All of a sudden, all thoughts left my mind. All except one: A step-sister!! I couldn't believe it. I had gone through this with Tyson, but that had been some nature spirit with my dad, my dad, the god. Not my mom, my mom the mortal with Paul, a fellow mortal. Not that I had anything against Paul, it just made me feel a little awkward to think about him and my mom together. Percy. My dads voice shook me out of my thoughts. Are you okay? I blinked a little and then said, Yah, I guess. Poseidon looked skeptical but I guess he dropped it because he said, Well do you want to go see her? I looked around then finally said, Sure. So without a second look I followed an all mighty god down the stairs, got a cab and had to pay exact change.
When we reached the hospital a sudden wave of fear washed over me. Poseidon must have sensed it because he asked, you okay? I shrugged and while dad read Fisherman's Monthly I decided to sit back and relax. How can I read when I'm going to be a big brother! I thought. We hung out in the waiting room for while and when an attendant finally said we could come in dad and I were pretty frantic. The attendant led us down a long hallway, up a few stairs and to the third door on the left. I braced myself for the worst, I mean; Ive heard labor can be an intense thing. However, when I saw her in the bed she looked completely normal. Paul sat in a small chair by the bed and he looked pretty run down. Mom had a bundle of blankets in her arms and I could only imagine what was in it. When she saw me she sat up and smiled. Her smile however, showed strong hints nervousness; like she felt guilty about not telling me. Percy, she said pulling me close in a hug.
Paul was looking at dad in a weird way. I guess to see your wife's-ex on the day she had your baby. Awkward.
Anyway, when mom finally let go of me I got to see her. She had a roundish face with a wisp of brown hair on her small head. She had beautiful green eyes and Paul's nose. I felt weird looking at her but I still felt a weird sense of authority over her like, even though I hadn't known shed existed since just an hour ago, I still was partly responsible for her. Well, Percy? Mom asked, What do you think of Atlanta? I tried not to look as confused as I felt. Huh? I said. She was a girl who was a huntress and refused to marry anyone who couldn't beat her in a foot race. Paul and Poseidon said at the same time. I saw a weird look pass between them, but decided to forget it. So her name is Atlanta? I asked. Yes, Mom replied happily, Do you like it? She looked like she had made a tragic mistake, which I wasn't sure if she had or not. However, I couldn't really say no to her and I probably wouldn't even be seeing a lot of Atlanta anyway, me being at Camp Half-Blood and all. So with that thought in mind I smiled and said, Of course mom. I love it! She smiled and gave Atlanta to Paul and almost instantly fell asleep.
Is she okay? I asked Paul. He smiled a little, Oh shes fine. Its just been a long day. Poseidon suddenly beckoned me over to him. Percy, I need to talk to you alone. He said the last part looking at Paul. I think we should go out here. He said pointing to the hall. We walked into the hall only to be led by Paul's stares. Percy, Dad said looking me straight in the eye, Protect that baby. I gave him a confused look but quickly dropped it. Why? I asked demanding. He sighed but kept talking, I want you to protect her because she is always in mortal danger. Just by being her step-father I endanger her. You've got to make sure she stays safe I was astonished, Until when? I asked. Until shes old enough to understand that shes in danger. When she can, she will either live in Atlantis or I will appoint an official guard to be her body guard. I couldn't believe it. No more quests, no more running around at camp and no more seeing Annabeth. Dad, do any of the other gods do this to their step-kids, because none of the other kids at camp have mentioned staying at their house for eight years! He gave me a patient look but continued, First, Percy, even though you've abolished the system of the Big Three, some haven't given up. They think all the children of me and my brothers are more powerful and more special. Atlanta falls under that category. Second, it wont be for eight years you'll probably have to stay for ten. I was mad now. Well that's just great. I cant wait! I said fuming.
Suddenly, I saw a figure running toward us down the hallway. She had blond hair, and tan skin and, of course, the un-mistakable stormy gray eyes. Annabeth, I said bewildered, what are you doing here? She rolled her eyes, What do you think, Seaweed Brain? Now where is she? And without a second look she ran into the room. I followed and found Paul looking wildly at Annabeth. Please, let me see her, she pleaded. Who are you? He asked. Shes my friend, I told him; however I soon realized that that didn't help. Suddenly, I heard my moms voice in from behind us. Let her see her. Paul reluctantly gave Atlanta to Annabeth. She gazed deep into Atlantas eyes and then sighed. Wow. Shes even more then beautiful then you described her in the Iris Message. I looked up suddenly. You Iris messaged her, before me! I said bewildered. Percy, I wanted you to be surprised. I couldn't believe it. Surprised! Mom? I said. Okay... She said guilty, I knew what your father wanted to propose. I couldn't tell you. I frowned at all of them. Fine, Im going home. Annabeth might as well move in as well. Shes more your daughter then I am your son. And with that I stormed out of the small room leaving my best friend holding my little sister in her arms.
The next morning, after a night alone in my apartment, I took a cab back to hospital. Ill just say Im sorry, I thought as I reached the small room. Before I even walked into the room I could sense something was wrong. I heard yelling from behind the doors so I burst in. The room was torn apart. Paul was sitting on the bed comforting mom. Annabeth and Poseidon were gone. Atlanta as well wasnt there. Mom whats wrong? I asked scared. Mom burst out in tears as I asked this. Shes gone, I heard Paul say; Atlanta has been stolen. Shes been taken by one of your kind. He looked so mad I actually felt really bad. I ran over to them and hugged mom tight. Dont worry, I said already pulling out Riptide, I will find her. I sore I would protect her and I will. And, Riptide at my side, I stormed out of the room to find my baby sister.
