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Chapter Text

Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase walked down the beach at Camp Half-Blood in relative peace. The last two months had felt like Elysium since the second titan war had ended, leaving Percy without the weight of the world he had held since he was 12 years old. He had finally gotten the break he had hoped for and never wanted to let it out of his grasp.

Percy turned and looked at his girlfriend, she was amazing. They had gone through so much over the last few years and were basically inseparable, but since not being in the middle of the action for the first time in years, he had begun to recognize that his feelings were not romantic towards the daughter of Athena. He turned to her.

“Annabeth.” He said, and she turned immediately towards him with a smile. “There's something I have to tell you…”

“Are you ok? You sound nervous.” Her eyes crinkled in worry, head tilted slightly.

“Yeah, I just need to tell you something, and I don't want it to ruin everything.” He said with a nervous smile.

“We have been through too much to be ruined now.” She scoffed. “Tell me.”

“I don't think my feelings towards you are romantic, You're my best friend, but I don't think I love you like that” He rushed his words out, hoping she could understand the jumble of syllables. Instead of the anger he expected, he heard a sigh of relief.

“At least one of us could say it. I don't think I’m romantically attracted to you either, I really did think I did, but after the war ended, I realized I was wrong about what they were.” She confessed.

“You were wrong?” Percy smirked at her, she smacked his arm.

“This is serious. I realized that my feelings were the same as the ones I felt towards Luke,” Her face saddened. “When I was younger I just assumed it was a crush, but now that we are in a relationship, it's not right.”

“Like we are trying too hard to make something real.” He muttered.

“I was trying to make it real, so I didn't face that I had been wrong for the last decade of my life. But I was. I definitely have had crushes, but those feelings weren't the same feelings as what I've felt for you or Luke” She confessed, frowning slightly.

“You're like my best friend, but better.” He proclaimed.

“In the past, when on the run, I assumed that I felt like Thalia was my sister, and my crush was on Luke, but I think it was the other way round.”

“Pinecone face?! Really?!” He said, shocked.

“It was only in passing,” She defended. “I can confidently say that she is like my sister now. It was just because she protected me when I couldn't, made me feel safe.” Then she giggled. “That was your first reaction? Not ‘she is a girl though’”

He shrugged. “That would make me a pretty big hypocrite considering my past crushes have been boys.”

“We’re such an odd pair. Both in a relationship, Aphrodite cabin always calls us soulmates, but interested in different genders.” She laughed at the irony. Percy couldn't help but join in, and soon they were both in hysterics over the situation.

“You don't have to be in love to be soulmates. I'm fully certain that we are platonic soulmates, you can't go through what we have together and not have a bond” Percy said honestly.

Annabeth's eyes softened. “Platonic soulmates, I like that, you're always going to be my best friend, even if I want to forget what kissing you is like.” She grinned mischievously. Percy looked at her with a pout, but eventually gave in and grinned back at her.

“So we are in agreement Miss Chase? Would you do me the honor of being my ex-girlfriend turned platonic soulmate?” He asked in a fake cordial voice.

“Why, Mr. Jackson, it would be my pleasure.” She proclaimed warmly, laughing at the end.

“The Aphrodite cabin is going to be heartbroken.” Percy pointed out.

“I'm sure they will be fine.” Annabeth laughed but with slight doubt. “We should get back, its time for dinner”

Percy playfully held out his hand and she grabbed it and they walked back together, feeling closer than they ever have.

“We can be gay besties”

“Shush Percy”

**************************************

Once they reached the pavilion they separated to their tables with one last smile to each other. Percy went to his table, sitting alone as usual, and wishing that the stupid camp rules would just let him sit with his friends. He sighed. The last hour had been a lot to take in. Not only had he confessed that he was gay to his then-girlfriend, but she had said the exact same thing back to him. How does he get himself into these situations? You can't make them up!

At least neither of them had left brokenhearted. He couldn't imagine how horrible he would have felt if she had been upset.

But he was glad that they were on the same page, and that she had accepted it so easily, just as he did for her.

He looked around at the campers around him. Most people had decided to stay in camp for a few extra months after the second Titan war, if only for comfort. So many demigods were lost, and it had taken a toll on the camp's morality. Not that anyone can be blamed, everyone had lost someone; sisters, brothers, friends, and partners.

As he looked around he noticed that a select few people were beginning to glow golden, eerily reminding him of Apollo, which was not good. Any reminder of the Gods usually did not bode well for Percy. The glows shone brighter until no one could see anything and were forced to close their eyes. He could vaguely hear some shouting in confusion before everything went black.

*******************************

Distantly in the future, three demigods by the names of Piper, Leo, and Jason had just gotten off their bus and promptly disappeared in a flash of golden light.

************************************

The Olympian Gods were in the throne room for their annual meeting on the winter solstice. The GOds were having their usual arguments. Apollo and Artemis argue over who is older. Zeus and Poseidon over whose disasters are the worst. Hades and Demeter over Persephone.

Suddenly, a flash of golden light interrupted and there was a pile of demigods on the floor.

“Get off me”

“Move out of the way”

“Not having fun!”

“Stolls!!!! I said don't prank me!”

“Enough.” Zeus boomed. The pile froze for a moment, then there was pandemonium as everyone pushed each other in an effort to stand. Some gods, like Hermes and Apollo, watched the scene in amusement, whilst others, Athena and Hephaestus, looked on in indifference. Eventually, everyone stood rightfully. Zeus looked over the group, spotted Chiron, and nodded for him to step forward. “Chiron, why do you dare interrupt an olympian meeting?”

“You did not summon us?” Chiron asked carefully.

“Most certainly not” Hera sniffed from her throne. Percy made a face at Annabeth, which left her smothering laughter. A letter fluttered from the ceiling, capturing everyone's attention. Athena snatched it out of the air.

“Read it, daughter,” Zeus commanded.

Olympians, Demigods, and others,

We have brought you here to read some books and gain a better understanding of each other. The Gods will be turned mortal for the time being and all time will cease, Olympus will be on lockdown until further notice. Everyone introduce yourselves and we will explain further.

The Fates

Everyone broke into chatter, overlapping each other. Attention was gained when the Gods began to shrink until they were human-sized. They were shocked, but ultimately accepted it, it was not wise to oppose the fates. Couches and seating appeared all around the throne room, but no one sat yet.

Zeus sighed, “For those of you that don't know, somehow, I am Zeus, God of the sky and lightning, King of Olympus.”

This seemed to start the introductions.

“Poseidon, God of the sea and earthquakes.”

“Hera, Goddess of marriage and family, Queen of Olympus.” Percy and Annabeth hid scowls.

“Hestia, Goddess of the hearth.” She gave a warm smile.

“Hades, God of the dead and underworld.” He said, looking as though he wished to be anywhere else.

“Demeter, Goddess of the harvest.”

“Apollo, God of the sun, music, medicine.”

“Artemis, Goddess of the hunt, moon, and maidens”

“Aphrodite, Goddess of Love”

“Ares, God of war.” He gave a menacing smile.

“Athena, goddess of wisdom.”

“Hermes, God of Travelers and messenger of the Gods.”

“Hephaestus, God of the forges.” He said, not looking up from a pile of metal in his hand.

“Dionysus, God of wine.”

A few stepped forward from the crowd of demigods, and Poseidon and Hades' eyes widen slightly.

“Amphitrite, Wife of Poseidon.” She walked briskly to her husband's side.

“Triton, Son of Poseidon” He walked forward, giving his father a nod of respect.

“Persephone, Goddess of spring, Wife of Hades, and daughter of Demeter.” She walked to her husband's side, giving her mother a smile. Demeter looked disgruntled at the fact her daughter did not move towards her, rather than Hades.

That seemed to be all the Gods' introductions. Chiron stepped forward.

“I am Chiron, Immortal teacher oh heroes”

“Clarisse La Rue, Daughter of Ares” Ares gave her a once over, eyebrow twitching. She was only around 6 at the time.

“Katie Gardner, daughter of Demeter.” Demeter beamed and Persephone smiled at her half-sister.

“Pollux, Son of Dionysus” Dionysus looked over, interested.

“Travis and-”

“-Connor-”

“-Stoll.”

“Let me guess - Sons of Hermes,” Apollo said wryly, Hermes beamed as they grinned at him.

“Chris Rodriguez, Son of Hermes” Hermes turned his smile to Chris.

“Will Solace, Son of Apollo,” Apollo smiled at his son.

“Grover Underwood, Lord of the Wild.”

“You are lord of the wild? That means you found my son Pan?” Hermes asked looking ecstatic. Everyone from the future exchanges looks, and agreed to stay silent on the matter.

“I'm sure we can discuss this later, Lord Hermes,” Grover said nervously, Hermes nodded.

“Annabeth Chase, Daughter of Athena” Athena looked calculatingly at her daughter as if assessing her.

“Thalia Grace, Daughter of Zeus and lenient of Artemis.” Hera looked furious.

“You cheated on me again, you broke the oath!” Hera whispered coldly. Hades looked angrily at his younger brother, who had broken the oath that they had forced on Hades.

“Nico Di Angelo, Son of Hades, before the oath.” He explained quickly because Zeus looked like he was about to explode, the hypocrite. “I was placed in the Lotus Hotel in the 1940’s”

“Hazel Levesque, Daughter of Pluto.” She said hesitantly. Hades' eyes widened, she should be dead, was dead the last he knew. “Also from a long time ago.”

“Roman demigods?” Zeus thundered, they should not be here!

The Greek demigods looked at him in shock. Roman? There were other types of Drmigods?

“Calm brother, the fates wanted them here, let's not go against their wishes,” Hestia said, always the voice of reason. He dimmed slightly but still scowled before nodding for another to introduce themselves.

“Reyna, Daughter of Bellona”

“Dakota, Son of Bacchus.” Dionysis paid attention again.

“Frank Zhang, Im not sure who…’ The mark of Mars appeared overhead. “Son of Mars.” HE whispered in shock.

“Percy Jackson, Son of Posiedon.” Poseidon grinned, though it dimmed at his family's looks, especially his brothers. Zeus looked like he could explode at any second, powers or not. Amphitrite looked on in disinterest, another unworthy spawn. Triton looked slightly upset at the proof of his father's betrayal, though did look at Percy with slight interest.

“Rachel Dare, oracle of Delphi.” Apollo grinned widely, his oracle will live again! Hades also smiled, knowing if the oracle had moved on to a new host, his children were accepted.

Jason stepped forward. “Jason Grace, I have no idea what is going on.”

“Jason?!” Two voices cried, Thalia and Reyna.

“You have been missing for weeks.” Reyna cried, looking him over, and checking for injuries.

“Do I know you?” He asked suspiciously. She looked as if she had been slapped. Thalia stepped forward.

“Do you know me?” She asked warily, looking down when he shook his head. “I'm your sister, I haven't seen you in a long time.”

Most looked shocked at that, this meant that he was a son of Zeus.

“A son of Jupiter” Reyna said. Jaso n looked overwhelmed. Hera scowled, she did not need reminding that her husband went back to the same woman twice. Zeus inched away.

Piper stepped forward, standing next to Jason, hoping to give him a little comfort, and was immediately claimed. “My daughter,” Aphrodite said warmly.

“My son,” Hephaestus said in Leo's direction, who dropped the paper he was using to make an airplane, with a ‘who me?’ expression.

“Ok, Greek and Roman gods..” Leo muttered to Piper and Jason, who nodded in shocked agreement. Another note fell in front of Athena, who grabbed it instantly.

Now that introductions have been made, we can begin. We are giving you five books to read about Percy Jackson and his past quests. For the Gods, this is your future, and for others, it is the past.

Everyone looked at Percy, who cringed at the attention. This doesn't sound good.

However, magic at this level comes at a price. Any injuries sustained by Percy in this book will also sustain in real life.

Really is not good!

Everyone from the future paled at this, knowing small bits of what Percy has gone through. No one was more pale than Percy himself, why was it always him?!

This is why Apollo will be allowed to keep the healing aspect of his divinity.

Apollo smiled, happy he could still help and gave Percy a grin of confidence. Though the grin faltered slightly at the looks of the future people, it might be a little worse than he originally thought.

Poseidon also sighed in relief, happy someone could help his son in the coming challenges.

Use these books wisely, they are meant to invoke change in all of you and to help you with what is to come. Do not mock us and take them for granted.

The Fates

“Well that's great.” Percy said flat, Annabeth snorted. “This is going to be so fun, please note the sarcasm.” Everyone laughed a little.

“Let's all sit then.” Zeus sighed theatrically, wishing to be anywhere else at the moment.

Once everyone was seated, there was a mismatch of immortals and non-immortals everywhere. Hera, Zeus, Hestia, Athena, and Chiron were in one area of seating, Poseidon, Amphitrite, and Triton in the one near. Herpestus decided to forego interaction and not sit in a group. Artemis, Apollon, and Will were in one group, though Artimes states plenty far from the boy. Hermes and his kids sat together. Dionysus sat with his two kids and Reyna. Hades Persephone and Demeter with their children, Aphrodite and Ares on a couch near their left. Jason Piper and Leo stayed together, with Frank and Hazel joining them. Finally, the largest group was Percy, Annabeth, Grover, Thalia, Clarrise, and Rachel, and the group took up two couches.

Despite there being so many people and in such separated groups, everyone was still in quite a cozy circle and could see and hear each other clearly. A Set of books fell to the middle of the circle and Athen quickly made a grab for them.

“They are numbered,” Seh said, holding the one inscribed I. “Are we ready?”

“I'm not too excited to relive my teenage years,” Percy scowled, much to some amusement, Annabeth just patted his shoulder in sympathy. Posiedon was eager to read about his son, hoping they get along in the future. Amphretrite sighed, she was probably going to have to suffer through these, ‘let's hope he's not a stuck-up demigod.’ Triton stared at his half-brother, maybe he could get to know him, even if he is a result of his father's transgressions.

“We should take it in turns to read, I shall go first,” Athena said promptly.

‘I accidentally vaporize my Pre-Algebra teacher'

Chapter Text

'I accidentally vaporize my pre-algebra teacher'

"Now Percy, we know you don't particularly like maths." Travis began.

"I hate maths." Percy corrected, much to everyone's amusement.

"Of course," Connor comforted. "But don't you think vaporizing your teacher is a bit too much?"

"Not at all," Percy answered straight-faced. Apollo and Hermes burst out laughing. Poseidon looked at his son in approval but stopped at his wifes look towards him.

"What I want to know is how you vaporize someone accidentally." Triton inquired.

"When you are absolutely clueless" Answered Percy, looking over at his half-brother. Chiron then realized what this chapter was about and looked amused.

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

"Like any of us asked to be," Nico scoffed, and all the other demigods nodded in agreement. The gods looked shocked, did they not want to be demigods?

'If you're reading this because you think you might be one, my advice is close this book right now.'

"Well, if you insist." Apollo began to rise but quickly sat back down at the venomous look given by Athena. "Nevermind."

'Believe whatever lie your mom or dad told you about your birth, and try to lead a normal life.'

"Now you tell us," Thalia said dramatically, must be a Zeus kid thing.

'Being a half-blood is dangerous.'

"Check," Percy said.

'It's scary.'

"Double check." Nico continued.

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

"Three for three," Thalia said in sarcastic delight. The gods looked at them, worried for their sanity and health. Poseidon looked nervous, what was Percy going to have to relive?

Hera almost looked happy with this description of their lives.

'If you're a … none of this ever happened.'

"Did you, like, foretell that your thoughts were going to be read? That's a little weird." Clarise sneered.

"No, I can't remember thinking that," Percy said, looking at the book suspiciously.

"Maybe it's just to make it a little more entertaining," Annabeth suggested.

"It will be plenty interesting in a few chapters." Percy scowled.

'But if you recognize … and they'll come for you.'

"I hate that monsters can sense us." Pollux sighed, and Dakota nodded next to him.

"Dont we all" The demigods in the room chorused. Even Dionysus looked vaguely sympathetic, remembering when he was once a demigod.

'Don't say I didn't warn you.'

"You didn't warn me," Thalia smirked.

"I didn't want to." Percy sniffed, though they soon laughed at each other. Artemis looked intrigued, what was one of her hunters, lieutenant no less, so comfortable around a boy?

'My name is Percy Jackson.'

"I thought that was Athena?" Leo asked. Piper facepalmed and Jason laughed.

"I thought it was Peter Johnson?" Grover asked, acting confused. Percy gave him a fake glare.

'I'm twelve years … a troubled kid?'

"You could say that." Katie smiled, thinking of all the trouble Percy has gotten into the past few years. Percy smiled, a little sadly, thinking of all the trouble he has caused.

'Yeah. You could say that.'

"He admitted it" Thalia teased gently, knowing of his guilt complex.

"In my head." Percy defended, for no one else to hear.

"Still counts"

'I could start at any point in my short miserable life-'

A few people, including Poseidon, Thalia, Annabeth, and Nico, Looked at him in concern.

'-to prove it, … Greek and Roman stuff.'

"That sounds like fun." Athena smiled, interrupting herself. Annabeth agreed.

"You're kidding." Poseidon and Triton looked at her, unimpressed. "Sounds like torture."

Leo nodded furiously in agreement.

'I know—it sounds like torture.'

Triton gave Percy an evaluative look, Poseidon just looked proud, and everyone else looked between them in amusement.

'Most Yancy … I had hopes.'

"That was Chiron, wasn't it? Only he can make history interesting to a demigod." Chris said.

'Mr. Brunner … smelled like coffee.'

"Thank you for the… delightful description, Percy," Chiron said with an amused smile. Percy flushed, whilst Annabeth shook with barely concealed laughter.

"I can't wait to hear all our descriptions," Grover says sarcastically.

'You wouldn't … didn't put me to sleep.'

"Excuse me?!" Athena asked, scandalized.

"Not my fault I have ADHD and dyslexia, I can never focus enough," Percy said defensively. Athena calmed slightly when even her daughter nodded slightly.

'I hoped the … was I wrong.'

"I could hope," Poseidon gave a long-suffering sigh.

'See, bad things … expelled anyway.'

Everyone burst into laughter.

"How did you manage that?" Connor asked.

"Wasnt like I meant to, I have really bad luck," Percy mumbled.

"The worst luck" Annabeth agreed.

'And before … unplanned swim.'

"That was the shark's fault," Percy said defensively, much to everyone's amusement. "He told me to."

"I'm sure it was."

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

"Noooooo, we want more!" Apollo and Hermes whined. Percy sighed.

"I'll tell you more after this chapter is over," Percy said, and they cheered.

'On this trip, I was determined to be good.'

"You just jinxed yourself, right?" Rachel leaned over and whispered to Percy, smirking when he scowled at her.

'All the way … and ketchup sandwich.'

"I'm sorry?" Aphrodite asked in disgust, everyone else had the same expression. "That is a food combination that should never happen."

"This is the future?" Dionysus asked in horror.

'Grover was an easy target. He was scrawny. He cried when he got frustrated.'

Grover blushed and glared at Percy.

"I didn't say it out loud." Percy put his hands up in surrender.

'He must've … enchilada day in the cafeteria.'

"Your cover!" Chiron moaned.

"Hey! Those enchiladas were worth it." Grover exclaimed, Percy nodding solemnly next to him. Annabeth and Thalia shook their heads in disbelief.

'Anyway, Nancy Bobofit … brown hair-'

Aphrodite squealed in disgust.

'-and she knew I … threatened me with death- '

"What?!" Poseidon shouted furiously.

'-by in-school suspension … on this trip.'

"Oh." Poseidon slumped in mild embarrassment as his wife smirked at him.

'"I'm going to … like peanut butter."'

"In your hair?" Thalia asked with a raised eyebrow.

'He dodged … anything happens."'

"It's always the innocent ones." Leo sighed dramatically, flopping back next to Piper.

"Sure, innocent." Piper scoffed, with Jason looking at him disbelievingly.

"No faith" He cried.

'Looking back on it, I wish I'd decked Nancy Bobofit right then and there.'

Artemis scowled.

'In-school suspension would've been nothing compared to the mess I was about to get myself into.'

"I don't want to know," Poseidon murmured into his hand.

"I do," Hermes said.

'Mr. Brunner … three thousand years.'

"Just like us," Apollo said cheerfully.

'He gathered … had a nervous breakdown.'

Hades began to feel nervous, he knew who that sounded like. If he had sent her then Poseidon would be very angry, which did not bode well for Hades. Poseidon can be the most easygoing gods, but if he is truly angry, it is a fearsome sight.

"A nervous breakdown?" Athena looked at Chiron with a raised eyebrow.

'From her first … detention for a month.'

Hades sighed, that pretty much confirmed it.

'One time, … "You're absolutely right."'

Chiron sighed. "You couldn't have been any more obvious."

Meanwhile, Poseidon paled at the thought of a monster being so close to his untrained and clueless son.

'Mr. Brunner … "Did you have a comment?"'

"Busted" Hermes and his children muttered.

'My face was … eating his kids, right?"'

"It could have been anything, but it had to be that?" Demeter scowled.

'"Yes," … king god, and—"'

"God!" Zeus shouted in anger.

"He corrected me," Percy said in an annoyed tone. Everyone held their breath, no one talked to Zeus like that and got away with it.

"Watch your tone boy, I may be mortal right now, but not forever." Zeus threatened.

"Brother," Poseidon warned. Zeus settled for now.

'"God?" … corrected myself.'

"See," Percy said. Posiedon closed his eyes, his son was going to get himself killed.

'"And ... he didn't … the girls behind me.'

"Try being there." Hera rolled her eyes.

'"—and so … gods won."'

"So much of our history, all in a few sentences," Hestia said, amused.

"It's a talent." Percy grinned.

‘Some snickers from the group.’

"But you were right." Apollo tilted his head.

'Behind me, Nancy … why Kronos ate his kids.'"'

"Imagine that was on an application to be a demigod" Percy whispered to Annabeth, who giggled. They were doing surprisingly well, considering their mutual break up, which no one but the two knew about.

"No one would apply anyway," Annabeth answered. Athena frowned, why was her daughter and the sea spawn so close?

'"And why … brighter red than her hair.'

"An achievement in its own right," Percy mumbled.

'At least … looked disappointed.'

"How was he supposed to know?" Hazel asked, confused at the question when he obviously knew nothing of their world.

"I had hoped he had an inkling of who he truly was. " Chiron answered.

'"Well, half credit, … On that happy note- '

The six elder gods snorted.

'-it's time … acting like doofuses.'

"Men." Artemis scoffed,

"Not all men are like that little sis," Apollo said, swinging an arm around her shoulders.

"Get your arm off before I tear it off." She snarled. He pulled it off as if burned with a nervous look.

'Grover … knew that was coming.'

"Maybe you should be the new oracle," Rachel said playfully.

"I mean, the green suits me." Percy grinned.

'I told … had seen everything.'

"You're very perspective," Annabeth commented.

'"You must learn … guy pushed me so hard.'

"I understand now," Percy assured the centaur, who looked slightly guilty.

'I mean, sure, … above a C– in my life.'

"A C?" Athena inquired, not as up-to-date with the modern education system.

"It's a barely passing grade," Annabeth informed her mother, who nodded and turned to Percy.

"At least it's a pass."

'No—he … them correctly.'

"Same." The other demigods said. The gods frowned slightly, upset that it was so difficult for their children.

'I mumbled … at this girl's funeral.'

"I was, you do notice everything." Chiron praised.

'He told … a hurricane blowing in.'

All the gods turned to Poseidon and Zeus.

"Why are you two fighting again?" Demeter asked in exasperation.

"Who cares, finally a bit of action," Ares said in excitement.

'Nobody else … Dodds wasn't seeing a thing.'

Some looked at Hermes.

"Hey, not every kleptomaniac is my kid." he defended.

"I wouldn't want her as a sister," Connor muttered to his brothers, who nodded in agreement.

'Grover and … I'm not a genius."'

"Don't we know it," Annabeth smirked. Percy grinned but felt upset at it, he wasn't a genius, but it doesn't mean he isn't smart.

'Grover … have your apple?"'

"Amazing comfort." Thalia clapped her hands sarcastically.

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

"You are always hungry." Annabeth pointed out, Percy shrugged.

'I watched the … sad look she'd give me.'

"Mummy's boy." Ares sneered.

"Proud to be." Percy smiled at the mention of his amazing mum.

'Mr. Brunner parked … a motorized cafe table.'

Everyone gave a little laugh at that, unable to imagine the centaur like that.

'I was about to … lunch in Grover's lap.'

"What was the point of that?" Thalia asked angrily on the satyr's behalf.

'"Oops." She grinned … her face with liquid Cheetos.'

Aphrodite scrunched her face.

'I tried to stay cool … wave roared in my ears.'

"Wave, nice." Poseidon smiled. Everyone rolled their eyes at him.

'I don't … materialized next to us.'

Poseidon looked thoughtfully at the book, what could the monster be?

'Some of the … grabbed her—"'

"Having such power when you don't even know about your heritage is impressive," Amphitrite said, looking at her husband's son.

'I didn't know … month erasing workbooks."'

"I know, never guess your punishment. " Percy said, spotting Hermes and his children opening their mouths. They nodded solemnly.

'That wasn't … me. I pushed her."'

"Thanks for trying G-man." Percy smiled at his friend.

"Of course Perc." The satyr replied. Poseidon looked t the Satyr critically, happy his son had such a loyal friend.

'I stared at him, … scared Grover to death.'

A loyal friend indeed Posiedon thought.

'She glared … I'll-kill-you-later stare.'

The demigods shuddered.

"Percy can be really scary when he wants to be," Katie informed the gods that looked slightly confused.

'Then I turned … get there so fast?'

Hades were beginning t feel more nervous. Persephone sighed, knowing what her husband had done, and what argument was about to happen.

'I have … went after Mrs. Dodds.'

Posiden groaned, his wife patting his shoulder consolingly.

'Halfway up the … absorbed in his novel.'

"I assure you, I was well aware," Chiron said,

'I looked back … said, "Yes, ma'am."'

"Good idea," Hermes commented, trying to relieve the slowly building tension.

'She tugged … will suffer less pain."'

"Wait, what? He doesn't even know about our world." Triton said.

'I didn't know … selling out of my dorm room.'

"Nice." Travis and Connor chorused.

"You could give my kids a run for their money," Hermes said.

'Or maybe … make me read the book.'

Athena and Annabeth rolled their eyes.

'"Well?" she demanded. … to slice me to ribbons.'

"Hades!" Poseidon boomed. "You sent a fury after my son, who knows nothing about the gods?"

"I would like to go on record and say that this hasn't happened yet." Hades said desperately.

"And that is the only reason I am not more angry at you." Poseidon hissed. Zeus is looking at the scene with contempt, usually, he was the one getting shouted at.

"Dad I'm fine," Percy called out, hoping his dad would listen.

Poseidon looked over and saw that Percy was looking at him earnestly, then looked back at his elder brother. "We will talk later."

'Then things … almost dropped the sword.'

"Weak." Ares scoffed.

"He had no idea monsters were a thing." Aphrodite reminded her boyfriend.

'She snarled … naturally: I swung the sword.'

"Natural?" Leo asked in disbelief. "That was your natural reaction? Anyone else would be running."

'The metal blade hit … of water. Hisss!'

"Impressive, your first monster is a fury and you get her in one shot." Apollo looked over at Percy with an impressed gaze.

'Mrs. Dodds was … Nobody was there but me.'

"Bet that was confusing" Chris commented.

My hands were still trembling.

Percy hid his hands from everyone's view but saw Annabeth's concerned gaze and smiled reassuringly.

My lunch must've been contaminated with magic mushrooms or something.

Everyone gave a small laugh, Percy's mind was quite entertaining.

'Had I imagined … Mrs. Kerr whipped your butt."'

"Who?" Most people asked.

'I said, "Who?"'

"We think like Percy," Thalia said in mock horror.

'"Our teacher. … Thunder boomed overhead.'

"Seems like Father agrees," Artemis says thoughtfully.

'I saw Mr. Brunner sitting … you feeling all right?"'

"I felt like I was going insane." He playfully glared at Chiron, who looked back sheepishly.

"That is the end of the chapter," Athena announced.

"If I may, may we break for food as the demigods had been transported at the beginning of dinner?" Chiron said diplomatically. As he said that a note appeared in front of Athena.

You will all have access to personal quarters based on godly parents. Additionally, there will be food every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the dining hall.

The fates

"That solves that then, let's all go and eat," Hestia said softly. Everyone made their way out of the throne room towards the dining room and quickly sat after seeing all the food.

All the demigods got into a debate about who was going to have the worst introduction and description considering how Chiron and Grover were hilariously introduced.

Hades was conversing with Nico, asking how he was settling into the new century.

Percy was sitting near his dad and Triton and immediately got into a conversation about powers. They expressed interest in how he could control water purely by his emotions heightening. By the end of the conversation, they had gotten closer and Percy agreed to sit with them when going back in.

"So Percy." Hermes began. "How about their stories of how you got expelled."

This gathered the attention of everyone around them. Percy sighed. "So we were at this museum and our teacher was talking about the Egyptians and how they were laid to rest in tombs, often with their cats. There was a coffin on display there and this girl in my class loved cats, she got it in her head that there was a cat in the coffin. Somehow she convinced me there was a live cat in the tomb and we had to rescue it." Everyone was grinning now. "Long story short, by the end of it the coffin was on the floor me and the girl inside it, and our school was no longer welcome in the museum."

"Brilliant!" The Stoll brothers laughed. Hermes and Apollo were laughing so much they had to put their food down, Annabeth was shaking her head fondly. Thalia and Leo were laughing so hard they were struggling to breathe. Across the room, the gods ranged from amused to impressed to shocked. How can a single boy get into so much drama, he really is Zeus' nephew.

"Any other amazing expulsion stories?" Annabeth asked once people had calmed down, and everyone turned to him eagerly.

"We went on a hike and my friend dared me to climb a 20-foot tree… I got stuck and the fire brigade was called to get me down." Percy said with a little embarrassment.

Thalia looked vaguely ill at the very idea of being that high.

"Gotta say, you are entertaining," Apollo said with much amusement. "These books are gonna be something else."

"Now our little stories have been told, we can go back to the reading." Hera sneered at the group. Most of the demigods, Apollo and Hermes groaned at the idea of sitting and reading again, but one look from the Queen of the gods had them moving. As they were walking back, Apollo pulled Percy aside.

"Im gonna be helping you whenever you get injured in the book, it will probably be a good idea for you to move by me soon, let me know when the actions gonna start," Apollo said earnestly, and Percy could see he was being sincere.

"I don't think much is going to happen in the next few chapters, I'm going to sit by my dad for now if you wanna move near us in a later chapter?" Percy asked.

"That works," Apollo said cheerfully. They moved back into the throne room, Percy sliding onto the sofa next to his dad, smiling when he caught Annabeth's eye. Before she could say anything, Athena spoke.

"You may read next daughter." She said and passed the book to Annabeth.

'Three old ladies knit the socks of death'

Chapter Text

'Three old ladies knit the socks of death

"Is that who I think it is?" Poseidon asked, paling dramatically. He wasn't the only one, all the demigods had lost several shades of color. Percy smiled sheepishly.

"You never told me about this?" Annabeth asked threateningly. Now Percy was the one paling.

"It never came up?" He replied weakly.

"We will be talking about this later" Thalia glared, and he nodded in resignation.

'I was used to the occasional … some kind of trick on me.'

"Sounds like a good idea," Travis said thoughtfully.

"Deffenetly has potential." Connor agreed with a grin, Hermes sat beside them grinning proudly whilst the others in the room looked at the pranksters in horror.

"No." Annabeth, Thalia, and Katie said in unison, putting an end to the idea.

'The students acted as … like I was psycho.'

"Not a lie." Thalia teased.

'It got so I almost believed them … Almost.'

"Grover." The twins said with a sigh.

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

"You will have to give him lying lessons," Hermes whispered to his sons.

"We have tried everything, Dad." Chris mumbles.

"He is a lost cause," Travis said, acting as if it pained him to admit it.

'Something was going … would wake me up in a cold sweat.'

"Demigod dreams." Most demigods sighed. Some gods looked at their children in concern, was being a demigod that bad?

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

"You two always getting mortals in the crossfire of your arguments," Hestia said in a scolding voice. The two brothers looked down at their elder sister's words.

'I started feeling cranky … hallway in almost every class.'

"And now your son is being influenced," Hestia said.

'Finally, when our … meant, but it sounded good.'

"It means an old drunk." Laughed Apollo.

'The headmaster sent … invited back next year to YancyAcademy.'

"On a streak," Leo said playfully. "Just as bad as me."

"My streak is broken now," Percy said proudly.

“Traitor!” Leo gasped.

'Fine, I told myself. Just fine. I was homesick.'

"For Sally, I would be too," Annabeth said wistfully, knowing how amazing the woman was.

'I wanted to be with my mom … and his stupid poker parties.'

"Paul plays poker?" Thalia asked confused, she had met him a few times and he didn't seem like the type of person to gamble.

"Before him," Percy muttered, looking like he wanted to talk about anything else.

'And yet... there were things … next year without me.'

"I was supposed to be the one protecting you." Grover smiled.

"Well with the cover you had, you played the defenseless well." Percy grinned.

'I'd miss Latin class, … his faith that I could do well.'

"I am glad I made such a good impression on you." Chiron smiled happily at his student.

'As exam week got closer, Latin was the only test I studied for.'

Annabeth and Athena sighed.

'I hadn't forgotten what … sure why, but I'd started to believe him.'

"Good, that gut feeling is what has kept you alive," Chiron said seriously. Poseidon sweated nervously at this, could he have a heart attack whilst mortal?

'The evening before … to Greek Mythology across my dorm room.'

Athena looked scandalized.

'Words had started … Chiron and Charon,-'

"I remember now," Percy muttered darkly. Hades put his head in his hands.

"Please tell me it's not from personal experience." He groaned. Percy elected to stay silent.

Poseidon was sure he was going to get greys. His child didn't even know about their world yet and he was giving him grey hairs. He didn't know if he was going to be able to cope through the first book, forget five!

'-or Polydictes and Polydeuces. … around inside my shirt.'

Percy squirmed slightly with an uncomfortable expression.

"You can feel that?" Triton asked when he saw his half-brother squirming.

"Yes, it's weird," Percy answered. Everyone looked a little disturbed at how potent the magic was in terms of what Percy would feel.

'I remembered Mr. Brunner's serious expression, his thousand-year-old eyes.'

"How are you so perceptive?" Demeter asked in puzzlement.

'I will accept only the best from you, Percy Jackson.'

"And that is what you have given," Chiron said warmly. Hera scoffed, and many of the demigods glared at her, much to the other gods amusement and heras indignation.

'I took a deep breath. … with him thinking I hadn't tried.'

"I would never have thought that," Chiron said seriously. "I know you always try your best."

'I walked downstairs to … usually an eavesdropper-'

"Yet there you are - eavesdropping," Connor said.

"I'm so proud!" Travis cried, fake crying on his brother's shoulder. Everyone rolled their eyes at their dramatics.

'-but I dare you to try not .. talking about you to an adult.'

"That's fair." Nico agreed.

'I inched closer.'

"Curiosity killed the cat." Annabeth teased.

"Satisfaction brought it back," Percy replied, and they grinned at one another.

"... alone this summer," …, and they know too—"'

"Know what?" Ares inched closer, hoping for some action.

'"We would only make … his ignorance while he still can."'

"Nice while it lasted," Percy said happily.

'"Sir, he saw her... ." … to convince him of that."'

"Nah, just made me think I was going instant." Percy waved.

'"Sir, I ... I can't fail … know what that would mean."'

A few gods looked interested in that comment.

Thalia looked over at Grover with a slight glare, what happened wasn't even his fault.

'"You haven't failed, Grover," … my hand and hit the floor with a thud.'

Hermes, Apollo, Travis, Connor, and Chris all groaned.

"Rookie mistake," Hermes muttered.

'Mr. Brunner went silent. … the book and backed down the hall.'

"Retreat," Leo stressed, much to his friend's amusement.

"You know this has already happened." Jason laughed.

"Let me be stressed for the past, or is it the future Percy," Leo said, confusing himself and others around him. “Let me think about this…”

"Don't hurt yourself," Piper said dryly.

'A shadow slid across … suspiciously like an archer's bow.'

"The best weapon!" Apollo said proudly, breaking some of the tension. His sister nodded her agreement with his statement.

'I opened the nearest … since the winter solstice."'

"I am becoming very curious as to what happened during the solstice," Aphrodite murmured, wondering what had caused the fighting.

'"Mine neither," … "Don't remind me."'

"Still had to do exams," Grover muttered bitterly.

"If it makes you feel any better, you probably did better than me." Percy offered. Grover gave him a look.

"You are smarter than you give yourself credit for, you know Perc," Grover replied.

'The lights went … like he'd been there all night.'

"I guess you have some potential after all." Connor looked at the goat boy appraisingly.

'"Hey," he said … "Just... tired."'

"That probably wasn't even a lie," Hermes said with sympathy.

'I turned so … was in some kind of danger.'

"You are always in some kind of danger," Annabeth said exasperated.

"Hey, I don't find danger, danger finds me." Percy shrugged.

"And drags you, kicking and screaming," Grover said in amusement.

'The next afternoon, as I was leaving the three-hour Latin exam- '

"Three hours!" Most demigods said in horror.

"I would cry." Declared Hermes and Apollo.

“Sometimes, I think it's not just the demigods that have ADHD,” Persephone whispered to her husband, who chuckled.

'-my eyes swimming … called me back inside.'

Percy sighed, knowing what was coming.

'For a moment, I was ... it's for the best."'

Some Demigods turned to him in disbelief.

'His tone was kind, ... little kissing motions with her lips.'

"Awww, she had a crush on you." Aphrodite squealed. Percy went green.

"No, that's ... that's not it at all." Percy insisted.

"I'm the goddess of love," Aphrodite said, unamused. "I know what a crush is, and that is it."

Percy went an even more sickly shade of green.

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

"Chiron." Poseidon hissed, aghast that the teacher was so careless with his words.

'My eyes stung.'

Percy closed his eyes as he felt the tear up. Poseidon spotted this and casually swung his arm around his son's shoulder. Percy opened his eyes for a moment to smile at his dad.

'Here was my favorite … to get kicked out.'

"Percy, I never meant for it to come out like that," Chiron said regretfully, eyes filled with guilt.

"I know," Percy reassured.

'"Right," I said, trembling. … a lot, sir, for reminding me."'

"Being normal is boring anyway," Leo said casually.

'"Percy—" … was already gone.'

"Chiron needs to work on his pep talks," Hermes muttered to his children.

'On the … from a family of nobodies.'

"Bet you don't think that now," Hermes said with amusement.

"Oh, we are far from nobodies." Apollo joined in.

'They asked me … back to the city.'

"It was nice that they included you," Hestia said tentatively.

'What I didn't tell them … school in the fall.'

"You were 12 at this point, correct?" Artemis asked tightly. No matter if he was a boy, he did not need this kind of stress at such a young age.

"Yeah, it wasn't as bad as it sounds," Percy said hesitantly. He gained many looks of disbelief.

' "Oh," one of … as if I'd never existed.'

Some frowned

'The only person I … together again, heading into the city.'

"Stalker." Thalia teased, and Grover blushed slightly.

'During the whole bus ride … "Looking for Kindly Ones?"'

"Percy." Poseidon groaned.

Apollo and Hermes had burst into uncontrollable laughter, the demigods following shortly after.

"You gave me a heart attack." Grover scolded.

“What are best friends for.” Percy grinned.

“Heart attacks apparently,” Grober grumbled.

'Grover nearly jumped … Brunner the night before the exam.'

"Why would you confess?" Hermes asked in confusion.

'Grover's eye … summer solstice dead-line?"'

"Not much at all," Pollux said sarcastically.

'He winced. … demon math teachers ..."'

"He's still trying, gotta give him that," Travis said appreciatively.

'"Grover—" … His ears turned pink.'

As they did in real-time as well.

'From his shirt pocket, … 009-0009'

"Why is it like that?" Athena frowned.

"I think Mr.D likes to see us struggle," Percy said. Many of the gods frowned.

"You will be changing it." Zeus instructor, to Dionysus' grumbles.

'"What's Half—" … as the others at Yancy.'

"Oh, that's why you reacted like that." Grover realized.

'"Okay," I said … would I need you?"'

"Sorry, I know it was rude," Percy said, noticing the frowns of Hersia, his dad, and Chiron.

'It came out harsher than I meant it to.'

"At least you knew. "Hstia said gently.

'Grover blushed … the one who defended me.'

"You lost sleep?" Grover asked, shocked.

"Of course I did, you were constantly bullied, I had to protect my only friend," Percy said sincerely. Many of the gods looked at him appraisingly, seeing he was different from some of the heroes of the past, he seemed more selfless. The demigods just smiled, used to Percy and his unwavering loyalty to his friends.

Grover smiled brightly at the son of Poseidon.

'"Grover," I said, … biggest pair of socks I'd ever seen.'

Everyone paled.

'I mean these socks … of electric-blue yarn.'

Percy smiled sadly, knowing whose yarn that really was.

All three women … be looking right at me.'

Everyone looked at the demigod in horror.

'I looked over … They are, aren't they?"'

"Your luck." Annabeth groaned, interrupting herself to glare at her best friend.

'"Yeah. Weird, huh? … Not funny at all."'

Most people shared the sentiments.

'The old lady … thousand degrees in there."'

"You tried," Thalia said consolingly.

'"Come on!'" … snip across four lanes of traffic.'

Everyone turned to look at Percy as though he was going to die on the spot.

'Her two friends … if I'd caught the flu.'

Percy shook a bit from the sudden onslaught of heat that flooded his body. Poseidon tightened his arm around his son. Apollo looked as if he was about to get up but Percy shook his head at him.

"I would just like to elaborate, it wasn't my string," Percy said, much to the room's relief.

"Who was it then?" Apollo asked curiously. All the people from the future stayed quiet.

'Grover didn't … are you not telling me?"'

"So much," Travis said, trying to relieve some tension; it did not.

'He dabbed his … at the fruit stand?"'

Oh you know, only the FATES," Jason said sarcastically. “No big deal.”

'"You mean the old … Mrs. Dodds, are they?"'

"Worse," Triton said, looking slightly sick.

‘His expression was … I knew it was a big deal.'

"At least you have some instincts," Nico muttered.

"This is not … never get past sixth."

"It wasn't your fault," Thalia said again.

'"Grover," I said …I promised he could.'

Grover scowled, knowing what was going to happen.

'"Is this like … best on my coffin.'

"Just for the record, I like water lilies and anything blue," Percy said cheekily, gaining laughter.

"You really want to give me a heart attack," Poseidon said wearily.

"You're a god." Percy deadpanned.

"Not right now, I'm not," His dad stressed, then sighed. "This is going to be a long few books."

"I'll read next." Demeter offered. Annabeth gladly passed the book over, Demeter looked at the next chapter amused.

'Grover unexpectedly loses his pants'

Chapter Text

'Grover unexpectedly loses his pants'

Immediately, everyone bursts out laughing and Grover's face goes a vibrant red.

"Thet is a… creative way of saying that you found out he is a satyr," Chiron said with much amusement.

"Your mind just gets better and better. "Apollo said through his laughter.

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

"Of course you did." Thalia deadpanned.

"What can I say, I just can't stay still." Percy laughed.

"No, you can't do as you are told." Annabeth corrected.

"That too."

'I know, I know. It was rude. … always have to be sixth grade?"'

"That's fair, it would be a bit creepy." Connor agreed, eyeing Grover, who blushed under the scrutiny.

'Whenever he got upset, Grover's … made a beeline for the restroom. '

"Reveal everything about me." Grover flushed whilst everyone laughed.

"Sorry G-man, I didn't ask for my thoughts to be read out." Percy grinned.

Annabeth, Thalia, and Nico paled slightly, knowing that they have shared secrets with Percy before, and were most likely going to be read out. Suddenly, they felt the apprehension that Percy had been feeling the entire time.

'Instead of waiting, … First," I told the driver.'

Hermes and his kids began to grin.

"I don't live there anymore," Percy said smugly, watching as their grins were wiped off and replaced with pouts.

"We never get to prank you," Travis whined.

"You are too observant," Connor grumbled.

'A word about my mother, before you meet her.'

"Amazing," Percy said.

"Brilliant." Annabeth continued.

"So generous," Thalia added.

"Best person ever." Nico finished. Everyone looked at the group with an amused eye.

'Her name is Sally … best people have the rottenest luck.'

"You are living proof of this theory. Your luck is the worst." Annabeth deadpanned.

'Her own parents died in a plane crash when she was five- '

"Zeus," Hestia said with disappointment, and he lowered his head.

"Not every plane crash is my fault." He defended.

"Just most." Poseidon chimed.

'-and she was raised by an uncle … money, no family, and no diploma.'

Athena frowned, such an academic with such unfortunate circumstances.

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

Poseidon smiled slightly, outside the view of his wife and immortal son.

"Aww, that's so cute." Aphrodite squealed.

'I don't have any memories … barest trace of his smile.'

"You visited him?" Zeus said in a dangerous tone.

"Of course I did, he is my son," Poseidon said easily. Some demigods looked jealous at how Percy's immortal parents cared for him so much.

"The ancient laws-"

"I do not care about the ancient laws." Poseidon sneered. "I care about seeing my son in his childhood."

"Dad, he has a point," Apollo interjected. "I go and see my kids when they are infants." Will looked over in interest, happy that his dad did care more than he let on.

"WHAT?" Zeus thundered. "How many of you go and visit your children?"

Hermes, Aphrodite, and Herphestus raised their hands. Zeus looked ready to explode.

"Brother, you cannot blame them for loving their children." Hestia chimed. "It may be time for laws to be changed."

"But Hestia…" Zeus whined.

"We can talk about it later." She decided. The demigods were in shock, their parents went to see them. Obviously not as involved as Poseidon with Percy, but they still cared enough to visit. That was a groundbreaking discovery, and they hoped they could actually be able to see their parents in the future.

'My mom doesn't like to … has no pictures.'

"No one does," Aphrodite said sympathetically.

'See, they weren't married.'

"He was," Triton said jokingly. He knew his mother didn't care for his father's infidelities. But she had once explained that millennia with one person was a long time, as long as he came home to her, she would always forgive him.

Amphitrite closed her eyes, trying to mask her amusement.

'She told me he was … Not dead. Lost at sea.'

"A white lie," Hermes said appreciatively. "She is a good one."

'She worked odd jobs, … got mad. Not even once.'

"She does have exceptional patience." Annabeth smiled.

"You would think that, you get mad all the time," Percy pointed out, shutting up when she glared at him.

'But I knew I wasn't an easy kid.'

A few frowned at that. Some were beginning to see a trend in Percy's self-esteem issues so far.

'Finally, she married Gabe Ugliano, … pizza wrapped in gym shorts.'

Aphrodite looked vaguely ill.

"That's just nasty," Clarrise said in disgust.

'Between the two of us, we made my mom's life pretty hard.'

"I'm sure it was fine, She loves you, seaweed brain," Annabeth said reassuringly.

'The way Smelly Gabe … beer cans were strewn all over the carpet.'

"Men," Artemis said in disgust.

"We aren't all like that," Apollo said indignantly, affronted that he was compared to that thing in the book.

'Hardly looking up, … "You got any cash?"'

"Really, no 'hi' or 'how are you'" Chris said in disbelief. Percy shrugged, he did not want to be here for this part, or any part for that matter.

'That was it. No Welcome … the last six months?'

Chris and Percy grinned at each other.

'Gabe had put on weight. … made him handsome or something.'

"I guarantee it didn't," Aphrodite said in horror.

'He managed the Electronics … me to provide his gambling funds. '

"That isn't your responsibility," Katie said angrily. "You are 12!"

'He called that our "guy secret." … he would punch my lights out.'

The room was deathly silent for a moment.

"Please repeat that Demeter." Poseidon requested tightly.

She did as asked.

"How dare he!" Poseidon boomed, doing an impressive imitation of Zeus.

Everyone else was not much better. Annabeth had tears in her eyes, Grover was looking at his best friend with a heartbroken look. Thalia and Nico looked like they wanted blood. Chiron was cursing himself for never noticing the signs that were now obvious: the low self-esteem, and Percy's aversion to listening or respecting adults.

"I will destroy him," Poseidon swore in a scarily calm voice. Percy was once again reminded of how powerful his dad truly was, as he was not named the Earthshaker for nothing. He was glad that his father was mortal at the moment, or he would more than likely be hunting the earth for Gabe. "Where is he?"

"Dad, it's fine now, he's gone." Percy tried.

"It is not fine! I left you with an abuser." His voice cracked slightly at the end.

"Nothing about this is fine, seaweed brain," Annabeth said gently, trying to convey the seriousness of this.

"Look, I know it wasn't fine. But I was usually gone for the majority of the year, it wasn't as often as you think…" He said, frustrated. "I had no time to dwell on it once I got to camp because of everything that happened. Childhood trauma had to take the backseat on my priority."

"You shouldn't have had childhood trauma in the first place," Apollo said angrily, he had taken a liking to Percy, he was a funny guy and very easygoing, you had to like him. So hearing what he had to go through wasn't right.

"I know," Percy said, looking at the sun god quizically, why was he reacting so angrily? "But it's done with now, he's gone by the time I'm back from camp and I haven't thought of him since."

Poseidon pulled Percy into his side in a one-armed hug

"Why would your mom keep him around," Amphetrite asked in horror.

"So monsters wouldn't be able to smell me, that's why I could never blame her for keeping im around," Percy said in a sad voice.

"That's not your fault," Thalia said in a no-nonsense tone. "You didn't ask for it, and you helped your mom get out of it. I love Sally, but she should have sent you to camp."

Most agreed with her, knowing it was hard leaving your parent, especially with how Sally was described, but it would have been better than what had happened.

"Can we just keep going please," Percy begged, obviously uncomfortable with the attention on the part of his life that he had wanted to keep hidden. Leo looked at the boy with empathy, he couldn't think of how he would react if his past was broadcasted to all his friends and godly family. He'd die of embarrassment.

Poseidon nodded to Demeter but kept Percy next to him.

'"I don't have … should've covered up everything else.'

"Probably is the only competent thing he could do." Triton sneered, looking every bit of Posiedons son. "Cover up your demigod smell."

"You took a taxi from the bus … to carry his own weight. Am I right, Eddie?"

"The thing can math?" Travis asked in shock, causing a few to let out light laughs.

'Eddie, the super of the … "The kid just got here."'

"At least one is decent." Katie scowled. Percy didn't deserve this treatment. He saved the world when he grew up like this, it's a wonder he didn't grow up to resent the world and leave it burning.

'"Am I right?" … passed gas in harmony.'

"This is just vile," Hera muttered, and it pained the demigods, and even some of the gods, to agree with her.

'"Fine," I said. I dug a … "I hope you lose."'

"Hmm, I can see to that." Dyonisis smiled sadistically but scowled when he remembered the vile thing was already gone.

'"Your report card came, brain boy!"-'

Annabeth froze for a moment, that was so close to her nickname. Was her affectionate nickname possibly upsetting to him? She filed that away to talk to him about later.

'-he shouted after me. … it was Gabe's "study."'

"Oh yes, I'm sure he studied in there." Persephone sneered.

'He didn't study anything … shears snipping the yarn.'

"I can believe it," Frank muttered.

'But as soon as I thought that, … I wouldn't go home without him.'

"Sorry again," Percy said sheepishly and Grover waved it off with a smile.

A sudden chill rolled … way up the stairs, growing long, horrible talons.'

"It wasn't right?" Leo asked nervously.

"No," Percy reassured.

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

Poseidon smiled at that, at least he had his amazing mom throughout all this.

'My mother can make me feel … not even me or Gabe.'

"Patience of a saint." Artemis smiled, this woman sounded like an amazing person.

Hera smiled, even if she did hate demigods, she had to admit that the boy was an amazing son.

"Why can my own children not describe me as such," Hera said dramatically.

"I would, but you threw me off Olympus," Hephaestus said breezily and Hera went silent.

"I would, but I don't particularly like you," Ares added, because why not.

'"Oh, Percy." She … she always did when I came home.'

The Stoll twins had stars in their eyes.

'We sat together on .. her little boy doing all right?'

"An amazing mother, you have a good eye, brother," Hestia said warmly, liking this woman more and more.

"Apart from the odd near-death experience, he's doing great," Travis said brightly, everyone glared at him. "Too soon?".

'I told her she was … I gritted my teeth.'

So did everyone in the room.

'My mom is the … not to some jerk like Gabe.'

Percy thought, that whilst Paul wasn't a millionaire, he was good for is mom, which was all he wanted.

'For her sake, I tried to …Nancy Bobofit suddenly didn't seem so bad.'

"You must have a way with words to make that all seem good," Hazel said reluctantly.

'Until that trip to the museum … would sound stupid.'

"You really should have, it would have made things so much easier." Grover sighed. "But when have things ever been easy."

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

Poseidon's eyes sparked at the name of the cabin.

Grovers dulled, it was a pain trying to get there on time.

'"Three nights— … Gabe said there wasn't enough money.'

"Maybe if you didn't lose it all on gambling, there would be enough," Poseidon growled.

'Gabe appeared … wanted to punch him- '

"You should have, and that's not just me being violent - he deserves it," Ares said.

"There would not have been a positive outcome," Percy said sullenly.

'-but I met my mom's … you were serious about that?"'

"No, she was joking," Pollux said sarcastically.

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

"He better," Poseidon said angrily.

'"Of course, he will," my … Sour cream. The works."'

"Bribery at its finest," Hermes said proudly, and slightly impressed.

'Gabe softened a … of your clothes budget, right?"'

"Her what?" Aphrodite asked, aghast. "I have never even heard of such a thing."

'"Yes, honey," my mother said … We'll be very careful."'

"Look how that turned out." Percy grinned at Grover's words, and everyone looked at them intrigued.

'Gabe scratched his double … interrupting my poker game."'

"He bloody funded it," Thalia said in outrage.

'Maybe if I kick you in … sing soprano for a week.'

"Do it!" Nico said a little eagerly. Percy looked over at him in amusement.

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

"Did she know?" Apollo's eyes narrowed.

"I'm not sure," Percy admitted. "I think she just knew if he had a reason to, he would stop the trip."

'Why did she put … she care what he thought?'

Percy looked down in guilt, she didn't, she just put up with the guy for him. Poseidon tightened his grip on his son, as if sensing the thoughts.

'"I'm sorry," … whatever," he decided.'

"Idiot." Annabeth sighed.

"Let's just be happy that he didn't detect the sarcasm," Will said darkly. "I imagine it would have gone a lot differently."

'He went back to … too felt an odd chill in the air.'

"She should have sent you to camp," Chiron said gravely.

'But then her … '78 Camaro—for the whole weekend.'

"I'm sure he was fine." Apollo rolled his eyes.

"Imagine a few days without your chariot," Artemis said.

"That's different." Apollo protested. "I need it to literally make the world go round."

'"Not a scratch on …"Not one little scratch."'

"In what world would he be the one driving?" Piper said exasperated.

'Like I'd be the one … he'd find a way to blame me.'

Everyone scowled.

'Watching him lumber … mad I did something I can't explain.'

"You do that often," Annabeth said carelessly.

'As Gabe reached the doorway, … if he'd been shot from a cannon.'

Everyone began to laugh loudly.

"You must be very powerful o do that, especially without the knowledge of your lineage." Hestiacomplimented, making Percy go pink.

"And he must be truly evil as well," Hades added.

'Maybe it was just … my mom to step on it.'

"I imagine you would." Hades said.

'Our rental cabin was on the south … was too cold to swim in.'

"It sounds amazing." Katie smiled.

'I loved the place. … place where she'd met my dad.'

"Awww," Aphrodite cooed.

'As we got closer to … samples my mom had brought from work.'

"Why is everything blue? I know it's a trademark of the sea and all but…" Leo asked.

'I guess I should explain the blue food.'

"Yes please." Leo smiled happily, and Piper and Jason smiled at him.

'See, Gabe had once told … She did have a rebellious streak, like me.'

"That's why yours are so prominent, you get it from both sides," Annabeth remarked.

"The sea doesn't like to be restrained." Poseidon and Percy recited at the same time and looked at each other in shock. Everyone gave out a little laugh at how similar the god and demigod were.

'When it got dark, we made … money to quit the candy shop.'

Some demigods sighed longingly, that was what they wanted.

'Eventually, I got up the nerve … I never got tired of hearing them.'

"Seems like a thing all demigods have in common," Chris said bitterly. It was one of the main reasons that had pushed him to Kronos' side; not knowing anything about his dad, and not getting claimed for years.

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

Everyone looked at the father and son. Now that they were paying attention, Percy did look like a younger version of Poseidon, once he was older they could be mistaken for twins.

'Mom fished a blue … would be so proud."'

"She is right," Poseidon said honestly.

'I wondered how she … the sixth time in six years.'

"You are way too hard on yourself," Will said seriously. A lot of people were getting concerned for Percy's mental well-being with this glimpse into his mind.

'"How old was I?" … here at this beach. This cabin."'

"So cute," Aphrodite whispered.

'"But... he knew me as a baby."'

"I wonder how you remember that." Annabeth mused.

"A godly presence is hard to forget," Athena suggested.

'"No, honey. He knew I … leave before you were born."'

"Not exactly true though, is it brother," Zeus said with an edge.

'I tried to … warm glow. A smile.'

Zeus huffed angrily.

"You have no defense. Those two" Hera scowled and pointed at Jason and Thalia. "Are fully blooded siblings, meaning you went to the same woman twice."

'I had always assumed … now we were stuck with Smelly Gabe.'

"I never wanted that," Poseidon said regretfully.

"I know now," Percy sighed, running a hand through his air. "I was being silly."

"Nothing about feeling abandoned is silly," Apollo stated firmly. Poseidon looked at his nephew with a raised eyebrow, he was certainly protective for someone he hardly knows.

'"Are you going to send me … words as soon as they were out.'

"She just wanted what was best for you," Hestia said softly.

"Yeah, and having him with Gabe was definitely the best," Nico muttered with a scowl.

'My mom's eyes welled … best for me to leave Yancy.'

Chiron winced.

'"Because I'm not normal," I said.'

"I will say again," Leo said. "Normal is boring."

"Which is why you never fail to amuse." Jason laughed.

'"You say that as if it's a … you'd finally be safe."'

"What does she mean? Monsters would be able to smell you either way." Hades pointed out.

'"Safe from what?"'

"Just tell him," Hermes begged. "The suspense is killing me."

"You realize this was ages ago?" Percy asked. He went ignored.

'She met my eyes, … the man only had one eye, right in the middle of his head.'

"You sent people to check on him too?" Zeus growled, and Poseidon elected to ignore him.

'Before that—a really … death with my meaty toddler hands.'

"Like Hercules." Apollo tilted his head, then blanched at the glare he received from the son of Poseidon. Artemis was scowling next to her twin as well, looking ready to smack him.

"Don't compare me to him," Percy spat. Artemis raised an eyebrow while her brother nodded furiously.

"What's wrong with my son? He was a hero," Zeus said indignantly.

"Sure he was," Percy said offhandedly. The Romans looked scandalized at the disrespect.

'In every single school … and I was forced to move.'

"I think we should change Murphey's law to Percy's law." Thalia laughed, gaining nods from all around the room.

'I knew I should tell my … Montauk, and I didn't want that.'

"Percy," Annabeth, Thalia, and Nico sighed.

'"I've tried to keep … And I just... I just can't stand to do it."'

"So you would rather put him in danger?" Clarisse sneered.

'"My father wanted … she said softly. "A summer camp."'

"Woo," The twins said weakly.

'My head was … night I had a vivid dream.'

Percy's eyes fluttered closed and his head fell onto his father's shoulders.

'It was storming on … goading the animals to fight harder.'

Percy frowned slightly, with some people watching him in concern.

Everyone looked to Hades at the last part.

"Hey, don't look at me just because it's underground," Hades raised his hands.

'I ran toward them, … wide eyes, and I screamed, No!'

"I win," Zeus said smugly, and his siblings and children rolled their eyes at him.

'I woke with a start.'

Percy jumped slightly, eyes shooting open.

"That was weird," He said groggily, blinking while his dad filled him in on what had happened..

'Outside, it really was … and twenty-foot waves pounding the dunes like artillery.'

Poseidon narrowed his eyes at his younger brother.

'With the next … seemed to have forgotten.'

"So irresponsible of you," Hermes teased to his uncle. Poseidon laughed.

'Over the roar of … pounding on our cabin door.'

Everyone tensed up.

'My mother sprang … he wasn't exactly Grover.'

"Is this the part where he unexpectedly has no pants?" Travis teased, making Grover go red. Everyone gave little laughs.

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

"Exactly what i want to know," Triton muttered.

"Why didn't you stay at home." Grover groaned.

"Oops," Percy lamented.

'My mother looked at me … at school? What didn't you tell me?"'

"Just a fury attacked me and the fates snipped a thread whilst looking straight at me, the usual," Dakota said causally.

'I was frozen, looking at … Didn't you tell her?"'

"What does that mean?" Rachel asked.

"Oh Zeus and all the gods," Annabeth answered.

'I was too shocked to … his legs should be …'

"Took you a while," Pollux said with amusement.

'My mom looked at me … no feet. There were cloven hooves.'

"That's boring, it would have been more interesting if there was… say a horse's body." Connor grinned at Chiron, who laughed.

"Well at the time it wasn't boring." Percy pointed out.

"Yeah, I can see how it was a shock." Rachel agreed, knowing from experience.

"That's the end," Demeter announced.

"Maybe one more chapter, then sleep," Hestia suggested, remembering it was dinner time for the demigods when they first arrived. Everyone agreed. "Wonderful, I will read next."

Demeter passed the book to her elder sister.

'My mother teaches me bullfighting'

Chapter Text

‘My mother teaches me bullfighting’

“Sounds like a fun family outing,” Hermes grimaced. Percy and Grover shared a look of unease, knowing what was to come.

‘We tore through … she kept her foot on the gas.’

“That really isn't safe,” Demeter fretted.

“Sounds awesome,” The demigods, Hermes and Ares chorused.

“You do that if you want a one-way ticket to the infirmary,” Hestia lectured to the demigods.

‘Every time there … kind of shag-carpet pants.’

That broke the tension in the room as everyone burst into laughter, except Grover who bleated indigently.

“I am so using that,” Thalia laughed.

“Percy,” Grover complained to his best friend, who just grinned sheepishly in return.

‘But, no, the … smell of a wet barnyard animal.’

Grover gave his friend another glare amongst the laughter that had resurfaced.

“It's not my fault, I didn't say it out loud,” Percy defended.

“You still thought it,” Grover grumbled.

“You are technically partially barnyard….” Travis trailed off as Grover turned his glare.

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

“I think you could have worded that better,” Katie giggled. Percy blushed in embarrassment as everyone else laughed as well.

“I think I'm gonna die laughing by the end of this,” Apollo chuckled.

‘Graver's eyes flitted … "Watching me?"’

“Stalker Grover makes another appearance,” Thalia teased.

‘"Keeping tabs on … "I am your friend."’

“Always will be.” Grover chimed.

‘"Urn ... what are you, exactly?"’

“A merman,” Triton said sarcastically.

‘"That doesn't matter … my best friend is a donkey—"’

“Ooh,” Dionysus winced. “That was not good wording, I once called Pan a donkey, my grapes didn't grow for months.”

‘Grover let out a … goat from the waist down."’

“You literally just said it didn't matter,” Conner pointed out.

‘"You just said it didn't matter."’

“You think like Percy,” Travis teased, whilst his brother mock fainted.

‘"Blaa-ha-ha! There are satyrs who would trample you under hoof for such an insult!"’

“Like coach Hedge,” Annabeth added. Camp half-blood demigods shuddered, he was not a satyr you want to insult. Everyone else looked at them in confusion. Piper and Leo perked up at the mention of their insane teacher, he was in on the mythology world? And was a Satyr?

The Romans were still stuck on the fact that fauns helped instead of begging.

‘Whoa. Wait. Satyrs. You mean like ... Mr. Brunner's myths?"’

“Glad to see you paid attention,” Chiron smiled.

‘"Were those old ladies at the fruit stand a myth, Percy? Was Mrs. Dodds a myth?"’

“You were definitely trying to convince me of it,” Percy said sarcastically, referring to Grover making him think he was crazy.

‘"So you admit there was a Mrs. Dodds!"’

“That is what you are stuck on?” Katie asked in disbelief.

“In my defense, I thought I was going insane,” Percy said.

“Thought?” Grover snorted.

‘"Of course.".... You started to realize who you are."’

“You are just confusing him even more,” Amphetrite shook her head.

‘"Who I—wait a … from what? Who's after me?"’

“Easier to list who isn't after you.” Annabeth snorted. Some gods raised an impressed eyebrow.

‘"Oh, nobody much," … few of his blood-thirstiest minions."’

“As blunt as ever,” Annabeth said dryly.

“Did you want me to skirt around it?” Grover questioned.

“All right, break it up,” Percy said over their bickering.

“Alecto will love being called a bloodthirsty minion,” Persephone giggled. Grover paled.

“Please don't tell her.”

‘"Grover!" …  drive faster, please?"’

“I think she's already going too fast,” Demeter snorted.

‘I tried to wrap my … could never dream up something this weird.’

“I stand corrected.” Percy sighed, and the demigods looked at him in sympathy. They had bad demigod dreams, but his were the worst.

‘My mom made a hard …"Where are we going?" I asked.’

“Camp!” Will said cheerfully.

‘"The summer camp I …"The place your father wanted to send you."’

“Just a little while late,” Thalia said sarcastically.

‘"The place you didn't want me to go."

"Please, dear," my … some old ladies cut yarn."’

“If only it were that simple,” Poseidon sighed.

"Those weren't old ladies," …" Whoa. You said 'you.'"

“Of course, you would zone in on that,” Annabeth sighed.

‘"No, I didn't. I said 'someone.'"’

“You definitely said ‘you’,” Chris added unhelpfully.

‘"You meant 'you.' As in … like 'someone.' Not you, you."’

“Boys,” Artemis groaned.

‘"Boys!" my mom said.’

Artemis smiled, this mortal woman was looking promising, it was a shame that she was so inclined to be Percy's mother, she would be an amazing hunter.

“Honestly, your life is in danger and that is what you are arguing over?” Athena said exasperated, this was the future generation of demigods?

‘She pulled the wheel hard to …"What was that?" I asked.’

Those that didn't know wondered the same thing.

‘"We're almost there," my mother said, … in the car, anticipating, wanting us to arrive.’

Percy felt his knee begin to shake from the nerves.

‘Outside, nothing but …She really hadn't been human. She'd meant to kill me.’

“Noooo,” Nico said sarcastically. “She wanted a hug.”

“Hey!” Percy whined. “You heard the book, it was delayed shock.”

‘Then I thought about … being crushed, fried, and hosed down all at the same time.’

Percy gasped, his arms instantly becoming red as if they had been too close to an open flame. He fell onto his father with a pained groan. Apollo was instantly up and across the room next to Percy.

“S’fine,” Percy slurred.

“Nothing about this is fine,” said a pale Annabeth.

“The lack of adrenaline is only making it worse,” Apollo sighed. “At least at that moment, he had so much adrenaline that he didn't feel it as much.”

“This is gonna suck so much,” Percy whined. “Everything is gonna suck.”

Poseidon looked saddened at this, any hope of a pain-free book was thrown out the window. Apollo sighed and began to heal the boy's arms.

‘I peeled my forehead off the back of the driver's seat and said, "Ow."’

Percy groaned and moved his hand to clutch his head, but it was quickly swatted away by Apollo's hand, which then rested on his head. Percy sighed in bliss as his headache was instantly cleared.

“This is great,” Percy smiled, much to everyone's amusement.

‘"Percy!" my mom … “I'm okay... ."’

“Sure you are,” Nico said, his voice an octave higher as he looked at his friend(crush) in pain.

‘I tried to shake off the daze. I wasn't dead.’

“Always a good realization,” Connor said shakily, eyeing Percy in concern.

‘The car hadn't really exploded. … Lightning.’

“Zeus,” Poseidon said dangerously.

“It hasn't happened yet,” Zeus said weakly.

“Be lucky it hasn't, because you would not get off lightly, little brother,” Poseidon said threateningly to the king of the gods. Percy, in his haze, smiled slightly at the knowledge that his dad, even without knowing him personally, is so protective.

“I have a feeling that my dad is going to be the cause of much of my workload,” Apollo mutters to Percy.

“Just a little,” Percy laughs, making Apollo sigh dramatically, but could feel his anger rising at his dad's unfair treatment.

The rest of the room was similarly outraged, everyone glaring at the god of lightning. Even Hestia gave him a look of disappointment, which seemed to hit harder than anyone's glare.

“I didn't know about this,” Nico said, with Thaia agreeing. 

“It was years before you got to camp,” Annabeth said incredulously.

“Doesn't mean we shouldn't have known,” Thalia sniffed.

‘That was the only … big motionless lump. "Grover!"’

“A lump!” Grover bleated, but his annoyance was ruined by his best friend leaning on his father's side in pain.

‘He was slumped over, … best friend and I don't want you to die!’

“Thank you?” Grover asked in confusion, then sighed. “That's the best I'm gonna get.”

“Hey, I said I lost sleep worrying about you.” Percy defended.

“You lost sleep over that dolphin in the aquarium we went to.” Annabeth pointed out.

“She was hungry,” Percy argued.

“Glad to know I'm equal to a dolphin,” Grover said wryly, but everyone could see the humor in his eyes

“In Percy's book, that's pretty high up,” Nico contributed.

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

“I feel that,” Leo said solemnly.

‘"Percy," my mother said, … upraised hands made it look like he had horns.’

Poseidon went pale, knowing what the monster was. His son was truly not favored by Tyche.

Others had come to a similar conclusion and were now looking at Percy in undisguised horror. The demigods leaned forward, knowing he won, but had never heard of how it had happened.

‘I swallowed hard. … tree-sized pine at the crest of the nearest hill.’

“It's me,” Thalia said cheerfully, confusing the majority of the room. When seeing the looks she simply stated, “Spoilers.”

‘"That's the property … are coming with me. Help me carry Grover."’

“Such loyalty,” Hestia marveled. “Tis a good trait to have.”

“It can also be a dire trait if taken too far,” Athena pointed out. Percy sighed, knowing his fatal flaw had caused him trouble in the past.

“Even I know he would never leave her.” Clarisse scoffed.

‘"Food!" Grover moaned, a little louder.’

“Satyr,” Dionysus cursed. “You are going to be found.” 

Everyone looked at the wine god in surprise, not realizing he had been paying attention or cared.

‘The man with the blanket … And the points that looked like horns’

Poseidon gave a stressed sigh. He was feeling guilty, twice this monster had fought his sons, first Theseus, and now Percy, and he had been the one to create the monster. If only he had not cursed that kings wife…

‘"He doesn't want us," … cross the property line."’

“That is a bit silly,” Hestia commented. “ Situations like these require it.”

“It is mainly to prevent wanderers,” Chiron said sheepishly.

‘"But..." "We don't have time, Percy. Go. Please.”’

“He’s not gonna like that,” Thalia commented.

“I didn't,” Percy confirmed.

‘I got mad, then-’

“Duck and cover,” The twins shouted jokingly.

‘-mad at my mother, …"Mom! I am not leaving you. Help me with Grover."’

Hera sighs wistfully.

‘I didn't wait for her answer. … very far if my mom hadn't come to my aid.’

Artemis raised an eyebrow, a boy acknowledging a woman's strength and contribution, how rare.

‘Together, we draped Grover's … through wet waist-high grass.’

“That is a bit silly,” Thalia mentioned, thinking of her own time getting to camp. “Its quite difficult to see over the grass if the demigod is only a child, especially if they are being chased by monsters, it could be the factor that kills them”

‘Glancing back, I got my … bright white Fruit of the Looms- ‘

“What?” Hephaestus said in confusion, he had zoned out a while ago, thinking of new inventions, and came back to that description.

“Why is he wearing those?” Apollo laughed, spurring others into a laughing fit by imagining it. A few looked to Hades, thinking he may know as he was the one to send it, but he looked just as aghast as them.

‘-which would've … couldn't get from an electric sharpener.’

This quickly sobered anyone still amused by the description, and tension thickened.

‘I recognized the … But he couldn't be real.’

“Oh, he is,” Triton muttered under his breath.

‘I blinked the rain … "Names have power."’

“She is a truly intelligent woman,” Athena commented, quite impressed with the mortal. 

‘The pine tree was still … But he'll figure out where we are soon enough."’

“She truly did her research for you,” Hestia pondered. “I wonder why she didn't just tell you, to teach you everything she knew.”

“She wanted me to have a relatively normal childhood,” Percy smiled sadly.

“You? Normal?” Grover said in disbelief.

‘As if on cue, the bull-man …Not a scratch, I remembered Gabe saying.’

Everyone smiled.

“Oops,” Many said maliciously.

‘Oops.’

Some giggled slightly, happy the horrid man got a fraction of what he deserved.

‘"Percy," my mom said. … very well once he's charging. Do you understand?"’

“For a mortal, she is much more educated than I assumed,” Hestia beamed.

‘"How do you know …He'd smelled us.’

“Such an unfair advantage, that monsters can smell us,” Will complained.

‘The pine tree was only … few seconds and he'd be on top of us.’

Many let out stressed breaths.

‘My mother must've … He reeked like rotten meat.’

Aphrodite wrinkled her nose like she was smelling it right there.

‘He lowered his … and at the last moment, I jumped to the side.’

Everyone looked at Hestia with bated breaths.

Percy looked around in bewilderment, he was obviously alright.

‘The bull-man stormed … was half a mile away. We'd never make it.’

“Ever a pessimist,” Annabeth sighed.

“I prefer to think I'm a realist,” Percy said cheekily.

The bull-man … "I can't go any farther. Run!"

The demigods looked devastated, Percy shouldn't have had to go through this at such a young age, he didn't deserve it.

‘But I just stood there … her as she struggled, kicking and pummeling the air.’

Percy closed his eyes and covered his face with trembling hands, it was like he was reliving the horror and anguish he had felt when he was 12. He jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked to see Apollo's concerned eyes analyzing him. Percy shook his head; there was nothing to physically heal this time.

‘"Mom!" … managed to choke out one last word: "Go!"’

The gods looked confused, and devastated in Poseidon's case, was this woman dead? This sounded like her death, but other demigods have vouched to have met her before, so what was actually happening?

Hades sweated slightly, having an idea what he was about to do, and quite a few people would have a word or two to say about it.

‘Then, with an angry roar, … A blinding flash, and she was simply ... gone.’

“That is not how mortals die,” Athena observed, then turned her eyes onto her uncle. “Why did you take the mortal?”

“I am not entirely sure yet,” Hades confessed.

‘"No!" … I'd gotten when Mrs. Dodds grew talons.’

Percy's leg bounced slightly, unsure what to do with all the newfound energy that ran through him.

“Well, he is done for.” Niico deadpanned.

‘The bull-man bore down on … make him dissolve too.’

Grover paled slightly, happy that he did not have to remember this, it would have given him nightmares for a long time.

‘I couldn't allow that.’

“Thanks, Perce,” Grover said gratefully, happy he had him as his best friend.

‘I stripped off … Hey, stupid! Ground beef!"’

“That's all you could come up with? 2Thalia asked, clearly unimpressed. 

“I was 12, and really stressed.” 

‘"Raaaarrrrr!" The monster …I had an idea—a stupid idea- ‘

“As yours usually are,” Annabeth sighed.

‘-but better than no idea at all.’

“As our situations usually are.” Percy teased.

‘I put my back to the big … But it didn't happen like that.’

“Of course, it didn't,” Will said, throwing his hands up.

‘The bull-man charged too fast, … and landing on his neck.’

“Just to clarify, are you really doing this with no training?” Frank asked in thinly veiled shock. He has trained for a long time, and she still thinks he isn't ready for monsters.

‘How did I do that? I didn't … impact nearly knocked my teeth out.’

Percy winced slightly and put his hand to his mouth.

‘The bull-man staggered around …" Food!" Grover moaned.’

“I didn't make it easy for you,” Grover realized sheepishly.

“Wasnt your fault.” Percy waved him off.

‘The bull-man wheeled … I pulled backward with all my might.’

“Not gonna happen kid.” Ares snorted. Percy smirked.

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

“What?” Ares asked in surprise.

“I think the rain gave me more strength,” Percy explained.

“But Poseidon's domain is the seas, not water.” Athena pointed out.

“But - water,” Percy shrugged unhelpfully. Everyone stared. “ I don't know how to explain it; water gives me strength as well.” 

Poseidon beamed, his son was a truly powerful demigod.

‘The bull-man screamed … My head smacked against a rock.’

Apollo's hand immediately reached for Percy's head, glowing golden, relieving the pain as soon as it had appeared. Percy sighed in appreciation.

‘When I sat up, … the same way Mrs. Dodds had burst apart.’

“A fury and the minotaur, both whilst untrained and unaware of your heritage.” Reyna wondered. 

“You'll get used to it.” Annabeth snorted.

‘The monster was … I'd just seen my mother vanish.’

Percy sighed sadly, remembering the loss he had experienced. Many gave him sympathetic looks that he ignored, not wanting their pity.

‘I wanted to lie down and … wasn't going to let him go.’

“It is admirable that you would help him, even after everything that had happened in the prior minutes.” Demeter smiled.

“He’s my best friend,” Percy said as if it explained everything.

‘The last thing I … hair curled like a princess's.’

“Oooooh,” The twins teased, realizing immediately who he was describing. “Love at first sight.” 

Percy and Annabeth looked at each other, only just realizing that they never even had the chance to tell tier friends that they had broken up… This was gonna be fun.

“The sea spawn and my daughter??” Athena asked, aghast.

“A forbidden romance,” Aphrodite said dreamily. Apollo frowned slightly, not particularly enjoying the idea.

“I mean, I'm not forbidding it,” Poseidon pointed out. “As long as es happy, I do not care.” 

Annabeth gave Percy a look that clearly said ‘You tell them’. He gave her a helpless look until she glared.

“Guys, I have to tell you something,” Percy hesitated, knowing that he very well could get killed for this. “Me and Annabeth broke up.”

“WHAT?!” All the Greek demigods and even Chiron shouted in shock.

“How?” Aphrodite said, near tears, her ship had fallen as soon as it had sailed.

“Did anyone bet on this?” Travis muttered to Connor, who just shook his head, this wasn't even on the list of possibilities.

“There were a few that said they won't get together, but none on a breakup,” Connor said back.

“You bet on us?” Annabeth said flatly. The brothers nodded unabashed.

“How??” Thalia stressed. She had seen them tiptoe around each other for years, how have they broken up in literal months?

“Yeah, turns out,” Percy interjected, motioning to himself and Annabeth. “Gay.”

A moment of silence occurred before all their friends burst into talk, overlapping each other whilst the gods looked over them in befuddlement.

“Okay!” Annabeth shouted, gaining silence immediately. “Yes we broke up because we are gay, though I'm still convinced Percy is the definition of bi-panic, but we are still best friends.”

“I am not bi-panic.” Percy spluttered,

“Luke,” Annabeth, Grover, Travis, Connor, Will, Clarrise, Katie, and Chris chorused. Percy blushed slightly and slumped down in his seat. 

Whilst this was all happening Nico was near catatonic, Percy had liked guys this whole time? He had a chance this whole time? But, he was like, so straight for Annabeth. Nico was done.

“As entertaining as this is,” Amphitrite interrupted smoothly. “As we are mortals now, we also require sleep, and I think we all wish for this chapter to be over.”

“Im good!” Apollo, the only one with his godly powers, chirped and was skillfully ignored by his family.

“I'm sure you can all talk about this at breakfast in the morning.” Hestia smiled at the Demigods. Aphrodite and Hermes pouted, this drama was golden, Olympus drama starts getting old after the same stuff for millennia, but with demigod drama, there is always something new.

‘They both looked … still conscious. Bring him inside."’

“That's the end.” Hestia beamed.

“That was not a fun chapter,” Poseidon commented, eyeing his son to see if the pain from the book had had any lasting effects.

“Luckily, we all have quarters on Olympus,” Hestia began. “Any gods with children here will be housing them in spare rooms in those quarters, and the few demigods other or non-demigods may stay in my quarters.”

Grover, Rachel, and Reyna smiled gratefully, worry lifting from their faces, happy the kind Goddess had offered.

“Everyone may retire for the night then,” Zeus practically ordered, and the demigods were ushered out by their respective patrons.

Percy allowed himself to be guided by his father in content silence, with his half-brother and Aphetrite alongside them both. He allowed his mind to briefly wander. Everyone had taken his and Annabeth's mutual break up rather well, considering there was apparently a bet on it. These books were going to be a pain; metaphorically and physically. The actual pain part sucked sure, but he had lived through that, he may just die from embarrassment when his future thoughts are read out. There were so many things to dread; His first meeting with his dad, anything he thought about Zeus, Hera, and Ares, and that time he was turned into a guinea pig. It was all really gonna suck.

He snapped out of his thoughts when his father opened a teal blue door, with the frame decorated with golden sea creatures, mythical and otherwise. When they entered, Percy had to smile, because it was almost exactly the same as his cabin at camp, except bigger. It smelled as if the ocean was right outside, and Percy unconsciously relaxed, feeling truly safe since the reading started.

Poseidon and Amphitrite immediately went and claimed the king-size bed a suite off the side of the room, and Percy then noticed other doors, which he assumed were rooms for himself and Triton. The four sat on the sofas in the lounge-like room.

“Today had been the oddest day I have experienced in a while,” Poseidon said wryly, breaking the silence. 

“Sadly, this doesn't even break the top ten for me.” Percy laughed slightly, causing the immortal family to chuckle slightly, though making them feel apprehensive about what they will soon be reading if it were crazier than the day's events. He then turned to Triton and Amphitrite to address them, “ Also, aren't you supposed to hate me, you know, for being a bastard son and all?” 

Both immortals froze for a moment, shocked at the sudden question.

“You are… interesting.” Triton began hesitantly. “You are not like fathers other children. I will save judgment for a later date.”

“What do you know of our family's myths?” Amphitrite asked in favor of answering him.

“Not much, I tend to learn on the go,” Percy said honestly, much to their exasperation.

“I am not prone to jealous outbursts like Hera, and I will always treat my husband's children kindly,” Amphitrite explained. “I had welcomed Theseus with open arms, and I will do the same to you.”

Percy smiled, relieved his immortal stepmom wasn't prone to violent outbursts, again like Hera. “That's a relief.”

“I imagine so,” Poseidon laughed, who had been watching the scene in amusement, and looking at his wife and son fondly. They lapsed into awkward silence. 

Percy realized this was the first time he had properly seen his dad since te war, and now he didn't even know him thanks to the back-in-time issues. He blew a breath out in frustration. Sure he was happy his dad was talking to him more and taking an interest, but it would be back to normal once he got back to his time unless the laws were changed as Hestia suggested.

Poseidon was nervous, he didn't want to say something that would upset his son, he didn't know him well enough, and if what he had witnessed is correct, his son was just as unrestricted as himself.

Amphirtire was tired. This was the first time she had ever truly felt tired, and she would bet it was because of the fact she was now mortal, she didn't like it. Seeing her husband and stepson stare at each other awkwardly was painful, if not amusing, but she wanted to sleep. 

“I think I will retire for the night,” The goddess said, rising from her place on the sofa, smiling reassuringly at Percy, and retreating to her room, Poseidon quickly followed after a quick good night, and assurance of more talk tomorrow, happy to escape the awkwardness.

Triton sighed and stood up. “He just doesn't know what to say without knowing you, you will both be more comfortable in time. I think I shall retire for the night as well, being mortal is exhausting.” 

That, Percy could agree with. Now that sleep had been mentioned, it felt as if he was being weighed down by the sky again, and wanted nothing more than to be in a bed. He dragged himself to stand and go to the room that Triton had not retreated to. It had the same sea theme as the main room, but much smaller, with a bathroom attached. Percy didn't even take anything else in before falling onto the extremely comfortable bed and let Morpheus overtake him.