stopped completely. A man screamed in terror, car doors slammed, and the Lincoln peeled out of the car wash.

Everyone shot Annabeth and Grover questioning looks. They both averted eye contact sheepishly.

"You’d better go see. . .Luke called, his voice getting fainter. "And tell Grover it’ll be better this time! Nobody will get turned into a pine tree if he just—"

Percy’s eyes widened in realization. “He- he was trying to get me to doubt Grover, wasn’t he?” They scowled. “Oh that asshole." Thalia's glare harshened, a few sparks flying in the air.

Annabeth and Grover came around the corner, laughing, but stopped when they saw my face. . .I guess, but wicked—with an oily black crew cut and cheeks that were scarred from many, many fights. The weird thing was, I felt like Id seen his face somewhere before.

“ARESb” Zeus yelled out.

Ares frowned. Why in Chaos's name would he be buying the demigods anything? No matter how far in the future, he knew himself.

As he walked into the diner, a hot, dry wind blew through the place. . .but bad feelings started boiling in my stomach. Anger, resentment, bitterness. I wanted to hit a wall. I wanted to pick a fight with somebody.

Percy clenched their fists.

“It happens when anyones around him.” Aphrodite informed with a careless shrug.

“Yeah, but maybe it isn’t the best idea to rile Percy up? Their anger can get— er, explosive, at times.” Grover said gently while glancing at Percy.

"That's an understatement," Katies muttered. Demeter gave her daughter a curious look, but didn't comment on it.

He gave me a wicked grin. . .I wanted to rip this guys head off. "Whats it to you?"

Percy now desperately wanted to lunge at Ares. They felt like tearing something, or someone, apart, throwing them around like a rag doll, anything. Apollo grabbed their hand and squeezed, silently hoping he wouldn’t attack him instead. While Apollo was immortal, it was bound to still hurt.

Annabeths eyes flashed me a warning. . ."She was asking for it.” "Probably. Thats cool. I don’t fight my kids fights, you know? What Im here for—I heard you were in town. I got a little proposition for you.”

Poseidon shot Ares a suspicious look. “They’re on a time sensitive quest. What could be so important?” 

The waitress came. . .Ares pulled out his huge knife and started cleaning his fingernails. "Problem, sweetheart?"

“Ares, don’t threaten the mortals.” Hestia chided.

“Yeah dude, not cool.” Percy agreed with a disappointing shake of their head. “Waiters don’t get paid enough already, don’t threaten them.”

"Hush, child," Poseidon reprimanded. "You have already managed to anger two gods, do not make it a third."

Percy huffed, but reluctantly complied.

The waitress swallowed, then left with the gold. "You cant do that," I told Ares. "You cant just threaten people with a knife.”

“I’d like to correct my past self,” Percy said. “He can, actually. Because this is fucking America, you could bite someone and, depending on where you are, it would be socially acceptable. In fact, the person who gets bitten probably expected something like that to happen.”

"That's not true everywhere, Percy," Will corrected. "Only New York."

Ares laughed. . .Which brings me to my proposition. I need you to do me a favour.”

“Once again, time sensitive quest." Poseidon stressed.

“Wait, doesn’t this mean Ares owes you a favour?” Connor asked.

Percy looked up at Ares and grinned maliciously. “Yeah, it does, doesn’t it?”

Ares eyes widened and he quickly said, “This hasn’t happened yet, stop with the plotting!”

"What favour could I do for a god?" "Something a god. . .Because I don’t feel like it. A god is giving you an opportunity to prove yourself, Percy Jackson. Will you prove yourself a coward?”

Percy laughed. “Oh the irony, it’s beautiful.”

Hephaestus quickly put two and two together and scowled at Ares. “Don’t send a child to do it, you dolt. It was designed for you, not a mortal.

I wanted to punch this guy. . .Ares’s fiery eyes made me see things I didn’t want to see—blood and smoke and corpses on the battlefield.

Leo gave Ares a judging look. “Dude… he’s twelve.”

Ares tutted. “So?”

“So that’s fucked up.”

“Guys, I can’t fight for you if you keep traumatizing me.” Percy said in a joking manner, but most gods glanced at each other in concern.

"I know all about your quest, punk. When that item was first stolen, Zeus sent his best out looking for it: Apollo. . .In a way, you got me to thank for your little quest.”

Hades glared at him.

"Thanks," I grumbled. "Hey, Im a generous guy. Just do my little job, and Ill help you on your way. . .problem that requires brains," Annabeth said. "Ares has strength. Thats all he has. Even strength has to bow to wisdom sometimes.”

Athena nodded approvingly. "That's very well-advised."

Ares scoffed. "Wisdom can only get you so far when there is a sword to your throat."

"But this water park. . .Ares brings his girlfriend here for a date," I said, staring up at the barbed wire, "Id hate to see what she looks like. "

Aphrodite gave an offended gasp. Before she could speak however, Percy quickly said, “I didn’t know any better, I was young.”

"Percy," Annabeth warned. "Be more respectful. . . Fresh clothes.” "Yeah," I said. "But you cant just—" "Watch me.”

“Yeah!” Hermes kids exclaimed.

She snatched an entire row of stuff of the racks. . .Thats old gossip, Percy," Annabeth told me. "Three-thousand-year-old gossip. "

“Yeah, but it’s still talked about today.” Apollo sighed. "Pheme has been milking everything she can from them."

"Pheme?" Percy asked, a little hesitantly. 

"Goddess of gossip."

Percy scrunched their nose. "Gossip? There's a goddess of gossip?"

"What about Aphrodites husband?" "Well, you. . ."Hephaestus knows?"

“Unfortunately.” Hephaestus grumbled, glaring at Aphrodite and Ares.

Percy winced. “You guys need serious relationship counselling.” The three gods turned to look at them with a curious stare and Percy’s eyes widened. “Wait— what? No, Not me! I’m probably, like, the last person you should come to for this.”

Aphrodite hummed. “But you seem to know a thing or two, do you not?”

Percy sputtered, not knowing how to respond. "I- well- it's not like-"

"Maybe you could provide some useful insight," Hephaestus tapped his finger onto his knee. "Your straightforwardness could be useful."

"Wait, you're not actually considering-"

"So it's official, then," Aphrodite smiled. "You can help us with this. Ares, what do you think?" The war god shifted in his seat, obviously more than a little uncomfortable.

Percy stared at the three in disbelief, before turning to their father for help. The sea god unhelpfully shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

”Oh sure," Annabeth said. . .Annabeth ran her fingers along the base of the nearest Cupid statue. "Theres a Greek letter carved here," she said. "Eta. I wonder…”

Hephaestus’ eyes widened as he realized what this meant. Ares' eyes widened as he glanced at Poseidon and then Hephaestus. They shared a look that clearly said, oh shit.

"I don’t know. . .How embarrassing is that? What if somebody saw me?"

“But there’s literally no one there.” Thalia said with a raised eyebrow towards her friend. The friend in question had gone red.

"Who’s going to see you?. . .muttering about how boys always messed things up.

Percy crossed their arms, feeling a bit insecure.

We reached the boat. The shield was propped on one seat, and next to it was a lady’s silk scarf. . .A cobweb, I thought, but then I looked at a strand of it on my palm and saw it was some kind of metal filament, so fine it was almost invisible. A trip wire.

Hephaestus shrank slightly in his seat as Poseidon, who realized what this was, turned to glare at him. “Don’t look at me like that, that trap was intended for those two!” He exclaimed, pointing to Aphrodite and Ares.

Poseidon turned his wrath to Ares. “You used my child to get your shield? What is wrong with you?”

"Wait," Annabeth said. "Too late. . .Then smaller metallic threads started weaving together magically between the main strands, making a net.

Percy took in a deep breath as a wave of adrenaline and panic suddenly kicked in.

Poseidon glared at the war god, keeping a protective hand on Percy's back.

"We have. . .It was an army of wind-up creepy-crawlies: bronze-gear bodies, spindly legs, little pincer mouths, all scuttling toward us in a wave of clacking, whirring metal. "Spiders!" Annabeth said. "Sp—sp—aaaah!"

Thalia sent Annabeth a sympathetic look. Athena was now also glaring at Ares.

The things were coming out from all around the rim now, millions of them, flooding toward the centre of the pool. . .Think, I told myself. Think.

“Welp, you guys are as good as doomed.” Nico joked. Percy rolled their eyes at him.

"Very funny."

The Tunnel of Love entrance was under the net. . .I closed my eyes and thought about waves, rushing water, the Mississippi River. I felt a familiar tug in my gut. I tried to imagine that I was dragging the ocean all the way to Denver.

Percy smiled at the tugging feeling, but then a realization hit them. wait a second, where would this water come from anyway? They looked around nervously. Maybe a fountain?

Next to them, Poseidon just barely managed to get ahold of the swirling water not to far away from the group.

Zeus frowned at his brother, noticing the focused look on his face.

Two, one, zero!" Water exploded out of the pipes.

On cue, everyone heard water bursting from somewhere. Poseidon's eyes widened in surprise as he felt his control over the water slip away. 

“Uh, Percy?” Grover questioned nervously.

"I got it," Percy shot up, racing in the direction of the noise. "Keep reading without me!"

Hades was now also giving Poseidon a curious look. The sea god could only wince as he kept his gaze forward.

It roared into the pool. . .The boat turned, lifted in the flood, and spun in circles around the whirlpool.

Water started running into the throne room. Everyone heard Percy distantly say, “oh no you don’t you- WHAT THE FUCK—“ Poseidon sent a worried look in the direction where Percy’s voice could be heard.

The water was full of short-circuiting spiders, some of them smashing against the pools concrete wall with such force they burst. Spotlights glared down at us. The Cupid-cams were rolling, live to Olympus.

“That must have been… something to watch.” Hermes said with a laugh.

“DON’T STOP READING ASSHATS!” Percy yelled out over the roar of water.

But I could only concentrate on controlling the boat. I willed it to ride the current, to keep away from the wall. Maybe it was my imagination. . ."Fine.” I shouted. "On your mark!" She hesitated…hesitated…then yelled, "Now!" Crack!

A crash could be heard in the distance.

Poseidon's hand twitched by his side as he fought to urge to get up and check on the demigod.

Annabeth was right. If wed jumped when I thought we should’ve, we would’ve crashed into the gates. She got us maximum lift. . .but Annabeth and I had all the momentum.

Percy walked back into the room, hard more of a mess then usual. “Before you continue, let me have a moment of a peace before the pain.” Percy closed their eyes and took a deep breath. “Okay, go ahead.”

"You’re too heavy!" Grover said. . .Annabeth and I tumbled to the ground, banged up but alive. Ares’s shield was still on my arm.

Percy winced at their newly sore muscles. Apollo glanced at them with worry, and Percy shot him what was supposed to be a smile but looked more like a grimace.

Once we. . .I hated being teased. I hated being tricked. And I had plenty of experience handling bullies who liked to do that stuff to me. I hefted the shield on my arm and turned to my friends. "We need to have a little talk with Ares.”

The Greek demigods all sent Ares pitiful looks.

“Well, it was nice knowing you.” Travis said with a head shake.

“He might as well already be dead.” Nico added with a sigh.

“Done.” Artemis announced.

“I can read next.” Thalia said, taking the book from her patroness.

Chapter Text

WE TAKE A ZEBRA TO VEGAS

"...You what?" Will questioned.

The war god was waiting for us in the diner parking lot.

Leo snorted as a certain meme popped up in his head. “Whatcha going to do, beat up the god of war behind a Denny’s?”

Percy stared at Leo while Grover was holding back laughter and Annabeth groaned. “Yes.”

Leo stared back, confused. “What?” Percy smiled at him, not responding. Meanwhile, Ares shifted in his seat, feeling uneasy.

"Well, well," he said. "You didn't get yourself killed.". . .I shoved his shield at him. "You're a jerk." Annabeth and Grover caught their breath.

“For good reason, Percy for goodness sake, think before you speak! You’re going to get yourself vaporized. I’m surprised you haven’t already.” Poseidon scolded. And just as Ares started to speak Poseidon shot a glare towards him. “Don’t think your off the hook.”

Ares sputtered. “He just admitted he’d beat me up behind a Denny’s!”

Poseidon rolled his eyes. “With the way that you act, so would I.”

Ares grabbed. . .which I could read only because it was reverse-printed white on black, a good combination for dyslexia: KINDNESS INTER-NATIONAL: HUMANE ZOO TRANSPORT. WARNING: LIVE WILD ANIMALS.

Grover glared at the book at the mention of that thing. He’s glad they got rid of it.

I said, "You're kidding.". . .tossed it to me. Inside were fresh clothes for all of us, twenty bucks in cash, a pouch full of golden drachmas, and a bag of Double Stuffed Oreos.

Hermes narrowed his eyes at Ares. Now that was... unexpected. His brother wasn’t known for showing that much kindness. He must have another motivation, but what?

I said. . .I gritted my teeth. It was probably a deadly insult to refuse something from a god,

The Romans winced at such blatant disrespect.

“Probably?” Thalia asked with a raised eyebrow.

Percy shrugged. “How was I supposed to know? I was twelve.”

but I didn't. . .He nodded, held up a little disposable camera and snapped a picture of us. Great, I thought. We'll make the papers again tomorrow. I imagined the headline: TWELVE-YEAR-OLD OUTLAW BEATS UP DEFENSELESS BIKER.

Leo snorted. “Just supporting my ‘Percy-will-beat-up-the-god-of-war-behind-a-Denny's’ theory.

“Who’s to say it’s just a theory.” Percy said with a smirk.

Apollo frowned at him. “Percy, you don’t... actually beat up Ares, right?” When Percy just smiled at him, Apollo felt both amusement and something else he couldn’t quite identify flood his emotions. “Percy?”

Percy laughed.

Poseidon sighed.

Ares wondered how his life got to the point where he was, apparently, going to get beaten up by a twelve-year-old.

"You owe me one more thing," I told Ares, trying to keep. . .She was turned into a shower of gold, right? That's metamorphosis. Not death. She's being kept.”

Percy winced at the sudden flood of new emotions. They couldn’t emphasize how much they hated all this.

"Kept. Why?""You need to study war, punk. Hostages. You take somebody to control somebody else."

“Control Percy. Hah. I mean, they can sure try.” Grover snorted. He had known Percy for too long to know that nothing could control them. “That’d be like trying to put a leash on a cyclone.”

"Why, thank you."

"Nobody's controlling me."

Annabeth and Percy snickered. A few people shot them confused looks.

He laughed. . ."You're pretty smug, Lord Ares, for a guy who runs from Cupid statues."

Poseidon groaned. “Percy…” Said child only grinned up at him, although it was a little weak.

“Why you little-“ Ares glared, fists clenched.

“He’s not wrong.” Hephaestus defended. Ares turned his glare towards Hephaestus but didn’t say anything else. It’d be better if they could just finish this stupid chapter.

Behind his sunglasses. . .Next time you're in a fight, watch your back."

Poseidon was the one glaring at Ares now. “I know you didn’t just threaten my child.” Ares gulped, averting his eyes to the floor. He really hoped this future self didn’t hurt the sea brat.

He revved his Harley, then roared off down. . .black coveralls, with a white logo on their backs that matched the one on the KINDNESS INTERNATIONAL truck.

Grover gave an annoyed look at the irony of that.

"If we're taking the zoo express," Grover said. . .The first thing that hit me was the smell. It was like the world's biggest pan of kitty litter.

Percy hands immediately flew to cover their nose in a sad attempt to block out the smell. “Ew, that’s disgusting.”

Next they knew their eyes were stinging and a new sent had overwhelmed them. “OH WHAT THE FUCK OW-!” they yelled, turning to glare at Apollo who was holding a bottle of perfume. “What the hell was that for asshole?!”

Apollo wordlessly shrugged. “You said the smell was bad! It was an impulsive decision, okay?"

Percy cough, their lungs rattling. “Yeah yeah, just don’t get it in my fucking eyes next time or I will go for your ankles.”

The trailer was dark inside until I uncapped Anaklusmos. The blade cast a faint bronze light over a very sad scene. Sitting in a row of filthy metal cages were three. . .The antelope had a stupid silver birthday balloon tied to one of his horns that read OVER THE HILL!

Everyone made a face at that. No one in the room was particularly fond of animal cruelty.

Apparently, nobody had wanted to get close enough to the lion to mess with him, but the poor thing was pacing around on soiled blankets. . .then used Anaklusmos to drag the mismatched food out of their cages. I gave the meat to the lion and the turnips to the zebra and the antelope.

“You three better free those animals.” Artemis threatened, clearly angry.

“We do, My Lady." Grover promised.

Grover calmed the antelope. . .me as entertainment. But even when the cameras weren't rolling, I had a feeling my quest was being watched. I was a source of amusement for the gods.

Percy clenched their fists, feeling the anger and frustration they did at the time. It just wasn’t fair. Who were they to toy around and mess with him? They didn’t deserve this, not after everything they did to-!

Percy took a deep breath, trying to distance themself from from their past emotions. Poseidon sent them a worried look. “Are you okay?” He whispered.

“I’m fine.” Percy answered shortly, waving off their fathers concern.

"Hey," Annabeth said. . ."It's just..." She shuddered. "Spiders."

“Can’t really blame you.” Connor told her. “Spiders are creepy.”

"Sure, but they're actively out for me," Annabeth reminded. "Spiders are gross, but at least they aren't waiting to crawl all over you." Connor shuddered at the mental image.

"Because of the Arachne story," I guessed. "She got turned into a spider for challenging your mom to a. . .via rainbow had bothered me all evening. "Luke said you and he go way back. He also said Grover wouldn't fail this time. Nobody would turn into a pine tree."

Percy and Annabeth glanced at each other, clearly wanting to make an inside joke but decide that maybe now isn’t the best time for it.

“That bastard.” Thalia spat under her breath.

In the dim bronze light of the sword blade, it was hard to read their expressions. . .were the satyr who tried to rescue Thalia, the daughter of Zeus."

Thalia gave a strained smile. “I’m guessing this is where you learn about me.”

"Yeah," Percy confirmed.

He nodded glumly. “And the other two half-bloods Thalia befriended, the ones who got safely to camp ..." I looked at Annabeth. "That was you and Luke, wasn't it?". . .It was my fault the Kindly Ones caught up with us. I froze. I got scared on the way back to camp and took some wrong turns. If I'd just been a little quicker..."

Zeus glared at Hades, fists clenched. Hestia sent him a look not to say anything right now.

A few people gave Grover worried looks.

"Stop it," Annabeth said. "No one blames you. Thalia didn't blame you either."

“And I still don’t.” Thalia reassured firmly.

"She sacrificed. . .The Council of Cloven Elders said so."

“Yeah, well, the Cloven Elders are a bunch of assholes—“ Percy started.

“Percy!” Grover interrupted with a bleat.

“The point is,” Annabeth cut in, “they weren’t there, you did everything you could. Thalias sacrifice was her choice and her choice alone.”

"Because you wouldn't leave two other half-bloods behind?" I said. "That's not fair.”. . . She kicked me in the shin.

Percy flinched and rubbed their shin.

"Yeah," I said, which I would've. . .my stepmom was the same as ever. She didn't want her kids put in danger by living with a freak. Monsters attacked. We argued. Monsters attacked. We argued. I didn't even make it through winter break. I called Chiron and came right back to Camp Half-Blood."

Thalia frowned. “Your stepmom sounds like a bitch. I get that she wants to protect her kids or whatever, but you’re a child too.”

“She’s gotten a bit better now, but things are still… tense.” Annabeth admitted.

"You think you'll ever try living with your dad again?". . . but eventually I closed my eyes. My nightmare started out as something I'd dreamed a million times before:

Just as before, sleep didn't overtake Percy like they expected. 

"Not even a little bit tired?" Chiron questioned, giving the demigod a strange look.

Percy shrugged. "Nothing. I don't really know what to tell you."

I was being forced to take a standardized. . .stormy green eyes, and freckles across her nose. Somehow, I knew who she was. She was Thalia, daughter of Zeus.

Thalia raised an eyebrow. “Well, that’s me, but I don’t have green eyes.” When Percy didn't say anything, Thalia looked over to them, but paused. 

Percy was as still as a statue, their hands clenched tightly. Thalia kept a close eye on them, glancing at Annabeth with concern.

She struggled against the straitjacket. . .I'm going to give Hades a piece of my mind.

Hades sighed. His nephew is definitely a problem child.

The straitjacket. . .the exchange went well, I see.

“Exchange?” Hermes muttered under his breath.

I was back in the dark cavern. . .The speaker was invisible. Deception upon deception, the thing in the pit mused aloud. Excellent.

“Is he…” Artemis asked hesitantly, “Is he astral projecting?”

“Maybe." Percy spoke for the first time since the dream started. However, their eyes were distant, as if staring at something that no one else could quite see. 

Poseidon put an uncertain hand on their back, unsure of what to do to provide some form of comfort.

Truly, my lord, said the voice next to me, you are well-named the Crooked One.

The gods all stiffened in their seats.

“Do you still truly believe he is not back?” Hades asked with a glare towards Zeus, who didn’t respond.

But was it really necessary?. . .Shortly you shall have the reward you wish, and your revenge. As soon as both items are delivered into my hands ... but wait. He is here.

Athena let out a frustrated sigh. “We are playing right into his hands. We must do something to prevent this once the time comes.”

What? The invisible servant. . .horrid throne was made from human bones fused together. Standing at the foot of the dais was my mother, frozen in shimmering golden light, her arms outstretched.

Percy violently flinched, gaze still faraway. Poseidon looked at them with concern.

I tried to step toward her. . .The evil voice began to laugh. Hail, the conquering hero! I woke with a start.

Percy's spine straightened, and whatever trance they were in seemed to have lifted. They rubbed their eyes. "Gods, that felt really weird."

Grover was shaking my shoulder. . .then splashed the rest of the bucket right in the lion's face. The lion roared in indignation. "Yeah, yeah, yeah," the man said.

Several people made unhappy protests at the animal cruelty. Grover muttered darkly under his breath things I cannot write down unless I want to put a warning on this chapter, so use your imagination.

Next to me, under the turnip sacks. . .Free me, lord. Please. I was too stunned to react.

“What.” Thalia asked.

Percy shrugged. “Horses, zebras, same difference.”

Thalia blinked at them. “No, no it really isn’t.”

There was a loud knock. . . “The lion says these guys are animal smugglers!" That's right, the zebra's voice said in my mind.

“Oh, that’s really weird.” Percy grimaced. “I can actually hear the zebra in my head again.”

"We've got to free them!" Grover said. He and Annabeth both looked at me. . .Maurice and Eddie ran after it, with a few policemen running after them, shouting, "Hey! You need a permit for that!"

Grover huffed. “They’re the ones smuggling animals…”

"Now would be a. . ."They'll find water, food, shade, whatever they need until they find a safe place to live." “Why can't you place a blessing like that on us?" I asked. "It only works on wild animals."

“Oh, so it’d only work on Percy.” Connor laughed.

Percy glared at him playfully. “I am both offended and horrified of the implication.”

"So it would only affect. . .We must have taken a wrong turn, because we found ourselves at a dead end, standing in front of the Lotus Hotel and Casino.

Percy, Annabeth, Grover, and Nico cringe at the mention of the Lotus Hotel. It didn’t exactly hold many good memories for the four of them.

Poseidon grimaced. “Please don’t tell me you go inside.”

Percy gave the sea god a strained smile. “We don’t go inside.”

The entrance was a huge neon flower. . .never smelled one, so I wasn't sure.

Poseidon sighs. “How do you three keep getting in these situations?”

"Bad luck?" Percy shrugged.

The doorman smiled at us. "Hey, kids. You look tired. You want to come in and sit down?". . .Here are your LotusCash cards. They work in the restaurants and on all the games and rides." He handed us each a green plastic credit card.

“Oh sweet, free money!” Leo exclaimed.

“I suppose that was a plus.” Annabeth reasoned.

I knew there must. . .it was pretty cool. The view over the Strip and the desert was amazing, though I doubted we'd ever find time to look at the view with a room like this.

Travis whistles. “Nice room.”

"Oh, goodness," Annabeth said. . .I love this place."

Silena grimaces. “The magic got ahold of you guys quickly.”

Without his even realizing it, the wings sprouted. . .I'm not sure when I first realized something was wrong.

Silena had to retract her statement. “Well, I guess the exception to that being Percy. Does magic only work on you sometimes, then?"

Percy shrugs. “I’m just special like that."

Poseidon frowned. "That isn't a proper explanation at all."

"I know."

Probably, it was when I noticed the guy. . . "No. In real life." He had to think about it. “1977." "No," I said, getting a little scared. "Really."

Percy shrank slightly in their seat at the growing fear crawling in their chest uncomfortably.

"Hey, man. Bad vibes. . .My mother ... for a scary second, I had trouble remembering her name. Sally. Sally Jackson. I had to find her. I had to stop Hades from causing World War III.

Percy’s breathing started to quicken at the ugly feeling in their chest. Something about it was just so wrong—

They felt a hand on their shoulder. “Hey, you alright?” Apollo asked worriedly. 

Percy flinched ever so slightly, but still nodded. “Yeah. I’m fine.”

I found Annabeth still building her city. . . I grabbed her wrist and yanked her away from the game. “Hey!" She screamed and hit me,

Noticing Percy flinch, Annabeth grimaced. “Sorry about that.” Percy gave her a shaky smile.

but nobody else even. . ."Die, human! Die, silly polluting nasty person!"

Many people chuckled at that.

Thalia gave an encouraging laugh. “Yes, kill the pesky humans.”

He turned the plastic gun. . .soon I'd forget my mom, and my quest, and maybe even my own name. I'd be playing virtual rifleman with groovy Disco Darrin forever.

Percy scowled, disgusted with themselves. How could they even think that? How could they be so selfish?

Poseidon, as if hearing his child’s thoughts, gave the demigod a reassuring smile. “Don’t think too harshly about yourself, you were under the influence of magic. You weren’t thinking clearly.”

Grover reached for the card. . .sleep in a real bed for once....

Percy held their head in their hands at the intruding thoughts.

Apollo and Poseidon sent the demigod worrying looks but ultimately realized they couldn’t do anything, and that waiting this out was the best option.

Then we burst through the doors of the Lotus Casino. . .Then I noticed the date: June twentieth. We had been in the Lotus Casino for five days. We had only one day left until the summer solstice. One day to complete our quest.

“What?!” Everyone exclaimed.

“How the Hades are they supposed to complete this quest in only five days?” Beckendorf questions.

“No spoilers?” Grover says weakly.

“That’s the end of the chapter.” Thalia states.

“How about we take a break before the next chapter.” Chiron suggests. There are various sounds of agreement, and people start getting up and leaving the room. Some stay to talk with siblings or friends.

“I believe we need to talk.” Poseidon says as he turns to Percy.

Percy grimaces. They’d been dreading this talk. “Yeah, sure.”

And to make matters worse, Thalia and Grover approach them too, intentions obvious. Percy sighs as they get up and leave to go speak in a more private space.

Chapter Text

Zeus approached Hades before he could run off with his children, although a little reluctantly. 

As much as he'd rather not do this, there wasn't a better option, and Poseidon had already taken Perseus to talk.

"Hades," The king greeted.

"Zeus,"  Hades acknowledged, obviously a little skeptical.

"During the reading," Zeus cut to the chase. "Did you happen to notice..." He trailed off, unsure as to how he should word it.

"Poseidon fighting for control over water?" Hades finished. "I did, yes."

The other god nodded. "It seems to be corresponding with the book, which must've been why he was struggling." He reasoned.

"If that's the case, the water is going to be a quite a problem soon, wont it?" Hades questioned. "Especially since this one seems more... explosive, if you will."

"If we had other sea deities here, maybe..." Zeus tapped his foot in thought.

"Maybe," He agreed with a sigh. "But we'll have to work with what we've got for this one."

•—•—•

Poseidon sat Percy down in a room. The god paced back and forward around the room, clearly worried.

Percy cast their gaze down. “Dad—”

“Percy,” He interrupted, stopping his pacing. “We both heard what you wanted. You can't deny its existence. Just… explain, please.”

Percy shifted in their seat. “I was going through a lot. My whole world view flipped upside down and my mom was, presumably, dead. I mean— I barely had a chance to properly grieve or process. I promise I’m fine now.”

Poseidon sat down next to them. “Are you sure? Absolutely certain?”

Percy smiled at him, touched by the concern. “Yes, I’m sure.”

“Alright,” He patted them on the back, a little awkwardly. “I believe there are more who want to speak with you.”

As if on que, three faces poked their heads in. Thalia, Grover, and Apollo. Percy didn't expect Apollo to be there. He probably joined them after their dad pulled them away.

Poseidon sat up, deciding to stand in the corner of the room as he watched the three newcomers.

Percy found themselves feeling slightly cornered by the three.

“So,” Grover started. “I’m guessing Poseidon talked to you about the whole suicidal-thoughts thing?”

They nodded. “Yep. I’m fine, by the way.” Percy decided they didn't like the look Grover was giving them. They hadn't quite had the chance to ask earlier, but it was slightly off putting.

“I highly doubt that, but we’ll move on for your sake,” Grover said. Percy grimaced, and he continued. “Now, we need to ask a question that’s been bothering everyone here all—”

“You're not a boy, are you?” Thalia cut it.

Percy froze. “Um.”

“Thalia,” Grover hissed. “I thought we agreed to ease into it?”

“We did,” Thalia agreed, before adding, “But I figured this would be faster.”

“Guys,” Percy interrupted. “Ok, uh, yes? I’m— I’m non-binary.”

There was a beat silence, before Grover spoke. "Oh. What pronouns do you use?”

Percy grinned at him. “They/them.”

“Dude, why didn’t you say anything earlier?” Thalia asked.

Percy rubbed their neck. “I was too nervous to actually say anything outright, so I settled on dropping hints here and there.”

"One last thing," Poseidon spoke up once more. "Perseus, we must talk about your disrespect towards the other gods."

Percy shifted in place, looking down. "Uh."

"Athena almost rammed her spear into you, dude," Thalia shook her head. "I'm worried, ok? And rightfully so."

"I... didn't mean to worry you. I uh, I'll try to be a bit more respectful. I don't have a very good brain to mouth filter."

"I've noticed." Poseidon said dryly.

Before another word could be said, the door was opened. Will poked his head inside. “Hey guys, we’re going to start reading again.”

They all nodded and went out towards the throne room.

Grover grabbed Percy’s arm. “Hey, if you ever have any thoughts like that, you can always come talk to me. If you want.”

Percy smiled at him gratefully. “Thanks. You're a good friend, Grover.”

—

As they all got seated, Clarisse picked the book up. “I’m reading this time.”

We Shop for Waterbeds

“Is it really the time to be shopping, of all things?” Reyna asked, shaking her head.

“It wasn't exactly planned,” Annabeth shrugged.

It was Annabeth's idea.

Annabeth glared at Percy playfully. “Oh, yes, blame me for what happened.”

Percy put their hands up in a defensive position. “I’m not blaming you! I’m just saying, it was your idea.”

She rolled her eyes at that, but then grinned at them.

She loaded us. . .Finally an infinity symbol came up next to the dollar sign. The cigar fell out of the driver's mouth. He looked back at us, his eyes wide. "Where to in Los Angeles... uh, Your Highness?"

“Do you guys still have that?” Connor asked excitedly.

At the silence, Connor’s eyes widened. “Seriously? You guys could've solved everyones money problems permanently!”

Percy shrugged at him sheepishly. “We kinda had other things on our minds. Like not starting World War 3.”

“The Santa Monica Pier." Annabeth. . .speedometer never dipped below ninety-five the whole way through the Mojave Desert.

“…We probably made him rich, didn’t we?” Grover asked.

“The change was infinity. Yeah, I’m pretty sure you made him rich,” Nico snorted.

On the road, we had plenty of time to talk. . .Both of those are nicknames for Hades."

Hades huffed in annoyance. “You kids are still convinced it’s me?”

“Hey,” Percy protested. “We were getting there. And at this point I was less convinced it was you.”

"Maybe..." I said. . .Oh... nothing. I was just-No, it has to be Hades. Maybe he sent this thief, this invisible person, to get the master bolt, and something went wrong-"

Hades sighed, exasperated. “You were so close.”

“I was in denial,” Annabeth admitted.

“Like what?" "I-I don't know," she said. . .I wasn't sure what was wrong with her. She looked pale.

“Very, very deep in denial,” The daughter of Athena muttered to herself.

“But if I’d already. . .“To bribe or blackmail him into getting your mom back.”

The Romans stared at the satyr in disbelief.

Thalia choked out a laugh. “Grover.”

“What? Percy’s mother is a very nice person who didn’t deserve to be kidnapped,” Grover bleated defensively.

I whistled. "You have evil thoughts for a goat. . .I mean, if it isn't Hades?” "Percy ... let's not talk about it. Because if it isn't Hades ... No. It has to be Hades."

Hades brought a hand to his temple, feeling a headache starting to form.

Annabeth grimaced. She had no idea how hard she had been denying the possibility, it was ridiculous.

Wasteland rolled by. We passed a sign that said CALIFORNIA STATE. . .I was sure that confronting Hades wasn't the real answer. There was something else going on, something even more dangerous.

“Wow,” Percy winced. “This is so much more frustrating to read about.”

Grover nodded in agreement.

The problem was: we were hurtling toward the. . .The solstice deadline would pass and war would begin.

“How did you guys even pull this off?” Jason questioned. He’d been on quests before, but nothing that had such high stakes and small amount of time to complete.

Percy shrugged. “I don't know. At the point, I had only gotten, like, a week’s worth of training.”

“The answer is in the Underworld,” Annabeth. . .test without knowing the subject. And believe me, I’d done that enough times.

“Would it kill you to study?” Athena huffed in annoyance.

“Yes,” Percy responded confidently, resulting in a few people chuckling.

The cab sped west. . .It looked exactly the way L.A. beaches do in the movies, only it smelled worse.

Percy coughed into their elbow, the smell flooding their senses. Apollo gave them a sympathetic look.

There were carnival rides lining the Pier. . .I held my breath at first. It’s difficult to intentionally inhale water. Finally, I couldn’t stand it anymore. I gasped. Sure enough, I could breathe normally.

“It took a while to get used to that,” Percy admitted, more to themself than the others.

I walked down into the shoals. I shouldn’t have been able to see through the murk. . .swirling together.

Apollo perked in interest. “Can you see well in the dark above water as well? Or just in the ocean?”

“Um,” Percy shrugged helplessly. “I don't know, it’s never really been something I thought about. It’s not like I have anything to compare it to, y’know?”

“We can go test it out later?” The god offered.

Percy gave him a small smile. “Yeah, sure.”

Poseidon watched the interaction closely, narrowing his gaze down at Apollo.

I felt something rub against my leg. . .It was nuzzling me. Heeling like a dog.

“That’s weird,” Leo said. “Is it not attacking because you're Poseidons kid?”

“Sharks aren’t actually usually hostile towards humans,” Poseidon informed him. “They’re like… sea puppies.”

“Yeah, sea puppies that can tear your arm off…” Hades grumbled.

Poseidon rolled his eyes. “Are you still salty about that? The shark was provoked, you had it coming!”

Hades glared at his brother, not offering a response.

Tentatively, I touched its dorsal fin. . .I wondered if there was a limit to how deep I could go, if I could sink straight to the bottom of the Pacific.

“There isn't a limit in salt waters. I don’t know if that’s the same in fresh waters, though,” Poseidon told his child, who nodded in understanding.

Then I saw something glimmering in the darkness. . .“It has been many years since a child of the Sea God has been born. We have watched you with great interest.”

“As if that’s not creepy,” Thalia commented.

“Everyone’s always watching, one way or another,” Percy said with a shudder.

Suddenly I remembered. . .“Do not judge the Lord of the Sea too harshly,”

“I’m judging,” Percy said, bitter feelings rising within them. “I’m heavily judging.”

Poseidon gave the demigod a worried look, “Percy—”

“—spare me the self justification, I beg you. I know why, doesn't mean I have to be happy with it,” Percy cut in, averting their eyes.

“He stands at the brink of an unwanted war. . .smash a pearl at your feet.” “What will happen?”

“All your problems will be solved!” Percy smiled widely with a faux cheery voice, before their face dropped into an annoyed look.

Several people shot them worried looks at that.

“That,” she said. . .”Go with what your heart tells you, or you will lose all.

“My heart is telling me to stab something,” Percy mumbled, loud enough to be heard by those around them.

“Dude,” Connor spoke up hesitantly. “You okay?”

“Peachy.”

Hades feeds on doubt and hopelessness. He will trick you if he can. . .You a child actor or something?” “Uh ... I’m a stunt double ... for a lot of child actors.”

Hermes shook his head in disbelief  "How do you keep getting away with this?”

Percy shrugged.

“Oh! That explains. . .a poker game, and there was a young blond lady sitting next to him, patting his hand.

Percy’s mood dampened further at the mention of Gabe. Several people started glaring at the book in annoyance.

A fake tear. . .My wife ... my Camaro ... I-I’m sorry. I have trouble talking about it.”

“His Camaro? Geez.” Beckendorf said with an unimpressed look.

“There you have. . .photo of this troubled young fugitive, taken a week ago in Denver.”

“Troubled?” Percy snapped angrily, abruptly sitting straight. “Oh, I’ll show you troubled—”

“Perseus.” Poseidon interrupted, looking down at his child with concern.

Percy sighed. “Sorry, the book is messing with me a lot. It’s like — having two peoples emotions shoved in your body. There’s you, but then something else reacting to literally nothing.” Poseidon gave them a sympathetic look at that, rubbing Percy's back for a moment.

The screen. . .brainwashed victim of a frightening new cult? When we come back, we chat with a leading child psychologist. Stay tuned, America.”

“Terrorist? Cult?” Artemis spoke up in bafflement. “Where on earth are they even getting these?”

“The internet is a wild place,” Travis told her with a sigh.

“C’mon,” Grover told me. He hauled me away before I could punch a hole in the appliance-store window.

Percy took a deep breath, hands clenching in on themselves tightly.

It got dark, and hungry-looking characters. . .a voice from the darkness said, “Hey, you.” Like an idiot, I stopped.

Percy took a deep breath, their heart beat picking up.

“The two places can’t be that different,” Hazel wondered out loud.

“They don't really ask you to stop in New York,” Percy told her. “Usually, they’ll just stab you and run.”

“…right.”

Before I knew it. . .Instinctively, I uncapped Riptide.

“Won’t do much to mortals, kid,” Ares snorted.

“Well, I didn't know they were mortals,” Percy rolled their eyes. Ares scowled at the motion, but refrained from commenting on it based on the warning look Poseidon was sending him.

When the sword appeared. . .door said something like CRSTUY’S WATRE BDE ALPACE.

“Or, something like that anyway,” Clarisse squinted at the scrambled writing.

“Crusty’s Water Bed Palace?” Grover translated. . .“I’m Crusty,” he said, with a tartar-yellow smile.

“Ew,” Silena cringed. “What what kind of name is Crusty?”

I resisted the urge to say. . .I said, “I don’t think ...” “Million-hand massage!” Grover cried, and dove in. “Oh, you guys! This is cool.”

“Something about this is weird,” Nico said. Will nodded in agreement beside him.

“Hmm,” Crusty said. . .but ropes sprang from his black-satin bed, too, and lashed him down.

“Definitely a creep,” Thalia muttered.

Hermes shook his head. “How do you keep managing to get yourselves in these types of situations?”

Percy shrugged sheepishly.

“N-not c-c-cool!” he yelled. . .They might even live. Now why don’t we find a bed you like, huh?”

“You better get them out." Athena scowled.

“What, you think I’m just going to leave them there?” Percy asked, tone harsh.

“Wouldn't put it past you,” The goddess of wisdom said matter-of-factly.

Percy’s hand twitched, they resisted the urge to lunge. A hand on their shoulder from Poseidon the only thing stopping them.

Instead, Poseidon looked up at the war goddess and glared. "Athena, the children are obviously fine. Cease your baseless accusations so we can continue with the reading." 

There was something oddly comforting about the way their father was willing to stand up for Percy. A small smile tugged at their lips as Athena huffed in annoyance.

“Percy!” Grover yelled. My mind was racing. . .Annabeth yelled. “What are you doing?”

“Oh, well, I’m obviously just trying to buy a water bed,” Percy said sarcastically.

Annabeth rolled her eyes playfully. “I know what you were doing now seaweed brain.”

“Don’t mind her,” I told Procrustes. . .”I’m so glad to come across an intelligent customer!”

“Intelligent?” Connor laughed. “More like insane.”

“I try,” Percy grinned at him.

The ropes were really stretching my friends now. . .Ropes lashed around Crusty and flattened him against the mattress.

“I wonder if all monsters are just naturally gullible,” Grover wondered.

“Hey!” he yelled. . .I uncapped Riptide. “A few simple adjustments ...”

“Geez,” Leo laughed, although it sounded slightly strained if you listened carefully. “You sound like an evil scientist or something."

Percy gave him a strange look but smiled. “Thanks?”

"Hey, weren't you like, twelve at the time?" Piper asked.

"Yeah, why?"

Piper shook her head. "Dude — this is literally feral behaviour. How are you this chill with committing atrocities and then moving on?"

Percy shrugged. They'd never really thought of it like that. They're called monsters for a reason, why should it matter?

I had no qualms about what I was about to do. If Crusty. . .Be faster next time.”

“My bad,” Percy said jokingly.

“Thanks,” Annabeth told them. She had now realized that she didn't tell them when they first saved her.

I looked at the bulletin board. . .only a block from here.”

“Done,” Clarisse said, closing the book. “Who wants to read next?”

“Uh, I can?” Hephaestus spoke up hesitantly. The daughter of Ares threw the book at him, which he caught.