Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Giving birth was never easy. Giving birth in a thunderstorm to twin demigods was even harder. Each contraction was rewarded with a roar of thunder, the lights flickered and Sally did her best not to cry. She was finally meeting her babies and the only tears she would shed would be from the joy of seeing their little faces.

“You're doing amazing Sally,” the doctor told her. “The first one is almost out. Just a few more pushes and you'll be halfway through.”

She grit her teeth and nodded, not trusting her words. She made a silent plea to Artemis, begging her for a quick labor and promised to burn her an offering as soon as she was released from the hospital.

With one final push her prayers were answered and her first child was born. He let out a loud healthy cry and Sally let out a breath of relief.

“Oh that's unexpected,” the doctor grimaced and Sally's heart just about stopped. Worry washed over her like a tidal wave. What was that supposed to mean? What's wrong with her baby?

“Despite our earlier scans it appears your second is breached,” he explained. She clutched her hospital gown tightly in fear. “Unfortunately you are too far into labor to perform an emergency c section. We will have to continue the delivery.”

At that she couldn't help but cry. She knew that life wouldn't be easy for her children considering who their father was, but she had hoped they would at least get the courtesy of not fighting from the very start.

Her doctor however knew what he was doing and remained calm throughout the whole endeavor. When her second was born they let out a weak tired cry and Sally desperately reached out to her child. The doctor however regretfully handed the child to a nurse and shot Sally a sorry look.

“I'm sorry but we need to check up on her and make sure she's alright,” he apologized. “In cases like this broken bones are a possibility and we just want to make sure she's in the clear.”

She nodded and wiped her cheeks. There was nothing she could do for her child but wait. In the meantime she had her little Perseus to look after.

~~~~~

Having a demigod child in a hospital wasn't a very smart idea if you wanted to avoid the attention of the god of the underworld. You could argue that all hospitals were temples to Apollo but they reeked of death and wherever death walked Hades followed. 

He watched from the shadows as the doctors and nurses ran tests on the infant with an anxious hum in the air. The child intrigued him. It didn't give off the same aura as its siblings usually did. It stunk of death and if he didn't know any better, he'd suspect it to be one of his own. 

He'd leave the two of them alone, he decided, until he deemed them old enough to stand their ground and form their own opinions on the life the fates had dealt them. They were not at fault for their existence. No that blame would fall on their father. With his mind made up he disappeared back into the shadows, curious on how things would unfold.

~~~~~

The spirit appeared before Sally as she was attempting to breastfeed little Percy. She jumped in surprise and startled her poor baby, who let out a cry. She soothed him and he latched back onto her breast. She cradled him protectively and glared at the intruder.

“Have you come to kill me and my children?” She demanded. The figure tilted his head curiously at the baby in her arms and shook his head.

“I have come to help you,” he offered and his form shifted from that of a young man to that of one much older. “The fates have set young Percy's path in stone, but the same doesn't have to be for your other child.”

“What do you mean?” She pleaded. “Are you saying there is a way to give one of my babies a normal life?”

“If you raise both of your children together, one of them will die because of the gods prophecy,” he said and opened up a green portal to reveal a vision of this possible future. In it were two children, both about fourteen years or so. One of them was crying and holding the other. Blood soaked his orange t-shirt. 

Sally's eyes widened and she clutched her child desperately. “How do I stop it? How do I keep my children safe?”

The spirit waved his staff and another possible future appeared, one with a child with black hair and her blue eyes smiling. It moved like a picture show showing different moments in her child's life, them winning a science fair, fishing in a small boat with a man she didn't recognize, and laughing with what appeared to be friends. She felt a tear run down her cheek and quickly wiped her face.

“Will they be happy? Will they be safe?” She managed to choke out. The figure regarded her with sympathy and rested his hand on her shoulder. “They will be away from the gods' influence, in a place monsters can not harm them. They will grow up to become a mighty honorable hero. They both will.”

She held Percy close and kissed his head. She couldn't be selfish. Her child's life was on the line. She just wished she had more time with them.

“Will I ever see them again?” She asked, dreading the answer. She couldn't bare the thought of separating them. Of being away from them.

“When it is time,” he simply said and turned to leave. “It's best if I grab them now. You may write them a letter if you'd like. I will give it to them when the time is right. Take your time and set it on the table by your bed when you are done.”

He didn't have to say which child he would be taking. Sally knew it was the one she didn't get to hold or even look at. She had to have faith that everything would be alright in the end. 

As the figure phased through the wall, Sally silently wept for the life she would never get to have with her youngest child.

She wiped her tears and shakily picked up the clipboard that had appeared by her bedside. She couldn’t rush this. This is how her child would first know her. She had to explain that she didn’t abandon them. That they were loved. That they would always be loved. She tried to not leave tear stains on the paper but failed miserably. When she was finished she set the clipboard down and it disappeared in a flash of green. She hoped they would understand. She hoped they wouldn’t hate her.

The hospital let out a Code Pink at her baby’s disappearance. It seemed the little one was there one minute and completely gone the next. The doctors were frantically searching while security tried to look through corrupted footage.

She let out her frustrations and sobbed for her lost child. Percy joined her, as if he too missed the sibling he never got to truly meet.

Chapter Text

Growing up Danny always felt different, the accident only amplified that. His powers gave him an outlet to release his fidgety energy. It seemed he could only stay still when he was completely exhausted. That had been happening a lot more lately. He’s been so tired trying to be both Danny the seventeen year old kid trying his best not to fall asleep despite Lancers thrilling english lecture and the night time ghost busting vigilante. One of those sounded a lot cooler than the other. Could you blame him for being bored?

Just as Danny was about to drift into a nice nap, Lancer loudly slammed a ruler on his desk in annoyance and tsked his tongue. Danny shrunk in on himself. Looks like he failed his battle against the pleasant lure of sleep. 

“Well Mr. Fenton, since you obviously know enough about Homer's brilliantly written epic, The Odyssey, you wouldn’t mind telling me what its main message is?” Lancer sneered. 

Danny gulped and fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. He hated when teachers called on him when he was clearly not paying attention. He squinted at the white board and read the notes Lancer had written so far. Right they were going over the odyssey. Wasn’t that the story of the guy that fought a bunch of monsters, all in an attempt to get home to his wife and son?

“Is it loyalty sir? How far someone is willing to go to see their family?” Danny guessed. Lancer nodded in barely concealed surprise. 

“That is the most obvious one, but what I was looking for is the importance of hospitality. The ancient Greeks believed it was important to treat strangers and travelers with kindness. They called this virtue xenia which roughly translates to guest-friendship.”

Lancer looked at the clock as the bell rang and let out a sigh. He stopped Danny as his classmates were leaving and pulled him to the side. “You got lucky this time Daniel, but you won't always be. I don't want to see you falling asleep in my class again.”

“I’ll try my best to pay attention sir,” Danny said and collected his things.

“I know you don’t think my lessons are important, but there's a lot that these stories can teach us.” Lancer said thoughtfully, putting his hand on Danny’s shoulder. “And who knows, maybe one day they could save your life.”

As if that wasn’t extremely ominous and if not a little creepy. Danny just nodded and went to meet Tucker and Sam at their usual after school spot. He sat down by the tree with a big grown and shoved his backpack in his face.

“That bad of a day huh?” Tucker asked and eyed his best friend's current state. Sam moved the bag when she noticed a NASA pin that had started to come undone and was dangerously close to poking Danny’s eye out. She fixed the pin and sat his bag next to him.

“Oh thanks,” he said and tried to rub the sleep from his eyes.

“Did you fall asleep in class again?” Tucker asked, his voice full of concern. “You look dead on your feet and not even in your usual sense.”

“Yeah and Lancer called on me and everything,” He huffed and raised his hands in frustration. “He then held me up explaining how ‘important’ his lesson is. Like I'm going to need to know about Greek Mythology at any point in my life.”

Sam looked deep in thought while Tucker shrugged. “Didn’t you have to help Pandora with her box though?” Sam pointed out. “Last time I checked she was from a Greek myth.”

Danny grimaced as he remembered that day. He still can’t believe the box ghost had managed to almost beat him. Luckily Pandora was willing to help him. He sunk deeper into the grass. His exhaustion making his limbs feel like lead. Sam and Tucker both winced and looked at each other with concern. 

“Uhhh Danny?” Tucker asked. Danny grunted in response. “When was the last time you had a decent amount of sleep?”

“Last friday I slept for about…five hours I think?” Danny answered not quite sure.

“Danny, today is friday! Sam exclaimed and steadied  his arm as he tried to sit up. “That's it! I’m calling Valerie. You're getting the weekend off to catch up on sleep.”

That seemed to wake up Danny, who stood up desperately.  “But-”

“Nope absolutely not,” Sam said and gave him a challenging look. “You're not getting out of this. I’ll sedate you if I have to. Don’t test me.”

How she would get her hands on sedatives that would work on him, Danny had no idea. Knowing her though, she would definitely follow through with her threat. He sighed and laid back in the grass in defeat.

~~~~~

To his dismay they ratted him out to Jazz, who made it her personal mission to be his prison warden. He felt like he was on house arrest. He hadn’t sat still for this long in months. It was surreal. He was happy to have her visit for the weekend though, despite the circumstances. They didn’t get to see each other much since she went off to college.

“Sleep is extremely important for a healthy brain Danny,” She said and gently placed a hot mug of chamomile tea in his hands. “Did you know that sleep deprivation is considered a war crime? There is a reason for that. It can really mess you up.”

Danny stared at his reflection in his mug and winced at his baggy eyes. He blew on the tea and took a sip. It was still too hot, but didn’t burn his tongue too badly. He blew lightly with his ice breath and tried again. Ah, perfection.

“It’s not that I don’t want to sleep, I’ve just been so on edge lately with all of the ghost attacks, not to mention exams,” He sighed and sat the tea down next to his bed. “Plus anytime I do fall asleep I have the weirdest dreams.” 

Jaz tilted her head in curiosity, “What kinds of dreams? Did you know that dreams can be your subconscious trying to tell you something that your waking mind has missed?”

Danny shook his head. It was stupid. He shouldn’t have brought it up, but now that Jazz sank her teeth into it, he knew she wouldn’t let it go.

“I’m not even doing anything in the dreams,” Danny explained and took another sip of his tea. “It's like I’m spectating. I’m just there, floating and listening to other people's conversations.”

“That is strange,” she gave him a thoughtful look. His eyes started to droop, so she gently grabbed his now empty cup and pulled his blankets up to his chin. “We’ll talk more about it later. For now, get some sleep baby brother.”

She turned the light off and for the first time in weeks, Danny willingly let sleep take him.

~~~~~

“What do you mean you're quitting the swim team?” Dash gasped. “You can't quit! You have a gift! You can't just let your talents go to waste! What about your dreams of competing in the Olympics!”

Danny looked down and saw his thirteen year old body and cringed. At this age he was still figuring out how to present himself as masculine and had failed miserably.

Danny let out a deep sigh and curled in on himself. “You think I want to give up? I can't keep wearing those uniforms…they make me feel gross. They hug each of my curves. I feel like I'm on display for the whole world to see and the worst part is they don't even see me! They only see what they want to see. I'm not a girl Dash. I can't keep doing this!”

“I don't understand what your deal is! Oh no you look hot! It's not the end of the world!”

Being called hot by Dash made his skin crawl. They were supposed to be friends! They met at the all gender sports club when they were five and Danny’s parents were trying to help socialize him and develop new skills. They had him try out baseball. That's when he met Dash. Danny liked it, but his true calling was swimming. When he was in the water it felt like nothing else mattered. Like he was at peace. He hasn’t felt that way in a long time.

“W-what?! Dash, I don't think I'm ugly!” Danny exclaimed. Dash rolled his eyes and Danny knew he wasn’t getting through to him. Dash took this as a personal betrayal. He couldn’t understand how someone he’s known for so long could change so much.

“Look Helen-”

“I told you it’s Danny!” Danny said desperately. He picked out his name and had been using it for months. He was hoping Dash got the memo, but he shouldn’t be surprised. 

“Alright Fenton I don’t associate with quitters,” Dash sneered. Danny flinched in response. Dash only called people by their last names if he didn’t like them. He guessed that now included him. It hurt to not be accepted by his best friend.

“Then I guess we’re not friends anymore,” Danny said hesitantly and Dash slammed his locker shut.

“Why would I want to be friends with a freak like you,” Dash hissed and pushed Danny over with his shoulders as he stomped past him glaring. 

He tried to hold it together, but despite it all the tears came. His vision blurred, but not from the tears. He noticed his surroundings dissolving until he was floating in darkness. His dream was changing from the memory to something he’d been all too familiar with recently. 

He felt himself descending through the night sky. Stars he didn’t know the constellations of surrounded him. He tried to take it all in but made the mistake of blinking. It was a little overwhelming. 

When he opened his eyes again he was in a large room with even larger people sitting on large thrones. They held so much power that they almost hurt to look at. A gold aura surrounded each and everyone of them. Danny had never seen that before.

Despite him being aware he was dreaming, he made himself invisible before floating to the ceiling to get a better view. He didn’t like looking up at them. It made him feel small, like at any moment they would shriek and squish him like a bug. 

“You’re telling me,” Said the imposing man in the center of the room, his throne larger and more elegant than the rest, as if it was a status symbol. He must be the one in charge around here. “That the disturbances we’ve been feeling are the beginnings of a new God being born.”

He didn't look happy. His lips curled in what looked like a snarl and his fist clenched the arm of his throne strong enough to leave an indent. The messenger looked terrified, his eyes wide and full of panic. “That is what my sources have said. Yes.”

“And do tell who exactly is your source?” The man- no God? Demanded. Danny could tell his patience was growing thin. He felt bad for the other man.

Said man pulled out a letter that had a faint green glow to it and Danny, still invisible, floated closer to get a better look at it. Inscribed in glowing green ink was ’To Hermes the Greek Messenger God, From CW’ There was an opened purple wax seal of a gear. He quickly handed the letter to the older man.

“The energy coming off of this feels…ancient.” He gasped and examined the letter with caution. “Older than any of us here…Maybe even older than Kronos.”

Danny had no idea who Kronos was, but if the way the energy shifted in the room from uncomfortable to down right misery was anything to tell, he didn’t want to ever meet him. He did however know Clockwork. What kind of world saving bs did he get him involved in this time? Even in his dreams he couldn’t catch a break.

The god cautiously opened the letter and peered at its contents and stood up abruptly. Danny tried to get a closer look, but he was stopped in his tracks. The all powerful God, ancients he realized, Zeus was staring right at him.

“You're not supposed to be here.”

Danny woke up with a jolt.

Chapter Text

It had been too long since he had seen his mom. Percy stood outside of their apartment door, His fist raised to knock. He really didn’t deserve her. For six months he had been missing. Six months of worrying. Six months, she feared he could have been dead, only for him to hastily message her that he’d be staying at camp to fight another war for the gods.

He smelled her chocolate chip cookies through the door and just about broke down. Damn he missed her so much. He composed himself, wiped the tears from his eyes and knocked on the door.

What greeted him behind it was a giant hug and a relieved smile. He melted in it and allowed himself to feel like a kid again. He didn’t have to act strong around her. She was his mother and would love him through anything no matter what.

“I’m sorry it took me so long to come home this time mom,” he cried. Sally shushed him and despite him being about a foot taller than her, tucked his head against her chest. Eight months. He left his poor mother to worry about him for eight months. She rubbed his hair as they both cried.

“It’s alright Percy,” she said once she caught her breath. “I know you tried your best. I’m so proud of you baby. Don’t you ever forget that.”

She ushered him more inside and closed the door. Paul greeted them inside with a plate full of Sally’s famous blue chocolate chip cookies and sat them on the table. He looked at the mother and son struggling to part and gave them an understanding nod.

“I’m going to go give you two some space,” he said and placed a comforting hand on Percy’s shoulder. “I’ll be in the bedroom grading papers if you need me. It’s good to have you back Percy.”

Percy nodded gratefully. He loved Paul but he really just wanted his mom to himself. 

“Actually Paul,” Sally said, stopping him in his tracks. He turned and gave her a curious look. “I was thinking about maybe taking Percy to the beach cabin in Montauk. Just like how we used to when he was little.”

She turned to Percy and gave him a gentle smile. ”We could drop by the candy store I used to work at and pick up your favorites.”

He hadn’t been to that cabin since that fateful night he lost what was left of his childhood and was consumed by the life of fighting the gods' battles. His mom wanted to relive the good memories there and who was he to deny her. He at least owed her that much.

Paul seemed unsure, glancing at her stomach briefly and then back at her face. 

"Just be careful alright?” he said and she gave him a reassuring kiss.

~~~~~

With two bags filled to the brim with blue gummy candies and a large pepperoni pizza from the best pizza joint in New York, they were ready for their beach trip. The weather was nice, thankfully. No hurricane coming this time to destroy his family bonding time. 

His mother looked at him hesitantly like there was something she wanted to say, but didn’t know how to say it without ruining the mood they had set. She chose to remain silent. He wouldn’t push her. She’d probably talk about it after they've settled in.

Percy was right. It was after they had a belly full of pizza and way too sugary sweets that she finally spoke up and said what was on her mind.

“Percy, there's something I need to tell you,” she said and fidgeted with her wedding band. She looked at him with desperation and shame. Percy had never seen her look at him like that before, as if she was afraid he’d hate her. He gripped her hand and gave her a gentle squeeze. She squeezed back and held back a sob. He silently waited for her to continue.

“When you were born- when I was pregnant with you,” she started and he gave her a reassuring squeeze. “You weren’t my only baby. I had one after you. There were complications. They were so small Percy.”

She was full on sobbing at this point. Percy was in complete shock. A secret twin was not on his bingo card for this year's shenanigans. 

“What happened to them mom?” Percy dared to ask. He didn’t know what would be worse, finding out he outlived his twin, or knowing they were out there somewhere having no idea who he is or the world they were born into.

“After they were born there was this god- or at least I think he was a god,” Sally said as she wiped the tears from her face. “He showed me a future where one of you died in the other's arms. You were wearing camp shirts. I couldn’t risk that Percy.”

Percy went to interrupt, but Sally gave him a pleading look that begged him to let her finish. Alright he silently agreed. He’d ask about the mysterious god later.

“He offered your sibling protection and promised that when the time came we would be reunited again,” she explained and pulled out an envelope from her bag. It was glowing green with a purple wax seal. She held it close to her chest and smiled gently at Percy. “This is from him. I thought we could open it together.”

Percy nodded. He definitely wanted to see what was in the weird green letter.

Sally opened it gently and sat the envelope in her lap. Her face fell as she read the first lines. She silently handed it to him.

“It's for you,” she whispered. He noticed his name at the top in big cursive letters. Thankfully cursive was easier to read with his dyslexia.

Perseus Jackson

I recommend you bring a ghost expert with you when you visit your brother in Amity Park.

~CW

Percy stared at the letter and then back at his mothers disappointed face. This was another quest. It had to be. Hopefully it was just a simple family reunion, but when has his life ever been simple. Percy didn’t trust this CW. Deities rarely did anything for mortals out of the goodness of their hearts.

“Mom I’m so sorry,” Percy started but was interrupted with a hug. She held him tightly in desperation. 

“Just come back home safe,” she said and kissed him lightly on the forehead. “I wish I could go with you, but I know I can’t join you on your quests.”

She tried hard to fight her disappointment and Percy couldn’t help but feel angry on her behalf. This was her son. His brother. She had every right to see her child. It wasn’t fair. Why couldn’t the Fates just give them one break.

“You should be able to go," Percy remarked and glared at the letter. Sally smiled gently and folded the letter into his palms. 

“No, It was addressed to you," she said and cast a look of determination. “He did that intentionally. Besides, I can't risk putting myself in dangerous situations right now.”

Percy looked at her curiously and she shot him a genuine smile.

“I'm pregnant.”

~~~~~

After the initial shock of learning his family was going to be much bigger than it was yesterday, Percy couldn’t help but be excited, but also terrified. He was going to have a baby sister! And hopefully a brother. He never had the best luck though. This kid was a complete stranger. He couldn’t blame him if he wanted nothing to do with him. What if he resented him for being kept while their mom had to give him away?

He needed Annabeth. She always knew what to say. His brain was a jumbled mess of emotions that he was having no luck organizing.

While his mother slept Percy couldn’t help but be restless. He paced in the shallow waves in an attempt to ground himself. He wasn’t surprised when he felt his fathers presence appear next to him. Percy turned and greeted him with a pained expression.

“Did you know?” Percy demanded. He remembered a joke his father had made after he made it a requirement to claim all demigod children by age thirteen. He wondered if there had been some truth to it. Poseidon shook his head.

“I didn’t Percy,” He said solemnly and rubbed his beard. “I would have sent for a satyr if I had. I swore an oath to you Percy. I wouldn’t betray your trust like that.” 

Percy nodded. His whole existence was built on a broken oath but he couldn’t really fault his Dad on that one. The fates make it very difficult to run away from prophecies.

“Do you know anything about this CW that took him?” Percy asked and Poseidon shook his head.

“Not personally, but he has been stirring up trouble in Olympus,” he said deep in thought. “I don’t like this, Percy. I should have known about your brother. I don’t fault your mother. She truly believed his life was in danger and I agree. He should have been affected by the prophecy as well. Two sons of mine born within minutes of each other, the two of you would have been seen as a huge threat.”

“It doesn’t matter.” Poseidon shook his head to clear his thoughts. “What's done is done. I’ve come to warn you. Something big is going to happen and I believe it involves your brother. This CW is plotting something and he's too much of an unknown to trust.”

“I agree,” Percy acknowledged, voicing his unease. “I’ve never heard of a god going by their initials before. Why wouldn’t they just say their full name? What could they be hiding?”

“I do not know,” his father confessed. “But I don't like it. Be careful Percy. Names also hold power.”

~~~~~

Percy ended up not sleeping that night, but that was nothing new. He rarely got any sleep. Not since the pit.

When his mother woke she made him her blue pancakes. She seemed to be in a better mood than yesterday. Her steps were more confident and her smile smoother, less forced. Keeping her secret from him for so long must have taken a toll on her. He was happy she didn’t have to worry about it any more and could focus more on the future than the past. He really hoped his brother would be willing to meet her.

They left soon after they ate breakfast. The car ride was silent besides the soft hum of the radio. Percy didn’t feel like talking anymore. He had a lot to think about. His mother seemed to understand as she softly sang along to the music. Percy couldn’t help nodding off to her gentle voice. It reminded him of when she would sing him to sleep when he was small. Exhaustion took over him and Percy couldn’t fight his heavy eyelids anymore. 

~~~~~

The first thing Percy noticed was the stench of iron filling his lungs. Crimson puddles surrounded him. Percy felt a tightness in his lungs and felt himself feeling faint. He was the only living being within miles, the unrecognizable remains that lay around him proved that.

Did he do that? Was he responsible for so much carnage? No he couldn’t be! He’d never hurt innocents!

He thought back to that day in the pit, of the fear in Annabeth's eyes and he felt doubt creep in his gut like bile. 

He heard the snapping of a twig and turned hastily towards the noise. What greeted him were wide fluorescent green eyes. The boy looked at him and fled in the opposite direction. Percy did the only thing he could think of. He chased after him.

When he caught up to him he found they were in a clearing. Percy grabbed the boy's arm and he cowered. He pulled desperately and seemed surprised when he didn’t break free. He looked at Percy with utter terror.

“Stop, please! You don’t understand,” The boy begged and tried to pry Percy’s fingers from his arm. “I don’t want to hurt you! I-I don’t want to hurt anyone! I don’t know what's happening to me!”

The boy began to flash in and out of view like TV static. His white hair glowed and whipped around like an angry cloud. If that alone hadn’t been enough to cue Percy into the fact that this kid wasn’t fully human, the shark-like teeth and pointed ears definitely would. But looks could be deceiving and Percy had a hard time believing that the shaking skinny teen in front of him was the one responsible for a massacre.

“Who even are you?” Percy demanded. Desperately the kid went to bite him in an attempt to release himself from Percy’s grip. Percy swiftly evaded him and held him in a chokehold. “Look kid, I'm trying to help.”

“You can’t help me,” the boy pleaded. He kicked and clawed at Percy, but Percy kept a firm grip. “You can only help yourself! If you cared about your life, you’d let me go and run far away from me!”

The boy began to vibrate in Percy’s grip and his skin heated to an uncomfortable degree. Percy felt blisters forming on his arms and released the kid in pain. The kid fell on his butt and frantically scooted in the opposite direction.

“Oh Ancients no please not again,” The boy begged as he began to glow a bright green. “I’m sorry. It’s too late! I’m so sorry!” 

Before he could blink they were surrounded by the blinding light. Percy squeezed his eyes closed and winced.

~~~~~

Sally gently shook Percy awake, but despite her efforts he jolted in a panic. He looked dazed and flighty, like there could be a threat around any corner. 

“Percy, baby it’s okay,” Sally frowned and went to cup his cheek. He flinched away and she quickly retracted her hand. Percy was breathing heavily. His eyes held no recognition. Sally knew her son wasn’t fully there with her, his mind trapped in the hell the gods trials put him through.

“Percy sweetheart, I need you to listen to me. Okay?” she told him. He looked at her with cloudy eyes and tear streaked cheeks. It broke her heart to see her son so distraught. “I need you to name three things you can see. Can you do that for me baby?”

Percy nodded hesitantly and blinked his tears away. He looked outside of the car and noticed the strawberry fields in the distance and the pine trees surrounding them. Strawberries couldn't survive in the pit. Nothing good really could. Except he did. Him and Annabeth made it out of that hell hole alive.

“I see the strawberry fields, trees, and.. ”Percy trailed off looking for one more thing to name. “Clouds. I see clouds.”

“Good job Percy,” Sally smiled. He seemed to have clarity, but his breathing was still labored. He wiped his eyes and hugged himself tightly. “Now I need you to tell me three things you hear. Could you do that for me?”

He nodded shakily and listened to his surroundings. He could hear the soft humming of the radio and the purr of the car engine. 

“I hear the engine, the radio, and uhm,” Percy pondered. “I guess I can also hear my own voice?”

“Absolutely perfect,” Sally giggled at that last one and smiled widely at him. “I just need you to do one more for me. Okay?”

He nodded to indicate he heard her.

“Okay now I just need you to tell me three things you can touch,” she said and waited for him to respond. Percy could feel himself getting calmer and feeling more grounded. His breaths were still quick but he no longer felt like a boulder was on his chest. He reached a comforting hand to his necklace and fiddled with the beads.

His necklace. He could feel his necklace. He noticed he was still strapped into his seatbelt. It felt tight on his shaking body. Percy looked at his mom who smiled sadly at him. 

“I can feel my necklace, my seatbelt, and..” Percy looked at his mom and just about burst into tears again. He reached for her and without hesitation she wrapped her arms around him and tucked his head under her chin. “I feel you mom. I’m so sorry. I’ll try to be better. I’m sorry I make you worry so much.”

“Oh Percy,” Sally fretted and wiped the tears from his face. She placed a soft kiss to his forehead and held his cheeks to get a better look at him. “I’m your mother. It’s my job to worry about you. You’ve done nothing wrong baby. Nothing that happened this year was your fault. You did the best you could and I’m so proud of you Percy. Never forget that. Okay baby?”

He held her tighter and nodded as fresh tears poured from his eyes. He wasn’t in that pit anymore. He had his mom, his friends, and he had Annabeth. She was safe at camp helping with clean up and recovery. She volunteered to help with cabins destroyed in the war. Keeping herself busy helped her forget about what they went through.

He took a deep breath and released his mom from his desperate grip. 

“You okay Percy?” His mother asked as she watched him gather himself. She wished she could wash away all of his fears and worries. “You know you can tell me anything right?”

Percy nodded. He didn’t really want to talk about it just yet. He wasn’t ready. He didn’t know if he ever really would be. He loved his mother, but she wouldn’t be able to understand what he went through. The only person that did was Annabeth.

He noticed Pollux working in the strawberry fields giving Percy a questioning look. He had a basket filled with perfectly ripe strawberries in his hand and a pair of scissors in the other. Right he was at the entrance to camp. He had a quest to do. A brother to meet. He gave his mom one last hug before opening his door and stepping out.

“I’ll Iris message you as soon as I find him mom I promise,” He said. She smiled softly at him and waved goodbye.

“I love you Percy,” She said. “Please stay safe. Don’t get into too much trouble.”

“I love you too mom,” Percy grinned. “And you know me. I don’t go looking for trouble. Trouble comes looking for me.”

Chapter Text

Percy found Annabeth sitting against Thalia’s tree with a notebook in her hand. She was making sketches of her newest renovations of Olympus, the soft hum of Peleus’s breaths helping her focus. Since losing Daedalus’ laptop she had to start from square one. It was a lot of work but she still loved it. Hearing his approach she looked up at him and frowned, worry in her brow.

“Percy what’s wrong?” She gasped, gently sat her work on the floor and stood up. His eyes were still puffy from crying but he didn’t care. Annabeth was there in front of him. Breathing. Alive. She held out her hands to Percy. He held them gently and gave them a soft kiss. “I thought you were going to be staying with your mom? What happened? Is she okay?”

“She’s fine it’s just,” Percy hesitated and pulled out that oddly glowing green letter. He silently handed it to Annabeth, who opened it carefully. She stared at the contents of the letter and looked back at Percy’s face. “It turns out I have a twin brother out there somewhere.”

“Wow Percy,” She exclaimed dumbfounded. She looked at him and back at the letter. “This is another quest isn’t it? And just when I thought we would be getting a break!”

“You don’t have to go with me..” Percy hesitated. Sure he really wanted her support, but she deserved to rest. 

“Of course I’m going with you seaweed brain,” she said and gave him a gentle peck. “What kind of girlfriend would I be if I made you face this without me? We’re a team.”

“You're amazing wise girl,” Percy smiled in relief and gave her a loving kiss. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”

She smiled and held him close, He relaxed into her grip like melted ice in a cup of water. She gave him a comforting squeeze.

“Probably die,” she giggled and traced the worn lines in his camp shirt. “We’ll get through this okay? We always do.”

Percy nodded and they stood there by the camp border just listening to each other breathe. They had each other and they were alive. That's all they could really ask for.

“I wish we could consult with Rachel on this quest,” Annabeth sighed and fiddled some more with Percy’s shirt. “I hate going in blind.”

Percy nodded. The unknown was bothering him too, even if prophecies were cryptic as hades. Something would be better than nothing.

“The only thing we can really do is find Nico and explain everything to him,” Percy said and gave Annabeth one last squeeze before releasing her from his embrace. He grabbed her notebook in one hand and then grasped her hand in the other. “Any idea where he could be?”

~~~~~

They ended up finding him at the mess hall around lunch time. The kid looked half dead, barely keeping himself from falling face first into a plate of mashed potatoes. Hades even his eye bags had eye bags. He desperately needed a good night's sleep or two. Percy gave Annabeth a nervous look. He’d be useless if he fell asleep mid battle or something. Percy shrugged and tapped Nico on the shoulder. This startled Nico enough for him to use his plate as a makeshift frisbee that he then proceeded to launch directly at Percy’s face. When Nico realized what he’d done he winced and picked up the chipped plate.

“You really shouldn’t sneak up on people like that Perc,” Nico said and sighed at his now empty plate. He could go back for more but all of the good stuff was taken or had little fingers in it, and he did not feel like getting sick thank you very much.

“Yeah my bad,” Percy winced at his now sore nose. Nico didn’t look more awake, but he did look more paranoid and alert. Percy again pulled out the letter. It was surprisingly unblemished despite the mashed potatoes, assorted veggies, and what looked like roast beef trailing down Percy’s shirt and pants. It was also unwrinkled despite him folding it in half. It had to be weird god magic stuff. 

“The three of us are going on a quest,” He said and gave Nico the letter. He took it with suspicion, not trusting its weird green glow. He opened it and glanced back at Percy. “You’re our resident ghost expert, so what do you say? Wanna meet my new twin brother?”

“Percy. What the fuck?” Nico exclaimed. Percy chuckled nervously and pocketed the letter. This was definitely not what Nico was expecting. He had never actually been chosen to go on a quest before, much less one of Percy’s. Sure He’d bumped into them during a few and took part, but to actually be chosen was completely different. It felt kind of nice to be needed. 

“You know what? Why not? It’s not like I have anything better to do,” Nico shrugged. Percy grinned and pulled him into a hug. Reluctantly Nico accepted his embrace and awkwardly patted his back.

“Thanks Nico you have no idea what this means to me,” Percy said and released Nico, who seemed grateful that the hug wasn’t dragged out too long. “Oh sorry.”

“Don’t mention it. Please,” Nico said and dusted off his clothes that now had some of his food on them. He guessed that was fair. It still didn’t make it any less gross though.

“Before we do anything Nico you need a nap,” Annabeth said with her arms crossed. Nico went to object, but she cut him off with a look. He sighed and shook his head.

“Alright fine,” Nico said and stood up to leave. “You guys can get everything else ready and I’ll get some sleep. If you wanna shadow travel, I’ll need a lot of it.” 

Percy nodded and turned to Annabeth with a grin. They had a quest to prepare for. They should probably tell Chiron where they were going. Wait. Where were they going? All they got was the name of the city. Amity Park. They had no idea where in America that was. Luckily he was with the smartest person he’d ever met.

While Nico napped they did their research and pulled up every map they had access to. It took them longer to find it than it should, but that's dyslexia for you. It makes reading things hard.

“Yes finally!” Annabeth exclaimed and jumped from their mass of books and maps. She showed him a page that read in bold text Amity Park Illinois, The most haunted town in America. Makes sense that they would need a ghost expert then.

It seemed to be a pretty small town and would be pretty insignificant if it weren’t for the ghosts bit. It had a few national parks surrounding it with a few large lakes. Percy wondered if his brother had spent his summers there in the water. Did he feel drawn to the water like Percy? 

Annabeth pocketed a map of north east America and dusted off her pants. Now that they had found what they were looking for they could finally start. Hopefully a few hours was enough time for Nico to get enough rest to shadow travel. 

When they knocked, Nico stumbled out of the Hades cabin. His hair was a mess and the bags under his eyes looked a little better. They were still there but less pronounced. They really needed to sick Clovis on him. Maybe then he’d get a decent night's sleep.

“So where are we going?” Nico held back a yawn and slung a bag over his shoulder. Annabeth pulled out the map and traced a line from their location, New York, to a small town in Illinois.

“We’re going here,” She said and handed him the map. He took it and squinted at the town's name. “Think you have enough juice for a jump that big and back?”

Nico nodded. He went a lot further when returning the Athena Parthenos to camp. Compared to that this was a walk in the park. 

He held out his arms to the couple. They grabbed him on both sides and they formed a circle. Within an instant they were consumed by the shadows leaving nothing in their wake but faint imprints in the grass.

~~~~~

Despite The few days of rest, today was not a good day for Danny. Ghosts attacks did not go this badly for him anymore. Usually they took a few blasts to the face and then he’d soup them. These stupid birds seemed to avoid every shot he threw at them, and it was really starting to get on his nerves. They even seemed to avoid the thermos, which he didn’t think was even possible.

The birds were huge, measuring about waist height. They had beaks made of bronze and pointed feathers made of the same material. They loved flinging their feathers at him like arrows. He was bleeding from his arm where one nicked him before he could turn intangible. He held it and winced. Yeah, today really sucked.

The weird part was they didn’t talk like most ghosts did. In Fact they acted like any other enraged goose Danny had had the misfortune of meeting. Just even more blood thirsty. They seemed particularly hungry for Danny.

“Come on bird brain I’m dead! I don’t think I’d taste that great! I'd go right through you,” Danny sighed and dodged another string of feathers. He was getting tired and still had no idea on how to defeat these stupid birds. There were dozens of them scattered about. Some of them were on roofs, others on power lines which honestly looked like they shouldn’t be able to support their weight. 

Despite this no one seemed to notice them but him. He even got a few odd looks and whispers about “the ghost kid picking fights with innocent pigeons.” Pigeons his ass. The Stabbing pain in his arm was evidence enough that he wasn’t delusional. 

He had one bird go to bite his ankles, while he was distracted by another bird that seemed hellbent on going for his eyes. He cursed loudly and swung his leg forward with the bird still attached. He then went intangible and launched the bird square into a brick wall. It landed with a loud splat, shook up its feathers, and then leveled him with a hard glare.

“Why do I feel like I just made things worse,” Danny said and as if the fates themselves heard then, all of the birds charged him at once in vengeance. It seemed that they were toying with him at first. Playing with their food so to say.

He stayed intangible, causing them to head face first into each other. He flew up and they followed. He couldn't stay intangible forever. Eventually he'd run out of stamina. They also couldn't be hit while he was intangible. He needed a plan.

Didn’t ice weaken certain metals? He couldn’t remember if it worked for bronze, but it was worth a shot. Danny used the rest of his remaining energy to release shards of ice in all directions towards the persistent birds. Several exploded into gold dust, the rest flew away in a panic. 

Danny sank back down to the earth panting. He rested against a building while he caught his breath. Using his powers felt more draining recently, like his body was rejecting him. He pressed his hand to his chest where his core rested. It burned like dry ice beneath his skin.

“Watch where you're aiming Elsa!” exclaimed a voice. Danny whipped his head in the direction the voice came from. In an alley he found a boy around his age. Next to him was another boy maybe a few years younger and a girl with blonde hair. Sticking out from the wall above the boy's head was an ice spike. He missed his head by inches.

“Oh shit! Sorry I didn't think anyone was in the Alley!” Danny apologized and quickly flew to them. As soon as he got close, the smaller of the three pulled a sword out and pointed it at Danny's chest. The energy from that blade reminded Danny of Fright Knight's sword. He knew if he was striked with it, it would suck his soul dry, leaving nothing in its wake. “Wow hey it was an accident. I swear! No need for any soul sucking swords. Okay? I'm a friendly ghost I swear!”

“You are NOT a ghost,” the boy hissed and stayed firm in his stance. “Who are you and what do you want?”

“What do you mean I’m not a ghost? I literally died,” Danny said as he backed away from the other’s blade. He put his hands up in peace. The kid eyed him suspiciously. “I just want to keep this city safe. Those birds are gone, so I’d say my work is done for now.”

Before Danny could fly away the boy with sea green eyes grabbed his arm. Their eyes met, Danny’s in confusion and the other’s in recognition. 

“Wait! I know you! You’re the guy from my dreams,” He said wide eyed. Danny jerked his arm back and furrowed his brow. He looked at him quizzically.

“Sorry but you’re not my type,” Danny said and attempted to pry his arm from the other boy's strong grip to no avail. He could turn intangible again, but that ice attack took a lot out of him. Danny was surprised he could even keep his ghost form.

“Percy what do you mean?” The blonde asked the boy, still grabbing his arm. 

“In my dream he killed a lot of people-” Percy started but was quickly interrupted by the offended ghost boy.

“Excuse me!”

“Not on purpose! You released a bright light!” He exclaimed and threw his hands up, releasing Danny’s arm in the process. He glanced back at his friends unsure on how to proceed. “It reminded me of what Hera did back at The Wolf house...”

Now all three of them were looking at him with wide eyes. Their stares felt piercing, like they were staring at his very soul. They made him feel boxed in. Trapped.

“We need to take him back with us,” The one who pointed the sword at him said. During the duration of this conversation he had sheathed his sword and stood contemplating with his arms crossed. “MR D would know what to do. Since he has… experience with this kind of thing.”

“Sorry not happening,” Danny said and crossed his arms. “I refuse to be kidnapped. I have responsibilities! This town needs me to keep it safe!”  

The boy was going to object but the girl cut him off.

“Those birds, were you the only one able to see them?” The girl asked with great interest. Danny nodded. It was strange, but his life was strange so he didn’t pay it any mind. “They're called Stymphalian birds. Hercules was tasked with defeating them as his sixth task. Monsters like them mainly target Demigods.”

Danny laughed, surprising the trio. Ghosts he could deal with, but monsters and Gods? Maybe he should have paid more attention to Mr. Lancer’s Greek mythology lectures. “Okay and what does that have to do with me?”

“Do you happen to have ADHD or dyslexia by any chance?” She continued.

“No? I mean I was diagnosed with autism and they're usually comorbid, so I might?” he shrugged. “I was in special reading classes in elementary school too, but they stopped after third grade.”

She shared a glance with the others, who seemed to come to an understanding. They nodded to each other and stood more relaxed. Their stances were less defensive and more cautious.

“We think you might be more like us than you think,” She said. “Those monsters would have left you alone otherwise.“

“What do you mean?” He didn’t like what she was implying. Being half dead was one thing, but being half god? Yeah right like he’d be half god and was she implying that they were demigods as well?

“We think you might be a Demigod,” Scary sword boy said. 

“A half blood so to say,” Percy interjected. This was insanity.

“Yeah no you guys are crazy,” Danny stated. He wanted to fly far away from the trio. With how long this conversation had been going on, he felt himself regain some of his strength.

“Yeah no screw this I’m out. Peace!” He said and went completely invisible. The panic was immediate and he felt a bit guilty. He needed a break though. This was all too much to process at once, so he ran invisible with his tail between his legs. Unbeknownst to him, a certain son of Hades stared contemplative at his back as he left.

~~~~~

“A half blood huh,” Sam said as she munched on her fries. They were in a corner booth at Nasty Burger and Danny had just explained today’s endeavors to his two closest friends. 

“If you’re a half blood does that mean your human half died that night?” Tucker questioned. Danny winced at that and bit his lip. Ancients he hoped not. Dan had no humanity. It’s why he was so horrible. At least that's what Danny told himself so he could sleep at night. If he truly had no humanity left, what did that make him?

“You guys are forgetting something,” Danny pointed out. His burger was left untouched in front of him growing cold. He should really eat and regain more strength, but he found himself unable to. Not until this conversation was finished at least.

“My parents would never cheat on each other and I’m sure they’d tell me if I was adopted.”

They definitely would…right?

His friends shared a wince. Tucker took a bite of his burger and Sam played with her fries. Silence filled the booth till Sam decided to break it with a sigh.

“You know your parents aren’t the most… conscientious people right?” She said carefully broaching the subject. Danny’s shoulders stiffened and he glared at her. She put her hand out to interrupt him before he interjected. “Yes they love you, but they're also very forgetful. Do you remember the year they forgot your birthday?”

Danny visibly deflated, his shoulders sank, and he held his head low. Yes he remembered. They had promised to have a day free of ghost hunting. A day just for him to do whatever he wanted. They promised to take him to the lake. But When he and Jaz went downstairs in their swimsuits all excited, they had locked themselves in the basement to work on some new ghost invention. If it weren’t for Jazz saving the day and taking him to the public pool, he’s not sure how he would have coped. She even took him out for ice cream after. He pretended not to notice his dad’s credit card in her purse.

“You think they might have just.. forgotten to tell me?”  Danny asked with pursed lips. That he could believe. It still didn’t make it any less pleasant.

“Whatever happens we’re here for you man,” Tucker said and bumped Danny’s shoulder with his own, jostling him out of his spiraling thoughts. Danny gave his friends a soft smile, grateful to have them.

Their heartfelt moment was interrupted by the restaurant door opening, followed by three familiar teens entering the building. Danny ducked down and gestured for his friends to do the same.

“We’ve looked everywhere Annabeth!” Percy groaned with his hands in his pockets.

“Don’t worry Percy we’ll find them,” The blonde girl, Annabeth reassured him. “We won't leave till we find both your brother AND the godling, but first we need food. We’ve been searching for hours.”

Percy gave a defeated nod and looked at the menu. The kid he didn’t know the name of yet looked like he was scoping out the area, checking the exits and any signs of threats. His gaze landed on their booth.

“Shit thats them. I don’t know how they found me!” Danny whispered and debated on if he had the strength to turn invisible yet. Damn he really should have eaten his stupid burger. In the end it didn’t matter.

“Doesn’t that kid kinda look like Percy?” The boy nudged his friends and pointed at Danny.

Yep definitely too late. If he didn’t know any better he could have sworn he heard Clock Work laughing at him. 

They moved towards them. Percy grabbed Annabeth's hand and had a hopeful look on his face. Danny had to stop himself from physically sinking through the floor in nerves. He sat up straight and looked at the brown eyed boy as they drew closer. 

He had a bit of a goth feel to him with his ripped jeans, leather jacket and skull shirt. His brown hair was cut in a choppy mullet style. If he hadn’t threatened to kill him Danny might even call him cute, although his last partner also tried to kill him, so maybe that was just his type.

“Hey sorry for bothering you,” Percy said and squeezed Annabeth's hand. She gave him a reassuring squeeze back. “I’m Percy, this is my girlfriend Annabeth, and our friend Nico.”

Nico gave a polite nod and Annabeth smiled. Percy nervously fiddled with the beads of his necklace before he continued.

“It’s just that… I’m looking for my twin brother,” He said and took a deep breath. Danny blinked. Of course he didn’t recognize him! He was Danny not Phantom. Then Percy dropped a ball Danny hadn't been expecting. 

“I was told that he had been adopted by a family here and well… you wouldn’t happen to be adopted would you?”

Danny stared at him like a fish out of water. Percy stood there awkwardly and glanced back at his friends. Nico shrugged and Annabeth gave him another reassuring squeeze. Sam kicked Danny in the shin under the table and he wheezed in response. Her combat boots were not soft thank you very much

“Sorry you just caught him off guard is all,” Tucker laughed and scooted over pulling Danny with him. Seeing the invitation as it was, Percy sat down next to Danny and Nico and Annabeth sat next to Sam.

“I uh don’t think so?” Danny said, unsure of himself. If Percy had asked him that yesterday he would have laughed in his face, but now he didn’t know what to think. Percy’s face visibly deflated and he sighed. Poor guy looked exhausted. 

“When’s your birthday Percy?” Sam asked him, her lips pursed in thought.

“August eighteenth," Percy said, sounding a little hopeful. Danny’s blood ran colder than it already was. His birthday was August eighteenth.

“This has to be some freak coincidence,” Danny said, his hands shaking. Sure they shared a birthday, but that didn’t mean the kid sitting next to him was his brother. There had to be plenty of people born on the same day as him, in the same town, and that had black hair. There's no way his whole life was a lie! Right?

Percy couldn’t stop staring at him, taking in his features. Danny wondered what he noticed. He was always told that he looked like his father, with his black hair and blue eyes. Was that really where the similarities ended?

“Sorry,” Danny apologized and picked at his nails under the table. The air felt awkward and uncomfortable. Danny wanted to shrink in on himself and disappear into the cheap vinyl booth cushions. “That was rude. I’m Danny by the way. This is Sam and Tucker.”

Everyone nodded politely to each other and Nico stood up.

“This feels like it might be a long conversation,” Nico stated and grabbed one of their backpacks. “So I’m going to order our food. You two just want some cheese burger meals?”

Percy didn't respond, still staring at Danny.

“Yeah thanks Nico,” Annabeth said, smiling at him gratefully.

Percy’s stares were starting to irk Danny. They felt analytical and desperate. Danny didn’t know what to do about them. Annabeth squeezed Percy’s hand from across the table and broke him out of his trance.

“Sorry It’s just… besides the hair you look so much like my mom. Same eyes and everything,” Percy stated and scratched the back of his head. Danny bit his lip.

Nico came back and sat next to Annabeth. He held a tray with three burgers, fries, and drinks. After he passed them to his friends, he immediately dug in. Danny didn’t blame him. He contemplated stuffing his face with his too cold burger to avoid the on going conversation. He picked at it instead.

“So… Who exactly told you your brother would be in Amity?” Tucker asked. He had long since finished his food. He slurped at his empty cup of soda, trying to get the last bit. 

For the third time that day, Percy reached into his pocket and pulled out the glowing green envelope. Ectoplasm. It reeked of it. 

Danny sat up straighter and held out his hand for the letter. Percy handed it to him without hesitation. The wax seal was a dead give away.

C.W.

Clock Work.

All doubt of Percy being his brother disappeared completely.

Chapter Text

Danny was dreading the conversation he would have to have with his parents, especially considering Jazz had to go back to college. She was hesitant to, but he insisted. She had worked way too hard to throw it all away on him. She was always looking out for him, now it was his turn.

Percy was something that he hadn’t expected. He could deny it all he wanted, but Danny never had the luxury of coincidences. Clock Work had been meddling in his life a lot longer than he’d ever considered. Made things, “as they should be” he would say. Danny needed answers.

He noticed he was clutching the envelope longer than he probably should have. It crumbled in his grasp. The three gave him a concerned look, but didn’t comment. Danny shakily opened the letter and read it slowly. He recognized Clock Works curly cursive handwriting. Short and vague, but with enough information to find who they were looking for. To find him.

Percy stared at him expectantly. Danny didn’t know what to do for him. He probably wanted answers of his own. None of which Danny could give.

“So,” Danny started, choosing his words carefully. “I guess this means I am adopted.”

Percy’s ears perked up before a look of concern crossed his face.

“Wait- you mean they never told you?’ Percy asked, his brow furrowed. Percy hadn’t considered that he wouldn’t know. He had a right to know his own past, where he came from.

Danny winced and bit his lip. If they had told him, what would he have done? Would he have gone looking for answers too? Danny shook his head, clearing his thoughts and answering Percy’s question.

“No it never came up,” Danny sighed. “They probably didn’t think it was that important.”

Percy flinched and clenched his fist, his knuckles turning white.  He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. 

“That's fucked up,” Nico said. All eyes turned to him and he winced at his outburst. “I mean you're seventeen. Shouldn’t it have at least been mentioned.”

Danny shrugged trying to appear nonchalant. Of course he should have been told! He just found out within the span of a few hours that not only was he not just half ghost, but half god?! AND he was adopted with a secret twin! Why couldn’t his life just be normal?!

~~~~~

They had left the Nasty Burger with stomachs full of food and heads full of questions. Sam had offered to house them for the night, while Danny had a much needed conversation with his parents. Percy seemed hesitant to leave Danny’s side. He couldn’t blame the guy. They had only just met and were already having to be away from each other. Danny had to do this alone though.

When he got home the place was deserted and a mess like usual. With Jazz gone all of the chores had gone to him. With the ghost attacks and school he had no time to clean. He cringed at the flies swarming the kitchen sink that was swamped in dishes. It was bad enough that Sam and Tucker saw how messy his house was. He didn’t need Percy and his friends to see it either.

Slowly he made his way to the basement door. The moment of truth. He took a deep breath and opened the door, his hands shaky as he grasped the handle. What greeted him were his parents tinkering on a contraption that looked a lot like a clothing steamer. He decided to file that away as something to sabotage later when given the chance.

Danny stood in the doorway and cleared his throat to get his parents attention. They continued tinkering without a clue in the world. He sighed and walked further down the stairs.

“Mom! Dad!” Danny shouted. His parents looked up from their work long enough to smile at him.

“Oh hey baby! Welcome home!” His mom said briefly and went back to her work. “We’re a little busy right now, but there should be some leftover meatloaf in the fridge if you're hungry.”

His father nodded at what his mother said, clearly not paying attention.

“No I’m not hungry it’s just that-”

“That's nice dear,” His mother interrupted and Danny visibly deflated. He felt like they cared more about their stupid weapons than him. There was no beating around the bush. If he wanted answers then he would have to say it outright.

“Mom. Dad. Am I adopted?” He asked and if he didn’t know any better he’d say the temperature in the already cold basement dropped significantly. They turned to him with mouths a gap.

“What was that son?” His father asked. He had dropped the invention in shock. Its parts had scattered around the floor at his feet. His mom didn’t bother to pick it up, just stared at him. Her goggles made it hard to read her expression.

“Am I adopted,” Danny repeated in exasperation. They froze. Staring at him in a loss for words.

“What makes you say that honey?” His mother asked and gently grabbed his shaking hands. She bit her lip and looked down at their hands in shame. 

“There was a boy I met when I was at Nasty Burger with Sam and Tucker,” Danny started. He pulled his hands away from his mother and wrapped them around himself. “He said he was looking for his brother. That they had been separated at birth. Mom, we have the same birthday!”

“But sweetheart you weren’t born a boy,” Maddie stated with her arms crossed in front of her chest.

Crap that would be a weird detail for him to know. If it weren't for clockwork he probably wouldn’t have even known. Hell he probably thinks Danny is a cis boy, unless his parents told him otherwise.

“I know that mom!” Danny exclaimed. “But he looked so much like me! And the look in his eyes when he saw me… It was like he’d been looking for me for his entire life.”

“And honestly,” he said and leveled both his parents with a stare. “I feel like I have too.” 

“You are MY son,” She spat. She ground her teeth and clenched her fists in frustration. “It doesn’t matter that you didn’t come from my womb! I raised you! I loved you!”

“And I’m grateful for that!” Danny said defensively. He took a step back and looked at his feet, praying that his eyes wouldn’t flash green. “You will always be my parents. No matter what happens.”

“But why didn’t you tell me?” He felt a tear drip down his cheek and quickly wiped it away with his arm. He noticed a splat of green on his wrist and took a panicked breath. His tears weren’t supposed to be green in this form. What the hell was happening to him? Was he dying? Like fully dying?

He steadied his breathing as he tried to compose himself. Luckily his parents didn’t notice.

“Because we’re your family son,” his father said with damp pleading eyes. “Aren’t we enough?”

Danny didn’t respond and instead shifted his feet in shame and guilt. His mother glared in his direction.

“I didn’t need you chasing after some whore, who left you at our doorsteps with nothing but a hospital blanket!” She hissed out the words with a vengeance, cursing Danny’s biological mother with everything she had.

Danny flinched as if he had been slapped. Maddie’s face softened.

“Sweet heart, we didn’t tell you because it doesn’t matter,” she said and held his chin so he was making eye contact with her. Danny winced and averted his eyes. “We’re your family. We love you and that’s all that matters.” 

“It’s not his fault pumpkin,” His father said and grabbed the laser pistol he had fastened to his belt. “The kid is probably just a ghost trying to lure him away from the safety of his loving parent’s arms.”

Danny’s eyes grew wide and he yanked himself from his mothers grasp.

“No you can’t hurt him! He hasn’t done anything wrong!” Danny pleaded. He tried to control the stream of tears down his cheeks to no avail. His parents stared at him in chilling recognition.

“Danny?” His mother asked, using her words carefully. “Why are your eyes glowing green?”

“Shit,” His father cursed. His father never cursed. “We’re too late.”

~~~~~

Sam didn’t come across as a snobby rich girl, but her parents were definitely loaded. Annabeth admired the architecture of the manor with stars in her eyes. They were in a manor. Percy looked down at his worn out navy blue converse, feeling truly out of place. He turned to Nico, who only gave him a shrug. Figures. He did practically live in Hades’, the god of riches and jewels, palace.

“We can chill in the gaming room while we wait,” Sam said, leading them up the stairs and to a large room fitted with a large flat screen TV with every gaming console known to man. Old retro arcade games lined the opposing wall and a large leather couch sat in the middle of the room along with a pool table.

“Damn what don’t you have?” Nico whistled and eyed the retro games along the walls. His gaze stopped at a Dracula themed pinball machine. It had blood dripping down the flippers and was decorated in only black red and grey. It had to be custom or something. This room easily cost the amount that most families make in a year.

“Well,” Sam said sheepishly, not one to enjoy flaunting her parents' wealth. “I have a few collectors editions that are still sealed in their original packaging. We can’t play with those or else Tucker would throw a fit.”

“It ruins the collectors value!” Tucker exclaimed and crossed his arms with a pout.

“What's the point of buying a game if you're never gonna play it?” Percy asked, confused. 

“Exactly! If I don’t use it, then I’m just like those corrupt billionaires that hoard their wealth!” Sam declared. 

“It’s a piece of history! If anything it belongs in a museum where everyone can admire it,” Tucker said with hearts in his eyes.

Sam shifted from side to side, her body tense. Percy could tell that she was worried about Danny. Why though he wasn’t sure. He was only talking to his parents. He was safe right? And if he wasn’t? What right did they have to play games? Something in the pit of his stomach told him he should have gone with him.

Percy eyed the door tempted to run out like a mad man, screaming Danny’s name in the streets. Annabeth held his hand, grounding him back to reality. 

“You guys wanna play Mario Kart?” Sam held out a switch controller to Percy, who stared at it before grabbing it wearily.

“We’ve never played,” Annabeth explained to the shock of Tucker. “What are the rules?”

“You’ve never played?” Tucker gasped. 

“I grew up with a single mother,” Percy explained, his arms crossed. “We didn’t really have the funds for video games.

“Is that why Danny was adopted?” Tucker asked as they sat on the couch. Percy stiffened. Annabeth squeezed his hand gently reminding him she was still there. That he didn’t have to answer.

“She wanted to give him a better life,” was simply all he said. They didn’t need to know all of the details. He didn’t feel like getting into it. If Danny wanted to tell them that was his business.

They sat on the couch, Nico joined them on a nearby bean bag chair. Sam explained the rules and they started to play. 

Nico snickered as he blue shelled Percy. All those days in the lotus hotel gave him an unfair advantage. His victory was short lived when he slipped on Annabeth's banana peel and was knocked from first place to third, Sam now in the league.

Before they could finish the race however the white haired kid from earlier emerged from the TV, like the girl from the Ring movie. He was injured. Badly.  

“Holy shit Danny!” Sam gasped as he coughed up blood on her bedroom floor. Danny fell forward straight onto the gapping open wound on his chest. He wheezed at the impact and de-transformed. Red human blood now joined the puddle of green underneath him.

“Fuck,” Percy gasped. Afraid to move. Afraid of making things worse. He had only just gotten him back. He left him alone for less than an hour and he was already bleeding out onto the carpet. He wished that they were never separated. That he could have at least gotten to know him before he lost him again.

“Your wish is my command,” said a feminine voice of a genie-like woman. Wait, did he say that out loud?

“And I wish he’d keep all of his current memories,” Sam said in a desperate attempt to salvage the situation.

“Oh you're no fun, fine as you wish,” Desiree groaned and with a snap of her fingers everything went black