The sound of sizzling bacon filled the kitchen as Percy Jackson, his eyes still half-closed with sleep, maneuvered around the stove. The aroma was heavenly, wrapping around him like a warm embrace from a long-lost friend. His hair was a mess, sticking up in random directions, and his bare feet padded softly against the cool tile floor. He had promised himself to start waking up earlier, but somehow, the comfort of his bed had always won the battle.
Annabeth Chase, his wife of over a decade, breezed into the room, her blonde hair tied back in a neat ponytail. She wore her favorite blue chiton that brought out the color of her eyes. "Morning, hero," she said, her voice carrying the hint of a smile. She planted a quick kiss on his cheek before grabbing a mug from the cupboard and filling it with coffee.
Baby where are the kids? Percy's mind snapped into focus, the smell of breakfast now a distant concern.
"Already up," Annabeth assured him, her eyes never leaving the steaming cup of coffee she was stirring. "They've got a surprise for you."
And what are their names again? Percy's heart raced with anticipation as he thought about their three children. The kids had been insisting on keeping their surprise a secret for the past week. They had been whispering in hushed tones, and their eyes had been gleaming with excitement every time they talked about it. Percy had tried to guess what it could be, but every idea he came up with was met with giggles and shakes of their heads.
"You're not going to believe this," Annabeth said, her eyes lighting up as she took a sip of her coffee. "They've been planning it for weeks."
Percy's curiosity was piqued. He had seen them sneak into their room at odd hours, and once he had even caught them with a rolled-up piece of parchment covered in what looked like ancient Greek symbols. "What do you mean?"
Annabeth leaned against the counter, her smile growing. "They've been taking lessons from the best, obviously."
Percy raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued even further. "What do you mean?"
Two boys and the girl come running in daddy daddy we made you something they all say in unison, their eyes shining with excitement.
Percy looked at them, his heart swelling with pride. "You made me something?"
What are their names Percy ask Annabeth again as he turned to look at the three eager faces.
"Patience, darling," Annabeth said, her voice filled with amusement. "Their names are Lucas Elisa and Lena."
The three children beamed at him, and he felt a warmth spread through his chest. Lucas, with his curly hair and sea-green eyes, was the spitting image of him. Elisa had inherited his mother's sharp wit and piercing grey eyes, while Lena had a blend of both their features with a sprinkle of her own uniqueness.
"What is it?" he asked, unable to hide his excitement.
Lena, the youngest, tugged at his arm. "You have to come see!
What are the ages? Percy wondered as he followed his children into the living room, the smell of breakfast trailing behind them.
"Seven, ten, and twelve," Annabeth called after him, her footsteps quick as she brought the coffee to her lips again.
Guys, do you have to eat breakfast first Percy said.
"No, Dad!" they chorused, pulling him along. "It's not about food!"
Annabeth honey tell them they need to eat before they show me what they need to show me. Percy's stomach growled, reminding him of his own need for sustenance.
Annabeth chuckled. "They're too excited. Just look, you can eat after."
But I'm hungry right now he whines.
"You can eat in a bit, I promise," Annabeth said with a knowing smile, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "They've worked so hard on this.
The children led Percy to the living room, where an elaborate setup awaited him. The room was adorned with streamers and homemade banners that read 'Hero of Olympus'. On the coffee table lay a map, covered in what appeared to be a makeshift fort constructed from Legos and paper. Around the fort were miniature figurines, some hand-crafted, others from their extensive collection of toys. Percy's eyes widened as he recognized himself, Annabeth, and their friends from the camps.
What would I ever do without my wise girl he says, looking at Annabeth with a fond smile.
Annabeth just winks at him, taking another sip of her coffee. "They've got the brains and the brawn, just like their parents."
Which one of them do you think has my seaweed brain? Percy whispered to Annabeth, trying not to let the kids hear his doubt.
"I think they all have a bit of it," she whispered back, her eyes sparkling with pride. "They've got your imagination and my strategy."
Annabeth jumps into Percy wrapping her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. "Surprise!" she says, her voice muffled by his shoulder.
Percy laughs, holding her tightly. "You too?"
"How could I resist?" Annabeth grinned, kissing his cheek. "Now go, they're waiting."
He walks in and he is surprised by everything they have done. The room is a whirlwind of color, and his children's laughter fills the space. The map on the coffee table is a meticulous recreation of the one from the Great Prophecy, with tiny ships made of paper and toothpicks navigating the miniature sea. The fort is a testament to their creativity, with paper mache monsters and Lego towers standing tall.
He whispers to low enough for only Annabeth to hear I'll show my sea tonight.
Annabeth giggles into his neck. "I'm holding you to that, Seaweed Brain."
How I can control my seamen he whispers to her with a mischievous smirk, referring to the ships on the map.
Annabeth laughs, swatting at him playfully. "Careful, you're in the presence of demigods."
Annabeth, what do we have planned for today after breakfast? Percy whispered into her ear, his eyes still on their masterpiece.
"They've got a whole quest laid out for you," Annabeth replied, her voice low and conspiratorial. "They've been planning this for weeks."
He slaps her ass lightly and she giggles, setting her coffee down. "Okay, okay," he said, turning to face their children. "What's this all about?"
Percy put his foot down first we have breakfast, then we do the quest.
The children's faces fell slightly, but they knew their father's priorities. "Okay, Dad," Lucas said, trying to hide his disappointment.
"But hurry!" Elisa added, bouncing on her toes.
Percy chuckled and ruffled her hair. "Alright, alright, let's get this feast going."
They sat at the table, the children eagerly explaining the rules of their homemade quest as they devoured pancakes, eggs, and the now crispy bacon. The map was a sprawling labyrinth of adventure, with each room in the house marked with a different challenge. The kids had clearly put a lot of thought into this, and it was a mix of Greek mythology and their own wild imaginations.
Let's eat breakfast guys and then we can get on to the quest.
The kids nodded, their eyes still shining with excitement as they attacked their plates with gusto. Percy filled his plate with a mountain of food, his appetite fueled by the promise of adventure. As they ate, the children talked over each other, detailing the challenges and puzzles they had prepared. They had turned their home into a microcosm of the dangerous missions he and Annabeth had undertaken in the past, but with a childlike twist that made him smile.
Percy ok what are the rules he asks the kids as he takes a bite of his pancake, his eyes scanning the intricate map.
"First, you can only use your powers if we say you can," Lucas began, his voice filled with the gravity of a five-star general.
Ok so you want to know why we named you, Lucas bud he looks at Annabeth giving her a knowing look. It's about time. We tell him why we named him Lucas.
Annabeth's eyes softened as she took a seat beside him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "We named you Lucas because it means 'bringer of light'," she said, her voice warm. "And you, Elisa, your name means 'pledged to God'. And Lena," she turned to their daughter, her smile widening, "your name is short for Helen, after the most beautiful woman in the world, who had the strength to survive a war."
Also Lucas wanna know why we nicknamed you, Luke? Percy said with a mouthful of pancake, his eyes dancing with mirth.
"Because you're Luke Skywalker, dad," Elisa said, rolling her eyes. "And you're a hero just like him."
A tear comes to both of their eyes, the parents looking at each other and knowing that their love story had been woven into the fabric of their children's identities. Percy swallows his bite of pancake with a lump in his throat. "Thank you, guys," he says, his voice thick with emotion. "Now, let's eat up and get going."
Percy, we should tell him why we nicknamed him Luke Annabeth I know this hurts you it hurts me just as much, but I think he should know.
"Alright," Annabeth nodded, her voice breaking we knew someone named Luke who was evil but did the right thing In the end right Percy?
Percy nodded, his eyes misting over as he remembered the Titan war. "Yes," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "It was a way to honor his bravery without invoking the pain of the past,"
Lena asked Mommy and Daddy are you ok?
Annabeth wiped a tear away, smiling reassuringly at their daughter. "We're fine, honey. Just remembering an old friend."
"Let's get to it, then," Percy said, clearing his throat and standing up. "Lead the way, my little heroes
After the quest Percy and Annabeth are tired, they cuddle on the couch.
The quest had been more exhausting than Percy had anticipated, but watching his children's faces light up with every victory made it all worth it. They had defeated 'medusa's gorgon toys', 'the hydra of Legos', and even 'the sirens of the sink'. Despite the occasional cheating from Elisa, who had a knack for riddles, and Lucas's overzealousness that had knocked over a vase, it was a perfect morning.
10 more minutes till bedtime, guys. We've got to clean up this mess, Percy said, glancing around at the sea of Legos and paper monsters that had taken over the living room.
The children groaned in protest, but the promise of a story from their mother's quiver of tales was enough to get them moving. They worked together, picking up the scattered pieces of their adventure, while Annabeth began to recount the story of Hercules and the Nemean lion.
Once the room was back to normal, with the exception of the faint smell of glue and paint lingering in the air, Annabeth curled up beside Percy on the couch. He pulled her close, feeling the warmth of her body against his, and together they watched their children play out the final moments of the quest with their toys.
Did I tell you about the time mommy got kidnapped by Atlas?
Percy felt Annabeth tense beside him. "Percy," she warned, her eyes flashing.
But the kids' eyes had already gone wide with excitement. "No way!" Lucas exclaimed. "Tell us!"
Percy sighed dramatically. "Fine, but only if you all promise to get ready for bed afterward."
The kids nodded vigorously, their eyes glued to the two adults. Annabeth playfully elbowed him in the ribs. "You're going to give them nightmares," she murmured.
"Only the best kind," Percy whispered back with a grin.
Annabeth began the tale of her harrowing adventure with the Titan, her voice painting vivid images of the vast heavens and the burdened Titan. The children sat cross-legged on the floor, their eyes never leaving her face, as she described the cold steel of the sky, the stars whispering secrets only heroes could hear.
I think it's finally time to show them our white streaks and our hair color Annabeth, Percy said, stroking her hair.
Annabeth's eyes searched his, and she nodded solemnly. "You're right," she whispered. "They're old enough to know."
After the story was over, the kids yawned and stretched, their energy spent. Annabeth gathered them up, herding them towards the stairs. "Bedtime," she said firmly, though her eyes gleamed with excitement
Just then Lucas hits Lena with his hand. "What was that?" Percy asks, raising an eyebrow at his son.
"It's nothing, Dad," Elisa said quickly, stepping between her siblings. "Just a little game we play."
He looks at Lena do you like this game that your siblings play with you?
She shakes her hand no, and a flash of protectiveness sweeps over Percy. "We don't hit in this family," he says firmly.
Lucas, you're grounded for three weeks Annabeth said sternly, her eyes flashing with disappointment.
"What? But it was just a game!" Lucas protested, his cheeks reddening.
"We don't play games that hurt people," Percy said, his voice firm but calm. "Especially not your little sister. Now, apologize."
No he yells at Percy. That's not fair I didn't do anything wrong.
Percy's expression softened, recognizing the stubbornness in Lucas's eyes. "Son, it's important to listen to how your actions affect others," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "Lena's feelings are important, and you need to respect them."
Lena looked up at her brother, her eyes brimming with tears. "Lucas, it hurt," she whispered.
Annabeth 4 for yelling at your dad, do you wanna make it five?
Lucas's face fell, and he looked at Lena with genuine remorse. "I'm sorry, Lena," he mumbled, his eyes cast downward.
Four weeks no phone, no TV and no questing for you Lucas. That's the rule.
Lucas's eyes widened in horror, and he looked at Percy with a mix of shock and anger. "But, Dad..." he began to protest, but the look on Percy's face was unyielding.
Do you want to make it five Percy says, raising an eyebrow at Lucas.
Lucas gulped and nodded. "I'm sorry, Lena. It won't happen again."
Just for that, Lena, you get to sleep with us tonight, Percy announced, picking her up and tossing her over his shoulder.
Lena squealed with delight, while Elisa shot her brother a glare. "That's not fair!" she protested, though her eyes sparkled with mischief.
Percy just winked at Elisa. "It's a special night for Lena, she gets to be our little hero," he said, carrying her up the stairs.
Percy ask Elisa Were you also in this game?
"No, Dad," she replied, her voice tinged with annoyance at Lucas. "But I knew about it. I was going to tell you guys, but I didn't think it was that big of a deal."
Annabeth, can you bring her upstairs and get her ready for bed please and thank you I'm talking about Lena.
"Sure, love," Annabeth said, standing up and taking Lena from Percy. "Let's go, my little hero," she said, carrying her upstairs.
WHY DIDNT YOU THINK IT WAS IMPORTANT he yells at her, his voice echoing in the hallway.
Elisa sighs. "Because we're demigods, Dad," she says, her voice weary. "We're supposed to be tough."
Hey Annabeth, he says let's call our friend from the Aries cabin tomorrow and show them what it's like. Give them a little test not Lena the other two.
Annabeth nodded, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "They've been asking about camp," she said, following him upstairs. "I think they're ready."
They call Piper hi pipes Piper picks up the phone. Hey Percy, what's up she asks, her voice cheerful but laced with sadness despite the early hour.
"Hey, Piper," Percy said, his voice gentle. "How's it going?"
"Oh, you know," Piper replied, her tone light despite the early hour. "Just another day in the aphordite cabin."
Percy asks her what's up with the sadness, and Piper sighs, her voice dropping a little. "It's nothing, just... I miss the old days, you know? The quests, the adventures."
How are you doing the single mom life? Percy asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.
"It's... it's alright," Piper said, her voice tightening. "But I can't lie, it's hard without Jason."
On the other end of the phone Percy or annabeth hears a man around their age he doesn't know this man and his name is Gabe he is helping Piper rase her kids with Jason but Percy and Annabeth doesn't know that yet.
Percy nodded, his heart heavy for their friend. "I understand," he said. "But you're doing a great job, Piper. You're a true hero."
Gabe Piper who is on the phone he said.
Percy's eyebrows furrowed, confused. Who are you Percy asked him on the phone, his protective instincts kicking in.
"It's Gabe," Piper said quickly. "A friend who helps me with the kids. He's like an uncle to them now."
Percy yells at Piper HOW COULD YOU REPLACE JASON LIKE THAT!
The line goes quiet for a moment, and Annabeth's eyes widen in horror as she looks at him. "Percy," she hisses, placing a hand over the receiver. "You can't just say that!"
It true she has a different man in the house raising her kids with her Percy says, his voice filled with accusation.
"Percy," Annabeth said, her voice a warning whisper. "That's not fair to Piper."
Piper brakes down in Gabe's arms, tears streaming down her face. "It's not like that," she sobs into the phone. "Gabe's been a rock for us, but no one can replace Jason."
SURE Percy yells into the phone, his voice filled with anger and hurt for his friend. But what about us? What about the memories we had?