Chapter Text
Exhausted was an understatement to describe how Annabeth was feeling right now. She just came from Percy’s home. She'd been doing that, since Percy was gone. Traded actually. The most annoying goddess, her majesty, thought it was the best idea to wipe the memories of her boyfriend and send him to Roman camp.
Just the thought of it made Annabeth feel a surge of anger. She will never forgive Hera for this, no matter how noble her cause was.
How could she?
Annabeth clearly remembered the day when Percy disappeared. She was confused, scared, and desperate. She searched for him everywhere; the whole camp did. But nothing.
She realized it was all a part of a big plan, when she was introduced to Jason Grace three days later. Soon she figured Jason was from camp Jupiter who also had his memories erased.
None of it made sense. She so earnestly wanted all of this to end. She wanted Percy back.
Spring had been especially hard. Jason slowly started to remember his camp’s location — which was a good sign. However, she had no clue about Percy. Even the campers from the Hecate cabin couldn’t locate where Percy was.
Rachel, their oracle said that she couldn’t see much, but she was certain they had to finish building ArgoII, before they could contact the romans.
Ever since then Annabeth had spent every spare moment searching for all sources, for any news or rumors about Percy. She had spent hundreds of drachmas talking to every friendly spirit, demigod or even monster she came across.
She couldn’t get any information about Percy.
During this time, she would also make a trip at least once a week to visit Percy’s mom, and her husband Paul to share an update on her search. Partly it was also because Annabeth and Sally needed to lift each other’s spirit — convince each other, that Percy was fine.
These frequent trips brought Annabeth closer to Sally. Sally was warm and welcoming, and despite her own grief about her missing son, she still made sure Annabeth was doing alright.
Sally would always make Annabeth eat whenever she visited and pack her food or her famous blue cookies before she leaves. Annabeth really loved Sally’s cooking. It was better than anything she ever ate at camp or anywhere else.
Annabeth never felt at home with her father and stepmom. Camp was the only thing that felt like home as she spent her childhood growing up there with her siblings and fellow campers. But being with Sally Jackson, eating home-cooked food, getting easy hugs and being fussed over, Annabeth felt as if she was at home.
After bidding goodbye Annabeth went to the Grand Central Terminal. Sure, there were other ways to go to her high school dorm, but she preferred this. The enormous open space and the beautiful designs reminded her of Mount Olympus. Grand buildings always made Annabeth feel better. They reminded her that things can remain permanent. And Annabeth Chase always craved Permanent.
However, she noticed something else, to be even more specific — someone else. Her mother. For a second Annabeth was shocked to see Athena there. She hadn’t seen her mother for months, especially not after Zeus forbade all communication with demigods.
What was her mother doing here studying the subway map?
Annabeth moved closer to her mom.
“Mother.” She called out, but there was no response. Annabeth tried to call her mom so many times, after Percy disappeared. She had sent burnt offering with every meal at camp, pleading her mom for guidance, only to be met with no response. Now her mother was here, dressed in jeans, hiking boots, and a red flannel shirt. She was holding a backpack and a walking stick, like she was prepared for a long journey.
“Mother” Annabeth called again
“I must return home.” Athena murmured, making Annabeth’s eyebrows knit in confusion.
“I wish Odysseus was here, he would understand.”
“Mom” Annabeth tried again, “Athena.”
That made the goddess turn, and she looked right through Annabeth with no sign of recognition.
“That was my name” Athena started dreamily, “Before they stacked my city, took my identity and made me this.”
Annabeth could sense the loathing in her mother’s tone.
“You’re Minerva?” Annabeth asked, taking a step back.
“Don’t call me that!” Athena’s eyes flared with anger making Annabeth flinch. “I used to carry a spear and shield. I held victory in the palm of my hand. I was so much more than this.”
“Mom” Annabeth’s voice trembled, “It’s me Annabeth, your daughter.”
Her mom was never the warm kind, but still Annabeth felt hurt when Athena looked at her like she was some stranger.
“My daughter? Yes, my children will avenge me. They must destroy the Romans, those horrible, dishonorable copycat Romans. Hera argued that we must keep the two camps apart, but I knew she was wrong. Let them fight. Let my children destroy them.”
“You wanted that? But you’re wise. You understand warfare better than anyone —” Athena cut Annabeth off before she could finish.
“I was replaced, sacked, looted like a trophy and carted off. Away, from my homeland. I swore I would never forgive and neither would my children. You're my daughter, aren’t you?”
“y... yes.” Annabeth stuttered, feeling confused, unaware of where this conversation was heading. She watched her mother fish something through her pocket. She took out a coin?
“Follow the Mark of Athena.” her mother said, pressing the coin into Annabeth’s palm, “Avenge me.”
Annabeth just stared at the coin which looked like an ancient silver drachma. Why was her mother acting like this? Minerva or not, she shouldn’t be this confused.
“Mom.” Annabeth’s started, trying to sound rational, “Percy is missing, I need your help.” Annabeth explained Hera’s plan about bringing the camps together, about the giants and Gaia, but the goddess stopped Annabeth by stomping her walking stick on the marble floor.
“Never. Anyone who helps the Romans must perish. If you would join them, you’re no child of mine. You have already failed me.”
Annabeth felt like she had been slapped. At least a slap would hurt less than hearing the words that came out of her mother’s mouth.
“Mother.” Annabeth’s voice broke. Her brown eyes were filled with tears.
“I care nothing about this Percy, and if he has gone over to the Romans let him die. Kill him. Kill all the Romans. Find the mark, pledge your vengeance.”
“Athena is not the goddess of revenge” Annabeth said sternly, and then her voice softened, almost begging, “You know Percy means everything to me”
She was trying to reason with her mother, which she knew deep down was a losing fight, but she had to try.
“And revenge is everything to me. Which one of us is wiser?” Athena growled.
“Mother, what is wrong with you? Please tell me what happened?” Annabeth pleaded.
“Rome happened.” Athena spewed bitterly, “Let them get their taste of their own medicine. Kill them child.”
Annabeth was done. She understood there was no more reasoning with her mother.
“No. I’ll never do that.” Annabeth said sternly.
“Then you’re nothing.” Athena spoke with no remorse, “If you can’t avenge me, then leave. You're no child of mine.”
By this time tears started escaping Annabeth’s eyes, but Athena didn’t care. Annabeth felt like her legs would give out if she stood there any longer. So, she turned and left. But she didn’t go to her dorm, instead she went straight to camp.
The godly parents never really had a heartwarming relationship with the demigods. Annabeth knew that. In fact, she and her mom had their ups and downs. But after the titan war things have changed. It's not that she expects her mom to be like Percy’s mom, but Annabeth never thought it would come to a point that her mother would disown her.
She tried to convince herself that her mother looked confused, and that it was Minerva. But no amount of convincing was able to wash over the hurt her mother's words had caused. She doubted if anything would ever cure the pain of her mother calling her a failure and casting her aside.
Annabeth was so invested in her own thoughts she didn’t realize she had already reached camp. She just wanted to go to her cabin and sleep in her bed and forget today happened. However, her steps faltered the moment she felt something in her pocket. When Annabeth opened her palm to see what it was, she was shocked to see the coin her mother gave her.
She remembered throwing it away. How did it come back to her pocket?
Maybe it was the fact Annabeth hadn’t eaten anything today, or the fact she and Sally had broken down about Percy’s disappearance, or her mother showing up to say horrible things to her — Annabeth felt like the world around her was spinning. She was losing her focus and balance.
The last thing Annabeth heard was Piper screaming her name, before she blacked out.
Annabeth woke up in a familiar place. The infirmary. However, she closed her eyes as soon as she opened them, because of the throbbing headache she had. She moaned painfully and slowly opened her eyes again only to be met with worried glances from Piper and Rachel, and a worried, disapproving frown from Will Solace.
“Careful” Piper said as she helped Annabeth sit up, and Rachel gave Annabeth a glass of water, which Annabeth gratefully gulped down. She didn’t know she was this thirsty.
“What happened?” Annabeth finally asked.
“You fainted.” Piper replied, “I saw you at camp and tried to call you, but before I could reach you, you fainted. Will and Rachel helped me bring you here.”
“Thanks” was all Annabeth could say.
“What happened Annabeth?” Piper asked gently. Annabeth didn't know where to start.
“I don't know.” Annabeth replied, earning concerned glances.
“When was the last time you ate Annabeth?” Will’s question made Annabeth look down at her hands that were intertwined on her lap.
“This morning, I guess?”
Honestly, Annabeth had no idea. She was not eating properly and that’s something everyone noticed.
“Annabeth you can’t just keep running everywhere, while being on empty stomach.” Rachel said with a frown.
“I know, I just...” Annabeth didn’t know what to say. Because her friends were right, she was exhausting herself.
“It’s okay now just eat this and get some rest later.” Will said while bringing Annabeth a tray which had a glass of fruit juice and some crackers with peanut butter.
“Drink the juice first Annabeth.” Will said, and Annabeth obliged.
The three of them sat next to Annabeth on either side of her bed.
“Wow this looks like an investigation.” Annabeth tried to lighten the mood.
“Well it is, because you scared us all.” Rachel replied.
“I didn’t mean too, I just. I didn’t think I’d faint.”
“Figures. That’s why the food in your bag is untouched.” Piper said while holding the Tupperware, Sally had given her that day. She insisted Annabeth take at least some sandwiches with her, when Ananbeth lied to Sally about having eaten just before coming.
Ananbeth sighed.
“Sally is worried too Annabeth. She told to call her when you feel better.” Rachel’s message made Annabeth’s eyes widen.
“Rachel! Why did you tell Sally?”
“Well, she called your phone, when you were unconscious, and when I picked up, she asked me about you. I had to tell her Annabeth.”
Annabeth shook her head in disapproval, but she could understand her friend. She did frighten them all by fainting, and she knows, it’s not easy to lie to Sally Jackson. She's a very smart woman. It's not easy to keep things away from her.
“And I think it was a good thing she knows. What were you thinking Annabeth?” Piper asked, “Do you really think your decision was wise? Tiring yourself is not going to give you answers.”
Annabeth didn’t say anything. I mean how could she? Gods she hated when her friends are right.
“Annabeth, we will find Percy soon, we are close to that. He might have gotten his memories just like Jason did. We'll figure out something soon, it’ll all workout Annabeth.” Will said softly.
Will it? Annabeth thought.
“I just didn’t want Sally to worry, you know. She's already worried about Percy and I... I’m sure she’s worried more worried now.”
“Of course she will be, she cares for you so much. So, what you get from this is, you don't skip your meals anymore.” Piper said her voice slightly stern at the end.
“And next time you go to visit Sally, take Rachel or Piper with you.” Will said.
“What I don’t need babysitting. I promise I will not faint again.”
“Of course you’re going to eat properly, but won’t you feel better company? Also, I have a lot of things to tell you about this new exhibition.” Rachel intervened.
Annabeth knew her friends cared for her and she was grateful, really. But how was she supposed to tell them that no amount of company can fill the huge space Percy’s absence created? How was she supposed to tell them that every second is painful without him by her side.
Tears fell down Annabeth's cheeks, just thinking about Percy. She tried to keep herself busy and useful, keep herself occupied so she won’t be constantly reminded of Percy’s absence. But Percy always invaded her thoughts like water seeping into the cracks of rocks.
Piper wiped away Annabeth's tears, “It’s all going to work out Annabeth.”
Annabeth just nodded.
Finally, she agreed with her friends’ decision and quickly finished the food in front of her.
Annabeth knew she had to tell her friends what happened sooner or later, so she did. She told them about her conversation with Athena, the goddess’s Roman form taking over, and her mother’s argument with Annabeth. However, she held back information about the whole Mark of Athena thing, as she herself wasn’t clear about that.
Piper, Rachel, and Will looked at her in horror.
Piper, who was sitting close, quickly took Annabeth's hand in her. “I’m so sorry Annabeth that sounds like a really dreadful situation that you were in.”
“That’s such an awful thing to say, gods.” Rachel agreed.
Will placed a hand on Annabeth’s shoulder, “Don’t dwell on it Annabeth, I’m sorry you had experience that. Just get some rest, okay?”
Annabeth nodded. Soon, the conversation changed to something lighter, which Aannbeth was aware it was to make her feel better and forget today. However, her mind still went back to him. Percy.
Annabeth would do anything to get a glimpse of his face, to be engulfed in his warm embrace, to hold hands with him. She really missed him, and the separation only made her feelings grow stronger.
“Come back to me, Percy” Annabeth whispered, before going to bed like she always did, hoping that the universe would somehow convey the message to him.
This time Rachel tagged along with Annabeth to visit Sally. Rachel kept telling Annabeth about her new boarding school, and friends and of course some fresh gossip. Annabeth was smart. Smart enough to know that Rachel was trying to distract her from constantly worrying about Percy’s absence. She knew it when Piper said she’d accompany her to visit Sally next week. She knew it when Grover kept on checking on her every night when she stayed at camp. Annabeth knew her friends didn’t want to see her this way.
She would momentarily forget about her worries sometimes, but it wouldn’t last long. Because everything reminded her of Percy. Even simple things just like now — when Rachel put an arm over Annabeth's shoulder, it reminded her of Percy. He would always pull Annabeth closer by her shoulder when they were on their way to Percy’s house. She missed his touch.
Sally welcomed Annabeth with a hug as soon as the door opened.
“Oh honey.” Sally murmured while holding Annabeth. She broke the hug and gave Annabeth a warm smile, "Go get some rest honey, we’ll order pizzas.”
Annabeth nodded. Then she greeted Paul while Rachel greeted Sally. After exchanging a few words, Annabeth slipped inside Percy’s room
She knew where all his things were. Sometimes, when it got late Sally insisted she stay for the night and told Annabeth to use Percy’s room. Being in his room only made her miss him more. She looked at the pictures he had in his mirror. There were pictures of her, Grover, Sally, and Paul, and with the campers — but it was one picture that caught her attention.
It was a picture of her and Percy. She remembered that day vividly it was after they had their underwater kiss, and Percy stated that they were officially dating. Travis Stoll took the picture. Percy had his hand around Annabeth while whispering something in her ear, and Annabeth was looking straight at the camera, smiling. She looked so happy. She looked so in love. Her fingers traced another picture of Percy smiling while giving a thumbs up, and a tear escaped from her eyes.
I miss you seaweed brain. Annabeth thought. When she heard a knock on the door, Annabeth quickly wiped away her tears and turned towards the door. It was Sally.
“Hey honey. Can we talk?” Sally asked softly.
“Of course.”
Annabeth went and sat next to Sally on Percy’s bed.
“I heard about what happened with your mom honey. I'm so sorry. That must’ve been really hard for you”
Tears were threatening to fall from Annabeth’s eyes. Sally put an arm on Annabeth’s shoulder.
“You don’t deserve that honey. Any of this. You don’t have to go through any of this honey. I’m so sorry the world is so cruel to you.”
By now Annabeth couldn’t stop her tears. She just hugged Sally back and cried.
“It’s okay, honey, it’s okay. I'm here. I'm right here with you.” Sally held Annabeth while she cried her heart out.
“Percy is all I have. I can’t lose him. I can’t.... I miss him. Gods, I miss him so much.” Annabeth said between her sobs.
“I know honey. I know.” Sally was brushing Annabeth’s hair.
“I just want him to be safe, I tried everything and nothing is working. I don’t know how much longer it will take to find him. I don’t know how much longer it’ll take for me to completely break down.”
“I miss him. I... I love him and I miss him so much.” Annabeth said.
“I know sweetheart. I know.” Sally said,
Annabeth looked up at Sally.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be like this. You’re already worried about Percy and I’m just—”
“So are you honey. Annabeth, look at me.” Sally said while cupping Annabeth cheeks and wiping away her tears. Annabeth obeyed.
“You can tell me anything. Absolutely anything honey and I’ll be here for you. You’ll always have me no matter what. I know how important Percy is to you, and I know how much he cares for you.”
Annabeth listened, while Sally continued. Hearing Sally’s unconditional support warmed Annabeth’s heart.
“You’re doing everything you can to find him, and you will find him honey. I have no doubt about that.” Sally gave Annabeth a warm smile.
“I just want you to know you’re not alone in this. You have me, Paul, Grover, Rachel, Piper. It's okay to lean on them. That's what family and friends are for. And Annabeth, your part of this family now, this is your home too. so, if anything is bothering you, just let me know honey.”
Annabeth felt overwhelmed at what Sally said. She nodded with tears in her eyes, and hugged Sally.
“I love you honey.” Sally hugged her back and placed a gentle kiss on top of her head.
That was when they heard a knock on the door. It was Rachel, she informed them that the pizza had arrived.
“Come on honey, let’s go eat before it gets cold.” Sally got up and so did Annabeth.
“And Annabeth, I don’t know much about whatever is going on with the gods, and with this whole Greek and Roman thing. But there’s one thing I am sure of. It is that you and Percy belong with each other. There is absolutely no god strong enough to break the bond you both have honey. I want you to know that.”
Annabeth eyes glistened and she smiled as she heard that. And that night Annabeth felt a lot lighter.