Annabeth's Pov
Will this nightmare ever end? As soon as Percy wakes up I'm going to kiss him, slap him in the face, and yell at him. Not necessarily in that order.
If I didn't love him so much I'd run away from this place. My life would be far less stressful if I gave up being a demigod. Not that I had a choice really. Though if I could I'd run away, I'd go to...I don't know Paris or London or maybe even Australia, I've always wanted to see the Sydney Opera House. But curse the gods, I do love Percy. I love him with every fiber of my being and nothing could change how I feel. That goofy, seaweed brained, gorgeous hero is mine and you're crazy if you think I'd ever let him go even if it meant that all of my problems would go away. He was worth every ounce of trouble I had to to face in my lifetime.
When Nico told us that he was able to talk to Percy and find him in his subconscious, I had a mix of emotions pass through me. Don't get me wrong I'm really glad that Nico found him and was able to get more info on a possible cure. I just wish that I could've been the one to see Percy. To tell him that we'd figure out how to save him and we'd defeat Gaea and live happily ever after. I would finally tell him that I made up my mind and I wanted to live in New Rome with him or anywhere else he wanted to be. As long as we're together. Being without him was excruciating, as soon as we fix him he'll be lucky if I ever let him out of my sight again.
After Nico's update and once we'd all eaten dinner, Jason grabbed a plate of food for Piper and went to leave the room. I stood up and before he got too far I quietly spoke to him, "Jason can I join you?" I knew I didn't have to ask but I felt super self conscious after speaking up in front of everyone and my idea basically getting shot down by Hazel. It really killed my confidence. I knew she was just worried and upset but I mean join the club. After all I'm basically the president of the 'worrying about Percy Jackson' club so she can just get in line. I love Hazel but she really hurt my ego. Right now I was a little bitter from her unbelief even though I knew it wasn't fair to her. She's usually so supportive but I think that made it hit even harder since it was rare when she disagreed with my plans.
Jason gave me a kind smile at my question and said, "Of course, you're always welcome. I'm sure Piper would love the company." His response made me feel a lot better as we walked to the Med Bay together.
When we stepped through the door Piper gave us a somewhat panicked look which instantly made my heart clench with worry. "What's wrong?" I asked trying not to jump to the worst conclusions. Though it was hard since it seemed like anytime I was in this room something bad was happening.
Piper ran a nervous hand over her braid and said, "He's okay so far but he keeps flinching like he's being hit or he lets out a sound like he's in a lot pain. I tried to help but nothing's working. I gave him nectar, I tried heat, ice, water but nothing is stopping whatever's happening to him. Like I said he seems okay for now but I just don't know what's causing this so it's hard to know for sure."
With a deep breath I walked over and sat across from Piper on the other side of the bed. I thanked Piper for watching him before looking over my unconscious boyfriend's face. His eyebrows were knit together like they do when he's upset. Frowning, I gently took Percy's hand in my own and squeezed it lightly, hoping he'd know I was there and be able to fight whatever he was going through.
Jason handed Piper the plate of food and said, "You should eat love. You deserve it after all you've done. Nico told us that Percy might be in trouble so we should still keep an eye on him. That might be why he's in pain. He could still be fighting the giants."
A wave of confusion passed over Piper's face. "Wait did you just say Giants?!? Like actual giants? What did Nico tell you???"
Jason insisted that she eat and once she reluctantly started to pick at her food he filled her in on everything that she'd missed in the dining room. Piper ate slowly as she listened intently to everything Jason told her from what Nico shared with us.
I tried not to pay a lot of attention to the recap since it was hard enough to hear the first time. Instead I kept my eyes on Percy. He'd wince every few minutes or squeeze my hand. Occasionally he'd let out a quick groan of pain and jerk his body with a sharp movement. It was so hard to see him like this but even harder not to be able to do anything. I felt completely useless as I watched his sporadic movements and small gasps of pain.
When Jason finally finished updating Piper she let out a shaky breath and said, "Well I'm glad we have a good plan even if it isn't fully developed yet. I think your theory makes a lot of sense Annabeth. It lines up with a lot of what's happened and I think you're right."
Pride replaced the self conscious feelings I'd been carrying since Hazel's doubt at dinner. Piper's words gave me a sense of control in this time where I felt so powerless. It was like I couldn't save the one person I cared about above all else and now my gift of wisdom and strategy that rarely failed was now entirely useless. All I could think of after Hazel's words were 'What kind of daughter of Athena am I if I can't come up with a decent plan?'
Piper's words brought me back to myself and gave me the confidence I'd need to propose my thoughts to Poseidon. I was stressed out beyond belief but I felt an overwhelming rush of relief from Piper's encouragement. Before I knew it a few tears escaped my eyes from my building emotions.
Piper quickly got up as soon as she saw me start to cry. She moved to my side, hugging me gently. I still wasn't used to physical touch from anyone but Percy since coming out of Tartarus but I was slowly adapting and it honestly helped a lot that Piper, Leo, and Hazel especially made it a point to hug me whenever they thought I needed it. Even if I didn't know I needed one at the time. A few more tears slipped down my cheeks as I whispered, "Thank you Piper...it means a lot."
Piper hugged me a little tighter before pulling away and going back to her seat. "I'm just being honest, there's really no need to thank me. You're the brilliant one who came up with it in the first place."
A genuine smile made its way to my face at her words of praise. Piper's such a great friend. She always cheered me up when I needed it most and never pushed me too far in my feelings.
For the next couple of hours Jason, Piper, and I hung out and tried to not be too stressed out about everything going on. Although it wasn't easy as Percy had turned pale and developed a layer of sweat that was now lightly covering his chest. I pulled his blankets down to his waist and dabbed a cold, damp cloth on his exposed skin to try and cool him down. It wasn't an instant effect but after a while he seemed to relax and he even stopped sweating.
Frank came in at 11:45 with Hazel and Nico slightly behind him. I knew it was almost time to go but it was hard to leave Percy even if he would be with other people who loved him and would watch over him. I really didn't want to go but I knew that the meeting with Poseidon could lead us toward a cure and that would bring my boyfriend back to me which is obviously what I want more than anything.
With a final kiss to Percy's cheek I stood up and faced Frank. "Ready to meet with an olympian?"
Frank nodded with a rigid expression, "Ready." He then turned to Hazel and gave her a tight hug and a light kiss before turning back to me.
With a small smile at Piper, Jason, Hazel, and Nico, I walked past Frank and led the way up to the deck to get ready for our mission.
Once the brisk night air hit my skin I shivered and looked up at the bright moon shining down on us. A hundred scenarios of how the meeting might go ran through my head at light speed making me dizzy. The different outcomes both good and bad were almost too much for me to handle as my breathing quickened at the stress of it all.
Frank moved in front of me and said, "Everything okay?"
With a deep breath I got my thoughts back under control and nodded, "I'm just a little nervous. What if he doesn't help? He and my mother can't stand each other and he might be too afraid to risk any of the other Olympians finding out. What if we fail?"
With a kind smile Frank said, "Everything'll be okay. I have a good feeling about this. If he really loves Percy then he'll help. We won't fail. Percy always bragged about how smart and quick witted you are and I know that together we can figure out a way to convince Poseidon to help us. It'll all work out you'll see."
Leo walked over to us and said, "I wasn't eavesdropping or anything but the big guy's right Annabeth. You're like a super genius and you'll for sure get mr. fishgod's help. If anything happens I'll be right up here, watching for trouble. You guys'll do great."
"Did you really just call Poseidon, mr. fishgod?" Frank asked with a bewildered look on his face.
Leo waved him off and stopped halfway as he caught sight of the watch on his wrist. "It's 11:59! You guys gotta go! Wait...how are you getting to wherever you're meeting him?"
The smile that I had on my face dropped as I realized that Tyson never mentioned that very important detail. Just as any optimism I had started to fade, a loud whinny of a horse was heard from the side of the ship and my hope was restored.
Frank, Leo, and I immediately ran to the railing and peaked over the edge, looking for the source of the sound. A familiar face greeted me with an excited neigh. The gorgeous hippocampus Tyson named Rainbow sat on the water's surface and spun in an excited circle upon seeing me. I was so relieved and happy to see him that I let out a laugh and looked at Frank with a big smile. "This is Rainbow. He's a good friend and he's helped Percy, Tyson, and I before. I'm sure he was sent to take us to Poseidon."
Frank looked uneasy about our transportation but he didn't complain. He just nodded and said, "Alright then, after you." He motioned for me to get on first and I looked around for a way down.
Almost on cue, Leo quickly brought over a rope ladder and laid it over the side of the ship. I carefully hauled myself over the railing and slowly climbed down. I gently got on Rainbow and ran my hand down his mane, scratching behind his ears. "It's good to see you Rainbow." I said through a smile. He brought back fond memories of slightly simpler times.
While I was thrilled to back on the beautiful creature, it was clear that Frank had different thoughts. He looked very stressed out as he struggled to climb down the ladder and ended up clumsily flopping onto Rainbow's back who let out a loud neigh in protest at his ungraceful landing.
Once we were both settled and holding on tight we said goodbye to Leo who wished us good luck before Rainbow leapt upward and dove straight down into the water.
I expected the water to be freezing and for a split second I was terrified that we'd drown or simply explode from the pressure as we shot deeper and deeper into the ocean. To my relief Poseidon must've done something to allow us to comfortably reside in his domain as I barely felt the pressure or temperature shift. Not to mention I could breath normally.
Frank was holding onto me for dear life and I couldn't help but laugh. He was usually pretty calm and fearless being the big strong son of Mars he was but seeing him so nervous about riding an adorable hippocampus was pretty hilarious.
Rainbow took us into the depths of the ocean and for a few minutes we couldn't see anything around us. The water was pitch black and it brought back unpleasant memories of Tartarus. As I tried to fight the fear that threatened to consume me I hugged a little closer to Rainbow for support. My anxiety dissipated when almost out of nowhere, creatures of all shapes and sizes bloomed into existence all around us. The glowed every color you could possibly imagine. They were like beautiful stars each shining and lighting up the void of darkness, making the previously scary expanse a now wondrous sight to see.
A few moments later what had to be the ocean floor came into view below us but it wasn't at all what I thought it should look like. Instead of sand there was thousands of tiny green rocks glowing and glittering like a bed of emeralds. There was coral of different colors popping up out of the ground but they too seemed to sparkle like gemstones.
As we got closer to the mesmerizing ground, what looked like a large picnic table made of abalone sat in the middle of a huge patch of sea grass, woven together like a giant rug. Seated at the table were two humanoid shapes but we were still too far away to make out who they were. I assumed one of them was Poseidon and I hoped the other was Tyson but I wasn't certain.
When Rainbow reached the sea floor he stopped swimming and hovered just above the grassy ground, waiting patiently for us to dismount. I was still enthralled in the beauty that surrounded me that I couldn't process how to move.
Frank had no trouble leaving as he pushed himself off pretty much the second Rainbow touched down. He looked a little green from our journey but he still offered me a hand to help me. I took his hand and carefully jumped off Rainbow's back and onto the ground that squished under my shoes. I thanked Frank then turned back to face Rainbow. He nuzzled me snuffled my hair which brought a smile to my face. I ran my hand along his back and pet him, thanking him for bringing us all the way here. Frank grumbled a quiet thank you and I rolled my eyes at him for not sounding sincere enough. Rainbow didn't seem to mind as he kicked his feet in the water almost in a goodbye wave before he launched upward and out of sight.
A loud excited voice from behind me shouted, "Annabeth!!!!" and I couldn't help but smile as I turned to see Tyson running toward me with his arms wide open and a goofy smile on his face.
I met him halfway and jumped on him, hugging him tight. I was thrilled to see him again. It'd been too long. "Tyson! It's so good to see you." It was such a relief to see him here that I almost burst into tears. How does crying underwater even work?
Once we pulled away Tyson picked up Frank with his large arms and grinned, "Hi brother!!!!" Frank's eyes were so huge that I had to stifle a laugh but a sudden feeling that I was being watched pulled my eyes in the direction of the picnic table and away from the sweet reunion.
A tall man in a Hawaiian shirt, khaki shorts, and Birkenstocks was staring at me with kind but intense sea green eyes. I immediately recognized Poseidon and cautiously walked over to him. As I got closer I saw that his expression was more stern than I'd ever seen him and his hair had a few grey streaks in it. Honestly his look made me want to turn back and run in the opposite direction.
With a deep breath I steadied my nerves and spoke confidently, "Lord Poseidon, thank you for meeting with us. We won't take up much of your time. We know you are very busy." I motioned to Frank to come join me and he and Tyson moved forward, stopping on either side of me.
Poseidon nodded with respect but spoke in a serious tone, "You should not have asked me to come Annabeth. If it were under any other circumstance I would have refused but from what Tyson told me...my son needs my help or he will die. We don't have much time so please, sit down and tell me everything."
Frank, Tyson, and I took a seat on one side of the bench while Poseidon sat across from us, staring intently at me. I tried to hold up a strong front but it felt like his eyes were piercing into my soul.
Poseidon waited for us to speak so we did. Frank and I took turns explaining everything that'd happened since Percy and I escaped Tartarus. Halfway through the story Tyson looked like he was crying but the water clearly didn't show tears so the only give away was his stifled sobs. Poseidon was a great listener, he never interrupted us but would nod to show he was paying close attention.
When we finally finished catching him up Frank said, "Lord Neptune-I mean Poseidon sir...we need to find a cure fast and Annabeth thinks that it has something to do with you, Jupiter err...Zeus, and Hades. Do you have any idea what that could mean? Has this ever happened before?"
Poseidon chuckled warmly and said, "Frank Zhang you may call me what you like. I admire you and Miss Levesque for helping my son and being loyal friends. I've heard Percy has a strong bond with you two." He paused and seemed to ponder something before continuing, "Regarding the curse, there has never to my knowledge been one like this. Nor have I ever had to combine my powers with my brother's to heal said curse."
Hearing his response my heart leapt with interest, "Are you saying that my theory was right and the three of you together could heal Percy?" I could barely contain the hope that was building inside me as I waited anxiously for his answer.
With a sad smile Poseidon nodded, "Yes my dear. I think you're right, you are wise beyond your years and more brilliant than any other demigod I have seen in many centuries. I am glad you and Percy have each other. Unfortunately, there is a problem with the solution. I am risking my brother's wrath by just meeting with you two tonight. If I give my full blessing and any of my siblings found out there could very well be war. Though with Gaea on the verge of rising I'm not sure if my brother's would risk another war. That being said I am going to take the chance and help you despite any consequences, as Percy means more to me than anyone could ever know. However, I warn you both now, Zeus and Hades will not be as willing to help you. They do not care for my son even after he saved Olympus. You have to persuade them. Hades will be especially...difficult. Though I'm sure you will think of something Miss Chase. I suggest taking Mr. Grace and Mr. Di Angelo. They might be of good use when facing their fathers."
My hope dwindled slightly when Poseidon mentioned his brothers and their unlikely desire to help but his vote of confidence and suggestion of bringing Jason and Nico brought me right back into full optimism. I sent a smile at Frank then back to Poseidon.
He pulled something out of one of his many pants pockets and held it in a closed hand on the table. "In my hand is an object that holds my blessing. If you can get the other two blessings then you need only mash them up, stir them with a spoonful of nectar and then force the mixture down Percy's throat. Make sure he drinks every drop or it won't work. You must do this immediately as I sense that he wont survive more than one weeks time. Do not lose this and under no circumstances let it be crushed until it is ready to be combined with the other ingredients. If it does break it will lose it's properties." He then reached out his fist and pressed the object into Franks hand. A single pearl sat in the center of Frank's palm, a faint blue glow surrounding it.
Even though I was really happy to be one step closer to healing Percy, I still felt a massive weight of dread fall over me. A lump had formed in my throat and I almost forgot how to breathe when he'd said we only had a week to get both Zeus and Hades to give us some magical blessing that would save Percy but that was only if we could convince them to help us. Not to mention that if we lost the pearl or broke it we would be out of luck. Nothing was ever easy but I knew we could do this. Like Poseidon said, I'd figure something out.
Frank cautiously stowed the pearl in the inside pocket of his jacket. We both thanked Poseidon for his help and promised that we'd save Percy.
Poseidon smiled fondly at us and said, "I know you will. Now Tyson and I must go. Other gods might sense my presence and gossip to Zeus and that would ruin any chance you have at winning his favor." He stood from his spot, Tyson following suit. The god of the seas reached his hand out to Frank who realized what was happening and took the large hand with wide eyes, shaking it despite his shock. Poseidon then turned to me and took my already outstretched hand, holding it gently and saying, "When Percy awakens please give him a hug for me. Thank you both for your determination and loyalty to my son. Please extend my gratitude to the other brave demigods aboard your ship. I'm afraid the next time we meet will be under even graver circumstances." With that boost of joy Poseidon began to walk away.
Tyson gave Frank and I one more bone crushing hug before saying goodbye and making me swear that I'd have Percy iris message him as soon as he was healed. Then he ran off to catch up with Poseidon, both of them disappearing in a ripple of water and leaving us alone of the seagrass rug.
Frank turned to face me and said, "That went well. Now all we have to do is convince two of the most powerful gods to help save Percy in one week and we're good to go. It'll be cake."
All the tension I had suddenly busted out of me like the air out of a balloon but in the form of laughter. Our lives were ridiculous and we're in way over our heads and somehow that made me laugh harder. Before we knew it both Frank and I were almost on the floor from laughing so hard. We probably looked like psychos completely losing it on the bottom of the sea.
When we finally calmed down I noticed that Rainbow was back and patiently waiting for us to climb aboard. "We should get up to the surface and tell the other's what happened. We have a plan."
Frank agreed and helped me onto Rainbow's back again. He pulled himself up and tightly wrapped his arms around my waist with an embarrassed apology. He clearly wasn't looking forward to the ride home. Once I let Frank know it was no big deal Rainbow started the ascent and we were on our way to the Argo II. Hope and determination settled in my heart as we rode back toward the ship and in turn toward a cure. With some luck I would have Percy back within the week. There was no other option.
Finally finished this chapter! Life has been rough as I'm sure most of you can relate. I accidentally binged the second season of Umbrella Academy and couldn't write so I had to take a day to revamp my ideas. Thank you all for sticking with me! I hope you like where I'm going with this! 3