A soft pink hue broke though the monotonous monochrome of his dreams, and he groaned. His last dream in color was his freaky dream about the old man and the endless maze. He did not want a repeat of that experience if he could help it, but knowing how Prophecy usually worked, he wouldn't have a say in the matter.
Slowly, Percy's breathing began to calm. The soft pink glow was familiar, or at least not hostile. Whatever it was had no desire to hurt him, a welcome relief considering how many gods and monsters he had pissed off over the years. It slowly enveloped him, and his heart began to race. Despite his best efforts, he smiled, giddy, like he had just seen the most beautiful girl in the universe, and she had planted a kiss on his cheek.
The pink haze began to materialize in the shape of a woman, slightly shorter than him. The pink haze faded, replaced with black hair, pale skin, and purple lipstick. Immediately, his heart did another somersault, comforting memories flowing through his mind. They were of him and Thalia simply…living together happily. They were both older than they were now, probably in their early 20s.
The pair of them were smiling, lying in a king-size bed; although with how Thalia's was practically on top of him, it might as well have been a twin. His heart fluttered as the mental movie played. She planted a deep kiss on his lips and murmured something he couldn't quite make out, but he couldn't help the blush across his face. For the first time, she looked rapturous and at peace. She had regrown her wings.
"Like what you see?" Immediately, the movie of memories ended, and he was pulled back into the dreamscape. In front of him was Thalia, just like he had seen, in her early twenties and with a smile on her face.
"Aphrodite?" Percy guessed. "What are you doing here?"
"In the flesh," she said with a smirk, glancing down at herself. "I see that my form hasn't changed. I'm glad to know my efforts haven't been wasted."
Despite himself, Percy blushed as she winked at him suggestively. "L-lady Aphrodite," he said. "Er–thank you for helping me out, you know, on Olympus."
"It's nothing," she said with a casual wave. "That decision-making and that speech you gave was simply marvelous. I couldn't have said it better myself." She stood up straight, beaming, ready to deliver a piece of good news. "Thalia is no longer in danger of joining the Hunters. Congratulations."
She summoned the previous movie she had shown him from their first meeting, the one where Thalia had donned the silver tiara in Zoe's place, and shattered it. Its remnants slowly became interspersed in the dreamscape. The shards slowly vanished, as if they never existed, that horrific future little more than a bad memory.
Aphrodite gave a little squeal that puzzled Percy. Normally, gods were stoic, only showing their emotions for some kind of personal gain, but this was a squeal of glee, something he would expect one of his female classmates to do after the football jock asked her to prom. Slowly, the realization dawned on Percy. Aphrodite was the very idea of love in all its forms, both teenage puppy love and the endearing, persevering love shared by an old couple on their deathbeds. That meant that she-
"You didn't answer my question," Aphrodite interjected, breaking Percy's train of thought. "Did you like what you see?"
Percy's cheeks flushed, and the dreamscape suddenly felt very warm. "Uh…do I need to answer that, or do you already know?"
Aphrodite shot him a knowing smile. "Of course I know, but I asked you anyway. So, what do you think?"
"Uh, I mean, yeah…" Percy trailed off. "I'd really like that."
"Then you're in luck," Aphrodite beamed. "Like I said before, I'm on your side. Now, would you like more good news?"
Percy nodded in affirmation.
"Well," she began. "The little visions I just showed you are entirely in your grasp!" She was practically vibrating with excitement. "Sure, it's never easy. Believe me, I would know, but the life you want with your love is entirely there for you. All you need to do is take it!"
Percy's head was spinning. "Take it? What do you mean?"
Aphrodite just patted him on the head like he was a child, asking one too many questions. "Oh, sweet boy, you've got to learn the language of love. That's okay, though; you've got time." She leaned in close. "Between you and me, I think you've been doing a great job. You haven't even kissed her yet, and she's already slept in your cabin with you."
"Well–er," Percy stammered, his face heating. "I mean, it's not a big deal or anything, but there was no way she was going to sleep in the Big House. She's always so tense when she's in there, and it gives her nightmares."
"Oh, you're so cute." Aphrodite mused. "Don't worry, I'll handle whatever I can as far as her dad is concerned."
"Was he actually serious?" Percy asked, shifting uncomfortably. "I mean, like, what is he going to do?"
"I don't know," Aphrodite shrugs. "But he's already not happy with Thalia, and there's not really anyone who could stop him."
Percy scowled, muttering, "I'd be willing to give it a try."
"Oh, you're so cute when you're protective," Aphrodite crooned. "As tough as she is, I'm sure Thalia appreciates the sentiment, even if she brushes it off sometimes. That's part of the fun."
"Why are you helping me?" Percy said suddenly. "I mean, Ares hates my guts, and he'd probably not be happy if he found out you were doing this. Don't get me wrong, I love the help…" his voice trailed off, and he found his shoes very enticing. "And without you, Thalia would be with the Hunters, but I just don't know how much more trouble I want."
For a brief moment her face shifted, Percy was afraid he had offended her. But then she laughed, a light sound that filled him with the same giddiness as when she first appeared. "Your concern is sweet, darling," she said. "But while I may look like your love, I am still a goddess. I can handle myself."
Percy found himself blushing again. She was calling Thalia his love. For the first time, he didn't find himself racing to deny it. Instead, the visions of him and Thalia simply…existing in a domestic environment made his heart pound. A small smile crept onto his face. A soft scene of tucking her into bed beside him every night played through his mind. He felt that bubbly feeling threatening to break though his chest again, but he just grinned. Thalia would tease him for eternity if she knew about this.
Aphrodite flashed him a knowing smile, Thalia's purple stained lips curving devilishly. "My dear boy, I'm going to let you in on a secret." She leaned in to whisper in his ear. "The best kinds of love are boring. It's about finding someone to help you guide the boat while the tides of life try to carry you out to sea." She saw Percy's expression and cut him off. "Of course you like the sea, as do I, but that is not the point."
"Then why does trouble seem to follow me everywhere!" Percy blurted. "I mean, it's not like I've done anything wrong here, but it seems like no matter what I do, the tides or whatever keeps trying to throw me overboard." His glare turned fierce. He vaguely took notice of a minor tremble in the back of the dreamscape. "Thalia's dad seems to be the chief culprit."
Aphrodite sighed and summoned a loveseat, signaling that he should join her. "Come, let me tell you a story."
Percy took a deep breath to calm his simmering anger. At the very least, Aphrodite was a goddess who, unlike Ares' warning, seemed perfectly willing to tolerate his outbursts. However, he didn't want to push his luck. After all, she had warned him about Thalia and the Hunters in the first place. Gathering himself, he joined Aphrodite on the loveseat, allowing her imitation of Thalia to calm his nerves.
"Now," she said. "I know I said that the best kind of love is boring," she began. "Of course, it is much deeper, but the words do not exist to express the entirety of a concept. We could sit here for one hundred years and hardly even scratch the surface."
She waited a moment before Percy nodded in understanding. "I am unique, older than even the eldest six," she explained. "I am the personification of love, and I have changed many times through the ages, as have most. Love is coeternal with the universe. As long as beings have existed to experience the world, love will exist with them."
"Okay?" Percy nodded, wondering where she was going with her impromptu history lesson.
Aphrodite smiled gently. "Love remains the driving force in the world. You'd be surprised how much of history is driven by powerful men and women who simply seek the objects of their desire. Zeus is no exception. Unfortunately, he is incapable of anything beyond eros, and it shows through his escapades. Others are merely objects to him, and it is saddening. He does not experience true, pure love."
Silent tears began to streak down Aphrodite's cheeks, and Percy suddenly felt very uncomfortable. Her resemblance to Thalia compelled him to pull her in, but he thought it was inappropriate. She was a goddess of a different type. He shifted in his seat, self-preservation warring with his comforting instinct.
"You're a sweetheart, you know that?" Aphrodite said with a smile, her tears now ceased. "But forgive me. Let's continue." She cleared her throat. "Anyway, deep abiding love, or agape, will allow even the most ordinary people to do the most extraordinary things." She paused for a moment, allowing her statement to hang in the air.
Percy's mind began to whir. He had heard rumors of even regular mortals lifting cars to save loved ones in danger. Even the platonic love he felt for Grover had spurred him to action to get the Fleece, although his face quickly warmed as he remembered that it was a joint effort for two of his friends and that Thalia had slowly come to the forefront throughout the quest. Even his urgency to rescue Annabeth stirred far different emotions than the ones Thalia did.
"You are beginning to understand," Aphrodite beamed. Then, she gestured at herself. "And I would safely venture that the deep love you feel for Thalia is far different than the kind for Annabeth and Grover, but these are still valid and important. It is quite silly that many people think of me as some kind of sex goddess and nothing else." She blushed slightly. "Don't get me wrong, there are far worse things to be known as, and it's definitely part of the puzzle, but love is so much deeper than physical infatuation."
She continued, "I am here to support those who feel that deeper kind of love. Perhaps it is treasonous, but that's simply how it works. Your father could not give up the sea even if Zeus demanded it, nor could Apollo give up the sun."
Percy thought deeply about it, and a twinge of remorse rattled him. He had always written off most of the Aphrodite kids for being superficial, and truthfully, most of them had acted that way, but that still wasn't any excuse. As if she sensed his thoughts, Aphrodite gave him a soft smile.
"When my children are younger, they must go through a process similar to yours," she said softly. "Love is complicated, and no one will ever truly understand it. But we can see its fruits." She gave him a knowing look. "You are familiar with Orpheus and Eurydice, yes?"
Percy nodded, wondering where Aphrodite was going with her point.
"Well, I said that ordinary people can do extraordinary things for love," she said. "Now, imagine what an extraordinary person could do. Orpheus, for love, nearly brought Eurydice back from the dead." She leaned in close, and Percy's heart began to race. "Imagine what you could do for yours."
Percy swallowed uncomfortably. Memories of the endless maze began flooding back to him, its walls goading him into the entrance like an unsavory maw. Prophecy demanded that he enter if he wanted to save those he cared about. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Aphrodite give a knowing smirk. Did she know? He shuddered, knowing he would never truly answer the question.
"I'd do whatever it takes," he said, fire edging his tone. "I held the sky once, and I'd do it again if I had to." He winced as he said it, phantom pains piercing his shoulders and scars, but he knew it was the truth.
Aphrodite took Percy's hand in hers. "Then you have nothing to worry about. You may not understand love, but your instincts haven't led you astray yet. Choose well."
She smiled softly at him, and the dreamscape began to crack. As she slowly faded, she planted a kiss on his cheek. Just like last time, his face burned hot. When he awoke, his hand flew to his face, certain that he'd find purple lipstick marking his cheek.
The soft light of dawn illuminated Percy's cabin as he reeled from the dream. Winter break was now coming to a close. It had been roughly two weeks since they returned from the Mountain of Despair, and his heart began to twist. He looked over to Thalia, passed out comfortably on the bed adjacent to his. Ever since her flight into the night, she had been coming to his cabin, so much so that he offered to just keep a spot open and save some counter space for her in the cabin's bathroom. After about a week of her sneaking in, he told her to stop going to the Big House and stay with him, an offer she had accepted-with much less convincing than he had been expecting. So far, no one had really bothered them about it, although Percy wondered how long that might last.
After all, he had promised that she could stay as long as she liked for her birthday present. He had bribed some Hermes kids into smuggling in a small chocolate brownie cake for Thalia's birthday. If her gleeful expression was any indication, he had chosen correctly. She had taken the heavy news pretty well, even about his disturbing dream about the endless maze, but he could tell it still made her nervous. He'd be lying if he said he didn't feel the same.
It was his last day at Camp, and he had a decision to make. Thalia had assured him that he could do what he wanted, and he reciprocated, but the thought of separating made him uneasy. What if something happened to her? In the back of his mind, he worried if he was becoming a little obsessive over her safety, smothering her in the process. But he couldn't help the concern for her that felt as natural to him as breathing. Especially now that she seemed so much more relaxed about his reassurance that he wouldn't leave her for things she had done in the past.
The way she would tense at sun down or whenever she was left alone for more than a few minutes told him that things weren't fine. By the same token, he started to feel nervous and antsy whenever she wasn't around, and any time any of his friends were out of sight, his heart started racing.
He took another look at Thalia's angelic face. He wasn't entirely sure what she was going to do. She had joked to Annabeth about "not being forced to go to school anymore," and now that he knew what he did about her home life, or lack thereof, he figured she'd probably stay. Yet, when she talked about the outside world and her desire to live a normal life, he could see her eyes light up. It reminded him of when Luke had asked if he missed the quest after returning the bolt. Despite the subsequent assassination attempt, Luke had been right. He did miss it.
At the same time, he wasn't entirely sure that even if she remained, she would stay within the borders. The few times she'd brought up the Mountain of Despair, most of which had been at Chiron's urging in the infirmary, her expression had gone blank. For all the dissociative stares, Percy could see the whirlwind of emotions roaring beneath. And he knew exactly who the feelings were directed at. Luke Castellan. It was a matter of when, not if, she was going after him, and Percy wasn't going to let her do it alone.
Frustrated, he went over to his nightstand and pulled out a drachma. He twirled it in his fingers like a professional poker player before quickly stopping in disgust. He already knew what Chiron wanted him to do, as the centaur had suggested it since his first summer. Chiron would want him to stay, but he wanted a second opinion.
He walked over to the fountain, allowing the mist to dissipate into the air, creating a strong rainbow in the morning light. Across the room, Thalia turned over, still sleeping soundly as she snuggled further into her blankets. He turned back to the water, vowing to speak quietly so as not to wake her.
"O, Iris, Goddess of the Rainbow, please accept my offering."
The drachma disappeared as he tossed it through the misty rainbow, and Percy continued. "Show me Sally Jackson in Upper East Side, Manhattan."
Slowly, the rainbow began to shimmer and change, showing the inside of his apartment's kitchen. As his mother appeared, he felt the knot in his stomach loosen slightly. He didn't like telling her about his adventures; she was worried sick for days last time he'd gotten too specific. But he needed her help figuring out what he should do. As Aphrodite had mentioned, he craved guidance from someone who loved him, truly loved him. Not some god with an agenda pushing him to do whatever suited their fancy. He just wanted his mother.
"Percy?" Sally asked, wiping her hands on a dish towel as she fully came into his frame of view. "Is everything okay? Should I expect to come pick you up tomorrow? What's going on?"
"Everything's fine, Mom," Percy said quickly. "Or at least, it is now."
Sally raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean it is now? How did it go at Westover?"
Percy clenched his jaw. He had meant to call his mom and update her on the happenings, but between his dreams and everything else, he had forgotten. He just hoped his mother wouldn't think him the worst son in the world for not updating her immediately.
"Er–" Percy said. "How much time do you have?"
Sally looked at her watch. "As much time as you need, sweetie. I don't have my writing seminar until later this morning."
"Writing seminar?" Percy asked hopefully. "Finally getting started on that book?"
Sally blushed slightly. "Well, yeah, and I found someone who can help me get started."
Percy smiled, although the pink in his mother's cheeks was not lost on him. "Well, good," he said. "I'm glad. What do you want to know?"
"Well, for starters, is Grover okay? Did you guys help him?"
Percy's chest tightened. "Well, er–" he stammered. "Grover's fine. He needed us to help him fetch two demigods, and things got a little messy."
Sally frowned. "A little messy? How are the demigods? How about Thalia and Annabeth, are they alright too?"
"Yeah, they're alright, Mom," Percy said. "At least Thalia and Annabeth are. Nico is too. His sister, though…" Percy trailed off, unwilling to speak the truth.
Sally looked at him, her eyes full of understanding. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "It's never easy, but just please try to forgive yourself. It's not your fault. You were born into a world far too mature for children."
Percy nodded tersely. "Thanks, mom," he said, his voice pained. "Although that's not really what I want to talk about."
Sally gave him a little nod, encouraging him to continue.
"It's just," Percy said. "I don't know if coming home is the right thing for me. A war is coming, and I want to be prepared. But at the same time, I don't know if I can fight on behalf of the shitty gods who keep using me and my friends as pawns in their little game. It seems like every time I mess up, someone else has to pay the price." Swallowing the lump in his throat became near-impossible. "It's just, I mean, Annabeth was captured because we couldn't beat Dr. Thorn at Westover, then Thalia and I fought, and I overdid it and knocked myself out, so she had to go alone. Then guess what? She was captured and tortured, and Artemis was captured too. How am I supposed to go back to normal after that?"
Percy blinked away the tears in his eyes as his mother spoke her next words. "I wish I could lie and say that it doesn't worry me to death about the life you're forced to live," she began. "But as long as you've been my son, you always find your way in the end, and I've yet to see a time where it didn't turn out right." She shuddered, "Even with my ex-husband."
"But you don't understand!" Percy shouted. "I can't do it! I don't know what to do. I get all this new information and have so many friends to protect, but…" his voice turned to little more than a whisper as he felt the wetness on his cheeks. "I'm scared, mom. I got this weird dream that tells me the only way I can save those around me is to go into the endless maze, but I can't do it. I don't want to go back."
Sally's eyes were filled with understanding. She was silent for a moment as she allowed Percy to breathe. "I love you very much, Percy," she said, softly. "I truly wish I could make this decision for you. It sounds like you've got a lot to think about. But I'm still just as confident in your decision-making as ever. You always end up on the right path. Tell me, what do you think is the right option right now?"
Percy slowed his breathing, allowing his mother's comforting words to wash over him. What were his options? He could ignore the dream and let destiny take its course. He probably wouldn't get a say on what side of the war he ended up on, which would torment him for eternity. Or, he could follow his dream, as cursed as Prophecy may be, and try to forge his own path. The two options raged in his mind, and his heart wanted to rip out of his chest, but slowly, one side began to win as Aphrodite's reassurances began to swim through his head. Imagine what love can do with extraordinary people.
"I want to save my friends," Percy murmured. "That's all I really want."
Sally reached her hand to the illusion, as though she were rubbing her fingers beneath his chin. "Then choose wisely, my son." Her eyes began to fill with tears, and she averted her gaze slightly. "But please…just be careful."
Percy shot his mother a watery smile. "Don't worry, Mom, I'll be as careful as I need to."
"Oh good," Sally said. "Don't think I don't know that you hide things from me. In a way, I'm kind of grateful for it. I'd probably die even younger than I probably already will with what you do tell me, but I feel a lot better knowing that Annabeth's going to be with you."
Sally must have noticed Percy's pained expression because her own face fell. "Annabeth is going to be with you, right? You said she's alright."
"Er–" Percy said, suddenly interested in his feet. "She's with Artemis now."
Sally frowned. "You mean, like the Hunters?"
Percy nodded, Annabeth's absence hitting him like a ton of bricks. "Yeah," he said, his voice strained. "She's with them now, leading them, actually."
Worry flashed across Sally's eyes, although it quickly dissipated. "Oh…" she said. "I'm sorry." She bit her lower lip nervously. "So, just you and Thalia, then?"
Percy nodded, his stomach suddenly feeling slightly queasy. "Yep," he said. "It's just us now. I'm sorry."
"Oh, there's no reason to apologize," Sally assured with a smile. "Annabeth's a smart girl, and she wouldn't make any decision she wasn't confident in." Her smile dropped, "although I know how difficult it is, losing a friend. Even when they're still here."
"Yeah," Percy said, his voice tight. "But I'll still see her occasionally, so it's not all that bad."
"Of course you will, sweetie," Sally soothed. "But you and I both know that things are different now. You're a good boy, Percy. I know you'll make the right decision in the end."
Percy felt his heart swell slightly at his mother's praise. She was giving him that soft smile, and he rubbed the back of his neck, not quite sure what to say.
"Perseus Jackson," Sally's sharp tone made his attention snap to her. But she wasn't looking at his face, she was looking…oh gods, his arms. He dropped his hand quickly, the damage already done.
Her voice was sharp and controlled, and he could tell she wouldn't accept a deflection. "What happened," she demanded.
Briefly, Percy considered lying, but his mother's piercing gaze made him wither like a plant in the hot sun. He looked down at his shoes, hoping he could escape the daggers in her eyes, but he knew it was futile. "I held the sky," he mumbled.
"WHAT!?" Sally shrieked. She took a deep breath, and if Percy was there he wasn't sure his mother wouldn't want to strangle him, hold him, or some combination of the two. Her next words came out tense, but more under control. "Why did you do that?"
"I didn't have a choice!" Percy was surprised by the fierceness in his tone. "I was in a battle I couldn't win, and Thalia was in danger."
Sally sighed, and while her jaw had yet to relax, the fire in her eyes began to die down. "Young man, next time I see you, you are so grounded." Then, she mumbled, so quietly Percy could barely hear. "Although I am proud of you. Even if you keep ending up in deadly situations."
Percy felt his heart threaten to rip at his mother's anguish, but he knew just as well as she did that there wasn't anything that could be done. Still, it only felt natural to apologize.
"I'm sorry," he said. "For making you worry."
Upon seeing his apologetic expression, her fierce look transformed into a comforting one. "Oh, baby, it's okay," She said. "I just worry about you."
Percy nodded, the words he wanted to say getting caught in his throat. He wasn't quite sure what to do now, but as long as she knew that he didn't regret his decision he knew it would be okay.
Across the room, Thalia yawned softly and sat up, her bed head making his heart skip a beat. Her oversized shirt, which Percy could have sworn was his, was caught in the blankets, revealing her midriff.
Despite his best efforts, his eyes traced down her body to her hips. Her nighttime shorts had slid down ever so slightly, revealing the waistband of her black panties. His face flushed at the myriad of thoughts that he was both ashamed of having and mildly enjoying it all the same. He bit his lip, hoping Thalia wouldn't notice. If she did, she didn't say anything.
He silently cursed himself for waking her. When he glanced back at Sally, a knowing smile was etched on his mothers face. Immediately, he hid his face in his hands. He wasn't sure whether the scolding he just received would be better to what he was about to experience.
"Say," she teased. "Aren't you calling me from your cabin? I could have sworn you were."
"Yes, Mom," Percy's voice was muffled, and after a moment he forced himself to uncover his face and look at her. "I am."
"And Thalia is in there with you this early in the morning?" She asked, eyebrows raised.
"It's nothing, Mom," Percy said a little too quickly, his face redder than a tomato. "Just a rough night was all."
Sally laughed knowingly. "Well, I don't want to interrupt you," her voice changed, a bit more solemn now, "but please think about what I've said, Percy. I think you know what you need to do, and let me know when you've made your decision. I love you." At that, she ran her hand through the message, severing it. Rainbow colored mist floated through the air where his mother had just been.
Percy turned around, and Thalia was as red as a tomato, pillow clutched in front of her body like a shield. "Oh gods," she said. "I'm sorry. I didn't–I didn't realize you wanted to call your mom this morning."
She threw face into the pillow, and he heard faint, muffled screaming. He couldn't blame her. He wanted to do the same thing.
Despite it all, Percy walked over and sat on the edge of her bed, slowly settling his hand onto her thigh over the blanket. He made soft, slow circles, trying to comfort and reassure her. She shifted, and he inhaled sharply, looking pointedly at the ceiling and trying to push away the thoughts that filled his mind at the exposed skin along her stomach and thigh. If her shirt lifted just a bit higher-
Stop it. He mentally scolded himself. That is not appropriate.
He could only hope she didn't notice the racing, excited beat of his heart as he said, "It was a spur-of-the-moment thing, really. I was just thinking about going back or not…"
Thalia peeked up from the pillow, looking up at him expectantly.
"Well, Kelp Head," she said. "I'll do what you do. School sucks, but no point in sticking around here all by myself. Seems kinda dumb, don't you think?"
Percy chuckled, his embarrassment slowly fading as his heart regulated its beating. "Yeah," he said. "School sucks. But I don't know…don't you ever want to get away from it all?"
Thalia looked at him blankly. "Did you forget who you're talking to?" She teased. "I literally had years where I got away from it all inside your head. Plus," she made a grand gesture to the bed, "I don't even sleep in my own cabin OR the Big House."
Had he turned the heat in the cabin up? He swallowed thickly, tugging on the collar of his shirt. Warm. It's too warm in here.
Yeah," he said. "Sorry. It's just that everything has felt like a dream since we got back, you know? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad and everything, but it just feels like more bullshit after the other." He cringed slightly, hoping that Thalia would understand that she was definitely not part of the bullshit.
Thalia's electric-blue eyes bore into his, swirling with emotion. She looked like she was about to say something, but she stopped herself, shook her head slightly, and said instead, "We should go get breakfast. They're probably almost cleaned up by now."
"Yeah," Percy said, wondering if he needed an ice bath. "That's a good idea."
Mr. D's glare didn't leave them for the entirety of breakfast. Ever since Thalia had started sleeping out in the Poseidon cabin, Mr. D had become noticeably surlier, an accomplishment in its own right. He would shoot the pair dirty looks as though they had just insulted his mother. Although, given what Percy knew about the mythological world, most gods didn't actually care about that. Percy knew he should at least be mindful of Mr. D's warnings, but he couldn't bring himself to care. Thalia had made herself clear that she was not sleeping in the Zeus cabin, and Mr. D made it unbearable for her to sleep in the Big House. That left Percy's cabin, and he was not going to make her or let her leave unless she wanted it.
As Thalia sat next to him at the Poseidon table, Chiron, uncharacteristically, approached the pair and cleared his throat. "Now," he said, choosing his words carefully. "Don't think I don't know what's been going on. I know you already know this, but I should inform you that Mr. D is very upset with both of you. While I understand the circumstances are extraordinary, hence my reluctant permission, please be mindful when dealing with our director."
Chiron's pained expression told Percy how serious it was. He bit back the urge to use Chiron to tell Mr. D to fuck off, but he wasn't sure the old horse would have appreciated it. Besides, Chiron did give him implicit permission to sneak out and rescue Thalia. He didn't want to be rude to his mentor, not when this was Mr. D's fault.
Percy gave a terse nod as Chiron seemed satisfied. "For what it's worth," he said. "I wish I didn't need to deliver this message, but I would find it incredibly tragic if something were to happen to either of you or the other campers."
Percy tried to bite back his bitterness, although he wasn't surprised. Of all the gods who were the most likely to vouch for his safety at the council of Olympus, he figured Mr. D was at the bottom, down with Zeus and Ares.
Chiron turned towards Thalia, who had inched closer to Percy. "Thalia, my dear, considering you were going to school with Annabeth, and that she is now with Artemis, have you decided what you wanted to do?"
Thalia tensed slightly but relaxed just as quickly. "I don't know," she said. Her eyes flitted in Percy's direction. "I guess it all depends on how things work out."
Chiron directed his attention towards Percy. "Am I correct in assuming you want to go back with your mother?" His tone indicated his preference for Percy to stay and train, but he clearly wanted to give him the space to decide for himself. Something Percy was grateful for.
"Er–" Percy said. "Actually, I kind of wanted to talk with you about that." His voice softened. "I'm not really sure what I want to do anymore."
The centaur placed a comforting hand on Percy's shoulder. "Not to worry, my boy." He said with a smile. "Come speak with me after breakfast, in the Big House. We can discuss everything then." Percy nodded, and Chiron ambled off to the stragglers still sitting at the Aphrodite table.
After they finished eating, Thalia headed to the training pit to do some sparring with the Ares kids. "See ya later," she said, smiling. "When you finish with Chiron, come on by."
Percy could've sworn she winked at him, and his heart nearly seized. She turned from him, black hair swishing behind her and a bounce in her step that hadn't been there before. He had loved watching the light slowly return to her eyes over the last couple of weeks. It was a vast improvement, even if she was still plagued by nightmares.
Thalia occupied his thoughts the whole way up to the Big House, and those thoughts were cruelly ripped from him as Mr. D stepped into his path. How the god managed to look down his nose at him when Percy was a full head taller he'd never know.
"Hello," Percy said coolly. "Can I help you?"
"You know the rules, Peter," Mr. D said, his purple eyes narrowing. "Although I suppose you think you're too good for them."
Percy gritted his teeth. "Since when have you cared about any of the rules? Weren't you known for throwing the wildest, illegal parties back in your demigod days?"
Mr. D flashed a dangerous shade of purple before smiling. "Perhaps," he said. "Admittedly, I never cared much for the rules. But my father does, so you should probably be careful. I know Chiron has already warned you, but the old centaur can–let's just say–be a little permissive when it comes to his warnings. I still stand by what I said on Olympus."
Percy opened his mouth to respond when Chiron threw open the front door, calling for him. "Percy, there you are." He gave Mr. D a terse look. "I believe I can handle it from here. Thank you."
Mr. D scowled before vanishing in a flash of purple light, leaving the sour smell of grapes in his wake. The smell triggered a memory in his mind, and it became abundantly clear why Thalia couldn't stay in the Big House. Percy's fists curled, nearly shaking with rage. It made him want to drag Mr. D back by his fat ass and whip the guy himself, insanity be damned.
Finally, Percy collected himself enough to mount the stairs to the porch and enter the Big House behind Chiron.
"I'm sorry about that," Chiron said, rubbing his temples. "He's been like that ever since the solstice. He gets quite pissy when he doesn't get his way."
Percy stared at his mentor, mouth agape. For Chiron, that was the equivalent of calling someone a fuckwit. He smiled. Even the horse could have a sense of humor from time to time. "Yeah," Percy said, grinning. "Although I won't complain. I'm still here."
"Right you are, my boy," Chiron praised, "and I wouldn't have it any other way. Now tell me, what's on your mind? The fact you are not jumping at the opportunity to spend time with your admittedly lovely mother is mildly concerning."
Percy took a deep breath, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. "It's just that…" his mind started to race. "We've got an upcoming war, and now I've got these weird powers from–you know–my dad, and I don't have a lot of time to use them. Or even learn how."
Chiron looked at him pensively, finally speaking carefully. "It is no secret that I believe Camp is the best place for you to learn and grow," he admitted. "However, dedicating your entire life around the upcoming war may be a bit unwise."
"If I don't, then I won't have a future," Percy said bitterly. "Even then, I'll probably die in it anyway."
Chiron pinched the bridge of his nose. "I do not blame Annabeth. She was, and is, very fond of you, but what she knows about the Great Prophecy is not complete, nor should it be considered comprehensive. You, my boy, know better than nearly every demigod that prophecies are finicky."
Percy swallowed uncomfortably. Chiron was right, of course, but that didn't mean that the menacing dreams about the endless maze didn't haunt him. His mother told him to follow his instincts, as did Zoe and Aphrodite. Apollo's warning about Prophecy rang through him like a gong, but he was sure that his dream about Rachel and the man was more than just a nightmare.
"Chiron…" Percy began, unsure of what, exactly, he was trying to ask. "What do you know about the endless maze?"
Chiron's face paled slightly, although he maintained his composure. "There are many things to know about it. Is there anything in particular?"
"Nothing much…" Percy said, a little too quickly. "I just had a dream about it."
Chiron stared at him, reading Percy like a book. "Am I correct in assuming that this dream is part of your decision whether to stay or go?"
Percy nodded tersely. Lying wouldn't do any good anyway.
Chiron sighed. "I'm sorry to ask this of you, but I have received prophecies of my own in the past few years. Please share some of your thoughts with me, if you feel comfortable."
Percy hesitated. In a way, it felt like a betrayal to Thalia to tell Chiron all of this instead of her. He knew she wouldn't be mad at him, but they had confided in each other. Yes, they still had stuff to work out, but they were getting there. He hadn't told her at first because he didn't want to worry her. He knew he wouldn't have that problem with Chiron, at least not in the same way. He sighed.
"Well, it's just that I don't know what's best for the demigods, you know?" he spoke quickly, afraid the words would never escape if he stopped. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I would rather die than join Kronos and Luke for what they've done, but I see how miserable everyone is, and it makes me reluctant to back Thalia's dad."
A flicker of understanding flashed in Chiron's face. "I understand, at least in theory," he said, "I know your meeting at the solstice was less than stellar. Please, my boy, continue."
"Well, I had this dream, and long story short, I was told that the only way for me to get what I want is to delve into the endless maze and save some old guy. I don't know who he was." Percy shuddered at the memory, "But I feel that's the only way to protect the demigods here at camp."
Chiron sighed sadly. "It's natural to be afraid–" he held up a hand to stop Percy's interjection. "–even if we cannot admit it to ourselves. However, I believe I have some guidance that may help you. I received a prophecy many years ago that may explain what you seek."
Percy waited for Chiron to continue, but a minute, then two passed, and an uncomfortable silence filled the air. "Er–sir, are you going to tell me?"
Chiron opened his mouth and then closed it again, suddenly unsure of himself. "It is probably best if I do not share the exact details, but it would suffice to say that much will be revealed when Clarisse gets back."
Percy tried to swallow his frustration, although Chiron's cryptic answers weren't helping. He knew that the centaur wasn't doing it maliciously. After all, Chiron had let Percy sneak out to go rescue Thalia and was at least reluctantly allowing them to bunk together. "Thank you," he said tersely. "I think I've made my decision."
"And what would that be, my boy?" Chiron tilted his head.
"I'd like to stay at Camp over the winter," Percy said quickly before he could allow his fear to change his mind. "I think it would be best for all involved. I need to train, practice… whatever this shadow stuff is, and prepare myself for what's coming." Calm surged through him. This was the right choice. And besides…he didn't mind bunking with Thalia a little longer.
Chiron shot him a wide smile. "I think that is very wise, my boy," he said. "We shall make the preparations."
Percy nodded. He turned to leave, to go tell Thalia the news, when the front door slammed open, bouncing off the wall as Thalia herself practically fell through the doorway, bent over and gasping for air.
He rushed to her, instincts screaming at him to protect her, shielding her from whatever had sent her running. He checked her over, quickly kneeling beside her.
"What's wrong, Thals?" He brushed her hair from her face, taking in her wide, panicked blue eyes. "Are you okay? What happened?"
She was alarmingly pale, but she nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine." She turned towards Chiron, a flicker of fear in her eyes. "It's Clarisse."
AN: I hope ya'll had a good holiday season! Not much to update on my end, other than I started my final semester at college this year. As always, reviews, favorites, and follows are ALWAYS appreciated, so thank you everyone who has done so. Now, time for review responses.
Kaidofett: I have plans, so don't worry. I won't spoil it for you though ;)
ImHellaUgly: I'm flattered. It's crack to write too. I wish I had the time to write a chapter a day for ya'll. Thanks for reading!
Ginocide02: The fluff goblin demands its tribute, and I am happy to pay. Thanks for reading!