In which Percy is freaking adorable and gets the best surprise ever.
Replies:
Wisestriker: Silena is no longer a spy- she was working for Luke and Luke is no longer on the enemies side lol.
Undeath9087: I mean there's nothing horrific written so far really. Just the usual levels of stuff lol. And yeah Poseidon is gonna be blindsided.
PJ Fan 285: There will be no major crushes at this stage- plans shift and alter as you know lol.
Georgia: Thank you!
Guest: Many of the questions will be spoilers lol, but I will say I am leaning towards Thalianca, or Thalianenya? I dunno what the ship name would be. We shall see.
Guest: Percy's been raised as an Egyptian basically. She knows she's also Greek and she's not ashamed but a part of her is a lil bit afraid of things changing. She's been happy with how things are for years.
Drizzle: He shall come. I promise.
Guest: Percy is very much enjoying her inside joke. And theoretically Artemis would keep an eye on the sword because of Zoe which is why Chiron is thinking 'Well I suppose maybe it's not the strangest thing'. Also can you blame him for not wanting to acknowledge the possibility of one of the most famous teens in the world, who is also a literal princess of the House of Life might also be Poseidons home. Just imagine the sheer stress of it.
Percy reached the top of the hill just as she saw Freak setting down, the boat he was hitched up to gliding to a halt with him smoothly- but… that was strange, it looked like there was more than one person there. She'd expected Julian to bring Freak and the boat on his own, she hadn't expected him to bring multiple people- and holy shit that wasn't Julian!
Percy let out a cry as she realised who was climbing out of the reed boat, and she could hear the other demigods and Chiron close behind but she ignored them as she pelted down the hill.
The new arrivals didn't even have time to make it out of the boat before Percy was vaulting over the edge of it and crashing into familiar warm arms- and it was amazing how her mother always seemed to be able to catch her even when Percy went flying towards her at speed.
"Oh my baby girl." Sally gushed the words, "Oh my beautiful baby girl I was so worried about you thank the gods you're okay-"
"I'm okay momma." Percy let herself feel like a little kid for just a second before she was being yanked out of the hug by Sadie, who punched her shoulder hard enough to make her yelp, before hugging her.
"Bitch you're not allowed to scare me like that-"
"Sadie Kane there are children around-" which was true enough, Percy glanced back over her shoulder, and she could see Annabeth, Piper and Bianca leading the way down the hill, Chiron, Artemis, Luke and Thalia just behind them, "You watch your language-"
"Sorry mom." Sadie's expression was very unrepentant as she pulled back, and Percy turned her gaze to Carter, who gave her an amused grin, holding out his arms.
And really how could Percy resist that. She surged forward, pressing her face into Carter's shoulder as he curled his arms around her.
"Don't scare us like that again Percy. Seriously for a few days there we thought the worst."
"I am sorry, I didn't plan on getting kidnapped."
"Well don't do it again." Carter chuckled, shaking his head.
"Is- how bad are things?"
"I managed to reign in the worst of the anger." Carter let out a tired noise. "It wasn't easy, I knew it was some sort of trick but it was hard getting everyone to believe until mom came with that letter you sent-"
"I'm glad it helped."
"It really did." Sally spoke up, "For one thing it put my mind at ease. And I see Bianca over there so I assume she made it here in time to stop the attack."
"More or less-" Percy pulled a face, "It's a little complicated but I think we can stop a war from breaking out. We just need to fulfil a prophecy and then get to Olympus before the Solstice."
"That's not much time." Sally pursed her lips, "Though I suppose you have dealt with tight deadlines before."
"Part and parcel of being a hero I guess." Percy gave a wry smile.
"You'll have to tell us more during the journey. How many need a ride?"
"Me, Pipes, Annie, Bianca, Artemis- now that's a long story before any of you ask, Thalia and Luke. So that's seven of us."
"Good thing there's space in the boat then."
"I might not travel with you." Sally pursed her lips, clearly thinking, "I should get back to Brooklyn House to check up on everyone there. But first I want to see you kids off- and everyone's arrived now." She nodded towards the hill and Percy glanced back again- sure enough Annabeth, Piper, Bianca, Chiron, Luke Thalia and Artemis were approaching, the first three breaking into runs when they saw that the Kanes had dealt with their initial reunion.
There were hugs all round before Carter swung himself out of the boat, back straightening as he approached Chiron.
"You must be Chiron I assume."
"Yes." Chiron gave a small nod, "And I assume you're young Miss Kanes older brother, the Pharoah of the House of Life?"
"Carter Kane." Carter gave a small nod, "It's an honor to meet you. Annabeth's told us all about you and the camp here. I have to admit I was very curious about you myself."
"Likewise." Chiron nodded, holding out his hand, which Carter accepted and shook, "Though I was in the dark about you I fear. Annabeth didn't mention you at all, but I'm sure you know that already."
"I do." Carter admitted. "And I want to formally apologise for the actions of the Rogue Magicians who attacked your camp. We thought we'd mostly managed to weed out the less pleasant elements among our people but unfortunately apparently a few managed to slip through the cracks. I hope they didn't cause any major damage?"
"No, thanks to Miss DiAngelo we had warning." Chiron admitted, "Though I'm afraid that Lord Dionysus has gone to Olympus to tell Lord Zeus what happened- it's likely that he won't understand so easily-"
"So my little sister tells me." Carter's lips twitched, "but she also tells me she thinks she can stop this from breaking out into a war and I trust her judgement-" he paused, "Which may be famous last words-"
"Hey-"
"But it's true. Somehow."
"I don't care if it would be treason I will punch you in the balls." Percy grumbled the words- which made Sadie snicker, suddenly at Percy's side, an arm draped over her shoulder.
"You can't do that Percy. It would make Zia sad-"
"SADIE!"
"GROSS!" Percy and Carter both went brilliant shades of red, though for different reasons, and Sally let out a loud long suffering sigh.
"You three-" her voice was stern, "If you don't behave yourselves I will ground all three of you for a month. I don't care that you're the Pharoah now Carter I am your mother-" she added before he could object-"
"Uh, I feel the need to point out that I have an urgent quest to stop a war-"
"The grounding will begin after you come back from the quest."
"But mom-" Sadie practically whined the words- "We're practically adu-"
"Do not say you're practically adults." Sally crossed her arms, and- oh good gods she was tapping her foot. They were fucked.
"Sorry mom! We'll behave."
"Well-" Chiron blinked, clearly taking a moment to process before, "Mrs Kane, I commend you for your parenting. It seems you have your children well in hand."
"Well I try." Sally gave Chiron a warm smile, "It's not easy. Especially when I have to look after Brooklyn House- which is skewed to being the youngest of the Nomes. We get the most children come to us."
"Perhaps I should come to you for advice."
"I could probably use some from you too."
"Oh no." Percy stage whispered the words, "Mom and Chiron… we did not think this through."
"Huh. Suddenly I am very afraid."
"So am I." Carter muttered the words before shaking himself. "But we should focus on the present right now." He turned his gaze to Percy, "Right, you said there are seven of you right?"
"Yep." Percy nodded. "I should introduce the three you don't actually know." She turned her head, spotting Thalia, Luke and Artemis stood just behind Chiron. "We have Thalia-"
"Ah, Annabeth's friend." Carter nodded. "Nice to meet you."
"Uh… hi I guess."
"Artemis-"
"As in the goddess?" Carter raised an eyebrow and Percy pursed her lips tightly.
"Not currently but we hope to fix that shortly-" Artemis nodded towards Carter respectfully.
"And we have Luke."
Carter's eyes focused on Luke, who looked distinctly uncomfortable- but it wasn't Carter who spoke. It was Sally, who's eyes narrowed.
"Luke Castellan, yes?" She raised an eyebrow, and Luke almost cringed under her gaze.
"Yes."
"The boy who nearly killed Annabeth." He winced and nodded.
"I see." Sally watched him carefully, "Percy?"
"It's a long story." Percy said quickly, "But he's trying to make up for what he did."
"I wanted her to help him." Annabeth piped up. "He fucked up a lot and I haven't forgiven him yet Sally but… I don't want my big brother dead."
"And in his defence he did help me escape from Alina."
"Ugh." Sadie's face scrunched up, "Alina. Can I just say that the idea of Vladdy getting it on with someone enough to have a daughter is just- blegh."
"Well that's true." Percy leaned into Sadie's side- and if she shuddered slightly, well she knew Sadie wouldn't mention it. And... well, she could deflect her emotions. "You could say he was a Vladdy daddy-" Which had Sadie choking, "Anyway. Luke's on our side now."
"The boy has shown a few redeeming qualities." Artemis remarked- which coming from her was probably the equivalent of a fifty page glowing letter of recommendation from anybody else.
"And he uh-" Percy gave a nervous little grin, "May need to come and stay with us. He's not gonna wanna stay here. Too much bad blood."
"That is true," Chiron's voice was slightly cool. "I wouldn't feel comfortable having Luke stay here for more than a day or so at this stage given his past crimes."
"Percy-" Carter twitched. "You do realise Brooklyn House isn't an open house for-" he saw the look on his face and let out a long suffering sigh. "Who am I kidding. It is." He shook his head. "I would say yes he can stay but we all know that Pharoah or not, mom can overrule me."
"That I can." Sally was watching Luke carefully, "What do you have to say for yourself young man?"
Luke looked very uncomfortable but he took a deep breath before speaking. "I was an idiot who listened to Kronos when I should have went to someone for help-"
"To be fair," Percy spoke up, "This place does not have a good emotional support system." That made Chiron wince. "I mean I'm sure Chiron tries but there's only so much he can do. And mom… Kronos did what Apophis tried to do to me." She ignored the sharp looks that Chiron and Artemis shot her. "He came in Luke's dreams and Luke was alone and angry and suffering and he listened. Stupid? Gods yes. Evil? I don't think so."
"Percy-" Luke started to speak before shutting his mouth and shaking his head, a grateful look in his eyes even if he didn't finish what he'd been about to say.
"I see." Sally's expression softened. "Well. In that case as long as he doesn't do anything to threaten any of my little family he can stay with us."
"Thank you." Luke gave a small tight nod. "I don't deserve it but thank you."
"Well if my daughter insists I think maybe you do." Sally said slowly, "Percy is many things but most importantly she's generally a good judge of character. I trust her judgement."
"You'll be under our protection." Carter added, and Percy met his gaze. She knew he had probably realised that Luke's position was incredible precarious. He wasn't welcome in the only safe space for Demigods. Understandably so of course but still- that didn't bode well for him. And Zeus would undoubtedly be after his head. Carter formally extending his protection to Luke made it all official. Harming Luke would cause a huge amount of trouble beneath the two pantheons. Trouble which the Greeks couldn't really afford given their situation with Kronos.
"Thank you." Luke shifted awkwardly, "I uh- I appreciate it."
"Good." Carter's gaze shifted back to Percy. "Now, you said you were on a deadline right? How long do you need before we head out?"
"Well-" Percy glanced at the others, "I'm willing to head out as soon as possible. Though… it might be a good idea to get some supplies?" she looked at Chiron questioningly and the Centaur gave a small nod, turning his head to call, "Will, Kayla. Please go fill some backpacks with the necessary supplies and bring them here." The two demigods headed off quickly, a blonde haired boy who reminded Percy of a living ray of sunshine, and a red haired girl with green dye splashed on the ends.
"Speaking of backpacks." Carter's lips suddenly twitched, "I did bring yours Percy." He moved back to the boat, leaning into it and lifting a familiar bag out of the boat, a shit eating grin on his lips as Percy's eyes widened and then-
"Fuck yes!" she punched the air, "I'm gonna make my girlfriends mom freaking love me!"