Chapter Text
The snow flurried below the clouds, covering New York like a blanket. The gods were fighting again, over the missing Lightning Bolt. Poseidon had threatened to flood Zeus’ bed if he kept blaming him for something he didn’t do. Poseidon hated being blamed for something he didn’t do most of all.
Suddenly, a group of nine young adults and a satyr glittered into the large open throne room. A black haired kid stood tall next to a blonde girl holding hands in the front of the group, instantly giving the gods a feeling of a strong united force. Most felt slightly intimidated, though they would never admit it. The black haired kid turned and seemed to do a head count in his mind. But right as he turned to stare at Zeus, another group glittered in. The group contained Chiron, and what looked to be a group of demigods, along with two mortals and a woman wearing Roman armor.
“WHAT IS THIS?” Zeus yelled at no one in particular.
“I don’t know,” The black haired boy spoke, his hand resting on his hip, he turned towards the large group and when he noticed Chiron his hopes seemed to climb, “Chiron, do you know what is happening here?”
“Um-” Chiron seemed to not know what to say.
Glittering filled the room in front of Percy, and his hand shot out to catch the falling object.
Inside the metal box was a letter atop a smaller blue box of books. The letter glittered like the Fleece. Percy picked it up, and it began to read itself aloud, leaving everyone enchanted to silence.
Readers,
We send this letter with hopes. Hopes that you will learn and fix the relationships once lost. Hopes that you will save the lives you lost. Hopes that maybe the future can change just a little. Listen and learn, calm and control.
Inside this box is a series of ten books. These books take part in the future for some, and the past for others. Listen to the story of the boy who saves you, even though most of you do not deserve it. Learn of the torment he experienced by the hands of some of you.
You all are pulled from your daily lives from right before the arrival of Perseus Jackson. All of you but the ten in the center are from April, as I’m sure you all know. For you, it’s the year Percy Jackson would enter and then forever change your lives. The three in the center are from a year after the Second Giant War.
The boy who holds this letter is Perseus Jackson, Son of Poseidon. The girl who holds his hand is Annabeth Chase, Daughter of Athena. The other eight will introduce themselves. These ten are the only ones who have already experienced everything that is contained in these ten books. They are the strongest of you all, in all aspects. They have succeeded in places some Gods never will. They have faced challenges some of you can never even begin to imagine.
Listen to them. Remember, the future cannot be punished for.
Signed,
The next gen of the Prophecy of Seven
(plus a few since apparently the Fates just wanted to ignore a few duh)
All at once, the sound flooded back into the room. Zeus began yelling.
“I will not be controlled by some otherworldly magic!”
“Brother, calm down and let’s listen to the only ones who can give us answers.” Hades reasoned.
Everyone looked towards the group of ten in the center of the room.
“Um, well-” Percy looked towards Annabeth.
“We are the children of the Prophecy of Seven.” Annabeth finished.
“But there are more than seven of you there.” Apollo said, right before he got smacked by Artemis.
“Yes, well, most of us Seven would not be here if it wasn’t for the remaining three so they are considered part of us. Plus we wouldn’t have succeeded if it wasn’t for them.” Percy said. He then stepped forward. “I guess we should introduce ourselves.
I am Percy Jackson, or Perseus, Son of Poseidon.” The Gods outraged.
“YOU BROKE THE OATH?!” Zeus yelled at Poseidon.
“So did you, Father,” a girl came forward. “I am Thalia Grace, Daughter of Zeus.”
“And I am her younger brother, Jason Grace, Son of Jupiter.”
Hera spun towards Zeus. “How could you break the oath and sire not one but two children and betray me like this again!”
Zeus sputtered. Just then, Nico and Hazel stepped forward to stand next to Percy. “I am Nico di Angelo, Son of Hades.”
“I am his sister, Hazel Levesque, daughter of Pluto. However, we were both born before the oath was made.”
Chiron came forward. “And you are all alive to tell your stories?”
“Yeah, I guess. Barely,” Percy shrugged, “Sometimes it didn’t seem like we would make it.”
Poseidon was confused at that. He remembered siring Percy, he remembered Sally, but how could Percy have only barely survived life? How did he never help protect him? It wasn’t like he would’ve been playing favoritism, he had no other demigod children young like Percy.
“What do you mean you barely made it? How old are you? How much has even happened to you?” Athena shot back, obviously doubting the fact that a son of Poseidon would have ever had a hard life.
“Well there’s a lot. The Minotaur right at the start, the lightning that struck our bus, the furies, losing our supplies, that mattress guy-” Annabeth cut Percy off.
“Percy. They get it, shush.” Athena looked pleased at the fact that her daughter was the one in control of any sort of relationship with a sea spawn.
“I will not be forced to do anything I do not wish to do!” Zeus lightened the ground, only for his power to suddenly sophin, and another letter to appear in Percy’s hand.
Before we let you begin, we will also be adding a few goddesses and gods to your group along during the read.
As we should’ve mentioned before, we have used a spell given to us by one of our uncles to temporarily make all magic intended for negative purposes to be impossible. Please sit quietly and listen.
Also, you will not be let out until the books have all been read. Normal polite magic has been allowed.
Thank you,
The next gen of the Prophecy of Seven
“How dare someone talk to a god like that!” Zeus rumbled again.
“Brother shush. It is unnecessary to yell when it seems we are all stuck in the same boat.” Hades told Zeus.
Zeus looked astonished that his brother would tell him off like that in front of demigods and mortals.
“Shall we begin reading, I feel like we should get this over with, because if we are going to get the story of the future from demigods, I believe we may hear some things that we will not like.” Chiron said.
“Fine. But, before we will do introductions. I will not have anyone in here I do not know about.”
The people went around the room, introducing themselves. It started with the ten in the center, spanning outwards.
“I’m Piper McLean, daughter of Aphrodite,” She pointed to the boy standing next to her, “That’s Leo Valdez, son of Hephaestus.”
“Heyo, dudes” Leo piped up.
“Hello, I’m Frank Zhang, son of Mars.”
“I’m Grover Underwood, the original protector of Percy.”
Percy walked over to Grover and leaned on him, putting an arm across his shoulders. “It’s not like you’re the best protector ever or anything. It’s not like you're the satyr that found not only me but Thalia and Nico too or anything.”
The gods looked surprised. Poseidon’s mouth dropped open. This satyr found three of the big three children and they are all alive today to tell their stories? He had to be the best of the best.
The larger group introduced themselves, announcing Connor Stroll, Travis Stroll, and Chris Rodriguez. A few other campers also spoke up, before the circle reached two mortals, Rachel Elizabeth Dare and Sally Jackson.
“Hi, I’m Sally Jackson, Percy’s mother.”
A gasp went around the room. A demigod has almost never had their parents in the same room after they are born ever.
“Mom?” Percy spun around in surprise. “Mom!” If you have ever seen a two year old run to their mother after being away at daycare, then you know how Percy looked to all the other beings in the room.
“Why didn’t you say anything when we first got here?” Percy had his arms around his mom’s shoulders, even though he nearly towered six inches over her, she still managed to hold him as if he was still six years old, rather than the seventeen he actually was.
“I was in shock, Percy. I’ve never seen Olympus, and I didn’t want to bring attention to myself in case this wasn’t a good situation. I wanted you to be able to focus fully on the situation at hand.”
Poseidon sat on his throne in shock. He hadn’t seen Sally in person since the day he left, only through prayers and him watching in. She may have aged nearly 17 years, but she still looked at young as she had all those years ago. Her brown hair still looked sea-wind swept, her eyes still looked as blue as ever. Seeing her hold his son all grown made his eyes tear up. He hadn’t seen her hold him in person ever. To see the son he has checked in on over the years all grown up, to see him have become his mother’s protector even though she very well could protect herself, made him proud. His son had become a better man then he would ever be.
“Sally. It’s you.” Poseidon said quietly. However, being a god on a throne, his voice magically projected at a quiet tone.
Sally and Percy turned to look at him across the room. Everyone did.
“Poseidon.” Zeus growled. Everyone ignored him. They were too busy watching the family reunion happening between the parents of apparently one of the most legendary demigods to ever live.
Poseidon stood up, and began to walk quickly over to Percy and Sally. Percy went on guard, and instantly a wall of rapid moving water shot up between Poseidon and the two. A wave of shock was flooded through the room like water, even Chiron, because no one had ever seen such an easy display of power from a demigod. Poseidon jerked back, but not in shock, rather in fear.
“You’re powerful…” Poseidon trailed off. He kept glancing from the sustained water and Percy.
Percy turned back around to look from his silent conversation with his mother to Poseidon. He was surprised by the wall of water, and everyone watched as the water slowed to a steady flow, clearer to see through. Percy was also holding a pen, something he hadn’t let go of since they entered here.
“Percy. It’s okay.” Sally said quietly.
“Mom. I can’t-”
Sally grabbed Percy’s shoulders and forced him to look at her. “Percy. You know your Dad is not like Gabe. It’s okay. He won’t hurt me. Or you.”
Percy calmed a little bit, and seemed to realize where he was. Annabeth came over and grabbed Percy’s hand. “Release the wall.” she said, very gently, and then as if the water was listening to her, it evaporated. Poseidon still didn’t move, but Sally did.
“Hello Poseidon.” Sally spoke sharply.
“Sally.” Percy noted that Poseidon spoke almost wistfully. “Our son is powerful, isn’t he?”
“Yes. He is. He’s just like his father.”
Most of the demigods felt a rush of envy, no matter how much they tried to suppress it. They tried to be happy for Percy, even though they didn’t know him. Most demigods never see their godly parent, and aren’t treated well in the mortal world. He was lucky.
“Poseidon. What do you think you are doing?” Zeus said.
Poseidon stopped reaching for Sally. Percy stood warily behind Sally.
“I do not know, brother.”
“Sit down, you know the rules.” Zeus said.
Poseidon walked back to his throne slowly, regretfully. Percy came forward and grabbed his mother’s hand, lightly pulling as if to suggest walking. She walked back with him, standing over by Chiron while he joined his friends. Introductions had to resume. It began with Rachel.
“Hello, I’m Rachel Elizabeth Dare, and I am the current Oracle of Delphi. I am from the same time as Percy and the others, though I’m not part of their prophecy, rather I am the one who spoke it.”
“Rachel, hey!” Percy said, him and Annabeth running over.
“Wait, how can a mortal be the Oracle of Delphi?” Athena spoke up for the first time, whispering to Apollo.
“If the spirit finds the right person, anyone can hold it. She must have clear sight then.” Apollo replied.
The others had begun to whisper among themselves, kids asking questions to Chiron, before Zeus became impatient.
“Can we just finish and read the books!” He said, banging his fist on the arm of his throne.
The few demigods introduced themselves, getting all the way to the last at the end. Clarisse La Rue, Reyna Avila Ramírez-Arellano, Silena Beauregard, and Charles Beckendorf all spoke up.
Without warning, Annabeth gasped and yelled. “Percy!” She sounded as if she was hurt. All of the demigods launched into war mode, reaching for weapons.
Percy followed her eyesight and growled, grabbing the attention of everyone, before running through the room, upcapping the pen he had. No one had anytime to focus on the sword he’d pulled out of nowhere, because Percy had lunged onto Luke Castellan, unarming him, and knocking him onto his back. Percy’s sword was pressed against Luke’s neck. Water had appeared from nowhere again, crawling over Luke’s legs and arms, and creating a moving wall around Annabeth, who was slowly walking over to them.
“Percy!” Annabeth yelled, sending the rest of the ten in the center in a protective mode, jumping in their practiced formation they had become used to during the war.
“Son, what do you think you are doing!” Poseidon yelled.
“He is dangerous!” Percy growled.
Annabeth came over and mumbled quietly. “Percy, he is from before. He hasn’t done anything he will do.”
“Annabeth. You know what he did right before this. You know what he will do. How can I let him go? Especially after all he did to you.”
“I know,” She reached him fully and touched his shoulder. “He can’t hurt us here. Listen to me, Percy.”
Everyone watched as he instantly calmed when she touched him. They watched as his powerful water acted of its own accord again, flowing around her body, yet never leaving her wet.
“Okay. Just- Just let me lock him up okay? At this point he would have already made the decisions.” Percy said.
“Okay. Use those special chains Leo told us about the other day. It won’t give him the ability to escape.”
“Leo, can we use those? Are they functional?” Percy said, never taking his eyes off Luke’s.
“Um....Yea, lemme find them here.” Leo said. The focus shifted towards Leo, as he rummaged in his toolbelt. People wondered how anything but bolts could fit in his tool belt pockets.
Leo pulled out these celestial bronze chains, which looked like normal chains aside from a golden lock, which held a trident and a hammer.
“Here, these are the ones coded to me and you.” He said.
“Lock them onto his wrists and ankles and we’ll seal them.” Percy said. Leo cuffed him, and kept glancing at the gods who just sat frozen. It was like they couldn’t or didn’t want to move. After they were locked onto Luke, Percy kicked away the sword, which was picked up by Hazel. Percy patted Luke down for any other weapons, pulling off two daggers and a longer blade, which he handed to Frank.
Finally, after they had finished, Percy and Leo each began to use their powers on each side of the fancy lock. Water in sharp, fast drops pelted the right side, as fire began to torch up out of Leo’s hand, sealing the lock into Percy’s water.
“Leo? You hold the power of pyrokinesis?” Hephasestus said.
Percy and Leo had finished sealing Luke in. “Father-” Leo jumped. “Um..yea I guess I do. It’s kinda wild.”
The other kids of Cabin 9 were shocked. “No one has had that power in hundreds of years.” Charles Beckendorf spoke up. Leo turned, taking in the appearance of Charles, who he had heard stories but had never met.
“Have you been able to control it your entire life?” Hephasestus asked.
“Umm sorta-”
“No accidents? Have you ever used it for welding?” Hephaestus fired off before Leo could answer.
“Um-” Leo froze. He couldn’t exactly tell his father he’d killed his own mother- no he couldn’t tell him any of it. Piper watched as Leo began to panic internally. She had to step in.
“Leo is actually quite good at using his powers. Though, do you mind not throwing questions at Leo? He doesn’t like that. Leo, you want to calm down for me? Please? ” Piper said using her charmspeak, and watched as Hephaestus instantly stopped asking questions and Leo began to calm down. “Thank you.”
Aphrodite paused. She watched the reactions of her husband and his son, noticing how they seemed to just listen without question. Her daughter had charmspeak abilities. Most of her kids never did.
“Piper, is it? You are able to use charmspeak?” She asked.
“Mom.” Piper startled. “Can we not talk of this right now? I’m sure the books will explain it.”
“Alright.” She answered, planning on asking later anyway.
While everyone had been focused on the two demigods and their parents, Percy and Jason pulled Luke up and held him away from the others.
“Oh, I think we should have all comfy seats don’t you, Zeus?” Aphrodite said.
“But it is rude to not bow or stand in the-” Zeus said.
“Yes but, we are all going to be sitting here for awhile…”
“Oh all right, but hurry up.”
Aphrodite snapped her fingers filling the room with sofas and chairs of all kinds. It was fun for her, because she could feel love of all sorts connecting different people and gave them the best option to sit with those loved ones. Luke however who, she noticed, felt no love for anyone but himself, and was placed in a hard metal chair in the corner which he was then cuffed too.
Some, like Chiron, took a seat on the extra soft rugs on the floor, others like Clarisse sat on sofas with other kids. Percy and his mother sat on a blue sofa with Annabeth. All the gods’ thrones transformed into couches, large ones at that. They looked around confused because they were the only ones sitting on them. Who else even would want too?
Poseidon watched as Percy and his mother whispered to each other. Annabeth was clearly listening as she held Percy’s hand, but she hadn’t said anything.
Jumping over to Percy, they had been talking about Luke in whispers.
“Mom, why didn’t any of the gods question my decision to tie Luke up?”
“I don’t know honey. Maybe they can sense something different about you.”
As Percy went to respond, Chiron interrupted. “Do you think we should begin reading? We all have stuff to do, and we don’t know if time will pass while we are in here.”
“Yes. Who will start reading?” Zeus said, waving his hand dismissively.
“Um, can I start? These books are about me after all.” Percy asked. A book floated out of the box and to Percy. “Guess that answers that.”
Grabbing the book, he read out the title, “‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.’”
“You stole the lightning bolt?” Apollo asked.
“I actually wasn’t the thief here. Someone else was.” Percy answered, glaring at Luke from across the room. Percy looked in disgust as Luke actually had the nerve to look smug and proud. “Can I start now?”
“Yes, please go ahead Percy.” Poseidon said.
Look, I didn’t want to be a half-blood.
“None of us do, but pop off.” A younger demigod said. People chuckled.
If you’re reading this...close this book right now.
“Okay Percy, time to close up shop we’re done here.” Leo said.
“Shut up, Valdez.” Piper said.
Believe whatever lie...a normal life.
Percy scoffed. Him? Ever lead a normal life? Not possible.
Being a half-blood...painful, nasty ways.
“Or just severely injured.” Thalia said.
If you’re a...this ever happened.
“Me too kid… me too.” Percy said. Annabeth nodded and leaned in a little closer to Percy.
But if you recognize...they’ll come for you.
“Come for you?” Hermes asked.
“Lord Hermes, when a demigod is sensed they get attacked by all kinds of monsters. It’s especially bad for a child of the big three, or someone travelling with them.” Annabeth said.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
“What are you warning us for?” Athena asked.
“I don’t know. Maybe what happens? It all was pretty terrifying to experience.” Percy said.
My name is Percy Jackson.
“Hi, nice to meet you.” Connor Stroll said.
“How are you?” Travis finished.
I’m twelve years...Yeah. You could say that.
“Percy you’re not troubled, you’re just different.” Sally said.
“Mom, the several exploded buses and expulsions say differently.” Percy said.
He continued reading before anyone could comment, but Poseidon felt a stab in his chest at that. He hadn’t ever been there for his kid, at all. He’d had to force himself to stay away for a long time, or he’d have endangered Percy.
I could start...to prove it
Both Sally and Poseidon cringed. Was their son’s life really that miserable?
but things really...ancient Greek and Roman stuff.
“Why would you learn about that?” Someone asked.
“Is that the field trip I have planned for May?” Chiron asked.
“Yea it is.” Percy answered.
I know...I had hopes
“Mr Brunner? Is that Chiron?” A demigod asked.
“Shush, let him keep reading and we’ll know.” Another answered.
Mr. Brunner was...didn’t put me to sleep.
“Yeah, Chiron was and still is the best mentor and teacher I’ve ever had.” Percy said, smiling at Chiron.
Chiron smiled, but inwardly felt tears come to his eyes. This boy held so much love and even admiration for him. He was just like all the other heroes he taught before. A stab of sadness hit Chiron ever harder. Most of those heroes didn’t live very long. He hoped Percy would live to see his old years.
I hoped the trip...was I wrong.
“How could a field trip go wrong? You get out of school for a day!” Travis asked.
“I’ve had a lot of things go wrong on trips of all kinds. Field trips, quests; even vacations. Can’t catch a break really.” Percy replied. Poseidon looked at Sally who was holding Percy. He wished he could sit on the couch with them too.
See, bad things...I got expelled anyway.
“You blew up a bus?” Athena gasped.
“Well I wasn’t trying too.” Percy defended himself.
“What were you even aiming for?” Athena exclaimed.
Percy laughed.
And before that, at my...an unplanned swim.
“You took your class on an unplanned swim? You sure you didn’t accidentally pull the water up or something?” Jason joked.
“You could control that much power unaffected in fourth grade? How old were you?” Poseidon asked.
“Umm..mom?” Percy said.
“He was I think a few months from being nine when that expulsion happened? The school was really mad when that happened. They said Percy hit the wrong lever, which he didn’t remember touching, and then everyone got soaked. They said he also ruined over 300k or more in equipment and tech. They wanted to sue us but luckily they settled for Percy and I doing community service around their campus for a few months.” Sally said.
“You were nine? How powerful are you?” Hades said. He hadn’t spoken much, so this surprised Percy.
“Umm, not that much. The others are stronger.” Percy was thinking of his new of fear of drowning he was still trying to tackle, and Tarturus. Nico had made it in and out of Tartarus by himself. Percy wouldn’t have been able to survive down there alone.
“Dude, we all know you are the strongest out of the five of us. What was it your mom said to us a few weeks ago? ‘You’re all powerful in your own ways. No one avoids death, it always wins. The sea doesn’t like to be restrained, or told where to go. It decides. And thunder may be loud, but it’s the lightning that does the real damage.’ She was right.” Jason cut in.
“Yeah. We may hold portions of our fathers’ powers, but we control us. We went through all those experiences, all that trauma. We were the ones that walked those paths. That is where our power comes from, Percy. So yeah, I truly believe you are the strongest one of all of us. You saved us all remember? Twice.” Thalia said.
“But I had help doing all that. You guys practically did all the hard work. Annabeth, Rachel; all of you. I didn’t do much.” Percy said.
“Percy, can we talk about all this later? I have a feeling all this is going to affect you even more. I want to talk about this when it’s just us and the group okay?” Sally asked, putting her hand on Percy’s knee.
“Okay mom.” Percy began reading again.
And the time...the idea.
“Hey Percy! You wanna help us with our pranks once we get out of here?” Travis yelled, Connor nodding aggressively behind him. They were trying to break the tension, like always.
Percy smiled so wide, a smile that hadn’t been seen on him in a long time. “Yeah! That sounds awesome!”
“No! The camp will be doomed!” Thalia said, pretending to be angry, though the smile on her face proved differently.
This trip...be good.
“Well now you’ve jinxed it. You should know that by now Percy.” Annabeth said laughing.
All the way...peanut butter-and-ketchup sandwich.
“Hey it’s me!” Grover chirped.
“And Nancy. Remember her?” Percy said.
“Sadly, yes I do.” Grover said.
Grover was an easy target.
“I am not!” Grover said.
“You totally looked like it dude! I had to stop so many people from knocking you on your ass!” Percy said.
“I also had a secret identity I needed to protect though. I couldn’t go around kicking everyone who tried to hurt you or me. It was better for you to think I was scrawny.” Grover defended.
“True.” Percy said.
He was scrawny...on his chin.
“Well technically I was 28 years old. Kinda hard to pass as a human 12 year old when I am a 28 year old satyr.”
On top of...in the cafeteria.
“Those enchiladas were good!”
“Yeah but didn’t you have a secret identity to uphold? Wouldn’t running give it away?” Clarisse spoke up for the first time.
Poseidon was confused. His son had declared him the best protector ever, and the satyr had managed to bring three very powerful demigods to camp alive, but had it all been luck or something?
Anyway, Nancy... on probation.
“Were you actually a bad kid? What were you on probation for?”
“Who knows anymore. And no, I don’t think I was. Mom says I wasn’t. A lot of teachers just didn’t understand that I struggled to read and sitting still for hours was borderline painful. I ended up acting out in different ways and somehow things always went bad. I mean, monsters attacked my schools, or teachers had grudges for me I still don't understand still...there’s a lot.” Percy said like he was talking about which sword he wanted to fight with during practice.
Chiron thought about it all. Had it really been that hard for Percy to be in the mortal world? It might be best to try and get him to camp sooner in the future.
The headmaster...kill her,” I mumbled.
“Kill someone? You threatened to kill a mortal? We should ki-” Zeus began to yell again.
“Brother, kindly shut up.” Hestia said.
Grover tried to...if anything happens.”
“Those teachers never listened to you? Would they have blamed you even if she was at fault?” Silena said.
“Yeah. I was the scapegoat. I was the easy target to blame because I had such a large record.” Percy said.
Looking back...led the museum tour.
“Hey, maybe you won’t get in trouble if it’s Chiron running the trip. He’d listen to you right?” Connor asked.
“Yeah, and he did. It’s just there were other teachers there too.” Percy said.
He rode up...three thousand years.
“Why wouldn’t it? We wouldn’t destroy our own artifacts or let him get destroyed.” Athena said, a voice filled with disgust towards Percy. She did not like the fact that one of her smartest daughters had chosen the sea spawn to love.
He gathered us...me the evil eye.
“Mrs. Dodds? Was she the teacher that never liked you?” Charles asked.
“Yeah.”
Mrs. Dodds...detention for a month.
Hades’ eyes opened wide. Was Mrs. Dodds the alias that his fury had taken? He sent her there for information, and he knew it wasn’t in a fury’s nature to be kind, but was that how she was treating a child? No child should be treated with such prejudice of any kind no matter who they are.
One time... “You’re absolutely right.”
“Grover.” Chiron scolded.
“I know, I know. But he would’ve just thought it was a joke.” Grover said.
Mr. Brunner...I meant it to.
“Of course it did. You wouldn’t be Percy if you had any subtly.” Annabeth laughed.
The whole group...picture represents?”
“Why did you single him out like that Chiron?” Thalia asked, genuinely curious.
“Well for one, I had to keep up appearances. I won’t lie, he was one of my favorite students there. Most of them just misbehaved and never listened. But even so, I had to treat everyone the same. I don’t see a point in expressing favorites,” Chiron glared at Dionysus, “Plus I had to make sure he was learning something. He was going to need all this information, I had my suspicions on who his godly parent was.”
I looked...eating his kids, right?”
“Oh wow. That’s ironic.” Percy snorted.
“What’s ironic?” Annabeth asked.
“The fact that the picture Chiron had me identify was of Kronos.”
“That’s one huge coincidence.” Grover laughed.
Poseidon looked at his brothers. What did his son have to do with Kronos?
“Yes,” Mr. Brunner said
“Do mortals learn of the whole story or just that of the original legend that was spread around our original people?” Hades asked.
“I believe they only learn the basics in school, but they are able to learn the rest on their own if they wish.” Chiron answered.
obviously not satisfied...king god, and —”
“How dare you refer to him as a god! Brother I am getting closer and closer to killing your son, control him!” Zeus yelled.
“You will not kill my son, you asshole!” Everyone expected Poseidon to yell back at Zeus, but when a female voice yelled, people turned. Sally had yelled.
“Mom!” Percy yelled, jumping up in front of her, “You can’t yell like that at him! He’ll kill you! You’re mortal, he won’t care!” People noticed how Percy’s hand was holding a pen again, clutching it like it was his lifeline.
“I do not care! He will stop talking and insulting you like a piece of meat! I can hear his whispers to his wife about wanting to kill you, and I know you can hear them too!” Sally exclaimed.
“Mom! He’s been doing that my entire life! Dad will protect me!” Percy said, trying to calm his mother, but instead just angering his father.
“ZEUS!” Poseidon got up. “You have threatened my son’s life the whole time he’s been alive? I know for sure I would never attack your children! They are just that! Children!”
“He is a mistake, Poseidon. What is the harm of killing him?” Hera said.
Hephaestus scoffed. “Of course you wouldn’t see harm in killing a child. You just care about the picture perfect family, mother.” He spat the word ‘mother’ out like it was poison.
The demigods sat in fear. They had never seen the gods fight like this in person. They had heard stories, and felt the effects of the anger, but never seen it.
“Can we please get back to the reading? Some of us have worldly duties to get back to that if not done will cause a bigger problem then what we have here.” Artemis interrupted.
The gods glared at each other one last time, before sitting back down. Poseidon nodded to Percy. “Go ahead, son. You and mother will be safe.”
Percy slowly directed his mother to sit down, but stared at Zeus and the gods in suspicion and even a little anger. Finally he sat down too, and began reading.
“God?” Mr. Brunner...barfing up his brothers and sisters—”
“Wait so they spent years in his stomach? How could they fit there?” A young daughter of Athena asked.
“Well, magic for one. Two, he ate us when we were babies. However, since we are immortal and gods, we couldn’t be killed. So we grew inside his stomach like we would normally, and then when Zeus had him throw us up, we were adults.” Athena answered.
“That’s gross.” The girl said.
Athena laughed. “Yes. Yes it was.”
“Eeew!” said one...from the group.
“I don’t understand. How is the gods winning funny?” Clarisse asked.
“I don’t know.” Percy said.
Behind me, Nancy...Kronos ate his kids.’”
“Well if you’re Percy then it will be part of your job description.” Annabeth said, laughing.
Grover laughed so hard he couldn’t breathe. Percy just glared.
“And why, Mr. Jackson,”...He had radar ears.
“Not radar ears, Percy. Just highly trained years from years of battles and teaching.” Chiron chuckled.
I thought about his...us back outside?”
“Isn’t this where it all went to shit?” Grover asked.
“Maybe? I think I talked to Chiron first, then it all went to shit.” Percy answered.
The class drifted...Percy Jackson.”
“Wow. Way to be subtle there, Chiron. Guess you’re just like Percy” Thalia said.
I wanted to get angry, this guy pushed me so hard.
“Huh, I guess I don’t mind it too much anymore. I usually push myself harder, and I mean, constantly almost dying will push you the farthest.” Percy said.
Poseidon grew even more worried. He filed it away for another to talk about with Sally and Percy.
I mean, sure, it...less spell them correctly.
“You know them now right?” Annabeth asked.
“Sure. Sure I do.” Percy said. He cut her response by continuing.
I mumbled something...this girl’s funeral.
“I was.” Chiron said.
He told me...hurricane blowing in
“Was that dad and Lord Zeus?” Percy asked Chiron.
“My guess is yes. They have been fighting over the missing lightning bolt.” Chiron replied.
Nobody else...couldn’t make it elsewhere.
“You aren’t a loser, Percy. You never have been.” Grover said.
“Thanks Grover. You aren’t either.” Percy said.
Great. Poseidon thought. Another thing to add to my list of things to mention. Is my kid really in this much distress?
“Detention?” Grover asked...he took it.
“Like always, Grover breaks the tension in the best way. With food.” Percy laughed.
I watched the...she’d give me.
“Aw Percy, if you just told me you were homesick, and what was happening I would’ve pulled you out. Your wellbeing is more important to me than some school.” Sally said.
“I know, mom.” Percy said.
Mr. Brunner parked...with liquid Cheetos.
“What? So she decided that bullying random people wasn’t enough and decided to bully someone vulnerable like Grover? Sure, Grover can protect himself and wasn’t actually cripple, but she didn’t know that.” Clarisse said.
“Yeah, she did that a lot.” Grover answered.
I tried to stay cool.
“Oh no. She’s pissed Percy off. She’s a goner.” Jason said.
“What do you mean? Is he mean? Violent?” Hera asked.
Jason glared. “No. He’s protective and strong. He will do anything to protect his friends and family, if you’re lucky enough to be considered that.”
The school counselor...A wave roared in my ears.
“You used your powers again? But you didn’t even know you had powers. How?” Charles asked.
“I still don’t know. I don’t remember the water even moving.” Percy said.
Hades looked at Poseidon. Percy could use extreme amounts of power without realizing it. He was more powerful than any demigod normally is. Their brother was not going to like this.
I don’t remember...in trouble again.
“How powerful are you Percy? I hope you’d be on my side if there ever was a war!” Clarisse jokes.
Percy’s smile faded off his face. “I was always fighting on the same side as you. You haven’t done it yet, but in my opinion, you were one of the best commanders Camp Half Blood has ever seen.”
“Yeah he’s right. I don’t think we would’ve won if it wasn’t for your leadership in both wars. You were amazing.” Annabeth said.
Clarisse was shocked. So was the camp. To see Annabeth compliment Clarisse let alone say she is one the reasons they won the war, well, that meant something. They always fought. Then to have someone who was clearly one of the powerful demigods of their age to say she was one of the best commanders to lead Camp Half Blood was so much of a compliment, she was speechless.
Ares looked at his daughter. He knew that she was the leader of Camp Half Blood, but for her to lead a whole side of a war? As a kid? He was going to have to keep an eye out for her.
As soon as Mrs. Dodds... thing to say.
“Dude, never guess what they are gonna do! Then they will always do worse.” Travis said.
“Come with me,” Mrs. Dodds...Grover to death.
“I am the protector though. I could smell the monster, and I knew it had to have been her.” Grover said.
“But she would have hurt you, Grover.” Percy argued.
“Yeah and Percy, before you say it isn’t, it is my job to protect you. That is what I was trying to do.”
She glared at him...barked at me. “Now.”
“Please tell me you didn’t go off alone with her too far?” Sally said Percy could hear the worry in her voice.
“It was okay, mom. Grover and Chiron saved me.”
Nancy Bobofit...How’d she get there so fast?
“She is the monster Grover was smelling. What was she?” Nico asked.
“You’ll see.” Percy said.
Hades cringed. He knew who she was. He had ordered no killing, why wasn’t she listening?
I have moments...I wasn’t so sure.
“Because it wasn’t you missing time. That was your battle reflexes kicking in.” Annabeth said.
“Yeah well they for sure kicked in later.” Percy said.
I went after...absorbed in his novel.
Poseidon opened his mouth. Chiron cut him off. “I can assure you, I knew of it all. I could not tell if the monster had sensed me like it had Grover. I had to remain inconspicuous.”
Poseidon relaxed a little at that.
I looked back up....to pulverize it…
“Probably because she did, dude.” Leo said, “Doesn’t sound like she likes greek demigods, let alone the gods all that much.”
“You’ve been giving...“Yes, ma’am.”
“Percy? Do the safe thing? Wow, wish I could’ve seen that.” Annabeth teased.
“Hey! I do have some self preservation.” Percy joked back.
She tugged on the...was talking about.
“Was she there because she thought you had the lightning bolt?” Frank asked.
“Yeah. And probably thought killing me would be a nice benefit though too.”
Zeus tried to say something about Percy being the real thief, but even he wasn’t that stupid. The book had already proved that Percy barely knew anything of their world, and at this point it seemed like the bolt had already been taken. When he found the real thief though, he would pay for stealing the lightning bolt, for almost starting a war.
All I could think...dorm room.
“Percy! You were dealing out candy to kids?” Sally exclaimed.
“It was just candy, Mom.” Percy said, putting down the book.
“Yes but that is illegal! You could get in so much trouble for that! What were you even using the money for?” Sally said.
“Nothing could be worse than getting expelled, and I’m used to that. And I was using the money for kids who couldn’t buy lunch or couldn’t buy school supplies, and the rest to buy more candy. It wasn’t anything bad.” Percy argued. Sally tried to keep a straight face, but she was a little proud. Her son was at his lowest, yet still wanted to help others.
Or maybe they’d...read the book.
“Percy!” Sally started.
“I’m sorry mom do you know how hard it is to read a boring book plus have the words mix on you? The only reason I can read this is because for some reason it looks clear!”
“He’s right. While I don't condone cheating, it’s hard to do a lot of the more academic side of school sometimes.” Annabeth said. Sally decided to let it go. Percy had a life for himself here, one where there was a chance he’d never really need real school.
“Well?” she demanded...slice me to ribbons.
“You sent one of your furies after my son?!” Poseidon yelled, standing up, rushing towards Hades.
“She was just supposed to gather information! To watch! To know if the suspicions were right!” Hades yelled.
“How dare you think you can attack my son? I will flood your-”
“Dad!” Percy yelled.
They stopped. Percy had given the book to his mom, and had run up to the area where the gods all sat. Annabeth was right behind him, her hand resting on her dagger sheath.
“Percy?” Poseidon said, turning to him.
“For the last six years I have defended myself against problems that weren’t mine from the start. Stop trying to protect me against others if it is at a cost like this. You are going to alienate yourself from your brothers and sisters, all over a kid you’ve never cared about until I had to fix your issues. I love that you are trying dad, thank you. But I am a grown man. I have had to be since I was 12. Even younger than that. Stop trying to preserve a childhood I never had.” Percy said, standing tall with Annabeth at his back.
“But you’re my son.”
“Yeah. I am. But I need you to think about what is like being me. I am your only mortal child. I understand you are worried, but I have been ostracized my entire life already. Please don’t give it another reason.”
Poseidon stopped. His son was right.
“Lord Poseidon? If I may. I have watched Percy protect himself more than once against things meant to kill him. He would give his life for mine twice over if he thought it was all he could do, even though I wish he wouldn’t. He would give his life for our whole world. Not many heroes can say they were the best of the best, even in morality. Trust what he says.” Annabeth said, coming to stand next to Percy.
“Annabeth? You are backing a child of the sea?” Athena questioned, sounding as if she was offended.
“Yes, mother I am. Percy is the love of my life, the boy who has fought and held my six through two wars. Who fell into Tartarus willingly with me just so I didn’t fall alone. Who held the sky just to save me from a Titan.” Annabeth said.
The word Tartarus caught everyone’s attention.
“You fell into Tartarus?” A whisper came from the most unexpected person. Zeus.
Percy looked at Annabeth. She grabbed his hand. “Yes. We fell in trying to save Annabeth from Arachne, and were stuck for eighteen days.” Annabeth looked pale.
“How did you make it out?” Hades asked, appalled.
“I’m sure the books will explain it. We fell in a year ago, so it’s all still pretty new. We can’t stay apart for too long or we both begin to panic.” Annabeth said.
“You really trust him with your life?” Athena asked again.
“Yes. I would die for him, or with him.” Annabeth said.
Percy had tears in his eyes. “I would too. I can’t imagine a world with Annabeth in it.”
Poseidon walked closer to his son. “How are you still able to find love in a world that has destroyed you time and time again?”
“Annabeth and the gang. My mother. My little sister.” Percy answered with no hesitation.
Athena and Poseidon looked at each other. “I think it is best we go back to reading. We have much we want to discuss in private.” Athena said. Poseidon nodded along.
“Okay.” Percy said. Him and Annabeth walked back to the couch. They looked at the others who knew what they were talking about, who were all very somber. Thalia even had tears in her eyes. Leo looked green.
Percy waved his hand, signaling them to all move over to Percy and Annabeth. Thalia grabbed a large purple fuzzy rug and pulled it over. Everyone watched as the eight came and sat over with them, Nico sitting directly at Percy’s feet, leaning against his legs. Thalia sat next to him leaning against the couch where Annabeth’s legs would’ve been if they weren’t across Percy’s lap. Against Thalia was Jason, then Piper. Leo laid with his head in Piper’s lap, leaving Hazel against Nico. Frank sat with Hazel. Grover sat on the couch with Annabeth and Percy, Sally having already moved to sit on Percy’s other side. People watched as this group of kids all cuddled close into each other, as if it was a rehearsed movement. Anyone could tell that this group of kids had been through hell and back together.
Percy picked up the book, whispered something to the group in front of him, who all nodded yes too. Then he started reading again. It was clear his voice wasn’t as clear as before, almost as if he had held back tears.
Then things got...tournament day.
“Was this when you got Riptide?” Jason asked, trying to distract from the tension and emotion in the air.
“It’s when I used it for the first time, but I didn’t fully take it until later.” Percy said.
Mrs. Dodds spun toward...swung the sword.
“You fought a fury and survived with no training?” Ares asked. He sounded impressed, which made sense to Percy since he hadn’t battled him yet.
“Yeah.” Percy said.
The metal blade hit...still watching me.
“Let alone survived, you won!” Ares cheered. Even Clarisse looked impressed.
I was alone. There...started to rain.
“You thought you were crazy? Dude sorry, I didn’t mean to make you feel insane, just wanted you to be safe.” Grover apologized.
“You’re all good dude. I figured it all out soon enough.” Percy said.
Grover was sitting...named Mrs. Kerr.
“Dude the mist is that strong?” Connor said.
“Yes. It is amazing what humans will believe to fit into their reality and stay there.” Chiron responded.
I asked Nancy...boomed overhead.
“So you thought you were going crazy, and then went to Grover, who couldn’t lie to save his life at time. Great way to make you feel better.” Annabeth chuckled, though her voice sounded watery. People watched as Percy pulled his arm tighter around her, and the ten all leaned in closer together.
I saw Mr. Brunner...still holding it.
“Sir, why are you still playing dumb about something that clearly happened?” A young demigod asked.
“Child, when a demigod figures out their identity, it makes their demigod scent that much stronger. It makes them more vulnerable. That is why you either come to camp right away, or we keep you questioning until we can get you there.” Chiron answered.
“Sir,” I said,...Are you feeling alright?”
“No I wasn’t feeling alright. I felt like I had been going crazy.” Percy tried to joke.
“That’s okay dude, I always feel like this is all one big dream I am going to wake up from all the time. You’re not alone.” Jason said.
“That’s the end of that chapter, by the way.” Percy said, closing the book.
“Can we take a quick break and then come back?” Sally asked.
“Yes, please.” Poseidon said.
And with that, all got up. Most left to get food, others left to go stretch their legs. Poseidon approached Percy, asking a question. “Can you ten stay here with us gods? We have a lot of questions.”
The ten looked at each other, before Jason finally answered. “Sure, as long as you got food.”