Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Luke was supposed to be dead. But then he woke up. He woke up in his old cabin at 19 years old. He was taken from his thoughts when Annabeth walked up to the door, "Hey, Luke! Got a new camper here for you, Percy Jackson."

Luke took a second to react. He was back to when Percy first arrived at camp. He looked at Annabeth, it had been so long since she had looked at him with so much trust. Like she couldn't fathom him ever hurting her. Things were going to be different this time. He welcomed Percy in, "Welcome to Cabin 11. The Hermes cabin. Since Hermes is the god of traveller's, the unclaimed kids and his kids both stay in his cabin, so it's a bit crowded. Unfortunately we don't have enough beds so your going to be on the floor for the time being."

Percy frowned and sat his stuff down at an empty sleeping bag.

"I would keep an eye on all your stuff, Hermes is also the god of thieves. But if someone takes something they'll usually give it back if you ask."

"Good to know."

Luke sat with Percy. He nudged him a little in an attempt to cheer him up, "Hey, capture the flag is tonight. It's a lot of fun, you'll be on my team with Annabeth."

Dinner came and Luke stuck by Percy. He needed a friendly face around, and Luke missed the short time he was that person for him. Looking at Percy's face he couldn't believe he had ever wanted to hurt him. He was just a kid. A kid who had just lost his mom and had his whole life upended. Towards the end of dinner Luke explained offerings.

"We put the best of our meals in the fire as offerings for the gods. They like the smell or something. Usually you would leave offerings for your godly parent, but since your unclaimed you should leave an offering for Hermes, since he's letting you stay in his cabin."

Percy nodded and put his food in the fire. After dinner they gathered for capture the flag. Annabeth was in charge now. Annabeth made the plan. Everyone knew their job. Finally she got to Percy, "Percy, since your new You go ahead with Luke. He'll show you the ropes."

Percy nodded. Luke's smile faltered. This wasn't supposed to happen. Things were already changing. But how much could a small thing like that change things.

The game had ended and they had won. Throughout the game Luke had shown Percy techniques and taught him how to fight. But Percy hadn't been claimed. No sign of Poseidon. Percy was still sleeping on the floor of Hermes cabin. The next day Luke got called to the big house, where he was given a quest. A quest to retrieve Zeus's master bolt. The bolt that he had previously stolen. He had been given Percy's quest. Now he was presented with a choice. Who was he going to take with him? Annabeth was the obvious choice. But he surprised everyone with his 2nd choice.

"Percy."

Chiron furrowed his brows, "Percy? Percy Jackson?"

Clarisse scoffed, "Your going to pick the unclaimed newbie."

"Yes. I think Percy has a lot of potential, with some guidance and a chance to prove himself, I think he could do great things."

Chiron nodded, "I am inclined to agree. I can see he holds great power. But also poses a great danger as well. I considered giving him something I've been holding on to."

"Anaklusmos. Riptide. You should give it to him. He needs a weapon."

He Percy and Annabeth headed out on their quest that day. Annabeth was happy to finally get a quest, but wasn't exactly a fan of Percy being there, "Why did you choose the newbie? He's not even claimed."

"Because Annie, I think Percy has a lot of potential. This is a good way to gain experience and get some real training. It's one thing to practice at camp, it's a completely different thing to fight monsters out here. Now come on, were almost at our bus stop."

They got on the bus together and Luke sat next to Percy.

"Hey, how are you feeling about all of this? I know its a lot."

Percy sighed and leaned his head on the window, "I'm being expected to leave offerings, and do their bidding, when my dad won't even acknowledge me as his son."

Percy took a breath, "Do you get dreams?"

"All the time. Their pretty normal for demigods. Sometimes their nightmares, sometimes prophetic, often times both."

"Are they ever messages?"

"Sometimes the gods send messages through your dreams. But their often metaphorical and hard to decipher. Have you been getting dreams like that?"

"No, it's just... nevermind."

Luke nodded, something was off with Percy. Luke hadn't had any dreams about Kronos lately, likely realizing his change in allegiance. He worried for Percy, with the way he was speaking... who knows what could happen. He looked out the window and saw the 3 fates. They were unraveling a blue string and re spinning it with gold. Luke's breath caught in his throat at the implications of that. The bus shook and suddenly stopped. Claws ripped open the roof, "Shit! Percy, Annabeth! We gotta go!"

They ran out of the bus. Percy's eyes widened, "Furies?! Again!?"

Luke drew his sword, "What do you mean again?"

He slashed at claws swooping down. Percy uncapped Riptide, "One of them tried to kill me at school."

He swung Riptide in an arch fending one off, "I killed her."

The three of them stood back to back in defense. Each slashing at their attacks. Annabeth got knicked by a talon and Percy slashed at the Fury until she was dust.

"Nice work Percy, we've got one more."

The other fury screamed in anger and swooped down. Luke slashed her with his sword, exploding her in a cloud of golden dust. Luke turned to Annabeth, "You okay?"

She held her arm, "I'm fine, nothing a little Ambrosia won't fix."

They continued on foot. Luke checked a map, "Alright, looks like we are in New Jersey somewhere."

Annabeth groaned, "Were lost."

Percy complained as they walked, "Isn't your dad the god of traveller's? Can't we call him for help or something? Or at least ask him to tell us where we even are. We don't even know which direction West is."

Luke sighed, "No, the gods are distant at best. We can't rely on their help, especially not on a quest."

Percy groaned in frustration, "So your telling me were running their errands for them and they won't even help us? Not even when failure means war? You realize how insane that sounds?"

"I know it sucks, but that's just how it is... Do you smell something."

Annabeth's eyes lit up, "Food."

They followed the smell to 'Auntie Em's Garden Emporium."

A woman wearing a veil met them at the door. Luke greeted her, "Hello ma'am, we got lost camping and we were hoping we could have something to eat."

The woman spoke sweetly, "Of course children. Come inside."

Luke couldn't help the uneasiness he felt. But they needed food first and foremost. They sat in a booth and 3 plates of cheeseburgers and greasy fries were placed in front of them. They all chowed down. After they finished their food the woman approached them again, "Perseus would you come to the other room with me? I'd like to speak with you."

Luke caught Annabeth looking out the window at all the statues.

"Those statues are incredibly detailed."

Luke looked out at them, "Yeah..."

"But I wonder why she chose to make all of them look terrified like that. Every single one of them looks horrified..."

Luke narrowed his eyes, "Yeah your right."

Annabeth inspected the statues more, then something clicked in her brain.

"Luke, we need to go get Percy. Now."

"Why... Oh. Aunty Em, statues..."

"Medusa."

They scrambled out of the booth to the other room. Luke didn't hear what she had been saying but it didn't matter, he cut off her head before she could do anything else. Percy yelled, "What the hell are you doing!?"

Annabeth yelled back, "That was Medusa! She was going to turn all of us to stone!"

Luke picked her head up by the snakes, looking away as he did so.

"Alright, what do we do about the head?"

Percy picked up a box and snatched the head from Luke. He shoved the head inside and taped up the box with packing tape.

"Give me a sharpie."

Luke handed him a marker and he began to write. Fuming as he did so. Luke read what Percy wrote.

The Gods
Mount Olympus
600th Floor,
Empire State Building
New York, NY

Try ignoring me now
- Percy Jackson

"Percy you cant-"

"Try and stop me. They want to act like I don't exist that's fine. But that doesn't mean I'm going to make it easy for them."

Annabeth pleaded with him, "Percy, the gods will think your impertinent."

"I am impertinent."

They raided the building for food and money and went on their way. Percy gaurded the box close to him until they were able to send it in the mail.

"How will I know they'll receive it?"

"Trust me, they will."

They got train tickets headed west, they were approaching st. Louis when the train made a stop at the arch. Annabeth gawked at it. She kept making eyes at him, "Fine. We can go see the arch."

"Yes! Thank you so much Luke!"

Luke smiled a little, "Hey no problem, anything for family right."

They left the train and Luke watched as Annabeth ran off to get a closer look. He and Percy followed behind. Luke looked at Percy, he didn't look too hot. He had bags under his eyes and a dark look in his eyes.

"Hey Percy, you doing okay?"

Percy shoved his hands in his pockets, "Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Just, have a lot on my mind. A lot to think about."

"Choices to make?"

"Yeah."

"I understand. I've made a lot of difficult choices, done a lot of things I regret. But now I'm making up for it. Or trying to at least."

"What if I make the wrong choice?"

"You might. But you might do something amazing. You won't know until it happens. Whatever you end up doing, I know you'll do what's right in the end."

They caught up to Annabeth at the elevator. There was only room for one more person. Percy turned to them, "I'll take this one, you guys take the next one."

Percy smiled at them as the door closed. Luke couldn't help the feeling of foreboding. Annabeth dragged him around rambling about the architecture and history. It wasn't long before they heard an explosion. The both stopped and looked at eachother before running outside. Just in time to see Percy jump from a hole in the top of the arch, towards the river. They watched anxiously as he fell, "He's never going to make it."

"Even if he does he'll be dead on impact."

Somehow Percy made it. Annabeth thought he would be dead, but Luke knew better. He dragged her to the docks where they waited. It was about 15 minutes before an exhausted, sopping wet Percy climbed over the railing. He stumbled into Luke's arms and mumbled, "Hey guys."

Luke held Percy, Annabeth started pressing him, "Percy what happened?"

"Echidna... Chimera... Poison."

Annabeths eyes widened, "Oh my god! How are you not dead? After that fall!"

"Got a gift."

He opened his hand, and he was holding 3 pearls. Luke studied Percy, "From your dad?"

Percy scoffed, "Still won't claim me."

They continued on, Luke supported Percy until he got his bearings. Luke saw the flashing lights of police cars, "Come on, we don't want to have to deal with cops too."

They slipped away and hit the road. A man on a motorcycle stopped by them.

"You kids are never going to make it at this pace."

Luke made eye contact, "Lord Ares."

"There's a diner just down the road."

Annabeth tugged on Luke's arm, "What are you doing?"

"Just trust me."

They got to the diner and sat across from Ares at a booth.

"I can get you a ride up to Vegas. But I need a favor from you first. I was having a... meeting with Aphrodite when we had to abruptly leave. I left my shield behind and I need some demigods to retrieve it for me. It's at Waterland, in the Tunnel of Love ride."

Percy rolled his eyes, "Great. Another errand for the gods."

Before Percy could say anything else Luke spoke, "Deal. Percy and Annabeth will get the shield, I'll stay behind."

"You heard him. Now scram kiddos, and try not to die."

Percy and Annabeth promptly left on their mini quest. Percy folded his hands and leaned in, "In the meantime, we need to talk."

"I held up my end of the bargain."

"Deals off. I changed my mind. Now you give me the helm, and the bolt you've been keeping nice for me, and I don't turn you in as a traitor to Olympus."

Ares sneered, "What changed your mind?"

"Call it a change of heart. Don't worry, you'll get your war eventually. War is inevitable after all."

"You got me there kid. Fine."

Ares handed over a backpack with supplies, the helm and the bolt. After a while Percy and Annabeth arrived back soaking wet, and with the shield. Percy was fuming, "It was a trap! You sent us right into a trap for your own amusement?"

Ares smirked, "Technically, it was Hephaestus's trap. But you held up your end of the deal. He led them to the back of a truck labeled 'Kindness International'.

Percy didn't look impressed, "Your kidding."

"You want to go on foot?"

They got in the back of the truck with the animals. Percy laid away from Annabeth and him in the corner. Luke moved closer to him, "Hey Percy, what's going on with you?"

"Just tired."

"Alright, but you let me know if you need anything."

The ride to Vegas was long but calm. Luke saw Percy sleeping fitfully. He knew what was happening but he couldn't do anything to prevent it. He saw the fates. He knew what would happen. He remembered the original plan he had been told. If not him, it was going to be Percy. And there was nothing he could do about it. They arrived in Vegas and needed somewhere to sleep. They decided on the Lotus Casino, but after talking to a kid and his sister from the 1930s he realized it was a trap and dragged Percy and Annabeth out of there. They ended up losing a few days.

Finally they got to the enterance of the Underworld. Charon looked at them boredly, "No livings beyond this point."

Luke looked at Annabeth and Percy, "Uh, were not living. We are all dead. We died together."

He prompted either of them to continue. Percy spoke, "We drowned. In a bathtub"

Annabeth finished, "It was a really big bathtub "

Luke dropped a handful of drachmas on the desk. Charon's eyes widened.

"Fine. Right this way."

They rode on the boat on the Styx towards Hades palace. They were let off and Luke gave Charon even more drachmas.

"Thanks for the ride."

They headed off towards Hades palace. Luke saw Percy eye the Tartarus pit wearily. Luke understood the feeling. He put a hand on his shoulder.

"Come on."

They entered the Palace and Hades waited on his throne for them. Percy spoke before anyone could say anything, "I want my mother."

Hades smiled, "Bold for a child who is unclaimed."

"Me being unclaimed has nothing to do with me and everything to do with my father's cowardice."

"Feisty one there. Risky move, insulting a god."

"Doing anything about it would force him to recognize me as his."

"Smart one too. I like you Persues. Here's the deal, my helm was stolen. I simply took your mother in retaliation. I get my helm back, you get your mother."

"Are you fucking kidding me? Another errand! Why don't you do something yourself for once!?"

Luke stopped Percy by the shoulder.

"Percy, No."

Luke opened the bag pulling out Hades helm and kneeling before him.

"On our journey I acquired your helm. It's right here Lord Hades. Now if you please, return Percy's mother."

Hades took the Helm and snapped his fingers.

"Sally Jackson is home safe."

Luke bowed, "Thank you Lord Hades. Now we'll be on our way."

"The Underworld is far easier to get into than it is to simply leave."

Luke smiled, "Not to worry, we have our own way out. Percy?"

Percy gave Annabeth and Luke each pearls that they crushed under their feet. They ended up at Plumb Beach, they hailed a taxi and in about half an hour they arrived at the Empire State Building. They went in, returned the bolt and got out. They then got a taxi back to camp. The rest of the Summer went normally, but Luke could feel Percy pulling away from everyone. The evening of the last day of camp Percy was nowhere to be found. Despite knowing what was likely in store, Luke ventured out to the forest to find him. He found Percy sitting alone on a log.

"Hey Percy."

"You shouldn't of come here."

"I know. But I didn't want you to spend the last day of camp alone."

Luke sat next to Percy. Percy shifted, "I keep having these dreams. It's dark, and this voice is speaking to me. Telling me things."

"What are they telling you?"

"Nothing that isn't true. That I've been cast aside like so many other Demigods, I deserve better, we all deserve better. That things can be better."

"Percy I know what he's saying sounds good, but it won't work. Even if it did, is it really worth destroying everything?"

"They don't deserve to be in a position of power. They keep just using us and then tossing us aside like we're disposable. Like we're nothing."

"I know. I understand your anger towards them. But Percy, this isn't the way to do it."

"You don't understand! I've been pushed around my whole life. By Gabe, by bullies, and now by the gods. Why shouldn't they be brought down a peg. My father won't even acknowledge me as his kid! After everything I've done. That whole quest and he still refuses to even admit I'm his kid! You shouldn't have to earn a parents acknowledgment."

By now Percy was standing.

"Percy, you don't want to do this."

Percy uncapped Riptide, "You don't know what I want! You don't know me!"

Luke stood up and unsheathed his sword. The two started circling, "Don't do this Percy, you still have a chance to turn back. Put your sword down and we can talk about this."

Percy swung his sword slashing Luke's side, "No."

Percy slashed him again and ran away leaving Luke and the camp. Luke watched helplessly as he disappeared in the distance. He heard a group of campers coming towards the clearing. Lee Fletcher called out, "I found him! No sign of Percy."

Soon he was surrounded by campers. Michael started patching him up. Annabeth scolded him, "Luke what happened? How did this happen?"

"We were sparring and I got nicked. I don't know where he's run off to. But big things are coming. Things have been set in motion. Things we can't prevent. Regardless of how much we try."

As Luke was led back to camp he turned his head looking into the distance where Percy ran. He didn't envy the position Percy was in. The position he used to be in. He just hoped Percy's story wouldn't end like his.

Chapter Text

Luke hadn't seen any sign of Percy since that night Last summer. Of course if he remembered correctly Percy hadn't been a year round camper originally anyways. But who knows where he was or what he was doing now. He kept an eye out for him when Summer kicked off and campers arrived. This kept him busy with welcoming new campers and getting Summer campers settled back in. Later that night Luke finally managed to get away and he spotted Percy near the border. Near Thalias tree. He sprinted over to him. Percy looked like a deer in headlights, he was holding a vial.

Luke slowed down, "Percy, don't. You still have a chance, you can still turn back. You haven't technically done anything yet, I didn't tell them anything."

"What makes you think I want to turn back. Maybe I want to do this."

Luke reached a hand out towards Percy, "Percy, please. I know you want to hurt the gods and I understand that, I really do okay. But hurting other halfbloods isn't the way to do things."

"Sometimes extreme measures are necessary to make change."

Luke grasped Percy's wrist and looked him in the eye, "I can't let you do this."

Percy stared him down, "Try and stop me."

Percy flipped the vial dumping it on the tree and dropping it.

"Oops."

Percy tried to run away but Luke held his grip. He yelled, "What have you done!"

Percy yanked Luke towards him and kicked his back while he was off balance knocking him down. He spoke in Luke's ear, "What's necessary."

Luke watched as yet again Percy ran off. There was no saving him right now. Not yet. He watched helplessly as the poison seepes into the tree. He stumbled up and put a hand on Thalias tree looking at it before running towards camp. As he ran he called out, "Emergency meeting! All head counselors to the big house!"

He ran around camp yelling for the meeting. Once he saw head counselors start to leave their cabins he headed to the big house. Annabeth ran up to him, "Hey what's going on?"

"Thalias trees been poisoned."

"What!?"

"I'll explain more when we get there."

All of the counselors gathered around the ping pong table. Clarisse had her arms crossed, "What did you call us here so urgently for? Better be important."

"Thalias tree has been poisoned, and there's only one thing that can fix it. But it's risky."

Chiron frowned, "Only a fellow halfblood could enter camp and have that kind of access to Thalias tree. But why would a demigod want to harm camp like that?"

Luke took a breath, "It wasn't his idea."

Chiron raised an eyebrow, "You know who did this?"

"Remember that unclaimed kid from last year, Percy Jackson?"

"But why?"

"Kronos is rising. And he's using Percy to do it."

Outcries were heard throughout the room. Chiron stomped a hoof, "Silence. We need to focus on the most pressing issue, which is the tree. Thalias tree protects the whole camp."

Annabeth spoke, "The Golden Fleece. It can heal anything."

Chiron rubbed his face, "You all get to bed. We will get this sorted out on another date."

The next day Luke sat on the beach looking in the distance. He felt someone powerful sit next to him.

"Lord Poseidon. I suppose your here about Percy."

"How did you know? I haven't been able to officially claim him as my own son."

"I know things."

"Perhaps too much. Tell me, was it worth it?"

"Excuse me?"

"Taking your second chance at the expense of my sons fate."

"How did you know?"

"Maybe it was your sudden shift in attitude, maybe it's because I'm a God. Either way, it is because of your change of heart that my son was put in your place. It is not so easy to defy the fates."

"Why didn't you claim him?"

"It was too dangerous to do so. If I had claimed him it would throw him right into the line of Zeus's wrath. Especially now that he has expressed such disdain against Olympus. I cannot claim a traitor as a son."

Luke stood up, "That's exactly why he went down the path of a traitor in the first place."

Poseidon sighed, "Despite it all he is still my only demigod son. I don't want him to get himself killed."

"I will not let Percy die. Not like I did."

"There's a ship out in the harbor called the Princess Andromeda that might be of interest to you."

Luke's blood ran cold at that name. Percy was following in his footsteps, somehow Luke needed to ensure he wouldn't befall the same fate, "Thank you, Lord Poseidon."

Poseidon handed him a bag full of wind, and multi vitamins gummies, "From your father."

He headed back just as they were finishing something up. Clarisse had received a solo quest to retrieve the Fleece. Luke pulled Annabeth away as the camp saw Clarisse off, "We need to go to the harbor and find a ship called the Princess Andromeda."

"Why?"

"That's where Percy's been hiding out. But we'll have to be careful, it's going to be crawling with monsters. We go in, get the information we need, and we get out."

"How do you know this."

"Percy's dad told me."

Annabeths eyes widened, "You know who his father is?"

Luke blinked, "You don't? Annie I thought you would've put it together by now. The kid survived a 630 foot drop by landing in a river."

"But the oath!"

"Clearly it's been broken. Now let's go."

Luke quickly jotted down a note leaving Travis in charge of the cabin for the time being. Annabeth did the same leaving Malcolm in charge and they headed off. They spotted the cruise ship and rented out a dinky rowboat to approach the ship. They found a latter on the side and climbed on. Luke spotted Percy around the corner and held Annabeth back. There were already other Demigods there listening to Percy's words. Luke had noticed a few less campers this year but didn't think anything of it. He didn't think it would happen so fast. He listened to the tail end of Percy's speech, "They don't deserve our reverence. They use us like puppets then toss us aside. We do their bidding, do everything right and they ignore us."

Percy's eyes met Luke's. Percy gave a smile, "It looks like we have some guests with us."

Percy casually walked towards them, "Don't be shy. I don't bite."

Annabeth glared at him, "You want to destroy the world."

Percy gave a short laugh, "No, that's where your wrong. I want to send a message. This is the best way to do that."

Annabeth got angry, "By hurting other demigods!"

"I don't want to hurt demigods. I want to prove a point."

Percy gestured to a coffin glowing gold. Luke's eyes widened, "This is a little project I've been working on. But putting a Titan back together takes time."

Luke stared at the coffin, his chest went tight. He grabbed Annabeths hand and whispered to her, "We need to go."

She nodded quickly. Percy uncapped his sword and pointed it at them, "30, 31 North; 75, 12W. That way. Leave, now."

He tilted his head gesturing at the side of the ship. Annabeth and Luke wasted no time in getting back to their boat. Luke opened the thermos pointing it in the direction they needed to go. Once they were far enough he closed it.. Percy had given them the coordinates to the Fleece. But why? Listening to Percy he was also reminded that they were not the same person. Luke's hurt had blinded him to Kronos manipulation. He had been driven by anger. But Percy seemed more calculated. Luke remembered a key difference between himself and Percy, Percy still had his mother. Luke had nothing to lose and would have done anything if it meant hurting the gods. Percy wasn't the same. But how far would he go? What was Percy willing to do to achieve his goal, whatever that goal was. They rowed back to land. Annabeth looked around and perked up, "Hey Luke, you know where we are?"

Luke looked around until he saw a familiar alley and smiled, "West Virginia."

"Head to our old hideout?"

"Yeah."

The two walked the familiar route to their old hideout. Once they got there Luke heard a noise and held out his hand keeping Annabeth back, "Wait."

Luke peeked around the corner and was met with fire. He pressed his back against the wall, "Shit. Hydra. You go left I go right."

Annabeth narrowed her eyes thinking hard about something. She then made L's with her hands and stared intently at her hands before huffing in frustration. Luke sighed laughing a little bit, "Just go in the opposite direction as me."

Annabeth sighed before they ran in, "Honestly i don't know why I thought that would work. I always get the direction of L's mixed up."

Luke ran to the left side of the room and Annabeth ran to the opposite side. They both had the hydras attention. Luke jumped and dodged the attacks. One of the heads went straight at him and he automatically reacted by slashing at the head cutting it off.

"My bad!"

Neither of them were able to get close enough. The heads had doubled and it would be too much of a risk to get close again. All they could do was weave, dodge and try not to die. That's when they heard a bang and something shot through the wall, exploding the Hydra into gold dust. That something came from bay they were next to. Clarisse called from the ship, "Hey numbnuts! Looks like you guys could use some help! Get on."

Luke and Annabeth looked at eachother for a moment before nodding and running onto the ship. It was run by ghost men under Clarisse's command. She showed them around the ship.

"I was wondering when I'd come across you two. I figured this would happen. After all, quests are done in 3's right."

"Yeah, yeah we had to take a detour."

Clarisse waved them off, "Don't worry about camp, I already IM'ed Chiron to tell him I was selecting you guys to join me. Now what's the deal?"

Annabeth spoke, "We found where Percy is. He's staying on a cruise ship called the Princess Andromeda."

Clarisse gave her an odd look, "That new kid from last year? Why would we be concerned about him? He wants to stay on some boat instead of camp that's his buisness."

Luke had a look of realization, "Oh. I didn't tell you. He's ah, he's had a bit of a downward spiral. Gone rogue."

Clarisse narrowed her eyes, "What do you mean by that?"

"Uh, he's working with Kronos to dethrone the gods."

Clarisse's eyes widened, "He what!? And you regretted to tell anyone this?! That shits kind of important for us to know! We need to be able to prepare for these kinds of things!"

Luke raised his voice, "I know! I know. It's just- he's still just a kid."

Clarisse lowered her voice, "A kid who will bring about the end of the world if we let him."

Annabeth seemed to realize something, "He's the one who poisoned Thalias tree. Didn't he?"

Luke sighed and nodded, "Yeah, I thought I could talk him out of it but... I think he may be too far gone."

The ship shook. Annabeth and Luke followed Clarisse as she ran above deck. The ghost crewmates ran frantically trying to do their jobs. Luke saw what had happened.

"Oh no."

"Either way we die." Clarisse said.

Annabeth assessed the situation, "No. Luke, we still have some wind left right?"

Luke felt the thermos in his pocket, "Yeah."

Annabeth sprung into action, "Get 6 of the ghosts on lifeboats with a flashlight. We'll go in another lifeboat and use the wind."

Luke looked to her, "Sacrafice six men to Scylla like Odysseus."

"Yes. But these men are already ghosts."

Clarisse nodded, "Sounds like a plan."

Clarisse followed through on the plan with the ghosts and they blasted away using the wind. They landed on an island and met a beautiful woman who promised to take care of them. She split them up taking Luke away from the girls. A young girl led him to a mirror. When he looked he saw who he used to be. Scar running deeper than he ever remembered it going, a cruel smile. He then saw his reflection change, his scar was gone and he looked happy. Luke started to transform. Soon enough he was a squeeking guinea pig. She put him in a cage with other guinea pigs, which Luke presumed had also previously been men. He realized all too late they were dealing with Circe. He saw Annabeth and Clarisse walk by. Annabeth saw him and the other men and made that face she made when she was thinking. She broke away from Clarisse and kneeled at the enclosure Luke was in.

"Luke?"

Luke squeeked but Annabeth just sighed, "I don't know which one is you."

She pulled out the multivitamins, "These should work."

She dumped them in and Luke nibbled at one and began transforming back, along with some men who looked to be pirates.

"Thanks Annie, that was not fun."

Clarisse walked in annoyed, "What are you- oh. Circe."

Annabeth nodded, "Figures. Let's go. No one look at me."

Clarisse looked more feminine than Luke had ever seen her. She was clearly uncomfortable with it, she looked pretty, but it didn't suit Clarisse. Luke then noticed Annabeth. Annabeth had her hair done in a braid and had some light glittery makeup on. He frowned, she didn't look like Annabeth. Annabeth had messy curls she threw up in a bun every morning. Annabeth had dirt on her face and never wore makeup. Sometimes Luke still saw her as the fierce little 7 year old with nothing but a mallet. Annabeth frowned, "What? What are you looking at."

Luke looked at her outfit, "You don't need all that makeup, your only 13, and your way too young to be wearing a sleevless dress like that. Did she straighten your hair to do that? Gods does she know how damaging all that heat is-"

Annabeth cut him off with a laugh, "Come on dad, we gotta go before she catches us. The chaos has bought us some time."

They ran out and found various Pirate Ships. On their way out Luke accidentally knocked over a little girl. He helped her up, "Woah, sorry about that."

The girl had a fierce look in her eyes that reminded him of Annabeth.

"Have you seen my sister? We got separated."

"I'm sorry I don't think I have."

Clarisse called out to him, "Luke! Come on! We gotta go!"

Luke turned back to the girl, "I'm so sorry to leave you here, but it's dangerous where we're going. Now I can see in your eyes that your brave. Are you brave?"

Clarisse yelled again, "Luke!"

"Yes. I'm brave."

Luke nodded, "I'm a son of Hermes do you know what that means?"

The girl shook her head, "It means I can give you a traveller's blessing. It will protect you on your journey until you get somewhere safe. What's your name?"

"Reyna."

"Well Reyna, my name is Luke. Now I really got to run now. But I hope we cross paths again. Your a strong kid you know that?"

Reyna smiled. Luke patted her on the back, "Now go."

Reyna nodded and the two split off. Luke ran to the ship and met with the others. Clarisse steered the ship, "Finally! Took you long enough. I almost thought you were going to pick up another stray."

Annabeth punched Clarisses arm, "Hey!"

"I was joking!"

They sailed off on the Queen Anne's Revenge. After a day or two of sailing Clarisse made a declaration, "Everybody gets wax. We're almost within the range of the Sirens."

Annabeth refused, "No. I want to hear them, tie me to the mast."

"Don't be stupid Chase. You know the sirens song doesn't just go away once you hear it. Shit sticks with you. So earwax. now."

Luke gave Annabeth a look, "Come on Annie, you know she's right. Make the smart choice."

Annabeth grumbled and plugged her ears. Luke was going to keep an eye on her tonight. Luckily they were able to pass by the Sirens without issue. They sailed on and finally landed on Polyphemus's Island. Before leaving the ship Luke reminded Clarisse and Annabeth, "Remember, don't mess with the sheep, the Fleece is just right past the fields. Get in, get the Fleece and get out. Hopefully we can do this without disturbing the Cyclops."

Clarisse sighed impatiently, "Yeah, yeah we've all read the Odyssey we know not to be stupid."

Luke looked ahead, "Let's go."

They carefully waded through sheep and reached the tree, where they met Percy.

"Took you long enough."

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to talk. And take the Fleece of course, but that's beside the point."

Luke spoke before Annabeth or Clarisse could say anything, "Why would you lead us here just to take the Fleece yourself?"

Percy smirked, "I needed to see if this would all work. My plans I mean. It would all be for nothing if you hadn't been willing to do this."

Luke was completely lost when it came to Percy. He was doing the same things he had done, but his motivations and methods seemed completely different. Everything was all too familiar and unpredictable at the same time. Annabeth stepped towards Percy, "Is this all just a game to you?"

Percy grabbed the Fleece and grinned, "I had a little talk with Polyphemus. I convinced him not to kill you for now, but I would still run if I were you."

Clarisse lunged forward, "Not without the fleece!"

Percy tsked, "Ah, he's coming. Your lucky I gave you a head start. I'll be taking the Fleece now."

A rock landed nearby and Percy had a dangerous look in his eyes, "That was your warning shot. Leave before you die."

Luke grabbed Annabeth and Clarisse, "We have to go!"

They ran back to their ship, boulders raining behind them. They made it to their ship and sailed away. Luke saw Percy holding the Fleece and look at it intently on the shore. Percy looked at him with a smile before walking away.

They made it back to camp empty handed. Another Counselor meeting was called. Everyone was in low spirits. Chiron announced, "The poison is slow acting. But without the fleece, the tree will die by the end of Summer. Destroying the safety the border gives us."

Luke lowered his head. This wasn't supposed to happen. They were supposed to successfully get the Fleece and save Thalia. He needed to stop thinking of Percy Luke himself. Something was clearly different about him, that had saved Percy before. Luke could only hope it would save him again this time.

The end of Summer was coming near and the border continued to weaken. Luke had been in charge of making sure the fire was safely out that night. When he stood to head back to his cabin to call lights out he stopped. He saw a glint in the distance near Thalias tree. Curious, he made his way over. When he got closer he saw someone drape the golden Fleece over the tree. When he got closer he saw it was Percy. Percy held a finger to his lips in a shushing motion. Luke spoke in a low voice, "Why are you doing this?"

"Don't tell anyone I was here." Percy glanced down at the base of the tree and smiled, "You better go get the others, she's about to wake up."

Luke followed Percy's eyes and gasped. He knew this would happen with the Fleece but it was still jarring. He ran to get the head counselors and Chiron. Unbeknownst to him, Percy had given Thalia a note.

Chapter Text

Percy had a lot of dreams. Often times they were filled with the whisperings and talks with Kronos. But sometimes he got glimpses of what felt like another life. One where he's happy, where he had friends, and became a hero. Sometimes it almost felt real. But they were just dreams, out of reach for him now. It had been over 2 years since he'd seen his mom. He checked up on her after his quest, Gabe was gone. She was safe and happy now. He didn't want to mess that up so he left her alone. Instead of school he planned and prepared. Big things were to come. Kronos kept making big promises of grandeur and glory after taking down Olympus. Truthfully Percy didn't care for any of that. He knew they were all empty promises.

The things Kronos told Percy initially were correct. The Gods did not deserve to be in power.They were arrogant, ignorant and neglectful. They used their children for menial tasks promising them attention and glory only to throw them out like trash. Something needed to change. Kronos promised him he could help him do that, and he was right. However, Kronos believed he had manipulated Percy into thinking bringing him back to power was the best way to do that. What he didn't know was that Percy had a different idea in store. It was risky, and he would likely get killed by the end of it, whether it be by the Olympians, other demigods, or Kronos himself. But he had to do it. Demigods deserved better.

Percy's next scheme with Kronos was the riskiest one yet. But he had to do it, he was already on thin ice by bringing Thalia back. So here he was, on a mountain with a captured godess, and imprisoning one of his first friends at camp. If he played his cards right he might be able to pull this off. Artemis was one of the more reasonable goddesses. She had no children to dissapoint, and she had spent the most time with mortals, or at least women who used to be mortals. But his every move was being watched. Artemis was holding up the sky while Atlas ran loose. Soon Percy would have to make Annabeth hold it up by herself. He needed to go talk to her.

Percy found Annabeth sitting in her cell, "Their coming for me you know."

"I know."

"This isn't going to work."

Percy unlocked her cell and she looked surprised.

"What are you doing?"

Percy reached out a hand, "We need to talk."

"What are you-"

He took her hand and menuvered them to cave further down the mountain.

"Why did you take me here?"

"I had to get you alone."

"I ask again why did you take me here?"

"I need to talk to you. Explain some things, help you understand."

Annabeth crossed her arms, "Your trying to get me to join you? Why would I ever do that? Turn away from my family, and after what you did to Thalia?"

"No! No I'm not trying to get you to join me. I would never ask someone to turn their back on family."

"Then why did you do this?"

"I need your help. Things are getting out of hand really fast and I feel like I'm spiraling. Not to mention his influence isn't helping. I need your help to make sure this will work. Your smarter then me, better at this kind of stuff. Besides you can help me keep my head on straight. Ground me. Keep me from going off the deep end. Which is exactly why I don't want you to join me."

"What are you saying?"

Percy smiled, "You didn't really think I believed all that crap about Kronos creating a better world did you? I mean, sure the Olympians suck, and they need something to knock them down a peg. But I'm not going to trade one tyrant that might be reasoned with, for an even worse tyrant that's going to destroy everything. I'm not an idiot."

Annabeth looked stunned, "What?"

"We can work this on both sides. I'll continue doing my thing over here, and you work over there 'against' me. I'll run my plans by you first so you have a heads up, and you point out any faults or risks."

"What exactly is your plan?"

"Use Kronos as a threat. Scare the Olympians into finally paying attention."

"What happens when Kronos expects you to bring him back? When things escalate? You may have things under control now but things could spin out and go very wrong, very quickly."

Percy rubbed the back of his neck, "I didn't think that far ahead. See that's why I got you here. I'm impulsive, I think on the fly, but if I remember one thing from our quest together it's that your good with plans. You are a daughter of Athena afterall."

Annabeth smiled, "And your a son of Poseidon."

"Wait what?"

Annabeth laughed, "Oh my gods you are such a Seaweed Brain. You literally fell into the Mississippi River from 630 feet up. That impact alone should have killed you, let alone drowning. Plus you were poisoned and the water healed you. It wasn't hard to piece together."

"Oh. yeah, I forgot about that."

"How did you forget... You know what, nevermind. I'm in."

Percy's eyes widened, "What?"

"I said I'm in. I'd rather be in the know about what your doing than go in blind."

"So you trust me?"

"Not yet."

"But you'll help me."

"I'll help other demigods. And get you out when things inevitably backfire gloriously."

"Thank you."

Annabeth held out her hand, "Allies?"

Percy shook it with a smile, "Allies."

They made their way out of the cave when Percy remembered something, "Is now a bad time to tell you I have to throw you under the sky after this?"

Annabeth smacked the back of his head, "Ugh, your such a Seaweed Brain."

She grabbed Percy by the shoulders and pulled him into a hug whispering to him, "If you ever feel like your getting in too deep call me. I'll get you out."

Percy nodded, he never noticed how striking her grey eyes were before, "I trust you with my life."

Annabeth quickly looked away, "Come on, we got to put on a show, throw me around a bit."

"Don't worry, I won't let anything hurt you."

They made it back to the top and Percy took a breath. He ordered the guards harshly, "Switch them out. Give the goddess a break and put Annabeth in."

Annabeth gave a small nod and he shoved her towards Artemis. Annabeth placed her hands on the sky and braced herself. An exhausted Artemis was removed and the full weight of the sky beared down on Annabeth. Annabeth didn't make a single noise, the only indication being her scrunched up face. All of her energy was going towards holding up the sky. Percy watched anxiously. He noticed her hair start to turn white. Annabeth struggled under the weight, she fell to one knee when Percy jumped in and took the weight off of Annabeths shoulders. He called out, "Get her out of there! I can handle this."

Percy stood tall against the weight of the sky. Holding it up for what felt like an eternity until they could get Artemis back under. Finally the weight lifted off his shoulders and he collapsed, Annabeth catching him. She looked at him oddly, "Why did you do that?"

Percy gasped out, "I still need you. Couldn't let you die."

Annabeth helped Percy get upright. He waved her off, "I'm fine."

Annabeth gave him a look, "I think I need someone to escort me back to my cell."

Percy nodded and then announced, "I'm taking her back. No need to follow. Make sure everything is handled here."

Ethan Nakumuras eyes fell on them for a moment before nodding, "You heard him."

Percy and Annabeth supported eachother as they headed back to the cell. They sat on the floor of the cell together for a minute to breath. Annabeth sighed, "That was harder than anticipated."

Percy laughed, "It's the sky, what did you expect."

Annabeth laughed along with him, "Thank you."

Percy smiled at her, "Any time. I would do anything for those I- ah... haha, your important to me."

He quickly rambled out, "Because of my plan I mean. I need you for this to work."

Annabeth nodded, "Of course, of course. Yeah, that's it... Allies on opposite sides right?"

Percy chuckled, "Yeah."

He entwined a piece of her discolored hair between his fingers, "Hey, your hair..."

"Oh!"

She looked thoughtfully at him, "Yours too. Looks like we're matching."

Percy tucked the piece of hair behind her ear, "A symbol of our alliance."

Annabeth cleared her throat, "You should go check on things out there. Keep up appearances."

Percy stood up, "Yeah, yeah probably should make sure everything is okay up there."

On his way back Percy ran into Ethan, "What was that?"

Percy snapped back, "We need her alive. She's our bait. The others won't come if the bait is dead. Besides, She's useful. Other demigods are not the enemy. The Gods are."

Ethan argued, "She is our prisoner, you shouldn't have put yourself at risk like that for a prisoner. It makes you look weak."

Percy shut Ethan down, "Holding up the sky made me look WEAK? She's no good to us dead and I gained her trust. If I have her trust I can use her to work in our favor."

Percy grabbed Ethans shirt, "Remember whose in charge here. I know what I'm doing. Don't question me again."

Ethan glared and resigned himself, "Fine."

"Do you understand?"

"I understand."

Percy let go of Ethan, "Good. Remember that."

Things continued as normal for the next few days. Until Luke, Thalia, and Zöe arrived and chaos broke loose. Zöe fought against Atlas, Thalia ran to find Annabeth and Luke made a beeline for Percy. Percy held his sword at the ready. Rather than attack Percy Luke grabbed his arm and pulled him aside.

"What the hell do you think your doing? I know you think your doing the right thing but if you don't stop this your going to get yourself killed!"

Percy drew his sword and glanced behind Luke. He was being watched, "I am fully aware of how risky what I'm doing is. But it's something I have to do. I don't care if it kills me."

He pointed his sword at Luke, "Now yield. I don't want to fight you but I will if I have to."

Luke defensively raised his sword. Percy was about to attack when a strike of lightning hit between them. Percy was blown back to the edge of the mountain. Thalia stood over him holding a piece of paper, "Mind telling me what the hell this is?"

"A note?"

She aimed her bow at him, "You know exactly what I mean Jackson."

Percy sighed picking up his sword, "Everything in that message is true."

"Did you get her on your side or something? Get her to spy for you?"

Percy's eyes widened in offense, "Of course not! I would never ask someone to betray their family like that. But I told you, I have a plan. I know what I'm doing."

"Where is she?"

"Keep that arrow pointed at me and I'll show you."

Thalia kept her bow trained on Percy as they moved around the edges of the Chaos. Percy led her down a trail and the fighting quieted as they went. Percy looked around, "You can lower your bow now. I'm not going to pull anything, if no one is here to see it."

"What? Why?"

"You'd be surprised how much of what I do now is for show. Can't have anyone doubting my convictions."

Thalia lowered her bow slightly, "Your doubting Kronos."

Percy laughed, "Of course I am! I mean he lured me in at first telling me everything wrong with the gods. Which is all true, but then he started saying things like we have to tear apart Olympus, or bring him back to power. And like that's insane right? Like you'd have to be crazy to actually do that, then there was the empty promises. I could smell his bullshit a mile away. So I shifted my plans. Right now they align with working with Kronos."

Thalia lowered her bow completely, "But they won't stay that way. Whose side are you on anyways?"

"The demigods side."

They arrived at a rocky cell and Percy unlocked it. Annabeth looked up and saw Percy, she spit at him, "Here to kill me yet?"

Percy sighed rolling his eyes, "Annabeth I already told Thalia, she's in on it. Kind of."

Annabeth gave a shy smile, "Oh. Okay then. Why did you tell her?"

Thalia offered Annabeth a hand, "Technically I've sort of been in on it since the beginning. Percy left a message when I came back."

Percy shrugged, "A new piece was added to the board. Figured she should know what's up."

The fighting came back into earshot and Percy stopped them, "You guys go ahead. Remember, when we meet at the top we're enemies. You guys are not my friends. I can't be trusted. If we're not alone, don't believe a word I say."

Thalia nodded, "Got it. Come on Annabeth, let's go get Luke and the others and get out."

Annabeth nodded and they ran ahead. Percy waited a moment before running after them yelling, "She's escaped! Grab the girl!"

Percy chased them until they all stopped. Atlas had killed Zöe. Percy couldn't tear his eyes away. He muttered to himself, "No no no. This wasn't supposed to happen."

His men were still fighting a losing battle and they had successfully gotten Lady Artemis away and Atlas back under. That was a shame. He had hoped to talk to the goddess. He felt expectant eyes on him and he ordered his troops, "Retreat! Consider this mission a failure."

Percy could feel Kronos dissapointment in him. But Kronos continued telling him things nonetheless. Finally, one night Kronos finally proposed the rest of his plan to Percy.

"It's almost time for me to return but I need a vessel."

Percy tried not to show his fear, "A vessel?"

"Yes. I need your body before I can come to full power."

Percy's eyes widened, "My body? You can't possibly mean-"

"Yes. But first we need the blessing of your mother."

Percy spoke quietly, "I haven't spoken to my mother in years."

"Don't worry. I have means of persuasion to get her to agree."

Percy's blood ran cold, "Of course Lord Kronos."

Percy woke up in a cold sweat. Kronos had been using him just as much as Percy believed he was using Kronos. He had threatened his mom. Percy was going to die if he didn't get out of this soon. He needed to call Annabeth

Chapter Text

It had been months since Annabeth had last seen or heard from Percy. She was starting to wonder if he was telling the truth. Although he seemed so genuine when they were alone. Like he truly wanted her help. Although he told her himself not to trust him. She could only wait to hear what was next. She wasn't expecting to get an Iris Message at 3am out of nowhere.

"Annabeth? Annabeth!"

Annabeth mumbled awake, "Hm? Wha- Percy?"

Percy sighed in relief. But he still whispered urgently, "Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner I- A lot has happened. I haven't had a chance to reach you until now. He's been keeping a closer eye on me than he ever has before."

Percy took a shuddered breath, "Annabeth, there's too much to explain now but you HAVE to find my mom. I have her address, just please. Take her and get her somewhere safe."

Annabeth spoke gently, "Percy, is everything okay? What happened?"

"I can't- I just- He's coming after my mom, Annabeth. Please, just get her somewhere safe."

Annabeth nodded, "Of course. Percy remember what I told you. Anytime, just call me. We'll get you out, somehow."

Percy spoke in a shaky voice, "I know, I know. But I can't leave now. Not yet."

Percy gave her the address and she jotted it down. They ended the call and Annabeth went back to sleep for a few hours. In the morning she told Luke they were leaving and called Grover. An hour later Grover arrived back at camp, "Heyy Annabeth. What's going on? You said it had something to do with Percy. How has he been doing? It's been a while."

Annabeth gave him a sympathetic look, "He's been... doing his own thing lately."

Luke spoke bluntly, "He joined Kronos."

Annabeth jabbed her elbow into Luke's side at that comment, "What? I can't say he joined Kronos? It's true. Why did you ask us here anyways?"

"We need to find Mrs. Jackson and get her to camp."

Luke looked very confused, "Why?"

"He didn't tell me. He just said we need to get her to safety."

Grover was very distressed, "Percy joined Kronos!? I mean I heard rumors about him gathering forces but Percy? He wouldnt..."

Luke spoke, "He did. Annabeth, what if this is a trap?"

Annabeth spoke with indignation, "It's not. You weren't there. When he called me... gods, he just- he's desperate. He wouldn't of asked me to do this if he wasn't."

Grover anxiously nodded, "She's right. I know Percy, he's a mama's boy. He'd never put her in danger by using her as bait or something. He loves her too much to do that."

Luke hesitated before finally giving in, "Fine. What's the address?"

They left camp and got a taxi to Sally's apartment complex. On the way Annabeth filled Grover in on some of what he'd missed. She tried to paint Percy in a sympathetic light, but over the last few years he made that somewhat difficult.

By the end of the car ride Grover was shook to say the least. He apparently had no idea what had been happening. Finally they had arrived and Annabeth, Grover and Luke waited until someone left to walk in. Once they reached the apartment door Annabeth knocked. The door opened and Sally stood there stunned. Grover gave a shy wave, "Hi Sally."

"Ah, Hello Grover. Other... demigods? I presume. Please come in."

She welcomed them in and the three of them sat on the couch. Sally spoke as she moved about the area, "Sorry about the mess, I wasn't expecting guests. I assume your here about Percy?"

Annabeth sighed, "About Percy..."

Sally's face fell, "Oh gods. Please don't tell me he's dead."

Grover spoke quickly, "No! No he's not dead!"

Sally's face filled with relief, "Oh good. I was worried when I saw 2 demigods and a satyr at my door. Oh, I'm sorry I didn't quite catch your names. I mean, I know Grover of course but I've never met you two."

Annabeth offered a hand, "I'm Annabeth Chase. I'm a friend of Percy's."

Sally took the hand warmly and turned to Luke, "Luke. I accompanied him on his first quest."

Sally greeted him with a smile, "Thank you for keeping him safe Luke."

Luke fidgeted with his hands. There was a ding from the oven and Sally smiled, "Ah! Would any of you like cookies? Their fresh from the oven."

Grover practically drooled, "Oh Sally, you have no idea how much I've missed your baking!"

Luke shifted uncomfortably, "I- no thanks. I'm not really a fan of cookies."

Annabeth looked at Luke for a moment before politely responding, "I'll have some. Thank you, Mrs. Jackson."

"Oh please, call me Sally."

Sally left for the kitchen and came back a few minutes later with a plate of... blue cookies? Grover dug right in, while Annabeth hesitated. Sally laughed, "Their okay, It's just food coloring. I make them blue because, well it's a whole thing."

Annabeth tentatively took one and ate it, "Oh my gods, this is the best cookie I've ever had."

Sally chuckled before sitting across from them. She spoke in a gentle, but serious tone, "Now you said this had something to do with Percy? Now I know he would never stay away from home this long without reason. Especially since he hasn't contacted me either. That boy called me near every day when he was out at boarding schools, so what's going on with him?"

Luke spoke first, "Percy has been manipulated by some evil beings lately. He's left camp and has joined with a Titan."

Sally sighed, "Of course he did. Percy, what have you gotten yourself into."

Annabeth continued, "Anyways, I've been in contact with him recently. We have an agreement. He went quiet for months after we allied with eachother and then called me late last night. He sounded scared. He said we needed to find you and get you somewhere safe."

Luke looked at Annabeth, "I didn't know about that."

"You didn't need to know. If I told you all the details it could put everything at risk, I'm sorry."

Sally intervened, "He asked you to get me somewhere safe, do you have any idea why?"

"No. He didn't tell me anything else. He seemed really distraught, it was late at night when he called. But he did say Kronos threatened to hurt you."

Sally nodded thinking, "Okay. Let's think about this for a moment. If I leave here and they come here and find out I left, that puts Percy in danger. They'll realize someone gave me a heads up. I can't put my baby in danger like that."

Annabeth started to argue, "We can take you to camp, one of us can invite you in! You'll be safe."

Sally gently clasped Annabeths hand, "Annabeth, camp is a safe place for you all. I'm a target now, if I leave that's the first place they'll look. I can't in good conscience compromise the only safe place for demigods like that, and like I said, if I leave they'll realize Percy said something and he will be in danger."

"What will you do then?"

"I'll talk to my son when he arrives."

Luke stood up, "Well, thank you Mrs. Jackson. Keep safe."

Sally looked at him with a small frown, "Actually, Luke, I'd like to speak with you privately. Is that okay?"

Luke gave a nod to Grover and Annabeth and they waited outside. Sally gave Luke a kind smile, "Are you doing okay?"

Luke looked surprised, "What?"

She spoke kindly, "You seem tense, do you want to talk about it?"

Luke stayed silent for a moment before Sighing, "I feel like it's my fault all of this is happening."

Sally put a hand on his shoulder, "Luke, none of this is on you. Percy has made his own choices and you've done the best you can. I trust him to make the right choice in the end."

Luke muttered, "That's what I'm worried about."

Sally gave him a warm hug and sent him on his way. Luke was stressed, Percy continued to follow in his steps and things weren't looking good. Although there might be some hope for Percy with him having the sense to call Annabeth for help. Luke didn't know what was up with that whole allies thing, but that only mixed him up more. For a while he could figure out where Percy's head was, what he was planning. But now things had gone off the rails and Percy had become completely unpredictable. The fact that Kronos needed Percy's mom for something didn't bode well. That could only mean one thing, and soon it would be too late for Luke to have any hope of saving Percy.
___________________________

A week later Annabeth got another late night IM from Percy. He had dark bags under his eyes and he looked disheveled. He desperately spoke, "Did you get my mom somewhere safe?"

Annabeth examined the state of Percy, "We did talk to your mother but she wouldn't leave. She wasn't willing to risk you or anyone else's safety like that."

Percy put his head in his hands and paced anxiously. He sounded like he wanted to cry, "No no no no no no. He's going to- No I can't I can't."

Annabeth interrupted his distressed ramblings, "Percy! What is happening?"

Percy shook his hands, "I can't I have to- I don't know."

Annabeths gaze softened, "Percy, when was the last time you slept?"

He shook his head, "Can't sleep. he's there. He'll know."

Annabeth had a determined look on her face, "That's it. Percy I'm getting you out of there."

Percy had a panicked look on his face, "No you can't!"

Annabeth crossed her arms, "One month. If I don't hear from you or your not in a better mental space I'm coming to get you."

Before Percy could argue Annabeth ended the Iris Message.
______________________

It had been 2 weeks since his last call with Annabeth. He had done his best not to sleep but he was still mortal. Kronos filled his dreams with a terrifying combination of promises of grandeur and threats. Percy felt like he was losing his mind. He needed to get out, but he wouldn't put anyone else in danger because of his stupid mistakes. In the dead of night Percy took a bag and stole some food, nectar and Ambrosia. He put a hoodie on and and made sure Riptide was in his pocket. Finally, making sure no one was around he left. He jumped into the ocean and found his way to a shoreline and started running. It wouldn't be long before Kronos sent men after him and if he got caught it was over. He couldn't go to camp either because no one trusted him. They would never help him. So he just ran through the woods of somewhere. Until he tripped and fell into a hole.

He found himself in what looked like a hall. He continued moving through the twists and turns of this strange place. He didn't care where he was going, just that he was getting away from Kronos. Eventually he couldn't stay awake any longer and he fell asleep. For once he had no dreams. When he woke up Percy realized, not even Kronos could reach him here.

After spending a few days in this strange place Percy realized a few things. This place was hostile and dangerous. Threats were around every corner. He also found that he couldn't go back the way he came, like the place was changing as he moved through it. It was almost maddening. But it was Percy's best bet. Besides, Percy didn't know how to get out of here even if he wanted to.
_____________________________

It had been a month and Annabeth had heard radio silence from Percy. She was ready to go and get him herself at this point. Unfortunately Annabeth had no idea where the Princess Andromeda was right now. She had no way to get to him. She needed to think so Annabeth decided to take a walk in the woods, fight a few monsters to clear her head.
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Percy had lost track of how long he'd been in the strange underground place. He hadn't seen daylight in who knows how long. Being down there was starting to take its toll on him. He already wasn't in good shape when he fell down there, but he wasn't sure how much longer he could stay and hold on to his sanity. He had been aimlessly wandering for a while when he ran into another wall. But this one was different. It was at a slant, Percy could climb it if he tried. He saw sunlight seep through a rock at the top. He quickly climbed up and moved the rock out of the way. He pulled himself out from wherever he'd been and heard a scream.

"Percy!?"

Chapter Text

Percy reached for Annabeth, "Are you real? Please tell me your real."

Annabeth helped him up and he practically fell into her. The two looked at eachother for a moment. Percy was in worse shape than the last time she'd seen him. His hair had grown out and he was filthy. His eyes were striking against the dirt on his face.

"Percy what happened?"

"I-I got out. I ran, but then I tripped and there was this hole. That place, I don't know what it is but it's definitely a mythical thing. It's- it changes as you go so you can't find a way back. It's dangerous Annabeth."

Annabeths eyes widened, "The Labyrinth. Percy how did you navigate?"

"I didn't. I was more aimlessly wandering until I almost couldn't take it anymore and I found a way out."

"Percy we have to get you back to camp."

Percy stepped away from Annabeth stumbling, "No! No I can't go to camp. Their going to want to kill me if I go."

Annabeth stepped towards him, "No one is going to hurt you there Percy."

Percy raised his arms, "I still can't go. Not now."

Annabeth sighed, "Fine. I can sneak you out but where am I taking you?"

Percy almost sounded like he wanted to cry, "I want to go home."

Annabeth nodded and led him out of the forest. It was dusk now and almost curfew. There were only a few older demigods wandering around the camp. Annabeth waited until the coast was clear and they made a break for Thalias tree. Percy's gaze lingered on it as they passed. Everything was his fault. Luke was right, he should've turned back the first time. He needed to clear his head, and he really missed his mom. She always helped him sort out his feelings. He left before Kronos demanded her location so she was still safe. They got out of camp and Annabeth hailed a taxi. It was dark now, Percy looked at the stars. There was a constellation he had never seen before. An archer. They arrived at Sally's door and Percy breathed before knocking. Sally opened the door and her gaze fell on Percy. Her and Percy's eyes filled with tears. She breathed, "Percy."

Percy's voice broke, "Mom."

She immediatly embraced him, clutching his head in her hand. She kissed his head, "Oh Percy. Baby, what happened?"

Percy just cried in his mother's arms. Annabeth awkwardly waved, "I'll just leave you two and get back to camp..."

Sally looked up at Annabeth, "Thank you."

Annabeth smiled in response before leaving. Annabeth took Percy inside and sat him on the couch next to her. He leaned into his mom's arms. They sat there for a while, Sally stroking Percy's head in comfort. After a while of this Sally gently nudged Percy, "How about you go get yourself cleaned up. I have clothes I was saving for your growth spurt in your room. After that we can sit down and talk, okay?"

Percy nodded and left. He went to his room which was almost untouched, aside from the fact it had been cleaned up. He picked out a hoodie, and some sweatpants and headed to the shower. He felt better as soon as the water hit him. He would fix this. He had to.
_______________________________

Percy had spent the rest of the year talking to Annabeth and doing homeschooling. He had missed a lot so for the time being regular school was out of the question. He told Annabeth everything he knew about Kronos's plan and they started strategizing together. Finally it was Summer and Annabeth was picking him up to take him to camp. Percy was hesitant about the idea at first but Annabeth reassured him that they would need him there. The door opened while Percy was getting his shoes on, "Hey, I just got to grab my back quick then were good to go."

Sally called to him, "Did you pack your toothbrush?"

Percy rolled his eyes, "Yes mom."

Annabeth giggled, "Hi Sally. It's good to see you."

Percy grabbed his bag and gave his mom a quick hug.

"Stay safe, I love you."

"Love you too, bye mom."

They reached the top of Halfblood hill and Percy was ready to turn back. Annabeth grabbed his arm dragging him along so he couldn't run away again. The campers stared as they passed giving them a wide berth. Annabeth shoved him towards Hermes cabin, "Alright Seaweed Brain. Your still technically unclaimed so have fun with Luke in the Hermes cabin. You can add your name to the theory board though."

Percy pushed the door and it creaked open. The cabin went silent. Luke turned around from talking to a new camper and saw him.

"Hey Luke."

Luke had his arms crossed, "What are you doing here?"

Percy rubbed his neck, "I really fucked up."

Luke looked at Percy for a moment before his face lit up, "Your back? Your with us now?"

Percy sheepishly smiled, "Ah, yeah, yeah I'm back. Listen I'm sorry about everything."

Luke just shook his head, "Don't worry about it. I get it, I'm just happy You got out of there before it was too late."

Percy mumbled, "I almost didn't."

Luke patted Percy on the back, "Go ahead and set your stuff with that sleeping bag."

He pointed to a sleeping bag in the corner. Annabeth popped in, "Luke, Percy, we need you at the big house. Counselors meeting."

Everyone was gathered in the rec room around the ping pong table. The energy in the room was tense and all attention was on Percy. Clarisse glared, "What is HE doing here? He's a traitor."

Percy stared her down defiantly, "I'm here to help you guys. I never meant for things to go this far, but I know all of their plans, and strategies. Annabeth and I have been working on plans to counter their attacks."

Chiron tilted his head in curiosity.

"Kronos is going to come to power. That's not a threat. I don't want that any more than you guys. It's just a fact. He's planning on taking a mortal host and destroying Olympus. He wanted to use me but I couldn't let that happen."

Luke spoke calmly, "A regular demigod would never be able to withstand that kind of power inside them for long. He needed Percy's mom for something so I suspect he needs a demigod to dip in the Styx."

Annabeths eyes widened, "Make them invulnerable."

Percy continued and gave the coordinates of location of the Princess Andromeda when he was last there, "If we need to locate them again I can find them. Just get me in the water."

Clarisse leaned in, "How do we know we can trust him."

Annabeth spoke up, "I can vouche for Percy. We talked at Mount Orthys and we already had an agreement. He's with us."

Percy continued telling them everything he knew.

"The past few years were just him gathering forces. Making allies with immortals as well as using me to manipulate other demigods into joining him. You've probably noticed less demigods coming through, cabins getting smaller."

Everyone stared at Percy.

"What is it? Do I have something on my face?"

Charlie breathed, "It's a good thing we got you on our side now."

Chiron kneeled, "Hail Perseus Jackson. Son of Poseidon."

Percy looked up to see a glowing trident above his head. He smirked. Took him long enough. Nico smiled in relief, "Oh thank gods it's not me!"

Percy looked at him perplexed, "What do you mean?"

Nico looked uncomfortable, "Oh. No one told you?"

Percy sighed, "No one really got the chance. Why are you all looking at me like that?"

Luke averted his eyes avoiding eye contact, "There's a prophecy. It's centuries old but we think it's coming to fruition soon. Everyone had hoped Nico bought us a few years but... your a child of one of the big three. So that went out the window."

Percy blinked, "What does my parentage have to do with this?"

Annabeth responded, "A child of the big 3 is supposed to make a choice that will either destroy or save Olympus when they turn 16."

It felt like the weight of the sky fell on him, "Oh. I- I'm turning 15. If I hadn't... oh gods."

The horror of what could have happened set in. If Kronos hadn't jumped the gun on telling Percy his plan he might not have left. Percy didn't want to think about how far he might even gone. Or what that would have meant for Olympus. Luke grabbed his shoulders, "Percy, look at me. This all happening was inevitable. Nothing could prevent it. All of this and the prophecy was going to happen regardless. You can't prevent a prophecy. You cannot avoid fate. Often you meet it in attempts to avoid it. Just look at any Greek tragedy. Trust me, these things were going to happen one way or another."

"What if I make the wrong choice. I already messed everything up, we wouldn't even have to worry about Kronos if I had just left everything alone!"

Luke spoke sternly, "This is not your fault. All of this was inevitable. This has all been brewing for a long time, you were just unfortunate enough to get caught in it. Percy, I trust you. Don't worry about what's going to happen later. We all have a little over a year to figure out what to do. We will cross that bridge when we get to it."

Percy nodded. Luke gave him a smile, "Now let's just get your things from Hermes cabin and get you settled back into camp. We have a new sword instructor you should meet."

When Percy went to collect his things he was met with a lot of stares. He tried to avoid everyone but he couldn't help but notice how there were significantly less campers in that cabin. He knew exactly where they were, he had led them away from camp in the first place. Cabin 3 was empty. There was a fountain in the corner and a couple bunk beds. But Percy would be the only one here. Being the only camper in cabin 3 also meant he was automatically made a Head counselor. Luke met him outside and they walked to the sword arena.

The new instructor was nice to Percy. He introduced himself to Percy as Quintus. Quintus took a sword and asked to spar with Percy.

"Are you sure? Your not worried I'll try to kill you or something?"

Quintus smiled, "Now why would you kill me?"

Percy scuffed his foot on the dirt, "I don't know, I guess I just assumed everyone would see me as a threat?"

"Prove it."

"What?"

Quintus smiled and readied his sword, "Prove that you can be a threat. Show me what you can do. Your skill and threat level doesn't change just because you switched sides. Now you can direct that at the real enemy. I want to see where your at, your strengths and weaknesses."

Percy nodded slowly, starting to understand. Percy struck first. The two exchanged blows for a while until Quintus disarmed him and Percy surrendered. Quintus reached out and offered Percy a hand to pick him up. Quintus smiled at him, "That was pretty good for a rogue demigod. Your offense is strong but your defense needs work. You have a natural affinity for this."

Percy grinned, "Thanks. I uh, I did some training when I was... away. But it was mostly focused on attacking the opponent instead of protecting yourself."

Percy trained a while longer with Quintus and found Luke watching at the edge of the arena.

"Hey Percy, finally see that camp isn't so bad?"

Percy frowned, "The problem isn't with camp. It never was. It's with them, and how they treat us. It's wrong."

Luke nodded Sighing. "I know."

Percy ran his hands through his hair, "I just- I need you to understand I'm not doing any of this for the gods. I didn't have some change of heart, or big revelation of switching sides. My priorities have just been rearranged."

Luke walked with him, "Okay. That's completely fair. The Gods don't deserve our respect. Putting down our lives for them. I've known that for a long time. You just have to tell yourself it's not for them. It's for eachother, for your real family, for the mortals who don't even realize the world hangs in the balance."

Luke took Percy by the shoulders and made eye contact, "Percy. I know the gods are terrible. But you cannot let Kronos convince you replacing them with another power hungry immortal will work. The Gods are awful but they can be swayed. Some of them will listen. Kronos never will."

Percy swallowed and nodded. Luke was right, "You know, I'm kind of tired I'll head to my cabin."

Percy ran off to Cabin 3. He layed in his bunk thinking. The Gods cannot be allowed to keep doing this, but a Titan was no better. The Gods might listen but contact is nearly impossible if they don't kill him on sight. Kronos was already rising and something had to be done. Percy fell asleep only sure of one thing. War was on the Horizon. The only question is whose side would he be on

Chapter Text

That night Percy dreamed. He was back facing the horrifyingly familiar cavern, but he was further away from it. Almost tucked away— hidden. Percy realized he wasn't alone. Standing where he used to be was someone he couldn't quite make out. Kronos spoke, "Two demigods have already forsaken me and lost their way. I need you to have absolute loyalty if you want our vision for the future to come to fruition."

The figure kneeled, "Of course Lord Kronos. They were weak in their convictions. I will not waver. I will force them to see me. To see all of us."

There was a moment before Kronos spoke, "We are not alone. Come little traitor, face the consequences of your actions."

The scene shifted and he was in a clearing at camp. There were two armies and Percy was the only one standing in between them. On one side was monsters, giants and rogue demigods, and on the other side was camp. He spotted someone unexpected on the side of Kronos army. But something was off about him.

"Luke?"

The two locked eyes and Luke's eyes flickered before fading from gold to blue. He lowered his sword and ran across to the other side. The scene changed and suddenly the Titan army was gone and Percy was standing in front of a bonfire with two burial shrouds. One for an Apollo kid, and the other for a child of Dionysus. Everything felt like it was spinning and Percy was by himself, facing an older, battle hardened version of himself. The older versions voice echoed, "Don't let it happen again."

Percy gasped awake. He sat up to catch his breath. Percy rubbed his face, he needed to figure out his next move.
_______________________________________

At breakfast Percy could tell everyone was avoiding him. People kept shooting him glances and whispering as he passed by. He wasn't too bothered by it, he had more important things to worry about, like what to do next. His mind was turning with ideas and potential moves. They could try exploring the labyrinth, he was sure if they could navigate it somehow it would give them an advantage, there was also an entrance leading straight into camp which could pose a problem if Kronos somehow found it. That would be incredibly risky though. He had been in it once and nearly went mad circling for days until he found a way out.

There was also another plan forming in his head. He knew of a base at Mount St. Helen's where they were making weapons. If they could infiltrate the base and destroy it somehow, their weapon supply would be cut off.

He was startled out of his thoughts when a plate dropped in front of him. Annabeth sat across from him looking at him like a puzzle she was trying to solve.

"What are you doing here? Aren't you not allowed to sit at other tables."

Annabeth shrugged, "Whose going to stop me? Someone needed to snap you out of your brooding, you're scaring people off."

Percy whined, "I was not brooding!"

Annabeth smugly took a bite of her food, "Brooding."

Percy rolled his eyes, "Shut up. I have a couple of ideas but I want to run them by you."

Annabeth raised her brow, "I hope it doesn't involve you going back to Kronos as a spy again because that little plan of yours kind of crashed and burned."

"No, no not that."

He told her about the base at Mount St. Helen's and the Labyrinth and its potential threat.

Annabeth nodded, "Okay, first things first, let's focus on taking out the base, it's a lot less risky and has a better reward. Then we worry about the Labyrinth. If we do go down there let's bring Nico, he's a child of Hades so he's most likely to be able to somewhat navigate down there. You and I will go take out the base."

"Sounds like a plan."

The two stood up and Annabeth made her offering. Percy didn't leave one. The Gods hadn't done anything for him. His father claiming him didn't change that fact. Working with Kronos worked in getting their attention. Percy had only intended to use him as a threat, bring the gods down a peg. But fully bringing Kronos back was too far. After breakfast they talked to Chiron. He approved of them leaving for the base but said exploring the Labyrinth was too risky. As of right now Kronos didn't know about it and bringing attention to it would risk that, not to mention the danger to anyone who went in. For now they decided to have it be lightly guarded just in case anything did happen. Percy was packing up to leave when Luke walked into his cabin.

"You didn't think you'd leave without me did you?"

"Since when were you coming? I mean I'm not exactly complaining but nobody told us."

"I talked to Chiron, quests come in three. I won't even interfere with any of your plans, I'm just there to make sure the two of you don't die on the way. Think of me as a chaperone of sorts."

Percy sputtered, "We do not need a chaperone!"

Luke leaned against the door, "Sure you don't. Because a couple of teenagers travelling across the country alone is so inconspicuous. I'm an adult, so if I'm there it's not nearly as suspicious."

Percy sighed in resignation, "Fine. You can come."

Luke laughed, "Not exactly your decision, but thanks for your approval."

The three of them met at Thalias tree and they set off. They got dropped off at a bus stop and traveled as far as they were able before switching busses. They had been travelling for hours when Luke looked at the bus schedule and groaned.

"Next bus isn't until tomorrow morning. We should find somewhere to stay until we can find another way to travel."

Annabeth looked at the map and frowned, "We're in Virginia?"

Percy looked at the map, "Looks like we're about 20 minutes from Richmond."

Annabeth bit her lip, "I think I know a place we can stay."

Luke's eyes widened, "Annabeth are you sure? I know you... we don't have to go back there if you don't want to. We can figure something else out."

Annabeth had a determined look in her eyes, "I'm sure."

She turned to Percy, "Give me some quarters. I need to make a call." She demanded.

Percy shot her a look, "No. At least not if you ask like that. Rude."

Annabeth huffed and wrestled the bag of coins from Percy, "Hey!"

Annabeth just rolled her eyes, "You are impossible sometimes, I don't know why I put up with you."

Annabeth walked over to a payphone and hesitated before punching in the number.

"Hello?"

Annabeths breath caught, "Who is this?"

Annabeth thought about hanging up, but the idea of facing Percy and Luke if she couldn't make a simple phone call was worse than this. She steeled herself, "Dad?"

The voice on the other end gasped, "Annabeth, Why... what are you calling for?"

Annabeth swallowed, "I need your help."

"Are you okay? What do you need me to do?"

"I'm at the bus stop that's 20 minutes out. I have a few friends here and we need somewhere to stay for the night. Only one night and then were gone, we'll be out of your hair again."

Dr. Chase paused, "Is that it?"

Annabeth spoke firmly, "Yes."

"I'll be right there. Annabeth you know we-"

She hung up cutting him off and rejoined her friends. Percy looked at her expectantly, "So?"

"He's on his way."

Luke looked at her empathetically, "You didn't have to do that."

Annabeth had a resolute look on her face, "Yes I did. It had to happen eventually. I can't run forever."

The three of them waited sitting at a bench until a car pulled up. Luke sat in the front seat while Percy and Annabeth sat in the back. Luke sat stiffly, "Thank you, Doctor Chase."

Percy gave Annabeth a look, she refused eye contact and turned away.

"Please, call me Frederick. So... Your friends of Anna Elizabeth?"

Percy mouthed "Anna Elizabeth" in bewilderment. Annabeth snapped, "I don't go by that anymore. I only go by Annabeth."

Frederick nodded gripping the steering wheel, "Of course, yeah. So how did you all meet?"

Luke gave Frederick a frosty look, "I found her in an alley with a hammer when she was 7. I could tell she was strong so she came along until we got to camp. She's like my sister."

"She stalked me and then we went on a quest together."

Annabeth defended, "I did not stalk you. I was just observing you to see if I was right. And I was."

"When I asked you literally admitted that you were stalking me."

Annabeth rolled her eyes, "Potato potato."

Percy shot back, "You just said potato twice you didn't even say it right."

"Who cares?"

Percy argued, "If your going to use a saying at least use it right. Saying potato twice doesn't even make sense."

The two continued bickering until Luke reached his arm back and snapped, "Guys! Quit it. I have had enough of your fighting, just admit that you like eachother and be done with it. You are 15 years old. Act like it."

They both blushed and turned away muttering things about it not being like that but ultimately stayed quiet. The rest of the car ride was awkward. They finally arrived, Percy gave Annabeth an incredulous look when he saw the size of her childhood home. Annabeths stepmother greeted Frederick at the door. Her eyes fell on the 3 of them and her smile went strained. She subtly pushed 2 kids behind her.

"Annabeth, You didn't tell us you were coming."

Annabeth replied cooly, "Don't worry, we'll be gone by morning."

She walked in the door not sparing a glance at her stepmother. Percy gave a polite wave to her and the two kids as he followed behind. Annabeth turned to her father, "We can sleep in the living room."

Frederick's face fell, "You aren't sleeping in your room?"

Annabeth gave her dad an intense look, "I'd rather stay down here with my friends."

Frederick sighed, "Annabeth this isn't about the spider thing is it? Because I told you there was nothing to worry about-"

Annabeth cut him off, "No. No were not doing this again. Not in front of them. Just- we can talk later okay."

Her dad conceded, "Okay."

Frederick brought them blankets and pillows and they got settled. Frederick lingered in the entryway until Annabeth agreed to go with him to talk, "I'll be right back."

Luke sat next to Percy while she was gone. The two sat quietly until Percy broke the silence, "So what's the deal with Annabeth and her dad?"

Luke thought for a moment before responding, "I don't know all of the details but she ran away when she was 7, so clearly there were some problems. She mentioned something about spiders and concerns about monsters. Eventually she had enough of it and left. I never pushed the subject because I get it."

Percy spoke quietly, "I thought about running away a lot when I was a kid. I never did, but it was definitely tempting."

That wasn't a response Luke expected. He didn't know much about Percy's family situation but Sally seemed nice when he met her. Percy had never spoken bad about his family, now or before. Given before Luke didn't really give Percy the chance to talk about much as they were trying to kill eachother.

"I thought your mom was nice."

Percy smiled, "She is! She's amazing I don't know why she puts up with me so much. No it had nothing to do with her."

Percy's face darkened, "I had a Stepfather, Gabe. He was... he was not good. Mom was only married to him because he smelled so bad he covered my scent from monsters."

Luke made a face imagining how bad that smell would have been. Percy laughed humorlessly, "Yeah. He gambled playing poker a lot and would force me to fund it. If I tried to say no or tell someone... well you get the idea. I don't think mom knew about any of that otherwise she wouldn't have stayed with him so long, smell be damned."

Luke gave Percy an empathetic look, "That's awful. I'm sorry you and your mom had to live like that."

Percy shrugged, "Well we don't have to worry about him anymore. You remember Medusa?"

Luke narrowed his eyes, "Yes..."

"Well it made its way to my mom and now he's a statue. Mom sold him off to pay for college."

Luke chuckled, "Your mom is badass."

Percy smiled, "Don't I know it. I was grounded for months after the stunt I pulled."

The two were laughing together when Annabeth came back miffed. She fluffed her pillows and pointedly said, "We're leaving first thing in the morning."
__________________________________________

Luke woke up groggily to Annabeth shaking him awake. Looking at a window he saw that the sun hadn't even come up yet. He rubbed his eyes, "What time is it?"

Annabeth stepped over him moving on to Percy, "5am. Come on were leaving now."

Percy groaned and turned away grumbling. Annabeth proceeded to rip the blanket off of him. Percy raised his hands in surrender, "Okay okay I'm up. Gods wisegirl."

Annabeth stood unimpressed, "Come on. Were leaving."

"Already?"

Annabeth shouldered her backpack, "Yes."

The boys tiredly followed her as they left the house without a word. They hiked down the road following Annabeth. By mid morning they arrived at a train station. She passed them tickets for a train to Texas.

After a while on the train Annabeth stood up, "I'm going to get some air." Leaving Percy and Luke alone. Luke tried to break the tension, "Well this is nostalgic."

Percy took a breath before speaking, "I know this is probably a sore topic, but I know about Annabeths family now, and you know about mine. But I don't know anything about your family aside from the fact Hermes is your dad."

Luke sucked in a breath. He would rather not talk about this, but it was only fair. And Percy had been willing to open up to him last night.

"Yeah, yeah of course. It was just me and my mom. Hermes visited once but... well it didn't exactly go well. She was clear sighted and had some prophetic gifts. Apollo thought she might be able to break the curse and become the new Oracle. She um, she couldn't handle it. She had these... episodes. It scared me so I ran away. Found Thalia, then we found Annabeth and then Grover found us."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

Luke forced a smile. "Not its okay. It was no one's fault, not really. I used to blame the gods for it but they couldn't have known what would happen."

A thought struck Luke. A terrifying idealistic thought because it gave him hope. His mother was the way she was because she was seeing Luke's fate. But maybe- maybe it could be different now. If she wasn't seeing his death anymore... he couldn't let his mind go there. He didn't want to be dissapointed and have to deal with all those feelings again. He pushed it to the side for now. He had more important things to worry about. Like helping Percy and Annabeth throughout this trip.

After 2 days of travel they arrived in Texas. They took a bus to a deserted place and started walking. Percy complained, "Annabeth what are we doing in Texas?"

Annabeth huffed, "WE are not here to do anything. YOU are here to cut some ties."

Percy groaned, "Wisegirl you don't mean-"

"Yes. I do. We needed to get West and he was on the way. It was either this or retracing our steps and I doubt you'd ever want to go back to the Arch."

Percy sighed, "This is a bad idea. We're in the middle of a desert what am I going to be able to do?"

Luke laughed, "Did you forget that your an incredible swordsman?"

Annabeth rolled her eyes, "You do realize most deserts used to be Oceans. If they were under your fathers domain before I'm sure you could figure something out."

Percy looked stricken, "Oh. Huh."

They stopped up a hill. Upon seeing where they were Percy sighed, "Not this guy. He's so- ugh."

A 3 headed beast greeted them, "Welcome to Triple G ranch. Perseus Jackson, I see you've brought hostag- friends."

Percy rolled his eyes, "They chose to be here Geryon."

"Well, I better take them as collateral then."

"Wait no-"

Two other monsters showed up and took hold of Luke and Annabeth. They yanked the two of them away leaving Percy alone. Percy stood unwavering, "So I guess you've heard then."

Geryon laughed, "That you're a dirty traitor? Of course! Everyone's heard by now."

Percy gritted his teeth, "What do you want?"

Geryon smirked, "I just want you to do me a favor and I'll let your friends go."

Percy snipped back, "What."

"A simple task really. I just need you to clean my stables."

Percy glared and stuck his hand out, "Deal."

Geryon led Percy to the field. He grinned as they arrived, "Oh, did I mention they are flesh eating. Good luck."

He laughed as he walked away leaving Percy alone. Percy saw a river nearby, but he cringed at imagining what pollution that would cause. And chances are there was a nymph there. He didn't want to ruin her home if he could find another solution. He scuffed his feet thinking of a way to solve this. That's when he saw something in the sand, a seashell fossil. Annabeth had said the desert was under his dad's domain at one point. Maybe he could still do something with that. He picked up the fossil and summoned the power of the Ocean.

To his surprise it actually worked. A wave of water came from the ground and washed away the manure from the stables. Percy cheered triumphantly. He went the the farmhouse and found Geryon, the two monsters, Luke and Annabeth.

"I did it."

Geryon did a double take, "What?"

Percy leaned against the couch, "I did it, I cleaned the stables. Now give me my friends back."

Geryon laughed, "I never said anything about giving your friends back."

Percy growled as he uncapped Riptide and swung. Percy's sword hit Geryon right in the chest. Geryon grinned, "I have 3 chests. You would have to take out all three at the same time to kill me."

Percy glowered, "Thanks for the tip."

He blocked a hit from one of the monsters and killed it. The other monster came at him and he countered with a sidestep before stabbing it. Before Geryon could react he stabbed him from the side through like a kebab. Geryon turned to dust and Percy untied his two friends.

"Let's get out of here."

Both Luke and Annabeth responded, "Agreed."

They got on another train headed to California. After a few hours on the train there was a knock on their compartment door, the three looked at eachother confused. Percy opened the door, ready to uncapped Riptide if needed. He was met with a ginger mortal girl.

"Finally! I found you guys. You're late!"

Percy blinked, "What?"

"It's a long story, just let me in okay."

"Woah hold on now-"

She pushed past Percy. When she entered she zeroed in on Luke, "You."

Luke swallowed, "Can I help you?"

The girl pointed an accusatory finger at Luke, "This is all your fault! You messed everything up. And now my dreams are all jumbled! I don't know what's supposed to happen here or if it already happened before."

Luke's eyes widened, "Oh. Oh no."

The girl nodded, "Yeah, like I get trying to be better and save people but you fucked it all up and now everything is weird."

Luke rubbed the back of his head, "My bad."

"You really thought you could just opt out? Someone has to take your place in everything."

Luke defended himself, "Well I know that now."

The girl whacked him in the head with a blue hairbrush, "Ow!"

"Don't pull this shit again."

She turned to a very confused Annabeth and Percy, "Hi, sorry, I'm Rachel Elizabeth Dare! And you two must be Percy and Annabeth."

Percy shook her hand a bit taken aback, "Uh, yeah. Why did you find us?"

Rachel shrugged, "Mostly to find you guys and chew him out."

Annabeth spoke before anyone else could respond, "Well you did that, so bye."

Rachel glared at Luke again then smiled at Percy. She gave him a little wave as she left. "Keep in touch!"

Annabeth rolled her eyes, "She's weird."

Percy cleared his throat, "Yeah that was... strange."
___________________________________________

They finally arrived to California exhausted and in need of somewhere to rest. They passed by a guy standing outside of a mattress store. He gave them a crooked smile, "Hello, you lot look tired. Care to take a look at some water beds?"

The three exchanged looks. Luke was too tired to stop them from agreeing, "You know what sure."

The man led them inside, "Welcome to Crustys Water Bed Palace. I'm Crusty, don't worry about the size of the beds. I always ensure they fit."

Luke was starting to get suspicious of this guy, but his exhaustion overrode his instincts telling him something was off. Crusty led him to a bed, just as Luke was going to sit Crustys head went rolling. Percy stood behind him with Riptide out, "Woah! What the hell Percy!?"

Percy pointed to the floor where Procrustes was already becoming dust, "Had a bad feeling about him."

Annabeth sputtered, "So you just cut his head off!? What if he was mortal?"

Percy shrugged, "Then Riptide would have gone right through him and he would be fine. But I was right so no harm no foul."

Luke noticed something about the beds, ropes on the corners, "Annabeth look at this, he was going to trap us."

Percy gestured to that, "See! Now we get somewhere to sleep for the night and I took out the thing trying to kill us before it could even try."

Annabeth huffed, "Fine."

They turned the sign to closed and each chose a bed to sleep in. When they woke up to leave Percy shoved a blanket in his bag. He then handed Annabeth and Luke blankets as well. He was met with an odd look, "What?"

Luke couldn't believe Percy right now, "You can't just-"

Percy shrugged and pushed the blanket towards Luke, "What? It's called looting."

"We can't just-"

Percy gave him a pointed look, "Why not? He was a bad guy, who knows how many people he's killed, so I don't see why we cant steal from him."

Annabeth argued, "We don't even know what he was planning to do."

Percy grabbed one of the ropes attached to a bed, "Clearly nothing good. Now are we getting to the volcano or what. Because I'd like to get there before the end of the world."

They finished packing up and headed off. They took a bus for another 2 days and finally reached St. Helen's. Luke sized up the mountain, "Well I'll let you guys take it from here. It's your mission after all. Just nobody die please."

Percy laughed dryly, "No promises."

Luke waited at the bottom with their rental car waiting for them. He then saw Annabeth running at him. She stopped next to him and anxiously watched the mountain, "Annabeth what-"

The ground shook and the volcano erupted in a firey explosion. Annabeth threw the car door open, "Go!"

Luke stared at the burning debris, "Holy Shit! Was that-"

Annabeth took a breath, "Just go. He's- he's gone."
___________________________________________

Percy woke up on an unfamiliar island. A pretty girl greeted him, "Hello, I'm Calypso."

Chapter Text

Percy followed Calypso, "Let me get this straight, I would have died had I not landed here."

"Yes."

"And I can leave as soon as a raft arrives."

"Yes. But I hope you won't. I so rarely get visitors."

Percy impatiently continued, "Are you sure that's like the only way off? Because I kind of have things I need to do."

She turned to look at him, "Like it or not your stuck here. Why not take advantage of it? Stay a while. Take a break, relax. I would love to spend more time with you."

Percy shook his head, "I haven't relaxed a day in my life. I don't deserve that."

He didn't even notice her reaching for his hand, "Why not give it a try. I've got so much to offer here. Why leave and go back to that harsh world?"

Percy turned away, "I need to think."

He walked away leaving Calypso crestfallen. He found a cliff overlooking the Sea and sat down. If he stayed the big prophecy everyone was talking about would go to Nico. Which would buy them a few years, but he couldn't do that to the kid. Although what if that was for the best? If he made the wrong choice everything would be destroyed. As tempting as it was to stay he needed to leave as soon as possible.

"Your not the only one to come to this place. There was one before you, he was so very haunted by his past. But his determination to reach home never wavered."

Percy sighed, "I've wavered at every turn. Everything I do just makes it all worse."

He turned to find Calypso looking at him curiously, "Then stay."

Percy vehemently shook his head and stood up, "No. I can't burden someone else with the consequences of my actions. I started it. I have to be the one to end it."

As the days passed Percy grew more impatient and restless. Calypsos advances went completely ignored, Percy being too caught up in his brooding and racing thoughts.

Calypso took his arm, "Please don't go. I'm trapped here and so rarely get any kind of company. I'm so lonely all the time. And they always leave me."

Percy brushed her off, "Then I'll make them free you. But I'm not staying. I have to get back, Annabeth and everyone else need me."

Calypso stopped in her tracks, "Whose Annabeth? You never mentioned her before."

Percy's face got even more red under the sunburn, "She's my... friend. Yeah, just a friend. One of my best friends."

Calypso huffed, "Is there anything I can say to keep you here?"

Percy walked towards where Calypso said the raft would be when it arrived. Calypso saw the raft floating before Percy did. In a desperate attempt to get his attention away from it she blurted out, "What if I said I love you!"

Percy blinked furrowing his brows, "What?"

She pleaded, "I love you. Please don't leave."

A look of absolute confusion crossed Percy's face before it softened into something else, "You don't love me. Your just very lonely and like having someone around, and you love the idea of freedom I bring. But you don't love me. I will make sure they free you, then you can see the world and meet someone who you truly do love."

He squeezed her hands before running towards the raft, leaving Calypso alone again.

It wasn't too long before he arrived on the shores of camp halfblood. Three weeks. He was on that damn island for three weeks. He saw them burning a pyre and ran down, only to realize it was his. Annabeth narrowed her eyes, "You! We thought you were dead!"

Luke smirked, "I didn't. I had full confidence you would somehow come back. Your incredibly difficult to kill."

He muttered under his breath, "I would know." As a small joke to himself. He patted Percy on the back, "I'm glad your okay."

Annabeth huffed and stared him down like she wanted to fight him. But she instead hugged him tight, "Don't pull a dissapearing act like that again."

Percy laughed, "I'll do my best."

Luke rolled his eyes, "That's what you said about dying."

"Well I'm here aren't I?"

After the shock of Percy's reappearance wore off they got right back to it. As it turned out Percy being willing to die to take out that base earned him the trust of the camp. Even Clarisse tolerated his presence and had a grudging respect for him. A few days later Nico and the girl from the train showed up dirty and a bit beat up. They also arrived with Briares, who had 100 hands. Rachel grinned, "We explored the Labyrinth a bit. With us combined it was a cinch to get through. We also made a friend along the way."

Briares glared at her, "She cheats."

"Don't hate the player hate the game."

Nico laughed, "Anyways we ran into a little trouble. Some of Kronos guys are trying to navigate the Labyrinth and they got a little too close to our entrance. So we should figure out a way to close that off before they get through."

Rachel spoke, "Until then we've got to keep a close eye on it and be ready in case anything happens."

Annabeth narrowed her eyes at Rachel, "What are you even doing here?"

Rachel shrugged, "I'm clearsighted. And I was needed to navigate the Labyrinth."

Rachel pulled something out of her bag and tossed it to Annabeth, "Here."

Annabeth caught the item. It was a celestial bronze laptop. Annabeths eyes widened, "What is this?"

"Daedalus laptop. He thought you'd want it. On a side note Quintus has taken a leave of absence."

Annabeth just looked at the golden laptop bewildered. Percy had no idea what was going on. Annabeth opened up the laptop and typed in a password left on a sticky note attached to the keyboard. Her eyes lit up at what she saw. Luke glanced over and smiled, "Oh yeah, this will keep her busy for a while."
__________________________________________

Things were good for a few days after. People started actually talking to Percy more, Annabeth was enthralled by the designs on her new laptop. Rachel, though odd, was a welcome inclusion at camp. Despite the fact she was technically mortal she fit in with everyone easily. But it was all the calm before the storm.

Yells and running was heard when the warning went off. Kronos's army had infiltrated camp through the Labyrinth. Percy stood confused until Luke secured armor on him and pulled him along.

"Camp is under attack."

"What?"

Percy ran faster ahead of Luke. The attack was mostly carried out by rogue demigods and a few monsters. Percy watched in horror as he saw demigods fighting demigods. This wasn't what he wanted. This was never what he wanted. He stormed to where the thick of the battle was. No one dared to touch him. Campers knew he wouldn't hurt them, and rogue demigods didn't know where Percy stood. But they did know he was a force to be reckoned with.

The earth shook throwing everyone off balance as Percy bellowed, "ENOUGH."

All of the demigods stopped looking to Percy. There was a tense silence, Percy would determine what would happen next. Percy stared down the rogue demigods, "What do you think you are doing?"

One of them raised their sword, "Their the enemy! Why are you conspiring with them?"

Percy glared dangerously, "Other demigods are not your enemy. The way to succeed is not to attack them. They are in the same boat as us."

Another one shouted, "Ethan said you were a traitor!"

Percy argued back, "If you think about it for more than 5 minutes how does putting a mad Titan into power benefit us? Now I don't know how I'm going to do it but I will find another solution. And I don't care what side your on, if your in my way I won't hesitate."

His words hung in the air. Until someone dropped their weapon, "He's right." Chris Rodriguez said, "Taking out one tyrant just to put another one into power isn't going to help us. Pitting us against eachother just distracts from the real problem."

Slowly everyone lowered their weapons. A group of rogue demigods left camp, Alabaster just left them with a warning, "We will leave you all alone this time, but there will be other battles where we won't. You won't be able to talk your way out next time Percy."

A few of the rogue demigods such as Chris stayed behind rejoining camp. Now that everything had calmed medics from the Apollo cabin healed any injuries sustained during the fighting. Luckily Percy had ended things before anyone got severely hurt, or worse.

Nico appeared at Percy's side, "You know what has to happen next. I have eyes in the Underworld and he did it. Percy you don't stand a chance unless-"

"I know. I know I just- I want to pretend everything is normal. Just for a bit longer."

"Percy were running out of time you turn 16 in less than a year."

"Please, Nico. Just give me one month."

Nico nodded, "Okay."

Rachel walked over to talk to Luke, "You did it."

Luke sighed, "I'm not the one who did anything. And there's still a lot more left."

"I know. But because of you it turned out different. It's at least a start."

"How do you know this stuff anyways?"

Rachel shrugged, "I get a lot of dreams, and I paint them. Some things got a little mixed up but I can pretty much tell what's going on this time since your not evil."

Luke cringed, "I wasn't evil, I was manipulated. I was taken advantage of, and I did right in the end didn't I?"

Rachel put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "You did. And your past actions don't matter anymore. And I see two less burned shrouds, which was indirectly caused by you. You've had an impact solely by being here instead of there."

"I guess your right."

Rachel pulled him towards the rest of the campers, "Now come on, no point in wallowing over things that haven't happened. Enjoy being with your friends!"

Luke let himself be dragged to the campfire singalong that was taking place. He smiled watching everyone celebrate and enjoying themselves, even Percy was able to let go of his worries for the night. In this moment Luke thought to himself maybe everything would turn out okay.

Chapter Text

Percy kept putting it off. Every time Nico would approach him he avoided it. Instead he spent more time with his mom, earned the trust of the camp, made some friends, and even met his mom's new boyfriend Paul. He was a regular mortal but he was a nice enough guy.

Tonight was a "family dinner" which now meant his mom, Percy, and Paul. Sally handed him a few plates, "Could you set the table Percy?"

Percy nodded, "Of course."

He set the plates on the table and moved to grab the silverware when there was a knock at the door. He awnsered the door and was met with Nico.

"You can't put it off any long-"

Percy shut the door in his face. Sally called out to Percy, "Who was that?"

"No one!"

When Percy turned around he ran straight into Nico. Who was standing with his arms crossed, "Well that was rude."

"Nico please."

Percy tried to walk away but Nico followed him, "We need to do this now. We're running out of time Percy you turn 16 next month."

"Leave me alone Nico."

"You can't keep avoiding it. Like it or not things are happening. We have to do something before they kill all of us."

Sally stood in the kitchen entryway, "Percy what is he talking about?"

Percy sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, "Nico wants me to go to the Underworld to get the Achilles Curse. But I think it's a bad idea."

Nico argued, "I don't see what your issue is with this."

"Okay first of all, I could burn up and die."

"Only if you don't have a good mortal anchor."

"And second, that's exactly what he wanted me to do. What if he manages to transfer himself into me. You know, like he originally wanted to! Then we're all screwed and I still die."

Nico huffed, "Counter point, being indestructible is cool as hell, and we need to even the scale."

"Whose we? I'm not on your side Nico. I'm not on anyone's side. Just because I won't fight for Kronos doesn't mean I'm on the side of the gods. Don't forget that."

Sally intervened, "Percy, think about the future and what everyone has to face. It's your choice. Does the risk outweigh the potential for reward?"

Choice. Percy was starting to hate that word. But it seemed to keep coming up in regards to him. So much was being left up to him and Percy doubted himself at every turn. He chose to join Kronos and run away from camp. He chose to take Annabeth and kidnap a goddess, but he also made the choice to trust Annabeth and work with her. He chose to stay at camp. He let the attacking demigods go. Luke said he did a good thing that day but what if it wasn't. Everything was his fault. But he was going to fix it. Somehow, maybe Nico was right. Maybe this was the best option out of bad options.

Percy took a breath, "I don't know. But I think i have to find out."

Nico grinned, "Great! Let's go!"

Nico was already heading out the door when Percy called out, "Nico, my mom."

Nico turned around, "Oh! Right. So Mrs. Jackson, we need your blessing for even a chance of this working."

Sally stifled a laugh, "I give Percy my blessing."

Nico took Percy by the arm pulling him along, "Great! Thank you Mrs. Jackson! I'll try not to let Percy die!"

Percy twisted to wave goodbye, "Bye mom, I love you."

"Bye Percy."

Nico could be heard Rambling on the way out, "Though even if you did die I could probably get you back right? Maybe, I don't know. Let's not find out!"

Nico continued dragging Percy along excitedly talking about whatever came to his mind.

"I miss Bianca, do you think the Hunters will visit soon? I made a friend I want her to meet! His name is Will, he's an Apollo kid. He's a little shy but- Oh! Were here."

They stopped in front of a tunnel. Nico explained, "This is the tunnel from Orpheus and Eurydice, isn't that so cool! I've been using it to visit my dad, figure out my powers and all. Don't worry, the whole don't look back thing doesn't apply. We do have to be careful though."

Percy stared at the entrance, "There was an entrance to the Underworld here the whole time?"

Nico nodded, "Yeah."

"I traveled across the country and there was one here the whole time!?"

Nico's smile fell, "Oh."

"What the hell! That is just like them you know. Make us go all the way across the country to run their stupid errands when there was a way right here the whole time!"

Nico mumbled, "Well I'd hardly call finding Zeus's lightning bolt an errand. That was a pretty important thing..."

"That I got blamed for stealing! Which by the way we STILL don't know who did that."

Nico scrunched up his face, "Wait it wasn't you?"

Percy looked at Nico exasperated, "Mo it wasn't me! I didn't even know about the gods when it was stolen!"

"Oh. Well I just kind of assumed you did it."

"Why?"

Nico shrugged, "I don't know, I heard about the other stuff you did and it just kind of sounded like something you'd do."

Percy rolled his eyes, "Well it wasn't. Let's just get down there, do this and get out."

"Right! Let's go."

They descended into the Underworld. Percy still wasn't sure about what he was about what was about to happen. It would be a huge risk, but it was one he needed to take. They arrived at the black River and Nico gestured to it.

"So... what? Do I just Dunk myself in?"

Nico shrugged, "I guess. Just try not to die, I would rather not be responsible for the fate of Olympus."

"You think I want that on my back? For all anyone knows I'm still going to tear Olympus to the ground."

"But you wont."

Nicos eyes widened, "You won't right?"

Percy brushed him off, "So, the river."

"Right! You need to find a mortal anchor. Something to keep you grounded to your mortality or you'll get swept up and die."

Percy looked at the inky water, "Good to know."

Percy took a breath and stepped into the River of Styx. His legs went weak and he fell face first. The river felt like it was burning him through his bones. He writhed opening his eyes and he wasn't in the river anymore. He was sat on a chair, an older version of himself sitting in front of him.

"Your here."

"Who are you?"

"I'm what you almost were. The fates filled me in on your situation."

"My situation?"

"Differences. See for me things went a little differently. But your story doesn't need to have the same ending as mine."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, some events can't be changed. That's just the nature of prophecies. But other things can happen differently. The path you take to get there can change. Sometimes the outcome can too."

"How do you know so much about all of this?"

The older Percy laughed, "I've had my fair share of prophecies. More than I can even count. Honestly I envy you a little bit."

"Why?"

"You didn't get tied down by prophecies and quests. Sure some of the things you've done were... unsavory. But they were going to happen one way or another, trust me."

"Well what do I do? How do I clean up this whole mess I created?"

The older Percy put a hand up, "I'm going to stop you right there. That whole thing with Kronos was not your fault. It was always going to happen. If not you, it was going to be... someone else. As for what to do? I can't help with that. That's up to you?"

Percy huffed, "Then what are you even here for?"

Older Percy thought for a moment, "Hm, Oh! Try just under his left armpit. I don't know if it will be the same... but it's worth a shot."

The scene started fading but before it did the older Percy said something, "Oh! watch out for purple shirts!"

The scene was gone and Percy felt the closest thing he ever had to drowning again. He nearly burned up but a hand grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the camp lake. He had fallen out of a canoe. Annabeth laughed, "Come on, take my hand Seaweed Brain."

Percy felt more solid and the burning stopped. He felt a warmth in the small of his back. He emerged from the river coughing.

Nico's eyes widened, "Oh thank gods you were under for so long I was starting to worry."

Percy rasped, "Can't you sense life forces or something?"

"Oh yeah, I forgot."

Percy stumbled to his feet, "How do you forget that?"

"Well I really only sense the deaths of people close to me so it hasn't really come up."

Percy gained his bearings. The buzzing under his skin felt intensified by 100. He was eager for a fight. Nico was practically jogging to keep up with Percy on the way out. Percy only had one goal now. Find Ethan Nakamura, and end this.

Chapter Text

Percy and Annabeth had been cooped up in their makeshift war room making plans and strategies for days. Luke knew it was all going to be over soon, one way or another. He couldn't help but worry about Ethan. They were close at camp, and when Luke originally left it didn't take long for Ethan to follow. He knew why Ethan was doing all of this, it was for the same reason Percy was out there so long and the excuse Luke used to justify himself for so long. He wanted to be noticed. To not be ignored by his own parent. It was wrong that they had to beg for the smallest sign the gods were even there. That some demigods went years without being claimed, or weren't claimed at all. Ethan was doing all of this for the right reasons, but it was manipulation. Kronos was never going to make things better. In all of his efforts to protect Percy and keep Annabeth safe he left other demigods in need by the wayside. They were tossed aside once again.

As he mulled over his thoughts he felt someone sit next to him.

"I'm proud of you, you know."

Luke looked over to see his Father. He scoffed, "You have hell of a way of showing it."

Hermes looked at his hands, "I- You know I care about you right? All of my children. I don't try to-"

Luke couldn't help the bite in his voice, "I know. I know now, okay. You have limits keeping you from us. But that doesn't change all that's happened. It doesn't make it right."

Hermes stayed silent for a moment, "You're mother misses you."

Luke tried to keep the old anger from bubbling to the surface. He couldn't keep the bitterness from his tone, "Mom doesn't even know I left. She's still baking burnt cookies for a kid that's never coming home."

Hermes spoke softly, "Are you sure about that?"

Luke couldn't help the tears that welled in his eyes. He looked at Hermes with hope as his voice cracked, "Really?"

Hermes nodded, "Apollo told me himself and I confirmed."

For the first time Luke embraced his dad. Hermes wrapped his arms around Luke holding him, "You did it. You changed your fate."

Luke sobbed, "She- She's really?"

"She's okay, and eagerly awaiting to see her son again."

Luke pulled away and wiped his eyes, "But how?"

Hermes smiled, "She didn't see a future where her son was doomed anymore. And as soon as Apollo can get a new Oracle, which it seems he has one in mind."

He glanced in the distance towards a Red headed mortal girl, "But once he has a new Oracle your mother will be free of visions altogether."

Luke was breathless. When he went back he never imagined it would result in this. That he would get his mother back. He was so focused on saving as many people as possible and fixing his mistakes he didn't let himself think much about the implications. Hermes looked at Luke lovingly, "I'm sorry but I have to leave now. Stay safe out there."

In a moment Hermes was gone leaving Luke alone on the beach. Luke took a breath running his hands through his hair in disbelief. He ran for the Big House to find Annabeth.

Luke busted through the door as Percy and Annabeth were pouring over plans.

"And if we set Greek fire there and there- oh, hey Luke. Everything okay?"

Luke was breathless from running so fast. He looked at Annabeth, "I talked to my dad."

Annabeths face immediately fell into concern, "Are you okay?"

Luke frantically nodded, "She's okay. My mom is- it's over."

Annabeths eyes widened, "Over? What do you mean over?"

Luke laughed, "The visions. The episodes, there over. She's back She- Annabeth my mom is back."

Annabeths face lit up and she ran to hug Luke, "That's amazing! I'm so happy for you."

Percy smiled perplexed, "Are you going to..."

Annabeth elbowed Percy, "Seaweed Brain."

Luke shook his head leaving the two bickering. They were going to be the death of him. Another battle was coming. Someone was going to die, but today everyone was alive. Today Luke let himself just be happy.
___________________________________________

Luke joined the meeting around the Ping Pong table. Percy and Annabeth had been planning with Charlie and Hephaestus cabin for days. Working out all of the details, mechanics and timing of this whole mission. If it was successful they could cripple Ethans forces and take out their main base. But it was risky.

The plan was to infiltrate the Princess Andromeda, they had a spy on the inside Percy had contact with who had placed Greek fire bombs around the ship. By now all of the mortals were off the ship giving them the opportunity they wouldn't otherwise have. The explosives were set to a 60 second timer to give the 2 sent out time enough to get out. One would distract Ethan, and the other would set the bombs triggering them on signal. They were to leave tomorrow morning. All that was left was deciding who going on this mission.

Percy raised his hand, "I'll go. I know the Andromeda front to back, and it's right in my domain. If things go to shit I can get us out."

Luke saw Charlie about to raise his hand to volunteer, but he wasn't about to let that happen. He spoke before Charlie's hand could finish going up, "I'll go too. I'm fast, and I have experience. I'll set the bombs while Percy distracts them."

Chiron clapped his hands together, "It's settled then. Percy and Luke will set out tomorrow morning."

Charlie patted Luke on the back, "Come on, I'll show you how the explosives work."

Luke nodded walking with Charlie. With every life that was saved this time around he felt lighter. He hadn't realized how much guilt he carried with him over what happened until he had time to reflect in the Underworld. He had a lot of time to think and even talk to those he hurt. He made amends, he didn't expect forgiveness. Some gave it to him anyways, others didn't. Which he understood. As the bitterness, anger, and cloudiness from Kronos manipulation melted away it gave way to the immense guilt and weight of what he'd done.

But he had been given the chance to fix his mistakes. Be the person he should have been the whole time. And he did it, he saved them. But there was still more work left to do. Kronos was still rising. Lives were still at stake.
__________________________________________

That night Luke had a dream. He was in a plain room with a chair and table. A familiar face was staring him down with her arms crossed, already sitting in a chair. It was Annabeth, but she was older, different. She looked at him with scrutiny before her eyes landed on his.

"It's true."

Luke sat down, "Annabeth? What are you doing here?"

Annabeth raised a brow, "So Percy was right. You really have changed."

Luke's face crumbled, "I'm sorry. For everything I did. I need you to know that, your my sister I never should have-"

Annabeth put a hand up stopping him, "I came to terms with... you a long time ago. I didn't have time to dwell anyways. I had... other concerns. Percy told me somehow everything got mixed up. So what happened? What did you do?"

Luke sighed running his hands through his hair, "That's a long story. But I've been trying to fix it. Make up for my mistakes."

Annabeth nodded, "I know that much. That's what I'm here for, to help you. I guess. So where are you at right now?"

"The Andromeda is about to go up in smoke. I'm going along with Percy to do it."

Annabeths gaze sharpened, "Luke-"

Luke smirked, "Annabeth."

She huffed, "Just be careful. Don't get yourself killed because you think you have to. I can't be dealing with two reckless idiots."

Luke attempted a smile to lighten the mood but Annabeth refused to look at him, "Annabeth are you okay? You can talk to me."

Annabeths gaze turned stony, "At this point you know I can't. You're dead to me Luke. It's hard to look at you the same knowing what I do. You did the right thing in the end, but that doesn't change how much it hurt."

Luke sighed, "I understand. I am doing better now."

The scene began to fade as Annabeth spoke, "Do right by me this time. Family, remember?"

She thought for a moment before seemingly to realize something last minute, "Wait! There's going to be more!"

The scene faded out and Luke was now standing in the shadows of a familiar canyon. Across the way he spotted Percy also hiding, who gave him a questioning look. Between them was Ethan, unknowing of either of their presence. He was kneeling before the vast cavern holding his sword. A voice spoke that chilled Luke.

"How can I be sure of your loyalty to the cause."

Ethan bowed his head, "I swear on by my blade on the Styx I will not waver in my loyalty to you Lord Kronos."

Something clicked in Luke's mind making his blood run cold. Ethan had just unknowingly doomed himself. There wasn't anything Luke could do now to spare his life. Kronos spoke again, "We are being watched. Show yourself little hero."

Percy stepped out of the shadows standing tall, "Grandpa."

Ethan glared at him for the disrespect. Kronos spoke to Percy, "Are you sure of the choice you've made little hero? Have you really chosen the right people to stand beside?"

Percy didn't waver, "I stand beside myself. But if you are referring to my liegence to camp then yes, absolutely. My head is clear and I see through your lies. I refuse to allow this to go any further."

"What about the bolt?"

Percy blinked, "The Master Bolt? What's that have to do with anything?"

Kronos laughed, "You were not the demigod to start this. The one who stole the bolt set everything in motion. Do you even know who they are?"

"N-No, but that doesn't seem relevant."

"Hm, even if it is someone you trust. Who you now stand beside and even defend?"

Luke's heart dropped, "Why don't you show yourself Lightning Thief."

Luke took a step toward them exposing himself. Even Ethan seemed surprised at the revelation.

"Percy, you have to understand-"

Percy took a step away from him, "You?"

"Percy it was a long time ago I-"

"You were going to start a war that I got blamed for. That whole time- The quest- and you knew? You knew exactly where it was. You're just as bad as them!"

Luke reached out, "Percy I was-"

Luke jolted awake, "Shit."
___________________________________________

The next morning Percy gave Luke the cold shoulder. Every attempt at conversation outside of their mission was shot down or ignored. Percy didn't have time to dwell on a dream. For all he knew it wasn't even true and Kronos was just trying to manipulate him again. They said goodbye to everyone and set off in a small boat to find the Princess Andromeda.

Percy kept the boat running and steered them. He worked silently refusing to acknowledge Luke. Despite his best efforts Luke made it his mission to bother Percy today.

"Percy, about that dream-"

Percy whipped his head towards Luke, "That was real? You actually... you know what? No. We're not doing this right now. We have a mission, Kronos is trying to divide us and we can't let that happen. We'll just- hash all of this out after. Okay?"

Luke lowered his head, "Yeah."

Percy took a steadying breath, "It's just- you knew what would happen. But then you suddenly change your mind as soon as I come and I just don't understand..."

Percy trailed off thinking. Luke had stolen the master bolt before he got to camp in order to star war amongst the gods and bring Kronos back. But as soon as Percy got to camp it was like he did a complete 180. Suddenly he wanted to return the bolt and stop a war from happening. He also turned on Kronos so abruptly it took even Lord Kronos himself off gaurd. He had been furious about losing Luke, constantly talking about how his plans had gone to waste and that Percy needed to be better than him. It didn't make any sense why Luke would change so fast.

Unless... it wasn't as sudden as Percy thought. Annabeth had talked about how Luke was different before Percy arrived, more bitter and distant. Percy understood the feeling, more than he probably should. Those feelings came on so fast Percy felt like he wasn't in control of his own life. Percy also had a talk with a different version of himself. A version where things went differently. There were also the dreams he had early on, of another life. At the time he brushed them off as something unattainable, and impossibility. But what if it was something more? Something was different between that version of himself and who he was now. But what if that difference wasn't just an event, but a person. He looked to Luke, "You know something."

Luke blinked, "What?"

"I don't know exactly what it is but something is off about you. When we met Rachel she said you screwed everything up and now it was all mixed up. At first I didn't think anything of it but she was right wasn't she? You knew something about what was going to happen and tried to change it didnt you?"

Luke was stunned, "Huh? What- how- What?"

Percy narrowed his eyes, "So I'm right. You did something. Something happened to you in between stealing the bolt, and me arriving."

"I mean- I guess? Technically-"

"Or maybe... you were different. You knew what was happening to me because he did the same thing to you. And it worked didn't it? You followed through, until something happened. So you tried to fix whatever you did."

Luke's eyes were wide, "How could you have possibly-"

"We swapped. That's why those feelings were so sudden. Then I went off track and it shifted... to Ethan. He was next in line."

Luke looked at Percy incredulously, "I have really got to stop underestimating you Jackson."

Percy shrugged in response and killed the engine. They finally reached the cruise ship. Luke threw a rope and they climbed up the side of the ship. Luke took Percy's hand helping him over the railing, "My contact should be on the lower deck, in the brig. That's where the first bomb is."

The two nodded at eachother and Luke patted Percy's back, "Don't die."

Percy smirked, "I don't intend to."

They went there seperate ways, hoping the other would come back alive and do their job successfully.