A/N: You guys are just awesome. All of a sudden, Percabeth shippers appeared out of nowhere and it looks like a tight race. Don't worry. I have a little treat for you in this chapter. You guys have about one chapter left after this one before I officially decide on the pairing. So keep on voting folks!
Touka: We'll see.
Zayden StormVoid: I know, right? I was hyping myself as I wrote the chapter. And the Chiron part could've been better, but hey (shrugs). And for the poll just look at my profile. There should be a poll announcement at the top of my bio. It's around there.
Reyna: Interesting . . .
JC RH: I like Percabeth as well (though it may not seem like it) but I'm still undecided on this story. Welp, it should be decided in the upcoming chapters.
Cynaotic: I know, right? Surprised me too.
Ilovedragons2014: There are so many more, but I'm not gonna write all of them.
merendinoemiliano: It depends. If I feel like writing, then I would write a whole bunch of them and update like three times a day. If I feel tired, I take a break.
Now, onwards!
Chapter 7
Percy woke up to the sound of the monitor beeps in the hospital. He groaned as he tried to sit up straight. His vision was blurry as he rubbed his eyes.
His hearing was still a bit fuzzy, but it sounded like two people were in an argument in the room.
"Wha?" Percy managed. Then, both people looked at him.
"Percy?" A female voice called. "Can you hear me?"
"He's already awake. No need to panic," The other female grumbled. His vision cleared to see two of the least expected people that Percy would've guessed to be in the room.
One of them was Artemis, who had the look of genuine concern. The other was Annabeth, who looked like she's impressed that Percy was still alive.
"What happened?" Percy asked.
Artemis sighed in relief. "After defeating the Hydra, you passed out from exhaustion."
"And this huntress overreacts, thinking you've died." Annabeth smirked. "Called almost everyone she knew."
"I didn't!" Artemis protested, but Percy knew she was lying. She would always bite her lower lip if she's lying. "Well, I was just worried."
Annabeth smirked. "Well, he's fine. Can you tell everyone outside that there's nothing to worry about?"
Artemis glared at Annabeth. But she knew that she had to do it. "Fine," She glanced one last time at Percy before giving him a small smile and exited the room, where Percy heard a lot of people talking and the sound of cameras flashing.
Annabeth looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "You guys seem close," Annabeth said.
"It's a long story," Percy admitted. "She's a friend of mine."
"Uh huh," Annabeth said, clearly not buying it. "Good job on the Hydra though. It's not an easy monster to beat."
Percy noticed the tone in her voice. "You say it like you can do a better job than us."
Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Of course I can." She said. "But for a rookie like you to take charge like that in the last few minutes. I gotta say, I'm impressed."
"You saw that?"
"Who didn't?" Annabeth grinned. "Thanks to Artemis's and Frank Zhang's involvement in the raid, it gained worldwide attention. The part where you took charge of six other people had went viral. Everyone thinks you're captain material now."
Percy shrugged. "Adrenaline rush," Percy explained simply.
"You can't think clearly if you're filled up with adrenaline." Annabeth said. "You're a natural-born leader. Did you notice how everyone followed your command without hesitation?"
Percy had been too pumped up at that moment against the Hydra that he didn't really notice minor details like that. But as he recalled, he did remember.
"Maybe it's because they were fired up?"
Annabeth shook her head. "It's hard to give out commands on players who are fired up." Artemis said. "I felt this too when I first saw you. You're meant to be a leader."
"She's right, you know." A male voice said suddenly that made Annabeth and Percy jump. Percy looked behind Annabeth to see Frank sitting on a chair in the corner of the room with his AR Glasses on. When he saw Percy, he grinned.
"How long have you been here?" Percy asked.
"I was here all along," Frank said. "These two girls arguing about you were giving me a headache." He said as he gestured at Annabeth and at outside where Artemis is.
Annabeth blushed at Frank's comment. "We weren't arguing about him."
"Oh, my bad." Frank said. "They were arguing with each other over you."
Annabeth glared at Frank as her face turned into a shade of red. "I'm gonna go to the bathroom." She said before storming off.
Frank just chuckled. "Honestly, she's just worried about you. She's kinda taken a liking towards you, Percy."'
Percy raised an eyebrow at him. "Me? The Annabeth Chase has taken a liking towards me?"
Frank shrugged. "You're more famous than you know." Frank said. "And good job last night."
"You were the leader last night. You deserve the credit."
Frank shook his head. "I kinda screwed up last night. Got too caught up in the moment that I forget to lower the amount of damage we were dealing."
Percy made a look that said, yeah, you're right. "You still kicked ass though."
"Not as much as you did." Frank said. "Annabeth wasn't lying when she said you're natural leader. I could see it last night when you didn't answer me when I gave out the orders."
"Meh. Didn't feel like it."
"Which is exactly why you're meant to be a leader." Frank said. He looked at his watch. "Well, I better get going. I have a flight to catch." He shouldered his duffel bag like it weighed nothing. "Check your inventory later on. That's your share of the raid. See you soon, Percy."
Frank left the room. The crowd outside was still trying to get in and get pictures of him, but the door was closed again. Percy slumped back in his bed as he put on his AR Glasses. He noticed two more friend requests waiting for him. One was from Frank and the other was from Chiron. He shrugged as he accepted both of them.
Percy scrolled through the Olympia News website. He found one article that annoyed him.
Percy Jackson and Artemis: A History Before Olympia?
Last night, Percy Jackson made it to mainstream media again as he gloriously defeated the Hydra in a raid. Along in that raid were Frank Zhang and Artemis, both are famous captains from the Olympia's competitive scene. While some may speculate that with the presence of two captains should've made this raid a walk in the park, it turned out differently as the Hydra broke through the group, led by Frank Zhang.
During the last moments of the raid, Percy Jackson himself took charge, leading a group of six people in defeating the monster. While he is just a rookie, many analysts and pro players are saying that he might be a top player in Olympia in the near future, maybe even as a captain of his team.
Although the victory was impressive, the real story is behind Artemis's and Percy's relationship. They both seem to share a history together as it was shown on how much the captain took care of the rookie. Some of our people found out that they used to date each other before Artemis became a pro player, as seen from the pictures taken from social media. Will this impact Percy's team of choice at the Rookie Showcase? We'll just have to see.
Percy groaned internally. Why do people like to stick their noses in place where it doesn't belong? He then received an email from Nico.
From: Nico
To: Percy
Good job on the Hydra. And thanks.
From: Percy
To: Nico
Thanks. And what are you thanking me for?
From: Nico
To: Percy
I made a bet with Beckendorf that you and Artemis were dating before this. I'm now a hundred dollars richer. Oh yeah!
Percy rolled his eyes as Artemis entered the room. She sighed tiredly as she leaned on the door. "Is everything okay?" Percy asked.
Artemis walked over and sat next to Percy's bed. "I kinda regret meeting you again," Artemis said, a smile tugging at the edge of her mouth.
Percy feigned being hurt. "I feel like dipping in Hydra acid." Percy said before Artemis laughed. "I heard you're the one who helped me after I passed out."
"Well, I was thinking of leaving you in stadium alone," Artemis said with a thoughtful expression. When she noticed Percy's funny look she chuckled. "You did well last night."
"All of us did well,"
"But you, more than others." Artemis said with a smile. "Percy, I was wondering. Have you ever –" They were interrupted by the sound of Artemis's AR Glasses ringing, which surprised her. "I have to take this. One sec," Artemis stepped over to the window while silently talking, almost whispering.
Percy didn't want to pry into her business, so he just didn't bother to listen. But it didn't help as Artemis shouted, "What?!" before she started to whisper again, this time in a more angrier tone.
After that, she ended the call and went back at Percy. She looked very annoyed.
"What's wrong?"
"Just problems with the Hunt," Artemis grumbled before calming herself down. "I have to go." Artemis looked at him apologetically.
Percy smiled. "It's okay. I understand."
Artemis started smiling again before she went over and kissed Percy's cheek. "Take care, Perseus." She whispered in his ear. No one had ever used his full name aside from Artemis. It sent shivers down his spine.
Percy smiled at her as she waved at him one last time before leaving the room.
Line Break
It took almost an hour to get the press to leave the room. Annabeth had it sorted out.
"The doctors said you'll be fine to leave this evening if you want to. But they recommend you stay the night." Annabeth said. "They also advise against working yourself until you pass out."
Percy raised an eyebrow at her. "Why are you telling me all this? You're acting like you're my secretary."
Annabeth blushed. "Is it wrong for me to help out a friend?"
"Oh, so I'm a friend now?" Percy said with a grin.
"Ugh, forget it." She was about to leave the room when Percy laughed.
"Come on, Annie. You need to learn how to take a joke."
"Annie?"
Percy shrugged. "Just a nickname. It's what friends do, right?"
Annabeth glared at him for a few silent moment before she muttered out, "Seaweed Brain."
"Excuse me?"
She grinned. "Your eyes are green. They remind me of seaweed. Since you're not too bright, then your head must be filled with them." She looked satisfied with that explanation. "Yeah, Seaweed Brain. I like that."
"Well, I don't."
"Gotta get used to it." Annabeth said with a smile. "I'm calling you with that name starting now."
"Don't."
"I'm still going to, Seaweed Brain."
"I'm telling you to stop."
"Well, I'm not stopping, Seaweed Brain."
Percy groaned before he crashed himself onto the bed in frustration. Annabeth just laughed. Come to think of it, this was the first time he'd seen Annabeth actually laughed. She looked cute and beautiful at the same time. Before, her demeanour would always be cold as she considered herself to be better than everyone.
Just seeing her like this, being normal and happy without the pressure of needing to be the greatest. It made Percy happy for her.
"Enjoying yourself?" Percy asked as Annabeth gradually stopped laughing.
"I guess I am," Annabeth said with a smile. "So, any plans tomorrow?"
"Uh?"
Annabeth rolled her eyes. "You're a Seaweed Brain."
"Stop it."
Annabeth grinned. "I was wondering if you have any plans for tomorrow?"
Percy thought about it for a second. "I was going to look for more PvE events. I don't think I'm prepared enough for the Rookie Showcase."
"Which is why I'm taking you out tomorrow," Annabeth said. "To show you how big of a deal Olympia is."
Line Break
Percy waited for Annabeth near his apartment building. He dressed casually for this. He wore a blue plain shirt, denim jeans, and Converse sneakers. He didn't feel like standing out, so he was dressed to blend in.
When Annabeth arrived in her limousine, Percy almost laughed.
Her way of dressing casual was an elegant grey dress with heels and a jacket made out of fur. She wore a summer hat and large sunglasses, like she's a diva.
"Are we going to a ball?" Percy asked.
"What? No!" Annabeth said. "We're going to the Olympia market."
"Well, I'm not going with you dressed like that." Percy said. "What happened to the clothes you wear when we first met?"
Annabeth blushed. "I was dressed for comfort. This is to blend in."
Percy shook his head. "We're gonna have to make a quick stop before this."
Annabeth raised an eyebrow. "Where to?"
"You'll see." Percy said with a grin.
Line Break
"Where are we?" Annabeth asked.
"An orphanage," Percy smiled. "Come on in." They entered the place as Percy called out. "Helloo?" As soon as both of them stepped in, Percy was greeted with a tackle from Thalia. Annabeth yelped in surprise. Percy groaned as he was lying on the floor. "Are you ever going to stop doing that?"
Thalia grinned. "Nope." She turned towards Annabeth. "Who's your friend?"
Annabeth had a proud look on her face. "You see? My way of blending in works." She said with a smug grin.
Percy groaned as he stood up. "Because you look weird," He said. He gestured at Annabeth. "Thalia, meet Annabeth. Annabeth, meet Thalia Grace."
Thalia's jaws dropped to the floor. "You mean Annabeth? As in, Annabeth Chase?" Percy nodded with a grin. He knew Thalia admired Annabeth because she was the top player in Olympia.
Annabeth smiled at Thalia's reaction. She held out her hand. "Nice to meet you, Thalia."
Thalia looked like she had found gold as she shook Annabeth's hand. "Um, can I fight you?"
This took Annabeth by surprise. "Excuse me?" She asked while Percy just laughed. Annabeth looked at Percy for an explanation.
"It's just her thing. She likes to fight, especially tough opponents." Percy explained. "The minute I picked up Olympia, she challenged me straight away."
Annaneth chuckled before turning back towards Thalia. "Sure, if Percy let me." Thalia then turned towards Percy with pleading eyes and a face that said, pretty please?
Percy chuckled. "Sure. But play nice, you two." He said. Thalia's face lit up with excitement as she hugged Percy tightly. When she let go, Percy asked. "Where's Hestia?"
"At the back." Thalia said hurriedly. "Now go, I need to focus."
Percy shook his head with a smile as he left the two girl alone with their fight. Percy decided to send a message at Annabeth.
From: Percy
To: Annabeth
Go easy on her. But not too easy.
In a few second, Annabeth replied.
From: Annabeth
To: Percy
Relax, Seaweed Brain.
Percy rolled his eyes as he took his AR Glasses off. He exited from the back door and went out to the garden. Thanks to Hestia and Katie, the backyard of the Orphanage had turned into an orchard with all kinds of fruits and vegetables. He saw Hestia had just finished with the gardening stuff. When she looked up, she saw Percy and smiled. "Hey Percy."
Percy smiled at Hestia. "Hey," Percy said. "Are you doing anything after this?"
"Well, I'm cooking after this. What's wrong?"
"I need a favour to ask you."
Line Break
Percy and Annabeth were upstairs at Hestia's room as Hestia rummaged through her closet. "I think I have some clothes that might fit you."
"Thanks for helping out." Annabeth said gratefully.
Hestia smiled at her. "No worries, dear." Then, she pulled out a few clothes from the closet. "How about you try these on?" She handed them towards Annabeth. Hestia looked at Percy, asking him a silent question.
"What?" Percy asked, completely oblivious.
Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Get out, Seaweed Brain."
Realization dawned on Percy's face. "Oh, right. Sorry. I'll wait downstairs." He said before exiting the room and heading downstairs. He went to the kitchen to see Thalia and Jason chatting while having a meal. Thalia was bragging to Jason on how she had the chance fight Annabeth.
Jason was clearly not interested. Percy knew Jason liked playing Olympia, but he had no interest in the pro scene. So he wasn't too hyped about Annabeth being here.
Unlike Thalia.
Percy sat down next to them and grabbed a plate of Hestia's cooking, which was meatloaf. Thalia immediately turned towards Percy and started talking to him about her fight with Annabeth. Jason looked like he'd just been freed from captive while saying 'thank you' to the ceiling.
"You should've seen her." Thalia said. "All her movements and attacks were precise."
Percy swallowed down a lump of his food. "How many rounds did you play?"
"Three."
"How many did you lost?"
"Three," Thalia grumbled. "She's way better than me."
"Of course she is," Jason said. "She's a pro player. You're just and Airhead."
Thalia glared at Jason. "At least I'm better than you."
"No you're not."
"Yes I am!" Thalia argued. He could almost see the sparks fly between the two as they were arguing.
(A/N: Get it? Sparks fly? Because they're both children of lightning? Sounded funny in my head.)
Percy decided to intervene. "Just fight," Percy said as he took another bite of his food. "That's how you guys always settle things."
Jason and Thalia nodded at each other before going to fight for the who knows how many times.
Percy went back to eating, thinking about everything when a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"You're not setting a good example to those kids." The voice said behind him. He turned around to see Hestia standing at the kitchen door.
"Well, it's better than them shouting at each other." Percy said. "Is Annabeth ready?" Hestia nodded. Percy finished up the last of his meatloaf before he went out to meet Annabeth.
Whoa.
Annabeth looked beautiful. Like, naturally beautiful. She wore an off the shoulder white blouse with long sleeves. Along with her sneakers, she wore blue jeans. The only thing in her outfit that looked the same was the summer hat and sunglasses.
Simply put, she looks perfect.
"How do I look?" Annabeth asked. Her blonde hair was tied in a single braid.
"Magnifique," Percy said with a smile.
"I didn't know you speak French." Annabeth said with an eyebrow raised.
"He doesn't." Hestia said. "He just knows that word."
Percy grumbled at Hestia for spoiling his moment while Annabeth just laughed. Percy offered his arm for Annabeth. "Shall we, my Lady?"
"Aren't you a gentleman?" Hestia said. "Haven't seen you like this since, well," Hestia just winked at him. He knew what Hestia meant. Percy appreciate it that Hestia didn't say anything else.
"Do we have to do it like this?" Annabeth asked.
"It's called blending in," Percy wiggled his eyebrows.
Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Seaweed Brain," She muttered as she wrapped her arm around his. "Well, thanks again for the help, Hestia."
"Don't mention it." Hestia smiled. "Take care now you two."
Percy gave her a goofy grin before waving at her as they exited the building.
"You know," Annabeth said. "Thalia lasted a lot longer than you did against me."
"Of course she did. You went easy on her." Percy said. Annabeth gave him an appointing look. "You're kidding."
"She's a talented player. I might recruit her if she decides to become a pro player."
"You do know if you tell her this, she'll never shut up about this."
Annabeth just laughed as they started their day together.
A/N: A little treat for you Percabeth fans out there. Please keep in mind that after the next chapter, the pairing will be decided.
First of all, sorry for the lack of action scenes in this chapter. It's because I'm writing this chapter with my phone and I just can't be bothered. But hey, you get some fluffs in return. So, I guess it's okay? Hope you enjoy the chapter and don't forget to vote in the Poll!