Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Percy Jackson books and the characters in them.

The plot, ideas, new characters, and whatnot for this story are original by me though.

Author's Note:

Sorry for the super duper late update.

The Percy Jackson characters might become out of character from now on, if they weren't already, since it's been ages since I read the books haha

- LiB

The maid took on a leisurely pace in serving her mistress and her mistress' guests. She placed a small plate in front of each person seated at the table, carefully poured them tea, arranged the little porcelain containers of milk, honey and brown sugar, and placed a basket of Chinese almond cookies in the middle. She contemplated for a second whether she should serve the cookies on their plates herself before deciding against it. The entire time, she remained oblivious to the frown on Percy's face as he stared a hole on the lacy tablecloth below him, and to the way her mistress folded her hands on her lap under the table to hide the slight tremble that she couldn't quite control. Once satisfied with the presentation of the table, the maid took a bow and left.

Georgina brought the cup of jasmine tea to her lips and took a sip. She tried to gauge the reaction of Annabeth and Percy over the rim of her cup. They both looked to be in thought, but while Percy seemed to be frustrated, Annabeth was calculating, piecing together information in her mind. On her left, Ian was thumbing a gold coin with a square hole and a red tassel tied around it, seemingly nonchalant about the confrontation that was to come. Finally, Annabeth looked up and met Georgina's eyes, waiting for the explanation that was promised.

Georgina gently put down her tea cup on the saucer and returned her hands on her lap, stalling for a few seconds. She was internally frustrated at herself; she was supposed to already be mentally and emotionally prepared for this, but then again, she wasn't supposed to grow attached to Annabeth and Percy. She opened her lips and words smoothly flowed out in a tone that was more composed than she felt, "I pretended to be a normal human able to see through the Mist, and I'm sure you've already pieced it together - I'm a demigod like you. Ian and I, we're demigods, but of Chinese gods."

Percy visibly flinched and he heard Annabeth breath in a sharp intake of air at the confirmation of their suspicions. There's a vast difference in shock levels to think it in your head and to hear it confirmed out loud. Percy's mind was reeling at all the possible implications this new piece of information has - Did the Greek gods know? How many more set of gods exist out there? How many more groups of demigod children? Did George and Ian single him out? Why reveal themselves to him and Annabeth? Why now? Is there something going on again? Is there another apocalypse? Does Chiron know about it? Does Zeus' stupid dick have anything to do about it? There were a hundred and one questions going through his head within five second of George's reveal. Percy glanced at Annabeth from the corner of his eye and thought that Annabeth probably has a million and one questions in her brain, and hopefully, she was having better luck piecing them together and coming up with answers than he was. Annabeth opened her mouth, "You already knew about us, even before you met Percy, didn't you?" Percy figured Annabeth's smarts must have been rubbing off on him when he came to the same conclusion. He turned to see George's reaction but she was hiding behind her cup of tea again. He then looked at Ian seated across from him. Ian was casually leaning back against his chair, almost slouching, and seemingly not paying attention to the conversation as he continued to fiddle with his Chinese gold ornament. It irked Percy to see Ian look like he doesn't care about what's happening. More questions popped up in Percy's brain - Were they really friends? Or did they just pretend to be friends for some hidden agenda?

Georgina's voice stopped any and all spiraling thoughts of her tea companions, "Yes, we did. We conducted an investigation of all known Greek demigods. Because," Georgina paused, "there's a war brewing and we needed to know who we can have as allies to prevent it." Annabeth's eyebrows scrunched together. She didn't need to voice out any further questions to have Georgina explain. "From our side, we were raised knowing that there would be a war between the Chinese gods and the Greek gods. My tutor, who was also a demigod, has said that this war has been foretold since ancient times and both sides have simply been biding their time to gather the strength that have dwindled since the two have last fought and waiting for information that will bring destruction to either one or the other, depending on who is three steps ahead. But the thing is…," Georgina drifted off with wrinkles in her forehead from a frown.

Annabeth continued the thought, "But the thing is, if we're talking of ancient history, Greece and China have never been actively involved in direct conflict with each other. The only relations that they've maintained historically was for trade. In modern history, they've allied with opposing sides in wars, but even then, there wasn't direct hostility."

"Olympus isn't even in Greece anymore, it's in New York!" Percy contributed to the discussion.

"Yes," Annabeth acknowledged, "Olympus followed the movement of Western Civilization and was at Europe for a few hundred years before settling here in the US." Annabeth scrunched her eyebrows together in thought, "I can't pinpoint a moment in history where their first conflict could have happened. We didn't even know Chinese gods and demigods existed until today. We don't have any records mentioning Chinese gods in camp."

Georgina nodded, "Yes. Which is why, since I do know better, I have a feeling that this is just about some old grievances about pride."

"Or some huge misunderstanding," Annabeth agreed. The two girls smiled at each other at their synchronized thoughts but Annabeth suddenly looked away, remembering that Georgina lied to them and she still hasn't provided them with the complete picture. "So, what's your plan?"

Percy thought he saw a flash of hurt in Georgina's eyes but her expression quickly shifted, with a quirk on one side of her lips, to one of slight amusement for Percy to be sure. "Like I've said, we want to stop this war before it even starts. To do that, the demigods of both sides need to work together. So, are you willing to work together?"

"How do we know we can trust you?" Annabeth asked bluntly. Percy saw the first hint of interest Ian has shown throughout the entire conversation in his raised eyebrow. Percy knew he himself has both eyebrows raised in surprise at Annabeth's question, and there was an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of his stomach as the sliver of a thought started to crawl into his mind.

Georgina shrugged, but Percy was positive of the unsureness he saw flicker in her eyes this time. "I suppose you don't. You have to trust that we have the same goal. You know you wouldn't be able to stop this war without help from our side." Annabeth's eyes narrowed. Belatedly, Georgina realised there was a tone of amusement in her voice; her defense mechanism to cover her anxiety subconsciously springing into action.

"Yes, that's true," Annabeth conceded to the last statement. "Except," she paused for effect, "we haven't actually seen proof of this war you're talking about." Percy couldn't help it - his eyebrows shot up again. His previous thoughts slowly, and then immediately, reached full form and Percy made a startling realisation - When have they become so cynical and suspicious? There was a pregnant silence in the room.

Annabeth knew she was being unfair. She should be grateful - this was probably the earliest warning they've ever received about an apocalyptic catastrophe. They usually just get volunteered, thrown into the deep sea and left to flounder. But life was being unfair. She and Percy diffused one apocalypse after another and they deserve a break! She couldn't help it that she was taking out her frustrations on the bearer of bad news. Who also happened to have lied to her, lied to them - pretended to be her - their - friend, made her feel so guilty about the attacks when she could have probably defended herself all this time, and worst of all, made her hope and believe that she could have a normal, peaceful life with her boyfriend and newfound friends. She liked George - she was intelligent and assertive like her, and she had no romantic interest at all in Percy - and she believed that they got along well. She thought they were fast becoming good friends. That's why, on top of the damning news of a war, she felt like she's been betrayed. Annabeth was so mad, but also so terribly sad, and possibly lonely. She felt a hand hold hers and realised she was trembling. She looked up into Percy's sea green eyes and was reminded - no matter what, she was not, and never would be, alone. She literally went to Tartarus and back with Percy. They've got to do this. They have to stop this war. She would do it for Percy, for her family, for her friends back at camp, and for herself.

Annabeth squared her shoulders with renewed resolve and a clear mind, her emotions now taking a backseat, and it was with this new perspective that she suddenly noticed Georgina's insecurity in small tells - her gaze was averted to one side of the room and her eyes shimmered with contemplation. She breathed out a small, soundless sigh, but Annabeth saw the action.

"Annabeth, I'm sorry we lied to you. It was necessary, and it's necessary now that after this conversation you pretend that you believe I'm actually a Greek demigod unaware of her heritage and Ian is simply a normal human who knows of our secrets."

"We have a retainer," Ian added as if in an explanation.

"But you have to believe me when I say that there are forces who want this war to happen." Georgina almost sounded pleading. Percy was surprised, even when she wanted him to join the swim team, Georgina never sounded even remotely begging. Bargaining, yes. Rather, she was usually confident and threading the line on felt the squeeze of Annabeth's hand on his. Annabeth nodded to Georgina, "You have to tell us about that later. For now, what's our plan?" There were still a lot of explaining that needed to be done but the tension in the room eased then.

Georgina dove right into business. "There are three things we know. First, there's definitely more to the story than what our godly parents are willing to share. Second, the gods cannot go to war without their demigod children. Third, someone is purposely attacking me."

"So, we don't go kicking each other's butts while we find out the truth?" Percy clarified, "Sounds simple enough."

Georgina nodded, but it was Ian who spoke, "Simple enough in theory, except for the third point. There are forces who want this war to happen." Ian repeated his girlfriend's words. "And they're targeting Gigi intentionally to instigate the conflict."

"But you already know that's what's happening; you just don't give in to what they want," Percy argued. "What's the problem?"

"Gigi is, you might say, equivalent to the child of Zeus. In our demigod culture, she is a princess, the most beloved and blessed of us all. If she was hurt, well, the other Chinese demigods wouldn't care that this entire war was about whose god's dick was bigger." Ian explained in plain language, if a little crude.

Georgina was slightly scandalized at Ian's choice of words and it showed on her face. She looked away from him and composed herself, "I'm a symbol, more than anything else. The beautiful princess that needs to be protected, the girl worth fighting for. Never mind that I can actually fight for myself." She rolled her eyes.

"So, we have to make sure George doesn't get hurt, make sure no one except the four of us know that she's even being attacked, prevent any conflict from happening between the Greek and Chinese demigods, find out the truth why there's supposed to be a war in the first place, and maybe find out who's trying to hurt George along the way?" Percy amended his list.

"More or less," Georgina confirmed.

Percy groaned, "We're going to need a lot of help." The rest of the group couldn't help but agree.

The four of them continued their discussion, delving into the details of their plan and their respective roles.

.-.-.-.-.

New York was always a bustling city, no matter the time and day. It was unusually busy, however, for the red-brick apartment building that the Jackson-Blofis family was residing in. An Ikea truck was parked in front and two guys in uniform were unloading one large box after another, while another two disappeared inside with each box.
An orange SUV pulled up behind the Ikea truck and George and Ian emerged from the car. They made their way up the apartment building, skirting away from the path of the movers. Finally, they arrived on the fourth floor and peeked into the open door where they've just seen the movers enter.
It was a mess. Annabeth seemed to be assembling a dresser, while Percy, Nicole, Red, and Chester were assembling something else altogether to no avail.
"Alright, listen to me, we need to reevaluate our strategy. Percy will do this part," Chester was gesturing to a part of the manual to Percy, Red, and Nicole. "Red will do this other part. Nicole will do this," he was now gesturing to what they've constructed so far, and then back to the manual again, "And I'll do this part." Percy was nodding along, and tried to reach for a bolt, but Annabeth swatted his hand away, "That's mine, Percy." The pieces, screws, and bolts of whatever they're both making have converged in a messy heap on the living room floor.
"Nuh-uh, Annabeth," Percy retorted while rubbing the back of his hand where his girlfriend hit him. He grabbed the manual from Chester's hands. "It says here that bolt 14 goes here, and that's bolt 14." He pointed to Annabeth a part in the schematics.
She frowned, "But there's also a bolt 14 on mine." She showed her own manual to Percy. "Let's just search for that other bolt."
Mr. Blofis, on the other hand, was instructing the Ikea men to squat as they entered or just put the tall box they're carrying on the floor so it would fit through the door. It was the third time in a minute that they've bumped the box against the door frame, and Mr. Blofis would flinch every time. Upon closer inspection of the box, George could see it was a DIY shelf.
Meanwhile, there were sounds of female chatter coming from the direction of the kitchen. "Those ladies are wise to avoid this mess," Ian whispered in George's ear.
Nicole was the first to notice them. She looked up and blushed. Well, more like notice Ian. George smiled at her and spoke for everyone in the living room to hear, "Knock knock. We're here to help."
Mr. Blofis turned away from the movers who finally got the box through the door to greet the newcomers, "Ms. Yu and Mr. Lucas, please come in. Thank you for coming to help out." He shook both of his students' hands.
"Are those more guests? Sorry we took so long in the kitchen." Mrs. Blofis came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of blue cookies, followed by Mrs. Chase carrying a tray of Coke. They saw George and Ian, and Mrs. Blofis said, "Oh, hello. I don't believe we've met."
Mr. Blofis approached with Ian and George in tow, "Sally, Sandra, this is Ian and George. The both of them are a year-level higher. George is also a student manager in the swimming team."
"Oh! So you're George. Thank you for always having Percy and Annabeth at your house. I know that Percy can be a handful." The four of them exchanged handshakes after the two married women placed down their items on the dining table.
"I'm right here!" Percy reacted to his mother's embarrassing quip as the rest of the gang all approached the table.
"It's no trouble, Mrs. Blofis," George replied smoothly. She turned to Annabeth and gave her a hug in greeting. Annabeth reciprocated, if a little hesitantly, unused to an affectionate gesture from a female friend. "Hey, Annabeth. Congratulations on your move. Here." She offered up a paper bag, "To decorate your new room."
Annabeth opened it and Percy peeked over her shoulder. There was a coiled string of fairy light and an envelope.
"Open the envelope," George encouraged with a smile.
Annabeth took it out and inside were three pictures. The first one was a group photo with the whole swim team. It was the first day of practice. The second photo had their whole gang complete before they left for the party. The third one was a candid photo of Annabeth laughing at something Percy said while they were dancing in the party.
"That's such a sweet gift, George." Mrs. Blofis commended. Annabeth was still looking down at the picture, and it made her smile. It is a sweet gift. She looked up at George and gave her a tight hug, "Thank you!"

In the middle of unpacking, Annabeth looked at the picture that was taken before she went to her first party in New York and wondered what she was going to do with it.