Chapter Text
The Argo II-
Somewhere over Greece-
Annabeth's Perspective:
"Percy never scared me until we went to Tartarus. I don't know what happened down there, but something in him snapped. he became more deceitful. More cunning. He controlled a Misery's own poison against her. And when I have PTSD from the pit, he comes into my room and uses the siren song to sooth me to sleep. Honestly mother, I'm terrified of what this means for him."
Athena just nodded. A look at worry also on her face. She spoke, "Only The daughters of Neptune have ever received the siren song. And even then it's rare among the already rare daughters of Neptune. And I've never heard of a child of Poseidon or Neptune ever being able to control poison. He might be more powerful than his father. I shall inform Zeus of these revelations after we defeat, the Giants after all, we need all the help we can get."
I nodded along with my mother. I know I just betrayed the man I loved, however how can I love someone I fear? I'm genuinely scared of him. I don't know what to think. I'm supposed to have all the answers, however, I have no answers. I still somewhat love him, and it will hurt to betray him like this. But I'm genuinely scared of what will happen.
It's not like this is the first time anything like this has happened. Percy is fearfully protective of those he cares about. The entirety of camp was terrified of Percy for a week after the battle of Manhattan, out of fear, that if they so much as came in contact with me that he would kill them. Of course I didn't think much of it until just now. I hate that I'm betraying my best friend.
I wonder if this is how Luke felt. Doing what he believed was right for the greater good. Sacrificing all that he cared about for everyone else. Luke was a true hero. Even though his actions were flawed, he did ultimately the right thing in the end. I don't think Percy could do that. If the difference between saving the world and saving me and his mother... Press, he would pick me and his mother. He honestly wouldn't even hesitate at that question.
This is gonna hurt way too much.
Time-skip-
Camp Half-Blood(Long Island)-
Percy's Perspective:
Tomorrow, the Romans are supposed to go back to New Rome. However, the olympians wanted to host an award ceremony for the seven and those who participated. They're going to offer me immortality once again and of course I'm going to deny it. Honestly, I just want to retire from the whole half blood life with Annabeth.
Speaking of which, where is she? I walked to the Athena cabin. I see Malcolm, and one of his other brothers talking in the door jam. "Hey Malcolm where is Annabeth?" Malcolm answered with, "I think by the lake. She's been stressing about something ever since she got back. Do you know what it is?" I shrug my shoulders, "First I'm hearing about it. Try to have a good rest of your day Malcolm."
I make my way to the lake as I see Annabeth sitting in the spot we always sat when we were together. I could see from how she was holding herself that she wasn't okay. So I rushed her side and just held her. "It's alright Annie. You're gonna be okay." I could feel my shirt start to get wet from her tears so, "Is it Tartarus again? I will never let you go there again. You're safe at camp."
I could feel her weakly shake her head as her weak voice says, "It's... it's not that. The ceremony... I.." I pulled away to look her in the eyes. "Don't worry. If anything they are just going offer us immortality it's gonna be fine. Or your mother is going to offer you a great position. And if that's truly what you want and I'll support you. As much as I would prefer to live a mortal life with you I'm perfectly fine sacrificing that if you're happy. I will not be choosing immortality, if anything, I'm going to abuse my reward to better the council."
Annabeth continue to break down. Almost as if my words were doing the opposite of what they should've been. "Do you want me to sing? It always seems to calm you down." She shook her head as she steeled herself. "No Percy. I will be alright."
Hours Later-
Olympus Throne Room-
The Romans and the Greeks have finally arrived at the throne room for the award ceremony. Zeus spoke up(I think he would've preferred if I said thundered), "May Nico di Angelo, coach Gleason Hedge, and Praetor Reyna Avila Ramírez-Arellano wow that's a mouthful. Stand up."
The three walked forward and knelt. Zeus started, "Coach Gleason Hedge, for your contributions getting the seven to Greece and helping get the Athena Parthenos back to camp, you, your wife, and your newborn child, will all be granted, partial immortality.
"Praetor Reyna Arellano. Your name is too much of a mouthful for me to say once again, which is why I'm abbreviating. For you defying orders and going into the forbidden lands to return the Athena Parthenos, making peace with the Greeks and Romans, you're granted immortality as the immortal Praetor of camp, Jupiter.
"Nice Di Angelo, for suffering the pain of Tartarus, and nearly giving your life to bring the Athena Parthenos to the United States, you and one other person of your choice will be granted partial immortality. You do not have to choose that person now just send me a prayer saying that you made your decision and it shall be done."
The three stood up, bowed and walked back to us...
(I think we know where this going so...
Leo, A memorial of him on Festus(until/if he returns)-
Hazel, removal of her curse, and pardon from the underworld-
Frank, removal of his curse-
Piper, immortality-
Jason, immortality-
We honestly saw this all coming, so I'm just speeding through this)
Athena spoke up, "Annabeth, come forward dear." Annabeth walk forward and knelt before her mother. Athena continued, "For your contributions in not only the Second Titan War, but also the Second Giant War, revealing a grave threat to Olympus and for completing the task thought impossible of rediscovering my beloved statue, I first formally apologize for saying that you're not my daughter when you chose to defend the Romans. I also offer you the gift of immortality to become the Goddess of Tactical Battle Strategy, and Architecture working by my side. Do you accept?"
She looked back at me. I could tell that there was great turmoil in her eyes. I mean, you don't exactly have to be a child, wisdom in order to see if that. I mouthed 'I will support you either way' She closed her eyes as if holding back tears. She turned back to Athena and answered, "I accept."
Honestly speaking, if I said, I wasn't hurt I would be lying. I really wanted to spend the rest of my natural life with Annabeth and grow old together. But I would also lying if I said I was angry with her for choosing that. That would be her dream. And I could at least see that she was in great turmoil thinking about it. Honestly, would've hurt more if she would've said yes without a second thought. I'm glad she at least thought about me before making the decision.
As the glow from Annabeth died, she walked to us. She whispered, "I'm so sorry. I really am." I answered in a whisper, "I don't blame you." She shook her head as she whispered, "Not just for that. For what will happen." I looked at her, confused seeing her turmoil as my father spoke, "Perseus Jackson, step forward."
I bow to my father before saying, "Before you continue father, I have something I would like Lady Artemis to do. Please my Lady, shrink to mortal size." Lady Artemis looked confused but got off her throne and shrunk down to mortal size in front of me. I extended my left hand. She placed her right hand in my left. I placed riptide in her hand and closed it saying, "Please take this to her sisters in the Garden. You were her oldest friend, and I feel like she would prefer you to make the trip than I. If you need to see it as a debt for filled from Mount Tam, then do so."
As I released her hand, she opened it and saw what was inside, and immediately went to protest before closing her mouth and steeling her resolve. "Very well Perseus but I will not leave you with out a weapon." She pulled out a silver hunting knife and presented it to me.
I spoke a little shocked, "My Lady, I can't accept this.." She cut me off by saying, "Jackson stop overcorrecting for your asshole brothers and just take the damn knife." I mean what you argue with Artemis after she literally told you to just take the damn knife? No, because no one's that stupid. So I bow before taking the knife and placing it in my pocket.
She returned to her throne as I walked and knelt before my father's. He took a deep breath before saying, "Perseus Jackson... I, Poseidon disown Perseus Jackson and Strip him of my gifts." I bite down and scream, as I feel my very blood boil.
Once the pain subsides, I look up at my Father and ask, "Why? What did I do?!" Athena answered, "Jackson you have been found to be too dangerous to be left alive. Not only do you possess the ability to control poison some thing that is impossible for even Poseidon to do, but you have the ability to use the siren song. A gift only the daughters of Neptune have ever been born with."
My mind is moving at a million beats per minute. "I don't understand! Why do you care?! After everything I've done for you, sacrificed for you this is how you treat me!?" I looked back and saw even the Greeks and the Romans were in uproar at this decision.
Zeus practically shouted, "Perseus Jackson you have found guilty of being A cataclysmic threat to Olympus by our architect. Therefore you've been sentenced to be ripped out of your power and sent to Tartarus." I need to be looked over at Annabeth with shock pain, confusion, and hurt in my expression. "Annabeth? Why? What... what did you say?"
I could just see the tears running down her eyes. "Percy I... I was terrified of you. I didn't know what to do. I'm sorry I'm truly sorry. But I made the choice of what was best for everyone. Please forgive me." I could feel my fatal flaw, ripping me apart. She was the woman I trusted above all. I was loyal to her, no matter what. Did she ever care? Did she try to fight for me? Doesn't even matter.
Zeus broke me out of my thoughts. "Do you have any last words?" I at him with discussed. "I swear on the River Styx, that I will never help the Olympian Council in the next wars." Everyone looked at me with shock. "Throw yourselves to the crows." And with that, I fell into a crack that form finished my feet.