A/N: Lord Chalupa here! I enjoyed writing this chapter the most so far through and through. It was previously my favorite chapter from the original fanfic. It had the hurt/comfort, it had the humor, it had the cringe, it had Zeus being a terrible father, and pretty much everything else I enjoy in a good fanfic. Now I just did my best to enhance it and make it even better. This is the second chapter I'm putting out today, so hopefully you all like it.

Disclaimer: All characters and text in bold belong to Rick Riordan. Cover art is not mine. (So, any artists out there that are interested, please send in your work and I may use it as the cover)

2005 Annabeth, Grover, and Clarisse (normal): Annabeth (sometimes seen as Annie), Grover, Clarisse

2010 Annabeth, Grover, and Clarisse (Underlined): Annabeth, Grover, Clarisse

Thoughts are still italicized: Are Frank and I an item in the future? I guess he is kind of cute, with his babyface and all. Hazel blushed at her thoughts and fanned her faced in embarrassment.


"Chapter 3, Grover Unexpectedly Loses His Pants."

The room went silent for a brief moment and then it devolved into hysterical laughter.

"I didn't know you dropped your pants for anyone other than Juniper," Thalia teased. "I'll have to let her know to watch out next time I see her."

Grover blanched. "F's sakes Thalia! Are you trying to get me killed!? You know that Juniper would kill me -or worse shave off my goatee- if you told her that! And you know just as well as I do that isn't what the chapter title meant!"

"I don't see you denying that you would drop your 'pants' for Juniper though," Rachel sang in a teasing tone.

Grover blushed a bright shade of pink. "I was so right last chapter. I'm going to die from embarrassment before the end of this chapter."

Percy placed his hand on his shoulder and said with a face full of righteousness, "I'm here for you, G-Man. Even if everybody else turns against you for your odd taste in exhibitionism, at lest I will never turn my back on you." The whole room burst into even more hysterics.

Grover's face turned beet red in anger and looked as if he wanted to strangle Percy right then and there. "This is all your fault to begin with! You and your stupid unfiltered mind! I swear on my trusty reed pipes that if I don't get back at you for this then I'm a sheep!"

"Um…" little Grover interrupted; the tips of his ears slightly pink. "Were you guys talking about the dryad, Juniper?"

"Yeah, that's the one." Percy then smirked at Grover who was still fuming beside him. "Are you interested in her?"

Grover blushed and nodded his head shyly. "Yeah," he said. "I think she's super cute."

Aphrodite, Silena, and even Piper cooed at the blushing, young Satyr.

"O gods," Thalia groaned. "I thought he was only this bad when he is around Artemis and her hunters, but now I see that he's always been a lovestruck fool."

Artemis heard this and glared at both Grovers. "What exactly do you mean by this, Thalia?" She questioned her future lieutenant.

Thalia's eyes brightened and she was just about to readily sell out one of her best friends, but Grover beat her to it. "What she meant was that I'm just in awe of your majesty and all Satyrs are very thankful of you for protecting nature as much as you can."

Artemis smiled and stuck her chin into the air proudly. "Hmph! As you should be, that was a very acceptable answer."

"Oh great," Ares groaned. "Just what the eternal virgin needed, another ego boost."

"You're the last person that can say that," Artemis growled. "So, if you don't want to risk the chance of being castrated, then I'd shut up if I were you."

Ares glared at her and pretended like he wasn't afraid of her threat, but secretly covered his precious jewels which still ached from the most recent time she shot him there with her arrows.

"Why does Artemis stay as a 12-year-old anyways?" Leo whispered to Piper and Jason. "She'd be way hotter if she was a bit older. And the chest! Her flat chest reminds me of a 14-year-old photo of Piper that Coach Hedge managed to find while working as your dad's secretary! Wait- why do you look like you're about to kill me? Please put your dagger away!"

Piper stared at him with steely calm eyes that made him even more scared. "How about I do Lady Artemis a favor and castrate you myself." Leo screamed and grabbed onto Jason for dear life who shrugged him off a told him that 'he reaps what he had sown'.

"Enough!" Zeus bellowed, shutting down all of the idle chatter. "You're in the presence of your king and I will have no more goofing off in my presence!"

Poseidon rolled his eyes but gave Amphitrite a squeeze on her hand and told her she might as well read now that it's quiet.

Confession time: I ditched Grover as soon as we got to the bus terminal.

Grover glared at Percy and muttered under his breath something about 'Dandelions' and 'Eucalyptus Trees'.

Percy let out a small squeak and sank into his chair, trying to avoid his best friend's glare. He had forgotten how violent his friend could be when angered. Percy turned to Annabeth, put on his best baby seal eyes, and sent out a silent plea for help. Annabeth had wanted to chide Percy for ditching Grover but she just couldn't say no to those eyes. "How about you forgive him this once, alright?" She asked Grover, as she wrapped Percy in a protective embrace.

"Fine," Grover acquiesced. "Just this once."

I know, I know. It was rude.

"It sure was," Grover huffed but stopped glaring at Percy.

Percy heaved a sigh of relief and swore to never get on Grover's bad side.

But Grover was freaking…to be sixth grade?"

This time, Grover sank into his chair, doing his best to avoid the looks of exasperation that most of the room sent him.

"That'd even freak me out. Even if only a little bit," Clarisse admitted with multiple nods of agreement from the other demigods.

"Yeah!" Percy agreed, happy to have people on his side. "Can't say I wouldn't ditch you again if you were being so sketchy, G-Man."

"My bad," Grover muttered out a small apology.

Whenever he got upset…beeline for the restroom.

"Sorry, G-man," Percy said before Grover could comment on his unflattering thoughts. "But you know it's true."

Grover muttered out something unintelligible and then let out a sigh of defeat.

Instead of waiting…told the driver.

"That's not where your apartment is," Thalia commented.

Percy looked at her warily. "You've memorized my address?"

Thalia scoffed. "Don't think so highly of yourself, Kelp Head. I've only memorized it so I could visit Sally and for safety purposes."

Artemis looked at Thalia disapprovingly. She didn't like the idea of her future lieutenant spending time at a male's place. Even if Percy seemed like an alright guy for now, she was sure he'd show his true colors eventually.

A word about my mother, before you meet her.

"She's wonderful," Annabeth smiled.

"Tells the best baby stories," Thalia added.

"She's like a second mom to me," Nico said. A dreamy look came to his eyes and drool started to pool at the corners of his mouth. "And she makes the best cake."

"How do you all know this mortal woman?" Artemis asked with narrowed eyes.

"Sally's place is pretty much a safe house for us demigods," Will Solace explained to the moon goddess. "She never turns back a demigod when they need a safe place to stay when were out in the mortal world."

"She has even let the hunters stay at her place a couple of times when you had to go on a solo hunt," Thalia added.

Artemis' eyes slowly opened wide and a genuinely happy smile came to her face. She looked at Percy and bowed her head in gratitude. "I'd like to thank you and your mother for taking care of my hunters whenever I was away."

Percy blushed and waved off her thanks. "Please raise your head, milady!" Percy said in a fluster. "My mother and I would be more than happy to help out those that need it. So, there is no need to thank us."

"Yeah, there is no need to thank a boy, much less bow to one." Phoebe grunted, miffed that her lady had to lower herself to a pathetic boy.

Artemis gave Phoebe a disapproving look. "I thought I had taught you better than that, Phoebe."

"Our lady is right, Phoebe." Zoe chided the huntress. "We do not pay back a debt of gratitude with ingratitude."

Percy looked at the former lieutenant sadly. Her death had been one of the hardest for him to take. As soon as he thought they may be able to be great friends, she was gone just as quick.

Phoebe was still very disgruntled but mumbled out an apology because of Artemis' and Zoe's stern words.

Artemis looked at Percy in gratitude and thought, Maybe I should give this boy the benefit of the doubt. He hasn't done enough yet to prove that he won't turn out like all the other male heroes, but so far at least, I don't find him to be so incorrigible. She then smiled kindly at Percy and said, "Still, I will not let you and your mother's kindness go without gratitude. If you ever require my hunt's help in the future, then I shall give it to you."

Zoe looked at her lady in surprise. Her lady very rarely gave out such a promise even to a maiden. If Artemis was giving the boy a chance, then she supposed she should as well. Who knows? Maybe he'll prove me wrong and turn out nothing like Hercules.

"Thank you very much, milady. Your hunters have already been of much help in the future and saved my life on a couple of occasions. I'm already most thankful to you and to them."

Artemis and her two hunters were becoming more and more surprised with this boy. A hero so humble and respectful towards the hunt was very uncommon. They couldn't help looking forward to understanding more and more about this enigma of a boy.

Her name is Sally Jackson…have the rottenest luck.

Leo smiled sadly, reminded of his own mother who died in the fire that 'Potty Sludge' had caused.

Percy also smiled sadly. Everything his mother had been through was more than most mortals could handle. And she still had it in her to put up with a son like himself. The more he thought about this the more he wanted to beat himself up. What a crap son I've been, Percy thought to himself in self-degradation. She deserved an angel as her son, not a piece of work like me.

From beside him, Annabeth could feel pain and self-loathing coming off of Percy in waves. She knew Percy well enough to know what he was thinking without asking. "You're her world, you know that, right Percy?" She asked him.

Percy shrugged but didn't agree with her. "Percy, she loves you more than you could ever know, as do I." Percy looked up hesitantly and only felt better when he saw Annabeth's eyes brimming with love.

Percy sighed and laid his head down onto her lap. "I'm sorry that I'm acting like this…it's just reading through my life and having everyone hear about it…I am definitely feeling more sensitive than usual because of it."

Annabeth shushed him with a kiss on the lips. "No need to be sorry, Seaweed Brain. And speaking of what you just said about feeling more sensitive than usual, I'm pretty sure I understand why. So, next break I'd like to talk with you about." Percy kissed her back and agreed.

Her own parents died in a plane crash when she was five,

Everyone in the throne room glared at Zeus, unhappy that he caused such pain to such a kind woman like Sally.

"Do you really have to strike down a plane whenever you through a temper tantrum?" Thalia asked her father angrily. Jason didn't say anything but agreed with his sister one-hundred percent. His dad had killed so many innocent lives during his tantrums. He couldn't help but feel ashamed to be his son at this moment

On the other hand, Zeus just avoided Thalia's question and started whistling like it was not his problem.

Thalia threw up her hands in anger and gave her dad's back 'the finger', and told Amphitrite to continue before she could punch her dad.

and she was raised…good creative-writing program.

Athena nodded her head, impressed with the woman's drive to go to college, even if she was once smitten with 'Barnacle Beard'.

Then her uncle got…and no diploma.

Percy let out a sad sigh.

Leo gave the son of Poseidon a somewhat sad and somewhat relieved look. Sure, he felt very bad for Percy's mother but he also felt a guilty sense of happiness, knowing that he wasn't alone out there. He was happy to know someone that also had a loving parent who had a tough life. He finally had someone who shared his sentiments and he wanted to become Percy's friend even more.

The only good break she ever got was meeting my dad.

Aphrodite looked giddy, always the one to look forwards to a good love story.

Poseidon smiled happily, glad that he could bring some form of joy to Sally's rough life. He had wanted to give her more, but she was so insistent on doing things herself, a quality that frustrated and attracted him to her at the same time.

Amphitrite saw the smile on her husband's face at the mention of Sally, but couldn't find it in herself to be mad at him. Sally sounded like an amazing woman, and was happy that Poseidon was able to bring some good into her life.

Poseidon noticed his wife looking at him, and smiled at her apologetically. He was pleasantly surprised to see Amphitrite shake her head and mouth that 'it's okay'.

I don't have any…of his smile.

"First you broke the oath and now you're even visiting him!" Zeus bellowed.

Poseidon glared at his brother in defiance. "And I'd do it again. I love my children and I'm not going to let the ancient laws stop me from looking out for them."

Percy beamed at his father while the future demigods smiled at their friend. If anyone deserved a loving parent, then it had to be their resident Son of Poseidon.

Luke felt a surge of bitterness and jealousy. He hated his dad for not helping him when his mom would go into her insane fits. He hated him for never being there during his times of need. He hated that he sent him on that stupid quest. He HATED the Olympians and would tear down everything they had built, brick by brick.

"I say we punish Poseidon for breaking our laws!" Zeus yelled.

"No! You won't, father!" Thalia screamed angrily, fed up with her father's stupid rules. "You Olympians should start following his example instead!"

Zeus opened his eyes wide, astonished his daughter would dare talk to him that way. He grabbed his bolt and screamed, "You dare talk to me, your father, that way!?"

Thalia remained firm. Seeing the situation his sister was in, Jason stepped forward and stood by her side. "Thalia's right, father! I may have never felt this way, but I know many of my fellow demigods have felt neglected by their parents."

Zeus' eyes turned red, barely listening to a thing his two children were saying. Out of anger, he let out a roar of rage and flung a bolt of destruction at his two children.

There was loud screaming and other god's reaching for their weapons to defend them…but it was too late. There was a loud explosion, a big dust cloud, and then complete silence.

"NOOOO!" Annabeth screamed out. "Those were your own children! You bastard!"

Zeus' eyes cleared and his eyes widened in horror at what he'd just done.

"I…It was…not on…" He stuttered out, staring blankly into the smoke cloud.

"Bad move, Zeus." A voice from the smoke cloud said, startling everyone in the room.

A gust of wind blew the smoke away, revealing three figures standing there. Thalia and Jason were standing hand in hand, faces as white as snow. The third person was one of the enforcers. He had lightning crackling around him, but looked completely unharmed.

Both Annabeths and Grovers sprinted towards Thalia and tackled her in a group hug, while Percy glared angrily at the Lord of the Skies. Those were his cousins right there. He might not have known Jason very well, but he was Thalia's younger brother (Annabeth had told him), which made him family, and no one messed with his family. Piper had also jumped out of her chair and tackled Jason, her face pale with worry. Leo was close behind her, nervously fiddling with some pipe cleaners like he usually did when he was feeling anxious.

Zeus looked at the scene in front of him and then turned to leave the throne room, too ashamed to face what he'd just tried to do.

Before he could leave, another enforcer stepped forward and said, "You will sit down."

Zeus instantly sat down.

"This is strike number two, Zeus." The first enforcer said in a deadly quiet voice. "If it was up to me, I'd have you faded here and now for attempted murder on your own children…sadly it's not my choice."

After speaking, the two enforcers went back to their spots by the rest of the seven.

After everyone made sure Thalia and Jason were okay, they decided it would be best to get back to reading. Everyone went back to their seats sullenly, doing their best to avoid looking at the downcast Lord of the Skies, and asked Amphitrite to continue where they left off.

My mom doesn't like…Lost at sea.

There were a few hesitant smiles, though most still felt uneasy from what had just transpired.

"Not exactly a lie, but not the complete truth either. Smart." Athena complimented.

"Maybe we could get Sally to help us teach Grover how to lie," Connor and Travis joked, effectively clearing the air a little bit, if the chuckles were anything to go off of.

She worked odd jobs…wasn't an easy kid.

Thalia cracked her first smile since she was almost blasted into oblivion.

"No, Percy is definitely not an easy kid," Thalia nudged Annabeth.

Annabeth turned a little pink and gave Percy a withering look. "No, he is not."

Finally, she married…in gym shorts.

Aphrodite gagged and quite a few other people turned a sickly shade of green

"Please stop being so descriptive!" Silena demanded in disgust.

Percy shrugged and glared at the floor. Here it comes, Percy thought angrily. Time for everyone to learn about Gabe. Fuck my life. Annabeth noticed his dark look but decided not to comment on it, and just continued to stroke his hair comfortingly. She knew that this had to be one of the darkest moments in Percy's life and saying anything now would just make things worse.

Between the two…over the carpet.

Percy gritted his teeth. He really hated that everyone was going to hear about 'Smelly Gabe'. This was very personal to him but he couldn't do anything about it. The book seemed to be completely about him, including his thoughts, so he resigned himself to having people asking about his personal life.

Grover felt the negative emotions coming off his best friend, and he put his hand on Percy's shoulder, smiling at him in reassurance.

Percy looked a little pale but felt thankful for his best friend's support nonetheless.

Hardly looking up…"You got any cash?"

"He just asked a kid," Conner said.

"For cash?" Travis finished.

The others were also glaring holes through the book.

"Unacceptable!" Hestia said angrily. "I will wring his neck out!"

Everyone cautiously backed away from the hearth, not wanting to get in the crossfire of Hestia's wrath.

That was it…the last six months.

"I definitely preferred your way of welcoming me after seeing me for the first time in six months," one of the enforcers joked quietly to his companion. He received a few snorts and a hard punch on the shoulder in response.

Gabe had put on…him handsome or something.

"I must've cursed this man or something, because this man is just not human." Aphrodite bemoaned.

"Not human…" Percy scoffed. "Right on the mark, he's worse than a monster."

Poseidon heard his son and started to feel a bit worried. Because of the stupid laws, he could never find much time to check in on his lover and Percy. He only knew that Sally had remarried, but nothing beyond. Seeing Percy's dark look and from what had been read so far, he could tell the man was nothing good.

He managed the Electronics…punch my lights out.

"THE NERVE!" Poseidon bellowed, wind and water gathering around him.

Percy's friends weren't much better. Thalia asked for Artemis to take her and the hunters to castrate the disgusting pig as soon as possible; to which Artemis readily agreed. Grover was looking downright murderous for a peace-loving goat boy. Hestia was literally on fire. Will Solace demanded to do a check up on Percy to see if there was any lasting damage from any abuse he received. Nico went up to his father to plan the worst imaginable punishments to put Gabe through.

Percy had a dark look on his face. This is exactly what he didn't want people to hear. He didn't want anyone's pity.

"Why have you never told me about this?" Annabeth fretted. "I could've done-?"

"Nothing!" Percy snapped. "You could've done nothing!"

Annabeth flinched back, an obvious look of hurt in her eyes.

Percy instantly felt bad. She was just showing her concern and he screamed at her. "I'm sorry," Percy said, his head hanging low. "I just don't want to talk about it."

When they saw Percy so downtrodden, everyone decided to drop the subject for the time being. He was obviously in a delicate spot having to read about this, much less have other people hear about it as well.

Annabeth sighed sadly and wrapped the trembling Percy into a hug. "I'm sorry. Just know that if you want someone to talk to about it, I'll always listen. You're not alone, seaweed brain."

Percy buried his face into her shirt and gave a small nod of acknowledgement. Annabeth and Thalia gave each other a knowing look. If they waited on Percy to talk to them about it, then they'd be waiting forever. Therefore, they'd have to find a time to corner Percy and ask him for details when he had calmed down.

"I don't have any …covered up everything else.

"Why would she marry such a disgusting man?" Hera asked/demanded.

Athena was deep in thought. After hearing Percy mention Gabe's smell covering up everything else, a theory came to mind, and the more Athena thought about the more she thought she was correct.

"Wow," Athena sighed in admiration. "I'm admiring this woman more and more. How'd you get a woman like her to love you?"

Poseidon rolled his eyes at the insult and ignored her, but felt proud nonetheless. He didn't understand why Athena admired her, but to him, Sally was more precious than the most precious gem in his kingdom.

"You took a…bucks in change."

"I can't believe someone with a brain the size of the pea could figure that out," Malcolm said in disbelief.

"Somebody expects to live…kid just got here."

Percy had been somewhat happy Eddie tried to stick up for him. He'd always been the only one of Gabe's poker buddies that had any semblance of humanity, even if only a little.

"Am I right?…passed gas in harmony.

"That is just disgusting," Aphrodite groaned. Even Artemis had to agree with her hated rival on that.

"Fine," I said…wouldn't act so snooty!"

Thalia snorted. "Brain boy? What a terrible nickname. Kelp Head is definitely the best!"

"Nah. It's gotta be Aqua Boy!" Nico countered.

"It's neither of those," Annabeth pulled Percy into a tight hug, ignoring the glares from Athena and her younger self. "He'll always be seaweed brain."

Thalia and Nico looked at each other then shrugged. "Touché."

I slammed the door…Home sweet home.

Everyone that knew Percy smiled.

"You just wouldn't be same old Percy without your usual sass," Thalia joked.

"All hail, Persassy, the King of Sass!" Nico proclaimed overdramatically.

Percy cracked his first real smile since everyone learned about Gabe, waved to the crowd, and gave a stiff bow from his seat. Annabeth pulled him right back down to her lap and growled. "Stop moving, I was busy playing with your hair."

Percy rolled his eyes at his girlfriend in amusement. "Your wish is my command, your highness."

Annabeth smirked and bent down to whisper in his ear. "Aren't you a good subject? Maybe I'll give you a reward tonight for being such a good boy." Percy gulped and it took all of his will power not to drool. Annabeth giggled delightfully at her boyfriend's goofy look and pinched him on the nose. "I was just going to give you a back massage. What did you think I meant?" Percy blushed and grinded his head up against her stomach in annoyance.

Gabe's smell was almost…shears snipping the yarn.

"That's one bad smell," Apollo said offhandedly.

But as soon as I thought that, my legs felt weak.

"Wuss," Clarisse said, earning a glare from Poseidon.

Not wanting to hurt a child, Poseidon blasted Ares in the face with seawater instead.

"I didn't even say anything!" Ares whined.

"Oops."

Percy groaned into Annabeth's shirt. "I think I'm starting to know what your theory is as well, Wise Girl. Good thing I was already lying down because my legs just went completely limp."

Annabeth sighed but wasn't too surprised that her conjecture had turned out to be true. "Just hang in there for a bit longer. We'll talk more about this later and hopefully prepare for what's to come."

I remembered Grover's look… and my fears melted.

Several of the women in the room cooed.

Hera smiled kindly at Percy. "I'm glad you love your mother so much. Unlike some buffoons I could name."

She sent a pointed glare at Ares, who of course did his best to not say anything that would trigger his mother.

My mother can make…think her as old.

All the future children smiled at Sally's description, thinking of how accurate it was.

"Mom will never be old in my eyes," Percy boasted, smiling brightly.

When she looks at me, it's like she's seeing all the good things about me, none of the bad.

The demigods, that didn't already know Sally, were really looking forward to meeting her. If what the future demigods said is true, then she'll be like a surrogate mother to them all. Many of them didn't have a loving mortal parent, so to have someone love them no matter who they were, was an opportunity they didn't want to miss.

I've never heard her…even me or Gabe.

"Your mother sounds amazing, Percy." Hestia said to him. "I'd love to meet her someday."

Percy smiled brightly at his favorite aunt. "You do meet her, Aunt Hestia, and you both get along great," he happily told her.

"Aunt?" Hestia asked, tilting her head.

Percy blushed in embarrassment. He had called her aunt in the heat of the moment and forgot that this Hestia still hadn't allowed him to call her that. "Well, in the future we become pretty close and you asked me to call you aunt and it just came to me naturally. I didn't mean any offence…" Percy explained himself shyly, fidgeting in his spot restlessly.

Hestia's eyes widened and then the room's atmosphere suddenly became comfortably warm. "I take no offense. In fact, I'm very happy to have you call me Aunt, Percy."

Percy's smile was so bright that even Apollo's throne paled in comparison. "Thank you, Auntie Hestia!" Percy exclaimed in joy.

"O you," Hestia put a hand on her blushed cheeks and squirmed in joy. "No need to butter me up."

All of the Olympians looked at Percy in jealousy. Why does this little brat still wet behind the ears get to call Hestia, Auntie? Whenever they would try to get on her good side, she would just glare at them in disappointment. The world is so unfair!

"Oh, Percy!" She hugged…when I came home.

All the future demigods groaned.

"What is it?" Annabeth questioned.

"Percy and sugar do not mix," was the general consensus.

"I'm not that bad," Percy grumbled. No one felt the need to deem him with a response.

We sat together on…boy doing all right?

All the demigods had a wistful look on their faces. Percy was truly lucky to have both a mortal parent and godly parent that loved him unconditionally. But once again, he deserved it.

I told her she… glad to see her.

Everyone let out 'awws' at how sweet the mother-son bond between the two was.

Even Hades smiled, to everyone's horror.

"Don't look so shocked. I can smile too," Hades said grumpily.

From the other room…bean dip huh?"

Percy gritted his teeth.

I gritted my teeth.

Everyone in the room gritted the teeth.

My mom is the…didn't seem so bad.

"Why would you ever miss Nancy?" Grover asked.

"I didn't say I'd miss her. I said she wouldn't be so bad," Percy corrected. "Compared to Gabe, she's a sight for sore eyes."

"Fair," Grover conceded.

Until that trip to… "No, Mom."

"You shouldn't lie to your mother/family," Hera and Hestia scolded respectively.

"Sorry," Percy mumbled apologetically. He was starting to feel the side effects of the book again. He felt that weird sense of fear deep in his chest and squeezed Annabeth's hand for comfort.

I felt bad lying.

Hera nodded in satisfaction. "It's good to realize your mistakes."

"Hypocrite," Hephaestus muttered, too quietly for anyone to hear.

I wanted to tell…would sound stupid.

The demigods muttered in understanding. Most people would've looked at them like a freak or something. So, they tend to bottle everything up inside of them.

"Your mom wouldn't have judged you," Annabeth whispered to the increasingly downtrodden Percy.

She pursed her lips…My eyes widened. "Montauk?".

Percy's and Poseidon's faces split apart into impossibly wide grins and the sadness in Percy was magically all gone once again. Annabeth also smiled, thinking of the times Percy would take her there on dates.

"So," Piper nudged Annabeth from behind with a smirk on her face. "This is the cabin that you loved going to with Percy." Annabeth blushed and checked to make sure Percy hadn't heard.

"Didn't I tell you to keep quiet about that?"

"Yeah, but you two are just so precious. Brings out the Aphrodite in me," Piper teased.

"Shush! I can't have him thinking I'm so easy. I need to keep him on his toes and interested. Who knows how many girls are waiting to snatch him up from me?"

"All the girls in the Aphrodite cabin at least."

"Thanks, Pipes. Sure are making me feel a whole lot better."

"Three nights-same cabin"…Didn't you hear me?"

Poseidon's and Percy's grins faded just as soon as they came.

"I want to punch him," They both said.

Amphitrite laughed at how alike the father-son duo were when she read the next line.

I wanted to punch him,

"Do it!" Clarisse and Ares yelled, already bored of how little action there had been since Percy killed the fury.

but I met my…get out of here.

"If Sally became a goddess, she'd definitely be the goddess of patience. Putting up with that man…Phew!" Apollo said, earning a few chuckles.

"I was on my…Sour cream. The works."

"Dang," Hermes said. "On top of all her perks, she also knows bribery. You're one lucky man Poseidon."

"Don't get any ideas," Poseidon growled.

Hermes raised his arms in surrender.

Gabe softened a bit…clothes budget, right?"

*Aphrodite fainted. Would you like to revive at the nearest checkpoint?*

"Who said that?" Demeter asked in bewilderment.

Three older ladies cackled in the void. "What do they call us these days, Clotho?" One of them asked. "I believe it's called a 'troll'."

"Kahaha! I sure do enjoy trolling these puny gods, makes our job at least somewhat enjoyable."

"Yes, honey," my…soprano for a week.

"Please do!" Everyone exclaimed.

"Trust me. I really wanted to. Still do." Percy growled with an evil glint in his eye.

But my mom's eyes…care what he thought?

"She did it for you," Athena told him.

Percy begrudgingly agreed but that didn't mean he had to be happy about it.

"I'm sorry," I muttered…sarcasm in my statement.

"That was probably the most obvious use of sarcasm I've ever heard. There's no way he falls for it," Annabeth said, then started gaping like a fish when Amphitrite read the next line.

"Yeah, whatever," he decided. He went back to his game.

"Is he stupid!?" Annabeth shrieked.

"I'm pretty sure that has already been confirmed, wise girl." Clarisse snarked.

Annabeth glared at Clarisse and promised herself to destroy the Ares cabin in the next capture the flag game.

"Thank you, Percy…chill in the air.

"Sally has always been in tune with Greek mythology, so she probably did feel that something was off. One of the many reasons I fell for her," Poseidon smiled fondly.

Amphitrite rolled her eyes at her husband. She gave him an inch and he decided to take a mile. "Hubby dearest," Amphitrite drawled, causing Poseidon's smile to stiffen. "I may have forgiven you and I do like this mortal woman, but that doesn't mean I'll be happy hearing you compliment her so much in front of me. Hurts my self-esteem a bit, you know?"

"Well … I … Sorry? … ya know?" Poseidon stumbled over his words, at a loss of how to excuse himself. It might not be to the extent of Percy, but his wife still had him quite well wrapped around her finger.

Amphitrite just sighed at her blubbering idiot of a husband and ignored him in favor of reading.

But then her smile… for the whole weekend.

"Cares more for his car than his wife, what a douche. I'm going to have cows leave presents on his car," Hera cursed.

Annabeth blanched at the memory of all the 'presents' Hera's cows left for her in California. She would never forgive Hera for that.

"Not a scratch…one little scratch."

"Like I'd be the one driving," Percy grumbled, feeling the same annoyance he felt in the book.

"You sure you won't? I'm pretty sure a twelve-year-old like you is of legal age to drive," Thalia said sarcastically.

"I'm sure he'd still be a better driver than you," Nico joked, earning himself a shock.

Like I'd be the…way to blame me.

Almost everyone gritted their teeth and Percy's friends once again started making plans to make Gabe's life miserable.

Watching him lumber back…shoving movement toward Gabe.

"Won't work," Athena said. "Only works on the evilest of monsters. And you have to know nature magic."

Amphitrite smirked and read the next line.

The screen door…from a cannon.

Athena and most of the gods opened their mouths in shock and awe.

"H- How?" Athena asked the general question.

"He must be so undoubtedly evil, that he can hardly be considered human," Hades mused. "He'll be given the worst of punishments when he reaches the underworld," He promised Percy.

Percy nodded, thankful that his uncle would do that for him.

"But that doesn't explain that nature magic part?" Athena griped.

Poseidon pondered this for a moment then said, "My children tend to be more in tune with nature than most, so that could explain it."

"Hmph. Even if that's the case, don't go thinking your children are so great."

"Whatever, Mrs. Brainiac."

Maybe it was…spiders in the cabinets,

Both of the Annabeths and one the enforcers shivered in fear.

"Thankfully I was able to convince Percy to clear out the spiders each time before we go there," Annabeth said a little too loudly.

Athena narrowed her eyes at her daughter. "Why are you so close to this sea spawn? To the point that you're going with him to his cabin?"

Annabeth was going to snap at her but decided it wasn't worth the effort, and just sighed. "I'll talk to you about it during the next break, so please just wait until then."

Athena felt unsatisfied but conceded.

and most of the time the sea was too cold to swim in.

"I love the place," Percy said dreamily.

I loved the place.

A lot of people smiled at Percy warmly. A kid like him deserved to live carefree, so they were happy that he got to spend at least some time with his mother at his favorite vacation spot.

We'd been going there…she'd met my dad.

Aphrodite, who'd finally regained consciousness, squealed in delight.

As we got closer…color of the sea.

After reading that paragraph, Amphitrite turned to Poseidon. "Did her eyes actually do that?"

"Yes. One of the other reasons I loved her." Poseidon smiled fondly, picturing Sally's beautiful eyes.

Amphitrite huffed in annoyance. "Husband…"

"I'm sorry! It won't happen again! I promise!"

Amphitrite rolled her eyes at Poseidon for like the thirtieth time today. "Yeah, right. You and your promises. How many have you actually upheld." Seeing the guilty look in her husband's eyes, Amphitrite sighed and decided it wasn't worth it to stay mad at him. "Whatever. I like Sally a lot so far, so I won't make a big deal out of it. Just remember me, your wife, once in a while. I also enjoy being complimented every now and then."

Poseidon agreed like his life depended on it. "Of course, dearest! You're the love of my life!"

Amphitrite blushed but turned her head away in a huff. She wasn't easy, alright? It was just slightly warm in the room. "Don't try to use any of your charm on me. Try again when you stop having affairs."

Poseidon looked at his wife in despair and promised himself to treat her better from now on.

We got there at… had brought from work.

"Why is the food blue?" Frank asked.

I guess I should explain the blue food.

Frank flushed red and went to hide behind the closest person to avoid the laughter directed at him, which was Hazel ironically.

See, Gabe had once…rebellious streak, like me.

"Rebellious streak? More like obedience streak," Thalia snorted. Annabeth and Nico nodded in agreement.

"I'm not that bad," Percy whined.

Everyone just looked at him, obviously not taking his word for it one bit.

"I'm afraid he gets that from both his mother and I," Poseidon scratched his head sheepishly. "The sea doesn't like to be restrained."

Athena rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. We've heard that a million times already, Barnacle Beard."

When it got dark…tired of hearing them.

"None of us do…" Annabeth said somewhat sadly, remembering the few tales her estranged father used to tell her on occasion.

"He was kind, Percy…and his green eyes."

Aphrodite nodded in agreement, looking between the two. "Very similar. You're only, what? Sixteen? And you're already quite the looker."

"Mommm!" Piper complained. "You're being embarrassing!"

"Sorry, dear. But it's the truth," Aphrodite said, not looking sorry at all.

Annabeth quietly agreed with her and then flushed a deep scarlet when she noticed she had been feeling up Percy's toned triceps. "No need to stop," Percy smirked. "I was enjoying that. And it looked like you were as well."

Annabeth blushed from her ears all the way to her toes but she wasn't going to give in so easily. She started stroking his toned arms, then his chest, and then down to his abdomen. Percy was now blushing just as much as Annabeth. "You like that, don't you?" She seductively whispered into his ear. Percy stared at her in a daze and only recovered when he heard Piper's raised voice.

Poseidon was grinning widely and lifted his chin up with every compliment Aphrodite threw Percy's way. Of course, his son would grow up good looking. Percy takes after him after all.

Mom fished a blue jelly bean out of her candy bag.

"Do you always use things that have to do with the sea to describe things?" Annabeth asked.

Percy stared blankly at the mini version of his girlfriend, still too dazed from his girlfriend's teasing to respond, and then shrugged.

"I wish he could…time in six years.

"I am proud of you, son." Poseidon said.

Percy gave a small, thankful smile to his father. He might not be the best father in the world, but for a god, he is undoubtedly one of the best.

"How old was I? …before you were born."

"I visited you quite a few times as a baby. I wanted to spend as much time with you as I could before it became too dangerous."

Zeus scowled at his brother, but couldn't work up the energy to get truly angry. He had let his anger get the best of him once already today, he had no desire to let it happen again.

I tried to square…angry at my father.

"Don't worry, dad." Percy comforted his dad when he saw the pained look on his face. "For quite awhile I held a strong dislike for you, but that was before I learned of your circumstances. We have gotten much closer over the years."

Poseidon let out a sigh of relief and promised Percy that he'd do the best he can to visit and show him how much he truly cared.

Maybe it was stupid…want me around?"

"Percy!" Came multiple yells of admonishment.

"Sorry!" Percy squeaked out weakly. His voice was so weak at the moment and only Annabeth understood that it was the affect the book was having on him. She could only imagine how weak and helpless he felt at the time. She gripped on to him even tighter and reminded herself to do everything in her power to make him realize how important he was to everyone.

I regretted the words as soon as they were out.

Annabeth sighed in exasperation. "Maybe if you actually think before talking, you wouldn't have anything to feel bad about in the first place."

Percy stuck his tongue out in response, receiving a flick on the back of the head in the process.

My mom's eyes welled…I'm not normal," I said.

"You're the least normal out of all of us, and none of us can be considered normal," Thalia teased, the Greek demigods from his time nodding in agreement.

"Every last one of you are bullies," Percy fake cried.

"You say that as…how important you are."

"She's completely right," Annabeth said, making Percy blush at the compliment. He wanted to firmly deny that he wasn't that important, but he knew that'd just make Annabeth sad and unhappy, so he kept his mouth shut.

I thought Yancy Academy would be far enough away. I thought you'd finally be safe."

"That's how they usually get killed," Dionysus said distractedly from behind his magazine. The next second he was soaked from head to toe.

"Watch your mouth or gargle more sea water," Poseidon threatened.

"Safe from what?"

"I wonder…trigger happy gods maybe," Nico said sarcastically, gesturing at all the gods in the throne room.

She met my eyes…middle of his head.

"Ah, I remember that," Poseidon said. "I sent him there to keep an eye on you. Leon, the cyclops, was very upset when he got caught."

"You really don't follow the laws, do you?" Athena deadpanned.

Poseidon shrugged. "Like I said previously, I don't regret it if it means keeping my children safe from harm."

Before that – a really…meaty toddler hands.

"Like Hercules," Jason whistled in amazement.

Zoe glared at Percy. She should've known there was no such thing of a good male hero. He'll end up just like all the other male heroes. She was broken from her angry stupor when she felt a calming hand on her shoulder.

"Just because he did the same thing as Hercules as a baby, doesn't mean he'll turn out like him," Artemis reminded her.

Zoe understood the underlying meaning: Don't jump to conclusions. She felt ashamed of her hot headedness. Hopefully, she could learn to control her own prejudices better during this reading.

Percy gagged. "Hate the guy," he grumbled out loud. Annabeth rolled her eyes at him. "I know, Seaweed Brain. You've told me that so many times."

Zeus and Jason looked affronted at what he said, while Artemis and Zoe looked at Percy in astonishment. Artemis shook her head in wonder. "What did I just tell you, Zoe? He may very well be a respectable male hero."

Zoe didn't respond for a moment, as she was still staring at Percy in shock. She recovered her wits and couldn't help but lamenting on the past. "It makes me wonder how things would've turned out if I met Percy instead of Hercules."

Artemis raised her eyebrow at her lieutenant. Zoe flustered and shook her head vehemently. "It's just my idle curiosity, my lady! It wouldn't change a thing!"

Artemis let out a fresh peal of laughter. "Relax, Zoe, I was just messing with you. Honestly, I can't also help but wonder what it would've been like to have met Percy instead of that asshole, Orion."

*Meanwhile in the void with our three favorite grannies*

"When did this turn into a pertermis and perzoe story?" Atropos asked her sisters in bewilderment. "I'm percabeth all the way! Quickly fix the threads!"

That turned out to be a long and stressful night for the three fates.

*Now back to out heroes (A/N: I'm so sorry. I just had to add this)*

I knew I should…I didn't want that.

"I understand where you're coming from," Annabeth sighed. "But, from now on please follow your instincts. They have saved us Hades knows how many times."

"I don't know though?" Hades tilted his head, not understanding why she said that.

"It was an expression, lord Hades." Annabeth turned back to her boyfriend. "Understood?"

Percy stuck his tongue out and nodded in understanding. "And with you by my side to keep me safe then, we're invincible!" Annabeth shook her head fondly at her boyfriend's theatrics and kissed him on the cheek.

"I've tried to keep…ever mentioned it before?

Percy sighed in remembrance of how weird he felt back then. Now he couldn't be happier with camp half-blood. It's his family and the place where he met the love of his life.

"I'm sorry, Percy…had a vivid dream.

The future Greek demigods grimaced.

Noticing their reactions, Annabeth asked what was wrong.

"You know how we all have demigods dreams?" Annabeth asked her younger self, who nodded in affirmation. "Well, did you know that the kids of the big three have even more vivid dreams than most?"

Annabeth's eyes widened and she turned to Thalia to see if it was true or not. Thalia grimly nodded in confirmation of everything Annabeth said. "That bad, huh?" Annabeth asked.

"Yes, but Percy's dreams are even more vivid than that," Annabeth explained.

Percy let out a groan of annoyance. "I can't believe I miss the days when I dreamed of barnyard animals trying to kill me."

It was storming on…animals to fight harder.

"Isn't me!" Hades yelled immediately, before anyone could question him. "I already told you that the underworld is overflowing, so I definitely would not goad them into a fight that could kill thousands."

Zeus sent a subdued glare at Poseidon, still mentally drained from the previous incident, and was wondering what they were fighting about.

"I wonder why we are fighting?" Poseidon questioned aloud.

"It's nothing new," Demeter said. "You two need to eat more cereal."

Both Poseidon and Zeus ignored her and continued to glare at each other.

I ran toward…I screamed, No!

Zeus looked smug that he defeated his brother, even if it was just a dream.

I woke with a…seemed to have forgotten.

"Woops. Silly me." Poseidon scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

Over the roar of…wasn't exactly Grover.

"Ah, I get the chapter title now," Chris said. "It is quite disorienting seeing one of your friends suddenly turn into a half-goat. Scared the bejeebies out of me."

"Searching all night,"… "Didn't you tell her?"

The gods and demigods, even the ones already in the know, leaned forward in anticipation.

"What's behind him?" Ares asked excitedly. Of course, he received no answer.

I was too shocked…his legs should be…

"Yes, yes. I'm a goat from the waist down. We know." Grover said with a sarcastic roll of the eyes.

My mom looked at…There were cloven hooves.

"No way!" Connor and Travis screamed dramatically.

Katie smacked them on the heads. "Be quiet you two."

"That was the end of the chapter," said Amphitrite.

Grrr.

Everyone looked at Percy, who was holding his stomach in embarrassment. "Is there any chance we can take a break to eat lunch?" He asked weakly. "All this stress has made me hungry."

Hestia clapped her hands. "Alright! Break time! I'll prepare some lunch and we'll continue after we've all eaten."

All the demigods cheered and formed different groups to discuss what they had read so far.


Question: What is your favorite canon ship? (I'm an OG Percabeth fan through and through, not that I don't like some of the others)


Edited on March 12th, 2022