Chapter Text
Truth or Dare
PercaNObeth
It all started when they decided to go on a break in their relationship, Annabeth wanted to work on her designs for Olympus and focus on college at the same time. Percy agreed easily, wanting some time to recover after everything that happened. He also … had been relieved if he was being honest. During their quest, even in the pit, she had hit him like she did before … yet she never knew his curse was gone. Her hits were harder… stronger… enough to leave marks. It… reminded him of Gabe. Of bruises he had to hide, of blood that had to be washed away before anyone could see or have it stain his clothes. Of hidden truths from his mom because she had enough to worry about without her troublesome son to add to her problems and make it worse.
In truth Percy wanted the separation to see if he could be okay without Annabeth in his life. Or really see if his thoughts about her were right. Unfortunately it seemed that while they’re not a couple she insisted on him being around her. Whenever she was at camp she wanted his ‘opinions’ on things. Realistically she probably just wanted to keep an eye on him.
He recalled what she told Piper. What she said about him. He remembered Piper trying to control him, the scar on her throat. She could barely use her voice to lull the earth mother to sleep, still worked and Leo using his suicidal plan and they won.
Piper had changed after that day. Sure she used her powers to help against the snake people and even helped take down Gaea. But once things settled down she didn’t use her powers as much, she and Jason also seemed to either be on a break or taking some time apart. Percy wasn’t sure what that was about, but Piper didn’t hang around him unless she had to.
Besides all he remembered from attacking her for the action, was a deep desire for her to just stop talking! And next thing he knew he got her to be quiet… with Katropis pressed to her neck.
FLASHBACK
They’d been on their way to Athens when it happened. After being attacked again Percy had just wanted to rest. He’d overheard Annabeth and Piper’s talk about him needing to be controlled. It hurt to hear his girlfriend talking about him like-like he’s a dog or worse a monster who needs to be on a leash.
Sitting heavy on his bed Percy leaned back, he wanted to rest. Ever since the Pit… since leaving Bob and Damasen behind…. Since Misery and her poison… something inside him changed. It was like the darker parts of himself felt more prominent. Sure he’s always been a bit violent not caring to hurt others who hurt what he cares about. But it… it was just different.
He remembers the emposai that he had to fight. He was basically alone since Annabeth had lost her weapon. Nearly dying just to save her and himself. As he recalled the enemies from the pit, their ‘tempting voices’ trying to charm him into obedience or rather into becoming their dinner.
And the voices didn’t stop as he kept imagining them wanting them to stop. Why didn’t they stop!?
The next thing he knew Piper was pinned against his bedroom wall with Katropis pressed against her neck. She looked at him with fear and he… he didn’t care.
“What were you doing?” He demanded eyes cold.
“Y-you were-“ she tried to explain only to swallow in fear as the knife dug a bit deeper causing her to bleed a little.
“What? I wanted to be alone! I wanted to rest !” He snapped at her. “Why are you even on this quest? You’re barely a fighter!”
“I deserve to be here!” She snapped back she was trying to use charmspeak.
“You are a spoiled child.” Percy growled at her. “I do not trust you.” He pulled away and tossed her from his room.
“You’re a monster!” She spat at him only to scream as he threw her knife and it embedded into the wall. She looked like a scared child and not the ‘warrior’ she claimed to be.
“Says the one who manipulates people to get what she wants?” He demanded before closing and this time locking his bedroom door. He wanted privacy and he was going to get it.
FLASHBACK END
Percy sighed recalling that moment. He didn’t even remember attacking Piper let alone disarming her, but he did remember the after and her look of fear and hate at him. He hated people looking at him like that, and yet at the same time. It was almost cathartic to see her looking at him with fear.
“Percy? Sweetie you okay?” Sally asked her eldest child. Estelle was currently sleeping with Paul watching over her.
“Ah, yeah I’m fine mom.” Percy assured, he’s as fine as he can be. He didn’t want to weigh his mother down with the things he’s going through.
Sally smiled sadly, she knew he was lying. Her boy, always trying to be strong… sad to say it’s only been recently that she’s noticed his lying. It’s subtle… the way he flinches at loud noises, pretends he’s not scared of the dark, then there’s his break with Annabeth and how they’re still spending so much time together. And call her paranoid but sometimes she sees herself and Gabriel in those two.
The worst part… she saw herself in Perseus and Gabriel in Annabeth -
“Alright, if you're sure sweetie. Are you ready for the party on Olympus?” She asked, changing the subject before she could think too much about it.
“Yeah, honestly I’m surprised Uncle Z is doing this.” Percy admitted. “We didn’t really do anything post the Titan war aside from prizes and then burning our dead.”
“Well maybe it’ll be fun?” Sally suggested she’s never been to the eternal city.
Percy shrugged. “Maybe, I should probably get going before Uncle Z thunders in complaint again.”
Just for that sentence there was a rumble of thunder though it sounded more amused than annoyed.
Percy smirked and made an ‘told you so’ gesture before leaving to the party for the veterans. Once her child left the apartment Sally sighed and gave an open prayer to the Olympians. ‘Please… Percy needs help. He won’t ask but he needs help.’
What she didn’t know is that it wasn’t just the Olympians who heard her prayer and were worried for their hero. The minor gods were worried as well. Including a certain goddess of sincerity and truth.
-PercaNObeth-
Hermes smiled as the demigods arrived. It was primarily the veterans from both the Titanomachy and Giantomachy. That wasn’t too much of a surprise, the younger campers and Romans were too young to come here. Besides the festivities or well… the point of this party wasn’t to praise their victories. Father confirmed it was to honor those who died. It was long overdue and after the recent losses, the defeat of the giants and Mother Earth didn’t feel like a victory for the gods.
So to make up for the lack of honor to the dead last year and ensure the same mistakes are not made a second time. The dead who fought for Olympus would be honored and the party would be a calm affair. Maybe bonding with their kids to make up for not paying attention last year with Percy’s request.
“Welcome Demigods to Olympus!” Hermes smiled warmly at them. He was wearing a green chiton lined with yellow around the edges, along with a yellow belt, orange ribbons around his thighs and wrists, and he wore his infamous Greek sandals with winged heels, lastly he had wings coming from his head by his pale blonde hair. He was feeling nostalgic lately as had most of the family since the giantomachy ended.
“Hey Hermes,” Percy smiled at the messenger god.
The other kids were polite enough but with all them as vets most didn’t care. Only the younger vets were more respectful. Hermes saw his own sons in the mix of demigods. They weren’t dressed for a fancy party, well none of the demigods were, and that was on purpose.
“Hello Percy,” the god smiled at his friend. “Now come on everyone, we’re just having a brief meeting in the Throne Room before enjoying the festivities.”
“Really? We’re being dragged to an Olympian meeting before the party?” Annabeth demanded, she was dressed nicely even if most of her friends were in casual wear.
Hermes barely acknowledged the girl with more than a side eye.
“Oh shut up Owlhead, let’s just be glad they’re letting us up here after the shit Castellan pulled.” Clarisse la Rue snapped back. Seems Ares’ daughter is quickly becoming a favorite for Hermes as he still hates Annabeth. Her comment about his son notwithstanding due to his actions.
“Who?” Aphrodite’s daughter who helped take down Gaea asked. And that was a slap to the face.
Percy glanced at Hermes as if asking permission to which the god nodded. “He was the host to the Titan King. A demigod so hellbent on destroying the gods he helped aid in the resurrection of the titans. He later said his reasons were for demigods but that was a lie. He killed his own siblings, uncaring of who got in his way to get what he wanted.”
“Or worse,” Chris voiced as one of Luke’s victims and squeezed Clarisse’s hand. “I was driven to madness because of Luke. And I had sided with him. He did not give a damn.”
Hermes nodded. “Indeed… my son made his choices, and he died for those choices.” He has grieved Luke, but he will be present for his other children. Percy has always made him understand and want to be better. He’s a good person like that.
Before anyone could say anything. Apollo’s boy spoke up. “Lord Hermes, why don’t we get moving?”
The messenger god nodded as he could clearly see Aphrodite’s daughter was confused and that brat of Athena’s looked ready to attack someone. Judging by how nervous Percy looked… well the messenger god was gonna keep close to his friend if needed. “Indeed, let’s go.”
-PercaNObeth-
Percy was surprised as they arrived at the throne room, well not really. Hermes did mention a meeting but this felt…nothing like any of the meetings he’s been to here. The first one in which he returned his uncle’s missing bolt, the second one which decided his fate, the third of which was being rewarded for saving Olympus but so few were actually honored.
This felt… vastly different from any of those meetings. The air felt calm… somber almost. The gods were in far different forms than normal. At least normal for the modern era, as it seemed all but a few present elected to wear older forms. The only ones wearing something modern/current preferred forms seemed to be Demeter, Hestia, Artemis, and Persephone. Everyone else including Hades was … so different.
To start simply… everyone looked hot! Like really really attractive hot! Aphrodite, while always beautiful based on how people viewed beauty, was settled into a non-shifting form, she was basically naked with golden metal ornaments covering her breasts styled like a pair of hands, bands on her upper arms and thighs and a last bit covering her vagina. Her skin is a lovely caramel color which contrasts well with her white to hot pink hair. Her eyes were even settled in a shade of pink. It… looked really good on the goddess.
Piper was obviously mortified while Drew looked surprised at their mother’s looks.
Ares was wearing well used grey Greek battle armor with skull adorned decorations, and a red cape, he was dark skinned with a partially shaved head that gave way to a dreadlock/mohawk esq ponytail, the color a chocolate brown to pale blonde. He seemed… like a general that you wouldn’t want to face on the battlefield. It felt like a stark contrast from the biker he usually acted or looked like.
Clarisse and Frank were staring at their dad but looked calm and not nervous like they usually would be.
Athena was dressed in what could be akin to a dress with armor and a blue cloak/cape, her skin was a lovely tan color with her standard grey eyes now a ring of grey around blue irises. Her hair was thick and curly and tied back.
Annabeth was confused as to why her mother looked so different. Malcolm was looking at his mom in awe.
Hephaestus had grey skin now almost like he was made from magma and molten earth wearing dark brown pants with a red belt, and what looked like molten sideburns. His eyes were a reddish brown… it was very nice.
Leo looked like he wanted to play with his father’s lava sideburns or whatever they were.
Apollo was next wearing what looked like a sun crown floating over his head, along with a white chiton, golden jewelry decorating his body and a strange sun symbol behind his back. His eyes were golden today, tan skin as usual, though his blonde hair was paler today, akin to a sun bleached color.
Will was smiling at his dad along with his few siblings there.
Hera was stunning and dressed in a well decorated dress like her sacred animal the peacock. This included matching necklace and earrings… she… she looked calm and soft. So unlike how she usually looked. Her skin was caramel in color with lovely peacock green eyes and her dark brown wavy hair was held back by a green headband. Percy wasn’t sure why she looked like this but … it felt… better than her always having a scowl on her face and wanting demigods to die. Idly the son of Poseidon wondered what made her calm down so much.
Though the stark contrast for Mr D is telling! Instead of his usual look for camp which is an overweight cherub type, he was… well quite androgynous. Their slim and muscular built was quite lovely, his hair was long in a mullet ponytail type, if you could call it that since it seemed he had his head shaved on the sides, the color was lovely almost a bleached blonde with brown roots if the colors didn’t seamlessly meld into each other unlike with a hair dye job. The ponytail seems to go down to their mid back. The god also had a healthy tan rather than a pale complexion they somehow kept at camp, and what appeared to be golden markings or tattoos of grapevines decorating their skin. He was wearing a leopard pelt on his shoulders, a purple and gold trimmed tunic that rested over one shoulder giving a view of the god’s pecs, it was tied together with a belt, a golden bunch of grapes at the buckle, and a pair of Greek sandals. The god’s eyes were a lovely purple but not as bloodshot as normal, perhaps he’s been allowed to drink again?
Pollux looked very happy to see his father in such a positive form.
The three who stood out most were of course the Big Three, yet like the other gods this felt. Like it was another part of them, an older part they were letting back out. It was nice.
Percy looked at the Big Three and was shocked at the size differences. Hades was the biggest and while his hair wasn’t black anymore, it was still a beautiful dark grey color with lighter grey highlights. It seemed to connect to his long beard which was braided and went over his shoulder, decorated with flowers likely by Persephone. He wore a green chiton styled with other shades of green, and lined with a golden border, to make the top half of flower patterns and the bottom a checkerboard almost akin to a kilt. A highlight as well is he wasn’t ‘deathly’ pale anymore, sure his skin is lighter but it’s more of an ashy tan than pale corpse, as well as his eyes, a usually dark shade of brown or just black now were an acidic green with a rink of black around the edges.
Nico and Hazel were surprised but smiling at the sight of their father looking so healthy.
Poseidon, Percy’s own father, was next to see and the difference felt like night and day to the son of Poseidon. While the god usually had a beachcomber look wearing funky Hawaiian patterned shirts and Bermuda shorts, a good tan and sea green eyes. Poseidon had healthy tan skin, lithe swimmer’s build, eyes shifting colors between ocean blue and sea green, and was currently wearing short light blue peplos beneath a lovely deep blue himmation with a bronze colored wave pattern on the edges. The strangest thing was his dad being barefoot, as well as having silver jewelry on his upper arms and upper thighs. This can mainly be seen due to the way his himmation was positioned. His hair, while usually short, was incredibly long! Like it moved like the waves and went down past his ass, black as usual but with blue at the ends likely to mirror water. His beard was still there though rather than short it was a little long and styled with three points. The last thing Percy noticed… which honestly should’ve been the first thing, his dad had a prosthetic water arm, it glowed blue with divine power.
If Percy was being completely honest with himself he could 100% see what his mom saw in his dad when she was around his age, because by the gods his dad shouldn’t be that sexy! However, he will not be honest with himself and thus pretend he was not blushing at the sight of his dad, like he had also been for the majority of the gods and goddesses. So to focus on the last god aka his uncle Zeus.
The look was shocking! Pun partially intended. His uncle went from a business CEO to well an actual Greek God. The thick muscled form was a bit… presumptuous given the previous form, yet this felt … like a good fit for his uncle. Caramel skin tone with sun blonde hair, which was very long and went down to his uncle’s ass, quite frizzy too probably from the lightning, the chiton his uncle wore was pale yellow with gotten trim and a warm orange himation worn over his right shoulder, and tied together with a golden belt. His uncle’s beard was trimmed too, short with frayed sides likely from the lighting, and strangely though his eyes weren’t blue but sun yellow, with a ring of blue around the edges. His uncle looked… soft and somber… it’s unusual for the normally proud and stormy god.
“Welcome demigods, we have invited you to Olympus for two main reasons. The first is to celebrate the hard earned victories over our enemies these last two years. The second and far more important is to honor the dead properly. Those who died in defense of Olympus whether changing sides at the last moment, or standing tall and fighting with everything they had until their final breath.” Zeus told them, and hearing those words… honestly it took their breaths away!
Percy was honestly waiting a second for a ‘gotcha’ moment… but it didn’t come. He felt himself shaking at this revelation and with shaking limbs he knelt before his uncle, head bowed in thanks. “Lord Uncle Zeus, to hear you say this, and be serious. It fills me with hope and relief that those who lost their lives in defense of our homes, our family, and the world we live in, are being honored even after death.”
“No need for thanks Nephew mine, this is merely righting the wrongs we did not do before.” Zeus assures, and he isn’t wrong. They should have taken the time to properly find the dead after the battle, given proper rights, ensure everyone was properly burned or honored.
With this the demigods moved to stand by their parents as the names were called by Hera. She was calm but somber reading off the names of children and their respective immortal parents. Many who had been unclaimed were posthumously claimed by their parents. It wouldn’t erase not knowing while alive… but it did mean something to the demigods present. To those who had been there for the Second Titanomachy, to the brothers and sisters they lost and never got to know.
Hera started with the fifteen fatalities from the Battle of the Labyrinth. She included Daedalus surprisingly, given last time she tried to write off losses to the family as those who weren’t important. Percy was surprised but remained silent and polite, though he noticed how angry Annabeth looked. He didn’t understand why?
The gods are acknowledging the dead, posthumously giving claims to their kids who weren’t able to find out in life. They don’t have to do this. The fact they are, is showing a change, so why does she look angry?
He tried to ignore it as he watched the proceedings to the missions before the final battles in Manhattan. Fifty deaths. Demigods who died on the missions, on the way back to camp, or died before they could be rescued. Each demigod named and their parents stated once more, the mood somber as these ones never had a chance to fight for their home. Or tried to bring young ones to safety.
Then the numbers for the Battle of Manhattan. Hera started with the Romans who perished fighting at the Titan stronghold and destroyed the thrones. Twenty lives. Reyna nodded glad her people were being honored in such a way.
Then those from Manhattan… suffice to say the younger veterans and Romans were shocked to hear so many names. Hera separated them by Hunters and Demigods. In total 80 names. 50 demigods and 30 Hunters. The air was somber and Percy noted with a soft smile that Ethan had been mentioned. He also noticed Luke wasn’t spoken of. Percy… wasn’t too surprised if he’s being honest. Luke was still the enemy, he might have done the final blow to end Kronos as he knew where his weak spot was. Yet he still led and corralled demigods to his side for years and killed as many to appease his masters. Luke wasn’t a good person, in all honesty it was not likely he’d get Elysium.
He’s never said it aloud given how… vocal Annabeth is about Luke being a ‘hero’ in the end. Given his name hasn’t been spoken, said daughter of Athena looked cross, while Hermes was resigned. This likely had been a debate beforehand to ensure they named all the proper heroes.
Hera finally got to the last 125 deaths encompassing demigods, hunters, and legacies. The total that was lost during the final battle against Gaea. These were the freshest losses. Twenty five hunters, the girls had just rebuilt their ranks from the last war and now lost more of their sisters. The remaining 100 were a mix of children from the Legion and the demigods of Camp Half-Blood.
With the last name spoken, the gods were silent. In total, 290 deaths between the two wars. Many had been crying softly during the reading and the few minor gods allowed to be in attendance for their own children had cried as well. After a brief silence Zeus spoke once more.
“Without the children’s strength and sacrifices we would not be here still. So to honor the fallen a memorial will be crafted in both camps to honor the demigods, hunters, and legacies on both Roman and Greek sides of the wars. We shall go over designs another time.” Zeus assured and Percy felt like crying in relief and joy to hear these big steps being taken. “For now, we celebrate victory and enjoy today.”
-PercaNObeth-
The party was honestly very nice. It wasn’t over the top, the muses played music as usual at these parties but the atmosphere was more calm and somber than an overly excited party. The vets were chatting with their parents or each other. The gods were mingling as well, Hermes and his sons began debating on something or other.
Percy himself was sitting off to the side at a curved couch type seat and smiled as his dad came over. “Hey dad, I… I’ll be honest, I was really surprised by all this.”
“Glad we can still surprise you, especially during peace times.” Poseidon smiled as he sat next to his child.
“Well don’t do it too often, I might get used to it.” He grinned and then paused. “I… I’ll be honest I’m not sure what to do next with my life. Aside from graduating high school I don’t think university is in my future.” Percy tells his father.
“Hmm? You were determined to go to New Rome University, what changed?” Poseidon asked.
Percy sighed as he looked out over the festivities of gods, nymphs, satyrs, demigods, legacies, and the like enjoying themselves. He caught sight of Annabeth venting to Piper, and given how much her arms are waving around she’s not happy. Piper looked stuck between sympathetic and done. Odd.
“I… I want to feel at peace before I decide what I wanna do with my life.” He tells his father. A truth, but not all of it. He just wants to be away from Annabeth, to be free of her.
“You deserve some peace after two wars,” Poseidon agreed. “But… if you ever want to fight or spar, you have many friends who are on your side to help.”
“Heh… yeah I was forged in war not in peace. Truly relaxing all the time feels… wrong.” Percy admitted.
Poseidon hummed at that and waved over Ares who brought Frank and Clarisse with him. “Perhaps the one to talk about such things is a god forged for war as well.”
Percy rolled his eyes at that but smiled at his friends and gave Ares a polite nod. He may not like the war god but he’s had years to calm down from their first fight. He’s like an old friend more than anything. Kinda like his daughter, someone he doesn’t have to like but they found a way to get along.
“Any thoughts you want ta voice for that memorial?” Ares asked as he sat next to Poseidon and his kids went next to Percy. Clarisse first then Frank.
“You’re not just gonna give the reins to Annabeth?” Percy was shocked.
“I hope not! Owlhead is obsessed with glass lately! Or if she always was, I never noticed until now.” Clarisse grumbled.
“She has a ‘design’ for Neptune’s new temple… I vetoed her proposal and Reyna hated it too. The nepo babies in the senate were all for it so long as it was smaller.” Frank rolled his eyes in disgust.
“I don’t want to know.” Poseidon stated as he and Neptune were not in the mood to be angry. They wanted to relax and focus on Percy’s mental health. It’s why he was drinking normal nectar and not alcohol today. Even though Dionysus was allowed to make them wine for the celebration.
“Can I destroy the shack?” Percy asked Frank.
Ares snorted. “With your luck? You’d somehow level all of the temples and New Rome and that shack would still remain standing.”
Percy gave him a deadpan before reluctantly laughing. “You’re not wrong.”
The others laughed too. Percy’s luck was equal parts abysmal and fortunate. It was fun to joke around and poke fun at his luck.
“Yeah like the St Louis Arc?” Clarisse asked.
“Hey, that wasn’t me! Zeus was mad over the Medusa head thing and sent Echidna and her Chimera after me. They torched the monument.” Percy admitted and blinked. That’s odd he’s never mentioned that before. At least not in detail, he only ever told Annabeth and Grover that he faced a monster who destroyed the arch and he had to run. He was so lost in thought he didn’t notice how Ares and Poseidon looked shocked and Clarisse was confused. Frank just looked at Percy in awe and worry.
“I fear that luck of yours sometimes.” Frank commented.
“You’re not the only one.” Percy sighed.
-PercaNObeth-
About an hour later Travis and Connor suggested a game for the demigods. Truth or Dare. A simple but fun game, and the gods being immortal and genuinely curious wanted in. Not all as many found it beneath them, yet a few Olympians wanted in and those who didn’t would sit outside and watch. With that in mind the rules for Dares were that it had to be done in a mortal way (in case a god wanted to have fun doing a dare or dared a demigod), and the truth would be full truth. Apollo asked his daughter Aletheia to temporarily curse them for the duration of the game to tell the truth if picking it. Mostly so he and Hermes wouldn’t be asked to referee the truth.
She had been oddly eager for the curse and while it was minor on the gods it was mostly focused on the demigods. She said everyone has a different level based on how truthful they usually are. Some teens were clearly nervous and others were not worried.
In the end they had in total playing Truth or Dare with eight gods and eighteen demigods. Apollo, Hermes, Dionysus, Athena, Ares, Nemesis, Hera, and Poseidon for the gods. While the demigods were Nico, Will, Hazel, Frank, Reyna, Jason, Thalia, Drew, Malcolm, Piper, Leo, Annabeth, Clarisse, Travis, Connor, Chris, Pollux, and Percy.
Malcolm started by daring Nico to put clown makeup on Drew in sixty seconds. The girl in question glared at Malcolm but knew it would be quick and she could wash it off. Her mother offered the makeup with a wave of her hand while watching next to Hephaestus who decided to record the game for ideas to make things later on.
Nico worked fast given his short timeframe, and the makeup was horrible! But Drew was smirking darkly at Malcolm promising revenge on her turn. Yet now it was the son of Hades’ turn. He picked Jason and the son of Jupiter selected Truth.
“What is the stupidest thing you’ve seen happen at a Senate meeting?”
Jason groaned. “Four hours wasted over senators wanting to expand the city into Camp Jupiter because they wanted better yards.”
“Spoiled brats is what they sound like,” Hera mused.
“They are my Lady, they are… actually Lady Hera? Truth or dare?” Jason decided to be bold and be the first one to ask a god.
“Hmm, truth,” she decided. Best go safe and have a chance later to try a dare later.
“Of these three people, who do you hate the most? The original Jason, Herakles, or Annabeth Chase.” Jason asked and that was a good question.
“Oooh a little challenging but in the end I hate Athena’s daughter the most. Heracles is on his island more often than not and even when he visits he’s usually on good behavior. Yet… our dear architect still rubs me the wrong way.” Hera replied with ease and tried to pick someone simple. Perhaps a demigod as she wasn’t too sure what to ask for her immediate family if they picked the truth… although. “Ares, truth or dare?”
“Hmm truth,” the war god was curious about this.
“Do you truly hate Poseidon’s boy or is it all for show?”
Ares hummed. “At first, after he beat me I was pissed. Now? Heh not even close, he’s one of my favorite warriors to exist in the last few centuries.”
Percy was blushing at that not expecting the honest answer even though the gods did have the game rigged to have blatant honesty for the truth choices.
“Alright, then Drew, truth or dare?” The war god was curious to what this daughter of his lover would do.
“Dare,” Drew smiled.
Ares grinned. “I dare ya to fight your sister Piper. Wanna see who's stronger.”
“Fine by me, any limits?” Drew asked, stretching for her fight.
“No weapons, hand to hand only, first to pin the other wins.” Ares listed quickly.
Piper got up ready to fight and her lack of preparation did not go unnoticed by the war gods. Ares had a bad feeling about this ‘fight’. Meanwhile Aphrodite was concerned with how Piper seemed… well unconcerned. Not a good look for one going into a fight.
Clarisse called the start and… well suffice to say the match was embarrassingly fast for one and for another Aphrodite was fully embarrassed at Piper’s lack of skill.
“That was painful to watch.” Ares winced.
“Piper, do you ever take the time to train?” Connor demanded.
“I can answer that, no she does not.” Clarisse commented looking disappointed with Piper but gave Drew a respectful nod.
“My fight with Ares when I was 12 went better than that. And I had only a week’s worth of training.” Percy commented and blinked. What’s with him revealing stuff… then again that’s old news so it isn’t that big a deal.
“You did what?” Franky asked in shock.
“For us that’s old news Frank.” Apollo informed the Praetor. “Granted, I think most of us assumed Percy had more training than a single week of training before going on a quest to retrieve father’s stolen master bolt.”
Ares seemed to register the words and looked thoughtful. “I dunno if I should be impressed or mad. Little shit beat me at 12 with a week’s training and a lot of cunning.” He was smiling ruefully at that.
“He had only- Percy you should be dead if that’s the case!” Reyna shouted in shock.
“Story of my life.” Percy mused not phased at all. “Your turn Drew.”
Drew smirked at Malcolm. “Truth or Dare, Pace?”
“Dare.” Malcolm replied because he ain’t giving Drew a truth.
“You have to steal something from your mother’s temple.” She grinned.
Athena winced and waved Malcolm over. “If you’re doing this, avoid this door. Everything behind it is deadly for humans.” She put a mark on his hand to show which door to not open. “Anything else is fine.”
Malcom nodded and would have the game continue before going off to ‘steal’ something. He selected Travis, to which the son of Hermes wanted truth. To which he got: what is the worst prank he’s ever pulled.
“Trying to prank Percy using fish.” Travis replied.
“How-“
“Your plan fails when the fish warn me you’re gonna pull a prank and it’s on YOU, to repair the damage to my cabin.” Percy smirks.
“They were in water pockets.” Travis argued.
“The entire flooring of my cabin had to be replaced and they told me who did it.” Percy countered. “They like the lake. It’s nicer than a tank.”
Travis rolled his eyes and as he took his turn to go while Malcolm went to do his ‘thieving’. During this time several others would take turns. Travis dared Chris to do an off key rendition of Sweet Carolina. Chris asked Clarisse what her favorite kind of weapon was. Clarisse dared Apollo to sit next to his least favorite demigod for two turns. He sat next to Annabeth. Apollo dared Poseidon to draw a pickle wearing a unicorn onesie holding a dead frog in thirty seconds. The god of the arts gave the sea god what he’d need and it was horrendous but somehow the pickle and frog game out well and the onesie was just a unicorn horn.
By the time Poseidon finished his drawing Malcolm returned with a folded tapestry from Athena’s temple.
“What’d you snag?” Clarisse asked the son of Athena.
“A tapestry, don’t know who it’s about though.” Malcolm explained and opened the fabric. It revealed a story of Athena and another woman. They seemed close and then Athena killed her and held her as she died. Malcolm handed the item to his mom. Never said he had to keep what he stole from the temple.
Athena was shocked at the sight of it, she never lets it out of her temple, or her home if either is under construction. She took it and held the woven story close.
“Athena? Perhaps a rigged turn? Your child said he doesn’t know the story… I know you don’t let her go unknown.” Poseidon probed silently to her as an offering. To speak and not have to be pressed by the children. She nodded subtly.
“Athena, truth or dare?” Poseidon asked.
“Truth.”
“What’s the story behind this specific tapestry?”
The question was pointed. Poseidon knew, the gods all knew. But this was for the children and to allow Athena to avoid unwanted questions. So she began, she explained about her best friend Pallas, how they were raised together beneath the waves by Prince Triton. Her eyes and voice portrayed how much she cared for Pallas. Poseidon watched and it was then he remembered it wasn’t just the sea who lost Pallas, it was Athena too. She went into detail on their fight… her domain of battle strategy came to Athena… and unfortunately that led to the death of her best friend. Someone she loved with all her heart. She held Pallas as she died and mourned… in the end it had been an accident… a fatal one.
“After her death I never wanted to forget her… I had statues erected and over time many gave me her name as an epitaph.” Athena sighed it wasn’t her choice. “And while you can’t see from this tapestry, as my fellow gods know, all of my children are modeled after her.”
“But don’t normally those of the sea have darker hair colors?” Jason asked.
“Pallas had blonde hair more akin to the bright sand of shallow waters than inky black of ocean depths.” Athena explained.
Jason nodded and it was quite enlightening to learn the goddess of wisdom loved someone so much she made all her children like her lost love. Aside from grey eyes, it seems those are all Athena. Malcolm was surprised by this revelation, Annabeth did not look happy however. Granted lately the daughter of Athena had a constant sour disposition.
Athena being the picker this time elected Hermes to give her chaotic brother some fun. He picked a dare and she smirked, daring him to say something nice about Annabeth. She mostly did this to annoy Hermes rather than because she likes her daughter. Recent viewing of the Aletheia temple has brought into question if her daughter has any idea what she’s doing and if Aletheia had been in on the designs. Plus a good thing she picked a goddess who doesn’t have much painting work in her temple. Open light exposure can damage precious objects.
Hermes gave her such a deadpan before saying Annabeth is decent with a knife.
“Haha I guess that’s all you can muster.” She laughs at Hermes but he can see she’s not upset just teasing. It’s nice to relax. It would seem while this game is clearly for mortals to do funny dares and silly truths. It felt nice to joke with her siblings. With her family. Hermes smirked back and elected Will with a dare to juggle godly objects, not symbols of power, until Zeus thunders.
He went for about five minutes before the king of the gods thundered. Zeus wanted to see how long Will could go but at the same time he wasn’t gonna let this go all night. Will picked Hazel and asked her what the weirdest non-mythological thing to happen to her this week. Turns out she watched a legacy in New Rome get high on cocaine and began reciting perfect Shakespeare.
Hazel turned to the few who have not been picked and went with Annabeth a question on her mind. If the girl picked the truth that is.
“Truth or Dare, Annabeth,” Hazel smiled.
“Truth.” The daughter of Athena smirked, she had nothing to hide.
“What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen on a quest?”
“Had to be when Seaweed Brain was turned into a guinea pig.” Annabeth laughed.
“Sure, laugh at the guy who was traumatized. At least I didn’t release an entire crew of deadly pirates free to attack innocent people.” Percy snapped back.
“Wait what?” Reyna asks, looking confused. “I thought you released the pirates?”
“No, that was Annabeth. She dumped the entire container of anti-magic gummies into the guinea pig cage. Sure I got free but she also let loose Blackbeard and his men onto the island.” Percy countered easily which led to some confused faces. “What? It’s the truth. After getting free I picked his ship and used my powers to solo sail us away. After a while Annabeth got sea sick and needed to rest.”
“It’s just-that’s not how Annabeth has told the story.” Piper tried to voice. She looked confused like he just lied to her face. Which is impossible because of Aletheia’s temporary curse.
“What do you mean by ‘told the story’? We weren’t even officially on that quest. That was Clarisse’s quest, if we spoke about it we’d get into trouble.” Percy countered.
“He’s not wrong. Only reason I didn’t say anything is because he revealed the truth about the traitor Castellan and got Chiron his job back.” Dionysus confirmed.
Ares frowned. He never knew Percy had been there… and judging from the faces of his fellow gods only a few knew. Poseidon, obviously as he’s protective of his favorite, Athena is a surprise, and Hermes is a surprise too. Granted if the quest involved their kids in some way, the duo would have peaked in. Taking a quick glance back at the girl who apparently has been spreading stories about the quest she wasn’t supposed to be on. The god of courage noticed an anger in those grey eyes directed at Poseidon’s son. He had a bad feeling as the game progressed, something was gonna break.
Deciding to make the game go again, Annabeth selected Nemesis for her choice with a question on what was the stupidest thing she’s seen someone do for revenge. A simple reply of ‘spreading lies that backfired’. Nemesis continued with a dare for Leo who had to make a glitter bomb and detonate it inside Alethiea’s newly constructed temple. Said goddess who was present teleported Leo to the ‘temple’ once he finished and smirked at the red and brown glitter coating the glass monstrosity.
Leo came back, a bit of glitter on his body as he dared Frank to turn into a horse to see if Percy could still understand him. A quick dare since Percy knew fish would work due to their incident at Keto’s place in Atlanta. Poseidon confirmed being able to understand Frank as a horse. The son of Mars picked Reyna, she elected a dare to which she had to attempt to hit three bullseyes with throwing knives. She got two out of three.
Reyna turned to Thalia, who selected the truth. “What’s an inside joke from a quest you still share with those who were on it?”
“Ah a joke? Well I know a dam good one.” Thalia grinned as Percy started laughing.
“I never did get to enjoy the dam snack bar,” Percy chuckled and Thalia laughed as well.
“Caaaaan we get an answer to this apparent joke?” Jason asked.
“It was the day after Bianca died on our quest to save Artemis.” Percy explained. “We arrived at the Hoover Dam, Zoe made an off hand joke about the dam and well… we were so high strung and exhausted from being up all night and traveling we just started cracking terrible dam jokes. She didn’t get it but… I think we needed to loosen up a bit and relax.”
“What he said, and of course shortly after the Spartoi caught up to us or well to Percy and we had to run.” Thalia added on. Nico and Hades had both winced at the reminder of their loss while Artemis looked regretful. In her attempt to shield Hades’ daughter she let the girl die still on a quest she didn’t even need to be on.
“Uhh, who's Zoe?” Piper chimed in not remembering that name from the stories let alone Bianca.
Percy blinked at that as had Thalia. The son of Poseidon glanced at Artemis and Hades and both nodded. As it seemed Percy would be recounting more than a bit of the quest where the daughter of Hades had died. So with their consent, Percy doing a brief overview of how Annabeth had been kidnapped, Artemis went to hunt a dangerous monster and sent her hunters to camp where they have the usual rivalry Capture The Flag game. Percy explained how the oracle went to Zoe and selected her as the leader of the quest to save Artemis. The night before they left, he ended up freeing the Ophiotaurus , whom he named Bessie because he thought the creature was a girl not a boy. After returning he snuck along when Phoebe got sick due to a prank with centaur’s blood, done on purpose given the Hunters left the Ares cabin kids in the infirmary for a game which they used sharp arrows and not blunt ones like the rest of the camp uses for the game.
That bit got to a small tangent with Artemis mad until the Stolls explained how the Hunters usually acted which has led to resentment of her Hunters and hatred to the goddess herself. Suffice to say she was going to have words with her hunters who have been with her for a long time.
Percy continued explaining that he followed them and joined at the air and space museum where they took down the Nemean Lion, he wanted to give the pelt to Zoe as her arrows had slain the monster. She argued it was the nasty ice cream sandwiches he used more than her arrows, he gave in when he realized she wasn’t going to take it. They had to run from the Spatori as Zoe’s father Atlas, aka the General, had been present and summoned the creatures to kill his daughter. To help summarize they got a lift from Apollo using a train that went until the sun set which got them a lot farther than with the car they’d originally had, then when nearly cornered by the Spatori in a small town in New Mexico, until a gift had been sent by Pan. A wild boar that got them to the junkyard of the gods… that’s where they lost Bianca.
She had stolen a Hades figurine from the trash to give to Nico. To save them she went inside the Talos statue to turn it off… it worked but she was unable to get out in time.
“I blame myself,” Percy said simply.
“It wasn’t your fault, nephew, the plan may have been yours. But Bianca made her choice, she died to protect you all.” Hades replied. He also noticed how unlike a normal Percy story where he held back, the boy was going into detail. How odd. Perhaps a side effect of the curse for the game. Perseus is speaking up more than normal.
“Maybe so, but that doesn’t erase my feelings,” Percy replied and continued on with the story. Skipping part of the Hoover Dam when he ran into Bessie again, then almost killed Rachel on accident. She startled him while he was being hunted, she bought him time, running briefly into Athena and Thalia’s prayer to Zeus which got them the help they needed. Talking to Nereus and learning the monster was Bessie, and had an encounter with the Manticore and had to get help to deal with.
“We called camp and got dear Doris over there on the call,” Percy pointed to Dionysus who snorted at the name. “He wasn’t much help, asking for a ‘please’ first. Honestly the only reason I did ask like that is because I didn’t want Thalia to die the same way she had before. Fighting an impossible battle, hunted like an animal.” Those words surprised the wine god greatly. He didn’t know the reason his least favorite demigod hero, ok that’s kinda changed over the years, only asked and swallowed his pride for someone else. “By the way, I never did say ‘thank you’ for that. So, thank you for saving us, Lord Dionysus.” Percy smiled at the god who was shocked by the formal thank you.
Percy continued explaining they sent Bessie to safety with Grover sacrificing the lion pelt as payment. They went to Mr Chase’s home to borrow his car.
“I was surprised by how nice Mrs Chase was. Made sure we had snacks and drinks before leaving.” Percy smiled and pointedly ignored how his ‘girlfriend’ was glaring at him. “With how Annabeth always described her I would’ve akin her to a monster but she was just a nice lady.”
Thalia nodded in agreement. “After getting the car we had to hightail it to Mt Diablo where the Titan’s palace was, along with the Garden of the Hesperides. Zoe had distracted Ladon while we went around him. Doing so caused her to be bitten by the poisonous dragon. Skip ahead and we arrived where Artemis was holding the sky.”
They went into detail about the fight, Annabeth was there tied up by Luke’s side. Luke was desperate for Thalia to join them and given what happened to the son of Hermes, well good reason to see why he was so desperate in hindsight. Thalia faced her old friend, while Percy and Zoe faced Atlas.
“Trying to block his attack, the curse Ares gave me after our battle when I was twelve activated. I couldn’t use my sword. I was literally useless. Then I remembered the prophecy. One alone must bear the Titan’s Curse .” Percy explained a part which had many confused why he took the sky at first but now made sense. What he didn’t see was those from the Gaea war looking at him in awe, to understand he must BACK DOWN to ensure the safety of others. It wasn’t the roman way, and it wasn’t what any of them had heard from Annabeth.
Frank and Hazel were looking at Percy wondering just how much he’s gone through. He took the weight of the sky, trusting his companions to take over. A quick plan that saved everyone… except for the one who knew she would die the entire time.
“Zoe Nightshade was one of the bravest women I’ve ever met. Upon her death she became a new constellation.” Percy explained and pointed at the sky. “There she is, The Huntress. My favorite constellation.”
Zeus looked thoughtful as Percy finished and mentally spoke with Athena. “Strange how that isn’t quite like the report from Chiron. Though I don’t think the old horse was allowing Percy to write the reports on his quests.”
“I agree father, this is more… perhaps a question later to elaborate on other quests.” Athena agreed mentally.
Percy apologized for the long story, only to be met with excited chatter from Reyna, Jason, Leo, Piper, Frank, and Hazel. They wanted more, but it was currently Thalia’s turn to pick someone. And she had a way to give the others what they want and learn more as well.
She picked, of the remaining four who haven’t gone (Percy, Pollux, Piper, and Dionysus) the daughter of Aphrodite. Piper picked truth as she wasn’t sure about being a part of another dare. So Thalia asked, “What has Annabeth told you about Percy’s quests?”
Thalia was suspicious about this. First off Piper doesn’t know crucial members of a quest, she somehow knows about the Sea of Monsters quest which shouldn’t have been told by Annabeth at all. So either Annabeth has been fabricating the truth to suit a different narrative or she genuinely didn’t know what she was doing. Annabeth is Thalia’s little sister and she didn’t want to think bad of her… and yet. Twice was a coincidence if it wasn’t for Reyna being surprised at Annabeth’s true actions with Circe’s spa.
Piper blinked at the questions. “W-well what she tells everyone. That he’s a loose cannon, can’t be trusted, dangerous to everyone around him, insulting the gods left and right. The reason all their quests were so dangerous. That he should be controlled and on a leash.”
Thalia was glaring at Piper the more she spoke and it made the girl kinda scared of the daughter of Zeus. But it wasn’t just Thalia who was pissed. Many of the gods were less than pleased hearing what was being spread about their hero . Granted the glares they had weren’t directed at Aphrodite’s daughter but Athena’s.
“F-falling for traps that Annabeth saw coming and got him out of.” Piper stuttered and went into detail for the Labyrinth quest. She also mentioned the battles in Manhattan. Battles that Annabeth was NOT in! She didn’t fight a single Titan. If anything she was barely fighting to begin with.
“Those are lies. Annabeth got mad at the Sphinx for giving her trivia questions instead of riddles. Tyson and I fought Kampe to free Briares. I told her to run when it came to the volcano because she couldn’t handle the extreme heat. She never told me what to do for the stables as I learned from the river naiad to use petrified sea shells to summon ocean water to clean the stables to prevent her river from being polluted again like it had been millenia ago. Add on, I was trapped on… on Calypso’s island. I wasn’t awake much… whether that’s a good thing or bad I don’t know. But regardless. Those are lies Piper… but they are the truth you had been told by Annabeth.” Percy looked at his ‘girlfriend’ and her eyes were cold. She was angry at him.
“Not to mention half the crap she spouted about the Battle of Manhattan. She was taken out on the first day taking a hit near Percy’s mortal point.” Drew commented. At Percy’s surprised look she added on. “Hey don’t look at me like that Perce, it was kinda obvious WHY she took that knife. If it wasn’t to protect your weak spot, it was to take herself out of the fight.”
“Even then, she never faced any Titan. That was all Percy, he distracted Hyperion while Grover and the nature spirits turned him into a lovely new Maple tree within the park.” Malcolm added on.
“I didn’t come until close to the end… my own stubbornness and lack of respect for my own cabin beforehand is what led to us not coming in until later. Cost me a good friend.” Clarisse admitted and looked uncomfortable.
“Even in the final battle there in the throne room she didn’t fight the Titan King, she just kept trying to bring back Castellan.” Percy explained. His expression shifted to one of neutrality. “Did you even care that our friends died? That our family was dying?” He asked Annabeth.
“Luke died.” Annabeth countered.
“So did everyone else. 290 deaths Annabeth. Luke made his choice, he killed his own kind, he tried to murder me three times my first summer at camp.” Percy countered. His voice didn’t raise to show anger, but was calm and even focusing on the truth .
THAT got a huge look of shock from everyone present. Not just counting the divine power of three, but the amount of times their hero almost died at the age of 12.
“Percy… What do you mean three times?” Nemesis asked, looking very concerned.
“Luke tried to kill me three times my first summer when I was twelve.” Percy explained. “Actually there might be four… no one is a part of the first time he tried killing me.”
“Perseus, please explain. We are in the dark here.” Zeus asked his nephew. He had a suspicion earlier when Perseus was explaining the quest for freeing his daughter. Now hearing this, it’s likely Perseus didn’t fully explain what happened on his first quest either. Granted the child had been exhausted and clearly running on fumes by the time he arrived on Olympus.
“To start with, before I was even claimed. I’d been at camp for a week and during my first Capture the Flag game Annabeth had me on border patrol, no information on my role. Let alone any sufficient backup. A hellhound was nearby in the forest, it retreated when Clarisse and her siblings showed up. Half the cabin against one untrained demigod.” Percy began.
“We had wanted revenge for you badmouthing us.” Clarisse explained.
“I never badmouthed you guys. I thought you wanted revenge after the toilet incident.” Percy replied confused.
“You didn’t…” the daughter of war froze and got angry. She turned to Annabeth, fury written all over her snarled expression. “You! You made that up just to ensure I took more of my cabin to fight Percy? For a fucking game?!”
“Of course I did, Athena always has a plan.” Annabeth retorted.
“Why am I not surprised,” Percy rolled his eyes. “You use that phrase like an armor to justify your so-called ‘winning plans’. You don’t care who you step on to get what you want. I would’ve been killed had I not been wearing armor while you sat back and watched me get pulverized. If I had been away from the creek there was a high chance I could’ve died of blood loss.”
Clarisse winced due to the maiming one of her siblings had done, looking back that was risky and dangerous given it was a cut on the arm and thus could’ve nicked an artery. She also was way too liberal when using her electric spear. She could’ve legitimately killed Percy, if not severely crippled him! Gods she had been an idiot back then.
“Regardless, once the game was won with Luke getting the flag, Annabeth revealed herself. Showing off that she was there the whole time and had no qualms about letting me die because she ‘believed I had it under control’.” Percy rolled his eyes. He didn’t notice his father having an eye twitch going on. “She made me get out of the creek at seeing my cut heal itself, pointedly said ‘I thought it would be Zeus’ meaning it didn’t matter if I was Poseidon’s son or not. She pointedly left a potential child of the big 3 alone with no back up to be ganged up on to win a game .”
This got all three brothers angry at Annabeth. The girl didn’t even attempt to look remorseful. She just looked smug . Proud that her so-called ‘plan’ worked.
“Anyways, once out of the creek the Hellhound that was nearby came out and attacked me. Luke had summoned it to force Chiron’s hand that the camp wasn’t safe. Add onto my claiming moments after. That’s what forced me onto the quest to retrieve Uncle Z’s master bolt.” Percy explained. He went into detail about the isolation from the campers… it wasn’t necessary to what Luke did but… it felt like he couldn’t help but talk about it. Like he had to get this out.
The veterans from the Titan war who had been there when Percy was younger winced. Aside from Annabitch who didn’t care. Percy elected to skip over Gabe and the newspaper as that wasn’t relevant right now. He explained getting his quest and Annabeth eavesdropping the entire time without his consent. She also forced herself onto his quest without his consent, he only allowed it as he didn’t even KNOW anyone else in camp to trust for such a quest. So he went with Chiron’s suggestion aka forced choice of Annabeth.
Poseidon and Zeus frowned, sharing a look. It would seem their chosen ‘hero mentor’ has been lacking lately if he’s chosen a blatant favorite. Not to mention encouraging isolation of their children is NEVER a good thing. Regardless of parentage, an isolated demigod is one that can become very dangerous. Perhaps it is time to retire Chiron if he isn’t taking his job seriously.
Percy explained packing their meager supplies and Luke bringing over a pair of basketball shoes. They were enchanted to fly… along with something else. Percy had given them to Grover once Luke left as he clearly couldn’t use them being a son of Poseidon and thus, obviously, was not allowed in the sky unless under specific conditions. Fast forward on their quest being attacked by the furies, the bus being destroyed by lightning thus losing their supplies within hours of their quest beginning. Running into Medusa who used a satyr path to get what she wanted aka more victims to become statues.
Percy and Annabeth had both fallen under her spell but it took longer for Percy to get out. Either because she focused her enchantment on him, or something. She had goaded him, saying it would be better as a statue than a pawn of the Olympians. Grover was actually very helpful using the shoes to protect him by attacking from the air using sound and nose to track Medusa. He explained how Annabeth made him be the one to kill Medusa due to having the longer blade and because the monster wouldn’t let her get close enough.
“And given my craptastic day… well my mentality around what came next isn’t too surprising.” Percy sighed. It was still worth it even with fighting the Chimera and Echidna.
The Olympians began laughing.
“In hindsight that was the funniest council meeting we’d had in five centuries. Poseidon couldn’t stop laughing for two hours.” Zeus explained and looked at said god of the sea had a grin on his face remembering the head arriving. Zeus had been furious obviously, but now hearing it from Percy’s perspective, he really should count himself lucky his nephew isn’t one to hold grudges.
“Granted what I’m hearing you were quite furious and sending Medusa’s head was a … how you say, ballsy move?” Athena commented.
Percy shrugged and ignored the looks from his fellow demigods who realized that Percy directly MAILED Medusa’s head to the Olympians. They knew Percy was crazy but not THAT crazy!
He explained the poodle reward they got the following day and used the money for train tickets that got them as far as Denver. Annabeth insisted on seeing the St Louis Arch which led to disaster. Via the run in with Echidna and her Chimera child. Percy only got away because he had to run, he couldn’t beat the pair and had lost his weapon, poisoned and dying.
Zeus winced and realized how bad that call had been, even if he was angry at the time. Looking back he can see how foolish and stupid that was. Percy was retrieving his stolen property. Trying to kill him for making his quest even more difficult didn’t win him any points.
Continuing with the quest story which while not the point of the question originally asked, the gods didn’t mind as this was a more in-depth retelling of what happened. And certainly wasn’t what was in the official quest report. Mentions of contact with the traitor Castellan and informing him of what was going on, his attempt to sow seeds of discontent in the quest goers. Percy then got to the part that led to the best episode of Hephaestus TV they’ve ever had! It still replayed all the time!
Ares, who at the time was being partially possessed by the titan lord, had sent them on a quick fetch to grab his shield. They did not realize until the trap was sprung that it was a trap for Ares and Aphrodite. The machine began and had a golden net, cameras, mechanical spiders, which made Annabeth useless, so Percy had to drag her to the boat and summoned any water he could… he pulled it with too much force and ended up causing them to go through the ride. Annabeth was screaming, and he likely was too. They had to jump for it and they did it using Annabeth’s math. However it over shot them and instead of landing in the pool they were heading towards concrete, only thanks to Grover they made it.
They crashed but made it without much heavy injury.
“By the way how were the ratings on that episode?” Percy asked curiously.
“Best we’ve had in years, we replay it constantly.” Hephaestus explained.
Percy grinned and went back to Ares giving them a ride west and a ‘gift’ bag. Ares chimed in on Percy’s snark with a grin.
“I appreciated it as I felt more like myself than… well you know.” Ares winced remembering that cold feeling that didn’t go away right away. It went away during the council meeting when they finally started to prepare for war.
Percy nodded and explained the ride was actually an animal smuggling ring. They did their best for the animals until the stop in Vegas. Percy explained what Luke actually said about Thalia which is how Percy learned Grover was her Satyr protector.
“You know you didn’t need to kick me when it came to soothing Grover. I was gonna stick up for him anyways. Why do you always hit me anyways? I hate it and you clearly don’t care about hurting someone to get what you want.” Percy demanded Annabeth.
“How else am I supposed to keep you on your toes Seaweed Brain? You’re so stupid and impossible to see what’s right in front of you!” She replied. Her ego prevented her from seeing how angry the gods were. She also didn’t notice how angry Percy was getting.
“Gods you’re insufferable, and an abusive asshole. Why in the Pit was I ever attracted to you? You’re rude, conceited, full of yourself, I may have liked some of that once but not anymore.” He snaps at her. He took a deep breath to calm down. He refused to let her control him anymore. He wants to break up and he will. One way or another tonight he will do so.
Ares moved to sit next to the son of Poseidon, and placed a hand on Percy’s shoulder to help calm him down. The war god was not pleased to see a warrior he respects being so blatantly disrespected. He encouraged Percy to complete the story and explain what Castellan did to try and kill Percy. Percy thanked Ares and continued the story. Once Grover was asleep Annabeth explained her ‘story’ about her family and how she found Luke and Thalia thanks to Athena’s guidance.
She went to sleep soon after her story and Percy rested as well. He had used his dream to spy on ‘Hades’ or rather dear Grandpa and his number 1 supporter. Percy didn’t recognize Luke’s voice right away, and had learned during this dream of TWO stolen items. Unfortunately the titan lord noticed he was there and turned his dream into a nightmare.
He awoke as they arrived in Vegas and freed the animals. They made a big mistake trying to find a place to regroup and find a new ride west. And ended up in the lair of the Lotus Eaters.
“That explains you cutting it so close to the deadline.” Zeus winces. Honestly they’re lucky Percy made it out within the same YEAR let alone only missing a few days.
“Honestly the only good part was getting to shower and clean up for the first time in days. I figured out the place was bad news ironically because some guy used the word ‘groovy’ and was in an Elvis costume.” Percy explained.
“One good thing about humans changing languages and styles so often means one can notice something off in areas like the Lotus Eater den.” Athena mused.
Percy nodded and explained how he reminded himself of his mom and the quest to get out of the hotel’s grip. He checked the date on a newspaper stand and while relieved it was the same year… they had two days left to finish the quest.
Using their lotus hotel cards they paid for a taxi to Santa Monica so Percy could accept his dad’s summons. Unfortunately when in the lair his memory had short circuited, so all he had was a feeling that the culprit wasn’t Hades. However with no time to check any other leads, they had to grab their way out of the Underworld and head there next.
Percy’s encounter with the Nereid who gave him the peals was quick. Then he got to how they ended up at Crusty’s business, and Percy had to handle the monster. Mostly because he trapped Grover and Annabeth on his stretch beds. He tricked his half brother onto a bed and cut off his head. Then he freed Annabeth and Grover once the threat was dead.
“I’ll say this raiding monster lairs is a great way to gather intel and supplies. Dangerous but fruitful.” Percy commented since both Medusa’s lair and Crusty’s shop had info on where to find the Underworld entrance. They bribed Charon after messing up their original plan, then nearly died to Cerberus.
“And unlike you who doesn’t keep her promises, I take Mrs O’Leary down to see Cerberus so he has a play buddy and more toys.” Percy tells Annabeth as the girl HAD made a promise to visit the large canine but never did. Said girl glared back and made a snide comment about visiting a place that isn’t welcoming for the living!
Hades rubbed his face trying to ignore Annabeth’s comments. Between her insulting his home and every god present it’s a wonder she’s alive still. He put a hand on his wife’s shoulder to prevent her from cursing the girl yet. They need more information, let alone need Percy to fully break up with her.
Percy continued and got to the point, the second time Luke tried to kill him. The shoes had been enchanted to drag the wearer to the pit. They had been cursed by Luke to drag PERCY into Tartarus. Percy, who had been given the Master Bolt via the backpack, set to return to the sheath once close to the pit. The only hitch in the plan is the simple fact that Percy can’t go in the sky. Grover wore the shoes and they never fit him properly.
Poseidon shivered knowing that moment had been a prelude to what would come during the Gaea war. Nemesis gave Poseidon’s shoulder a squeeze, that had been a horrible time and the only time the god of the sea united with his roman half completely. It was over the potential loss of their child.
Percy was going to offer to skip the meeting with his uncle, but the Underworld god shook his head. He didn’t mind. “In truth you were the most respectful to ever come to my domain while alive. You respected my house and my position. You did not make demands, but more so asked to ensure war would not be had. Of your decision to choose to take your comrades with you, trusting me to return your mother and promising to return my helm. Which you did, I have no issues with you sharing what happened nephew.”
Percy blushed at that. He isn’t used to genuine praise. Hades merely smiled as Percy went into detail about the meeting and brought up near word for word about his uncle’s struggles.
“Perhaps we should allow Hephaestus to assist with your commute along with Hermes?” Zeus suggested mentally to Hades. “If your subjects grow so much perhaps there should be additions rather than mere expansions?”
“We can speak later brother, though I would appreciate the help. It is not easy with death so constant and numerous in this modern age.” Hades told his younger brother in return. Then the story got to the fight with Ares. Percy figured out that Ares didn’t have the idea and was being used too. Doing a duel to get the helm back and to stop the war.
Percy winning and getting his curse which has Ares curing himself for something so stupid. Percy did assure Ares that the curse was gone now, but that didn’t erase how the god was feeling for something so foolish to put a curse like that on a warrior that would become very important. Then giving the helm to Aletco and hopping on a plane to get back to New York.
“I know I can’t lie right now, but even if I could I would be honest and say flying in a plane is 100 times scarier than any monster I have faced.” Percy explained. He shivered.
“He’s not kidding, we had to drag his useless ass onto the plane. Kept whimpering at every small bit of turbulence.” Annabeth confirmed while also mocking Percy for having a natural reaction to being in a domain that does not welcome him .
Poseidon was growling and his water arm was twitching, he was ready to attack this girl. Who does she think she is? Nemesis kept a hand on him though to prevent the sea god from acting rashly even if she agreed.
Percy sighed and gave a quick summary of their split up, because he didn’t want to chance the truth not being known. “Guess I never realized that doing so wound up with lies anyways.” He finished. “To answer for the third time that Luke tried to kill me was the last day of camp.”
Clarisse looked worried. “What do you mean?” She remembered seeing Percy looking like death warmed over that day. She remembers being told he ran into a monster that almost killed him… but… there hadn’t been any blood… just a bandaged hand.
“Percy… What happened? Annabeth told us you got lost and nearly died to some monster in the woods.” Malcolm demanded. He wanted the truth and his lying sister could shove off.
“It’s like I told you-“ Annabeth tried to control the narrative only to be shut down.
“Be silent child! We did not ask you! We asked Perseus. ” Athena snapped at her daughter.
Percy took a deep breath and explained he had been unsure on staying year round with only Annabeth and Clarisse for company. He wanted to train and found Luke there first using his new sword Backbiter. Luke lured him away with the promise of real coke from a can.
Many of the demigods nodded, that was a sufficient bribe to get them going. The camp is more about the completely healthy options which aren't always the best for every demigod. That’s something they learned from their parents thanks to more open communication with the gods. The pure sugar though is a child thing wanting something you like but can’t have a lot of.
Percy explained how they stopped by the creek where he’d been claimed during capture the flag, and got talking. Admitting he did miss being on the quest, the adrenaline felt like second nature, and Luke spoke his rhetoric speech, tossing garbage into the creek which pissed Percy off even now. Yet when he finally realized Luke had been the traitor… had tried to kill him… had betrayed HIM .
“I’ve never forgiven him. I may have trusted him to stab himself… but I had wished it was me.” Percy admitted to his darker thoughts. Those had come LONG after the battle when the losses kept piling up. He wished he had gotten his pound of flesh. “Luke summoned a Pit Scorpion to kill me.”
At hearing WHAT the monster really was there was outcry from the gods, and shocked screams from the demigods. Their voices drowning out Annabeth screeches. She was trying to get to Percy only to be forced down by grape vines and gagged by them too. Dionysus did NOT want to hear it. Apollo was checking over Percy who gave his hand, the one that had been stung by the poisonous creature.
“You should be dead Jackson!” Clarisse shouted. But it wasn’t anger but shock and a bit of fear that they almost lost the guy who saved their asses because no one paid attention. “How are you alive? Those things are fatal!”
“No clue, I tried the water, it didn’t work like with the Chimera poison. Struggled to get back to camp. Some dryads helped me get to camp. Passed out when I got there and Chiron patched me up, he knew it was pit scorpion venom. So how everyone else doesn’t know isn’t much of a surprise if SOMEONE was covering for the traitor. Because she couldn’t see what he really was.” He was giving Annabeth a cold stare. The blonde glared right back, unable to speak due to her gag.
Piper, who looked sick and shocked, couldn’t comprehend what she was hearing. Everything she’d ever been told… was a lie? She didn’t want to believe it, she almost said she couldn’t believe it. If… if it wasn’t for how Percy acted that day on the Argo 2, she’d tried using charmspeak to ‘calm him down’ and ‘get him under control’ like Annabeth had wanted. When he attacked, looking at her like that . Like she was the monster he was fighting. His words had stung more than she’d let anyone know… because they were the truth.
It’s why she was more distant with Jason lately, let alone Percy. She … she was trying not to control him. Figure out what she really wanted and see if… if being together was the best long term. The latter was due to fear… and now? Hearing the truth? She’s glad to have that distance and not be on his bad side.
So trying to get the attention off Percy who was beginning to look uncomfortable Piper spoke up. “Ah I think it was my turn?” She didn’t use charmspeak but she got the desired result.
The gods were not too pleased she could see, but the demigods wanted a distraction. Some looked guilty and others just wanted to pretend they didn’t just hear ground breaking news about an old injury. She figured Pollux would be safe and she didn’t know what to challenge or ask the wine god. The son of Dionysus chose dare, and said he had to sing the song ‘It’s A Small World’ from memory, while juggling three random items.
Artemis promptly tackled Apollo and shoved what might’ve been a sock or a cloth into his mouth and tied it as a gag before Pollux could begin either task. “He never stopped singing that song for five years after it came out! I am NOT listening to my brother sing it AGAIN.” Artemis explained.
“He’s gonna sing along so to spare our ears, Artemis is doing us a favor.” Hermes elaborated.
“Noted, granted I only know parts of the song soooo should be quick.” Pollux nodded and grabbed three glass balls to juggle and sang. It was mainly the chorus that he remembered so it was blissfully quick for the gods.
Apollo was muffling behind his gag attempting to correct the song, this was blissfully ignored. Artemis only removed his gag when she got a promise he wouldn’t sing the damn song. With him free Pollux elected to choose his father for next as Percy, while haven’t gone yet, has been put on the spot and needs a little more time to recover. His father selected dare, which to make it fun he had to call every demigod by their name, unless he hates them.
Dionysus rolled his eyes. It was a simple dare, especially since while he CAN drink again he’s avoiding it tonight. Zeus wanted them sober for this evening. Even without Sally Jackson’s prayer to them asking to help Percy. “Fine, Pollux Everette, Malcolm Pace, Drew Tanaka, Raven Allen Rodrigo-Arven, Tavern Spice, Cobalt Spice, Chris Rodriguez, Clarisse La Rue, Jasper Grave, Thalia, Pepper McDonald, Leo Valdez (he grumbled that one), Frank Zhang, Hazel Levesque, Nico di Angelo, Wilbur Solstice, Annibelle Chasm, and Percy Jackson.”
Percy’s jaw dropped at that one! He knows Pollux worded the dare specifically so the wine god could be rude to those he hates. But he wasn’t the only demigod surprised. Sure quite a few were startled he liked them, or tolerated enough to get their names right for this dare. Annabeth seemed pissed but why? He always gets their names wrong? Or it could be because she’s still gagged by grape vines.
Honestly a blessing she looked ready to blow her top at him. He hopes Dennis keeps those vines on her because no one wants to deal with her bitchy ass right now.
“Well my turn~.” Dionysus grinned and turned to Percy. “Pedro? Truth or Dare?”
“Truth, no offense Derek I don’t particularly trust you with a dare at this moment.” Percy grinned back. Their friendship was a bit strained since Rome, but the son of Poseidon still prefers the wine god as a Greek than a Roman.
Dionysus nodded. “Very well. Why do you hate me?”
He was genuinely curious as recently, he even noticed the subtle tension when his favorite, not that he’ll admit it aloud, hero exuded around him.
“Uhhh… you want the current reason, the previous reason, or the original reason?” Percy asked. He technically has multiple answers to this question.
“Hmm all three in that order.” Dio ordered. Curiosity may kill the cat, but satisfaction will bring it back.
“Alright, the current reason is due to the bullshit Bacchus pulled in Rome during the schism.” Percy listed which got a wince from Dio. Seems that speaking of it allowed the god of madness to recall exactly what happened in Rome.
“Yea, can’t blame you there, that was bullshit after such a large offering.” Dio agreed.
“Do we want to know?” Poseidon asked.
“At the moment? No, because that’s a longer story given what happened.” Percy argued because he was NOT in the mood to share the bullshit speed run that was Rome.
“I’ll explain later uncle,” Dio assures. Percy explained enough and needed a break.
“As for previous reasons? I hated your attitude towards me and other demigods until I got to reading you and figured you out a bit. Then it was easier to communicate and understand each other.” Percy shrugs on that one. Dio nodded as again it made sense post that quest for Artemis the boy got better at reading him and understanding. Or perhaps it was the Labyrinth when Percy offered him a gift to help him mourn his lost child.
“And the original reason?” Dio was curious as he recalled that day. The boy had edged away from him, was scared, and looked like any wrong move would end b-
“Your domain of wine and appearance of a drunk … reminded me of my abusive ex-stepfather. Bastard used to beat me among… more carnal things.” Percy winced and now that he’s said it aloud he can’t stop. “His stench was so disgusting that it protected me from the monster of our world that would not hesitate to kill me… yet he was more monster than those I’ve killed in self-defense. Monsters are born the way they are and choose to do what they do either on instinct or to survive. Fucked up, yeah, but it’s their nature. Gabe took pleasure in tormenting me. Said it was to … keep me in line.”
“Obviously his lessons never stuck given how much you still disobey even the simplest of orders Seaweed Brain .” Annabeth finally spoke up. It seems Dio let go of her… though not by conscious thought it seems as the vines were loosened but not gone. She was shoving them off to get up and away.
Percy blinked and saw many of the gods were in shock along with the demigods, but not her . No. No, she was glaring at him and looking to hurt him. So he stood up as she stalked over his expression a perfectly crafted neutral mask.
“What makes you say that, Bird Brain ?” He snarks back.
“DON’T CALL ME THAT!” She screeched at him almost sounding like an owl herself with how shrill her voice became.
“Why not? I hate when you call me that derogatory nickname, why shouldn’t I call you something just as humiliating back?” Percy asks, they can only speak the truth. Might as well see what her thoughts are. To him this was his focus, he didn’t see how everyone else was reacting around him.
“BECAUSE IT’S DEMEANING! I HATE IT!” She snapped.
“How is it any less demeaning than the one you gave me? Mocking my intelligence so you can feel superior.” He stated.
“Because you are a stupid Seaweed Brain! You’ve been a part of our world for years! And yet you refused to learn ! You always rush off to do something stupid and dangerous! You’re impulsive, reckless, dangerous, you’ve nearly killed us many times !” She snarled. “What about the hydra? Remember? You cut off its head despite knowing the myth! Without Clarisse’s canons we’d be dead!”
“That’s rich coming from you . I instinctively swung my sword to avoid being melted because of its acid. All you cared about was that doing so had, and I quote, ‘just opened up another Monster Donut shop somewhere!’ While I was trying to avoid being killed. You were completely useless there and actually you were a complete and utter hindrance on that entire quest.” Percy countered. He wasn’t even accusing, he was stating this like it was fact.
“Oh don’t be ridiculous, Seaweed Brain, you need me to get you through your quests.” She countered smugly.
“Really? Because last I checked, whenever I didn’t have you around. I was completely fine and able to handle things. By… oooh what’s that word? Oh trusting my quest companions.” He countered easily. “You released deadly pirates onto Circe’s resort, INSISTED that you just had to listen to the sirens, then your plan to use the ‘Nobody’ ruse on Polyphemus only bought us five minutes max before you were easily taken out. He’s still a fully grown cyclops and blind or not he’s had to rely on other senses for years, you got cocky and got caught. Clarisse, Grover, and I had to bail you out of that mess. Then when getting the fleece we had Tyson thankfully grab it and toss it to us so we could heal you. Once we escaped and got to Miami, I was the one who figured out the prophecy and had Clarisse finish her job as quest leader. Get the fleece to camp and save everyone. Even when confronted again by Luke you weren’t any help, I had to out him to admit to his crimes to get Chiron his job back, which while I’m saying it. That old horse needs to be retired and maybe have someone else teach. His outdated not to mention biased teaching methods and blatant favoritism of you are just some of the big reasons we lost so many demigods during the wars.”
“If you had just listened to me we would’ve been fine! You never listen ! You deserved to be beaten into submission!” She snarled. “You’re the reason Luke betrayed us!”
“Really, you’re blaming me , who was 12 YEARS OLD when LUKE who was 19 . An adult who made his own choices to betray Olympus, the gods, and everyone he knew.” Percy scoffed. “He was a literal young adult around a crap ton of minors, isolating them and grooming them as pigs for slaughter in the war to come. He did it to me, he likely did it to you too and who knows how many others.”
“No he wouldn’t!” She screamed. “He was good, he was a hero and he died because of you! ”
“I wonder what delusion you’ve painted to believe that to be the truth.” Percy wondered. “He was a murderer, groomer, he didn’t care who he hurt to get the glory and the power he wanted.”
“LUKE WAS A HERO! HE WAS A HERO AND YOU SHOULD’VE DIED THAT DAY IN THE THRONE ROOM INSTEAD OF HIM!” She bellowed out, revealing a deep truth about herself.
“You loved him,” Percy stated.
“He should’ve lived and been mine !”
“ He was 23 and you were 16.”
“We were in love!”
“Did you ever love me?”
“Of course!”
“No. No you didn’t.”
“I can’t lie!”
“But you are because you believe that you love me. The truth is you don’t love me Annabeth Chase. You love the idea of me. A perfect hero who obeys your every command, strong enough to protect you and take out the enemy, but not ‘too strong’ so as to outgrow your control .” He sighed and looked at her raging face, her dress, which out of all their friends in casual wear she was the only one dressed up like she should be the center of attention. Hubris. Believing she’s better than everyone. Only her ideas are best. “Maybe that’s the problem with loving you. You don’t love people. You love ideas. You loved the idea of Luke, a hero, perfect, someone to protect you, care for you, and never leave. But that’s not who he really was.”
“YES HE WAS! YOU MAY BE MY REPLACEMENT BUT I’LL GET YOU TO BE JUST LIKE HIM! A bit of magic and the looks will be just right .” She was grinning now as if the idea of making him change physically to fit her wants was ‘brilliant’ and not completely deranged.
At these words the vines reappeared and flung Annabeth back and away from Percy. She had been inching closer during their argument ready to grab him and likely keep her promise to scar him. He looked away and saw Dionysus glaring at the daughter of Athena, his purple eyes glowing leaving no pupil or iris, just pure divine energy. A quick glance showed the other gods were looking the exact same. Each of their eyes glowing to reflect their rage. The demigods were watching Annabeth with shock and some looked sick at what they’d just learned.
“That is enough, Aletheia, please remove the curse, children please head to your respective parent’s temple for now. We will handle this traitor girl. Perseus, we can speak later but there is much to discuss with what we have learned.” Zeus informed his nephew and the demigods present, he was reigning in his temper to ensure things were done right .
“Very well, but first things first.” Percy said as he walked up to Annabeth and slapped her . “We’re done. I’m breaking up with you. I never want to see you again, in this life or the next one. Goodbye, daughter of Athena.”
He walked away to Poseidon’s temple, the others taking their cue from Percy. Yet they all looked back worried for their friend and leader. Hoping he’d be okay.