Percy and Annabeth Fanfiction

After Tartarus: Healing Together

The Greek trireme, *Argo II*, sailed through the warm Mediterranean waters, heading towards Camp Half-Blood. Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase stood on the deck, hand in hand, watching as the coastline drew closer. It had been a long journey—one filled with unimaginable horrors and trials—but they had made it. They had survived Tartarus.

The memories of that dark place still haunted them, lurking in the shadows of their minds. Every now and then, Percy would catch a glimpse of fear in Annabeth's gray eyes, and he knew she saw the same in his sea-green ones. They had faced monsters and demons, but the hardest battles were the ones they fought within themselves.

As the camp came into view, Percy felt a surge of relief. They were home. It was a place of safety, of friends and family, where they could begin to heal.

"Welcome back," Jason Grace said, clapping Percy on the shoulder. His blond hair glinted in the sunlight, and his blue eyes were filled with warmth.

"Thanks, Jason," Percy replied, managing a smile. "It feels good to be back."

Annabeth leaned against Percy, her exhaustion evident. "I can't wait to sleep in an actual bed."

Percy squeezed her hand. "Me too."

As they docked, the campers gathered to greet them. There were hugs and cheers, and even a few tears. Chiron, the centaur activities director, welcomed them with a warm smile.

"It's good to see you both safe," he said. "You've been through so much."

Percy nodded. "It's good to be home, Chiron."

They made their way to their cabins, the familiar sights and sounds of camp comforting them. But despite the welcome, Percy and Annabeth knew that the real challenge was just beginning. They needed to heal, to find a way to move forward from the darkness that had nearly consumed them.

That night, Percy lay in his bunk, staring at the ceiling. The sounds of the camp—the crackling of the fire, the distant laughter of other demigods—were comforting, but they couldn't drown out the memories that haunted him. Every time he closed his eyes, he was back in Tartarus, surrounded by monsters and darkness.

Beside him, Annabeth stirred. He could tell by her breathing that she was also awake.

"Can't sleep?" he asked softly.

She turned to face him, her eyes reflecting the faint moonlight. "No. Every time I close my eyes, I see... it."

Percy reached out and took her hand. "I know. Me too."

They lay there in silence for a while, holding hands and drawing comfort from each other's presence.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Annabeth asked finally.

Percy hesitated. Talking about Tartarus was like reopening a wound that was still bleeding. But he knew that keeping it inside would only make it worse.

"I see them," he said quietly. "The monsters. Every time I close my eyes, I see them coming for us. I feel the darkness closing in."

Annabeth nodded, her grip on his hand tightening. "I see it too. And I hear the voices, the taunts. It feels like I'm still there, like I'll never escape."

"We'll get through this," Percy said, his voice determined. "Together. We survived Tartarus. We can survive these nightmares."

Annabeth gave him a small, grateful smile. "I know. And having you here helps. I don't think I could do this alone."

"You're not alone," Percy said firmly. "We're in this together."

They held each other close, finding solace in each other's warmth. The road to healing would be long and difficult, but they knew they could face it as long as they were together.

Over the next few days, Percy and Annabeth tried to settle back into camp life. They attended training sessions, helped with chores, and spent time with their friends. But the shadows of Tartarus lingered, making it hard to focus on anything else.

One afternoon, Chiron called them to his office. The wise centaur had been a mentor and friend to both of them, and they trusted his guidance.

"I can see that you're both struggling," Chiron said gently. "What you went through was traumatic, and it's not something that can be easily forgotten."

Percy and Annabeth exchanged a glance. They hadn't talked much about their experiences with anyone else, not wanting to burden their friends with their nightmares.

"I think it might help if you talked to someone who understands," Chiron continued. "There's a counselor in New Rome who specializes in trauma. She's helped many demigods who have faced similar experiences."

Percy was skeptical. "You think talking to a counselor will help?"

"It can't hurt to try," Annabeth said, her voice thoughtful. "We've been through so much, and maybe we do need some help to process it all."

Chiron nodded. "I believe it could be beneficial. The road to healing is not one you need to walk alone."

After some discussion, they agreed to give it a try. Chiron made the arrangements, and a few days later, they found themselves on a flight to California, heading to New Rome.

New Rome was a city of demigods, a place where they could live normal lives, free from the constant threat of monsters. Percy and Annabeth had visited before, but this time felt different. This time, they were seeking help, looking for a way to heal the wounds that Tartarus had left behind.

They met with Dr. Helena Marlowe, a kind and empathetic woman who had once been a demigod herself. Her office was cozy and inviting, filled with books and comfortable chairs.

"I'm glad you decided to come," Dr. Marlowe said, offering them tea. "I've heard about your experiences, and I want you to know that you're not alone. Many demigods have faced similar trials, and there is hope for healing."

Percy and Annabeth sat together on the couch, holding hands for support.

"Where do we even start?" Percy asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.

Dr. Marlowe smiled gently. "We start by talking about it. By facing the memories and the emotions that come with them. It's not an easy process, but it's a necessary one."

Over the next few weeks, they attended regular sessions with Dr. Marlowe. They talked about Tartarus, about the nightmares that haunted them, and the fears that still lingered. It was painful, but it also brought a sense of relief, like a weight slowly being lifted off their shoulders.

They also learned coping strategies—ways to manage their anxiety and fear. They practiced mindfulness, and grounding exercises, and even found solace in creative outlets like drawing and writing.

As the weeks turned into months, Percy and Annabeth began to notice a change. The nightmares became less frequent, and the memories of Tartarus started to lose their grip on them. They found joy in the little things again—walking through the parks of New Rome, sharing meals with friends, and even training together.

One evening, they sat on a hill overlooking the city, watching the sunset. Percy had his arm around Annabeth, and she rested her head on his shoulder.

"We've come a long way," Annabeth said softly. "I didn't think it was possible, but we're healing."

Percy kissed the top of her head. "We are. And it's because we faced it together."

Annabeth smiled a genuine smile that reached her eyes. "I'm proud of us, Percy. We've been through so much, but we've come out stronger."

"We'll always have each other's backs," Percy said. "No matter what."

They sat in comfortable silence, watching as the sky turned shades of orange and pink. It was a moment of peace, a moment that reminded them of how far they had come.

As they continued their sessions with Dr. Marlowe, Percy, and Annabeth also began to think about the future. They had been given a second chance at life, and they wanted to make the most of it.

One afternoon, they sat in a café, discussing their plans.

"I've been thinking," Annabeth said, stirring her coffee. "I want to go back to school. Finish my degree and maybe even go into architecture."

Percy smiled. "That's a great idea. You're brilliant, and you'd make an amazing architect."

Annabeth blushed slightly. "Thanks, Percy. What about you? Any plans?"

"I've been thinking about becoming a teacher," Percy said. "I want to help other demigods, teach them how to survive and thrive. Maybe even start a program to help demigods transition to normal life."

Annabeth reached across the table and took his hand. "That's a wonderful idea, Percy. You'd be an incredible teacher."

They spent the rest of the afternoon discussing their dreams and aspirations. It felt good to think about the future, to plan for something beyond the next battle.

As the months turned into a year, Percy and Annabeth continued to heal. They still had their moments of darkness, but they had learned how to face them together. They had found strength in each other and in the support of their friends and family.

One sunny morning, they stood on the steps of the courthouse in New Rome, holding hands. They had decided to get married in a small, private ceremony, surrounded by their closest friends.

"You ready for this?" Percy asked, his eyes filled with love.

Annabeth smiled, her heart full of joy. "I've never been more ready."

As they exchanged vows, they looked into each