Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Turns out what Poseidon meant by “actively fight” him was just to more actively resist, and prevent Percy from gaining control over the water rather than a literal spar. 

Thank the gods . He didn’t know if he’d survive trying to gain control over the water that his father was holding while literally fighting the said god. 

That being said, he still ended up exhausted, as if he had run laps around the entire perimeter of Camp Half-Blood. His abdomen was cramping up due to how much strain he applied every time he tried wrestling over Poseidon’s control of the water.

It was comical really. Poseidon just stood there, completely unbothered, while Percy looked like a wet dog.

They had been training for a while now. Poseidon would grab a hold of a section of water, and Percy would have to find it, and take control. Unlike the first time they did it—when Poseidon’s hold had been loose—whenever Percy did manage to somehow take hold of the water, it wouldn’t explode like a geyser. Instead, it was like a little ripple.

Though Percy was frustrated, Poseidon seemed satisfied. “You’re getting faster at detecting where my hold is.”

“Yeah. Detecting only,” Percy grumbled. His bottle of water was now empty and lay crushed in the sand.

Poseidon chuckled, ruffling Percy’s hair. “You’re doing well, son. We can’t expect you to overpower me so soon.”

Percy rolled his eyes. “I’m not ever going to overpower you, but I want to at least gain some control over the water within your presence.”

Poseidon’s eyes sparkled in amusement. 

They had even tried doing it under the water. It definitely helped with Percy’s endurance, but it didn’t change the fact that he was still extremely exhausted after.

After that, Poseidon eventually took pity on him. “That’s enough for today. Good job, son.”

“Did I even do anything?” Percy asked, face flushed from exhaustion despite being in the water.

The duo began to walk out onto the shore. “You’re more connected with the sea now, Percy. It’s not perfect, no. But you are definitely more open to the feeling of the sea. This will help you moving forward. Don’t underestimate its importance.”

“I understand,” Percy nodded solemnly. “Thanks, dad.”

“Don’t thank me just yet,” Poseidon chuckled. “We still have a lot to cover.”

“Oh, I’m sure.”

They sat down side by side on the shore, letting Percy recover before they went back inside. Poseidon observed Percy as he thought about the previous projections. 

“How is Tyson?” The god asked softly. 

Percy glanced at his dad, surprised at the sudden question, before softening. A small smile grew on his face. “He’s doing well. At least, since the last time I saw him, anyways.” His smile dropped slightly at that.

“Good. That’s good,” Poseidon nodded, before frowning all of a sudden. “I’m sorry you felt it was unfair when Tyson was claimed, or when he was invited to my forges. I didn’t mean for you to feel that way.”

“No, I get it now,” Percy shook his head. “You sent us each other. I just didn’t realize it at the time. It wasn’t easy for either me or Tyson at first, but it all worked out between us in the end. I’m glad he’s my brother.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Poseidon smiled.

“Umm, about Polyphemus…” Percy fiddled with his fingers. “I’m sorry. I had to save Grover. We couldn’t avoid fighting him.”

Poseidon sighed. “It can’t be helped.”

Percy raised a brow. “You didn’t think that with Odysseus.”

Poseidon ran a hand down his face, groaning. “That’s different,” Poseidon muttered. “You and Tyson are also my children.” 

Percy snorted at Poseidon’s annoyed expression. Probably because he brought Odysseus up. 

“I didn’t know he was luring satyrs,” Poseidon looked down. “Much less eating them.”

Percy swallowed. “Yeah.”

“For what it’s worth, you followed your heart.” Poseidon looked at his son. “As cheesy as that sounds. You did what you believed was right, you saved your satyr friend, and you retrieved the Golden Fleece.” 

Before Percy could reply, Poseidon stood up, offering his son a hand. “Alright, enough about that. Go ahead and get some rest, child. I know you are tired.”

“And who’s fault is that?” Percy shot back jokingly but took his father’s hand and got up. Together, they walked back inside. 

Percy decided he was done for the day, and opted to freshen up instead of joining the other demigods who were all probably still training. Endurance for power training was very different from their endurance during weapons training. 

This is why Percy found himself walking into an empty theater room after freshening up. 

Well, mostly empty. Near the center of the room, Paul sat alone in one of the beanbags, reading a book.

Percy walked towards him, curious as he squinted at the cover of the book, taking his time trying to read what it was. 

“Are you seriously reading The Odyssey?” Percy plopped down beside his stepfather, sprawling across the beanbag next to him. 

Paul looked up at him, startled as if only now realizing he had company. Paul smiled. “Yes. Yes, I am. The English translation, of course.”

“Of course.” Percy snorted. “Haven’t you read that about a hundred times now? Being an English teacher and all.” 

Paul just shrugged, pushing his reading glasses higher up on his nose. “It’s a different experience, reading it now. We quite literally watched your own little version of the Odyssey after all.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me,” Percy huffed as Paul chuckled at him. “How do you even read that? Greek or English, the way it's written makes my head hurt.”

“It was meant to be spread through oral tradition, that’s why it's structured like this,” Paul said, gesturing at the book he held. “Personally, I don’t mind it. The structure alone says so much about the culture and tradition back when this was first written down.”

“Such an English teacher,” Percy groaned.

“I aim to please,” Paul said cheekily before going back to reading. “Anyway, I just found it along with a bunch of other books on our desk in the room. I decided to read this to pass the time since, you know, I can’t really pass the time by training like you guys.”

“That’s fair,” Percy nodded. “Your cellphones weren’t transported along with you here, I assume?”

“Yup,” Paul replied, not taking his eyes off the pages of his book. “Even if they were, I don’t think the void has signal.”

Percy cracked a grin at that. “Probably not. Where’s mom?”

“Asleep. I’ll wake her soon, though. For dinner.” Paul flipped to the next page.

Percy hummed in acknowledgment. “I tired her out, didn’t I?”

“Not your fault,” Paul shook his head. “But those past few projections were quite…”

“Life-threatening?”

“Sure,” Paul finally looked away from his book to meet Percy’s eyes with a smile. “I was going to say intense, but that works too.”

“And you? How are you handling all of this?” Percy asked hesitantly. 

Paul’s eyes softened. He placed a bookmark in between the pages where he stopped and closed the book, settling it down beside him. “I can’t lie, Perce, it still feels so unbelievable. Sometimes it feels like everyone here are just normal mortal people, and that the things we’re watching are just TV episodes. But then suddenly I’ll feel their divine presence reminding me that they’re actually the gods, or I’ll see you guys with your powers and weapons reminding me that you guys are half-god, too. Most of all, I see you get injured in real-time, and the reminder that this is your life slaps me in the face again.”

Percy frowned, but before he could say anything, Paul continued.

“But I don’t mind it. What matters to me is that you’re okay by the end of it. I don’t care if my mind feels like mush when the projections are over. I wouldn’t choose to trade this life for another as long as I have you and your mom.” Paul ended softly.

Percy sniffed, looking up at the ceiling as he lay in his beanbag. “I’m glad you and my mom found each other, Paul. Thank you, really.”

“I found you, too, Perce,” Paul rubbed his stepson’s shoulder. “You and your mom both mean so much to me and honestly? I’m glad we’re here. It means that we can be here for you in these hard times. We may not have been there when you actually went through these things, but we’re here now.”

“Thanks, Paul,” Percy said quietly. He went silent, hesitating, before he sat up and quickly pulled Paul into a hug.

Paul was surprised but hugged back nonetheless, maybe even tighter than Percy was hugging him.

Unbeknownst to the both of them, Poseidon watched this unfold from his place in the shadows of the gods’ corridor. He sighed, nodding to himself in approval before retreating back into his own quarters, ignoring the brief pang of jealousy and possessiveness in his chest.

Percy pulled back and laid back down as Paul smiled and picked up his book once again, resuming his reading. The two sat in comfortable silence for a while. Percy, for once, didn’t feel restless. He was tired—both from his training and the projections—and so he was content with just laying down and zoning out for a while.

Just as Percy was about to doze off, the door that led to the training area opened, and the theater was suddenly filled with the loud chatter of the teens. Most of them made their way back into their rooms or to the showers, all aiming to get some rest and freshen up before they would all eventually go for dinner later. 

Annabeth, of course, first made her way over to where Percy and Paul were sitting. “The Odyssey?” Annabeth asked with a grin as soon as she was close enough to decipher what Paul was reading.

“Mhmm,” Paul replied. “You sound less disgusted than Percy.”

Percy spluttered in indignation. “I wasn’t disgusted!”

Paul and Annabeth just laughed, ignoring Percy’s protests. “Of course,” Annabeth grinned. “The last set of projections reminded you of the Odyssey, huh?”

“Something like that,” Paul smiled.

Annabeth nodded in understanding. “My mom would approve.”

“My dad would not,” Percy snorted. “He hates the guy.”

Paul chuckled in amusement. Everything about Poseidon and Athena seemed to oppose each other. Everything except for their children, it seemed. “It’s funny because the things you two ended up doing must have reminded him of Odysseus.”

“Percy’s his son,” Annabeth said simply. “He has favoritism privileges, unlike Odysseus. Anyway, I’m going to go ahead and freshen up.”

“Yeah, you go do that you stink,” Percy joked as Annabeth began walking away.

“Lies! You know I don’t!” Annabeth yelled back, disappearing behind the doors to the bathrooms, but not before flipping Percy off.

Percy laughed as Paul shook his head fondly at the interaction, returning to his book.

Eventually, Percy did end up dozing off for a while, at least until he woke up to Piper poking him in the arm. 

The son of Poseidon groaned before sitting up and looking at Piper who looked at him unapologetically. “Yes?” He asked.

“Annabeth’s a July baby, right?” Piper got straight to the point.

“Yeah, her birthday passed when…” Percy faltered, a pained expression flashing across his face. “Yeah.”

Piper nodded sadly. “Jason’s and Leo’s as well. Jason’s birthday specifically was when, well, that happened.”

“Oh,” Percy frowned. “What brought this up?”

Piper looked around, making sure that no one else was listening in. Paul still sat beside them, but she trusted that he wouldn’t spread anything. “I wanted to give them a proper birthday celebration, you know? It’s still technically July. We can make up for what happened. Give them something else to remember their birthday by for this year instead of what actually happened.”

“You want to plan a surprise birthday party for them?” Percy asked, a smile growing on his face. 

“Nothing too big,” Piper nodded. “You in?”

“Of course,” Percy shook Piper’s hand. “Who else is in on it?”

“Just you so far,” Piper smiled sheepishly. “Wanted to confirm Annabeth’s birthday with you first.”

“Do you have a plan?” Percy asked next.

“Nope!”

“Nice,” Percy shook his head amusedly. “I can ask my mom to bake cakes. I’ll help her out with that. When do you want this?”

“That’s another thing,” Piper pointed at him. “I wanted to ask you when would be a good time.”

“I mean,” Percy thought about it carefully. “If you’re fine with tomorrow morning…or is that too soon?”

“Not at all!” Piper chirped. “The sooner the better, I say. I know the projections aren’t exactly the happiest, so if you think it should be done earlier, then I agree.”

“Yeah,” Percy sighed. “If we wait any later, the upcoming episodes might make the mood too depressing. We might not be able to find a good time for it anymore once we start the next set.”

“That bad?” Piper winced.

“Oh, you don’t know the half of it,” Percy rubbed his cheek. “But yeah, I know my mom would love to make cakes. We’ll get to that tonight, after dinner.”

“I’ll make sure they don’t see you guys then,” Piper nodded. “Though I’ll need your help with Annabeth.”

“Yeah, I got you,” Percy reassured. “I’ll let her know I’ll be with my mom for a while later tonight. She understands how much time with my mom means to me and won’t bother us.”

“Great!” Piper clapped. “I’ll ask Hazel and Frank if they can help me with setting up for tomorrow, too. I’ll keep it between us four first.”

“You can tell Thalia as well, she’ll want in. Especially for Jason and Annabeth,” Percy told the daughter of Aphrodite as she stood up and dusted her shorts off.

Piper snapped her fingers. “Right. Alright, thanks Perce! Sorry for disturbing your nap.”

Percy shook his head. How the hell was she so energetic? Or maybe Percy was just tired.

Yeah, he was definitely just tired.

Paul chuckled, closing his book. He heard everything. “Let’s go check in on your mom then, yeah? I feel like everyone’s getting ready for dinner soon. You can ask her about the cakes.”

Percy stretched, getting up along with Paul. “Yeah, let’s go do that.” 

Annabeth dropped herself down on a bean bag with a sigh of relief, happy to be in fresh clothes and free of sweat. 

“Don’t tell me I tired you out, Chase,” A voice drawled from beside her. 

Annabeth looked over and saw Clarisse. She hadn’t realized that she was beside her. 

“In your dreams, La Rue.” Annabeth rolled her eyes. Clarisse had ended up becoming her sparring buddy during their training session just now. 

They both kind of just sat there for a bit. Clarisse was picking at her nails with a pocket knife, and Annabeth was just watching her friends move around the room, mingling with each other. 

“Hey, Clarisse,” Annabeth suddenly said. Clarisse stopped what she was doing and looked up from her hands, raising an eyebrow. 

“I, uh, just wanted to apologize,” Annabeth picked at the hem of her shirt, but she looked at Clarisse with sincerity in her eyes. “For, you know, crashing your quest.”

Clarisse furrowed her eyebrows. “No need. It needed to happen.”

“I mean sure, but,” Annabeth shook her head. “The way Percy and I handled it. We kind of questioned your every judgment when it was your quest.”

“It’s not like I was right all the time,” Clarisse wrinkled her nose. 

“I just think we could have dealt with it better. Instead of straight-up arguing and insulting you.” Annabeth frowned. “I know we were all so much younger, but for what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”

Clarisse observed Annabeth for a second, before lightly punching her arm. “Appreciate it, Chase. And for what it’s worth, I’m sorry too. I didn’t want to listen to you or Jackson at all.”

“You still don’t,” Annabeth snorted. 

“Eh,” Clarisse shrugged. “I at least hear you guys out now, no? You get what I mean.”

She did get it. Out of arrogance and pride, she and Clarisse would bark out their opinions and insist they were right without really hearing the other out. 

Ares and Athena. Both gods of war, yet of different aspects. The brain and the brawn. They were bound to clash (especially in Capture the Flag). 

But they are both more mature now. They actually listened to each other when it mattered. 

“We were all pretty high-strung back then, huh?” Annabeth cracked a smile. 

“Tell me about it,” Clarisse huffed. “Anyway, I might as well get this out of my chest—I know we’ll be watching the Battle of Manhattan. Emotions will be all over the place so I’ll say it now so that we don’t get all awkward again once it comes up.”

Annabeth looked at Clarisse quizzically, wondering what she was going to say. She knew what the older girl was referencing, though. When the projections showed the events of the CSS Birmingham, the air got thick with awkward tension between Clarisse, and Annabeth and Percy.

Clarisse and Percy have already talked (fought?) it out between themselves. Looked like it was Annabeth’s turn this time. 

“I’m sorry for my choices back then. I won’t apologize for how I felt, but sometimes I wonder if things would have ended up differently if I had just fought from the start.” Clarisse said. 

Her voice was quiet, but the weight of her words laid heavy. Annabeth watched as Clarisse looked down at her wrist and ran a hand over a bracelet that she had never noticed before. It looked like a friendship bracelet from where she sat. 

Clarisse seemed to catch herself, and before Annabeth could get a closer look at the accessory, Clarisse pulled the sleeve of her jacket down over it.

“A lot of things are going to be shown,” Annabeth nodded. “And that includes a lot of our stupid actions. We were children fighting a war. Let’s put it all behind us, yeah?”

Clarisse was silent for a moment, watching Annabeth with careful eyes before they softened ever so slightly. “Yeah.”

Annabeth gave her a smile. Clarisse cleared her throat and looked away, going back to picking at her nails with her knife. “Ugh. No more sappy stuff.”

Annabeth laughed.

Sally was awake when Paul and Percy entered the room. 

She was sitting at the desk, scribbling in a notebook. She looked up when she heard the door open and smiled seeing her two favorite people. “Hey.” 

“Have a good nap?” Paul asked as Percy dove straight for the bed, flopping on his stomach. Paul chuckled at his stepson’s antics, giving Sally a short peck on the forehead. 

“I did,” Sally nodded. 

“What are you doing now?” Percy asked curiously from his place on the bed, propping himself up with his arms. 

“Oh, just writing for a little project I’m working on,” Sally closed the notebook. It wasn’t hers, just a random one she had found on the desk. It was empty, too. “Just because we’re here, doesn’t mean I have to stop working, yeah?”

Percy hummed in acknowledgment, laying back down completely on his mortal parents’ bed. It was big and comfortable. 

Sally watched her son fondly. “Is it dinner time?”

“I don’t know,” Paul replied. To be fair, time technically didn’t exist in this place, and they didn’t have to wait for each other to have dinner. 

But it seemed like everyone had an unspoken agreement to have meals together at the same time for a semblance of a routine. It helped keep them on track, and at least keep a good eating and sleeping schedule. 

“It’s okay,” Percy mumbled sleepily. “At least one of them is bound to come looking for me once it’s time to eat.”

Sally got up and walked to the bed, sitting on the edge and running her hand through Percy’s hair. “Tired?”

“Mmm,” Percy leaned into his mom’s touch. “Trained with dad.”

“Ah,” Sally nodded in understanding. 

They stayed like that for a while, Percy just laying on the bed while Sally sat beside him, stroking his head. No matter how old Percy got, he would always be her baby. 

Paul had taken the chair that Sally vacated, back to reading. 

“Oh, before I forget,” Percy suddenly said, once again propping himself up on his elbows to better face his mom. 

Both Sally and Paul startled slightly. They both thought that the demigod had fallen asleep. 

“Can you make some cakes, later?” Percy asked. “I’ll help.”

“Of course,” Sally said without hesitation. She was already planning on baking brownies. She could easily make cakes for now instead. “What for?”

“Annabeth’s, Jason’s, and Leo’s birthdays,” Percy explained. “They all happened a couple of weeks ago but we haven’t exactly been able to celebrate for, well, reasons.”

“I’d love to,” Sally ruffled Percy’s hair. “When do you want it done?”

“We can bake after dinner if that’s okay,” Percy smiled sheepishly, reaching up in an attempt to fix his hair. “Piper and I agreed that we should have the surprise tomorrow morning.”

“No problem,” Sally nodded. “But I hope they’re all okay with chocolate. With such short notice, I think it’ll be better if we just use the same batter for all three cakes.”

“Chocolate’s fine,” Percy agreed. “Besides, I’m a hundred percent positive that they’ll like anything you make so it doesn’t matter.”

“He’s not wrong,” Paul piped up, still engrossed in his book. 

Sally chuckled. “Thanks, boys.”

Just as the conversation finished, someone knocked on their door. “Mrs. Jackson?” 

“Come in!” Sally called out. 

The door gently opened to reveal Grover. The satyr's eyes lit up when he saw that Percy was here, as well. “Great, you’re all here! It’s time for dinner.”

“Thanks, Grover dear,” Sally smiled at him before nudging Percy’s arm. “C’mon, honey. Time to get up.”

Percy groaned rolling over and groaning some more into the sheets of the bed before ultimately getting up anyway. 

Grover laughed at him. “You can sleep as much as you want after dinner, sleepyhead. I know you’re hungry.” He said as he walked away, presumably to join the others in the dining room. 

Percy huffed, but Grover wasn’t wrong as his stomach suddenly started to rumble. Sally and Paul laughed at his antics. 

Together, the Jackson-Blofis family made their way to the dining room as well. 

“I’ll get started on the cakes as soon as I finish eating. You can join me whenever you want, okay?” Sally whispered to Percy as they entered the dining room. Percy nodded before making his way to sit with Grover, Annabeth, and Thalia.

Percy slid into the seat beside Grover and across from Thalia. The daughter of Zeus snorted as she got a good look at Percy. “Your hair looks like a bird’s nest.”

Percy scowled, running a hand through his hair in an attempt to fix it. “Whatever,” he muttered. “I’m hungry.”

“I knew it,” Grover pumped his fist in the air. The four of them laughed together and began eating. 

Halfway into their meals, another person suddenly joined their table, taking a seat beside Thalia with their plate and all. 

Annabeth looked over to see who it was. “What’s up, Nico? Is everything all right?”

“I just…” Nico trailed off, looking down. He took a deep breath as if finding his confidence before looking back up at them. “Is it next?”

Thalia’s brows furrowed in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“The next set of projections,” Nico clarified. “Is it where I come in?”

Percy’s eyes widened as if only just remembering again what the next set of projections would be about. 

He looked back to Nico, who seemed to know the answer but wanted confirmation. 

Percy took a deep breath. “Yes,” He finally answered. “We met you the winter after the Sea of Monsters.” He also recognized the engravings on the projection box. The next set was definitely going to be about that winter. 

“Oh,” Nico replied in a small voice. 

Thalia looked around at their table, before letting out a bittersweet laugh. “What a coincidence,” she shook her head sadly. “We’re the survivors of that quest.”

Survivors. Meaning there were people that didn’t survive.

Percy looked down at his food. “I’m sorry, Nico. It’s my fault we have to go through all of this again.”

“Not your fault,” Annabeth said sternly. 

Nico shook his head. “Annabeth’s right. You didn’t know this would happen.”

“Still,” Percy looked up at Nico. “Nico, this will be your first time seeing what actually happened. Grover, Thalia, and I were there .”

“I know,” Nico whispered, voice shaking slightly. “I need to know, Percy. I need to see how it happened. It’s not like I have a choice anyway.” 

“I know,” Percy buried his face in his hands. “I’m sorry.”

Thalia looked at the two sadly. “Nico, we can warn you when it’s near. We can’t avoid watching it but the moment you need to stop and take a break, let us know, okay?”

Percy nodded in agreement. “I’ll be fine. We’ll go at your pace when we reach that part, all right? Don’t worry about the curse.” After all, he wasn’t physically injured in any way that would threaten his life at that point of the quest. 

“I…okay,” Nico breathed, nodding slowly. “Okay, thanks.”

Thalia patted his shoulder. “Eat,” She pushed Nico’s plate towards him. “You’ll need it. I know I will. I don’t know how you three have dealt with this so far, you know, seeing your past selves and all the idiotic things you’ve done.”

“It’s not easy, that’s for sure,” Annabeth snorted, picking her fork back up to continue eating. “But it’s nothing compared to what Percy feels.”

Percy shook his head. “It’s still going to be hard,” he sighed. “We’ll be watching things you never meant for others to see.”

“We’ll get through it,” Thalia sighed. “Somehow.”

“Story of my life,” Percy muttered. “Sorry, Thals. Warning you now, my feelings towards you weren’t exactly all that friendly.”

“The feeling was mutual, I think,” Thalia shrugged. “Just remind me not to rile you up while the curse is affecting you.”

“I got you!” Grover saluted. 

“Alright, goat boy. Thanks.” Thalia laughed. “On the bright side, we’ll be seeing ten-year-old Nico again.”

“Don’t remind me,” Nico groaned. Percy snorted, setting off the rest of the table into light laughter. 

Soon, everyone was finishing up with dinner. The gods had all already left, and the demigods were also slowly trickling out of the room. 

“Percy! Annabeth!” Piper called out. “We’re going to see if we can get a room with gameboards or something. Come with us!” She gestured to herself and the rest of the Seven. Piper met Percy’s eyes and winked.

Right. The surprise.

Annabeth looked at Percy. “You in?”

Percy shook his head. “I said I’d help my mom in the kitchen. She wanted to bake again since we finished her last batch of cookies. Besides, I’m exhausted. I’ll go straight to sleep after.” 

“If you say so,” Annabeth shrugged. “I’ll join them, then.”

“Alright,” Percy chuckled. He gave Annabeth a short peck on the lips. “Good night, Wise Girl.”

“Night, Seaweed Brain,” Annabeth smiled. “And if you get any bad dreams again, you know where to find me.” She said seriously.

“Yup,” Percy reassured her. “Now, go. I know you’re itching to beat someone in a game.”

“You know me so well,” Annabeth grinned before jogging over to the rest of their friends. From behind Annabeth, Piper looked at Percy with an impressed look and gave him a thumbs up.

Percy rolled his eyes and gave her a shooing motion, gaining a laugh from Piper as they left the dining room.

The son of Poseidon walked into the kitchen to find his mom already working on the batter. Paul was leaning against a counter on the side of the room, his book still in hand. Percy raised an eyebrow at him. His stepfather shrugged, raising his hands up in a surrendering motion. “Your mom kicked me out.”

Percy laughed, leaving Paul to his reading. Wow, he was really invested in that book. 

“Aunt Hestia,” Percy said with barely concealed surprise as he approached his mom on the counter, suddenly realizing that his mom wasn’t the only one at the counter. The goddess was mixing all of the wet ingredients while his mom worked on the other bowl with the dry ingredients. 

“Don’t mind me, child,” Hestia smiled at him. “I found your mother in here and wanted to help. I understand you and your friends are planning a surprise party for tomorrow morning?”

“Yeah. I don’t know how much of a party it’ll be but Piper’s in charge of that,” Percy smiled back at her as he went to wash his hands. “Thanks for the help, Auntie.”

“It’s my pleasure, nephew.”

“Where do you need me, mom?” Percy asked Sally who passed him the bowl of dry ingredients. 

“Mix these with Lady Hestia’s bowl, please. I think we have to make another bowl,” Sally instructed, reaching for two more bowls as soon as Percy took the full one. 

“Got it,” Percy took the bowl and walked over to Hestia’s side. Quietly, Percy began to pour the dry ingredients into the bowl that Hestia was still mixing. He did it in small doses to avoid the flour from exploding everywhere. The two worked efficiently together.

“I hope my brother wasn’t too hard on you,” Hestia hummed as she mixed. 

“Surprisingly, it went well,” Percy gave her a smile and placed the now empty bowl aside. “He actually listened to the things I had to say. We didn’t end up at each other’s throats either.”

“That’s good,” Hestia nodded approvingly. “I know respect for the gods doesn’t come as easily for you, nephew, and I understand you have your reasons as well. However, I do appreciate that you are making the effort to at least address them civilly.”

“I’m sorry, Aunt Hestia,” Percy looked down. 

Hestia shook her head, ceasing in her mixing and placing her hand on Percy’s shoulder. “It’s alright, Percy. Let’s just try to hold back on the insults said out loud, hmm?”

Percy smiled at her sheepishly, reaching out for the bowl and taking over the mixing of the batter. “I think I can do that. Although, I can’t control what the projections will say.”

“Those technically don’t count,” Hestia laughed gently. “They were your thoughts. They should have been private to you and you only.”

Percy nodded, lifting the whisk to check on the consistency of the batter. Looked good. He passed the bowl over to his mom. Sally thanked him and passed him the other bowls as she went on to start making the frosting. Once again, one bowl had the wet ingredients and the other had the dry. He handed one of the bowls to Hestia and they both started mixing again. 

“I wanted to thank you, too,” Percy said. “You’ve been one of the reasons why Zeus has even been listening to us in the first place.”

Hestia shrugged. “He is my baby brother, after all. Being the eldest has its perks.” She and Percy laughed at that before she continued. “But seriously, it’s nothing, child. It’s about time the rest of the gods got a wake-up call regarding their children. They wouldn’t listen to me alone, I do not have any children. You and the rest of the demigods are the reason for the sudden change. I just had to help them swallow their pride.”

“Whatever it is, I really appreciate everything you’ve been doing Aunt Hestia,” Percy said sincerely, moving to pour the dry ingredients into the other bowl again. “Not just in here, but for our whole lives—even if you’re not the Hestia from our universe.”

“You are all my family, Perseus,” Hestia said softly as she continued to mix the batter. “It is because of you, the demigods, that I still have a hearth to tend to. Protecting that hearth is the least I can do.”

Hestia smiled at Percy as he gave her a small bow in thanks. They were also now finished with the second bowl of batter.

“Oven?” Percy asked his mom.

“Yes, please. I’ve already pre-heated it,” Sally said as she turned on the stand mixer for the frosting. “Thanks, darling.”

Percy handed Hestia one of the bowls filled with batter and took the other one for himself. Paul came up behind them, handing them 3 round cake pans of the same size. “Thanks, Paul,” Percy muttered and began to pour the batter into one of the pans. Hestia did the same.

Once both of their pans had been filled, they both poured their remaining batter into the remaining pan. Percy placed all three pans into the oven. “And now we wait,” He said as he closed the oven.

Sally switched the mixer off. “I’ll separate this into more bowls. Percy, you can choose the colors we need, then we can all mix.” She instructed as she opened the cupboards to retrieve more bowls to mix the frosting and food coloring in.

Percy nodded, looking around for the food coloring. Hestia pointed at one of the shelves.

Percy quickly found all the colors he needed, and together, the four of them—Sally finally allowed Paul to help out—got to mixing. 

Around thirty minutes later, Hestia pulled the cakes out of the oven and set them aside on the counter to cool.

“Do you want to decorate them already?” Sally asked Percy.

He bit his lip in concentration, “Maybe I’ll wait for Piper and do it tomorrow morning before the surprise.”

“You’ll have to wake up earlier, then.” Sally looked at him with a pointed look. 

Percy groaned. “Yeah, I know,” he huffed. “I’ll do it, though. I just need someone to wake me up…” He rubbed the back of his neck. The most effective way to wake Percy up was by another person. Sounds, like a simple alarm, weren't enough to get him up, especially not when he was tired as hell.

Sally chuckled. “I’ll make sure you’re up, then.” She glanced at the cakes still cooling down on the side. “You can go ahead and rest, dear. I’ll wait for the cakes to cool completely to crumb coat it, and then we can decorate it fully tomorrow.”

Sally began pushing her son out the door as Percy hesitated. “Are you sure? I can wait with you.”

“You’re exhausted, honey,” Sally shook her head. “I have company here, go get some rest. Besides, if you want to wake up early tomorrow, better sleep as early as possible. I took a nap a while ago, I’ll be fine.”

“She’s right, dear nephew,” Hestia chuckled fondly. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep her company.”

Percy shot the goddess a grateful look as his mom pushed him out of the kitchen.

“Alright, alright,” Percy relented. “Good night, mom.” 

“Good night, dear.”

Percy yawned as he made his way back to his room. Damn, he really was exhausted, huh?

Before he could get inside his room, another door opened and out walked Piper. “Oh!” She lit up. “How’d it go?” She asked, pushing him into his room and closing the door. She didn’t want to risk any of the birthday celebrants overhearing this.

Percy blinked, suddenly inside his room. “You’re still up?”

“We just finished,” Piper shrugged. “Decided to call it a night after Leo and Annabeth almost blew the room up after an especially intense game of Monopoly. I was just about to see how you guys were doing, actually.”

“Figures,” Percy shook his head. “And we’re all good. Aunt Hestia gave us a hand which helped a lot. My mom is still finishing up in the kitchen, but I said we’d decorate them tomorrow. If that’s okay with you, of course.”

“Duh,” Piper nodded eagerly. “Hazel had the idea of opening one of the rooms to an already decorated venue so that we don’t have to set up that much. Just the cakes are left so I’d love to help out.”

“Great,” Percy walked over to his closet to find some pajamas he could change into. “We’ll have to get up earlier than the three, though. Jason especially, his military ass has him awake at the crack of dawn.” He rolled his eyes.

“True,” Piper laughed. “If I’m not in the kitchen by the time you’re up, feel free to wake me up, then.”

Percy closed his closet doors, pajamas in hand. “Do you really think I’ll be up before you?” He asked with an eyebrow raised.

“Never know,” Piper shrugged. “If it’s the other way around–”

“That’s more likely.”

“I’ll wake you up.” Piper finished.

“And if we both aren’t up, my mom will most definitely wake me up,” Percy said. 

“So it’s possible that you will get up before me!” Piper pointed an accusing finger at him, her voice triumphant. 

“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” Percy laughed. “Now shoo, I’m beat. Let me sleep.”

“All right, Aquaman,” Piper grinned. “Good night!”

“Night Pipes,” Percy said, shutting the door after Piper walked out. 

Percy quickly got changed. Before he could climb into his bed, he paused. He glanced at the far corner of his room where the closet cast a dark shadow, his senses feeling like something was there. As if someone were watching him.

He shook his head. I’m just exhausted, he told himself, finally getting under his covers and knocking out almost immediately.

Somewhere in her domain, the primordial of night chuckled to herself.

Chapter Text

In the end, it was Piper that woke Percy up. 

Sally was too soft for her son, and didn’t have the heart to wake him up when he was sleeping so soundly. 

But Piper didn’t have such reserves. She knew Percy would kill her if she didn’t get him up.

“I’ll leave you to it,” Sally smiled gratefully. “I’ll start getting the cakes ready in the kitchen.” 

“You can count on me,” Piper smiled at the older woman and nodded. After Sally left the room, Piper got to work. “C’mon Aquaman,” she pulled Percy’s pillow out from under his head and started batting him with it. 

Percy groaned, rolling over and covering his head with his comforter. 

“Oh no you don’t,” Piper pulled the sheets away. “We agreed that I’d wake you up if I got up first, yeah?”

“Fine, fine,” Percy sat up, hair sticking out in every direction as he glared at the air in front of him. “I’m up.”

“Your mom’s in the kitchen already,” Piper crossed her arms as she waited for Percy to regain his senses. 

“Okay,” Percy yawned. “Just…let me get changed and freshen myself up.”

“I’ll be in the kitchen!” Piper called back, already making her way out the door. 

Piper quietly made her way to the kitchen. Sally had laid out all the cakes and bags of a variety of colors of frosting. 

“Wow!” Piper grinned. “You guys really did all of this last night?”

“It’s not that hard, especially if you’re someone who enjoys baking, like me,” Sally smiled at the younger girl. 

“Percy’ll be here in a bit,” Piper informed her. “I hope.”

“You can get started if you’d like,” Sally pushed one of the cakes towards her. 

Piper shrugged. “Okay,” she said, picking up the light purple frosting. “I’ll do Jason’s.”

As Piper started decorating, Sally seemed to be baking again. “What are you making? Are you baking more?”

“Yes,” Sally smiled, a little bashful. “Just some cupcakes. You have a lactose intolerant friend, right? I remember it being mentioned once.”

“Frank,” Piper nodded. 

“Just wanted to try making a dairy-free batch,” Sally said as she moved around the counter, movements efficient. Piper could tell that she’s been baking for a long time. 

“You’re so sweet, Mrs. Ja- I mean, Sally,” Piper said, placing the frosting bag down and picking up a spatula. Frank’s lactose intolerance wasn’t even talked about all that much, just brought up in passing while they were watching projections. 

She could see where Percy got his observance and consideration from. 

As the two worked, they started chatting to fill the silence, making small talk to get to know the other a bit better. 

Piper felt warm as she talked to Sally. She could imagine that this is what it would have felt like if she had grown up with a mother figure. 

Piper had finished coating the entire cake in a light purple frosting, picking up the yellow frosting bag, when Percy finally walked into the kitchen. 

“Good morning, Percy,” Sally greeted him.  

“Morning mom,” Percy greeted back, albeit less cheerfully. 

Piper slid one of the cakes over to Percy’s direction. “Here, you can start on Annabeth’s. I’m doing Jason’s right now. Whoever finishes can work on Leo’s after.”

“Alright,” Percy picked up the light blue, almost grey, frosting. “I’m not very good at this.”

“Neither am I, but hey,” Piper grinned. “It’s fun.”

Percy snickered and the three of them worked in comfortable silence. 

They finished decorating all three cakes as Sally pulled her new cupcakes out of the oven. 

“Mom?” Percy asked as he and Piper finished up with Leo’s cake. 

“Yes?” Sally walked over to Percy and Piper’s workspace. “Hey, these look amazing!”

“Somehow we both silently agreed to put in proper effort and not make it a disaster,” Percy grinned proudly. “Anyway, I wanted to ask if you knew how to pipe words on a cake?”

“I’ve done it, yes, but only once or twice before,” Sally flexed her fingers before picking up one of the frosting bags. “Do you want me to write on them?”

Piper and Percy shared a look before both facing Sally with matching sheepish expressions. “Yes, please.” Percy said. 

“It’s no problem, you two,” Sally chuckled. “All right, what do you want me to write?”

It didn’t take long before everything was completely done—including Sally’s additional cupcakes. It seemed as they were blessed with good timing as Hazel walked into the kitchen as soon as they finished cleaning up. 

“Hey, Hazel,” Percy waved. Sally smiled at the newcomer as a greeting. 

Hazel waved back. “Good morning! We finished setting up in one of the rooms.”

“Perfect!” Piper clapped. “And the three birthday celebrants?”

“None the wiser,” Hazel grinned. “We managed to rope everyone else in as well.”

“How in the world did you manage to do that?” Percy asked as he, Piper, and Hazel picked up a cake each. Sally took the tray of cupcakes. Together, they all made their way out of the kitchen.

“It started with the Stolls,” Hazel said amusedly. “Apparently Thalia told them to spread the word last night without letting the three know.”

Percy nodded in understanding. “Those two are sneaky as hell. The Hermes cabin is one of the reasons rumors fly so fast around Camp. Along with the Aphrodite cabin.”

“Of course,” Piper snorted. 

“Frank and I were worried it’d spread to the three, but we didn’t know them well enough to know they could pull it off perfectly,” Hazel shook her head in exasperation. “They managed to inform everyone except the three and even us!”

“That’s true,” Piper laughed. “I didn’t even know they were in on it until just now.”

“I should’ve known,” Percy grinned. The grin only grew as they opened the door to the party room to see everyone inside—except for the gods and the three celebrants. 

“I was planning for this to be a simple surprise but damn,” Piper whistled in appreciation. “This is a full-blown party.”

“Nah,” Hazel shrugged. “The magic room did most of the stuff. The rest of us just rearranged the decor.”

The room was simple but spacious. A big table sat in the center of the room, surrounded by multiple, smaller tables and chairs. Streamers and fairy lights hung across the ceiling. Balloons were strewn around the floor, while some floated in the air. 

The teens were already sat around the smaller tables, chatting with each other as they waited for the party to start. 

Thalia and Frank approached them. Thalia quickly took the tray of cupcakes from Sally. “Here, let me take this.”

“Thanks, dear.” Sally smiled at her.

They placed all of the cakes and cupcakes on the table in the center. The rest of the teens gathered to look at the desserts. 

“You guys did that?” Will asked as he looked at the cakes with excitement. “They look great!”

“Yeah,” Thalia agreed, impressed. “You guys actually did pretty well.”

“And what is that supposed to mean, Pinecone Face?” Percy nudged the huntress. 

“We took it seriously,” Piper laughed. “They missed their birthdays because of something really bad. We really wanted this to be special.”

Thalia’s eyes softened as she nodded with a gentle smile. “They’ll love it.”

The three round cakes were placed side by side. They were all quite simple, yet each were very distinct. 

Annabeth’s cake was a light bluish-gray. Green piping—a color similar to Percy’s eyes, Annabeth’s favorite color—bordered the cake. Edible pearls were placed strategically all over. In the center, it read “Happy Birthday, Wise Girl <3” in a darker blue-gray color. 

Jason’s was a light purple. The piping around it was in the same color as well. All over the sides of the cake, were little lightning bolts drawn with yellow icing. On top, it read “Happy Birthday, Sparky!” in the same yellow as the lightning bolts. 

Leo’s cake was in a red that was not too bright, but not too light either. The piping around the sides of the cake were in different warm colors, making them look like flames. On top, were different, cutely drawn wrenches in gray surrounding the birthday message which read “HBD Supreme Commander of the Argo II !” in white. 

They surrounded the cakes with the cupcakes which all had simple white frosting on top. 

Piper walked over to Frank and pointed at the cupcakes. “Percy’s mom made those dairy-free in case you didn’t feel like powering through your lactose intolerance today.”

Frank’s face brightened. “Really? Oh my gods, I have to thank her.” 

He went over to Sally and did just that. Sally, of course, gave him a beaming smile and a hug in return. Frank felt warm in her embrace, reminded of his own late mother. 

“Okay,” Piper clapped her hands together, calling for everyone’s attention. “How about we all go out into the theater and be our usual noisy selves to let the three know that it’s time they get up?”

The teens cheered and made their way out of the room and into the theater, noisy as always. 

Percy walked over to Piper. “I’ll get Annabeth,” he said. 

“Jason’s probably awake already,” Piper snorted. “So it’ll only be a matter of time before he’s out here. I’ll check on Leo, then.”

“Try not to accidentally cause him to set fire to anything,” Percy grinned. “I don’t want to have to extinguish a bed today.”

As Piper guessed, Jason walked into the theater room, slightly bleary-eyed and confused. Probably wondering why everyone was already up. 

Percy patted him on the shoulder as he walked by and made his way into Annabeth’s room. 

“Wanna wake Leo up?” Piper asked Jason as she passed by him and made her way to Leo’s room without even waiting for a reply. 

“Uh, sure?” Jason blinked, shrugging and following close behind. 

The difference was almost comical. Percy knocked on Annabeth’s door gently, aiming for a gentle approach in waking her up if she wasn’t already. 

Piper on the other hand started knocking on Leo’s door in rapid succession. “Valdez, are you up?” she called out before barging into the room. Jason snorted, following after her. 

Annabeth was awake, so Percy walked back out to give her time to change and get ready. Leo, on the other hand, was being woken up in a similar manner as to how Piper woke Percy up a few hours earlier. 

A few minutes later, all of the teens were finally awake and gathered in the theater. 

Annabeth raised a suspicious brow. “Am I missing something? Why is everyone here and not eating breakfast?”

Jason nodded in agreement with Annabeth’s words, while Leo just yawned and rubbed at his eyes. 

Thalia shrugged, and with no words pushed Annabeth and Jason towards the door that hid the surprise. Piper followed close behind Thalia as she pulled Leo along. 

The rest of the teens gathered behind them, and as soon as Piper opened the door, everyone yelled “Surprise!” as Thalia practically shoved the three July babies inside. 

The trio literally stumbled into the room, falling onto a pile on the floor. They gaped at the sight in front of them as everyone else filed into the room as well. 

“Happy Birthday!” Everyone cheered. 

“What the heck?” Leo screamed excitedly, no longer sleepy. “A birthday party?”

“Not just any birthday party, Valdez,” Frank grinned at him. “Your birthday party.”

“And Annabeth’s and Jason’s too!” Hazel beamed. 

“I knew you guys were planning something!” Annabeth marveled as Percy helped her up from the floor. “I just couldn’t place my finger on what exactly it was going to be!”

“I was completely clueless,” Jason gaped at the colorful lights, streamers, and balloons strewn everywhere. 

Piper helped Jason up from the ground, both of them helping Leo up right after. “Check out your cakes, you guys!” Piper said excitedly. 

The three walked up to the center table to see their cakes. 

“This is the best thing ever!” Leo exclaimed, hair literally lighting up in flames as he jumped up and down in excitement. “Who made these?”

Jason’s smile grew from ear to ear, and Annabeth was looking at her cake in wonder, gratitude shining in her eyes. 

“My mom did,” Percy walked up from behind them, giving Annabeth a back hug. 

“Percy helped me along with Lady Hestia,” Sally said as she made her way beside them as well. 

Annabeth’s eyes gleamed. “Then I already know it’s going to be absolutely delicious.”

That made Leo even more excited, and Jason’s smile grew even more if that was possible. 

“Percy and I decorated them, though,” Piper added. 

“You did?” Jason finally spoke. “They look amazing!”

“Why do you sound so surprised?” Piper teased before her smile softened. “You guys weren’t able to even think about your birthdays this year, much less celebrate them due to…reasons. So, we wanted to do something special, so that you guys have a birthday to remember this year.”

“Thank you guys,” Annabeth smiled, her eyes slightly wet. “Really.” 

She turned around to give Percy a hug, then pulled Piper into her embrace as well. 

Everyone around them cheered, giving their birthday greetings to the trio as Jason and Leo also expressed their heartfelt thanks to Percy and Piper especially. 

Sally laughed with delight as the birthday celebrants greeted her profusely as well, giving them each her warm hugs. “Now, who wants some cake?” She asked. 

The room burst into cheers once more. 

Even after the cakes were long gone, the kids praised Sally and Percy for the cakes. 

As they slowly made their way back into the throne room for another day of projections, Percy and Annabeth fell behind the crowd, Percy slinging an arm over Annabeth’s shoulders as they walked slowly. 

Annabeth leaned into Percy’s side, content. “I really didn’t think you guys were planning for a birthday party of all things.”

Percy shrugged. “It was Piper’s idea, really. I’m glad you enjoyed it. You guys deserve it.”

Seriously. This was Annabeth’s first birthday since the Second Titan War. So many things have happened since then, and they were not necessarily good things. 

Same goes for the other two. This was Jason’s first birthday celebration with Thalia—the first he could remember, anyway. And who knows when Leo last celebrated his birthday surrounded by those close to him?

“I just wish we didn’t have to dive straight back into watching the unfortunate events of my life right after,” Percy huffed. 

Annabeth rubbed his back comfortingly. “Technically we don’t have to…”

“But I want to get it over with,” Percy nodded. “I’m sure everyone else does, too. Besides, if we prolong staying here any longer, I don’t know what Night will do.” 

Annabeth frowned. “Did something happen?”

“No…” Percy chewed at his lower lip. “But I can’t help but feel like she’s up to something.”

Annabeth’s frown deepened slightly. Percy’s instincts have more or less always been on point. 

“It’s fine,” Percy sighed. “Can’t do anything about it now if we don’t know what we’re dealing with.”

Annabeth made a face. “That’s true but I don’t like it.”

Percy laughed, squeezing her shoulder. “Tell me about it.” Their conversation ended as they settled down in the theater beside their friends.

The gods, as well as Chiron, were already seated, waiting for them to settle down. Hestia was surrounded by the demigods who were all thanking her and complimenting her for the cakes. She laughed in delight. 

As soon as everyone got settled down, the goddess smiled at Percy encouragingly from where she sat near the projection box as usual. “Ready?” She directed her question at the demigods. 

Percy glanced at Nico, asking him a silent question. Nico bit his lip before nodding. Percy looked at the golden box. They were on the third layer now. Much like the others, it was engraved with numbers 1 through 20. 

Percy briefly activated the first projection. The box once again glowed blue and began setting itself up as Percy walked back to his seat. 

“Here goes nothing.”

The scene began with Sally, Percy, Annabeth, and Thalia in a car. Sally drove them, sleet and snow pounded on the car as they drove through a blizzard. 

“Oh my,” Sally couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle. “I remember this.”

“So we start here, huh?” Thalia slouched forward in her bean bag, leaning her elbows on her thighs.

The rest of the room were trying to figure out what was going on. “Where are you guys going?” Rachel asked curiously.

It was an eight-hour drive from New York to Bar Harbor, Maine. 

“Well, that answers my question,” Rachel muttered, inciting small laughter from those beside her. “So why are we going to Maine?”

“You’ll see,” Percy wrinkled his nose.

“Why did I even bother asking?”

“When was this?” Hazel tilted her head. 

“Same year as the last set,” Percy confirmed. “The winter after that summer.”

The three demigods were silent, however, Sally was chatting away.

“Sorry,” Sally laughed at her past self who was talking non-stop. “I was nervous.”

“I can tell,” Paul smiled at her fondly. “You always get talkative whenever your nerves get the best of you.”

“We were nervous, too,” Annabeth recalled. “Which is why we were so quiet.”

“Nervous? Why?” Hazel asked, but was left unanswered. 

Percy could feel his cheeks and ears burning up. He recognized his feelings as embarrassment. Stupid curse. “Oh my gods,” he groaned. “Thank the gods we’re seeing this from outside the car.” 

True enough, the scene followed the car from the outside. Sally’s voice was heard, but extremely muffled as a result. The pounding of sleet was not helping either. 

Thalia and Annabeth started laughing. Sally looked apologetic but still amused. Everyone else was just confused. 

“Sally told us pretty much every embarrassing baby Percy story she could remember,” Thalia said as she caught her breath. 

“I was nervous, okay?” Sally grinned, no regret in her eyes whatsoever. 

“Whatever was spoken about in that car, stays in that car,” Percy huffed. “No, you cannot know.” He added when he saw the Stolls exchange mischievous grins. 

“Don’t you worry, Kelp Head, your secrets are safe with me,” Thalia teased. 

“Somehow that worries me even more.”

The scene fast-forwarded, and soon they were pulling up to what looked like an evil knight’s castle complete with black stone, towers, and giant doors. It stood on a cliff overlooking a forest and ocean. It was already getting dark out as well. 

The scene finally switched to being inside the car as Thalia wiped the window with her sleeve, peering outside. ‘Oh, yeah. This’ll be fun.’ She said, her voice heard clearly this time. 

“So much for fun,” Thalia muttered quietly, mostly to herself. 

Nico’s eyes widened as he saw where they were headed, cursing under his breath. He didn’t realize it’d start here already.

“Looks like a haunted mansion,” Pollux looked around. “I don’t like it.”

“That’s one way to describe it,” Annabeth mumbled as she eyed the cliff with distaste. “This is Westover Hall, by the way. A boarding school.”

“Huh,” Leo blinked. “Looks like a place I’d have been sent to.” He said, mostly to himself. 

“You’re going…to school?” Piper furrowed her brows. “Isn’t it like, winter break at that point or something?”

“This was right before winter break, like the last day of classes probably,” Annabeth shook her head. “And we’re not going to school. We just happened to be going to a school for…well, you’ll see.” 

‘Are…me to wait?’ Sally asked as she stopped the car. Percy shook his head. ‘No, thanks…We’ll be okay.’

Sally looked worried. ‘But how will you get back? I’m worried, Percy.’

I hoped I wasn’t blushing. It was bad enough I had to depend on my mom to drive me to my battles. 

Percy dropped his head in his hands. He was, in fact, blushing. 

“I’d be willing to drive you to your battles no matter how far,” Sally said softly. “No matter if you can drive now, too.”

“I know,” Percy looked at her. “But I would do anything to keep you safe and uninvolved with all of this.”

‘It’s okay…him out of trouble.’ Annabeth reassured. Sally seemed to relax at her words.

She thinks Annabeth is the most levelheaded demigod…sure Annabeth often keeps me from getting killed. 

“She’s right,” Grover shrugged as Annabeth grinned triumphantly. 

She’s right, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.

Percy facepalmed while the rest of the teens laughed at Percy’s honest admission. 

“Let’s just not forget,” Grover pointed at the couple. “That she encourages your crazy ideas.”

“I’m a demigod,” Annabeth spread her hands out in a ‘what can I do?’ gesture. “We survive on crazy.”

The demigods murmured their agreements.

“I just make sure the crazy actually works.” Annabeth added. “Since Percy’s crazy ideas are more often than not crazier than the normal demigod’s.”

“I blame my dad,” Percy deadpanned. Being a child of the Big Three definitely played a part in that. 

Poseidon just shrugged. “Fair enough.”

“None of that made me feel better about any of this quest stuff,” Sally muttered under her breath. “But okay fine, sure.”

That got a laugh out of both Percy and Annabeth. 

‘All right…everything you need?’ Sally relented. 

‘Yes…Thanks for the ride.’ Thalia said. 

‘Extra sweaters?…drachma in case you need to contact camp?’ Sally continued fussing, even as Percy tried to interrupt. ‘ Mom, seriously! We’ll be fine! Come on guys.’

Percy felt a pang of regret as he saw the hurt look on his mother’s face on-screen. And it wasn’t from the curse, either. 

He groaned, rubbing his face as he laid all the way back in his bean bag. He turned his head to face his mom who sat behind him, an apologetic look on his face. “I’m sorry, mom. I know you were just worried.”

Sally shook her head, a smile on her face. “You were fourteen, Percy. It was normal for you to feel that way.”

Percy looked at her as she ruffled his hair. “But still…”

“It’s alright, dear. Promise.” Sally chuckled. She remembered this. Yes, she looked hurt, but that was because Percy is her first and only child. It was her first time dealing with teen angst and all that jazz. She also just couldn’t believe that her little boy was growing up that fast. 

Percy frowned, but nodded. Seriously, his mom was too good for this world. He would forever be grateful he had her. 

If my mom told one more story…burrow into the snow and freeze myself to death. 

Sally grinned, not taking it personally. “But you really were so cute!”

“Mom!” Percy chided, but there was no bite in his tone. 

“Maybe one day I can just sneak into your house and find all your baby photos,” Piper’s eyes sparkled with mischief. 

“Oh, no need,” Sally waved her hand. “You’re all welcome to visit, and I can show you his picture album myself.”

“That’d be amazing,” Hazel laughed. “We’ll definitely take you up on that offer.”

“Guys,” Percy groaned, covering his face and attempting to burrow himself deep into his bean bag. His friends just laughed at his protests. 

Percy quickly got out of the car, followed by Annabeth and Thalia. 

Percy shivered, feeling the sudden bite of the cold. “Stupid curse,” he swore under his breath as he pulled a blanket towards him and wrapped it around himself. 

Sally drove away. Once she was out of sight, Thalia turned to Percy. ‘Your mom is so cool, Percy.’

Thalia nodded in agreement with her past self. It wasn’t just her, either. Pretty much all of the demigods agreed with the statement. 

“You guys are too kind,” Sally chuckled. 

“They’re right, though,” Paul whispered to her. Sally just swatted lightly at his arm. 

‘She’s…You ever get in touch with your mom?’ Percy asked back. 

As soon as I said it, I wished I hadn’t. 

Percy’s facepalm pretty much echoed throughout the room.

Thalia gave him a deadly glare, looking very intimidating in her punk clothes. Her dark eyeliner contrasted heavily with her blue eyes, further intensifying her glare.

“Nice going, Percy,” Reyna couldn’t help but say in amusement. She may not know Thalia’s relationship with her mother, but she knew that asking about a demigod’s parents was hit or miss. It was better if they opened up to you rather than you asking them. 

Jason looked almost horrified that Percy asked his sister about their mom outright even though he knew that Percy meant absolutely no harm by it. 

‘If that was any of your business, Percy—’

‘We’d better get inside. Grover will be waiting.’ Annabeth interrupted, her face unimpressed. 

“Well, thank the gods Annabeth was there, then,” Connor clasped his hands together. “If only you were there when…nevermind.” He caught himself before he could say anything further. 

Everyone that was in Camp during that winter knew what he was talking about though. 

Annabeth raised an eyebrow. She wasn’t there when the infamous Percy versus Thalia showdown happened, so it was something she honestly really wanted to see. 

Thalia looked away from Percy and up at the castle instead. ‘You’re right…made him send the distress call.’ She wondered. 

“So you were there, too?” Frank asked Grover. 

Grover nodded. “Just because I had been held hostage by a Cyclops, doesn’t mean that my satyr duties had stopped.” 

“That’s one way to put it,” Percy snorted. 

Dionysus raised a curious brow. The satyr must have found a demigod, then. He was interested as to why he had to send out a distress signal, though. A difficult monster, perhaps? 

Percy also turned to look up at the tall towers of the castle. ‘Nothing good.’ He guessed. 

“When is it ever?” Nico scowled. He was beginning to get antsy. It was only a matter of time before he’d see himself on screen. 

The trio walked up to the giant oak doors which opened before them. They stepped into the entry hall and were immediately taken by the view. ‘Whoa,’ Percy muttered. 

Paul gaped as he looked around at the hall of the school. “This is a school?” 

The place was huge. The walls were lined with a bunch of battle flags and weapon displays ranging from rifles to axes. 

Clarisse whistled at the weapon displays. “They look legit.”

Percy’s hand instinctively went in his pocket as he looked around. Similarly, Thalia was rubbing at her silver bracelet.

Percy couldn’t help but reach into his pocket to play with Riptide. His instincts immediately sensed something wrong with the place back then, and it was being reflected on him through the curse.

Paul was quite fascinated, actually. Yes, he’s been watching various action scenes for the past couple of days, but something about the subtle things were very intriguing to him—like the demigods’ instincts. Seeing both Thalia and Percy immediately gravitate towards their magical weapons without even speaking a word, for example.

‘I wonder where—’ Annabeth began, but she was cut off by the loud slamming of the doors behind.

Multiple people yelped and even jumped in their seats, startled by the sudden loud sound. Percy rubbed at his ear, annoyed by the curse as always.

“Gods,” Will held his chest as he took a deep breath. “I don’t like this.”

Frank nodded in agreement. “It’s like a horror movie.”

‘Oo-kay. Guess we’ll stay a while.’ Percy mumbled. 

“You know what? We didn’t stay too long,” Thalia shrugged. 

“I don’t know if that’s good or bad,” Jason muttered.

“You can decide on that in a bit,” Thalia replied to her brother, waving dismissively as if what they were watching wasn’t a big deal.

That wasn’t the case, of course. For everyone else, it definitely was a big deal especially given that they had no idea what was to come.

As they went quiet, the faint sound of music could be heard from the other end of the hall. The trio stuffed their bags behind a pillar before starting down the hall.

“So much for packing for an overnight trip, huh?” Annabeth commented quietly causing Percy to let out a snort in response.

They had only made it halfway through the hallway when a man and woman suddenly appeared to intercept them from out of the shadows, their footsteps almost deafening in the quiet of the hall. 

“Where did they come from?” Rachel huffed, startled. 

They both wore black uniforms with red trim, walking stiffly towards the trio. ‘Well? What are you doing here?’ The woman demanded. 

“Uh oh,” Apollo commented almost boredly as he rested his chin on his palm. The gods, unlike the demigods who at least knew the big events that happened in this part of the timeline, had absolutely no idea what events were to come, and therefore didn’t know if they needed to anticipate something happening.

In contrast to the gods, the demigods were antsy. The overall vibe of just this first episode was already so eerie and they didn’t like it at all—especially when most of them knew that Annabeth didn’t exactly come back to Camp with them after this. 

‘Um…’ Percy stuttered, visibly unprepared. 

I hadn’t planned for this…hadn’t talked at all in the car about how we would get inside.

“Rookie mistake,” Annabeth massaged her temples. “I don’t even remember why we were so nervous that we couldn’t at least get an initial plan together.” she groaned. Athena raised an eyebrow at her daughter. It was unlikely for her to not at least consider the possibility of getting caught like this. 

“My blabbering probably didn’t help,” Sally said apologetically. 

Annabeth shook her head. “I feel like the three of us would have been quiet regardless.”

“Sorry guys,” Grover sighed. “Maybe I could have given you guys more detail to at least ease your nerves somewhat.”

“Don’t sweat it, man,” Percy patted the satyr’s shoulder. “That was our bad. We got through it, anyway.”

‘Ma’am we’re just—’ Percy tried, but was immediately cut off by the man. 

‘Ha!’ He snapped, causing Percy to jump in surprise. 

Percy jolted and clutched his chest. “Geez…”

‘Visitors are not allowed…be eee-jected!’ He spoke with a French accent. The man glared at the three demigods with his heterochromic eyes—one blue and one brown. 

Clarisse narrowed her eyes at the screen. “I don’t like this guy. Something just feels…off.”

Percy, Annabeth, Thalia, Nico, and Grover all exchanged looks. Well, Clarisse wasn’t wrong. 

Before anyone could reply, Thalia stepped forward and snapped her fingers, the sound loud and sharp. A gust of wind washed over the room, rustling the banners on the walls. 

Hazel lit up, recognizing what Thalia was doing. 

‘Oh, but…You remember: I’m Thalia. And this is Annabeth and Percy. We’re in eighth grade.’

“Ah, the Mist,” Hermes stretched, leaning back comfortably. “What ever shall we do without it?”

Hazel’s eyes sparkled as she turned to look at Thalia. “How much can you manipulate the Mist?”

Thalia smiled at Hazel. “I haven’t really needed to use it as much since I became a hunter. And the most I’ve really done is simple stuff like this. I take it, you can play around with the Mist as well?”

“She’s great,” Percy nodded, answering for Hazel.

Hazel shook her head, ducking her head shyly. “I’m still working on it.”

“Let’s train one time,” Thalia offered. “You probably have more experience than me. I’d love to learn more.”

Hazel gave her a bright smile as she nodded eagerly. “I’d like that. Thanks.”

The male narrowed his eyes. Percy’s gaze flickered between the teachers and Thalia, miffed and confused.

I didn’t know what Thalia was thinking…punished for lying and thrown into the snow.

Percy let out a long and dragging sigh. “I knew nothing.”

Rachel started giggling. Percy immediately knew why and glared at her, but that just made Rachel laugh harder. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry. It’s just– I just remembered when you tried–” she couldn’t even form a full sentence, too busy laughing.

Percy’s face burned as he realized they were going to watch his miserable attempts at manipulating the Mist when he first met Rachel. 

Everyone else just looked between the two of them, confused. 

‘Ms. Gottschalk, do you know these students?’ The male teacher asked the other teacher. Percy’s eyes widened, and he visibly tried to prevent himself from laughing.

Rachel let out a screech as she laughed even harder, if that was possible. “Your face!”

Percy let out a noise as he tried to stop himself from laughing. This set everyone else off and they began to laugh along with Rachel. Things were always funnier when you weren’t supposed to laugh. Of course, they were free to do so, but Percy back then wasn’t.

Percy caught his breath. “I’m sorry! It’s a teacher named Got Chalk, how was I supposed to react?” That set off another bout of laughter.

The gods just watched the kids, mostly amused. Sally chuckled, shaking her head in exasperation as Paul laughed beside her. Chiron just smiled. 

Gottschalk blinked, as if waking up from a trance. ‘I– yes, I believe I do…are you doing away from the gymnasium?’

Before any of the demigods could say anything. Grover ran up to them, out of breath. ‘You made it! You—’ he stopped, just now noticing the two teachers. ‘Oh, Mrs. Gottschalk. Dr. Thorn! I, uh—’

Grover winced. “Oops.”

‘What is it…What do you mean they made it? These students live here.’ The man snapped. 

“This Dr. Thorn guy gives me the creeps,” Piper shuddered. “Something about him just feels off.”

Clarisse nodded, glaring at the projection. She suspects that this Thorn guy was not affected by the Mist, considering his reaction earlier. She doubted he was a clear-sighted mortal either. 

Grover swallowed nervously. ‘Yes, sir…the punch for the dance! The punch is great. And they made it!’ 

“Nice save,” Connor smirked, before laughing along with the others at the ridiculous excuse. 

Grover just laughed along with them. “Oh my gods, I forgot I said that.” he laughed as he covered his face in embarrassment. 

Dr. Thorn glared at all of them, as if he was going to throw them out the castle’s highest tower. Percy’s eyes couldn’t seem to fully focus on Thorn, as it darted between the teacher’s different-colored eyes. 

I decided one of his eyes had to be fake. 

Rachel started laughing again, causing the others to follow. “He looks like he’s about to throw you out the window, but you focus on his eyes possibly being fake?” She cackled. “You’re killing me here, Perce!”

Percy held his burning cheeks. “I can’t control what I think, okay! At least I didn’t blurt it out loud!” He defended. 

“Imagine if you did,” Thalia snickered quietly. “I imagine that we wouldn’t even be able to reach meeting the di Angelos.”

Before Dr. Thorn could do anything more, Mrs. Gottschalk started to speak again almost dreamily, ‘yes, the punch is excellent…not to leave the gymnasium again!’

Clarisse nodded. That was how normal mortals usually reacted to Mist manipulation. Not like this Dr. Thorn guy. 

The demigods didn’t try to argue and hustled down the hall, following Grover and muttering their ‘Yes, ma’ams’ and ‘Yes sirs’ as they left. 

Nico looked at Percy and Thalia incredulously. “Did both of you just salute them?”

The two exchanged looks before shrugging at the same time. “Seemed appropriate.” Percy said while Thalia nodded in agreement. 

Annabeth snorted. “I didn’t even notice you two did that.”

As they walked away from the teachers’ sights, Percy walked up next to Thalia. ‘How did you do that finger-snap thing?’ He asked quietly. 

‘You mean…Chiron show you how to do that yet?’ Thalia asked back. Percy furrowed his brows, looking hurt. 

Percy wrapped his arms around himself, looking down. He forgot how he had felt about this. Yet now, as an uncomfortable lump began forming in his throat, he was feeling exactly as he had felt back then. 

Confused. Hurt. Maybe even a little bit jealous. 

He’d never shown me anything like that. Why had he shown Thalia and not me?

Thalia frowned as her brows drew together in worry, but she kept quiet for now. 

Chiron’s eyes widened as he looked over to Percy who had drawn into himself. “My boy, I—”

Percy looked up at him, before shaking his head. “Not now, Chiron. Please.” He tried giving Chiron a reassuring smile, but it came out more pained than not. 

Percy’d rather deal with this when he wasn’t being influenced by the curse. 

Chiron pursed his lips together, but nodded, respecting Percy’s wishes. 

Grover hurriedly ushered them near a door labeled ‘GYM’. ‘That was close! Thank the gods you got here!’ Grover smiled as Annabeth and Thalia gave him a big hug. Percy gave his best friend a high five. 

“Okay, you guys made it in,” Jason crossed his arms. “Now what?”

“Patience, brother,” Thalia ruffled Jason’s hair. “We’ll get there.”

Jason rolled his eyes but grinned at his sister. “I know, it’s just– I want to know.”

‘So what’s the emergency?’ Percy asked. 

Grover took a deep breath before gesturing for the three to move closer. ‘I found two.’ He said. 

“Two?” Will repeated to himself. He tried to remember the events of that winter. He remembered Thalia, Grover, and Percy’s crash landing at Camp. Annabeth wasn’t with them. Instead they were with the Hunters and…

He looked at Nico and his eyes widened in realization. Right. So was this when they found Nico and his sister?

‘Two…Here?’ Thalia asked, amazed. Grover nodded, and both Annabeth and Percy joined Thalia in looking at him, impressed. 

Finding one half-blood was rare enough. This year, Chiron had put the satyrs on emergency overtime…there just weren’t that many demigods out there. 

The demigods from Camp looked somber. It was this winter where they began to try and increase their numbers. 

To prepare for the incoming war. That and because demigods had been leaving for Luke’s side. 

‘A brother and a sister…I need help.’ Grover quickly explained. 

Nico’s breath caught in his throat as if only now truly realizing that he would be really seeing his sister again. 

‘Monsters?’ Percy asked. Grover looked around nervously as he nodded. ‘One…I don’t know what to do!’ The satyr rambled, and even though it was Percy that asked the question, Grover looked at Thalia desperately. 

Percy scowled as he began to feel upset. He looked down and braced himself, suspecting that his thoughts on this matter were about to be broadcasted. 

I tried not to feel upset by that. Used to be, Grover looked to me for answers, but…Thalia had more experience than any of us with fending off monsters in the real world. 

Percy huffed. Yup. There it was. 

Grover frowned and looked at his best friend. “Perce, I…”

Percy shook his head, stopping him from saying anything further. “Later, okay?” He said. “It’s nothing, seriously.”

Thalia watched Percy with sharp eyes. It definitely didn’t sound like nothing. This was definitely bothering him more than he let on, but she decided to let it slide for now. 

If it came up again, then she’d say something. 

Likewise, Annabeth was also looking at Percy. She grabbed his hand and squeezed it, but didn’t say anything more. 

‘Right. These half-bloods are at the dance?’ Thalia clarified, and when Grover nodded, she looked at all of them. ‘Then let’s dance.’

Percy groaned. He already hated this so much and they were barely even through the first episode of this set. 

‘Who’s the monster?’ Thalia asked. 

‘Oh.’ Grover blinked. ‘You just met him. The vice principal, Dr. Thorn.’

“I knew it!” Clarisse snapped her fingers once again. 

“That makes sense,” Piper nodded. “No wonder he felt so off.”

“I wouldn’t have figured that out at all,” Paul whispered to Sally. “Their instincts are frighteningly good.”

Sally chuckled. “They have to be.”

They entered the gym. It was decorated with black and red balloons all over the floor, and crepe-paper streamers taped to the walls. 

Leo snickered at the decorations. “The birthday party you guys prepared looked way better than this. More lively.”

“Well, I'd sure hope so,” Hazel grinned. 

Guys were kicking the balloons all over and strangling each other with streamers. Girls were huddled together and every now and then would surround some guy and leave him with a bunch of lipstick all over his face and ribbons in his hair. 

Piper wrinkled her nose in distaste. This place and its students reminded her too much of the Wilderness School. 

Grover looked around before pointing towards the bleachers. ‘There they are.’ He said. The scene began to zoom in on two kids who were arguing in the bleachers. 

A few gasped as they remembered just who these kids were. The others were left watching the screen carefully in an attempt to figure it out. 

Nico stared at the screen with wide eyes, holding his breath. 

They both had dark hair and olive skin, using a lot of gestures as they talked. The girl wore a floppy green cap. The boy was younger, and he shuffled some cards in his hands as his sister scolded him about something. 

The girl looked up and around as if sensing something was wrong, and by now, the siblings’ faces were very clearly shown. 

Hades gasped. 

‘Bianca and Nico di Angelo.’ 

Nico was frozen as he stared at the screen—at his sister. 

Due to this revelation, the attention had shifted from the screen and onto the son of Hades, therefore pausing the projection on the scene of him with Bianca. 

Hazel covered her mouth with both hands as she, too, looked at the image of her late half-sister. She couldn’t help but notice that Nico looked just like her.

Leo leaned over to Piper and Jason. “He has a sister?” He whispered. Piper only shrugged but Jason nodded. 

“That is you, correct?” Poseidon looked at Nico. At his nephew’s nod, he turned to face Hades. “Both are yours, right?”

“I– well, yes.” Hades confirmed as he stared at the screen in wonder. 

Zeus scowled, but kept his mouth shut. So there was one more.

Percy cleared his throat. “Guys, attention back to the screen, please.” He gestured at the screen. “Thank you.”

Nico gave Percy a quick look of gratitude, before quickly looking away and discreetly wiping at his eyes. No one noticed except for the other children of the Big Three, who each glanced at him with various looks of worry. 

The screen switched back to show Grover and the three demigods. ‘Do they…told them?’ Annabeth asked. Grover shook his head. ‘You know how it is…scent becomes stronger.’ He said, looking at Percy who nodded. 

“To be fair,” Nico spoke quietly, but because this projection now involved him, everyone paid attention. “Even if you told us, Bianca would’ve just thought you were crazy and would have tried to protect me from you.” A smile ghosted over his face as he thought about it. 

Grover gave him a small smile in return. “Maybe. Or you could have convinced her.”

Nico shook his head, but the smile stayed as he thought about his sister. “I think choosing not to tell us yet was the right move. Seeing as we’re two kids of Hades, we probably wouldn’t have made the school year out alive if we knew, given the whole scent thing…”

Percy could cry right then and there as he watched Nico. It has been a while since he really thought about Bianca’s death, but now everything he felt about it seemed to be slowly coming back in full force. 

Even worse, it would literally come back in full force the moment they’d watch the incident. 

Seeing Nico reminisce about Bianca quite literally felt like being stabbed in the heart with a dagger knowing that he was somewhat involved in his sister’s death. 

‘So let’s grab them and get out of here,’ Percy said determinedly. He began to walk forward but was stopped by Thalia clamping a hand over his shoulder. She pointed towards the siblings. 

The scene panned back to show the bleachers. Dr. Thorn was now there, standing near the di Angelos. 

Curses were thrown around by the teens as Thorn stared directly at Percy, Thalia, and Annabeth on-screen. An especially loud one came from Clarisse. 

“Shit,” Connor cursed. “Is he on to you guys?”

“Well,” Chris pointed at the image of Dr. Thorn. “He is a monster so he can smell demigods. Not only do you have a daughter of Athena here, but you guys are also the Son of Poseidon and the daughter of Zeus.”

Athena nodded in agreement. “Since you all know of your parentage, your scents are definitely telling of who you are unlike the di Angelos whose scents are still ambiguous.”

“Also,” Thalia snorted. “I tried to use the Mist on him and it obviously didn’t work. He definitely knew who we were, just not why we were there.”

“Right,” Connor huffed. 

“Is it just me?” Pollux began slowly as he squinted at the screen. “Or is his blue eye glowing?”

‘Don’t look at the kids…pretend we’re not interested in them. Throw him off the scent.’ Thalia ordered. Percy looked back at her. ‘How?’

Nico watched with rapt attention, his hands wringing the blanket that sat on his lap. He wanted to see how it ended up going the way it did—with Percy separated from everyone else. 

‘We’re three powerful half-bloods…Do some dancing. But keep an eye on those kids.’ Thalia instructed. 

“So…” Jason looked at Thalia with an eyebrow raised. “Don’t look at the kids but keep an eye on them?”

Thalia glared at her brother, nudging him with her foot. “Oh, you know what I mean.” she scoffed while Jason just gave her a grin, enjoying her annoyed expression.

‘Dancing?’ Annabeth asked, her expression slightly hesitant. Thalia just nodded as she listened to the music before making a face. ‘Ugh. Who chose the Jesse McCartney?’

Grover looked at her, hurt. ‘I did.’

Grover rolled his eyes, huffing as he crossed his arms. “You just don’t understand.”

“You’re right,” Thalia replied dryly. “I don’t.”

Grover spluttered in indignation as their friends laughed at the exchange. 

‘Oh my gods…Green Day or something?’ Thalia complained. 

“Typical,” Percy snorted. 

Thalia narrowed his eyes at him, debating whether or not she wanted to throw a pillow at his face. “As if you’re any better.”

Annabeth looked unimpressed. “I wouldn’t trust the both of you to play music at a dance.”

“I assure you I can play better songs than Goat Boy over here.”

“Nah, I don’t buy it.”

‘Green who?’ Grover blinked. 

Jason laughed at the miffed look on Thalia’s face on-screen. Thalia pulled her brother into a headlock. 

“Hey– ow, Thalia!”

“That’s what you get!”

Jason didn’t really mind, though. In fact, he was happy that he could even have this chance to banter with his sister like normal siblings. 

Not that they were normal siblings in any way. 

Literal sparks flew as Thalia gave Jason a noogie, causing Percy to complain as he dodged a spark. “Hey, watch it, Sparkies.”

“Sparkies?” Both Thalia and Jason stopped to ask incredulously. 

“I said what I said!”

‘Nevermind. Let’s dance.’ Thalia said instead. Grover looked at her, a horrified look on his face. ‘But I can’t dance!’ He protested. 

Thalia grabbed the satyr’s arm. ‘You can if I’m leading. Come on, goat boy.’ She pulled him away, Grover yelping as he got dragged into the dance floor. 

“You are ruthless, Lieutenant,” Reyna shook her head, amused. 

“I try, Praetor.” Thalia grinned at her. 

Annabeth smiled as she watched Thalia’s and Grover’s antics. Percy glanced at her. ‘What?’ He asked. Annabeth shook her head. ‘Nothing. It’s just cool to have Thalia back.’ Her smile grew slightly. 

“Aww, I missed you too, Annie,” Thalia teased. 

Annabeth scoffed playfully. “Whatever, Thals.” 

Clarisse raised an unimpressed brow as she looked at the screen, noticing something. “You’re staring, Jackson.”

Percy blinked, looking at the screen before going completely red because he was, in fact, staring at Annabeth. “Damn it, La Rue.”

“Just stating what I observe.”

Annabeth laughed, patting Percy’s burning cheek. “Cute.” That just caused Percy to go even redder. 

‘So…’ Percy began now that it was just the two of them. 

Act natural Thalia had told us…what the heck is natural?

‘Um, design any good buildings lately?’ He asked, immediately cringing at himself right after. 

Percy made some sort of embarrassed noise as he fell back in his bean bag and smothered his face with a pillow. His ears felt like they were on fire. 

His friends weren’t helping as they laughed at his predicament. 

“Yup!” Travis said cheerfully. “Very natural!”

Luckily, Annabeth’s face lit up at the question. ‘Oh my gods, Percy. At my new school…’ Annabeth started rambling about her new elective and something new she’d designed. 

“You’re so lucky Annabeth actually enjoys that question,” Thalia snorted. “That was the most un natural thing ever.”

Percy just groaned, face still covered by his pillow. 

The truth was I was kind of disappointed to hear that she liked her new school so much…she and Thalia were both attending…I hardly ever saw them. 

“Aww,” Annabeth smiled, rubbing Percy’s leg. “How sweet of you.”

Thalia stretched, leaning back in her seat. “Thank the gods I don’t need to attend school anymore.”

‘Yeah, uh, cool…there the rest of the year, huh?’ Percy tried to ask as casually as he could. Annabeth’s expression darkened. ‘Well, maybe if I don’t—’

Aphrodite couldn’t help but let out a little giggle at Percy’s fake nonchalance on-screen. She could practically sense Percy’s longing to see her more from the projection alone. 

‘Hey!’ Thalia called out at them as she and Grover approached while they slow danced. Grover was tripping all over himself, kicking Thalia in the shins every now and then, looking miserable. 

“Oh, you poor satyr,” Katie couldn’t help but laugh. 

Thalia rubbed at her shins, remembering how it felt to have a satyr kick your legs. Jason noticed the action and looked at her slightly impressed. “You didn’t even flinch.”

Thalia shrugged. “It hurt but I expected it.”

Grover just groaned miserably, prompting more laughter. 

At least his feet were fake. Unlike me, he had an excuse for being clumsy. 

That statement prolonged the laughter. 

Annabeth patted Percy’s thigh, “Hey, you weren’t that bad.” She stifled her laughs. 

Percy finally removed the pillow from his face to look at his girlfriend. “Liar.” He accused. 

Annabeth finally let out her laugh. “I swear!”

‘Dance, you guys! You look stupid just standing there!’ Thalia ordered. Percy looked nervous as he glanced at Annabeth, then around at the gym. 

Percy groaned, running a hand down his face. “I was hopeless!”

“You’re not wrong,” Annabeth teased. 

‘Well?’ Annabeth asked expectantly. Percy looked back at her. ‘Um, who should I ask?’

Rachel’s jaw dropped. “Really, Percy? Really?”

Piper was torn between laughing and just staring at Percy in disbelief. “You’re kidding, right?”

“I was nervous!” Percy defended weakly. 

Annabeth punched Percy in the gut. ‘Me, Seaweed Brain.’

“Oof,” Percy let out as the air was knocked out of him. 

“Sorry,” Annabeth winced, reaching out to rub at his stomach gently. 

‘Oh. Oh, right.’ Percy let out. 

“Hopeless, I tell you,” Percy grimaced at his past self. 

Together, they finally went onto the dance floor. Percy glanced at Grover and Thalia for reference before placing a tentative hand on Annabeth’s hip. Annabeth clasped Percy’s other hand. 

Like she was about to judo throw me. 

The laughing continued. 

“Too early for that,” Reyna commented with a grin. “Try again in, say, a couple of years.”

This caused the Seven, minus Percy and Annabeth, to laugh even harder. 

Annabeth smiled at Percy sheepishly, who also couldn’t help but let out a snort at Reyna’s comment. “Practicing for the future, huh?” He raised a brow up at her. 

Annabeth just poked him on the side, causing him to yelp in surprise. “Hey!”

‘I’m not going to bite,’ Annabeth said. 

“Could have fooled me.”

‘Honestly, Percy…dances at your school?’ She asked, exasperated. Percy didn’t answer. 

The truth was…I was usually one of the guys playing basketball in the corner. 

“I see it,” Piper snorted. 

“I feel you, man,” Chris nodded in sympathy. 

The two shuffled around awkwardly, trying to gain their footing. Percy looked like a nervous wreck as his eyes darted around. 

I tried to concentrate on…anything but the fact that Annabeth was taller than me, and my hands were sweaty and probably gross, and I kept stepping on her toes. 

“Oh, the days when I had a height advantage over you,” Annabeth wiped away a fake tear. “You’ve grown so much!”

Percy, as payback for a while ago, tickled Annabeth’s side causing her to squeal quietly and move away from his reach. 

“Grover the shin-kicker, and Percy the toe-stepper,” Will grinned, spreading his arms out. “Choose your fighter.”

“You know what? That’s actually a hard question.”

‘What were you saying…trouble at school or something?’ Percy followed up. Annabeth shook her head, pursing her lips. ‘It’s not that. It’s my dad.’

Annabeth let out a deep sigh, moving closer to Percy again. 

‘Uh-oh…stepmom again?’ Percy asked, knowing that Annabeth’s relationship with her mortal family was rocky. 

Athena sat up straighter, curious to hear more about this topic. It really didn’t help that the scene they were watching was her daughter slow-dancing with Barnacle Beard’s son, but alas, there was nothing she could do about it. 

Annabeth sighed deeply. ‘He decided to move. Just when I was getting settled…In San Francisco.’ She said with emphasis on ‘San Francisco’ as if they were the Fields of Punishment. 

Reyna gave Annabeth a look. “What do you have against San Francisco?”

Annabeth raised her hands up in surrender. “I didn’t know you guys existed yet,” she defended from the Romans. “Remember, we’re in charge of Mount Olympus. You guys were in charge of…”

“Mount Othrys,” Jason continued. “Right. Continue, then.” 

Annabeth laughed. 

“Well, I didn’t know that,” Paul muttered in wonder. Sally chuckled, patting his arm. 

‘So…move out there with him?’ Percy clarified. Annabeth nodded, looking unhappy. ‘To…half-bloods can’t live in San Francisco. He should know that.’

Annabeth huffed, crossing her arms. “So much for half-bloods not being able to live in San Francisco, huh?” 

The Romans just grinned at her. 

‘What? Why not?’ Percy looked confused. 

‘You know. It’s right there.’ Annabeth said, expecting Percy to get it. 

‘Oh.’ Percy said, obviously not getting it. 

“You didn’t get it at all, did you?”

“Nope!”

‘So you’ll go back to living at camp or what?’ Percy asked instead. Annabeth shook her head sadly. ‘It’s more serious than that…I probably should tell you something.’ 

Annabeth played with Percy’s fingers. It was honestly amusing to see how far they’ve come. Back then, her biggest worry was her moving to San Francisco and not being able to see each other as often. 

Oh, her past self was in for a ride. 

Annabeth looked around, trying to pick up the courage to say what she wanted to say, but she froze. ‘They’re gone.’

‘What?’

“What?” The demigods repeated. 

Percy followed her gaze. The bleachers were empty, and the door next to them was wide open with Dr. Thorn no longer in sight. 

Curses filled the room, and many worried looks were thrown in Nico’s way. 

Annabeth grimaced. “Sorry, Nico. I guess we all got distracted.”

Nico shook his head. “Thorn was definitely waiting until none of you guys were paying attention.”

‘We have to get Thalia and Grover!…Come on!’ Annabeth darted off into the crowd. Percy followed behind her, but a mob of girls suddenly got in the way. By the time he was free of the crowd, Annabeth was out of sight. 

“Sorry, Percy,” Annabeth chewed on her bottom lip. “I didn’t realize we got separated.”

Percy quickly shook his head, shooting her apology down. “Not your fault. Besides, we were all frantic.”

Percy turned a full circle, trying to find his friends. His eyes found something and he froze. The scene followed his line of sight. Lying on the floor a few feet away, was a floppy green cap. A few paces away were trading cards scattered on the floor. 

Multiple gasps sounded throughout the room. 

Percy felt as if his blood went cold as his breath caught in his throat. He had to give Nico a quick glance to remind himself that he was here and alright. 

Then, at the door on the opposite end of the gym, Percy saw Dr. Thorn steering the di Angelos out the door by their necks. Percy looked back and forth between the door and in the direction Annabeth had gone. 

Percy drew his legs close and buried his face in his knees. 

Those that weren’t involved in this situation back then grew increasingly nervous as they watched the events slowly unfold. Percy was in a tough spot, they didn’t blame him for not knowing what to do. 

Just as Percy was about to follow Annabeth, he paused. 

Wait.

Thalia, Grover, and Annabeth watched with rapt attention, wanting to see how Percy ended up with Thorn and the di Angelos. 

They were surprised to see that he was first going to find them. What changed his mind?

I remembered what Thalia had said…Chiron shown you how to do that yet?

I thought about the way Grover had turned to her, expecting her to save the day. 

Not that I resented Thalia…Still, I didn’t need to run after her to solve every problem. 

“Sorry,” Percy said so quietly, that they almost missed it. Except they didn’t. 

Thalia moved closer to where Percy sat, head still buried in his knees. She knew that he was feeling whatever he felt back then—including his not-so-positive feelings about her—but she couldn’t hold it back any longer. 

“Percy,” Thalia said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder, causing him to look up at her. He looked so damn guilty that it broke her heart. “You have nothing to be sorry about. These were your feelings and I’m not going to invalidate that. Okay?”

Percy bit his lip, but nodded anyway. Thalia took it as a sign to continue. 

“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry, too.” Thalia rubbed his shoulder. “I didn’t mean to come off that way.”

“Me too, Perce,” Grover joined them. “I’m sorry I made you feel bad. I didn’t realize even though we have an empathy link for goodness sake.”

“No, no,” Percy shook his head at the both of them. “You guys don’t have to apologize. You both literally didn’t do anything.”

“Then you don’t have to apologize for feeling the way you did, either.” Thalia told him sternly. It was in times like these where she was reminded that even though Percy was now physically older than her now, she was still mentally and chronologically older than him. 

“If anyone should be sorry, it should be me, my boy,” Chiron said softly, looking at Percy with an apologetic gaze. “I had been pushing you, telling you that you were special—and you are—but as soon as Thalia had come back, I had brushed you aside without a second thought. It was unfair of me, especially given how young you were. I am sorry, Percy.”

“But it made sense,” Percy frowned. “Thalia was older than me, and you knew the prophecy. You had to prioritize her training over mine.”

“Well, yes, but the fact that you felt hurt means that I had neglected you,” Chiron replied, his tone regretful. “I could have given you both equal attention and training, for example. You both are special—powerful to boot—so prophecy child or not, it was foolish of me to choose one over the other.”

Thalia continued to rub Percy’s shoulder in comfort. Percy eventually nodded. “But I have to warn you guys, I was quite angry and resentful that winter. These kinds of thoughts probably won’t stop here.”

“I know,” Thalia nodded. It’s why they even had that huge fight in the first place. “Just remember what I said, alright? Don’t invalidate your feelings.”

“Thanks, Thals.”

“I got you, Perce.”

Percy got a determined look on his face, and as he took his pen out of his pocket, he ran after Dr. Thorn. 

Besides, there wasn’t time. The di Angelos were in danger…I could handle this myself. 

“Honestly,” Thalia squeezed Percy’s shoulder. “Even without the whole drama between us, I’m sure you would have gone after them either way.”

“She’s right,” Grover smiled at his best friend. “You wouldn’t have allowed the di Angelos to be alone with Dr. Thorn any longer.”

Nico nodded in agreement. “Thanks, Percy,” he said quietly. 

Percy’s cheeks went slightly pink. He nodded back at Nico but had no idea what to reply to any of what his friends just told him. 

The door that Percy ran out of led into a dark hallway. Scuffling sounds could be heard up ahead before a painful grunt. Percy immediately uncapped Riptide which casted a soft golden glow in the darkness. 

The room went quiet, anticipating what was to come. Some even felt as if making a sound would cause Dr. Thorn to suddenly appear around the corner. 

Now with a source of light, Percy jogged down the hall. When he reached the other end, no one was there, so he opened a door only to find himself back in the main hall where they first entered the school. 

“Does my sense of direction just suck? I’m so lost right now.”

“No same. How did we end up back here?”

Percy looked around, pausing when he saw the di Angelo kids on the opposite side of the room. Both of them were staring at Percy’s direction in horror. 

Nico took a deep breath. He remembered how terrifying this was. It wasn’t seen on-screen yet, but from Nico and Bianca’s perspective, Thorn had already been creeping up behind Percy at this point.

His eyes widened. Doesn’t Percy get injured here? Gods, and they were only on the first episode. 

Percy walked forward slowly, lowering his sword. ‘It’s okay, I’m not going to hurt you.’ He reassured, but the two kids didn’t answer him, frozen in fear. 

Hazel’s hand crept to Nico’s arm, holding it tightly. “What’s wrong? Are you alright? Did Thorn do something to you guys?”

Nico shook his head. “It’s not me you should be worried about.” He said as he met Percy’s eyes. 

Percy took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for what’s to come. 

‘My name’s Percy…get you somewhere safe.’ Percy said, keeping his voice leveled. The siblings didn’t answer. Instead, Bianca’s eyes widened further, her clenched fists shaking. 

Hazel’s breath caught in her throat. “She’s warning you…” she realized. “Oh my gods, she’s warning you!” She repeated, louder. 

“Thalia,” Percy muttered. “You might want to move out of the way.” He warned quietly as Thalia was sat behind him. 

Percy’s eyes widened in realization. The scene revealed a looming shadow behind Percy. 

“Oh my gods, behind you!”

Percy whirled around, but before he could do anything else, a loud whooshing sound was heard as he got slammed into the wall. 

Percy was thrown out of his bean bag, skidding backward. Thalia stopped him from getting thrown too far back and caught him with her entire body. 

They both let out grunts—Thalia in effort and Percy in pain—as Percy landed. 

Everyone else cried out in alarm. 

“What the hell was that?” Leo asked, eyes blown wide. “Are you okay?”

Percy’s parents were already getting out of their seats, expressions laced with fear, worry, or both. 

“I’m fine,” Percy gritted out. No one was convinced, but his parents hesitantly sat back down. 

Poseidon’s jaw was clenched in an attempt to stop himself from doing anything rash as he watched his son get hurt. Again. 

He tried to slash his sword, but nothing was there to hit. A cold laugh echoed through the hall. 

Percy groaned as he clutched his shoulder, pain exploding through it. However, everyone else mostly assumed it was from the wall-slam that happened on-screen. 

He tried getting up to relieve Thalia of his weight, but he grimaced. Thalia shook her head, grunting as she helped to maneuver Percy beside her and letting him lean on the nearest bean bag. 

“Thanks,” he rasped. “Though, I did tell you to move out of the way.”

“And have you slam into the wall instead? No thanks.” Thalia huffed in reply. 

‘Yes, Perseus Jackson. I know who you are.’ Dr. Thorn laughed, but his figure was still only visible as a looming shadow. Percy tried to move, but his coat and shirt was pinned to the wall by a huge, dagger-like spike. 

Percy could move, but it did feel like he was pinned to a wall, so he sat still. He winced as another pulse of pain shot through his shoulder. No one else had noticed his injury yet, though. 

Annabeth had moved to Percy’s side, grabbing his hand. 

“What is that?” Frank gaped at the huge projectile that had Percy pinned on-screen. 

“That looks like…” Athena narrowed her eyes at the projection. “The spike of a manticore, no?”

The gods murmured their agreements. 

“A manticore?” Paul blanched. “Like, the one with a scorpion tail?”

Annabeth and Thalia just nodded, both at Athena’s guess, and Paul’s question. 

“Wait, if that’s from a manticore,” Jason pointed at the screen. “Isn’t that thing poisonous? Good thing you didn’t get hit!”

“Yeah?” Percy said shakily. “Well, I wasn’t stabbed , if that’s what you’re asking.”

The cut burned. I’d felt something like this before. Poison. 

Eyes turned to Percy, who they now noticed was breathing a little heavier than usual. His hand still clutched at his opposite shoulder as he leaned heavily on a bean bag. His face was contorted in pain as he breathed deeply in an attempt to keep conscious. 

“You got hit!” Katie gasped.

“It’s just a scratch,” Percy said as steadily as he could. 

“Sure,” Will snapped, suddenly beside Thalia as he tried to check on the wound. “But it’s poisoned, Jackson.” He huffed in exasperation when Percy refused to move his hand. 

“Manticore poison isn’t lethal,” Percy shook his head. “I’ll be fine in no time as long as we keep watching.”

“Not lethal, but still extremely painful,” Nico reminded. 

I forced myself to concentrate. I would not pass out. 

“Point proven.”

Percy groaned. “Not helpful, di Angelo.”

“Thanks, I try.”

Sally shut her eyes as she gripped the sides of her bean bag tightly. Gods, she was not built for all of this stress. It helped to know that the poison wasn’t lethal, but Percy was still hurt. 

And she would never, ever, get used to her son getting hurt. 

Dr. Thorn finally stepped into the dim light. He was not yet in full form. He still looked human, however his face appeared ghoulish, especially under the glow of Riptide. 

“He doesn’t look like a manticore,” Piper wrinkled her nose. 

“Not yet,” Nico replied. 

‘Thank you for coming out of the gym. I hate middle school dances.’ Thorn smirked. Percy tried swinging his sword again, but he was just out of reach. 

Annabeth furrowed her eyebrows. “Do you think he deliberately made sure that one of us saw him bringing the di Angelos out of the gym?”

“Possibly,” Percy muttered. “I guess he’s lucky that I was the one that saw him. I was the only one reckless enough to chase after him alone. Other than Thalia, maybe.” He added as an afterthought. 

Thalia just shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not. I don’t know.”

Another whooshing sound was made, and a second projectile shot out from behind Thorn who didn’t even move. Next to Percy, Bianca yelped as the spike embedded itself in the wall, only about half an inch from her face. 

Multiple people yelped in surprise. It’s like the projectile came out of nowhere. 

“Where in the world is this guy’s tail at?” Pollux clutched at his chest. 

Hades’ hands balled into fists, tensing as he watched his daughter almost get impaled in the face. With a poisonous projectile at that. 

‘All three of you will come with me…try to fight, I will show you just how accurately I can throw.’ Dr. Thorn threatened before the screen went dark. 

“Oh, come on!” Travis threw his hands up in frustration. 

Percy was already on the move, trying to get on his feet without jostling his hurt shoulder too much. 

Annabeth immediately pushed him back down. “Oh no, you don’t.” She said without room for argument and went to activate the next projection. 

Piper crossed her arms. “Great way to set the tone. How is it that this is only the first episode?”

Percy exchanged a look with Thalia before looking at Piper grimly. “This winter was…heavy. If the first two sets were more of me getting ‘settled’ into this world, so to speak, then the next three sets are when things really get serious.”

The senior counselors muttered their agreements. They might have not been with Percy on all his adventures, but they knew something shifted that winter. The next two summers that followed were more or less the brunt of the bloodshed. 

“You mean the first two weren’t serious enough already?” Frank asked incredulously. 

Annabeth shrugged as she got settled into her seat. “I think that these next three sets will make the first two look like a walk in the park if I’m being honest.”

“Are you kidding? Please tell me you’re kidding.”

“No.”

Chapter Text

Percy finally let the hand he was using to hold his shoulder, relax. It wasn’t better, no. In fact, it still hurt like Hades, but what could he do?

Will immediately lifted his sleeve to see the cut. He was careful not to aggravate the wound further. 

“See? Just a cut,” Percy muttered as Will left his sleeve rolled up. Good thing he was only wearing a basic t-shirt. Will would have probably torn the sleeve off if he was wearing anything long-sleeved. 

“Sure,” Will drawled. “But it’s green, Perce.”

One peek at the wound and Paul felt as if he would turn green himself at how the cut looked on his stepson’s shoulder and looked away immediately. 

“Little things,” Percy waved in dismissal. With his good arm of course. “Now hush, it’s starting. I’ll be healed in no time. I hope.” Percy pointed at the screen. He heard sighs of exasperation from those seated beside him. 

Percy, Bianca, and Nico walked as Thorn directed them from behind. Percy was looking around, thinking desperately for a plan. 

Percy’s face twisted into an uncomfortable expression. His injury made him weaker, and therefore slower, but Thorn was fast and would push them forward if they were too slow for his liking. 

Every time Thorn pushed him forward on-screen, his shoulder would protest in pain.  

Maybe I could defend myself if I could get my shield…But defending the di Angelo kids was another matter. I needed help. 

The demigods began murmuring amongst themselves, trying to figure out how Percy got out of this. 

Hades couldn’t help but feel somewhat thankful towards his nephew. Not only was he thinking of how to escape, but he was also thinking about Bianca and Nico’s safety. 

He appreciated Perseus being aware of his capabilities. Even though he has been rash in many of his actions and choices thus far, he did not compromise Bianca and Nico’s safety by trying to prematurely attack Thorn or anything of the sort. 

Percy closed his eyes, and in the process unknowingly slowed down causing Thorn to scowl. ‘What are you doing, Jackson? Keep moving!’ 

Sally looked concerned—almost panicked—as she sat up to look at her son. “Why? Is it the shoulder? Is something wrong?” 

Percy shook his head. “It’s okay, mom. I had a plan.” He reassured his mother. He didn’t mention the fact that his shoulder still hurt like crazy, but everyone probably already knew that. 

Percy opened his eyes, his face showed a flash of annoyance before it shifted into pain as Dr. Thorn nudged him forward. ‘It’s my shoulder. It burns.”

I tried to sound miserable, which wasn’t hard. 

“I was convinced,” Nico told Percy. “I had no idea you were even trying to do anything else at all. What were you doing anyway?”

‘Bah! My poison causes pain. It will not kill you. Walk!’ Thorn barked at them. 

“Thank the gods for that,” Percy muttered under his breath. 

“No,” Will scowled at him as his gaze continued to flicker between the screen and Percy’s wound as if monitoring it. “Don’t you thank the gods for that. You still got poisoned in the first place. Thank the gods when you’re not poisoned.”

Annabeth nodded at Will’s every word. “Agreed.”

“Okay, but,” Percy was about to raise his hands up in surrender before thinking the better of it. “Still. It’s not lethal. That counts for something.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Will grumbled. Annabeth chuckled, amused by the son of the sun god. 

As Thorn herded the three outside, Percy tried to continue his plan. His brows drew together in concentration. 

Percy wrapped a blanket around his shoulders as he felt the sudden chill from the cold air now that they’d stepped outside. 

I focused on my feelings of fear and danger. 

An image of Grover quickly flashed through the screen, indicating that Percy was picturing him. 

Grover shifted in his seat. Looks like the curse was causing Percy to really project feelings of fear and danger through their link. 

Percy must have noticed this as well as he sent Grover an apologetic look. Grover shook his head. “It’s fine.” He mouthed. 

Last summer, Grover had created an empathy link…I didn’t even know if it would work while Grover was awake. 

“Ohh,” Realization dawned on Nico’s face. “So that’s what you were doing.” No wonder Thalia, Grover, and Annabeth knew where to find them. 

“It works as long as one of you are awake, right?” Paul asked. “I think you mentioned this the other day.”

Grover nodded. “That’s right.”

Hey Grover! Thorn’s kidnapping us! He’s a poisonous spike-throwing maniac! Help!

“Well, that’s one way to put it.”

Dr. Thorn was now leading them toward the woods. They followed a path that was dimly lit by old-fashioned lamplights. 

Percy was shivering slightly. Yes, he had a coat on-screen, but it had ripped along with his shirt when Thorn’s spike tore through them. The wind was cold. 

“Well that path’s not creepy at all,” Pollux eyed the dimly lit path, sarcasm dripping from his voice. 

‘There…summon your ride.’ Thorn said. Bianca looked at him. ‘What ride…taking us?’ She demanded. 

“Brave girl,” Artemis muttered. 

‘Silence, you insufferable girl!’ Thorn snapped. 

Nico scowled. He hated Dr. Thorn with a passion. 

‘Don’t talk to my sister that way!’ Nico exclaimed, but his voice quivered. 

Nico covered his face with his hands as Hazel cooed at him. “You were so cute!” She gushed at him. Then her grin turned soft. “That was really brave of you.”

“I don’t think I’d be able to speak up if I were any of you,” Frank nodded. 

Thorn made a growling sound that didn’t sound human at all. 

Percy felt a chill run down his spine at the sound, making the hairs at the back of his neck stand. He took a deep breath to calm himself down. 

It seemed that his friends felt chilled by the sound that Thorn made as well, even if they didn’t have the curse, as many of them tensed or shuddered at the inhuman growl.  

Sally and Paul were definitely more spooked than anyone else in the room. 

Percy kept walking. 

Grover! Apples! Tin cans!…bring some heavily armed friends!

That broke the tense atmosphere. 

As the teens laughed, Grover huffed, crossing his arms. “For your information, I heard you the first time.”

Percy sent him a grin. “Can never be too sure, yeah?”

Thalia laughed, clapping Grover’s shoulder. “Great way to make sure!”

“Is this what I’m known for?” Grover lamented, before joining in on the laughter. 

‘Halt,’ Thorn said. 

The laughter quickly died down. 

“Man, I’m already so tired of this guy,” Leo made a face. 

They had reached a clearing, the woods opening up to a cliff. The churning of waves could be heard, but all that was visible from the cliff was mist and darkness. 

Annabeth eyed the cliff warily. Gods, what was up with her and cliffs? Not only has she had to scale two of them—Polyphemus’ island, and the cliffs near the Phlegethon—but she has also fallen from two other ones as well. 

Thorn pushed the three towards the edge. Percy stumbled. 

Multiple people yelled out in alarm as Percy stumbled dangerously near the edge of the cliff. 

Percy felt his heart drop to his stomach as he was pushed forward. Oh, how he hated that feeling. As he jerked forward, Thalia instinctively reached out for him. 

Bianca caught Percy and helped to steady him. 

Sighs of relief spread across the room. Sally gripped her chest in the area over her heart. “I am not built for this,” she swallowed as she tried to calm her heart. 

Thalia’s attempt to prevent Percy from falling too far forward worked. Unfortunately, she caught his injured arm. 

Percy gasped in pain and Thalia immediately let go, her eyes widening. “Oh my gods, I am so sorry. I moved on pure instinct, I didn't realize…”

“It’s fine,” Percy was able to get out after a few deep breaths. “I’m okay. Thanks for catching me. Again.” 

Thalia shook her head. “It’s not like you were going to fall anywhere. You’re literally seated on the floor right now. Sorry.”

‘Thanks,’ Percy muttered. Bianca let go of his arm. ‘What is he? How do we fight him?’ She asked. 

Percy looked down. Since the start, Bianca was already so headstrong. 

‘I…I’m working on it.’ Percy replied. 

“Sorry,” Percy told Nico quietly. “I wasn’t very helpful.”

Nico looked at him, bewildered. “Are you kidding me? You literally saved us.” How else would Grover, Annabeth, and Thalia have known where they were? Percy was the reason they got there in time. 

However, Percy seemed to be distracted. Whether it was because of the pain from his shoulder or merely his own thoughts, Nico wasn’t sure. 

Percy really was distracted. For some reason, all he could think about was how Bianca had caught him. And why wasn’t he able to return the favor?

‘I’m scared,’ Nico mumbled as he fiddled with a little figurine in his hands. 

Percy squeezed his eyes shut. Gods, Nico was so young. He didn’t deserve to go through what he did. 

Nico observed Percy with watchful eyes, his eyebrows furrowed together in worry. He knew this set was going to be hard, but was it affecting him already? What are you thinking in that head of yours, Percy?

Nico met eyes with Thalia, and they exchanged worried looks. This set of episodes was going to be a long and painful ride. 

‘Stop talking! Face me!’ Thorn commanded. The three children obeyed and turned to face the monster. 

Percy startled a little bit, shaking his head slightly as he was taken out of his thoughts by Thorn’s loud voice. He also felt his heart hammer in his chest thanks to the curse. 

Thorn kept a watchful gaze on the trio as he pulled a phone out of his coat. ‘The package—it is ready to deliver.’ He said into the device. A garbled reply came out from it soon after. 

“Package?” Hades let out through gritting teeth. “What is this monster on about?”

Poseidon’s narrowed eyes glared at the screen. “Whatever it is, I do not like it one bit.”

This seemed way too modern and creepy—a monster using a mobile phone. 

Leo couldn’t help but let out a snort in amusement. “You’re not wrong there.” He agreed with Percy’s thoughts. 

Percy glanced behind him and down at the cliff. Dr. Thorn noticed this and laughed. ‘By all means…Jump! There is the sea. Save yourself.’

“I forgot that was even an option,” Frank muttered. The room was mostly quiet, everyone was tense in anticipation. It made Frank feel as if talking any louder would actually push Percy, Bianca, and Nico off and over the cliff. 

‘What did he call you?’ Bianca asked quietly. Percy shook his head. ‘I’ll explain later.’

Bianca tried to hide the panic on her face. ‘You do have a plan, right?’

“Must have been terrifying seeing your vice principal out of all people doing all of this,” Katie grimaced. “You guys are definitely reacting better than I would have.” She told Nico. 

Nico shook his head, his expression almost sheepish. “Bianca did all the panicking for both of us combined. Once I got over my fear, I wasn’t exactly the most shocked…”

It’s what he had been used to before everything went down after all. Yes, he would feel scared, but whatever it was he would always trust Bianca to protect them from it, or at least get them out of whatever situation they faced. 

So when she was suddenly gone, that was the first time fear overtook him completely. It was what led him to making rash decisions such as leaving Camp. 

Grover! Come to me! Percy sounded desperate as he called for Grover in his mind. 

Grover moved closer to Percy and placed a hand on his arm. 

Percy looked at him gratefully, but also apologetic knowing that his feelings of panic and desperation were once again being transmitted across the link due to the curse. 

Percy started to look around. 

Maybe I could get both the di Angelos to jump with me…If my dad was in a good mood, and listening, he might help. Maybe. 

Hades couldn’t help but give Poseidon a warning glance. “You better have.”

Poseidon made a face at his brother. “I doubt they would be willing to jump off a cliff in the first place, brother.”

Nico nodded at Poseidon’s words. 

“I’m the only one crazy enough to willingly do such a thing,” Percy huffed, garnering laughs from his friends. 

“Hey, I’d do it with you,” Jason grinned at Percy who rolled his eyes. 

“Yeah, but you can fly so it doesn’t count.”

“Of course it does!”

‘I would kill you before you ever reached the water,’ Dr. Thorn said as if sensing what Percy was thinking. 

Both Poseidon and Hades scowled at the projection of Thorn. 

Where in the world were the satyr and two other demigods?

‘You do not realize who I am, do you?’ Thorn cocked his head to the side almost menacingly. A flicker of movement came from behind, and another projection whistled past Percy’s ear. 

Percy grasped at his ear, wincing at the sound, as everyone else yelled out in alarm and surprise. 

Percy rubbed his ear, his heart pounding even more. That was close. “It didn’t break my skin,” He reassured, trying to calm the panic from around him. He did feel it brush against his ear, though. 

“That was so near,” Sally said in a small voice. 

‘Unfortunately, you are wanted alive…Otherwise, you would already be dead.’ Thorn sneered. 

“Who?” Hades’ face darkened. “Who is it that wants you?”

Thalia frowned, watching Hades. They had only just begun this set, and yet things were already bad. She dreaded the time they had to actually watch the quest itself. Athena, Poseidon, and her father probably won’t react well to anything. 

And don’t even get her started on Hades and Artemis. Their reactions were what she dreaded the most. 

Who was she kidding? No one was going to react well to anything they went through during this quest. 

‘Who wants us?…Nico and I…We’ve got no one but each other.’ Bianca’s voice broke as she spoke. 

Nico suddenly felt burning behind his eyes as a lump formed in his throat. 

Fuck, watching this was painful. 

He took a deep, shaky breath as he directed his gaze up at the ceiling. He wouldn’t cry. 

Not now at least. 

‘Aww…meeting my employer soon enough. Then you will have a brand new family.’ Dr. Thorn mocked her. 

Hades glared at the screen, waiting not-so-patiently for this monster to reveal what exactly his plan was and who he worked for. 

Annabeth shuddered. She was somewhat thankful that the di Angelos didn’t have to deal with the mess at Mount Othrys. More specifically with the Titan that resided there. 

Of course, there was only one reason why Bianca didn’t have to deal with it at all even though she went on the quest, too…

‘Luke. You work for Luke.’ Percy guessed. Thorn’s expression twisted with distaste at the mention of the name. 

Hermes deflated in his seat. This was not going to get easier at all. There was no avoiding it either. His son seemed to be at the center of things every time it got to the opposing side. 

‘You have no idea…let the General enlighten you…looking forward to meeting you.’ Thorn said instead. 

Hades’ eyes widened minutely as he caught onto one of Thorn’s words. “The General?”

“Like, the General?” Artemis sat up straight. “As in…”

Her words lingered in the air as the gods looked at each other with tense expressions. They did not want to jump to conclusions just yet. 

‘The General?’ Percy repeated with Thorn’s French accent. He flushed slightly as he realized what he just said. ‘I mean…who’s the General?’

Percy pinched the bridge of his nose and let out the deepest, most exasperated sigh at his past self. 

Piper couldn’t help it. She giggled at the situation and laughed harder at Percy’s reaction. This broke the tension and the others couldn’t help but laugh along with her. 

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I know this isn’t the time,” Piper gasped. “But gods, Percy, you are hilarious.”

“Thanks, I try,” Percy grumbled, his ears pink. 

Thorn ignored Percy as he looked toward the horizon. ‘Ah, here we are. Your transportation.’

The mood once again turned somber as Thorn spoke, reminding them of the situation that Percy, Nico, and Bianca were in. 

The demigods turned to look at what Thorn was talking about. In the distance, a searchlight was visible over the sea. The sound of helicopter blades could be heard getting louder and closer. 

“They didn’t think this through, huh?” Percy said quietly, directing it at Nico. “Imagine the three of us on a helicopter. Us. Poseidon and Hades kids. In the sky.”

Nico bit his lip to stop himself from laughing. “You’re right. We would have never made it past take-off.”

Thalia snorted as she listened to the exchange. “That would have been unfortunate.”

‘Where are you taking us?’ Nico tried to demand, but his voice shook. 

“Gods, was my voice really that high?” Nico scowled, muttering under his breath. 

Hazel gave him an amused grin. 

‘You should be honored…like that silly game you play with cards and dolls.’ Thorn gave Nico a twisted smile. 

Nico looked offended. ‘They’re not dolls! They’re figurines! And you can take your great army and—’ His voice didn’t shake once. 

Nico’s face turned red, quickly burying it in his arms. “Oh my gods,” He groaned, horrified. 

“I love how you completely lost all fears right then and there,” Hazel laughed, patting Nico’s back comfortingly. Nico just grumbled back in response. 

The rest of the Seven—namely Frank, Piper, Leo, and Jason—looked surprised. Nico had been extremely drained by the time he got onto the Argo II. In addition to that, he had watched up close, Percy and Annabeth falling into the pits of hell from where he had only barely escaped himself.

He wasn’t exactly the happiest person with the crew when he was on the ship. They couldn’t help but be surprised seeing how he was when he was younger when all they knew about so far was his brooding side.

The other demigods just looked amused. After all, this Nico was stuck at Camp while his sister was on the quest. They’ve seen this side of him already.

‘Now, now…The Great Stirring is underway.’ Thorn warned.

“The Great Stirring,” Demeter repeated warily. The more this monster talked, the more uneasy the gods felt.

‘The Great what?’ Percy asked.

Anything to keep him talking while I tried to figure out a plan.

Annabeth nodded approvingly. Percy just keeping Thorn talking had allowed her, Thalia, and Grover to get into position for their surprise attack. 

‘The stirring of monsters…And soon we shall have the most important monster of all—the one that shall bring about the downfall of Olympus!’ Dr. Thorn explained with pride coating his voice.

The room went quiet. The gods were especially tense as they exchanged looks with each other. 

Athena looked especially worried as she ran through a mental catalog of monsters that Thorn could possibly be talking about. 

And there were a lot of monsters. 

Besides, who knew if she was forgetting some. The gods have lived through millennia. Many monsters have come and gone. If Thorn was telling the truth, then they might be dealing with monsters so old that even the gods have not thought about them in thousands of years. 

‘Okay. He’s completely nuts.’ Bianca whispered to Percy.

“I wish,” Annabeth crossed her arms. Unfortunately, there was truth in every single one of Thorn’s words.

‘We have to jump off the cliff. Into the sea.’ Percy replied. Bianca looked at him incredulously. ‘Oh, super idea. You’re completely nuts, too.’ She said.

While the gods were still busy being worried about the implications of Thorn’s words, the teens laughed amongst themselves at Bianca’s statement.

“Oh, Percy,” Chris chided playfully. “Don’t you know not to ask people to jump off cliffs?”

“I was desperate, okay?” Percy defended himself, but even he realized the ridiculousness of his request. He wouldn’t have followed his instructions either if he were Bianca. 

Percy looked at her, opening his mouth to prepare to argue with her. Before he could say anything, an invisible force slammed into the three demigods, knocking all of them to the ground.

The air left Percy’s lungs as he got plowed to the side and into Grover this time.

“Whoa! What…?” 

The room burst into incredulous chatter as they tried to process what was happening. 

A cap fell onto the ground, revealing Annabeth as the one that had plowed into them.

Percy groaned, his shoulder once again bursting into pain from where it had just been throbbing before this. “Sorry, G-man.” he apologized as he sat himself back up, shivering slightly as he had made contact with the snowy ground on-screen.

“Sorry,” Annabeth told the both of them quietly. 

Grover shook his head at both of them as he sat back up as well. “All good.”

Thorn, in his surprise, missed as his volley of projectiles zipped over the demigods’ heads. Thalia and Grover appeared from behind Thorn.

“You made it!” Connor whooped as the rest of the teens cheered at the appearance of Annabeth, Grover, and Thalia. 

If you have never seen Thalia run into battle, you have never been truly frightened.

Thalia sat up straight as a wicked grin made its way onto her face. “Thanks, Kelp Head.”

“Don’t mention it,” Percy snorted back.

Thalia raised Aegis—her shield—and charged at Dr. Thorn. As she ran, she expanded her spear and pointed it at the monster. Thorn visibly winced as he saw the shield, and growled in her direction. ‘For Zeus!’ Thalia yelled.

Zeus watched with pride as his daughter fearlessly charged at the monster.

The demigods cheered even harder for Thalia, though many of them had to avert their eyes from her shield. 

Percy wasn’t wrong. Thalia charging into battle was truly a sight to see.

Thalia jabbed at Thorn’s head, but he snarled and swatted the spear aside. His hand began to transform into an orange paw. Enormous claws grew from out of it and he slashed at Thalia who managed to block with Aegis and roll backward and onto her feet. The helicopter sound was getting louder.

Sally and Paul gaped at the scene. Although they couldn’t look at Aegis without a terrifying chill going down their spine, they could only watch in horrified fascination as Thalia barely dodged a swipe from Thorn’s claws. 

Since when did Thorn have claws? Everything seriously went way too fast for them to comprehend.

“Go Thalia! You got this!” The teens continued cheering over the increasingly louder helicopter sounds.

Thorn growled again and launched another volley of projectiles aimed at Thalia. This time, his scorpionlike tail was visible from behind him, the tip of it bristled with spikes—the ones he had been launching at them. 

“Watch out!”

The spikes deflected off of Aegis, but the force of it knocked Thalia down into the ground.

Thalia scowled, recalling the event. 

Grover immediately sprang forward to help. He began to play his reed pipes. Grass broke through the snow, and within seconds, thick weeds began wrapping themselves around Thorn’s legs.

“Let’s go, Grover!”

Thorn began to transform. He roared in rage as his body turned into that of a lion, but his face remained human. His spiky scorpion tail whipped projectiles dangerously in every direction. ‘A manticore!’ Annabeth exclaimed.

The mortals in the room gasped at the sight. Thorn was fully transformed, now.

Bianca’s expression was full of fear, and slight anger. ‘Who are you people? And what is that?’ She demanded.

Surprisingly, it was her own brother that answered her. ‘A manticore?...plus five to saving throws!’ He gasped.

Nico looked horrified. 

While the other demigods laughed at his exclamation, Percy couldn’t help but notice how Nico’s expression now practically mirrored Bianca’s on-screen.

Frank looked at Nico, amused. “Oh, Mythomagic.”

Nico just flushed deeper as a response.

Percy blinked at Nico’s response, but couldn’t dwell on it for long as Thorn broke through Grover’s weeds with a snarl, turning to face them. ‘Get down!’ Annabeth yelled, pushing the di Angelos down flat into the snow. Percy quickly expanded his own shield, just in time as the spikes thundered against the metal so hard that the shield dented.

“Oh my gods!”

Percy winced as he rubbed his wrist. The impact of those spikes was no joke. 

Paul’s jaw was wide open. “When did he even do that?” He breathed, shocked by the speed at which both Annabeth and Percy reacted to the manticore’s attack. It’s like the shield appeared out of nowhere! He wasn’t able to catch Percy activating it at all. 

“Thanks for that, by the way,” Nico muttered, directing his thanks at Percy and Annabeth. 

Not too long after, with a thwack and a yelp, Grover landed on the floor next to Percy with a thud.

“Grover!”

‘Yield!’ Thorn roared. 

‘Never!’ Thalia yelled back. She once again charged at the monster, but before she could do anything, a blaze of light came from behind them along with a thunderous noise. 

“What the…?” Rachel yelled over the noise, hands covering her ears.

A military-style helicopter appeared out of the mist, hovering just beyond the cliffs, rockets attached to its sides. The lights blinded Thalia, allowing the manticore to swat her away with his tail. Her shield and spear flew out of her grasp.

“No!”

“Thalia!”

“Are mortals manning that vessel?” Hera narrowed her eyes at the helicopter, enraged. “Mortals working with a monster?”

Zeus surprisingly paid no attention to the helicopter. Rather, his glare was directed at the manticore. 

‘No!’ Percy ran out to help Thalia. He parried a spike away, just before it hit her chest, and raised his deformed shield over their heads. Thorn laughed at all of them. ‘Now…Yield, little heroes.’ 

“Thanks,” Thalia told Percy who just nodded, his breathing now turned into slight panting.

“How…” Jason gaped at the screen, worry all over his face. “How do you guys get out of this? You guys are practically cornered!”

Hazel looked just as worried as she squeezed Nico’s arm. “What are you guys going to do?”

Suddenly, the clear, piercing sound of a hunting horn blew through the woods. The manticore froze.

Artemis perked up, her eyes sparkling at the sound of the horn. Zeus’ eyebrows shot up. 

“Wait a minute,” Apollo sat up as well. “I know that sound.”

‘No. It cannot be–’ Thorn was cut short as a glowing silver arrow found itself embedded in the monster’s shoulder. He staggered backward, wailing in agony.

Reyna’s eyes widened as she glanced at Thalia and then back at the screen. 

‘Curse you!’ Thorn cried out as he unleashed a dozen of his spikes at once in the direction of where the arrow had come from. Not even a second later, even more silver arrows shot back. The arrows intercepted the thorns in midair, slicing the projectiles in two.

“The Hunters,” Reyna breathed. “It’s the Hunters, isn’t it?”

Thalia just gave her a smirk.

Paul and Sally have yet to see the Hunters of Artemis in action, and they gawked at the accuracy of the arrows. 

“That’s…” Paul swallowed. “Wow.”

Percy was frozen in shock. 

No one, not even Apollo’s kids at camp, could shoot with that much accuracy.

Apollo raised a brow at the son of Poseidon while a smug smile grew on his twin’s face. 

“Sorry,” Percy winced at the look he received from Apollo. “I haven’t really interacted with your cabin at that point. When I did, it was in the sword arena, not the archery range.”

“Yeah, because you suck at archery,” Clarisse snorted. 

Some of the demigods looked towards Will, who shrugged, not at all fazed. “What? Don’t look at me. I’m not the best archer in cabin seven, you know.”

“To be fair, we’re blessed with the ability when we’re sworn in, so of course our aim will be scary accurate,” Thalia patted his shoulder. “You and your siblings are naturals.”

“As natural as you can be when your father is Apollo,” Will shook his head but smiled at Thalia nonetheless.

The manticore pulled the arrow out of his shoulder with a roar of pain, his breathing heavy. Percy tried to swipe with his sword, but Thorn was still quick. He dodged Percy’s attack and slammed his tail into the shield, knocking Percy aside.

Percy was swept aside for the nth time that morning. Grover yelped as Percy, once again, knocked into him despite Thalia’s attempts to catch the son of Poseidon again. 

Percy just accepted his fate as he groaned into Grover’s side. “Sorry.” He was just glad he wasn’t flung halfway across the room for this one. He groaned again as his shoulder throbbed.

“Don’t be,” Grover patted his good shoulder. They both made no move to get up anymore and just stayed in a tangled heap on the floor. 

The archers showed themselves. They were about a dozen of girls, ages ranging from about ten to fourteen years ols. They all wore silvery ski parkas paired with jeans. All of them were armed with bows and they advanced on the manticore with determined expressions.

Artemis brightened up at the sight of her Hunters. She scanned their ranks and became even more intrigued when she saw her own self among them. 

‘The Hunters!’ Annabeth exclaimed. Next to Percy, Thalia’s expression was unreadable. ‘Oh, wonderful.’ She muttered. Percy looked at her, confused.

Reyna and Jason both turned to her with surprised expressions. “What’s with the tone?” Reyna asked.

Thalia sighed. She could also feel Artemis’ curious gaze on her. She was a huntress now after all. “It’s complicated.” She eventually said.

One of the older archers stepped forward, bow drawn as she stood tall. A silver circlet was braided into the top of her hair. ‘Permission to kill, my lady?’ She asked as she kept her eyes on the monster.

Artemis looked at her lieutenant on-screen before looking at her half-sister. Thalia wasn’t wearing her silver circlet today, but she remembered her surprise when she had first seen it on Thalia’s head when they had first appeared here. 

There weren't many options as to why Zoë was no longer her lieutenant, but she did not want to think about it. For now, at least.

Thalia could feel Artemis’ gaze on her but did her best not to react. It was hard, especially because in addition to Bianca, Zoë was now on-screen as well. She couldn’t blame Percy for practically burying his head into Grover’s side and just staying there now.

Thorn wailed. ‘This is not fair! Direct interference! It is against the Ancient Laws!’

Poseidon couldn’t help but smirk. “Sounds familiar, does he not?”

Hades snorted beside him. Zeus glared at Poseidon but kept his mouth shut.

Percy had to bite his lip to stop himself from laughing at his father’s quip.

‘Not so…wild beasts is within my sphere. And you, foul creature, are a wild beast.’ A younger girl said, a dangerous and stern expression on her face. 

Paul blinked, before allowing himself to look at where the gods were seated. All of the gods had adopted forms older than twenty while they were here, so none of them were in their teen or child forms at the moment. However, he could see that Artemis shared the same auburn hair and silvery eyes as the child on-screen. “That’s…”

Sally nodded wordlessly beside him. 

‘Zoë, permission granted.’ She told the girl with the circlet. The manticore growled at the Hunters. ‘If…I shall have them dead!’ He thundered, lunging straight for Thalia and Percy who remained dazed and weak on the floor. 

“No!” The demigods cried out.

Poseidon took in a sharp breath, fingers digging into a pillow. Zeus, on the other hand, was like a statue as he stiffly kept his eyes on the screen. 

‘No!’ Annabeth yelled and charged at Thorn.

Athena’s eyes widened in alarm.

‘Get back, half-blood! Get out of the line of fire!’ Zoë warned.

Percy shifted, finally getting off of Grover. His heart thundered against his chest as he knew what was to come. “Perce?” Grover asked worriedly. The satyr found Annabeth’s gaze and almost immediately, she took Grover’s place by Percy’s side. Grover moved to sit beside Thalia instead. 

“Annabeth,” Percy muttered as he found her hand. “This is going to be bad, isn’t it?” He squeezed her hand.

Annabeth squeezed back. “I’m here, Percy. I won’t leave.” She reassured him as she maneuvered them back onto the bean bag that Percy had been sitting on before, near Grover and Thalia.

Annabeth ignored the warning and leaped onto the manticore’s back, driving her dagger into his mane. Thorn howled, turning in circles with his tail flailing around. Annabeth hung on for dear life.

Piper’s eyes widened as she covered her mouth with her hand. “Annabeth…”

What are you doing, daughter? Athena thought as she watched the projection intently. 

‘Fire!’ Zoë commanded.

“No.” Athena muttered, her eyes widening before she said in a louder voice, “No!”

Chiron watched with wide eyes as Annabeth on-screen made no move to avoid being in the line of fire. Hearing about this was one thing. Seeing it happen was a completely different story. 

‘No!’ Percy screamed.

Percy’s hands moved to snake around Annabeth’s middle as he heard his desperate voice. The pain in his shoulder had become something he could ignore as his heart began to hurt more.

The Hunters released their arrows. They caught the manticore in the neck and chest. Thorn staggered back, wailing at each hit. ‘This…You shall pay!’ 

Before anyone could even react, the manticore, with Annabeth still on his back, jumped over the cliff and into the darkness below. 

Percy’s breath caught in his throat as he watched Annabeth tumble into the darkness. 

‘Annabeth!’ Percy yelled desperately.

“No!”

“Annabeth!”

Their friends exclaimed, all in multiple states of worry and fear. But within the chaos and panic, Annabeth’s focus was on Percy.

Percy’s breathing had turned shallow and quick, and his complexion was getting paler. His eyes were glued onto the part of the screen where she had disappeared after falling off of the cliff.

“Percy,” Annabeth grabbed his hand. “Percy, I’m here.” Her voice shook.

Suddenly, all Percy could see were cars falling into a chasm. He heard Arachne’s shriek from the depths down below. He saw Annabeth, being pulled by the ankle. He felt as if his heart was being ripped out of his chest.

Annabeth got closer. Closer and closer into the gaping pit.

He was too far. He couldn’t catch her. She’s falling, and screaming for him, and—

“Percy.” Annabeth’s voice cut clear through his thoughts. 

Percy blinked, inhaling sharply before shutting his eyes tightly and burying his face into Annabeth’s chest. His breathing rattled as if trying to stop himself from crying. 

Annabeth held in her tears. “I’m here, Percy. I’m here. We’re together.” She whispered to Percy as she hugged him tightly to her chest.

“Keep watching,” Annabeth ordered sternly as Percy shook in her arms, aware that a lot of the attention had gone to them. 

Sally could only watch them, helpless and terrified, as her son practically had a panic attack in his girlfriend’s arms. Her eyes filled with tears but she knew only Annabeth could help him right now. Instead, she forced herself to watch the projection along with the others so that they could finish the episode. 

Percy was getting up, preparing himself to run after her, but the sound of gunfire echoed loudly as the helicopter began shooting. 

“The helicopter!” Piper groaned in frustration, her hands tangling in her hair. 

The Hunters scattered to avoid the gunshots, and tiny holes appeared on the snow at every sound. The young girl with auburn hair just looked up calmly at the helicopter. 

‘Mortals are not allowed to witness my hunt.’ She announced as she thrust out her hand. The helicopter exploded. The black metal dissolved into a flock of ravens that scattered into the night sky. 

Paul felt lightheaded as he gaped at the screen. He gulped as Artemis turned to look at him. The goddess raised a brow. “Mortals here are an exception, of course.” She reassured. “I cannot do anything about you watching this after all.”

Paul and Sally could only nod at her. Respectfully, of course. 

The Hunters regrouped and walked towards them. Zoë stopped short in her tracks when she saw Thalia. ‘You.’ Zoë sneered. 

Thalia got up on her feet. ‘Zoë Nightshade. Perfect timing, as usual.’ Thalia scowled as her voice shook with anger. 

Jason looked back and forth between his sister in real life and on-screen. “Thalia, what–”

“Long story,” Thalia replied. “You’ll probably learn it as we go.”

‘Four half-bloods and a satyr, my lady.’ Zoë said instead, as she scanned the rest of them. 

‘Yes. Some of Chiron’s campers, I see.’

Suddenly, Percy started yelling. ‘Annabeth! You have to let us save her!’

Percy’s breath hitched once more. Annabeth held him even closer. 

Athena just looked shocked as she sat frozen in her seat. This entire projection, it seemed that the people in the most danger were Hades and Poseidon’s children.

She didn’t at all think it would end in her daughter disappearing off the side of a cliff. 

The auburn-haired girl turned to face Percy. ‘I’m sorry, Percy Jackson, but your friend is beyond help.’

Percy flinched slightly at those words and his hold on Annabeth tightened. 

Percy tried to struggle to his feet but was held down by two of the hunters. 

Percy shifted in Annabeth’s hold, but he didn’t pull away. 

‘You are in no condition to be hurling yourself off cliffs.’ The girl said. 

Percy looked angry. ‘Let me go! Who do you think you are?’

Sharp intakes of breath were heard around the room, but Percy didn’t react at all. 

Artemis did not mind, even though some of the demigods were eyeing her warily. 

Looking at her cousin’s condition right now, shaking—in what looked to be anger from the curse, and something else—and buried in the daughter of Athena’s arms, she knew he meant no disrespect. 

Zoë stepped forward angrily, but the other girl stopped her. ‘No. I sense no disrespect…distraught. He does not understand.’ 

Artemis nodded along with what the version of herself was saying on-screen. 

Cold but bright silver eyes looked at Percy. He stopped struggling as he looked back at her. ‘I am Artemis. Goddess of the Hunt.’ 

“Why I must say, you had quite the entrance, dear sister,” Apollo admitted almost begrudgingly. He wondered when it would be his turn to appear. 

Hermes nodded in agreement, a small smile on his face. “Better than mine, I would say.”

“The kid didn’t even recognize you,” Apollo reminded Hermes who just made a face back in return. 

Suddenly, Percy stood up, stumbling a little bit as he grabbed at his still-injured shoulder. 

With his head down, avoiding everyone’s eyes, he quickly left the theater and disappeared into one of the magic rooms. 

Annabeth quickly ran after him, the sound of the door closing behind her echoed through the now-quiet theater room. 

“What–” Poseidon said, getting ready to stand himself. 

“No,” Nico quickly said, before remembering that he was talking to Poseidon. “I mean, give them space for now. Please, Uncle.”

Thalia looked at the door that Percy and Annabeth had disappeared behind, before giving Nico a pained look. “That wasn’t just because of the curse, wasn’t it.”

Nico looked down. It was Jason who answered his sister. “No. I don’t think so.”

Sally chewed at her bottom lip, and like Thalia, she stared at the closed door that Percy and Annabeth went into. “Oh, Percy,” She whispered to herself, her heart breaking for her son. 

Paul grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “They’ll be back.”

“I know,” Sally shook her head, squeezing Paul’s hand back. “It’s just...it's hard to see your child in pain.”

Hestia sighed, the expression on her face sad. “We need to wait for them.” No one else could start the projections after all. “We can take a short break for now. We shall continue only once they both agree to start again.”

There wasn’t really anything to do. It was still quite early in the ‘morning’ to fully train, so instead of doing just that, the teens just began talking amongst each other. 

Thalia sighed and dropped her head into her hands. “This isn’t going to be easy, huh?” Only two episodes in and things were already difficult.

Nico looked down. “No. I can barely even look at the screen properly when she’s on.” He said quietly. “Even just hearing her voice…”

“We’ll get through this,” Thalia huffed, looking up at him. “You and Percy will get through this. I know it.”

Nico looked at her before looking up at the ceiling and nodding. “You, too Pinecone Face. You’ll get through this, too.”

Chapter Text

“I’m sorry,” Percy’s voice was muffled as he sat against the wall, his head buried in his knees. 

Annabeth was immediately by his side, hugging him tightly. “Don’t be.”

They were in an empty bedroom, however the layout was very similar to Percy’s own room back in the Jackson-Blofis apartment. 

Annabeth’s heart ached for Percy. He hasn’t been back to that apartment in so long. 

Annabeth held him as he slowly regained control of his breathing. Slowly, he looked up, eyes rimmed red. 

Annabeth offered him a gentle smile. “I’m here.” She said. 

Percy nodded. “You are.” His voice cracked slightly. “I’m sorry. Everything was just…too much back there.”

Annabeth shook her head, pulling one of Percy’s hands away from his head and interlocking their fingers. “Never be sorry for that.”

They sat in silence, side by side. Percy focused on Annabeth’s touch as he took a few more deep breaths. 

“I thought– I was…” Percy began, but he struggled to find the words. 

Annabeth hummed patiently, rubbing her thumb in circles on the back of Percy’s hand. 

“The cliff just…” Percy sighed. “Set me off, I guess. I felt like the world was ripped away from under my feet when you fell—and that was back when I didn’t even know about my feelings for you yet.”

Annabeth squeezed his hand, letting him continue. 

“Feeling that again was just…it was too similar. I felt the same thing when I realized the spider web was pulling you in,” Percy didn’t have to specify what he was talking about. They both knew. “Suddenly I was back, but I couldn’t get to you this time.” He ended with a horrified whisper. 

“That’s not real,” Annabeth gently turned Percy’s head to face her. “You did get to me in time. I owe you my life, Percy Jackson. You walked through hell with me, to make sure that I wouldn’t do it alone.” She said, her voice watery. “I can never thank you enough.”

Percy watched as Annabeth’s eyes filled with tears. “I will never let you fall alone ever again.” He whispered before capturing her lips in a kiss. “I love you.” He said as they parted, wiping the tears that escaped from her eyes away from her cheeks with the pads of his thumbs. 

“I love you too,” Annabeth breathed as she looked into his eyes. 

Percy closed his eyes as they both leaned back against the wall once more. “This set is really going to mess with my head,” he sighed heavily. “I can still feel my desperation to find you, right now. I don’t think it’ll disappear until I finally reunite with you on-screen.”

Annabeth frowned. It’s true. This set was going to be particularly hard on Percy (as if the other sets weren't hard enough already). Not only would he have to relive whatever he felt in his desperation to find her, but he would also have to relive his first witnesses of death. 

“Is this what you felt like when I disappeared?” Percy mumbled. “Never mind, don’t answer that. It was probably worse since we were already dating by then. Have known each other for longer, too.”

Annabeth looked at him sadly. “I don’t know. I was a mess.”

“It hurts,” Percy whispered. “I never want you to go through that ever again.”

“It does,” Annabeth agreed, her voice just as quiet. “If another deity even tries to take you away like that again, I’m going to tear Olympus down with my own bare hands just to get you back to me.”

Percy let out a watery chuckle as he turned his head to face Annabeth. “Don’t let the gods hear you say that. Zeus will accuse you of treason.”

Annabeth hummed thoughtfully. “I don’t care. You're not getting away from me. Never again.”  

“As long as we’re together,” Percy squeezed Annabeth’s hand. 

“Besides,” Annabeth gave him a small grin. “I know you’d do the same, if not worse, for me.”

“I can’t deny that,” Percy let himself smile. “But hopefully, it won’t need to happen.”

“Agreed.”

After a moment of silence, Percy took a deep breath. “Okay, I think I’m ready to go back now.”

Annabeth watched as Percy stood. “You sure?”

“Yeah,” Percy nodded, offering Annabeth a hand to pull her up. “I don’t feel completely okay, but that could be because of the curse. I was wired and angry, Annabeth. I’m going to be feeling this way for a while.”

Annabeth took Percy’s hand and pulled herself up. “I understand. Let’s try to get through this set as fast as we can, then.”

“Which is going to be a challenge in itself,” Percy shook his head, sighing as he and Annabeth made their way back to the door, hand-in-hand. “Also, my shoulder still hurts.”

“Oh, right.”

When Percy and Annabeth got back to the theater, the room was surprisingly calm. 

The demigods, Rachel, and Grover were all talking to each other, sprawled around on the floor or on the bean bags in their own ways. 

The gods, on the other hand, seemed to be in a serious discussion. Discussing Dr. Thorn’s words, perhaps?

Percy and Annabeth had barely even made it through the door when Sally was already there in front of them. She placed a gentle hand on her son’s cheek. “Are you okay?” She asked her son. 

Honestly, it probably wasn’t the best question to ask, but it was the only question she could ask. 

Percy gave her a small smile as he placed a hand on top of hers. “I will be. Just…not right now.” He answered her honestly. 

Sally nodded in understanding before she walked alongside them to return to their seats. Sally sat back down beside Paul while Percy and Annabeth sat back down with their friends. 

“Sorry, guys,” Percy said once he reached his friends. “I just needed some air.”

Hazel shook her head. “Don’t apologize for that. You’re the one going through everything again. We follow your pace. You’re free to walk out whenever you need.”

The others nodded in agreement. 

“We’re ready when you are,” Hestia told Percy gently. 

Percy took a deep breath before he nodded. 

“Just a warning,” Percy sighed as he walked to activate the next projection. “I wasn’t exactly the happiest throughout this whole thing.” As if that wasn’t obvious already. 

“It’s not like I helped,” Thalia said regretfully as Percy sat down. 

“Both of you were dealing with Annabeth’s disappearance,” Grover told them. “But you dealt with it in ways that clashed with each other.”

Thalia sighed. Looking back on these events after everything they’ve all been through will be tough, to say the least. 

She knew so much better now—they all did—so seeing how she went about things before will probably be a hard watch for her. 

It was nothing compared to what Percy was going through though. So suck it up. You got this. She told herself. 

The scene began with Percy staring at Artemis with wide eyes. ‘Um…okay.’

Artemis raised an eyebrow while the demigods couldn’t help but laugh at Percy’s response. 

Percy groaned, massaging his temples. “Great start.” His brain felt like mush with the amount of shock he was experiencing right now. 

“Interesting response to a goddess revealing herself to you,” Apollo grinned. 

“Oh, just wait ‘til you see Thalia’s reaction to seeing you,” Percy muttered under his breath. 

Thalia smacked his leg with a pillow. 

Grover, on the other hand, hastily knelt down in the snow. ‘Thank you, Lady Artemis! You’re so…you’re so…Wow!’ 

Grover flushed while the others let out giggles at his reaction to the goddess. 

Artemis on the other hand was used to this behavior from satyrs, and just shook her head amusedly. 

‘Get up, goat boy…worry about. Annabeth is gone!’ Thalia snapped. 

Annabeth winced at Thalia’s tone. This was her first time seeing Thalia’s and Percy’s reactions to her fall, and while she was extremely grateful that they cared so much, it was hard to watch them be snappy with each other because of it. 

Thalia sighed. “I’m sorry, Grover. That came out so harshly.”

Grover just patted her leg and nodded at her with a smile of understanding. 

“Wait, so,” Leo blinked confusedly at Annabeth. “You fell off that cliff, but then– but you– how?” He stuttered. 

“I know that this isn’t the answer you want to hear,” Annabeth gave him an apologetic look. “But you’ll see.”

Seriously, the only reason why everyone else wasn’t freaking the hell out was because Annabeth was clearly in front of them, alive. 

Even Chiron was restless as his tail flicked behind him—and he already knew where she had ended up!

‘Whoa, hold up. Time out. Who are you people?’ Bianca interrupted, pointing her finger at everyone in turn as everyone turned to look at her. 

“Gods, that must have been so confusing.” Connor scratched his head. 

“Tell me about it.” Nico nodded. 

Artemis’ expression softened as she looked at Bianca. ‘It might be a better question…Who are your parents?’ The goddess asked. 

Bianca glanced nervously at Nico, but the younger was busy staring at Artemis in awe. 

“Nico,” Hazel’s eyes were glued to the younger version of Nico. “You are adorable.” Her voice was strained as if she was physically holding herself back from pinching Nico’s cheeks out of cuteness aggression. 

To Nico’s horror, Reyna nodded in agreement. 

The son of Hades groaned and ran a hand down his face. 

‘Our parents are dead…bank trust that pays for our school but…’ Bianca trailed off due to the looks she was getting. 

‘What? I’m telling the truth.’ Bianca said defensively. 

Hades sighed sadly. This was definitely not the ideal way to find out about godly parentage. 

It would have been nice if he could tell his children himself that he was their father, but alas it was too dangerous. He wouldn’t have had to hide them in the casino otherwise.  

‘You are a half-blood…other was an Olympian.’ Zoë spoke with an old-fashioned accent. 

Paul tilted his head curiously at how Zoë spoke. “Shakespearean English?”

Artemis heard him. “Zoë is one of my oldest hunters. She finds it most comfortable to speak that way.” She supplied. 

Paul blinked as if only just now remembering that the Hunters of Artemis were immortal in a way. Based on the information he had heard from Percy about Thalia at least. 

‘An Olympian…athlete?’ Bianca asked. 

‘No. One of the gods.’ Zoë replied. 

‘Cool!’ Nico said, his attention finally off of the goddess. 

Nico facepalmed. Sure. Cool. 

‘No! This is not cool!’ Bianca disagreed with her brother. 

“You had your sister stressing, man,” Chris chuckled. 

Nico bounced excitedly. ‘Does Zeus really have lightning bolts that do six hundred damage? Does he get extra movement points for–’

Nico looked absolutely horrified. “Someone end me now.” He gaped. 

The demigods burst out laughing. 

Zeus blinked before looking over at his nephew. “I– what?” He asked, genuinely confused. 

This just caused the kids to laugh even harder. 

“I respect it, dude,” Frank nodded at Nico solemnly, though his tone was very obviously on the verge of laughter as well.  

‘Nico…Mythomagic game, okay? There are no gods!’ Bianca buried her hands in her face, frustrated. Percy gave her a sympathetic look. 

As anxious as I felt…I remembered what it was like for me when I first learned I was a demigod.

As the laughter subsided, the demigods nodded along to Percy’s thoughts in sympathy.

“It’s always a huge shock,” Pollux sighed. “Especially if your mortal parent doesn’t know.”

“Or dies before they could tell you,” Leo muttered to himself.

“You know,” Percy traced a pattern on the carpet beneath him. “Zoë being as straightforward as she was probably helped a lot in a way.”

Annabeth winced. “Sorry.”

Percy shook his head. “Just wanted to point it out.”

“And then there’s Nico,” Reyna smiled. “Not shocked whatsoever.”

“Bianca was shocked enough for the both of us,” Nico grumbled as the rest laughed again.

“I’ll never forget the first time I fully realized that what you and Percy were telling me were actually real,” Paul told Sally quietly who laughed a little as she, too, remembered Paul’s various reactions.

Thalia softened as she looked as Bianca as well. ‘Bianca, I know it’s hard to believe. But…Our lives are dangerous.’

“Understatement.”

‘Dangerous. Like the girl who fell.’ Bianca said. Thalia looked away. Even Artemis had a pained expression on her face. Percy looked over at the cliff again.

Percy took a deep breath. Annabeth squeezed his hand.

From behind them, Thalia gave Annabeth a back hug.

‘Do not despair…I shall find her.’ Artemis said. 

Percy looked at her. ‘Then…us go look for her?’ 

Percy rubbed his face. The rest of the teens looked between Percy and Artemis (on-screen and in real life) like they were watching a tennis match. 

Artemis didn’t comment on his tone. She understood that the demigod was high-strung. 

‘She is gone…do not know exactly how or why, but your friend has vanished.’ Artemis explained calmly. 

“Where has the manticore taken you, my daughter?” Athena asked, mostly to herself. She honestly did not want to think of the possibilities. 

Especially if the General that the monster was talking about turned out to be the General. 

Annabeth glanced at her mother, and then at her boyfriend. She wondered what Percy knew about her time with Atlas, as that would determine what would be shown. 

“How did Thorn even do that?” Piper scowled. “Like, I’m pretty sure manticores can’t teleport.”

“No,” Annabeth shook her head. “But given the side that he works for…”

Ah, right. It was similar to how Luke was given the ability to literally disappear from Camp during Percy’s first summer. 

Percy looked at the cliff again. 

I still wanted to jump off the cliff and search…Artemis was right…I’d be able to feel her presence.

“I really would have jumped after you, you know?” Percy told Annabeth quietly. “If it weren’t for Artemis pointing that out, I probably would have just cannon-balled down there or something.”

Annabeth sighed, bringing Percy’s hand to her lips and giving it a small kiss. “Let’s not make jumping off cliffs for me a habit, alright?”

Percy gave her a look as if to say, ‘Do you even know me?’  

“More like you shouldn’t make falling off cliffs a habit, yeah?” Percy retorted. “Or else I’ll just have no choice but to follow after you.”

Annabeth huffed, but a small smile played on her lips nonetheless. 

Grover and Thalia gave each other incredulous looks from behind the couple. ‘Are you hearing this right now?’ Their expressions seemed to say. 

‘Oo…awesome how you shot him with arrows! Is he dead?’ Nico butt in, raising his hand excitedly. 

“Someone shut this kid up,” Nico deadpanned. 

Some tried to hide their snickers behind their hands for Nico’s sake, but the rest just freely laughed. 

‘He was a manticore…must be hunted whenever they reappear.’ Artemis explained. 

‘Or they’ll hunt us.’ Thalia added. 

“Joy.”

Bianca shuddered. ‘That explains…tried to attack us in the alley in D.C.?’

‘And that bus driver…ram’s horns. I told you that was real.’ Nico said. 

“Mind you that was back in the forties,” Nico grumbled under his breath. “Just goes to show how damn persistent these monsters are.”

Hazel patted his arm in sympathy. “You can say that again.”

“It must have been crazy for you guys,” Grover frowned. “Your scents—even though you didn’t know what you were yet—were already strong. And then double that because there were two of you.”

Nico nodded. “A lot did happen. We just brushed a lot of it off. Or at least Bianca did.”

‘That’s why Grover…safe, if you turned out to be half-bloods.’ Percy told them. 

‘Grover? You’re a demigod?’ Bianca stared at Grover.

‘Well, a satyr, actually.’ Grover said as he kicked off his shoes to reveal his hooves. Bianca was frozen in shock as she stared at them, looking as if she were about to faint. 

“Poor girl,” Paul winced. “I can imagine what seeing that felt like.”

“You know, you really have to find a better way of revealing that,” Percy teased Grover. “Bianca’s reacting exactly as I did when I first saw your hooves.”

“Good thing I already knew about our world by the time you met me, huh?” Thalia grinned at the satyr. 

Grover rolled his eyes at the two. “Oh, shut up, you two.” He retorted, but a sheepish smile threatened to break onto his face. 

“Huh,” Frank blinked. “I just realized you found all the current Greek children of the Big Three. That we know of.” He added, pointedly ignoring the raised eyebrows he got from the Big Three themselves. 

“That he did,” Annabeth nodded proudly. And they’re not the only ones he found. She thought, her mind briefly flashing to a certain god of the wild. 

The Romans exchanged looks. Not only were they properly seeing for themselves just how important satyrs were to the Greek community, but they were also seeing one of the best possible examples they could. 

Grover’s feats so far were quite impressive. 

The satyr covered his face bashfully. “Yeah, I found them, but that’s it. Getting you all to safety is a whole other story.” He ended with a sad sigh. 

“You can’t control the monsters we attract, G-man,” Percy told him softly. 

“Don’t forget we literally just watched you figure out ways to buy yourself time in Polyphemus’ cave, which also allowed you guys to retrieve the Fleece,” Thalia nudged Grover’s arm. “You did what hundreds of satyrs before you couldn’t. Don’t sell yourself short.”

“We wouldn’t have succeeded in our first quest without you,” Annabeth added, using their first quest as an example since they had watched it already. 

Grover looked around to see all of his friends smiling at him. “You guys are too kind. Thank you.”

“They haven’t even seen half the things you’ve done yet, man,” Percy nudged him, giving him an encouraging nod. Lord of the Wild went unspoken. Everyone that didn’t know would find out soon enough. 

‘Grover…freaking her out.’ Thalia chided. 

Grover looked at her, slightly offended. ‘Hey, my hooves are clean!’

“Yeah, that’s not the problem here buddy,” Travis snickered. “Nice to know, though!”

Will couldn’t help but notice something off to the side of the screen. “Oh my gods, look at Nico.” He stifled a laugh. 

Nico flushed as people started to notice what his younger self was doing on the screen. 

His ten-year-old self was enthralled by Grover’s hooves and looked about one second away from poking the satyr’s legs out of fascination. 

“I never noticed that!” Thalia laughed. “What were you even doing?”

Nico’s cheeks burned even more. “I wanted to see if it was real.” He mumbled, but it was audible enough for everyone else to understand. 

As the teens laughed, Grover looked torn between laughter and offense. “Dude, I could have kicked you.”

Nico let out a humph. “Do you think my ten-year-old self would have cared? I probably would have asked you to do it again!”

That just fueled the laughter even more. 

‘Bianca…You need to come to camp.’ Percy explained. 

Bianca looked dazed. ‘Camp?’

“Wow, we are moving fast,” Katie grimaced, feeling bad for Bianca due to the speed she and Nico were finding out about things. 

“Well, we were still kind of in the middle of the woods,” Percy pointed out. “It felt as if the longer we took, the more monsters we’d probably attract. Thorn could have somehow sent backup as well or something.”

“Not to mention,” Rachel gestured at the screen. “You guys are complete for the Big Three. You’ve got Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades.”

“The smell was quite strong,” Grover mused. “Even if Nico’s and Bianca’s scents weren’t fully out there yet. Oh, and, not to mention a whole goddess with her hunters.”

“Speaking of,” Artemis cleared her throat. “I doubt he would have sent reinforcements knowing my hunters and I were there. It would be foolish for monsters to attack us at that point, sent by Thorn or not.”

Percy nodded. That’s true. They wouldn’t have had set up camp in that same area otherwise. 

‘Camp Half-Blood…stay there year-round if you’d like.’ Percy further explained. 

Nico finally tore his attention away from Grover as he looked at Percy excitedly. ‘Sweet, let’s go!’

“Oh my goodness, Nico,” Jason grinned as laughter ensued once more. “You’re killing me over here.”

“More like this is killing me,” Nico said, on the verge of a whine. 

Percy looked over at Nico, concerned. “You okay with all of this?” He asked him quietly. “I can ask them to stop the teasing if it’s too much.”

Nico noted Percy’s guilty look and immediately shook his head. “I’m embarrassed as Hades, but I don’t mind. It doesn’t make me feel bad or anything like that. Just maybe a bit horrified at my past self.” He ended with a huff as he glared at the screen. 

Percy looked relieved. “Okay.” He nodded. 

Nico looked at Percy thoughtfully, quite touched by his actions. Nico suddenly remembered what Percy had gone through during his first two summers at Camp. 

He had been laughed at, and not in a good way. Ridiculed, was more like it. He probably wanted to make sure that Nico wasn’t feeling the same way. 

“Thanks,” Nico told Percy. Gods, no wonder he has (had?) a crush on this guy. He made it too easy. 

‘Wait. I don’t–’ Bianca looked overwhelmed. 

‘There is another option,’ Zoë said. 

‘No there isn’t!’ Thalia glared at her. Zoë glared back. 

Thalia sighed, looking down. She could practically feel the tension between her and Zoë that it briefly made her wonder if this was what the curse felt like for Percy. 

She shook her head. No, Percy was probably going through it ten times worse than what she thought it felt like. 

I didn’t know…could tell there was bad history between them. For some reason, they seriously hated each other. 

Thalia winced. “Yeah, well, we didn’t exactly try to hide it.”

Those that only ever knew Thalia as a Hunter couldn’t help but be curious about the former lieutenant. How exactly did Thalia end up with Zoë’s rank? Or better yet, how did she become a Hunter?

‘We’ve burdened these children enough…Treat the wounded. Retrieve our guests’ belongings from the school.’ Artemis instructed. 

‘Yes, my lady.’

At the mention of the wounded, Percy’s shoulder throbbed as if reminding him that he was still injured. 

He scowled, bringing a hand up to his shoulder as the pain spiked now that he had noticed it again. 

‘And, Bianca, come with me. I would like to speak with you.’ Artemis told Bianca. 

‘What about me?’ Nico asked. 

Artemis regarded Nico for a moment. ‘Perhaps you can show Grover…as a favor to me?’ She directed the last portion of her sentence to Grover. 

Both Hades and Nico frowned. Hades eyed Artemis warily. 

Nico, on the other hand, looked down at his hands. He didn’t understand the weight of this situation at the time. Now he couldn’t help but wonder, what exactly had Artemis told his sister?

Grover practically tripped all over himself at the goddess’ attention. ‘You bet! Come on, Nico!’ He said enthusiastically. 

Grover let out a long and deep sigh. “I swear this winter had me making a big fool of myself.”

Percy patted his shoulder consolingly. “Blame your innate infatuation for nature-related deities.”

Grover nodded solemnly. He was glad that had mostly disappeared once he was bestowed the title of Lord of the Wild. Otherwise, he’d probably be making a fool of himself in front of everyone right now given the gods in the room at the moment. 

Nico and Grover walked off toward the woods. Nico began blabbering about hit points and armor ratings. 

“And I didn’t understand a thing,” Grover admitted. 

“I don’t blame you,” Nico said dryly. “I didn’t even give you any background to begin with.”

Artemis nodded and led Bianca along the cliff, out of earshot. The hunters began to unpack and set up camp. Zoë glared at Thalia once more before leaving to oversee things. 

As soon as Zoë left them, Thalia stomped her foot in frustration, snow flying. ‘The nerve of those Hunters! They think they’re so…Argh!’

It was an interesting sight to see, given that everyone in the room knew that Thalia was a Hunter now herself. 

Thalia leaned back, pointedly ignoring those who were giving her curious looks. Artemis’ gaze most especially. 

Percy nodded. ‘I’m with you. I don’t trust–’

Thalia cut Percy off. ‘Oh, you’re with me?…all by yourself? You knew he was a monster!’ She turned to face Percy, furious. 

Both Percy and Thalia inhaled sharply. Percy as he began to feel his anger rising, and Thalia out of surprise as she had forgotten about her words during this moment. 

‘I–’ Percy began, but was cut off once again. 

‘If we’d stuck together…Annabeth might still be here. Did you think of that?’ Thalia snapped. 

Annabeth’s eyes widened, a hand coming up to her mouth. 

Poseidon’s mouth dropped open, and he couldn’t help but give his niece a glare at the things she had told his son. 

Percy clenched his jaw and looked like he was about to say something before he spotted Annabeth’s cap by his feet. 

Thalia furiously wiped a tear from her cheek and stormed off, leaving Percy alone to stare at the cap in the snow. 

Percy closed his eyes and focused on his breathing as his chest twisted with all sorts of feelings. Anger swirled within him, but it was now also accompanied by guilt and grief at Thalia’s words. 

Thalia’s hands hesitantly hovered over Percy’s shoulder from where she sat behind him. She noticed everyone else glancing between the two of them as the tension between them was suddenly felt in the room. 

Annabeth looked at Thalia with wide eyes. “Thalia…”

The daughter of Zeus dropped her hands, hugging herself instead. “I know.” She sounded pained. She was torn, though, not knowing whether or not to talk to Percy now, or wait until the anger from the curse subsided. 

Thalia thought about her next action, but she took too long as the projection continued before she could do anything else. 

The projection forwarded to the Hunters finishing up with the campsite. Seven large silver silk tents curved around one side of the bonfire. One of the Hunters blew a whistle, and a dozen white wolves burst out from the woods. 

As the wolves bounded out from the trees, a few people yelped and jumped out of surprise. Due to how the projection was set, it was like the wolves came out running from all around the room. 

The wolves began to circle the camp like guard dogs, while some Hunters fed them treats. Falcons could be seen watching them from the trees as if they were guarding the campsite as well. 

“The falcons,” Reyna began as she looked up at the trees. “Are those yours, too?” She directed her question at Thalia, but the huntress was too busy with her thoughts to notice. 

The daughter of Zeus was staring intensely at Percy’s back, fingers twitching as if deciding whether or not to approach him. 

“Yes,” It was Artemis that answered. “They help guard the camp as well.”

Reyna nodded, quickly glancing at Thalia again before directing her attention back to the screen. 

Percy, eyes still closed and focused on his breathing, felt a bit less cold now. He briefly recalled how Artemis seemed to adjust the weather around their camp back then, making it so that the wind didn’t bite as much. 

Slowly opening his eyes, he saw that the snow had indeed stopped falling. He felt the heat of the campfire in front of him, sighing slightly as he warmed up. 

Though, however pleasant the heat felt, he couldn’t fully relax as the pain in his shoulder persisted along with the feeling of guilt suddenly growing and weighing his chest down. 

He also felt Thalia’s eyes boring into the back of his head but didn’t say a word. He didn’t really know what to say.

Percy sat in front of the fire, staring blankly at the flames. 

I couldn’t believe Annabeth was gone. And as angry as I was at Thalia, I had a sinking feeling that she was right. It was my fault. 

That seemed to finally snap Thalia out of her stupor. “No,” she said. She moved to sit beside Percy rather than behind him, Nico moving further aside to give her space. 

“No,” Thalia repeated, distantly aware that the attention was now on them. “I was wrong. None of it was your fault.”

Percy turned to look at her, anger and guilt still swirling in his chest but he tried to push it down. “Wait, Thalia–”

“I know you’re angry at me right now,” Thalia cut him off. She saw his eyes flash with annoyance when she interrupted him which proved her point, but she could also tell that he didn’t want to feel that way as it was forced by the curse. 

“But we need to talk about this. I need to say something at least,” she continued. She took Percy’s silence as her cue to keep going. “You did everything you could to keep the di Angelos safe. You saw them with Thorn. You did the right thing by going after them.”

Percy looked at Thalia, doubt in his eyes as the guilt from the curse persisted and clouded his judgment. He saw Nico beside Thalia, nodding as well. 

“Annabeth jumping on Thorn’s back and staying there was her own choice. Even if you had come to find us instead of going alone, it still could have ended that way.” Thalia carried on. 

Annabeth nodded, gently rubbing the side of Percy’s arm. “She’s right.”

“I was angry, and I needed someone to blame. I’m sorry,” Thalia told Percy sincerely. “You didn’t deserve that.”

Percy’s eyes found Thalia’s once again. “I– okay.” He swallowed. “Yeah.”

Thalia nodded, her hand once again hovering over Percy’s shoulder, but thinking the best of it and just rubbed his arm instead. She quickly pulled away, fully aware that he was still probably angry from the curse, and didn’t want to agitate that further. They could talk more once he wasn’t riled up from the curse. 

The room had gone silent at the earnest display. Annabeth, noticing this, immediately gestured towards the screen once she realized that Percy and Thalia were done for now. 

Keep watching, she signaled. 

What had Annabeth wanted to tell me…my heart felt heavier. 

Percy made a small, quiet noise as he curled slightly in on himself. Annabeth looked pained as she heard him, somehow familiar with what Percy was probably feeling right now. 

Slowly, she placed her hand in his and intertwined their fingers. 

Percy watched as Thalia paced at the edge of the camp, among the wolves. Suddenly, she stopped and stood motionless as she gazed back at Westover Hall. 

I wondered what she was thinking…once in a while she would stand so motionless you’d think she was still a tree.

Thalia blinked. “I did?”

Grover nodded solemnly. “You still do, actually.”

Literally just a minute ago Thalia sat very still as she stared at Percy before ultimately deciding to talk to him. 

“Oh,” was all Thalia could say to that. After all, she was a tree for six years. She’d only been back for around three years now. 

And if Percy had lettuce cravings, even if only for a short while after the guinea pig incident, then who’s to say she doesn’t have any side effects from being a tree?

Eventually, a Hunter brought Percy his backpack, dropping it beside him. Grover and Nico came back from the forest and the satyr immediately sat beside Percy to help tend to his wound. 

‘It’s green!’ Nico said cheerfully.

“Wow,” Nico said in disbelief as some of the others began to snicker and giggle at his first-time reaction to a poisoned wound. “Just, wow.”

“I have to give you credit, though,” Will grinned. “It didn’t make you squirm.”

Nico shrugged. “It wasn’t too bad. Probably would have reacted differently if it was infected.”

“In what world is that not bad?” Paul whispered to Sally incredulously. Unlike Nico, the sight of the wound was enough to make him slightly queasy. 

“Demigods,” Sally sighed. 

‘Hold still…clean that out.’ Grover handed Percy an ambrosia square and began to dress Percy’s wound with a salve from his bag.

Percy winced as Grover began cleaning out his wound, but relaxed soon after as the ambrosia sent warmth throughout his body, healing his injury along with the salve that Grover had used on him. 

He rolled his shoulders, satisfied at the lack of pain. “Finally,” he muttered. Will also looked satisfied with the treatment as he leaned back in his seat, not needing to keep an eye on the injury anymore. 

Nico began to rummage through his own bag. He pulled out a bunch of figurines in the snow. They were little replicas of Greek gods and Heroes. 

The gods watched Nico’s projection curiously as the child brought out multiple figurines of them. Some of them even began to comment on their own figurines. 

“Oh, hey, looking good,” Apollo grinned brightly when he spotted the figurine with the sun chariot. 

“You told me you played but you didn’t tell me just how much you’d collected,” Frank let out an impressed whistle. “I only had a few myself. I focused more on the cards than the figurines.”

“I hadn’t been playing anymore by the time we talked about it,” Nico shrugged. “I had pretty much all the cards, too. Even the ones from the expansion packs.”

Frank nodded, recalling their conversation back when they had to face the katoblepones. 

Hades frowned. It seemed that everyone was there except for himself. “You do not have mine?” 

In any other situation, Hades’ sulking would have been funny—as seen in some of the gods shooting him amused looks—but Percy and Nico both flinched ever so slightly at his statement. 

Percy looked down as Nico shook his head. “Yours was the only one I didn’t have at that point,” Nico told his father, being sure to mind his expression and not give him anything more than a straight face. 

‘Big collection,’ Percy commented. 

Nico grinned at him. ‘I’ve got almost all…except for a few really rare ones.’

A lot of the teens nodded, amused. That confirmed what Nico told Frank just now. 

“I don’t think even the ones from the First and Second cohorts have as many cards or figurines as you,” Hazel remarked, recalling all the times she had passed by campers playing Mythomagic. 

Nico made a face, unreadable by most. They definitely have more than me, now. He thought. No one here knew that he burnt pretty much all of his cards. 

Percy glanced at Nico knowingly. 

‘Just this year.’

Frank’s eyes widened. “You’ve only been playing for a year and your collection already looks like that?”

“I was obsessed back then, I guess,” Nico pursed his lips. Neither his mom nor Bianca could pull him away from his cards. 

“Hyperfixated,” Annabeth supplied. Nico shrugged and nodded. 

Most of the demigods nodded in understanding. They all had their own hyperfixations, more often than most due to their ADHD.

‘Before that…’ Nico continued but trailed off, eyebrows knitting together as he thought deeply. 

‘What?’ Percy asked. 

‘I forget. That’s weird.’ Nico shook his head. An unsettled expression crossed over his features but almost immediately disappeared as he looked at Percy excitedly. ‘Hey, can I see that sword you were using?’

Some laughed at Nico’s sudden interest in Riptide, while a select few looked concerned by Nico’s behavior. 

“Before that, what?” Piper tried prodding. 

Nico, Percy, and Thalia all shook their heads. “It’ll be explained soon,” Thalia replied, even though she wasn’t there during Percy and Nico’s conversation. 

She was there when they talked about the Lotus casino with Bianca, though. 

Hades kept a straight face, knowing why Nico was forgetting things. 

Percy blinked at him for a second before pulling his pen out of his pocket. He uncapped it for Nico to see how it turned into a sword. Nico was practically bursting with excitement. 

“Can’t blame you,” Leo grinned. “It is pretty cool.”

Suddenly, Grover seemed to remember that Nico was about to bombard Percy with questions, and his shoulders began to shake in suppressed laughter. 

‘Cool! Does it ever run out of ink?’ Nico asked. 

Percy blinked again. ‘Um, well, I don’t actually write with it.’

Annabeth smirked knowingly. “It probably doesn’t, now that I think about it. Run out of ink, I mean.”

“Good to know,” Grover was still trying to hold back his laughter. 

‘Are you really the son of Poseidon?’

Both Percy and Nico knew where this was heading and just buried their heads in their hands, now understanding why Grover was practically shaking with bottled-up laughter. 

Nico covered his face out of embarrassment, while Percy covered his face because he knew the curse was about to mess with his temper again. 

‘Well, yeah.’ Percy nodded. 

‘Can you surf really well, then?’ 

‘Jeez, Nico. I’ve never really tried.’ Percy replied, looking over at Grover who was trying really hard not to laugh. 

Grover couldn’t hold it back anymore and started laughing. This set everyone off except the two demigods involved in the situation. 

“Di Angelo, asking the right questions!” Connor cackled. 

“Let’s be real, you’d probably be a natural,” Piper smiled widely. “We should test it out one time.”

Nico then began to rapidly fire questions at Percy. Did he fight a lot with Thalia, since she was a daughter of Zeus? 

Percy didn’t answer that one. 

Even Thalia couldn’t help but snort at that question. 

If Annabeth’s mother was Athena, the goddess of wisdom, then why didn’t Annabeth know better than to fall off a cliff? 

Percy’s eye twitched. 

Athena was speechless. 

Annabeth gaped at Nico for only about a second, before she burst out laughing. “Oh my gods, Nico.”

Nico bit his lip, but even he was beginning to laugh at his own questions. 

Was Annabeth Percy’s girlfriend?

Percy looked about one second away from throwing Nico to the wolves. 

The laughter reached an all-time high. Some of the demigods were even rolling around as they held their stomachs. Tears were springing out of everyone’s eyes. 

“Oh my gods!” Katie wheezed, hand gripping her side. “Even the kid that just met you could see it!” She struggled to even say it as she struggled to breathe from the laughter. 

“You are a menace, di Angelo,” Clarisse smiled wickedly. 

Jason looked at on-screen Nico who was looking at Percy, noticing the sheer admiration dripping from the ten-year-old’s eyes.

If Percy wasn’t so affected by the curse, he’d be laughing right along with his friends. Unfortunately, anger coursed through him so he kept his head buried in his arms and focused on keeping his breathing leveled. 

He was thankful, though, that Nico’s antics could make his friends laugh like this. 

Sally thought similarly as she smiled widely at the demigods who still struggled to stop laughing. Now, this is what she liked to see. 

Her gaze wandered to her son, who sat still with his head in his arms, obviously tensed from the annoyance he was feeling. Her smile dimmed as she sighed, sad that her son couldn’t even enjoy a moment of laughter with his friends due to the stupid curse. 

I figured any second he was going to ask me how many hit points I had, and I’d lose my cool completely. 

“You know what? I probably would have,” Nico said, which didn’t help with the laughter at all. 

“Oh my gods, what if we make our own expansion deck with all of us having our own cards?” Chris laughed. “I’m sure Nico would have the easiest time assigning hit points and all our stats.”

Nico raised an eyebrow at him. “Is that a challenge?”

The children laughed more. 

Before Nico could ask any more questions, Zoë walked up to them. ‘Percy Jackson.’

Slowly, the laughter finally began to cease. Those that had been rolling on the floor sat back up, and those that had been crying from laughing were wiping at their eyes. 

‘Come with me. Lady Artemis wishes to speak with thee.’ Zoë said as she looked at Percy with distaste. 

Piper wrinkled her nose. “Why the look? She doesn’t even know you.”

Thalia sighed. “She doesn’t exactly have the highest view on men, even those she just met. As long as you were male, then you’re immediately on her bad side, I guess. Even if you haven’t done anything to her.”

Piper frowned. “Oh.”

Percy sighed through his nose as he remembered that he knew about Zoë’s past. Not only had Zoë told him, but he had dreamt it as well, which meant everyone here would know eventually. 

Percy hesitantly got up and followed Zoë to one of the tents. Artemis and Bianca were waiting inside. 

Paul gasped and Sally’s eyes widened as they saw the inside of the tent. “Oh wow.” They were not expecting that to be the interior of a tent. 

Inside, rugs and pillows covered the floor. A brazier of fire burned in the middle despite the lack of fuel and smoke. On the walls hung various animal pelts. Artemis’ bow stood on a display stand. 

The goddess herself was running her hand along the glittering fur of a deer with silver horns as its head rested on her lap. 

“Oh my,” Rachel blinked. “I didn’t notice it was a live deer.”

“Oh my gods, you’re right. I almost didn’t notice, either.”

‘Join us, Percy Jackson.’ Artemis beckoned Percy inside. Percy sat down across from her, shifting uncomfortably at her gaze. 

Percy sighed, feeling uncomfortable as he shifted in his seat. He pulled a blanket towards him and wrapped it around his shoulders. 

‘Are you surprised by my age?’ Artemis inquired. 

‘Uh…a little.’ Percy admitted. 

She had such old eyes for a young girl. 

“Well, yes,” Thalia chuckled. 

Sally sighed. Yes, the gods obviously held millennia of experience in their eyes, a stark contrast from the younger forms they tend to take. 

However, the demigods weren’t so different. These children—actual children and not just physically young—have experienced horrors that she and Paul could only imagine, and it reflected in their eyes. 

‘I could appear as a grown woman, or a blazing fire, or anything else I want, but this is what I prefer…before the go astray.’ Artemis explained calmly. 

Artemis noticed some glances being thrown her way, seeing as she had decided to take on an older form than what she usually chose. Still somewhere in her twenties like her twin. Younger than the elder gods but still older than the form she usually took on. 

“It felt appropriate taking on an older form for this whole thing,” Artemis explained. 

Hestia nodded in agreement. “I felt the same as well.”

After they had been brought here by the primordials, the reveal of the rising of Kronos was serious enough that it just felt like an adult form was needed. 

Not to mention, it felt as if the children appreciated not having to act like adults themselves with so many actual adults in the room. She did not know these demigods very well yet, but it was obvious that they were carrying so much weight on their shoulders. 

Hestia herself had become the main figure of authority, which would have been harder if she had taken up her nine-year-old form. 

Though this was Hestia they were talking about. She could make anyone listen to her no matter what form she took up. 

‘Go astray?’ Percy asked. 

‘Grow up. Become smitten…Forget themselves.’ Artemis clarified. 

‘Oh.’

Aphrodite raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Times are changing, darling. Getting with another does not mean forgetting oneself. Other times, it can even help to bring out a better version of yourself.” She looked at Percy and Annabeth as she finished. 

The love goddess smiled as Annabeth leaned against Percy’s side, Percy naturally gravitating towards her at the touch. 

The couple was not aware that Aphrodite was watching them as Annabeth was busy asking Percy a question, with Percy quietly answering her in hushed whispers and their heads huddled together. 

Artemis pursed her lips but didn’t respond. 

Zoë sat down next to Artemis, glaring at Percy. Artemis glanced at her before looking back at Percy. ‘You must…usually forbidden to have any contact with the Hunters. The last one to see this camp…’ She trailed off, looking at Zoë. 

‘That boy in Colorado. You turned him into a jackalope.’ Zoë supplied. 

Paul gulped. 

The campers just watched the screen silently. It had improved ever since Thalia took charge, but their relationship with the Hunters—especially the older ones—was strained. 

‘Ah, yes…I’d like to hear them from you.’ Artemis continued, prompting Percy to tell his side of the story, and so he did. 

When Percy finished, Artemis placed a hand over her bow. ‘I feared this was the answer.’

Zoë looked at her. ‘The scent, my lady?’ She asked. Artemis confirmed her statement while Percy sat confused. 

Artemis leaned forward, wanting to hear more. She wondered what scent her future self had caught, and what she thought it might lead to. 

‘What scent?’ 

‘Things are stirring…Prey so old I have nearly forgotten.’ Artemis said. 

The gods looked at each other worriedly. That didn’t sound good. 

Jason frowned. Prey so old that even the gods almost forgot? He wondered what the goddess was pertaining to. 

Artemis looked at Percy intently. ‘We came here…not the one I seek.’ 

“So you were in the area searching for something else,” Zeus muttered thoughtfully. “And just happened to find the manticore.”

“Seems so,” Artemis nodded. “But I wonder what scent I caught. There are so many monsters that I can’t narrow it down right now because I don’t know the scent, but I’m sure my future self has an idea.”

‘Tell me again, exactly what Dr. Thorn said.’ Artemis said. 

‘Um, ‘I hate middle school dances.’’ Percy recalled. 

Percy flushed a light pink as his friends laughed lightly at his answer to the moon goddess. Now that his anger wasn’t as intense as a moment ago, his lips twitched up slightly in amusement. 

“You’re not wrong,” Leo snickered. “That is exactly what Thorn said.”

‘No, no. After that.’ Artemis shook her head. Zoë glowered at him from beside her. 

“Lucky Artemis was patient with me, huh?” Percy mumbled under his breath, his shoulders still tense due to Zoë’s gaze on him on-screen, but at least he was no longer cold. 

Annabeth hummed in agreement. 

‘He said somebody called the General was going to explain things to me.’ Percy said. Zoë’s glare faltered and her face paled. 

Artemis bit her lip. Based on Zoë’s reaction, they must be thinking about the same General. 

Now that no manticore was raging across the screen, the gods could finally focus on the implications of Thorn’s words. 

“We all have an idea of who the General is, correct?” Demeter said grimly. The gods muttered their agreements, faces set in frowns. 

“Well, I don’t,” Leo whispered to Piper and Jason, both of whom just snorted in response. Piper followed up with a nod in agreement with Leo’s statement. 

Zoë was about to say something, but Artemis held up a hand. ‘Go on, Percy,’ Artemis encouraged. 

Percy glanced at Zoë warily before continuing. ‘Well…Great Stir Pot–’

“I don’t think that’s what Thorn said,” Travis couldn’t help but comment, stifling his laughter. 

“Might as well have been what he said,” Percy shook his head tiredly. “He confused me.”

“At least you got him talking,” Annabeth smiled. “You got the information.”

“Yeah, with no idea what to do with it,” Percy huffed quietly. “That’s usually your job.”

Annabeth let out a faint laugh. 

‘Stirring,’ Bianca corrected. 

Nico snorted softly. “At least Bianca got it. I would have said the same thing as you, honestly.”

Percy glanced at him and let out a small, brief smile in response. 

‘Yeah. And he said…the one that shall bring about the downfall of Olympus.’ Bianca continued. Artemis sat still. 

The gods, like Artemis on-screen, sat so still they looked like statues. 

Eventually, Athena glanced hesitantly at her father. “You don’t think he means the Oph–”

“I don’t know,” Zeus cut her off immediately, but the other gods seemed to have come to the same conclusion. “We shall have to wait and see.”

The gods shifted in their seats uncomfortably but directed their attention back to the screen. 

The demigods looked uncomfortable as well, though because of the sudden tension from the gods and not the projection, as many of them didn’t know the monster they were talking about. 

‘Maybe he was lying,’ Percy tried telling the goddess, but Artemis shook her head. ‘No…I must hunt this monster.’

Artemis nodded. If this was the monster they suspected, then it would be better for her to slay it herself before the wrong hands could capture it. 

‘We will leave right away, my lady.’ Zoë said, hiding her fear. 

Artemis shook her head. ‘No, Zoë. I must do this alone.’

Apollo opened his mouth to protest, but Artemis stopped him much like she did Zoë in the projection. “You know I’m right, brother. It’s too dangerous for the demigods and even my Hunters.” Especially Zoë, she thought. 

Apollo looked unhappy at his twin. “Yes. Dangerous. Especially if we’re correct about who the General is.”

Was the General still under the sky? Given the way Thorn talked about him, what if he wasn’t? 

“But better a god go after this monster, no?” Artemis retorted, looking from her brother to the rest of the gods. “If this is what we think it is, then the best option is for me to follow the lead I seem to already have.”

The rest of the gods couldn’t argue with that. 

‘But, Artemis–’ Zoë protested. 

Artemis shook her head, stopping her before she could say more. ‘This task is too dangerous…You cannot go there with me.’

Artemis nodded. Exactly. 

‘As…as you wish, my lady.’ Zoë receded. 

Piper furrowed her brows. “I thought she’d put up more of a fight.”

Thalia looked down at her fiddling fingers. “Let’s just say that the place where Artemis wants to start has something to do with her history.”

Piper nodded, still clueless but understood that it would be revealed soon. 

Artemis closed her eyes. That seemed to confirm their guess of who the General was. 

‘I will find this creature…all the proof I need to convince the Council of the Gods of how much danger we are in.’ Artemis vowed. 

Hestia pursed her lips, reminded of the fact that the council—Zeus—in the children’s timeline did not believe the looming threat just yet. 

Zeus himself seemed to realize this as well as he shifted uncomfortably in his bean bag. 

‘You know what the monster is?’ Percy asked. 

Artemis gripped her bow tightly. ‘Let us pray I am wrong.’

“I’d love for you to be wrong right now,” Hephaestus muttered. Artemis couldn’t help but agree. 

‘Can goddesses pray?’ Percy tilted his head, genuinely curious. 

Artemis raised an eyebrow at Percy, amused, as the demigods once again began to laugh. 

Artemis smiled slightly before it disappeared as quickly as it came. ‘Before I go, Percy Jackson, I have a small task for you.’

‘Does it involve getting turned into a jackalope?’ Percy eyed the goddess warily. 

“Oh gods, Percy,” Connor slapped his knee as he laughed. “You’re just like Nico with these questions.”

“Hey, my last question was a valid concern,” Percy crossed his arms. 

“And the first question?” Connor challenged. 

“I was just curious, okay?”

The teens laughed at his begrudging admission. 

“Nico’s questions were on a different level, though,” Percy grumbled. 

“No need to remind them!” Nico complained as laughter ensued again at the reminder of Nico’s earlier questions. 

Poseidon and Hades couldn’t help but exchange exasperated yet fond looks regarding their children. 

‘Sadly, no. I want you to escort…Camp Half-Blood. They can stay there in safety until I return.’ Artemis told Percy. 

Zoë looked appalled. ‘What? But, Artemis, we hate that place. The last time we stayed there–’

The senior counselors sobered up and scowled at the reminder. 

Dionysus mirrored the looks on the demigods’ faces. “Must you leave your group under my care? Don’t you recall the last time they stayed?”

Even Chiron looked upset at the reminder. 

“What…” Hazel asked hesitantly, looking between the Greek campers and the involved gods. 

“Wait,” Percy sighed before anyone could speak. “They mention it here.”

‘Yes, I know. But I’m sure Dionysus will not hold a grudge just because of a little, ah, misunderstanding.’

“Misunderstanding,” Clarisse repeated. “A little misunderstanding. Right.” She drawled. 

‘It’s your right to use Cabin Eight…they rebuilt the cabins you burned down.’

“I’m sorry, what?” Piper blinked. “Did you say burned down? Cabins were burned down?”

Even if she wasn’t as fond of the design of her cabin, it was still a home for her half-siblings. She couldn’t imagine how it would feel if her cabin was deliberately destroyed and not due to a monster attack.

The Romans looked shocked as well. 

“Isn’t that a bit…intense?” Leo fidgeted with a screw. Burning a cabin down—much less multiple cabins—was hard to do accidentally, even for a fire user like him. These weren’t just your average wooden cabins after all. 

The Hunters must have been purposeful in burning these cabins down. 

“Yes.” Travis scowled. A rare look for him and his brother. 

“Things have been better since Thalia took over,” Pollux looked at Thalia gratefully. “But before that, well, let’s just say it wasn’t the best relationship.”

“Understatement,” Connor muttered. 

Artemis was stone-faced. Usually, whenever the Hunters were at Camp, it was because she wasn’t with them, and so the stories she got once they left would come from the side of the Hunters. 

From the looks on the senior counselors’ faces, she was definitely missing a lot from their stories. She would have to confront them about this. 

Zoë scowled, muttering about foolish campers. 

The counselors scowled at the comment, protectiveness surging over all of them. 

‘And now there is one last…Have you made up your mind, my girl?’ Artemis directed her question at Bianca. 

Hades sat up, glancing at Artemis warily before looking back to the projection of his daughter who seemed to be deep in thought. 

Nico also sat forward. He would finally see how this all played out. 

‘I’m still thinking about it.’ Bianca said hesitantly. 

Percy looked between the three girls. ‘Wait. Thinking about what?’

‘They’ve invited me to join the Hunt.’ Bianca revealed. 

Percy pulled the blanket tighter around his shoulders. 

Hades remained still. He remembered his son’s words to him the other day. She found a new life, away from camp.

This must be what Nico meant. 

Aphrodite looked shocked. “You are recruiting the girl, already? She hasn’t even had time to process anything that had happened!”

‘What? But you can’t!…Chiron can train you. it’s the only way you can learn to survive.’ Percy protested. 

Chiron looked down. It definitely wasn’t the only way to survive, but he wished that Bianca had at least tried to train in Camp, at least for a little while. 

He never even got to know her properly. 

‘It is not the only way for a girl.’ Zoë butt in. 

Percy looked at her and Bianca in disbelief. ‘Bianca…I mean, what do you get by joining the Hunters?’

The campers were nodding along to what Percy was saying, glad that there was someone in that tent to defend Camp’s reputation.

Percy was feeling more and more upset as the projection went on, no thanks to the curse. Gods, he didn’t realize just how much of a mess his emotions were that winter. He’s been cycling through anger, pain, guilt, more anger, shock, and even more anger. 

And they were only on the third episode. Great. 

‘To begin with, immortality.’ Zoë deadpanned. 

Percy paused to stare at her, then at Artemis. ‘She’s kidding, right?’

“Unfortunately not,” Dionysus sniffed distastefully. “I will not be surprised if the girl agrees. The offer of immortality is always a dealbreaker for mortals.”

Percy scowled at the ground. Annabeth grabbed his hand and squeezed it. 

‘Zoë rarely kids about anything…indeed immortal unless they fall in battle, which is unlikely. Or break their oath.’ Artemis explained. 

Paul listened intently. So he remembered right about Thalia and the Hunters being somewhat immortal, then. 

‘What oath?’ Percy asked. 

‘To forswear romantic love forever…To be a maiden eternally.’ Artemis said. 

‘Like you?’ Percy asked. Artemis nodded. 

“So…” Paul hesitated. Artemis gestured for him to continue, knowing that the mortal was simply curious. “What happens when the oath is broken? Do you just revoke their immortality?” He asked.

“More or less. Depends on how they break it,” Artemis answered, but she didn’t expound further.  

Paul inhaled. “Okay.” He didn’t ask further. 

Percy leaned over to Thalia. “Please explain it to him later,” he whispered. 

Thalia nodded. 

I tried to imagine what she was saying. Being immortal…I couldn’t wrap my mind around it. 

“That tracks,” Grover murmured. 

‘So you just go around the country recruiting half-bloods–’

Zoë interrupted Percy to correct him. ‘Not just half-bloods…nymphs, mortals–’

Paul looked surprised, also thinking at first that the Hunters of Artemis were all half-bloods. “Huh. The more you know.” He muttered. Sally nodded beside him. 

‘Which are you then?’ Percy asked, cutting her off. Anger flashed in Zoë’s eyes and she glared at him once more.

“Damn,” Chris commented. “None of you are letting up.”

Watching the back-and-forth between Percy and Zoë was like watching a ping-pong match with how much they kept interrupting each other. 

‘That is not thy concern…if she wishes. It is her choice.’ Zoë nodded towards Bianca. 

Percy faced Bianca. ‘Bianca, this is crazy. What about your brother? Nico can’t be a Hunter.’ 

Nico stayed silent as he watched the scene unfold with wide eyes. 

‘Certainly not. He will go to camp. Unfortunately, that’s the best boys can do.’ Artemis said. 

Percy’s gaze hardened. ‘Hey!’ 

Percy scowled and rubbed at his chest. “Gods, I forgot how much this stressed me out.”

The campers looked upset. 

‘You can see him from time to time…new family. Us.’ Artemis assured.

Bianca’s eyes sparkled. ‘A new family. Free of responsibility.’ She said dreamily.

Nico made a choking noise as his throat closed up. Tears started welling up in his eyes, but they didn’t fall quite yet.

Aphrodite looked angered. “That is not fair, Artemis. You are promising her a perfect life—which will not be true—and also insinuating that her brother is part of the reason why it is not.”

“I gave her a choice,” Artemis argued back.

“Yes, well, it didn’t seem like she had one,” Aphrodite shook her head. “Look, darling, I appreciate that your Hunt is a safe space for those that really need it, but it is not for everyone. Just a while ago she told you that she and Nico only had each other. I’d have understood if she and her brother had settled down somewhat, and joined once everything was deemed safe and after she’d thought about it more.”

Aphrodite glanced over in Nico’s direction, eyes turning sad when she saw the boy’s expression. “You didn’t even give her a chance to at least talk about it with her brother. How do you think the boy would feel? He was only ten years old.”

‘Bianca, you can’t do this. It’s nuts.’ Percy pleaded.

“My point exactly.” Aphrodite huffed. “Bianca was also so young. Of course the idea of a life free of responsibility would tempt her.” 

Artemis remained silent, looking away from the goddess of love and at the screen instead, deep in thought.

Hazel placed a hand on top of Nico’s arm. “Can I hug you?” She asked quietly. Nico nodded silently, and Hazel took that as her cue to wrap her brother in the biggest hug she could muster. Nico buried his face into Hazel’s shoulder, taking deep, continuous breaths even as some of them came out shuddered. 

Percy took one glance at the children of the Underworld and immediately buried his head in his arms once again.

Thalia, who sat in between them, looked heartbroken for her cousins. Jason, on the other hand, stared at the screen—at Bianca—in disbelief. If Thalia had known I was alive, would she still have…

Whoa there, Jason. Slow down. You don’t even know the full story of why Thalia joined the Hunters yet. He scolded himself. This has nothing to do with you. 

‘Is it worth it?’ Bianca asked Zoë.

Zoë immediately gave her a nod. ‘It is.’

‘What do I have to do?’ Bianca asked. Percy stared at her dejectedly. 

Hazel’s hold on Nico tightened. So Bianca joined the Hunters. Wasn’t that an even harder blow? She was already partially immortal, and yet she still…

‘Say this…’ Zoë spoke the pledge. Bianca repeated her words. She started off with a stutter, but by the end, her words had become more sure. 

Nico pulled away from Hazel and looked down, defeated. He had been upset when Bianca told him she had joined the Hunt, but seeing what led up to her decision was a different story. 

He couldn’t help but feel hurt. Was it his fault that Bianca joined? Did he annoy her that much? Because if Bianca didn’t join, she wouldn’t have gone on that quest right? She wouldn’t have di—

‘That’s it?’ Bianca asked after she repeated the lines of the pledge. 

Zoë nodded. ‘If Lady Artemis accepts thy pledge, then it is binding.’ 

‘I accept it,’ Artemis said. 

So Bianca became a Hunter. Hades finally had confirmation. While he did not necessarily disapprove, he wasn’t expecting it either. He did not think she would accept it given that she and Nico were inseparable up until this point. 

However, Aphrodite’s words rang true. Though Bianca is the older sibling, she is still only a child. The way they had explained the life of a Hunter was too good. 

They had made it seem like the choice was easy. 

As soon as Artemis had accepted the pledge, the flames in the brazier brightened, and a silver glow cast over the room. Bianca gasped, taking a deep breath as her eyes widened. ‘I feel…stronger.’

“That’s really quick,” Rachel muttered. “I was kind of expecting it to be more complicated than that.”

‘Welcome, sister,’ Zoë nodded at Bianca. 

‘Remember your pledge. It is now your life.’ Artemis said. 

Percy was tempted to walk right back out of the room, but he stopped himself from doing so. 

Gods, watching this while knowing Bianca’s fate was like a huge slap in the face. The emotions he felt due to the curse and what he felt outside of the curse were crashing against each other like waves in his chest. 

Yet one feeling overlapped, growing greater than even his past anger. 

It was grief. 

I couldn’t speak. I felt like a trespasser. And a complete failure…only to lose Bianca to some eternal girls’ club. 

Artemis finally looked over at Nico, then at Percy, before once again directing her gaze back to the screen. 

Even with all her years of existence, this was the first time she had truly gotten a full look into her recruitments through the perspective of someone she would never recruit. 

‘Do no despair, Percy Jackson…And if Nico so chooses, he can stay there.’ Artemis told Percy who remained distraught. 

Nico dug the heel of his palms into his eyes. Percy did everything he could to get both Bianca and him back to Camp and stay at Camp. 

Neither of them listened. 

‘Great. Supposed to get there?’ Percy asked dully. 

Artemis closed her eyes. ‘Dawn is approaching…I shall summon a ride from my brother.’ 

Apollo perked up. Was it finally time for him to appear soon?

Zoë did not look happy at that, but she nodded and told Bianca to follow her. As they passed by Percy, Bianca stopped in front of Percy. ‘I’m sorry, Percy. But I want this. I really, really do.’

Then she was out of the tent along with Zoë, leaving Percy and Artemis alone. 

Nico leaned forward to look at Percy. “Thank you,” his voice shook slightly. 

Percy looked at him, surprised. “What for?” 

Nico played with the hem of his shirt. “You did everything you could.” Thank you for thinking of me. Thank you for having my back, even when I annoyed the hell out of you only just moments before, he added in his mind. 

Percy shook his head. “I kind of wish I had tried harder,” he said quietly. If he had tried harder, would Bianca still have joined the Hunters? If he had tried harder, would Bianca still have ended up on the quest that eventually ended her life?

“Bianca is decisive. She made her choice,” Nico sighed, cutting through Percy’s thoughts. “Even the both of us together wouldn’t have stopped her.”

‘So, we’re going to get a ride from your brother, huh?’ Percy asked the goddess glumly. 

Artemis’ eyes gleamed.  ‘Yes…It’s time for you to meet my irresponsible twin, Apollo.’

Apollo scowled as the projection ended. “Seriously? Ending before I could even appear? And, hey. What’s with the introduction?”

Artemis huffed, leaving Apollo’s query unanswered. 

Other than Apollo who was obviously excited to see his grand entrance on-screen, the mood of the room was down. 

The laughter that had filled the room just moments before had completely disappeared. 

Thalia looked at both Percy and Nico who sat on either side of her. “Are you guys, okay? Do you need some time? We can take a short break again if you both need.” She asked them both gently. 

Annabeth who sat on Percy’s other side, and Hazel who sat on Nico’s other side, both nodded in agreement with Thalia’s words. Everyone else watched on with various expressions of concern for the cousins. 

“Just let us know what you guys need,” Annabeth said, rubbing Percy’s back. 

Percy glanced at Nico. “Do you need a break?” 

“Do you?” Nico asked back. “I think…I think I can keep going.”

Percy observed him for a moment before nodding. “Okay. Me too.”

Hazel looked at the two. “Are you sure?”

Percy sighed, the blanket that was wrapped around his shoulders falling down onto his bean bag as he got up. “Yeah.” He went and activated the next projection, pointedly ignoring the looks he was getting from everyone else. 

Nico nodded. “The sooner we get these over with, the better I’ll feel.”

Percy grunted in agreement as he sat back down in his seat, readjusting his blanket once more. “The next break can be during lunchtime, in one or two episodes maybe.”

“If you guys say so,” Thalia said hesitantly. “But once it’s lunchtime, take all the time you both need, you hear? We might want to finish this as soon as possible, but we’re also in no actual hurry.”

“Aye, aye, captain,” Percy cracked a small smile at her. 

Seeing Percy smile after all of the harrowing emotions he had been feeling and visibly fighting throughout this specific episode made it feel like her heart was being stomped on. 

Thalia blinked before whipping her head away. “Stop that. You’re gonna make me cry.”

“What did I do?”

“Just stop.”

“I didn’t even do anything!”

Chapter Text

Thalia thought about where they had ended in order to figure out what this next episode would be about. She glanced at Apollo who looked way too excited, and dread suddenly filled her.

They were going to watch her drive the sun chariot, weren’t they?

“Oh my gods,” Thalia muttered causing Nico and Percy, who sat on either side of her, to glance at her questioningly. 

Percy’s eyes widened as he remembered what was coming up. “Ah. Your driving skills.”

Nico seemed to brighten up at that. “You’re right.”

Thalia groaned. “This is going to be a disaster.” she huffed, but she was glad that Nico seemed to cheer up somewhat in anticipation for what scene was to come. 

At her expense, but what could she do? 

The Hunters broke camp quickly, leaving all of them outside and waiting in the cold. Snow was falling again, and it was dark, but Artemis reassured the demigods that dawn was approaching. 

Percy quickly wrapped himself back up in his blanket as the biting cold hit him once again. It barely provided him with any warmth, though, as he shivered both on- and therefore off-screen.

“I was going to ask how you could tell dawn was coming because of how dark it is, but then I remembered that this is the literal goddess of the moon we’re talking about here,” Rachel said sheepishly. Artemis shot her an amused glance.

Percy looked unsure and restless, kicking at the snow with his hands stuffed in his pockets as he glanced back toward the school.

I wondered if the teachers had even noticed…With my luck, the only name Mrs. Gottschalk would remember was “Percy Jackson,” and then I’d be the subject of a nationwide manhunt…again.

The demigods allowed themselves to let out a few chuckles at Percy’s thoughts, glad for the light start.

“Your name does roll off the tongue,” Travis grinned. “Easy to remember, I would say.”

“Given my track record, that’s not a good thing,” Percy scoffed. “Teachers and cops are all too familiar with my name for my liking.”

Travis snickered before raising an eyebrow at Percy. “You good, bro?”

“I’m cold,” Percy grumbled in response, still shivering.

“You think I could help with that?” Leo questioned, already getting up. Given his whole fire thing, Leo always ran hot, emitting more heat from his body than most.

Before Percy could even answer, Leo tackled him. Annabeth let out a surprised yelp, moving out of the way before her arm got crushed by the fire user. Percy grunted under Leo’s weight, the son of Hephaestus sighing as he got comfortable, sprawling himself on top of the son of Poseidon and ignoring his muffled protests. 

“How’s that?” Leo beamed at Percy as if he wasn’t practically crushing the guy. 

“I’m not shivering anymore, if that’s what you’re asking,” Percy gave up trying to get Leo off of him, as the younger had wrapped himself around Percy like an octopus. “I physically have no space to do that.”

Leo laughed along with the rest of the teens. “You’re welcome.” He said, snuggling further into Percy’s chest. 

Percy playfully rolled his eyes before his expression softened. He was still cold—it was the curse after all—but Leo did help him warm up, even if it was just a little bit. 

Around him, the Hunters waited comfortably, not at all looking cold. Artemis was staring into the east as if waiting for something. 

“Do you guys not get cold?” Hazel asked Thalia curiously. 

Thalia shook her head. “Rarely. We’re blessed to withstand most climates because we’re always out and about. We also just got used to it.”

“Huh. Cool.”

Bianca sat off to one side with Nico, explaining something to him. Nico’s expression was gloomy as he listened to his sister. 

Nico frowned, twiddling his thumbs together as he recalled that conversation with his sister. 

“She was telling you about how she joined the Hunters, wasn’t she?” Hazel asked gently. Nico just nodded in response.

I couldn’t help thinking how selfish it was of her, abandoning her brother like that. 

Nico’s face scrunched up before looking down at his lap. 

Leo felt Percy flinch slightly from under him. Percy looked at Nico. “Sorry. I think I was just shocked that she chose to join the Hunters just like that.”

Aphrodite glanced at them, a sad look in her eyes. “No, dear. It might be painful to hear but I’m afraid there is some truth to your words.” She said gently. “However, she is only a child as well, and her motivations for joining make sense for a girl as young as she. Both of these can be true at the same time.”

Nico deflated. It hurt hearing people call his sister selfish, but it also hurt when Bianca joined the Hunt, fully knowing that he wouldn’t be able to.

Hestia hummed thoughtfully. “Bianca’s actions, though they may come across as selfish, were done because she was told that it would allow her to live as if she were in paradise. Any child would choose that.”

Percy’s breath hitched at that, and Nico had to stop himself from outwardly reacting. Thalia winced as well. 

Yeah. Paradise. Like Elysium perhaps. 

“It is in times like this that their guardians should guide them towards the right path,” Aphrodite’s voice turned stern. “It is why I think that you could have at least talked it over with Nico in the loop of things, Artemis.”

Artemis looked at Aphrodite, then at Nico, then back at Aphrodite before nodding curtly. “I understand where you are all coming from. I shall reflect on this further.”

Percy exchanged looks with Thalia. Surprisingly, the gods have been showing good progress in listening to critiques of their actions so far. They could only hope that it would continue from here. 

It probably helped that this was their first time truly seeing and hearing things from a demigod’s perspective. Instead of immediately getting offended, they actually have context and have been beginning to truly think over their actions. 

Thalia and Grover walked up to Percy. The three of them huddled together for warmth as the two asked Percy about his conversation with Artemis. 

Percy recounted what happened in the tent. Grover turned pale when he finished. ‘The last time the Hunters visited camp, it didn’t go well.’

Dionysus grumbled under his breath at the reminder. 

“Aww, look at you guys,” Katie pointed at the trio on-screen. “All bundled up together.”

“Because it was cold,” Percy had to put in the effort to stop his teeth from chattering as he said that. The additional body heat from Grover and Thalia on-screen definitely helped (along with Leo’s, he guessed), but gods was it still cold right now. 

‘How’d they even…just appeared out of nowhere.’ Percy wondered. 

Thalia’s face twisted with annoyance. ‘And Bianca joined them. It’s all Zoë’s fault. That stuck-up, no good–’

Jason looked at his sister with wide eyes. He really didn’t expect this from her given that she was literally a Hunter now. 

It also made him wonder what exactly her history was with Zoë.

Artemis had to hold herself back from reacting harshly to Thalia’s words. After all, Zoë is one of her oldest and closest friends at the moment. 

Obviously, Thalia had changed her mind about her Hunters, seeing as she was one herself. She couldn’t wait to see how exactly that had come about when she clearly had a history with them—with Zoë. 

‘Who can blame her? Eternity with Artemis.’ Grover sighed dreamily. 

Grover buried his face in his hands, cheeks burning. 

Annabeth—who had moved to sit beside him when Leo had decided to become her boyfriend’s personal heater—chuckled as she rubbed his back comfortingly. 

Thalia rolled her eyes. ‘You satyrs…never love you back?’

‘But she’s so…into nature,’ Grover swooned, ignoring Thalia’s jab. 

“I’d sure hope so.”

‘You’re nuts,’ Thalia gave Grover a look. 

‘Nuts and berries. Yeah.’ Grover said, still in the same dreamy voice. 

Thalia snorted. 

Grover buried his face in Annabeth’s shoulder, embarrassed. 

Annabeth just laughed, patting the satyr’s shoulder as the others let out laughs of their own. 

Soon, the sun began to lighten. Artemis huffed. ‘About time…lazy during the winter.’

Apollo raised an eyebrow at her sister. “As if you’re any better during the summer.”

“I happen to be out with my Hunt. What do you do?” Artemis retorted. 

‘You’re, um, waiting for sunrise?’ Percy asked. 

Artemis nodded. ‘For my brother, yes.’

I didn’t want to be rude. I mean, I knew the legends…I didn’t see how Apollo could drive the sun.

Paul was subconsciously nodding along. The sun was literally at the center of their solar system. How could Apollo drive the sun?

Apollo grinned, knowing that the mortals were curious. “It’s like this. So–”

Nico cleared his throat. “Sorry to interrupt, Lord Apollo, but you do end up trying to explain it to me later.”

Apollo blinked, mouth closing shut. “Ah. Alright then, carry on!”

“Didn’t you have, like, no idea what he was talking about?” Thalia whispered, leaning towards Nico. 

Nico shrugged and nodded. “At least he won’t be repeating himself.”

“True.”

‘It’s not exactly as you think,’ Artemis said as if sensing what Percy was thinking. 

“Nothing is, usually.”

“Which is why we’re all just perpetually confused.”

Percy blinked. ‘Oh, okay. So it’s not like he’ll be pulling up in a–’ 

A sudden burst of light bloomed on the horizon, cutting Percy off. 

‘Don’t look. Not until he parks.’ Artemis instructed. 

All of the mortals in the room looked away or closed their eyes as well. Better to be safe than sorry. 

The bright light coming from the screen filled the room. Even those with their eyes closed could tell. 

“Move,” Percy’s voice sounded out, followed by a grunt and a thump as if someone had been pushed onto the floor. 

Eventually, the light died down. 

“You can look, now,” Apollo said, pride dripping from his voice. 

The first thing people noticed was that Leo was now on the floor beside Percy’s bean bag. Percy himself was sitting up, no longer shivering but rather sweating instead. 

Apollo noticed this and grinned. “Too hot?” The god winked. 

“You wish.” Percy scoffed. 

Then, the attention was directed back at the screen. 

In front of them was a red convertible Maserati Spyder. Around the car, the snow had melted in a circle, and they were now standing on wet, green grass. 

“The sun chariot is a convertible?” Paul gaped at the screen. 

“Whenever I feel like it, yes,” Apollo answered casually. 

The god’s reply did not sate Paul’s curiosity at all.

I couldn’t believe it. It was my car. Well, the car I wanted, anyway.

“Ah, you have taste,” Apollo nodded at Percy in approval. 

“Hope you don’t mind my beat-up Prius, then.” Paul chuckled as Percy covered his face shyly, laying back on his bean bag. 

“I’m already happy that you let me drive it in the first place,” Percy replied with a sheepish smile. 

Both Paul and Sally smiled back fondly. 

It was so awesome it glowed. 

Percy blushed lightly at the display of his excitement over the car. 

“Love the sentiment,” Apollo chuckled. “And while I agree that it is awesome, it also glows because of the heat.” 

Then I realized it was glowing because the metal was hot. 

Apollo laughed. “There you go!”

“It’s hard to miss,” Percy huffed. “I’m sweating.”

The driver—about eighteen years old in appearance—got out of the car with a big smile on his face. He wore a sleeveless shirt paired with jeans and loafers. 

“Dad,” Will laughed. “Maybe tone down the excitement a little bit. You might blind everyone.”

Sure enough, Apollo’s smile was enough to blind whoever was looking straight at him. Not to mention his entire body was beginning to glow, not only emitting light but also heat. 

Annabeth passed Percy a bottle of water, as the additional heat being emitted by Apollo was not helping him at all. 

For a second, I had the uneasy feeling it was Luke…outdoorsy good looks. But it wasn’t Luke. 

Apollo’s light dimmed at the comparison as he turned to look at Percy, baffled. However, he was still called good-looking by the kid, so he wasn’t mad. 

Percy winced, immediately avoiding the sun god’s gaze and chugging the water that Annabeth handed him instead. His cheeks were slightly flushed, though if it was from the heat or because of how he had described Apollo, no one knew. 

Apollo huffed. “Is he saying that I look like you?” He pointed at Hermes. 

“Uhm, no,” Hermes slapped Apollo’s hand away, offended at the very thought of looking like Apollo or his son looking like Apollo. “It’s the blonde. And the age.”

This guy was taller…brighter and more playful. 

Apollo perked up again. He’ll take it. 

‘Wow, Apollo is hot.’ Thalia muttered. 

Thalia’s face reddened in embarrassment while Apollo’s light started growing in excitement once again. 

“Thalia!” Annabeth barked out a surprised laugh. 

“Why, thank you,” Apollo grinned brightly. Artemis ran a hand down her face with a long sigh while Will snickered into his hand. 

Thalia’s eye twitched.

‘He’s the sun god.’

‘That’s not what I meant.’

Laughter ensued due to the exchange. 

“Gods, you two,” Connor held his stomach as he laughed. Thalia just scowled while Percy snorted. 

“I don’t even remember you guys saying that!” Grover laughed. 

“Yeah, well, I wasn’t going to say it out loud for him to hear,” Thalia glared at the screen. 

“Yes, it’s a good thing that he didn’t hear you,” Artemis said dryly. Apollo just wiggled his eyebrows while the other kids continued laughing. 

“Besides,” Percy told Grover. “You were also kind of distracted by a certain goddess of nature.”

“Oh, shut up,” Grover pushed the back of his head. 

‘Little sister! What’s up?…I was getting worried!’ Apollo called out with a wide grin. 

Artemis started grumbling under her breath at that.

“Little sister?” Piper whispered, asking Jason who just shrugged in response.

If his teeth were any whiter he could’ve blinded us without the sun car. 

Apollo let out a hearty laugh, obviously enjoying his time on-screen. 

Percy slid down in his bean bag, groaning. Could his thoughts stop gassing Apollo up before the god accidentally gave them all a heat stroke?

‘I’m fine, Apollo. And I am not your little sister.’ Artemis sighed.

“Ah, there we go,” Piper nodded, her earlier confusion gone. She almost believed that she had gotten her myths wrong and missed that Apollo was Artemis’ older brother or something.

Looks like it was just siblings bickering. That made sense.

‘Hey, I was born first.’ Apollo retorted.

“I helped birth you,” Artemis said in a monotone voice.

“Whatever,” Apollo huffed.

Zeus pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation while the demigods quietly laughed amongst themselves at the ridiculousness of the argument. 

‘We’re twins! How many millennia do we have to argue—’

‘So what’s up?...need some tips on archery?’ Apollo cut his twin off. 

Artemis let out a long and deep sigh.

Hermes chuckled. Of course the twins would have their first appearance in these projections together. 

Artemis gritted her teeth. She took a deep breath before speaking once again. ‘I need a favor…take my companions to Camp Half-Blood.’ 

Sally was watching attentively. She had wanted to wait and drive the kids back after all. Now, she could see just how exactly they got back to Camp.

She definitely wasn’t expecting a god to be the one to give them a ride, nor their ride itself being the literal sun, but knowing her son and his adventures, she wasn’t all that surprised.

‘Sure, sis! I feel a haiku coming on.’ Apollo said as he raised his hand in a stop gesture. The Hunters immediately groaned as soon as they heard the word ‘haiku,’ clearly familiar with the god and his antics already.

Similar to the Hunters on-screen, Percy and Thalia groaned, dreading the god’s poetry.

Those that haven’t heard Apollo’s haikus before looked at them curiously. 

“Why?” Reyna asked. “Isn’t Lord Apollo the god of poetry as well.”

“Yes, I am,” Apollo said proudly.

“Yes, he is,” Artemis huffed at the same time. “But that doesn’t stop him from making horrible poems because he’s too focused on boasting about himself.”

Apollo cleared his throat, his hand still raised up dramatically. 

‘Green grass breaks through snow. 

Artemis pleads for my help. 

I am so cool.’

Percy dropped his head back on his bean bag and Thalia just sighed. Those that haven’t heard the god’s poetry before were stunned into silence. 

The rest of the gods were just used to this by now. 

Paul blinked. “That’s not– the last line is missing a syllable.” He said hesitantly, but couldn’t help himself as an English teacher. Sally gave him an amused grin. 

Will stifled a laugh, coughing into his hand to cover it up when he saw the unimpressed look on his dad’s face due to the reception his poem received. 

“I’ll get there. I always do.” Apollo said, peeved. 

Apollo grinned expectantly. Artemis gave him a look. ‘That…four syllables.’

Apollo frowned. ‘Was it?’

‘Yes. What about, I am so big-headed.’

Apollo wagged a finger at his twin. “That’s six syllables, sister. You can leave the poetry to me.”

“Gladly,” Artemis snorted. 

‘No, no. That’s six syllables. Hmm.’ Apollos started muttering to himself, as he thought of a better line. 

Zoë shook her head and looked at the demigods. ‘Lord Apollo has been going through this haiku phase…goddess from Sparta–’ she began to rant, but Apollo cut her off. 

‘I’ve got it! I am so awesome. That’s five syllables!’ Apollo exclaimed, bowing and looking very proud of himself. 

“That…works, I guess,” Paul muttered. Sally snickered quietly beside him. 

‘And now…Good timing. I was just about ready to roll.’ Apollo nodded towards his car.

‘These demigods will also need a ride. Some of Chiron’s campers.’ Artemis pointed in Percy’s direction. 

‘No problem!’ Apollo turned to face them, scanning them one by one. 

Percy shifted uncomfortably. No matter how laid back Apollo presented himself, he was still a god. Being on the receiving end of a god’s scrutinizing gaze was always going to be uncomfortable. 

The sun god then turned towards Thalia first. ‘Let’s see…Thalia, right? I’ve heard all about you.’  

Thalia blushed. ‘Hi, Lord Apollo.’

“ARGH!” Thalia loudly let out in her embarrassment, flopping onto her back and covering her face.

Apollo grinned at Thalia. “It’s quite alright, sister. I know I look godly.”

“Well, you are a god.” Artemis pointed out. 

“You know what I mean.”

Thalia looked sick. “Now is the worst possible time to call me sister,” she groaned.

Beside her, both Percy and Nico were snickering at her current struggle. She glared at the both of them but they both just avoided her gaze. Jason, on the other hand, sat flustered, not knowing what to think about the whole exchange. 

Annabeth and Grover had no reserves. They were just straight-up laughing at Thalia’s predicament. Thalia turned her glare to face them. 

“Now we’re even,” Grover grinned at Thalia. 

Annabeth shook her head as she laughed. She expected Grover’s reaction to meeting Artemis, but she wasn’t sure she expected Thalia’s reaction to meeting Apollo. 

But then again, Thalia was fresh out of being a tree, and the only god she had met up until that point was Dionysus. 

Now, especially now that she was a Hunter, she was definitely more desensitized to the gods, making her reactions to her past self even funnier. 

‘Zeus’s girl, yes? Makes you my half sister…Man, I remember one time–’

‘Brother. You should get going.’ Artemis cut Apollo off to stop him from getting distracted. 

“Oh, thank the gods,” Thalia relaxed, relieved that the attention was now off of her. 

“Don’t thank them just yet,” Percy told her quietly, an eyebrow raised. “You’ll be back in the spotlight in a bit.”

Thalia just groaned. 

‘Oh, right.’ Apollo blinked. Then, he turned to face Percy. His eyes narrowed. ‘Percy Jackson?’ 

Percy tensed. 

‘Yeah. I mean…yes, sir.’

I seemed weird calling a teenager ‘sir,’ but…tended to get offended easily. Then they blew stuff up. 

“Yeah, that didn’t last long didn’t it?” Annabeth gave Percy a pointed look. Much like Thalia, Percy was also very much desensitized to the presence of the gods at this point given how many times he’s had to deal with them face-to-face. 

Percy just shrugged at her. 

Apollo seemed to study Percy with his narrowed gaze. He was silent as he did it, causing Percy to shift uncomfortably under his suddenly intense stare. 

Apollo raised a brow before glancing at Percy. 

“Do you think you sensed something in relation to the Great Prophecy?” Artemis asked Apollo in a hushed whisper. 

“Possibly,” Apollo narrowed his eyes at Percy. “If only my prophetic senses weren’t blocked right now. I’d love to know what it is I sensed with him.”

The other gods looked between Apollo and Percy. This seemed to be yet another sign that pointed to Percy being the prophecy child. 

‘Well!’ Apollo finally looked away, clapping his hands together. ‘We’d better load up…one way—west. And if you miss it, you miss it.’

Percy finally relaxed, shuddering slightly. “Ugh. That was so creepy.”

Annabeth had similar thoughts. Apollo was faced with both Percy and Thalia, and yet he only reacted that way with Percy even if Thalia was older at the time. “He sensed something with you. Great Prophecy-related, probably.”

Percy frowned as he thought about it as well. Annabeth squeezed his shoulder. 

“Isn’t that car a two-seater?” Leo bounced in his place. “You guys are, like, twenty people or so.”

“Not a problem,” Apollo grinned. 

‘Cool car,’ Nico said. 

‘Thanks, kid,’ Apollo nodded. 

‘But how will we all fit?’ Nico asked. 

“Thanks for asking,” Leo nodded. 

“Yeah, sure,” Nico snorted amusedly. 

‘Oh…hate to change out of sports-car mode, but I suppose…’ Apollo took out his car keys and pressed one of the buttons. 

Along with the chirping alarm sound, the car glowed brightly once again. When the light died down, the car had been replaced with a school bus. ‘Right. Everybody in.’

“And now the sun chariot is a bus,” Paul gaped. “Okay. Yeah, sure.”

“Cool, right,” Apollo boasted. “Though I do prefer the sports car mode.”

Zoë instructed the Hunters to start loading their things. Apollo watched as she picked up her bag and said, ‘Here, sweetheart. Let me get that.’ 

Zoë immediately recoiled away from his outstretched hand, her eyes flashing dangerously. 

Artemis sighed, exasperated. “You never learn.”

“Just trying to offer a helping hand,” Apollo replied. 

‘Brother…not call them sweetheart.’ Artemis chided. 

Apollo spread his hands. ‘Sorry. I forgot…off to anyway?’ He asked. 

‘Hunting. It’s none of your business.’ Artemis answered. 

Apollo crossed his arms, expression turning stern at the reminder of what Artemis wanted to do. “With how dangerous this is, it might as well be my business.”

Artemis softened. “I’m sure I’ll be fine, brother.”

Thalia winced, exchanging a glance with Percy and Grover. Yeah, Apollo wasn’t going to like this. 

‘I’ll find out. I see all. Know all.’ Apollo said. 

Apollo nodded along with his future self’s words. “And once I find out, I’m sure I won’t be able to leave it alone.”

Zeus eyed his son, but Apollo just ignored him. 

Percy muttered something under his breath, mentioning something about ‘incognito’ and ‘Fred.’ Thalia gave him an amused glance. 

Artemis snorted. ‘Just drop them off, Apollo. And no messing around!’ 

Apollo grinned at her. ‘No, no. I never mess around.’

“Sure,” Hermes said, beating Artemis to it. 

Artemis rolled her eyes before turning to Zoë and the demigods. ‘I will see you by winter solstice…Do well. Do as I would do.’ She told Zoë. 

‘Yes, my lady.’ Zoë straightened as she nodded. 

“Gods,” Thalia’s face scrunched up as she whispered, looking down. “Knowing what happens makes this so…”

Percy frowned, nodding in agreement. 

Artemis nodded back before kneeling down and touching the ground as if looking for tracks. She rose, looking troubled. ‘So much danger. The beast must be found.’ She said before sprinting off and disappearing into the woods. 

“You’re really doing this,” Apollo looked upset. “Alone at that.”

“You know I must, brother.” Artemis rested a hand on his shoulder. “Especially if the beast is what we think it is.”

Apollo turned and grinned at his passengers. He jangled the car keys on his finger. ‘So, who wants to drive?’

Hera blinked, before turning to face her stepson. “You are willing to let a mortal child drive the sun chariot? Are you mad?”

She suspected that the Hunters would want nothing to do with this, so that would leave her niece and nephews. Unless the satyr volunteered. 

“What’s the harm?” Apollo shrugged, although he was also slightly surprised that he was offering up the driver's seat so quickly. Was he that bored in the future?

“What’s the harm?” Artemis raised an eyebrow. “How about setting the path from Maine to Long Island in flames?”

“What?” Sally asked, alarmed.

“It’s the sun chariot,” Chiron sighed, exasperated. “You are essentially driving the sun. Drive too fast and too close to the ground, you burn everything around you. Drive too far from the surface, and everything freezes over.”

“And you want a child to drive it,” Hades massaged his temples. He couldn’t believe his children were about to ride the sun chariot when it wasn’t manned by Apollo himself. He turned towards the children that were present at the time. “Did any of you at least have an idea of how to drive a car back then?”

Both Thalia and Nico shook their heads. “Still don’t,” Thalia added. 

Grover made a so-so gesture. Percy nodded. “I’ve driven mom’s car around by then.”

“Percy drives well,” Paul commented. 

Hades, and the other worried gods, seemed to relax a bit at that. At least there was someone who knew how to drive somewhat. 

Little did they know, it wasn’t even Percy who drove the sun chariot. Thalia sunk further into her seat as Percy, Nico, and Grover all exchanged amused looks. 

The Hunters piled into the van, cramming themselves all the way in the back as far from both the driver’s seat and all the guys as possible. Bianca sat with them. 

Aphrodite frowned, shooting Nico a concerned look. “Isn’t that a bit cold? I mean, she could have spared some time to sit with you if she plans on staying with the Hunters once they leave Camp, no?”

Percy looked down at his hands. He had thought the same thing. 

Nico didn’t answer, not meeting the goddess’ or anyone else’s eyes. He remembered being cross with Bianca after she had broken the news to him, which was why the projection of his past self didn’t seem to mind. 

‘This is so cool!’ Nico jumped up and down near the driver’s seat. 

Aphrodite couldn’t help but smile. “Well, I’m glad you are at least still able to find excitement in times like this.”

‘Is this really the sun? I thought Helios and Selene…How come sometimes it’s them and sometimes it’s you and Artemis?’ Nico rapid-fired. 

The twins shared amused looks at Nico. “You are a knowledgeable one, aren’t you?” Apollo laughed. “I appreciate it.”

Nico’s cheeks dusted pink. “Blame the Mythomagic.”

“I assume my brother explains?” Artemis asked. “If not, I can explain it right now.”

Nico nodded. “He does.”

‘Downsizing. The Romans started it…folded their duties into our job descriptions. My sis got the moon. I got the sun. It was pretty annoying at first but at least I got this cool car.’ Apollo explained. 

The Romans shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Obviously, it was none of their faults, but it was still awkward. 

“Wow,” Pollux tilted his head. “Well, that was an effective way to describe it.” He said, slightly impressed. He never thought of it as Helios and Selene getting laid off from their jobs before. 

Apollo just grinned, giving him a tiny salute. 

“I just wanted to add,” Artemis nodded. “That while Apollo and I are now in charge of the moon and sun, so to speak, Selene and Helios were not merely in charge, but rather they were the personifications of the moon and sun respectively.”

The children nodded, most of them having at least a bit of that knowledge beforehand already. Artemis just further confirmed it. 

The teacher within Paul, on the other hand, was ecstatic. He drank in every little bit of information he could every time the gods answered a question like this. He’ll never get a better source of information than the gods themselves. 

‘But how does it work? I thought the sun was a big fiery ball of gas!’ Nico followed up. 

Artemis chuckled. “That would be because of me.”

“Really?” Paul gaped, before clearing his throat as he remembered who he directed it at. “Umm, sorry.”

Artemis waved her hand. She didn’t mind. She knew how exciting this must be for a mortal. A mortal teacher no less. 

Apollo chuckled, ruffling Nico’s hair. ‘That rumor…Artemis used to call me a big fiery ball of gas.’

Katie leaned over to Travis and Connor. “Damn, stuff like that is what reminds me that they’re twins.” She whispered, pertaining to off-screen Artemis’ and on-screen Apollo’s reactions to Nico’s question. They had both chuckled at Nico in the exact same way. 

“You’re right,” Travis agreed. 

‘Seriously, kid, it depends on whether you’re talking astronomy or philosophy…The chariot is a manifestation of the sun’s power, the way mortals perceive it. Makes sense?’ 

“No,” The teens all chorused. 

‘No.’ Nico shook his head. 

“Still don’t really get it,” Nico confessed. 

“It’s alright, none of us do,” Grover sympathized. Beside him, Annabeth opened her mouth to speak, but Grover covered it before she could say anything. 

Sally rubbed her temples. “That was…a lot to take in.” 

Paul nodded in agreement, his blank face indicating that he wasn’t able to fully grasp it either. 

Apollo waved his hand dismissively. “All you need to know is that I drive the sun across the sky every day, Artemis the moon, and the solar system still exists.”

‘Well then, just think of it as a really powerful, really dangerous solar car.’ Apollo said. 

“That too,” Apollo nodded. 

“I’ll never understand this life,” Percy huffed. 

“You can say that again,” Clarisse grumbled in agreement. 

‘Can I drive?’ Nico asked next. 

Apollo shook his head immediately. ‘No. Too young.’

Hades let out a sigh of relief. 

Nico wanted to be offended, but he understood his father’s reaction. “I probably would have been just as bad as you.” He whispered to Thalia. “Or worse because I was an over-excited ten-year-old.”

Thalia just scowled. 

‘Oo! Oo!’ Grover raised his hand. 

Apollo shook his head again. ‘Mm, no. Too furry.’

“Ouch,” Grover placed a hand over his heart. 

“You were worried about the fur and not the, oh I don’t know, hooves?” Will asked his dad, laughing slightly. 

Apollo shrugged. “They shed.”

“Okay, can’t deny that,” Grover shrugged, as if he wasn’t just acting hurt a moment ago. That set off some giggles from the demigods. 

Apollo looked right past Percy and directly at Thalia. 

Hades’ eyes widened. “Don’t tell me…”

One at least knew the basics of driving, the other did not have experience at all. The choice should have been obvious. 

‘Daughter of Zeus! Lord of the sky. Perfect.’ 

Zeus raised an eyebrow, sitting up slightly in interest. Poseidon and Hades, on the other hand, stilled. 

“What.” Hades blurted out. Thalia just groaned into her hands.

“Didn’t you say you didn’t know how to drive?” Poseidon asked his niece. Thalia nodded. “At all?” Poseidon prodded. Thalia nodded again, head still in her hands. 

“But you did?” Hades asked his nephew. “Know how to drive, I mean.”

Percy shrugged and nodded. “More or less, sure.”

Poseidon and Hades turned to face Apollo, both of them not needing to say more. Their faces looked at him as if to say, isn’t there obviously a safer choice?

Well, the safest choice was that Apollo drives it, but if he really must ask one of the demigods, there was arguably a "safer" option. 

Zeus frowned. “Well, the sun chariot drives through the sky, no? Wouldn’t a child of mine make sense?”

“That must have been my train of thought,” Apollo mused.

Poseidon ran a hand down his face. Hades looked at a loss for words.

Jason, Hazel, and Nico all looked at each other before laughing a little. They couldn’t lie. Their fathers and uncles were entertaining. Thalia was too busy hiding in her hands to notice, while Percy…

Percy looked annoyed? 

Hazel furrowed her eyebrows. She’d have expected him to be laughing along with them, but right now, he looked somewhat annoyed. Hazel frowned. Was it the curse, then?

‘Oh, no. No thanks.’ Thalia shook her head adamantly. 

Hades and Poseidon nodded, feeling hopeful that Apollo would choose someone else to drive. 

‘C’mon. How old are you?’ Apollo asked.

Thalia hesitated. ‘I don’t know.’ 

It was sad, but true…So she should be nineteen, if you went by years. But she still felt like she was twelve, and if you looked at her, she seemed somewhere in between.

“That’s…complicated.” Chris blinked in confusion.

“Tell me about it,” Thalia sighed. 

The best Chiron could figure…much more slowly.

Chiron nodded. “It’s the most plausible explanation, otherwise you would have come out of that tree either as a twelve-year-old or a nineteen-year-old.”

“Either of those two outcomes would have made things less complicated but nooo, I just had to come out as a fifteen-year-old and stress everyone out because I was almost sixteen.” Thalia grumbled in one breath. 

Nico awkwardly gave her a pat on the back. “There, there, I guess.”

‘You’re fifteen, almost sixteen.’ Apollo concluded. 

Thalia looked at him skeptically. ‘How do you know that?’

‘Hey, I’m the god of prophecy…sixteen in about a week.’ Apollo said, confident in his answer. 

“A week?” Zeus’ eyebrows shot up. 

“You become a Hunter not long after this, then,” Artemis looked at Thalia intently. “As your physical age is fifteen, yes?”

“Yeah,” Thalia nodded. 

Artemis leaned back. That meant that something had happened to her and Zoë in the span of only a week and ended up with Thalia not only being a Hunter, but also her lieutenant. A week. 

‘That’s my birthday! December twenty-second.’ Thalia exclaimed, surprised. 

Jason’s eyes widened as he suddenly realized something. “I didn’t get to celebrate your birthday properly because of the whole quest to save, you know,” He frowned as he spoke quietly to his sister, pertaining to his quest to save Hera last winter. 

Thalia turned so that her whole upper body faced him, and rested a hand on his arm. “Being reunited with you was enough of a celebration for me, Jase.” She smiled at him, squeezing his arm. 

Jason gave a small, bashful smile back. 

‘Which means…drive with a learner’s permit!’ Apollo said excitedly. 

“And we’re back,” Hades lamented. “I was hoping you’d have dropped this.”

“I should be offended that your dad is so against me driving,” Thalia told Nico. “But I can’t even blame him, especially since he has two of his children on the bus.”

Nico just snorted in response. 

“It’s not like you completely suck at driving, though,” Percy murmured. “It’s just that the bus flies.”

Thalia bit her lip. Gods, everyone would find out about her relationship with heights, wouldn’t they?

‘Uh—’ Thalia shuffled her feet nervously. 

Apollo gave her an encouraging grin. ‘I know what you’re going to say. You don’t deserve an honor like driving the sun chariot.’

Hermes shoved Apollo. “Dude.”

“What?” Apollo sat back up. “Can’t a god be proud of his sun chariot?”

‘That’s not what I was going to say.’ Thalia protested. 

“Please let her be a passenger and just drive the chariot yourself instead,” Hades said in a frustrated tone. 

‘Don’t sweat it!…You’re Zeus’s daughter. He’s not going to blast you out of the sky.’ Apollo laughed good-naturedly. No one joined him.

“Is that why you didn’t even consider asking my son if he could drive?” Poseidon scowled. “You do know that he’s going to be on the bus anyway, right? Along with two children of Hades?”

Apollo shrugged. “Maybe. You’re asking me like I should know.”

“Either way,” Zeus frowned at his son. “The sun chariot is your domain. I would not blast the sun chariot out of the sky. Half of the world would freeze over while the other half would burn in flames.”

Sally and Paul exchanged incredulous looks at the way the king of the gods said that so casually. 

“Well, given that you told my son you’d blast him out of the sky the next time he flew, I don’t exactly blame Apollo for thinking that you would do just that.” Poseidon retorted. 

“Oh, so now you’re on my side.”

“I said no such thing, Apollo. I am simply stating a fact.”

“That aside,” Hades huffed. “This just means that the girl is not the only option to be their driver. You could have at least asked Perseus if he wanted to drive or if he knew how to drive. You’d think you’d have more concern over your chariot.” He ended in a grumble. 

“I can’t believe I’m seeing all three of the Big Three radiating nervous energy. Not to mention, all at the same time.” Thalia muttered.

“We have you to thank for that,” Nico replied. Thalia shot him a glare. “But yeah, I guess that’s what happens when they each have a child of theirs involved, all of whom are on the same side too.”

Thalia tried to protest, but Apollo didn’t let up one bit. He pushed Thalia into the driver’s seat and hit a button on the dashboard. A sign popped up on the windshield that read WARNING: STUDENT DRIVER. 

“Why does your chariot even have that?” Hades groaned in exasperation. 

“In case I felt like training someone to drive my chariot, obviously.”

“That was rhetorical, nephew.”

‘Take it away! You’re gonna be a natural!’ Apollo beamed. 

“Famous last words,” Thalia muttered. 

I’ll admit I was jealous. 

Thalia’s eyebrows shot up as she looked at Percy, but he avoided everyone’s gaze and looked down at his lap. In her fear, she hadn’t even noticed how Percy felt back then. 

Ah, Hazel realized. This must be why Percy had looked annoyed earlier. 

I couldn’t wait to start driving…and this was the sun chariot, but how different could it be?

“Well, this flies, for one,” Poseidon pursed his lips. 

“But having driving experience helps,” Apollo chirped. 

Hades gave him a look. “Yes. Yet you went ahead and chose the one without driving experience.”

Apollo raised his hands up in surrender. “Hey. I’m seeing this for the first time just as you all are.”

Both Poseidon and Hades grumbled in annoyance, but Apollo’s words were true. 

‘Speed equals heat…good altitude before you really open her up.’ Apollo instructed. 

Thalia gripped the wheel so tight that her knuckles were white. She looked like she was going to be sick. 

Jason looked worried as he looked at his sister on-screen. Not wanting to drive was one thing, but this seemed to be more than that. 

‘What’s wrong?’ Percy asked, pushing his jealousy aside when he saw Thalia’s state. 

‘Nothing. N-nothing is wrong.’ Thalia said, but her voice shook. 

“Are you okay?” Jason finally asked. 

Thalia just sighed. “You’ll probably see why I reacted this way, soon.”

Dread filled both Poseidon and Hades when they heard the way Thalia’s voice shook on-screen. Zeus furrowed his eyebrows at the tone. Even Apollo eyed his half-sister warily. 

Thalia pulled back on the wheel harshly. The bus lurched upward so fast that Percy fell back and crashed into Grover. 

Percy yelped, as he fell from his sitting position and crashed backward into his beanbag. 

“Oh gods,” Thalia covered her mouth with her hand. This would be her first time seeing what happened on the bus. Back then, she couldn’t notice anything other than the fact that they were flying, and that she was the one at the wheel. 

“Too fast,” Apollo grimaced.

That did nothing to calm Hades or Poseidon down. Or Sally, for that matter. 

‘Ow,’ Grover said. 

‘Sorry,’ Percy winced. 

‘Slower!’ Apollo said. 

‘Sorry!’ Thalia said through gritted teeth. 

“This is both worrying and comical,” Connor bit the inside of his cheek. 

“Terrifying if you were inside,” Grover supplied. 

Percy managed to get up on his feet. As he got up, he looked out at the window. From where they’d taken off, there was a smoking ring of trees. 

Thalia winced, seeing what she had accidentally caused by merely taking off too fast. 

“Whoa,” Frank’s eyes widened. No wonder the rest of the gods were so against someone other than Apollo driving the bus, much less a kid driving it.

‘Thalia, lighten up on the accelerator.’ Percy said after seeing the smoking trees. 

‘I’ve got it, Percy,’ Thalia ground out, but she kept it floored. 

“Your foot was all the way down on the accelerator,” Nico pointed out. 

“Thanks for that wonderful observation,” Thalia grumbled. 

‘Loosen up,’ Percy told her. 

‘I’m loose!’ Thalia retorted. She was as stiff as a board. 

“Thalia, you’re as stiff as a tree,” Annabeth said. 

Thalia gave her a betrayed look. “You couldn’t have made a better comparison?”

Annabeth just laughed at her expression, not sorry at all. 

“I love how you focused on that and not how she said you were stiff as hell,” Grover snorted. 

Thalia shrugged. “Because I was,” She said, gesturing at the screen. “I just thought I wasn’t back then, though.”

“You have a death grip on that thing,” Clarisse snorted. 

“I see that now,” Thalia groaned. 

‘We need to veer south for Long Island. Hang a left.’ Apollo told Thalia. 

She jerked the wheel, once again throwing Percy into Grover.

Percy yelped once again as he was thrown off his bean bag and, this time, into Leo who yelled out in surprise at the sudden weight. They both groaned. 

“Sorry, just…give me a second.” Percy caught his breath. 

“Let’s make it a short second,” Leo grunted. “You’re heavy.”

“This is payback for a while ago,” Percy grumbled, but peeled himself off of Leo and situated himself back on his bean bag. 

“I did it to keep you warm!” Leo crossed his arms, pouting exaggeratedly. Percy let out a short huff air before pushing Leo’s face away.

“How are you so calm?” Poseidon looked at Apollo incredulously. “She did not even go left.”

Thalia flushed. She was hoping no one would notice. 

‘The other left,’ Apollo suggested.

Thalia stifled another groan. Damn it. So what if she got her lefts and rights confused?

“It’s fine, Thals,” Annabeth chuckled, reaching over to pat Thalia on the shoulder. “Consistently getting confused with left and right is actually one of the signs of dyslexia, you know?”

“Huh,” Thalia muttered. “Well, that explains things.”

“How are you so calm?” Hades repeated Poseidon’s earlier question.

Apollo just shrugged. “Better to stay calm than accidentally cause her to panic even more. I think the better question is why your kid looks like he is in an amusement park.”

Sure enough, off to the side of the screen, Nico had a huge smile plastered on his face with his hands raised up high as if he were riding a rollercoaster. 

“Oh my gods,” Nico’s cheeks burned and he slammed his face down into a pillow. “Ignore the overexcited kid, please.” He begged, voice muffled by the pillow.

The rest of the teens couldn’t help but laugh. 

“Were you not thrown around like Percy and Grover were?” Pollux asked with an amused smile.

“I was,” Nico replied, still talking into the pillow. “But did I care? Not really.”

“And this is why it’s important to wear your seatbelts, kids,” Leo grinned. “Look at the Hunters. They’re fine. Mostly.”

Hades still looked extremely worried, but seeing his son with a huge smile plastered on his face on-screen helped curb the worry a little bit.

Percy got back up and looked out the window once more. They were around airplane height by now. They were so high that the sky was beginning to look black.

Apollo’s eyes widened. “That’s…a bit too high.”

“A bit?” Artemis asked, an eyebrow raised. Honestly, seeing this just makes her more grateful that she inherited the moon chariot and not the sun chariot. At least she didn’t have to worry about accidentally burning or freezing an entire area. 

Although, she could accidentally cause a tsunami due to the moon’s gravitational pull on the tides, but whatever. 

‘Ah…a little lower, sweetheart. Cape Cod is freezing over.’ Apollo said. His tone was now obviously that of someone who was forcing himself to sound calmer. 

“At least it was winter?” Paul said, his tone going up towards the end of his sentence. 

“Not so calm now, huh, ‘Pollo?” Hermes snorted. 

Thalia tilted the wheel to go lower. Percy looked towards Thalia, and his expression turned worried. Her face was extremely pale, and her forehead was beaded with sweat. 

Jason sat up, alarmed as he saw Thalia’s state on-screen. “You’re not okay. Thalia, what–”

“It doesn’t last, Jason. I’ll be fine.” Thalia tried to reassure her brother. 

Something was definitely wrong. I’d never seen her like this.

Annabeth also looked extremely worried. “Percy’s right. What’s wrong?”

Thalia shook her head wordlessly. As of now, only Percy knew what was wrong with her at that moment, which meant they would all find out soon enough. She’d rather the projection explain and not have to admit it herself. 

Before anyone could question her further, Percy suddenly let out a small scream before trying to stifle it as his eyes shut tightly. Everyone quickly saw why as the projection continued. 

The bus pitched down. Percy, along with mostly everyone else on board, screamed as they plunged toward the Atlantic Ocean. Apollo got thrown all the way to the back of the bus. 

Percy let out a string of curses under his breath as he clutched tightly onto the bean bag with his fists. He absolutely despised the feeling of falling for many obvious reasons, more so now than back then. 

It didn’t help that the bus was getting hotter and that he could feel the rise in temperature. 

Annabeth shuffled forward, resting a hand on Percy’s shoulder. 

Thalia had to close her eyes and took a deep breath, swallowing. The way the projection surrounded them made it way too easy to imagine that they were really free-falling right now. 

A few of the other demigods were having the same problem, such as Leo and Hazel. Another few were like on-screen Nico and treated it as if they were riding a rollercoaster. 

Sally had to hold back her smile as she watched some of the demigods cheer in delight. It was almost easy to forget that they were currently watching her son and his friends plummet towards the ocean while on a bus. 

Apollo clasped his hands in front of his mouth as he watched himself get thrown to the back of the bus. Hades was looking at him like it was his fault. 

His uncle’s daughter was completely fine, if not a bit shaken, while his son was enjoying the damn thing, so why was he getting all the heat for this?

Hades narrowed his eyes at him as if sensing his thoughts. 

Apollo started climbing up the rows of seats. Grover was holding onto one of the seats for dear life as he looked at Apollo desperately. ‘Take the wheel!’ The satyr pleaded. 

‘No worries,’ Apollo said, looking worried. 

“Don’t be rash, brother,” Artemis groaned. “Take the wheel. She is obviously not enjoying this, either.”

Apollo dusted his jeans as he continued, ' She just has to learn to—WHOA!’

“Oh my gods!”

“Pull up! Pull up! Pull up!”

Down below them was a little snow-covered New England town. As they got closer, the snow melted everywhere. The white steeple of a church turned brown and started smoldering. Plumes of smoke were starting to emerge from all over town. Trees and rooftops started catching fire. 

“Holy shit!” Rachel exclaimed. “I think I heard about this on the news! Multiple fires suddenly started in some town in New England out of nowhere in the middle of winter, and then they just stopped!”

“It was on the news?” Thalia asked. She could feel her cheeks heating up. 

“Well, it was kind of hard to ignore,” Rachel pointed out. “Especially in the middle of winter.” 

“How did they explain it?” Thalia asked hesitantly. 

Rachel shrugged. “Some freak accident? I honestly can’t remember.”

‘Pull up!’ Percy yelled. 

“Gods,” Thalia winced again. “I’m so sorry, Perce, I must have stressed you out so much. I barely noticed at the time.”

Seriously, this whole entire time on the sun chariot, Percy did nothing but try to help her drive the bus properly. Unfortunately, she was too terrified to even listen back then. 

There was a wild look in Thalia’s eyes as she yanked back on the wheel. The bus zoomed up immediately. The fires in the town got snuffed out by the sudden blast of cold, as seen through the back window. 

Percy’s grip on his bean bag tightened as he flattened himself against it. “It’s alright,” He answered Thalia in a strained voice. “I get it now.”

“This is crazy,” Paul muttered, watching the screen with wide eyes. He, too, had heard about the freak fires in a little town in Rhode Island. Of course it had something to do with this world, and of course his stepson was involved in one way or another. 

‘There! Long Island, dead ahead…Dead is only an expression.’ Apollo pointed in front of them. 

“Camp!” Katie pointed excitedly. “I can see Camp!” You’re almost there!”

“Oh, thank the gods,” Leo muttered, rubbing at his forehead. 

‘I’m under control. I’m under control.’ Thalia kept repeating under her breath. 

Jason kept glancing worriedly at his sister. 

They were getting closer. ‘Brake,’ Apollo said. 

It was like Thalia couldn’t hear him as she kept reassuring herself. ‘I can do this.’

The demigods all yelled out in alarm as the bus got nearer and nearer to Camp. 

“Thalia!”

“Hit the brakes! The brakes!”

‘BRAKE!’ Apollo boomed. 

Thalia slammed her foot on the brake. The bus lurched forward at a dangerous angle and slammed into the canoe lake with a deafening sound. Water splashed and steam billowed up everywhere, scaring the naiads out of the water.

For the final time this episode, Percy once again got thrown forward and off his bean bag. 

Multiple people had to watch through their fingers as the bus crashed into the lake, projected water splashing all around them while projected steam filled the room. 

“That was…”

“Terrifying!”

“Crazy!”

“Absolutely insane!”

“I remember this!”

The children broke out into loud chatter as the steam cleared up. 

The gods were stunned into silence as they all collectively turned to look at Apollo who had the decency to look sheepish. 

“At least you crashed into the lake,” Poseidon deadpanned. If they had crashed anywhere else, that area would have burned down.  

The bus bobbed to the surface. Around it were some capsized and half-melted canoes. 

‘Well…everything under control! Let’s go see if we boiled anyone important shall we?’ Apollo said with a brave smile plastered on his face before the projection ended. 

Percy groaned, dropping his head onto the ground. He made no effort to get up. “I don’t know if I prefer this or the Gray Sisters.”

Thalia made a face, falling onto her back, and sprawling herself on the floor. “Well, at least that’s over.” 

“So, dear nephew,” Hades said, deathly calm as he looked at the sun god. “What have we learned from this? What will you be doing in our timeline should this happen?”

Apollo scratched the back of his head. “Let Percy drive?”

“No. Drive your gods damned chariot yourself.”

Chapter Text

“Father, it’s fine,” Nico sighed in an attempt to stop Hades from glaring at Apollo who, mind you, has not done anything yet. “We made it to Camp in one piece.”

Hades glanced at his son before sighing. “Oh, alright.” He relented. Apollo shot the son of Hades a grateful look.

“And you,” Nico nudged Percy with his foot. The son of Poseidon was still sprawled face down on the floor. “Might as well start the next one.”

Percy groaned before slowly getting up. “Fine,” he grumbled, dragging the word out as he grudgingly went to activate the next episode. 

They were onto the fifth one now, already a quarter of the way through. Percy wasn't sure what exactly would be included in this episode. After all, they still spent a bit of time at Camp before actually leaving for the quest.

Percy, Grover, Thalia, Nico, and the Hunters all climbed out of the bus one by one. Percy looked around, quite surprised. There was light snowfall, even inside the borders. Frost covered the track and fields, while the cabins were decorated with lights—tiny balls of fire that looked like Christmas lights.

The Romans’ eyes widened. Even Piper and Leo looked amazed.

“Whoa,” Piper blinked. “Is this what Camp usually looks like during the holidays? It’s beautiful.”

“Are those Christmas lights?” Frank’s eyes narrowed at the screen in an attempt to get a closer look. “Wait, no. They’re like, fireballs.”

Leo lit up. “You’re right!”

Percy looked at Leo, Piper, and Jason, confused. “Weren’t you guys just there during the winter?”

Piper shrugged. “They didn’t even let snow inside the barriers when we were there.”

The senior counselors exchanged looks. “Well, uhh, we weren’t exactly in a festive mood…” Will eventually sighed. Annabeth looked down.

Percy frowned. “Oh.”

Percy looked around in wonder.

I’d never seen Camp Half-Blood in winter before, and the snow surprised me.

“I forget that you’re not a year-rounder, Percy,” Hazel said. “I feel like you’ve known all of these things since forever.”

Jason hummed in agreement before noticing something as the projection panned around Camp Half-Blood. “What’s that over there? In the top window of the Big House?”

Sure enough, there was a fire flickering in the attic window of the Big House. 

“I do not know, actually,” Chiron frowned. “I have never noticed that.”

“I thought the Oracle just wanted to roast marshmallows for the winter or something,” Percy mumbled. He received various looks, either weirded out or amused at the mental image. “What?” He huffed. 

“Ugh, I don’t even want to think about that,” Piper shuddered, remembering how the past Oracle looked from when it was shown back in Percy’s first quest. 

The campers who were there that winter shared looks with each other. It was probably no coincidence that this was also around the time that the Oracle literally left the attic. 

They all still had no idea how that even happened, just that it was creepy. 

‘Whoa. Is that a climbing wall?’ Nico marveled as he got out of the bus. 

‘Yeah.’ Percy confirmed.

‘Why is there lava pouring down it?’ 

Katie grinned, shaking her head. “That’s always the question, isn’t it?”

“Well, it’s not exactly something you see every day,” Sally chuckled. “Except for you guys, of course.”

‘Little extra challenge. Come on. I’ll introduce you to Chiron.’

“Oh, you know, it’s just for a little bit of difficulty. No biggie.”

‘Zoë, have you met—’ Percy continued, turning to Zoë. 

‘I know Chiron. Tell him we will be in Cabin Eight. Hunters, follow me.’ Zoë cut Percy off, speaking in a stiff tone. 

Piper tilted her head. “Not very friendly, this one. Except with the Hunters, I guess.”

Percy and Thalia exchanged looks. “It’s complicated,” Percy pursed his lips. “But I know for a fact you’ll be learning more about her in this set of projections.” He sighed. 

‘I’ll show you the way,’ Grover offered.

Zoë shook her head. ‘We know the way.’ 

‘Oh, really, it’s no trouble…Come on!’ Grover insisted, even tripping over a canoe in the process but not minding it at all. Zoë rolled her eyes, but gave up on trying to stop the satyr.

“Oh my gods,” Grover moaned, covering his face in embarrassment. “Take a hint, Underwood!” He scolded himself.

Annabeth stifled a laugh behind her hand as she patted Grover’s back consolingly. The other demigods giggling at the way Grover tripped wasn’t helping her hold in that laughter at all. 

The Hunters all took their packs and bows, and followed Zoë and Grover towards the cabins. Before leaving, Bianca leaned over to whisper something in Nico’s ear. She looked at him expectantly for an answer, but the younger just scowled and turned away from his sister.

Aphrodite frowned, glancing over at Nico who looked saddened once again. 

She really couldn’t help but feel for the siblings. One just wanted to be free of responsibility—it was easy to see that Bianca had been the only one responsible for Nico, while only just a child herself. The other one had his sister taken away from him when all he’s known was to follow her.

Nico looked down. He had been upset at Bianca. Sometimes he wished that instead of pushing her away out of anger, he had clung on. Be an annoying little brother for just a little bit longer, at least until after the quest was over.

But really, he couldn’t have known how it was going to end. 

‘Take care, sweethearts!’ Apollo called out after the Hunters who all ignored him. Apollo then turned to Percy, winking at him. ‘Watch out for those prophecies, Percy. I’ll see you soon.’ 

Annabeth blinked in surprise, catching Chiron’s eye. The centaur’s eyebrows were raised at Apollo’s words. Once again, even with Thalia present, Apollo sensed something with Percy and not Thalia. Nor Nico, for that matter.

Percy scowled. He had forgotten about this.

Artemis glanced at her twin. “Not even just one prophecy, huh?”

Apollo shrugged. “Must be a special guy.”

Percy’s scowl deepened. Sure, maybe it was a general warning—he had gone on to be a part of two quests with prophecies after this after all, namely the quest to find Artemis and the quest in the Labyrinth. Three if he also counted the quest to free Thanatos. However, the warning felt as if the Fates were laughing in his face when he was the subject of not one, but two Great Prophecies on top of everything.

“Thanks for the warning,” Percy eventually grumbled.

Apollo, completely ignoring the sheer annoyance radiating from Percy at the moment, grinned at him. “No problem!” He said cheerily.

‘What do you mean?’ Percy asked.

Percy huffed. “Oh, you don’t wanna know.”

His friends gave him a mix of amused and sad looks. 

Apollo ignored Percy’s question and got back inside the bus. ‘Later, Thalia. And, uh, be good!’ He gave Thalia a wicked but knowing smile before closing the door. He revved the engine and shot up into the sky, the bus now back into a Maserati as it soared over the woods and disappeared into the sky, leaving the canoe lake steaming and bubbling. 

Thalia raised an eyebrow. “How ominous,” she said. She wondered what that meant now that they were seeing this again. Like Percy, she had also forgotten that Apollo told her this. While it may seem like a simple greeting of farewell, Apollo’s knowing smile when he said it told her otherwise.

Did it have something to do with the choices she would have to make? Declining Luke’s offers? Choosing to be a Hunter? 

Apollo just shrugged, once again on the receiving end of his twin’s gaze. He would probably be able to answer questions about this if his prophetic senses weren’t blocked. It annoyed him to no end. 

He was nosy and wanted to know what exactly the deal was with these kids. 

Nico walked up to Percy, still looking grumpy. 

The people in the room were curious as to what Bianca had told Nico, but none of them had the heart, or the guts, to ask him. 

‘Who’s Chiron? I don’t have his figurine.’ Nico asked.

Annabeth snorted, causing all of the teens to start laughing.

“I love how that’s the basis of your knowledge,” Travis laughed. 

Nico rolled his eyes. “It was a good basis.” He insisted, refusing to show any more embarrassment. 

(His cheeks still turned pink)

“I didn’t say it wasn’t!” Travis grinned. 

“Ok, but does Chiron have a figurine?” Chris asked, genuinely curious. 

Nico shook his head. “Unfortunately, no. From what I know anyway.”

“I wouldn’t think so,” Chiron chuckled. “Things like that usually only focus on the gods and the more well-known, antagonistic monsters. I may have been in stories, but I was never really a major character.”

“Huh. Makes sense,” Chris nodded.

‘Our activities director. He’s…well, you’ll see.’ Percy replied.

Percy made a face. “I just realized that I would have hated that answer. My bad.”

Nico shook his head. “I didn’t mind. I was completely happy seeing everything for myself.” He sighed, as if exhausted by his younger self. 

“I have no idea how you did it,” Percy chuckled softly. “I went crazy not knowing anything.”

Nico shrugged. “It helps if you’re finding out that your favorite game is actually real life.”

“That excitement didn’t last, huh?” Thalia said. 

Nico gave her a look. “You think?”

‘If those Hunter girls don’t like him, that’s good enough for me. Let’s go.’ Nico grumbled. 

Hazel placed a hand on Nico’s shoulder, squeezing it gently. He sighed, leaning into Hazel’s touch. 

No one had to ask why he was in a bad mood. It was easy to guess. 

As they walked towards the Big House, Percy looked slightly surprised as he looked around Camp. 

“Why do you look so surprised?” Katie asked. “Is it because of the snow?”

“I mean, yeah,” Percy shrugged. “But also mostly because I was surprised by how empty it was.”

“Ah,” Pollux nodded. “Yeah, that makes sense. Especially if you’ve only been during the summer.”

Reyna tilted her head. “But it’s still emptier than I would expect.”

Annabeth nodded sadly. “Our numbers pale in comparison to yours. We barely went over a hundred campers and, as you know, people were also already defecting, which lessened our numbers even more.”

Piper, Jason, and Leo all exchanged surprised looks. Camp Half-Blood was pretty filled when they were there, and that was during the winter. 

And then they remembered. Camp used to only have twelve cabins.

The veteran campers suddenly all looked sullen. 

By the time the Battle of Manhattan came around, they had to fight with an army of merely seventy campers—not including the Hunters and the nature spirits—against a horde of Kronos’ forces. 

They left the war with half of the numbers that they started with. Maybe even less. 

Not to mention, they would soon be seeing the events of the Second Titan War happen all over again. 

There was a shift in the atmosphere as the senior counselors all went silent. 

The gods looked on uneasily. The demigods definitely went through something. 

The projection continued. 

Various scenes of the campers showed up on the screen like a montage. Charles Beckendorf was shown stoking the forge by the armory. 

The campers remained silent. Of course Beckendorf had to appear on screen now. 

Percy closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. The first two sets of projections were definitely the easy part. As much as he dreaded watching those, nothing could beat the dread he was feeling now when he knew what was to come in this set, as well as the next two.

Might as well just throw him into the Cocytus and the Acheron. 

Next, it showed the Stolls picking the lock on the camp store. 

Finally, the tense silence was broken as the Stoll brothers high-fived each other. The other campers were able to smile at that. 

Chiron just sighed in exasperation. No matter how many times he tries to stop them, or the other Hermes children for that matter, it never lasts. 

Hermes chuckled, especially after seeing Chiron’s reaction. 

A few more campers were having a snowball fight with the wood nymphs by the forest. 

“Damn,” Piper whispered, leaning over to Jason. “It really is so empty.”

“I know, right?” Jason nodded, whispering quietly as well. 

“Were you guys all there?” Hazel asked the Greek demigods. “Except for Annabeth and Chris, of course.”

The Greek demigods looked at each other, mostly nodding and murmuring that, yes, they were there that winter. 

Clarisse, on the other hand, shook her head. “I wasn’t.”

“Aren’t you a year-rounder?” Frank asked hesitantly. 

“Yeah,” Clarisse answered. “I was off doing something out of Camp.” She didn’t explain further. 

Ares raised a curious brow. 

Percy nodded. “You guys will find out. It’s kind of an important thing, so we can’t say anything more.” He told Frank and the others who didn’t know anything about this. 

Percy’s answer just piqued their interest even more. 

Percy, Thalia, and Nico finally arrived at the Big House, which was decorated with strings of red and yellow fireballs. 

Demeter leaned over to Hestia after eyeing the image of her niece and nephews on-screen. “They look so much like our brothers, no?” She said in a hushed tone. 

Hestia smiled slightly. “They do. In the ways they act sometimes as well.”

They glanced at the Greek children of the Big Three in real life. 

Nico was scowling at the image of his younger self, not realizing that he was wringing his hands around Thalia’s blanket. Thalia remained sprawled out in her position on the floor, fingers picking at Percy’s bean bag. Percy was twirling Riptide in his hands, and had one leg sticking out of his bean bag and over Thalia’s legs. Nico’s scowl deepened as he slammed a pillow down on Percy’s foot, which had ended up near Nico’s legs. 

Demeter snorted softly while Hestia shook her head fondly. 

Percy, Thalia, and Nico entered the Big House, revealing Chiron and Mr. D playing cards. Chiron was in wheelchair form, and he was bundled up in a fuzzy sweater and a big blanket that covered his wheelchair completely. 

“Damn, Chiron, that sweater of yours looks real comfortable.”

“It is. The blanket as well.”

“Oh, I’m sure.”

Dionysus was dressed in a neon orange tracksuit with leopard print and purple running shoes. A golden laurel wreath was perched atop his head as a sign that he’d won their last game of cards. 

“Dio,” Hermes wrinkled his nose. “You look like a glowstick.”

“Gods forbid I wear something comfortable during my punishment,” Dionysus rolled his eyes. “You wear a tracksuit as well. You have no room to talk.”

“Well, yes, but not in bright orange,”

“No leopard print either,” Apollo butt in. Dionysus glared at him. 

Apollo raised his hands up. “Look on the bright side. You won a game against Chiron,” he pointed at the laurels on Dionysus’ head on-screen. 

Dionysus rolled his eyes, but sat back in his seat, seemingly satisfied. Chiron huffed in exasperation. 

Chiron smiled when he saw the demigods. ‘Percy! Thalia! Ah, and this must be—’

‘Nico di Angelo. He and his sister are half-bloods.’ Percy supplied. 

Chiron looked relieved. ‘You succeeded, then.’

Annabeth winced. She had never stopped to think about how Chiron would have reacted to her being missing. 

‘Well…’ Percy looked both sad and angry as he tried to find the words to say. Thalia also looked upset. 

Seeing this, Chiron’s smile faded. ‘What’s wrong? And where is Annabeth?’

Chiron sighed. He remembered this. It definitely scared him more than he had let on. 

‘Oh, dear. Not another one lost.’ Mr. D said, his tone bored. 

Athena’s gaze hardened. “Dionysus.”

Percy tensed as well. Dionysus did not help his angered state back then at all. 

Oh gods, if he remembered correctly, he practically blew up on Mr. D. The god was not going to be happy watching it happen.

He just hoped that it wouldn’t be like with Ares, and that he’d be able to rein in his anger this time when it hit from the curse. 

“Another one lost?” Demeter asked. “More were lost?”

She didn’t want to clarify what lost even meant in this situation. 

‘What do you mean? Who else is lost?’ Thalia asked. 

Demeter nodded. Her question exactly. 

Katie quickly glanced at Clarisse before facing her mother. “Other than the fact that people were defecting,” she faltered when she saw Hermes’ wince, but continued. “There were other missions being deployed, and I don’t mean just finding demigods to bring to Camp.”

Before Mr. D could answer, Grover entered the room with a big smile despite the black eye and slap mark on his face. ‘The Hunters are all moved in!’

“Dude,” Leo gaped. “What did you do?”

Grover groaned, covering his face. “I don’t even know, man. Just wanted to help them get settled, I guess.”

Thalia sighed. The relationship between the Hunters and Camp Half-Blood was definitely better now that she’s in charge. Also because they had fought alongside each other during the Battle of Manhattan. 

Chiron frowned. ‘The Hunters, eh?...show him our orientation film.’ He told Grover, gesturing at Nico.

“Ah, yes,” Piper said. “The legendary orientation film.”

‘But…Oh, right. Yes, sir.’ Grover said.

Nico perked up. ‘Orientations film? Is it G or PG? ‘Cause Bianca is kinda strict—’

Reyna looked at Nico, her lips twitching up in a smile. Nico noticed this and gave her a small glare, which only caused her amusement to grow.

Grover blinked. ‘It’s PG-13.’  

“Oh,” Jason sounded surprised. “You guys actually have it rated?”

“Of course we do,” Grover said, as if it was supposed to be the most obvious thing in the world. 

“Uhh, okay.”

‘Cool!’ Nico said as he followed Grover out of the room.

“Happy about the rating, aren’t you?” Hazel teased.

Nico crossed his arms. “Overjoyed.”

‘Now…tell us the whole story.’ Chiron told Percy and Thalia. The two demigods recounted the story as best as they could. They both struggled during the part where Annabeth fell along with the manticore, but they managed to recount the whole story. 

Annabeth glanced at Percy, Thalia, and Chiron, all of whom looked upset at having to see this all over again. Percy, of course, was on a different level of upset for obvious reasons (a.k.a the curse). 

Thalia was barely even paying attention anymore, arm slung over her eyes. Percy had fully withdrawn, hugging his legs to his chest with his chin resting on his knees as he stared at the ground in front of him. 

As soon as Percy and Thalia were done, Chiron immediately turned to Mr. D. ‘We should launch a search for Annabeth immediately.’

‘I’ll go,’ Thalia and Percy instantly offered at the same time.

“Thanks guys,” Annabeth said quietly. 

Percy and Thalia both turned to give her looks that said, ‘duh.' Annabeth chuckled, her heart warm.

‘Certainly not!’ Mr. D declined.

“Do not look at me like that, Athena. I have not done anything,” Dionysus said in a flat tone when he noticed the look he was getting from Athena. “Besides, it’s been said that campers are getting lost. Numbers are dwindling. Recklessly sending out more campers for rescue is too risky.”

Athena just glared at the wine god. The campers stayed quiet. 

Thalia and Percy immediately started complaining, but Dionysus raised a hand to stop them. His eyes glowed purple in anger. Thalia’s and Percy’s complaints fell quiet. 

Pollux shifted uneasily in his seat. He has never actually seen his father get angry like this. Sure, he’s seen him annoyed—they all have, seeing as he has to deal with a bunch of teenagers every day—but never truly angry.

‘From what you have told me…regrettably lost Annie Bell—’ Dionysus began calmly, but was cut off by Percy. 

‘Annabeth,’ Percy snapped. 

Percy clenched his fists. Leo glanced at him warily from beside him. 

She’d gone to camp since she was seven…know her name. 

Dionysus’ eyes flashed. Of course he knew the campers’ names. “You do not understand, boy.”

“Of course I don’t,” Percy gritted his teeth, unable to stop himself and ignoring the sharp intakes of breath from all around him. “You don’t even bother explaining yourself.” He muttered. 

Percy’s relationship with the Dionysus in his time was complicated. They’ve had their fair share of conversations and have reached a mutual understanding filled with annoyed tolerance. 

Obviously, the curse ignored all of that. Also, the Dionysus here has no connection with him whatsoever yet. 

Annabeth looked alarmed. Leo met her gaze and nodded, getting up and gesturing for Annabeth to take her place back beside Percy. She did exactly that as Leo moved back to sit beside Piper and Jason. 

Annabeth rested a hand on Percy’s arm. Percy moved slightly to the side so that they could share a bean bag. 

Dionysus’ lips curled in distaste, but he thankfully did not find the need to answer back. Yet. 

‘Yes, yes…possibility is very great that this Annie girl is dead.’ Mr. D said. 

“Dionysus,” Athena said sharply. 

“Our children are not items that can simply be replaced,” Apollo sniffed. 

“Does feel like it sometimes,” Percy muttered under his breath. His fists shook due to how hard he was clenching them. Actually, his entire being was shaking in anger. 

I wanted to strangle Mr. D…ended up being a punishment for all of us.

Dionysus’ eyes flashed once more. 

Everyone finally noticed Percy trembling with suppressed rage. Annabeth was rubbing his arm, but knew it wouldn’t help much unless he felt better on-screen. 

The Greek campers glanced nervously at Mr D.  

‘Annabeth may be alive…she will try to play for time. She may even pretend to cooperate.’ Chiron said, trying to sound positive but his tone was obviously upset. 

Annabeth nodded at Chiron gratefully, who gave her a soft, fond smile. 

She honestly didn’t have to do much—well, other than hold the sky—but she sure did her damned hardest to survive. She wasn’t going to die that easily. 

‘That’s right. Luke would want her alive.’ Thalia agreed.

Annabeth found herself touching her hair. The gray streaks she had had mostly faded, but there were still a few colored strands hidden here and there, barely noticeable unless you looked really closely. 

Percy’s on the other hand, has completely faded, as he had less than her. 

Honestly, she was surprised they both didn’t have more after their little trip to hell. 

‘In which case…smart enough to escape on her own.’ Mr. D said. Percy got up from the table angrily. 

Percy’s breath hitched. He was tempted to get up himself. Annabeth squeezed his arm, as if to remind him that she was there. 

Everyone else watched with bated breath, the tension between Percy and Dionysus palpable. 

‘Percy.’ Chiron warned. 

In the back of my mind, I knew Mr. D was not somebody to mess with…But I was so angry I didn’t care.

‘You’re glad…You’d like it if we all disappeared!’ Percy spat. 

Everyone’s eyes widened. The room was quiet except for the sounds coming from the projection and Percy’s heavy breathing. 

Dionysus raised a challenging brow. 

Poseidon eyed the both of them. 

‘You have a point?’ Mr. D said as he stifled a yawn. 

A growl left Percy. 

‘Yeah…lazy jerk! This is your civilization, too. Maybe you could try helping out a little!’ Percy growled. 

You could hear a pin drop, no matter if the floor was carpeted. 

Sally’s breath practically left her as she froze, fear striking her heart. Paul was pale beside her, eyeing the wine god warily, barely even noticing Sally’s crushing grip on his arm. 

Dionysus whipped his head around to face Percy and real life, and much to his vexation, the brat was already looking back at him with a glare. 

Dionysus’ gaze hardened, a menacing light reflecting in his eyes. The wine god opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, a small voice cut him off. 

“Dad,” Pollux pleaded. “Please don’t.”

The anger in Dionysus’ face lessened when he looked at his son. The god’s eyes flickered between his son and Poseidon’s. 

“You can both talk it out later if you really need to, but please. Not now.” Pollux continued while both Annabeth and Grover tried calming Percy down, stopping him from directing his glare at the god. 

Annabeth shot Pollux a grateful look when Dionysus shut his mouth with a click. 

It was silent except for the crackle of the fire. Mr. D looked at Percy, the fire reflecting in his eyes making his expression look sinister. The god opened his mouth, but was interrupted by Nico bursting in the room, closely followed by Grover. 

‘SO COOL! You’re a centaur!’ Nico yelled, gesturing wildly at Chiron. 

The tension broke. 

Nico hung his head in defeat, heat crawling up his neck and into his cheeks. Everyone else was absolutely baffled, except for those who were there at the time. 

Chiron smiled at him nervously. ‘Yes…wheelchair for, ah, first encounters.’ 

Then, Nico turned to Mr. D. ‘And whoa! You’re the wine dude? No way!’ 

Dionysus looked flustered, anger at Percy momentarily forgotten. “The…wine dude?” He asked Nico in a slightly loathing, but mostly disconcerted tone. 

Nico avoided the camp director’s gaze. 

‘The wine dude?’ Mr. D’s angered gaze landed on Nico. 

“Oh my gods,” Someone squeaked out before the sounds of multiple people trying to hold back their laughter sounded throughout the room. Included here were Hermes and Apollo. 

‘Dionysus, right? Oh, wow! I’ve got your figurine.’ Nico continued. 

‘My figurine.’ Dionysus repeated in disbelief. 

Dionysus was stunned, his anger quickly dying down. Even though he had seen his figurine about two episodes ago, the way this child was speaking to him was bewildering, to say the least. 

‘In my game, Mythomagic. And a holofoil card, too!…everybody thinks you’re the lamest god card, I totally think your powers are sweet!’ Nico rambled. 

Dionysus didn’t know whether to be offended or flattered as he blinked at the child of Hades with his mouth slightly open. 

Nico was still pointedly ignoring Mr. D’s gaze, his face burning. Those who had been holding in their laughter earlier couldn’t hold it in anymore and let it all out. The tension from earlier had completely dissipated by now. 

While everyone was distracted by Nico’s antics, Percy deflated ever so slightly. He was still angry, yes, but he also felt relief. 

Nico had practically saved his life at that moment. 

‘Ah…gratifying.’ Mr. D said, perplexed. 

Chiron took the opportunity to send Percy and Thalia out before the argument could restart. ‘Percy…capture the flag tomorrow evening.’ He ordered. 

Percy closed his eyes, rubbing a hand across his face. 

Right. Capture the Flag. As if the anger he felt just now wasn’t enough, he just remembered that it was about to get worse. Dread filled him once more. 

His powers were going to be involved this time, too. 

Percy looked at Chiron. ‘Capture the flag? But we don’t have enough—’ 

“I was going to say the same thing,” Frank frowned. “Do you guys have enough campers for a game?”

“Oh, this one’s different,” Connor grumbled. 

‘It is a tradition…Hunters visit.’ Chiron explained. 

“Oh,” Frank said. “The Camp versus the Hunt, then?”

“Yeah,” Connor huffed. 

‘Yeah. I bet it’s real friendly.’ Thalia muttered. 

Thalia sighed deeply as she sat back up. Yeah, friendly. 

On one hand, they had the conflict between Hunters and campers. On the other hand, they had the conflict between Thalia and Percy. 

Like Percy, Thalia seemed to be remembering what happened in that game of Capture the Flag. 

They’d soon be seeing everything in detail. Sure, they joke about it now, but their actual fight was intense. 

Plus, people knew that she and Percy fought—the whole camp had been watching—but they didn’t see what built up to it. 

Chiron jerked his head towards a distracted Mr. D who was still preoccupied by a rambling Nico. ‘Run along now.’ Chiron said urgently. 

Thalia understood what Chiron was trying to say as she suddenly gripped Percy’s arm. ‘Oh, right. Come on, Percy.’ She dragged Percy out of the Big House. 

“You were so lucky Nico came in at that moment,” Thalia muttered. 

“I know,” Percy muttered back, his face in his palm. “You saved my life back there.” He thanked Nico. Nothing new. Percy thought to himself as an afterthought.  

Nico shook his head. “Just being my overexcited, ten-year-old self.”

‘You’ve already got Ares…another immortal enemy?’ Thalia scolded as they walked towards the cabins. 

“Two is nothing,” Percy scowled. Poseidon sighed deeply. 

‘Sorry, I couldn’t help it. It’s just so unfair.’ Percy kicked at the ground. 

Percy buried his head in his hands, less angry now but definitely still upset. He actively avoided looking in the direction of the gods—at Dionysus. 

Annabeth looked at Percy sadly, rubbing his back in comfort. When has Percy’s life ever been fair to him? 

She hated seeing Percy so anguished. Even worse, she didn’t know what would be happening in this set, unlike the past two ones. This made it so that the little help she used to be able to give by having an idea of what was to come was practically nonexistent now. 

All she could do for now was stay by his side. 

‘Percy, everything is unfair. Sometimes I wish…’ Thalia trailed off in a sad voice as they stopped near the armory, staring out into Half-Blood Hill where the pine tree stood. 

Thalia looked down. 

The atmosphere turned sullen again from the sadness that the two children of the Big Three were emitting. 

Annabeth looked extremely sad. “I’m so sorry.” She hated seeing the ones she loved in pain, especially when she was part of the reason why. 

Percy and Thalia immediately turned to look at her. 

“No, Annabeth,” Thalia shook her head. “You can’t apologize for what you did. You saved us.”

“Someone was going to have to end up there anyway,” Percy added, taking her hand. “As much as I hate that it ended up being you, you were also the one strong enough to survive it.”

Annabeth happened to be perfect for their plan as well. Not only did they use Luke as bait to get her under the sky, but they also used her as bait for Artemis. 

Annabeth sighed sadly. “Still.”

Percy nodded, squeezing her hand. He gets it. 

After all, he had disappeared himself. He knew it wasn’t his fault, but knowing the pain that the people he loved had to go through…

‘We’ll get Annabeth back. I just don’t know how yet.’ Percy promised. 

“Thank you guys,” Annabeth told Percy and Thalia softly. “Seriously.”

“Of course,” Thalia said. “We’d never just leave you like that, no matter what anyone else would tell us.”

Percy nodded, squeezing Annabeth’s hand once more. 

‘First I found out that Luke is lost. Now Annabeth–’ Thalia sounded pained. 

“Gods,” Hazel frowned. “That must’ve been so difficult to hear about.” She told Thalia. 

The daughter of Zeus nodded, eyes downcast. “I didn’t believe it at first, you know? I didn’t want to believe it.”

Hazel nodded in understanding. 

‘Don’t think like that.’ Percy said. 

‘You’re right. We’ll find a way.’ Thalia straightened up. 

“Our relationship with each other was one hell of a rollercoaster, wasn’t it?” Thalia snorted quietly. 

Percy hummed in agreement. 

The sound of arguing suddenly broke through the scene. The screen panned to show a few of the Hunters playing basketball. One of them was fighting with an Ares kid. Both looked just about to draw their respective weapons. 

Even though she wasn’t there, Clarisse wasn’t surprised. Her cabin was always one of the first to butt heads with the Hunters whenever they visited. 

‘I’ll break that up. You circulate…about Capture the Flag tomorrow.’ Thalia said. 

Chiron’s lips twitched up slightly. The Big Three children, especially the Zeus and Poseidon kids, had strong senses of leadership. It tended to come very naturally to them when around other people. 

It could be seen in little moments like this. Thalia was not obligated to break the fight up—usually campers came to him rather than breaking up fights themselves, especially when the Hunters were involved—but she took the initiative to do so. 

However, it was also the cause of the conflict between them. A clash of leadership, both having a strong sense of what they believe is correct, and neither willing to back down. 

‘All right. You should be team captain.’ Percy replied. 

‘No, no. You’ve been at camp longer. You do it.’ Thalia shook her head. 

“Huh,” Annabeth raised a brow at Percy and Thalia. “I’d have thought you guys fought over wanting it.”

“We might as well have,” Thalia grumbled while Percy snorted. 

‘We can, uh, co-captain or something.’ Percy offered awkwardly. Thalia nodded, just as awkward. 

She looked about as comfortable with that as I felt. 

“So,” Travis grinned. “How’d that work out for you guys?”

“I don’t know,” Percy deadpanned. “You tell us.”

Grover made a face. “This is why Annabeth is usually the captain.”

“This is making me so curious,” Annabeth said. The rest of the Seven nodded in agreement with her. 

“Children of Zeus and Poseidon versus the captain position, the role going to Annabeth,” Piper mused. “Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?” She looked at Percy, then at Jason. Leo, Frank, and Hazel grinned. 

“Oh, whatever,” Jason rolled his eyes as Percy gave him a two-fingered salute. Jason still ended up chuckling alongside his crewmates, though. 

As Thalia turned to head for the basketball court, Percy called out to her. ‘Hey, Thalia.’

‘Yeah?’ 

‘I’m sorry…should’ve waited for you guys.’ Percy said. 

‘S’okay, Percy. I probably would’ve done the same thing.’ Thalia said. 

Thalia nodded. 

Annabeth nodded as well. “I did mention before that you guys are so much alike.”

Thalia shifted her weight from foot to foot, deciding on whether or not to keep talking. ‘You know, you asked about my mom and I kinda just snapped…out driving late one night about two years ago, and…’ Thalia blinked hard, as if to stop tears from forming. 

Jason looked sad. The only things he knew about his mom were the things Thalia had told him last winter when they had reunited. 

This was his first time hearing about how their mom actually died. Honestly, he couldn’t say he was surprised if Thalia’s descriptions about her were anything to go by, but it was still devastating to hear about. 

‘I’m sorry.’ Percy said. 

Thalia looked down. ‘Yeah, well, it’s not like we were ever close. I ran away…with Luke and Annabeth. But still—’

Thalia looked down, memories running through her mind. Suddenly, someone hugged her from behind, breaking her away from her thoughts. 

She turned her head slightly and smiled softly when she saw who it was. 

“Jason,” Thalia murmured, gripping his arms that draped around her front. “Sorry you had to find out about mom this way. I would’ve told you the details earlier, but…”

Jason shook his head, which rested against Thalia’s hair. “I don’t really care about that if I’m being honest. I’m more worried about you.”

Thalia swallowed as Jason pulled away. Gods, her brother has grown so much. “I’m okay, Jase. I’m over it, too. Thank you.”

Zeus watched his children quietly. 

‘That’s why you had trouble with the sun van.’ Percy guessed. 

Thalia eyed him warily. ‘What do you mean?’ 

‘The way you stiffened up…behind the wheel.’ Percy explained. 

Percy winced. “Sorry. I jumped to conclusions there, didn’t I?” 

“Your thought process made sense,” Thalia shrugged. Jason looked at the two of them, slightly confused. 

Thalia looked at him, eyes flashing angrily. Percy shifted his weight uncomfortably. 

I was sorry I’d said anything. 

Percy winced again. Thalia waved her hand dismissively. This was way behind them now. 

Poseidon blinked at the screen before glancing at Zeus, whom Thalia closely resembled. 

“Zeus makes that exact same expression,” Hades muttered from beside him, noticing the same thing he did. 

“That he does.” Poseidon nodded. He’s been on the receiving end of that look from his younger brother enough to know it very well. 

“So that wasn’t the reason you freaked out on the bus?” Jason asked his sister. 

Zeus glanced at them, curious as well. 

Thalia shook her head. “It’s not driving that I have a problem with.”

‘Yeah. Yeah, that must’ve been it.’ Thalia muttered angrily before stomping off toward the court. 

Thalia received many questioning looks, all of which she ignored except for Jason’s. “Like I said, you’ll probably find out more about this specific thing soon.” She told her brother, patting his arm before looking at Percy. “Right?”

Percy looked apologetic. “Yeah. Sorry.”

“Not your fault, Kelp Head. I’ll be fine. I’ll live.”

Zeus frowned as he leaned back in his seat, slightly dismayed that he didn’t get any answers as to why his daughter acted the way she did on the sun chariot. 

Percy sighed, walking heavily towards the cabins. He made the rounds, knocking on each occupied cabin’s doors and telling everybody about the game. 

When he got to Cabin Five, he had to wake one of the Ares kids up from a nap. Percy asked where Clarisse was, and the Ares kid scowled at him. ‘Went on a quest for Chiron. Top secret!’ 

Ares furrowed his brows, wondering what this may be about. 

Reyna looked at Clarisse curiously, but the girl stared straight ahead, ignoring her—and everyone else’s—gaze. 

Clarisse ever-so-slightly gravitated towards Chris, who sat right next to her. 

‘Is she okay?’ Percy asked. 

“Aw, you care,” Clarisse teased. 

“You heard nothing,” Percy huffed in retaliation. The people around them gave them amused looks, still curious about the two’s dynamic and how it came to be. 

‘Haven’t heard from her in a month. She’s missing in action…get outta here!’ The Ares kid glared. 

Frank’s eyebrows furrowed worriedly. “A month?”

Clarisse waved away the concerned looks she was getting from those who didn’t know anything about her side quest. “I was fine. Just took some time.”

Percy didn’t pry further and left the cabin, allowing the Ares kid to go back to sleep. He was back to snoring before Percy even got out the door. 

“Mood.”

Percy made his way to his own cabin. He walked to his bunk. The Minotaur horn hung on the wall next to his pillow. Percy took out Annabeth’s cap from his backpack and gently placed it on his nightstand. 

I’d give it to her when I found her. And I would find her. 

Annabeth squeezed his hand as an expression of gratitude. Percy squeezed back, exhaling shakily. 

Percy sat down on his bed heavily and took off his wristwatch, activating the shield. It made a creaking noise as it spiraled out, and even then it wouldn’t open all the way. It was dented all over thanks to Dr. Thorn’s spikes. 

Percy looked at it sadly, tenderly hanging it up on the hook near the Minotaur horn. 

Leo looked absolutely heartbroken. “Your beautiful shield,” he moaned. “Oh, Dr. Thorn, how you have made an enemy out of me.”

“That’s what does it?” Piper snorted. “Not him holding Percy, Nico, and Bianca hostage? Or, I don’t know, literally kidnapping Annabeth?”

“Pish posh,” Leo scrunched his nose up. “Damaging that shield is an absolute crime.”

“That’s what a shield is for. Taking damage.”

“A crime!”

Maybe Beckendorf…I’d ask him at dinner. 

Leo cheered up at the mention of his half-brother. “Ooh, please tell me he fixes it!” He bounced in his seat. 

Percy cracked a smile at him. “It does get fixed, if that’s what you’re asking.” Just not by Beckendorf, though he’s sure that Beckendorf would’ve happily fixed it for him as well. 

Percy remained seated on his bed, staring at his shield. 

“Wait, what’s that sound?” Rachel asked. That prompted everyone else to quiet down and listen carefully. 

“Sounds like water.”

“Oh no. Water in the water god’s cabin.”

“Oh, shut up, you.”

Percy blinked, only now noticing the sound of water gurgling. He stood up and made his way towards the back area of the cabin. 

There was a big basin of gray sea rock with a spout shaped like the head of a fish carved in stone. A stream of water spouted out from its mouth, trickling into the pool, sending mist into the air. 

Percy breathed in the scent of the sea, his body relaxing as he felt the warmth of the fountain that spread throughout the room. 

Poseidon smiled. 

“A fountain,” Hazel’s eyes widened in wonder. “Wow. This is new, right? I didn’t see this in the past two sets.”

Zeus looked at Poseidon, noting the smile on his brother’s face. “I assume that’s from you?”

“Well,” Poseidon shrugged. Technically, he didn’t know for sure. However, he had that same exact fountain stored somewhere in his palace, just waiting for the right moment to be used. 

“Oh, who am I kidding? Of course it is from you.” Zeus scoffed in exasperation. 

“So that’s when that appeared!” Katie exclaimed. “I was the one on inspection duty when that was new and was so confused when I saw it!”

“And then you went ahead and asked everyone about it except for Percy,” Pollux laughed. 

Percy raised a brow, and Katie smiled back at him sheepishly. “I didn’t know how to ask you about it.”

“Wouldn’t you guys have noticed when it first really appeared, though?” Percy asked. “Like, before I even saw it?”

Katie shook her head. “We have no reason to go to your cabin when you’re not at Camp. We only do inspections if someone’s there.”

“Right.” Percy nodded. 

“Man, that must have felt so nice,” Connor pointed at the mist coming from the fountain. “It’s like a heater for the winter! Wait, that is hot water, right?” He was only guessing based on the mist it was sending into the air. 

“Yeah,” Percy answered. “Saltwater, too.”

“Damn, it's saltwater too?” Will whistled. “I didn’t know that. It’s like your very own healing and regeneration pool.”

Percy looked at him amusedly. “I’ve never thought of it that way.”

Percy stepped up to the basin. ‘Thanks, Dad.’

Poseidon’s grin softened into a fond smile. 

Zeus just sighed. Yup. That confirmed it. 

The surface rippled. A flash of light caught Percy’s eye, and he looked into the water. A bunch of golden drachmas shimmered at the bottom of the pool. 

I realized…reminder to keep in touch with my family. 

Poseidon could not stop smiling. 

Leo’s eyes widened. “Oh! Oh wow, it’s perfect for Iris Messaging!”

“The water being hot makes sense, then,” Piper marveled. “Easier for mist.”

Percy gave his father a grateful smile. Poseidon returned it with a bright smile of his own. Sally chuckled at the exchange. 

Zeus scowled but didn’t comment on it further, reminding himself that this was just a gift. He thought about it further. This must be what Perseus meant, then? Simple gifts counted as simple acknowledgments, yes?

He tried to actively ignore the fact that this gift allowed an extremely convenient way for the demigod to talk to the gods. 

Hestia glanced at her youngest brother, who looked to be deep in thought, and smiled. Progress. 

Percy opened the nearest window, allowing light to enter and make a rainbow in the mist. Then, he stuck his hand inside the pool to fish a coin out of the water. 

‘Iris, O Goddess of the Rainbow, accept my offering.’ Percy said as he tossed the drachma into the mist and watched it disappear. Percy went quiet. 

Annabeth chuckled. “You didn’t think of who you were going to call, didn’t you?”

Percy gave her a small smile. “No.”

I realized I didn’t know who to contact first. 

Annabeth grinned. “Your mom, maybe?” She guessed. Percy just shrugged, not giving anything away. 

Sally looked curious. Percy did call her, but she didn’t think that this was that call. When Percy called, he talked to her about the whole Annabeth situation, but he had also mentioned the Capture the Flag game. 

Since that had not yet happened, she assumed that the call he was about to make now was not the one he had made to her yet. 

My mom?…wouldn’t be worried about me yet. She was used to me disappearing for days or weeks at a time.

Sally nodded to herself. She knew it. 

“While that’s true,” She raised a brow at her son. “Even if I’m used to it, a call wouldn’t hurt.”

“Oh, I definitely understand that more now than back then,” Percy flushed lightly. “Let’s blame the fourteen-year-old angst, yeah?”

Sally laughed fondly. 

My father? It had been way too long…to a god? I’d never tried. Would it make them mad, like a sales call or something?

“One, some gods might, but I wouldn’t be mad if my son decided to call me,” Poseidon chuckled. “And two, you have tried it already. Son, you Iris Messaged Dionysus the summer before, remember? So, yes, Iris Messaging gods work.”

Percy’s eyes widened, the blush on his cheeks getting deeper. “Oh my gods, you’re right. I completely forgot at that moment.”

Poseidon’s chuckling continued, joined by a few others who were amused by Percy. 

Percy thought about it for a little more before straightening up as he made up his mind. ‘Show me Tyson. At the forges of the Cyclopes.’

Poseidon brightened up once more. 

“Tyson!” Hazel exclaimed. “Yes!”

“Tyson,” Annabeth nodded. “That’s a good call to make.”

Percy leaned his head against hers. “It is, isn’t it?”

The mist shimmered, then the image of Tyson appeared. He was surrounded in fire, bent over an anvil, hammering a hot blade. Sparks and flames swirled around him. The window behind him looked out onto dark blue waters, showing that he was at the bottom of the ocean. 

Leo let out a loud gasp. “Whoa!” Obviously, whenever he worked, the fire was contained in a furnace and not literally surrounding him like it was with Tyson. 

Jason glanced at Leo. “You’re getting ideas here, aren’t you?”

Leo’s eyes were glued to the screen. “Yup.” His eyes roamed around the scene. Where did Tyson quench his metals? He couldn’t see any buckets or containers of water or oil anywhere. 

‘Tyson!’ Percy called. Tyson didn’t hear due to all the hammering and the roaring of the flames. Percy tried again. ‘TYSON!’ He yelled. 

Tyson turned. His eye widened and his face split into a grin. ‘Percy!’ He dropped the blade he was working on and ran at Percy, trying to give his brother a hug. The Iris Message blurred and Percy instinctively stepped back. 

The demigods smiled at the display. Tyson’s excitement was infectious. 

“What I’d do to get a hug from him right now,” Percy sighed. Annabeth nodded. 

‘Tyson…I’m not really here.’ Percy explained. 

‘Oh…knew that. Yes.’ Tyson cleared his throat, coming back into view looking slightly embarrassed. 

“Oh, Tyson.”

‘How are you? How’s the job?’ Percy asked. 

Tyson lit up. ‘Love the job! Look! I made this!’ He picked up the sword blade he was working on with his bare hands even if it was still red-hot. 

Poseidon smiled. He was glad to see that Tyson was happy at his forges. 

Leo leaned forward as he marveled at the blade that Tyson had crafted. 

‘That’s really cool.’

‘I wrote my name on it. Right there.’ Tyson moved the blade closer to the Iris Message. 

“Beautiful,” Leo admired. “It’s so intricate yet definitely a deadly weapon.”

Percy gave Leo a short glance as his lips twitched up in a smile. He’d love to introduce Leo to his brother one day. Tyson would be ecstatic. 

‘Awesome…talk to Dad much?’ Percy said. 

Tyson’s smile faded. ‘Not much. Daddy is busy. He is worried about the war.’ 

Poseidon’s smile turned into a worried frown. He received concerned looks from some of his siblings. 

‘What do you mean?’ Percy asked. 

Tyson sighed. He walked to the window and stuck the blade out, cooling the blade in the water, creating a cloud of boiling bubbles. The metal was cooled down as Tyson brought it back in. 

Leo’s jaw dropped. “So that’s how he quenches his items! I should’ve known!” He exclaimed. “What the hell, that’s so cool!” Oh, how he wished he could visit the underwater forges. Unfortunately, he wasn’t made to withstand that kind of water pressure. 

‘Old sea spirits making trouble. Aigaios. Oceanus. Those guys.’ Tyson explained. 

Poseidon closed his eyes, cursing under his breath. “I should have known that father’s return would bring them back as well.” 

The gods looked at each other, worried. Unlike them, Poseidon didn’t only have Olympus to protect, but also his Oceans. 

This would be a big problem. Poseidon was one of their strongest fighters. If he was caught up in his own war…

Percy looked at his dad, then at the rest of the gods. His mind briefly flashed to when he saw his dad after blowing up the Princess Andromeda. How aged he looked due to the war under the sea. 

The fact that they were back now…his allies gaining strength, was not good. 

“First the General, and now the old sea spirits,” Artemis grimaced. “Who knows who else is allying with the Titan Lord at this point? The rate at which it is happening is extremely worrying.”

“He is moving quickly despite not even having a physical form yet,” Athena worried at her bottom lip.

“Oceanus…” Poseidon said grimly. “He was neutral during our war against father. If he is on father’s side this time around, it is a bad sign.”

There was an air of alarm and anxiety surrounding the gods.  

‘Is there anything I can do?’ Percy asked, worried. 

Poseidon sighed, shaking his head. “You will be needed up on the surface, son. Especially if you are the prophecy child.”

Percy looked down. Poseidon had essentially told him the same back in his time. He had really wanted to help, but his dad was right. He was needed elsewhere. 

Tyson shook his head. ‘We are arming the mermaids…Old spirits are protecting the bad boat.’ He said sadly. 

“No wonder their ship sails the oceans so freely,” Poseidon scowled, his fingers flexing as he was tempted to summon his trident. 

‘The Princess Andromeda? Luke’s boat?’ Percy clarified.

Tyson nodded. ‘Yes…Otherwise he would smash it.’ 

Poseidon nodded in agreement. “They really are considering every measure.”

“Father plans for everything,” Hades sighed. They’ve seen it during the first war. They saw it again with the theft of the bolt and helm, as well as with the Fleece. “He is cunning as ever.”

‘Smashing it would be good.’ Percy agreed.

Poseidon allowed a small smile to slip out at that. 

Tyson perked up as another thought crossed his mind. ‘Annabeth! Is she there?’ 

Annabeth saddened. “Gods…”

‘Oh, well…she’s not here right now.’ Percy looked down.

My heart felt like a bowling ball. Tyson thought Annabeth was just about the coolest thing since peanut butter (and he seriously loved peanut butter).

“Aw,” Rachel said with a sad smile.

Percy clenched his eyes shut as his heart turned extremely heavy. “I couldn’t tell him. I just couldn’t.”

Annabeth wrapped her arm around him.

‘Tell her hello! Hello to Annabeth!’ Tyson beamed.

‘Okay. I’ll do that.’ Percy swallowed.

“Gods,” Annabeth repeated. “Now I want a hug from Tyson.”

Percy exhaled shakily as he felt a lump forming in the back of his throat, as he leaned further against Annabeth’s side.

‘And, Percy. Don’t worry about the bad boat. It is going away.’ Tyson reassured.

“Away?” Hermes furrowed his brows.

‘What do you mean?’ Percy asked.

‘Panama Canal! Very far away.’ Tyson explained.

“Panama Canal? Why?” Jason tilted his head. 

Percy frowned.

Why would Luke take his demon-infested cruise ship all the way down there?

Athena shifted uneasily. “The General resides at Mount Othrys.”

Jason’s eyes widened. “Which is in San Francisco now.”

“The Panama Canal is the quickest way for them to be able to go from the East Coast to the West,” Athena nodded. “Since the Andromeda is not a normal ship, it won’t take them long at all to arrive there.”

“Just great,” Ares scowled. “I wonder what they have planned.”

‘All right. That’s…good, I guess.’ Percy said eventually.

“Not,” Percy muttered. 

On Tyson’s end, a deep voice bellowed something to which Tyson startled at. ‘Got to get back to work! Boss will get mad. Good luck, Brother!’ 

‘Ok, tell Dad—’ Before Percy could finish, the Iris Message faded, leaving Percy alone in his cabin. 

Poseidon gave his son a curious glance.

Percy shook his head. “It’s nothing.”

The sea god frowned, but didn’t pry.

I was alone again in my cabin, feeling even lonelier than before.

Percy sighed, looking down at his hands. It was weird, feeling so lonely despite being surrounded by so many people right now. He’d never get used to this stupid curse.

Annabeth hugged Percy tighter. 

The scene changed. It was dinner time at the dining pavilion. 

I was pretty miserable at dinner that night.

Percy made a face. The projection didn’t have to keep repeating his misery and loneliness every five seconds. He’s sure everyone could tell without the narration. 

Percy sat alone at the Poseidon table, picking at his food. Thalia also sat alone at a different table.

By this point, the Greek campers were used to Percy sitting at his table alone. However, seeing it in this light, in this context, was painful. Percy and Thalia were already hurting from the loss of Annabeth, and they couldn’t even stay with anyone during meals to help get their mind off of things.

A glance at Percy and Thalia proved that it was difficult. They both looked down, avoiding everyone else’s concerned gazes. 

Percy didn’t mind sitting alone anymore now, but in moments like this, their seat plan really sucked. 

Hazel frowned. If they followed this system at Camp Jupiter, she’d be sitting alone. She couldn’t imagine how that must’ve felt after what they just went through. 

Poseidon looked at Chiron. “I wouldn’t mind Thalia sitting with my son. Actually, I might even prefer it in circumstances like this. They are the only ones seated alone.”

Chiron nodded. “The reason this rule exists is because the gods would prefer it if their tables were only taken up by their own.”

Poseidon looked at Zeus. “I do not mind as well. Though if they do sit together, I would prefer they sit at a table other than mine.” Zeus said.

Poseidon rolled his eyes. “You may sit at mine. Though I assume you sit at Artemis’ table, now?” 

At Thalia’s nod, Poseidon continued. “Either way, I think it would be better if my and my brothers’ children could at least sit together, especially whenever they are alone, as everyone else more or less has siblings at Camp.”

There was also the option of abolishing the assigned-seating rule completely, but it would probably take some time before the other gods were comfortable with that, so this would have to do for now. Baby steps.

Thalia smiled. “I think I’ll take you up on that offer, Uncle.” She said, nudging Percy. “What do you think?”

“I don’t know. Do I really want to sit with you?” Percy teased, before laughing at Thalia’s indignant, “Hey!”

“You too, Death Breath,” Thalia nudged Nico. “And the Romans, whenever they visit. We can invade the Poseidon table and make it the Big Three table, instead.”

“I would prefer it if you didn’t take over my table completely, dear niece,” Poseidon raised an eyebrow. “I am simply giving you permission to sit there.”

“Yes, sir!” Thalia saluted with a sheepish smile on her face.

“Yeah, I think I’d rather sit with you guys than the Stolls,” Nico snorted. He didn't really have a problem sitting alone—he was barely at Camp as it is—but the gods didn't even know that he had his own table now.

Travis and Connor both pretended to get shot down in hurt. “You wound us, di Angelo!”

“You are proving my point here.”

Poseidon chuckled. Zeus’ expression was unreadable, while Hades didn’t mind at all. He didn’t have a table to begin with, anyway.

“We can arrange for that,” Chiron nodded. 

Nico sat at the Hermes table as an unclaimed camper. The Stolls were busy trying to convince Nico that poker was a much better game than Mythomagic.

“Hermes, I’d appreciate it if your children don’t teach my son how to gamble,” Hades said, unimpressed.

The Stolls looked at the god with identical, sheepish smiles.

“You are the god of riches,” Hermes pointed out. “I’m sure it wouldn’t be a problem.”

Hades gave him an incredulous look. 

“It’s alright, I won’t be convinced,” Nico wrinkled his nose. He’d seen a bunch of gamblers in the Lotus casino after all. “Any other game, maybe. But poker?”

Percy hummed quietly in agreement.

“Also,” Nico added. “Playing poker against children of Hermes is a bad idea in itself.”

The Stolls smiled innocently. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Travis said.

The Artemis table was the happiest table in the pavilion. The Hunters ate and laughed together like a big family. Zoë sat at the head of the table, smiling from time to time. Bianca was learning how to arm wrestle from the Hunter who had been picking a fight with the Ares camper earlier. 

Artemis smiled fondly.

Aphrodite sighed as she watched the Hunters. She did not agree with their reasons, but she couldn’t deny that these girls had found familial love with each other. 

She just wished that Bianca wasn’t thrust into it so quickly and convinced with unrealistic promises.

Once everyone had finished eating, Chiron made the customary toast to the gods as well as formally welcomed the Hunters of Artemis. The campers applauded half-heartedly.

Artemis’ smile faltered.

Chiron then announced the Capture the Flag game scheduled for the following night. The cheers of the campers were more sincere this time.

“Ah,” Connor whispered to the Greek campers beside him. “Clapping just to get our asses handed to us on a platter.” He said. Travis nodded solemnly.

Will snickered. “Speak for yourselves.”

The Stolls both gave him glares, but the Son of Apollo just laughed it off. 

Dinner was over, and so everyone began to retreat back to their cabins. Percy trudged back towards Cabin Three and got ready for bed. As soon as he closed his eyes to go to sleep, the scene changed.

“Oh no,” Jason sighed. “A dream?”

Percy pursed his lips. “A nightmare, more like it.” His hold on Annabeth’s hand tightened. 

Everyone else quickly adjusted their positions, preparing themselves for what they were about to see. After all, when had Percy’s dreams ever been good?

There was a dark hillside, shrouded in fog. It was so dark that the sky wasn’t even visible, making it feel like a cave. 

Percy tried to steady his breathing. This dream made him feel so claustrophobic.

“Where…” Piper looked around before pausing as she spotted something. “Oh my gods, Annabeth. Is that you?” She covered her mouth.

Annabeth’s eyes widened. The dream was about her? She followed Piper’s gaze and, lo and behold, she was on-screen.

Annabeth struggled up the hill. Around her were old ruins of black marble Greek columns.

Reyna looked alarmed. “Isn’t this Othrys?” She shared a look with Jason, who also looked troubled at the sight.

‘Thorn! Where are you? Why did you bring me here?’ Annabeth cried out as she scrambled over a section of broken wall, arriving at the crest of the hill.

“Oh gods,” Annabeth swallowed, burying her head into Percy’s shoulder. “You saw this?” 

Percy could only nod as he held Annabeth closer.

Annabeth froze and gasped. On the rocky ground in front of her was Luke. He was in pain, and something seemed to be weighing him down. The blackness and fog swirled thicker around him. His clothes were tattered and his face was red and drenched with sweat.

Hermes gasped, sitting up. “That’s…” He stuttered, turning pale. “Why is my son the one holding the sky?”

More gasps filled the room as they processed what Hermes said. Even the senior counselors were surprised. Luke held the sky?

“The sky?” Paul asked uneasily. “Like, the burden of Atlas?”

“The General,” Artemis swallowed. “Atlas is Kronos’ General. And yes, that is the sky that he was punished to hold.”

Paul gaped. It’s been about a year since he’s known about the Greek world. While he knew a lot of the myths, it was still hard to grasp that they were real. 

This was one of the myths he couldn’t wrap his head around being real. Without someone holding the sky, it would collide with the Earth. The literal Sky would collide with the Earth.

And here he was, watching a demigod, a mortal, hold it.

‘Annabeth! Help me! Please!’ Luke called out to her. Annabeth ran forward.

Athena was frozen in her seat. She did not like where this was going.

I tried to…traitor! Don’t trust him! But my voice didn’t work in the dream.

“Oh gods,” Hazel gripped Frank’s arm tightly. “Oh gods.”

The other members of the Seven also looked worried and frightened for their friend. 

Annabeth had tears in her eyes as she approached Luke. ‘What happened?’

‘They left me here. Please. It’s killing me.’ Luke groaned.

“No,” Athena murmured. “Do not listen to him.”

Annabeth scrunched her eyes tightly, as she kept it buried in Percy’s shoulder, a hand coming up to grip the front of his shirt.

Thalia looked pale as she watched, a lump forming in her throat.

‘Why should I trust you?’ Annabeth asked, her voice sounding hurt.

‘You shouldn’t…But if you don’t help me, I’ll die.’ Luke said. 

Percy’s expression was almost murderous as he ran his fingers through Annabeth’s hair gently. While the curse was a factor, Percy was truly angry because of this, curse or no curse. 

Thalia’s expression also shifted from sadness to ire. “The nerve…” She growled under her breath through gritted teeth.

Let him die, I wanted to scream…He didn’t deserve anything from Annabeth.

“I still had the image of Luke from when I was seven, from before he turned bitter,” Annabeth mumbled for only Percy to hear, her tone pained. “They knew I’d be baited. I just can’t believe I fell for it.”

Percy pressed a kiss on top of Annabeth’s head. “You were young, and still believed in the back of your mind that he could be saved,” Percy whispered. Honestly, he didn’t want to admit this. He still hated that Annabeth believed in Luke so much, but he couldn’t deny that it was what saved them in the end. “He took you in when you were seven. You can’t blame yourself for this.”

Percy looked back up to glare at the image of Luke. Manipulative little shi—

Suddenly, the place shook, and the darkness above Luke began to crumble, and huge chunks of rock started to fall around them everywhere.

“He’s letting go,” Zeus said harshly. “Why would he be letting go?”

“It is a ploy,” Athena looked crestfallen as she realized what was about to happen. “A ploy to get my daughter under the sky.”

Silence.

Annabeth rushed in as a crack appeared. The whole ceiling dropped on Annabeth’s back. She was the only thing keeping the dark mass from collapsing in on her and the ground. Luke rolled free, gasping in relief. ‘Thanks.’ Luke managed. 

“Annabeth,” Piper’s hands covered her mouth as her gaze flitted between Annabeth on-screen, and Annabeth who was buried into Percy’s side. 

Annabeth looked up from Percy’s shoulder, her eyes red, and saw all of the worried looks she was receiving. Some of them even had tears in their eyes as they gaped at her. After all, she was under the fucking sky.

Jason gaped at her. “You held the sky?” He asked weakly. “For how long?”

Annabeth reached up to rub at her shoulder, remembering the pain very briefly. “I don’t know.” Her mind wandered. Oh gods. The pain from holding the sky was arguably the worst pain she’s ever felt in her life—and she’s walked through hell. 

And Percy was about to feel that pain again.

A bunch of insults directed at the Arai flew through her mind. 

Thalia was glaring at the projection of Luke, sparks flying from her fingers. Jason hugged her tightly from behind, unbothered by the sparks. 

‘Help me hold it,’ Annabeth groaned in effort, her voice laced with pain. 

Luke caught his breath as he got up shakily, covered in grime and sweat. ‘I knew I could count on you.’ He smirked. 

Thalia was fuming. How was there not a single sign of remorse on his face?

“Ow, Thalia,” Nico scowled as he got hit by a few sparks. 

“Sorry,” Thalia muttered, glare still directed at the projection of Luke. “Give me that.” She took the pillow Nico handed her and started frying it with sparks. 

Percy looked surprisingly calm, however, his eyes told another story as they swirled with anger, reflecting a storm. 

The only reason why he wasn’t completely losing it was because Annabeth was tucked into his side. 

A rumbling sound came from the bathrooms. 

Athena wasn’t faring any better as she sat ramrod straight in her seat, unmoving as if she were merely a statue. 

Her face was blank, but her eyes glowed with rage. 

‘HELP ME!’ Annabeth pleaded. 

‘Oh, don’t worry…all part of the plan. In the meantime, try not to die.’ Luke said as he walked away, leaving Annabeth to struggle under the weight of the sky by herself. 

Travis and Connor looked gutted. “How could he…?” Travis spat. 

The demigods jeered at the screen. 

“You’re so strong,” Percy murmured into Annabeth’s hair amidst all the noise their friends were making. 

Only Annabeth heard him. She pulled away from him and gave him a questioning look. 

Percy leaned back on the bean bag. “I couldn’t even let out a sound when I held it.”

Annabeth sighed, leaning her head back on his shoulder. “But you still held it. You’re strong, too. We dealt with the weight differently, I guess.” 

Tears rolled down Annabeth’s cheeks as her face twisted in agony from under the weight of the sky. The ceiling of darkness began to crumble once more, pushing Annabeth against the ground. 

“Oh, gods!”

“No! Annabeth!”

Percy sat bolt upright in his bed, hands gripping his sheets tightly. The cabin was silent except for the gurgle of the fountain. The clock on his nightstand showed that it was only just after midnight. 

“Oh my gods, I forgot that we were just watching one of your dreams,” Piper clutched at her chest, unable to stop her eyes from checking on Annabeth every now and then. 

Only a dream, but I was sure of two things: Annabeth was in terrible danger. And Luke was responsible.

“Please tell me it was just a dream to throw you off,” Hazel begged as the projection ended, but she could already guess that that was not the case. 

Percy looked at her sadly before glancing at Annabeth, who shook her head. “That’s exactly what happened.” Her voice wavered slightly towards the end. “But I’m fine, you guys. Someone took it from me eventually…”

Many wanted to ask who she was talking about, but they knew they wouldn’t get an answer. 

“But you still held the sky,” Athena finally spoke. It was like she was in shock. “That burden is not for mortals to carry.”

Even the Hermes kid carrying it had caught her off guard. However, given how quickly the boy had recovered, she speculated that the Titan Lord might have helped him somehow. 

Her daughter didn’t have that. 

“Your mother is right,” Artemis looked at Annabeth worriedly. “How long did you say you carried it for?”

Annabeth shook her head sadly. “I don’t know. It felt like time went by so slowly yet so quickly at the same time. I had no way to tell.”

“Even just a minute would be too much,” Hestia looked woeful at the thought of a child having to go through this. “I am sorry you had to go through that, young one. You are very strong.”

Percy squeezed Annabeth’s shoulders briefly with the arm that was wrapped around her. 

He and Annabeth exchanged looks. They both definitely went over a minute. 

Annabeth for sure held it for longer, but no one knew for sure how long she held the sky for, other than Atlas and Luke, neither of whom they’d ever talk to again. 

Annabeth sighed, getting up and facing her friends. “I’m okay, you guys. I got through it. Now, how about some lunch?”

Without waiting for anyone’s answer, she pulled Percy up and dragged him off into the dining area. 

The room sat in silence, shocked, before hesitantly getting up themselves. 

Jason watched as Thalia got up. She sighed as she wiped her hands against her pants, a charred pillow left behind on the floor. 

Thalia sighed once more as she looked from the pillow to her brother. “I think there’s gonna be more of that soon.”

As the Grace siblings began to follow everyone to the dining area, Jason nodded in agreement. “I’ll be sure to help supply you with pillows, then. Better than accidentally shocking someone again.”

“Ugh,” Thalia shuddered all of a sudden. “It could’ve been worse. Like, at least it wasn’t Capture the Flag or I could’ve accidentally hit Percy and the whole room would have exploded.”

At least she wasn’t affected by the curse, so she knew she wouldn’t be angry watching Capture the Flag later. That meant no accidentally hitting Percy with her sparks. 

Thank the gods. 

Jason looked at her, alarmed, as they sat at a table. “What?”

“You’ll understand real soon.”

Chapter Text

Annabeth placed her utensils down after taking a bite of her food and looked at Piper pointedly. “I’ll be okay, guys, I swear. This happened two, almost three, years ago.”

On one table sat Percy, Annabeth, Grover, Thalia, and Jason. On the table directly next to them was the rest of the Seven along with Nico. 

Piper gripped her fork tightly. “I can’t help it! Did you see how you looked holding the sky?” She huffed. She, along with the rest of the Argo crew couldn’t help but keep on giving her concerned glances. “Your mom literally said that mortals can’t carry the sky.”

“Shouldn’t, not can’t,” Annabeth corrected. Oh, their friends were going to flip when it was Percy’s turn because he’ll actually be feeling it. 

“As if that makes anything better,” Thalia snorted before ducking her head to avoid Annabeth’s glare, stuffing a spoonful of food into her mouth. 

“I didn’t even know you could hold the sky!” Leo threw his hands up in the air.  “I mean, I’ve heard about Atlas, but it’s such a weird concept to process.”

“Yeah,” Frank nodded. “I wouldn’t even have known that thing was the sky if the gods hadn’t mentioned it. It just looked like a collapsing ceiling.”

“That’s what I thought it was,” Percy said. 

Thalia furrowed her eyebrows as she observed Percy from across her. His chin was perched on his hand while his other hand picked at his food with a fork. 

He looked exactly like that back then, when Annabeth had been taken. 

Gods, this curse thing was really so cruel. 

Percy noticed her gaze and blinked, looking down at his plate. He hadn’t realized what he had been doing. His mind was just filled with a mix of worry, anger, sadness, and exhaustion. 

He sighed, forcing himself to eat. He knew he needed the energy for what was to come, but he didn’t exactly have an appetite at the moment. 

Grover’s eyes flickered between Percy and Thalia. “So…we’re getting Capture the Flag next?”

Thalia winced and Percy kept his eyes glued to his plate as everyone from the two tables looked at them. 

“How…how bad was it?” Annabeth asked. “I can never tell based on what everyone says about it.”

She has seen people joke about it, but she has also seen people completely avoid the topic altogether when she asked. 

“You know,” Leo said. “It’s so weird seeing you out of the loop.”

“Believe me, I hate not knowing things either,” Annabeth sighed. 

“To answer your question, Annabeth,” Nico spoke up. “I think it’s bad enough that Thalia shouldn’t be anywhere near Percy when it happens if his reaction to Dionysus earlier was anything to go by.”

Annabeth blinked. “Oh.”

“I’m surprised Mr. D hasn’t killed me yet. I have to thank Pollux.” Percy groaned, dropping his fork down on his plate and rubbing his hands across his face. “And you, Nico. Thanks for barging in when you did.”

Nico shrugged. “No problem, I guess. I’m only now seeing what I really walked into back then. I’m lucky he didn’t blast me for the wine dude comment.”

Hazel giggled, causing the others to laugh as well. “Calling him the wine dude is just gold!”

“You confused him enough for him not to smite you on the spot,” Thalia grinned. 

“Or get turned into a dolphin,” Annabeth added, causing the other members of the Seven to laugh even harder. 

Well, except Percy. He did have a smile on his face, but had gone back to picking at his food. 

As conversations continued around the table, Annabeth nudged Percy gently. “Hey. Not hungry?” She asked, noticing his plate that was still half full. 

Percy gave her a smile, but it came out as more of a grimace. “The curse is getting me real good.” He sighed. 

Annabeth watched as Percy took one last bite of his food before pushing his plate away. “I think I’m gonna take a quick nap or something.”

“Okay,” Annabeth gave his hand a squeeze before watching him leave, her eyes sad. 

This did not go unnoticed by the others. Piper watched as the door closed behind Percy, before looking at Annabeth. 

“You know,” Piper said softly. “He kind of reminds me of you when he disappeared.” The fact that they weren’t even dating yet when Annabeth had disappeared spoke volumes. 

Annabeth’s expression turned slightly sour as she was reminded of those times. It hadn’t even been that long since they reunited at Camp Jupiter, but they’ve done so much since then that it felt like ages ago. 

Grover scooted over the bench, taking up the spot Percy had vacated to be near Annabeth. He placed a hand on her shoulder. “You two have got to stop disappearing on each other.”

Annabeth managed a smile, albeit a sad one. “Ugh, I know right?” 

“You know,” Jason said after a moment of silence. “I wasn’t expecting Nico to appear in this set. I mean, I know you knew Percy and Annabeth longer than any of us on the Argo, but I also didn’t really think about how you guys met. Or when.”

“Well,” Nico made a face. “I think you can see why I don’t like talking about it. I was insufferable.”

“Well, I thought you were adorable,” Hazel grinned at her brother. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Nico scoffed. “Anyway, other than that, I also just don’t like talking about that winter in general. You’ll probably see why soon.”

Thalia looked down. 

“Should’ve expected seeing you soon, honestly,” Jason shrugged. “You’re the only one left out of the Greeks who hadn’t appeared yet, I think. It was only a matter of time.”

Nico raised an eyebrow. “Yeah. Sure.” He didn’t mention how Percy had quite literally bumped into him in the Lotus casino, all the way back in the first set. 

It was probably a spoiler anyway. Not everyone here knew that he was stuck in the Lotus casino for what felt like two weeks but ended up being decades. 

Annabeth, Thalia, and Grover—the only ones who had recognized him back then—all shared knowing looks. 

It was crazy to think about. Percy and Bianca were the same age when that happened. Then, when they met again, Percy was two years older while Bianca remained a twelve-year-old. 

“It’s weird, isn’t it?” Annabeth said. “Seeing the things you’ve done, remembering things you might have forgotten.”

Thalia nodded. “It makes me feel so much more bad for Percy. This already sucks as it is, but I can’t even begin to imagine literally feeling it again.”

Nico shook his head. “Seeing and feeling it again is one thing. I think it’s the narrated thoughts that make it even worse.” He didn't know how Percy dealt with it. Nico'd have gone insane if his thoughts were put on blast.

“Yeah,” Grover frowned. He hated seeing his best friend have to go through all of this. “I could literally care less about all of the things being shown about me anymore. Sure, they’re embarrassing, but it’s nothing compared to my every thought being exposed.”

Those that have appeared in the projections all nodded in agreement. 

“I wish I could just…ugh!” Annabeth made a noise of frustration. “If only I could fight the ones that gave him the curse.”

“Easier said than done,” Nico winced. “Night and the Pit, right?”

Annabeth wrinkled her nose. “Yeah.” 

“Maybe not the best people to pick a fight with,” Grover advised. 

“Oh, don’t I know it,” Annabeth sighed. She knew very well that they were not beings to pick a fight with. 

“Hey,” Thalia scowled all of a sudden as she elbowed Jason, breaking the solemn air that had formed. “Get your own fries.”

“Where’s the fun in that?”

Apollo kept shooting Artemis worried glances. 

Artemis sighed. “What is it, brother?” She asked. 

“Nothing, it’s just,” Apollo began before scowling at whatever was running through his mind. “I have a really bad feeling about that little solo mission of yours.”

“I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens,” Artemis said. She wanted nothing more than to say that she would be fine, but with how things were looking in the projections, she had no guarantee. 

“Whatever it is,” Athena scowled. “I hope it ends with Atlas back under the sky and my daughter free of that burden.”

“The monster must not fall into the Titans’ hands either,” Artemis nodded. 

“Do you really think it could be the Ophiotaurus?” Hermes asked hesitantly. 

The elder Olympians looked uneasy. The Titans had been so close to gaining its power during the first Titanomachy. 

“The old sea spirits are stirring as well,” Poseidon said tiredly. “It won’t be too far off to assume that the Ophiotaurus could be running free again.”

“Besides,” Hades’ eyes were dark with apprehension. “What other monster can directly lead to the downfall of Olympus if not this one?”

Zeus exhaled through his nose. “It is hard to say for sure,” he insisted. “We must watch for more information.”

Poseidon pursed his lips, but he couldn’t blame his brother for not wanting to believe what the monster Thorn was talking about could possibly be. 

“What we are sure about, though, is that Oceanus and the other immortals of the seas are allying with father,” Poseidon rubbed his temples. “They are strong enough that I cannot even sink their ship.”

The gods went quiet. 

“Nevertheless,” Poseidon sat up straight. “I will do what I can when the time comes. They will not conquer my oceans. I will not allow it.”

Zeus nodded sharply. If his father and his allies were to conquer the seas, that would give them even more ground to take over Olympus. 

Hestia glanced at Poseidon, concern in her eyes. “I wonder if preparing earlier than our future selves did would help prevent some of these things from happening.”

Hera crossed her arms, agreeing with Hestia’s words. “Keep Oceanus neutral, for example.”

“Maybe,” Apollo said thoughtfully. “But it will not stop the rise of the Titan Lord. If Percy truly is the prophecy child, then he will be the prophecy child for us as well. It’s what the prophecy intends.”

Poseidon sighed, glancing towards the children’s tables. His eyebrows furrowed when he noticed that his son wasn’t with his friends. 

Before he could even attempt to leave, he got drawn back in by the gods’ discussion. 

“This is difficult to discuss,” Athena said. “As much as there are things we want to prevent, it will be better if we first see how all of this ended.”

“It won’t hurt to be more prepared,” Ares said. 

“It won’t,” Athena agreed. “But that is different from completely stopping something that was supposed to happen, from happening.”

“How about we finish all of the projections before discussing this further?” Aphrodite pinched the bridge of her nose. “This timeline stuff makes my head hurt.”

“Tell me about it,” Hephaestus groaned. 

“I wonder what we will be watching for this set, though,” Demeter mused. “Dionysus is not allowing the children to go after Athena’s daughter.”

“Eh,” Dionysus said, ignoring the glare Athena was shooting his way. “Don’t forget, Chiron might still issue a quest for it.”

“I don’t think my son will leave this topic alone, either,” Poseidon muttered. 

“Yes,” Dionysus said blankly, although his eyes flashed angrily. “He had no problem sneaking out the summer before. Don’t think I have forgotten what he told me in that projection we just finished.”

Poseidon glared at the wine god. “You may confront him about it, but you will not touch even a hair on his head.”

“Fine,” Dionysus rolled his eyes. “I have a feeling that my future self was not done with him yet, either. I shall wait and see if anything else develops before I… speak to your son.”

“Oh just go and drink your wine while you can,” Poseidon huffed. “Something my son helped you with, by the way.”

Zeus ran a hand down his face in exasperation. 

“Look, the children are almost done,” Hestia interrupted. “That means you can all calm down and we can hopefully get the answers to all of your questions, soon, yes?”

“Yes, Auntie.”

“Of course, sister."

Percy went straight to his room. 

Seriously, if this stupid curse was going to affect his appetite on top of messing with his emotions, then might as well sleep it away while waiting for everyone else to finish lunch. 

He was exhausted. As much as he wanted to stay with his friends and have Annabeth within his sights, he also didn’t want to ruin anything with this mood of his. 

So of course, as soon as he knocked out, his dreams were invaded by a certain primordial (and then some). 

The place was vast and empty, and most (un)surprising of all, it was dark. Suddenly, a familiar voice sounded out from off to the side. 

As much as Percy didn’t want anything to do with this, his dream self moved closer to the source of the sound. He hid behind a pillar— when did that get here? —and peeked around it to see what was going on. 

It was actually hard to see anything. He could make out two figures. 

They were both tall. The one talking was female. Percy could make out huge wings sprouting out from behind her back. She was dressed in pure black, making it even harder to see if it weren’t for the swirling of dark blues and purples across it like galaxies. 

The clearest thing Percy could see were the pinpoints of her eyes, piercing through the darkness. 

Percy felt a chill run down his spine. Nyx. 

She was talking to the other figure, a male one. Percy couldn’t see anything else other than the glistening of his dark armor. However, he knew that behind that helmet wasn’t a face, but a swirling vortex of darkness. 

Tartarus. 

Fear shot through Percy’s entire soul. This must be one of the primordial’s lesser forms. Percy could still remember the pure malevolence that radiated from the primordial when they first encountered him. It was definitely toned down now, or else he’d have woken right back up out of terror. 

Percy pressed his hands against the pillar he was leaning against, in an attempt to stop his hands from shaking. 

“I’m surprised you even showed up, brother,” Nyx was saying. “You hate assuming a physical form after all.”

Tartarus made a sound akin to a laugh. The sound grated on Percy’s ears. “I am simply bored. Besides, you initiated revenge not just in your name, but mine as well, yes?”

Nyx smiled, her teeth flashing in the darkness. “Well, yes.”

“Then who am I to let your threat go empty?” Tartarus said. “Might as well help you with your petty revenge, no?”

Nyx scoffed. “As if you do not hold a grudge against the demigods that escaped you. You assumed physical form in front of them. You gave them your personal attention.”

Tartarus was quiet for a moment. Nyx smiled in satisfaction. “You are not as unbothered as you’d like to come across, brother. My Arai held your curse after all. They’ve unleashed it upon the intended targets, err, target.”

“So I’ve heard,” Tartarus said. “Very well. I shall do what you want. I have nothing better to do, anyway, after killing that sorry excuse of a Titan and disgraced son of mine.”

Percy’s breath caught in his throat. Bob and Damasen. He clenched his fists tightly. 

“I am not asking you for much, anyway. You can leave the demigods and those gods from the past, to me,” Nyx hummed. “As long as Chronos and Ananke are distracted, everything will go smoothly.”

Tartarus made a low rumbling sound in agreement. “That is easy.”

“You will not even break a sweat,” Nyx chuckled. “As some of my children want to join you. Eris in particular is very excited to simply just be involved.”

“Of course she is.”

“It is only a matter of time before I can enter that little place they have created,” Nyx mused. “Chronos’ defenses are quite strong, but even just one distraction is enough for me to fully slip inside.”

Tartarus made another sound. If he had a face, he’d probably be rolling his eyes. “And then what?”

“I have a few plans in mind,” Nyx said casually. “Depends on how everything goes. I’m not exactly in a hurry.”

“…All right,” Tartarus replied, unimpressed. “You are lucky I am bored enough.”

“Whatever. Let me have my fun,” Nyx huffed. 

It went silent. Percy’s heart beat against his chest. 

“Hmm,” Nyx mused. “Seems as if we have a little guest.”

Before Percy could do anything, the pinpoints of Night’s eyes flashed towards his direction. 

“Hello, Perseus Jackson,” Nyx cooed. “I’ll see you soon.”

Nyx laughed as a wave of darkness came at Percy. Just as it was about to hit him, he woke up. 

Percy sat bolt upright in his bed. He spotted something move through the corner of his eye. Out of instinct, he uncapped Riptide and threw it across the room. 

It embedded itself into the wall near the closet, where an unnaturally dark shadow had been lurking. As the sword cut through it, the darkness dissipated along with the echo of a laugh that sounded exactly like the one in his dream, leaving a normal shadow behind. 

Percy panted heavily, sweat lining his brow as his heart practically thundered in his chest. He gripped his stomach, feeling nauseous. 

So much for getting some rest, huh?

“Lord Poseidon!” Annabeth stood up, facing the sea god who approached their table. 

They had just been laughing at a story that Grover was telling about an apple tree, when Poseidon walked up to their table. 

The gods, seemingly having finished a serious conversation, dispersed and left the dining room. Thalia saw Poseidon approaching behind Annabeth and Grover, and nudged her leg with a foot to alert her. 

That’s how Annabeth found herself standing in front of the Lord of the Seas. 

“Miss Chase,” Poseidon acknowledged. 

The rest of the demigods couldn’t help but watch them curiously, if not a bit warily. Even if Poseidon had somewhat of a gentle demeanor with Percy, he was still one of the scarier gods for everyone else. 

Poseidon raised an eyebrow at the rest of the demigods who were trying (and failing) to hide the fact that they were all listening in. They all ‘casually’ looked away, avoiding the sea god’s gaze. 

Poseidon shook his head, amused, before looking back at Annabeth. “Nothing to worry about. I just wanted to ask where my son was.”

“Oh!” Annabeth said, relaxing slightly. “He, uh, left some time ago to get some rest. The curse is doing a number on him on this set.”

“Alright,” Poseidon nodded, but his face set into a frown. They were only five episodes in. “This set is…harder on him than the others, no?”

“In more ways than you think, Lord Poseidon,” Grover said. 

Poseidon’s frown deepened. “I see. Well then, I’ll leave you kids to it. Give us a call once you’re all ready to begin the next one.”

“Yes, Lord Poseidon,” Annabeth nodded. Poseidon nodded back before leaving the room. 

As soon as the sea god was out the door, Annabeth heaved a big sigh of relief and plopped herself back down in her seat. 

“Dude,” Leo said with wide eyes. “Your boyfriend’s dad is scary.”

Annabeth gave him a look. “You don’t have to say it like that.” She groaned as the others let out a few snickers. 

“But it’s true,” Leo said as he twirled a fork in his hands. “Even if he was just standing there.”

“He is one of the Big Three,” Piper pointed out. “They’re all scary.”

“When they’re not acting like three-year-olds, that is,” Thalia scoffed. 

“Except they’re still kinda scary when they are,” Grover pointed out. “For me, at least.”

“I guess,” Thalia just shrugged.

“Hey guys,” Will approached their table. “Are we gonna be starting up again soon? Everyone’s done eating.”

Annabeth looked around at the other tables. Will was right. It looked like everyone was done eating, and have been done for a while now. 

“We still have to wait for Percy, and I don’t really want to bother him right now,” Annabeth said. “If he’s sleeping, I’d rather he gets up on his own terms.”

Will nodded, humming in agreement. “Alright then. I guess–” 

The son of Apollo was cut off by a loud slamming sound. It was the door. 

In the doorway stood Percy, pale and breathing heavier than normal. What made it even more concerning, was that Riptide was out in sword form. 

The dining room went silent, and everyone looked towards Percy, faces growing into various expressions of worry. 

“Percy? What–” Annabeth stood up. 

But it was like Percy couldn’t hear her. He didn’t even acknowledge the stares he was getting as he stomped his way straight into the kitchen. 

Sally stood up, alarmed, as she followed Percy with her eyes until he disappeared into the kitchen. She whipped her head around to face Annabeth who mirrored her worry exactly. 

“Well,” Nico licked his lips. “He’s awake.”

“So, uhh, we’ll just wait in the theater, yeah?” Will told Annabeth. 

“Umm, yeah. We’ll be there,” Annabeth nodded, obviously distracted now. Without waiting for a response, she made her way to the kitchen. 

When Annabeth walked in, Sally was already there. She was holding a pitcher that was less than half-filled with water. She watched with worried eyes as her son chugged a glass of water. 

Annabeth was by his side as soon as he finished the glass of water. She glanced at Riptide which was still in sword form on top of the counter before exchanging a worried look with Sally. 

As Percy wiped his mouth with his arm, Annabeth rested a hand on the small of his back. “Percy?”

“Yeah, uhh,” Percy glanced at his mom, debating whether or not he wanted her to hear what he had to say. 

Sally set the pitcher down and crossed her arms. I’m not going anywhere, her body language said. 

“Okay,” Percy sighed, defeated. He looked down at his hands as he fiddled with the hem of his shirt. “I had a dream.”

Annabeth’s eyes widened. “Night?”

Percy nodded, closing his eyes. “And the Pit.”

Annabeth’s heart seized for a moment in fear. “W-what?”

Sally looked back and forth between the two, slightly lost.

Percy inhaled deeply, before letting the air out slowly through his nose. “Turns out the Pit hasn’t even been directly involved until now.”

“Whoa, hold on,” Annabeth shook her head, hand coming up to grip Percy’s arm. “Let’s start from the beginning.”

“Right,” Percy nervously chewed on his bottom lip as he leaned on the counter behind him using his arms. “Basically, I was able to overhear a conversation between the two.”

“Did you see them?” Annabeth asked hesitantly. 

“Barely. It was too dark, thank the gods,” Percy shook his head. “But I could tell that they took up lesser forms. Like, their presence wasn’t as overwhelmingly terrifying as they should have been, you know?”

Annabeth nodded. Night was bad enough, but she could still remember the absolute terror she felt when they faced the Pit himself. 

Percy poured himself another glass of water, taking a sip before launching into a quick recap of his dream. 

As soon as he finished, Annabeth began to pace in front of him. “Let me get this straight. Night wants revenge, we already knew that, but the Pit was only dragged into it now?”

“Apparently,” Percy took another sip of water. 

“So she was the mastermind behind everything, knowing that the Pit was angry with us for escaping, enough that it had formed a curse that the Arai could use alongside her own curse.”

“Pretty much.”

“We already know that Chronos and Ananke modified the curses so that you’re not literally going through everything again. Night’s probably upset that it didn’t happen the way she intended, right?”

“Probably.”

Annabeth chewed at her fingernails as she paced. “So I think she wants to mess with us, with you, to make up for that.”

“I guess so.”

“But in order to do that more effectively, she wants to get inside here, but can’t do so freely because of Chronos and Ananke protecting this place?”

“Yeah.”

“So she asked her brother to help out, who agreed because he was bored?”

“Unfortunately,” Percy sighed, shutting his eyes while pinching the bridge of his nose. Annabeth’s pacing was not helping his growing headache. “‘Beth, I think you got it.”

Annabeth spun on her heel and turned to face her boyfriend. “Percy. This is bad. Like, really bad.”

“I think I got that.”

“I just,” Annabeth pulled at her hair, frustrated, before finally stopping in front of Percy. “I’m worried. And scared. This has never happened before, so I don’t know what to expect. And I hate not knowing.”

“I know,” Percy said softly, pulling Annabeth’s hands away from her hair. 

“I don’t know what to do,” Annabeth said. It pained her to admit it, but it was true. 

“I don’t think we can do anything,” Percy sighed. “At least, not until we know more. Or not until she gets here.”

The implications of Percy’s words were heavy. They didn’t know when Night would come, but she will be paying them a visit soon. 

They’ll be seeing the primordial again, in the flesh. 

Unless of course, Chronos and Ananke could put a stop to it. Somehow. 

As the two demigods fell into silence. Sally finally stepped in. She placed a hand on both of their shoulders. “As much as I do not like where any of this is going, I think it’s best if we just keep on going with what we were already doing, yeah?”

Annabeth blinked. She had almost forgotten that Sally was here as well. 

“The sooner we finish all of the projections in the box, the less time…Night?” Sally asked. Both Percy and Annabeth nodded in confirmation. Sally nodded back. “Yes, the less time Night has to get in here.”

“Okay. You’re right Sally,” Annabeth took a deep breath, forcing herself to relax slightly. “Maybe if we finish everything as soon as possible, we’ll get sent back before anything could even happen.”

Even as she said it, it still felt unlikely. Especially because it wasn’t like they could set the projections on 2x speed.

Besides, as much as they wanted to get through everything as fast as possible, these remaining sets aren’t exactly the best for one’s mental state. Especially Percy’s. 

That meant taking breaks when they needed to, which meant taking even longer. 

Percy sighed. “You know what? It’s fine.”

It was, in fact, not fine. All three of them knew that.

“Mom’s right that we should just keep on going,” Percy continued. “Let’s worry about finishing these last three sets first. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Sally quickly pulled the two demigods into a hug. “I’m sorry we can’t do anything more.”

It was hard for Sally, processing the two’s conversation. Percy’s dream and Annabeth’s rambling were difficult to follow. However, she understood that the situation was bad. 

As a mortal, as a mother, all she could provide right now was comfort. These two children—because they were still only just children—needed all the support they could get. 

Both Percy and Annabeth hugged her back tightly. “I’m sorry, too, that you got dragged into this,” Percy mumbled into his mom’s shoulder. Annabeth’s hold tightened around the both of them. 

Sally shook her head. “Don’t worry about me, hmm? I’m just grateful that you’re back.” She sniffed as she pulled back. 

Annabeth sighed. “Should we head back?”

Percy made a small noise of complaint before letting out a sigh of his own as well. “I guess. I’m not really looking forward to Capture the Flag.”

Annabeth hummed as she made her way out of the kitchen, Sally and Percy following close behind her. “I’ve heard that you should be kept away from Thalia when it happens.”

Percy winced. “With the curse? Yeah, that’s probably the best choice.”

Annabeth and Sally exchanged curious looks. They walked the rest of the way across the dining area in silence. 

Annabeth opened the door to the theater to find everyone already there, including the gods. 

Poseidon’s eyes instantly zeroed in on Percy, checking to see if he was alright. 

Without a word, Percy went and activated the next projection. Grover patted the empty bean bag in front of him. Annabeth was already seated next to it. 

As Percy went to sit down, he noticed that instead of Thalia being seated beside Percy like before, it was Frank. Hazel gave him a bright smile from her place on Frank’s other side. “Hope you don’t mind.”

Percy shook his head. “Of course not.” He said, giving both of them a grateful smile. Honestly speaking, Frank and Hazel were probably the best people to be seated beside when it got to moments where his temper got the best of him in the projections. 

As always, all of the demigods sat together in one group in the center of the room. Thalia was beside Jason, somewhere behind Grover as to not be in Percy’s direct line of sight when Capture the Flag came about. 

Annabeth crossed her arms, leaning back in her seat. “Time to see what Capture the Flag was all about, hmm?”

Percy sighed as he watched the projection get set up. “I am so not looking forward to this.”

Chapter Text

The projection began with Percy and Grover sitting in the meadow as they watched satyrs chase wood nymphs in the snow and slam into trees. Percy was telling Grover about the dream he just had. Grover looked increasingly nervous as Percy recounted his dream. 

‘A cave ceiling collapsed on her?’ Grover asked.

“Not quite,” Athena sighed.

“Seeing as he did not know about the sky yet, a cave ceiling collapse is a considerable description for it,” Poseidon mumbled. 

‘Yeah. What the heck does that mean?’ Percy asked.

“I wasn’t sure if it was one of those metaphorical dreams or not,” Percy told Annabeth quietly. “Usually, you help me make sense of them.”

Annabeth took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. 

Grover shook his head, equally unsure. ‘I don’t know. But after what Zoë dreamed—’  

Artemis furrowed her brows. “Zoë as well?”

‘Whoa. What…Zoë had a dream like that?’ Percy cut Grover off. 

Grover looked nervous. ‘I don’t know, exactly. About three in the morning…looked really panicked.’ 

Chiron raised a brow at the satyr. “I did not realize that you knew that.”

“Chiron’s right,” Artemis said. “How did you know this if it happened at three in the morning?”

Grover flushed, keeping quiet knowing that the projection would answer them soon. 

‘I was…Artemis cabin.’ Grover blushed. 

Grover buried his face in his hands, ignoring Thalia’s snort and avoiding Artemis’ gaze. 

“At three in the morning?” Annabeth raised an amused eyebrow. 

‘What for?’ Percy asked. 

‘Just to be, you know, near them.’ Grover mumbled. 

Percy looked at him incredulously. ‘You’re a stalker with hooves.’

‘I am not!’

“There’s no denying it, Grover.”

Grover grumbled into his hands. 

‘Anyway…real upset when Argus wouldn’t let her in. It was kind of a dangerous scene.’ Grover explained what he saw. 

“Argus rarely gets involved unless it’s something really serious,” Katie chewed on her bottom lip. “That mustn’t have been a pretty sight, huh?”

Grover finally looked up from his hands. “No,” He agreed. “It got pretty heated, that’s for sure.”

‘What did she say?’ Percy pressed. 

Grover grimaced. ‘Well, she starts talking really old-fashioned when she gets upset…something about Artemis being in trouble…And then he called her—’

“Hold on, pause.” Apollo sat up. “Artemis is in trouble?”

The rest of the gods looked uneasy as well. 

Artemis gave her twin a pointed glance but kept quiet due to her own worry. What happened to her future self? Zoë wouldn’t have reacted like that if it wasn’t bad. 

‘Whoa, wait. How could Artemis be in trouble?’ Percy stopped Grover’s rambling. 

Apollo crossed his arms impatiently, wanting to know the answer himself. 

‘I…his horse tail in curlers and—’ 

‘He wears curlers in his tail?’ Percy cut Grover off again. 

Grover covered his mouth. 

Chiron let out the most exasperated sigh the children have ever heard come out of his mouth. “I do not think that was a relevant detail, Mr. Underwood.”

“Sorry!” Grover yelped, hiding behind Percy. “I was nervous!”

The demigods, however, just laughed much to Chiron’s chagrin. 

“Thanks for the information, Grover!” Travis laughed, ignoring Chiron’s sharp gaze. 

‘Sorry. Go on.’ Percy said. 

“Can’t blame you at all for getting distracted by that.”

‘Well, Zoë said she needed permission to leave…stay here until they received orders from Artemis. And she said…’ Grover gulped, looking nervous. 

Artemis leaned forward in anticipation. What did Zoë see in her dream?

‘She said ‘How are we to get orders from Artemis if Artemis is lost?’’ Grover said. 

Artemis’ eyes widened. Apollo’s face fell. Before any of them could say anything, the projection kept going. 

‘What do you mean…directions?’ Percy clarified. 

Grover shook his head. ‘No. I think she meant gone. Taken. Kidnapped.’

“I knew it wasn’t safe, even for you!” Apollo finally exploded. 

The rest of the gods were shocked into silence. A god, an Olympian at that, kidnapped?

Artemis swallowed thickly. “Brother—”

Apollo’s angered rambling cut her off. “I mean, I should have known, really. We’re dealing with the General here, for gods’ sake!”

“Apollo.”

“Okay, fine. The monster should be hunted by one of us. But did you really have to go alone? I could’ve easily—”

“Apollon.” Artemis’ clear and calm tone cut through her twin’s rant. 

Apollo froze, finally meeting Artemis’ eyes. 

“I will be fine,” Artemis said. Apollo opened his mouth to protest but Artemis immediately shook her head. “Trust my capabilities brother. It is the most we can do right now.”

Artemis laid a hand on her brother’s arm, and that’s what it took for Apollo to deflate in his seat. He placed a hand over his sister’s. “Fine.”

“Besides,” Artemis whispered to her brother. “I won’t be surprised if you somehow get involved in my rescue, assuming that there is a rescue.”

“Of course there will be one!” Apollo shot back, but he seemed to relax slightly at Artemis’ words. She was right, his future self would probably be appearing again soon. 

He better. 

‘Kidnapped?…Is that even possible?’ Percy’s expression showed that he had trouble believing what he just heard. 

‘Well, yeah. I mean, it happened to Persephone.’ Grover said. 

Demeter scowled. 

‘But she was like, the goddess of flowers.’ Percy said. 

Nico winced. 

Demeter’s scowl deepened, and this time, she was joined by Hades who paired his scowl with a glare at Percy who shrank deeply into his seat. 

“Watch your tone, nephew, for that is my queen you speak of,” Hades said darkly. 

“And my daughter.” Demeter snapped. 

Percy grimaced. “I’m sorry. I still wasn’t very well-versed on everything yet.” 

Honestly, even until now, Percy questioned what he knew. He still felt as if he was confused about whatever he faced over half the time.  

Hades pressed his mouth into a thin line and leaned back in his seat. Demeter huffed and looked away. 

Percy sighed in relief. Frank patted his shoulder comfortingly. 

Grover looked at Percy, offended. ‘Springtime.’

‘Whatever…Who could kidnap her? And why?’ Percy asked. 

Apollo’s expression darkened. “Yes, why?”

Annabeth scratched at the fabric of her shorts nervously. Apollo was not going to like what Artemis would end up doing. None of the gods would. 

Grover shook his head miserably. ‘I don’t know. Kronos?’ 

Artemis shook her head. “I doubt it.”

Athena nodded in agreement. “Conceptually, maybe. He is cunning enough to be somewhat involved in their plans for this. Physically? Definitely not. He could not have been the one to kidnap you directly. Though, I think we all have an idea on who is behind this.”

After all, unlike Percy on-screen, the gods knew who the General was, and what he was capable of. 

Besides, they all now also know that he was no longer under the sky at this point. 

‘He can’t be that powerful already. Can he?’ Percy asked. 

The gods exchanged looks. 

Although they knew that Atlas was most likely more responsible for this than Kronos was, it was still uneasy to think of what exactly the Titan Lord was capable of at this moment in time. 

And if more demigods have defected since the last time they saw Luke and his crew on-screen, then that meant that the Crooked One was more powerful than he was in the last set of projections. 

However, he probably was not yet at the point of fully reforming. 

‘I don’t know…But still, it’s weird, you having a nightmare the same night as Zoë. It’s almost like—’ 

‘They’re connected.’ Percy completed Grover’s thought. 

Athena looked deep in thought. They were definitely connected. If her daughter was, gods forbid, under the sky, that meant Atlas was free to do whatever. 

If Atlas was truly the one behind Artemis’ kidnapping…

Athena’s eyes widened. She glanced at her daughter who was looking down at her twiddling thumbs. 

Annabeth, no matter how strong she was, would not survive holding the sky for long. In Perseus’ dream, Luke had mentioned that help for her was on the way.

Did he mean Artemis?

Annabeth looked at her mom, who was looking back at her with slightly wider eyes than usual. Annabeth looked back down at her hands. She wouldn’t be surprised if her mother had already figured it out. 

Grover and Percy fell into silence. They watched as a satyr chased after a nymph whose arms were wide open. Just as he was about to collide with her, the nymph turned into a tree, causing the satyr to smack into the trunk. 

‘Ah, love,’ Grover said dreamily. 

“Seriously,” Thalia nudged Grover with a foot. “How does Juniper deal with you?”

Grover just swatted at her foot in reply. 

Percy looked deep in thought. ‘I’ve got to talk to Zoë.’ He said. 

Piper looked unsure. “From what I know about her, that might be easier said than done.”

‘Um, before you do…I think they might’ve been scouting us.’ Grover said as he took something out of his coat pocket. A brochure. 

Percy looked at him curiously. ‘Scouting us? What do you mean?’ 

Grover handed him the brochure. Percy looked at it, his fingers tightening over the pamphlet as he read through it. It was about the Hunters of Artemis. 

Annabeth blinked. She looked at Percy who avoided her gaze with a clenched jaw. 

‘I found that in Annabeth’s backpack.’ Grover said softly. 

“Wait, what?” Annabeth exclaimed. 

‘I don’t understand.’ Percy said. 

‘Well…maybe Annabeth was thinking about joining.’ Grover said. 

“You were?” Leo asked Annabeth with wide eyes. 

Annabeth shifted uncomfortably, giving Percy a quick glance. “I mean, I can’t say I didn’t think about it,” she began, and Percy tensed. Annabeth quickly rushed out her next words. “But I only ever just thought about it. Also, that brochure isn’t mine. At least, to my knowledge.”

“Wait, really?” Grover asked. “I found it in your bag, though?”

Annabeth shook her head. “They must have put it in my bag at some point, but I wasn’t exactly there to open my bag after they put it in.”

“Huh,” Grover tilted his head. “I didn’t think about that.”

Annabeth huffed out a laugh before turning to face Percy again. Silently, she offered him her hand. Still avoiding her gaze, Percy took her hand gently in his. 

I’d like to say I took the news well. 

Percy felt his cheeks start to heat up. 

The truth was, I wanted to strangle…at a time. 

When Annabeth glanced at Percy again, his entire face was red, and he was avoiding everyone’s gaze. She felt his fingers twitch slightly—out of anger she assumed—and gave his hand a short squeeze. 

The rest of the day I tried to keep busy, but I was worried sick about Annabeth.

The scene flashed to Percy in javelin-throwing class. Percy was obviously distracted as he threw the javelin, and didn’t notice that the Ares camper in charge wasn’t out of the way yet. Luckily, the camper dodged the weapon, but it caught his pants and tore a hole in it. 

Sally winced, reminded of the time that Percy had been playing with a javelin in their apartment before she banned weapons in the house. 

The Ares camper chewed Percy out for it. Percy apologized but the other guy still sent him away. 

Clarisse whistled lowly. “Damn, Jackson, you were out of it. You’re lucky all he did was kick you out of the class.”

Percy grumbled under his breath. 

Next, Percy visited the Pegasus stables, but Silena Beauregard was having an argument with one of the Hunters. Percy immediately turned around and left. 

Clarisse sighed. If the Ares cabin tended to be the first ones to pick a fight with the Hunters, the Aphrodite cabin had the most fights with them. She recalled how Silena would always be in a sour mood every time they visited. 

Aphrodite didn’t look surprised. She herself wasn’t that fond of the Hunters, so it was no surprise that her children were the same. 

Defeated, Percy sat himself down in the empty chariot stands and sulked. 

Annabeth leaned her head on Percy’s shoulder. “I didn’t know how much this affected you.”

Percy sighed. “I was a mess. The brochure didn’t help. I didn’t want to lose you.” 

Annabeth’s heart swelled. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” She murmured. 

“Thank gods for that,” Percy said as he laid his head on top of Annabeth’s. 

Percy looked towards the archery fields, where Chiron was conducting target practice. 

I knew he’d be the best person to talk to…try to protect me, like he always did. He might not tell me everything he knew. 

Chiron sighed. “I cannot exactly say that you’re wrong there, my boy.” 

Percy gave him a sheepish look. “Sorry, Chiron.”

Chiron shook his head. “As much as I’d prefer you stay at Camp where it’s safer, it seems as if fate truly means for you to be involved in all of these things.”

Percy looked down. “Just my luck.”

Apollo crossed his arms and leaned back. “Sounds exactly like what would happen to a prophecy child.” He whispered to Poseidon who just frowned. 

It’s like the universe knew to target those his son loved the most. He was only just getting to know his son while they were here, but it was obvious that he would do anything for those he loved. Anything and everything. 

Percy then looked in the other direction towards Half-Blood Hill. Mr. D and Argus were feeding the baby dragon that now guarded the Fleece. 

“Is that a dragon?” Paul blinked. 

“Oh!” Piper exclaimed. “Baby Peleus!”

“He’s there to guard the Fleece,” Annabeth informed Paul. “So that we don’t need to be on border patrol.”

“I see,” Paul nodded. 

Percy blinked, before looking towards the Big House this time. 

Then it occurred to me: no one would be in the Big House…something else I could ask for guidance.

Pollux’s eyes widened. “You didn’t.”

“I did,” Percy ducked his head, his ears red. “Not like it helped much anyway.” He muttered under his breath. 

Percy glanced once more at Chiron and Mr. D, making sure that they were both busy, and ran towards the Big House. 

Annabeth watched with wide eyes. She knew how much the old Oracle freaked Percy out. She didn’t know that he willingly sought it out. 

Percy ran up the stairs. 

I’d only done this once before, and I still had nightmares about it. 

Exactly. Annabeth thought. 

Percy felt his blood rushing to his ears due to the curse as he watched himself run up the Big House stairs. Even he can’t believe he did this. 

Actually, never mind. This was Annabeth they were talking about. Of course he was willing to see the mummy again. 

Paul’s eyes widened and a shudder ran down his spine as he remembered what was in the attic of the Big House. “Are we going to be seeing that Oracle thing again?”

Sally bit her lip as she nodded. “I guess so.” She wasn’t exactly looking forward to seeing the corpse of the Oracle again. Seriously, once was enough. 

Percy reached the trap door, opening it and stepping into the attic. The place was dark and dusty, exactly like the first time they saw it during Percy’s first quest. 

Percy walked through displays of monster-bitten shields, bent swords, and stuffed monsters. By the window, sitting on a three-legged stool as always, was the mummy in a tattered tie-dyed dress. The Oracle. 

“Good gods,” Leo grimaced. “I’m never gonna get used to seeing that. Her? It?”

Apollo scowled. 

The rest of the demigods reacted similarly to Leo, no matter if they’d only seen her once before in the previous set, or had seen her in real life. 

Much like the first time they saw the Oracle, Paul’s stomach churned and Sally looked slightly green. 

Percy discreetly rubbed at his nose, the musty scent of the attic filling it. Good luck to everyone when they see how she literally walked after the Capture the Flag game, especially those who weren’t there when it happened. 

Hesitantly, Percy walked towards the mummy. He shifted his weight as he waited expectantly. Nothing happened. 

Chiron was surprised to see that Percy did this. He had no idea. He was not surprised, however, that the Oracle didn’t respond. 

The prophecy belonged to Zoë Nightshade, after all. 

‘Hi. Uh, what’s up?’ Percy tried, wincing right after as he realized how he sounded. 

Percy dropped his head into his hands, letting out a groan. 

Not much could be ‘up’ when you’re dead and stuck in the attic. 

The teens couldn’t help but snicker at Percy’s awkward approach. 

“This is kinda like when you first tried asking your dad for help,” Connor grinned. “Uh, dad? How’s it going?” He said in a higher tone to mimic Percy’s thirteen-year-old voice. 

“I did not sound like that!” Percy protested, raising his head from his hands to glare at the younger Stoll. It was futile, though, as he and the rest of their friends laughed harder. 

Poseidon stifled a laugh, having to cover his mouth. Percy noticed this and directed his glare to his father. “Dad!”

Poseidon’s eyes twinkled in amusement as he raised his hands in surrender. Even Sally couldn’t help but let out a little laugh at this point as well. 

But I knew the spirit…cold presence in the room, like a coiled sleeping snake. 

Everyone sobered up as Percy shuddered slightly at the cold presence that washed over him. 

‘I have a question…Annabeth. How can I save her?’ Percy asked. There was no answer. 

Percy scowled, a cough building up in the back of his throat from the dust in the attic. 

Then I got angry. I was being stonewalled by a corpse. 

Percy breathed in deeply. If only there was no curse. He would’ve at least found this funny in hindsight. 

But no, he was just angry now. 

Thalia winced. This probably contributed to his mood during Capture the Flag. 

‘All right. Fine. I’ll figure it out myself.’ Percy snapped. He turned on his heel then bumped into a big table full of souvenirs. 

Percy gripped his hip as he cursed under his breath. 

“It just wasn’t your day, huh?” Frank frowned, resting a hand on Percy’s shoulder. 

“Oh, just you wait,” Percy grumbled. 

“I swear that table wasn’t that full last time,” Jason pointed out. 

“More outside activity since then,” Chiron nodded. “Especially scouting and recovery missions.”

“Ah. Right.”

Heroes stored all kinds of stuff…no longer wanted to keep in their cabins, or stuff that held painful memories. 

Percy gripped the edge of the table to steady it. He looked at a broken sword hilt labeled: This broke and Leroy got killed. 1999. 

“Now, why would you keep a broken sword hilt that killed, err, Leroy?” Nico asked, brows furrowed. “Was he a demigod?”

“He was,” Chiron confirmed. “As for why that’s there, it must have been one of his companions. We don’t really clear the attic out so these things just build up in there.”

I knew Luke had stored a dragon claw…one that had scarred his face.

Annabeth made a face. “Funny how you meet that same dragon days later, huh?”

Percy just sighed heavily. 

Then, Percy noticed a pink fabric and picked it up. It was a pink silk scarf. The label read: 

SCARF OF THE GODDESS APHRODITE

Recovered at Waterland, Denver, Co.,

by Annabeth Chase and Percy Jackson

“Oh, hey!” Hazel pointed at the scarf. “It’s the one from Waterland!”

“I was surprised you kept that,” Percy muttered to Annabeth. 

Percy stared at the scarf in his hands. 

I’d totally forgotten about it…just assumed she’d thrown it away…why had she stashed it in the attic?

Annabeth shrugged. “Why not? Besides, it’s not exactly safe to just throw away, you know?”

“I guess,” Percy said. “Love magic?”

“That’s one reason, yeah.”

Percy turned once more to face the mummy. She hadn’t moved, but the shadows being cast across her face made it look like she was smiling gruesomely. 

Percy dropped the scarf and quickly made his way to the exit, almost running. 

Percy shuddered again. “Shit, I forgot how creepy that was.”

“I don’t blame you for booking it out of there,” Katie rubbed her arms, feeling for goosebumps. “Why did it look like she was smiling?”

Aphrodite raised a brow. Percy desperately finding a way to get to Annabeth whom he deeply cared for, spotting her scarf, and then the mummy seemingly smiling just all felt like some kind of omen. 

She wondered if she’d finally be making an appearance in this set. 

The scene changed to show the pavilion. It was after dinner as the sky was dark and the Camp prepared for Capture the Flag, readying their weapons and strapping on their armor. 

“Oh, great, it’s finally here,” Thalia sighed. 

“Should I be worried?” Jason asked her. 

“Eh,” Thalia just waved his question away which did not help Jason’s nerves at all. 

“Ah, the long-awaited game,” Grover clapped his hands together once. “Ready to see what you missed, Annabeth?”

“…No.”

I was seriously ready to beat the Hunters at Capture the Flag. 

It was going to be a small game: only thirteen Hunters…about the same number of campers. 

Percy groaned, flopping his back down in his bean bag. 

“Did you know of the previous games against the Hunters?” Clarisse raised an eyebrow. 

“No one told me,” Percy grumbled. 

“Makes sense,” Clarisse nodded. Probably would have been helpful to know that the Hunters were on a winning streak against them. It didn’t matter if the game was big or small. 

She wasn’t there when this game happened, but she knew the Hunters’ streak hadn’t broken yet, so she knew that they must have lost this one as well. Unfortunately. 

The Stolls scowled. This was not their best game. 

Well, at least they were able to get their revenge with that T-shirt. 

The screen showed Zoë looking upset, giving Chiron a resentful glance every now and then. The rest of the Hunters didn’t look too happy either, huddled together and whispering nervously as they adjusted their armor. Some even looked like they had been crying. 

Artemis frowned, looking at her Hunters worriedly. Zoë must have told them about her dream, then. She shifted nervously in her seat, wondering what they were going to do after Capture the Flag. She didn’t want her Hunters going into danger just to save her. 

She tried catching Chiron’s eyes, her expression questioning. Chiron just looked down. 

The campers team consisted of Beckendorf and two of his siblings, a few from the Ares cabin, the Stolls, Nico, a few from Aphrodite, Thalia, and Percy. 

Piper watched the Aphrodite campers, interested and slightly surprised. “They look determined.”

“Your cabin is always the most determined when it comes to a game against the Hunters,” Clarisse sighed. “Even more than ours.”

“Oh,” Piper blinked. “Wow, okay.”

‘I’ll show them ‘love is worthless.’ I’ll pulverize them!’ Silena grumbled as she strapped on her armor. 

Artemis glanced at Aphrodite who sat up in her seat proudly. 

“Ah,” Piper nodded. “I see.”

Clarisse just sighed again as she looked at the image of Silena with an unreadable expression, except for her eyes which flickered with sadness. 

Thalia turned to face Percy. ‘I’ll take the offense. You take the defense.’

“And so it begins,” Percy muttered. 

‘Oh.’ Percy looked hesitant. 

I’d been about to say the exact same thing, only reversed. 

Jason looked back and forth between Percy and his sister nervously. 

He had absolutely no idea what was coming, but he knew something happened involving Thalia and Percy based on what everyone else had been saying in reference to this exact event. 

He, along with the rest of the Seven, exchanged glances. They could all guess that some kind of a fight had happened, but how bad?

‘Don’t you think with your shield and all, you’d be better defense?’ Percy asked. 

Thalia already had Aegis on her arm. Even their own teammates were steering clear of the shield, trying to avoid looking at the face of Medusa. 

Annabeth clasped her hands in front of her mouth as she propped her elbows on her knees. “Honestly, both of you make good offense and defense. It just depends on the overall strategy now.”

“Why can’t both of them be on the offensive?” Rachel asked. 

“It is an option, but both your offense and defense have to be somewhat balanced,” Annabeth explained. “Percy and Thalia are known to be powerful, which means that the Hunters know to watch out for them. If they find out that both of them were on offense, then they’d target defense as a weak point. I’m not saying that the others are weak, it’s just…”

“I get it,” Rachel nodded. 

“It would have been a whole different story if Nico knew of his powers here,” Annabeth said.

“Yeah, and I have no problem being on defense,” Nico said. “Sadly, I didn’t know how to use my powers back then yet though.”

Annabeth nodded. “Yeah, if you did, then both Percy and Thalia could have gone on offense, and then you could have–” She stopped herself. “Damn. I wish we had a game together. Now Thalia’s always gonna be on the Hunters’ side.”

“Yeah, and we can kick your asses.” Thalia snorted. 

“You keep telling yourself that,” Percy retorted. 

“How about Hazel and I?” Jason joined in. 

Thalia paused. “Okay, now, that’s just unfair. At least make it more balanced. I’ll take Hazel.”

“Hey!” Nico gaped. 

“Just for the game!” Thalia reassured Nico. 

“Okay!” Hazel grinned. 

Annabeth looked at the children of the Big Three exasperatedly. “Guys, don’t forget that we’re talking about a Camp Half-Blood versus Hunters game here, not a Big Three children game.”

“Oh, hey, good idea! Chiron, how does a game with just the Big Three children sound?” Thalia said. 

“Might as well try us against the entire Camp,” Percy suggested offhandedly. 

“Oh! Another great idea!”

Annabeth’s gaze turned incredulous. Grover patted her shoulder. “Maybe you shouldn’t have said anything.”

“You know,” Will said. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea or a horrible one. All I know is that people will be ending up in the infirmary, and I’m not talking about these guys.” He finished, pointing at the Big Three children. 

“Oh, yeah? Bring it then,” Connor made ‘come hither’ motions with his hands. 

Annabeth raised a brow at Connor. “You’re gonna regret that. You haven’t seen just how good these guys have gotten. You’ve never even seen Hazel in action yet.”

Hazel flushed as her crewmates agreed with Annabeth’s statement.  

“Okay but, we have so much more campers now!” Travis supported his brother. “That’s like, a hundred against you guys.”

“You’re right,” Percy said. “Leave us Annabeth and then it’s fair.”

The Stolls gaped at him while a bark of surprised laughter escaped from Annabeth’s mouth. 

“Let’s not get carried away with this, alright?” Chiron chuckled. “We shall discuss this when we get back.”

‘After the war,’ went unspoken. 

As the demigods got settled down, the gods exchanged interested looks after listening to the entire conversation. 

‘Well…you’ve had more practice at defense.’ Thalia said. Percy looked at her incredulously. 

I wasn’t sure if she was teasing…almost been gored to death with spears and killed by a hellhound.

“Right,” Thalia winced. “While I heard about that, I hadn’t thought of that.”

Frank and Hazel exchanged looks as they recalled their War Games. “Percy’s offensive power is kind of insane too, though.” Hazel said. “Like, insane insane.”

Frank nodded in agreement. “Well, now at least. I don’t know anything about back then.” But he wouldn’t be surprised if Percy was as good at offense back then as he was now. 

‘Yeah, no problem.’ Percy said eventually. 

Frank glanced at Percy. “You didn’t actually mean that, didn’t you?”

Percy paused for a moment, gauging how he felt due to the curse, before shaking his head. “Nope.” He said, agreeing with Frank’s guess. 

‘Cool,’ Thalia said, satisfied, before going over to help the Aphrodite kids with their armor. 

“Well,” Annabeth pursed her lips. “That went well enough, I guess.”

“Oh man,” Grover huffed out a laugh. “Just you wait.”

Nico ran up to Percy, a wide grin on his face. ‘Percy, this is awesome!’ He exclaimed, even as his helmet fell in front of his eyes. His breastplate was also about six sizes too big. 

Nico’s cheeks burned as he groaned into his hands. “Wow, I look pathetic.”

Reyna grinned, crossing her arms. “Excited, are we?” She asked in amusement. Hazel let out a giggle. 

Nico just groaned once more. 

Percy looked at the screen, then at Nico in real life. His heart clenched slightly. Nico was so young and innocent. He looked up to him. And then Bianca…

Percy sighed, looking down at the floor as guilt once again brewed in his chest. 

I wondered if there was any way I’d looked that ridiculous…Unfortunately, I probably had. 

Percy ran a hand down his face. 

“In your defense,” Nico looked up from his hands. “Your armor actually fit you back then.”

“Shouldn’t you have smaller armor?” Piper raised a brow. “It’s not like younger campers are a new thing for you guys.”

“We should have had smaller armor,” Annabeth said. “I have no idea why no one gave you a smaller size.”

“Other than the fact that you guys were kind of short-staffed and everyone was busy,” Nico said. “I also kind of just ran with the first set of armor I was given…” He admitted. 

A smile grew on Annabeth’s face as the others just straight out laughed. “That makes sense.”

‘Do we get to kill the other team?’ Nico asked, lifting his sword with effort. 

“Whoa there, di Angelo,” Leo raised his hands. “I know it’s exciting but let’s slow down.”

The blush on Nico’s face wasn’t disappearing any time soon. 

‘Well…no.’ Percy answered. 

‘But the Hunters are immortal, right?’ Nico asked. 

‘That’s only if they don’t fall in battle. Besides—’

‘It would be awesome  if we just, like, resurrected…keep fighting, and—’

“Ugh, I wish,” Clarisse rolled her eyes. “Then we wouldn’t have to hold back during training and games like this.”

She received a few incredulous stares from the gods. 

“Unfortunately, that’s not how our immortality works,” Thalia chuckled. 

Frank shuddered slightly. “As convenient as that would be, it’s not exactly the most pleasing thing to see.”

Hazel and Percy exchanged knowing looks, agreeing with Frank’s sentiments. Gwen, the three of them remembered. 

‘Nico, this is serious. Real swords. These can hurt.’ Percy told Nico seriously. Nico stared at Percy, a little disappointed. 

I realized that I’d just sounded like my mother. Whoa. Not a good sign. 

“Hey!” Sally said teasingly. “You say that like it’s a bad thing, mister.”

Percy’s cheeks flushed lightly, but still gave his mom a sheepish smile. 

“You did look and sound just like your mother there, son,” Poseidon chuckled. 

Sally looked proud. 

Percy sighed, patting Nico on the shoulder. ‘Hey, it’s cool…out of Zoë’s way. We’ll have a blast.’ He reassured. 

“Yeah,” Nico nodded. “A blast. I just didn’t think you meant literally.”

Those that were there during that game of Capture the Flag, laughed at the implication of Nico’s words. Percy buried his face in his hands, while Thalia huffed in her seat. 

Chiron’s hoof thundered on the pavilion floor to call everyone’s attention. ‘Heroes! You know the rules!…magic items are allowed. To your positions!’ 

“Maybe you should have elaborated on the rules a bit more for little Nico, Chiron,” Chris grinned. “Or else he would have thought that he could go around killing players.”

“Bold of you to assume that he could even lift that sword long enough to hit someone,” Reyna mused. 

“Reyna!” Nico protested. 

“What? Look at you, you can barely carry the thing!”

‘Sweet…magic items? Do I get one?’ Nico whispered next to Percy. 

Percy opened his mouth to answer, but Thalia’s voice rang out. ‘Blue team! Follow me!’ 

“I guess that means no,” Connor said. 

“Obviously,” Nico huffed. 

The blue team cheered and followed after Thalia. Percy ran to catch up with them, tripping over someone’s shield in the process. 

I didn’t look much like a co-captain. More like an idiot. 

There were a few snickers here and there at the scene of Percy tripping as Percy himself just scowled at the floor. 

Annabeth sighed and rested a hand on Percy’s arm, rubbing gently to comfort him. 

They arrived at Zeus’ Fist and set their flag at the top. 

“Ah, Zeus’ Fist,” Travis said. 

“Is that what that thing’s called?” Frank pointed at the projection of the cluster of boulders in the middle of the woods. 

“A fist, you say?” Paul questioned. “I don’t really see it…”

As Paul trailed off, the scene projected the boulders from a different angle. 

“Oh,” Paul said. “Now I see it.”

“Yeah, it’s really only seen from one angle,” Pollux shook his head. “Any other angle and it looks like a—”

“A poop pile,” The rest of the senior counselors said in unison. 

“Children,” Chiron chided. “What did I say about calling it that?”

The senior counselors just looked at each other with grins on their faces. Chiron told them not to name it the Poop Pile, especially because it was named after Zeus. 

True enough, one look at the king of the gods showed that he was not very happy about calling it a poop pile. 

His brothers, on the other hand, looked very entertained by the idea. 

“Do you set the flags there often?” Reyna asked. “It’s a bit of an obvious place, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, this is one of the more common places for the flag,” Annabeth nodded. “Don’t forget, the flag has to be clearly visible according to the rules.”

“Ah,” Reyna said. 

“Right, you weren’t here the first time we watched a game,” Annabeth remembered. “So, yeah, the flag has to be clearly visible and the guards can’t be within ten yards of it.”

“That’s why the poo— I mean Zeus’ Fist is one of the best places to place the flag,” Travis explained. “The thing is probably twenty feet tall so that already counts as distance from the guards on the ground.”

“It’s also a challenging climb,” Thalia pointed at the top of Zeus’ Fist. “So that’s an added defense. Unless you can fly, I guess.”

Jason snorted. 

“I see, I see,” Reyna nodded. 

Percy set Nico on guard duty, along with Beckendorf and the Stolls.

“Hell yeah,” The Stolls high-fived each other. 

Katie rolled her eyes. “Yeah, and how’d that go for you guys exactly?”

“Hey,” Travis huffed. “We got unlucky in this one game. Just one.”

‘We’ll send out a decoy to the left. Silena, you lead that.’ Thalia ordered. 

‘Got it!’ Silena replied. 

Piper leaned forward. This was the first time she was seeing Silena in action, as her previous appearances had been quick and fleeting. 

‘Take Laurel and Jason,’ Thalia’s voice faltered ever so slightly. 

Thalia sighed. Jason rested a hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. 

Percy’s eyes widened slightly. He never picked up on the fact that Thalia struggled even just saying the name. To be fair, it wasn’t noticeable unless you knew about Thalia and Jason. 

‘They’re good runners…I’ll take the main raiding party around to the right and catch them by surprise.’ Thalia continued explaining the plan. Everyone nodded. 

It sounded good…such confidence you couldn’t help but believe it would work. 

Athena nodded slightly. “Any plan will sound foolproof with confidence, be it good or bad. But not every plan will work if you only have confidence. You must have the skills to back it up.” 

‘Anything to add, Percy?’ Thalia looked at Percy. 

‘Um, yeah. Keep sharp on defense…I’ll be roving. Yell if you need help.’ Percy added. 

Annabeth nodded. “Honestly, I think that’s what you do best. Offense or defense doesn’t matter. You should just go where you’re needed.”

Like the Battle of Manhattan, the other veteran campers recalled. 

“It’s definitely what suits you the most,” Annabeth continued. “The sea doesn’t like to be restrained, as you like to say.”

“Tell that to Thalia,” Percy said. 

“Hey.” Thalia complained. “We only had thirteen players. I just thought it’d be better if we had fixed positions and stuck to it.”

Annabeth nodded in understanding. “Makes sense, too.”

‘And don’t leave your post!’ Thalia said. 

‘Unless you see a golden opportunity.’ Percy added. 

“And so it begins.”

‘Just don’t leave your post.’ Thalia repeated with a scowl. 

Percy furrowed his eyebrows. ‘Right, unless—’

Realization dawned on Annabeth as she watched the exchange between the two cousins. “So this is what started the conflict, huh?”

Both Percy and Thalia stayed quiet, but Nico had no reserves. “Yeah. This was basically the root of it.”

Annabeth nodded. “Thing is, both of you have a point. It all just boils down to what the team agrees to for the overall strategy.”

“Yeah, well, you see,” Connor hesitantly joined in on the conversation. “We didn’t exactly choose one to agree on.”

Annabeth raised a brow. “Fun.” She deadpanned. “And how’d that work out for you guys?”

“Ask those two,” Nico pointed at Thalia and Percy. 

“Yeah, okay, I see why there was a fight now.” Annabeth sighed quietly. 

Percy was cut off by Thalia grabbing his arm and giving him a static shock. ‘Percy!’

‘Sorry. Now is everybody clear?’ Thalia said, not sounding sorry at all. 

Percy grunted in pain, his arm flinching from the shock. “Ow! Gods, Thalia.” He said through gritted teeth as he flexed his arm to try and get rid of the pain.  

“Sorry,” Thalia sighed, sounding more sorry than she did in the past.

Everyone nodded and broke off into their assigned groups. The horn sounded signaling the beginning of the game. 

“Here we go.”

Silena’s group bounded into the woods on the left. Thalia’s group waited a few more seconds before darting off towards the woods on the right. 

“Why am I, like, nervous?” Piper laughed anxiously. “It’s literally just another game of Capture the Flag.”

“Maybe because it’s a Campers versus Hunters game?” Katie offered. “Those are always more tense because it’s a matter of pride.”

“That makes sense,” Piper nodded. 

Percy stayed with the defense group. He climbed Zeus’ Fist to gain a good view over the forest. 

“Oh wow, that’s high,” Frank said. “That’d make a really good vantage point for an archer.”

“I thought you couldn’t be within ten yards of the flag?” Hazel asked. 

“I’m not the guard,” Percy shook his head. “And I only went up there to gauge how the teams were doing. I wasn’t going to stay there to guard the flag or anything.”

“Ah.”

I remembered how the Hunters had stormed…prepared for something like that…But nothing happened. 

“Where are they?” Piper narrowed her eyes at the screen. Her leg restlessly shook up and down in anticipation. 

“Oh! Over there!” Leo pointed at a section of the projection. 

Then, there was a glimpse of Silena and her two scouts. They ran through a clearing, followed by five Hunters. Silena’s group led them away deeper into the woods and away from Thalia. 

“Nice, they’re following the decoy!”

“Wait, look. Some of them are going the other way.”

Another group of Hunters ran towards the right with their bows at the ready. 

“They must’ve spotted you,” Jason murmured. Thalia nodded, watching quietly. She was seeing for the first time how their strategy really played out. 

‘What’s happening?’ Nico’s voice suddenly sounded out from beside Percy as he tried climbing up next to the son of Poseidon. His armor clanked loudly as he struggled to climb the boulders. 

“Geez, di Angelo,” Travis snorted. “You and your clunky armor could have called the Hunters right to us.”

“That’s what happens when you give a kid armor fit for an older teenager,” Nico retorted. 

Percy climbed down, helping Nico get down as well along the way. Percy’s expression indicated that his mind was racing. 

Thalia would never get through, but…their center had to be wide open. If I moved fast…

Thalia inhaled. So that’s why Percy went for the flag. It made sense given the amount of Hunters he saw from up on Zeus’ Fist. 

Obviously she didn’t know that back then. Percy also didn’t know that she was near the base because he no longer had the high vantage point by then. 

The loss wasn’t really any of their faults if she really thought about it. 

Percy looked at Beckendorf. ‘Can you guys hold the fort?’ 

Beckendorf snorted at him. ‘Of course.’