AN: Hi there! Here is another new chapter for my really long-fic! Hopefully, you have all enjoyed the last chapters quite a bit, and this one is more laid back so grab a cup of tea, or coffee, or hot chocolate and enjoy! As always, thank you for all the support, favorites, follows, and reviews. It really brightens up my day to see someone new reading my stories. To Jamesbird song: Thanks for the review. I am glad you enjoy reading them. To the last guest review: I hope this chapter will give you some idea what Percy and Annabeth were up to late that night... -insert winky face-

Until next time. Ciao!

Chapter 4: Harem

Percy

With a ceiling that's taller than any three stories buildings, the six of us sat around the 'living room' with nothing going on, our gazes trained aimlessly on each other….

Then out of nowhere, the girl with wavy blonde hair stood up and exclaimed.

"I am going to find out what's going on in there!"

She never got to storm off because her best friend pulled her back.

"Annabeth, calm down! You should know what's going on in there. Just give her time…"

"How can you say that?!" Blonde hair swinging as she turned back, Annabeth finally snapped, "If she has the power to see the future, shouldn't we use it to our advantage and plan ahead?"

Sitting the closest to Annabeth, I admit I was thinking about the same question too.

When Thalia first explained the situation, I thought it was a joke. Honestly, an ability to see the future was already ridiculous enough on its own, but the fact that Rachel was the one who inherit this age-old power longer than the Gods themselves…

I wanted to believe it was all a mistake, but back then, the way she saw through the mist, or how she was able to tell who the attacker was without guessing randomly…

Piper let out a sigh, "Annabeth, this isn't a joke… Rachel is probably panicking right now. Remember how you felt when you first learned about our world?"

Annabeth looked uncomfortably conflicted.

That reminder halted me too. Although I agreed with Annabeth, I knew our friends were right too. We would just get in the way if we burst into her study. Reaching out, I held her hand as gently as possible and gave her a slight tug. She was shivering just a bit, so I tighten my grip.

"Let's just wait, wise girl… I am sure everything will be fine."

She responded to me only and relented.

"Fine, but what are we waiting here for? Shouldn't we be doing something about Amk? What about Drew? You know she's not going to just sit around and wait for us to show up again. We should get her now before—"

"Geez… You are pretty fired up after almost dying to the Nemean Lion, princess." A voice spoke nonchalantly on the further end of the couch, "By the way, that's probably below a C-rank monster if I am really honest, and yet you still managed to get hurt by him… Maybe you should just sit back and let us do all the work. You'd just get in the way."

Everyone turned to the voice. Meanwhile, I was so shocked by what was said I couldn't even react, so when Annabeth turned her heated gaze to the boy with short sandy blond hair, I knew trouble was on the horizon, "Excuse me?"

The boy shrugged and put his hands behind his head, "I mean, if you are so confident in your abilities that you are willing to get yourself kill, then be my guest."

Annabeth's nostril flair, "So what? We just sit around and do nothing while our enemies plan ahead over our every move? I am not going to let…"

Jason let out a tsk sound.

"Don't flatter yourself, princess. Your 'training' is nothing more than child's play compared to the real deal. How many times have you really done a battle with someone with lives on the line, huh?"

Annabeth grew as quiet as a mouse.

"This isn't a game anymore."

Ready to lay down the final nail, Jason put his feet on the coffee table and leaned back.

"You either win and get to live another day, or you lose… Don't think for a second that chasing after some righteous ideals is the best course of action for everyone."

Jason sighed when no one spoke. He relaxed into the couch and looked up at the seemingly limitless ceiling above. He sighed a second time.

"We can't always be there to save you two when trouble comes. You should learn how to survive first before heading into dangers you are not remotely prepared for."

The living room sank into a long and uncomfortable silence.

I turned to give Annabeth a glance. She was livid beyond what I've seen from her before, but that anger in her grey stormy eyes was contained, if just barely, by what Jason said.

The blunt honesty hurt quite a bit, but I was glad Jason said what should have been said way before we got ourselves into this mess. Our lives were now at stake, and with one wrong move, then it's permanent game over. I didn't want that outcome, not for our friends, and especially not for the girl I loved with all my heart.

Annabeth is stronger than you think. After all, she's got the blood of Poseidon and Athena combined. But I can't reveal it yet, I might never get to tell her, tell everyone, who truly defeated the Nemean Lion and save our lives…

Eventually, the mood settled down. Piper cleared her throat and gestured at the kitchen, "I'm going to get something to drink for everyone. What do you guys want?"

There was no hesitation for one of the girls.

"Oooh!" Her words carried with anticipation, "A cold chocolate cappuccino with sprinkled Oreos, chocolate chips, lots of caramel and caramel chucks, two vanilla swirl wafers, plus whipped cream on top please." At long last, Illya blurted out her super long order even though she was ironically the maid of this household.

Everyone turned to our newest member of the group who became our new healing attendant. She tilted her head to the side and looked back at everyone staring. Given the strange situation, that whole sentence was more than anything she had ever said in one go.

And with a completely straight face too, we were all shocked for different reasons…

Then a suppressed chuckle escaped the girl beside me…

It was Annabeth, and she was quick to bite her lips while holding back her pretty smiles. We all noticed, then…

"Hahahaha…"

I couldn't hold back and cracked up laughing too. Everyone was now all smiles and giggling at the confused-looking Illya who kept her head tilted to the side so innocently.

"Make it yourself, Illya!" Piper giggled, "And don't expect me to help you!"

Giving up with a pout, Illya got up and joined Piper as they went to the kitchen. I heard laughers as they disappeared from the group.

That left Thalia, Jason, as well as me and Annabeth sitting in the living room.

Finally, Annabeth plopped back next to me and sighed with a rare breath of relief.

"Oh man… that was good."

Despite the provocation from Jason, Annabeth seemed strangely calm, though I wasn't shocked when she ignored his direction with every ounce of her being.

As soon as the other girls left, Thalia gestured at us to pay attention, "Anyway, that being said, we still have to find out as much as we can about Amk, just like Annabeth said. We also need to learn more about Rachel's father, and the best way to do that is to ask her ourselves."

We nodded in agreement.

"I am sure Lady Athena will fill us in on the details once she'd done, but until then, I think we should just relax for now." She grinned and got up, "Be right back…"

Thalia rushed toward the kitchen as well. Guess I shouldn't be surprised because Piper forgot to ask the rest of us about our drink order. I sighed.

With that in mind, I wasn't going to argue anymore, and this time, Annabeth seemed okay with it too. It couldn't be helped. After all, she was snuggling up against me despite drawing unwanted eyes from the son of Zeus himself.

"Ahem… Let me go get something too." Jason hurried and disappeared.

And like that, we were left alone.

Comfortable as I was, I couldn't help but feel a ghostly aura below me.

I drifted my gaze down and saw Annabeth resting on my chest. She did the same and met me halfway.

"S-Something wrong…?"

She kept her eyes on me, and with puppy looks that sucked you into a happy paradise, I also saw her baring its fangs, ready to devour me when I least expect it.

"You've got some major explaining to do, Percy." She smiled.

With that sentence alone, nothing but nervous laughs left me.

-Line Break-

All I heard was her soft voice droning out in my ears.

I wanted to listen, but I couldn't hear it. There just wasn't enough processing power in my head to take it all in. After all, how could anyone?

Then it suddenly stopped.

"We can take a break if you want?"

I shook my head automatically, "No! Please, keep going."

I heard a long sigh, "It's okay to be feeling anxious. I am sure you are confused and afraid about everything I am saying, and I know this is a lot to wrap your head around, but you shouldn't strain yourself. Take a breather. I'll be right back."

Before I could protest, she disappeared into a hidden room behind her bookcase. I was left alone…

Aimless wandering, my repressed memories were only starting to come back bits by bits. A single thought repeated in my head as I looked at a blue digital orb keeping me company.

Dad… what have you gotten yourself into?

...

I survived.

I didn't know how I survived, but thank God I did…. Because that wasn't something I'd ever like to experience again!

Holding me with pure contempt in her eyes, Annabeth eventually let me go with dubious looks, but at least the questions stopped.

"You are lucky I am such a forgiving person, seaweed brain…"

Yeah… I get it… It was totally my fault. I looked away and silently wept to myself.

Honestly, I was such an airhead. How could I not realize what I did right in front of her? I've only got myself to blame for making such a stupid mistake.

Damn you, Illya!

Lucky for me, everyone came back with a drink in their hands, and for me and Annabeth, we both got orange soda which to be honest wasn't my favorite, but I was more than happy that I get to sip something cold while having Annabeth sit close to me.

It was relaxing and peaceful, which I doubt we'll get a lot anymore.

Of course, one of the girls was trying her hardest to balance a sundae cup filled to the brim with exactly what she asked for, plus a scoop of vanilla ice cream to top it off. With so much deliciousness, Illya was having a hard time figuring out what to eat, as expected.

No! No Percy… that's what got you in trouble in the first place! Goddamn it!

I realized then that I have a weak spot for anything cute and adorable, and damn it all to hell, Illya was naturally cute and adorable.

Of course, Annabeth was naturally cute and adorable too, though her violent tendency to hide that side of her wasn't something I missed; if only she was as mellow and innocent as Illya…

Then again, that's one of the many reasons why I fell in love with my wise girl, her spontaneous personality, that aggressive and possessive persona she only showed to me…

….what I wouldn't give to fall in love with her again?

As subtly as I could, I tilted my head to the side and planted a soft kiss on Annabeth's temple despite everyone around us. She froze and turned beet red.

"Huwwahhh?"

I pulled away and sip on my drink as nonchalantly as I could, she stared at me in shock, her right hand brushed over her cheeks in surprise.

Then out of nowhere, I got a kiss on the cheek too.

Followed by blushing bright red, white steam blew out the top of my head. We were both embarrassed now, and all because I did something impulsive.

"*cough* Get a room... *cough*"

"So adorable-ee… Ahem!"

Jason turned to his cold drink and buried his whole face into the cup. Illya ignored us, her sole focus was on the massive sundae she worked hard to obtain.

I straighten up

Annabeth straighten up too and stopped leaning on me.

Still blushing wildly, neither of us passed so much of a glance, nor at any of our friends. The moment passed so slowly and awkwardly, saved only when…

"Nice to see you all getting along…" Our Goddess appeared out of nowhere and startled us, "Hmm? What are you all doing? Why are you all just sitting there quiet?"

Everyone turned away, we almost didn't notice the auburn hair girl trailing behind. She looked so timid about everything, though that's to be expected after all she went through.

"N…No Reason-nn!"

Athena turned to us, her expression relaxed before she sighed, "You two are still like that?" She rubbed her forehead in exasperation, "Just how long would it take for you two to stop being so embarrassed about it? Honestly, I am already surprised it took so long for you two to get past that point last night."

Our heads perked up.

"Last night…?" Everyone turned curiously.

"Of course! I mean, I understand how stress can lead one to seek comfort in others, but to finally see you two kissing and making out… Well, it's a relief."

"You were watching?!"

Athena chuckled, "Yeah no, even I am not brave enough to watch my daughter getting intimate with you, Percy, and I don't think I'll ever be ready for that."

Together, we were blushing white steam.

The following smirk threw me off guard, "By the way, you two forgot about your necklaces."

An awkward moment of silence…

Athena studied us and narrowed her gaze, "Heh…" Her smirk grew sly as she turned away from us still holding that mocking sarcastic look, "I might have peeked a little at your vitals."

Her sudden reveal left our souls trapped in an endless sucking black hole.

"Oh that's right, the necklaces keep track of everything, not just your locations. Oops… I guess I forget to mention it. Oh well… Hahaha…"

On the other side, Jason perfectly ignored everything. The same could not be said for Piper and Thalia who were grinning mad, even Illya seemed mildly interested in our conversation.

"Hehe… why am I not surprised, eh?"

"Making out like heated bunnies, I bet…"

The hush giggles gave way to a murderous aura beside me.

"Shut it or I will make you shut it…" Her threat quieted the giggles, but whispers never stopped among our friends. I averted their direction as much as possible.

Then a dragged-out sigh escaped Athena as she turned to the group, she smiled wickedly, "Wanna know all the embarrassing things Annabeth said that night?"

"Mom!" My girlfriend flung herself and wrestled to cover her mouth, "You are not going to say another word! Go away and die in a fire!"

Laughers… Joyous and elated laughers filled the penthouse… Even Rachel was unable to hold back. It felt like one big happy family, and despite how red I was, I was smiling.

"Muhawww! I hate all of you so much!"

-a lengthy explanation later-

"And so… that's how it will be for now."

Athena set the cup of tea on the table after giving us all the details. She turned to everyone, "But this time, I'll be on the offensive, and since Luke wouldn't show himself for a while, that takes care of his presence at the school. First, I would like to take some time to investigate your home, Rachel, with your permission, of course."

Rachel looked uncomfortable, though it was because of all the eyes on her, "O-Of course, Lady Athena. I doubt you'll find anything though. My dad is never home."

Athena closed her eyes and took a slow, musing sip of her tea, "We'll see, but if there is anything your father is keeping from you, it's most likely in your mansion. Are you prepared to know if what I predicted came to pass?"

Not a word left Rachel. Her lips were sealed.

"In any case," Athena finally finished her tea, "Jason, I'll need your help. The rest of you should stay here and wait until we get back."

"Wait? What are you saying— I'm…"

Athena cut off her daughter, "Trust me, Annabeth. This will be quick, and there's no point putting you and Percy in jeopardy if the risk isn't even that great. It's only recon. Jason and I are more than capable of doing it ourselves."

Annabeth stayed quiet.

"Besides, you still have a lot more to learn from Rachel. I'll let her take it from here." Athena pushed herself up and gestured Jason over. The son of Zeus didn't miss a bit and went to the Goddess's side, a look of determination filled his blue eyes, "Well, be back in a bit."

Golden shimmers in the shape of an antique clock expanded beneath their feet.

Suddenly, I picked up something strange. Instead of some snarky parting remarks the twins always gave when parting, Thalia passed a tough and worried look at her brother. The same couldn't be said for Jason who passed a smirk, but it was a smirk with something hiding behind opaque glass.

Before anyone could protest, Athena and Jason disappeared into the temporal gate and teleported to Rachel's mansion. Leaving us in the safety of the penthouse, a moment of peace and relaxation was granted while she was now out in the field with Jason, risking their lives.

It felt wrong. We should all be fighting together.

"It's only a recon mission. I guess we should let them handle it." Thalia spoke first to my surprise.

Piper spoke next in a cheerful mood, "Mm-hmm! And while we wait…" She drifted her cute and inviting gaze toward Rachel who was sitting by herself, "Come in here, Rachel. Don't sit by yourself!"

Rachel looked reluctant for all the right reasons. Piper was staring at her like she was a week-old puppy and wanted to cuddle and rub her cheeks all over the poor, defenseless girl. That side of Piper only showed itself whenever something new and cute appeared at her doorsteps.

"Okay," To my surprise, Rachel said yes and got up, except she chose a spot right next to me! Annabeth frowned right away and eased me to her side by dragging me closer.

"Is this okay?" She passed me an unsure look.

I could only relent to the presence of Rachel trying to get closer and Annabeth pulling me in the opposite direction, an uncomfortable chuckle left me, "Ahhahaha…"

Ignoring all that, Thalia threw in a bunch of questions all at once.

"So, what did Athena tell you about us? Can you tell us about your father? Judging by what you said, I am guessing you two are very close?"

"Um… Can I ask something first?"

"Oh? Yeah, what's up? Is it something about the mythology?"

Rachel shook her head, then she pointed her gaze at every girl and paused a bit at each to hold their gaze. Annabeth shot her a back-off gaze as expected, but it didn't bother Rachel.

Everyone's gaze was on her now. She sucked in a deep breath, clench her legs together, and put her hands on her thighs which were showing too much because of the short school skirt. I looked away.

"Rachel?"

With another deep breath, she turned and looked at me instead.

"Ahem." She cleared her throat and her gaze darted sideways instead of meeting mine, "W-With so many girls around you all the time, I was just wondering…"

"Eh?"

Rachel blurted out exactly what I dread before I could stop her, "Are you trying to start a harem?"

"Eehhh?!"

The room grew very quiet.

"O-Of course not! W…What gives you that idea?"

No one could have expected that, it was an absurd idea. Yet, I was the only one who was shocked by her insinuation. I looked on at the other girls for support. There was none to be found except sly smiles moving over their face.

Soon, I felt a string of sarcastic chuckles and a ghostly aura burning like a fire behind me. I flinched as it drew near.

"O-Oww-Oww…" My right shoulder was suddenly squeezed by a grip so strong, it was the definition of using unnecessary and deadly force, "H-Hey… wise girl? You know Rachel is joking, right? Right…?"

I pleaded for my life.

"A harem? Man, you've become such a lady's man, Percy." Thalia joked.

Piper chimed in, "Hehe… I am starting to think you don't mind building a harem, Percy. I wonder how many more girls would join your circle. Hehehe…"

I frowned. They were no help whatsoever.

A soft tug at my sleeve brought my attention to a girl crouched before me. I gulped as her red ruby gaze caught mine and refused to let go.

"Ahem, what is it, Illya?"

She looked deep into my eyes, "Percy, what is a harem?"

Thalia and Piper burst out with hysterical laughs. Illya stared at me all curious and confused. Rachel sat beside me and lean forward at me, still waiting for a serious reply. And finally….
"A… A… An h-harem, eh? Heh… Hehehe…." To see my girlfriend mumbling while keeping her shadowy eyes cast downward, a dark aura clouding her whole body….

The other girls smirked.

"H-Hey wise girl…" Her dark aura grew twice as big and consumed everything in its path, "Come on now… I'm not— Guh!"

Then the world faded to black before my eyes. All I could think about in my last moment was…

What have I gotten myself into…? Sigh.