Percy POV

I was running through the labyrinth again. The beast dogs were behind me, chasing me, and growling at me. My heart hammered as I ran through the single alleyway.

There were no turns and no escapes. It was an endless tunnel.

Darkness loomed from all sides as I ran. However, my feet were sinking into the mud with each step, which was greatly slowing my progress.

The dogs were getting closer. I wasn't confident that I could make it to the end of the tunnel. Nope, I definitely wouldn't make it.

Suddenly, something caught on my foot. I groaned as I fell to the ground. My bruised body ached as mud splashed around me. I tried and failed at getting up. The black dog was barking into my face while I held it by the neck, desperately trying to save myself.

My body was tossed to the side like a rag doll.

Another dog shot at me with jarring teeth. I couldn't find it off this time, and its teeth sunk into my arm. I screamed in pain as my vision turned bloody red.

This was it. This was the end. The last thing I saw was the black dog's canines.

I gasped loudly as I sat straight up in my bed.

My forehead was coated in sweat, and I was frantically breathing. My muscles were restrained with tension, and I was paralyzed.

I looked around my bedroom. I had been living here for a few months now, and it quickly became my new home. Living with Thalia and baby Sally was quite nice, but I still couldn't calm my breathing.

"Percy, are you okay?" Annabeth asked as she sat up. Sleep was obvious in her face, and I felt bad about waking her.

"Yeah, I'm fine, Wise Girl," I said quietly.

Annabeth moved closer to me and wrapped her arms around me from behind. I appreciate the warmth flowing into my shirtless back. My hands clutched hers, and I kissed her hand to calm myself down.

Moonlight faintly illuminated the room through the curtains.

"You had another one, didn't you?" she whispered.

"It was just a symptom of PTSD. It was just a dream. I'm sorry that I woke you up, Wise Girl. I feel like I'm doing this way too much," I expressed.

I could feel her breath rolling down my shoulders. I gently pulled her into my lap. She lightly kissed me before rubbing my cheek with her hand. I loved being in her grasp because it made me feel so nice and loved. Light in the darkness, right?

"It's all right, Percy. You've been through so much in those few weeks, but we're out of that horrible place now. We're free," she whispered.

I digested her words before nodding.

My hands rested on her waist. She was in shorty shorts and a tank top since it was nighttime. I was so happy when Annabeth came home this week. She was attending architecture and engineering classes at Columbia University.

However, it was Thanksgiving break, so Annabeth was staying here. Piper and Jason were flying in tomorrow. And, we'd be going to California for Christmas.

My breathing steadied as I accepted Annabeth's support. I had been having nightmares ever since escaping Elysium. Usually, the nightmares ranged from my mother's death to my friends' and my kidnapping.

But, we were free. I always repeated that to myself to feel better.

"I'm fine now, Wise Girl. Let's get some sleep. Unfortunately, I still have work tomorrow," I said in exhaustion.

"You shouldn't be complaining about work, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth said sternly. She moved off me and laid on her side of the bed.

"I love my work at the Aquarium, Wise Girl. I just want to be here for when Jason and Piper arrive. I missed them."

Annabeth nodded as her head hit the pillow. I moved closer to her and pulled her closer to me. I gently brushed my lips against her cheek. My right hand was tightly holding her body against mine.

"I love you, Wise Girl," I whispered.

She snuggled closer to me in response before we fell asleep together.

...

At the Aquarium, I worked with the animals at the health center. I was good with the aquatic animals, and the bosses quickly realized that. As such, I was getting on the job training to become a marine biologist/veterinarian.

I was making pretty solid pay since the aquarium was one of the best in the country. Of course, my job would be even better once I got licensed.

The last 'patient' of the day was a female harp seal that was sliced by an ice shard. The doctor was treating the baby seal, and I was helping. Then, I took the seal to a shelter within the aquarium. We would introduce the seal to the other harp seals next week once she was fully heated.

As I said, I loved my work now.

Honestly, I never imagined that I would get an opportunity like this. However, I applied for the position after Thalia recommended it.

I was looking for jobs anyway, and this one was advertised in the newspaper. Of course, I don't read the news, but Thalia still gets installments.

I bought some good bottles of wine before heading home.

I couldn't wait to see Jason and Piper. They visit fairly frequently, but it's been over a month now. I certainly missed Jason's bromance and Piper's comradery.

There was one downside to living with Thalia. The elevator that led to our apartment level was atrocious. The music was horrible, and it figuratively made my ears bleed.

The actual building and apartments were quite nice, so why couldn't they just play some better music.

While I waited for the elevator to go up, I unbuttoned my collar. No need to be formal anymore. It was time for a nice Thanksgiving holiday. Annabeth said that there would be a surprise waiting at the dinner table today.

I wondered what food she was planning. Considering Annabeth wasn't the best cook, I didn't know if I should be excited or nervous.

Regardless, I raced towards Thalia's and my apartment.

Surprisingly, baby Sally greeted me. Of course, Jason was holding her as he answered the door.

"BRO," I exclaimed as I pulled him into a hug. We were careful not to crush Sally in the process as I rejoiced with one of my best friends.

"I see that you brought wine. Fantastic," Jason expressed.

I rolled my eyes as I walked into the apartment. Piper was already waiting to hug me in the living room. "Oh, it's so good to see you again," I cheered happily.

"Percy, you've gotten stronger," Piper commented.

"Yeah, I've been working out," I said slyly. "Anything to make Wise Girl happy."

"Oh, shut up, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth's voice echoed from the kitchen. Dam, she could literally hear everything.

"Well, it's true, isn't it?" I shouted back.

Piper laughed as she sat down on the couch. Jason had joined her, and they were playing with Sally, who was giggling. "Gods, Percy, you're the same," Piper cooed.

"Glad to hear. I'm just gonna go freshen up. Honestly, if ya'll are hungry, please get started on dinner. It's fine," I explained.

"Take your time, bro. There's no rush," Jason replied.

I nodded before heading towards the kitchen. However, Thalia stopped me in the hallway and commanded me to turn around. Annabeth was in the kitchen with my surprise. My initial thought was that there was no way Annabeth was cooking for me.

However, I was excited about this, so I cleaned up quickly.

"All right, Wise Girl, what is the big surprise?" I asked as I ran into the kitchen. This time, Thalia failed to stop me.

"Percy, it's not that big of a deal, but I thought that you'd like this," Annabeth responded.

She had her back to me now. A red apron was tied around her body. Various Thanksgiving foods, including the turkey, were spread all over the counter.

I stepped forward and placed my hands on her waist. I looked over her shoulder in curiosity until gazing at the dish that she was holding.

"Wise Girl-" I choked.

"I know that you miss your mom, Percy," Annabeth expressed. "She was a phenomenal woman, and I thought that we could keep your tradition alive."

Tears sparked my eyes as I stared at the blue mashed potatoes. They were creamy and beautiful, but most importantly, they had a light blue hue. They weren't exactly like how my mom used to make them, but they were very close.

Serving blue foods was a tradition between me and my mother. After losing her, I lost touch with most of the traditions as well.

But, Annabeth and my friends were keeping my mother's traditions alive for me. Gods, I loved them so much.

I took the dish and gently placed it on the counter.

Then, I turned towards Annabeth. My hands were resting on her shoulders as I stared at her. She was nervously waiting for my response.

"I love you," I whispered. "Even more so now. I love you."

Annabeth's gray eyes sparkled while she smiled. I only gave her a quick kiss because the others walked into the kitchen at that moment.

They were all smiling at the bowl of blue mashed potatoes.

"You guys knew about this, didn't you?" I exclaimed. "Thanks so much."

All of them nodded as we set up the dining table together. The dinner was quite enjoyable, and I felt so alive and free.

As I looked around the room, I realized that I loved our shared bond.

Even though I lost my mother, I still have family in this world. I couldn't wait to live my life with them all by my side.

Elysium wasn't brought to justice. They were still out there (which is unfortunately the more likely outcome in the real world). That was a reality that I'd have to live with.

But, it's okay because I know that Elysium had no more power over me. 'The Gods' don't control me. No one could control me. I wasn't a toy for others to play with. I wasn't a tool for others to use for their own purposes.

Plus, I had Annabeth and my amazing friends to back me up.

I am my own person. I would always fight for my friends and myself.

Don't let anyone control you. You are more than a device for other people to control. Don't get kidnapped by the expectations and restrictions that others hold. You are your own person with your own mind.

If you trust yourself, then you won't be kidnapped.

समाप्त - The End - ముగింపు