ANNABETH POV

They had Percy go to sleep, hoping that, if anything, it'd at least bring him some energy back. It did. A little. He seemed to be getting better, and, even though he wasn't bouncing on his heels, yet, he was actually doing things.

He managed to eat some breakfast, and Annabeth guided him to the arena, hoping that Mrs. O'Leary would help keep his mind off things. He kept asking questions, she didn't know how to answer.

"Where's my mom? Did Smelly Gabe do something?"

Annabeth's heart pounded against her ribcage when he said this. Percy had never been specific when talking about his former stepfather, except that he liked to drink, and she didn't like that that was the first thing he thought of.

"She's at home, Percy. You'll be able to see her soon, I promise. You just have to get better first, okay?"

"When can I see her again?"

"Like I said, as soon as you're feeling better,"

"When will that be?"

"I don't know, yet. We'll just have to wait and see when the medicine helps,"

"I'm tired,"

Annabeth exhaled, watching as he climbed onto arena stands, settling himself next to where she was seated. He kicked his legs back and forth, tapping his fingers on the seat.

"Annabeth?"

"Yes, Percy?"

"What is this place?"

"It's called Camp Half-Blood,"

He makes a face, "Half-Blood?"

"Yup."

"Why am I here?"

She takes a moment to come up with an answer he'll understand- she'd go into a full explanation on how his dad is a god, and how it's the only safe place for kids like him, but she knows that won't do much good.

"Because, whether or not you know it, it's your home," she smiles

After lunch, Poseidon paid a visit to him. They- the seven and Chiron- stood on Long Island Beach, watching as he came out of the water.

Percy's eyes widened and he breathed, "Woah,"

Annabeth laughed, "Yeah. He's magical like that,"

"He's magical?"

She heard her friends chuckle and she nodded, "Uh-huh. Magic," she whispered

Percy giggled, squirming where he was in her arms. She set him down as Poseidon approached, smiling down at him.

"I just wanted to see him now before the potion worked. It's been a long time,"

Annabeth felt a pang in her chest- from Poseidon's words or from the fact that they never got to see their godly parents, she wasn't sure- as Percy waved at him. They had decided not to explain the whole situation after finding out that he thought his dad was gone. It would be too complicated, and would only end up confusing him.

Poseidon had blessed them in finding a cure, and Annabeth had prayed to her mom- even though she had always hated Percy, she hoped she'd do this one thing for her- that it would work.

As cute as Percy was now, she wasn't sure she could deal with him being six for the rest of her life. Not to mention, that meant he'd have to regrow up and relearn everything. That would affect more than Annabeth was willing to admit.