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Being shouted at in hutsy by Watto was never a god way to start the day. Seeing your sister who was very much not supposed to be in the shop right now and some other man talking with his master did by no means make his day any better.
Watto was angry, he was always angry. This time it was because it had taken him to long to react to his master’s command. He was always to slow.
But Watto was distracted by the other man so Anakin thought he might be able to escape his punishment and he was right.
Watto left with the other man and Anakin turned to Annabeth “What are you doing here, you know it’s not safe to be seen with Watto here” he told her. She looked at him with confused brown eyes, wait brown eyes? “you’re not Annabeth! Who are you?”
“I’m Padme, who are you? and who is Annabeth?” She asked.
“I’m Anakin, Annabeth is my sister” Now that he looked closer, he could se that it wasn’t Annabeth if you didn’t know her well, they would be identical other than the eyes but the way they carried themselves where different.
Padme caried herself like someone who was used to people hearing her. Walked like a princess who flouted trough the world like showing all her full strength would be a death sentence.
Annabeth however walked like a warrior. She stood with the posture of a mountain, but Anakin knew that her true strength was in her flexibility.
They had one thing in common their energy screamed that they had a true belief in what they were saying. This was what made him trust her. Annabeth always told him that he trusted to easily, but it wasn’t his fault he was so good at reading people.
“Are you an angel then?” He asked.
“No…” She smiled. “Do I look like an angel?”
“I think so.” He told her. He had never seen one, but he’d heard some of the travelers talking about them when they came in to get their ships fixed.
“What about Annabeth does she look like an angel then?”
Anakin shook his head firmly “No, she’s way too scary to be an angel.”
That made Padme laugh which for some reason made Anakin happy. The man she had come with was apparently done talking with Watto, so they had to go. Anakin got to leave early so he was happy again.
On his way home he wanted to bye some fruit for his mother and maybe some paper for Annabeth but when he was walking down the marketplace his eyes landed on a Gungan who was being harassed by Sebulba.
Sebulba was a racer who often bothered people who he thought couldn’t fight back. He had tried with Anakin which hadn’t gone well to say the least. In other words, Anakin had kicked his ass. When you lived on Tatooine keeping a low profile was important but that didn’t mean you should take any shit.
His mother always told him that if he could, he should help so that’s what he did he went up to the male dug and told him to knock it off he didn’t know what to knock it off meant exactly but Annabeth had used it in this context before, so he guessed that it was accurate use of the word.
He put himself the dug and the Gungan. “He hasn’t done anything so leave him alone” he exclaimed.
Sebulba sneered but then quickly ran off. that happened often now ever since Annabeth had taught him how to defend himself, he had gotten the reputation of being someone not to mess with which often seemed weird to new people him being nine and all but it came in handy sometimes.
The Gungan looked at Anakin with big eyes. “Thank you…?”
“I’m Anakin Skywalkers” he answered.
“Thank you, Anakin Skywalker, me’sa Jar Jar Binks.”
hey went off and Anakin gave the man whom he found out was named Qui-Gon some food. They were standing at a booth and the lady there who was one of his mother’s friends told him to go home.
“Do you have anywhere to find shelter?” he asked his mother had raised him right.
Qui-Gon smiled at him “Well just go back to our ship.”
“Where is it?” he asked the man. Newcomers always underestimated how dangerous storms could be on Tatooine.
“It’s parked just outside of the city.”
“you’ll never get there before the sandstorm no just come home with me besides I think you need to meet my sister.” Anakin told them which they seemed to accept, and Anakin led them home.
When they came into the house the first one to greet them was his mom “Hi Ani who are they” She gestured to the people he had brought,
They took a step forward “I’m Qui Gon Jin, your son offered us shelter.” he told Anakin’s mother he was very polite he must be some kind of diplomat Anakin thought. But then he saw his laser sword and he immediately knew he was a Jedi. In hindsight it was kind of obvious he must be here to free slaves he thought.
He gave his mother a serious look. “they’re my friends, and they need our help!”
She looked at them all then looked at him again. Seemingly understanding that he had made up his mind “Anakin go help your sister she’s in the workshop.”
“Can I take Padme with me? I want to show her C3PO.”
His mother sighed. “Sure, as long as you warn your sister first.” As soon as he got permission to he led her outside the workshop but before he entered, he knocked on the door.
“Who is it?” came her voice from the other side of the door.
He put his face to the keyhole “Anakin … “his voice started to mumble “and Padme.”
He could hear her sigh “And who is Padme?”
“she’s my friend” his voice became more certain.
the door opened “Okay, come in” she said. she put her hand forward and Padme took it “Hello I’m Annabeth.”
Padme smiled “Anakin wasn’t lying we really do look alike.”
“Yeah, if tf there’s something Anakin is good at it’s telling the truth even if it isn’t always convenient.” She gave him a look that made Anakin feel embarrassed this was the first time he had almost cost them their secret.
she sat down again and started working on something on the table.
Anakin showed Padme C3PO “Wow did you make him,” she asked.
“Well yeah me and Annabeth”
“I helped design him, but it was mostly Anakin.” She explained with a smile.
“He’s a protocol droid to help mom, Watch,” he said as he pushed a button that made C3PO light up.
“Where is everyone?” the droid said.
Annabeth sighed Anakin remember what I said about his eye”?
“Oh yeah, I forgot sorry Annabeth.”
“I’m not the one that needs an apology.”
“Sorry C3PO” he pouted, and Padme laughed you’re cute,” she said. Which Anakin didn’t understand he wasn’t cute he was a fierce warrior.
he added the eye which made the droid start to introduce himself.
“he’s perfect.” She smiled at him, and he felt like the luckiest boy in the world.
“When the storm is over, I’ll show you, my racer. I’m building a Podracer.”
C3PO introduced himself to R2D2 who had entered the room throughout the conversation.
…
While they all sat down to eat Padme asked them questions about the satiation on Tatooine.
“All slaves have a transmitter implanted inside their body somewhere” his mother explained. Annabeth frowned she never liked being reminded how fragile their situation was. His sister wanted to protect them, and Anakin knew it hurt her that she couldn’t.
“I’ve been working on a scanner to try and locate mine” Anakin. He looked at his sister trying to comfort her.
“Any attempt to escape…” his mother began but Anakin could feel the tension building “And they blow you up! BOOM!” it seemed to work diffusing the tension.
“How wude” JarJar exclaimed Anakin saw Annabeth giving him the death stare, but Jar Jar didn’t seem to notice.
“I can’t believe there’s still slavery in the galaxy. The republic’s antislavery laws.” Padme said”
“The republic doesn’t exist out here we must survive on our own” his mother explained.
“Has anybody ever seen a Podrace?” Anakin said trying to defuse the tension.
They have Podracing on Malastare. Very fast. Very dangerous.” Qui Gon told them seemingly understanding what Anakin was doing.
“I’m the only human who can do it”
“You must have Jedi reflexed if you Racepods” Qui Gon said as he was stopping Jar Jar from stealing another piece of fruit “Don’t do that again,” he told him.
“You’re a Jedi knight, aren’t you?” Anakin accused.
Qui-Gon smiled. “What makes you say that?”
“I saw your laser sword. Only Jedis carry that kind of weapon.” Anakin explained.
He raised an eyebrow “Perhaps I killed a Jedi and took it from him.”
“i don’t think so.” Anakin said, “No one can kill a Jedi.”
“That’s not right anyone can be killed” Annabeth said while maintaining truly intense eye contact with Qui Gon.
“Annabeth be nice” His mother warned her.
“I had a dream where I was a Jedi, and I saved all the slaves. Have you come to free all the slaves” he asked?
“I’m afraid not” Qui Gon answered.
“I think you are why else would you be here?” he couldn’t explain why but he was certain of this that happened sometimes. Annabeth called it his physic senses.
“I can see there is no fooling you,” Qui Gon said. which made him feel happy it was always nice to get a compliment.
He explained that they were on a mission for the jedi counsel but that their ship had been damaged and that they couldn’t use credits, so they had no way to get it fixed.
Anakin wanted to help. He knew he could help. He had always been good at fixing things. But they needed stuff to fix it that only Watto or another shop could provide.
Anakin noticed Annabeth’s interest being peeked You could always see if you had her full attention because she would sit completely still and look into the air.
“Their only weakness is gambling” his mother explained. “they’re always betting on those awful races.” His mom said she never liked Podracing she always said it was dangerous, but Annabeth loved it she could never actually race because she wasn’t supposed to be seen but she always helped Anakin with the designs of his Pod.
Qui Gon nodded “Greed can be a powerful ally.”
This made Anakin excited he and Annabeth had made a Pod racer maybe he could help. He told them as much and about the big race that was happening the next day. It all fit so perfectly.
“Anakin Watto won’t let you,” his mother told him, and she was right but if Qui Gon pretended to have made the Pod racer maybe it would work still she wasn’t convinced.
Annabeth who had been silent for a while exclaimed “It’s the best plan we have” and ultimately that was its Anakin knew why. His mother trusted that Annabeth Always had a plan.
…
Anakin had been working on some extra modifications on his Pod that he and Annabeth had been talking about.
He had finally gotten it repaired and working despite his friend’s disbelief that he would be able to. But he had been hurt while repairing it so Qui Gon had helped sea to his wound. They had talked he had asked about the stars Anakin had always wanted to see the galaxy, but it had always seemed impossible him being a slave and all.
Then it was bedtime and his mother called him inside he met Annabeth in the hallway
“Hey Anakin, how about we go for a round with the training swords,” she asked him.
He immediately lighted up training with Annabeth was the best “hell yeah” he said.
Annabeth initiated the fight forcing Anakin to go defensive.
He blocked her sword and lobed at her which Annabeth easily countered.
But it opened her up and Anakin saw an opening and hit her sword low on the shaft and then he twisted leaving her sword on the ground he looked up expecting to see a proud look from his sister but instead she looked sad. “Are you okay?” he asked.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” She dried away her tears with her hand “Okay, Ani now hand to hand.”
He puts his hand up in a defensive motion. But having been given a confidence boost from the last fight he decided to start with an aggressive move. That was a mistake she deflected his move then used the hood of his shirt to blind him.
“Hey Annabeth, that’s not fair” he exclaimed.
She laughed “And what does that teach you?” she asked him.
“To play dirty. “He pouted.
“That too, but I meant not to get overconfident, You nine and you need to remember that” he pouted he thought he did well. “You have gotten better you deflected my sword today. That’s very impressive,” she ruffled his hair. “Now go to bed or your mom will kill me.”
He sighed but did what she told him.
…
The next day just before he was about to leave for the Bonta Eve, Annabeth took him to the side. “This is it, you need to use our plan today” she told him.
He frowned. “It won’t work on Sebulba.”
She smiled “Don’t worry I’ll handle him.”
“Be safe,” she said as she hugged him goodbye.
They rode down to the track Anakin was followed by his mother, Padme and Qui Gon.
Anakin was nervous a lot was riding on the fact that he could win this race but he trusted his abilities and he trusted Annabeth’s plan.
Just before the race started, he looked eyes with Sebulba “You’re on my turf now little boy I’ll crush you like the bug that you are.”
Anakin scoffed but let it go. His mother told him to be careful before leaving him and Qui Gon had a parting advice. “Feel don’t think use your instincts.” That was easy his instincts told him to follow the plan that Annabeth had made.
The race was about to begin. When the star sound was heard Anakin started his Pod, but nothing happened. This wasn’t supposed to happen. But after some time, filtering with the motor, it finally worked.
He was already behind which was a bad position to be in especially if the plan was going to work. He would need to get in front of the other drivers first.
Slowly he began to gain in on them and when the only one in front of him was Sebulba he dove which was when he put the plan into motion.
They had gotten the idea while playing sand people vs. the desert. The game was played with some kids being the travellers who needed to travel the desert and other kids being the natural forces of the desert trying to stop them from reaching the goal.
When there was a certain amount of wind you could push the sand in a way where you made your own sandstorm.
Anakin hit the bottom and activated the extra wings on the side of his pod racer that loosened the sand.
Anakin didn’t have time to look back and check that it worked. Hopefully, the sand would have gotten into the machines and ruined them or worst-case scenario the brief moment of blindness had at least given him a lead.
Anakin was just happy that he hadn’t gotten any sand on him. He hated sand.
Now it was just him and Sebulba. They were neck to neck a one point he was nearly pushed out of the path by some Tuscan raiders who shot at him but luckily, he stayed on track.
When he was finally almost at the finish line and done with his final round Sebulba suddenly stopped
Anakin gave himself no time to ponder this and finished in first place.
The crowd roared and Qui Gon, Padme and his mother ran to congratulate him.
When he later asked Annabeth what happened he just chuckled and answered oh karma just caught up with him, and his breakfast he’s lactose intolerant apparently.” Anakin had no idea how she accomplished it she seemed to have an infinite number of contacts on Tatooine but as far as he knew she had only been seen one time and that was years ago.
“You cheated?” Padme had asked affronted.
“Oh, it’s not a real Bonta Eve without a little cheating,” Anakin told her with a laugh.
………
Annabeth had been sceptical when Qui Gon showed up she had no memories of any Jedi named Qui Gon involved with Anakin’s life in the media she had watched in her other life which admittedly just was the Lego Star Wars holiday special.
But the fact that he freed Anakin greatly improved him in her mind.
When Anakin had been taken by Quo Gon she had her final conversation with Shmi “Goodbye Mom,” she told Shmi. who teared up “Goodbye my dearest”? they both knew she had to go she hugged her one last time and then she left.
She walked out of the house and greeted Anakin and Qui Gon who were getting ready to leave.
Anakin hugged her when he saw her “I don’t want to leave you” he whispered.
She dried away his tears with her hand “And you won’t have to. I’m coming with you.” She looked up at Qui Gon.
“You won’t be able to follow him where he is going,” he said with a sad sigh.
“I was never a slave. I’m free to go wherever I like, and I chose to go with my brother.”
“You have the force in you I know this to be true, but the Jedi counsel will never let you in at your age.”
“I can figure it out on my own.”
“Very well,” Qui Gon said.
They go on their way to the spaceship which was parked outside of the settlement but when they were almost there someone was in the way. His face was painted or maybe that was just his face. Annabeth had no idea and she certainly wasn’t going to ask him.
Qui Gon sent them ahead of him. Annabeth had been afraid she would have to drag him away but surprisingly he did what he was told.
When they entered the spaceship quickly followed by Qui Gon who must have escaped their attacker they discussed the situation Annabeth stood in the corner as Qui Gon introduced Anakin to his Padawan.
After that Anakin quickly found Padme and Annabeth sent her a grateful smile. She loved her brother but right now she really needed a break.
“I thought we were only freeing one slave today,” a young man probably in his late teens said.
She looked at him like she was looking for ways to kill him. Because she was. “I was never a slave dipshit” she told him.
He looked at him affronted. “Sorry didn’t mean to offend” he said in a mild tone” I’m Obi-Wan Kenobi” She remembered that name. That name was important.
She sighed. “Annabeth, nice to meet you.”
“So, what brings you here?” he asked.
“Well apparently my little brother has the force and that means he’s worth saving.”
“you’re his sister” he said having obviously chosen to ignore her quip.” if he’s going to become a Jedi he can’t have any attachments you know that right.”
“That sounds like a very healthy way to raise a little boy,” she told him.
“It is the Jedi way attachment leads to fear, fear leads to anger and anger leads to the dark side of the force.” There were several wrong things about that statement, but Annabeth was too tired to debate force philosophy, so she simply huffed at him and sat down.
Padme entered having calmed Anakin down and saw the shivering form of Annabeth. “Come on Annabeth you can borrow one of my handmaiden cloaks,” she told her.
They walked into the Queen's private champers. “What would you say if I offered you a job?” Padme asked.
She smiled “I would ask what the queen thought about the idea.”
“Oh, I suspect she would be very pleased, her being me and all” Padme smiled.
Annabeth laughed. “I’d be delighted to be your handmaiden Padme.”
“You don’t sound surprised?” Padme questioned.
“It’s the way you carry yourself, you walk like a queen even when you’re supposed to be off duty” she explained.
Padme smiled “I have a feeling you’ll be very good at your job.”
…
They landed on Corposant and Annabeth got her own bead to relax in.
The thing about constantly fearing for you and your family’s life is that it doesn’t give you much time to ponder on the other traumatic things that have happened in your life so when Annabeth could finally breathe on Courosant these thoughts seemed to flutter in her mind.
the loss of Percy was one thing but also the loss of her entire world as she knew it her parents her friends her whole life. She had just graduated college when she was killed and Percy and her, they were going to get… her mother had even given her approval. No, she couldn’t think of that. That train of thought never brought her anywhere productive.
Padme had a meeting with Palpatine a senator of Naboo and Annabeth as Padme’s new handmaiden was expected to be present.
Her first impression of Palpatine was that he was a classic politician. She could imagine that this was how Octavian would have been as an adult. His death was a tragedy but if she was being honest she wouldn’t have minded if Palpatine had been chucked into the sun and died.
In the meeting, Annabeth observed how he quickly and easily sewed mistrust of the senate in Padme’s mind and that worried her. However, right now she didn’t know enough that she felt comfortable to conclude anything.
…
Anakin came to say goodbye to her and Padme. Padme was acting as the queen so he couldn’t say goodbye to her, but Annabeth was no problem. “Bye Ani I love you and remember what I taught you.”
“To fight?”
“Not just that, don’t be an idiot” she laughed. She was going to miss her brother.
He looked down “Am I ever going to see you again.”
“You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” She hugged him. “We will meet again, and at that time you have better be practicing, okay” she smiled at him.
He returned it. “Okay.”
…
The senate meeting did nothing to restore anyone’s belief in the system. The vote of no confidence ended with Palpatine as a possible counsellor which she suspected was exactly what he had wanted.
Padme was going back to Naboo to fight back against the trade federation. She had asked if Annabeth wanted to come with her, but Annabeth had declined she had one last thing she needed to do before she could let Anakin go. That didn’t mean she wasn’t going to Naboo but not as a Handmaiden.
………
Obi-Wan had not been quiet about his doubts about Anakin Skywalker. He was old he had been raised outside of the world of Jedi but the fact that his master believed him ready to become a Jedi knight did much to soothe his doubts.
He had always cared a lot about the Jedi code it had always seemed obvious to him in times of distress it was something to lean on and he often meditated on it when he had to make difficult decisions.
His master was different he seemed to see the Jedi code more as I guideline than actual rules which had its strengths but at times it could make dealing with the counsel difficult. But still he wouldn't wish for any other master.
Sometimes Obi-Wan doubled that he was Qui-Gon’s first choice. Mace Windu (who was on the council) had just gotten a Padawan and sometimes he thought Qui-Gon would have liked him better but maybe that was how it was supposed to be they could learn from each other.
…
When they arrived on Naboo their first mission was to get help from the Gungans they needed more people if they were to win the fight against the trade federation.
“Your honor Queen Amidala of the Naboo.” The Gungan introduced them.
Jar Jar got the attention of the leader and the Queen stood in front of the Gungan leader and began her speech, but she was interrupted by Padme. Apparently, she was the real queen which meant a lot of people owed him a lot of money. “I am sorry for my deception, but it was necessary for my protection,” she told the Gungan leader.
Annabeth was nowhere to be seen which was suspicious Obie-Wan hadn’t talked to her much, but he got the idea that there would have to be a good reason if she wasn’t with her brother.
Her speech was very moving but Obie-wan was still uncertain if would work but then she went down on her knees “our fate is in your hands.” Following her example, they all did the same.
He seemed to like this if the chuckle of glee was to be trusted and they had found their allies.
…
The plan was as follows. They would use the battle as a diversion the Gungans would draw the droid army away from the city while they used the secret passages on the waterfall side to enter the palace and capture the Viceroy.
It was a risky plan, but it was the only one they had so it could not be allowed to fail.
Throughout the whole discussion, he had the strange feeling that something was there beside him but his only indication was a misplaced smell of olives so he chalked it up to the new planet he was on.
…
They got in while the guard was distracting the guards. Anakin thank the force had found safety inside the planes.
“My guess is that the viceroy is in the throne room,” Padme told her gourd. They followed him on the way to the entrance.
Anakin was almost on his way with them which would been a disaster” Anakin stay where you are you will be safe there” but I…” stay in that cockpit” Qui Gon interrupted him.
They were standing in front of the entrance ready to go through, but when the door opened someone was blocking their way. It was the same cloaked figure that had found them on Tatooine.
“We’ll handle this.” Qui Gon told the queen.
She gave him a nod “We’ll take the long way.” She led her men the other way and left only the two Jedi.
In a dramatic sweep, the man removed his cloak and Obi-Wan and Qui Gon mirrored the movement losing their robes on the ground.
He ignited his double-bladed lightsaber its red couleur made it clear that they were dealing with a Sith. An action which the two Jedi echoed.
The Sith being the first one to attack swung his lightsaber in a rotating movement. Making Obi-Wan jump over him, deflecting the blow at the same time and forcing the Sith to fight them from both sides.
He was holding them back, a high kick made Obi-Wan fall down and made The Sith able to escape them.
They fought him through a side door Obi-Wan is not sure if they are pushing or he is leading them through it.
At the end of the corridor, they reached a platform and again the Sith was cornered. But when they almost had him, he jumped to the other side, and they had to follow him.
They cornered him from both sides but this time Obi-Wan that was kicked, and he fell down to the level under them.
He used his arms to crawl up again and gets his saber and he saw his master fighting the Sith alone. They were fighting in the direction of a small corridor, and he jumped so he could run to assist his master.
But before he could reach them a wall of red light separated him from the fight. He could see that the same kind of wall that made it imposable for him to reach his master also hindered his master from his fight with the Sith.
But then the wall of laser deactivated, and the fight could continue but Obie-Wan couldn’t reach it before it is closed again.
So, he watched unable to help when his master bravely fought and lost against maul and was stabbed. He must have screamed but the only thing he could comprehend was the pain of the loss and the smell of olive that was back just beside him like a prophesy coming into reality.
The barrier went up and the fight could continue but now with twice the fever from Obi-Wan’s side.
He is pushed down, and his lightsaber goes with him.
While Obi-Wan was barely holding himself up by his hands his eyes caught his master’s saber. If he could only just get the saber maybe, he could still win this fight.
studently a cloak goes over mauls head who was staring menacingly at Obi-wan and therefor didn’t react before it was to late, he flew down like someone had given him a good shove. Obi-Wan could almost swear he saw the outline of a knife sticking out of his back. Dam that was his favorite cloak.
He used the force to get up and immediately went to Qui Gon’s dying body.
“Promise me you will teach the boy.” His master rasped.
“Yes master” he promised.
“He is the chosen one he will bring balance, train him.” He said before he closed his eyes.
He cradled his master’s dead body until his last breath was gone and the body began to go cold.
Maybe he should have been trying to find his invisible savior, but he thought he had a pretty god idea who it was or rather who she was.
…
Qui Gon’s funeral was a solemn affair he was burned as was tradition so he would be one with the force. But even when he could se him burning it was still hard to believe that a man so much larger than life could be dead he wasn’t perfect, but he was his master and Obi Wan had been looking forward to being a jedi beside him.
Anakin had been beside him “what will happen to me now?” he had asked. Obi-wan couldn’t blame him Qui Gon’s death had brought much uncertainty with it. Still, he reassured the boy that he would train him. Anakin would become a Jedi.
When the funeral was over there was one last thing he needed to do. he walked down to a fountain in the palace garden where Annabeth was staring intensely at the water.
“Hello there”
“Kenobi.” She looked up from the water and met his eyes.
“Thank you for your help with Maul.”
she didn’t acknowledge that with an answer. “I’m sorry about what happened to Qui Gon.”
“There was nothing you could do it was the will of the force,” he told her in a neutral tone.
she laughed. “You don’t even believe that.”
“It is the truth”
“Anakin needs support he’s not going to act just like the other Jedi younglings. He will push you away. some days he will seem like he loves you more than ever and other days he’ll act like you are his worst enemy, but the important thing is that you don’t rise to the bait and that you stay.” it sounded like she was talking from Esperance.
“it’s against the Jedi code to get attached.”
Annabeth stared at him with a deadpan look “he’s nine.”
“I do not mean him.”
She sighed and padded his shoulder. “Someday you are going to realize that your excessive loyalty to the Jedi code will be your doom. The world isn’t black or white Qui Gon was smart enough to realize that.”
with that comment, she left him standing alone at the fountain. He had a felling that they would have this debate again.
…
They were meditating. His young Padawan had much to learn, and the first and the most important thing was meditation. He thought that this might help Anakin with his impulses and teach him to think before he acted, it wasn’t going well.
“Hey, Obi-wan look what I can do” he opened one eye and looked over at Anakin who was not meditating anymore but was instead attempting to use the force to do a backflip. This was the moment when he realized that he would have to make sure that Anakin was never introduced to Percy Jackson.