Disclaimer:

I DO NOT own this series. That goes to the wonderful Rick Riordan and Hyperion Books. I am just borrowing the story and characters. I will say that the story lines will be written down because it makes it much easier to follow along and know the current placement, especially if it has been a while since reading the book. Also, this is not beta'd so there will most likely be a few mistakes, feel free to let me know. Enjoy!

Oh, this is also only my second story ever so please be gentle. I've been really enjoying getting to share how I would imagine characters would react to their tales and I hope to continue to do so.

Book

'thoughts'

"speech"

Interlude III

While Zeus was pleased as punch to spew rage about the loss of his precious bolt, the rest of the gods had taken off after the children. Even Hera and Dionysus who had been woken up by the Sky God's volume and otherwise annoyed. They had been able to sneak out without Zeus even noticing their absence.

They had made it to the kitchen to find not only the children helping the mortal mother, but some of the gods as well. Apollo and Hermes seemed to be having a competition with their children on who knows what but based off their energy they had clearly snuck more than enough chocolate. Poseidon could be seen with his sons helping Sally, although they had been making quite a few sneaks at the chocolate as well.

Many of the gods were still amazed to see how welcome the children were of the baby cyclops. How easily they embraced him in their group, it was so different than what they were used to. Seeing the monster, Tyson – they'd have to work on saying his name – given hugs and smiles was actually kind of sweet. The young one was truly seen as the youngest among the group despite his abilities. Watching Poseidon play with one of each type of his children was an interesting picture. Observing the Sea God smothering the two boys was entertaining, one clearly fighting the want of attention due to his age, the other fully clutching to the god at full strength.

Even the mortal woman seemed to treat the cyclops as another son. This clear-sighted mortal obviously didn't like monsters after all her preparation with Percy, but this one monster she treated like any other boy. It was intriguing. It was confusing.

"Oh, you three!" It seemed the woman had caught the small family eating away at the cake batter.

"But it's so good mom!" Percy whined, Tyson and Poseidon nodding along spoons lost in their mouths.

"Cookie batter is one thing, but cake is another."

"If cake batter is what kills you Prissy, I will laugh at your funeral." Clarisse snickered.

"Don't act like you aren't doing the same thing, Clarisse." Percy shook his spoon at her.

Somehow, Sally had managed to get the bowls away from the groups and get the cakes into the oven to bake.

"Okay, now you have to tell me this merman story of Percy's." Nico prodded Annabeth who smirked at her boyfriend.

Surprisingly Percy didn't seem embarrassed, and he leant back in his seat arms behind his head.

"I'm not even ashamed to say I did this." He smiled causing the kids to pause and focus more on Annabeth.

"Okay, okay. So, Seaweed Brain over here needed money, 'cause were always broke for quests and regular spending right?" She started getting nods from the campers.

"Now, Percy originally was gonna get like a fast food job or something, but he randomly had the most amazing brainwave. Of course, he flailed about once he realized it, but he actually was smart and realized he could get a job that his powers could help." Now that got some of the gods attention. A demigod using his powers to their benefit in daily life?

"Thinking that, us and Grover started brainstorming. We figured zoos or a cleaner somewhere, even an aquarium helper with the fishes and such. And then Tyson was with us one day and mentioned how he once saw those women who act as mermaids at aquariums and water shows.

"And for Percy it sounded perfect. He got to swim all day, chat with sea life, and get paid to do it."

Percy jumped in his seat arms out wide.

"It was perfect. I even got to play and mess around with the kids that came to the aquarium! The number of kids who were excited to see a male mermaid was awesome. I even got to coordinate with the fishes to pull off "shows" for the people!" Percy was exuberant with his retelling.

Poseidon was smiling at his son; it was just like Percy to be this bright presence giving his all to make others happy even if only for a little while.

Tyson could be seen clapping his hands, beaming at the memory. He had gone to so many of Percy's shows with Grover and Annabeth. The three of them had loved seeing the "shows" and giving their friend ideas for more tricks he could have them do.

"What?! Why was I never invited to see this?" Nico complained.

"Oh, we didn't tell anybody. It was only our little group. Looking back though, I'm not really sure why." Grover explained.

"It just never really came up in conversations. Since we had renovations and builds to take care of." Percy added on.

"I guess that makes sense." Nico said sullen.

"Don't worry Neeks, I'll see when I'm going again and we'll make sure Wise Girl or G-Man brings you along."

"Deal."

"Don't try and not include up Kelp Head." Thalia warned.

"I would never Pinecone Face."

"We can't even use it as blackmail on him, he's too proud of himself." Travis complained.

"Well, we can at least use him to get free tickets to the aquarium. You know they always got cool exhibits and stuff going on." Chris pointed out.

"Ooh, good point!" Connor cheered.

"Cakes done!" Sally called receiving whoops from the children who rushed to get some.

"Oh us, this is heavenly." Hermes moaned.

"I can't decide what's better, the cookies or this." Apollo said, well what they assumed, his mouth was full.

Hera had to admit, from the small piece she had acquiesced herself to, it was quite delicious.

It had taken a while, everybody had wanted multiple servings, but the group had managed to rejoin Zeus in the reading room. Zeus who seemed to have lost his rage, seeing as he was slumped in his seat oblivious to the groups entrance.

Apollo had grabbed the book and flung it to Dionysus who had been about to settle back in and nap once again. The Sun God had managed to smack him in the face causing the children to burst into giggles and snorts.

"What was that for?!" The Wine God roared.

"You can't just sleep through the story, who knows what the Fates would do to you." Apollo shrugged.

Dionysus blanched; he hadn't thought of that. Well, he could pay attention a little more, at least he had access to wine now.

Clearing his throat, which managed to get everybody's attention, he opened the book and read the next title in confusion.

AN: And that's the chapter. I actually managed to get this cranked out pretty fast. Hopefully the next chapter follows that speed.

As always reviews are appreciated or PMs if preferred. Thanks for reading. See y'all next time!