AN: I wasn't a fan of writing this chapter. I had a different idea on how I wanted to the quest to be officially commissioned, but since I'm writing this story based on the first season of the Disney Plus series I needed to make sure the vibes, characterizations, and the overall feeling kind of aligned within that sphere. Nevertheless this story still has a random plot that is completely irrelevant to the original story as a whole but I'm enjoying the ride and I hope you are too.

Ch4: Papa's Quest

The next morning dawned bright and clear, the camp alive with the usual hustle and bustle. The air was crisp, filled with the scents of pine and dew, and the sunlight filtered through the canopy of trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Annabeth moved through her morning routine, but her mind was a whirl of worry. She began the day by training a group of younger campers in hand-to-hand combat, her movements fluid and precise as she demonstrated various techniques.

"Keep your elbows in," Annabeth instructed, adjusting a camper's posture with a firm but gentle hand. "If you leave them out, you're leaving yourself open for an attack." The camper nodded, adjusted themselves, and made a second attempt at the move. Annabeth was pleased to see immediate improvement. "Good."

As the daughter of Athena moved through the group, correcting stances and demonstrating punches, her thoughts kept drifting back to Percy. The ship in Grover's dream seemed ominous, a dark vessel filled with threats. Why was Percy on a ship? And who was the dangerous girl with the glowing eyes? Annabeth speculated that Percy might have been captured or lured onto the ship by some unknown force. The girl's ability to project her words without moving her lips suggested powerful magic or an illusion.

"Remember to pivot on your back foot when you throw a punch," she told a small boy with brown hair and brown eyes, gently turning his foot into the correct position. "It gives you more power and balance." The little camper immediately tensed up and Annabeth made sure to give the child a soft grin. "You're doing fine, try again" she encouraged. The boy took a deep breath and began to pivot his back leg as he threw his arm and fist forward. Annabeth watched but her mind was racing with different scenarios and possibilities. What if Percy was being held against his will? Was he truly trying to send a message through Grover's empathy link? She knew that Chiron would need solid evidence to approve a quest. Grover's dream, enhanced by Dasha's magic, might not be enough on its own. She would have to present her case clearly, emphasizing the urgency and the potential danger Percy was in.

"Don't drop your guard after you punch," Annabeth said, demonstrating a quick one-two combination. "Always be ready for a counterattack." The small brown haired boy immediately complied.

Somehow, Annabeth was going to have to convince Chiron to let her leave the campgrounds, even if only to investigate Percy's whereabouts. Alternatively, they could consider sending a messenger to Poseidon's kingdom. Granted, gaining access to a god's realm was more or less impossible. The only reason Percy managed to get there was that he was formally invited—not solely because he was Poseidon's son, but that certainly played a part.

Annabeth bit her lip in frustration, twisting her foot into the dirt. She crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes narrowing into slits of irritation. One trainee took notice of the older demigod's tense body language and quickly nudged their partner's elbow. When Annabeth was pulling a face like that, it only meant one thing.

"Okay, half-bloods, I think we've had enough of basic drills," Annabeth called out, her voice carrying authority. "Let's transition to some sparring. Get into groups of three."

"Groups of three?" a slender brown girl with her hair pulled back in a bun asked aloud. "How is that going to work?"

Annabeth smirked, a glint of challenge in her eyes. "Well, I've decided that instead of you guys facing each other, each group will have a round with me."

She knew better than to take out her frustration on her trainees, but in the long run, they'd be the ones reaping the benefits. It's not every day you got to experience getting your ass handed to you by a seasoned warrior.

The campers exchanged glances, a mix of excitement and apprehension flickering across their faces. Annabeth watched them, her mind briefly drifting back to her pressing worries about Percy. But she pushed those thoughts aside for now. This was her time to channel her frustration into something productive.

As the sparring commenced, Annabeth's movements were fluid and precise, each strike and block a testament to her skill. She effortlessly countered various attacks, her frustration melting away with each exchange. The trainees, though outmatched, gave their best efforts, learning through every parry and dodge.

Annabeth's thoughts continued to swirl, but the physical exertion provided a much-needed outlet. She could worry about Percy later. For now, she was in her element, teaching her trainees through action and preparing them for whatever challenges lay ahead.

…

After the grueling training session, Annabeth dismissed her trainees for lunch. Exhausted, they trudged off to take showers, eager to wash away the sweat and grime. Annabeth, however, headed straight to the dining pavilion. She arrived before the others, the usual chatter of campers buzzing around her, though she barely registered the noise.

She found Grover and Dasha and directed them to sit at a specific table where they could talk privately as they ate.

"You're glistening," Dasha remarked, noticing the beads of sweat dripping from the smaller demigod's forehead. "Did you have a good tussle with the little ones?"

Annabeth ignored her and turned her attention to Grover. "How are you feeling today?"

Dasha rolled her eyes, pretending to take offense.

"Surprisingly, a lot better," the satyr answered. "I think the stress of not knowing whether or not my dream had any real significance was also taking a toll on my health. Now that it's clear that Percy is probably reaching out to me through our empathy link, it's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders."

"Makes sense," Dasha nodded. "And here I thought the goat was just OD'ing on shrooms. Boy, was I wrong."

"Very wrong," Annabeth added, glancing sideways at Dasha. "But now we just have to convince Chiron of what we think is going on."

Annabeth wiped the sweat from her brow, the training session having taken its toll. The dining pavilion buzzed with activity, but her focus remained on the task ahead. She knew convincing Chiron would be a challenge, but it was crucial for their next steps. She outlined her plan to speak with the large centaur before dinner. She explained her strategy: she would emphasize the details of Grover's dream, the appearance of the ship, and the presence of the mysterious girl. She would stress the possibility of the whole vision being a result of Grover and Percy's empathy link and argue that the son of Poseidon was likely in serious danger.

Grover listened intently, while Dasha nodded thoughtfully. She offered a few suggestions on how to present the dream magic's significance. Annabeth appreciated her input, but she knew that convincing Chiron would ultimately rest on her shoulders.

As the afternoon wore on, Annabeth went through the motions of her camp duties, her mind constantly drifting back to Percy. The sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the campgrounds. She knew it was almost time. Finally, as the dinner hour approached, Annabeth gathered her resolve. She found Grover and Dasha waiting for her near the Big House, their expressions mirroring her own determination.

"Wait here," Annabeth instructed. "I'll talk to Chiron alone."

Grover gave her a reassuring nod. "Good luck, Annabeth."

Dasha added, "You've got this. Just tell him everything."

Annabeth nodded, taking a deep breath before stepping onto the porch. She opened the front door and quietly made her way down the dimly lit hallway to Chiron's office, her heart pounding in her chest. The ancient wooden floorboards creaked under her feet, amplifying the quiet tension in the air. She knew the conversation ahead would be challenging, but she was determined to face it head-on.

As she approached Chiron's office, the door was slightly ajar. She hesitated for a moment, taking another steadying breath, and then gently pushed the door open. The sight that greeted her stopped her in her tracks, and her breath caught in her throat. Sitting in a leather, lazy boy chair next to Chiron, who was seated behind his desk, was none other than Percy's father, Poseidon.

The god of the sea emanated an aura of power and ancient authority, his presence filling the room. His eyes, the color of storm-tossed seas, locked onto Annabeth with an intensity that made her feel as though she were standing at the edge of a vast, unfathomable ocean. His trident, resting casually against the arm of the chair, glinted menacingly in the soft light of the room.

Annabeth's heart raced, her mind reeling from the shock. She had come prepared to argue her case to Chiron, but the unexpected presence of a god—especially Poseidon—threw her completely off balance. She swallowed hard, trying to steady her thoughts. The air felt thick, charged with the combined power of Chiron and Poseidon, and for a moment, she felt a terrifying and overwhelming sense of validation.

"Annabeth," Chiron said, his voice calm and steady, yet carrying an undercurrent of urgency. "Please, come in."

Poseidon's gaze remained fixed on her, his expression unreadable. Annabeth took a tentative step forward, her legs feeling like lead. She clenched her fists at her sides, summoning every ounce of courage she had. This was no longer just a meeting; it was a pivotal moment, confirming that Percy's disappearance was indeed serious.

"Lord Poseidon," she managed to say, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "Chiron. I'm here because I believe Percy is in trouble, and we need to act quickly."

Poseidon's eyes softened slightly, a glimmer of concern flashing across his otherwise stoic face. "Tell us everything, Annabeth," he said, his voice resonating with the depth of the ocean. "Leave no detail unspoken."

Annabeth took a deep breath, trying to steady herself as she felt the weight of Poseidon's scrutiny. The room seemed to close in around her, the air thick with anticipation and divine power. She glanced at Chiron, who gave her an encouraging nod. Gathering her thoughts, she began to speak.

"We found out through Grover's empa-," Annabeth began, then paused. She knew that she, Grover, and Dasha had broken several camp rules to verify whether Grover's dream held any validity, so she decided to give only the crucial details. "Grover had a vivid dream, but it was more than just a dream. Percy was on a ship, commanding monsters and pirates. There was a red-headed girl with glowing eyes, and she seemed dangerous. Grover saw it all while under the influence of some powerful dream magic."

Poseidon leaned forward, his expression grave and eyes fixed on Annabeth. "Let me tell you what I know, Annabeth. Before the celebration, I gifted Percy a magnificent ship—a symbol of my pride and affection. He was thrilled, and it seemed like the perfect start to his birthday festivities in my underwater palace. Everything was going smoothly. The party in the Grand Hall was going brilliantly." The god of the sea stopped talking to give a short weary sigh." But then came the moment I decided to bestow my blessing upon him," he continued, his voice tinged with regret. "This blessing is crucial, akin to an inheritance of immense power. It's not just a ceremonial gesture; it's a confirmation that the divinity within Percy belongs to him alone. Without this blessing, he's vulnerable."

Annabeth's eyes widened slightly, and she bit her lip, the tension evident in her stance." What happened?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Chiron stood nearby, his brow furrowed deeply.

"I called for Percy to come forward, ready to give him the blessing that would secure his power. But when I looked around, he was nowhere to be found. He had slipped away sometime during the celebration. We searched everywhere in the palace, but there was no sign of him. That's when I knew something was terribly wrong."

Annabeth's jaw tightened, and she clenched her fists at her sides, her knuckles whitening. Chiron's frown deepened, and he exchanged a worried glance with Annabeth.

"To make matters worse, the ship I gifted him was missing too. It had vanished from the docks, confirming my fears that Percy had been taken or lured away. Someone knew the importance of that night and took advantage of it." Poseidon's voice softened, a mix of regret and urgency. "I should have been more vigilant. Now, without the blessing, Percy's at risk, and anyone who understands the significance of his unclaimed power can exploit it."

Annabeth's mind raced. She felt a surge of anger and fear. How could Poseidon have let Percy out of his sight? She dug her nails into the palms of her hands, trying to keep her emotions in check. "So, without this blessing, Percy's power can be stolen?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"Yes." Poseidon replied, his expression darkening. "Without the blessing, Percy's demigod essence is like a beacon for those who seek to exploit it. He's in grave danger, and we need to act fast." The sea god hesitated to say his next words. "But even if no one steals Percy's power, if I don't bestow the blessing upon him before the end of the summer solstice his divine half will consume the energy of his soul and he'll die."

Annabeth took a deep breath, feeling the pressure of the moment bearing down on her. Anxiety churned within her, threatening to spill over. "Grover's dream wasn't just a dream. It was Percy sending out a signal through their empathy link. The red-headed girl... she must be involved in whatever happened to him. in Grover's vision She spoke Greek, but her lips didn't move correctly. It was like she was using magic or projecting her words. Percy's out there with her, and he needs our help!" She ran her hands stressfully through her braids, her voice trembling. Her thoughts were racing, and her frustration began to build and compress. "Does Percy even know that his power can be stolen? Or that he might die because he didn't complete his coming-of-age ceremony?"

Poseidon's expression was somber. "No, he doesn't."

Annabeth snapped. "How could you not tell him? You should have kept a better eye on him! He's your son!" Tears of disappointment and fear welled up in her eyes, and she couldn't hold back the torrent of emotions any longer. Her fists were shaking with the effort to keep from completely losing control.

"Annabeth!" Chiron's voice cut through the tension, stern and authoritative. "Know your place."

The room fell silent, the weight of Annabeth's outburst hanging in the air. She quickly used the back of her hands to wipe the tears from her eyes and cheeks. She was trying her best to contain her overwhelming feelings, but the thought of Percy dying was too much to bear.

Poseidon met her gaze calmly, his eyes reflecting a fountain of regret and understanding. "No, Chiron," he said quietly, "Annabeth is right. I should have given Percy more detail about the ceremony and the risks involved. This is all on me."

Annabeth's heart was beating loudly in her chest. She took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure, but the fear for Percy's life remained a sharp, painful ache. Her anger simmered down, replaced by a deep sense of urgency. "We have to find him," she said, her voice steadier.

Poseidon nodded solemnly. "You're right, Annabeth. Percy is in grave danger. That girl, whoever she is, wields powerful magic. I came here to send some campers on a quest to find and rescue Percy, and your sudden appearance confirms that you are destined to lead this mission."

Annabeth felt a surge of purpose. She had trained for moments like this, but the reality of leading a quest to save Percy was daunting. "I already know who the other two campers should be," she said, her voice steady. "Grover, because of his empathy link with Percy, and Dasha Inanova, whose skills with magic and resourcefulness will be crucial. They both already understand that Percy is missing and are prepared for what lies ahead."

Poseidon gave a small, approving nod. "Very well. You will need all the help you can get. And Annabeth," he added, a hint of a smile playing at his lips, "I'm grateful Percy has a girlfriend like you. He's lucky to have someone so determined—and stubborn—by his side. Your presence will be invaluable on this quest."

Annabeth was completely taken aback by the comment. Her face flushed red, her eyes widened in embarrassment. "I… I'm not…" she stammered, but Poseidon's gentle laughter cut her off.

"It's alright, Annabeth. Percy speaks very highly of you. He trusts you, and so do I," Poseidon said, his tone softening. "You will bring him back."

Chiron, who had been quietly listening, now spoke up with authority. "Annabeth, you have our full support. Prepare for your quest and gather your companions. You, Grover, and Dasha will be leaving tonight to head north. Before you depart, all three of you should go and see the Oracle immediately. Time is of the essence."

Annabeth nodded, the reality of the situation settling in. She felt a mix of fear and hope, but most of all, she felt ready. She turned to leave, glancing back at Poseidon and Chiron. "Thank you," she said. "We'll bring Percy back."

Annabeth stepped out of the office, the impact of the meeting still weighing on her mind. She took a moment to gather her thoughts, then made her way back to where Grover and Dasha were anxiously waiting.

"Hey," Annabeth called out, her voice steady but urgent. "We're going on a quest."

Grover's eyes widened, and he immediately stood up. "A quest? To save Percy?"

Annabeth nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, Poseidon was in Chiron's office. He confirmed that Percy is out at sea on a ship, and he's in serious danger."

Dasha's eyes went wide with shock. "P-Poseidon? Like, the actual god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses? That Poseidon?"

"Yes, that Poseidon," Annabeth replied, her tone calm despite the troubling implications.

Dasha's excitement was palpable. "Oh my gods! Poseidon himself chose me for a quest! This is insane! I mean, I always thought I was special, but wow, this is next-level!" She practically bounced on her heels, her face glowing with enthusiasm. Then, just as quickly, she paled and grabbed her stomach. "Oh no, now I feel like I'm going to throw up!"

Grover, looking pale and deeply concerned, didn't say much. The memory of the red-headed girl with the glowing eyes haunted him, her sinister presence lingering in his mind. He knew she was dangerous, and the thought of her being near Percy filled him with dread.

Annabeth placed a reassuring hand on Grover's shoulder. "We're going to get Percy back, but we have to stay focused. We're seeing the Oracle before we leave. We need all the guidance we can get."

Dasha took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Okay, okay. I can do this. Deep breaths. In and out. Right, Annabeth?"

Annabeth couldn't help but give a small nod of approval. "Right, Dasha. Just breathe. We'll get through this together."

Dasha nodded, looking a little more composed. "Alright. I'm ready. Let's do this."

Grover, still looking worried, turned towards his companions "Yeah, let's go. We don't have any time to waste."