Disclaimer: I do not own any characters or locations.
Annabeth did not understand why planning a birthday party was so hard. They had defeated Gaea for Zeus's sake. One little birthday party should not have been so difficult. Unfortunately, nine demigods with ADHD did not mix well with the words focus or patience.
"How does this work Annabeth?" Percy asked staring at the instructions for the cake mix. Annabeth sighed and walked towards Percy. She leaned on him looking at the box. The two had been inseparable since their adventure in Tartaraus.
Nightmares had plagued them every night they were alone. Annabeth had taken to sneaking into Percy's cabin every night just to lay with him. She managed to make it back to her cabin before most of her siblings woke up. They knew what she was doing, but they understood her situation enough to realize she would not make it alone.
"It seems like it is in some foreign language," Jason commented as he walked up behind them. He dropped bags of decorations and supplies on the table. Annabeth gently pushed off of Percy pulling out some of the streamers. She examined the purple streamers silently.
"Are these good?" Jason asked pushing up his glasses.
Annabeth nodded looking around the apartment. The apartment seemed hollow since there was only a small amount of furniture in it. There was a couch in the middle of the living room that had a small coffee table next to it. The couch faced a wall as if the owner sat there and contemplated life. The kitchen was completely clean other than the bags that Jason had brought in.
"Jason, can you get Piper, Hazel, and Frank? Ask them to start on the decorations. Nico is getting the plates and silverware. Percy and I will deal with the cake. Leo is getting all the food ready. He may need you to help him carry the food in," Annabeth said taking a deep breath as she finished.
Jason blinked at her but slowly nodded. He hurried out as another figure walked in. Annabeth quickly turned but relaxed seeing Hylla. The queen of the Amazons smiled at her as she walked towards them.
"Where's my sister?" Hylla asked leaning on the counter.
"Reyna, hopefully, is still delivering the weapons to Camp Half-Blood," Annabeth said. Hylla nodded, and her eyes widened. She dove behind Annabeth who turned around to see an Iris message.
The Iris message showed a view of the cabins that belonged to Camp Half-Blood. Chiron stepped into view. He watched Hylla with a look of amusement. Chiron was in his centaur form and holding one of the newly delivered bows. Hylla looked up and grumbled something. She stood brushing herself off.
"Hello Chiron," Annabeth greeted as she hid a smile. They all knew how much Hylla wanted to surprise her sister. If Reyna had sent the Iris message, she would have seen Hylla instantly.
"Reyna just left," Chiron said a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. Chiron knew all about their plans. He promised to keep them updated and stall Reyna if he had to.
"Thank you Chiron," Annabeth said. "How are the weapons?"
"The weapons are perfect; however, our praetor seemed quite stressed," Chiron observed.
"She's been working hard," Hylla said crossing her arms. "A little too hard from what I hear."
It was true. Reyna had spent months trying to restore the legion back to what it had been. Those Ocatavion had reinstated were given a chance to show why they should stay. Those that were given a second chance had to prove themselves quickly. The ones that were deemed unworthy had to leave.
Some left peacefully. Others worked together to try to overthrow Reyna and Frank. The rebellion lasted only a few hours before the conspirators were put down. Reyna had then thrown herself into making sure the two camps were back up to full strength.
"She's been training everyday too," Percy added as he stretched. Hylla made a small noise in the back of her throat that could have been a growl. Chiron looked behind him towards a gathering crowd.
"I must make sure the Ares and Aprohodite cabins stay out of each other's throats. I wish you the best of luck with the party," Chiron sighed. The three demigods nodded. Chiron waved his hand through the message cutting the connection.
Percy glanced at Hylla. He pulled out the eggs and milk they would need for the cake. Hylla watched the two of them before taking a quick tour of the apartment. Annabeth helped Percy set out the supplies.
Annabeth ran into plenty of bumps planning the party. She made sure there were no war games or any other important events going on that day. It took a few threats and convincing behind Reyna's back to get all the centurions on board. Reyna also happened to be an obstacle.
Annabeth casually mentioned the day before that Reyna should take the weapons to Camp Half-Blood. Reyna muttered something about needing to stay at the camp and watch over her campers. Frank backed Annabeth up saying Reyna could use the break. Reyna looked like she was going to skewer them with the spear she had been practicing with; however, she finally relented.
Reyna had left early in the morning planning on taking a Pegasus to carry a chariot full of weapons. Percy convinced the Pegasus to take a break before Reyna managed to arrive at the stalls. That forced Reyna to take a van. Annabeth regretted the decision the moment she saw the mix of anger and annoyance in Reyna's eyes. She had forced herself to push it aside and focus on the day ahead.
"What else needs to happen?" Hylla asked walking towards them. Annabeth opened her mouth, but the door opened as Nico walked in. Nico waved placing plates and a bag of silverware on the table. He held a present in his hands.
"Nico finished his job, so we are just down to cake, food, and decorations," Annabeth said running through a mental checklist.
"What can I do?" Hylla asked.
"Help with the cake?" Percy asked searching the kitchen for a mixing bowl. Nico walked towards a cabinet and pulled out the mixing bowl. He tossed it to Percy.
"Where are we putting the gifts?" Nico questioned.
"That's what I forgot," Annabeth hissed. She jolted upward like she had been shocked. Nico shot them a look that asked if they were serious. "I was so focused on planning for the party that I didn't think about a gift."
"You have time," Nico reassured. He laid a gift that looked suspiciously like a sword on the table.
"What does Reyna even like?" Percy asked.
"I would not suggest a guinea pig," Hylla muttered dryly. She winked at Annabeth a second later.
"Just get her what you think she would like," Nico said. He seemed much happier ever since he had been dating Will Solace. The two were inseparable for six days of the week. The seventh day was spent with Reyna who had become like a sister to Nico.
"So, I should get her a spear then?" Percy asked.
"Oh seaweed brain," Annabeth said kissing his cheek. Percy's eyes suddenly lit up.
"I know exactly what to get!" Percy exclaimed. He ran out before anyone could stop him. Annabeth watched him go and sighed.
"I just need a size. I have a nice, orange jumpsuit all picked out for him," Hylla joked. She helped Annabeth pour all the supplies for the cake into the mixing bowl. "Just say the word."
It's been awhile since I've written fanfiction and the first time I've written one for Percy Jackson. Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed.