The Gift of Athena
This is set during Lighting Thief. On top of all the stuff she must deal with as a demigod, there are certain things she would have to deal with just because she was a 12-year-old girl. She was always so tough but there must have been things that would shake her up at least a little bit. Caution-this fic talks about female puberty. If you don't like that, don't read it.
On the second day of the quest, Annabeth wasn't quite feeling her usual self, not that she would ever admit this to Percy. Annabeth was no stranger to pain, but this new ache in her abdomen was something she was unfamiliar with. Around lunch time, the were lucky enough to stop in a gas station where she was able to use the restroom and at this point she really needed to go. (On quests, clean restrooms are usually few and far between.)
She pulled down her pants and let out a sharp gasp as she realized her underwear were stained with blood. She'd never seen anything like that before. This must be what some of the older girls call a "period" she thought to herself. She was aware of its existence but growing up on the run meant she had never had anyone give her the talk. She had occasionally seen Thalia's supplies, but it was never discussed especially not in front of Luke.
She quickly snapped herself back to the present. No point in worrying about things that can't be changed. Deciding to try and do the best she could with what she had, she wrapped her underwear in toilet paper and stumbled out of the stall. For some reason, although she didn't understand why, she started to get emotional. She bit her lip and let out a small choke as she attempted to regain her composure.
As she wiped a single tear from her eye, she suddenly realized she was not alone. There was a middle-aged woman who walked out of the stall next to her and began washing her hands. When she looked up and saw Annabeth, she seemed to instantly know what was wrong.
"Annabeth," she said caringly.
Briefly, Annabeth panicked. Usually when somebody she didn't know knew her name, things ended badly. After a second of hesitation, she noticed the small silver stud owl earrings on the women's earlobes. Suddenly it all dawned on her.
"Mom," she asked, "Is that you?"
The woman just smiled, "This is a moment I like to enjoy with all my daughters. All the things you need will be in your backpack. You are growing up into such an amazing young woman."
Just as quickly as she appeared, she was gone. Annabeth turned around and walked back into the stall. She opened her backpack to find the gift from her mother. Always. Smiling, she took care of what needed to be done and left to go find Percy.
"What was going on in there?!" Percy exclaimed, "I thought you were dead!"
"Then why didn't you come in to help?" retorted Annabeth with a hint of sarcasm.
"You were in the girl's bathroom."
"I was having girl problems."
Percy's face was blank for a moment but quickly shifted to beet red. "You mean the once month ages 12-55 problems for the female half of the species?" he asked sheepishly.
"Yes," she replied plainly, "For the first time."
The matter was never discussed again, that is, until a situation arose aboard the Argo…
Sorry Percy couldn't have been more supportive, I think at 12 he probably wouldn't have been quite sure how to handle the situation. I have a story in mind where he would be much more supportive after he has time to get to know Annabeth a little better. Thanks for reading.