Percy Jackson, demigod extraordinaire, was sulking like a kid who'd just had his favorite video game confiscated. He slumped down in his seat on the bus, arms crossed, his usual carefree demeanor replaced with a scowl that could've scared off a hellhound. The reason for his bad mood? He was being forced to spend yet another summer at Camp Half-Blood without his Ghost King, Nico di Angelo, and it sucked.
Of course, Ethan Nakamura and Alabaster Torrington, who were sitting on either side of Percy, weren't about to let him wallow in peace. The two of them had taken it upon themselves to make the entire bus ride to camp as unbearable as possible, teasing him relentlessly about how "love-sick" and "whipped" he was.
"So, what's it like being the ultimate simp for the Ghost King?" Ethan asked, his tone dripping with mock sincerity. He grinned at Percy, his one good eye gleaming with mischief.
Alabaster snickered, leaning over from the other side. "Yeah, seriously, Jackson. You've got it bad. I've never seen you pout this much, and you've faced down gods."
Percy rolled his eyes, doing his best to ignore them, but he couldn't help the way his scowl deepened. "I'm not pouting," he muttered, even though he knew he totally was. "And I'm not whipped. I'm just—"
"—miserable because you have to go a whole summer without your undead boyfriend?" Ethan interrupted, smirking.
Percy shot him a glare that would've sent a mortal running for the hills, but Ethan just shrugged it off. "First of all, Nico's not my boyfriend," Percy snapped, though he wasn't entirely sure why he bothered. He was definitely feeling something for Nico, something more than just friendship, but he wasn't about to give these two idiots the satisfaction of admitting it. "And second, I'm not miserable. I'm just—"
"—in denial," Alabaster chimed in, nudging Percy with his elbow. "Seriously, Percy. You're acting like you've been separated from your soul mate or something. It's kind of adorable, but mostly just sad."
Percy groaned, leaning back in his seat and pressing his hands over his face. "Why am I even friends with you two?" he muttered into his palms.
"Because we're the only ones who can put up with your endless stream of hero angst?" Ethan suggested with a grin.
"Because we're awesome and you love us?" Alabaster added, a shit-eating grin plastered on his face.
"Whatever," Percy mumbled, dropping his hands to glare out the window at the passing scenery.
The truth was, he did care about these guys—they'd been through a lot together, and they were some of the few people who really understood what it was like to be caught in the middle of the whole demigod disaster show. But that didn't mean he had to like them right now.
The bus hit a bump, and Percy's stomach lurched. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was leaving something behind, something important. It wasn't like Nico was unreachable—he could always send an Iris Message, and they could still talk. But it wasn't the same. There was something about being able to see Nico in person, to sit with him, share a quiet moment, or even just exchange a smirk over some shared joke that made everything feel... better.
More real.
And now, Nico was going to be off doing something for his father, probably spending time with other royalty. Percy was sure that Nico's other friends were great—they must be if Nico liked them—but he couldn't help feeling a little jealous. It was stupid, he knew that, but the thought of Nico and some other noble child getting even closer while he was stuck at Camp Half-Blood just didn't sit right with him.
Ethan must've noticed the shift in Percy's mood because he nudged him again, this time with a bit more sympathy in his voice. "Hey, man. We're just messing with you. We get it—this whole long-distance thing sucks. But it's not like you're never going to see Nico again."
"Yeah," Alabaster agreed. "And who knows? Maybe you'll have some epic quest this summer that'll give you an excuse to call upon Nico's help. You know, save the world, that kind of thing."
Percy sighed, forcing a small smile. "Yeah, maybe." He appreciated the effort, even if it didn't completely banish the dark cloud hovering over his mood.
Still, as the bus rumbled on, he couldn't help but feel a little more hopeful. Maybe Alabaster was right—maybe there would be some kind of excuse to see Nico this summer. Maybe they'd have some crazy quest that would bring them together, something that had nothing to do with that blasted prophecy which Nico is forbidden from getting involved with, and Percy could stop feeling like there was this massive hole in his summer plans.
But until then, he'd just have to suck it up and deal with the separation like a responsible demigod. Even if it felt like the longest summer of his life was just getting started.
At least he had Ethan and Alabaster to keep him company, even if their idea of "company" involved endless teasing and making him question his life choices. He glanced over at the two of them, who were now bickering about which one of them would win in a sword fight and felt a small pang of gratitude. Sure, they were annoying, but they were also his friends. And maybe, just maybe, this summer wouldn't be so bad after all.
But damn, he was going to miss his Ghost King.
Percy barely had time to wallow in his thoughts about Nico before chaos erupted the moment the bus parked at the edge of Camp Half-Blood. The peaceful atmosphere shattered like glass as the commotion from Zeus' Fist echoed across the camp. Whatever was happening, it wasn't good. Percy's instincts kicked in, and before he even had time to grab his things, he was on his feet, barking orders like he'd been doing this all his life—which, in demigod terms, he basically had.
"Get the younger kids to the Big House! Now!" Percy shouted, his voice carrying over the growing noise. The younger demigods, who had just been milling around, looking confused and scared, snapped into action. A few of the older campers took charge, herding the newbies away from the danger and toward the relative safety of the camp's center.
Percy's heart was already pounding, his senses on high alert. This wasn't just some routine monster attack—he could feel it in his bones. Something big was happening, and he needed to figure out what it was before everything went to Tartarus.
"Ethan, Alabaster, with me!" Percy commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. The two didn't hesitate, grabbing their weapons—Ethan with his brutal Morningstar and Alabaster with his spear—and falling into step beside Percy as they led a squad of demigods who used to be Nero's enforcers. They weren't exactly Percy's favorite people, but they were fighters, and right now, that was what they needed.
As they marched toward Zeus' Fist, the air crackled with tension. Percy had Riptide in hand, the familiar weight of the celestial bronze sword grounding him, even as the situation spiraled out of control. Ethan's eyes were scanning the horizon, and Alabaster's grip on his spear was tight, knuckles white with anticipation.
Then, just as they reached the clearing, the barrier that protected Camp Half-Blood—the one thing that had always kept the worst of the monsters at bay—shuddered. The shimmering magical boundary became visible, a dome of electric blue that pulsed with energy. The hairs on the back of Percy's neck stood on end as he watched the power surge through the barrier, the pulses syncing with a deep, ominous thump that seemed to come from the earth itself.
And then, with a sound like a million windows shattering at once, the barrier exploded into fragments of light. Percy's breath caught in his throat as he watched the pieces dissolve into nothingness. For a split second, everything was still—like the world was holding its breath. And then, all Hades broke loose.
The campers froze, their eyes wide with shock and terror, before the panic set in. Screams filled the air, and the once-organized camp descended into chaos. Percy locked eyes with Ethan and Alabaster, the same grim realization reflected in their gazes: the camp was exposed, vulnerable, and whatever had just taken down the barrier wasn't finished.
"Move!" Percy shouted, shoving through the panicked crowd and sprinting toward the source of the commotion. The Elysium Prep kids followed without hesitation, their faces set in grim determination. They weren't just here to fight—they were here to survive.
When they reached the clearing at Zeus' Fist, Percy's worst fears were confirmed. A herd of Colchis Bulls—massive, bronze monstrosities with flames pouring from their mouths and steam hissing from their nostrils—were charging through the now nonexistent barrier, wreaking havoc on everything in their path. The ground trembled beneath their hooves, and the smell of burning wood and flesh filled the air.
Percy's stomach dropped when he saw the bodies. A couple of Ares' children were already lying motionless on the ground, their armor charred and melted. His blood boiled with a mix of rage and grief, but he didn't have time to mourn. They had to act, and fast.
"Elysium Prep, you know what to do!" Percy barked, his voice cutting through the chaos. The demigods from Elysium Prep sprang into action, their movements precise and coordinated. They weren't just kids—they were warriors, and right now, they were all that stood between the camp and utter destruction.
Percy summoned every ounce of his power, feeling the familiar tug of the ocean in his veins. He reached out with his senses, drawing moisture from the air, from the ground, from anywhere he could find it. The water coalesced around him, forming shimmering tendrils that he compressed into razor-sharp blades. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the water slicing through the nearest Colchis Bull, the bronze beast screeching as it was cut clean in half.
Alabaster was right beside him, his spear crackling with magic as he summoned binds of earth and roots to entangle the bulls' legs, slowing them down long enough for Ethan to swing his Morningstar with deadly precision. The spiked ball crushed through bronze plating, leaving the bulls thrashing and sparking as they fell.
But for every bull they took down, two more seemed to take its place. Percy could feel the exhaustion creeping in, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the battle. There was no room for weakness, no time for second-guessing. The campers were depending on him—on all of them—to hold the line.
"Percy, behind you!" Ethan shouted, and Percy spun just in time to see a Colchis Bull bearing down on him, flames spewing from its jaws. Instinct took over, and Percy dived to the side, rolling to his feet and launching another wave of water at the beast. The compressed water slammed into the bull's side, sending it crashing into a tree with enough force to splinter the trunk.
"Thanks," Percy gasped, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath.
Ethan gave him a quick nod, too focused on the next target to say anything. The chaos around them was deafening, a cacophony of metal clashing, flames roaring, and the desperate shouts of campers trying to stay alive.
Percy glanced around, taking stock of the battlefield. The Elysium Prep kids were holding their own, but the bulls just kept coming. If they didn't do something soon, the entire camp could be overrun. He had to think, had to find a way to turn the tide.
Then it hit him—a desperate, reckless idea, but it was better than nothing. He turned to Alabaster, who was fending off a bull with a blast of fire and earth. "Alabaster! Can you create a barrier, something to slow them down?"
Alabaster's eyes flicked to Percy, assessing the situation in an instant. "I can try, but it won't hold for long!"
"It doesn't have to!" Percy shouted back. "Just enough time for us to regroup and take them out in one go!"
Alabaster nodded, gritting his teeth as he thrust his spear into the ground. The earth responded, rumbling and shifting as he channeled his magic. A wall of stone and roots began to rise around the perimeter of the clearing, encircling the bulls and cutting off their advance. It wouldn't hold forever—Percy could already see cracks forming in the stone—but it would buy them a few precious moments.
"Now!" Percy yelled, rallying the remaining campers. "Take them out while they're contained!"
Ethan led the charge, his Morningstar smashing through the nearest bull with brutal efficiency. Percy followed, summoning every drop of water he could find, compressing it into deadly blades that sliced through bronze like paper. Alabaster's magic flared, sending shockwaves through the ground that destabilized the bulls, making them easier targets.
One by one, the Colchis Bulls fell, their bodies sparking and smoking as they collapsed. But there was no time to celebrate. Percy could feel the strain on Alabaster's magic, the barrier starting to crumble. They had to finish this, and fast.
With a final, desperate push, Percy summoned a massive wave of water, crashing it down on the last of the bulls. The force of it was enough to extinguish the flames and short-circuit their mechanical bodies, leaving them twitching and sparking on the ground.
When the last bull fell silent, Percy finally allowed himself to breathe. He stumbled back, exhaustion hitting him like a tidal wave. Around him, the remaining campers were panting, battered but alive. The clearing was a mess of broken bodies—both demigod and monster—and the air was thick with the smell of burnt metal and ash.
Percy's hands were shaking, his body screaming for rest, but he forced himself to stay upright. He glanced at Ethan and Alabaster, both of whom looked just as exhausted but were still standing, still ready to fight if they had to. They'd done it—barely—but the cost was high.
Percy's gaze fell on the bodies of the Ares' children, a heavy weight settling in his chest. They hadn't been fast enough to save everyone, and that failure gnawed at him like a wound that wouldn't heal. But there was no time to dwell on it, not yet. They still had to regroup, to figure out what had happened to the barrier and why the Colchis Bulls had been able to breach it.
For now, though, all Percy could do was stand in the aftermath, his heart heavy with the knowledge that this was only the beginning. Summer at Camp Half-Blood had just started, and it was already a living nightmare.
Percy wasn't one to let exhaustion keep him down, not when there was work to be done and people depending on him. So, despite every muscle in his body screaming for rest, he made sure every single demigod who had fought alongside him—whether they were from Elysium Prep or Camp Half-Blood—was checked over by the Apollo kids. It was important, after all, to make sure everyone was patched up and accounted for. The battle had been brutal, and they couldn't afford to lose anyone else.
As he moved among the wounded, offering a word of encouragement here, a reassuring smile there, Percy tried not to think too much about the dead. He couldn't afford to right now, not with the rest of the camp still depending on him to hold things together. But the sight of the Ares' kids lying motionless on the battlefield stuck with him, a constant reminder of what they'd lost—and what they still stood to lose.
Once he was satisfied that everyone was in good hands and being properly cared for, Percy headed to the Big House to check on the younger campers. Most of them had been hustled inside during the chaos, and now they were huddled together, looking scared but unharmed. Seeing their wide eyes and tear-streaked faces made Percy's heart ache, but he pushed those feelings aside, focusing instead on the task at hand.
"Hey, it's okay," Percy said, crouching down to their level, trying to project as much calm and confidence as he could muster. "We're safe now. The bad guys are gone, and the barrier… well, we'll figure out what happened with that. But you're all safe, and that's what matters."
A few of the younger campers sniffled, nodding but still looking uncertain. Percy gave them his best reassuring smile. "Why don't we get you all back to your cabins? You've had a long day, and you deserve some rest."
Slowly, the kids began to stand, still sticking close to each other as Percy led them out of the Big House and back toward their cabins. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the camp, but Percy's presence seemed to steady them. They trusted him, and he wasn't going to let them down.
Once the younger campers were safely tucked into their bunks, Percy finally allowed himself a moment to breathe. His mind was a whirlwind of worry, grief, and exhaustion, and he knew if he didn't take a second to recover, he'd be no good to anyone. He needed to recharge, and there was only one place where he could do that.
Without a word to anyone, Percy made his way to the lake. The water called to him, as it always did, a soothing balm for his frayed nerves and battered body. As he approached the shore, the tension in his shoulders began to ease, and he kicked off his shoes, not caring where they landed. Then, with a deep breath, he dove in.
The moment he hit the water, Percy felt a sense of relief wash over him, as if the lake itself was welcoming him back. The coolness enveloped him, pulling the aches and pains from his body and replacing them with a comforting warmth. He let himself sink beneath the surface, closing his eyes and allowing the water to heal him.
As he floated there, suspended in the lake's embrace, Percy felt the familiar presence of the nymphs around him. They were always there, watching over the water and everything in it, and they had taken a particular interest in him ever since he'd started helping the nature spirits purify the waters around New York City. It was something Nico had encouraged him to do, and while Percy had initially seen it as just another way to use his powers for good, it had turned into something much bigger.
Nico was right, as usual. Percy wasn't just another son of Poseidon—he was a Prince of the Sea, with duties that extended far beyond Elysium Prep and Camp Half-Blood. The nymphs had started treating him with a newfound respect, recognizing him as more than just a powerful demigod. He was a protector of their waters, and in their eyes, he was royalty. Even Poseidon had been grateful for Percy's care for the ocean and had gifted his son with his very own Pegasus. Blackjack was riot and Percy adored him, him and Riptide were the best gifts Poseidon had ever given him.
As Percy let the water work its magic, the nymphs swam around him, their movements graceful and fluid. They were clearly worried, their presence hovering closer than usual, and he could feel their anxiety radiating through the water.
One of the nymphs, a particularly bold one with hair like seaweed and eyes like deep ocean pools, drifted close to him. "Prince Percy," she whispered, her voice carrying through the water like a gentle current. "Are you hurt?"
Percy opened his eyes, giving her a small, tired smile. "I'll be okay," he assured her, though he could see the doubt in her eyes. "Just needed to heal up a bit. What about you guys? Any of you get hurt during the attack?"
The nymph's eyes widened slightly, surprised by the question. She shook her head, a soft smile touching her lips. "We're fine, Prince Percy. We stayed hidden until it was safe. But we were worried about you."
Percy's smile grew a little fonder. He knew the nymphs had been keeping an eye on him ever since he'd started spending more time in the water, but it still surprised him sometimes just how much they cared. "Thanks," he said, feeling genuinely touched. "I appreciate it."
The other nymphs murmured their agreement, their worry easing now that they could see he was okay. They continued to circle around him, their presence comforting, as if they were making sure he was truly healed before letting him go.
After a few more minutes, Percy felt the last of the aches and pains fade away, replaced by the familiar sense of strength and vitality that came from being in the water. He took a deep breath, feeling refreshed and ready to face whatever came next.
With a gentle push, he surfaced, breaking through the water and taking in the peaceful scene around him. The lake was calm, the setting sun casting a warm golden light over the surface. It was hard to believe that just a short while ago, the camp had been in chaos.
The nymphs lingered for a moment longer, their eyes still full of concern. "You should rest, Prince Percy," one of them said softly. "The battle took a lot out of you."
Percy nodded, knowing she was right. But there was still so much to do, so much to figure out. He couldn't afford to rest for too long. "I will," he promised, giving them one last reassuring smile. "Thanks for looking out for me."
With that, the nymphs finally let him go, slipping back into the depths of the lake as Percy waded to the shore. He felt the last of the water slide off his skin, leaving him feeling clean, whole, and more than a little grateful for the lake's healing properties.
As he pulled on his shoes, Percy couldn't help but think about how far he'd come. He'd started out as just another kid with too much on his plate, a son of Poseidon who'd never really felt like he belonged anywhere. But now, he was more than that. He was a leader, a protector, and yes, even a Prince of the Sea. The nymphs and other nature spirits saw him as more than just a demigod—they saw him as someone who could make a difference, someone who could protect them and their world.
And maybe, just maybe, Percy was starting to see that in himself too.
With one last glance at the lake, Percy turned and headed back to camp. There was still so much to do, so many questions to answer about what had happened with the barrier, and how they were going to rebuild.
Percy trudged up the hill toward the big pine tree, his footsteps heavy as he followed the group of campers. The battle earlier had drained him, and though the lake had done wonders for his physical wounds, the emotional toll of the day still weighed on him like an anchor. As he approached, he noticed that Chiron and Mr. D were already there, surrounded by a cluster of demigods. The air was thick with tension, and Percy could feel it even from a distance.
Among the group, Annabeth—Camp Half-Blood's resident annoying blonde and a daughter of Athena—was in the middle of an intense argument with Chiron. Percy was too far away to hear what they were saying, but he could see Annabeth's eyes blazing with the kind of determination that usually ended with someone getting smacked upside the head by a piece of ancient Greek architecture.
Percy nodded in acknowledgment as he passed Alabaster, who had an arm draped protectively around his younger half-sister, Lou Ellen. The daughter of Hecate was tucked securely against his side, looking more serious than Percy had ever seen her. He also nodded at Ethan, who stood shoulder to shoulder with his younger half-brother, Damien. They both looked ready to throw down, but that was pretty much their default setting.
As Percy finally reached the gathering, he caught the tail end of Annabeth's heated argument. "—send a group of demigods on a quest to the Sea of Monsters to retrieve the Golden Fleece. It's the only thing that can save the tree! Without it, the tree will die, and so will the barrier. The camp won't survive!"
Percy's temper flared the moment he heard the words. He'd had just about enough of watching demigods get hurt—or worse, die—because of some ancient relic or godly pride. And now, Annabeth was talking about sending kids out on another quest, into the most dangerous sea known to man, to save a freaking tree?
Without thinking, Percy snapped, his voice laced with fury. "The children of Hecate can raise a barrier. Why do you want to send kids to die for a fucking tree?!"
Annabeth whipped around, her eyes narrowing into a glare that could have probably set him on fire if looks could kill. "That's not just any tree, Percy! That's the greatest demigod!"
Percy deadpanned, unimpressed. "It's a pine tree."
The moment he said it, the entire group fell silent, as if Percy had just announced that he was planning on dismantling Olympus with a spork. Even Mr. D, who usually didn't give a damn about anything that wasn't wine-related, seemed mildly interested in the unfolding drama.
Annabeth's expression shifted from anger to something more akin to hurt, and Percy instantly regretted the bluntness of his words. Chiron stepped forward, sensing the tension, and began to explain. "Percy, this isn't just any tree. That tree is Thalia Grace. She was the daughter of Zeus, one of the strongest demigods I've ever known. She sacrificed herself to save her friends, and when she died, her father turned her into this tree to protect the camp. The barrier that keeps us safe is because of her."
The weight of Chiron's words hit Percy like a ton of bricks. He glanced at the pine tree, realizing for the first time what it really represented. It wasn't just a tree—it was Thalia, a demigod who had given everything to protect those she cared about. It was a living reminder of her sacrifice, and now it was in danger of dying, just like she had.
Percy's anger cooled into something more somber. He got it now—he really did. But that didn't mean he was about to change his mind. "I get it," Percy said, his voice softer but still firm. "Thalia's tree is important, and yeah, it sucks that it's dying. But she's gone, tree or not, and the demigods here? They're alive. We should keep them that way. Sending a bunch of kids into the Sea of Monsters to chase after the Golden Fleece—when we have the Hecate kids who could raise a barrier like the one at Elysium Prep—that's just asking for more of them to die. We can't do that."
Annabeth's glare intensified, but Percy wasn't backing down. His time with Nico had taught him a lot about the value of life and death, and he wasn't about to be shamed for trying to protect the living. He wouldn't let anyone, not even Annabeth, guilt-trip him into sending more of his friends to their deaths if there was another way.
Chiron sighed, clearly torn. "Percy, the kind of barrier you're talking about, the one that the Hecate children can raise—it's true, it could protect the camp, but it's not the same as Thalia's. Barriers like the one at Elysium Prep keep everything out. The tree's barrier is unique; it prevents things from getting summoned inside the camp. That's why it's so effective. Remember how Nico was able to teleport Mrs. O'Leary inside the tower even without Nero's permission? The tree's barrier stops that from happening."
Percy gritted his teeth, hating how much sense Chiron was making. Annabeth's lips curled into a victorious smirk, which made Percy want to roll his eyes so hard they'd get stuck in the back of his head.
"Look, I get it," Percy admitted reluctantly. "But there's gotta be another way. I'm not okay with sending a bunch of demigods to fetch a magic carpet or whatever just to save a tree. I mean, it's a tree."
"Not just any tree," Annabeth repeated, her voice icy. "Thalia's tree. And if you don't think that's worth fighting for, then you don't belong here."
Percy clenched his jaw, but before he could retort, Mr. D finally decided to chime in, his tone bored and dismissive as always. "Well, as fascinating as this little debate is, it doesn't matter what any of you think. Ares has already ordered a quest for the Golden Fleece. And guess who he's decided to put in charge?" Mr. D's eyes flicked lazily toward the group, and when they landed on a certain red-haired daughter of Ares, he butchered the name like he always did. "Charlotte, or whatever her name is, will be leading the quest. So, you lot can either help her or stay out of her way."
All eyes turned to Clarisse La Rue, who was standing there, just as shocked as everyone else. She blinked, her mouth opening and closing as she processed the news. Percy could see the gears turning in her head, the mixture of pride and panic that came with being given such a huge responsibility.
Percy facepalmed, muttering a string of curses under his breath. Of course, Ares would get involved. Of course, he'd put his daughter in charge of a death quest. Percy had about zero faith that this would end well.
Clarisse recovered quickly, though, straightening her shoulders and glaring at anyone who dared to look at her for more than a second. "Well, you heard the man," she snapped, her voice as tough as ever. "I'm leading this quest, and I don't need anyone's permission to do it. If you want to help, fine. If not, get the Hades out of my way."
Percy couldn't help but respect her for that. Clarisse was tough as nails, and she'd proven herself more than capable in battle. But still, this was the Sea of Monsters they were talking about, and Percy couldn't shake the feeling that this was a disaster waiting to happen.
He caught Chiron's eye, and the centaur gave him a look that said, This isn't ideal, but it's what we've got. Percy sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "Fine," he muttered. "But I'm going with you."
Clarisse whipped around to face him, her eyes narrowing. "I don't need you tagging along, Jackson."
"Yeah, well, you're stuck with me," Percy shot back, his voice brooking no argument. "If this is happening, I'm not sitting it out. Besides," he added with a smirk, "I'm pretty good with water."
Clarisse grumbled something under her breath, but didn't argue further. She knew as well as Percy did that they needed every advantage they could get if they were going to survive the Sea of Monsters.
Percy just sighed, mentally preparing himself for what was sure to be one of the worst quests yet. Because if there was one thing he'd learned over the years, it was that when the gods got involved, things tended to go sideways—fast.
As the group began to disperse, Percy caught sight of Ethan and Alabaster again, both looking at him with a mixture of concern and exasperation. Ethan shook his head, his expression saying, You just can't stay out of trouble, can you?
Percy shrugged, offering a half-hearted grin. "You know me. Trouble's my middle name."
Alabaster chuckled, but it was a tired sound, one that mirrored the exhaustion Percy felt deep in his bones. "Well, if you're going, we're going too. No way we're letting you take on the Sea of Monsters without us."
"Damn right," Ethan agreed, crossing his arms. "Somebody's gotta keep an eye on you, Jackson. You've got a knack for getting yourself into the worst situations."
Percy laughed, but there was little humor in it. "Yeah, well, it's a gift. Let's just hope we all make it back in one piece this time."