Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Percy stared at his bleeding thumb. He could have sworn his blood wasn’t that gold just last week. Demigods as a whole had some gold in their blood on account of their godly aspects. Not anything people would notice without looking, but it was there. Now Percy was frozen mid-lettuce chop because he managed to nick his thumb, and his blood was definitely more gold than normal. 

“Percy?” His mom asked from across the kitchen. “Is something wrong?”

“I don’t know.” His response only seemed to concern her more. She came over before gently grabbing his hand. It was a testament of her knowledge when she seemed to catch the problem. For a moment they stood in dreadful silence wondering what could be causing this. 

Eventually his mother gently led him to the sink where the blood and wound were able to be washed away by the water. Once the cut was gone she gently wrapped Percy in a hug.

“Whatever it is, I’m here for you.” His mother murmured before placing a gentle kiss on his forehead.

~~~

Somehow Percy forgot about the mystery of his blood until after he blew up the Princess Andromeda with Beckendorf. Through his grief he managed to feel relieved he somehow made it to his dad’s palace. Right up until he saw his dad who looked like he had aged decades in the months since he had seen him last. Now confronted with his father, step-mother (yikes), and half-brother (also yikes) Percy was hit with the memory. But as there was a literal war going on right outside the palace it was not an opportune time to ask. Later. He could ask later. 

~~~

Later turned out to be after he had used his gift to wrangle a promise to be better parents out of the gods. There was a party going on to celebrate victory, but Percy couldn’t focus on that. He was off to the side staring at his hand vividly remembering the color. While he couldn’t be cut anymore, that didn’t mean his blood couldn’t be changing more.

“Somethings bothering you.” His father’s voice next to him made him jump slightly.

“Nothings bothering me!” Percy yelped. The look he received plainly told him that his father didn’t believe that. Percy winced. “Something happened a couple months ago that I remembered, but I don’t really know what to make of it.”

“And that is?” 

Percy eyed those around him with uncertainty. No one was paying attention to them. “I accidentally cut myself while making dinner with mom. And uh- when I bled, as you do when you get cut, it was more golden than I was used to.”

His father inhaled sharply. When he met his father’s eyes they were warring between hope and sadness. It didn’t make sense to Percy. He however was caught by surprise by his father gently leading him out of the throne room out into the Olympus gardens. Percy had an inkling of an idea what it might mean, but considering he just turned down immortality that’d suck if he was right. 

Eventually they stopped by a pond that was devoid of anyone. Percy was shifting in his nervousness while Poseidon was staring into the water like it might have answers. He was about to say something when he heard two sets of footsteps approaching. Percy turned to catch sight of Hades and Apollo approaching. He glanced back at his father who had also turned to watch the newcomers.

“What’s the matter, Poseidon?” Hades asked only briefly glancing at Percy.

Apollo meanwhile was staring at Percy much like he had when the god had appeared at his sister’s request nearly two years previous. Percy focused on his father in a desperate attempt to ignore the unnerving stare.

His father sighed, glancing at Percy. “According to Percy, a couple months ago he nicked himself with a knife and he noticed his blood… was more golden.”

Well. Percy glanced between the two other gods for their reactions. Both of them went carefully blank faced. Oh joy. He got the feeling he would not like whatever he was about to find out.

“Are you certain, Perseus?” Hades asked after a moment.

“Um, yes Uncle.” Percy was now avoiding looking at anyone. Maybe if he ignored the problem it would go away.

When the silence continued to grow Percy finally looked back at the three gods. To him it looked like they were having a conversation just through facial features. In reality they were probably discussing something telepathically. Namely him and his terrible luck. It seemed an eternity before his father sighed in resignation.

“There’s a few possibilities. Some are more likely than the others.” His father said. “One it could be from using your powers excessively. Which is unlikely as it was the school year. Second, it could have been the lighting of the room.”

Percy could dismiss both those options purely based on experience.

“It could also mean…” His father trailed off seemingly searching for the words. Percy watched as his dad sent a desperate look toward Hades and Apollo who were looking pointedly at the Sea god. “It could also mean that you simply have too much power for your mortal body.”

Percy gaped at his father. “Does that mean being a demigod is literally going to kill me? Not the monsters?”

“No-yes?” His father groaned. “Normally in a situation like this the fates would do the burning stick life line. Not always though.”

Percy was even more confused.

A groan from his Uncle caused him to look away from his father. Hades was giving Poseidon a very judgemental look. “What your father is trying to say is, somehow, You’re either slowly turning immortal, or your power is going to burn you from the inside out. Being able to control the underworld rivers is not normal, you know.”

“Percy did WHAT?” His father yelped.

Percy winced. Apollo was staring at him again. His father looked half proud and yet simultaneously terrified.

“Perseus controlled the Lethe last winter and the Styx just a few days ago.” Hades drawled. “Frankly, either way he’s going it likely won’t feel pleasant.”

Percy just knew he was paling. Turn down immortality and the fates say fuck you or die. Typical.

“Uh, how long until whatever would happen?” Percy asked a bit desperately.

Here the two brothers turned to look at Apollo who was still staring at Percy. The sun god didn’t answer for a moment before sighing. “Hard to say. It’s fuzzy five years at most . If you hadn’t gone into the Styx we could prick one of your fingers to check if your blood has changed more, but as it is we’re guessing blind.”

Percy groaned. “Is there any way to avoid both options?”

“Not safely, no.” His father said immediately. “The only way I could would be removing your powers, but with how much you do have it’d be frankly too dangerous.”

“Yes, unless you want to waste all your efforts to stay alive I’d advise against that.” Apollo said cheerfully. “The Achilles curse might aid in lowering the pain if you go immortal. But it will be a lot more painful if you burn up.”

“Well shit.” Percy wanted to know if he pissed someone off in a past life. Could he ask his Uncle? Maybe. He got the feeling he wouldn’t answer.

“It can’t just be excess powers that might be making me go immortal. Right?” Percy decided to ask. “Like you said my life could’ve been tied to a piece of wood or something.”

“Perhaps the fates knew you’d be stubborn enough to simply refuse to die if the wood burned up.” Hades said dryly which earned a glare from Poseidon.

Percy snickered because while his self-preservation was often low he’d survive purely for his friends. Given that he just turned down god hood not in a small part to stay with his friends that did sound like him. The thought of that offering made him want to laugh deliriously. He didn’t want to be a god. And he hadn’t wanted to be the prophecy kid until he was faced with tiny Nico who had lost his sister. He didn’t particularly want to die either. But would he rather die than be immortal? If he was older perhaps. He had literally just turned sixteen though. Going into the war he was almost certain of his demise but was willing to die to save his family if that was his fate.

“Percy?” His dad’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. He blinked slowly before focusing on his father. “Are you alright?”

Percy swallowed looking away again, suddenly feeling like crying. “I don’t know.”

His father pulled him into a hug. Unlike in the throne room after getting the oath as his gift when he teared up slightly at his father’s embrace this time Percy actually started to cry. Desperately he clung back at his father. Gods he was only sixteen and he was either facing eternity or five more measly years. Much too long or much too short. A sob escaped his throat. His father held him a little tighter. Eventually they pulled away from each other. Before Percy would retreat out of reach his father gently wiped the tears away from Percy’s face.

“If you need anything, I’ll do my best to help.” His father promised, “You don’t have to tell anyone until you’re ready. Except your mother. She needs to know just in case.”

Percy wanted to protest that he didn’t want to worry his mother, but his father would likely show up at their apartment if he caught wind that Percy hadn’t told her. He was already dreading that. “ Hey mom and Paul, guess what? Got offered immortality turned it down. But surprise! I’m either turning immortal anyway or my body will burn up from access power! How fun is that? ” Yeah no that wouldn’t be fun. 

“I’ll–I’ll tell her.” Percy promised. He had other questions but about if he didn’t die in the next five years. Those were for later. Now he had time to freak out with only his dad as company. When Hades and Apollo had left Percy didn’t know but he was thankful. Much too soon he and his father headed back into the festivities. He didn’t feel like celebrating. 

As if sensing his desire to leave Annabeth materialized next to him to drag him away. Percy went willingly with his friend following her out. Soon he found himself stepping out of the elevator into the lobby of the Empirestate building. 

“Don’t bullshit me! I know my son is up there you-” His mom was yelling at the poor guard.

Percy shared an amused glance with Annabeth before walking over to his mom. She noticed the movement causing her to snap her attention away from the guard that looked a minute from collapse. His wonderful mother lit up in relief at the sight of him. Paul was grinning at Percy from behind his mother.

“Oh Percy! I saw the signal, but you’d been up there for so long I got worried !” Percy was wrapped tightly in his mother’s arms. He practically melted into the comfort of his mother’s embrace. “We can take you back to camp- as soon as you’re free though I expect you to come home. Capisce?”

“Of course mom.” Percy wasn’t sure how audible his response was because he was practically burrowing himself into the hug. “I’ll always come home.”

She held him tighter before breaking away. “I know you’ll always do your best to get home, Percy.”

“To be fair Percy is go big so that he can go home.” Annabeth snickered.

Percy rolled his eyes before remembering something. “Did you by chance see Rachel? She was on Olympus before– before the end.”

“Oh she ran out a little while ago. She looked alright.” His mom said.

Before Percy got the chance to feel relief Nico came screeching into the lobby. “Percy! Rachel! She took Blackjack and is going to camp!”

“She took my pegasus! What do you mean she’s going to camp?” Maybe Percy had his priorities out of order very briefly. Then his brain caught up to why she would be going to camp via Blackjack. Muttering a lot of Greek curses he turned to his mother.

“Have to get to camp faster than a car. I’ll Iris message you as soon as I know Rachel isn’t going to drive herself insane.” Percy got out before dragging Annabeth and Nico out of the building toward the nearest river. One whistle later and three hippocampi were ready for duty even as they complained about the water pollution. Then he had to coax them into letting Nico ride one of them.

By some miracle they made it to camp. The big house was glowing green through the windows. The three of them made a break for it toward the house.

“Rachel!” Percy shouted when he saw her. “It’ll drive you insane!”

Rachel just smiled at him. “I’ll be alright Percy. I’m meant for this.”

Percy didn’t get a chance to respond before the door of the house swung open to reveal the oracle. The next several minutes he could only watch as Rachel agreed to host the oracle. He probably only didn’t fret out of his own skin because Apollo was there. Unlike when May Castellan had attempted to take on the oracle. 

After the old oracle had crumbled away to dust Percy barely had a moment to feel relief before Rachel was suddenly spewing green smoke.

“ Seven half-bloods shall answer the call.

To storm or fire, the world must fall.

An oath to keep with a final breath,

And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death. ” 

After the raspy voice had announced its newest prophecy Rachel slumped to the ground. Percy had a sinking feeling that that prophecy would come true sooner than he’d like. He glanced at Apollo who looked very uneasy even if he tried to hide it. Great. At this point Percy was going to willingly go into the sea and never return.

“No need for the long faces! Just the newest great prophecy. It could be decades until it’s fulfilled!” Chiron tried to assure them. Apollo’s face twitched just barely.

“Chiron, none of us have that good of luck.” Percy sighed before crouching down to check on Rachel.

~~~

The next day they held the funerals. It was harrowing. Each shroud came with a name etched onto their end of year bead. Too many. There were too many. Percy ached for those lost. It was painful to realize he’d be joining them soon or never joining them at all. Hanging over him like the executioner's axe. 

Once the funeral was done Percy went to sit on the beach. For a while he watched the waves before footsteps approached. He glanced to the side watching, briefly, while Annabeth settled into the sand. Once she was sitting his attention went back out to the water.

The silence was tinged with shared grief and concern. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” Annabeth asked after several minutes.

Percy didn’t bother trying to hide the fact he was bothered by something. “Not right now.”

“Alright. I’m here whenever you’re ready, Seaweed brain.” Percy appreciated she had accepted his response with no fight. Most of the time they poked at each other until they spilled their secrets. This time the quiet admission he wasn’t ready was easily accepted.

For now things were calm. Percy didn’t have much faith it’d stay that way for long, but it was in that moment. A small moment of calm and melancholy. Even as he warred viciously with himself. 

“How long do you think the influx of campers will last?” Percy eventually asked.

Annabeth snorted. “Considering we’re also giving cabins to the minor gods now too? Long time I’d guess. Grover says the satyrs are suddenly finding lots of demigods. All thanks to you.”

“Let’s hope they follow the oath.” Percy sighed.

“You know, I heard a couple of the gods plotting to actually visit their kids at camp.” Annabeth said it like she couldn’t quite believe it. Not that Percy blamed her. Gods were fickle after all even with oaths.

When the dinner horn sounded Percy heaved himself up before offering Annabeth a hand. Fondly she rolled her eyes before accepting. Together they walked to the pavilion where campers were slowly starting to congregate. Percy took one look at his empty table and decided today was not the day to be sitting alone. Luckily one Nico Di Angelo was in the same predicament so Percy just plopped down next to him. 

“Sup.” Percy said taking a seat.

“Apparently rule breaking.” Nico looked very amused. Percy just shot him a grin. Yeah things were hard and he had a deadline looming, but right now he could deal with the after.

Percy and Nico sat in silence for a while. Any talking really was just whispers in the tables instead still sombre for those they had lost. 

“I am sorry for how my dad acted before.” Nico suddenly blurted out.

Percy froze having just taken a bite of food. Had Percy said something about them talking about The Incident later? He honestly couldn’t remember after all the fighting. And while he was still the slightest bit peeved with his Uncle he could somewhat understand the god’s motifs. 

“You have nothing to apologise for.” Percy said after swallowing his food. “You were desperate for any information about Before, Nico. You weren’t being malicious.”

“But it wasn’t right for me to do.” Nico was staring down at his half eaten dinner trembling faintly. “I was more focused on my past than the literal war.”

Percy abandoned his food to give the son of Hades his full attention. “Poorly timed? Yes. I don’t blame you. I imagine not having those memories is the worse yeah?” Percy watched him nod before plowing onward. “You lost your sister. The only family you thought you had. Your dad I believe loves you even if he’s kinda shit at showing it. While I was mad in the moment, I shouldn’t have taken it out on you you’re twelve you’re allowed to make mistaked.” 

Nico laughed a little. “Actually thirteen. Dad was a little off.”

“Still you should hear the things I did at thirteen.” Percy easily accepted the adjustment. “Gods I told your father to his face Charon wanted a pay raise at the age twelve. At thirteen I was mad at my father for claiming Tyson because I wanted to fit in. Having had time to think about it I know you were deceived by someone you trusted. But if you feel like you need my forgiveness you already have it. Your idea definitely saved my life.”

Nico finally looked up at Percy’s face, seemingly willing him to tell the truth. Eventually he blushed a little, nodded, before going back to his food. The rest of dinner was spent in silence between the two. Percy was lost in his thoughts about the possibility of immortality. He wondered if having the curse of Achilles would speed up the process. Apollo said it might help if he went Immortal instead of just burning up. 

Against his will his eyes trailed to Rachel who was eating with the Apollo cabin. He remembered the carefully blank look from Apollo when Chiron suggested the next great prophecy was a ways out. Percy had a feeling the fates were going to make him their bitch again. Maybe they had wanted Percy to take the offer of immortality. 

That night he dreamed of running after his friends and family and yet they were always just out of reach. The long he ran it seemed as if they slowly started to fade out of existence. Just as they were almost completely gone he woke up gasping for air drenched in sweat. Percy’s heart was trying to hammer its way out of his chest, adrenaline making his hands tremble.

Chapter Text

After his nightmare Percy knew he wouldn’t be sleeping anymore. It was still dark out but he figured there were several people still avoiding sleep so he wasn’t likely to get into much trouble. After he made sure he was mostly presentable Percy shuffled out of cabin three. For a moment he debated making a b-line for the beach but instead his eyes caught onto Hestia tending the fire. Before he knew it he was settling down next to the goddess staring into the fire.

Hestia didn’t say anything, letting him sit in silence. The fire’s warmth slowly spread into Percy’s bones the longer he sat there watching the flames dance in the early morning.

How much longer would he have the ability to just sit by a campfire?

“Fate can be unfair, can't it?” Hestia said after some time leaning backward. Today she was in adult form more a parent than a seemingly small child. “Using your reward to help others, very unlike past heroes Perseus. But that wasn’t all of it was it?”

Percy could feel her eyes on him. They felt knowing like his mother and the few instances with his father. Somehow she knew about Percy’s blood problem.

“I don’t want to outlive everybody.” Percy admitted quietly despite no one being around. “Sometimes I look into Chiron’s eyes and he just seems so sad. Watching people you care for die over and over again it seems unbearable.”

“It is. Death can be incredibly sad, but often it is a blessing in disguise.” Hestia leaned forward to stoke the flames again. “Those on Olympus like to pretend they’re not affected but often when they’re the most cruel is when they’re grieving for their mortal children. It does not make their actions correct though.”

Percy pulled his knees to his chest deep in thought. “Sometimes they don’t care about anything but themselves.”

Hestia made a noise of agreement but said nothing else for a long moment. “You have given them a bit of a reality check at the very least. I know after you visited Hades at twelve when I visited him afterward he was in a daze. He was mystified that you called him Uncle even though he had taken your mother.”

“The underworld looks like the emo version of Olympus. I’ve never understood why they shun my Uncle the way they do.” Percy admitted. “It feels like the gods feel no need to change or adjust even as mortals change so rapidly.”

“You believe we can change?” Hestia was looking at him again.

Percy turned to give her a smile. “I think so Aunt Hestia. I think it’s more a question if the change will be allowed.”

At him using the familial title she gained a soft smile. “I hope that they hold to their promise, Perseus. If you choose the forever it will certainly be entertaining to watch you terrorize Olympus in your efforts.”

“Given my current track record I think that could happen.” Percy laughed despite himself.

Not long later the beginnings of dawn started to creep over camp. People started popping up from their hiding places and their cabins. Percy stood ready to search out some breakfast. To his surprise Hestia stood with him. He decided not to question the goddess as they headed to the pavilion. Idly he wondered how long it had been since Hestia had been to the pavilion. Evidently it had been a long time because campers and centaur alike were gaping. Ironically Nico waved cheerfully at the goddess much to more of the campers' shock. Percy sat with Nico once more much to the obvious surprise of the boy. He had enough tact not to say anything when Nico immediately pretended not to be surprised.

~~~

Percy left camp a week early that year. Just a few days after the war. He promised to visit some weekends and during the winter. Before he left he even managed to wrangle Nico into visiting per his mother’s request. Now he, his mom, and Paul were driving for Montauk to spend a few days away from everything before school started back up. 

Percy was jittery the whole drive with the issue of what could happen to him pressing down. However hard he tried to shove it out of his mind it persistently stayed. So the whole drive was spent formulating how to tell his mother. Realistically she had probably figured it out the moment she had seen they cut those months ago. Maybe even longer.

“What’s on your mind Percy?” His mother’s voice pulled him back to sitting in the back of Paul’s prius. Percy debated waving her off for a little longer, but the look in her eyes told him that she wanted an honest answer.

Well maybe ripping it off like a bandaid would help. “I was offered godhood afterwards on Olympus.”

His mother’s eyes widened in surprise. “You didn’t take it.”

“I didn’t.” Percy confirmed. “I got them to swear to be better in general and over all. But afterwards there was a party, and I was reminded of when I accidentally cut myself. I was thinking about that when Dad found me.”

“You told him about it?” His mother guessed.

Percy nodded before looking down. “He got a little freaked out. Took me somewhere more private Uncle Hades and Apollo showed up not long after. Between the three of them they realised…”

Even as he trailed off he felt like crying much like when he first found out. Percy was trying to get the words out when his mother reached backward with a shaking hand to gently take his in a show of support.

“They realised I’ll either ascend and become a god anyway or… or I’ll burn up and die.” Percy rasped out. “Mom I don’t want to live forever but but I don’t want to just die so soon after thinking I was going to because I was fighting a war at sixteen! Plus there’s that other prophecy Rachel recited immediately after taking the oracle! Chiron is hopeful it won't happen for a while, but the look on Apollo’s face I think it’s going to happen much too soon.” Percy distantly realised he was panicking, a lot. Still his mother was there grounding him.

“It’s okay to be scared Percy.” His mother murmured. “I know you don’t tell me everything, but know it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. You’ll be my baby boy no matter how old you get. Even when you don't rely on me anymore. I am so proud of you and I wish those three ladies would leave you alone for a while.”

Percy looked up, face a mess of tears, to see his mother in a similar state. “Mama I’m scared.”

It was lucky Paul pulled into Montauk right then because Sally Jackson—Blofis was climbing over the middle console to get in the back seat with Percy. Right as he broke down crying completely his mother’s arms wrapped around him strong and protected. Rain started to pound against the windshield. He clung to his mother as he had as a small child fearing if he did not hold on she’d disappear. 

“You deserve to be happy, Perseus.” His mother soothed. “You deserve to find someone to fall truly in love with. I wish I could take away the fear, and yet even if I could I am not sure you’d let me. We’re a lot alike. Wanting to fix our own problems. Take control of our life and decisions. Like with Gabe.”

Percy held his mother tighter at the mention of his ex step-father. Yet she was right. 

Eventually he calmed down and was able to pull away from his dear mother. Both of them had similarly puffy eyes but for now they were calm. Percy felt lighter even if nothing had really changed.

~~~

Despite himself Percy was back at camp a mere two weeks later for the weekend. Annabeth wouldn't be back at camp until winter break. Maybe he was putting off telling her. Never mind he was definitely avoiding telling her. His goal this trip was to talk to Chiron and hopefully avoid talking to Mr D. Luck seemed to be on his side as Percy caught sight of the centaur leaving the archery range before anyone else noticed him there. He sped up to catch his mentor before one of the other campers could distract him with something. 

“Percy! I did not expect you back so soon.” Chiron sounded concerned, likely worried Percy had already been attacked.

“I just… Had something I wanted to talk to you about.” He probably sounded absolutely desperate and he was.

Chiron looked at him with those thousand year old eyes that always seemed to hold so much knowledge and so much sorrow. If Percy lived would his eyes hold the same sorrow? Or would he turn cruel with time? He didn’t know and it terrified him.

“Let’s walk.” Chiron said, pulling Percy back to the present.

Percy dutifully followed next to Chiron rolling around his thoughts. While he wanted to have this conversation just like with his mother he didn’t know how to start. So for a while Percy didn’t say anything other than kicking the occasional rock they happened upon.

“Do you remember my first day at camp?” Percy finally asked as they neared the woods.

“I remember everyone's first day at camp.” There was that sorrow again. Like Chiron sometimes wished he didn’t remember every camper.

Percy looked up to the cloudless sky and swallowed. “I said being immortal sounded terrible after you explained watching children you care for die over and over. You thought I was destined to die because of the prophecy.”

“Is this about being offered godhood Percy?” Chiron asked gently.

Percy met his teacher's eyes willing himself not to cry. “It’s about surviving forever or dying in roughly five years.”

“Oh.” Chiron had never seemed his age more than in that moment. Understanding and grief in a terrible mix played across Chiron’s face. “I’m so sorry Percy.”

“What was the point of giving me the choice in the first place?” Despite his best efforts tears started to leak down his face. He'd been crying a lot lately. “Have I condemned myself to dying because this was the chance the fates gave me to choose?”

“I don’t know Percy. But whatever happens, you’ll always have a place at camp.” Chiron assured.

~~~

“How was your talk with Chiron sweety?” Percy’s mother asked as soon as he slumped onto the couch next to her.

“As depressing as I thought it would be.” 

His mother said nothing else, but made a noise of understanding. She started carding a hand through his hair gently. Percy had homework he should probably be doing. Despite the start of the school year having already started with everything going on, school was hardly a blip on his radar. However, spending every possible moment with his mother? That would always be number one for him.

“I love you mom.”

“And I love you baby. Always.”

~~~

School as a general rule always felt unbearable to Percy. Down right infuriating on the days even Greek was nearly impossible to read. The other students did not help matters. Especially the ones who went out of their way to antagonise Percy purely because he was Paul’s step-son. 

Then there were the grade-A assholes. “Hey Emily, I know something your mouth could be used for!” 

Now Percy didn’t know Emily but he was able to pick out which girl it was by the twisted defiant look on her face. After living with Smelly Gabe for years and how he treated his mother, Percy had little respect for assholes of that caliber. So he moved to block Emily from the asshole’s line of sight glare firmly in place.

“How ‘bout you leave her alone yeah?” Percy fiddled with pen-form-riptide refusing to look anywhere but Mr.Asshole.

As expected Mr. Asshole didn’t appreciate Percy’s intervention. But unlike his friends probably didn’t see the danger that was Percy. “What’re you going to do about it? You’re just a delinquent who is only still in school thanks to Mr. Blofis. Too stupid to even read English.”

Before Percy could launch himself at the asshole Paul descended on the altercation like an avenging angel. “Detention Mr. Smith. For sexual harassment and bullying.”

Asshole scowled but didn’t put up a fight. When he looked in Percy’s direction he earned a sharp smile from the demigod. As soon as the asshole was gone Percy started walking to class. That was that done.

~~~

The next day when he walked into third period was when Percy finally realized he actually had class with Smith. Smith who sat right behind him. Someone somewhere was laughing at Percy’s misfortune. Still Smith was very far down on the list of Percy’s actual worries so he ignored the kid.

That proved to be a mistake.

A minute before class was supposed to start his ingrained battle sense sharpened the moment the asshole slid scissors under Percy’s camp necklace and cut the already frayed material. Above them the pipes started to rattle dangerously.

Behind him the kid was laughing. “Don’t you know Jackson? Necklaces are for girls. Really I’m helping you out.”

“Mr. Smith, did you just have scissors against Mr. Jackson's neck?” Percy was barely aware of anything. Percy thought he showed a lot of restraint in not decking the kid who tried to destroy his camp necklace. As he carefully accounted for every bead he took great pleasure in hearing Paul rip the kid a new one. Logically he knew it would be easy to switch to a metal chain, but suddenly he was paranoid. What if someone managed to take it? He shuddered at the memory of the enemy with camp necklaces from his fallen friends. That wouldn’t be acceptable.

“Percy.” Paul called. “You look pretty out of it. Why don’t you head home for the day?”

Aka call your dog and either go to camp or go home. Percy nodded to his step-father before stumbling out of the room. He got outside, somehow, in his daze. His efforts of finding a spot to call Ms O’leary were halted by a sports car pulling up next to him. 

In his current frame of mind it took him a moment to notice who was in the car. In fact he didn’t really notice until he was manhandled into the car by warm hands. Unnaturally warm hands.

“Apollo?” Percy managed to ask the sun god as he hopped back into the driver's seat.

The blond gave him a blinding grin. “At your service Percy Jackson! Thought I’d be a good samaritan and drive you home before I visit camp.”

Percy furrowed his brows in confusion. “You visit camp?”

“Been trying too.” Apollo shrugged. “Actually going is a lot better than watching from my sun chariot I have to say. I just wish I could have before-” The god cut himself off with a cough. “-Really it was just luck that Uncle P had asked me to make sure you’re not spontaneously combusting occasionally that I saw you stumbling out of your school before the end of the day.”

Percy blinked at the onslaught of chatter. “Someone cut my camp necklace off because ‘guys shouldn’t wear necklaces’ or something. Even though the scissors couldn’t hurt me I didn’t appreciate them being that close to my neck.”

He almost added on he was half tempted to show up to school in a skirt as a fuck you to Smith, but his brain to mouth filter luckily caught up. 

Apollo zeroed in on the camp necklace tightly clenched in Percy’s hand. “Someone got close enough to your neck with scissors to cut it off? How much of them is left?”

“It was a mortal being a jackass besides if I had attacked him I would have gotten in trouble.” Percy said while clutching the necklace closer. Really he was lucky he hadn’t lost it after blowing up Mt Saint Helens or the Princess Andromeda. But that he almost lost it because of some kid, who didn’t understand why Percy thought it was so important, really stung.

“Hmm.” Apollo didn’t sound impressed with Percy’s reasoning as they pulled out into New York traffic.

Percy sank lower into the passenger seat of the car. He was half tempted to request to just go to camp with Apollo, but he did not want the attention that would come with showing up with the god. There was also the possibility Apollo would more than indirectly mention the fact Percy was a ticking time bomb of doom. Home was definitely the most appealing option. 

Shortly into the ride Apollo obviously got twitchy with the silence. Yet he didn’t say anything to Percy’s surprise. Maybe Poseidon threatened the god not to be pushy.

Percy looked back down to his camp necklace, especially his most recent bead. The close of a prophecy. 

“The prophecy Rachel recited, it’s happening much sooner than everyone wishes. Isn’t it?” Percy decided to ask, breaking the silence.

Apollo cleared his throat a bit awkwardly. “What makes you think that?”

“You looked constipated when Chiron suggested it could be years away.” Percy deadpanned.

“Maybe I had bad ambrosia.” Apollo said it though his face was twisted up at the thought.

“That’s a terrible excuse.” Percy pointed out. “I’m pretty sure it’s impossible for ambrosia to be bad.”

Apollo groaned. “Given how the last prophecy went, how do you think Father is reacting to the new one?”

“.... I’d rather not say because I feel I wouldn’t have to worry about my situation anymore then.” Annabeth would be proud of his restraint. But at the very least Percy didn’t think Apollo would want a demigod turned into a smear in his car.

“I’m surprised, isn’t mouthing off to the gods your favorite pastime?” Apollo snarked.

Percy shrugged. 

“Here’s your stop. Try not to combust it’d make Poseidon grumpy!” Percy looked up to his apartment building suddenly exhausted. He chose to ignore the comment about him possibly burning up at random. With a quiet thanks he trudged toward home.

The apartment was silent with his parents still being at work. Percy was silent as he made his way through the apartment idly wondering if they had something else to put his camp beads on. After some half hearted searching turned up nothing Percy just tied the two cut ends together temporarily. Slumped on the couch holding those beads Percy wondered if he’d wear them forever, or if they’d burn up with him.

He didn't know how long he spent probably hours just clutching his frayed necklace while staring into nothing. It could have been mere minutes or hours. But the sound of the front door swinging open finally finally pulled him out of his head. Or as much as Percy could be out of his own head with his unknown fate bearing down on him. 

Percy's eyes flicked toward the door to see his mother standing there. She seemed tired. Weary. Yet she still strode across the room to sit next to him and pull Percy into her side. No words were exchanged. Just silence between them. Soaking up however much time they had left.

Chapter Text

Percy kept finding himself back at camp on the weekends. He’d say hello to Chiron and anyone else with the centaur before wandering off to sit on the beach watching the waves from the ocean numb to the world. Nico occasionally joined him (at which point he’d neetle the boy about visiting per his mom’s request). But for the most part he was left alone for hours. The stream of new campers gave him these awed looks that made his skin crawl. They acted like what he’d done was amazing, as if no one else would have in his place. The new campers didn’t see the regrets or the nightmares. At least not his. Hades knows they saw their own siblings nightmares.

Absently Percy fiddled with his camp necklace. The new chain that replaced the old leather clinking quietly with the movement. 

Between one breath and the next suddenly his father was next to him. He didn’t say anything just sat in silence watching the ocean. It was a surprisingly comfortable silence for the moment. Though it wasn’t likely to last.

“Zeus has taken great offense that some of the other gods are taking time to visit now.” Poseidon commented.

Percy imagined he was. Especially with his mood about the new prophecy (according to Apollo) it wasn’t that surprising. Honestly he was expecting a petty monster to be sent his way.

When Percy didn’t give an outward reaction to the comment his father sighed. “Fate is unfair to you Percy.”

“Some would argue otherwise.” Percy finally broke his silence.

“People forget I once was the god of Prophecy, before Apollo. Those powers don’t completely go away.” Poseidon sounded tired. 

“You know the prophecy is going to happen soon.” Percy guessed. 

“Yes.”

Considering this was the second god to confirm it, and his ascension or death looming on the horizon Percy felt the dread that had been pooling in him for weeks solidify. “I’m going to be involved.”

“I wish I could say no.” Poseidon confessed. “I just want you to be able to live Perseus. No matter how long or short that might be.”

“Have any of your kids been able to just live?” Percy found himself asking.

He looked over in time to see a half smile on his father’s face. “Some. For all that I’m not a great father I do love my children. Several of them were pirates.”

“Makes sense.” Percy looked back to the water. They lapsed back into silence. Percy wondered if he should look into the myths of his father’s other kids. He knew that was a can of worms he likely would regret opening though.

In the distance the conch shell was blown signaling the start of dinner. Sighing He stood brushing the sand from his clothes.

“Percy.”

He turned to look at his father only to pause at seeing his arms open in invitation. Hesitantly he stepped in to accept the hug. With the desperation in which his father clung onto him he wondered if those not-gone-prophecy powers had shown him something. Or maybe he couldn’t see anything and that was why he worried.

“I love you son.” His father said it like he was willing Percy to believe it. Before Percy could return the sentiment Poseidon kissed the crown of his head and disappeared. 

For a moment Percy stood there mystified. Poseidon hadn’t said goodbye, not really, but it almost felt like it was one.

~~~

The moment Percy spied Nico in the dining pavilion he sat down across from him. Nico looked a little paler than normal. Jittery. The boy kept glancing around like he suspected he’d get attacked at any moment.

“You know, my mom gave me orders to drag you to the apartment the next time I saw you.” Percy commented.

At Nico’s half horried look Percy decided to throw him a life line. “I wont force you Nico, but she worries about you.”

“She doesn’t know me.” Nico was scowling now.

Percy raised an eyebrow at the boy. “I do tell my mother about my friends you know. She also got to witness my fretting over the years. I was terrified you’d die.”

Nico’s scowl increased somehow even more. “I can take care of myself!”

“Dude, I am very aware of that. But it doesn’t stop the worry.” Percy pointed his fork at Nico who was now blinking owlishly. “Mom wants to show you you don’t have to be alone Nico. And if that doesn’t work, bribe you with cookies.”

“Her cookies are delicious.” Nico begrudgingly agreed.

The next morning when Percy headed hom Nico slipped into the car with him, but refused to say a word.

~~~

Before Percy knew it Christmas break was dawning on him. He was hardly aware of the passage of time with his worrying, and the repetitive nightmare of chasing after his friends and family only for them to disappear. For all that he was looking forward to seeing Annabeth in person, and finally tell her about The Problem the dread that had been following him seemingly increased ten fold with each passing day.

It caused him to be restless. 

“You’ll be back for Christmas right Percy?” He looked up to his mother.

Desperately Percy tried to push away the foreboding seeping into him. “Of course mom.”

His mother smiled, but he could see his fear reflected back in her eyes.

~~~

Percy was running desperately toward people. He didn’t recognise the people. But it felt like that was wrong. He should recognise them. He ran and ran but only got rather away. Desperately he reached for them.

Like ghosts they slipped through his fingers.

~~~

He shot up awake with a gasp. Sea green eyes darting around to take in the dilapidated surroundings. Desperately his brain tried to come up with some explanation on where he was. Only for there to be nothing. Absolutely nothing. It was only then that he wasn’t sure he even knew who he was.

A howl in the distance had him fighting off the panic by some engrained instinct. Like he knew he’d die otherwise.

“ Percy Jackson .” He flipped around to come eye to eye with a massive wolf. How the wolf knew his name he didn’t know. For fucks sake he didn’t know how he knew Percy was his name.

Suddenly there was a sword in his hands pointed at the wolf. Surprisingly the sword was steady.

“ For long you have slept, but now you train and see if you survive. ” Percy didn’t like the sound of that. Apparently he was right to worry as the wolf lunged at him. He dogged with barely a thought. As the wolf readied to attack again Percy could only feel resignation.

Apparently shit like this was common to him.

Chapter Text

Percy glanced behind himself at the tunnel which the girl, Hazel, had at least partially collapsed then back to the roaring river Infront of him. Even as the hippie bag lady was prattling on about washing away something he decided that wading through the river with his tag along would simply take too long with the demon twins on his tail. As if sensing his thoughts the river parted with only a tugging sensation in his gut. Frank glanced at him surprised briefly before focusing once again. Behind them Hazel came running out of the tunnel gorgons hot on her tail. Percy wanted to help if only to get back at the monsters for attacking him days on end, but first he had to get the old "defenseless" woman to safety. 

Crossing the river took a lot less time because he had somehow parted it. Once on the other side he set down June before whipping around to focus on the monsters Frank was shooting at. Both snake ladies were starting to look like porcupines with the arrows littering their bodies. Frustration bubbled under Percy's skin. Why couldn't they just stay dead? One of the gorgons dived toward Frank looking ready to claw him. Something lurched inside of him, much like when he had parted the river, and two massive hands made out of water grabbed the demon women. His forgotten instincts had him ripping them apart with the current spreading their death dust so they wouldn't be able to reform. As soon as Percy was sure they wouldn't be reforming anymore he flipped off the river.

"Stupid fucking monsters not knowing how to stay dead." Percy grumbled to himself.

Frank and Hazel were looking at him like he was crazy. To be fair, he might be. Stumbling around without memories for weeks could not be healthy. He had some vague impressions and the name Annabeth but jack shit else.

There were gasps coming from behind so Percy turned expecting another monster. Instead he saw a seven foot tall goddess.

"Juno" Hazel gasped in realization.

Percy scowled at the woman. "If I passed your test can I have my memories back now?"

"In time, Percy Jackson. If you—" Whatever Juno was about to say was cut off by another figure flashing into existence.

" Sister. " A single word and everyone but Percy was scrambling away even as they were kneeling. Percy however felt like whenever he had doused himself in water for an emergency wake up.

"Dad?" The god who had shown up went from glaring at a defiant Juno to looking at Percy fondly. Percy knew it was his father. And yet not quite right. Also like a distorted reflection.

"Hello Perseus. Your mother misses you." His father said before turning a glare back to Juno. "You are very lucky my son made it to camp unharmed, Juno. "

Juno seemed determined to ignore him though. "Romans! I present to you the son of Neptune. For months he has slumbered, but now he is awake. I leave his fate in your hands. The Feast of Fortune approaches. You need to release Death if you want to have hope in battle—"

" Juno ." His father interrupted. "Do not think I'll forget you kidnapped my son in the middle of the night."

People were now rapidly retreating from the two gods. Frank and Hazel were glancing behind themselves like they were debating the merits of escaping via the river. While Percy knew he was perfectly safe from his father (even when his father felt off ) he couldn't blame others. Though finding a way to strangle the goddess was becoming more appealing with the confirmation Queen Hippie was responsible for his crappy life the past few weeks.

"You're not allowed to interfere, Neptune. " Juno sneered. "It is out of your hands."

Before Neptune could reply Juno turned to address the crowd again. "As I was saying, free Death if you want to have hope in battle. Do not fail me!" 

Juno then shimmered away. Percy glanced at Hazel and Frank slightly mystified. They were staring in shock still however.

"Percy." He looked back to his father who was looking distinctly worried. "I can not reverse what she has done, but be safe my son."

The corners of Percy's mouth ticked upward into a small smile. "I'll try my best."

Then he was gone leaving Percy to a bunch of strangers. The look he was getting from a girl who looked like the leader didn't make him think they were friendly strangers though. Except Hazel and Frank. They seemed friendly enough even though Percy hadn’t even talked to either of them. He glanced at the two in time to see Frank slip two vials of something into his pocket. Frank caught his eye with a look that very distinctly said later .

"Did Neptune just insinuate that Juno kidnapped you?" The leader girl asked.

Percy looked at her something trying to wrestle free from his amnesia. "Do I know you? You  seem familiar. Well as familiar as you can to an amnesiac."

She eyed him in wariness. "I am Reyna praetor of the Twelfth Legion. And no I do not know  you."

Percy didn't believe that last bit. There was a dull throb developing in his head the longer he looked at the girl. Reyna was eyeing him like she had a past unpleasant experience with him. For now he let it go. It was not the time nor the place to call out someone in charge of deciding if he got to stay.

~~~

Exiting his impromptu high stakes lie detector test, Percy couldn’t help but feel…unsettled. He felt like there was something highly important that Hera-Juno wiped from his mind. Unfortunately the goddess was pretty indiscriminate about what she carved out of his head before leaving him with the wolves. His father’s blatant worry in front of everyone seemed a little more that “my child is an amnesiac” and more “holy shit I don’t know how to break very important news again why is it always my child”. Percy didn’t know how he knew the difference between the two. 

Yet here he was following Hazel (who bought him food which rocketed her up to the top of the list of his current people) though the city as she lead him toward the hill with all the temples. One of which had its own personal lightning storm. He really didn’t want to go there. 

“Is everyone here a demigod?” Percy found himself asking for some reason.

Hazel glanced over at him. “A lot of them are actually legacies. Children or grandchildren of demigods. Sometimes even farther out.”

For some reason hearing that felt like a punch to the gut. He honestly felt like he was going to lose his muffin and coffee. “Children of demigods?”

“Yeah, after serving in the legion a lot of people settle in the city. It’s safe there.” 

It’s safe there.

Three words that somehow made Percy even sicker. What was wrong with him? He couldn’t even begin to understand what he was feeling so he desperately searched for a change of topic.

“So is the legion sorted by godly par-er- ancestor?” Percy asked.

“We’re sorted by cohorts.” Hazel was frowning at him in concern. “If we sorted by godly parent, or ancestor, I’d be alone.”

Alone. That made Percy’s heart pang. Like it resonated in his bones, near soul deep. 

Gods he hated being an amnesiac. It was like his brain was a landmine field just waiting to detonate. Luckily his latest failed attempt at conversation could be abandoned as they finally reached all the temples. Lots of different shapes and sizes. Idly Percy tried to spot his father’s.

“Octavian is still busy.” Hazel observed watching the lightning storm temple. 

“Cool, cool, I can avoid fate a little longer. Which one is Pos-Neptune’s temple?” Before Hazel could really respond Percy was wandering in a random direction. Hazel looked nervous but didn’t redirect him, so Percy figured he was going the right way. 

Then he came upon a shabby worn down temple that felt like home. Like the ocean.

Beside him Hazel shifted from foot to foot. “Rome isn’t, uh, known for being fond of Neptune.”

Percy didn’t respond. Instead he stepped into the temple. There were cobwebs and dust coating the place that should have looked beautiful. On the altar in the middle of the room was a moldy bowl of apples. It was wrong, how the temple was mistreated. Pursing his lips Percy shrugged off his backpack of liberated goodies that he’d mostly forgotten about. He dug past the panda pillow pet and found the least stale bagel in his stash. He left it on the altar mentally promising his father he’d come clean up the temple.

He turned back around, weary. Hazel was trying to hide an embarrassed grimace, but there was also understanding in her eyes. “C’mon Octavian should nearly be done.”

Percy glanced at the altar one last time. “Yeah, let’s go.”

~~~

Leaving the temple of Jupiter with his shiny new approval and down a beloved pillow pet Percy decided Octavian gave him bad vibes. Bad vibes from the guy who was definitely trying to black mail Hazel. Now they were on the way to meet Hazel’s apparent brother. Which confused the hell out of Percy because he could have sworn Hazel said she’d be alone if sorted by godly parent. Then again the blond rat behind them made it sound like her brother wasn’t always around.

Mysteries for another day.

Then to Percy’s eternal misery as soon as he laid eyes on Hazel's brother he got the worst migraine on the planet. Before he doubled over from the prain in his head he saw the dark haired boy look very panicked at the sight of him. Then boom pain and doubling over. In his head he was being assaulted with disjointed memories featuring Hazel's brother and other blurry faced people. All very vague and frustrating to his ire.

"Fuck that hurts like a bitch ." Percy hissed to himself distantly aware of Hazel's frantic questioning.

Another moment and it subsided enough for Percy to stand up again. One Nico Di Angelo was staring at him wide eyed. Lots of it was still fuzzy but certainly knew Nico.

"You are a little shit." Percy said with certainty even as the memories faded once more.

Nico looked a little constipated while Hazel was becoming increasingly concerned. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"You know exactly what I'm talking about Nico Di Angelo. A lot of it is blurry but I remember enough." Immediately Nico winced but Percy continued to speak before he could say anything. "Details aside, I'm going out on a limb that if my dad couldn't restore my memories you won't be able to tell me shit. So, vaguely, how much is my mother going to kill me?"

In Percy's opinion Hazel's and Nico's faces were the best kind of priceless. They were both very wide eyed. 

"You two know each other?" Hazel was the first to recover and addressed the glaring sign that Percy had come from somewhere.

Nico schooled his face at Hazel's question. "Totally vaguely and hoping my Uncle doesn't let me get smitten when your mom gets a hold of both of us we'll be grounded."

"Lovely." Percy muttered.

“How-” Hazel started only to be interrupted by someone shouting down the hill. The three of them turned to see Frank running toward them.

Percy thought it was amusing to watch Nico act like everything was fine while Hazel looked rapidly between the two of them. It was only once Frank was actually with them that the guy seemed to process something had happened. He looked from Percy to Hazel then to Nico.

“Did something happen?” Frank asked.

Percy debated a moment before shrugging. “I sort of recognise Di Angelo here. Still fuzzy though.”

“Yes, we shouldn’t advertise it though.” Nico pointed out forcefully. “I don’t think Juno meant for him to recognise me at all, and I don’t know about the rest of you but I really don’t need her attention.”

Frank seemingly accepted that before turning to Hazel and Percy completely. “I was sent to make sure Percy was ready for evening muster.”

“Uh, does it by chance involve a bath, because I stink.” Percy broke in.

Once it was confirmed Percy would get to wash up he happily followed along after Frank. Hazel and Nico stayed behind to probably have some super secret sibling discussion. A super secret sibling discussion about him probably. 

Any time Percy tried to grasp at his memories for Nico they slipped through his fingers like sand. Fading away like they hadn’t ever returned. Most of his walk to the baths Percy was fighting against the instinct to dig for information in his own brain. Instead he focused on the feelings. Primarily protectiveness and regret. A lot of regret. Yikes.

Having an actual bath after so long felt like paradise in Percy’s humble opinion. There was the slight issue of having to remember how to get wet because apparently he was a natural water repellant. Anyhow he spent a long time completely submerged in the water. When he finally surfaced once more he felt a bit more human.

“I was starting to worry you’d drown yourself.” Frank commented when Percy exited.

“I don’t think I can drown.” Percy found himself saying. “Water powers and all that.”

Frank blinked before seemingly accepting that reality. “Let’s get a move on then. We can’t be late.”

“I get the feeling there are a lot of rules I’m going to actively hate here.” Percy was twitching just at the thought. Especially when Frank didn’t deny it. Instead of dipping out like a sane person Percy followed Frank to where a bunch of heavily armoured teenagers were starting to line up.

Frank left him with Reyna much to his chagrin before heading to what was probably his designated spot. A large majority of the people were giving him thinly veiled sneers. Bad vibes all around then. He probably wouldn’t like them either. 

Just as the sun was starting to set Hazel and Nico sped in and presumably to their spots. Which earned them a displeased look from Reyna. 

Once the Praetor confirmed that everyone was in their spots she cleared her throat. “We have a new recruit. Perseus Jackson, Son of Neptune, crossed the Little Tiber with Juno this afternoon. Who will vouch for him?”

“I will! He saved my life.” Frank announced stepping forward. 

Percy didn’t even get a chance to feel thankful before snickers broke out. Reyna glared at Frank. “This is the second time today Zhang you are still on probrato not yet a full legion member. You cannot vouch for him.”

Before Frank could look too embarrassed Hazel came to both their rescues. “What Frank means, is he saved both of us. I’ll vouch for him.”

When their eyes met Percy gave her a thankful smile.

“Does the fifth cohort accept this?” Reyna called out.

More snickers and mutters broke out. Mostly derogatory remarks toward the fifth cohort. Percy fixed the nearest mutterer with a glare. He was slightly gratified by the dude’s face paling.

Near Hazel two people stepped forward looking resigned. “The fifth will accept him.”

Percy smiled gratefully even while he was handed his own shiny new prabato tablet. So what if he was in the outcast cohort? He got the feeling he was used to being apart from groups for whatever reason. 

“We get food now right?” Percy asked Hazel as she approached Nico lurking after her. Frank wasn’t far behind either.

Instead of Hazel answering Nico broke in looking a little gleeful. “War games tonight are gonna be great.”

Hazel and Frank looked at Nico in confusion. Percy was wondering what the hell war games were.

As if sensing his thoughts Nico’s grin got a little wider. “It’s like capture the flag.”

Like Capture the flag. For some reason that made Percy start thrumming with excitement. It also gave him a mild headache as if some memories were trying to make themselves known.  For probably the millionth time that day Percy mentally cursed Hera for swiping his memories.

“Do you think they’re crazy?” Frank stage whispered to Hazel, catching both Percy and Nico’s attention.

“You’ll understand later Zhang.” Nico patted Frank's arm almost solemnly. Which was a little comical given the size difference between the two. Percy couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of him.

“We can contemplate my questionable sanity later. Right now? I want some dam food.” Finally, they left for the dining pavilion.

Chapter Text

Dinner was the first time Percy saw anyone in the legion actually relax. In his esteemed opinion everyone should loosen up more. Ten years of strict schedules seemed like torture. But dinner seemed to be an exception. Wind spirits were in charge of delivering the food to everyone which was a safety hazard. However, Percy was willing to overlook that when he was blessedly given a cheeseburger and some violently blue drink. The dull throb in Percy’s head made a reappearance along with the memory of a bright laugh. He didn’t know who the laugh belonged to. Cautiously he took a sip of the drink.

It was Cherry Coke.

Violently blue Cherry Coke.

Percy didn’t know if he wanted to laugh or cry. He wondered if the owner of the laugh was the reason a blue Cherry Coke could fill him with such strong emotions. Across the tabel Hazel was eyeing the drink in concern. To calm her fears took another sip.

“This makes me happy.” Percy announced. “I don’t know why… but it’s definitely happiness.”

He didn’t mention the gut wrenching longing at the ghost of a laugh still ringing in his empty head. Though the look Nico was giving him did not bode well. The kid looked like he was also dealing with a lot of emotions. Oh how Percy wanted to ask endless questions about his life and where he came from because Hera—Juno was a grade A kidnapping asshole. Could the gods smite him for cursing them out in his head? Percy hoped not because he got the feeling he’d at the very least be cursing the queen of the gods for a long long time.

“So, welcome to the Percy, Party.” A voice announced out of nowhere making Percy finally look away from Nico to the somewhat beefy guy that had sat with them. “Party, Percy. Whatever.”

The dude was a little weird looking with his permanent red stain on his mouth. “Um. Thanks.”

Percy looked down toward his plate then blinked. For some reason he had separated a section of his fries from the rest. Which was really weird. Yet it happened so naturally. Damn goddess induced memory problems. He looked away from his plate to catch everyone staring at him once more.

“What?” Did he have something on his face?

Frank and Hazel looked away quickly, but Nico was watching him completely tense. Percy would say he almost looked concerned. Which didn’t completely line up with the flash of memories that hadn’t refaded yet.

Before Nico had the chance to say anything Century Dude belched loudly. “Ambassador from Pluto they call him. Renya’s never sure what to do with him. Her face was hilarious when he showed up with Hazel.”

Both Nico and Hazel tensed at that. Percy’s head throbbed as Nico was replaced in his vision with a girl similar to him before the ghostly image was gone as suddenly as it came. The grief that the image evoked lingered though.

“Um, no offense." The guy tacked on quickly once he realised the silence.

Percy watched Nico consciously relax before looking at Century Dude. “None taken. You were very helpful in standing up for Hazel, Dakota.”

Dakota blushed. “She’s a good kid. That really cemented when she… ya know, saved my life.”

Percy’s interest was now peeked. Luckily Frank was all too willing to launch into telling about how Hazel put herself in front of a stampede of unicorns, consequently saving Dakota’s life. He noticed the girl in question looked embarrassed, uneasy even. Her eyes darted around nervously as if searching for a subject change to come from the heavens. Maybe he could help change the subject.

“Did you and Nico grow up together?” He decided on asking hoping to trigger some more memories. Though the look Nico gave him suggested he stepped on an active minefield. Oops.

“No.” Nico answered instead of Hazel, tense once more. “We only recently found out about being related. She’s from New Orleans.”

Hazel was also definitely still tense, but Nico was continuing anyway. “There aren’t many children of Pluto so we try to stick together.”

“Oh.” Percy mulled over that for a second. “Do you have any other siblings then?”

In a single sentence Nico went from semi-tense to looking like he wanted to launch himself across the room to get away. Percy winced a little. He should really be more careful about what he asks. Was he this bad even with all of his memories? If so he probably needed to apologize for his lack of brain filter. 

Yet Nico stilled answered. “One. She uh—died. A few years ago.”

Guilt welled inside him once more, making his cheeseburger taste like ash. “I’m sorry.”

Percy noticed Nico’s grip on his fork tighten so much he was worried the utensil would actually snap in two. Now he wanted a subject change. He’d like out of the conversational minefield. Away from topics about dead sisters that made Percy so guilty he felt like he was drowning. Gods why couldn’t he have been left some social skills?

“Hazel!”

There was a collective sigh of relief when Hazel’s name was suddenly called. Percy turned to see that faun from earlier (Dan, Don?) made his way through the cafeteria with a wide grin on his face. “My favorite girl!”

The faun trotted up to their tabel. “Hey, new kid, you gonna eat that?”

Percy glanced down at his cheeseburger in confusion. “I thought fauns were vegetarians?”

“Not the burger, the plate!” Don bleated before sniffing the air, “Hang on now, What’s that smell?”

Percy was frowning now. He knew for a fact he didn’t smell anymore after his very lovely bath just an hour ago. Hazel gasped scandalized while Frank joined Percy in frowning at the faun. 

“I didn’t mean that Hazel!” Don whined, “Dude’s got an empathy link with a faun!”

Before Percy could question what even an empathy was, Nico abruptly stood up. “Dakota! Don! Let’s go so Hazel and Frank can orient Percy, yeah? We can discuss war game strategies.”

“Strategies on how to lose?” Dakota grumbled but did get up while stumbling away.

“What was that about?” Percy asked a little desperately, only to watch Dakota slam into another table. “And is Dakota alright?”

“You eat, we’ll explain.” Hazel suggested a little quickly. “Alright?”

Percy obliged if only to get at least some answers. What he got instead was more questions after Hazel referred to something as “back in her day” and confirmations about the missing golden eagle. And a swell of protectiveness for these two when he found out they were the outsiders even with the outsiders. He hoped they got the chance to knock some sense into some of the assholes around him.

He also tried really hard to not let on how the “prophecy of seven” filled him with dread, and certainty. It also gave him a headache. Like a lot of things he did, currently, but still a headache. There was something specifically about that prophecy that set him on edge. Percy was not looking forward to finding out why that was.

“... Our reputation has only gotten worse again since Jason disappeared.” Frank finished off their explanation.

Percy hummed. “I don’t know for sure, but I get the feeling this isn’t my first time being the underdog.”

A horn blew in the distance and a cheer rose from the crowd of bodies as everyone scrambled out of their seats. Adrenaline started to pump through Percy’s veins.

“So we’re the attacking team? Is that good?” Percy asked, looking between Hazel and Frank.

Hazel shrugged. “Good news: we get the elephant. Bad news—”

“The fifth cohort always loses.” Percy guessed slightly amused.

Frank laughed. “You’ll fit right in! Now let’s go get my thirteenth defeat in a row!”

~~~

Percy was a little impressed with the fortress that was out in front of them. He could admit that to himself. Not that the other team would ever hear those words out of his mouth.

“They did good today.” Hazel noted on the other side of Frank. “That’s bad for us.”

Percy leaned around Frank to look at Hazel in shock. “They built that today? ”

Hazel grinned. “We’re trained to build. If we had to, we could break down and move the entire camp somewhere else in about four days.”

Percy shuddered at the thought of doing that. “Let’s not. What’s the objective?”

“The First and Second cohorts have hidden and are protecting a flag somewhere in there.” Frank explained, “Our job is to try and get it, without, you know, dying.”

“Like capture-the-flag.” Percy echoed Nico’s words from earlier, a grin spreading across his face. “I’m pretty sure I like capture-the-flag.”

“Unfortunately it’s not that simple.” Hazel groaned, “It’s supposed to encourage teamwork but…”

Frank finished her thought. “Three and Four are supposed to help us lay siege, but whoever gets the flag get’s the honor. So it becomes more of a demented game like beat up the fifth. Which really just lets us know who will stab us in the back.”

Percy scowled at the thought. “Lovely.”

“Isn’t it?” Frank smiled a twinge sarcastic before looking over Percy’s armour. “Wow, you must’ve played war games before. You did all your armour correctly.”

Percy was pretty sure he hadn’t played before but whatever. Absently he pulled out his pen and uncapped it to reveal his sword. Frank and Hazel eyed it like it was strange. “Uh, are we allowed real weapons?”

“Yes, we’ve just never seen a sword like that before.” Frank explained sharing a glance with Hazel.

“Oh fun, more attention.” Percy grumbled. Looking around the field once more only to find Nico in a tower looking a little gleeful at the prospect of the games. Based on the looks people were sending the kid that was extremely out of character for him. Which led Percy to believe it had to do with him being there somehow.

“Fifth!” Dakota suddenly yelled, “We’ve got the plan!”

Percy turned his attention forward where Dakota was standing next to another girl. 

“That’s Gwen, our other Centurion.” Hazel whispered to him.

Percy gave her a smile in thanks, mostly tuning out the instructions. Being sent to soften defenses, blah blah blah. Hazel, Frank, Percy do whatever, don't die. Lovely instructions really. Not that Percy could exactly blame them. The three of them were the newest, but still wasn’t this supposed to be a team building activity?

“Do whatever?” Yet he still questioned the other two.

“Yeah,” Hazel sighed. “Big vote of confidence.”

Something else wiggled its way into Percy’s head. “And the Mural Crown? What’s that?”

This time Frank answered. “It’s a military medal. Supposed to be a big honor for being the first to breach enemy walls. You’ll notice no one in the fifth is wearing one because we’re usually too busy burning or drowning or …” for a moment he trailed off looking from Percy to the fort to Percy again. “Water cannons.”

“What?” Percy was completely bewildered. 

“The cannons on the walls!” Frank was getting excited looking rapidly between the fort and Percy who was growing increasingly confused. “They pull water from the aqueducts through some system I don’t understand. They’re under a lot of pressure and if you could control them…”

“Frank! That’s brilliant!” Hazel cheered.

Percy was starting to get an idea of what Frank wanted him to do. “I don’t know how I did that at the river. Hell, I don’t know if I could even do that from here.”

Even as he said that Percy was suddenly very aware of the water canons atop the fortress walls primed to blast people away. Luckily Frank was undeterred. “Then we’ll get you closer. We’d just have to do it without being seen. Hazel, do you think you could do it?”

Hazel pursed her lips looking displeased. “Maybe.”

“What?” Percy was trying to pay attention, but Frank was right, those cannons were under a lot of pressure and it was a little distracting. “They’d spot us approaching, so unless Hazel can suddenly turn us invisible I don’t know how’d we’d get close enough.”

“I have a way to find tunnels because of my father.” Hazel grit out, “Which was supposed to be a secret.”

Frank winced but fixed a spectacular set of puppy dog eyes on Hazel who sighed but closed her eyes willingly. She even smiled a bit so Percy figured she wasn’t actually all that upset with Percy knowing about it. He figured it was how she slowed down the gorgons earlier.

“I’ve found one that’ll get us close enough.” Hazel announced after a moment.

“Alright, but even with us getting close enough, and me knocking out the cannons, what about after that?” Percy asked, looking at Frank.

Frank glanced down at his quiver of arrows before slinging it onto his back. “I’ve got it. Let’s go.”

Percy quickly followed them into the tunnel where they trooped through the dark with only Hazel and the glow of Percy’s sword to guide them. Immediately after dropping into the underground tunnel Percy got twitchy for some reason. And surprise, surprise, his old friend missing memory induced headache. For whatever reason he and underground tunnels apparently didn’t agree.

It took a couple minutes but soon they slowed down. “We’re almost there. We’ll be a couple yards from the outer wall.”

Hazel seemed nervous for some reason in Percy's unprofessional opinion.

“Can we not go under it?” Frank asked innocently.

“They’ve built the foundation down to the bedrock. This is as far as we’ll be able to go.” Hazel reaffirmed.

Before Percy could add anything Frank stumbled over something. All three of them froze at the sight of a hunk of something silver in the middle of the path. 

Frank leaned down to pick it up. “How’d a hunk of silver—”

“Don't touch it!” Hazel yelped, “It’ll go away on its own.”

“But-”

“ Please , just don’t touch it.” Hazel begged.

Percy shared a concerned glance with Frank, but sure enough not thirty seconds later the hunk of metal sunk back into the dirt like it was never there.

“How’d you know?” Frank asked Hazel wide-eyed.

Hazel was looking anywhere but at the two of them. “I’ll explain later.”

An explosion rocked their tunnel, reminding them they were in the middle of war games. A moment later they were popping out of the dirt nearly right in front of the fortress walls. Percy quickly surveyed their surroundings; scowling when he saw their supposed teammates laughing at the fifth cohort fighting toward the fortress in some sort of formation. Assholes. Then he glanced up toward the water canons just was one was shot with a loud  THRUM . 

Percy whistled. “That’s a lot of pressure alright.”

Frank growled next to him, having spotted how their cohort was being treated. “Let’s shake things up shall we?”

He drew a funny looking arrow. “A grappling arrow?”

“It’s called a Hydra arrow.” Frank glanced at him. “Are you ready to take out the cannons?”

Right, he had a job to do. Percy closed his eyes, mostly tuning everything out, he focused on the nearest water cannons while searching for that tug in his gut from earlier. One breath, then another, finally he gave a violent mental pull on the pressurized water. Above them the water cannons spectacularly exploded in a shower of water. Kids were toppled over the edge where they were saved by circling eagles. There was lots of surprised screaming.

Percy gave Frank and Hazel a grin and dramatic bow. “After you.” 

Frank made the impressive shot with ease. The arrow anchored onto anything and everything above them while leaving behind a rope blessedly with hand holds.

“Go!” Frank instructed.

Percy raised a brow at his new friend. “I believe, I said, after you. This is your party.”

Luckily Frank listened to him. Percy followed after Hazel cackling at the chaos they were creating. Down below them everything had stopped. At least until Frank called for their cohort to attack. Then there was a rising cheer from the ranks. Percy’s blood was singing. Did he enjoy it a little too much when he popped over the wall after Hazel only to see shocked faces at their three person army? Perhaps. But he was having the time of his life. Especially since he was immune to the waterlogged shoes of everyone else.

Beyond the walls down on the field suddenly the third and fourth cohorts called out their own battle cry. Percy paused only long enough to give them a look of distaste.

“A little late.” Hazel grumbled next to him.

“We can’t let them get the banners.” Frank said.

Percy rolled his shoulders. “No, we can’t. They’re ours.”

Together the three of them moved through the fortress like a hurricane. With each shocked face Percy took down brought him more joy. Especially when he effortlessly disarmed people left and rant like they just didn’t know how to fight him. When he heard Octavian, the rat, giving shrill orders he didn’t even think before vaulting over shields after the guy. Ruthlessly he slammed the pommel of his sword into the annoying blonds helmet. He went down in blessed silence.

“Let’s go slowpokes!” Hazel shouted suddenly. Percy couldn’t help the joyful laugh that bubbled out of his throat at the sight of Hazel atop Hannibal with her own happy grin.

Together they charged through the rest of the base to where the flag was being kept. There the guards were playing some sort of game (hello twinge in the head) and their faces were even more shocked than anyone else had been up until that point. Together he and Frank disarmed their scrambling enemies. After they were all flattened they scooped up the flags and climbed onto Hannibal’s back with Hazel.

By the time the other cohorts were there they were leaving in their victory. Grins bright as the fifth formed ranks around them. They swept through back outside the fortress passing mystified enemies and supposed teammates along the way. 

When they burst outside they were met with cheers. Standing by Reyna Nico was looking very smug, like the kid had expected this outcome. Slowly everyone filtered out onto the field. Percy felt like nothing could bring him down as he slid off the elephant.

Of course as soon as that thought popped into his head a chill went down Percy’s spine.

“ HELP! ” Someone screamed. Percy whipped around with everyone only to stare in horror at the sight of Gwen on a stretch with a pilum through her. Specifically, Percy noted, she had been stabbed through the back. Something ugly and bitter rose in Percy’s throat at the sight of the blood, the panicked medics, everything really. His head throbbing painfully. 

Percy watched the medics slump in defeat before looking toward Reyna with a simple shake of their head. Everything went into the background as Percy critically looked everything over. The angle of the attack. The fact he remembered seeing a flash of Gwen after the banners had been grabbed. People missing weapons. Percy’s eyes landed on Octavian who didn’t even look concerned, and was missing his weapon.

Percy’s head throbbed especially painfully for a moment. Beside him Frank made a noise. Before either of them could lunge at the Augur Gwen gasped suddenly.

Every head whipped around to the girl who had just been dead. Against all odds color was returning to her cheeks.

“Wh—what is it?” Gwen gasped out. “What is everyone staring at?”

No one responded. And she didn’t seem to realise she was currently shishkebabed. 

Gwen tried to sit up but was unable to move. “There was a man and a river? I think he said something about a coin. And when I turned around there was an open door so I just walked out. I don’t understand! What happened?”

Frank moved and Percy followed just behind keeping a careful eye on Octavian out of the corner of his eye. Frank kneeled down next to the Centurion.

“Gwen. Don't move alright?” Frank had his hands out in a calming gesture. “Could you close your eyes for a second?”

“Why? What—”

“Just trust me.” Luckily Gwen listened and closed her eyes.

When Frank leaned forward to grab the Pilum he paused to glance at Percy. “Hazel, Percy help me.”

Percy glanced to the side only a little surprised to see Hazel had followed him. 

However before they could, one of the medics tried to stop them. “Don’t!” he said, “You might—”

Percy fixed the guy with a glare in time with his friends. 

“What? We’ll make it worse?” Hazel asked viscously.

“Hold her steady.” Frank commanded. Percy was quick to hold Gwen’s shoulders while Hazel took her hips. “One, two, three!”

Percy watched in morbid fascination as Gwen didn’t even twitch with the removal of the spear. The wound quickly started sealing itself shut leaving behind only drying blood and a hole through her armour. Percy didn’t think she would appreciate seeing so much of her own dried blood so he focused on the leftover water from the water cannons. He willed it to come wash away the blood taking care to not get any in the steadily closing wound.

“I feel fine.” Gwen was protesting when he stopped concentrating. “Why is everyone freaking out?”

Percy grimaced but helped Frank get her to her feet. 

“Gwen, there’s no easy way to say this.” Hazel started to explain, “But, well, you were—you were dead. You somehow came back.”

“I…What?” Poor Gwen looked helplessly lost. “How?”

“Good question.” Reyna finally stepped forward with a troubled look firmly on her face. “Is this some power of Pluto?”

Nico shook his head. “Pluto doesn’t allow people to return from the dead.”

For now Percy pretended to not notice the look he sent Hazel, who was paling more and more by the minute.

Before anyone else could say anything a thunderous voice grated across the battlefield. “ Death loses its hold. ”

Around him people drew weapons looking around wildly.

And Percy could only feel irritation and anger welling up within him. “I know that voice.”

In front of them a column of fire erupted. From which a ten foot being in some sort of military uniform stepped out tall and imposing. Percy developed an irritated twitch in his eyes. Frank however took four steps forward before seeking to his knee in a bow. Everyone around him followed. Except Percy.

“Kneeling is good.” Ares grinned. “It’s been a long time since I visited Camp Jupiter.”

“You’re Ares.” Percy barely kept from spitting the name. “What do you want?”

Around him there were scandalized gasps. Like no one could believe he would talk to a god in such a manner. Percy gripped his sword tighter as some more vague memories were ripped to the surface.

Ares grinned at him. “You’ve got spunk demigod. But Ares is my Greek form. I am Mars. Patron of the empire divi—”

“I don’t care.” Percy dead panned and squinted at the god. “We’ve met before. We had… had a fight.”

There were more gasps around him. Percy kept glaring at the god. Ares-Mars started glaring right back. “If we had fought, demigod, you would not be standing. Now kneel as befitting a child of Rome.”

For a moment Percy wasn’t there; he was suddenly in the ocean leaping over the god in front of him, but not quite. He was ducking under a swing and plunging his sword into the god’s ankle. There were other people there. Was it Annabeth… and… and—

“Percy.” Frank whispered desperately next to him, “Please just listen.”

Percy looked at Frank for a long moment then back at Mars who looked ready to smite him with his godly gun or whatever it was. For Frank he slowly kneeled. When the god looked away Percy flipped him off.

“Romans! Lend me your ears.” The god’s smile made Percy want to nail him in the teeth. “I’ve come with a message from Olympus. Jupiter doesn’t like us directly communicating with mortals, especially recently, but I’ve been permitted a few minutes!”

Percy grit his teeth. Gods Mars was annoying.

“This one should be dead.” Mars gestured to Gwen. “The monsters you fight no longer return to Tartarus when slain. Some who died long ago walk the earth again.”

For some reason Mars glared at Nico after that line.

“Thanatos is chained.” Mars swept his eyes over the crowd watching their reactions. “The Doors of Death have been opened, no longer policed impartially. Gaea is bringing forth our enemies from times past. Her sons, the giants, are gathering their armies. Armies you won't be able to kill with Death in chains. You must find Thanatos and free him. Only he can reverse the tides.”

Percy got a feeling he was going to be part of the direct effort to free the god of Death. Much to his instinctual resignation. Bullshit like this must be his daily life.

“Oh you can get up now.” Mars said as an afterthought. “Any questions?”

Percy was mostly zoned out until he heard Mars ask Octavian about no one ever dying. “You’re a war god. Don’t you want endless carnage?”

Mars focused on him once more. His goggles burned brighter. “Perhaps I have fought you before. You’re very insolent, I could see why I’d want to kill you. I am the god of Rome, child. The god of military use for righteous cause. I protect the legions. I’ll happily crush enemies under my foot, but battle without reason would be war without end. Which is not what I want.

You will discover this. You will serve me.”

Just the thought of serving that guy made Percy want to gag. “Not likely.”

“I order a quest!” Mars announced. “You will go north, to the land beyond the gods, and free Thanatos. Beware Gaea! Annd Beware her son, the eldest giant!”

Hazel squeaked. “The land beyond the gods?”

Percy barely stopped himself from stepping in front of the girl when Mars focused on her intensely. “That’s right Hazel Levesque, you know all about that don’t you? Everyone here remembers that’s where the legion lost its honor! Perhaps if this quest is successful you will retrieve it. But be warned, if you do not return by the Feat of Fortuna there may be no camp to return to, except ruins! Rome will be overrun its legacy lost forever. So my advice is: Don’t fail.”

“Um, Lord Mars, just one tiny thing.” Octavian spoke to the dirt with how low he was bowing, “A quest requires a prophecy, a mystical poem to guide us! We used to get them from the Sybaline Books, but now it is up to the augur to glimpse the will of the gods. So if I might go grab a stuffled animal and possibly my knife—”

“You’re the augur?” The god questioned. Percy was almost thankful to Mars for cutting him off.

“Y-yes my Lord.” Octavian looked a little nervous.

Mars pulled a scroll from his belt then looked around. “Anyone got a pen?”

Percy in fact had a pen. Not that he’d give it to the god even if it could write. Thought he was tempted to pull it out just to not hand it over.

Mars sighed, “Two hundred Romans, and no one’s got a pen? Never mind!”

He pulled out a grenade that shifted into a pen. Huh weird. Next to him Frank glanced at him wide eyed.

Does your sword have a grenade form? Frank mouthed to him while the god furiously wrote something.

Percy scowled. No. Shut up.

“There.” Mars threw the scroll at Octavian. “A prophecy for the quest.”

Octavian read it. “This says: Go to Alaska. Find Thanatos and free him. Return by June twenty-fourth or die.”

“Yes,” Mars said. “Is it not clear?”

“Well, my Lord… Prophecies are usually unclear. ” Octavian tried to explain. “They’re wrapped in riddles, and usually rhyme and…”

Mars popped another grenade off his belt casually throwing it in the air. “Yes?”

“The prophecy is clear!” Octavian announced, “A Quest!”

The next thing Percy knew Frank was being claimed by the god in front of them, which his friend did not look pleased about, and had been appointed the leader of the quest. Then the god was focused on him again. 

“Make sure that one is on the quest too.” Mars pointed at Percy. “He needs to learn some respect for Mars or die trying.”

Well that’s just fucking great. Percy thought to himself resigned.

Chapter Text

As it turned out, being specifically pointed out to be on a quest by a god was a big deal. Percy was honestly just tired from this shit show of a day. The only highlights were: meeting Nico who it turned out he knew, his new friends, and dinner. He would've added war games but that felt a little cruel to Gwen who had been murdered at the end.  Especially with Ares-Mars declaring a quest to Alaska of all places. 

Gods he needed some sleep. Beside him Frank was kind of staring off into space like he couldn't believe what just happened.

"You know, I almost wish you had fought him again." Nico appeared next to his sister trying to look up beat.

Percy couldn't help the smug grin on his face. "I hope he still feels the pain of losing to a twelve year old."

The words slipped from his mouth before a stab of pain made itself known. Frank and Hazel were gaping at them like they were insane.

Instead of trying to placate his new friends Percy let out a wide yawn. "Gods I'm beat."

"You're not going to fight me cause Mars is my father right?" Frank suddenly blurted, looking pale.

"Why would I do that?" Percy asked bewildered. "I barely even noticed him claiming you dude. I really just want some sleep before we have to deal with more bullshit tomorrow. If you really want my opinion I think it's an asshole move to claim you only to immediately send you on a death quest."

Wow, that came out bitter for some reason.  Percy shook his head to clear his progressively fuzzier brain. "It's whatever dude, honestly. Though if I don't get shown a bed soon I will fight someone."

"He'll do it." Nico confirmed at the questioning look Hazel threw him.

"Maybe I'll lay down right here." Percy eyed the ground. Definitely wouldn't be the worst place he'd slept recently.

Blessedly right as Percy started swaying, several hands reached out to keep him steady. They stumbled their way to the barracks, not that Percy remembered much from the walk. Once they got to the building Percy was shoved into the nearest open bed much to his pleasure. In moments he was asleep.

~~~

Percy opened his eyes to a faun staring at him. Everything other than the faun was fuzzy. 

"Wha?” Percy slurred out.

The faun startled like he hadn't realized Percy was there. "Percy! Oh sweet glory! Where the hell are you?"

"Who-" 

Percy didn't get a chance to finish his question before his vision was invaded even more by the fauns face. "Percy I swear to the gods I will strangle you through our empathy link if I have to. I'm bringing your dog. Now. Where. Are. You. Or I'll tell Tyson you're being mean."

"You seem mean for a goat." Percy pointed out. "I'm in California."

The faun looked ready to tear out his own hair. "Percy I know you've got amnesia because Hera decided to, well, be Hera. But I'm Grover! Your best friend!"

Percy was about to open his mouth for a comment about how the guy wasn't making any sense. Instead flashes of memories were trying to wriggle their way into his brain. 

Yet they were being held back despite their best efforts.

"Best friend?” Percy managed to gasp but Grover and his quivering chin were already fading. Then somehow, maybe by the will of his father a single memory came through, still fuzzy. "Bessie and the coast."

Percy didn't get a chance to explain before the dream dissolved.

~~~

Percy cracked his eyes open to Frank's face peering down at him. He scowled at his friend before rolling over to hide under his blanket from the world. His dream was already becoming fuzzy though the name Grover had joined Annabeth in his looping thoughts.

"Percy they'll sew you in a sack with weasels then throw you in the Tiber if we're late." Frank warned.

He peaked out from his blanket of salvation to glare. "I'd like to see them try."

Then he noticed that around them people were buzzing with activity. Dakota seemed to be losing a battle against his bedsheet for some reason.

"Please don't tell me I have to wear my sheet. That would not end well." Percy could just imagine accidentally tripping on the edge only to eat dirt. 

Frank laughed a little awkwardly. "Only the centurions have to. We get to wear the camp shirts."

"Thank gods." Percy finally got out of bed.

After changing into a fresh set of clothes he and Frank met up with Hazel to trudge to the meeting they were required at. Which felt weird in Percy's opinion. Though Frank and Hazel tried to explain it was to decide what the legion would provide for the quest. When Percy pointed out they were on time crunch the two winced but didn't deny it.

Though the weirdest thing was probably the talking statue.  It has a superior look carved into its angry face, seemingly mad at the world. It was barking rules and criticisms left and right. 

"YOU!" Suddenly the statue was in Percy's face. "The greacus everyone's talking about! You've got a weapon on you. Which is strictly prohibited beyond the promontory line. Put it on they tray my assistant has." The statue paused then looked around wildly. "Julia! That was your cue!"

From behind the statue there came a giggle before a small girl stepped out with a tray filled with seemingly random objects and knives. Percy wondered what offense someone had done to have this statue consider nail clippers a weapon. Then he wondered if nail clippers were completely banned from the city. Maybe Frank or Hazel could tell him.

"Well? Are you going to stare like a buffoon or hand over the weapon?" The statue demanded.

Percy pulled his pen out of his pocket. "It has a habit of reappearing in my pockets, so it might not stay."

The statue watched as Percy set the pen on the tray. "We'll make sure it doesn't run off. You can collect it when you leave."

After the statue congratulated Frank on being claimed by Mars they were finally able to cross the boundary. Percy waited a minute before asking who the statue was supposed to be.

"Terminus. God and protector of boundary markers. He's a real stickler for the rules." Frank huffed. Hazel had a sour look on her face like she'd been a victim of his attitude for rules.

"I'll avoid him then." Percy decided, he really didn't not want to face a statue of all things for any infraction if ridiculous rules.

As the three of them approached the forum Percy was overwhelmed by the sheer number of people. Families walking down the street together in blissful security. Like they’d never had to look over their shoulders for monsters. Just like when Hazel had first mentioned descendants of demigods he was thrown off. The proof was right in front of his eyes and yet Percy couldn’t make himself believe it. 

He could almost imagine living here in safety. Never worrying. However the thought was wrong, out of place. His meager memories swirled in his mind contradicting the thought of a safe long life.  This wasn’t his home. Percy didn’t remember where his home was, but this wasn’t it. 

Frank was pointing things out as they walked, with Hazel’s input on occasion. They passed a mother walking hand in hand with a child, bright grins on their faces as the child told a story. Percy’s heart ached for something he couldn’t remember. 

Return by June twenty-fourth or die.

If they failed, what would be left of this peaceful city? Probably nothing. 

Percy gazed at the passing people for a long moment. Something settled in his gut. Powerful and protective. He’d rather die than let these families suffer. 

Chapter Text

The senate house was near unbearably full between the people and all the ghosts. No wonder there were assassination attempts at these meetings. Perhaps people got so bored they lost it and stabbed the nearest person in the back. Percy hadn’t even sat down yet and he’d like to leave. The whispers and stares were getting on his nerves.

Luckily or unluckily Hazel and Frank were quick to guide him to the proper place on the left side of a semicircle of chairs.  Nico was in a pure black toga with his eyes pinned on Octavian who was waving around a lion Beanie Baby and a knife as he talked to a senator about something. Percy didn’t envy the boy for having to sit so near to the augur. 

Renya approached the podium in the middle looking highly stressed. “Right, this is an emergency meeting, so we will have to forgo our formalities for today.”

“I love formalities!” A voice shouted. When Percy glanced to the origin he only saw a grumpy ghost.

“First of all,” Reyna barreled onward despite the interruption, “we are not here to vote on the quest itself seeing as Mars has demanded it happens. We can not ignore him. We are, however, debating Frank Zhang’s choice of companions.”

Immediately protests started to ring out about the three of them. From being in the fifth cohort, to seniority, to the quest itself. Though Percy sent a totally innocent grin to Larry who Dakota gleefully called out. The guy paled when their eyes met while Reyna calmed everyone down.

“We must obey the wishes of Mars Ultor.” Reyna was glaring at a new ghost, “That means certain… adjustments must be made.”

With a sharp clap from the predator Octavian stepped forward with the knife and Beanie Baby poised. “Frank Zhang, come forward.”

Frank glanced nervously toward Percy. Like he’d manage to stop whatever was happening. Which, with enough effort he probably could,  but he didn’t like the idea of someone trying to sew him into a bag of weasels for his efforts. When all Percy offered was a reassuring squeeze to the arm Frank nervously got to his feet to approach Octavian.

“It is my… pleasure,” Percy highly doubted that, “to bestow you with the Mural Crown for being first over the walls in siege warfare.” Frank was handed a bronze badge that looked like a laurel wreath. “Also, by order of Praetor Reyna, to promote you to rank of centurion.”

Even as Frank was being handed another badge, this one crescent chapped, protests roared through the Senate. It was near overwhelming to Percy who wasn’t even the focus of the protests. Frank for his part looked ready for the ground to swallow him whole.

“Silence!” Octavian yelled over the crowd. “Our praetor recognises that no one below the rank of centurion may lead a quest. For good or for ill… she deemed that Frank Zhang be promoted so that he may lead this quest… properly.”

Percy’s focus was wholly on the augur. The guy certainly had a way with his words. Just a couple sentences and all blame was pointing toward Reyna if the quest went sideways. Octavian was watering seeds of doubt with his words. As if Mars and Juno’s warnings weren’t the cause of the quest in the first place. He was painting himself loyal despite actively undermining Reyna’s authority.

Now Percy loved to undermine authority, at least he was pretty sure he did, but there was something about Octavian that was setting him absolutely on edge.

Reyna was at least aware of the augur’s plot by the way she stepped forward stone faced. “We have an opening for centurion.” She gestured toward Gwen. “One of our officers has decided to retire after her ten years in the legion. Gwen of the fifth Cohort, we thank you for your service.”

Percy’s eyes flicked to Gwen who looked tired from the whole ordeal last night, but relieved. He couldn’t blame her, though, Percy couldn’t imagine having to move on like nothing was wrong after being skewered by a pilum. College sounded pretty good after that. Death by reading versus death by betrayal. Go figure.

“As praetor,” Reyna continued, “I have the right to replace officers. I admit going from probatio to centurion is… unusual, but yesterday was a very unusual day. Mars himself has ordered Frank lead this quest and we cannot ignore that.”

People in the room were still grumbling, but had settled slightly. Seemingly satisfied with that Reyna turned to Frank focusing on him completely. “Frank Zhang, your ID, please.”

Frank removed the lead tablet from around his neck then Handed it to Octavian.

“Your arm,” Octavian said.

Frank held up his forearm. Octavian raised his hands to the heavens. “We accept Frank Zhang, Son of Mars, to the Twelfth Legion Fulminata for his first year of service. Do you pledge your life to the senate and people of Rome?”

Frank muttered something before clearing his throat, face flamed red in embarrassment. “I do.”

Octavian gave the rest of the senate a look at Franks stumble, but they gave a shout, “ Senatus Populusque Romanus! ”

Fire blazed on Frank’s arm. The moment that it appeared the red in Frank’s cheeks immediately fled in favor of being replaced by pale horror. When the smoke and flame cleared there were marks seared into Frank’s skin” SPQR with an image of crossed spears and a single stripe. Percy was ready to join Frank in the horror. Why in Hades would people brand themselves. Subconsciously Percy’s hand went to the necklace of beads he’d been wearing since he’d woken up. 

“You may sit down.” Octavian’s voice broke Percy out of his slight horror. To track Frank back to his seat. Reyna had started to speak again, but Percy could only watch his friend.

When Frank was back in his seat Percy focused on the brand. “Did it hurt?”

Frank’s forearm was still steaming. “ Yea, a lot.”

Percy finally looked away from Frank’s arm to instead focus on his face. His friend was looking mystified at the badges in his hand, like he couldn’t believe what had happened.

“Here, let me.” Hazel whispered, gently taking the badges to pin to Frank’s shirt.

Percy pushed away the horror to give Frank a smile. “You deserve it man.” he said. “What you did last night? Natural leadership right there.”

Frank still looked unsure, and a little sick, but managed a smile in return.

“Centurion Zhang. ” Octavian’s voice burst their little bubble. “Did you hear the question?”

Percy’s hand twitched toward his pocket where his pen usually was at. Luckily he did not have a sword to go after the augur with.

Unfortunately the three of them had not heard the question.

Octavian gave the senate another look before focusing on Frank. “I was aking,” Octavian said slowly, “if you have a plan for this quest. Do you even know where you’re going?”

Before Frank could be swallowed by embarrassment Hazel put her hand on Frank’s shoulder as she stood. Hazel stared down the augur somehow despite being shorter than him. “Weren’t you listening last night? We’re going to the land beyond the gods—Alaska.” 

The whole senate seemed to be hold its breath at the mention of Alaska. Like just mentioning the place would bring them an untimely demise. 

The silence was broken by the senator Dakota had roasted, Larry or something. “I know what Mars said, but it’s crazy. Alaska is cursed, they call it the land beyond the gods for a reason! Monsters are swarming all over the place. No demigod has come back from there alive since—”

“Since you lost your eagle.” Percy broke in.

Larry was so startled he fell backwards.

Percy pretended not to notice while he stood up. “Look, I know I’m new and you guys don’t like mentioning the massacre that lost your eagle,” Percy ignored the mutters and glares shot at him for mentioning said massacre, “but don’t you get it? The Fifth Cohort led that expedition trying to fulfill a prophecy too soon. With the three of us going we have a chance to reclaim the eagle and free death so our enemies can’t keep coming back.”

Everyone was staring at him with varied expression of shock, so Percy barreled onward. “Mars is sending us for a reason. This giant, the son of Gaea, he’s the one responsible for the defeat thirty years ago. Now with Thanatos chained, and all your old equipment he must be feeling very confident. He’s mustering armies to send them here to attack the camp.”

“Really?” Octavian said leaning forward, “You seem to know a lot about our enemy’s plans, Percy Jackson.”

Percy paused, to stare at Octavian blank-faced. His head was suddenly pounding like the insinuation that he was a spy for someone threatening a bunch of innocent people, was foreign. Unimaginable. The mere thought had Percy wanting to throttle the guy. Coming from the guy who the night before had, likely, literally stabbed someone in the back it was laughable. 

The tension was growing as Percy continued to stare the guy down. Octavian wanted a reaction. 

He refused to let this manipulative asshole get to him.

Taking a breath Percy dismissed Octavian to turn his attention to the rest of the room. “ We’re going to confront this son of Gaea, we’ll bring back the eagle, and we’ll free Thanatos.”

“Letus, in Roman, but when it comes to Death we’re happy to let him stay Greek.” Hazel added on.

Octavian sighed in exasperation. “ Whatever you call him, how do you plan to do all that and make it back for the Feast of Fortuna? That’s the evening of the twenty-fourth. It’s the twentieth now. Do you know where to look? Do you even know who this son of Gaea is?”

Percy was sorely tempted to point out they weren’t the ones dragging out the meeting. In fact, he was pretty sure the three of them would have high tailed it away for their quest if they had had the chance.

“Yes.” Hazel spoke up so forcefully Percy near startled. “I don’t know where exactly to look, but I know who we will face. His name is Alcyoneus.”

Her proclamation seemed to lower the temperature in the room below freezing.

Reyna gripped her podium. “How do you know this Hazel? Is it because you’re a child of Pluto?”

Nico stood suddenly, several people jumped seemingly forgetting he had been there.

“Praetor, if I may,” he said, “Hazel and I, we learned about the giants from our father. Each giant was specifically bred to face one of the twelve Olympians. To usurp the god’s domain. Porphyrion was the kind of the giants meant to be the anti-Jupiter. The eldest giant is Alcyoneus. He was born to oppose Pluto. That’s why we know of him specifically.”

“Indeed? You sound quite familiar with him.” Reyna was frowning at Nico.

Nico picked at the edge of his toga while subtly avoiding eye contact with the Praetor. “Anyway… the giants were hard to kill. According to prophecy, they could only be defeated by gods and demigods working together.”

Well they were royally fucked then. Percy didn’t have much faith in the gods helping. His pounding head of amnesia was a testament to that.

“It has happened before,” Nico said looking at Dakota for some reason, “In the first giant war, the gods called on heroes to join them, and they were victorious. Whether it could happen again, I don’t know. But Alcyoneus… he was different. He was completely immortal, impossible to kill by god or demigod, as long as he remained in the place he was born.”

Nico paused looking around the room, when he spoke next he was looking at Hazel. “And if Alcyoneus has been reborn in Alaska—”

“Then he can’t be defeated there,” Hazel finished. “Ever. By any means. Which is why our nineteen-eighties expedition was doomed to fail.”

Yelling was breaking out once more. People were shouting that the quest was impossible then. Proclamations of doom as the information sunk in. Percy wasn’t feeling particularly confident in their possible success either. It seemed impossible. Life wasn’t particularly fair in that way. 

While Percy puzzled, Reyna started asking Nico clarifying questions on how Thanatos being chained would affect Death.

“Thanatos catches the escaped souls,” Percy summed up, “and deports them back to the underworld.”

“Exactly,” Nico said, “But now Thanatos has been capture, chained up.”

Frank raised his hand. “Uh, how do you chain Death?”

“It’s been done before,” Nico said. “In the old days, a guy named Sisyphus tricked Death then tied him up. Hercules wrestled him to the ground another time.”

“And now a giant has captured him,” Percy said. “So if we free Thanatos the dead should stay dead.” He glanced at Gwen and winced. “Uh… no offense.”

The look on Nico’s face made a stone of dread sink in Percy’s gut. “It’s more complicated than that.

Well shit wasn’t the world in enough shit already?

Octavian rolled his eyes. “Why does that not surprise me?”

“You mean the Doors of Death,” Reyna said, ignoring Octavian. “They’re mentioned in the Prophecy of Seven, which was the reason for the first expedition to Alaska—”

Several ghost immediately started grumbling again.

Nico put his finger to his lips. Suddenly all the ghosts went silent. A few looked alarmed as they tried opening their mouths to continue to speak. Percy could see how a power like that would be useful. Even more so, if it could work on living people. He eyed Octavian in consideration.

Satisfied with the ghosts being silenced Nico continued. “Thanatos is only part of the solution. The Doors of Death are a concept that even I don’t understand. There are many ways into the Underworld—” Percy was hit with the memory of standing with Nico in a park, a large dog nearby, he couldn’t completely make it out before his head seared with pain again. “— Thanatos imprisoned all those exits will be easier to use. Sometimes that will let out a friendly soul, but more often than not the evil soul will be the ones more willing to sneak out. Even control other exits. Now, the Doors of Death only Thanatos is supposed to know the location of them. The location is supposed to shift, but from what I understand Gaea has found a way to force them open. Her minions have seized control of them—”

“Which means Gaea controls who can come back.” Percy guessed, his head still throbbing.

Nico nodded. “She picks every monster and soul that comes through. The worst of the worst. Enemies that haven't been seen in years or even ones that we shouldn’t see again for millennia.”

The pain spiked in Percy’s head. Images of monsters cutting down people who felt familiar but Percy couldn’t place. Bloody gruesome deaths. A crumbling bridge. A throne room and gold eyes in a familiar-unfamiliar face. 

He barely held in a reaction to the pain and the swirling feelings the images evoked.

Nico was still talking, explaining how even with freeing Thanatos souls would still be let out by Gaea, even if they were delayed. 

“So we can catch them, express ship them back to the underworld,” Percy mused aloud, skull pounding, “but they’ll just keep coming back like roaches.”

“In a depressing nutshell, yes.” Nico Said.

“Fan-fucking-tastic.” Percy sat back down. The room was slightly spinning from his headache.

Frank scratched his head in thought. “If we’re able to free Thanatos, wouldn’t he be able to close the doors again? He would know where they are.”

Percy wanted the bureaucracy talk to end. It really wasn't helping his head or his mood. 

“I don’t think so,” Nico started to pace slightly. “Alone he’d risk being captured again. He’s no match for Gaea. It would take a massive quest… an army of the best demigods.”

“Foes bear arms to the Doors of Death, ” Reyna quoted, “That’s the prophecy of Seven…” Her eyes met Percy’s. He could briefly see the genuine fear for a moment before it was gone. Reyna did a good job of hiding it but Percy knew she was terrified. Hell he’d probably be terrified when he had time to process without a pounding headache. “If this is the beginning of the ancient prophecy… I can’t even imagine how we’ll be able to handle it. We don’t have the manpower—”

Percy took a deep breath before standing again. “First things first, Frank, Hazel, and I have a quest to Alaska to finish.” He could practically taste the panic rising in the room. “I don't know who the seven are, or what the prophecy means, exactly. We need to focus on getting Thanatos free first and foremost. The rest can be dealt with when we get back.”

“Yeah,” Frank agreed with a small voice. “One thing at a time.”

“So you do have a plan?” Octavian asked skeptically.

Percy exercised his self control to look at his teammates instead of lunging at the idiot. “Get to Alaska as fast as possible.”

“And we improvise.” Hazel continued.

“A lot.” Frank finished.

Reyna studied them for a moment. Her face was nearly looking pinched as if she didn’t expect this to end well.

“Very well,” she said after a moment, “Nothing remains except for us to vote what support we can give on the quest.”

Was it too much to ask for the cursed meeting to end? Percy’s head was not doing him any favors. If he had to listen to Octavian anymore he might actually lose it.

“Praetor, if I may.” Octavian said.

Percy closed his eyes to pray to his father for patience. 

“The camp is in grave danger.” Octavian said. “Two of the three gods that have visited us warned of an attack in the coming days. We cannot spread our resources too thin by spending them on a quest that has little chance of success.”

The guy must like the sound of his own voice. That was the only reason Percy could see someone saying something in so many words. 

“Mars has chosen them, but they should either succeed or fail on their own merits. Afterall, we have to protect the camp with what we do have seeing as we do not have the weapons to spare.”

The tension immediately returned to the room. By some form of blessed grace Frank jumped in before Percy completely lost it. “Fine! No problem. But at least give us transportation. Gaea is the earth goddess, so we should avoid land travel. Not to mention it’ll take too long.”

Octavian had the audacity to laugh. “What? Do you want us to charter a plane?”

The mere thought of flying on a plane made Percy sick. “Are you stupid?”

It slipped out before Percy could stop it. There were several gasps while Octavian did an impressive impression of a gaping fish. “You would suggest putting a son of Neptune and a daughter of Pluto on a plane ? Are you trying to get us killed?”

Octavian spluttered. “Well what other travel is there?”

“Gee, I don’t know, a boat?” Percy said. Next to him Hazel made a distressed noise but when he looked at her she waved him off. 

“A boat!” Octavian turned to the senators. “The son of Neptune wants a boat to travel! Sea travel has never been the Roman way. But then again he isn’t very Roman.”

“Octavian.” Reyna said sternly, “A boat is not much of an ask. Besides, providing no support on a quest—”

Reyna didn’t get to finish before Octavian was interjecting. “Traditional! It is very traditional. Let’s see if these questers have what it takes to survive, like true Romans!”

Percy was starting to doubt Octavian would be missed if he strangled him. 

Mutters filled the room as the Senate looked back and forth between Ocatvian and Renya. 

Reyna straightened in her chair. “Very well, we’ll put it to a vote. Senate the motion is as follows:  The quest shall go to Alaska, the senate shall provide full access of the Roman Navy docked at Alameda. No other aid will be forthcoming. The three will survive or fail on their own merits. All in favor?”

Every hand went up.

“The motion is passed.” Reyna announced before turning to Frank. “Centurion, your party is excused. The senate has other matters to discuss. And, Octavian, if I may confer with you for a moment.”

Percy nearly ran from the building out into the sunlight and the fresh air. Blessedly his pounding head finally abated some. Free of the expectant stares. Free of annoying augurs.

Hazel scooped what looked like a large emerald off the path then put it in her pocket. “So, we’re screwed.”

Frank groaned. “If either of you want to back out, I’d understand.”

“Are you kidding?” Hazel asked “And pull sentry duty for the rest of the week?”

Frank smiled at her before turning to Percy. He thought about his Hazy dream and the demands of staying where he’s at. The hills in the distance, the very ground underneath them that Gaea could probably watch them through.

Percy had people waiting for him. He may not remember them, not right now, but seeing Nico and getting some memories back told him his people were not so easily forgotten. Even by the powers of a goddess. 

I know you’ll always do your best to come home, Percy .

For some reason, as the glimpse of a memory, a woman’s voice filled his head, Percy suddenly felt like crying. He held it in to focus on Frank and Hazel.

“We may be fucked over, but I feel like I’ve beat a worse deadline before. We’ll be fine.” Percy told them. “So I’m with you. Besides I want to see how a Roman Navy holds up.”

They were halfway across the forum when an unwelcome, irritating voice called, “Jackson!” Already regretting it Percy turned to see Octavian jogging toward them.

“What do you want?” Percy asked.

Octavian smiled, “Already decided I’m your enemy? That’s a rash choice, Percy. I’m a loyal Roman after all.”

Frank snarled, “You backstabbing, slimlyass—” Percy helped Hazel hold Frank back while really wishing he didn’t have to.

“Oh dear,” Octavian said. “Not the right behavior for a centurion wouldn’t you think? Jackson, I only followed you to tell you Reyna sent a message. She would like for you to report to the principia without your two lackeys, here. Reyna will meet you after the senate adjourns. She’d like a private word with you before your quest.”

“What about?” Percy asked.

“I’m sure I don’t know.” Octavian smiled wickedly. “The last person she had a private talk with was Jason Grace. And that was the last time I ever saw him.”

Percy rocked on his feet while his fingers drummed on his thigh. Octavian was trying to get him to doubt Reyna. “Hmm, I’m sure. Oh, and by the way?” Percy added getting ready to walk away, “You have a funny way of showing loyalty.”

The smile fell off Octavian’s face. Percy just gave him a sharp grin before dragging his two friends away.

Chapter Text

The Prinicipa was empty when Percy arrived. For a moment he stood in the doorway half expecting something to descend from the shadows in the room. Instead, his eyes locked onto the bowl of jelly beans. After, another quick glance around the room Percy fully entered ready to root through the bowl of candy for all the blue ones. He really hoped the Senate meeting would drag on long enough he could pilfer all the blue candied-goodness. It would be really awkward to be caught sorting jelly beans. Soon he had a pile of various blue jelly beans and blue adjacent jelly beans. Satisfied with his work Percy shoved the blue jelly beans into his pockets. When doing so he was pleasantly surprised to see Riptide returned to his pocket.

His thievery done, Percy was forced to confront he was in an empty room waiting an unknown amount of time until Reyna showed up.

He stole the second praetor chair.

Percy didn’t know if he’d be forced to scrub something with a toothbrush for the slight, but couldn’t particularly bring himself to care. It’s not like he’d have time to face punishment before going on his death quest.

An unknown amount of time later, the door was slammed open by an irate Reyna, her metal dogs following close behind her. The praetor swept into the room coiled so tightly Percy was pretty sure if he said something wrong he’d be on the wrong end of a sword.

Or dagger. He mentally amended to himself when she slammed one down on the table close to the bowl of jelly beans. Out of pure self preservation, practically unheard of for him, he started to get out of his stolen chair.

“Stay seated.” Reyna snapped, “We have a lot to discuss, and you leave after lunch.”

“What’d I do wrong?” Percy wondered if it was about the jelly beans for a moment before realizing the praetor chair was probably more important than the candy. “If it’s about the chair-”

“It’s not you.” Reyna scowled, “I hate Senate meetings. With Octavian and his words…”

Percy finally mostly relaxed into the chair. “You’re a warrior. He’s a talker. In front of the Senate suddenly he is the powerful one.”

Reyna looked away from the wall she was trying to burn holes into. “You’re smarter than you look.”

“Gee, thanks.” Percy said. “I hear Octavian might get elected Praetor. Assuming camp survives that long.”

“Ah, the subject of doomsday, and how you might help prevent it.” Reyna sat up somehow straighter. “But before I place the fate of Camp Jupiter into your hands, we need to get a few things straight.”

“That’s a tall order.” Percy wisely added.

She gave him a look before placing a ring on the table. It was silver with the same design as Reyna’s tattoo.

“Do you know what this is?”

“The sign of your mom,” Percy said, only to immediately blank on the name. “She’s a war goddess.”

Bologna? Salami? Maybe he was just thinking with his stomach. Percy doubted Reyna would appreciate him thinking her mother’s name was lunch meat.

“Bellona, yes.” Reyna was very stiff. Like she was waiting for something. “You don’t remember where you saw this ring before? You really don’t remember me or my sister Hylla?”

Percy tried, he really did, but all he got for his efforts was a returning headache. “No, I’m sorry.”

“It would’ve been four years ago.”

“Just before you came to camp.” Percy realised.

Reyna frowned. “How did you-”

“You’ve got four stripes on your tattoo. Four years.”

Reyna glanced down at her forearm. “Right. It seems so long ago. Perhaps you wouldn’t recall even if you had your memory. I was just one attendant of the spa…”

Reyna was still talking, but it was like Percy was doused in ice. His headache spiked, his vision whitening out from pain, as a memory fought its way out from behind the blockade in his brain. At this point he could keep an external reaction down to squeezing the arms of the chair he was in. Through the pain he was finally able to make out the memory of being too small. Small and terrified. While surrounded by… guinea pigs? Yet he still couldn’t remember Reyna or Hylla.

“I don’t remember you nor your sister,” he managed to say when Reyna finished. “Since the resident lie detector’s of death aren’t eating me, I hope you’ll believe me.”

Aurum and Argentum snarled. Percy stayed very still. He had a feeling they were waiting for him to slip up and lie.

Reyna tapped the silver ring.

“I believe you are sincere.” Reyna said, “Not everyone does however. Octavian thinks your a spy sent by Gaea. to find our weaknesses and to distract us. He believes the old legends about the Greeks.”

“Old legends?” Percy asked faintly.

Reyna was silent for a moment, before explaining. “Some believe Greek Demigods still exist. Heroes who follow the older forms of the gods. There are legends of the battles between the two. Recent ones. If our Lares know anything they refuse to say. But Octavian believes the Greeks are still around plotting our downfall with Gaea. He thinks you are one of them.”

“Is that what you believe?” Percy asked while watching her closely.

“I believe you came from somewhere.” Reyna said. “You’re important, powerful, and dangerous. Three gods within hours of each other showed up. You called Neptune dad. Not Father. That is not the way of the Romans. So I do not believe you’re a threat to Olympus… or Rome.” She added on Rome like she wasn’t sure if that was true. “Of course, I could be wrong. Maybe you’re a test for my judgment. Or maybe… you’re to make up for the loss of Jason.”

Jason. Percy had been hearing that name a lot.

“How long has he been missing?” Percy asked a realization starting to form in his head.

Reyna scowled. “Since before the winter solstice.”

That meant, if Percy’s suspicion was true, he’d been missing that long too. Perhaps his next question might get him killed, but he had to ask. “Is it possible Jason is… wherever I was?”

“Are you suggesting Juno took him?” Reyna asked weirdly intense.

“Reyna, you said yourself I came from somewhere yet here I am.” Percy gestured around. “My dad showed up angry at Juno for taking me. Is it really impossible to think that she switched us?”

Reyna leaned back in her chair grim faced. She didn’t say anything for several minutes while staring Percy down. When he didn’t take back what he had said Reyna pushed her ring across the table.

“I can’t give you much help.” Reyna said breaking the silence. “But I have a favor to ask. Find my sister Hylla in Seattle.”

“Your sister… who hates me?” Percy clarified, because he had noted that when briefly touching on the topic earlier even through amnesia headaches.

“Oh, yes.” Reyna agreed. “She would likely be ready to gut you like a fish. However, show her that token from me and she may spare you.”

Percy grimaced at the ring waiting on the table. “Lovely.”

“I can’t speak for her.” Percy looked up at Reyna to see her frowning at the ring, “In fact I haven't heard from her in weeks… that’s why I would appreciate it if you could check up on her.”

She was still staring quite intently at the ring. “You’re hoping she might be able to send help?”

Reyna didn’t answer but there was a flash of surprise in her eyes.

“I’ll find her.” Percy promised. “Where is she at in Seattle?”

“Oh I suspect she and her allies will find you before you find them.” Reyna said though there was a hint of somberness to her voice. Percy sensing that she was at the end of her usually long rope stood from the chair. Hesitantly he scooped up the ring. After a moments deliberation he secured it on his beaded necklace next to his probito tablet. “It’ll be okay Reyna.”

Reyna’s face was unreadable as Percy headed for the door. Right as he was about to leave she spoke up. “Fight well, Percy Jackson. And thank you.”

Percy went to open the door once more only to pause once again. “How-How did we destroy your old home? The spa?”

“You destroyed the power of our old mistress. Released some prisoners who took revenge on us and the other attendants of the island.” Reyna explained. “My sister and I survived. It was difficult, but in the long run we’ve been better off.”

“I’m sorry.” Percy said. “I’m sorry if I hurt you.”

Reyna’s face was unreadable while she stared at him until she huffed in surprise. “An apology? Not very Roman at all, Percy Jackson. You’d make an interesting praetor.”

Percy gave her a tight smile before turning to the door once more. “I don’t want that kind of power.”

He left before she could say something else to him.

~~~

Percy scanned the docs for the supposed Roman Navy, but nothing really stuck out to him. Beside him Hazel and Frank were equally blind to the supposed navy they had been given permission to use.

“Did we get sent to the wrong place?” Percy asked squinting at a couple of the boats.

“I didn’t even know we had a navy.” Hazel said.

“Oh… You don’t think?” Frank said pointing at what looked like a small row boat covered in a purple tarp. Percy looked closer and sure enough S.P.Q.R. was embroidered onto the canvas. Cautiously the three approached the small boat. He almost didn’t want to uncover it to see what condition the poor boat was in as the canvas was obviously worn from the elements and uncared for.

Percy sighed before leaning over to undo the ropes to reveal a dirty water filled row boat. On the bow the name Pax was barely readable. The Pax honestly looked like it was a gentle wave away from beaking into tiny pieces.

“Gods dammit.” Percy muttered to himself as he willed the boat free of water. “We are so lucky I’m here.”

Frank stepped forward slightly to poke at the poor boat with the toe of his sneaker. “I don’t see how we’ll get anywhere in three days.”

A smile stretched across Percy’s face as he hopped into the, now clean, boat. It barely even bobbed. He turned to his friends supremely pleased with himself. “Leave that to me.”

Still visibly uncertain his friends climbed aboard. Percy noted Hazel was looking a little ashen as she climbed into the boat. Once they were settled Percy willed the boat away from the dock. His eyes pinned to the horizon even while avoiding other near by boats. He couldn’t help but think about Juno suggesting he run to the sea.

Juno was right you know. Gaea’s sleepy voice said into his head. You would have been safe in the ocean. Safe from me. But now, now you’ll be my little important sacrifice. A pawn for my grand design.

“Get off my ship.” Percy snapped.

Frank startled. “Uh, what?”

Percy huffed even as faint laughter faded from his head. “Not you guys.”

Percy focused on guiding the boat away from the shore and northward. Soon they were leaving the docks well behind them.

~~~

No matter how many times Percy attempted he couldn’t tear his eyes away from the shoreline. It had been like that since Hazel had asked about a homeless man making threatening gestures at Percy as they sailed passed. The sight of the homeless man had given Percy the memory of wrestling a seal, Bessie, and desperation. Something to do with Annabeth being missing. His pounding head refused to give him any more information. Yet here Percy was scanning the shore while hoping to catch a glimpse of anything that might trigger more memories.

In the distance a mountain loomed, causing Percy a great deal of pain as his memories tried to violently crawl free. Finally tearing his eyes away Percy turned back to Hazel and Frank who were covered in crumbs for some reason. He decided to ignore that in favor of pointing at the mountain. “That looks familiar.”

His friends’ eyes followed to where he was pointing.

“Mount Tam,” Frank said. “Kids at camp talk about it all the time. It was the old Titan base until this big battle took place.”

Worry settled into his gut at that information his head twinging a little. “Were either of you there?”

Hazel shook her head, looking pale. “That was back in August, before I-um, before I got to camp. Jason told me about it when I arrived. The legion destroyed the enemy’s palace and about a million monsters. Jason had to battle Krios- hand-to-hand combat with a titan, if you can imagine that.”

Pain and flashes of multiple battles tore through Percy’s head causing his hold on the boat to falter a little. The boat rock violently when the image of a blond man with a scar and golden eyes lingered the longest. As it faded Percy yanked back control of his powers. Faintly he noticed the panicked questions from his friends.

“I can imagine.” Percy rasped.

He looked at his friends, his words seemed to confuse them. Percy was working out how to explain the flashed of images, but even now they were fading. Except the one of the man with golden eyes.

Before he got the chance suddenly Hazel was falling sideways eyes rolled up in her head. Frank yelped and luckily caught her.

“Oh gods!” Frank exclaimed.

Percy looked northward, then to the shoreline. “Should I stop us?”

Frank stared at Hazel for a long moment in consideration before shaking his head. “We should keep going. Hopefully some rest will help the sea sickness.”

Percy decided to trust Frank’s gut and pushed northward a little faster.

Chapter Text

When the sun kissed the horizon and Hazel hadn’t shown any indication that she would wake up Percy turned the boat toward the shore. As soon as they reached the shore Frank gently lifted her out of the boat while Percy grabbed her sword. He expected Frank to set her in the sand but he immediately headed for the trail that snaked up the cliff. For a moment he was very confused before realising Frank was probably sparing her from getting covered in sand. Once they reached the top Frank gently set her down before taking her sword from Percy and setting it near her.

“Does seasickness usually last so long?” Percy asked crouching next to Hazel. Carefully he put his hand to her forehead to check for fever.

Frank huffed in annoyance. “I don’t know.”

Percy hummed in acknowledgement. He mentally noted that Hazel was slightly clammy with sweat yet she didn’t seem warm. Should he be panicking more? Had they made her condition worse by continuing to Hazel for hours after she blacked out? Removing his hand from her forehead Percy instead placed it gently on her shoulder.

“Hazel,” Percy said giving her a gentle nudge. “Hazel wake up.”

Hazel didn’t even twitch at the movement.

“Hazel,” Frank also tried calling out to wake her. Still Hazel didn’t react.

Percy pinpointed the moment Frank began to properly change from heavy concern into out right panic. He started insistently calling out for Hazel to wakeup while shaking her arm. Percy was about to reach over to get him to at least not shake her so much when Hazel gasped awake. Her eyes flicked around a lot particularly focusing on the sky before she was trying to sit up.

“Where are we?” she asked.

“Thank the gods you’re awake!” Frank looked ready to sweep Hazel into a bear hug. “We’re about a hundred and fifty miles north of the golden gate.”

Frank looked toward Percy as if to check that was the correct distance. Absently he nodded while keeping a careful eye on Hazel. At the pronouncement of how far they’d gotten she got really pale. Concerned Percy checked her forehead again to make sure she hadn’t come down with something other than seasickness.

“At first we didn’t try waking you because we thought it might give you a reprieve from the seasickness.” Percy explained frowning at how clammy Hazel was without the heat of a fever. “When it started getting dark we got concerned that we actually made the seasickness worse-”

Percy was cut off by Hazel taking a shuttering breath. “It wasn’t seasickness.”

Percy’s hand fell away from Hazel as she seemed to curl into herself.

“I-I haven’t bee honest with you.” Hazel confessed. “It was a blackout. I have them every once in awhile.”

Frank scooped up her hand to give it a comforting squeeze. He was fussing over her while Percy started to feel like he was looking at nearly done puzzle. Nico’s caginess outside of knowing Percy. Hazel referring to something as back in her day. Nico having a dead older sister. A memory of Nico especially pale in a hazy background.

Fighting of the searing headache Percy focused on Hazel completely. “Where, exactly, did Nico find you?”

Hazel looked afraid. She looked anywhere but at Percy and Frank. Her shoulders were slowly creeping toward her ears.

“I’ll explain.” she promised quietly as her eyes fixated on her hands. “But- is there something to drink?”

“Yeah,” Percy agreed only to remember they had left their supplies in the boat. Cursing he slowly rose as to not spook Hazel. “The supplies are in the boat. I’ll be right back.”

Hazel managed to some how look even more uncomfortable. “Never mind. I can walk.”

She started to rise but luckily Frank gently pushed her to stay sitting. “Don’t even think about it. You haven’t had anything to eat or drink in hours. I’ll go instead.”

Right as Frank offered to go a chill went down Percy’s spine. “No I’ll go.” Percy insisted while scanning their surroundings. Something was wrong. “You two stay here.”

It slipped out of his mouth like an order. He wasn’t the leader on this quest but Percy didn’t want them to split up. Hazel and Frank shared a concerned glance. Luckily they didn’t protest anymore. Percy cast one more glance around before jogging for the path back down to the beach. As he got closer to the boat it felt like his blood was vibrating in anticipation. Something was wrong and every instinct was screaming for him to get back to his friends.

The ocean swelled to lap at his shoes as he got to the boat. As if his father was letting him know he was watching. Percy hardly notice exhaustion leaving him in the ankle deep water purely focused on getting supplies. Instinctively he reached for the one that he could sense the most water in-his own. He was slightly worried he couldn’t sense any water in Hazel’s pack. Mentally he noted to steal her a water bottle.

Percy was about to turn back for the cliff when the water more instantly swelled against his ankles. Before he could turn and demand what was going on Frank shouting for Hazel echoed from the top of the cliff. Skipping the running Percy willed the water to swell and deposited him onto the top of the cliff.

“What’s happening?” Percy demanded hitting the ground running to catch up to Frank who was losing a race against what looked like a wheat tornado.

“The wheat took Hazel!” Frank shouted gesturing at the wheat tornado.

“What the fuck?” Percy whispered to himself.

Together they ran after the wheat even as they were loosing ground. When they lost sight of the wheat tornado Percy was ready to loose it. At least until he heard the yelling. A quick shared glance with Frank and they were putting on the speed toward the yelling. They found Hazel atop a massive rock with little cherub like creatures trying to climb the rock. Frank let loose an arrow skewering one of the creatures which burst into what looked like Chex mix. Furious at Hazel being taken Percy leapt at the remaining creatures while Frank let loose another arrow. Hazel after her momentary surprise joined in on decimating her kidnappers.

Minutes later they were surrounded by seeds and cereal of all things. Though one of them started to reform within seconds of them finishing. Irritated Percy dug around in his bag until he found a lighter he had picked up at some point.

He flicked it on while gesturing at the reforming Chex mix. “Try it. You reform and the grass gets it!”

“He’ll do it! He’s Crazy!” Hazel interjected.

Just like that the little creatures scattered into the wind. Once they were gone Percy extinguished the lighter and gave Hazel a grin. “Thanks for yelling, would’ve lost you otherwise. How’d you hold them off?”

“A big pile of schist.” Hazel gestured to the rock behind them that Frank was now perched on top of.

“Excuse me?” Percy asked baffled.

Hazel gave him an innocent smile that Percy didn’t buy for a second. He squinted at her debating how to respond when Frank called from the top of the Rock. “Guys, you need to see this.”

Hazel and Percy climbed up the rock that actually gave a pretty good view of what was down below the hill. Hazel inhaled sharply. “Percy! Your sword gives off too much light!”

“Shit.” He stuffed his hand into one of his pockets at random to find the cap to his sword. Once Riptide was shrunk down he stuffed the pen into his pocket. Down below him there was an army on the move.

Percy realized they weren't on a hill more like the top of a ravine where the field dropped off. The ravine was absolutely filled to the brim with monsters. The first ones he spied were humanoid creatures with six arms in tattered armor and animal fur.

“Gegenes,” Hazel whispered. “The Earthborn.”

Percy didn’t take his eyes off the army. “You’ve fought them before?”

“Just head about them in monster class at camp.” Hazel responded.

As she lapsed into silence Percy’s eyes followed along the line of Earthborn. When his attention shifted to what was behind the Earthborn one of the most painful memory headaches to date shot through his skull. There were Centaurs in the invading army. The sight of them brought visions of a Centaur smiling fondly at him. Then another of a horde of them rushing into battle with party like weapons. Then another of the first centaur staring at him with sorrowful eyes while Percy talked even if he could not remember the words.

“Centaurs,” Percy said mostly to himself. “But… this isn’t right. Centaurs are good guys.”

Beside him Frank was saying something, but Percy’s attention was firmly on the army as the Centaurs cantered past. They certainly looked different then the ones from the memories flooding his brain. Specifically the one centaur that kept reappearing often looking at Percy with great sorrow in his eyes.

Shuttering he tore his eyes away only to land on an even more sickening sight. “My gods… Cyclopes.”

Somehow the pain in his head increased. Going from sharp stabs to white out pain as if someone was crushing his head. Several images of one cyclops with a large brown eye and a wide smile. A cyclops that presented Percy with the same watch over and over that would fold out into a shield. The same cyclops leading other cyclopes into battle with a forgotten battle cry on his tongue. Most importantly was the name now ringing in Percy’s head and he couldn’t comprehend how he’d forgotten it.

Tyson.

Tyson. Tyson. Tyson.

His little brother who was a cyclops.

Percy’s hands came up to press on the sides of his head as he desperately tried to hold onto the name. Even as it tried to slip away into the pain that came with his memories returning. This time he mentally grabbed the memory and refused to let it go.

“Cyclopes. Centaurs. It’s wrong. It’s all wrong.” Percy was near hysterical.

The images of Cyclopes and Centaurs of his memories were violently clashing with what was in front of him. Percy’s entire focus was only on trying to sort out the memories he was desperately trying to grab.

“…warn the camp.” Frank’s voice broke through Percy’s pain and desperation.

“They know.” Percy groaned. “Reyna knows.”

His mental clawing at his memories took his attention once more. One where Percy and Annabeth were talking with Tyson by a chariot. Annabeth. He could remember what Annabeth looked like. The image was fading too fast for his liking. Percy clawed and clawed at his memories but they were starting to get away. Giving up on specific memories he desperately reached for the names of his loved ones and the echo of the voice he barely remembered.

Annabeth. Tyson. Grover. Nico.

I know you’ll always do your best to get home, Percy.

Annabeth. Tyson. Grover. Nico.

I know you’ll always do your best to get home, Percy.

Percy kept repeating the four names and the sentence over and over in his brain. Even as he started to shiver. Even through Hazel and Frank’s hands that pushed him closer to the ground. Even as nausea started to over take him and threatened to make him loose his stomach contents. He could only desperately cling at what he knew.

Annabeth. Tyson. Grover. Nico.

I know you’ll always do your best to get home, Percy.

The images of Centaurs in an opposing army with Cyclopes creeped in around the edges. Percy retaliated against his own mind by remembering Tyson. His brother. Him and Tyson in a skateboard store while a woman stood nearby smiling fondly. A woman he recognized.

I know you’ll always do your best to get home, Percy.

She was a lot clearer in the memory with Tyson than she had been in the ones induced by seeing Nico. Before he could desperately cling to the image of his mother it was already fading. Percy felt like sobbing as he was already forgetting her smile lines. Even the images of Tyson and the centaur were starting to fade. Like someone was trying to keep him from remembering. Percy could feel himself shaking violently even as the pain in his head doubled at his continued attempts to remember.

Annabeth. Blond hair.

Tyson. Brother. Browneye.

Grover. He couldn’t remember what Grover looked like.

Nico. Dark terrified eyes with a sword to his neck. Guilt-so much guilt.

His mother’s voice-it had to be his mother’s voice. I know you’ll always do your best to get home, Percy.

“Come on Percy.” Hazel’s voice broke through his torrent of thoughts and memories. “We’ve got to go.”

Percy’s attention snapped to her. Through pain and nausea Hazel’s worried brown eyes were fixed onto him. Her hand out to help him up. With his own trembling hand Percy reached out to get help up. Once he was standing he swayed dangerously.

“Let’s hope this goddess is friendly.” Hazel turned and headed toward the convenience store Percy had dismissed in the face of centaurs and cyclopes in an army on the way to attack camp Jupiter.

Tyson leading an army with a war cry on his lips.

Percy followed Hazel in a daze. Frank was hovering nearby scanning the grass like he was watching for something. They were about twenty feet from the store when there was a low hissing behind them.

“Go!” Frank yelled.

Percy, in a very heroic manner, stumbled to the ground as the dizziness got the better of him. Blessedly hazel helped him up while Frank was firing at whatever had come to attack them. The made it to the stairs of the porch. By the time Hazel managed to help Percy stumble up the stairs Frank was smacking a weird snake with his bow when it got to close. The bow disintegrated much to Franks visible horror. Luckily Frank seemed to accept the weapon was a lost cause and dropped it before booking it for the porch. Percy made an attempt to help pull Frank onto the porch, but with how weak he was feeling he didn’t think he was much help.

The snakes didn’t seem keen on getting to close to the shop by some miracle. Percy eyed them and wondered if he was going delirious or if they seemed particularly focused on him. He tested his theory by shuffling to the side a bit. The eyes followed him. Percy shivered violently backing toward the doors of the store. Hazel opened the door behind him so Percy shuffled backward as fast as he could without falling over.

Only once the door was shut did Percy turn to face the store. It looked like hippie dreamland.

“Fortune-teller’s shop?” Frank wondered out loud.

“Hope not,” Hazel muttered.

Pain shot through Percy’s head rather viscously so he leaned on the closest thing possible. Which was Hazel. Normally he’d feel bad for having someone hold him up, but with each passing moment he felt worse and worse.

“Sit down…water,” Percy pleaded to his friends.

The other two demigods shared a look before Frank cleared his throat. “Yeah, let’s find you somewhere to rest.”

Frank led them deeper into the shop while Hazel was a trooper in keeping Percy mostly upright. He hoped he remembered to thank her later. Their trip through the store was interrupted right as they were passing between two water fountains that looked like his dad. A woman appeared from somewhere startling Frank so bad he bumped into one of the statues. The statue toppled causing the head to break off and roll along the floor. The sight of his fathers head rolling on the floor in front of him had Percy pushing off of Hazel to run for the nearest basket. He proceeded to loose all of his stomach contents into the basket.

When he was done he felt awful, but stumbled back to the group.

“…language of the nebulae it’s actually—” The woman was explaining then broke into what sounded like a thunderstorm. “But you can call me Fleecy.”

“Nebulae…” Percy muttered memories of a satyr Grove it was Grover lecturing about different spirits surfacing on briefly before disappearing again. “Cloud nymphs.”

Fleecy beamed despite the fact he had just vomited in the merchandise. “You know of us! Though, you don’t look so good.”

Fleecy leaned in closer staring intently at Percy’s face. “No, not good at all. Come to the back; my boss will want to meet you.”

Before Percy could agree or protest Fleecy grabbed his shoulders and started directing him through the shop. He did love that she had just grabbed him but was to out of it to put up a fuss. They were lead to a counter where there was another woman waiting with a smile on her face. Fleecy released Percy’s shoulders leaving him there swaying while she rounded the corner to stand by the other woman.

“Hello!” The woman greeted leaning on the counter. “So glad to see you made it! I’m Iris.”

Flashes of silent conversation in a rainbow clawed their way into Percy’s brain. Around him the conversation continued but Percy was purely focused on the goddess in front of him. For that’s what she was a goddess. No matter how mortal she appeared. He managed to stumble to the counter. A swell of nausea rose in protest at him walking, but Percy was determined.

“Monsters marching south,” Percy swallowed back bile at the memory of centaurs and cyclopes. “Going to destroy our camp. Can’t you stop them?”

“Oh, I’m strictly non-violent,” Iris said immediately. “I can act in self-defense, but I will not be drawn into any more Olympian aggression…” She continued to say something about reading up on Buddhism.

Percy closed his eyes praying that the nausea would let up some. A little memory of Annabeth showing him how to make and Iris-message wiggled free from the dam holding back his memories. Desperation had Percy attempting to reach across the counter. “Iris-message,” he pleaded. “Can you send one?”

“Iris-message?” Frank somewhere behind him.

Percy’s eyes stayed pinned to the goddess who was now staring at him blank faced. He faltered slightly in the face of it. “It’s…Isn’t it something you do?”

Iris’s eyes narrowed slightly while staring at him. Her head tilted to the side slightly as if Percy were an interesting puzzle. “You say you’re from Camp Jupiter and yet…. oh. Oh I see.”

Percy wanted to grab the rainbow goddess and shake her. Couldn’t she answer the question yes or no? Instead she pulled out a vial of something and sprayed it around Percy. Whatever it was helped him slightly. He no longer felt quite as off-kilter.

“There, that should balance you chakra,” Iris announced firmly. She paused for a moment before continuing. “As for Iris-messages that’s an ancient way of communication. The Greeks used it. The Romans much preferred their road systems and giant eagles. But for you, yes I imagine I could… Fleecy, could you give it a try?”

“Sure Boss!” Fleecy was practically bouncing. Percy thought it was very similar to how Nico was when they met.

That thought rewarded him with another stab of pain; Percy leaned his head on the counter in an attempt to lessen the pain.

“Mmm. Fleecy, why don’t you take Percy and Hazel to the back?” Iris continued talking but whatever the spray had been a few minutes before was already wearing off. Before he knew it Percy was being helped somewhere else by Hazel. He ended up having to pause more than once to vomit in the nearest container. His very body felt like it was rejecting something. Surely this couldn’t just be memory sickness.

They were led into a cozy break room where Fleecy bullied Hazel and Percy onto a very soft couch. Before he had a chance to process anything about the room a mug of something was pressed gently into his hands. When he looked at it it looked like green tea with a golden sheen to it. Percy blinked in confusion; green tea didn’t have gold in it.

“Drink it up.” Fleecy advised. “Then we can try that message.”

Percy hesitated before taking a sip. At first it tasted like normal green tea before the taste transformed into chocolate chip cookies. He stopped drinking to stare at the cup.

“Percy?” Hazel asked softly. “Are you alright? You’re crying.”

Percy glanced at her in confusion before lifting a hand to touch his cheek. Sure enough it was wet with tears. He didn’t know when he started crying or why he was crying. But he did know he felt achingly sad when the taste of fresh chocolate chip cookies danced across his tongue. Swallowing back any response Percy started to drink the tea again. Hazel and Fleecy’s eyes on him all the while. When the cup was drained he set it on the coffee table in front of the couch.

“Thank you.” Percy rasped.

Fleecy hummed. “You were in quite a state. How’s your aura?”

“I’m feeling a little better if that’s what you mean.” Percy said.

“If you say so.” Fleecy had a weird look on her face before it cleared into something a little to the left on genuine. “How about that Iris message now?”

“Please.” Percy agreed.

Cheerfully a coin was handed to Percy before Fleecy waved her hand and a shimmering rainbow appeared in the air. “The incantation is a little different when I handle it directly. You’ll need to say ‘Oh Fleecy do me a solid show me…’ followed by who you’d like to speak to.”

Percy closed his eyes to attempt to grasp at someone to call. “Oh Fleecy do me a solid show me, Annabeth Chase.”

He opened his eyes to flick the coin into the rainbow and waited.