Chapter 11: A Path of Despair

Percy

-Beginning of Freshmen Year-

Alone.

There was no sound.

Nothing to see.

Nothing tangible around.

All I felt were ripples echoing beneath my feet.

But there was still nothing.

Nothing but the emptiness of a dark void waiting for me.

….

….

….

I've always been on my own.

For as long as I've been alive, solitude and I have always been best friends. Perhaps I am just really bad at making friends, but over time, I realized it was me. Me, that's what people have a problem with. The pity, the resentment, the hush whispers, all of it had been because of me.

I was the anomaly, the girl who had everything she wanted, but also the girl who lost her father for reasons beyond her comprehension, the girl whose mother was always too preoccupied to care about her, the girl who grew up feeling neglected and lonely despite all the support and family she had.

The world was confusing. Everything was all too very upsetting. It was anything but peaceful and happy memories of a childhood one deserved. I was nothing but a small flame, burning viciously underneath a boiling pot and hoping it would explode.

Then middle school ended. The pain and agony were over. It was time for a fresh start.

At the very least, I promise that I won't make any of those mistakes I've made in the past. I promise to be the dumb blonde everyone wanted me to be. I promise to start loosening up. I promise to do everything I can to fit in, to get along with everyone, to be a part of the group that I was denied my whole life.

And it worked.

Suddenly, I found myself happy. I had friends at school. I have people I can hang out with. I have a place I can feel I belong. It was perfect. I even started dating the school's most popular boy just because he asked me out one day. Everything that I've missed, everything that was taken from me, I felt like I could get it all back, and that nothing could ever go wrong.

But in the process, I lost something else.

Who am I? Why I am hanging out with people I barely know? Is being part of a group that important to me? Why do I still feel so empty? Isn't this everything I've wanted?

Am I really happy?

It didn't take long before my dream of a utopian school life shattered. People started to notice things, how I was holding back, that I was always hiding something behind a veil, and naturally, I hid those things even more. Lies upon lies, I desperately tried to close the gap, but the distance never faded no matter how much effort I put into it.

Inevitably, the pity, the resentment, the hush whispers, everything was back to the same as it was when I attended middle school. The only silver lining holding me was the most popular boy in school who'd never turned away from me, no matter what others had said.

I took comfort in that, in him for not leaving me like everyone else had.

But that turned out to be a farce as well.

Luke Castellan had an ulterior motive for why he wanted to keep me along as his girlfriend.

I never realized it, not until it was too late.

Of course, some signs were pointed out to me, the warnings about Luke and his motives. I never listened, believing that he was anything but what others said about him.

After all, he wanted someone like me in his life, and that's enough of a reason I needed to keep being his girlfriend.

Yet, the advances never stopped. Luke became more and more controlling and pushy, trying to get me alone, touching me in inappropriate places out in the open. It came to a point where I thought he was going to try something, so I distance myself from him.

However, I never called off our relationship because a part of me still believe he was just fooling around like any high school boy would, that he would change.

It was a false hope.

During this time, a happy-go-lucky girl forced me into a friendship with her. Her name was Piper Mclean, and she wasted no time telling me that Luke wasn't right for me. Somehow, she was always by my side and protected me from anyone who so much as talked back or gossiped about me. I never understood why she did, but because of it, I began to trust her more than anyone else, so meeting someone like Piper was really a stroke of luck. She never conformed to what others thought, an independent soul free to spread her wings without the prosecution of people's opinions.

She was everything I've dreamed to be yet never could. The risk of isolation was a fear I never had to courage to face, but over time, Piper helped me learn otherwise. She was there for me, someone who I could rely on, someone who isn't afraid of who I am, a friend who I could hang out with, and who'd do anything to support me.

It was Piper who brought about the beginning of the very changes I so desperately seek, and it was with her help that I realized the truth: I was ready to let Luke go as well.

However, that's when everything truly turned ugly.

One night, I was out with Piper at a school party to celebrate the end of our first year. We promise to stick together, but somehow and somewhere, things happened and forced us to separate during the middle of the party, and that was when Luke took me aside, drugged me, forced me in his car, and drove to the edge of a parking lot where he tried to assault me. I cried until tears dried up and fought back as much as my numb body could allow, but he was way stronger. Everything that happened afterward, I barely remember. Rather, I didn't want to remember because there was only pain, pain on my wrists, pain over my body, the pain throbbing in my heart….

It was honestly a miracle that Piper found me and saved me from him.

And that's how my freshmen year ended.

Luke was immediately put on a restraining order to stay away from me, a trial soon took place for his attempt, but he got away from prosecution because of his family's wealth and connections. He was even able to come back to school and act as if nothing happened.

No one questioned what had occurred even though everyone knew what happened. Luke kept all his status and grew even more popular in school than before. Meanwhile, I kept my mouth shut about it because my mother and Piper agreed it's best not to draw attention to ourselves.

Since then, I made sure to distance myself from everyone. I learned to stay far away from people who posed a threat. I learned to work through the trauma that night, and through it all, I had Piper, I had Thalia, and I had my family who would always be by my side, supporting me in any way they could.

It was truly god's blessing that I finally met the right kind of people who cherish me, for coming into my life when I needed someone the most.

And soon, two normal and simple years passed. I became a junior and couldn't wait to graduate from the dreaded place holding me back.

Everything was peaceful and calm, and even though my dream wasn't realized, I was ready to accept my new fate, a quiet life with my friends and family by my side. But of course, that's when my destiny took another detour. This time, I dove headfirst into a wonderful mess and fell heads over heels for a boy with seaweed-like onyx hair, a boy who was unlike anyone I've ever met before.

I never realized our paths were fated from the beginning.

...

"I was not a good mother…"

Athena paused abruptly at the end of her reveal. She looked up at the ceiling with eyes that spoke of nothing but regret.

"I wasn't there when she needed me the most. After she lost her step-father, I was… preoccupied. I was so focused on searching the ends of the earth that I didn't think about giving any time to be a proper mother, and I regret not being there for her."

Hearing the story for the first time, Percy tried to be even temper, but even he had a limit, and he was doing his best to keep his composure.

Learning Annabeth's past, his resentment toward people who treated her badly grew like a wildfire. She had already been through so much before he met her, and it made him want to run out the door and find her in her room, then give her a warm hug without ever letting go.

Athena continued with a sigh.

"She ended up walking that lonely path because of me." Her sadden gaze kept on the ceiling, "But I saw my mistakes, so I've asked Piper and Thalia to take care of her for me while I was absent, and when I finally came back, I was thankful, thankful that Annabeth didn't hold a grudge and allowed me a chance to heal our relationship."

"To this day, I still hope she'll forgive me for not being there."

When she stopped, Percy knew exactly what to say, "Don't worry, Lady Athena. I am sure Annabeth had already forgiven you. She is the kind of person who loves everyone important to her, no matter what they've done. At least, you should try to forgive yourself first."

"Hmm." Athena mused with a small smile, "You truly are special, Percy. To think that a demigod of seventeen years is wiser than the Goddess of wisdom herself."

"Eehh… I wouldn't go that far…"

Her silent smile grew, "In any case,"

Then that faint smile disappeared in the next second, "I wasn't able to protect her. I wasn't there to save her from despair, nor from Luke. I might have been there for her recovery afterward, but I should have been the one to pull that vile monster out of the car and smite him for what he had done."

Percy saw her nerves tick, and he felt the same way because what Luke did was truly unforgivable.

"But now it's different."

Athena passed him a deep look and held her gaze, "There was a reason why I couldn't tell you, both you and Annabeth about who Luke is, or what he had become."

His throat suddenly went dry. Percy couldn't speak, much less formulate a coherent thought with what Athena was about to tell him.

"He's not normal," Athena finally revealed and passed him a solemn look, "Even strictly speaking as a human being, he is already on the verge of becoming a sociopath. Money, wealth, and power had only twisted his mindset beyond anyone's comprehension. And now, he realized he's a son of Hermes, the myths about the Gods exist, and along with Kronos's evil supplying him with unlimited strength beyond imagination, it's no wonder why he has truly become a monster."

Feelings beyond pathos reflected in her grey eyes, Percy had never once seen Athena react with pure fear before. He could only stare blankly back, shivers rose collectively across their bodies.

"That's why I didn't tell you about him. That's why I didn't ever want to tell Annabeth about what I've learned. He's too powerful, and you two are not ready to face him, not yet. Learning the truth about his identity would only hurt and cause unnecessary pain, especially for Annabeth."

Athena made sure he was looking at her before she said with firm determination, "Do you understand why I did what I did, Percy?"

Conflicted, Percy understood her reasoning but couldn't exactly agree with her decision. Knowing the truth would indeed hurt Annabeth, but not telling her would only delay the inevitable. Eventually, she's going to find out who they are fighting against, and when that day comes, Percy had a feeling it would hurt way more.

"You want to protect her…"

"Yes."

"But she's going to find out even—"

No matter how many objections he had about keeping it a secret from Annabeth, his mouth couldn't move, and the words he wanted to say wouldn't come out.

"But…."

Left stammering, it was because Percy didn't have the courage to hurt her either. He was now facing an impossible crossroad, unable to decide which side of the equation he should follow. After all, once he went down that path there was no coming back.

And it wasn't just Luke. The truth about her real heritage would be revealed as well, and it would change everything she'd ever believed in. Even if she was ready to listen with an open heart, it would simply be too much to bear, and Percy didn't want to see Annabeth in that vulnerable state, whether now or in the future.

"Lady Athena, I think we really should tell—"

"I admire you, Percy… I honestly do, but can you tell me it's better for Annabeth to know?" Athena narrowed her eyes, "What do you think would happen if Annabeth found out about Luke?"

Percy gulped. It didn't take a detective to figure out what Athena was saying. In the worst-case scenario: Annabeth rushed headlong into danger and tried to take him on by herself. After seeing the extent of what he was capable of, she wouldn't stand a chance and would just put herself in harm's way. Percy wasn't going to let that happen.

"And how do you think Annabeth would react if she learned who her father is? The truth would only serve to frighten her. She will never trust us again."

As much as Percy hated to admit it, Athena was right too. The truth was always scary, and in this world, sometimes ignorance was bliss. Yet, Percy couldn't stand it. He knew exactly where this path leads, yet it felt impossible to take the alternative either.

Percy gritted his teeth. He couldn't make up his mind about what to do.

"I am sorry, Percy, but I told you before, didn't I? The truth is always going to hurt."

Unable to look at anything but the intricate lattice pattern of the hardwood floor, Percy heard Athena continue, "This isn't what I wanted, and I certainly didn't mean to drag you into this, but…"

She walked forward.

"Huh? W-what are you… Ow!"

A sharp pain vibrated through his forehead. Percy recoiled and immediately looked at Athena who was now in front of him smirking. He was stunned by her sudden attack.

"What was that?!"

She smiled, "You are a better person than I could ever be, Percy,"

Percy watched her pause, "And that's why I've decided to undo the seal you've sworn upon me."

"Huh?"

Her smile widened but grew slightly hopeless at his response, "I am saying you are not bound by your promise to me anymore."

Percy mumbled terribly because she was not making sense in the slightest.

Athena leaned back up, "I won't tell you what to do because you are free to choose. I only hope you'll keep in mind about the future we're up against, and certainly about Annabeth as well."

Silence enveloped Percy to an uncanny degree, but words found their way out of his mouth.

"What happened to not telling anyone anything?"

Athena smiled genuinely, "I've changed my mind."

She paused on the spot and before he knew it, a grateful expression went over her face. Percy hadn't seen her that relief and carefree before. It was strangely weird to see a Goddess making such a lively and youthful face, "Or perhaps, you've given me the courage to face my own guilt too."

Percy saw through her subtle hint. Hopefully, it would be a nice and honest conversation, and he knew whatever happened, his loving mother would find a way to forgive Athena.

Athena tilted her head to the side, "And whatever you decided to do, I know you'll always be there for Annabeth. You are everything to her, that's why I trust you too. I know you'll do everything to protect her from danger, so do what you feel is right and follow your heart."

Percy agreed with everything she said, but a pout went over his face instead.

"It just sounds like you are passing that huge responsibility to me…" Percy grumbled.

Athena feinted ignorance and shrugged with a guilty smile, "Hey now… that's not true."

It was a lie. The mirthfulness in her voice betrayed her every attempt to say otherwise.

Percy sighed in the end. There was no way he could argue out of this one. He was now as responsible as Athena was, "Fine. I get it, Lady Athena. I'll do what I can, but this isn't something I could decide on my own."

"I figured, but for Annabeth's sake, I know you'll find a way to tell her the truth, in a way that I never could."

Athena was putting too much trust in him, but Percy understood. He was the only one who was capable of telling her. Anyone else would likely risk hurting their relationship in the future.

"I'll try my best," Percy said with determination even if he didn't believe it himself.

"That's good to hear." Athena then passed a look at the clock. It was way past midnight already, "I don't want to keep you up any longer, but before you leave, you should know what I planned to do about this new incident."

Percy listened as best he could.

"Your battle in the park had caused too much damage. Eventually, the mist wouldn't be able to hold that reality back. Everyone will see the aftermath of the destruction. Luckily, there were no security cameras there, so it won't be hard to convince people otherwise."

"Uh-huh. So? What does that mean?"

"What I am worried about Luke is real intention. If his goal since the beginning was to reveal the truth to the public, I won't be able to stop him. That's why I am going to make sure he's expelled from school and put him as the sole suspect for all that destruction. It would buy me time to forge evidence about you five whereabouts during that time if questions ever come up."

His expression dropped, "You are actually pretty scary, Lady Athena."

Forced expulsion and planning false evidence… Percy was pretty sure everything she mentioned was illegal, but then again, Athena was an Olympian Goddess whose rules were beyond the laws of this reality, so it wouldn't be difficult, and to be honest, Luke deserved every ounce of it.

"Actually, I was the one who created that school, didn't you know?"

Percy blinked twice, "What?!"

"So you don't…" Athena chuckled, "I was the one who prepared for your transfer. I guess that's another secret I haven't disclosed to you yet."

"The heck? So did you plan for us to… you know?"

She tilted her head to the side curiously, "Mmm… I can't say I was expecting such a quick romantic development between you two."

Percy couldn't believe it.

"But if I can be honest, perhaps I was only hoping that you two would become friends." Athena grinned childishly.

Percy's mouth dropped to the floor. Athena was right, the truth was always going to be terrible. Since the beginning of his third school year, they've totally been set up, right from the get-go when they met at the coffee shop. Percy sat silently and turned speechless.

"But I've got to say…" Athena smiled and got a little cheeky too, "You two are really the cutest if I do say so myself, and I think I speak for everyone else in this family that you two are perfect for each other, even if you are pretty much step-siblings."

"Aaahhh! Don't say another word anymore!"

Percy was mortified by the reminder.

Athena grinned like a kid winning a huge prize at a carnival game, and now he couldn't wait to bury this conversation six feet deep in the ground for eternity!