A/N: Finally, an update! Sorry it took me so long to get to this, I promise I haven't abandoned this story. These chapters just take FOREVER to write. I think it has to do with the myriad of characters involved and the fact that I don't just want to put one liners in cause that's no fair to you all.
Anyways, I was also reported on on this story, rules and regulations and what not, you know. But that's why I'm not posting the actual chapters here, just enough to give you a hint as to where they are at in the book. But if this fic disappears, it's not by my choice, just to let you all know.
Regardless of that - ENJOY!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything that belongs to Rick Riordan - I am definitely not that brilliant.
~~PercyJackson~~
"If this is what we have to look forward to, I don't want to read anymore," Poseidon muttered.
"Neither do I," Athena whispered, feeling rather fearful for her daughter. And for all her children.
"Well, we have to," Hera snapped. "So someone needs to read next."
"I'll read!" Apollo called out.
"Works for me," Clarisse muttered, handing the book to the sun god when he bounced over to her.
"I ruin A Perfectly Good Bus," Apollo began.
"Why would you do that?" Leo asked.
"Because it sounded like fun," Percy answered dryly.
"And hey," Grover said. "We had ten days."
"Might as well kill some time destroying public property," Annabeth added.
"When you say it like that, I can't tell if you're joking or not," Piper told Annabeth.
Annabeth grinned. "And you'll never know."
"Actually, we are about to read all about it," Thalia pointed out.
"I still can't tell if they are joking or not," Apollo whispered to Hermes.
"Me either," Hermes whispered back.
"Of course they are!" Athena snapped. She still was getting over the fact that this sea spawn was dragging her daughter on an adventure. To the Underworld. She would kill him if anything happened to her daughter, and no rules would stop her.
It didn't take ... found for me.
"That's all you took?" Piper asked.
Percy shrugged. "Didn't matter anyways," he said.
Several brows crinkled at that.
"What do you mean?" Jason asked. "Wait, stop, forget I asked. You can't say anyways can you?"
"Sorry man," Percy said.
"Still, that's not comforting," Poseidon muttered.
The camp ... golden drachmas.
"Loaned?" Clarisse asked, half smiling. "How about gave."
"Yeah, we never did pay them back," Percy said, thinking about it.
"They didn't expect us to, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth said, shaking her head.
"Even if they did, you shouldn't," Travis grinned.
"Just think, all that money," Connor said.
"Like you guys haven't stolen more than that in your time there," Katie said, shaking her head at the brothers.
"True," Travis said.
"Very true," Connor finished.
"This is fun," Apollo grinned.
"No, it's annoying," Zeus grumbled.
These coins ... pure gold.
"Why would we?" Hera said.
"Gold is my favorite color," Aphrodite added.
"I thought pink was," Hephaestus mumbled.
"Oh, it is," Aphrodite said. "And blue. Oh! And green. White, of course. But black is more slimming. And purple, oh the shades of purple you can get!"
"We get it, Powderpuff," Artemis snapped. "You like colors."
Aphrodite sniffed. "At least I have better taste than you."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Artemis demanded.
"Please, silver and gray? How unoriginal, how boring."
"She's right, sis," Apollo put in. "Gold is much more appealing."
"Are they really arguing about colors?" Piper moaned, wishing she could just disappear.
"Yes, they are," Thalia said, smarting over the slights on Artemis.
"Do NOT call me sis," Artemis growled at her brother. "And there is nothing wrong with silver."
"No, not in moderation," Aphrodite said. "I could give you a make over. It might help you get over your fear of men."
"I do not fear men," Artemis snapped. "And I don't need a makeover."
"Ah, come on sis, it'd be fun," Apollo said, grinning.
"I said-"
"Enough!" Zeus thundered. "I will not have you bickering over this. Each of you have chosen how to live your lives, and though I may not always agree with it, I will not stand you criticizing each other over it."
"That was actually well put, brother," Poseidon said, looking rather shocked.
"I can say the right things on occasion," Zeus said. Poseidon and Hades grinned. "I mean, I always say the right things. Stop making me say nonsense!"
Poseidon and Hades burst into laughter at their youngest brother. Apollo, Artemis, and Aphrodite each looked mollified for the time being. When the laughter died down to much grumbling from Zeus, Apollo held up the book.
"Should I keep reading?"
"Yes," several gods and goddesses chorused.
Chiron said the ... she got bored,
"Really? You brought a book on a quest?" Travis asked.
"Why would you do that?" Connor asked.
"In case I got bored," Annabeth said. "It says so right in the book."
"You thought you'd be bored on the quest?" Rachel questioned her friend.
"Well, yeah," Annabeth said defensively. "Ten days traveling across country."
"Obviously you didn't know Percy very well, huh?" Nico snickered.
"At the time, no," Annabeth said dryly. Percy grinned at her. He had always thought it rather strange that she had brought that book. Not that it lasted very long.
Athena, however, was proud of her daughter. "Waste not the time you have to learn," she scolded the other children. "My daughter was right to bring something to study."
"Again, you obviously don't know Percy," Thalia said.
Athena pursed her lips at that and Poseidon sighed, wondering just exactly what that meant.
"Then it's a good thing we're learning about him," Apollo said cheerfully.
and a long ... metal detector.
"Yes, because we went through so many metal detectors," Grover chuckled.
"Seaweed brain," Annabeth sighed, shaking her head. "Celestial Bronze isn't recognized by a metal detector."
"I've always wondered that," Leo said. "It does make things slightly easier."
"After all these years, this is the first time you've told me that," Percy pointed out. "How was I supposed to know?"
Thalia laughed and shook her head at her friend.
Grover wore ... reed pipes.
"Now you tell me," Grover said.
"Anyone with any sense would have known," Clarisse pointed out.
"Gee, I feel so loved," Grover said.
"We love you Grover," Rachel said.
"Just, not your music," Katie finished.
Grover blushed, but didn't say anything else.
We waved ... daughter of Zeus.
"Yay, I'm so glad you haven't forgotten about me," Thalia said sarcastically. She didn't like being reminded of the time she spent as a tree.
"Just letting you know you're loved," Percy grinned.
"Ew, just, no, don't say that," Thalia replied, wrinkling her nose and causing the others to laugh at her.
Chiron was ... eye on things."
Apollo burst into laughter at that, causing everyone else to stare at him in alarm.
"Keep…an…eye…on…things," Apollo cackled, the book nearly slipping from his grip. "Get it? An eye!"
"It's not even funny," Artemis snapped.
"Oh, it so is," Apollo gasped.
Will sunk lower in his seat, wondering why his dad had to be so childish sometimes. Then again, he did make a pretty cool dad.
"It is not," Artemis insisted. "And if you no longer want to read, hand the book here."
"No, no, not your turn," Apollo said, holding the book out of reach. Artemis huffed, causing Apollo's smile to widen into a mischievous grin as he continued to read.
I heard ... was around.
"I did not," Annabeth protested loudly at the book.
"Yeah, you did," Grover said.
Annabeth sighed, turning her gaze to her boyfriend. Percy smiled at her, but she could see the pain buried deep in his eyes. Pain that was caused when she couldn't seem to let Luke go completely, no matter how much she loved Percy.
"It was cute," Katie told her.
"In a totally obsessive way," Clarisse added.
"At least she doesn't blush each time Percy's around," Thalia said wickedly.
"Now why is that?" Nico added with a grin.
Annabeth blushed and looked away from the curious stares.
"We've been through too much together for her to be embarrassed or flustered around me," Percy said, coming to his girlfriend's rescue. "Besides, I'd much rather have her judo flip me than blush and stammer and look away."
Everybody chuckled at that as Annabeth met Percy's eyes. Their sea green depths were shining with mirth, and she knew, despite his joking tone, that he was telling the truth.
"Just wanted ... said, "Maia!"
All eyes turned to Hermes. "What?" he asked.
"Why didn't your shoes activate?" Apollo asked, curious.
"They only activate when I say it," Hermes said. "To stop people such as you from pranking me."
"That's no fun," Apollo pouted.
"It's plenty of fun," Hermes declared.
White bird's ... turned sad.
"That's so sweet of him," Hazel said, smiling at Percy. Percy offered her a smile in return, although something felt off about it, like he wasn't saying something.
"That's awesome!" Leo declared. "I wonder if I could make a pair? Or maybe some Jetstream boots, give me extra speed…" Leo trailed off as he pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and began writing things down. Hephaestus smiled as he continued to work on his own project.
"Those shoes weren't Luke's way of being nice, were they?" Thalia grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest.
"No," Annabeth said softly. She shivered at the thought of what could have happened had Percy worn the shoes. "But they did save our lives."
Hermes was smiling proudly at his son. He had to admit he was surprised he wasn't here was the rest of the kids, but he was probably off doing something important. It was so like him to want to help out. Or at least, he always hoped that's how his son would be.
I didn't know ... "You're hyperventilating."
"I was not," Annabeth protested.
"Sure thing, Wise Girl," Percy grinned.
Annabeth narrowed her eyes at him and Percy's smile widened.
"He's just asking for it, isn't he?" Piper stated.
"Oh, no doubt about that," Thalia said.
"I don't think I'll ever understand their relationship," Jason said.
There was a pause as Percy and Annabeth seemed to finish their silent conversation.
"I don't think any of us ever will," Nico decided.
"Am not." ... didn't you?"
"Of course she did," Aphrodite squealed, causing everyone else to turn towards her. "Oh, it's just so perfect. Such a wonderful little love triangle, isn't it?"
"No," Poseidon and Athena stated together. "Don't even think about it."
"Oh, but I don't need to," Aphrodite gushed. "I mean, it's already there. All set up and taking place."
"No," the two rivals repeated, before glaring at each other.
"You'll see," Aphrodite's eyes sparkled in excitement. Poseidon and Athena did not look happy, not that the others could blame them. No one liked Aphrodite messing with their children's love lives, but they didn't really have a choice. She was the love goddess, after all.
"Oh why do ... these, will I?"
"No, you won't," Poseidon said, glaring at Zeus once more.
"It was a nice thought," Hermes sighed. "But rather not well planned out."
"That is true," Athena said. "It would not be wise for you to wear them, boy."
"If you'll let me read," Apollo said, uncharacteristically annoyed. "You will learn what he did with them."
"Are you alright, brother?" Artemis asked, looking rather worried for him.
"It's these interruptions," Apollo whined. "It's hard to keep track of where I am."
Artemis shook her head and rolled her eyes as Apollo started reading once more.
He shook his ... lit up. "Me?"
"That was nice," Hazel said, smiling at Percy.
Percy frowned at that. He had thought he was being nice, but as it turned out, he was putting his friend in danger. A lot of danger, if those shoes hadn't fallen off.
"It was nice," Grover said, meeting Percy's eyes and trying to let him know that Percy didn't know at the time what the shoes would do.
Percy grinned wryly at him.
"Luke is a good boy," Hermes declared, smiling proudly. "Just like all my sons."
Chris, Travis, and Connor all flushed lightly at the praise as Apollo continued.
Pretty soon ... like tiny broncos.
"It does take a lot of practice to get used to them," Hermes said.
"That sounds hysterical," Travis said.
"Wish we coulda been there to watch," Connor added.
"Me too!" Apollo declared.
"Ooh, do it now," Hermes said, sitting up straight and waving his hand. A pair of sneakers fell in front of Grover, who looked at them warily.
"No thanks," Grover said. "I don't wear shoes anymore."
"Or pants," Will deadpanned.
A moment of silence, and then Travis, Connor, Will, Chris, Leo, Hermes, and Apollo burst out laughing.
"Honestly, I don't get what's so funny," Grover grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest.
"It's just," Travis gasped out.
"And just," Connor said. The laughter renewed.
"Brother!" Artemis snapped, slapping the back of Apollo's head. "Pull yourself together and quit acting like a three year old."
"Come on, sis," Apollo complained, wincing as she slapped him once more. "Alright, alright."
"Practice," Chiron ... toward the van.
Apollo pressed his lips together, but it was no good. Everyone laughed this time as Grover blushed a bright red.
"Percy, your descriptions," Katie laughed.
"Oh my gosh, I love them!" Leo declared.
"Awesome," Connor and Travis chorused.
Before I could ... more training."
"Yes, you shouldn't be going on a quest so soon," Poseidon said, frowning.
"And putting my daughter in danger, no less," Athena scowled.
"It's okay, dad," Percy said at the same time Annabeth groaned, "Mom."
"No, this is not acceptable," Athena declared, glaring at Percy. "He has had little to no training, he barely made it into camp alive, he's got the King of the Gods after his life, and his other companion is a satyr. You are in way too much danger. I forbid this."
"It's already happened," Annabeth pointed out.
"Not for us," Poseidon said. "And this, this was never supposed to happen with new campers. You are supposed to have years of training before embarking on a quest."
There was shocked silence for a moment as everyone looked between Athena and Poseidon.
"I, I can't believe they agreed on something," Hera finally managed to say.
"You and me both, sister," Hades said, mouth gaping like a fish.
"We've agreed on stuff before," Poseidon defended. "And that's not the point. The point in the insane amount of danger they are putting themselves in."
"That your son is putting my daughter in," Athena snapped.
"She volunteered," Poseidon pointed out.
"Mom, what's done is done, and it was my choice," Annabeth said.
"And it was my choice to take the quest as well," Percy said.
Poseidon sighed. "I just hope you get help along the way."
"We do," Percy said, thinking of the three pearls his father gifted him with.
"And that you come back safely," Athena added.
"We are here, aren't we?" Annabeth pointed out.
Poseidon and Athena frowned, but nodded at Apollo to continue.
"That's okay. ... like a brat.
"Prissy, you always sound like a brat," Clarisse said.
"Better than a dying boar," Percy shot back.
"Oooh, he got you there," Nico grinned.
"It's not true, and I'd watch your mouth," Clarisse growled.
"Threatening a minor now are we?" Thalia asked.
Chris snorted. "He's no minor."
"And neither are you, princess," Clarisse said, glaring at Thalia.
"Watch it," Thalia growled. "I can take you on any day."
"You think so?"
"Yeah, I do."
"I'll take that bet," Clarisse said.
"That's my girl," Ares grinned.
"My money's on the one that's sparking," Apollo said, closing the book and watching with interest.
"Nah, Ares' children are ruthless," Hermes said. "I bet twenty drachmas she'll win."
"Yes, but Thalia, daughter of Zeus, has more power behind her," Artemis said, watching the girls with interest.
"Please, she's all talk," Persephone put in. "I've seen Ares children fight. I bet on the brunette."
"You dare to bet against your own sister, daughter?" Zeus demanded, glaring at Persephone.
"Why not," Hera sniffed. "That little brat of a girl against a daughter of Ares, absolutely ridiculous."
"Now we're all curious," Demeter said.
"Yeah, have at it," Ares grinned.
Thalia and Clarisse looked at each other, eyebrows raised, before breaking out into laughter.
"I just can't take it seriously," Thalia said.
"You're just a wimp," Clarisse replied.
"You're all just crazy," Percy informed them.
"You're at the top of that list, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth told her boyfriend.
Percy grinned. "I guess that's true."
"So, we're not going to see a cat fight?" Apollo asked, sounding forlorn.
"Nah, I'm too comfy," Clarisse said, snuggling into Chris a little more.
"And she's got boy cooties on her," Thalia said, pretending to gag.
"You're sitting next to me," Nico pointed out.
"Yeah, but you don't count," Thalia informed him, causing Nico to scowl.
"If there's not going to be any action, let's get back to reading," Ares declared.
There were general mumbles of agreement as Apollo flipped through the book to find where he left off.
I was wishing ... invisible cap.
"I don't think that sounds bratty," Hazel said.
"Of course it does," Hera snapped. "Honestly, kids these days. All they do it take, take, take, want, want, want, and give nothing back."
"Percy's given plenty back, in a way," Annabeth hissed, glaring at the Queen of the Gods.
"You say that, but so far all he's done is get in trouble and drag others with him," Hera huffed.
"Don't you dare!" Annabeth cried, jumping to her feet, eyes blazing with fury. "You know nothing you selfish cow! So I'd just shut your mouth right now!"
"HOW DARE YOU!" Hera roared, standing up as well. "I am the Queen of the Gods and I will not be spoken to in such a way. I demand an apology."
Annabeth opened her mouth to tell Hera to stuff it cause that was never going to happen when a hand on her arm stopped her.
"Wise Girl, it isn't worth it," Percy told her quietly.
"Did you hear what she said about you?"
"Everyone heard," Percy said. "Doesn't make it true and she's not worth trying to convince otherwise."
Annabeth deflated as she studied Percy's face for another minute. "You're right," she sighed. "But I'm not apologizing."
Percy leaned forward and pecked her on the lips. "I would never ask you too," he informed her before returning to his seat between Hazel and Frank. Annabeth settled back down between Thalia and Rachel, both of who gave her pats on the back.
"What am I thinking?"
"You aren't," Artemis said dryly.
"It's what it says in the book, sis," Apollo pouted.
"Oh," Artemis said, before waving her hand as if to shoo the whole experience away.
Chiron cried. ... cost thirty cents.
"Um," Leo said, looking around the room. Jason and Piper looked similarly confused, although the other demigods were all grinning.
"That's not a very good gift, Chiron," Hermes pointed out.
"Come now," Poseidon said, a soft smile on his face. He knew exactly what the pen was. "You, more than anyone, should know not everything is as it seems."
"But really, a ballpoint pen?" Apollo asked.
"I was just thinking the same thing," Leo whispered to Jason, who nodded.
"Just read about it and you'll find out," Ares growled.
"You know what it is?" Aphrodite sniffed.
"Course I do."
"I don't believe this," Athena said, shaking her head. Of course she knew what it was, but the fact that so few of the gods did was just sad. She glanced up at Artemis, who was frowning, and knew she also had figured it out.
"Gee," I said. ... are the one."
"That's not a good thing," Zeus said.
"No, it's not," Athena put in.
"What does it mean?" Piper asked, confused. When no one answered her, she sighed. "Right, you can't say."
"Sorry," Percy said with a shrug.
"It's okay," Piper said. "It's not like it's your fault."
"So, are we going to figure out what this is?" Hermes asked. "Hey! Apollo! No fair reading ahead!"
"Sorry," Apollo said, grinning before he began reading aloud once more.
I remembered ... in my hand.
"That's…AWESOME," Leo announced.
"You have no idea," Travis and Connor chorused.
Poseidon's smile had widened to a grin. It was about time Chiron gave him that sword. He should have done it as soon as Percy got to camp. But at least he remembered before sending Percy out on his quest.
Not that his son should even be going on a quest at this point.
Poseidon caught a sigh in his throat. This did not bode well for his son, but at least he was here, and alive. For how much longer, he wasn't sure.
After all, who knew if Hypnos would keep his word about no deaths for granting this wish. Poseidon was sure he would kill the sneaky little god when next he saw him.
"The sword ... came so easily.
"Why are you always surprised," Annabeth asked.
"Things generally don't come easy to me," Percy replied.
"Yeah right," Thalia snorted. "What about thinking up stupid ideas?"
"Or fighting," Nico said.
"Or leadership?" Clarisse grunted.
"Blowing stuff up," Travis and Connor grinned.
"Canoeing!" Leo shouted.
"Alright, alright," Percy chuckled. "I get it."
"Good," the other demigods chorused.
"Use it only ... in any case."
"Lucky thing, too," Rachel murmured.
"What do you mean by that?" Piper asked, curious.
"Oh, just that-" Rachel began, before stopping with a sigh. "Never mind, I suppose you'll find out."
Annabeth chuckled slightly, knocking her shoulder with Rachel's. She knew what Rachel was talking about, considering Percy had told her all about it.
Percy, on the other hand, was pouting on his couch. "I thought you weren't going to bring that up again."
"I'm not," Rachel said.
"As fascinating as this is," Zeus said with exaggerated patience. "Let us continue with the reading. It is taking far too long."
I looked at ... as vulnerable."
"Yeah, that basically sucks," Leo said.
"No kidding," Travis, Connor, Chris, and Will chorused.
"'Provided they don't kill you first'?" Frank repeated. "That's comforting."
"How is that comforting?" Hazel asked.
"He was being sarcastic," Percy said. "Frank, I honestly didn't know you had it in you."
"Yes, well," Frank said, a blush now staining his cheeks.
"Everybody can be sarcastic!" Apollo declared. "OW!"
"Just read, brother," Artemis demanded.
"Good to know." ... pens at school.
"Yeah, that's not good," Leo said. "I wouldn't want to lose it."
"Cause it sucks," Jason said, thinking of his own lost coin/sword/spear.
"You can't," ... Try it."
"Okay, that's a little creepy," Piper said. "What was he doing, reading your mind?"
"Chiron tends to know things," Travis said mysteriously.
"A lot of things," Connor added.
Katie smacked both of them. "Would you cut that out? You're not creepy or mysterious so don't try."
"Yeah, leave that stuff up to Nico," Thalia said.
"Hey, I'm not, yeah, okay."
I was wary, ... was there.
"That's handy," Leo said. "Why didn't yours?"
"I don't know," Jason said, cutting him off. He was slightly jealous that Percy's sword always came back to him. Of course, from the sounds of it, he couldn't really fight without it, unlike Jason, who could use whatever sword or spear was available to him.
"It's a good thing it comes back, too," Grover said, thinking of all the horrible things that could have happened to them if it didn't.
"A very good thing," Annabeth said, remembering some of Percy's fights with a shudder.
"I don't like the sound of that," Poseidon muttered.
"Come on, uncle P, it's a good thing," Apollo said cheerfully.
"A very good thing," Hermes couldn't help but add, making the two gods and several of the demigods chuckle.
"Okay, that's ... out a sword?"
"Don't say it," Apollo interrupted himself, pointing at Athena.
"I wasn't going to say anything," Athena said, confused.
"Ah, ah, but you were thinking it," Apollo said. "I'm the god of prophesies, I know these things."
"Then what was I going to say?" Athena asked.
"Exactly what Chiron says," Apollo said.
"Which is?" Athena drew out, before realizing she was encouraging him.
"Right here in the book," Apollo replied.
"Idiot," Artemis said, smacking the back of Apollo's head. "You're the only one with the book. The rest of us don't know what it says."
"Oh," Apollo said, before grinning. "To be in charge of-"
"NO HAIKUS!" Zeus boomed, cutting Apollo off.
"But," Apollo frowned.
"NO!" All the gods pitched in this time.
"Fine," Apollo sighed. "But it was going to be a good one."
Chiron smiled. ... in my pocket.
"Cause that's how I respond to being told that," Leo said. "Put my sword calmly back in my pocket."
"What else was he supposed to do?" Clarisse asked. "Freak out?"
"Or you know, protest that fact," Rachel said. "Not all mortals are fooled."
For the first ... of the Dead.
"Sounds like fun," Jason said sarcastically.
"Oh, it had it's moments," Percy said, grinning as he looked back on that quest. If only his others had been so easy.
"Chiron …" I said. ... them, right?"
"Did you really have to ask that question?" Hera demanded.
"I was curious," Percy shrugged.
"Why?" Demeter asked. "It's not like it was a pleasant time for humans."
"It'll explain in the book," Percy said. "I think."
"Four ages before ... everything, right?"
"As if you could bring about the fall of our civilization," Zeus scoffed. "If you fail to retrieve my bolt, someone else will and all will be well in the world."
"Except, perhaps, you'd be dead," Apollo put in helpfully.
"Except, perhaps, we all would," Nico murmured.
"The gods wouldn't be," Grover said.
"No, they'd just be imprisoned," Thalia said, shuddering at the idea of Lady Artemis being forced to hold the sky, or something worse.
Chiron gave me ... very relaxed."
"I wouldn't be," Hazel said, frowning.
"Chiron doesn't seem to be very inspiring, does he?" Apollo asked.
"No, not at all," Persephone, surprisingly, was the one to agree with him.
The gods all turned their gazes on the demigods, who shrugged.
"He doesn't need to be inspiring," Thalia said.
"Or comforting," Clarisse said.
"Or hopeful," Chris added.
"He's just...Chiron," Annabeth finished with a shrug.
"Still," Frank said. "It's not very comforting, what he sent you off with."
"Better than nothing," Percy said with a smile.
"True," Hazel agreed. "But still, it would make me more stressed."
"What, knowing what you were about to do could mean the start of World War Three?" Connor mock gasped.
"How would that make you stressed?" Travis said.
"Pray, explain," Will grinned. "Because this quest seems like a cakewalk."
"Cut it out," Nico slapped the others on their heads while Hazel gaped at them, wide eyed.
Percy grinned over at Annabeth and Grover, sharing a silent message. Compared to what else we've done, this is a cakewalk.
Annabeth and Grover shook their heads.
When I got ... typical centaur.
"That or an elephant taxi service," Percy grinned, thinking of how they were being sent off.
"What?" Rachel asked, having heard Percy murmur something to Hazel and Frank.
"Nothing," Percy, Hazel, and Frank chorused, grinning.
Percy's Greek friends all frowned slightly at this. How was he so relaxed around these Romans? How was he so close to them already? Percy was their friend, they didn't want to share. Of course, they didn't exactly have a choice, and better Percy be friends with them, than enemies.
Well, better for the Romans, at least.
Argus drove ... shopping mall.
"Ah, typical tourist syndrome," Connor sighed.
"We know it well," Travis said.
"You children really need to get out more," Hermes said. "Travel some, see the world, get a cheeseburger."
"That is not the wisest thing for them," Athena said.
"Why not?" Apollo asked.
"The dangers they attract while out of camp are many. There is a reason the more powerful demigods, such as my children, stay at camp year round."
"Are you calling my children wimps?" Aphrodite demanded, throwing the mirror she had been using seconds ago at Athena's head.
Athena waved her hand before the mirror could hit her, causing it to disappear. "If the shoe fits," Athena said.
"WHY YOU," Aphrodite screeched.
"What are you going to do, give me a make over?" Athena demanded.
Piper buried her head in her hands. "I want to be angry," she murmured. "But I know what Athena is saying is true."
"Not for all of Aphrodite's children though," Annabeth assured her.
The throne room was tense as Aphrodite and Athena glared at each other, neither backing down.
Apollo cleared his throat awkwardly. "I'm going to read now, if that's okay."
"Smart idea," Poseidon said.
"So far so ... fooled me."
It was Annabeth's turn to bury her face in her hands when everyone looked at her. Those who had been there hadn't realized how cold she had been to Percy before they returned from their quest. Well, no one but Grover, but Grover hadn't exactly looked at it that way either. He just figured Annabeth had a lot on her plate. Which she did.
But still, she probably could have been nicer to Percy.
Annabeth didn't feel Rachel stand up beside her, but she did feel the strong, comforting arm of Percy wrap around her shoulder and pull her close.
"Wise Girl, come on, you weren't that bad."
"But I was," Annabeth groaned, allowing Percy to pull her so her head was resting against his chest where she could hear his beating heart. "I was and now you're gone and I don't know if I'll ever see you again."
"You will," Percy promised.
"You can't say that for sure," Annabeth murmured, completely oblivious to everyone around them eavesdropping on their whispered conversation.
Percy frowned. It was true. He couldn't say for sure if he would ever see her again. The life of a demigod, especially his life, was dangerous and any of them could die at any moment. But Percy didn't plan on dying. No, he was going to try with all his might to get back to Annabeth. He had to.
"I can," Percy whispered for her ears only. He pressed a gentle kiss on her temple and continued to hold her close as he glanced at the stares they were receiving. "Let's keep reading," he said cheerfully.
She folded ... are rivals."
"That's a stupid reason to hate each other," Leo said.
"It is not," Athena said, glaring at Poseidon. "He's sea spawn."
"Oh, is that the best you could come up with?" Poseidon demanded. He did not like how negative Athena was towards their children's relationship. After all, it was abundantly clear that they cared for each other more than anything else in the world. Couldn't Athena just accept that her daughter was in love?
"Oh, I could think of a fair few other things," Athena hissed. "But there are children in the room."
"Only the unwise use vulgar language," Poseidon shot back.
Athena looked outraged at that, but before she could say anything in return, Zeus spoke up.
"Enough! Both of you! You are acting like children."
"He is a child," Athena muttered.
"Nice one, coming from you, niece," Poseidon said.
"Stop it," Zeus said. "Apollo, keep reading."
"I'll never make a comment like that again," Leo said, staring wide eyed at the two glaring gods. He hadn't meant to start a fight.
"Why?" She sighed. ... like olives."
"Or they couldn't think of a good way to name their city after Poseidon," Travis chirped up.
"Poseida," Connor tried.
"Dondon," Chris suggested.
"Potadea?" Will said.
"That has nothing to do with Poseidon," Katie pointed out.
"But really, I have a point, don't I?" Travis said.
"It's true," Hermes nodded.
"Athens does have a rather nice ring to it," Apollo said.
"That's not why I won," Athena fumed. Poseidon just laughed.
"Oh, forget it." ... could understand."
"Oh Percy," Thalia said, shaking her head.
"What? It's true," Percy said.
"Here here," the boys chorused.
"Now I want pizza," Apollo whined.
"It is almost lunch time," Hera put in.
"How do you know?" Hades asked. "We're stuck in this ridiculous dream."
"Mothers know these things."
"Sure they do," Hephaestus mumbled.
"Enough," Zeus said, rubbing at his temples. "We will eat once this chapter is over."
"Alright," Apollo cheered. "Let's hurry it up, then!"
"I said, forget ... could notice.
"No offense, Perce," Grover said. "But you weren't very sneaky about it."
"At least you didn't say anything about it," Hazel said.
"Course not," Annabeth said, lifting her head from Percy's chest to look in his eyes. "We didn't know what to say."
"That's okay," Percy said. "I didn't want you guys to say anything."
Argus unloaded ... parking lot.
"Somehow, that just seems so wrong," Persephone said, frowning.
"What do you mean?" Hades asked.
"I mean, just up and leaving three 12 year olds at the bus station to undertake an impossible task. Are we really that conceited that we allow such young children to do such dangerous work?"
"Well, considering they generally don't live much longer than that," Hera said.
All the gods turned to glare at her.
"At least I lead my children," Artemis said.
"Technically, they aren't your children," Hermes pointed out.
"They are my sisters in arms," Artemis said. "And I would never abandon them like so many of you do to your own flesh and blood."
"Well, it's not like we have a choice," Aphrodite huffed. "And how is that fair, that you get to lead your huntresses and interact with them, but we can't do the same for our children?"
All eyes now turned to Zeus, who shifted uncomfortably. "It is just the way things are," Zeus finally mumbled.
I thought ... missing her.
"I really hate him," Rachel spat, eyes blazing.
"You're not the only one," Thalia growled. "When I get my hands on him, I swear…"
Percy smiled wryly. "That would be fun to see."
"Then I have your permission? Not that I need it."
"I will help," Poseidon growled.
"As will I," Hera and Zeus said at the same time, surprising everyone.
"Oh, oh, count me in!" Leo called out, bouncing in his seat.
"Don't forget us," Hermes and Apollo chorused, and grinned at each other.
"Even I'll help with that," Artemis said.
"Sure," Percy said, shrugging. After all, it's not like he could tell them that Gabe was now and would forever more be a stone statue. He was useful, in the end. Got his mom into night classes at least.
Grover shouldered ... him, Percy?"
"Yes," those in the room who had yet to figure it out (basically everyone but those who already knew, and Athena and Poseidon) said.
"Please explain why a woman that smart would marry such a, a pig," Persephone said.
"Haven't you figured it out yet?" Athena asked, surprised. She thought they had discussed that, but maybe it was her imagination. Maybe she had only thought about discussing it. She couldn't remember, this dream stuff was messing with her, and she really did not like that.
"No, not everyone is as stuck up as you," Ares growled.
Athena merely turned her nose up at him, not wanting to dignify that with a reply.
I stared at ... for a week."
"Oooooh," many of the people in the throne room chorused. There were others, however, that still looked confused.
"So, he smells," Connor said.
"Really bad," Travis said. "I'd hop in the shower if I were you, Perce."
"But what has that got to do with marriage?" Leo asked.
Piper shook her head, feeling exasperated. "I'm sure it'll explain it soon."
"Thanks," I said. ... feel any better."
"Yeah, it didn't really," Percy said. "But thanks for trying."
Grover smiled at him.
"That is some powerful stench, though," Apollo said, thinking about it. "I mean, to mask a child of Poseidon all those years."
"She must have been a remarkable woman," Hera said. "And a wonderful mother."
"She was," Poseidon smiled fondly at the thought of Sally.
"Still is," Percy said softly.
Annabeth gave his hand a squeeze and smiled at him. "You'll see her soon enough."
Percy smiled back, but didn't say anything.
It didn't, but ... a job done.
Poseidon sighed, glancing at his son. Percy offered him a smile, but Poseidon still felt troubled. He would have visited more, if he'd been allowed. He would have given Sally Jackson anything in the world, if she had but asked for it.
But she hadn't. She hadn't let Poseidon build her a palace or make her a queen. She had insisted on solving her own problems. And though Poseidon hated that, hated not being able to give her everything, he also respected that decision.
After all, her independent, rebellious streak was what drew Sally to him.
None of the other gods looked all that comfortable at that revelation either, and those with kids in the room were glancing at them, wondering if they had ever felt the same way.
The fact that none of the kids would meet their eyes was enough for them to realize that yes; each of their kids had resented them at some point. Each had been angry or lonely or felt forgotten because their godly parent never spoke to them, never visited, never even sent a letter.
Finally, when the tension and awkwardness in the room became too much, Apollo started to read, hoping to get through this without having to feel shame or guilt for the way he had to treat his children.
All I cared ... give her back.
"Do you really think you can make me, child?" Hades asked, dispelling the tension that had descended on the throne room.
"I figured I could try," Percy replied at the same time Nico whispered "Yes."
"You are a foolish young man, then," Persephone told him.
"Cereal can help with that, you know," Demeter put in.
"I think I'd rather remain foolish," Percy said.
The other demigods snorted. Of course Percy would say something like that.
You will be ... I told it.
"Well that won't help the prophecy coming true," Apollo said, looking up from the book. "You can't just ignore what the oracle tells you. She knows even more than me about the future."
"No, the spirit of Delphi does," Rachel muttered when several demigods turned to look at her.
"To be fair," Hermes said, looking at Apollo. "It's not a very nice prophesy. I think I would avoid it as well."
"But he's not avoiding it," Athena felt the need to point out. "He's running head long into it, and taking my daughter with him."
"She did volunteer," Aphrodite said. "Ah, young love."
"Can we just get to the action?" Ares asked, wiping a bit of drool from the corner of his mouth. "All this talk is boring."
Dionysus snorted and his magazine fell from his fingers. He shifted slightly in his seat and continued snoring.
The rain kept ... "Maybe it's nothing."
"It's never nothing," Ares grinned, sitting forward slightly.
"What are you so excited about?" Aphrodite asked.
"It's about to get interesting, I can tell."
"It's been plenty interesting," Aphrodite pointed out. "What with all the little blossomings of love."
"Yeah, but I don't like that stuff much, you know that," Ares said, rolling his eyes.
Aphrodite huffed and crossed her arms over her chest, a pretty pout on her lips. Hephaestus' mouth twitched upwards.
But I could ... my knee. "Percy."
"Annabeth!" Connor exclaimed.
"Being so forward so soon?" Travis teased.
"And we thought you didn't like him yet," Will finished, shaking his head.
Annabeth was slightly pink as she glared at the boys. "It wasn't like that," she said.
"Oh really?" Clarisse grinned at her, not above a little ribbing.
"It wasn't," Percy said. And then he placed his hand on Annabeth's knee and pecked her on the cheek. "But that was," he grinned, causing Annabeth to blush more and Thalia to pretend to gag.
An old lady ... same evil face.
"I thought you vaporized her," Hazel said.
"I did," Percy said.
"But she's back already?" Piper asked.
"He's really not that lucky," Annabeth said.
"Well, that sucks," Leo said.
"No kidding," Thalia said.
Poseidon, on the other hand, was glaring at Hades. "You sent her after him again? Didn't you learn your lesson the first time? Didn't she?"
"I don't know why I did it," Hades shot back. "It's not like it's happened yet."
"Which is the only reason I have yet to do anything," Poseidon told his elder brother with a glare.
I scrunched down ... demon grandmothers.
"You sent all THREE?" Poseidon burst out.
"It seems so," Hades said, frowning slightly. One demigod was not reason enough to send all three Furies. There must be something else going on.
"You faced all three?" Jason turned to Percy, Annabeth, and Grover.
"Not like we had much choice," Percy mumbled.
"You do not have good luck with buses," Rachel deduced.
Grover snorted. "No kidding."
They sat in ... obviously not."
"Not by a long shot," Thalia said.
"Not even in the ballpark of lucky," Travis put in.
"And we're on our way to pick him up?" Jason asked. He was a little alarmed that someone who could attract so many demons was going to be traveling with them to the ancient homeland.
"Oh yes," Annabeth grinned.
"Trust us," Nico said.
"There's no one you'd want more with you in a fight than Percy Jackson," Thalia told her brother.
"Ow," Percy yelped, rubbing the back of his head.
"Just making sure you didn't let those statements go to your head," Annabeth told him.
"With you around, I wouldn't dream of it."
"All three of ... wasn't one.
"That is a safety hazard," Athena said. She didn't want to admit she was worried for her daughter, but she was. The three Furies, she was facing the three Furies in the back of a bus. Why did she even volunteer for this?
"I agree, what kind of design is that?" Poseidon demanded, heart pounding in his chest. He honestly couldn't blame Athena right now if she hated him. After all, if it wasn't for his son, Annabeth wouldn't be in danger. Not that he thought Percy was the problem, just like his friends said, he seemed rather unlucky. Which Poseidon didn't think boded well for his son.
"How should I know?" Hephaestus asked when all eyes turned to him. "I didn't design it."
"Yeah, don't look at me, either," Leo said with a shrug. "That's just plain stupid."
"Which figures it would be the bus Percy would get on," Thalia sighed.
"Like I said, no luck with buses," Rachel said. Nobody could argue with that.
Even if there ... won't they?"
"Not likely," Hades said. After all, Alecto knew how to manipulate the mist. She'd make sure the mortals remained blind to what was happening.
"Not a smart thing to say uncle H," Apollo said, pointing to the two worried parents.
"Not smart at all."
Everyone jumped as grape vines wrapped around Hades' throne, lashing him to the chair. Dionysus sat up straight in his throne, eyes glowing with purple fire.
"In case you think you can run," Dionysus explained.
"Mr. D," Grover spluttered, surprised at the intensity he was showing.
"Quiet, Joseph," Dionysus snapped. "Apollo, read. I want to know what happens."
She thought ... down the aisle.
"That's a little awkward," Leo said, attempting to break the growing tension.
"They aren't really going to use the restroom," Piper pointed out.
"Then why say it?"
"So they have an excuse to walk to the back," Poseidon said.
"I don't know," Travis said. "If I were a mortal and I heard that, I'd probably think something was weird."
"And then laugh about it," Connor said. "Could you imagine trying to jam three old ladies into a little bus bathroom?"
Several of the demigods laughed at that.
"I've got it," ... get away."
"Like that'll happen," Thalia said, rolling her eyes.
"It's a smart move," Jason pointed out.
"Yeah, but it's Percy," Nico said.
"He won't just leave his friends," Thalia finished.
"But he's the one they want," Jason pointed out. "They'll probably just ignore Annabeth and Grover. He's putting them in danger staying there."
"Alecto wouldn't care if the demigods she caught were the ones she was after or not," Hades said, before closing his mouth quickly. Poseidon, Athena, and Dionysus were glaring mutinously at him, after all.
"But you ... put it on.
"Wow, you actually convinced him," Thalia said, stunned.
"Well, it is Annabeth who told him to do it," Connor grinned.
"And we all know she's the only one he'll listen to," Travis said.
"Turns out it's true, even back before they were dating," Chris said.
"That's so sweet," Piper said.
"Careful, Beauty Queen," Jason whispered in Piper's ear, making her shiver. "You're showing your mother."
"Oh gods," Piper moaned, clamping a hand over her mouth as Jason chuckled.
When I looked ... the back row.
"And here's where the plan falls to pieces," Thalia said. She wasn't unaware of how tense Annabeth, Grover, and Percy were now, and knew one of them probably got hurt in this encounter.
"Naturally," Clarisse said, sensing the same thing. "It's Prissy, remember? Not even Annabeth can plan for him."
"Never does anything he's supposed to," Katie said, grinning at Percy.
Percy shrugged. "Got to keep it interesting somehow."
The old ladies ... is it? Where?"
"Did you just say it?" Artemis interrupted her brother.
"Yes," Apollo said.
"Then you're reading it wrong."
"Nah uh, sis, that's what it says."
"Sure it is," Artemis said, rolling her eyes.
"It is," Apollo insisted.
"Just keep reading."
The other people ... "He's gone!"
"See, he, not it," Artemis said.
"It said it earlier," Apollo said.
"Does this even matter?" Demeter asked, sounding bored. "It was probably a typo."
"I do not think so," Artemis said. "What do you think, sister?"
"What?" Athena asked, looking at Artemis. She had been a little preoccupied worrying about her daughter to notice the conversation going on in the background.
"Never mind," Artemis said, shaking her head. But she knew there was something to that it. She just wondered what it was.
The Furies raised ... child of the year.
"Sounds like fun," Leo said.
"Says the most ADHD person in the room," Jason teased.
"You know it," Leo said. "After all I – hey, check out what I made."
"Case in point," Piper said as Leo displayed a small, perfectly working clock.
The bus driver ... the windows.
"And what if it wasn't?" Athena nearly shrieked, but managed to restrain herself.
"It was," Annabeth grinned at the memory.
"Still, that was dangerous," Athena scolded.
"I know," Percy said. "I even admitted to it."
"Hey!" the driver ... emergency brake.
"How are you even still alive?" Thalia groaned, shaking her head.
"I would love to see that happen!" Hermes shouted. "Hijacking a bus right out from under the nose of the driver. Epic."
"Stupid," Athena muttered. But she had to admit it was effective. At least, she hoped it was. She still wasn't sure what was happening to her daughter.
The bus wailed, ... let them pass.
"Really lucky no one seemed to be hurt by that," Persephone commented.
"Well, I am a good driver," Percy grinned.
Rachel snorted.
The Furies ... invisible cap. "Hey!"
"Of course you did," Nico said, shaking his head.
"You are far too loyal, boy," Athena said.
"I know," Percy said, completely serious. After all, he knew what that loyalty could do one day. The damage it could cause. The choice he might have to make. An impossible choice. "Believe me, I know."
Annabeth gripped his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. A fatal flaw was hard to overcome, and Percy's could be very fatal. Annabeth, though, wouldn't let it be.
The Furies turned, ... You shall die."
"At least she states it outright," Travis said.
"It is better than others trying to obscure the fact," Connor added, nodding.
"Or just not telling you to begin with," Chris pointed out.
"True," the Stolls agreed.
"I liked you better as a math teacher," I told her.
"You didn't," Thalia grinned.
"He did," Grover laughed.
"I don't think Alecto would have liked that," Hades said from his position still tied up in grape vines.
"I don't think she did," Annabeth said.
She growled. ... in molten lead,
Percy let out an involuntary yelp as his hand suddenly felt as if it were burning up. He bit his lips as all eyes turned towards him and Apollo stopped reading. Really, couldn't they just get through this fast?
"Sorry," Percy said when everyone continued to stare at him. He shifted uncomfortably.
"There you go apologizing for no reason, again," Thalia sighed.
"Best to keep reading, Apollo," Poseidon directed, a frown on his face. Percy smiled at his dad, glad he had said it.
"Right, sorry," Apollo said, finding where he left off once more.
but I managed ... "Ow! Hot! Hot!"
"Gah!" Grover shouted. "I forgot how much that burned! Ow, ow, ow, ow."
"Tell me about it," Percy said, but luckily the pain was gone. He was glad he hadn't focused on it at the time, or at least, glad it wasn't focused on in the book.
The Fury I'd ... falling down.
"Not bad you three," Ares grumbled reluctantly.
Poseidon grinned, proud of his son. Athena was also beaming and Dionysus sighed, snapping his fingers and releasing Hades from the grape vines.
"I suppose I will let you off, just this once," Dionysus said.
"Thanks ever so," Hades replied dryly.
"Zeus will ... vescimini!" I yelled.
"Latin?" Jason said, turning to Percy as he fought with the grin threatening to break out at what Percy had said. "Why are you speaking Latin?"
Percy shrugged as Hazel and Frank chuckled. Trust Percy to come up with such a strange insult.
Several of the gods frowned as well. After all, demigods, Greek demigods, were hardwired for Greek, not Latin. So where had Percy come up with that? It wasn't like Chiron would have taught him to say that in Latin class.
I wasn't ... "Eat my pants!"
"It does," Apollo said, barely able to hold onto the book now that he had gotten that line out, he was laughing so hard.
"Awesome," Hermes gasped out. "Simply awesome."
"Not something one should tell a Fury," Hades said, frowning.
"You kidding me? I love it," Apollo declared.
Poseidon had to chuckle as well. His son sure had a strange sense of humor.
Thunder shook ... recap my sword.
"That can't be good," Piper said.
"Don't you have enough problems to be getting on with?" Leo demanded.
"Yeah, tell that to the mortals," Percy grumbled.
"They always think Percy's some kind of terrorist," Clarisse snickered.
"Our bags!" ... BOOOOOM!
"ZEUS!" Poseidon and Athena shouted, rounding on the King of the Gods.
"What?" he asked, decidedly not cowering from his brother and daughter.
"YOU TRIED TO BLOW UP MY SON AGAIN!" Poseidon raged, the ground shaking slightly.
"AND MY DAUGHTER WAS ON THAT BUS! DON'T YOU THINK?" Athena actually shrieked, before regaining composure.
"But they got off," Zeus protested weakly.
"Luckily for you," Poseidon, Athena, and Dionysus mumbled.
The windows ... darkness ahead.
"Hey, that's the end," Apollo said, sounding rather put out that his turn reading was over.
"Good," Poseidon let loose a relieved sigh. This was way to stressful to read. Athena silently agreed. She was glad the chapter was over. But that didn't mean it would stay that way. Who knew what horrors the next chapter would bring.
"I can't believe you three faced down the Furies," Leo said. "That's awesome!"
"It's not," Percy said.
"Definitely not," Grover agreed.
Annabeth nodded in agreement.
"Well, I'm hungry," Apollo decided, tossing the book aside and hopping up. "Who wants pizza?"
