Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In one multiverse, Percy lived as a human first, and grew to hate the parts of him that didn’t fit in until he needed it to save his friends, to stop the worst of evils, and ascended panicked and alone, isolating himself in his fear of hurting those he was loyal to.

In another, Perseus awoke first, where he was with parent , in their own little bubble.

He knew, and was in awe of his parent’s power, and for the first part of his life, Perseus and Chaos co-existed. 

Until Chaos hushed him one day, speaking of something they wanted to try. 

They were curious about how mortals raised their children and the like, and so with a steady grip on his powers by now, sent him to a body that shared his own namesake. 

Perseus Jackson.

When he awoke, it was all quiet, and he spread his powers throughout his body, exploring it, only to find a third of godly blood when he was under the impression there would’ve been half-mortal half-primordial to imitate other half-bloods, but he shook his head fondly.

Perhaps that would’ve been too much for the world to handle at once, he figured. So with time, he’ll come into his full powers. It wouldn’t be hard to kick it away later on.

After all, he had no need for the seas when the world was at his fingertips.

For now, he’d take up the name Percy until he came into his heritage, to his namesake. To keep a lid and remind him that he is mortal. Or as mortal as he could be. 

Percy wasn’t a normal child. He didn’t know what he was doing wrong, but no one but his mother was willing to look at him, especially his eyes. 

It wasn’t unlike fearing a strong predator, although he wondered if he would ever feel that. The adrenaline, the fear, when things couldn’t truly keep him dead. Why fear it when it comes for all? Or, well, almost all. 

He didn’t get mortals, and mortals didn’t get him.

Sally was the only one to not care about that, to only care about Percy. How he was doing, if he was okay. Percy might not understand a lot of things, but he could understand that Sally was a strong and supportive mother. Perhaps she’d still accept him even if she knew the truth (not that he knew why mortals were afraid of beings greater than them). 

Chaos approved, much to Perseus ’ reluctance to allow him to watch over him all the time. 

[ What’s the point in hand-holding me when you sent me here to experience it myself? ]

[ Is my child becoming rebellious? And you’ve only been there for a blink of time! Do you truly wish for me to go? I would just like to watch over my youngest. I will not interfere any more than you want me to, but I have grown quite fond. Do human parents not miss their child when they grow up to live a life without them? ]

[ Fine. It is a little boring, and I suppose an instinct of them is naturally making them deter away from me. I do adore Sally, though. Her hugs make me feel warm. Perhaps that is a human thing. To crave touch. ]

[ Would you wish for me to do the same? ]

[ No. ]

[ You wound me. ]

[ Maybe a little is fine, but I wonder if you even know the concept of gentleness. I will not let you ruin the feeling of Sally’s hugs by being a touch too harsh and crushing my bones. ]

[ You are becoming rebellious! And it’s not my fault that human bodies are so weak! ]

[ Yeah, yeah. Regardless..  She’s a wonderful person. I am aware that she is strong enough to care for herself, but it is outrageous how a god could see her, get her pregnant, and then abandon her! Which lowly being has done so, parent? ]

[ You know that they follow different rules than us. Your father is Poseidon. You see, ever since the Great Prophecy, the Big Three had sworn off having anymore children. To be fair, Zeus had broken it first. I may not understand lust, however, but he must’ve seen the same thing in Sally as you. Maybe a little more explicit, however. ]

[ Gross . ]

[ Don’t worry! When we make it to camp, I’ll claim you. No matter what that god has done, it has given you a chance to experience life as humans do. I will not however tolerate him laying a claim on my child. ]

[ You’re so possessive of me, parent . ]

[ Can I not be proud? I have raised you. He has not, no matter the rules. I would not be against your mother making a claim though. ]

[ I don’t think she could . ]

[ But she’d curse up a storm to any offending hand. ]

[ True. I feel so restless, though. ]

[ Do not worry, Perseus. You can aid me in your dreams. ]

[ And what if I wish to visit my other siblings? ]

[ If you leave your body too long, your tether will snap. Your siblings will come and go as they please. Do not rush, you have time. ]

[ Whatever you say, parent. ]

…

[ What if I don’t want that vile god’s blood in me? ] 

[ They’ll notice somethings’ wrong, child. ]

[ But I just want to be your child . ]

[ Awe. You’re making me blush. ]

[ You can’t. ]

[ Harsh . ]

[ Besides, Sally will accept me. Nobody else matters. ]

[ Oh? ]

[ She should be living with riches instead of working to the bone to provide for her child. I can make it all happen. My ‘father’ couldn’t. She’s a strong woman. ] 

[ If you were a dragon, I’d say you were adding her to your hoard . ]

[ I want to tell her. ]

[ Of course. If it doesn’t go well, you know I always have other worlds. ]

[ . . .   No thank you. ]

To be fair, Sally took it pretty easily, eyes softening. “It doesn’t matter what blood runs through your veins. You’re still my kid. My Percy. Even if what made you human, my blood were to disappear, you would still be the little boy I cherished and raised. I would do anything for you. If your parent harms you, then I’ll do anything in my power to protect you from them. I’m not afraid to give them a stern talking to.”

Embarrassingly, he found his eyes growing hot, and tears fell for the first time in his body. “..Mom.” Percy had never felt so small. 

Sally cooed, scooping him up and pressing a gentle kiss on his forehead. “Would you still be okay with me being your mother? I know I’m just a mortal, and you could likely care for yourself, but..”

His face went red, flustered as he hid his face away from her view. “..Please. ..But I don’t want you to get hurt because of me. I know my parent’s blood makes the monsters fear me, but the stronger ones will nonetheless be attracted by.. Dad ’s.”

“I’m more than capable of taking care of myself, Percy, and I know quite a few powerful people. Did you know Artemis once wanted to invite me to her group of Hunters?  I was quite capable with a weapon.”

His head shot up, staring at her with wide eyes. “ Really? ” He’d never realized that Artemis allowed normal people, but then again, he knew Sally was clear-sighted. It could be more than useful.

“Mm. I think it’s time I tell you a story, don’t you think?”

No matter how much Sally loved his dad, Sally loved him more . And that realization meant the world to him. 

And thus, Percy was half-protogenoi, half-human. Although for cosmetics sake, he kept a firm hold on his human shape, although since primordials didn’t have genes , he pushed it to slowly make himself look more like Sally. His jet black hair turning into a dark brunette, and emerald green eyes shifting to aqua.

Sally nearly cried when she saw, and he swore his heart did little happy jumps. Chaos teased him, but couldn’t hide how pleased they sounded.

For the most part, the rest of his life was pretty calm, although he did cause a few.. accidents and got expelled. Well, it wasn’t his fault that his body was too weak to properly regulate his powers! Schools should be less boring, otherwise he wouldn’t accidentally do a thing.

Whoops.

Anyway , he then attended Yancy Academy, and with clear sighted eyes, immediately noticed one Satyr (who went by Grover).

And later on, a Centaur, who disguised himself as Mr. Brunner, a Latin teacher.

Percy decided to let things play out, and bizarrely enough, a Kindly One was his math teacher, and accused him of stealing something.

[ The master bolt, or the helm. ] 

His parent noted, and Percy nearly scoffed. What would he need those for?

“I have not stolen anything you may accuse me of. I have no need for such frivolous things. I will even swear it if you need me to.”

“Liar! We know you have it, spawn of the sea!”

This got Percy to scowl. “I am not his spawn. Seriously, what part of me makes you think of him ? I, Percy– ” Because he refused to evoke his Name “ Jackson, swear on the RIver Styx that I have not stolen either the Master Bolt, or the Helm. ” 

Lightning crackled in the distance, and the Fury jolted in shock. “Then what–”

“.. Parent is going to be so pissed..” He muttered under his breath. “You’ll find I have quite a dislike for the sea. Now, go find the real thief. I am not interested in whatever affairs will cause the next discourse between the Gods.”

When Percy returned from his ‘conversation’, Mr. Brunner looked at him with narrowed eyes (couldn’t be anyone but Chiron, considering any other centaurs were minding their own business. Mainly.) appraisingly, while Grover looked nearly shocked he was in one piece. Not maliciously, but as if he’d seen-him-walk-to-his-death-and-come-back shock. Which, fair.

In the end, they didn’t really do anything, and Sally suggested that it was likely the time for him to show himself, considering the Kindly One would likely tell Hades, and Hades would tell someone . 

They promised to keep in touch, and had a safe ride to Camp Half-Blood. Hurray!

[ I’ve just had the horrible realization that I’m going to be around immature children. ]

[ There are always older campers. ]

[ ..They’ll think I’m cute trying to act all adult-like. ]

[ Are you embarrassed? ]

[ Obviously! Or perhaps they’ll be horribly terrified by my presence when you claim me. ]

[ Awe, does my child want friends? ]

[ I rather my experience at camp be at least enjoyable, no? ]

[ Well, there’s nothing I can do about that. I refuse to not claim you like any other godly parent. ]

[ Whatever. Camp only has 12 cabins for the Olympians, yes? I wonder where I’d stay. I don’t want to get special privileges just because of who you are. ]

[ Well you don’t need to sleep, precious. You’d usually room in with the Hermes cabin. Usually you wouldn’t be able to go to any other cabin or table, lest you wish to get yourself smited, but they’d be stupid to offend someone above them. ]

[ Do you mind if I abuse this power to make camp better? I know Camp Jupiter literally brands children, but at least they have some sort of order and resources. ]

[ I don’t mind what you do, dear, although perhaps don’t wipe out the entire world. The Fates would be displeased. ]

[ Wouldn’t it be the funniest idea if you claimed me with no one to witness it so at least the gods will know, and then I just sat down at Zeus’ table with a shit eating grin knowing the god couldn’t do jackshit unless he wanted your wrath? ]

[ You have the best ideas. ]

[ Nah, I just know what’ll shock people the most. ]

[ Yes, you’re quite chaotic, aren’t you? ]

[ Shouldn’t you be the chaotic one? ]

[ Har, har. ]

Percy went through the barrier, manipulating the Mist to make it seem as if nothing was wrong, and smiled as a symbol basically representing the abyss appeared above him, before dissipating.

Immediately, he beelined to Cabin Eleven, for a certain blonde, before he found him. “Hello.”

Luke startled, twisting around immediately, before relaxing, albeit confused. “Er.. Hi?”

“You’re the counselor for Cabin Eleven, right?”

“..Yes?”

“Great! I’m new here.”

The demigod blinked at him. “..Did Chiron tell you to come get me?”

“Nope! He doesn’t know I’m here. I was hoping you could introduce me.”

“..Okay..? I’m Luke. .. ..Wait, how’d you know I was the counselor if Chiron didn’t know you were here?”

“I just knew.”

“..You knew .”

“Yes.”

“...You know what? I’m not even gonna question it. C’mon, let’s go meet Chiron. .. What’s your name?”

“Percy. Anyway, I already know about how this works. Usually I’d stay at your cabin, but I already know my parent. Of course, there isn’t a cabin for them, but it’s complicated because they're an important person. I do want to experience it normally however, but I also want to piss off the gods.”

“I’m just going to ignore that. Chiron still needs to be aware that you’re here so let’s go.”

To summarize it, Percy got to stay at Cabin Eleven. Mr. D choked on his cola, eyes locking immediately as if knowing the aura of abyss that surrounded him, and already coming to the conclusion that he was messing with them (Well, it’s certainly a logical one). 

Chiron however wouldn’t notice, and would give the other god a weird look.

During lunch, Percy did the equivalent of knocking on the door (‘ Oh, dear great-great nephew, will you spare me your hospitality?’ he asked while sacrificing some food off his plate ) and then banging the door open by immediately sitting down at Zeus’ table ( “Wait Percy don’t–” ) without waiting for a response, giving a shit eating grin while everyone practically froze.

“What the fu–” “Nothing’s happening??” “The new camper–” “Child of Zeus?–” “No claiming, though–”

Luke however looked miserable. “Why am I even surprised?”

Lightning crackled in the distance (He wouldn’t dare have a tantrum), making many of them jump while Percy didn’t react, instead amusement dancing in his eyes. (Meanwhile, Chaos did the equivalent of threatening the gods to do better)

“Look at your faces! Pfft– Anyway - Now that I have proof of authority, I welcome thee unclaimed or claimed demigods to sit at any other table because the fact that Hermes’ cabin has to suffer is absolute dogshit. Although maybe only respectful girls at Artemis’ table. Any god or goddess who dare challenge my authority shall face my wrath. Rawr. Hehe. Although other cabins might be tricky.. Err, unclaimed or claimed female demigods without a proper cabin to rest in would be welcome in Artemis’ as long as they were respectful, and I believe regardless of gender, again, unclaimed or claimed demigods may also be welcome to Hera’s cabin, as long as they are respectful, because she does have some semblance of care towards children, although I wouldn’t know if it would be worth it. Males will begrudgingly be allowed at Dionysus’ Cabin though I wouldn’t push it. Aphrodite would probably welcome some campers who are attractive, Hephaestus would appreciate those with an interest in machinery as long as they were respectful, uhhh. Apollo might welcome some but I’d recommend only staying if you’re friends with one of them.. Athena will respect the intelligent though don’t push it. Ares will respect the reckless and strong, I’d say only go if you’re friends with one of his kids cause usually if you have their respect then you’ll likely have their dad’s and stuff. Demeter likely will be welcome as long as you’re respectful, but I don’t know her well enough. And… I don’t know about Poseidon, but I know Zeus will probably smite you regardless, so there! Problem solved. Just making a completely new cabin for unclaimed and claimed kids without a cabin seems kinda rude, don’t you think? The least they could do is open their cabin to the kids helping them on quests yeah?”

“...Holy fucking shit–” “Language!” “Are you serious?” “..This isn’t a joke, right?”

Percy clapped his hands together. “My word is law! Although if you wish to, you could go ask Mr. D. ( “..Whatever.” ) Like how Zeus is above the other gods, I am above them altogether, only lower than, say, the Earth Mother, y’know?”

He blinked as this time he was reclaimed, more ‘officially’, the gaping hole of the abyss appearing, and the people who knew went pale, and the others could at least tell he was powerful.

“ Chaos , protogenoi (first-born), the void, before the creation of the universe– (and whatever other title that he completely zoned out on). Hail, Perseus ” He jolted at the use of his Name , his otherworldly self leaking out for a millisecond before he yanked it back into his shell, causing everyone to shiver. “Jackson, son of the protogenoi.”

“Well! Call me Percy. Hey, Luke, could I still stay at your cabin?”

Luke visibly gaped at him, pale as snow. “I–”

“I’ll take that as a yes. I don’t need to sleep anyway.”

And thus, is how Percy was seen as a godsend.

Until it became increasingly clear that Percy didn’t really understand.. mortal things.

He didn’t understand what was wrong with lives potentially being lost, as if it was just numbers, or cash/tokens to spend, maybe in a game.

Which hit some of them as the downside of being raised by their godly parent, because they wouldn’t understand . They wouldn’t understand death unless faced with it themselves.

Therefore.. Luke kind of unofficially became Percy’s interpreter, and vice versa.

The gods were in a state of chaos (haha, ironic), and everything was fine.

The end.

..Until his half-sister kinda awoke and started a war, and the Doors of Death opened.

That certainly wasn’t a good thing, and even he could understand that monsters being unable to die, especially causing some mortals to come back to life.. 

Err, that wasn’t really a good thing.

So he had to intervene.

Otherwise, he saw no reason to do anything. (Although Kronos would’ve killed his only demigod friend, so he gave him a fuck you and made life for demigods better so they had no reason to join him.)

Also Poseidon had a fucking heart attack (not literally), spitting out his metaphorical coffee in absolute confusion and shock.

Chapter Text

One day, there was a new camper, and they'd asked a certain question within Percy's hearing range with some rather.. interesting answers.

"How can monsters even smell where we are? What's up with technology? How does that even work?" 

They got a variety of shrugs. "Maybe we smell good to them? They just do, and it's how it's been for a long time."

Percy frowned, popping into the conversation. "What are you talking about?"

"I mean.. The myths don't speak about it, but demigods back then were hunted, weren't they?"

"No they didn't?" He was becoming increasingly confused. "Demigods weren't hunted in the early days. It was nothing like it was now, so it wasn't like it was horrid without any borders to keep them out."

The campers looked shocked, and other people who were partially listening (because he was practically a well of knowledge) turned to give him their undivided attention at that surprise.

"What?"

"Did no one tell you anything? If I recall correctly, one of the monsters, Hecate's kid I think, had been screwed over by Hera- I'm pretty sure she killed her kids. So she wanted to get revenge, so she basically put a target on every demigod, so that Hera would know what it felt like. Don't know why though, it didn't do a thing except screw us over, and the gods didn't get close enough to us to genuinely care for us because if we were gonna die anyway, why don't we go out doing something useful, y'know?"

All he got were blank stares.

"..Seriously? No bells being rung? At all? If you asked Chiron I'm sure he'd tell you something. You do realize he's immortal and all that jazz? Been here since the very start of camp, which was when Apollo taught him stuff, and then had him teach what he taught him to the other demigods. And then it expanded from there, so he's been there for a long time. Maybe he might not remember it all, that's natural, but come on, if demigods were in danger then, they'd be more trouble then they were worth and all of it would be a mess. Did you think it was just some sort of fact of life? How no one has ever questioned it, I'm shocked. You all rely on myths a whole lot to defeat enemies that have already been faced, but then when there's no mention of monsters hunting down demigods by their smell like it is now, you all shrug and think it just was never mentioned. What is up with that?"

...

Percy groaned. "We need to go over this. I don't know, have a sort of class where we can fix all that inaccurate history and fact in your brains. Question things, don't just believe them blindly. Have multiple sources, and maybe those that don't have conflicting interests. Like, if you were to ask Apollo about Apollo, obviously it'd be very biased because it's about himself. But if you were to ask someone else about Apollo, you might get a different answer because they view it differently. Not to mention many gods might be very keen to straight up lie about the facts of their history, so it's important that while, yes, input from them would be valuable, it is also valuable to get multiple sources from people not connected to each other in a way, or you might just only hear of the exact same story. This needs to be done. And yes, I hear you people who are annoyed and don't want to learn about the past, and getting distracted because I've been talking for so long, but if you're wrong about this, then what other discrepancies are there that just haven't been found yet? It's important."