(A/N So, I've gotten a few big questions about how Percy will fit into the Kane Chronicles. He will not be able to use Egyptian magic in this piece [though I love how Rynna Aurelia writes his abilities in 'The Question of the Exploding Toilet']. I do have a plan for him and Nephthys, but I don't want to spell it all out now.

This chapter is shorter than most because I haven't had a lot of time to write, [which is also why it's late] but I'm switching up some of the writing style. This is the third chapter featuring letters and glazing over canon events. Expect more letters as they fit in, as this is the main source of communication between the Kane cousins. That said not all will be back and forth. If it's confusing/annoying let me know and I'll try to dial it back while still progressing the story and character relationships.

Happy reading!)

It was heartbreaking to watch Annabeth deal with the sirens' song. Percy's curiosity was there, he could feel the music's vibrations and wondered what the song would be.

But he had a pretty good idea what he would see.

Aunt Ruby alive. His family still whole. He and Sadie would tag team as they picked on Carter and he and Carter would either play HORSE or convince their dads to play 2-on-2. Aunt Ruby would tell stories about ancient heroes and magicians and legends. Maybe Poseidon would visit on the weekend. Annabeth and Carter would have a field day over a history book. Amos would be fatherly towards Beckendorf and Selina would fawn over a very annoyed Sadie. All while Grover ate every piece of food and aluminum in the immediate area.

Percy could see that Annabeth in his mind's eye as he watched the one before him plead for her freedom and claw at her ropes.

He didn't know exactly what the sirens would show him, but he had a pretty good idea.

Finally he couldn't take her tears anymore and determined to not look at her.

Five minutes was too long to leave her unmonitored.

The faces the Sirens wore were wrong. The Kanes, Poseidon, Grover, Tyson, Chiron - even his mother - were made grotesque by the greasy mouths caked with past meals.

He saw what Annabeth most wanted. He knew he should have expected these people. The picnic was a surprise, and the amazing architecture was a nice touch.

Even if he'd known these wishes were in her heart, it still felt invasive to see it all.

But beneath the waves there was peace.

The sea, no matter how chaotic, always brought peace for Percy. It had always protected him one way or another, and he sent a quick thank you to his father as he was reminded of that once again.

It was always exhilarating when the water obeyed his command and out here in the sea it was a rush. He held Annabeth in the bubble of air he'd created to keep her from drowning as she sobbed on his shoulder.

.

Amos sat down with the physical mail and marveled at the two letters Percy had received. Even if one didn't have a return address he could guess it was from Carter.

He carefully sat them on Percy's desk, wondering what each of his cousins had said to him. There was no letter from Julius, but Amos didn't know if he should consider that a good or bad thing.

Percy was entering uncharted territory. The House was going to make his life miserable going forward, but he was right. Family needed to stick together.

Amos went back to his preparations for Carter and Sadie. They would have obvious resources at their disposal if needed and clear instructions with them. Amos wanted to believe either he or, gods willing, Julius would be able to guide them through their magical training, but contingencies were always a good idea.

.

Hey Percy!

I got your letter! There was no stamp though? Fall break would be awesome. Dad's doing a presentation in central NY so we'll be in the area. Don't worry about Dad and Amos' weird relationship, I'll meet you while lost in Manhattan if I have to.

What have you been up to? Still setting a record for Sadie to break in the 'expelled from schools' category? I can't really talk though, I'm sure Dad would have expelled me at least once if it were an option. Probably when I set his teammate's bag on fire.

We're currently overseeing the selection of a University team for a digsite.

I swear I know every piece of Egyptian lore. I want to learn something relevant! Even just a brief study of other history would be a welcome break.

Oh well.

I hope I hear from you soon!

Carter Kane

.

Percy...

Hmm...Nope. I don't know any Percys.

Maybe Perce? Or JACKSON? Or 'of course you're my favorite cousin, you're my only cousin?' No Percys.

You need a cell. Tell Uncle Amos to wake up and smell the 21st century.

I'D LOVE TO BE PEN PALS! (but you still need a cell)

No one can out prank me. You can tell your camp friends that.

I already have something special planned for Carter when I see him at Christmas. I got a really cool dribble cup that I'm going to wrap up as his present! It says 'World's Okayest Brother' and has a hole where he would drink out of it! I can't wait for him to try it out!

Why can't you write during the summer?

Sadie!