Disclaimer: I own nothing but the OC character Grace!

IIIIII

"Mmmm... I see." Annabeth hummed, nodding her head, not that her six-year-old daughter could see that over the phone. "Well, why don't you let daddy decide. If I remember right, he's been wanting to rewatch Spider-Man again."

"We did, last week, remember!" Grace huffed. Annabeth, not needing to be in the room to know her daughter had just stamped her foot, no doubt looking annoyed. A look her husband Percy swore their daughter picked up from her, but in Annabeth's opinion, she was sure he was the one to teach that to Grace. Probably to see the look on her face when she saw their daughter performing the action, but still, all the same, she was sure it was Percy's fault.

Taking a break from her architecture design, an archway, and just one of many that Annabeth was working on, she focused back on the phone. "I'm sorry, Grace. You know how I get during work. But as soon as this one's finished, I promise I'll take a break. Who knows, maybe we can visit your grandfather. I know he's been wanting to see you for some time now."

"...That's what you said last time and the time before that."

Closing her eyes, Annabeth took a deep breath. Sometimes, she really disliked her mother's photographic memory, as well as the fact it was passed onto her, and through her, Grace. The six-year-old, despite having Percy's sense of humor and a mesh of their personality, had all of Annabeth's brain. A fact that more often than not had her cursing whenever the child brought up something she wasn't supposed to know or understand. Sometimes, it almost seemed like Grace wasn't six but a mini adult. One who loved watching superhero cartoons, which Annabeth was sure was all from Percy.

"I'll be home later, Grace. Love y-" Right before Annabeth could finish, a click came from the other end, Grace having hung up, not bothering to say goodbye. Staying silent for a minute, Annabeth placed down the phone, then glanced at the picture on her desk. A laughing Percy and Grace, with Annabeth beside them, a mini cotton candy beard over her face. It had been taken last year before she'd gotten her new job designing the new archway for a bridge in California. A job that ever since then had taken up almost all of her free time, putting a strain on her relationship with her daughter. Thankfully, Percy understood and had taken a break from his job as a marine biologist as he tried to distract Grace while Annabeth finished her project that could potentially boost her career to new heights... If she accomplished it, that is.

Tracing her thumb over Grace's face, Annabeth smiled. Unable to help herself, her daughter was adorable, with her honey blonde hair, his sea-green eyes, and both their tan skin tones—a perfect blend of the two of them. Which admittedly was not something she had pictured when they first decided to have a kid, but now six years later, she couldn't imagine anything less.

Looking up at the clock, then at her laptop, the design still opened in the software. She hesitated for all but three seconds, then stood, picking up her laptop and heading out of her office. She could finish the project at home if she really had to, besides arriving home early to surprise her family. Something Annabeth never did would no doubt be a pleasant surprise for Grace.

IIIIII

Half an hour later, and finally out of the traffic jam, which had added an extra fifteen minutes to get home. Annabeth headed up the stairs to her and Percy's house. A lovely two-story house that she'd designed herself. Something she never thought she'd be able to do as a demigod. But, with Percy, who by the time they were in their late twenties had become the boogeyman to the monsters of Tartarus, it had become possible. Now no monster, creature, or giant was willing to come within a hundred miles of their home. Though Annabeth had the sneaking suspicion, Bob was helping those rumors along down in Tartarus, teaching new monsters the terror of Perseus 'Monster Killer' Jackson.

Pushing open the front door, Annabeth was about to yell surprise, then froze, her mind going blank as she saw the state of her house. Furniture, decorations, and most of the wall were destroyed as if a hurricane blew through the house. Large scratches on the floor and bullet holes in the wall making it obvious there had been some type of fight. Looking towards the middle of the floor, Annabeth saw a piece of paper lying there, looking out of place amid the destruction around it.

Walking towards it, she picked it up, ignoring the way her fingers trembled as she tried to focus on what was written on the paper and not think about where or what had happened to her family.

Hello Annabeth,

You don't know me, of that I'm certain. But I know you, I know who you are, where you're from, what you are. Oh yes, the gods aren't as hidden as they like to believe. But back to the point. I have your husband. He's somewhat alive, having put up more of a fight than expected. Rather foolish on my part, given his legend. More importantly, however, I have your daughter. So I expect you to do exactly as I have instructed if you wish to see her again. Further instructions are downstairs in the lounge.

By the way, if you attempt to contact the gods or anyone else... Well, let me put it this way. I have quite a few friends who'd love to get a demigod in a lab and see what makes them so special.

Signed,
AJ

Dropping the paper, Annabeth felt her vision go dizzy for a moment as her stomach dropped, feeling sick, horrified, terrified, and worried. All four emotions were wrapped into one that she couldn't even possibly begin to describe. Hell, she was feeling worse than when she was with Percy in Tartarus over a decade ago, and she'd had nightmares for years after that. But this? Her family kidnapped from their home? Annabeth could confidently say that this was the worst she'd ever felt and never once could have imagined happening.

After a few minutes, Annabeth collected herself, taking a deep breath as she tried as best she could to control her emotions. Percy and Grace were trapped who knows where, and her doing nothing wasn't about to help them. Picking the paper back up, Annabeth once again read it, more for her own mind than actually needing to remember anything. Then cautiously, she followed the instructions, heading downstairs to the lounge—her body tense in case of a sneak attack.

Surprisingly, she made it to the lounge without incident, no one appearing, and the lounge, unlike the rest of the house, looking to be almost untouched. The only difference she could see from earlier in the morning was a sheet of paper on the coffee table and the relatively large human-sized pod smack down in the middle of the other side of the room. The black and silver trimmed, almost sci-fi-looking pod certainly not an addition Percy would have added.

Good, it seems you can follow instructions. Now, I want to play a game. Of course, it's not one of those useless ones for amusement or to cure boredom. No, this game has a purpose. You play, data, energy, and a few more specifics that you don't need to know are recorded, getting me what I want. Once done, you get your family back, a win-win situation for all party's involved. Of course, you can choose not to play, but well... You know what will happen if you don't.

Now to keep things simple, you'll be playing a game. More specifically, a virtual one, the game system is the pod. You enter. It monitors your body and ensures that you stay healthy and without the need to rest. The game will explain the rest. You just need to follow the rules.

"Is this guy insane?" Annabeth frowned, her mind going into overdrive as she tried to figure out what benefit this person would get from her playing a game. No data or information she could think of could be that important, especially when her family being kidnapped for it was taken into consideration. Not only that, other than her job, the only real difference Annabeth could think of was the fact she was a demigod. But since this person knew of the gods, finding a demigod or asking one to complete an experiment would be simple. Most didn't have the best lives, those that lived long enough, that is. So for a bit of money, there were no doubt more than a few that would be happy to be in an experiment.

Moving to the pod, Annabeth bit her lip, then pressed the glaringly obvious glowing green button on the side, the pod releasing the sound of compressed air before the lid slid down, revealing technology far more advanced than any she'd seen out of a movie, as well as a very comfortable looking leather chair with a note resting on the seat.

Now I know what your thinking, and yes, I could have attempted to ask you to do this or tried another way. But honestly, it probably would have taken too long. An easy kidnapping, a few threats, and boom, you're doing what I want. Far quicker, don't you agree?

Gritting her teeth, Annabeth tossed the note out of the pod and climbed in. Putting on the helmet-like device, she could see by the headrest. A choice she knew would have Percy looking at her in disbelief. But she didn't have time to think or consider if there was a better option. She needed to accomplish whatever was the goal of this madman and get her family back. As for whether that would actually happen, well, Annabeth didn't want to even consider that possibility.

...
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...
Loading Complete!

Ignoring the slight worry niggling in the back of her mind as she heard the pod close, sealing herself inside. Annabeth attempted to focus on the words that formed on the helmet screen and failed. While her dyslexia was nowhere near as bad as Percy's, for some odd reason, she couldn't focus. Feeling a little drowsy all of a sudden, she blinked hard, once more trying to read what was on screen, this time managing to make out the word loading before she closed her eyes, a headache forming in her mind.

Taking a few moments to recollect herself, Annabeth opened her eyes once more and then blinked repeatedly. The screen she had been looking at was now gone. Instead, there was nothing but a blank white space around her: no helmet, pod, or anything for that matter in sight.

...
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...
Welcome, New User!

In this game, you will be in a randomly generated world, something from the world today, whether it be from a movie, book, show, or game. You will also get a random character template. The more you act, dress, and do as the character would have done will increase the percentage of your template. However, for every three percent completed, you gain a choice of one out of three skills, and the same for abilities. They may have nothing to do with the character, so choose wisely. Once you complete your mission and get your character template to one hundred percent, the game is over.

Once she finished reading the instructions, Annabeth glanced once more at the floating window that had appeared, then decided not to think about it. Whether it was technology or magic, it didn't truly matter. All that did was that the game was starting, and she needed to finish it quickly.

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Loading Complete!
Character Template Loaded!
Character Chosen: Harley Quinn!
World Chosen: Marvel + MCU!

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Mission Loaded!

The Joker has thrown Harley away once again, annoyed at Harley's constant failure to help him beat Batman. Now in a new world, Harley's mission is to conquer the world of crime, with her as its queen. Once accomplished, she plans to find a way back to her Puddin and give the Marvel world to him as a present, showing her worth and no doubt convincing him to take her back!

"Marvel? And Harley Quinn?"

Frowning, Annabeth stared at the fading window, feeling a little ripped off. If a character template was going to be chosen, there were countless better than Harley Quinn. Not only did she have no abilities, but she was also insane, a villain, could be beaten by an ordinary human, and was from DC. None of that was a welcoming thought considering she was going to the Marvel world. Where some people could take out planets or were planets, worse yet, the MCU version of Marvel had made quite a few changes, or so she was told, and based on what she was seeing. It was both the normal Marvel and the movie version.

"...What did Magnus say happen last time..." Hissing, Annabeth grabbed her head, feeling a pounding headache erupt as soon as she tried to remember what her younger brother had told her about the movies. He loved them and never shut up about Thor. Unfortunately, despite her memory, she couldn't seem to remember anything but a few character names and a feeling of danger.

You now have six hours to study the character, Harley Quinn. Failure to do so will mean a lower score and, ultimately, failure.

As soon as Annabeth finished reading the text, a pile of books, comics, and a phone appeared. It was hovering right where the screen window had been. Within seconds, Annabeth was opening the first comic. Knowing she had no time to waste, and once again as she had many times in her life up until now, thanking the gods that she was a daughter of Athena.

IIIIII

Watching as her study material burst into particles, Annabeth, for the first time in a long while, was lost. No plan or idea was coming to her mind on how she would accomplish playing Harley Quinn. She'd read almost all the comics, seen a video or two, and read half of one of the books. Yet after finishing each one, it made her feel worse and worse. Harley wasn't like any ordinary template. Or one that was a superhero or just a plain straight-up villain. Her very character revolved around the Joker, which made playing Harley solo quite a difficult endeavor. Of course, Annabeth could do it, she had some key dialogue and Harley slang memorized, but to get one hundred percent? She was almost positive it wasn't possible without the Joker.

But, despite all that, it wasn't even the first problem. A character could be developed and acted. But look? No, Annabeth was stuck there. Harley was pale, Annabeth tan, very tan. Harley was a blond, sometimes platinum blonde, and sometimes a brunette, Annabeth's hair was a honey blonde. Harley had blue eyes, Annabeth had stormy grey eyes. The only plus was their body type, Annabeth having a similarly athletic build to Harley, as well as their height. Harley's height, which thankfully didn't seem to matter too much, constantly varying from 5'2 to 5'11.

Sighing softly, Annabeth ran a hand through her hair, something she'd picked up from Percy, much to her mother's chagrin. "It may not be possible, but then if that's the case, it shouldn't be a choice. So there must be something I can do. I just need to find it."

...
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Game Loading... Loading Complete!

Like glass, as soon as the window vanished, the white space around her shattered. Almost like an illusion being broken, revealing Annabeth to be standing in the middle of an alleyway. The sound of cars and the everyday life of New York City echoing from the side of her. A noise she was very familiar with by now, having lived there for a large portion of her life with Percy before their daughter Grace was born

Glancing down at herself, Annabeth saw she was now dressed casually in a plain grey hoodie, black jeans, and sneakers. Definitely not what she was dressed in before, nor was it something in her opinion that Harley would be wearing when out in the city. However, it was Annabeth's style when home, which was a little worrying. Did the kidnapper add that detail to the pod after spying on her and her family? Or was her mind being read? Either possibility wasn't a good one.

Walking down and out the alley onto the sidewalk, Annabeth shoved her hands in her pockets, noting the gun she could feel pressed against her thigh. A weapon she'd never really used before outside of a shooting range, and even then, it had been years since then. Nevertheless, she knew how to use it and had honestly been expecting to have to buy or steal one somewhere. So having one right off the bat was a welcome surprise.

Seeing a clothing shop across the street, Annabeth headed in that direction, chalking up the series of coincidences to the novice period of the game. Something even she knew despite not playing many games. Percy and her brother having spent many nights complaining to her about levels and whatnot.

Giving a small smile to the girl at the register, Annabeth went straight to the back where she could see the women's section of clothing—looking only for red and black colors. Harley's typical color scheme, though she did branch out to other colors often, red and black were classic. Which hopefully, in turn, would boost the percentage she could get for the character template.

Half an hour later, and with only three potential outfits, Annabeth was stuck. She could dress like the movie Harley, but she wasn't sure if the character template was all the Harley Quinn's, just one, or if the outfit she picked would lock to a specific version of the character. But, as a precaution, she didn't want to test it—especially given the number of tattoos she'd have to get if it was the movie version.

Grabbing the leather pants, jacket, and red tank top, Annabeth went to the changing rooms and dressed into her new get-up. One glance in the mirror beside her was all it took for her not to want to see her reflection—genuinely feeling like a clown in her ridiculous outfit. Annabeth had never been the type to wear leather before, but red leather? Not only did it look absurd to even her own eyes, but she couldn't even begin to imagine the looks she'd get from her family if they saw what she was wearing.

Slipping on some black boots with red ties and shoving the gun in her jacket pocket, Annabeth felt a grin break out across her face as she saw the window screen pop up. A little relieved to see proof that her path so far was correct.

Character Percentage Increased!
New Skills and Abilities Available!

Ability List
[Immunity to Toxins] - No poison, anesthetic, or concoction of any type can harm your body.
[Increased Strength] - Physique is strengthened to just below the level of a super-soldier.
[Invisibility] - The perfect choice to hide away from the world... as long as your physique can support it.

After some thought, Annabeth was ready to pick the increased strength ability. As a demigod, she'd always had greater strength than the average human, so it seemed like a natural choice. However, just as she was about to choose it, she thought of Percy, with him giving her a look and telling her not to act as impulsively as him. Something that brought her up short, making her look again at the list as she reconsidered her choice. Putting herself in place of Harley Quinn, Annabeth thought of the comics, what the character would do, then after a long minute of silence, chose the immunity to toxins ability.

She knew Harley in some comics had that ability. So theoretically, once she was done, she could get an increase in the character template. A bonus, especially if it was enough percentage to get more abilities.

Skill List
[Beginner Marksmanship] - Weapon handling is not your forte, but you know how to shoot.
[Beginner Sword Mastery] - The risk of cutting off your own limb is a hazard you can finally say you've surpassed.
[Beginner Gymnastics] - The Olympics is a long way off, but at least you don't need to break your own thumb to escape cuffs.

Beginner sword mastery was good, but she was without a sword. Beginner gymnastics was a good choice if she had the template in mind. But ultimately, Annabeth chose beginner marksmanship. She had a gun and couldn't exactly begin her run of crime if she couldn't shoot accurately.

Watching the window vanish, Annabeth had just begun to feel the changes take place in her body before another window popped up, a simple glance at it letting her know she'd made the right gamble on her ability.

Character Percentage Increased!
New Skills and Abilities Available!

Ability List
[Increased Strength] - Physique is strengthened to just below the level of a super-soldier.
[Disease Resistance] - No disease can touch you, but other ways to die are still open.
[Empathy] - Are your own emotions too little for you to worry about? How about everyone else's?

Skill List
[Beginner Lock Picking] - Doors may no longer be an obstacle, but vaults and safes still are.
[Beginner Sword Mastery] - The risk of cutting off your own limb is a hazard you can finally say you've surpassed.
[Beginner Gymnastics] - The Olympics is a long way off, but at least you don't need to break your own thumb to escape cuffs.

Ignoring the other options, Annabeth chose the increased strength ability and the beginner gymnastics skill. The former was because she wanted it and didn't care for the other two, while gymnastics was something that should increase the template once again.

Character Percentage Increased!

User 001 | Template: Harley Quinn (7%)

Skills: Beginner Marksmanship, Beginner Gymnastics
Abilities: Immunity to Toxins, Increased Strength

Annabeth frowned, not liking the fact her previous skills were gone. She could feel that she knew archery and could remember sword fighting. But it was fuzzy, and if she wanted to use the skill, Annabeth knew she wouldn't be able to swing a sword as she could before. It was almost like being held back yet forced to use only a certain amount of skill, despite having the ability to do better.

Knowing nothing could be done about it, Annabeth stepped out of the changing room and walked towards the register, palming the gun in her jacket. A little nervous as this was technically her first robbery, but after thinking of everything else she'd faced. From gods, monsters, and Tartarus to everything else, she felt herself instantly calm down. After all, when put into perspective, stealing some clothes and robbing a store was nothing compared to her previous adventures.

"Here goes nothing..." Putting on a broad grin, Annabeth pulled out her gun and pointed it at the cashier, squashing down any apologetic emotion that tried to come up. It's not like the people in the game world were actual people anyway. No matter how lifelike everyone looked. "Hiya, why don't you empty that register, and I'll skip on outta here."

Not looking scared, but instead a little bored. The cashier nodded, then opened the register, pulling out the cash. "Would you like a bag too?"

"...Sure."

Watching as the pile of money grew larger and larger, Annabeth's mind slightly wondered for a moment as she thought whether this would be considered to be her midlife crisis or not. At thirty-two, she felt a little young to be having one, and outside of having to play a different character, hence the different identity. Her confidence level was just fine. But then again, her family was kidnapped, and demigods normally didn't live long anyway. So if she was going to have one, it happening now didn't seem too bad. At least in a game world, there wouldn't be many, if any, consequences.

Bam!

Holding back a scream, Annabeth was immediately pulled out of her thoughts as hot searing pain flashed through her stomach. Dropping the gun, she quickly clamped a hand around her wound to stop the blood loss as best she could. All while glaring at the cashier who'd shot her while she was lost in thought.

"Have you never robbed a thrift store before? Huh, and here I thought you knew what you were doing." Shaking her head, the cashier put the gun down on the counter and slowly began to put the money back, never taking her eyes off Annabeth.

"First time today," Annabeth replied with gritted teeth, not even attempting to try and keep up the Harley act as she did her best to ignore the pain she was in. "So what, are you going to call the police?"

Honestly, if the woman did, Annabeth wouldn't mind. This game she was in was far more realistic when it came to pain than she'd thought it would be. Of course, given that she'd never actually been shot before, she couldn't accurately judge too well. But in her opinion, the pain felt real enough. So hopefully, some medical attention would help, even if it got her thrown in jail.

Glancing down at the gun less than a foot away from her, Annabeth looked back at the cashier, who already had her hand on her own gun. Then slowly shifted her body. Not towards the weapon, of course. That would just be plain foolish. Instead, she got up and moved closer to the counter, the pain marginally better than it had been a minute ago. Something she figured was due to her increased physique. Not that it seemed to help much when against a gun.

"H-Hey, now that's a little too close. Back up a l-little."

Stopping in her tracks, Annabeth looked at the now nervous cashier, confused. The woman certainly hadn't acted like this when she shot her. Glancing at the cashier's gun and at the sweat she could see forming on her hands, then back to the woman's face and the panicked look entering her eyes. Annabeth felt the realization of what was going on practically smack her in the head. "The guns not loaded, is it,"

"W-What no i-it's... I-It's..." After a few seconds of spluttering out nonsense as she tried to form something. The woman stopped, let the gun clatter to the floor, then began bawling. "I'M SORRY! I-I didn't mean to s-shoot y-you. It's my dad's gun. He left it when he d-died, and I never thought to c-check if it was l-loaded!"

"There there." Annabeth patted the young woman on the shoulder. Only noticing now how young the cashier looked and how hard she'd been trying to hide her fear of the situation. "It seems we both messed up. Me trying and failing to rob this store. And you shooting me..."

Unfortunately, Annabeth had never really been the comforting type. Outside of her daughter, who was six, most of the women she knew didn't need it and were warriors. So to say she was inexperienced in this area was putting it lightly. Hence her slight panic as the cashier began to cry even harder—her attempt to comfort the young woman not working in the slightest.

"I-I think I'm gonna go." A little hesitantly, Annabeth gave a smile to the cashier, grabbed the bag with the remaining cash that hadn't been put back, then turned to leave. Though not before picking up her gun off the floor, causing her to wince at the action. She'd have to see about getting to a hospital, or at the very least a clinic. It would suck to die so quickly. Plus, there wasn't any mention of respawning or a possible restart, so she didn't want to chance things.

Pausing at the door, Annabeth glanced at a bright red hoodie on a rack beside her, then grabbed it, quickly and painfully slipping it onto her body. Hopefully, the blood didn't soak through before she could get some stitches.

Congratulations!
First Robbery Completed!
First Injury Acquired!
+1 Reputation!
+100 Crime Points!

"And no explanation for what any of that means, great." Ignoring the window, which had information she really didn't care about at the moment or knew the use of. Annabeth headed in the direction of the hospital. Keeping a steady pace as she tried to stay focused on her destination and not how much she wanted to sleep at the moment.

IIIIII

Sitting on some rather uncomfortable stone steps, Annabeth took a bite of her hotdog as she watched all the people passing by her on their way to work. It had been two days since the failed robbery attempt. The cashier who'd she made cry thankfully not calling the police. However, that was the only plus, because as Annabeth had recently learned, the hospitals in New York were expensive, even more so without insurance. Just a little trip for stitches took almost all the cash she'd stolen to cover it. Not to mention the return trip to take out the stitches. Though for that one, she'd need more money if she wanted to afford it when it was time.

Finishing the last of her food, Annabeth stood up, shoving her hands back in her hoodie. Then turned to walk up the stairs to the bank. Of course, as she wasn't genuinely crazy, she wasn't going to rob the place. No, she was going to see if she could get a loan. Which she knew the chances of actually getting one was pretty much minuscule. But who knows, maybe someone would loan money to her.

After all, Third times a charm.