A/N: Hey! New update! Yay! Thanks for all the reviews! You are all awesome! I hope you are enjoying this story, it's fun to write but is tiresome and takes forever, so when you review, favorite, and follow it it makes it easier to want to continue!

Enjoy this next part! Oh, one more thing, from now on, when I say demigods, teens, or kids, I'm including Rachel and Grover in that as well. It's too exhausting to add them separate.

Oh, and for those of you who have asked, I am sorry, but I will not post the actual book chapters. I understand it can be hard or annoying, but I do not feel comfortable posting work that is not mine and I do not have permission to post. It might be easier to read the book chapter and then this. Just a thought :)

Disclaimer: No, I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians, nor do I own The Heroes of Olympus.

~~PercyJackson~~

"Can't argue with that," the demigods and Grover chorused.

Athena cleared her throat and opened the book. Percy slouched in his seat, just waiting for what was to come. Annabeth clutched his hand, rubbing circles on the back with her thumb.

"I Play Pinochle With a Horse," Athena read.

I had weird ... food.

"Something tells me those weren't prophetic demigod dreams," Apollo said.

"Anyone could have figured that out," Persephone pointed out.

"Yes, but since I'm the expert in prophecies," Apollo said. "I believe I know best about these things."

"Idiot," Artemis said, waving for Athena to continue.

I must've ... the spoon.

"That's a weird feeling," Percy muttered so only Annabeth heard. She snorted at that as Athena glared at the two of them. It was clear they were close and she still did not approve of their relationship.

When she ... solstice?"

"Yes, what will happen?" Demeter asked, looking at the demigods. They all shrugged, unable to say anything.

"I really hate this," Athena muttered before reading again.

I managed to croak, "What?"

Percy cleared his throat and wrinkled his nose in discomfort.

She looked ... with pudding.

"That'll shut him up," Nico said happily. Annabeth laughed.

The next time I woke up, the girl was gone.

"Good, you were spending too much time there," Athena chided her daughter.

"Mother," Annabeth groaned, rolling her eyes.

A husky ... his hands.

"Weird," Frank said.

"No wonder you weren't weirded out when you met -" Hazel said, not able to say who Percy had met.

Percy guessed who she meant though and nodded at her, feeling extremely lazy as Annabeth continued to rub circles on his hand.

When I finally ... teeth hurt.

Percy grimaced, suddenly wishing for a glass of water. Poseidon, who had been eyeing his son in worry, waved his hand and a glass appeared in Percy's hand (the one not holding Annabeth's), filled with ice cold water. Percy took a sip, smiling gratefully at his dad.

"Now if I could just get some aspirin," Percy mumbled to himself. His teeth really did hurt.

On the table ... around it.

"Careful there," Annabeth said, grabbing the glass of water before Percy could drop it.

Several of the demigods snickered, trying to lighten the mood. It wasn't every day they got to see Percy as weak as a kitten. In a way, it was nice. It reminded them he was human, well, part human, after all.

Of course, none of them really wanted that reminder. Percy was their hero and their friend. They didn't like seeing him hurt.

"Careful,"... in a week.

Grover groaned, rubbing a hand down his face. "You just had to mention that, didn't you," he asked Percy.

Percy grinned at him apologetically and Grover returned the smile.

Under one ... goat boy.

"Goat boy?" Grover said, glancing at Percy. "Really, Perce?"

Percy shrugged.

Athena sighed, glancing at her father. "I see now why you were so glad to be done reading," she said.

"See! It gets annoying!" Zeus said, smiling over the fact that he was right.

So maybe ... reason. And …

"It's all real, punk," Ares said.

"Yeah, I got that, thanks," Percy replied.

"You saved ... want this."

"Oooh, what is it," Apollo asked, leaning forward as though hoping to see whatever it was.

Artemis rolled her eyes. "What do you think? Idiot."

Reverently, ... nightmare.

"Well, no duh," Dionysus said, ruffling his magazine.

"The Minotaur," I said.

"Urn, Percy, it isn't a good idea-"

"I would listen to your friend," Hestia said. "Names have great power."

Percy nodded. "I learned."

"That's what ... looked down.

Poseidon let out a shaky breath, looking down as well. He wished there was something he could have done. He glanced back up, looking at his son, Sally's son, and determined he would do everything possible to make sure he survived. After all, it was what Sally had given her life for.

Percy was watching his father closely, wondering how it was taking everything, so he was surprised when Poseidon looked at him, his expression determined.

I stared ... sunlight.

"I don't believe I recall this pine tree," Dionysus said.

"That's because there isn't one there in our time," Athena snapped, annoyed at being interrupted yet again.

"But we're talking a full grown tree," Demeter said. "That takes more than-" she glanced at Katie, "-seven years or so."

The gods turned to the demigods, looking for answers.

"The book'll probably explain it," Thalia said. That didn't seem to make the gods happy, but Athena continued reading regardless.

My mother ... beautiful.

"That is how a boy should feel about his mother," Hera sniffed, glaring at Ares and Hephaestus, her major problem children.

"You didn't want me in your perfect family," Hephaestus informed his mother. "So sorry if I don't conform to that belief."

"I wouldn't miss you," Ares said. "All you do is nag me about getting a wife and settling down."

Hera huffed.

"I'm sorry," ... hoof-shaped hole.

Hazel laughed. "That would look so strange."

"So Grover," Leo turned to the satyr, ignoring the look of outrage on Athena's face at being interrupted once again. "Why don't you wear shoes or pants anymore?"

Several demigods, Apollo, and Hermes snickered at the pants comment.

Grover attempted to say why, huffed in frustration, and said "It'll probably say in the books."

"This stinks," Leo said, slouching down on his couch.

"Understatement," the other demigods said in unison. The gods agreed with that.

"Oh, Styx!" he mumbled.

Thunder rolled across the clear sky.

"He really is dramatic, isn't he?" Jason asked Thalia.

"You have no idea," Thalia replied with a smile.

As he struggled ... his head.

"You wouldn't dare!" Grover said, hands going to his head.

"We can see them now anyway, G-Man," Percy pointed out.

"Yes, right," Grover said. Connor and Travis looked rather put out about this.

"There are younger satyrs at camp," Chris whispered to them.

"Don't you dare!" Grover exclaimed as their eyes lit up.

But I was ... yellow light.

Athena's eyes narrowed, as did most of the gods. Mortals did not simply dissolve in a yellow light when killed. Hades glanced at Persephone, who was glaring at him, letting him know she knew this was his doing, not that Hades understood why he did it.

I was alone … Smelly Gabe?

"Never!" Poseidon said vehemently.

Athena rolled her eyes, but she agreed. No one should have to live with that thing.

No. That would ... the army.

"You do know you wouldn't have passed for a seventeen year old, right?" Annabeth asked her boyfriend.

"Hey," Percy said as the others laughed.

"It's true," Clarisse said. "You were such a wimp."

Frank looked at his half-sister, surprised. He had seen Percy fight, and he was no wimp. Defeating the Minotaur with no training also proved that. Frank was half afraid Percy would get mad, and he was pretty sure Clarisse wouldn't stand a chance. Instead, Percy just stuck his tongue out at her, to which she replied in kind.

"Kids," Zeus said, rolling his eyes. Everyone refrained from pointing out he had done the same thing yesterday.

I'd do something ... to be hit.

"We never hit our satyrs," Dionysus said, sounding offended.

I said, "It wasn't ... At least… I was."

"And you were the best," Thalia said, grinning.

"Thanks," Grover said, blushing.

"But why …" I suddenly felt dizzy, my vision swimming.

Percy groaned, closing his eyes against the sudden vertigo. Annabeth squeezed his hand as Athena continued to read.

"Don't strain ... the taste,

"Not expecting what you got?" Piper asked, laughing.

Percy nodded, eyes still shut tight against the dizzy spell.

"Sorry," Piper said, suddenly realizing she was stopping him from feeling better.

Percy cracked his eyes open and offered her a weak smile as Athena read on.

because I was ... that at all.

"Unless you really, really like apple juice," Apollo pointed out.

It was chocolate-chip ... of energy.

Percy gave a sigh of relief, opening his eyes and smiling at his friends' worried faces. He guessed this would be happening a lot. Which wasn't his idea of a good time at all.

Plus, it was bad enough with his friends there, but to have the gods witness all this too.

Percy wondered what he'd done to piss Hypnos off. He couldn't remember doing anything, but that didn't mean anything. He knew he was good at pissing off gods, and Hypnos had to be mad at him to make him go through this.

My grief didn't ... to be okay.

"Mamma's boy." Ares taunted.

"I sure am," Percy said, not looking offended in the least.

Ares scowled. It wasn't any fun if he couldn't get a rise out of the punk.

Before I ... even melted.

"I love that stuff," Hermes said.

"I want hot chocolate chip cookies," Apollo said.

"Cereal is better for you," Demeter put in.

"Enough with the cereal!" Hades shouted, making everyone jump.

Demeter opened her mouth and Athena hurried to continue reading.

"Was it ... let you taste."

"Not the smartest thing to do," Aphrodite said and everyone stared at her. "What? I know things. I know lots of things. Like you should wear make-up Athena, and Artemis, you need to do something with your hair."

The mentioned goddesses rolled their eyes as the demigods snickered. Piper just shook her head, wondering how that was her mother.

His eyes got ... hundred yards."

"Do it!" Ares and Clarisse cheered. "This book needs more action!"

Everyone else just shook their heads at that.

"That's good," ... Mr. D are waiting."

"Goodness," Artemis said. "Doesn't anyone answer this boy's questions?"

"No," Percy replied.

"Well, why not?" Artemis demanded.

The demigods looked at each other.

"Why sis, worried about a boy?" Apollo asked, teasing.

"Of course not," Artemis said. "I am simply annoyed at the lack of information people give out nowadays."

The porch ... let it go.

"Plus, it's awesome," Travis said, trying to lighten the mood.

"And one day, it'll be ours!" Connor declared.

"You sure?" Percy asked, glaring at them from his slouched position on his couch.

The Stolls gulped and backed down, making everyone else laugh.

As we came around ... orange T-shirts

"Cause orange rules," Rachel declared, earning glares from Jason, Hazel, and Frank, which she ignored.

like Grover's ... horses had wings.

"Pegasi," Hazel said, sounding wistful. "I wish I could ride one."

"We'll let you," Katie said brightly. She didn't know much about Hazel, but she liked the girl.

"Really?" Hazel asked.

"Of course," Piper smiled at her.

Down at the end ... next to them.

"Why are you not training with the other children?" Athena asked, looking up from the book.

"I was talking with Chiron," Annabeth replied simply.

Athena glared at her daughter, judging how truthful she was being, before returning to the book.

The man facing ... trailer park.

"Hey D, it's you," Apollo said cheerfully.

Dionysus set his magazine aside and glared at Percy, who merely shrugged.

"He really has a death wish," Jason muttered to Piper, who nodded.

He wore ... my stepfather.

"I can out gamble anyone," Dionysus said.

"Except Chiron," Hermes pointed out.

Dionysus picked his magazine back up and flipped it open.

"That's Mr. D," ... about anybody."

Athena stopped reading to glance at her daughter. "You have?"

"Yes," Annabeth answered.

"Why? You should only be..." Athena thought for a moment, "twelve?"

"I'm sure it'll explain in the books," Annabeth said.

Athena huffed in annoyance.

"And you already ... "Mr. Brunner!" I cried.

"Really, Grover just told you his real name," Nico said.

"You try knowing someone for six months as one name and not calling them that when you see them again," Percy said.

The Latin teacher ... answers B.

"Awesome," Connor, Leo, and Travis chorused.

"That would be fun," Chris agreed.

"It defeats the purpose of learning," Athena informed them.

"Exactly," Conner, Leo, and Travis said.

"Ah, good, Percy," he said. "Now we have four for pinochle."

Jason snorted, causing everyone to look at him.

"What's so funny, man?" Leo asked.

"I just realized," Jason said, turning to Percy. "You called Chiron a horse in the chapter title."

"Good thing he isn't here," Clarisse said as the demigods, Rachel, and Grover dissolved into giggles.

Percy smiled. "It's not like I actually wrote these books."

"True," Leo said. "But oh man, that's awesome."

"If you are quite done," Hera said, glaring at the demigods in annoyance. "We would like to continue."

He offered ... glad to see you."

"I can tell you are using your time wisely," Zeus said.

"Meh," Dionysus shrugged.

Zeus glared at his son, not that it did anything with Dionysus hiding his hidden behind his wine magazine.

"Uh, thanks." ... happy juice.

Annabeth studied her boyfriend's face, wondering if Gabe had been a violent drunk. Given Percy's reaction to Mr. D, she wouldn't be surprised if he was. She growled, wanting to show Gabe exactly where he could shove his poker cards. Percy, obviously knowing what she was thinking, smiled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.

If Mr. D ... blond girl.

"I thought Grover told you my name," Annabeth said. "And Chiron just said it again."

"Just letting my readers know you're the blond one," Percy said.

"Oh you," Annabeth said, punching him lightly on the arm. She knew he was in for a lot of pain in these books and didn't want to cause more.

She came forward ... eleven for now."

"YAY! Cabin eleven!" Travis and Connor shouted and high-fived each other. Hermes grinned.

Annabeth said, ... ruined the image.

"Ow," Percy complained, rubbing his arm.

"What about my eyes?" Annabeth asked, throwing the idea of being gentle with Percy out the window. If he was going to insult her, he deserved a bit of pain. Athena smiled, thinking her daughter might actually be seeing sense.

"Just that they don't fit the typical California stereotype," Percy said, brow crinkling as he continued to rub his now sore arm. Why was it they could hurt each other if the gods couldn't hurt them? "And that's definitely not a bad thing, I love your eyes."

Annabeth relaxed, settling next to Percy again with a grin. Athena's smile faded as she turned back to the book.

They were ... down in a fight.

Annabeth smiled. "Sorry I hit you," she told Percy.

"I'm used to it," Percy shrugged, causing Annabeth to glare at him. "I mean…uh…never mind?"

Leo laughed. "Dude, just accept the hole you just dug and move on."

She glanced ... something like that.

"Yeah right," Thalia said, rolling her eyes. "This is Annabeth we're talking about."

Instead she said, "You drool when you sleep."

"That's more like it," Nico laughed. Those who knew Annabeth nodded in agreement.

Then she sprinted ... Mr. Brunner?"

"Percy," Annabeth sighed, shaking her head.

"I was so confused about everything," Percy defended himself.

"Not Mr. Brunner," ... Totally confused,

"See!"

"When are you not confused about something?" Thalia asked.

"Well, if people actually answered my questions directly," Percy said, unwilling to answer her question.

"The boy does have a point," Artemis said, earning surprising glances from those around her, which she chose to ignore.

I looked at ... Right. Sorry."

"Nice, Percy, nice," Nico snorted.

"I must say, ... wasted my time."

"Yeah, it would have been so inconvenient for Chiron to have wasted his time," Grover said.

Everyone stared at him.

"What?"

"I honestly don't know if you're being sarcastic or not," Percy said.

"House call?" ... a leave of absence."

"Convinced how?" Piper asked, curious.

"We have various methods," Dionysus said, lowering his magazine to meet Piper's gaze. Piper shivered and dropped her gaze.

"Dionysus," Zeus said in a warning voice.

Dionysus lifted his magazine back up with a shrug. "She asked."

"They don't really make them go crazy, do they?" Piper asked the other demigods.

"Of course not," Annabeth said. The others couldn't tell if she really believed what she was saying or not.

I tried to ... teach me?" I asked.

"Now I see where you get your ego," Thalia grinned as the others laughed.

"I resent that," Percy said, but he was smiling.

Chiron nodded. ... always the first test."

"That's comforting," Jason said.

"Hey, we all passed, didn't we?" Piper said, smiling.

"Eventually, yeah," Thalia said.

"Right, sorry," Piper said. Thalia grinned at her.

"Grover," Mr. D ... Hawaiian shirt.

"You should be afraid, instead of insulting me," Dionysus said.

"Once again, not like I realized at the time that all my thoughts were going to be read aloud at a later date," Percy pointed out.

Athena shook her head and started reading again before anything else could be said on the matter.

"You do know ... director less and less.

"The feeling is mutual, Pedro," Dionysus said.

"Ah, come on D, don't be like that," Apollo said. "Percy seems like a pretty cool guy."

"Ow," Percy said as Annabeth hit him upside the head.

Dionysus merely conjured a new wine magazine and began to read it.

"Well," he told me, ... know the rules."

"Pac-Man's awesome!" Leo exclaimed.

"I'm not too sure about the gladiator fighting though," Hazel said. She didn't understand how anyone could find it entertaining to watch two people battle to the death.

"You kidding, it's awesome!" Clarisse and Ares said together.

"No, not really," Percy said, remembering Antaeus.

"It's worse watching," Annabeth and Rachel said at the same time, sharing dark looks as they remembered that day.

Everyone stared at them, wondering just what they were talking about, but when they offered no further comments, Athena began reading once more. She wondered if they would learn that story in these books as well.

"I'm sure the boy ... mother tell you nothing?"

"And he still doesn't get a direct answer," Artemis exclaimed. "Men!"

"That didn't make sense, sis," Apollo said.

"It made perfect sense. And do NOT call me sis."

"Whatever you say, sis."

"She said …" I remembered ... are you bidding or not?"

"Real sensitive there, D," Hermes said.

"I'm not there to be sensitive."

"No, you are there to teach our children," Zeus said.

"They get taught," Dionysus said.

"Yeah, but not by you," Travis whispered so only the demigods could hear.

"What?" I asked. ... "Orientation film?" I asked.

"Chiron didn't show you the orientation film?" Annabeth asked.

"No," Percy said.

"It was awesome!" Nico exclaimed before realizing he sounded like his ten-year-old self just then.

Thalia laughed. "Even I saw it."

"Same here," Jason said.

"It's very informative," Piper added.

"Okay, I get it," Percy said. "I missed out."

"Yeah, and that explains why you were so clueless about everything," Clarisse said.

"No," Chiron decided. ... around the table.

"You didn't believe that? Even after Grover and Minotaur?" Frank asked.

"No, not really."

"You really were clueless," Thalia laughed.

I waited for ... Oh, all right."

"Like free recycling!" Leo exclaimed.

Grover raised an eyebrow. "I'm not a garbage disposal."

"Coulda fooled me," Rachel laughed.

"Gee, thanks."

Grover bit a ... chewed it mournfully.

"That was just weird to see," Percy pointed out.

"That he chewed it mournfully?" Chris asked.

"No, that he actually ate it."

"Wait," I told Chiron. ... just talking about-"

"I'm surprised you knew what metaphysical meant," Athena said, looking up at Percy.

"I know things," Percy said.

"Ah, gods, plural, ... smaller matter."

"I'll show him smaller," Zeus growled.

"Calm down, dear," Hera said. "He's just trying to explain the concept."

"Probably woulda been easier to show you the orientation film," Thalia said. "It's not that long."

"Smaller?" ... mean them."

"What were you told about names?" Hera asked. "And now you just go throwing them around."

And there it ... there was science."

"Seeing as you are my son, I can safely say we are not myths," Poseidon said.

"Yeah, I think I figured that out," Percy grinned. "Especially after fighting gods and titans and monsters," he added so only Annabeth heard.

Annabeth chuckled.

"Science!" ... never told anybody-

"But which everybody already knows," Connor sang.

"Understatement of the century," Annabeth muttered, thinking of all the monsters that always seemed to know who they were. It was unnerving, to say the least.

"Yeah, I hate that," Percy said.

"what will people ... and tell me."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Rachel asked, sounding outraged.

"Yeah, we've come a long way," Leo said.

"And at least we change, we advance," Rachel continued.

"Excuse me?" Zeus asked, turning his gaze on her.

Rachel just glared at Zeus, which is nothing less than expected from the girl who had nailed Kronos in the eye with a blue plastic hairbrush.

"Let's just finish this chapter," Athena said, before continuing to read.

I wasn't … he wasn't.

"Of course I'm not," Dionysus said. "Isn't it obvious?"

"Um," Frank began, but didn't continue as he watched as Dionysus waved his hand and a can of Diet Coke appeared. He popped the top, not noticing or caring that everyone was staring at him, and continued to read his magazine.

It was enough ... for all time?"

"Sounds rather awesome," Leo, Jason, Travis, Connor, Chris, Will, and Frank said.

"Not really," Percy whispered in Annabeth's ear. "Things can always get better."

Annabeth's heart fluttered at that, remembering how she felt when Percy said no to becoming a god. He had said the same thing, and she knew it was because of her.

"It's not as awesome as you would assume," Hades, surprisingly, was the first to speak up.

"Really?" Jason asked, glancing at Thalia.

"Imagine watching all those you love pass away," Poseidon said, sorrow in his eyes. "While you are left behind."

"Yeah, with a bunch of sticks in the mud," Apollo added.

"Well, most of them are sticks in the mud," Hermes grinned.

"I still think it sounds pretty good," Leo said so only the demigods could hear, the guys grumbled their consent.

"Not really," Thalia looked rather sad as she glanced at her friends, knowing that in 20 years, a 100 years, a 1000 years they'd all be gone while she remained behind. Unless she fell in in battle. It was a depressing thought that she didn't want to dwell on.

Percy smiled at her as Annabeth gave her a hug.

I was about ... me hesitate.

"Really?" Will asked.

"Yeah," Percy replied.

"You mean, ... losing their mothers?"

"That was harsh," Hazel said.

"But a very good example," Athena put in.

"No, not really," Poseidon said.

"I have to admit Uncle P is right, that's a crappy myth," Apollo said. "After all, he hasn't gotten over losing his mother, has he? So how can his myth be about that?"

"Totally not the point," Piper said quietly.

My heart pounded. ... believe in gods."

"Why did I not just blast you right then and there," Dionysus said. "I would have saved us all the trouble of this wish."

"Yeah, but Olympus would be in ruins and the human race would be enslaved and the gods would all be in Tartarus. But hey, it would save us from this wish," Nico whispered sarcastically.

Thalia laughed at that and all eyes turned to her. She shook her head, it's not like she'd be able to repeat what Nico had just said. Not here with the wish in effect.

"Because there's the whole "no harming the campers" thing to think about," Apollo said cheerfully.

"Oh, you'd better," ... don't even believe.'"

"You actually forgave him because of that?" Hermes asked.

"I'm not heartless," Dionysus pointed out.

"Yeah, but you hate kids," Hermes said.

Dionysus rolled his eyes and went back to his magazine.

"I think he cares about us more than he lets on," Percy said softly.

"Probably," Annabeth said just as softly.

He waved ... red wine.

"You may think being there at the camp is punishment enough, but wine is still off limits," Zeus growled.

"I know, father," Dionysus said, sipping his Diet Coke. "Why do you think I'm drinking this?"

My jaw dropped, ... feigned surprise.

"Yeah, I'm sure you were surprised," Zeus said.

"Old habits," Dionysus said, seemingly unaffected by his father's wrath.

"Dear me." ... declared off-limits."

"Why?" Travis asked.

"Is there something wrong with her?" Connor asked.

"It is none of your concern, demigods," Zeus said.

"Maybe Zeus likes the same one, and didn't like Mr. D getting all the action," Travis stage whispered loud enough for all the demigods to hear.

They all started laughing at that, but calmed down when they noticed the gods glaring at them.

"Boys," Artemis rolled her eyes.

"Not just the boys," Apollo grinned, winking at the girls in the group.

Athena shook her head and began reading again.

"A wood ... outer space.

"Because aliens exist," Hermes said.

"Really?" Apollo, Leo, Will, Chris, Travis, and Connor asked.

"Idiots," Piper and Artemis said at the same time. Artemis smiled at Piper. She may not like that the maiden was holding hands with the blond boy, but she liked the girl's attitude. Maybe she could get her to join the hunters?

"Yes," Mr. D confessed. ... pouting little kid.

"Hahaha, he does," Apollo and Hermes laughed.

"I do not," Dionysus objected.

"Sorry, but it's in the book. It must be true," Apollo informed him straight faced.

"Because everything that is written must be true," Athena said, rolling her eyes.

"See, even Thena says so," Hermes laughed.

"First, called me Thena again and you'll never have another affair," Athena said, glaring at Hermes. "And secondly, it is completely illogical for every written thing to be true."

The demigods all started laughing at 'illogical', and a few words could be made out through the laughter, such as: "Vulcan" "Star Trek" and "illogical".

Once the laughter died down Athena looked at them, eyebrow raised. This brought on a whole new round of giggling, but Athena didn't wait this time and opted to keep reading.

"And …" I stammered, ... god of wine."

"About time you got there," Dionysus said.

"It's all still new to him," Hestia said. "Don't be rude."

"Right, sorry," Dionysus said, glancing apologetically at Hestia. Everyone else just stared at her, impressed she had chastised Dionysus and he had listened. Then again, Hestia was about the only one who got along with everyone.

Mr. D rolled ... Aphrodite, perhaps?"

"You are joking, right?" Aphrodite asked, wrinkling her nose. "Because no one could mistake you for me."

"Don't worry, my dear," Poseidon said. "No one could make that mistake."

"Thank you, Poseidon," Aphrodite said, settling down again.

"You're a god." ... rest of my life.

Piper shivered. "That would not be fun."

Jason put his arm around her and she scooted closer to him.

"No, it wouldn't," Leo agreed. The rest of the demigods, Grover, and Rachel nodded their heads.

"None of the gods are really someone you would want for an enemy," Nico said.

"Something Kelp Head has yet to learn," Thalia added.

Percy shrugged. It was true, but he couldn't help it if he disagreed with certain things and the gods didn't like it.

"Would you like to ... believe I win."

"Finally," Dionysus said, sounding happy for the first time.

"Not quite, ... goes to me."

"Too bad, D," Apollo sang. "Better luck next time."

"I swear that centaur cheats," Dionysus muttered, returning to his magazine.

I thought Mr. D ... Latin teacher.

"Unfortunately," Dionysus sighed.

"How many games have you played with him?" Hermes asked.

"More than I could count," Dionysus said.

"So like five then?" Poseidon asked innocently.

Dionysus glared at him. "You are so funny, uncle," he said dryly.

"I try."

He got up, ... on this assignment."

"It wasn't his fault," Hazel objected.

"Yeah," Frank agreed.

"Thanks guys," Grover said.

"It wasn't you fault," both Thalia and Percy said, recognizing the look on Grover's face as his guilty look.

Grover blushed and looked down. None of the gods wanted to contradict Thalia and Percy (the two of them together were slightly unnerving), but there were those who disagreed, feeling Grover was at fault. Poseidon was not one of them, he knew Grover did the best he could with what he had. And he did an impressive job considering he was dealing with Percy, who seemed to be quite similar to Poseidon himself.

Grover's face ... I asked Chiron.

"Such a good friend," Persephone said.

"He's been eating cereal," Demeter agreed.

"I doubt it has to do with cereal," Hades said, rolling his eyes. Percy nodded his head at that.

Chiron nodded, ... back to Olympus."

"That's an understatement," Dionysus said.

"You should've stayed away from that nymph then," Hera snapped. "That's what happens when you cheat on your wife." This was more directed at Zeus, who shifted uncomfortably.

"Mount Olympus," ... Like … in America?"

"You're still struggling with all these concepts?" Thalia asked.

"Chiron should've just shown you the orientation film," Nico said. "It explains everything."

"Probably would've been quicker, too," Clarisse said.

"Gee, thanks," Percy said.

"They've got a point, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth laughed.

"Sure they do," Percy sighed.

Annabeth leaned over as if whispering in Percy's ear. Instead, she nipped at his lobe, causing him to jump ever so slightly and his heart rate to skyrocket. Percy was pretty sure he was blushing too, and lowered his head hoping no one noticed.

Annabeth laughed softly (it was fun making Percy jump), her breath tickling his ear and not helping his heart rate at all. "That's not a bad thing," Annabeth whispered before settling back down beside him.

Percy took some deep breaths, trying to control his racing heart and not realizing that Athena had started reading again.

"Well, certainly. ... "The what?"

"It's simple, really," Athena said, looking up from the book. She had watched her daughter whisper in the sea spawn's ear and noticed the blush that stained his cheeks, making her wonder just what her daughter had said. She would definitely have to speak with her daughter about this.

"It probably explains it a lot better in the book than you would," Poseidon interrupted Athena before she could give a lecture on the west. He also hadn't missed the exchange, and while he approved of his son's relationship with Annabeth, they were too young to be getting into anything more intimate. He would have to confront Percy about this when they stopped for a break.

Athena huffed, but continued to read.

"Come now, Percy. ... the same gods."

Zeus, Hades, and Ares each glanced at their Roman child, wondering once again why Greeks and Romans had been brought together, and if this meant another bloody war where they would be called upon on both sides.

But then again, the Greeks and Romans seemed to be getting along great while they were here. Could it be possible things were different in the future?

"And then they died."

Athena looked up at this, staring at Percy in disbelief. "Really, after you met one of us you still thought-"

"It's a lot to take in," Percy said.

Poseidon shook his head. Even he couldn't believe his son was having that much trouble.

"He did take a nasty blow to the head earlier," Jason said slowly. He wasn't sure what to think, here was the guy who everyone said was a hero, and yet he seemed so dense.

Percy sighed. "Can we just read?" he asked.

"Died? No. ... statue of Prometheus

"Hate him," Percy mumbled.

"Yeah, me too," Thalia and Grover said, thinking about Prometheus's "offer" with a shudder.

Annabeth shuddered, remembering what Percy had told her, that Prometheus wanted them all to give up hope.

Everyone stared at them, wondering what they meant.

"We can't say so you might as well read," Thalia said.

in Rockefeller Center, ... part of some club.

"Not some club," Apollo said. "Just a family."

"A crazy, messed up family," Artemis said.

"Excuse me?" Hera asked.

Poseidon laughed. "It's true. Our family is the messiest."

"Eternally messy," Hermes added.

Percy smiled sadly at that, remembering that night so long ago he had sat on the beach with Hermes and talked of Luke.

"Who are you, Chiron? Who … who am I?"

"You're Percy Jackson, you even said so at the beginning of the book," Travis said.

"Do we need to get you a name tag so you don't forget again?" Connor asked.

"We could make it permanent, just to be on the safe side," Travis said.

"And you'd hardly notice it at all, in fact, you wouldn't see it unless you looked in the mirror," Connor added.

"And then, only if you looked at your forehead," Travis grinned.

"First off, don't even think about it," Annabeth threatened, glaring at them. "And secondly, you know that's not what he meant."

"Ah, come on, Annie," Connor whined.

"We were just having a little fun," Travis said.

"Never call me Annie again," Annabeth said, fingering the knife always strapped to her thigh.

Percy grinned. "I would listen to her, she knows how to use that knife."

"Don't I know it," the Stolls muttered.

"If we are quite done," Athena said. All eyes left the Stolls to turn back to Athena as she started reading again.

Chiron smiled. ... want answered, isn't it?

"But we already all know," Leo said.

"Not in the book, though," Nico said.

"Oh, right," Leo said.

Piper shook her head. "Oh, Leo," she muttered.

But for now, ... adore chocolate."

"Me too!" Aphrodite squealed.

"We knew that," Hephaestus grunted.

"Then why don't you ever give me any?"

Hephaestus waved his hand and a box of chocolates fell into Aphrodite's lap. "Because you can create it yourself, but there you go."

"Thanks!" Aphrodite dug in, but delicately, nibbling slowly at a chocolate and making sure it didn't smear her makeup.

And then he ... velvet underwear,

"Weird thought alert!" Nico called.

"Everybody duck!" Chris shouted.

"Get off the floor," Clarisse growled, pulling her boyfriend up.

"Yes, ma'am," Chris said, settling back next to Clarisse and snaking his arm around her waist.

"How does he even stand dating her?" Travis whispered to Connor.

Katie smacked his arm and Travis turned to her with a grin, giving her a kiss on the lips, before pulling her, giggling, onto his lap.

"Like you're one to talk, bro," Connor said, laughing.

Demeter stared at her daughter as she laughed, held in the arms of Hermes's son. She supposed it could be worse, but she would have to make sure the boy got enough cereal.

"Teenagers," Hades muttered. "Never know how to do it right."

Then, surprising everyone, he pulled Persephone into a kiss, dipping her backwards with his arms around her waist. Apollo and Hermes wolf whistled and Persephone laughed as he pulled her back up.

"You haven't done that for a few centuries," she said.

"I didn't know you did that at all," Poseidon said, looking completely shocked.

"Me neither," Zeus said, face white at the sight of his brother kissing his daughter.

"It's what a husband should do," Hera said, glaring at Zeus.

Zeus gulped, wondering if she expected the same treatment. "Read, Athena," he commanded his daughter. Athena, looking rather disgusted, as did Artemis, stuttered as she started to read again.

but as he kept ... human legs attached.

"One of my finer works of art," Hephaestus said to himself, stroking his beard.

"Awesome!" Leo said. Hephaestus looked up, taking a brief glance at his son before continuing to fiddle with the gears in his hands, completely oblivious to the fires that had started in his beard.

I stared at ... horse's trunk.

"Well, he is a centaur," Dionysus pointed out.

"Thanks for that, I had no idea," Percy said.

"Anytime," Dionysus said, either not catching the sarcasm or not caring.

"What a relief," ... the other campers."

"Finally," Athena sighed, closing the book. "I thought that chapter would go on forever."

"I liked that one," Percy muttered, thinking about how it didn't have him getting beat up, blasted, poisoned, or any of the other less pleasant things he had been through.

"Who wants to read now?" Zeus asked.