Jason's heart pounded fiercely as he took in the chaos around him. Seeing Sally, who had always been like a second mother to him, struggling to fend off the Minotaur and Kelly ignited something deep inside—a determination he could no longer ignore. He had kept his alien strength and speed a secret for years, known only by his parents. But now, he could no longer hide who he was.

"Get away from her!" Jason bellowed, sprinting forward with speed beyond human capability, placing himself between Sally and the two monsters.

Percy rushed to Sally's side, his voice thick with concern. "Mom, are you hurt?" His eyes darted over her, searching for any signs of injury.

Sally shook her head, clutching the fireplace poker with trembling hands. "I'm fine, Percy, just stay back!" she urged, her voice wavering.

The Minotaur roared, his red eyes glinting with rage as he prepared to charge once more. His massive frame was coiled like a spring, ready to unleash destruction.

Kelly's lips twisted into a cruel sneer. "What do we have here?" she mocked, eyeing Jason. "A boy who thinks he can play hero?" Her voice dripped with disdain. "You're no demigod, but there's something… off about you."

Jason didn't bother responding. As the Minotaur lunged forward, he sidestepped with inhuman speed, then spun around and delivered a powerful kick to the beast's side. The impact sent the Minotaur staggering back, crashing into a bookshelf and sending books and debris tumbling to the floor.

Percy's attention shifted from his mother to Jason. His best friend had always been strong and fast, but this… this was something else entirely. "Jason, what—" he began, but there was no time for questions.

Kelly's expression darkened, her eyes narrowing as Jason once again stood between her and Sally. "You're definitely not ordinary," she muttered, suspicion and curiosity flashing in her gaze.

Meanwhile, Annabeth darted forward with the knife she had picked up, her face set with determination as she closed in on Kelly. She slashed at the monster, but Kelly twisted away with supernatural agility and retaliated, lashing out with a vicious kick.

"Nice try," Kelly taunted, a smirk forming on her lips. "But you'll need more than a blade, little girl."

Annabeth gritted her teeth, her mind racing as she circled back, looking for an opening. "I don't have to beat you," she said with steely resolve. "Just stall you long enough."

Watching Annabeth struggle against Kelly, Percy's frustration and anger surged to the surface. "Leave her alone!" he shouted, the air around him suddenly seeming to vibrate. Before he knew it, a surge of water erupted from a nearby shattered fish tank, curling through the air and striking Kelly square in the chest, knocking her off her feet.

Percy stared at his own hand, bewildered. "What… how did I do that?" he breathed, his heart racing.

Jason glanced over, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Percy, did you just—" His sentence was cut short as the Minotaur, recovering from Jason's kick, bellowed in rage and lunged again, this time targeting Percy.

Instinctively, Jason intercepted, his superhuman strength coming to the forefront. He drove his shoulder into the Minotaur's chest, shoving the massive creature back with a force that would have been impossible for any normal human. "Stay away from him!" Jason shouted, his voice trembling with intensity as he planted himself firmly between Percy and the beast.

Sally watched with wide, fearful eyes. Her gaze darted between Jason's unnatural speed and strength, and the water that had moved at Percy's command. "Jason… Percy… what's happening?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Not now, Sally!" Jason grunted, his eyes locked on the Minotaur, who was preparing for another attack. He could feel his muscles thrumming with power, his body almost vibrating from the effort of holding back the beast's raw strength.

Kelly staggered to her feet, wiping blood from her lip, her eyes blazing with anger. "You're not just ordinary pests," she growled, her gaze settling on Percy. "And you… you're just like your father."

Percy's brow furrowed with confusion and fury. "My father? What do you know about him?" His grip tightened on the fireplace poker, his anger bubbling over. The air around him seemed to shimmer, and the puddles of water scattered across the floor rippled as though responding to his emotion.

"Oh, I know plenty," Kelly sneered, her eyes glinting with cruel amusement. "But trust me, boy, you wouldn't like the answers." Her form flickered like a dark shadow. "Enough talk. Let's end this."

The Minotaur gathered itself for another charge, rage pouring off it in waves. With a thunderous roar, it barreled forward, its horns aimed directly at Jason and Percy.

Jason clenched his fists and stood his ground, his jaw set with determination. "Percy, help Annabeth!" he yelled over his shoulder. "I've got this."

Percy's mind raced, but he nodded, rushing over to Annabeth, who was still locked in combat with Kelly. "Annabeth, are you okay?" he asked, his voice tight with concern.

"I'm fine," she replied breathlessly, swinging her knife at Kelly's side and missing by inches. "But we need to deal with her—now!"

Percy nodded, his eyes darting to the puddles of water around them. "Come on… move…" he muttered under his breath, focusing as hard as he could. To his astonishment, the water obeyed, swirling up to form a barrier between him and Annabeth, and Kelly.

Kelly's eyes widened in surprise, her sneer faltering for the first time. "You… you really are his son," she hissed, lunging forward with her claws extended.

Percy and Annabeth moved in unison, the poker and knife slicing through the air together. Kelly leaped back, snarling with frustration.

Meanwhile, Jason faced the Minotaur head-on. As the beast charged, Jason sidestepped with a speed that blurred his form. He grabbed one of the Minotaur's horns, twisted sharply, and used his strength to throw the monster to the ground with a resounding crash, sending splintered wood flying.

"Enough!" Kelly shrieked, her form shimmering as she fought to regain her balance. "You won't stop me!" She lunged at the two teenagers again, but Annabeth delivered a powerful kick to her chest, sending Kelly reeling back.

Jason, sensing his opportunity, gripped the Minotaur's horn and slammed the beast's head against the floor, knocking it out cold. He breathed heavily, adrenaline coursing through his veins.

"Jason… Percy…" Sally gasped, her knees giving way beneath her. She sank to the floor, her exhaustion evident. "You saved me…"

Jason hurried over to help her up, his features softening. "We couldn't just stand by, Sally," he said, his voice steadying. "You've always been there for us. We're not going to let anything happen to you."

Percy knelt beside his mother, still struggling to comprehend what had just happened. "Mom… that monster said something about my father. Do you know anything?"

Sally shook her head slowly. "No, Percy… I found you when you were just a baby on my farm. I don't know anything about who your real parents are."

Annabeth glanced between Percy and Jason, her voice urgent. "We need to get out of here. There could be more coming. And we've got a lot to figure out."

Jason nodded, helping Sally to her feet. "First, let's make sure Sally is safe," he said, his voice firm. Then he looked at Percy, meeting his best friend's bewildered gaze. "And we'll get to the bottom of this, Percy. Together."

The trio stumbled into Jason's house, where his parents, Martha and Jonathan, rushed forward. Seeing the bruises and the shaken expressions on their faces, Martha's breath caught in her throat. "What happened?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Are you all hurt?"

Percy's heart was still pounding in his chest, the adrenaline from the fight coursing through his veins. Images of the Minotaur and Kelly flashed in his mind. The chaos, the fear, and then… the water. He had felt something respond to him, something powerful. He struggled to find the right words. "We were attacked," he finally managed. "Monsters. They came after us at the apartment."

Martha's eyes darted to Jason, her face a mixture of fear and knowing. "Jason, did you…?" she began, lowering her voice. "Did you have to use your strength?"

Jason nodded, his expression both defensive and weary. "I had to, Mom. Sally was in danger. I couldn't just stand there and let those things hurt her."

Jonathan stepped forward, resting a reassuring hand on Jason's shoulder. "You did what you had to do, son," he said, his voice steady but tinged with concern. "But you know the risks. If anyone finds out about you, about where you really come from…"

Annabeth was still trying to make sense of everything. Her gaze flicked between Jason, who had thrown a creature like the Minotaur with ease, and Percy, who had somehow controlled water. "What the hell is going on?" she blurted, her voice edged with confusion and frustration. "Jason, you tossed that Minotaur like it was nothing. And Percy—you did something with water, like it listened to you. How is that possible?"

Percy felt a rush of uncertainty and fear grip him as he remembered the moment during the fight when the water responded to him, surging from the pipes, forming a barrier. It had felt instinctive, like he was just tapping into something already inside him. But he had never done anything like that before. "I don't know how it happened," he admitted, shaking his head. "I wasn't even trying to do anything. It just… happened."

Annabeth's confusion deepened. "Are you hiding something from me?" Her eyes locked on Jason, then Percy. "Are there more secrets I don't know?"

Martha exchanged a hesitant glance with Jonathan before she took a deep breath and spoke. "Annabeth, there's something you need to understand," she began, her voice steady but solemn. "Jason… isn't from Earth."

Percy's mind raced, his pulse quickening as he tried to grasp what she had just said. He stared at Jason, disbelief in his eyes. "What are you saying? He's… an alien?"

Jason's expression was a mix of resignation and frustration. "Yeah, I am," he confessed, meeting Percy's gaze. "My real parents sent me here when I was a baby to keep me safe. I've always known I was different."

Annabeth took a step back, her head spinning. Her boyfriend had powers—*water powers*—and her second best friend turned out to be an alien. "Why didn't you ever tell us?" she demanded, a hint of betrayal in her voice. "You just… kept it a secret?"

Jason's voice was thick with apology. "I didn't want you to see me differently. I thought… I thought it would be safer if no one knew."

Jonathan nodded in agreement. "We had to keep it secret, Annabeth. For Jason's safety and for ours. If people found out, he'd be in more danger than any of us could handle."

As they spoke, Percy's mind drifted back to the voice from his dreams—the man who had been appearing since he was a kid. He remembered the last message clearly, echoing in his mind: *"Darkness surrounds you, Percy. You're more important than you realize."* The words now seemed heavier, like pieces of a puzzle starting to fit together, and it unnerved him.

He glanced at his mom, Sally, who was standing quietly by the door. "Mom," he said, his voice wavering, "did you know… did you know anything about this? About me?"

Sally's expression softened, and she shook her head. "No, Percy," she said quietly. "I don't know who your real parents are. I found you when you were just a baby, near our farm. There was no one else around, so I took you in and raised you as my own."

Annabeth's confusion turned into something else—sympathy, mixed with a rising anxiety. She stepped closer to Percy, her hand finding his. "We'll figure this out," she said, squeezing his hand gently. "We'll get to the bottom of whatever this is. We're in this together."

The tension in Jason's living room deepened as everyone processed the recent events. Jason's parents, Martha and Jonathan, stood near the entrance, their faces lined with concern. Sally leaned against the wall, her hands trembling slightly as she absorbed everything that had just happened. Percy, still catching his breath from the battle, felt his heart pounding as if it were trying to break free from his chest. Images of the Minotaur and Kelly—how he had controlled water without even thinking—flashed in his mind.

Annabeth broke the silence, her voice laced with bewilderment. "Okay, so Jason's an alien and can throw around a Minotaur like it's a toy. And Percy, you—" She paused, her brow furrowed as she glanced at him. "You controlled water. It came to you like you were commanding it. How is that even possible?"

Percy opened his mouth but hesitated, his mind racing back to the moment during the fight when the water surged forth at his will. It felt natural, as if it was responding to some unspoken command from within him. "I… I don't know," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't mean to do anything. It just happened. It's like the water was… listening to me."

Jason stepped forward, his jaw set as he glanced between Annabeth and Percy. "And you said you've been hearing voices? Horses, fish… like they were talking to you?"

Percy nodded slowly, his expression a mixture of confusion and apprehension. "Yeah. Ever since I was a child. I thought I was just losing it, but it's real. I can hear them. Not actual words, more like feelings or sounds that only I can understand."

Sally, who had been quiet until now, spoke up, her voice steady but edged with concern. "Percy… did this start recently, or have you always felt something different about water?"

Percy's gaze drifted to the floor as he searched his memories. "It's always been there, I guess," he confessed. "I've always felt energized when I'm near water. It's like… I don't know, like it's alive."

Annabeth's eyes widened with realization. "Wait a minute," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "The monsters that attacked us… They were Greek—mythological creatures. And Percy, you're connected to water…" She trailed off, her mind piecing together the clues.

"What are you getting at?" Jonathan asked, his brow furrowing as he tried to follow her train of thought.

Annabeth glanced at Sally, then back at Percy. "It sounds crazy, but if we're dealing with actual mythological creatures… What if it's not just a coincidence? What if Percy's powers mean something? Like, what if he's connected to a god—like a Greek god?"

Sally stiffened, her eyes locking onto Annabeth. "Are you saying that Percy's father could be—?"

Annabeth took a breath before continuing. "It's a long shot, but… think about it. The way water responds to him, the fact that monsters came after him… It reminds me of stories about demigods in Greek mythology, children born of gods and mortals." She turned to Percy, her gaze steady. "What if your father is Poseidon?"

The name hung in the air, echoing in the silence that followed. Percy felt a cold shiver travel down his spine. "Poseidon?" he repeated, the word tasting strange on his tongue. "The god of the sea? But that's just a myth… right?"

Sally took a step forward, her expression pained. "Percy, when I found you… there wasn't any sign of where you came from. You were just there, near the farm, all alone. I always wondered if there was something… special about you, but I never imagined…"

Jason's gaze darted between Percy and Annabeth, skepticism and curiosity battling within him. "You're saying that these stories… the Greek myths… they're real?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"It would explain a lot," Annabeth said, her tone thoughtful. "The monsters, your powers, even the way you hear animals. It's like you're connected to the ancient world in a way that's deeper than just a normal person."

Percy's pulse quickened as the idea sank in. His entire life, he had felt out of place, like there was a part of him that didn't belong. Could this really be the reason why? Could he truly be the son of a god? "But why would they come after me now?" he asked, a note of desperation creeping into his voice. "Why now, after all these years?"

Jason looked to his parents, who were listening intently. "There has to be a reason," he said. "The monsters didn't just show up for no reason. If Percy is connected to Poseidon—or any god, really—then there's a purpose behind all of this."

Martha nodded slowly, her eyes softening as she looked at Percy. "The fact that they targeted you specifically… It's not just about who you are. It's about what you represent," she said. "And maybe… just maybe, there's something bigger at play here."

Jonathan's voice was firm as he added, "If you are connected to the Greek gods, then you're a part of a world that goes far beyond anything we've ever known."

Percy's mind whirled with the implications. He recalled the voice from his dream, the man who had been haunting him for years. *"Darkness surrounds you, Percy. You're more important than you realize."* Those words now felt like a prophecy, a warning about the path he was destined to walk. But could he really be a demigod, the child of a mythical being? It was almost too much to believe.

Sally placed a hand on his shoulder, grounding him. "Percy," she said softly, "whatever the truth is, we'll face it together. You've always been strong, even when things seemed impossible. We'll figure out why this is happening, and we'll find a way to keep you safe."

Annabeth's eyes shone with determination. "We need to start finding answers," she said. "If Percy's father is really a god, then we're dealing with forces beyond anything we're prepared for. We need to know what we're up against."

Jason stepped closer, his jaw set. "And if that means fighting off more monsters, then so be it," he said, his voice brimming with resolve. "We're not letting anything happen to you, Percy. Not while we're still standing."

Percy felt a rush of gratitude, not just for the support of his friends, but for the fact that they were willing to stand by him even as the world seemed to unravel around them. "Thanks, guys," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. "I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do, but I won't back down. We'll figure this out together."

As they began to discuss what steps to take next, Percy couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to change in ways he could never have imagined.

The Graces' home was quiet, the kind of quiet that followed a storm. Jason's parents had offered Sally and Percy a place to stay until the damage to their apartment could be repaired. After the chaos of the night, with monsters ripping through their lives like a whirlwind, the tranquil house seemed like an odd contrast. Yet, even with the promise of safety, Percy couldn't shake the anxiety churning in his chest.

He lay in the guest room, staring up at the ceiling. The room was sparsely furnished, with plain beige walls and a single oak dresser pushed against one corner. A few framed photos of landscapes hung on the walls, and the nightstand beside the bed held an old-fashioned lamp with a floral shade. Moonlight streamed through a crack in the curtains, casting elongated silver shadows across the floor. Outside, the world was still, but inside, Percy's thoughts were a tangled mess, replaying the events that had shattered his sense of normalcy.

Images of the Minotaur's bellowing charge, the slashing claws of Kelli, and the strange power that had surged through him when he called on the water flashed in his mind. He saw Jason throwing the Minotaur effortlessly and remembered Annabeth's determined gaze as she tried to piece together the secrets that were unraveling around them. And then there was the voice in his dreams—the man who always seemed just out of reach, watching him from the shadows of his subconscious.

Eventually, exhaustion caught up with him, pulling him down into sleep. But it was not a peaceful rest. Almost immediately, he found himself in a place that was wrong—terribly, terrifyingly wrong.

The dream started as a burning landscape. Percy stood on a high cliff, overlooking a world that seemed to be tearing itself apart. Below him stretched a vast, scarred wasteland, where molten rivers of lava flowed like veins through a diseased body. The sky was a dark, seething mass of crimson and black, thick smoke choking out the stars and blotting the moon from existence. The very air tasted of ash and despair, hot and dry, filling his lungs with bitterness as he breathed.

Down on the ground, the remains of cities lay in ruin. Skyscrapers had crumbled into twisted heaps of steel and concrete, and roads had split open like jagged scars. Fire flickered in every direction, a chaotic sea of orange and red that devoured everything in its path. All around, Percy could hear the screams—echoes of people, of innocents, dying as the world fell apart. It was as though some malevolent force had decided to consume life itself, leaving nothing behind but smoke and shadows.

His heart lurched painfully as he saw familiar faces among the fallen. Just below him, in a patch of scorched earth, lay the bodies of his friends and family. Jason was there, his face bloodied and bruised, his eyes wide open, frozen in an expression of horror. Nearby, Annabeth lay motionless, her blonde hair streaked with ash, her hands outstretched as if she'd been reaching for him. His mother, Sally, lay further away, her body slumped and broken among the rubble. The sight was too much—Percy's chest tightened, and his throat burned with an emotion too intense to be named.

"No!" he cried, stumbling forward, reaching desperately for the people he loved. "Mom! Jason! Annabeth!" But his voice was drowned out by the monstrous roar that tore through the landscape.

He turned his gaze toward the horizon, where massive shapes moved through the smoke. The monsters were everywhere. He recognized the hulking form of the Minotaur, its nostrils flaring as it snorted steam and crushed cars beneath its hooves. A massive serpent slithered through the wreckage, its scales shimmering like silver in the firelight, while Harpies screeched from the skies, their shrill cries piercing the darkness as they circled like vultures over a battlefield. More creatures prowled among the ruins, their eyes glowing with malevolent hunger, and Percy could feel the weight of their gaze on him as if they were waiting for him to join the dead.

He dropped to his knees, the hopelessness pressing down on him like the smoke that hung in the air. "Why is this happening?" he whispered, his voice breaking as he stared at the devastation. "Why are they dead?"

The ground beneath him began to shudder and shift, the earth cracking open like a fragile shell. The landscape changed around him, melting into darkness and then reforming into a place he had seen countless times before in his dreams. The void stretched around him—vast, endless, and filled with a swirling mist that seemed almost alive. And in the center of it all stood the figure.

The man was tall and cloaked in shadow, his form nearly merging with the darkness that surrounded him. His face remained obscured as always, his features blurred as if seen through a thick fog, but his eyes shone like twin stars, cold and distant. There was a sense of familiarity about him, an ancient power that radiated from his very being, and Percy felt drawn to it, as if this figure held the answers to all the questions that had been haunting him.

Percy found his voice, though it came out weak and trembling. "Who are you?" he demanded, his fists clenched at his sides. "Why do I keep seeing you? What do you want from me?"

The man did not answer immediately. Instead, he seemed to regard Percy with an unspoken gravity, the air thickening as though the very world held its breath. Then, at last, he spoke, his voice deep and resonant, cutting through the silence like a blade. "Wake up, Percy," he said, his tone commanding yet laced with a strange compassion. "Wake up… and look down. You will find more answers there than you realize."

The words reverberated through the void, and suddenly, Percy's eyes snapped open. He was back in the guest room at the Graces' house, his skin clammy with sweat, his breathing coming in ragged gasps. The darkness of the room felt oppressive, but the command from the dream was still clear in his mind.

Look down.*

Percy swung his legs over the edge of the bed and hurried to the window, heart still pounding from the dream. He pulled back the curtains and peered down at the street below. The night was still and quiet, with the faint glow of the streetlamp casting long shadows across the sidewalk. The air was thick, as if holding its breath, waiting.

And then he saw it.

Just beneath the streetlamp stood a figure cloaked in a dark robe, its face hidden in the depths of a deep hood. The figure's eyes glimmered faintly with an unnatural yellow light, staring straight up at him. Percy felt a chill crawl down his spine, a deep unease settling in his gut. The figure didn't move, didn't waver—it was simply there, watching him, its presence like a shadow given form.

Percy's breath caught in his throat as the figure didn't vanish but instead raised a hand, beckoning him with a slow, deliberate motion. It was as if a strange pull guided him to the door and down the stairs, each step bringing him closer to the unknown. His mind raced with questions, but something urged him forward, a silent command he couldn't resist.

He slipped out of the Graces' house, careful not to make a sound, and approached the streetlamp where the figure waited. The closer he got, the more details emerged from the shadows. The robe seemed to blend into the night, and beneath the hood, glowing eyes watched his every step. Percy could feel a strange energy radiating from the figure, an unsettling mix of danger and familiarity.

As he drew near, Percy realized the figure wasn't simply a man cloaked in darkness. The robe fell away, revealing the body of a horse, its powerful legs standing firm on the pavement. The upper half was indeed human—broad shoulders, muscular arms, and a wise, weathered face. A centaur. Percy had seen pictures of them in books, but to see one standing in front of him was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

The centaur regarded him with a solemn expression. "You've finally come, Percy," he said in a deep, resonant voice that seemed to echo through the night. "There is much you need to know, and little time to explain."

The next morning, Annabeth approached Jason's house, eager to check on Percy and see how he was holding up. The events of the previous night—monsters attacking, strange revelations, and Percy's cryptic dream—had left her with more questions than answers. But as she walked up the driveway and rang the doorbell, she had no idea just how much more complicated things were about to get.

Martha answered the door, her face pale and drawn, as though she hadn't slept at all. Her eyes carried a weight of concern that made Annabeth's stomach twist with unease. "Annabeth," Martha greeted her with a hesitant tone. "You're here early."

"Yeah, I just wanted to check in on Percy," Annabeth replied, her voice filled with concern. "Is he alright? Is he inside?"

Martha's expression softened with sympathy, and she opened the door wider, gesturing for Annabeth to come in. "He's… not here," she said quietly. "Percy left."

The words hit Annabeth like a punch to the gut. "What do you mean he left?" she asked, the shock evident in her voice. "Where did he go?"

Jason appeared in the hallway, his face a mixture of frustration and sadness. "He didn't say exactly where," he told her. "He left sometime early this morning. We didn't even know he was gone until we found the letters."

Annabeth's heart sank. "Letters?" she repeated, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Jason handed her four neatly folded letters, each addressed in Percy's familiar handwriting. "One for you, one for me, one for my parents, and one for Sally," he explained. "We've already read ours."

Annabeth felt a mixture of dread and anticipation as she took the letters from Jason's hand. She noticed that the envelope with her name on it seemed worn, as if Percy had spent a lot of time handling it, uncertain about what to say or how to say it. Her fingers trembled as she tore it open and began to read.

Dear Annabeth*

I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye in person. I wish I could've been brave enough to face you all and explain why I'm doing this, but I just… I can't. Not right now.

You've always been there for me, from the day we met. I know we didn't exactly hit it off at first, but somehow, you became my closest friend and so much more. That's why this is so hard to write. I don't want to leave you behind, but there's something I need to figure out, and I don't think I can do it while I'm putting you and everyone else at risk.

The attack last night… it made me realize that there are things about me I don't understand. And these monsters—whatever they are—won't stop until they find me. I need to know why. I need to know what I am.

I'm going to find answers. I promise I'll come back once I know more. Please don't hate me for leaving. I hope you can understand.

Take care of yourself. And look out for my mom. She's probably taking this harder than anyone.

Yours always,

Percy

Annabeth stared at the letter, her vision blurring with tears. She read the words over again, as though they would change if she just wished hard enough. But the meaning was the same: Percy was gone, and she had no idea when he'd come back. She clutched the letter to her chest, fighting the overwhelming surge of frustration and heartache.

Jason's voice broke through her thoughts. "He said he was doing it to protect us," he murmured. "But it feels like he's just… leaving us to deal with this on our own."

Annabeth shook her head, her voice firm despite the sadness lingering in her eyes. "He's not doing it to hurt us. He's scared. Confused. And probably feels like he's putting us in danger just by being around."

Martha and Jonathan stepped into the room, holding their own letter. Jonathan cleared his throat, his tone heavy with emotion. "This is what he wrote to us," he said, handing Annabeth the letter addressed to the Graces.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Grace*

I want to say thank you for everything. You took me and my mom in without even hesitating, and you've always treated me like family. I'm grateful for your kindness and all the times you've been there for me.

I'm sorry for leaving like this, and for all the trouble that came to your door last night. I never meant for any of you to be in danger because of me.

Jason is lucky to have parents like you. You've always tried to protect him, and I know you were only looking out for all of us. I just hope you can understand why I need to do this.

Please don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I just need to figure out who I am, and I can't do that while staying here.

Thank you again, for everything.

Sincerely,

Percy

Annabeth's hand trembled as she passed the letter back to Jonathan. She could see the grief and concern etched on the couple's faces, the helplessness in knowing that Percy was out there somewhere, alone.

"Did Sally read her letter?" Annabeth asked quietly.

Martha nodded, her eyes glistening. "She's in the kitchen," she said softly. "She hasn't come out since."

Annabeth made her way to the kitchen, where Sally sat at the table, Percy's letter lying open in front of her. Her eyes were red and puffy, as though she'd been crying for hours.

Dear Mom*

I'm not even sure how to start this. I feel like I'm letting you down by doing this, and I hate that. You've always been there for me, through every tough moment, every weird dream, and every time I've felt lost. But right now, I don't even know how to tell you what's happening, or what I'm feeling, because I don't fully understand it myself. Last night, when those monsters attacked us, something inside of me… changed. Or maybe it didn't change; maybe it just woke up. I don't know. All I know is that when I was near the water, it felt like there was this power inside me that I never knew existed. It was scary, and it was real, and I don't know how to control it.

You've always told me that the truth will come out when it's ready, but I can't wait any longer. I can't sit still and keep pretending that I'm just an ordinary kid who had a bad night. The dreams I've been having, the strange feelings around water, the voices I keep hearing… they're all signs, signs that I need to follow. And those monsters—they weren't random. They were coming for me. I don't know why, but I have to find out.

I don't want you to worry, and I know saying that is probably pointless because you're my mom and worrying about me is what you do. But I have to go, and I promise that I'm not doing this lightly. I'm doing this because I love you and I don't want you to get hurt. If I stay, I'm afraid that the monsters, or whatever else is out there, will find me again. And next time, I might not be able to protect you.

Please don't think this is your fault. It's not. You've given me everything you could, and more than I ever deserved. You've been the best mom anyone could ask for, and I'm sorry if this makes you feel like I'm ungrateful. That couldn't be further from the truth. I love you, and that's why I'm doing this. I have to find out who I really am, what I really am, before it's too late.

I'll come back. I promise. I just need to figure out the answers first.

With all my love,

Percy

Sally's fingers traced the words on the page, and her voice trembled when she finally spoke. "I knew he was troubled," she said, "but I didn't realize how lost he felt."

Annabeth put a hand on Sally's shoulder. "We'll find him," she said. "He doesn't have to do this alone."

Finally, Annabeth unfolded the last letter, addressed to Jason.

Dear Jason*

I don't know if there's a good way to say this, so I'll just come out with it: I'm sorry. I know this probably feels like I'm abandoning you, especially after everything that happened last night, but please believe me when I say that's not what I'm trying to do. If I'm leaving, it's because I don't know who I am or what I am, and I can't stay here pretending I do. The truth is, I'm scared. I'm scared of what happened to us last night, of the monsters that seemed to know something about me that I don't even understand myself.

You've always been like a brother to me, Jason. You've been there for me through thick and thin, even when you had your own stuff to deal with. I know it's never been easy for you either, being different and having to keep that secret. I should have been more understanding. I guess I never realized how much we both were hiding, even from each other. But now, after what happened, I can't just sit around and hope the answers come to me. I need to go out there and find them myself. I need to know where I come from, why those monsters attacked us, and what I'm supposed to do with these… abilities I seem to have.

I didn't want to drag you or Annabeth into this mess. I know you have enough on your plate already, and I don't want to put anyone in more danger because of me. But please, don't think that I don't trust you. You're my best friend, my brother in every way that matters. That's why I have to go. Because if I stayed, I'd just be putting you, Annabeth, and even your parents in danger. And that's something I can't live with.

Take care of Annabeth, okay? She's probably upset with me, and honestly, I can't blame her. I didn't say goodbye to her, not properly, and that was wrong of me. But I know she'll be safe with you. You're the strongest person I know, Jason—stronger than anyone else I've ever met, not just physically but in spirit too. You'll keep her safe, and I know you'll both find a way to figure things out.

And don't worry about me. I'll figure this out somehow. I'll come back once I know who I am, or at least understand what I'm supposed to be. I promise, we'll see each other again. This isn't goodbye. It's just… see you later.

Your friend, always,

Percy

After Annabeth read the letters, a silence hung heavily in the room. The Graces and Annabeth exchanged worried glances, sharing the weight of the situation. Annabeth felt a mix of anger and sadness, unable to shake the feeling of betrayal, even though she understood why Percy had left. He was scared, just like they all were. But that didn't make it any easier to accept.

Jason was the first to break the silence. "He shouldn't have gone alone," he muttered, his fists clenched at his sides. "He thinks he's protecting us, but he's just putting himself at more risk."

Jonathan placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "He's trying to figure things out in his own way, Jason. We have to respect that. But we also have to be there for him, even if he doesn't think he needs us."

Annabeth folded Percy's letter carefully, her expression hardening with resolve. "We'll find him," she said, her voice firm. "No matter where he went, we'll bring him back."

Martha nodded, though her eyes were filled with concern. "We need to be smart about this. If there are creatures out there hunting him, we can't go rushing off without a plan."

Annabeth's gaze sharpened. "We'll plan, and we'll train. Whatever comes next, we'll be ready for it." She clutched Percy's letter tighter, as if it held the answers they were all desperately seeking.

As the group strategized, Sally stood quietly at the edge of the room, absorbing their fervor and determination. Her heart ached at the thought of Percy out there alone, but she also felt an undeniable pull of hope. She took a deep breath and stepped forward, raising her hands to quiet the group.

"Wait," she said, her voice steady but soft. "I understand how much we all want to find him, but we need to consider what Percy truly needs right now."

Jason turned to her, frustration evident in his expression. "But, Mrs. Jackson, he's out there facing danger! He needs us!"

Sally nodded, understanding his concern. "I know, Jason. But he also needs to find out who he is, what he is. He's been burdened by secrets for too long. Maybe this journey is something he has to do alone, to understand his powers, his past, and ultimately, his destiny."

Annabeth's brow furrowed, torn between wanting to search for Percy and respecting Sally's wishes. "But what if he's in danger? What if he can't handle it on his own?"

Sally stepped closer, her eyes filled with a mother's fierce love. "He's stronger than you all realize. Percy has always been resilient, even when the odds were stacked against him. I have faith that he will find his way back to us. We've raised him to be brave, to face challenges head-on. We just have to trust him to do that."

Jonathan placed a hand on Sally's shoulder, his support palpable. "Sally's right. We need to give him space, even if it's difficult for us. If he believes he needs to find the answers on his own, then perhaps that's the best path for him."

Jason's shoulders sagged as he considered Sally's words. "I don't like it, but I get it," he said slowly. "It's just hard to sit back and do nothing."

"I don't want to sit back," Annabeth insisted, her voice filled with determination. "We can prepare, we can train. We can do everything we can to be ready for when he returns. But right now, we have to give him the time he needs."

Sally's heart swelled with gratitude for the understanding and respect they all showed for her son's journey. "Exactly. We'll be here for him when he comes back, and I believe he will. We can keep our eyes open for any signs or messages. Percy will find his way to us."

As the group settled into a contemplative silence, the tension slowly lifted, replaced by a sense of shared hope. Each of them held onto their individual concerns but began to embrace the idea that Percy needed this time to grow, to discover who he was beyond the fears that had held him back.

The sun began to rise outside, casting warm golden hues across the room, a promise of a new day on the horizon. In that moment, they all silently vowed to be ready for whatever came next. They would support each other, training together, preparing for Percy's return, believing that he would find his way back home.

Sally smiled softly, her heart full of faith in her son. "He will come back to us. I know it," she whispered, and the room filled with a renewed sense of determination.

With a shared glance, they turned their attention back to their planning, not just for the battles that lay ahead but for the day when Percy would walk through the door once more, ready to share the truth he had discovered on his journey.

A few miles away from the grieving house, the sun rose on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The air was still, a stark contrast to the turmoil that lingered in Percy's heart. He walked alongside a centaur, disguised as an old man with a long, graying beard and a wide-brimmed hat that shadowed his face. The two figures moved steadily down the dusty road, the boy casting one last longing look back at the place he had called home.

Percy felt a heavy weight in his chest as he turned to take in the familiar outline of Jason's house. He had grown up there, a sanctuary in a world filled with confusion and monsters. The laughter shared with friends, the warmth of his mother's embrace, and the comfort of their routines flashed through his mind like snapshots of a cherished memory. But the warmth was mingled with the sting of unresolved questions and a fear of what lay ahead.

"Do you want to go back?" the centaur asked, his voice deep yet soothing, filled with a wisdom that transcended time.

Percy shook his head, trying to swallow the lump in his throat. "No. I mean, yes. I don't know." He looked back once more, as if hoping to glimpse his mother or Annabeth standing at the door, calling him back home. "I just… I feel like I'm leaving everything behind. I don't even know what I'm supposed to do."

The centaur nodded, his expression understanding. "You are embarking on a journey, young one. A journey that will lead you to discover your true self. Sometimes, to find out who we are, we must first let go of what we know."

Percy sighed, frustration bubbling to the surface. "It's just hard. I've always felt like I didn't belong. Like I was different from everyone else. And now, I'm just running away from everything."

"You're not running away, Percy," the centaur said, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. "You are choosing to seek answers, to understand the depths of your identity. Many heroes before you have faced similar crossroads. This is part of your path."

Percy looked up at the centaur, seeing the age etched into his face, a mixture of compassion and resolve. "But what if I don't like what I find? What if I find out that I'm not who I think I am?"

"Then you will adapt," the centaur replied, a soft smile forming beneath his beard. "You are more resilient than you realize. The journey of self-discovery is rarely easy, but it shapes you into the person you are meant to be."

"Do you really think I can handle whatever is out there?" Percy asked, doubt creeping into his voice. "What if those monsters come after me again?"

"They will try," the centaur said, his tone turning serious. "But you have within you a power that is waiting to be unleashed. You have faced darkness before, and you will again. You are not alone in this. You carry the strength of your friends and family with you."

"Family…" The word felt heavy on Percy's tongue. He thought of Sally, her gentle smile, and her unwavering belief in him. He thought of Annabeth, who had always pushed him to be better, to see beyond his fears. "I just wish I could have said goodbye. It feels wrong to leave like this."

"Goodbyes are not always final," the centaur mused, his eyes scanning the horizon. "Sometimes, they are merely pauses, moments of reflection before the next chapter begins. Your mother and friends will be there for you, even when you cannot see them."

Percy felt a flicker of hope at those words. "You think so?"

"I know so," the centaur replied, a glimmer of confidence in his voice. "Trust in their love for you. Trust in your own abilities. Embrace this journey, and you will return to them stronger than before."

Percy took a deep breath, the weight in his chest easing just a bit. He looked back at the house one last time, committing every detail to memory—the way the sun reflected off the roof, the flowers in the garden that his mother tended to with such care, the memories intertwined with every corner of that space. "Alright. Let's go," he said, determination settling in.

As they walked further down the road, Percy felt a mix of excitement and anxiety course through him. There was a vast world ahead, filled with unknowns and challenges. But as the sun rose above the horizon, Percy felt the shadows of doubt begin to lift, replaced by the belief that he was not alone. The journey ahead was his to take, and he would face it with every ounce of courage he possessed.

"Where are we going, anyway?" he asked, turning to the centaur.

"To the place where you will discover your truth," the centaur replied cryptically, a twinkle in his eye. "But first, we must prepare you for the trials ahead. Many lessons await you, and the path may not always be clear."

Percy nodded, curiosity mingling with apprehension. "So, what's the first lesson?"

"Patience," the centaur replied, a knowing smile crossing his lips. "But we will begin with the basics—learning to harness the power within you."

With that, they continued down the winding road, leaving Smallville behind. Percy felt the stirrings of a new adventure blooming within him. The world ahead was uncertain, but he was ready to embrace it, one step at a time.

Author's Note: This is my first fanfiction, and I would like to express my gratitude for taking the time to read it. English is not my first language, so I kindly request your understanding. I welcome any comments, suggestions, or constructive criticism that may help me improve my writing. Thank you once again for your support!