Disclaimer: I don't own anything canon.

I grew up with over twelve parents. I grew up with said parents arguing over whether I should become a scholar, a model, or a war general. I was taught the stories of the great Greek heroes. Traps were sprung on me randomly as part of training. I was even taught how to lull a dragon to sleep.

I wasn't, however, ever taught how to converse with a huge blue flame that could incinerate me faster than the speed of light.

Needless to say, I was a bit… unprepared. And confused. How come I wasn't dead?

"A very good question, Victoria Jackson."

Oh yeah. Ed can hear my thoughts.

"You are quite extraordinary, demigod. Few have such favor from all the gods-"

"Persephone doesn't really like me." I protested.

"- so you have favor from me."

My heart skipped a beat. "So… you aren't going to kill me?"

"We shall see. I am willing to negotiate, if you do something for me."

"And what would that be?"

"Later. I believe you'd much rather want to hear what I would have to show you first."

Everything around me shifted. I was suddenly floating above the Mississippi river. Typhon rampaged through it, causing a severe storm. I could see my parents struggling to stop, or even slow down the monster, with little results. Squinting, I saw that Father Hades and Dad were missing. Of course, Dad was fighting his own war. Father Zeus probably offended Father Hades in some way.

Anyways, Typhon had just stepped into the Mississippi when I heard the conch horn sound. Rising from the waters, Dad and an army of Cyclops rose. They wrapped Typhon up with water, creating at tunnel that lead to darkness. I watched in wonder as Typhon slipped in. GO DAD!

I frowned, remembering the underwater war. Had Dad's palace been destroyed? Is that why he came to help? Was that the cause of the grave look on his face, when he should have been celebrating?

The scene shifted just in time for me to see the blonde man I saw in an earlier dream stab himself in the armpit. Percy watched gravely. I watched in disbelief as the man crumbled and died. How had the stab killed him? I mean, sure, he could've bled out, but that should've taken a wound that size a few hours at least.

I turned to Percy. He knelt down to the man and retrieved the knife as my parents stormed into the room. Looking around, I realized, shocked, that we were in the throne room. The walls and some thrones were crumbling, and Mother Hestia's hearth was fading, but definitely the throne room.

I looked up. "What is this?" I asked, hoping Ed could hear me.

"This." He answered. "Is the future. Or rather, the future without you. As you can see, everything works out well."

"Well?" I questioned. "My Dad's palace getting destroyed is good? And look at the looks on their faces." I said, gesturing at Percy and his companions. "They look miserable."

"In war, there needs to be sacrifices."

I was silent then. That was Mother Athena's most important lesson. There are always going to be casualties. We always have to work past them, and look at the big picture, or else no one will survive. It all just seemed too horrible.

"Where am I in all this, then?" I asked. I wasn't really sure I wanted to know the answer.

"You need not fight." Ed answered. "Stand by. Return to your Martin. Have your child. Olympus is no longer your main responsibility. You're a mother now."

Oh wouldn't that be wonderful. I could just be happy with the people I loved. I would finally be able to relax. No more fighting, and posture, and expectations. I could start towards my own dream. Martin had said it himself. He would never abandon me. He and I would live happily ever after.

I pondered this. Of course, I wanted to take care of Percy Logan, but I wasn't sure stepping away from everything I knew was the answer. What if he developed powers later, taking after me? No, I couldn't do that to him. Besides, I had dreamed my entire life of finding my brother and mother. I wasn't going to stop now. I could do everything, and still protect my child.

"Very well." Ed said, startling me. "There is another option. Demigod, I will let you go, but you must continue your quest, and do me a favor. Though I sense you want something else from me?"

I paused, taking a deep breathe. This was the big moment. "I need to borrow your power. To defeat Typhon.""

Ed paused. "Interesting. Why would you want this, after I just showed you your father defeating the giant without your help?"

"Dad helped with the expense of his kingdom. I can do this without Dad's palace getting completely destroyed."

"I told you before, Victoria Jackson. There are always sacrifices. If I do this, you must give me something."

I shuddered. "What do you want?"

"I must think it over. But it will not be cheap."

I rolled my eyes. "Fine. What's the task?"

The scene changed. Long island showed. "In New York, at the pond in Central Park, there's a red crystal at the bottom. Retrieve it for me. And put it in this pouch." A shimmering blue bag appeared in my hands. "It will then be transported to me."

Simple enough.

"If you do go to face Typhon, I want you to do this to me first."

"Um, why?"

"Because you are much more likely to survive New York over Typhon."

Good answer. A bit selfish, but a good point.

"Fine. I'll do that if you let me live. Now, about the powers. I'm running out of time here."

"Very well. I have thought of a suitable price."

"Well don't leave me hanging."

"The life of your child will be fitting."