Percy was frozen, his shock morphed into a wide-eyed expression of both happiness and confusion as he gazed upon the person before him. The mere presence of the girl he had once loved, the girl who had been his partner through countless battles and trials, stirred a whirlwind of emotions within him. Annabeth, her eyes sparkling with a playful gleam, couldn't resist rolling her eyes at Percy's dumbfounded state. She playfully punched his arm, a familiar gesture that brought a rush of memories flooding back.

"Annabeth… it's you," Percy stammered, his voice filled with a mix of astonishment and joy.

"Well of course it's me, who did you think it was?" she said sarcastically, a mischievous smile still on her face.

"What are you doing here!?" Percy asked, still in disbelief. "You're meant to be taking care of Camp and remodelling Olympus." Annabeth let you a soft chuckle, her eyes sparkling with amusement
"Oh Percy," she chided. "Did you really think I wouldn't be able to design Olympus with two years alone?"

"No?" She nodded.

"Good, oh my days two years isn't nearly enough to remodel a city, let alone freaking Olympus! The task is monumental, with countless statues, houses, and buildings to recreate.! And as if that wasn't enough, there's a never-ending influx of minor gods showing up meaning I have to keep designing new temples to accommodate them." A mix of admiration and jealousy flickered in Percy's eyes as he listened to Annabeth speak. Of course he didn't want to admit it, but after hearing Annabeth talk about all these things, he couldn't deny the twinge of envy tugging at his heart. It was like she'd moved right over him, while he was still stuck in life.

"Well what brings you here then?" he asked once she'd finished talking about all the grand things she wanted to do in Olympus.

"I mean I am rebuilding here…" she said, again making him feel a bit down. "Which means who other than me to help you design a palace!" His gaze softened as he absorbed the sincerity in her voice.

"You… You want to help me design my palace?" Percy asked, a glimmer of hope mingling with his surprise. Smirking, Annabeth nodded, her curls playfully bouncing.

"Let's not make it a matter of wanting to help, Percy," she replied, her tone filled with playful banter. "It's more like a question of whether I can trust you not to screw up designing a palace." Percy chuckled at that, although he couldn't deny she was right. While he had faced numerous life-and-death situations and battled dreaded foes, designing a palace was a whole new challenge, one that required a set of skills he lacked. Her eyes gleaming, Annabeth pulled out a notebook and a pencil from her pocket.

"Are you ready, Percy?" Annabeth asked, a grin spreading across her face. "Are you ready for the most extraordinary and unforgettable architecture session of your life? Percy's smirk matched Annabeth's.

"Bring it on," he challenged, his voice tinged with a mixture of determination and anticipation.

"I take that back," Percy groaned a mere five minutes later.

"What's wrong?" Annabeth teased. "A few minutes ago you seemed ready to endure my architecture and now you're already defeated?" He didn't reply, which caused a teasing smile to dance around Annabeth's lips as she continued sketching on her notebook.

"Are you really telling me you didn't miss me over the last two years?" she quipped, raising an eyebrow in a playful challenge. Percy scoffed, his expression shifting from playful to genuine.

"Miss you? Every second. Miss your five-hour long architecture lessons? No way!" Lightly laughing, Annabeth went back to scribbling stuff on her notebook. As she focused on her work, her brow furrowing in concentration, Percy couldn't help but be captivated by her dedication and passion. It was a sight he had always cherished. The way she immersed herself in her craft and the way her eyes sparkled with inspiration was one of the many reasons he had fallen for her… but sadly, that was the past.

"You weren't serious about missing me every second were you?" Annabeth said with a giggle, still scribbling something down. When he didn't respond, she looked up at him. "Were you?" she repeated, now beginning to frown. Percy simply stared down, finding the floor interesting for some reason.

"Percy!" she gasped. "It's been two years!" Again, he didn't reply, his frown only deepening. "How have you not moved on yet?"
"I don't know, okay!" he said a little loudly, snapping at her. Taking a deep breath, Percy composed himself before talking again. "It's not that easy to move on, especially when half your time is spent in the Underworld, you can't meet anyone, and you're constantly reminded how every single person you love is ripped out of your heart again, and again, and again." Annabeth paused, her pencil freezing mid-stroke, as a mix of concern and understanding washed over her. The playful glimmer in her eyes dimmed, replaced by a gentle empathy. Sensing the weight of Percy's words, she set her notebook aside and closed the distance between them.

"Percy," she spoke softly, her voice laced with tenderness. "I didn't mean to belittle your experiences or the challenges you've faced. I knew it would be hard for you after we broke up." Her hand reached out, lightly brushing against his arm, offering a comforting touch. Percy met her gaze, his sea green eyes reflecting a whirlwind of emotions.

"It's not that I haven't tried to move on, Annabeth," he confessed, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "But how can I forget the love we shared, the adventures we embarked on, and the moments we cherished? It's like a part of me still clings to the memories, refusing to let go." Annabeth, sighed, a mixture of remorse and longing colouring her voice.

"Percy, I never expected you to forget or erase our past. Our journey, our bond, they're part of who we are. But I also hoped that time apart would help us heal and find our own paths."

Annabeth's fingers lingered on Percy's arm, her touch gentle yet firm, as if she sought to anchor him in the present moment. Her eyes, brimming with compassion, met his.

"Percy," she began softly, her voice filled with a blend of empathy and determination. "Moving on doesn't mean erasing our past or denying the love we shared. It just means finding a way to honour our memories while embracing the possibilities that lie ahead." She moved closer to him. "There was a time when you were all I thought of. During Hera's absolutely crazy idea when you were kidnapped, I couldn't sleep at night for fear of your safety." For a moment, Annabeth paused, lost in her memories of the past. "But what we had is over, Percy. You are my closest friend, and I will always be there for you, but it's time for both of us to design our own paths, and go our own ways." Percy's brow furrowed, a mixture of confusion and longing etched on his face.

"But how do I do that, Annabeth?" he whispered, his voice laced with a tinge of defeat. "Everywhere I turn, every moment I'm alone, the memories come rushing back, engulfing me in a whirlwind of emotions." Annabeth took a step closer, her presence a comforting shield against the storm of conflicting emotions raging within him.

"Moving on takes time, Percy. It's a journey of self-discovery and growth," she explained gently. "And you don't have to face it alone. Aphrodite, Jason, Piper, Frank, Leo… we're all here for you, supporting you." For a moment, Percy's gaze flickered with a glimmer of hope, but it faded away fast.

"Percy," Annabeth sighed, giving him a knowing look. "What aren't you telling me?" His eyes darted away, unable to meet her unwavering gaze. He hesitated for a moment, wrestling with his inner turmoil before finally finding the courage to speak. "It's... It's loyalty," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Loyalty is my fatal flaw, Annabeth. I can't help but hold onto the past, even when it's tearing me apart." She gave him a look of confusion and concern, but still spoke with determination.

"Percy, loyalty is one of your greatest strengths," she reassured him, "but don't let it imprison you. Moving on doesn't mean betraying our past or ruining what we had. It just means allowing ourselves to grow and embrace new possibilities while still cherishing the past we shared." Percy sighed, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his doubts. "I know, but... it's hard, Annabeth. I don't know, sometimes I just fear that moving on would be like cheating on what we had, like diminishing the love we shared." At this, Annabeth started to become slightly angry.

"Oh no, no, no!" she said, raising her voice for the first time. "I don't care what your fatal flaw is, there is no way I'll stand by and let it control you! You are such an amazing person, and you deserve a woman who can give you the world. In no way is moving on and finding your dream girl the same as cheating. Come on Percy, I know you got like a U- in English, but this is bad, even for your standards." He chuckled at her weak attempt of humour, causing her to grin a little as well.

"Percy, listen to me," she implored, her voice filled with conviction. "Moving on is not a betrayal. It's a natural part of life, a testament to our capacity to love and grow. Our story isn't over. Instead, it's time to turn the page and start a new chapter."

As he stared into Annabeth's determined eyes, her words penetrating deep into his heart, he realised that she was right, and a sense of clarity began to wash over him. The weight of his loyalty and fears slowly began to dissipate, making room for a newfound sense of hope and acceptance. Saying it out loud was enough for Percy to realise how ridiculous he sounded. She's moved on from him. They'd clearly broken up. How was dating someone else, something she wanted him to do, the same as cheating?

"You're right," Percy finally admitted. "I suppose I am being dumb." A small smile tugged at the corners of Annabeth's lips.

"Courageous, kind and selfless are word's I would use to describe you in a heartbeat. Smart… well I think this conversation says enough." Percy chuckled, this time for real.

"In all seriousness, though," Annabeth began, "you deserve happiness, and I believe that there's someone out there, much better than me, who will love you unconditionally, just as you deserve." Percy nodded, his body never feeling so alive before.

"Thank you," he said sincerely, gratitude lacing his words. "Thank you for the needed reminder that love doesn't have to end with our story, and thank you for finally giving me the relationship closure I never knew I needed." A small smile tugged at the corners of Annabeth's lips.

"It takes strength to confront our fears and move on. I still have no idea how you still hadn't gotten over me, even after two years." Percy sheepishly smiled. "If I'd known you were still having doubts about moving on, I would've told you all this earlier!" Annabeth leaned closer, a playful glint in her eyes. "I could've saved you all those sleepless nights and days spent lost in thought about us." She giggles, but Percy only frowned.

"Okay, maybe you're overexaggerating it a little," he grumbled. "Besides, it wasn't just about forgetting you, but also trying to find someone new. Staying in the Underworld doesn't really give you a chance to find love, and Hades is the worst person to ever talk to about relationships." Annabeth laughed, taking her pen back out and going back to sketching.

"How so?"

"Well for starters, he told Nico that if he was ever serious about someone, it wouldn't be the worst idea to keep her in the Underworld till she eats something." At this, Annabeth couldn't help but roar in laughter.

"No… way," she managed to get out between tears. "He really said that?"
"Oh yes!" Percy replied with a dead serious face. "I think at this point we have to accept that Lord Hades has no charisma." With mock pensiveness, Annabeth grinned, before turning back to her notepad. A comfortable silence settled between them, punctuated only by the sound of Annabeth's pen gliding across the paper. Percy watched her, captivated by the way her brows furrowed in concentration. The gentle curve of her lips as she sketched, and the spark of creativity that radiated from her was a sight he had missed dearly. The only difference was now he was learning to appreciate it without needing to love her.

"So tell me," Percy asked, "what is your professional vision for my palace? Are we talking about a modern design or something more Ancient-Greece like?"

"Well, Percy, how about we blend the best of both worlds?" she replied, still focused on her drawing. "A fusion of modern aesthetics with nods to the grandeur of ancient Greece. A palace that embodies leadership, courage, strength, wisdom, and the spirit of perseverance that defines you." Playfully, he groaned.

"Great, so my love life is as complicated as my palace design now? Thanks a lot, Annabeth." She laughed lightly, a sound that echoed down the desolate street.

"Hey, out of everyone, you should know best that I ensure every building I'm in charge of is designed to perfection, even if that means over complicating it a little bit here and there." With a small smile on his face, Percy stretched, enjoying the company of a friend as she thought of the most beautiful palace design Olympus had ever seen.

As the final sketches in Annabeth's notepad were finished, Percy couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. It had been fun catching up with Annabeth, but there was no denying the architecture lesson had been exhaustive.

"Okay… I think that's a wrap up," Annabeth sighed, setting her pen aside and closing her notepad. Seventeen pages later, the weight of their creative collaboration lingered in the air..

"Thank the gods!" Percy groaned, his temples throbbing from a severe case of information overload . "Sometimes you're a bit too thorough." Her chuckle danced in the air, a melodic sound that filled the room with warmth. Finally, Annabeth tucked away her notepad, meeting Percy's gaze in an awkward silence.

"So… any idea when my palace will be made?" Percy asked, his attempt at nonchalance failing miserably. Internally, he chided himself. Smooth, Percy, real smooth, Percy thought to himself, shaking his head slightly. Annabeth simply shrugged.

"I've got to give Athena the plans when I get back. She'll probably put a poster out looking for builders by the end of the week. Of course, here in Olympus the builders take ages, but I don't see any reason why in a couple of months, it shouldn't be finished." He smiled at her.

"Listen Annabeth-"
"Hey I just want to-" Sheepishly, the two looked at each other.

"You go first," Percy began, but she dismissed it.

"No, whatever I'm saying is irrelevant, you speak." Percy raised his eyebrow, but seeing her expression, he decided to just continue.

"I just want to say thank you," Percy told her, sincerity in his voice. "Had we not ran into each other, I don't even want to think about how much longer I'd be stuck to you and unable to move on from our past." A teasing smirk tugged at the corner of Annabeth's lips, her eyes dancing with playful mischief..

"Well you boys always are a bit more… clingy."
"That is true- Hey what do you mean clingy!" Percy suddenly yelled in protest. "I am the least clingy person you will ever meet." She scoffed, playfully frowning at him.

"Yeah right, and I'm the designer of Olympus."
"Except you are," Percy noted with a frown. Annabeth's devious smile only widened, revelling in the playful banter.

"I am indeed," she agreed with a devious smile. "And therefore, you aren't a clingy person." Percy just stared at her blankly before conceding defeat with a shrug.

"You don't need to flex your intellect for me to know you're smarter than me," he grumbled, although a faint smile still lingered on his face.

"I know," Annabeth teased, "but it does feel nice to remind you every now and then."

"Why did I ever choose to date you in the first place?" he grumbled rhetorically while Annabeth playfully rolled her eyes.

"So what were you going to say?" Percy asked her. Annabeth pursed her lips, her brow furrowing as she contemplated her response. Eventually, after a thoughtful moment of consideration, she shook her head, a small smile gracing her lips.

"It can wait," she replied. " Right now, I'm more than certain Aphrodite is already awaiting your arrival."

"Are you sure…?" Percy asked uncertainty. "There's something on your mind and I-"
"Percy, I'm fine!" she said with an exasperated sigh. "If anything, I'm still worried about you." Without hesitation, Annabeth leaned in, her arms encircling Percy in a warm embrace. It was a comforting gesture, a reminder to him that even after everything, they were still close friends. In the embrace, Percy found a fleeting moment of solace, one where the weight of their past and the uncertainty of their future seemed to fade away.

"Now shoo!" she playfully giggled, pushing him away. "The next time I see you, it better be with your new girlfriend." Even though she was teasing him, her words were a testament to her desire for Percy to find happiness. Grinning, he waved his goodbyes to Annabeth, the bittersweet taste of parting hanging in the air. Turning around, he began setting back down the same torturously long path back to Aphrodite's palace.

As he walked, Percy couldn't help but notice how each step felt lighter, as if a weight unbeknown to him had been lifted off his shoulders. The realisation that he had been holding onto his lingering thoughts of Annabeth for two whole years had been a wake up call. How could he still be consumed by thoughts of her after all this time? He shook his head, chuckling at his own foolishness. It was time to let go and move on. Running a hand through his hair, Percy took a deep breath. This was his moment, his sign to finally stop dwelling over his past. Annabeth had been an incredible girlfriend, a beacon of love and support in his life, but he had to acknowledge that their paths had diverged. Before, this daunted him, but now the notion of dating someone else, of exploring the realms of love beyond what he had with Annabeth no longer seemed absurd.. Percy sighed happily. This was his moment. Annabeth had loved him, so why wouldn't someone else be able to? His godly duties were far more important than anything else, and he'd definitely be putting a lot more time into training, but it wouldn't be the worst thing if he met a special someone. The mere thought of finding love again brought euphoria and excitement to the new god. Such an old emotion he thought he'd never find again...

It didn't take too long to find Aphrodite's palace. Luckily, palaces didn't teleport, and Percy's short term memory was good enough to remember the route he'd taken a few hours ago and retrace it. Approaching the entrance, Percy noticed his mentor had forgotten to close her door yet again. With an exasperated shake of his head, he pushed the door open, stepping into her realm of beauty, and closing it behind. He wiped his shoes on the plush rug that adorned her entrance, something she was very insistent on him doing, and practically threw his coat onto her bannister with a casual toss.

"Aphrodite, you seriously need to start closing your doors," Percy called out, his voice filled with a mixture of playfulness and genuine concern. The memories of what happened when she forgot to close her doors caused a shudder to ripple through his body, a vivid reminder of the chaos that could ensue. "I tell you, if we get another bee infestation, it's your throat I'm after, and no one's stopping me!" Silence greeted his words, prompting Percy to call out again, this time a note of curiosity in his voice.

"Aphrodite, are you here? Please don't tell me you're off on another date. It's not even three in the afternoon!" As his voice trailed off, a faint sound caught his attention, a delicate symphony of far away voices, barely audible, emanating from down the hallway. Intrigued, Percy's curiosity propelled him forward. With measured steps and a hint of stealth, he carefully creeped down Aphrodite's abnormally large hallway, following the alluring trail of murmurs. Slowly, the voices grew louder. He could even hear some faint laughter at this point. Eventually, upon reaching a polished, pure white door, the giggling and conversations were at their loudest. He took a deep breath, bracing himself, before flinging the door open and walking in.

The last thing the son of Poseidon expected to see was Aphrodite and Apollo sitting in the kitchen, having an infectious fit of giggles around their tea cups, yet here the two here, deceiving his eyes. Aphrodite, exuding an aura of timeless beauty, seemed to be wearing a sleeveless white Greek dress that cascaded down her slender form. The dress boasted a V-shaped, low cut neckline, delicately trimmed in gold. Her lustrous hair was free and in curls, something that surprisingly suited her well, although she was the goddess of love: everything was meant to look good on her. It was a change from her usual complicated dresses, and yet, the simplicity only served to enhance her gorgeousness.

Apollo on the other hand had gone for a more modern attire, opting for a pair of well-fitted jeans that highlighted his athletic frame. A plain white shirt clung to his torso, with a red flannel casually draped over, adding a touch of vibrant colour to his ensemble. His charming smile, radiant as ever, seemed to sparkle amidst the shared laughter. As Thalia had said before, Apollo is hot.

Percy was momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected scene, observing the duo with a mixture of awe and amusement as they turned to face him.

"Ah, Percy!" Apollo said in delight. "Just the man I was looking for." The sun god's voice resonated with a playful yet thrilling energy, the kind that hinted at an exciting proposition. Nervously, he shuffled forwards, closing the door behind him.

"And why is that?" Percy asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

"Do you want to tell him?" Apollo asked Aphrodite who subtly shook her head.
"I think it'll be better coming from you," she said, taking a sip of tea. His smile widening, Apollo got up from his seat and slung his arm around Percy's shoulders, drawing him closer.

"Well, my friend, I have a small errand to run and need some company," the sun god explained. "Of course I'd normally ask Hermes or Hephaestus to accompany me, but both seem to be extremely busy and I've put this off for too long. Okay, you up for it?"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Percy said, raising his hands. "Apollo, you gotta at least tell me where we're going and why we're going there before I make up my mind. As much faith as I have in you, I don't think it's enough to blindly follow you on an adventure to who knows where." The sun god frowned.

"It was much easier when you were a mortal," Apollo playfully grumbled under his breath, earning a giggle from Aphrodite. "Well, the giant war finished two years ago, and the oracle's were down for quite a while. Only recently, probably a month or so ago, did I regain control over them. It's actually a really interesting story, Percy, involving a massive snake, a zombified army, and our dear Jason narrowly escaping the clutches of death… twice." So that's why he hasn't visited Piper yet, Percy mused. It seems Jason is too preoccupied with side quests at this point.

"Apollo, cut to the chase, Percy's going to fall asleep at this rate," Aphrodite snickered.

"Well to summarise things," Apollo said with a sigh, "the last great prophecy is over and Zeus has been incessantly nagging me to unveil the next one, so I need to talk to our oracle, and some company would be delightful."

"I'm confused," Percy frowned. "Are you saying you just have the ability to make the oracle speak it's prophecies?"

"Well it's a bit more complicated," Apollo said impatiently. "Essentially, my ability to force a prophecy out is reserved for the great prophecies. You know, those grand, earth shattering ones. So, are you up for a small detour?" Percy thought for a moment. Apollo was pretty funny and a chill guy to talk to, but Percy's brain was still suffering from information overload. Was another prophecy really what he needed?

"Aw come on Percy," Apollo nudged him with a playful grin. "Trust me when I say that tagging along with me is far more enticing than whatever Aphrodite has in store for you!" Grudgingly, he agreed. Percy definitely didn't want to delve any deeper into Aphrodite's seduction lessons.

"You're okay with this?" he asked, turning to his mentor for verification. Aphrodite's eyes sparkled with a mixture of amusement and patience.

"Do you think I'd let him ask you if I wasn't?" Aphrodite replied with a wry smile. He wanted to retort, but she had a fair point. With an inch of reluctance, Percy nodded, his decision made.

"Alright then, I suppose there's no harm in tagging along," Percy finally agreed, causing Apollo to grin madly, slapping Percy on the back. Aphrodite hummed approvingly as well, a delicate smile tugging the corners of her lip.

"Jeez, you really want me out of your palace that badly?" he asked her in mock sadness. The goddess laughed, her giggles tinkling like delicate bells.

"Not really," she replied, her eyes dancing with mirth. "In fact, quite the opposite, but I must admit, this does present a delightful opportunity for me-" Apollo interjected, finishing her sentence with a cheeky grin. "To engage in a passionate snog session without your watchful eyes and critical commentary. You're welcome," he added, disregarding Aphrodite's irritated expression.

"Hang on one second," she said, getting up from her chair. Worry was plastered all over Apollo's face, so obvious even Percy could tell.

"And that's our cue to leave," he murmured under his breath. "Thanks for Percy and the drinks, have a nice day! We'll catch up Later! Or not, if you're still angry at me" Without further ado, Apollo swiftly grabbed Percy's arm and flashed him away, the world around them blurring into a whirlwind of colours and sensations faster than Aphrodite could say, 'pink teacups.'

When Percy opened his eyes, the all too familiar scenery brought a smile to his face. He blinked a few times, his eyes adjusting to the dappled sunlight filtering through the lush canopy above. The familiar scent of pine and damp soil engulfed him in a comforting embrace, reminding him of many joyful memories. Apollo had flashed them into the middle of the Camp Half-Blood woods, a short walk away from the Oracle's Cave. As Percy surveyed his surroundings, a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. The towering trees reached for the sky, their branches swaying gently in a harmonious dance with the breeze. Rays of sunlight broke through the foliage, casting ethereal patterns on the forest floor. It was a scene of unparalleled natural beauty, a serene refuge far removed from the chaos of the demigod's world. Surely it hadn't been two years since he last visited this place? Time had slipped away like sand through his fingers, even with Kronos stuck in Tartarus.

Following Apollo, Percy began trekking through the quiet woods. With each step they took, the forest seemed to come more and more alive around them. The rustling leaves whispered secrets in his ears as they ventured deeper into the woods.

"How's godhood treating you?" Apollo asked, his voice piercing the silence, slinging his arm around his shoulder. Percy considered the question for a moment, his gaze shifting from his surroundings to Apollo's expectant face.

"It's been… cool I guess," Percy said with a hint of uncertainty. "Aphrodite has been surprisingly pleasant and I'm getting better at controlling my domains." The god nodded.

"Remind me of your domains. I know you got leadership, illusions and rivers, but what were the other two?"

"Metamorphosis," Percy recited. "And comfort." Apollo's eyebrows arched in mild surprise.

"Comfort? Now that's an interesting domain," he remarked, a hint of amusement colouring his tone. "But where on earth did the Fates get that domain from?" Percy shrugged, confused himself.

"Honestly, I'm still trying to figure that out myself," he admitted. "Supposedly, I'm good at it or something, but truthfully, I'm lost on it." Apollo chuckled, the sound carrying through the tranquil woods like a playful melody.
"Makes two of us."

"Hey Apollo, you mind if I ask a question." The sun god frowned, a faint hint of confusion crossing his face before he mustered a playful retort.

"You just asked one," he quipped, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Okay, can I ask another question after this question I am asking right now?" Percy said, his voice laced with irritance. Giving a coy smile, Apollo nodded.

"Shoot!" Seizing the opportunity, he took a deep breath before delving into something that had been weighing on his mind for a few days.
"Would your sister's hunters shoot me upon sight if I tried to enter your camp?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Huh, well that's a new one," he remarked.
"What did you think I was gonna say?" Apollo shrugged.

"Anything other than something to do with Artemis," Apollo admitted with a touch of wry humour. Percy sighed. The dynamics of the Olympian family never failed to surprise him.
"Okay, well I did, now are you gonna answer my question?" Apollo sighed, a long, drawn-out exhalation that had a sense of weariness. It seemed as though the mere thought of his sister and her hunters exhausted his mind.

"You're a complicated person," the sun god eventually said. "Thalia wouldn't mind you, and my sister would probably be pretty neutral about it, but the hunt has more than two people, and I can't say the same for the others. What makes you ask?"
"Artemis said that Thalia wants to see me," he confessed, nostalgia seeping into his voice. "I'm trying to figure out the best way to catch up with her after all these years. She's the closest thing I have to a sister after all. I would say vice versa, but she has Jason." Apollo's lips curled into a knowing smile, his eyes almost shimmering with fondness.

"Ah, sibling reunions," he mused. "Always a memorable affair till you get into a massive argument about who's domains are better and need to get your mother to break the fight up." At Percy's confused face, Apollo asked, "Just me?" to which Percy nodded.

"Eh, just put some body armour on and you should be good to go. As usual, use this method at your own risk. I do not take any liability for any harm incurred on your behalf." Percy smirked at the sun god's antics. His voice carried a lighthearted tone, though the underlying warning was clear. The realm of Artemis and her hunters was not to be taken lightly.

They're journey didn't take much longer. A few minutes of brisk walking later, the two reached their destination, a cave nestled amidst the dense foliage. The sun god's gaze lingered warily on the structure and its imposing presence. Eerie green lanterns lined the entrance, with the cave itself being veiled by dangling, purple curtains, only adding to the mystery of it all.

"This is her cave, right?" Apollo asked uncertainly. His eyes darted back and forth, scanning the surroundings.

"Yep," Percy replied, his hands casually tucked in his pockets. Without hesitation, the sun god took the lead, striding purposefully toward the entrance. With a swift motion, he pushed the curtains aside, revealing the hidden depths within. Inside was a whole different story. It was as if they had stepped into an alternate realm entirely, a realm devoted to chilling out, gaming, and adventure. The cave had been transformed into a sprawling gaming room, with shelves lined with Sci-Fi books and a captivating array of gaming consoles. Apollo's eyes widened in awe as he surveyed the impressive setup before him. The flickering glow from the TV cast an ethereal light across the room, illuminating the messy shelves and the inviting comfort of a beanbag chair nestled in a corner. Judging from his reaction, it was clear that this was Apollo's first time visiting. Percy had passed through a few times before, but in two years, it had changed immensely.

Rachel Elizabeth Dare, Apollo's latest oracle, was casually sitting in front of the console, completely engrossed in her video game, not even noticing the two guests. Frantically, she clicked a few buttons on her controller as she navigated her character through the digital landscape. Apollo, unable to contain his excitement any longer, coughed loudly in an attempt to draw Rachel's attention. With a start, she finally tore her gaze away from the TV screen, a guilty smile playing upon her lips. The vibrant hues of the gaming room flickered across her face as she shifted her focus to the newcomers.

"Afternoon," Apollo said with a grin. "I see you lived up to your word of creating the ultimate oracle hideout."

"Afternoon Lord Apollo, it's an honour," Rachel said with a small courtesy. "Morning Percy, long time no see!"

"Tell me about it," he quipped, his voice tinged with wistfulness. Rachel on the other hand, only frowned.

"I mean yeah, you needed space after Annabeth, but two whole freaking years?! With no contact at all? Come on, even for you that's low." Sheepishly, Percy rubbed the back of his head, before luckily, Apollo saved him.
"Come now, Rachel, we're not here to scorn the boy, no matter how much he may deserve it," he chided. "We have more pressing matters at hand." Rachel looked away, sighing lightly.

"Zeus has asked for a new great prophecy, hasn't he?" Apollo nodded.

"Well he asked me for one months ago, but yeah, I'm here because I can't put it off much longer." Uneasily Rachel looked at him. It was obvious that Apollo had never actually made her recite a prophecy, so Percy couldn't blame her.

"Okay, well how does it work?" she asked uncertainty. Flashing her a charming smile, Apollo pulled out a chair and placed it behind her.

"It's simple actually," Apollo began, his voice carrying a hint of excitement. "All I have to do is have a nice chat with Delphi, and you'll be spouting our prophecy in a few seconds! Sounds good?"
"Not really?" she grumbled.

"Perfect!" Apollo said happily. "Trust me Rachel, this will be an experience like no other. Now, just look deep into my eyes." Following his orders, Rachel stared deep into Apollo's eyes. Time seemed to stand still as the two locked eyes, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment. Suddenly, an intense surge of energy rippled through her body. She doubled over, clutching her stomach as if someone had punched her. Then, ever so slowly, she stood up, straightening herself. When she blinked, her eyes changed, now glowing a vibrant, serpent green, radiating an otherworldly luminescence that defied explanation. Rachel's gaze, stripped of its usual warmth and liveliness, grew distant and detached. It was as if an ancient, enigmatic entity had taken hold of her, channelling its voice through her very being. Her words emerged, fragmented yet united, resonating in a chorus of distinct voices that merged into one. The tripled timbre of her voice echoed through the room, each tone intertwining and harmonising, creating an eerie sound. The very room seemed to hold its breath as she spoke the words of prophecy:

Amidst the whispers of the divine halls,

A plot unfolds as the darkness calls.

The civil war's embers, a bloodbath at hand,

The sadist's smile, its every command.

A hero shall rise, only to fall,

Into the darkness, where death is all.

In treacherous lands, violence takes its stage,

As the puppeteer orchestrates their rampage.

Families crumble, their foundations adrift,

For foes become friends as alliances shift,

An unexpected outcome, none can foresee,

Trapped, Death will be the hero's misery.

As the spirit of Delphi finally left her, Rachel collapsed, her eyes returning to their familiar hue. Quickly, Percy caught her, and guided her gently into the awaiting chair. The touch of her skin sent a chill through his fingertips, while the flush of fever on her face showed the toll the prophecy had taken on her fragile form. Bewildered and perplexed, he turned to Apollo.

"What was that?" Percy asked the sun god. He didn't reply, simply rubbing his chin in thought.

"I have… no idea?" Apollo said, his face mirroring my own confusion. "A hero shall rise, only to fall… Well that isn't going to be helpful is it?" Percy shrugged. Briefly, he went over the words of the prophecy. The sadist's smile… Surely that couldn't mean anything good?

"Whatever it is, it sounds like bad news," Percy told Apollo while giving Rachel a glass of water. He nodded.

"It does," he mused, still looking thoughtfully, as if he was analysing the prophecy. "Now let's get some ice cream!" Apollo said excitedly to Percy. "Knowing Aphrodite's antics, when she's alone, the last thing she wants is to be disturbed, probably for the best knowing what she's up to."

My first attempt at a prophecy, so please do tell if it was good! Also, I really hope this last main interaction between Percy and Annabeth helped clear up why Percy could move on, and that now he can hopefully find love with someone else. I should also be able to fix up my updating schedule now to update weekly again, which is good news!

As always, please do leave a quick review if you enjoyed this chapter! : )