Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Percy Jackson felt like he didn’t ask for a lot in his short life, but a peaceful few years was one of them. Despite that they had yet to hear of another prophecy, another quest, more monsters, gods, etc, everything felt as though his hard work in his second semester of college was about to go right out the window. New Rome was a safe haven, the gods left demigods and mortal legacies alike alone there to learn and grow. Percy had requested as much after the Giant War that had ended nearly two years ago, allowing Camp-Halfbood and Camp Jupiter to go largely untouched from godly intervention.

Well, mostly free of divine intervention and interaction. Percy had also held them to their promise from after the Titan War of interacting more with their children, aka what the campers had been calling “Percy-mandated visitation”. It had been going better than Percy had originally expected. Apollo and Hermes had taken his advice most to heart and spent several days a month at the camps, teaching their children the ways their powers manifested. Apollo helped Will learn more about his healing abilities, and together they had managed to renovate the infirmary to be top-notch. State of the art equipment layered the facility, and Apollo had blessed his children with an endless supply of nectar and ambrosia that appeared in cabinets in the infirmary, restocking itself when supplies dwindled.

Hermes, perhaps still feeling an incredible amount of guilt from Luke, had helped his children and campers in his cabin renovate the place to be more suitable. There were now two sections to the cabin, the Hermes camper side for claimed children had enough room for each camper to have their own bunk and set of storage cabinets. The unclaimed side was very similar, though with the glaring difference that all the gods' symbols helped to decorate the walls. It was smaller as there were less kids staying there long term, as the gods were doing much better about claiming their children. From the outside it still appeared like a large summer camp cabin, but on the inside when you first entered a large marble fountain of Hermes’ caduceus, water bubbling from the mouths of his two snakes and falling into a basin that overflowed and splashed against an eternal flame that campers could provide offerings too and pray at for advice. Marble benches surrounded the hearth, while vines climbed upwards from the base of the seats. Around the outside of the basin was embellished with celestial bronze, the designs laying images of demigod heroes of old pursuing their feats of bravery. Hestia frequented here, calming campers that came to the hearth in distress and reassuring them in times of need. Percy often went to visit with her and spent a lot of time speaking with younger demigods who found comfort there.

Overall the past few years had been somewhat… peaceful. Percy himself had been given the opportunity to meet his godly family, and had visited his father’s palace in Atlantis. His relationship with his stepmother had surprised him, as she had first approached him and apologized for her previous behavior. She claimed she did not wish to be like the Queen of the Gods, and hoped to help him in any way she could. Triton had taken more time to come around, and had simply ignored him for a large portion. He had finally warmed up to Percy after beginning to tutor him in sword fighting. Percy fought like an animal Triton had proclaimed, with no solid structure or form. He had taken up the mantle himself, insisting he personally had to oversee Percy’s retraining.

It wasn’t until Percy had been injured during a training match against an Atlantean warrior that he was sure Triton even cared for him. Triton had seen him bleeding (a slip of the sword and sliced Percy’s stomach open) and flown into a panic. It was after he had been rushed to the healers that Amphitrite had told him the story of Pallas and how badly that had damaged Trition’s relationships with his younger siblings.

“He is afraid of loving you only to lose you, Percy.” Amphitrite had told him. From then on Triton and Percy had gotten along much better. They still argued and bickered, but Triton had also realized that despite being his father’s favorite son Percy Jackson had no desire for power.

He had also met a slew of his other siblings, including the main pillars of the royal family. Rhode was kind and gentle, offering to tutor him during senior year in order to allow him to keep up with all the missing schoolwork he had. It was likely because of her that Percy had managed to graduate at all.

Benthesikyme came next. She was calm and peaceful like Rhode, though much more distant in her nature. She was the goddess of waves and therefore went wherever they chose to take her. She had appeared one day when Percy had taken Estelle to the beach for some sibling bonding. Benthesikyme had demanded she participate in the building of sand castles, and had plopped down next to the giggling Estelle who had looked overjoyed to have more hands to build her sandcastle, which very quickly became a sand mansion.

Percy had at first been worried about this attention from his siblings, confessing to Annabeth that he feared soon they would start asking and demanding things from him such as quests or errands to be run. As the months went on he realized they truly desired nothing but his time.

Poseidon had made it clear to the council that Percy was to be left alone in peace during his time at school. The olympians had grumbled and moaned but ultimately conceded that perhaps the demigods needed a break. No quests had been given since the Giants had risen with Gaea, besides searchers occasionally being sent off to find demigods in distress.

Which brings us to today. Freshman year was going off fairly well, a few minor monster attacks when Percy left the safety of New Rome to explore the cities and coastline of California, however mostly he was left in peace. Relative peace anyways as Annabeth and Rhode had co-conspired to create a ridgid study plan for Percy. He had huffed originally, muttering something along the lines “what was that about the sea not liking being restrained?” but had fallen to the pleading eyes of his girlfriend.

“Seaweed brain, you need to have good grades if you want to get into a good marine biology program!” Annabeth had said. He begrudgingly admitted she was right and his grades had been on a good incline.

So they were in the library for their scheduled Thursday study time. Neither of them had afternoon classes Tuesdays or Thursdays, so after meeting for lunch they would head off to the library. Frank and Hazel often met up with them when they could, however being Praetors meant they were kept very busy. They also were attempting to finish high school. Hazel finishing her junior year and Frank finally in his last semester before graduation and would be attending New Rome University for his freshman year of college that following fall.

The library of New Rome University was incredible, even Percy had to admit. The exterior was polished marble and stone, imperial gold embellishments lining the edges of the roof. Latin words sprawled across the front of the steps, labeling the building as “doctrina terram”, which translated roughly to “learning grounds”. After walking up the steps and through the stained oak doors you entered the main foyer. Nymphs acted as librarians and sat behind a large oak desk with large computers for the new and improved database system. There was also an older wooden chest that Percy had learned held a catalog of older books they could not digitize due to their magical nature.

If you looked past the desk and into the library itself you would feel as though you were entering a Harry Potter movie. Books flew across the room and back onto the shelves, courtesy of small wind spirits who helped out the nymphs with certain duties. Students hunched over dozens of large oak tables. Books, laptops, and notes were spread across the tabletops as students studied independently or together. Book shelves towered around them, rearranging themselves occasionally.

If you kept your eyes moving upwards you would notice that these bookshelves expanded all the way to the ceiling, which was painted with myths of old similarly to how the Sistine Chapel had been. Apparently Michelangelo had been a child of Apollo and his ghost had been summoned and commissioned to recreate his masterpiece with references to his own history rather than that of the Old Testament.

The library was four floors high and each was unique in its own aspect. The first floor was the main study hall, filled with long tables and benches where students could gather together and talk freely to study. Whiteboards littered the floor with drawings and charts from all manner of classes. Tutors wandered the floor offering their help when needed. The second, third, and fourth floors were wrapped around the center of bookshelves that rose clear to the ceiling, and were lined with large oak banisters painstakingly carved with laurel wreaths and vines along the woodwork.

The second floor was a private group study floor. Dozens of small rooms with glass walls and doors lined the interior aspect of the floor. Tables, chairs, and a small television hung in each room allowing for groups to work on projects in relative private without having to worry about making too much noise.

The third floor was the “quiet” floor. Dozens of single-seat desks with their own charging ports, lamps, and privacy screens were scattered in haphazard rows across the floor. There were also several types of large chairs and cushions in one section of the third floor for those who had difficulty remaining in one place for long.
The fourth floor was a bit of a mystery for the undergraduate students, as they were not permitted to go up there. It was dark and quiet, and while the second and third floors had balconies that overlook the foyer and bookshelves, the fourth floor was walled off to the outside. During orientation they had asked why it was closed to most students and were informed that those were magical texts that could only be opened with the permission of the gods that had donated them to the library in the first place. Usually this included graduate or PhD candidates working on their thesis, however the rest of the library was so thorough it wasn’t often someone found their way up there.

Despite not being the most keen academic Percy had managed to find comfort in this library. As they walked in that day Percy frowned. Something felt off. There was a feeling in the pit of his stomach, similar to anticipation. His brow furrowed as he wondered what that could possibly mean for how today’s study session was going to go for him.

Sometimes Percy had noticed himself feeling more in-sync with the sea and its emotions. A few months back he had woken up incredibly irritable while at Camp-Halfblood for winter break and had challenged Clarisse of all people to a sparring match. A few hours later the source of his foul mood had been revealed as the sea itself as an unseasonal hurricane had barreled towards the gulf of Mexico.

After a few hours of bribing the local sea life a friendly great white had been keen to tell him the reasons for his fathers rage. Apparently one of Percy’s sisters (a nymph who had only recently come of age at 150 as nymphs age significantly slower than regular mortals) had been offered a proposal for marriage and his father had not known about it prior to the offer being sent. “Lord Posiden does not take kindly to those who would impose themselves on his children without their agreement, little lord.” The shark (named Greg for some unknown reason) had chortled to him. Apparently not only had Percy’s dad not known of the attempted proposal, he furthermore had named all of his immortal daughters off-limits until they decided to seek a spouse. Because this nymph had not given her permission she had run to Poseiden and asked him to not allow them to make her the merman’s bride. After hearing of this the Lord of Horses had unveiled one hell of a smiting on several members of the court who had attempted to help set up proposal arrangements for the merman.

Annabeth was walking in front of him, discussing her intro to architecture class she had been working on a project for. She looked beautiful today in a purple “New Rome University” t-shirt and a pair of ripped jeans. Her black converse tracked along towards the stairs, as she had reserved a spot on the second floor so she could work on a presentation she was giving next week for said class. “-and afterwards we have time to go over your biology stuff before we go train with the legion tomorrow because we won’t have time then and I know your exam is next week.” Annabeth finished. Percy let out a small ‘mhm” not noticing he was hardly paying attention. His brow furrowed as the feeling somewhat intensified.

Annabeth turned at the sound, concern lacing her tone. “What’s wrong?” She asked as her eyes met his frown. Her eyes glanced from side to side, surveying the room for danger, and her hand fell to her hip where she knew she kept a small back-up dagger on her person. Drakon-bone swords are a bit difficult to carry around freely even at New Rome U. Percy shook his head and pursed his lips before answering.

“I think maybe my dad is upset about something. Or preparing for something he doesn’t want to do.” He said, and couldn’t help but shift his eyes towards the direction of the sea. He couldn’t see it inside of the library, but he knew exactly where it was and how long it would take him to get there if need be. Annabeth followed his gaze, grabbing his hand.

“Hey if it was anything serious your siblings likely would have told you, you know that.” Annabeth murmured, moving closer to him. Percy let his eyes rest on her hand in his, heart feeling lighter for a moment before returning her worried gaze. He forced himself to relax, dropping their clasped hands to his side and smiling at his girlfriend.

“You’re right, Wise Girl,” He sighed. “Well then before an earthquake disrupts our time, let's go study for this stupid biology test. I’ll bribe the fish for an answer later if it doesn’t calm down” He laughed. Annabeth relaxed as well, walking with him towards the stairs. Right as he was about to let go of those feelings of dread entirely when a voice rang out across the foyer.

“Perseus Jackson!” A shrill voice called. Percy froze, reaching for Riptide in his pocket. Annabeth nudged him and he met her gaze. She pointed towards the desk and Percy relaxed once more, realizing it was one of the librarians behind the desk. Her long dark hair was braided down her back, and she wore a classic outfit of a gray cardigan and black slacks. Large glasses perched on the bridge of her nose, and she gazed over them at Percy. She brought up one hand and waved him over before disappearing behind the desk.

“Um, yes?” Percy asked, approaching the desk cautiously. Did he forget to return a book he had checked out? Annabeth was usually pretty on top of what library books they did have and was a stickler about returning them on time so he didn’t think that was it.

After a few more moments the librarian’s head returned from the filing cabinet under her desk and she gazed at him with bright blue eyes. The name tag on her shirt said “Nora”. She pulled a card that looked as though it was a thousand years old from the filing cabinet and reached over the desk to hand it to him. “The book requested for you is ready.” Percy reached out hesitantly and took the card from her hands. Despite looking ancient, the card read in sea-green ink that slightly glowed “Atlantean History, a Beginners Guide” in plain English letters. Percy raised an eyebrow at it, looking up at Nora with a puzzled expression.

“Uh, I didn’t request this?” Percy said slowly. Nora rolled her eyes and sighed at him. Annabeth was inspecting the card in Percy’s hand with scrutiny, but she too seemed puzzled by it.

“It was requested for you. I don’t know by whom but I was told when you come in to give you the card and tell you to retrieve the book.” Nora grumbled, looking back to her computer screen and tapping a few keys aggressively. Percy glanced back at Annabeth who shrugged.

“Yeah well I appreciate it but I do have exams to study for this week, so is there any chance this can wait until later?” Percy asked, annoyance dripping into his tone. This felt like the beginning of a quest and he did not like it. Nora looked back up from her computer, also now annoyed that her dismissal did not take.

“The book is ready now. Go up to the fourth floor and retrieve it or it may not be ready again for some time.” She snapped, standing from her desk and walking swiftly away to a cart of books that she began rummaging through. Anger flashed through Percy’s emotions and he found himself taking a deep breath. After calming himself down, he turned to Annabeth who had taken the card fully from his hand and was squinting at it intensely.

“Well that was incredibly helpful, so glad they’re always so insightful.” Percy muttered to Annabeth. His girlfriend looked up at him, eyes shining with… Excitement? Oh, right on the fourth floor. Annabeth had been dying to get up there since day one and he knew she would never turn down an opportunity to visit, let alone take out a book and study it. He sighed resignedly. “So I guess we’re going to the fourth floor?” He asked.

“You know me too well.” Annabeth laughed. “Besides, even if it is godly-related I have a feeling this may be a gift from your father. I’m fairly sure this is written in Atlantean.” Annabeth said, turning her attention to the card again. Percy frowned, also reading the card again. Yep, just as he thought the card was still written in plain english.

“Uh, Wise Girl? I hate to break it to you but your dyslexia is now worse than mine. That is by far the easiest English I have ever read.” Percy teased, now grinning up at his girlfriend. Annabeth’s eyebrows shot upwards as she made eye contact with him again, curiosity lighting up her face.

“Percy, does this look like English to you?” She asked quickly, turning the card back over to face him. Percy nodded slowly.

“Yes… Does it not to you?” He asked quietly, squinting closely at the card. Annabeth grinned, turning the card over to read it herself once again. “Not even a little.” She laughed.

“So, fourth floor she said?” Percy grumbled, pulling his backpack up over his shoulders again. Annabeth moved at a much faster pace no towards the stairs, practically taking them two at a time. Percy couldn’t help but smile at her excitement, at the very least she was happy for the moment. It still felt like the beginning of a problem for him, why else would a mysterious entity leave a card for a book that only he could read? He shook off his doubts however as they climbed the final flight of stairs. A nymph attendant, dressed in a nearly identical outfit as Nora but with a red cardigan rather than gray, looked up from the book on her desk as they approached.

The desk the nymph sat at was small with a few cabinets behind it and a computer monitor on the desk. The entire small room that they had entered was lit by greek-fire torches that bathed the room in a greenish glow. It gave Percy the creeps.

Directly next to the nymphs desk was a set of doors that seemed to be ever changing. One moment they looked like the doors of Olympus, the next from the gates of Hades, finally as Percy settled his gaze on it the doors shifted. Now made of dark colored stone, two stone mermen settled next to either side, armed with tridents. Pearls lined the edges of the door that glowed softly with light. Percy’s mouth fell open slightly, it was a perfect copy of the doors to the newly-rebuilt throne room in Atlantis. He had seen them only a few times, but they were unmistakable. Annabeth gasped softly next to him, eyes widening at the sight.

“They’re exactly like you said they were.” She said softly, not taking her eyes from the intricate details carved into the stone guards. The nymph shut her book softly with a quiet “hmph” and began frantically typing something into her computer. Percy startled slightly, forgetting she was there for a moment.

“Um, hi?” Percy said, moving slowly with Annabeth in tow who was still staring at the doors eagerly. “Nora said to come get a book someone reserved for me?” He asked. The nymph nodded, looking up from her computer screen.

“Yes, Perseus Jackson and Annabeth Chase, you have permission to enter and return with one book. Any more than the one that was offered to you and you may be punished for stealing without permission. Do you accept the loan?” Percy narrowed his eyes at the nymph, noticing her name tag said “Carol”. Did all of the nymphs have grandma names Percy wondered? He shook his head and sighed.

“Yeah, sure, I accept or whatever.” Percy muttered, Annabeth kicked him lightly and glared at him. “Thanks.” He added half-heartedly. Carol nodded and clicked a few more keys in silence. Percy shifted his weight, he really did need to study. Was this going to take long? He started to open his mouth and ask, however Carol suddenly stood, grabbing a set of keys from her desk and moving towards the doors.

Carol then slid the key into the lock and pushed the doors open, revealing a seemingly endless room lit by glowing pearls. Bookshelves spiraled in all directions, tables and benches made of stone space intermittently through the shelves, with seaweed growing freely and flowing in a current. With a jolt Percy realized that the entire room was filled with water that was being held back behind an invisible force-field where the doors met the room they were currently standing in. Carol grunted “Haven’t seen it take this form in awhile.”

Annabeth shot forwards, looking eagerly over the rows of books. “Does it change depending on what the person is seeking?” She asked excitedly, looking over at Carol who shook her head.

“In a way yes, but it changes to the presentation each royal library takes depending on the god or goddess you are borrowing a book from. Lord Poseidon does not often let those not of his kin. You both have permission to enter, your card will demonstrate where to find the book.” As in response to Carol’s statement the card shot from Annabeth’s hand directly into the room, waiting just past the threshold for them. “You may read from any book present but you must get permission to remove any others.” Carol finished, walking back towards her desk and reopening her book.

“How would we get permission?” Annabeth asked eagerly, practically bouncing. Percy almost groaned, his bag was about to be incredibly full for their long trek back to their on-campus apartment they had gotten permission to live in instead of the dorms. Tarturus did make for extenuating circumstances after all.

“Well usually you have to submit a request,” Carol frowned up at them, shifting her glasses back on her nose. “However since you’re being accompanied by a Prince of the Sea, it is likely you can pray to him and he will hear it.” Carol replied, pointedly going back to her book. Annabeth opened her mouth with more questions but then snapped back shut, looking towards Percy.

“You think I’ll drown if I go in?” She asked quickly. Percy blinked, he hadn’t even thought about it. Something in him (one of those little gut-feelings he was getting more and more these days in regards to what abilities he may possess) said that she would not be able to drown in that water. And to be safe, he always could make a bubble for her to maneuver around in. He had gotten increasingly good at maintaining them for longer periods of time.

“I don’t think so, we’ve got a safety net bubble if need be.” He replied, shaking his head. Annabeth gave him a look that read “You’re sure?” He smiled at her in a way that said yes, he was, before grabbing her hand and stepping through. He took a deep breath upon entering the water. It was cool, but not cold, and was pure saltwater. He turned back to Annabeth who was holding her breath. Percy started to panic, wondering if he had somehow been wrong and Annabeth was drowning- , but thankfully she gasped suddenly, breathing normally and not choking. “Oh that is so weird!” She exclaimed, blinking rapidly.

Relief washed over Percy and he laughed. “Yeah, it was weird for me too at first. When I fell into the Mississippi at the arch I had to force myself to inhale.” He recalled. Annabeth looked past him at the card that was circling figure eights rapidly in the water.

“I think the card wants us to hurry up.” Annabeth giggled, pulling their still joined hands along in the water. Percy quickly guided the currents around them to push them along easily, and moved swiftly ahead of Annabeth. She stopped her efforts in swimming and simply allowed herself to be pulled through the rows of books by Percy, who was steadfastly watching the card zip away in front of him. Did it have to move so dam fast?

Finally though it zipped to the right and came to a near-instant halt directly in front of a row of shelves. As Percy caught up to it, it moved slower this time towards the middle of the isle. Percy let go of the currents and walked behind it, Annabeth letting go of his hand to lean down and read titles of things. “Some of this is in Ancient Greek so I actually could read it! Maybe some of these others you can translate for me-” She rattled out. Percy rolled his eyes fondly and kept following the card, Annabeth finally standing to follow. The card stopped in front of a large book bound in kelp. Percy glanced at the spine, reading the same inscription that was on the card. “Atlantean History, a Beginner’s Guide.” He read. Annabeth pulled it slowly from the bookshelf and turned it over.

“Is that really what it's called?” She laughed. Percy nodded, also smiling at the somewhat silly title considering it was an ancient looking book bound in kelp bindings, with pearl inlaying the lettering on the front. A single image in a metallic gold was inscribed on the front of a shimmering trident. Percy lay a hand on it and something hummed in his gut, warming him from the inside. “Woah.”

“What?” Annabeth asked, looking up at him. He explained as he took the book from her, opening to the first page.

It was a large illustration of Atlantis, but it looked different to him. Newer somehow, not like how it had been rebuilt but like the palace itself was younger. “It’s beautiful.” Annabeth said softly. Percy smiled and nodded. “Yeah, I really gotta ask dad if you can come some time.” He said.

“That would be amazing, but I doubt he would ever want a child of Athena there.” Annabeth said, somewhat wistfully.

“Athena used to be a regular visitor in Atlantis when she learned and sparred with my granddaughter, Pallas. She may no longer be welcome there but I hold no grudge if her children wish to visit with mine.” A voice said from further up the aisle, causing both demigods to jump and reach briefly for their respective weapons.

The god of the seas stood at the end of the isle, near the main path. Poseidon was in his usual Hawaiian shirt and bermuda shorts, brown flip flops on his feet. He smiled warmly at both of them. Annabeth bowed her head. “Good afternoon, Lord Poseiden. I can’t say we were expecting anyone else in here.” She said.

“She means to say you scared the shit out of us dad.” Percy said exasperatedly, but still he smiled happily at his father. It was always good to see him now, they had discussed and worked through a lot of their issues before and with less rules restricting godly interaction, he had been able to see him more regularly.

Poseidon shrugged sheepishly. “Apologies then, it was not my intention.” He smiled again at them, gesturing towards the book. “I hope that book will be somewhat interesting. It was your sister’s idea.” The lord of horses laughed softly.

“Rhode?” Percy guessed, chuckling.

“Obviously. But she did make a good point, you did not get to grow up in Atlantis and I know you enjoy spending time there. I thought a bit of History may interest you. It also has some history from a few of your lesser-known demigod siblings there. Many of my children were great heroes that were not spoken of in favor of something else going on. No time for myths to be written to them as history had moved on. A child of Athena wrote this book long ago. You two are far from the first from our lines to fall in love, and he was fascinated with the history of the lesser-understood and forgotten. He wrote one for all of the olympians later down the line I believe, but I only have copies of the one he wrote about Atlantis.” Poseidon explained, grinning as their relationship was mentioned and Percy and Annabeth both blushed scarlett.

“Uh, wow. Thanks dad, that is actually pretty cool.” Percy remarked, looking back down on the book.

“You have to translate that for me, I need to know everything.” Annabeth said quickly, looking up seriously at him. Poseidon laughed and a copy appeared in Annabeth’s hands in Ancient Greek.

“There, should be easier for you to read.” The god said, smiling as Annabeth thanked him.

“Well I do need to be getting off for a moment, you two stay as long as you’d like. You have my permission to take anything that is not locked, but if it has a lock on it please wait and ask me first. Some of them are cursed or dangerous books I keep hidden away from the regular eye.” Percy’s dad said, summoning his trident to his side. Percy and Annabeth nodded. “I’ll see you on Sunday, Percy. Triton has made a new warmup routine that I’m sure you’ll be thrilled with.” Percy groaned and Posieden chuckled and disappeared into a swarm of bubbles. Annabeth laughed at Percy’s dismay and began hunting through the shelves for books in greek.

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They spent the remaining portion of the afternoon not studying, as they should have been, and instead reading in the library. Percy found an Atlantean sword fighting book that also mentioned how to use a Trident in combat and had been reading it for a good hour before realizing how long they had been there. He blinked, since when could he stand to read for an hour?

“Maybe it's because it's the language of the sea?” Annabeth suggested later when he brought it up. He had made it through the history of Atlantis being built and the beginning of his fathers reign. He had also read the story of Triton, Rhode, Kym, and Ben (Percy still struggled saying Benthesikyme and had gotten her permission to shorten it) being born and coming into power. It was well written and favorable to the gods being written about.

“It is accurate to how you describe them.” Annabeth had said, and Percy agreed.

“I’m just getting to the parts about your demigod siblings.” Annabeth said, looking up from her book. Percy was still finishing the final godly side of things by reading about his father’s trident and how it was forged. He looked at her.

“What, gonna spoil history for me?” He teased. Annabeth scoffed, rolling her eyes at him before sitting up again.

“Listen, while Poseiden himself has had many demigods, their stories are more muted. The few that are spoken of are his most famous sons. It is true Poseiden has more demigod sons than daughters, it is believed by Atlantis that his daughters are born in the times of need. Rhode was born on the cusp of a revolt against Zues, her wise counsel allowed things to resolve peacefully. Kymlopedia was born with a violent storm shortly after war broke out among atlantean colonies and she commanded armies to yield to her might. It is believed too that his demigod daughters are more rare because they were born in times of need. This is a few of their stories, and the stories of their lesser-known brothers born to mortal women.” Annabeth recited, looking up at Percy in surprise. Percy had not known that, but he did think back to stories told of his demigod siblings at camp. They spoke of Theseus, Orion, and more but he could not recall one story about his Greek sisters. He knew of some of his older demigod sisters and brothers later in years, such as the world wars and other times in history, but never about his ancient Greek sisters.

“Huh, well that feels very sexist?” Percy questioned, how has he never learned these before?

“Maybe at camp this summer, we can teach the Apollo campers to tell these stories, and ask the other gods if they can give us a book like this one that my brother wrote? I could start by asking my mother. Hermes and Apollo would probably be willing.” Annabeth wondered. Percy smiled at her.

“I think that would be great. The other kids deserve to know stories about their siblings too. It's like learning about our old family stories.” Percy laughed. Annabeth smiled, a plan on her mind.

Chapter Text

Percy flopped face down into the water with a groan. Months had passed and it was the final day of classes. Percy had just gotten out of his Biology final (he thinks the intensive studying may have bought him a high B at least) and was exhausted. He was swimming in the pool that their apartment complex shared, waiting for the others to all arrive. Hazel and Frank had gotten out of school the week prior and were meeting Percy and Annabeth at the pool. Percy had gotten done first, Annabeth was still finishing up her final exam in Physics. He didn’t envy her, that many numbers would have killed him this semester.

Jason was also supposed to come around soon, also having finished up his freshman year as well. He was majoring in meteorology, which meant Leo had swiftly dubbed him “Weather Boy” and cackled for reasons Percy didn’t fully understand.

He floated to the bottom of the pool, not caring if anyone noticed. This apartment complex was largely demigods and legacies, and the mortals here were clear sighted and wouldn’t sound the alarm if he didn’t come to the surface. He sighed, watching the bubbles float upwards and relaxed into the pool. It was saltwater, which made him happy. It wasn’t as good as seawater but it did the trick nicely after an incident with a hellhound a few months back.

Percy thought about the year he had seen go by him this year. It was by far the most peaceful of his life, and he couldn’t stop the thrill of fear shooting through his spine. Nothing ever stayed peaceful this long, it felt wrong. It felt like something was brewing. He just hoped that he could stay out of it, but something else told him that wouldn’t be possible.

The demigod of the sea thought back to the book he had read several times over. Annabeth had written to her mother requesting a copy, and had been delighted when the librarian had summoned her over later that day to hand her a card with silver writing. Percy couldn’t read it, but Annabeth could. Deciding to spare his life, Percy chose not to step foot in Athena’s precious collection and instead stayed outside until Annabeth emerged victorious. She had placed the book on the table in front of them, titled “Athenian History, a Beginner’s Guide”.

Both demigods had read the books cover to cover, and sent off copies to Chiron to give to the cabins to read. Soon other gods began sending cards to the librarians and each cabin had their own copies for their parents and siblings' histories.

Camp was abuzz, Apollo’s children who inherited his gift for music (thankfully not haikus in Percy’s opinion) had begun to write songs about the demigods in the stories, using their favorites.

Percy still remembered first reading the lost stories of his siblings. It spoke of brothers he had never known such as Cacalias, a young Greek boy born in a fishing village (where it seemed many of his siblings were born…). This was decades after Theseus’ time and he had long since passed, the Minatour however had reformed outside of the labyrinth and began terrorizing his elder brother's home when he was just a boy. Seeing his town in danger the boy had summoned a massive wave from the water that flooded the streets, dragging the monster into the waves where it was drowned. The book goes on to describe his journey to find the training grounds, which as far as Percy understood was what Camp-Half Blood used to be called. It was where Chiron, trainer of Heroes, lived and trained demigods for survival. And for war.

Percy saw himself in the story, the minotaur as your first monster, fighting for survival, not understanding where you fit into the world.

He also read the story of Athanasios, a brother of his who battled a sea serpent to protect the woman he loved, a daughter of Aphrodite, and how Aphrodite had blessed him with eternal love to her daughter and blessed any children they had together to be those of eternal beauty. The story took a dark turn as after his children were born and grown they became coveted by the people, and marriage proposals began arriving for their eldest daughters and sons. When they announced to people they would allow their children to marry for love, they ran to witches, sourcers, and monsters looking for love potions and spells. One managed to succeed and bewitched the youngest daughter. Presuming that she wanted to marry for love, they approved the marriage. Shortly after in a fit of rage, the newly married husband killed Athanasios’ youngest daughter.

Understandably Athanasios flew into a rage and killed him, but the man had been a child of Zues. Angered that one of his sons had been killed, he sent a lighting bolt down that killed Athanasios where he stood. Poseiden had swept into a rage that destroyed three of Zeus’ favored cities before the council offered a formal apology. It had not done much to calm the sea god, but Zues agreed to allow the daughter of Aphrodite and the children of Athanasios immortality at sea.

Both stories in themselves tragic, but there was one story that stuck out to him.

The story of Xanthe, one of his older sisters. The reason her story stuck out to him was that in the end of her demigod chapter she had become a goddess. The tale went as such. Xanthe in Greek in similar to saying “golden” or warm yellow. Her mother had been a princess that had fallen in love with their father, and so she ran away into the sea with him. Eventually passion faded and she had fallen pregnant. She requested to be returned to land, but asked for somewhere safe near the water so her child could know where she came from. Poseidon agreed and set her up in a house in a village loyal to him. When Xanthe was born the midwives had gasped in surprise “yellow hair!” they said. It was unusual to see a child of the sea with light hair, and one had not been born in centuries, hence Xanthe’s name.

She was raised around the water, and because of that she grew into her power quickly. Monsters began attacking her and her mother was forced to send her to the training grounds. Xanthe’s mother had written for help, and several of Poseidon’s elder sons were sent to collect her and bring her to the training grounds. Two died on the quest back in a sudden attack, and Xanthe was finally brought to the training grounds. Devastated by the loss of their little brothers, the children of the sea raised their new younger sister fiercely, teaching her how to fight, how to learn, and how to win. She also became close friends with a few children of Ares and learned how to strategize.

After succeeding in her first quest at fourteen, the demigods had to go to war. This was the time Rome had begun to creep into the Grecian empire and the gods’ minds were at war with themselves as they heralded new identities being forced upon them by thousands of new souls. Rome, convinced Grecian life needed to cease and become one with the new order (very star wars in Percy’s opinion) began attacking all aspects of their greek counterparts. This included demigods.

Xanthe quickly proved herself a leader, rising through the ranks to sit alongside the Athena strategists at 17 years of age. She had battle prowess, and was skilled at Earthshaker abilities. She could cause an earthquake that would devastate Roman legions like no other, or tsunamis that tore away at their supports. No one was safe around the water if she was nearby.

Percy still winced at the idea of all this death of demigods and mortals. It seemed so pointless now, they could get along fine. It was close dam well a few times, but they could get along. Hearing how his cousins and siblings died for that war was brutal.

Xanthe became a patron for her siblings, learning to teach them to fight, read, write, hunt, and survive the world and war they were being thrown into. She was one of the oldest left towards the end of the war.

By this time she was approximately 23 years old. Percy was wondering at first why they kept referencing “approximate” age, and Annabeth reminded him that much of this was guesswork and half-changed stories, as well as the fact that many mortals did not have the ability to know the date back then so birthdays were more difficult to know.

The final story in her chapter told of her ascension. She had married a mortal woman, ironically a demigod daughter of Athena of all demigods. They had battled and fought together and finally the war had come to a temporary lull as Romans worked to strategize and rebuild their troops.

Both demigods had wanted a child, but knew that obviously they didn’t want a man’s involvement. They had prayed and offered to Artemis and Apollo for their skills in pregnancy and healing. Apollo blessed them with a child of their own making, inventing this skillset on the fly. It worked and Androna, Xanthe’s wife, became pregnant.

While the couple was thrilled, Zeus was not. Still struggling with his Jupiter/Zues confusion he saw the girl ready to give birth and determined the child of two demigods created by another god himself would be far too powerful to be left alive. He raised his bolt and struck Androna down.

Xanthe had flown into a fury like no other at the loss of her wife and child. Knowing she couldn’t get to Zues himself on Olympus where he was barricaded, she turned instead to the battlefield. Any son of Zues or Jupiter that opposed her was struck down mercilessly, any daughter who chose the same met an identical fate. Zeus decided after a few dozen of his kids died it was time to step in, and sent Ares to destroy her with his spear.

Ares actually respected Xanthe and Androna as they were protectors of women, which is actually one of Ares’ titles (wild, Percy knows). He intentionally threw off his aim which struck Xanthe down into the sea. The sea could not heal her, however, as Zues had poisoned Ares’ spear without him knowing. Poseidon, desperate not to lose his youngest daughter, and still fighting the Neptune madness, transformed her into a goddess to save her. Zeus had been enraged, however Ares had called the council to explain that this never would have happened without Zues’ interference. The Fates agreed it was to be, and so Zues could take no further retaliation.

Xanthe had not been pleased with their father, as he had known it was her intention to die and join her wife in the afterlife, and now she was stuck without her for eternity. The book briefly mentions how it took decades for her to forgive him or speak to him again, and only then did she agree to rejoin the royal family if he vowed to never turn anyone into an immortal without their consent again.

Percy had paused at the story. A sister, a great warrior, and one who in theory was still alive today.

Why hadn’t he met her yet? They book chapter on her ends explaining that she took on the role in the Royal Family as Princess of Coral and Goddess of Tsunamis, meaning she was still around right? Seeing Triton, seeing Rhode, Ben, Kym? They all had come to meet him, so why hadn’t she come around yet?

He didn’t know why it bothered him somewhat but it did. He took another deep breath, looking around the bottom of the pool. Someone had joined him in the water without him noticing.

Hair rose on the back of his neck, this woman did not feel mortal. A pair of womens legs in a black bikini bottoms stood on the other end of the pool. Percy briefly noted the golden anklet with a single pearl strung in the center. He swam upwards, popping his head out of the water and glancing around. His friends weren’t there yet, and no other chairs had towels or belongings sitting anywhere. He turned his attention to the woman at the other end of the pool. She had a matching black bikini top embellished with small pearls strung along one of the straps going around her neck. Blonde hair spilled over her shoulders, the ends dipping in the water. Her eyes were blue-green, and she was grinning at him, leaning back against the edge of the pool.

“Um, hi?” Percy said, waving awkwardly at her. The woman laughed, she didn’t look much older than Percy was now at nineteen, maybe in her early twenties.

“Hi.” She said back, cocking her head. Percy almost groaned, this was going to be an interesting godly conversation that was probably going to aggravate him. He moved swiftly through the water closer to her.

“Look if this is a quest of some kind I’m really not interest-” He started

“It's not.” She interrupted him. Now that Percy was closer he could see a gold chain necklace around her neck, and a trident hung from the center. He blinked.

“Wait, are you one of my sisters?” Percy asked. The woman laughed, nodding.

“I am, you called for me?” She replied, lifting herself out of the water to sit on the edge of the pool, legs still swirling in the water. Percy furrowed his eyebrows.

“I… didn’t think I was calling for anyone?” He said, looking at her pointedly. She stared back with an equally pointed gaze. Blonde hair suddenly clicked in his mind. “Oh.”

Xanthe smiled warmly at him, albeit with a hint of mischief in her tone. “Nice to meet you face to face, little brother.” She said, Percy’s mouth dropped open a bit.

“Wait, have we met before?” He asked quickly. Xanthe shot him with an appraising look.

“When you were young, before you were two. And once when you were nine though I did not take this form.”

“This form?”

“Yes, this body. I can be anything I want now, look and disguise myself if I want. This is what I consider my true body. It's what I looked like right before I died.” Xanthe stated calmly.

“But you’re alive?” Percy said with confusion. Xanthe frowned softly.

“It’s not the same I suppose. I feel younger and older at the same time. Godhood changes your brain chemistry, events look different and out of focus. Everything from my demigod life was something I experienced in perfect clarity.” She explained unhelpfully.

“Somehow it still doesn’t make sense.” He muttered. Xanthe laughed.

“So, did you want anything or…?” She asked. Percy raised an eyebrow.

“What, you don’t want to spend time with me or something?” He asked sarcastically. Percy regretted slightly when Xanthe winced.

“I would, but today I’ve got a few things I need to set up.” She said softly. Percy blushed, feeling rude.

“Sorry I wasn’t trying to be rude, I get it, you got godly stuff to do.” Xanthe shook her head in amusement at him.

“Well are you throwing a party out here? I get the feeling you’re waiting for people.” She diverted the subject.

“Um, kinda? We’re really just hanging out because classes are finally over.” Percy responded. Xanthe nodded, looking like she was searching for something else to say.

“Well… do you need beer or something?” She asked, looking slightly confused. Percy couldn't help himself, he started snorting laughing.

“Xanthe, no! The boy is not of age yet here in the states!” Rhode suddenly appeared next to her sister in the pool, wearing a white one piece suit. Percy jumped, choking on a laugh.

“I don’t know what to do with him?! He’d be of age almost anywhere else in the world?” Xanthe exclaimed, throwing her hands up. Rhode shook her head.

“Well hello there Rhode, nice to see you, thanks for the jumpscare. What is it with you people?” Percy exclaimed, flopping backwards to float across the water.

“Boo.” A sudden voice above him caused him to jump, the water shooting him upright.

Kym in a purple bikini was a few feet away in perfect mortal form. She laughed heavily and Xanthe snickered while Rhode chastised her for scaring Percy again.

“I vote for the kid gets a beer.” Kym stated. “He saved the world like six times at least.”

“That's what I’m saying, I was drinking way before nineteen ish.” Xanthe scoffed.

“And look how you turned out.” Rhode said pointedly, Xanthe threw a wave at her.

“Look I appreciate it you guys, but my neighbors would not appreciate a party out here.” Percy warned, waving his hands at them in a “stop” gesture.

“Well I still feel like you deserve a party. We had good parties in the old days after big events like battles and stuff.” Xanthe said, looking at each of her sisters. Kym and her made eye contact before turning pointedly towards Rhode.

Rhode looked at both of them and sighed. “The boy hasn’t even agreed, why are you looking at me like that?”

“Well, if we’re going to have a party, we would need a good party ground.” Kym said slowly, a sly smile spreading across her face.

“Where better than Rhodes, dear patron sister?” Xanthe asked, batting her eyelashes comically, smiling at her sister. Rhode threw her hands up in the air.

“Fine, if he agrees, we will set a date.” Percy’s older sisters cheered, high fiving each other. It seemed Kym may have been a tad melodramatic about the family beef she played up during the giant war as his sisters seemed rather comfortable with each other.

“Percy, would you attend a party we threw?” Xanthe asked, looking at him with a grin. Percy’s eyes widened.

“Um, this feels like either a threat or a test?” He said, looking between the three goddesses. All three laughed, though Rhode walked closer to him.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want Percy. Anyone over sixteen would be permitted to attend so all of your friends can come.” Rhode explained, placing a hand on his shoulder. Percy blinked again, and suddenly heard the gate swing open behind him. Annabeth in her black swimsuit coverup blinked at the sight, Jason, Hazel and Frank a step behind her, all gawking at the goddesses.

“Um, hello?” Annabeth asked, looking pointedly at her boyfriend. Percy sighed, turning to his friends and girlfriend.

“Guys meet Rhode, Kymopoleia, and Xanthe. My older godly sisters.” He explained. Annabeth’s eyes lit up with recognition at Xanthe, and they all bowed their heads slightly. Kym’s face lit up at the sight of Jason and she held out both of her arms.

“JASON, MY PRIEST!” She boomed, smiling at him. “I have visited my temple, I am very pleased! We need to discuss the progress of my action figures.” Jason tripped over himself, blinking rapidly.

“Uh, thank you my lady? And yes, uh we can talk about that?” Jason seemingly asked, looking between her and Percy. Percy shrugged, stifling a laugh.

“Hello, my ladies.” Hazel said, nodding towards the goddess, Frank mumbling the same.

“Well it is good you are here, my sisters,” Rhode said with a pointed stare back at her laughing younger sisters. “Have convinced me to throw a party later in the summer. Anyone aged sixteen and up would be welcome to join, I’ll provide transportation and lodging. Would you all be interested in coming?” She asked.

“A party?” Annabeth asked, confusion coloring her tone. She gave Percy a “wtf” look and he shrugged once more, gesturing towards Kym and Xanthe, who looked quite proud of themselves.

“Yes, on my home island of Rhodes.” His elder sister continued. Annabeth gaped for a moment before responding.

“Well if the others are alright with it, I would be honored to attend.” She said, and Percy nearly winced. He was not sure if this was going to turn out well for them but it was all in now.

“I would come.” Jason said, raising his hand slowly.

“I suppose if it is alright with you, my ladies, I would love to attend.” Hazel replied, looking positively thrilled.

“I, uh, I would come too.” Frank said quietly, looking nervously at the gods. Percy wondered if he too thought this might be a test of some kind. Rhode nodded and smiled.

“Alright you two,” She laughed, turning to her sisters. “You win. Party at my place, one week before the summer solstice.” The two other goddesses cheered, water spraying out of the pool as Kym smashed her fists into the water.

“Demigods, I assume like Percy you will be able to get to Camp-Half Blood? Arrive by the night before the party and I will pick you all up the next morning to bring you to Rhodes. And whatever you do-” She said, finishing her sentence looking at everyone seriously. “Do not tell Triton or Father. They are such buzzkills when it comes to his demigod little ones.”

“Little ones?!” Percy squawked indignantly. “I’m a literal adult?”

Rhode laughed. “Not to him, young one.”

Rhode nodded at them all and disappeared into a spray of sea mist. Kym laughed heartily before speaking. “I will send out the invitation to Camp-Half Blood and the Roman camps. Everyone will be welcome as long as they are respectful to the sea. See you mortals then!” The goddess of violent sea storms said cheerfully, also disappearing into a swirl of sea spray.

Xanthe laughed at her sister while the demigods all turned and made eye contact with each other. All their expressions read the same “what did we just get ourselves into?”. Xanthe noticed their worried looks and smiled at them reassuringly.

“Do not worry, demigods. I promise Kym will behave herself. Rhode will not allow for anything too wild to happen in her home. It will hopefully just be a night where you all can relax and have a good time. A night for you all to celebrate yourselves and how much you’ve overcome to be here.” Xanthe said, a weight placed over her words that reassured Percy she was telling the truth.

“Well I, for one, am very excited.” Annabeth laughed, removing her cover up and tossing it onto a nearby chair. She was in a white two-piece that Percy thought she looked incredible in. Annabeth called him biased as he called her incredible in anything. She plopped down the rest of her belongings on the chair and eased her way into the water, wading over to be closer to Percy. The others followed her lead and began jumping into the pool. Frank and Jason had a momentary face-off as to who could create a bigger splash.

Frank turned himself into a grizzly bear and won easily. Jason began bickering with him about cheating while Hazel watched on in amusement. Turning back to where Annabeth had come to his side, he noticed that his sister was staring at Annabeth with an odd expression.

It looked like sadness, deep sadness and heartbreak. With a jolt he remembered who Xanthe’s wife had been in her stories. Another daughter of Athena. Annabeth’s attention was drawn by a small oh that left his lips, and turned making eye contact with Xanthe. Percy’s sister blinked suddenly, as if coming out of a dream, and looked away.

“Sorry about that,” the goddess of tsunamis muttered, glancing back up at both of them sheepishly.

“Do I look like her?” Annabeth asked softly. Xanthe’s eyes seemed a bit shinier and Percy could tell Annabeth had regretted asking the question.

“Uncannily so.” Xanthe replied with a weak laugh. Xathe looked outwards, where Percy knew the sea waited. “Yes I know…” Xanthe muttered, shaking her head. Percy cocked his head as he hadn’t heard anything.

“Triton calls for me, we have something we need to do. He is being irritating about it, as usual.” She explained to them both, standing up on the edge of the pool.

“What are you headed off to do?” Percy asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

“Heading to the Coral Palace, setting up a few new defense posts.” Xanthe said, snapping her fingers and drying herself instantly. Percy frowned, not liking the sound of that.

“Why does the palace need new defense posts?” Percy asked sharply. Xanthe met his gaze with a sigh.

“Small skirmishes around outposts, a few old sea creatures have been disturbed with each of the recent wars. A few more escaped from the pit when the doors were bound.” Xanthe explained softly. Percy and Annabeth both flinched at the mention of the pit, instinctively moving a fraction closer together.

“Is everyone alright?” Percy asked seriously. Xanthe nodded.

“No mortalities so far, a few injured. Setting up the new defense posts gives us more time to react. Hopefully in a few months everything calms down again.” Percy’s older sister said, stretching. As she did her clothing flickered into a set of ripped denim shorts, brown slides, and an oversized hawaiian shirt in a bright floral pattern. Percy absolutely burst out laughing.

“You dress just like him! Is this a family trait, when am I gonna start wearing these?” Percy howled, falling into the water laughing. He popped his head out of the water to face his sister, who was throwing him the finger with a grin.

“Hey, I’m a lesbian. I started wearing these first. Dad copied me, otherwise he’d still be dressed like a deep-sea fisherman.” She laughed, and Percy could smell a breeze of sea salt that felt amused somehow. The others chimed in with their own opinions on her shirt as she pulled out her phone and texted someone.

“Alright I’m coming!” Xanthe suddenly snapped, whipping her head around towards the water with a stinging glare. “Dad on a cracker he’s impatient.” She muttered, snapping her fingers once more. A case of beer and seltzers sat at her feet, along with two pizzas.

“You can have a mini party today, we’ll come and get you for the real thing in a few weeks. I’ll try and stop by a few times, see if I can help you all pick out a proper party wardrobe!” Xanthe laughed.

“Um, we are minors, my lady?” Hazel asked, looking around nervously. Xanthe shrugged. .

“I forget this is a bigger thing to you all now. We usually started drinking somewhere around thirteen or fourteen. My older brothers tried to make me wait until fifteen but rules are rules, complete your first quest you get a drink.” She laughed. “You don’t have to accept it, but I trust you to be responsible. You’ve been through worse than a bad hangover. And hey, if you get too drunk and really freak out just pray to me, I’ll come get you out of whatever situation you’re in.” She explained, nodding to them.

“Thank you, Lady Xanthe.” Annabeth said, nodding her head with a small smile.

“I really gotta get going, take care kids!” The goddess said with one final grin, disappearing with the sound of a roaring wave.

“Well I, for one, am definitely having one.” Jason said with glee, Percy laughing at him.

Percy didn’t drink much, so he only had two of the seltzers (he still didn’t care much for the scent or the taste of beer). It was nice to just sit with his friends and girlfriend in relative safety. A few from the legion came to join them, relaxing around the pool while laughing and having fun. Percy swore he spotted Dionysus in the corner for a moment, raising an eyebrow at Percy, before he was gone. Parties were the wine god’s domain, Percy supposed. Annabeth and him were standing in the shallows against the edge of the pool watching a few people have a cannonball contest.

Annabeth and him cheered as Frank emerged victorious once more, laughing as everyone dove into the waters. He looked at Annabeth again, and met her gaze. She smiled happily at him, leaning into his side. Percy smiled softly, looking back at all the happy faces around him.

School was out, they had survived another year with no quests or wars, and they had had time to rest. Percy wondered if this is what being a normal kid felt like most of the time. He was the happiest he had been in months at that moment, relaxing in the peace his friends and family brought him simply by being there.

“I can’t wait to see the camp this summer.” Annabeth said into his ear. Percy nodded.

“I can’t wait to see all our friends and tell them we got invited to a godly party.” Percy laughed. Annabeth laughed lightly as well, looking back up at him.

“It's going to be chaos.” She remarked. Percy hummed in agreement, wrapping his arms around her. They chose to ignore the chaos of the future and instead sat in peace for the rest of the night, surrounded by friends.

Chapter Text

The next few weeks passed in a blur for Percy and Annabeth. Shortly after meeting Xanthe for the first time, they traveled back to New York (via train so Percy didn’t end up blasted) to visit Sally and Paul before heading back to camp. They would be meeting up with Fredrick towards the end of the summer before returning to school.

Percy told his mom all about their adventures in the libraries of the gods, and even pulled out a copy of the Atlantean book for his mom. “I thought you may be able to read some of the more PG ones to Estelle?” Percy asked quietly. Sally and Paul had been thrilled to read the book and determine what stories were more child-appropriate. Or what could be altered to be more appropriate for a child. Percy found himself pleased his little sister would grow up knowing about Percy’s side of the family. Though after Rhode had discovered the little girl, he had a feeling Atlantis would go to war for Percy’s little sister. He also had an odd sense that the sea itself would not harm his Estelle, and suspected the royal family had something to do with it.

After spending a few days with his family, Percy and Annabeth had Argus pick them up and return them to camp. Argus had already made multiple stops, and so Percy was delighted to see several campers already in the van bound for camp, including the Stoll brothers, Katie Gardner, and Maria, a daughter of Hermes.

All of them had been off for their senior years in high school, except for Conner who had just finished up his junior year. They talked about how the year had gone, and told them about the books they had gotten ahold of of their siblings of old. They all were eager to read the stories. Sometimes as a demigod you don’t feel much attachment to your Greek side, it was hard to be raised into a mortal world and thrown into these terrifying and deadly situations with zero idea of where you actually fit into these stories and myths and legends. The stories showed how many of these demigods had survived these perils and lived lives of their own. The most gruesome stories stuck with them, however there were still more happy endings in these books than they had ever heard in mythology taught to them before. It had given them all hope for a better future.

After a short drive full of conversations and planning for the upcoming summer, Percy had somehow found himself promising to help the Hermes cabin with a few pranks the Stoll brothers had decided to pull, and they arrived back at camp.

As they stepped across the border Percy found himself taking a deep sigh of relief as the power of Camp-Half Blood fell over him. He looked around and noticed numbers had increased in each cabin exponentially, and newer demigods were following Chiron around as he gave them a tour.

Spotting him and the others, Chiron gestured to the demigods to follow him over, and Percy couldn’t help but smile reassuringly at the younger demigods. There were three younger kids, one only nine years old, the others looking closer to thirteen.

“Here we are, young ones. Meet Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase, heads of the Poseidon and Athena cabins respectively.” Chiron introduced. The younger girl was blonde with a familiar pair of sharp gray eyes peering out from under a mess of hair. She was dressed in a fresh camp t-shirt and running shorts, though the girl looked exhausted. The other two were boys, one with a mop of blonde hair and mischievous blue eyes that peered around at the gathered campers excitedly.

The final boy was probably the closest to thirteen, and yawned at the group indifferently, rubbing his eyes. He had dark brown hair and sleepy brown eyes that peered around at him, looking as though it was taking him a lot of effort to keep his eyes open. While Percy had already guessed who two of the campers belonged to, the blonde haired boy remained a mystery to him.

“Hey.” Percy said with an awkward wave. The kids stared at him, even the brown haired boy seemed to wake up a bit. The blonde boy’s eyes widened.

“You were in the video they showed us! Can you really make a hurricane?!” He asked excitedly, practically bouncing on his feet.

“I can, but I don’t do it very often.” Percy laughed awkwardly, feeling odd that so many campers knew of him before he even met them. He scratched the back of his head and glanced at Chiron, who smiled at him knowingly.

Dam that centaur for his foresight. The kids dissolved into questions to both him and the other campers, somehow introducing themselves as they went. The blonde haired girl was named Celeste, while the blonde boy was Jamie and the brown haired boy was named Noah.

“Alright children, please follow the Stoll brothers over to Cabin 11 where you can all get settled in the unclaimed section for now. Soon hopefully your godly parents will claim you and we will get you settled in with any half-siblings you may have.” Chiron said, beginning to herd the children and the Stolls towards the Hermes cabin. As they were walking away, Annabeth suddenly gasped as a silver owl appeared, clutching a paper scroll and an olive branch in each foot, directly over Celeste’s head. Percy grinned with satisfaction, it had been obvious, but he was glad Athena had claimed her so quickly. Annabeth had guessed as well, and they had shared a pointed look as Celeste had begun her interrogations, but she too was surprised Athena had stepped in so quickly. Often the gods waited until the campfire or capture the flag to claim their children in front of the camp.

“Hail Celeste Hillcrest, Daughter of Lady Athena. Goddess of Wisdom and Battle Strategy.” Chiron said, a pleased tone in his voice. Everyone bowed or nodded their heads respectfully towards the girl, the other two children hasting to follow the older campers example after looking around.

“Well Celeste, let's take you over to our cabin.” Annabeth said happily, warmth in her tone. Percy smiled and nodded to the girl as she took Annabeth’s hand, rapid fire questions pouring out of the girl's mouth about her newly discovered heritage. Annabeth grinned in amusement, answering each question quickly and efficiently as the girl carried her small pack of belongings towards Cabin 6. Annabeth called a brief goodbye to Percy, promising to meet up with him after she got her new sister settled and caught up with the other siblings in her cabin.

Chiron and the other children, along with the Stolls, moved towards the Hermes cabin, fielding questions from the blonde boy as they went about claimings. The brown haired boy trailed along sleepily, mumbling to himself about needing a nap.

Grabbing his own stuff and waving goodbye to Katie, who moved towards her own cabin, Percy walked towards Cabin 3, greeting his friends and cousins happily as he went. Everyone’s mood seemed significantly better, and Camp looked quite lovely today in the afternoon sun.

The weather was fair, and the strawberries in the field swayed happily as the satyrs and children of Demeter sang and walked among the rows. A small patch of grapes now grew closer to the Dionysus cabin, as Zues had rewarded the wine god after the giant war by removing his restrictions and allowing a small portion of grapes to be grown for Dionysus to create and sell the wine along with strawberries. It allowed for increased funding to camp, as the wine was of the highest quality and sought after by auction houses. Pollux handled the sales now, as he was now twenty-two, and even was looking into opening his own winery sometime soon.

Dionysus had also claimed two more of his children, a daughter and a son named Penelope and Christopher respectively. Pollux had taken them under his wing immediately, and was fiercely protective of them after losing Castor.

Despite having his restrictions regarding his powers lifted, Dionysus had been instructed to remain at camp for the remainder of his sentence. While the god was not pleased about this, he was somewhat happier than he was before. He was often spotted tending to the grapes with his children, teaching them calmly how to use and manipulate their powers safely. Percy was appreciative of that, as Penelope had inherited much of her father’s power over the mind. One night she was being picked on by a few older campers (including a few Ares kids) and had snapped at one of their comments, sending the boy into a screaming mess of madness. Dionysus had been able to easily repair the boy's mind, however he had also taken more time to explore these powers with his daughter so she did not hurt anyone else accidentally.

More new cabins glistened in Apollo’s light, some still under construction. Every time a new minor god claimed a camper a cabin was commissioned for them. Percy often found new groups of demigod children arriving shortly after cabins were finished, allowing them to move directly into the newly built safe haven.

Percy knew the gods were content, for the moment. The minor gods received more respect and kindness, and for now Olympus recovered in peace. It still felt wrong to him, in a way. It still felt like something was coming. Percy shrugged off this feeling, moving towards his cabin with his stuff.

To his surprise, he did not enter a dust filled cabin, instead it was clean and tidy. His fountain bubbled in the corner, shining as if it had recently been cleaned and polished. His head cocked to the side as he listened further, a new water source trickled from behind the cabin. After tossing his bags on the bed, he cautiously crept outside towards the back of his cabin. His cabin backed up directly to the lake, and he often spent hours out there watching the water. The scent of the ocean in the distance would lull him to sleep.

He stepped outside and blinked in shock at what was revealed to him. The wooden walkway had been replaced with seastones from the depths, and a thin path of stone surrounded a large pool of saltwater that went deeper than he originally expected it too. Staring down into the water with shock he realized that it was a coral pool, filled with fresh seawater and structures of incredible coral that he knew came from the great barrier reef. Schools of colorful fish swam among the rocks, spinning excitedly when he noticed them. Hello, little lord! They called to him, before swimming away further into the rocks happily. Percy muttered a brief hello as a black-tipped shark swam to the surface, wiggling happily as Percy scratched gently behind his dorsal fin. Still stunned he turned his face upwards, noticing a small waterfall at the other end of the pool, also made of sea stone and decorated with bits of ocean plant-life.

“Woah.” Percy muttered, looking over the entire structure with awe. Who in the world had put this here, he found himself wondering. Suddenly a mist of sea spray fell into place next to him, and a dark haired figure in a sea-green chiton appeared next to him, smiling warmly.

“Hi, Rhode.” Percy said, still blinking. Rhode smiled at him, gesturing towards the pool.

“An early birthday present.” She stated matter-of-factly, “Pulled from a dying section of the Great Barrier Reef. Now it is forever preserved. The fish and animals will never go hungry here, and the water will remain clean without effort. A blessing from father when I told him what I planned.” She explained, leaning down to place her hand in the water. The fish swarmed, Lady of Rhodes!” they sang to her cheerfully.

“Um, thanks?” Percy laughed. He was grateful, it was a beautiful piece and his father knows how often he needed saltwater to correct minor injuries he acquired. Rhode smiled and nodded at him happily, sitting down with her legs in the water. Percy joined her after pulling off his shoes. He felt a million times better after entering the water.

“Your last few birthdays have been… Somewhat eventful. And we haven't properly celebrated with you since things have calmed down, due to the reconstruction efforts and all.” Rhode started, and Percy almost winced. With a few great prophecies he was about done with the whole event entirely. “And I really wanted to make sure you could enjoy your gift through the summer. I believe a few of our other sisters are much the same, and you should be expecting several gifts this summer.” Rhode laughed. Percy grimaced.

“You guys know you didn’t have to get me anything, right? I’m pretty happy with how things have been going lately, as long as no new prophecies or quests come my way.” Percy said pointedly, looking over at his godly sister.

It was Rhode’s turn to wince, as she turned her gaze back towards the pool. “If anyone would dare disturb you I have a feeling father would send Atlantis to war.” She said in a lighter tone, a tinge of amusement coloring her voice. Percy sighed, knowing that it was probably true.

“Well, thank you though. It is really cool. I’ll admit I was worried about maintaining it.” Percy said, also turning his eyes back into the pool. Fish swum happily around his feet, remaining quiet as he spoke with his sister.

“It is also safe for your friends to swim in it if you wish, the water will not harm them there and they will be able to breathe.” Rhode informed him happily, smiling warmly at the white-tipped shark who made its way to the surface like a small puppy, practically wagging its tail.

“Hopefully we should have plenty of time to explore it this summer.” Percy said, also smiling at the small shark swimming around happily. Rhode nodded, looking over the water. “So when should I expect the others?” Percy laughed, somewhat nervously, side eyeing his older sister. Rhode laughed.

“Soon, I would imagine. They are quite thrilled, it has been a long time since we had a younger sibling such as you to spoil.” She told him. Percy frowned at that, he knew he had other siblings born since the pact, though maybe not demigod ones.

“What about the young nymphs, or cyclops dad has?” Percy asked, somewhat cold in his tone. He found he cared for Tyson and his other cyclops brothers a great deal, and it insulted him when others looked down on them. He had yet to meet any of his nymph half-siblings, but he had a feeling that was intentional. Rhode shook her head.

“We do care for them, but culture is different there. Cyclops claim all of fathers offspring for the forge, it's an ongoing agreement he has with them. He knows his sons are cared for there. And his nymph daughters are usually claimed by the sea and my mother’s sisters. They are well cared for there, and honestly much happier than if they were to be at court. The only children he can claim for himself, for the royal family, are those born between him and mother, and any of his demigod children. We still feel protective of them yes, especially father, however they are not his alone to claim from the old powers.” Rhode explained, looking at him to assess his understanding. Percy nodded in slight understanding.

“And since no new gods have been born recently, and I’m his first demigod in a while, you all have decided I need more gifts than I know what to do with?” He asked incredulously. Rhode laughed.

“The olden days were easier, with less restriction. Xanthe was able to visit court a few times before her ascension, and met all of us a lot younger than you did. You are all of the sea, and for that we care for you. The sea is possessive of its own.” Rhode answered, looking at him warmly. Percy blushed, muttering something about not needing the attention, and Rhode chuckled.

“Well, I must be going. I still hope to see you all at the party, Chiron is making the announcement tonight and the council has even approved it. Father was originally not pleased, Xanthe and Kym frequently throw what is known in the mortal realm as a ‘rager’.” Rhode said, slight confusion in the last part of her tone. Percy snorted out a laugh, he could see it with Kym especially. “However, Xanthe and Kym have promised to be on their best behavior. Xan especially would not allow little ones in danger. She used to be quite protective over demigods at the training grounds.” Rhode finished, looking fondly out towards the water.

An answering breeze that smelled like lemons and seawater filled the air, and Percy knew Xanthe’s attention had been summoned. It quickly faded though. Percy tried not to feel disappointed, he knew Xanthe was busy but he hadn’t seen her since that final day of classes a few weeks prior and he was interested in speaking with her again.

“Thank you again, for the pool. It really is incredible.” Percy said to his sister, smiling at her softly once more. He protested as she grinned and rustled his hair, before she waved her goodbyes and disappeared into a spray of saltwater in the pool, the scent of olive oil and sea spray lingering for a few moments afterwards.

“Percy!” A voice called from outside of his cabin. “Are you there?” Someone called. A familiar voice. Percy grinned, turning back to call out.

“Come on in! I’m out back.” The sound of footsteps walking through the cabin quickly followed, and Percy was suddenly struck with an armful of Piper. She pulled back from the hug, grinning happily at him.

“How have you been!? How were classes? Are you ready for this summer?” She asked excitedly, kaleidoscope eyes dancing in the late afternoon sun. She then noticed the large saltwater pool and gasped as she peered down into it.

Percy laughed and quickly explained, when suddenly another voice called out from the side of his cabin, footsteps quickly making their way around. Leo flew around the corner, smiling ear to ear. He was covered in soot and had metal scraps sticking out of his pockets. Percy and him grinned at each other, and greetings were met all around.

After thinking Leo had died, the remaining Seven had all grieved together, when suddenly one night Festus had flown back into camp, carrying none other than Leo and Calypso. There had been a lot of crying, hugging, and punching from the group, but overall they were just thrilled the physician's cure had worked and brought Leo home to them.

Things between Percy and Calypso had been awkward at first, as Percy had not quite forgiven her for the curse she had placed on Annabeth, which had manifested itself in Tartarus. After a few weeks of not really speaking, Calypso had approached him and apologized. She regretted the curse as soon as Leo had explained everything from the end of the Titan war onwards, and had figured out when that curse had come active.

After working through their issues, Percy and Calypso were on alright terms, though they were by no means close. Annabeth too had a hard time looking the titanness in the eyes, though thankfully Calypso had also offered her a heartfelt apology.

They had also collectively as a camp agreed to make her swear on the Styx that she would never raise a hand against the demigods with intent to harm them, and she had done so without issue. Currently, however, she was off visiting a few of her long-lost sisters she hadn't seen since her banishment, leaving Leo at camp for the summer to meet up with everyone.

After explaining everything once more to Leo, and Jason who had just joined them from Camp Jupiter earlier in the day, they all headed off as the conch shell sounded and signaled dinner.

The rule about eating at your godly parent’s table had been dissolved after the giant war, and demigods now scattered about the tables next to their friends and partners from other cabins. Annabeth had rejoined them, greeting Percy cheerful as he asked how Celeste was fitting in.

Together the group of them sat down together as their plates filled with fresh brisket, green beans, cornbread, and mashed potatoes. Percy looked around, a feeling of contentedness in his stomach as he took in the campers around him. It was, for the first time since he was very young, peaceful here. Of course, for nearly a hundred people it was not silent or calm, however everyone's expressions were peaceful and content here with each other. No impending war over their heads, no impending doom or prophecies. Rachel had also returned to camp that day, and moved quickly over to join them.

They all spoke and laughed happily, discussing their stories from the year they had spent apart. Admittedly, they did have more contact with each other now long distance, as they had all been gifted cell-phones from the Hephaestus and Athena cabins after the war, along with the rest of the head counselors, for potential emergencies. Thankfully no serious issues required them to be used, however they were far more monster resistant thanks to the tinkering done by the two cabins, and they were less able to be tracked after using them. They primarily tried to use them only within the safety of camp, however, where it seemed to not bring any attention to them.

Percy stood and walked over to the bronze hearth, blazing happily with offerings that had been sent already to the gods. Percy dumped a slice of brisket into the fire, along with a clump of grapes he had picked up earlier. He internally designated the blessing to his father and siblings, then paused for a moment. He then slid a small portion of cake into the fire, muttering a prayer to Xanthe for safety. He had a feeling her fight at the Coral Palace was bigger than he originally expected. Lemons and sea salt- a unique blend Percy had discovered after beginning his small offerings to Xanthe- filled the air around him, spiraling upwards across the crowd of demigods, nymphs, and satyrs. A few with stronger noses glanced upwards at the smell, and Percy felt pleased his sister had extended her thanks across the camp.

Percy made his way back to their table, returning to his spot next to Annabeth, who smiled at him. He couldn’t help but plant a small kiss on her lips, before turning back to the others and resuming conversations about their summer plans.

“Well we cannot forget the most important event, the Atlantean Party that apparently is being thrown.” Annabeth laughed, looking at Percy with a smile. Percy shook his head, chuckling.

“I’m fairly sure your sister would curse me with sea storms if I don’t attend at this point.” Jason muttered wearily, glancing around as though Kymopoelia would appear instantly to blast him on sight. Percy nodded at him knowingly.

“Oh one hundred percent,” Percy laughed, “Her priest not showing up to her party? She’d be in a bad mood for decades.” He said. Jason groaned and muttered something into his cornbread. Leo and Piper looked at the three demigods who had been in New Rome for the school year.

“Party?” Leo asked incredulously, looking upset that no one had discussed it with them. “What do you mean Percy’s sister is throwing a party?”

“At this point I’m eighty-five percent sure Atlantis itself is sponsoring the party.” Percy groaned, turning to explain the meeting with Xanthe and his other sisters, along with the few events that followed. Leo and Piper looked thrilled, and began swiftly chattering about what they expected to go down at the party.

Shortly after they were interrupted by Chiron standing from the head table, clinking his fork against his glass. After a few moments of shushing, everyone fell silent and turned their attention to the immortal trainer of heroes.

“Welcome back to our first night of summer session!” Chiron started, the tables all cheering, clapping and hooting their excitement. Chiron calmly waited for them to settle before continuing. “A few brief announcements, you have all been reminded of camp rules, and I do hope we can follow them this summer. To our newest demigods, I hope you’ll find safety and happiness here.” The centaur said, looking around at a few new faces.

“A few mentions for this summer, we will be performing chariot races once a month, the first one to take place will be held in three weeks.” Cheers went up and people celebrated. Chiron clinged his glass and fork together, and slowly everyone pittered into silence again. “One more announcement from the Royal Family of Atlantis, as well as Olympus.” Hushed whispers as people glanced over at Percy, who smiled at them all knowingly.

“From Princess’ Rhode, Kymopoleia, and Xanthe a formal invitation has been sent out to both the Roman and Greeks camps, all demigods aged sixteen and up have been invited to a celebration on the Thirteenth of June, one week before the summer solstice. A few Roman demigods will be arriving later this week, and Lady Rhode herself will be hosting on the Isle of Rhodes.” Chiron announced, and the demigods roared to life, talking and chattering with each other excitedly. A royal party was no small event, and something the demigods had never experienced before.

“Alas, children!” Chiron called, momentarily quieting the crowd. “Remember, you are being hosted by the gods. Lord Posiden himself has given permission for all to attend, but please remember to be respectful of their time and work to put this on. Any questions about this celebration may be passed through to me, and I will work to get an answer for you.” Chiron finished, noting many of the campers had stopped paying attention. He stomped his hind left hoof against the floor, and quickly everyone fell silent for a final time.

“All of that being said, welcome to Camp, demigods, and let us make this a wonderful summer!” Chiron called. Finally cheers erupted once more, as people moved away from the dining pavilion and towards the campfire. Percy too stood with his friends. Hazel and Frank would be joining them later in the week with the Roman legions. Percy was glad the Roman guesthouse was finished recently to allow Roman demigods safety at camp-half blood if needed.

As he settled into the campfire with his friends around him, Annabeth sat happily by his side, the campfire soared twelve feet tall into the air as the Apollo cabin led them in song. It was a newer song Percy hadn’t heard before, discussing the feats of one of Apollo’s daughters, a legendary healer in the Greek times.

It must have been from the books that had been distributed across camp. The song sung her story of tending to wounded on the battlefield, and had coined the term “field-medic” in her time. She tended to thousands of injured demigods, and mortals alike with her abilities, before she was granted eternal rest in the Isle of the Blessed for her good deeds towards all the godly children she encountered.

It was a lovely song, and the campfire grew stronger as other cabins called out stories to be told of their sisters and brothers of old. Percy smiled happily, leaning his head to rest on top of his girlfriend's.

This is what they had wanted all along, a piece of their history to learn about and teach about, to remind younger campers battle and glory was not all to be had with their abilities.

He felt happy and content. Shortly after smores everyone trickled away back towards their cabins, Annabeth leading an exhausted Celeste back towards their cabin with a quick kiss goodnight to Percy. They often stayed together in the Poseidon cabin, but Annabeth had several new siblings to get to know so for the time being she stayed there with them.

Percy bid everyone goodnight, falling into bed and blissful unconsciousness.

______________________________________

Percy thankfully did not dream that night, as he often did, and in fact did not dream the next few nights either. Percy had spent the past few days training a few sword fighting classes, playing the first game of capture the flag (and winning, as per usual), as well as getting to know several of the new campers.

At the current moment, Percy was alone in the training arena. His first class of the morning had finished up, and Percy was taking a few minutes to practice on his own. He had just finished a battle with the automatons the Hephestus cabin had created over the winter for training practice when he smelled a familiar scent of sea salt and lemons coming from up near the seats. Sheathing Riptide, as at camp he did not necessarily need to hide it in pen form while he was training, he turned and squinted across the arena where his older sister had appeared.

Percy was honestly quite surprised to see her, as he had yet to hear anything from her besides the breeze he felt when he offered to her. Xanthe smiled at him from the other side of the arena. She was dressed like a mortal today, as she had been last time, though this time she was in a pair of black leggings, sage green tennis shoes, and a gray tank top. Her long blonde hair was pulled into a high ponytail, and a trident was sheathed across her back in a leather holder that was wrapped around her shoulders and secured around diaphram. She pushed herself away from the wall she stood against, walking towards him and clapping slowly.

“Well done, you have excellent battle skills. I see your sword fighting lessons with Triton aren’t amiss, you could easily defeat over half of the Atlantean Legion.” Xanthe said, a pleased tone in her voice. Percy grinned and muttered his thanks, grabbing his bottle of water and dumping it over his head.

He instantly felt significantly better, and nodded to his sister as she approached. It was then he could inspect the trident more closely, and noted with slightly widened eyes the power pulsating from it. This was most certainly a godly weapon.

“Woah.” Percy said, peering at the celestial bronze creation. It was maybe five feet and a few inches long, shorter than his father’s was, and etched with details of large waves crashing into shore. At the hilt where the prongs emerged, sharpened to an easily deadly point, a sea green stone sat inlaid, surrounded by several softly-glowing pearls. Xanthe, noticing his interest, pulled it from its sheath in one fluid motion, handing the trident over to him. Percy’s eyes widened in surprise as he took it from her, feeling a thrum of power run through him. Suddenly he smelt what could only be described as a violent sea, could hear the sounds of crashing waves and taste the sensation of blood in his mouth. It unnerved him, causing him to shift on his feet, staring at the weapon in surprise.

Xanthe laughed at him. “Sorry,” She said, taking the weapon back from his hands into her own. “I forget how jarring she can be to most people.” She explained, looking at the weapon and running her fingers over familiar grooves.

“It’s amazing.” Percy found himself saying. Long ago he had wondered if he would be any good battling with the weapon. His siblings often used it, as it was the symbol of their father, and he knew Xanthe had carried this weapon into battle years ago.

“καταστροφικό κύμα,” Xanthe said softly, pulling her eyes upwards from the weapon before returning it to its sheath along her back. “Or “destructive wave”. She’s served me quite well over the years.” The goddess said fondly.

Percy supposed the goddess of tsunamis would name her weapon after the power of the waves she controlled. He knew the devastation tsunamis could wreck across the world, and that many mortals had fallen at their hands. He at first had been upset by the amount of mortals lost to the sea, asking his father if it was the temper of the sea that pulled them in. Poseidon admitted the sea responded to his and the royal family’s emotions, but also reminded Percy the sea still had a function to perform. All aspects, including deadly ones, had to be respected and performed, as was his duty as king and the duty of his godly children.

“Is that the one you had as a demigod?” Percy asked, curious.

“It is, father gifted it to me when I turned ten and was taken to the training grounds. My siblings taught me how to wield it. I taught my younger siblings in turn. It's rather sad to me that no one bothered to hand you one when you were younger, you would have done quite well.” Xanthe replied, looking meaningfully over at the racks of weapons that held no tridents. Percy shrugged.

“I’m pretty fond of riptide, besides I’ve never trained with a trident, how do you know I’d be good at it?” He replied, raising an eyebrow. Xanthe laughed, meeting his expression.

“It’s father’s weapon of power, all of his children have some ability to handle one.” She responded, Percy blinked.

“Huh, I probably would have liked to know that earlier.” He muttered, his gaze too landing on the weapons rack. It could have come in handy if he had known how to use one, he did know tridents allowed for a longer reach than swords did, and worked well against an enemy you need to maintain distance from when engaged in combat.

“Well, father had actually planned on giving you one for your birthday this year,” Xanthe started, reaching into her pocket. Percy looked over at her in surprise as a small charm emerged from her pocket and into her open palm.

It was a bronze trident charm, that within a blink of his eyes expanded to a full sized trident, radiating with power of its own. Percy looked at it in shock, Xanthe held it out to him intentionally, placing it into his surprised hands. “However, I beat him to it this time. He was quite grumpy that I outpaced him for his plans, so expect something outlandish from him for your birthday to make up for it.” His godly sister said with a laugh, while Percy inspected the weapon in his hands.

It felt like it belonged there, the same way riptide did while in his grasp. It was made of celestial bronze for the prongs, a single pearl rested in the middle. Halfway down the shaft the bronze bled into polished sea-stone that was smoothed and blended seamlessly into the bronze. As he turned it upright in his hands, it flashed and resized itself until it was a few inches taller than Xanthe’s.

“Why did it do that?” Percy asked, looking over the inscription at the hilt where the prongs emerged, each sharped to a beautiful point. It read Υψηλή Παλίρροια on the opposite side of the pearl, which Percy’s mind translate to High Tide.

Xanthe nodded at the weapon, her gaze sizing it up appraisingly. “It will grow to fit you, I have a feeling you still have a few inches left in you. Our brothers always grew into their early twenties, though mortals are significantly taller now than they used to be.” She explained.

“Huh, I forgot about that. Were demigods taller than regular mortals?” Percy asked, still inspecting the trident in his hands with awe. Xanthe shrugged, looking like she was thinking about something.

“I think typically, though not always and not always by an outrageous amount.” Xanthe elaborated. “I was considered a taller woman in my time, though most male demigods beat me in the height department. I was fairly taller than most mortal men though, by at least an inch or two.” Considering his sister was approximately five foot eight in what she considered her “true form” or demigod self form, based on the fact that Percy was six foot two at this point, he could see how she would have towered over them to an extent.

“The lower half of the staff is sea-stones from the deepest points of the ocean. It will allow you to summon the weapon back to you if you lose your grip. It also, with practice, will allow you to control it without using your hands. I’m giving it to you early so you have time to practice with it before summer ends.” Xanthe finished, smiling at him.

“You really didn’t have to do this,” Percy started, Xanthe shooting him a stern look, so he sighed in response. “But thank you, really. It is beautiful.” He said, looking over the weapon once more. Xanthe’s pleased expression returned, as she further explained how the weapon could be shrunk at a thought and returned to his beaded necklace as a charm so it could always be with him. Percy couldn’t bring himself to do it yet, instead turning the thrumming weapon over in his hands. It seemed happy to him, thrilling slightly at the feeling of being in his fingertips.

“I’ll be popping in to give you a few lessons with it, of course.” Xanthe said abruptly, causing his eyes to snap back to her in surprise. “And a few warriors trained in trident combat will stop by to help out from time-to-time.” She continued. Nodding at the weapon.

“Um, wow, uh thank you?” Percy stuttered out in shock. Xanthe grinned at him wickedly, suddenly pulling her own trident from its sheath and lunging at him with it. Percy yelped in response, pulling up High Tide to block the incoming prongs from glancing him in the shoulder.

“So we’re starting now?” Percy called after shoving the prongs backwards towards his sister and moving away from her by a few feet, instinctively pulling the weapon in front of him.

“Oh absolutely,” Xanthe laughed, eyes raking over him. She raised both hands peacefully, sheathing her trident once more and stepping towards him, correcting his grip slightly and moving his feet to a wider stance.

“Keep your feet wider for balance, if you ever feel like you’re starting to tip over redirect them. A trident can be used to regain slipped footing in a fight, but it must be done quickly before your enemy can catch up to your recovery.” She explained, retreating and pulling her trident from her back once more.

“Now come on,” She said cheerfully, eyes darkening slightly with a type of glee he had yet to see on her. “Charge me.” Percy obliged with a laugh, moving quickly towards his sister with good speed, aiming the trident towards her chest. Xanthe smacked the prongs quickly away from her, moving Percy with it from the force, spinning behind him to whack him in the ribs with the shaft of her weapon. Percy spun too, recovering with a new determination, and allowing Xanthe to charge him this time.

They sparred for nearly an hour, Percy sweating, bruised, and exhausted towards the end. Xanthe smiled, plopping down next to him, offering him a cup of water he took and dumped over himself, feeling his aches disappear.

“You fight well!” Xanthe exclaimed happily, looking back towards their weapons they had left in the weapons rack. “You take to the weapon well too, you will master it by the end of the year I am sure.” She said.

“Yeah, fights well,” Percy scoffed good naturedly, looking at his sister pointedly. “You just bashed my brains out around that ring.” He said.

Xanthe chucked at him. “I have been fighting in wars for thousands of years, little brother, with that weapon at my side.” She said proudly, summoning Destructive Wave to her hands. She looked at it meaningfully, still tracing the patterns in the bronze metal. “You do fight well, anyone else would be struggling to fend you off.” Percy was suddenly reminded of how old his siblings were.

It was easy to view Xanthe as a young woman, and his other siblings as middle aged, but he sometimes forgot how ancient they were. How many empires they had watched rise and fall, and how many enemies they had defeated before he was ever conceived. Because of that, he felt pleased with the praise, warmth filling his stomach.

“I haven’t seen you in awhile, have the attacks gotten worse around the palace?” Percy asked suddenly, glancing over at Xanthe. His sister sighed darkly, clutching the trident in her hands slightly tighter, shaking her head.

“Unfortunately, yes. We are starting to wonder if older sea-gods were disturbed in the recent wars and are now itching for battle. They woke up a bit late though, so they missed the main party.” Xanthe said, eyeing the direction the ocean was in.

“Is it bad?” Percy asked quickly, a serious tone emerging in his voice. Xanthe shrugged.

“None could stand to father now that the Titan Lord and Earth Mother have been dealt with, but war could be costly to the people so we hope nothing of the sort will occur. Atlantis is still coming out of recovery and rebuilding from the years of fighting.” She said, looking at him briefly.

“But are you in danger?” Percy asked. Xanthe smiled reassuringly at him.

“Not at the moment. I stay near the palace most days to assist in larger skirmishes. The guards and legions mostly take care of things. I’m there in case something bigger comes along. Father visits a few times a month to check in, helps take care of anything going on while he is around. He cannot stay long, though, he has much to take care of in Atlantis.” Xanthe soothed, though Percy did not feel very reassured.

“Why do I feel like that is not the entire truth?” He asked, staring at her seriously. Xanthe’s smile faded, and she looked at him with equal seriousness.

“It may not be the full truth, but it is the truth as I know it.” The goddess replied, patting Percy on the shoulder. “For now, I am in no danger, few would dare to challenge me near the palace. If anything stronger beings begin to stir I will be the first to summon father or Triton to challenge it. I am a commander of the army, but not a general. If I feel out of my depth I will call for help, little brother, I am old but not a fool.” She reminded him, eyes full of knowledge he couldn’t read.

Percy nodded slightly. “Ok, as long as you're sure it's nothing serious.” Xanthe nodded at him once more, and Percy did feel better. His sister, it seemed, did know her limits well and she was thousands of years old.

But, she was also once a demigod, and Percy knew they had a habit of getting themselves in trouble before even realizing it.

“Could I maybe check in with you every once and awhile?” Percy asked suddenly, and Xanthe looked at him with a surprised expression. “You know, like letters or Iris Messages or something like that?” He finished quickly.

“Um, sure?” Xanthe said quickly, blinking at him. Warmth filled her tone. “I would like that, I may write back some if you would be ok with it?” She asked. Percy nodded quickly, it would be nice to have some contact with her even though she was incredibly busy.

“As for the party, you’re still able to make it, right?” Xanthe grinned at Percy’s question, laughing.

“Of course! It was basically my idea, Rhode would kill me if I skipped it.” Xanthe said, chuckling. “Besides, it's been a few months since I’ve attended a good party, and I managed to convince the Muses to come and perform for us that day, so I would be murdered by them if I dared to skip.” She laughed.

“The Muses?!” Percy squawked in surprise, looking over at her. “How many beings did you invite to this party?” He asked in shock. Xanthe erupted into laughter.

“Honestly, this party idea has snowballed.” She giggled finally, looking over at him with mirth in her eyes. “I think Apollo and Hermes are showing up, along with dozens of other demigods, godly parties, nymphs, and various other immortals.” She admitted somewhat sheepishly at Percy’s shocked expression.

“Oh my gods, what have you dragged me into?” He groaned, putting his head in his hands. Xanthe laughed again, before suddenly falling silent, turning her face towards the ocean.

“I hear you,” she said quietly, a serious tone in her voice. Percy’s amusement left him and he watched as Xanthe stood, taking her offered hand as she pulled him to his feet. “I am coming now.” She replied to someone, still gazing outwards. She returned her gaze to Percy, smiling ruefully at him.

“It appears you have been summoned.” Percy chucked without humor, rubbing the back of his head.

“It appears I have.” Xanthe replied with a wry smile. “I’ve gotta get going, minor skirmish with a sea serpent a short ways from the Coral Palace. They’ll need my help to finish it off, it's rather large though thankfully does not appear venomous.” She said, sighing.

“Thanks again, for my present. I’ll write to you soon, but I guess I’ll be seeing you sometime next week.” Percy replied with a dry laugh.

“Anytime, little brother. And thanks for the offerings, they’ve been nice.” Xanthe said, softening her tone towards the end of her sentence and averting her gaze. He gathered she felt somewhat embarrassed about them, but he vowed to keep giving her and his other siblings offerings when he remembered.

He waved goodbye as she disappeared into mist, the sound of a roaring wave behind it. Percy heard chattering behind him as his third level swordsmanship class began trickling in behind him.

“Woah, Prissy. Since when did you own that sweet thing?” A voice called. Clarisse had returned to camp the day before, and volunteered with Percy to help teach weapons classes, taking control of the spear classes as Percy was not well versed in that weapon during combat.

The daughter of the war god walked closer to the rack of weapons, noticing High Tide right off the bat, and she glanced over it appreciatively before turning back to him. The younger demigods, largely fourteen to fifteen year olds approached the rack too, grabbing their own weapons while the children of Ares and Hephestus together inspected High Tide as well, chattering excitedly about it and staring at Percy.

“About an hour ago, a gift from my godly sister.” Percy said, amusement in his tone. He walked over and lifted out from the ring of young half-bloods gently placing it into Jack’s, a younger son of Hepestus’, hands. The boy looked at it reverently, his sister Kim writing down frantic notes about the design. With a quick warning not to throw or stab the weapon at others, he allowed them to look it over with interest.

Clarisse whistled when it was handed to her, looking up and down the prongs with interest. “This is a nicely crafted weapon, Prissy. You got lucky.” Percy laughed and took the weapon from her, spinning it over in his hands until it shrunk into the small charm that magically attached itself to the beaded necklace around his neck. This inspired a new wave of clamoring from the gathered kids, before quickly Percy and Clarisse began guiding them through their warm-ups for the class.

Of course, Clarisse and him had to go toe-to-toe after the class ended, the daughter of war eager to see how the trident would fare in combat.

They had spun around the arena in a blaze, knocking each other to and fro with glee. While Clarisse and him were by no means bffs, they had gotten closer since the war and Clarisse had found a purpose in training her younger siblings to the best of her ability. She had lost nearly half of her cabin in the past two wars, and did not like seeing her siblings’ blood spilled, and she and Percy together worked to ensure the next generation of demigods was ready for whatever the Fates threw their way.

Percy arrived at dinner that night exhausted, quickly going over the day's events with his friends and Annabeth, eating and talking with everyone before returning to his cabin and falling swiftly asleep.

___________________________________________________

Percy awoke to the sound of music coming from where his new saltwater pool was, blasting techno with heavy bass that thrummed from outside. It wasn’t loud enough to wake him, but it did bring his attention when he woke. He padded outside in his pjs, glancing around and squinting in the early morning sun. I was barely eight o'clock, he noticed, before spotting the source of the sound in front of him. Kymopoelia was floating in the water in front of him, dressed in a black bikini and dark sunglasses. She floated on a sea-serpent raft in the water, a glass of wine clutched in her hand.

Music was blasting from the small boom-box that sat on the edge of the pool, and next to it was a small poorly-wrapped present in blue wrapping paper. Percy had a sneaking suspicion of what was coming.

“It's a bit early in the morning for drinking, I believe.” Percy snarked, hands on his hips at his older sister. Kym pulled down her sunglasses, grinning up at him with rows of sharp teeth.

“As the mortals say, it is five o’clock somewhere.” She replied. Percy snorted, sitting at the edge of the pool and muttering soft greetings to the fish. Kym sat up on the raft, pulling something out of thin air and tossing it to him. It was a figurine of a small boat that looked as though it was an old pirate ship. Percy turned it over in his hands, inspecting it.

“Happy early birthday.” Kym said cheerfully, grinning in expectation. Percy blinked at the object, feeling like there was more to this.

“Uh, thanks Kym.” He chucked, holding up the wooden vessel. “It's very cool.” Kym rolled her eyes, and gestured to it.

“It’s enchanted, nimwit. Toss it into the sea and it will become full sized.” She grumbled.

“Oh, wow. Thank you.” He said in shock, looking closer at the detail on the ship. “Cyclone” was scrawled on the side.

“I sank that ship a few hundred years back in one of my storms, I’ve been saving it and repairing it ever since. I have lots of ships, however you don’t and I thought you may like one.” Kym stated, gesturing towards the small figure.

“But, there is another present for you over there, from Triton.” She said, sighing and pointing at the present. Percy snorted at the wrapping paper.

It looked as though someone had tried wrapping it underwater before giving up, tying a bow made out of kelp around it and sending it onwards.

“Well A-for-effort on the wrap job.” He laughed, pushing himself into the pool and closer towards the package and boom-box.

“Yes, I do believe he consulted mother for help but neither of them are well-versed in mortal aspects such as gift wrapping.” Kym said, voice dripping with amusement.

Percy gently untangled the string and pulled apart the wrapping paper, pulling out a conch shell reminiscent of the one Percy knew was Triton’s symbol of power. A gold trident was carved into the side.

“It’s beautiful.” Percy said quietly, muttering his thanks to both Triton and Amphitrite, and he felt the sea-scented wind tinged with the scent of pine ruffle his hair.

“It brings you directly to Atlantis if you blow through it,” Kym explained, gesturing towards it. “They thought it would be best to give you a quicker way to come and visit without needing to swim for a good distance. It is also a standing invitation for you, and any who wish to accompany you. It grants them safety in the palace, and allows those you bring to breathe while on Atlantean grounds. If you want them to breathe outside of the palace, I’d ask father for his blessing otherwise you would have to maintain the enchantment.” Kym said quickly settling back into her floaty.

“Woah.” Percy muttered, looking at it in shock. “Considering a few years ago I was convinced they both hated me, this is kinda surprising.” Kym snorted loudly.

“They never hated you. They were a bit mad at father, to be sure, but they did admit their first actions to you were harsh… As were my own.” She sighed after a second, looking briefly remorseful. “But you are our brother, a prince of the royal family. No one would deny you your place. Besides, it has been a long time since they had a little one to fuss over.” Kym finished with a dark chuckle.

“Xanthe said something similar,” Percy sighed, placing the shell and figurine back next to the boombox for the time being.

“Thank you, and thank both of them for me, would you?” He said again, nodding to his sister.

“Of course, I also come bearing news for the party.” Kym said with another sharp grin.

“Oh gods.” Percy groaned, putting his head in his hands. Kym laughed uproariously.

“Oh relax, little brother. Unfortunately father discovered our plans so we are limited in what we can do.” She grumbled amusendly, not actually seeming all that mad. “To tell you the truth, I think he is just glad that we’re not fighting for once.” She said, sounding older than he normally pictured her.

“Besides, I just wanted to inform you that we have decided there is not going to be a dress code. We originally wanted to go old-timey but Chiron convinced Rhode that may not be a good idea. We wore a lot less clothes in Greek times, and I suppose that is not normal for you anymore.” Kym muttered, looking slightly put out. Percy sighed in relief that he would not have to wear a Chiton and could instead go with the outfit he had planned with the help of Annabeth.

Shortly after Kym expressed her goodbyes, disappearing with a crack of a storm wave with her floaty and boombox, the scent of sea-water and wet wood following her. Percy gathered up the gifts he had been given and placed them reverently in his cabin, hopefully sometime soon he would get the chance to take Cyclone out into the water.

He then changed out of his now-dry pjs and into a camp shirt and athletic shorts, making his way across camp towards the Athena cabin.

Chapter Text

Percy walked across the camp, waving good morning to a few nymphs around the edge of the lake who all waved happily back at him. He headed towards Cabin 6, approached and knocked on the door, hearing a few voices calling for him to enter. A few of Athena’s children were moving towards the bathrooms, calling greetings to him that he waved back to them. He then turned and saw what he was searching for.

Annabeth was dressed in a blue tank top and jean shorts, hair pulled into a ponytail as she leaned over one of her siblings, Kyle, who was showing her something with excitement on the laptop in front of him.

“It looks really good, Kyle. Maybe adding a few more structures around the edges and it’ll be complete. Then you and I can work on the garden together.” She said, patting the younger boy on the shoulder. Kyle was twelve years old and had been claimed during the previous summer. He stayed year-round and had taken quite the shine to Annabeth last summer after he revealed his interest in architecture to her, and often accompanied Annabeth in her monthly visits to Olympus to oversee her plans being built in the palace of the gods.

Kyle grinned over at Percy, chattering away about the world he and Annabeth were creating in minecraft, flipping the screen around to show him the impressive looking palace he had been working on through the winter. Percy nodded and hummed appreciatively, Annabeth watching with amusement in her eyes before she quietly informed Kyle to go get dressed for breakfast.

The boy groaned and closed the laptop, grabbing a camp shirt and shorts before making his way towards the bathrooms. Percy reached out and took Annabeth’s arm, smiling at her happily.

“Well you seem in a good mood this morning.” Annabeth laughed as they stepped onto the porch of the Athena Cabin. It had been remodeled the past year, and now had a large wrap-around porch with dozens of bean bags, hammocks, and rocking chairs placed throughout. Annabeth and her siblings spent a lot of time out there, reading and researching whatever caught their eye, and Percy had to admit it was peaceful. A few tapestries decorated the porch’s exterior, a few of libraries or owls holding olive branches. They had been designed by Athena’s weaving gifted children, and the older campers were always happy to display their younger sibling’s accomplishments.

“Got a visit from Kym this morning, and she dropped off her early birthday present as well as Triton’s.” Percy said, voice filled with amusement. Annabeth’s eyes gleamed as he explained the entire conversation to her.

“Well, I see a trip to Atlantis sometime this summer.” Annabeth laughed, smiling happily with him. Percy hummed in agreement, he hadn’t been since Spring break and would love to show Annabeth around the palace. She would love the architecture there. Together Annabeth and him corralled the rest of her younger siblings towards the dining hall, a few older Athena campers like Malcom efficiently moving to help get the group of young demigods through the door, forcing them to leave books and projects behind with saddened groans.

Finally everyone made it to the dining hall, settling in for breakfast. Leo, Piper, Jason, and Nico joining them, Nico having arrived a day or so ago from the Underworld where he had been to visit with his father. Now sixteen years old, the boy had grown another few inches and was rapidly approaching Percy’s height, of which he bemoaned to Nico’s cheerful cackles.

A few minutes later, the Romans who had come for the summer appeared, trickling into the pavillion and filling in empty tables slowly. Hazel and Frank spotted their waving quickly, and walked over to join them, heartfelt greetings and hugs meeting them. They spoke for a while, catching everyone up to date on the most recent events since seeing each other last.

Everyone chatted about various topics, Percy informing them of the most recent godly visit that morning, and promising Leo he would take him out on the ship sometime.

“Man, wish my godly siblings actually liked me.” Nico grumbled. “Melinoe keeps making ghosts walk through my walls while I’m sleeping.” Percy chuckled at him.

“Everytime I meet one of them, they want to challenge me to a fight.” Jason muttered as well, frowning. Percy frowned too, wondering why the minor gods that Jason had encountered in his slew of siblings seemed so determined to give him a beating.

“If it makes you feel any better, I think Xanthe would claim you as honorary siblings if you asked, she used to be a big part in a lot of demigod lives.” Percy laughed, suddenly getting the overwhelming scent of lemons and the ocean. The others looked up as well, also seeming to notice.

“Well I would be delighted,” Xanthe said suddenly, causing the group of demigods at the table to jump.

Hazel shrieked slightly in surprise, causing a few heads to whip around their direction. Xanthe had appeared next to Percy at the end of the table, smiling cheekily at all of them after they jumped. Chiron made eye contact with Xanthe and nodded his head, the goddess nodding back with a fond smile before the centaur returned to his food and conversation. Whispers started up around the hall, but slowly everyone returned to their meals, though the occasional glance did come Xanthe’s direction.

“However,” Xanthe continued with amusement after the commotion had died down. “I have a feeling a few of your parents would take issue with it.” She finished, smiling wryly.

Percy noticed today she was dressed for battle. Sea-green armor that appeared like serpent scales donned her upper half, a leather battle skirt known as a Greek pteruges covered her down to her knees. Brown leather sandals wrapped her feet, with similar scale-plated armor wrapped around her shins and secured by leather straps. Her trident, Destructive Wave, was sheathed behind her, and her hair was pulled into a low fish-tailed braid (how ironic, Percy thought). She had no helmet on, but it was seated in her lap. It wasn’t a full headpiece with a plume as Percy was used to, but instead was bronze and plated with pearls around the headpiece. It was shaped to a point where a sea-green jewel sat (aquamarine if Percy had to guess). Images of coral were carved into the headpiece, and two plates came down the sides of it, where Percy guessed it would run along the back of his sister’s jaw, securing it in place from falling off. With a start Percy realized this was his sister's crown, something his siblings and father usually only wore in combat and at royal dinners.

He had seen his fathers only once after the battle with the earth mother, a crown of coral, fish bone, pearls, and jewels from the sea wrapped in layings of celestial bronze. It radiated power and came to a point in the center with a blazing trident made of aquamarine that glowed as his father used his powers.

Percy had been informed that the royal family's crowns stayed with them, invisible to most eyes as a circlet on their heads. However in times of need, they transformed into what would be most useful.

“Lady Xanthe, I cannot say we were expecting you.” Hazel said, blushing red as she nodded to the sea goddess. Xanthe chuckled.

“No, I cannot say you were.” She replied, smiling. “I don’t have long, just wanted to give you all a quick update on the party.” She said cheerfully.

“Oh god, what now.” Percy groaned. Xanthe grinned pointedly at him.

“All good news, I swear. Just wanted to give you a heads up that Ares and Aphrodite will be there, so if you want to let their children know that way they can speak with them if they would like. Zeus has decreed that direct interaction is fine for the evening, I have a feeling he’ll make his way around for a few minutes to look kingly and then flash away into the night.” Xanthe said, laughing as thunder boomed overhead. A few other demigods looked over nervously as Xanthe waved her hand at the sky rolling her eyes.

“Well, um thank you, Lady Xanthe.” Piper said, looking slightly off-put at the mention of her mother. Percy snickered slightly at her, earning a dirty look.

“Just Xanthe, please, I don’t care much for formal-” The tsunami goddess started, before stopping abruptly, turning her face towards the water. Her expression turned annoyed and she asked out loud.

“Are you sure?” She asked grimly. Leo looked over at the empty space next to her with a confused look.

“Uh, Percy? Your sister is talking to thin air, should we be worried?” Percy waved him off for a moment, searching his sister's expression carefully. Xanthe sighed, closing her eyes before pushing herself up to a standing position.

“Is everything alright at the Coral Palace?” Annabeth asked, looking at Percy and his sister again. Percy nodded her direction, indicating to Xanthe that he wanted to know too.

“A few mortal souls have passed in a shipwreck somewhere off the coast of Mykonos.” Nico said, cocking his head to the side.

“Things go smoothly,” Xanthe finally said, turning her gaze towards the demigods once more. “But a larger skirmish has begun with some older sea-spirits near there. The guards cannot hold them indefinitely, I will return to help them.” As she spoke, she lifted the crown in her hands and placed it against her scalp, fitting perfectly. A wave of sea-salted air and lemons spread through the crowd, and Percy caught Chiron turning to look at the goddess with an expression similar to fondness and reminiscence. Right, he remembered briefly, Chiron had trained her too many years ago.

“But you’re alright? You don’t need help?” Percy asked, looking at her pointedly.

Xanthe shook her head as the other demigod’s heads snapped in her direction. “All is well, little brother. The battles are short lived but frequent, I finish one before I am called to another. Father will be taking over tomorrow so I can help Rhode with last minute party decorating, so I will get a few nights rest while he terrifies whatever crawls out of its cave.” Xanthe replied soothingly, nodding to him.

“It sounds like they're getting worse.” Percy said, tone serious. Xanthe sighed.

“They are, but father doesn't want you involved. Scratch that, I don't want you involved either.” His sister said in an equally serious tone, staring at him. “We will handle it, whether this is simply unrest or the stirrings of something else, Atlantis is strong enough to stand against it. It is simply a matter of time before the truth emerges.” Percy found himself relaxing slightly, nodding to his sister.

“Alright, I’m glad dad is giving you a break soon. You’ve been fighting for a few weeks now.” Percy said. Xanthe shrugged.

“It is much like the old days.” She said with a wicked grin. “Lots of creatures for me to destroy. I somewhat miss those times.” She said, looking wistful for a moment. “But seriously, rest up and we will see you all in two days for the party!” The goddess finished, waving as they called out goodbyes and wishes of luck for the battle she was off to fight.

She disappeared into a spray of sea mist and a roaring wave. Chiron stood, walking slowly over towards the demigods while Piper and Leo moved away towards the Aphrodite and Ares campers, informing them of the new revelation.

“It makes me nostalgic, seeing her dressed like that.” Chiron said warmly as he approached.

“I forget you trained her, sometimes.” Percy admitted, looking up at his mentor. Chiron smiled, staring at the spot where Xanthe had disappeared.

“I did some, however your brothers of old did a far better job training your siblings back then. The Poseidon children were very close, I imagine if you had siblings now they would have thrown an absolute fit about the quests you’ve been given in your lifetime.” Chiron explained, smiling back down at Percy.

“Oh they threw a revolt in Elysium when a few campers arrived and started telling the spirits of old about it. I think the Styx flooded that day.” Nico scoffed, looking amused. Chiron chucked while Percy whipped his head about.

“Dude, have you met some of my siblings and not told me?” He asked accusingly. Nico held up his hands in a peace gesture, muttering something about doing it by accident. Percy shot him a look that meant he was getting interrogated later.

“What was she like,” Annabeth asked suddenly, looking at the trainer of heroes. “In battle, or in general I mean.”

“Much like she is now.” Chiron chuckled, shaking his head. “Though perhaps more impulsive. She was brought to camp around the age of ten, the first demigod daughter of the sea to grace the training grounds in a few decades. Her father gifted her a trident to learn with and she came more into her powers.”

Percy and the others nodded, they had known this to an extent. “The armor was a gift she received after her first quest, a mission to retrieve Aphrodite’s lost doves. Her doves are enchanted, each representing an aspect of love such as romantic or platonic love.” Chiron continued.

“After realizing that they had been released, Aphrodite tracked them down to mortal kingdoms at war over them, enthralled by the power they contained. Xanthe was presented with the quest from the oracle herself, and given a prophecy to find them. She had to travel to these places with two of her closest companions, Thalla, daughter of Ares, and Androna, daughter of Athena.”

“Wasn’t Androna her wife?” Jason asked suddenly, looking like he was trying to recall the story.

“Later, yes, they did come together and get married. That unfortunately ended in quite a tragedy.” Chiron said sadly, wincing as a rumble of thunder passed overhead despite the clear skies. Percy rolled his eyes at the sky, annoyed that his uncle was acting petulant today.

“But after succeeding in her quest, Aphrodite blessed her with the armor. Though she did not have the crown until after her sixteenth birthday, when she was crowned and joined the royal court.” Chiron finished, looking back over the group.

“Coronated?” Annabeth asked quickly, noting that this detail of the story was not mentioned in the book her elder brother had written about Atlantis.

“Yes,” Chiron addressed, shifting his feet behind him. “Poseidon always has a ceremony for Atlantis to acknowledge new heirs and members of the family, in fact Percy, I believe that is the birthday present he intends to bestow upon you this year.”

“WHAT!?” Percy shouted in surprise, causing a few heads to turn back his direction. The others gaped at Chiron in shock.

“Wait, coronated like given a crown and position at court and all that jazz?” Frank asked in a stunned tone, staring at Percy like he was made out of emeralds. Percy scowled at him.

“Yeah so, he did not tell me any of this.” Percy grumbled, aiming his gaze over towards the ocean. “And neither did the rest of them, THANKS VERY MUCH.” He shouted his final message towards the ocean, and at once felt several amused presences overlaying the table before they retreated.

“Oh yeah, they all knew.” Percy groaned, thunking his head against the table. Nico roared with laughter, turning bright red as he did so, Jason snickering across from him, while Frank, Hazel and Annabeth all shot him amused glances. Annabeth rubbed his arm reassuringly.

“Maybe it won’t be so bad.” She said, trying not to sound so amused. Percy groaned again, pulling his head up to meet Chiron’s gaze.

“Is there any chance I’m getting out of this?” Percy asked desperately, enacting a new wave of laughter from Jason and Nico, who were now leaning on each other to stay seated at the table. Will had made his way over at this point, amused to see his boyfriend in such good spirits, settling in next to the cry-laughing Ghost King.

“I don’t hold that answer for you, Percy.” Chiron said, amusement in his tone and expression. “That would be a discussion between you and your father.” He finished, moving back towards the head table. Percy continued bemoaning and talking to his friends and Leo and Piper returned and were filled in.

A short while later they all headed off for their respective activities, promising to meet up for lunch and dinner later. Percy had free time this morning, so he wandered towards his cabin. As he walked in, the scent of brine and the sea overtook him and he knew someone powerful was out back by his pool, it seemed to flock sea-spirits to it and he often found the nymphs outside peering in with glee.

Percy made his way out back, but blinked in surprise at who was standing by the pool, looking down and chatting with the fish that swirled excitedly below him.

“Did he really say that? Well it wasn’t very nice of him.” The lord of the seas said in amusement, eyes moving upwards as he noticed Percy’s presence. Percy blinked in surprise.

“Um, hey dad.” He said, staring at the god in front of him. Poseidon smiled warmly, and happiness ran through Percy. It was nice, now that the wars were over, to see his dad. He couldn’t see him too often, but a few times a month he would appear when Percy wasn’t busy talking or walking with him. Percy had also visited Atlantis several times over the past year on his father’s insistence, and met halfway at a training arena every other Sunday for sparring sessions with Triton.

He was wearing a red Hawaiian shirt covered in bright blue and green florals, bermuda shorts, and brown sandals. His trident stood next to him, the god of horses leaning against it.

“Hello Percy.” His dad said warmly, smiling happily and walking over towards him, pulling Percy into a hug.

“I do hope you enjoy your siblings’ gifts, they were very excited when they came to me with their ideas.” Poseidon laughed, turning his gaze back towards the pool.

“I really do, though it feels a little over the top.” Percy said with a fond sigh, looking meaningfully at his dad. “But that’s not what you’re here to talk about.” Poseidon sighed as well, turning back towards his demigod son.

“Not entirely, no.” Poseidon said. “I understand someone finally told you about your coronation. I had meant to tell you after the summer solstice, but I suppose you do have the right to know sooner.” He said, somewhat sheepishly. Percy raised an eyebrow at him.

“Ya think? Dad, coronation? I don’t need all of that. There'll be too many people looking at me and… I really don’t know if I can afford any more people to be responsible for.” He said quietly, sadness filling his tone. He had so many people looking up to him, the idea of more people trying to worship or respect him would likely give him a nervous breakdown.

Poseidon looked him over with a worried glance. “A coronation is something that happens with all of my royal children, even my demigods of old. It doesn’t add to any of your responsibilities or introduce you to the people, as they have been celebrating and loving you since the day you were born.” The sea god said seriously, looking Percy in the eyes. Percy winced, that somehow didn’t make him feel better.

“Great.” He said quietly, still anxious. Posiden nudged him gently with the shaft of his trident. Percy looked back up at him with a sigh.

“Look, I know that I wasn’t there for you growing up. It will be one of the biggest regrets I have until the day I fade from existence. However, you are my son. I simply want the kingdom to be reminded of that. My orders are still in place, no quests are to be offered to you without your consent, no pointless errands, none of it. It is a formality at best.” Poseiden said.

“But a crown, dad? Do I really need a crown?” Percy asked with a groan, somewhat accepting that this would be happening. Seeing his shift in mood Poseidon grinned brightly.

“Oh, absolutely. Your stepmother is helping the cyclops design and create it by the end of next month.” The sea god said happily, looking pleased. “Do not worry, she has taken your tastes into account as she does with all of my children.” He reassured Percy, who still looked anxious about it.

“That does not calm me down very much.” Percy scoffed, relaxing slightly. Poseidon smiled at him, turning to face the ocean.

“I know. But I assure you, it will not be as bad as you think.” The god rumbled, content that Percy seemed to accept it for now.

“I am glad you have gotten to meet Xanthe,” Percy’s father continued, smiling softly. “You remind me of her, when she was young.” Percy looked up at Poseidon.

“She’s awesome, honestly. I’m really glad you and Rhode decided to show me that book. But…” He trailed off, looking away. “I just don’t know why she didn’t want to meet me before I learned about her.” He finished quietly, wincing as he thought he sounded whiney. Poseidon smiled at him softly.

“Xanthe is… A complicated being, much like Kym.” The god started, looking over the water in the coral pool. “Many years ago she was the pride and joy of my demigod children, much like you are now.” He said with a grin, Percy blushed slightly. “But she suffered much in her time, both before and after I turned her immortal.” Regret colored the sea god’s tone.

“After? You mean when she was angry at you?” Percy asked. Poseidon winced, nodding.

“Yes, she hid herself from me. I could not protect her, there are many things I regret.” The old god said sagely, turning to face Percy again. “But it is not my story to tell. She likely will never share much of it with you, but thankfully she has returned to us.”

“Is what happened to her why she didn’t want to come meet me?” Percy asked quietly. Poseidon nodded, looking troubled.

“Some of it, certainly. Not all of it, however. She is rather glad to have met you now, I can feel her fondness for you growing daily.” Percy smiled, pleased with that fact for a reason he didn’t fully understand.

“Well I’m glad to have met her too. And the others, I feel like things have been better since you guys have been around more.” Percy admitted honestly, grinning at his dad. Poseidon also grinned happily, wrapping his arm around Percy’s shoulder before letting go.

“We are very happy to have you around Percy.” Poseidon said, voice full of warmth.

“Alas, I must leave and assist said sister of yours. She calls for me from the battlefield.” Poseidon said, tone more serious. Percy tensed, considering his sister had been here less than an hour ago that wasn’t promising.

“I thought she was doing alright.” Percy said, concern in his voice. Posiden stood, Percy following him up, and looked at him.

“Nothing too serious, she senses something approaching soon that will arrive in the next hour that feels old. She likely could handle it on her own but I assume she wants me there to assess where the beast came from.” The god reassured him, but Percy still felt tense.

“Is it more serious than what she’s been telling me?” Percy asked. Poseidon’s face fell into a soft frown as he turned towards the water.

“It’s not promising, so many old enemies stirring, but we haven’t caught wind of any coordination. They appear to be random attacks, small scattering of monsters. For now we are operating under the assumption that the recent wars disturbed them from the depths, but if anything changes I promise to keep you informed.” The lord of the seas said, nodding to Percy. Percy nodded back, somewhat reassured now.

“Alright well, you go help her and both of you be safe. Apparently we have a party to attend with her in two days.” Percy said, amusement filling his voice. Posiden laughed heartily, eyes shining with amusement.

“Don’t worry, I’ll give her plenty of time to make it, I think if I made her miss this event she wouldn’t speak to me for a decade.” The sea god said, smiling once more at him.

“I’ll see you sometime before the solstice, my boy. If you would, please avoid the trouble your sisters mean to get you into.” He rumbled. Percy muttered something about no promises as the sea god disappeared into thin air, the scent of a storm left around him.

Percy walked inside and decided to take a nap, wondering how in the world this family had been the one he was born into.

_____________________________________________________________________

The rest of that day and the next passed without any more godly intrusions, and Percy was pleased to note several other demigods offering bits of their meal to Xanthe during meal times. The gods were much more attentive now at the fire, and sent small reminders to the demigods that they were present and listening to their prayers.

Finally the end of dinner approached, Chiron standing and clearing his throat. “Campers, it seems we have an eventful week planned for us.” He said, smiling as the children in front of him fell into whispers and quiet cheers. “Lady Rhode informed me that she will arrive shortly before lunch tomorrow to pick up any campers heading to the celebration on her home island. She informed me for you all to pack an overnight bag with anything you may need, she has set up accommodations for you to rest tomorrow night and she will return you all the following evening.” Chiron continued, campers gesturing excitedly to each other.

“Finally, the summer solstice is next week. A group of campers has been invited as a representative of the camp, and Dionysus and I have determined the head counselors for each cabin, along with three fellow demigods from each cabin will go. Those who have no demerits or write ups from this summer will be permitted to attend.”

Percy almost groaned, he had forgotten that the summer solstice meeting, along with the winter, now hosted a representative group of demigods. The seven, as the unofficial camp leaders at this point, were nominated to speak on any issues brought forth to the council on behalf of demigods. Frank and Hazel would be joining them as representatives of the Roman legion, along with a handful of centurions.

“As for now, enjoy the campfire with the Apollo children leading us in song for the evening.” Chiron concluded, everyone jumping up and chattering excitedly to each other.

“I don’t understand why I can’t go to the party!” A younger demigod belonging to the Hephestus’ cabin asked sadly, Percy knew his name was Nick.

“Big kids only, buddy. Don’t worry, I’m sure when you’re our age they’ll throw another one. Gods love to plan parties.” Leo approached his younger brother, rustling his hair. Nick did seem slightly appeased, though still disappointed, as Leo moved the rest of his cabin towards the campfire alongside the rest of the camp.

Percy joined the stream of campers, walking along with Annabeth and smiling as the campers around them chattered. Campfire was filled with songs and stories, including a shortened tale of Xanthe’s story, omitting the parts not safe for young ears, but instead telling of her first quest. A sudden burst lit above the campers as a golden sun had appeared over Jamie, the young new camper Percy met a few days prior. The boy stared in awe at the beams of sunlight falling over him, beaming happily as a ruckus began across from him.

The Apollo cabin had burst into cheers, rushing forwards to embrace their new brother, bringing him over to sit with them. Jamie looked thrilled, hugging each of his newfound siblings with a look of joy across his face. Percy 's heart warmed at the sight.

With nothing further exciting for the night, Percy returned to his cabin with Annabeth in tow. They hadn’t seen much of each other the past few days, and they wanted some time to themselves before being whisked away to a party tomorrow afternoon.

“The pool really is beautiful.” Annabeth said, staring down into the depths shining in the moonlight. Percy nodded in agreement, eyes turning towards the sea.

“I can’t shake this feeling that something else is going on here.” Percy muttered after a few moments, frowning. Annabeth frowned with him, nodding in understanding.

“You’re worried, I get it. But Xanthe’s smart, your father is there to help, he wouldn’t let anything happen while he’s around. Let’s just go get some sleep and be ready to head out in the morning. Percy sighed and nodded, relaxing slightly as he planted a kiss on Annabeth’s lips. She grinned at him and grabbed his hand.

“Come on Seaweed Brain. I’m exhausted.” She said, yawning and moving inside. Percy yawned as well, walking after her. They quickly changed and readied for bed, falling asleep together on two of the beds Percy had pushed together.

Chapter Text

That night, Percy did dream. He looked around as his eyes blinked open, sighing sadly. It had been a good few nights without his wacky dreams, although lately they hadn’t been as bad as before the wars. 

He glanced across the terrain and quickly realized that he was underwater, and that he could hear the sounds of a battle nearby. Percy quickly swam, moving easily since this was in fact a dream, to get closer to the sounds. It was there that he came to the realization that this must be the Coral Palace. As he worked his way to the top of a ridge on the seafloor, he suddenly was overlooking a glowing city, surrounded by a soft sea-green glow of light. A palace rose in the distance, quite literally made of coral structures. Massive glowing pearls lit the palace in a soft white glow, making it obvious how many colors and sizes of coral there were. This was a marine biologist's heaven.

Percy didn’t have much time to goggle at it, however, as a steaming sea-creature of some kind flew past him screeching. Percy’s gaze followed it as it disappeared into the sea. It looked like some sort of shark-like creature, but its size was greater than the megalodon. It also had arms covered in scales that emerged from where the shark’s fins should be, and some kind of reptilian tail of dark and toxic looking green and blue shades. The entire creature was fifty to sixty feet long, and had rows of crooked and razor sharp teeth. It bled black ichor, but thankfully quickly turned to dust in a current. 

Percy turned back towards the main confrontation occurring just on the outskirts of the city’s protective borders. He quickly noted four more of those shark-creatures lunging at a familiar blonde figure in sea-green armor. Xanthe had taken a more godly form, now towering forty or fifty feet in height to match that of the enormous sea-creatures attacking her. They slashed at her with razor sharp claws, using their tails to stay balanced and zip around her, barely avoiding the prongs of Destructive Wave, which also had grown to match her height. 

She channeled the currents around her, whipping one of the creature’s tails from underneath it, and she took the opportunity to swiftly drive her trident through its head, and it screamed violently as it crumbled to dust. 

Unfortunately she had opened herself up from behind, and one of the other creatures managed to reach her forearm with its claws, using that momentum to lean forward and take a bite out of the goddess’ shoulder. Xanthe roared in pain, a violent rip of water pulling the creature from her arm, tearing away a good chunk of flesh with it, the claws ripping her forearm open in three large gashes, before the creature was slammed with a spear formed of water that Xanthe thrust his way. 

This left three of the monsters terrorizing the edges of the palace. His sister still bled golden ichor, though the bleeding was slowing. Percy remembered with a jolt the lessons Rhode had given him over time. The more exhausted a god was, the longer it took for them to heal even with the water helping them. This is extended to demigods to a degree, and Percy had come to realize that was why the water had not helped him heal quickly after his Mt. St Helens incident. 

Xanthe not healing quickly was indicative of her being tired, unable to maintain healing her wound and turn her attention away from the fight in front of her. Gods didn’t need rest to perform their usual daily functions, however when continuous strain is placed on them overtaxing their abilities, they became fatigued and require extra effort to maintain certain aspects of themselves. His sister’s face sat with resolve and a slightly thrilled look lit her eyes, indicative of someone hopped up on adrenaline. Or whatever the godly equivalent of adrenaline was.  

“Come on then!” Xanthe shouted as the creatures swam quickly around her, none yet making a move. She eyed each of them carefully before making a move of her own, halting the movement of the water around one and launching her trident through its head. The monster exploded into dust, and in that time the two others moved in quickly now that her trident wasn’t in hand. Destructive Wave turned suddenly back towards them, slicing through one of them before he had a chance to get close to Xanthe. Before the trident could be returned a second time, the final creature managed to get close enough to clamp its teeth on Xanthe’s thigh. She roared again, an angry sound that reminded Percy of the earth crumbling beneath them, and he had a feeling a tsunami had struck somewhere in the world at that moment. 

A sudden blast of light appeared as the creature was vaporized, Percy was forced to turn away lest he be blinded. When the light dimmed he pulled his eyes open, searching for his elder sister. He blinked in the sudden darkness, eyes readjusting to the soft glow of the city walls, and finally focused on several figures, the taller one now almost seventy feet in height. Poseidon stood tall, a hand on Xanthe’s shoulder staring at her in concern. 

“I came as quickly as I could, you are not healing fast enough η νεότερη πριγκίπισσα μου.” The lord of the seas said, tone laced with worry. Percy somehow translated his sentence and knew he said “my youngest princess”. Percy almost snickered at the nickname he had a feeling Xanthe did not much appreciate based on her slight sigh at it.

“Είμαι καλά, πατέρα. Θα γιατρευτώ πιο γρήγορα τώρα που δεν παλεύω.” The tsunami goddess replied, gesturing to her wounds that were finally beginning to close. Percy wasn’t quite fast enough to translate the full sentence, but he did catch “I’m fine, father.” “I just need a few days of rest.” She said quietly. 

It was then Poseidon and Xanthe returned to normal mortal size, and Percy willed himself closer to them and the small group of others. 

“My princess, are you well? Do you require a healer?” A merman asked, and Percy knew from the rankings on his spear strapped to his back that he was a Legion Commander. 

“No healer, thank you Andres.” Xanthe said softly, nodding to him. 

“I see more of what you mean,” Poseidon said with a soft frown, finally looking away from the nearly-closed wounds on Xanthe’s skin to gaze into the deep ocean in front of them. “It is starting to feel more coordinated. They’re learning how to separate guard patrols to take them out individually.” 

“I had assumed as much. Last time I rerouted and reworked a few patrol routes it tripped them up for a week or two, but now we’re back to this. I’ll need to reroute and retime a few patrols in addition to the new route we’re setting up next week. More things have been calling out from the cavern ten klicks east, it has me worried that they’ll start emerging soon. I want to know when they do.” Xanthe reported, nodding to Andres who swam away to give out a few orders. 

“You’ve done well, damage and losses have been minimized. The city is unharmed and trade routes are still open across the city.” Poseidon said, smiling at Xanthe warmly. 

“Work isn’t finished yet. Need to get kelpies and patrol units out to the main import and export hubs for the city. Make sure nothing gets smuggled in that shouldn’t be there.” Percy’s sister replied, looking back towards the city with a grimace. 

Poseidon frowned. “You think they would plan a sneak attack so soon?” He asked. “Before they’ve even announced their presence?” Xanthe shook her head.

“No, but they’ve started looking. By now I would have been sending scouts into a city or encampment. I need a presence they think they can exploit, by the time they come through with a plan I’ll have set up a safety measure as well. Julophilis is helping with that as well.” Xanthe explained.

“A good plan. I shall send the plans to your sister to consult after your party tomorrow,” Poseidon said, amusement lightly coloring his tone. “She may be able to help modify it to limit strain on your resources here in case shipping routes get blocked off.” Xanthe nodded sagely. 

“If I hadn’t promised them all I would be there I’m not certain I could even leave.” His sister admitted, finally looking somewhat vulnerable around their father. “But I am exhausted. I need sleep. I can barely maintain this form as it is.” Percy noticed she seemed to be flickering around the edges, vibrating from her core. 

“Yes, sleep you do need. You’ll feel better in the morning. I’ll take care of anything that arises in the next few days. Head to Rhodes, tell your sisters I said hello and good luck.” The lord of the seas said, laughing lightly. Xanthe grinned at him, moving backwards and disappearing into a spray of bubbles with a brief goodbye and a reminder to be safe. 

Poseidon’s face frowned after Xanthe disappeared, and suddenly another figure emerged from the depths. Triton, Percy realized with a start. 

“I do not like how she is healing slower.” Triton said, tone clipped. Their father shook his head. 

“Me either. Hopefully a few days of rest will rejuvenate her.” The lord of horses said, turning to face his son and heir. Triton’s eyebrows furrowed. 

“I would like to come stay here more often for the time being.” Triton said, looking as though he was daring father to challenge him. Poseidon simply nodded. 

“It would be for the best. I’ll check in on you both, and as long as nothing pressing happens at the palace you should be fine to remain here until whatever is going on has been sorted out.” The lord of the seas said, nodding to his eldest son. Triton nodded back with a pleased expression, swimming away towards the palace walls to help the patrols incoming from skirmishes. 

Poseidon now stood alone, turing his eyes away from the city and off to the deep sea in the distance, blacker than night and impossible to see through. The lord of the seas face was twisted in an angered snarl, as he suddenly lifted his trident and sent it flying a few hundred feet into the darkness.

Percy listened as something large in the distance roared in pain, before everything quieted again. His father’s trident returned to the lords hands, as he continued to inspect the waters in front of him. 

“Who are you?” The sea god asked darkly. Percy moved to get closer  when suddenly his dream shifted, spiraling him off into a new setting. 

After finding his footing, he spun around, blinking to adjust to the new blackness of the place he was now in. 

It was deathly quiet, not a sound to be had. Percy at this point assumed he was still underwater, began slowly walking forwards, hands finally blindly finding purchase on what felt like a stone wall. 

Not smooth, however, rough rock that had jagged outcroppings along it. A cave then, somewhere underwater. Something whispered past him and Percy spun, instinctively reaching for riptide before remembering it was a dream. Another invisible shape sped past him, quiet moans and hisses emerging from the figure as it moved. 

Percy turned to where the shadows had come from, walking slowly in that direction while using the cave wall to guide him. 

After a minute or two of walking, another figure sped past, letting out a shriek that nearly shattered Percy’s eardrums, causing him to slam his hands over his ears. The creature, like the others, did not stop and instead kept moving rapidly in the other direction. 

He shook his head, suddenly hearing the faintest sound coming from the direction he had been walking in. 

“Hungry, hungry, starving. Feed on the sea, feed on the sea god.” The voices whispered, ancient and heavy. It felt like a knife running along the sole of your foot, or the sensation of squeezing a handful of broken glass. 

His whole body shivered, trying to listen closer to the voices, trying to make out the rest of what they were saying as the voices slowly faded, another two figures striking past him, hissing. Percy turned back to the voices deep in the cave, listening carefully. .

“ Bring us the sea god.” The voices suddenly howled, a cacophony of noise bellowing with them, screams, shrieks, roars, and wails alike echoed through the cavern. The sound of it chilled Percy to his very core. “Bring us the sea god!” The voices wailed again, and suddenly Percy felt dozens of dark shadows racing past him into open water. 

“BRING US THE SEA GOD. BRING US THE SEA GOD’S KIN!” The voices roared, more figures racing from the depths. Percy threw up his hands to cover his face as hundreds of them emerged, eager to be the first to bring the voices their prize. 

_________________________________________________________________________

Percy woke up in the cabin, exactly where he had fallen asleep, practically leaping out of his bed. It was very early morning, dawn had yet to break but Percy could see that it was soon. Annabeth sat up behind him, looking at him with concern as she tried to rub the sleep out of her eyes. “Percy what’s wrong?” She asked quickly, trying to size up what sort of danger he found himself in. 

Percy launched himself towards his dresser, tearing it open to dig for the bag of drachmas he knew he kept in there. “They’re in trouble. Xanthe’s not healing right, something is coming for dad.” Percy muttered, finally unveiling a drachma from the small pouch. He turned, moving quickly to his bubbling fountain in the corner, grunting in frustration when he realized because it was so dark there was no rainbow in the mist. Annabeth noticed what he was doing and reached over to turn on a lamp near his bed, allowing the beam of light to create a rainbow in the fountain. 

“Oh Fleecy, do me a solid. Show me Poseidon.” Percy called quickly, tossing the drachma through the mist. The image spun and Percy nearly collapsed with relief when he saw his father sat at the head of a large table, surrounded by generals and commanders of the Atlantian fleet. 

“We’ll do as my daughter planned, set up patrol units around the docks and loading stations on the west side of the city, after those have been implemented we will wait a few weeks and switch patrols, we’re still working out a secondary legion to take up posts along the border but they should be here by midday.” His father said seriously, eyeing the massive map laid in front of him. 

Small figures of merman, sea spirits, and other beings that served in the Atlantean army sat clustered across the map, seemingly enchanted to move with the actions their counterparts were taking outside of the palace walls. The table they sat at was stained pine, the legs embellished with real coral crawling up them. Fish and other sea-life swum around the roof of the room, which was also made entirely of massive coral structures. The walls of the room were decorated with blue wallpaper patterned like the waves with metallic embellishments. Glowing pearls lit the room, and gave light to the artwork that was framed along the walls. A few paintings of the royal family, including individual portraits of each family member (gods Percy hoped he didn’t have to sit for one of those…), paintings of Atlantis and the Coral Palace, and a few others. 

Percy quickly spoke, knowing this was something he needed to discuss with his father immediately. “Dad.” he called in a serious tone. The group seated at the table sat up suddenly, gazes turning on the IM that was sitting just behind his father. 

Poseidon turned around quickly, eyes taking in Percy’s frantic expression and pajamas he was still dressed in. Percy was sure he looked like a wreck to the court but at the moment he didn’t care. The lord of the seas’ expression darkened and he turned back to the room, waving his hand and standing from his chair. 

“Leave us at once.” Poseidon said quickly, walking closer to where Percy’s IM sat. The group gathered quickly stood, bowing and moving out the door at the other end of the hall, which the guards promptly pulled closed. Once the doors shut with an echoing thud, Poseidon spoke again. 

“Percy, what is wrong, are you injured?” He asked quickly, scanning his son over appraisingly. Percy shook his head and spat out a shortened version of everything he had seen in his dreams, Annabeth sitting up and moving to sit next to him on the bed as he finished his recalling. 

Poseidon frowned, looking thoughtful for a moment. “There are a few old sea-gods from the time when I was first taking the form and control of the seas. It’s possible a few of them are stirring, but I have no idea which ones it could possibly be as of now.”

“It’s impossible to even narrow it down, many of those old gods have faded in more recent times, names so long forgotten that even I barely remember them.” The god finished, sighing and sitting back in his chair. 

“It was weird dad, the voices were all speaking at the same time. It wasn’t like one being down there, it felt like several all with the same goal.” Percy said, shaking his head. Poseidon looked at him again, suddenly seeming older than he was before. 

“It is not promising, especially with what me and your sister determined tonight, as you saw.” The lord of the seas said, looking briefly over at a portrait of the royal family. It was one where they all seemed younger, still in the same forms they typically held now, but lighter. Xanthe was standing next to Kym in the portrait, crown seeming to glisten in the light reflected from the painting’s surface. 

“Is she really alright?” Percy asked, staring at his father meaningfully. Poseidon nodded to him, sitting back a little further in his chair. 

“She was fully healed shortly after the end of the conversation you witnessed tonight. Rhode informed me she arrived safely and is resting.” Percy’s father replied, also seeming reassured by that statement. 

“It’s good that she’s getting a bit of a break.” The demigod remarked, having finally begun to calm down from the visions he had seen in his sleep. Percy’s father let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. 

“Your sister was never one to leave the battlefield willingly.” Poseidon said fondly. Percy snorted at the comment, sensing there was more than one story behind that. 

“So Triton is staying with Xanthe then, right?” He asked suddenly, remembering the final conversation he had heard the night before between his father and elder brother. Poseidon nodded, eyes glancing back towards them. 

“Yes, as long as nothing arises in Atlantis he will stay for a few weeks and help her assess a plan of defense. If enough information is uncovered about the cause of these attacks he will summon another portion of the legions and begin offensive planning.” The sea god reassured them. 

“And should we have any reason to be concerned for Camp to be concerned? Should we make any preparations?” Annabeth asked, moving to stand next to Percy in the IM. Poseidon sighed, thinking heavily for a moment. A flash of anxiety shot through Percy at the thought of camp having to get involved in yet another godly dilemma. However he did know his father would do everything in his power to ensure the battles never reached camp. 

“As of right now, I would say no. However things have a tendency to move swiftly during conflict.” He said, looking back up at them. “Percy I would ask that you be cautious outside of Camp and when without your siblings nearby. Rhodes will be safe enough with so many godly presences, but just in case keep an eye out. I don’t know if it is simply old sea-gods rumbling or if something more is at play. None of the other Olympians report any conflict or unease, and Apollo said we’re at an impasse when it comes to the future.” Poseidon finished, frowning.

“An impasse?” Percy asked incredulously. His father’s frown softened into a small smile. 

“Essentially the future is still shifting, there are multiple beings considering action but they have not made up their minds. Apollo’s sight has a hard time seeing something so abstract, it needs a more clear path to follow.” The sea god explained. Annabeth nodded grimly. 

“So essentially don’t panic but be ready anyways?” Percy asked again, snark in his tone. Annabeth gently (not) elbowed him and Poseidon laughed. 

“Precisely.” His father said, amusement heavy in his tone. Percy sighed, looking over at Annabeth who was already lost in thought. Shaking his head at her he turned back to his father and quickly exchanged goodbyes, but not before Percy made his father swear to tell him if anything changed. 

The sun was just beginning to light up the edge of the sky at this point, and the sky was filled with massive white clouds. Together the two of them made their way to the coral pool out back, sitting in a few chairs they had managed to scavenge from the big house storage room. Annabeth leaned her head into his shoulder as Percy wrapped his arm around her. He couldn’t help but feel peaceful and content in that moment, watching Apollo begin to drag his chariot out from beyond the horizon. 

They sat as such for a while, not able to bring themselves to talk about anything further and ruin the peace that they had found in the moment. 

The sky was lit up gold and pink, streaks of purple being chased away behind them. After a while they heard other campers waking up. The sounds of older siblings calling for the younger ones to get out of bed, younger campers bemoaning the early hour. They sat in silence for a bit longer yet, now knowing nearly the entire camp to be awake. What finally broke their moment of peace and the realization that today was going to be anything but peaceful was two voices shouting together from the direction of cabin eleven. 

“WAKE UP CAMP-HALF BLOOD! IT’S PARTY DAY!” The Stoll brothers called, their voices somehow booming through the camp louder than it should have been. Annabeth and Percy snorted a laugh as cheers began to ring through the camp. 

“Did someone give those idiots a bullhorn?!” Annabeth groaned exasperatedly. Percy laughed harder at that, hearing campers beginning to stampede towards the pavilion for breakfast. 

Chapter Text

Camp that morning was buzzing with energy. Teenagers and young adults raced around, packing and preparing camp for a short absence of a majority of the eldest campers. A few older campers had opted to stay behind, including a few Apollo, Hephestus, Demeter, and Hypnos kids. This meant to make sure younger campers weren’t left unsupervised in certain cabins Chiron and the cabin counselors had elected for a massive “slumber party” out by the campfire that night. They would spend the afternoon building sleeping huts around the fire with the younger kids and have a picnic under the stars that night. It had brightened the spirits of the younger kids, who had been incredibly disappointed they weren’t invited along with their older siblings. 

Percy and Annabeth migrated slowly towards the pavilion, dodging running kids and various woodland creatures as everyone prepared for the afternoon excitement that was to come. 

“Is it weird I’m actually really nervous about this?” Percy asked quietly. Annabeth shook her head. 

“No, it’s normal for us to be worried. For now we’ll just focus on having a good time tonight, let someone else take charge for a little while. A break from being at the lead will be good for all of us.” His girlfriend replied, smiling at him warmly. Percy felt the tension in his stomach ease, though not fully disappear. He smiled back and tugged her hand as they moved to sit down alongside their friends. 

Rachel had actually appeared this morning, also abuzz with excitement. She had arrived at camp shortly after Percy, however they had not seen much of the oracle. Rachel had explained to them that she was working on a sudden burst of inspiration on her summer art assignment, as she was currently enrolled at NYU for art and environmental science. She claimed she wanted to get the project finished so she could finally enjoy summer with her friends, and had finished the final touches the night before. She promised to show it to them all in a few days once they had returned to camp. 

“Good morning sleepy heads!” Leo crowned as they sat down. “Ready for an exciting day of hopefully non-deadly adventure?” Everyone groaned at him, muttering. 

“Don’t even put that into the world, Leo Valdez.” Piper chastised, shaking a finger at him. “With our luck you’re literally tempting fate.” Everyone nodded their agreement and Leo laughed at them all. 

“What, like you guys aren’t excited to see a magical island full of deities throwing a rave?” The son of the forge god continued, grinning wildly. 

“I’m fairly sure it’s not going to be a rave.” Percy laughed, “Dad might throw a fit. Apparently they have been ordered to keep this ‘lower key’”. The demigod laughed, others giggling along with him. 

The food appeared on their plates and Percy stood, offering to his dad and siblings. The scent of saltwater, olive oil, lemons, parchment, and humid air blew around him and he smiled. He was starting to feel more reassured about today. 

There was no set schedule for the day as campers were instructed to finish packing their belongings and be ready to depart at eleven thirty. Annabeth kissed Percy on the cheek after breakfast before returning to the Athena cabin both to grab her already-packed bag and ensure her younger siblings were set for their planned camp-out. 

Percy headed down to his cabin, swiftly tossing a t-shirt and sleep shorts in the bag, along with his pre-planned party outfit and a few extra belongings. He really didn’t need much, but he made sure to grab his phone and stuff it in the top of his bag just in case. He paused for a moment before his phone was stowed, bringing it back up to his face and dialing his mother’s saved contact. 

The phone rang, picking up swiftly after two short tones. “Hi baby!” Sally Jackson said happily. Percy felt himself smile warmly, instantly feeling better about all of his worries. 

“Hey mom.” He replied, settling down onto his bed. 

“How are you, I haven’t heard from you the past few days?” His mom asked gently, the sound of movement on the other end of the line as his mother shuffled around their apartment. 

“I’m alright. We’re gearing up for Rhode, Kym, and Xanthe’s party so you may not hear from me for a day or two.” Percy laughed, before a memory of his dream slipped through his mind. “But yeah, everyone’s pretty excited. I haven’t seen camp this wound up since they managed to get a pizza delivery guy through the camp boundaries.” Despite his efforts to keep his tone light, he winced as he realized some of his concern had bled through into his words. 

“But?” Sally asked sharply, a knowing tone to her voice. 

Percy quickly summarized the godly meet-ups he had the past few days, as well as his dreams the night before.  Sally was quiet a moment after he finished, contemplating what he had just told her. 

“You know I am concerned about this leading to some kind of quest, but I can’t stop you if the time comes and you need to take action. I know you, Percy, you won’t sit by if you think there is something you can do to stop it.” Sally started. Percy almost flinched at her words, his throat drying out uncomfortably. 

“But I also know this.” She continued, tone firm. “You are the strongest person I know, Perseus Jackson. You have survived more than you ever should have had to and came out of it still an incredibly warm, kind, and gentle human being. You are capable of so much. I just want you to be safe, and preferably not in mortal peril.” His mother finished in a slightly teasing tone. 

“No promises, mom.” Percy said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. His tone was thick with emotion, and his eyes watered somewhat. After the pit Percy and Annabeth struggled badly. They were incredibly co-dependent on each other, distraught with nightmares, and plagued with flashbacks triggered at a moment's notice.

Percy had originally thought he had hidden it well, but to his surprise it was Clarisse that pulled him back from a ledge he didn’t even know he was walking on. She marched up to him one day, demanding to know if he and Annabeth were eating. They hardly were, food didn’t taste the same to them anymore and it made them queasy. When he hadn’t been able to answer her she had brought him straight to Chiron, and both of them had been oddly comforting when he had finally had a major breakdown. Chiron managed to secure resources through children of Psyche (goddess of the soul and a by default now psychology or the study of the mind due to people now worshiping her as such in modern society) to give both camps access to demigod-trained therapists. With their help and the support of his friends and family, Annabeth and Percy had made the long trek back to somewhat normalcy. 

Percy knew no matter how good he got, no matter how much he managed to function on a daily level he would be forever fundamentally changed. His mother knew it too, knew it the first time she witnessed him hurtling awake from a nightmare screaming in agony like she had never heard. When Percy had calmed down he had nearly panicked again at the sight of his mother’s tears, fearing he had lashed out and hurt her. Instead she pulled him close and held him tight, reassuring him and comforting him like he was a small child again. It was exactly what Percy had needed, and he spent the rest of the evening sobbing in his mother’s arms. 

Percy knew he couldn’t put his mother through anything like that ever again. He wanted her to have normal stories about her son, to see him live to his fullest potential, not care for him after his trauma became too much to bear. 

“All I ask is that you promise me you’ll come home.” Sally said softly. A lump gathered in Percy’s throat. 

“I promise I will always do everything to come home mom.” He concluded. There was a brief moment of silence between them for a second. 

“Alright then, tell me more about this party your older sisters are throwing.” Sally said, tone lighter. Percy smiled and began another round of updates on the party. Soon enough Estelle woke from her morning nap and Percy bid his mother goodbye, realizing it was nearly eleven. 

After gathering the rest of his stuff he headed over to the Hades cabin to see if Nico was ready to head towards the pavilion. He knocked on Cabin 13’s door loudly, hearing a muffled “Come in.” from inside. 

Percy walked inside, blinking at the sudden light change to find Jason perched on one of the cabin bunks, grinning at Percy as he came in. 

“Welcome to goth fashionista hell.” Jason crowed, laughing.

“What?” Percy asked, staring at him. He finally spotted Nico digging through his drawers, pulling out various black and dark colored tops and bottoms, tossing them across the room. 

“He can’t find the shirt he wanted to wear tonight and he’s summoning the dead by accident because he’s so mad about it.” Jason elaborated, snickering as Nico growled at him. 

“I had it right HERE!” Nico boomed, low voice causing shades to emerge from the earth and spiral upwards, screaming. Percy pursed his lips to keep from laughing at how frustrated his younger cousin looked. 

“Did you already pack it?” Percy asked seriously. Nico froze, eye twitching as he slowly moved his head to face Percy. Jason and Percy both stood now, slowly backing towards the cabin doors. 

“Dude now why would you even-” Jason started, whispering loudly to Percy who glanced at him anxiously. 

“You think I didn’t check there FIRST?!” Nico roared, ghouls appearing and racing towards them with gut-wrenching wails. Percy and Jason both yelped, slapping at each other unceremoniously to get to the door first with the ghouls hot on their tails. They didn’t stop running until they reached a small group outside the pavilion, panting and crying laughing as they came to a halt.

“That was the stupidest question you could have asked!” Jason howled as Piper, Frank, Hazel, and Leo approached them. Percy wheezed in response, clutching his stomach. 

After informing the curious others on the most recent fashion developments for the child of Hades, Annabeth and Rachel both joined them toting their bags along with them. Noticing her siblings coming around the corner with dozens of bags Piper groaned, running over to try and talk them down to two bags each for the night they would be staying there. They were still bickering as Chiron approached the group, smiling warmly at them all. 

“Campers! Lady Rhode has informed me she will be here momentarily to retrieve you all. She will be settling you into her own home for your rooms this evening, so I expect you all to be polite and on your best behavior.” The centaur said, glancing knowingly at them all. Everyone chuckled and glanced at each other. The excitement was palpable, and Percy knew everyone was just dying to get out of here. 

This was the first real break they had been offered since the giant war. Yes many had attended the celebrations on Olympus shortly after, however most of them were too tired and their wounds (both physical and emotional) were too fresh to properly enjoy it. Now that so many had come to terms with their demons and learned to control them they were eager to enjoy the new lease on life they had.

Meeting Camp Jupiter had been game changing, no one at Camp Half-Blood had any idea it was possible for them to lead normal lives, to live and see the world around them beyond monsters and godly missions. It gave everyone a chance to finally act their age, enjoy the small things, and generally heal themselves from the past few years. The scars would always be a part of them, however Percy knew that together they would be able to somewhat move on and function as real people in society. 

Everyone had dissolved into chatting, the Aphrodite cabin reluctantly returning several suitcases to their cabin with moans of displeasure. Piper returned, muttering curses about her siblings obsession with cases of unnecessary equipment. Soon after, a bright flash of light appeared that had everyone looking away. As they refocused towards the front of the pavilion Rhode stood centered, smiling warmly at the demigods. 

She was dressed in a simple white sundress that flowed just past her knees, long lace bell sleeves falling past her wrists. Her hair was braided with gold thread down her back. On her nose perched sleek black sunglasses, and a shimmering gold circlet with a citrine stone centered in the middle was placed delicately upon her head. Beautiful flowers were dispersed among her braid, and black sandals donned her feet, her calves wrapped with leather securing the shoes in place. A Trident necklace sat on her chest, and gold bangles and circlets wrapped around her wrists and upper arms. A few people gasped, bowing. 

It was the most dressed up Percy had ever seen his older sister, and was now terribly worried he was going to be underdressed for the occasion. Annabeth looked over at him and squeezed his hand, smiling softly. Relax, the expression told him, this is just how the gods live. Percy sighed, smiling back. He knew she was right, his siblings had no problem spending money and showing it. Triton had told him it was expected of the royal family to an extent. 

He had also educated him on how the gods maintained such a vast mortal wealth. Essentially the major gods got a tith dedicated to them for all economic aspects of their domain. For example Apollo got a dedicated allotment from pharmaceuticals and archery sales, Demeter got a cut of agricultural profits, Zeus a dedication from flight sales, etc. 

Triton had told him their father got a dedication of any trade relating to the sea. Pearl sales, fishing profits, even cruise ship passages dedicated a portion to his father. Percy had asked how they mortals knew about the Olympians, let alone how to dedicate this money to them. The heir to the sea then further explained it was set up originally by demigods, as well as mortal believers to be an ongoing statement. Most mortals don’t even notice the transactions and it is an overall small total from each business. However when you have thousands upon thousands of trade agreements in one’s domain daily across thousands of years, they had a hefty sum in mortal banks run by minor gods, demigods, and other immortals loyal to the olympians. All members of the royal family had access to that account for any purposes they deem. His siblings all dabbled in certain kinds of businesses and startups to pass the eternal life they had been given. In fact if he recalled correctly Rhode had actually worked closely with many designers in Rome for many years.

“Hello demigods.” The goddess of Rhodes said warmly, smiling happily at all of them. She turned her attention towards Chiron. “If everyone would like to take a final minute to ensure they are ready I am happy to give them a few more moments.” She told him. Chiron nodded to her, calling to all campers to make a final check. Siblings ran to say goodbye to younger campers, and ensure they had everything they would need in their absence. 

Rhode walked over to where the seven and others stood, grinning at Percy as she approached. “I do hope you are all properly prepared, Kym and Xan have blown this event out of proportion.” Rhode said, laughing slightly. 

“Speaking of Xanthe, is she alright? I had a dream about her the other night and she wasn’t healing well.” Percy said, tone more serious. Rhode sobered and nodded, the others shuffling a few feet off to give them some privacy with respectful nods towards his older sister. 

“Xanthe is well.” Rhode said once the others had moved out of earshot, stepping closer to her demigod brother. “She is a strong warrior, and now a well rested one. She slept for a few good hours and came back refreshed, she recovers quickly. She is currently settling in the muses for the evening.” Rhode finished on a lighter tone, a knowing twinkle in her eye. Percy cocked his head at her in a questioning way, confused by the latter half of her statement. 

“Well she is the best one to do it, Erato is very fond of her after a few interesting years they had together sometime during the roman empire.” Rhode elaborated, a smile lifting her lips. Percy snorted out a laugh, shaking his head. Of course she had a fling with a muse. 

“And how have you been enjoying your summer so far, Percy?” His older sister asked, looking him over. Percy blushed, briefly speaking with her about how they had been spending their time at camp so far. Soon enough everyone settled back down, ready to head out. Rhode walked to the front of the group, advising everyone to step closer together. With one final wave goodbye, the older demigods disappeared into thin air. 

___________________________________________________________________

With the sound of a gentle wave and the scent of olive oil and sea-salt they quickly reappeared at a new location. Everyone shuffled forwards, gasping and exclaiming at the incredible palace they had found themselves in. Marble stone covered the foyer, a massive dark wood table in the center filled with gold platters piled high with baked goods, fresh meats, cheese, fruits, and desserts. A small table next to it had glasses of what looked like sparkling wine. Staff dressed in white coats stood along the perimeters of the room and by the table, preparing trays with the glasses of wine and small plates of food. Soon the first demigods closest to the table were handed a plate and a glass if they so wished, eating and drinking a few bites as they stared around. 

Portraits hung up and down the halls of various subjects. Some of the royal family and atlantis, others of demigods of old. Many were depictions of the sea nymph court, or various coral structures. At the center of them all was a large painting of Rhode in a white chiton, standing next to a seated man who looked like a taller, more serious version of Apollo. His eyes though were fiery orange and gold, a crown of sunlight perched on his head. He was dressed in a white chiton as well, but was smiling warmly out of the painting alongside his sister. With a start Percy realized this was a portrait of Helios, Rhode’s husband. He had faded a few centuries ago leaving Rhode in a state of grief. Helios was apparently well liked in Atlantis and respected among the royal family. Percy was saddened he didn’t get to meet him, he had sounded like one of the kinder deities he could have met. 

Rhode smiled as the demigods were all handed plates and glasses of either wine or sparking cider. Percy decided to try and relax, accepting the sparkling crystal glass of wine and cheersing with the group before drinking it. Finally as everyone ate and began talking and laughing, Rhode spoke up. 

“I hope you all have enjoyed the food, consider it my extension of hospitality and Xania for you all during your stay.” Rhode began, a few children of Athena staring at the glasses in their hands with more reverence. Xania was the offering of guest rites in Greek culture, and offering it meant safety and care in the home you were offered it in. It warmed Percy’s heart to know she cared enough to ensure the demigods saw this place as a safe one to be in. 

“The staff will show you to your rooms, the party will begin around seven or eight tonight, dinner will be available in the dining hall around six this evening. If you are hungry between them let a staff member know and they will be able to help you. The staff will clean and retire to bed around eleven tonight, so if you need anything please be sure to ask them before hand. Snacks will be left out all evening however with the party going on. Feel free to return to your rooms at any time. The beach is out the doors behind you, spend any time there that you would like, the waters are calm and will not harm you here. If you have any questions please let someone know and we will be happy to help. I hope you all enjoy your stay here in my home.” The goddess explained. At the end of her announcement staff shuffled forwards, guiding demigods through down the hallway to the right. The hallway opened to the outside starting a few meters down, and showed an open courtyard that was still being decorated by additional event staff. Percy noticed a small group of staff shuffling past the group of demigods carrying bouquets of overflowing flowers. 

As the group began to move along the rest of their camp friends, Rhode walked towards them and shook her head. 

“For you since you are close friends of my brother you will all be staying in the family suites. You will all have your own rooms but you will share a communal living room and balcony. Follow me and we can get you all settled.” Rhode explained, smiling at them all. 

“My lady, it really is not necessary but we thank you for your kindness.” Annabeth said, blushing brightly. The rest of the group muttering their assent. 

“Nonsense, you are my brother’s family and so you are our family.” Rhode said firmly, turning and waving behind her to get them to follow. The rest of the group stated their thanks, glancing at Percy with wide eyes. Percy only shrugged, it was hard to explain how the possessive trait seemed to work in their family, they were all very keen on claiming things as “theirs”. Percy didn’t necessarily mind it, the more they cared for his friends the more protected they were by the sea and his loyalty liked that safety net for them. 

“Dude what kind of rooms did his princely-ness just score us?” Leo asked softly, a devilish grin lighting up his face. 

“I honestly have no idea, I’ve never even been here before.” Percy replied, chuckling as he threw his arm over Annabeth’s shoulders. 

“Dude seriously, this is actually insane. I feel like you fell into ancient wealth all of the sudden.” Jason laughed. Percy shrugged again. 

“I mean yeah, did any of your parents explain how the Olympians are so rich?” Percy asked. Everyone shook their head except for Annabeth, who quickly threw them the explanation. 

“I’m sorry so my mom is actually making money off of covergirl ads?” Piper asked, stunned at the thought. Percy nodded in agreement. 

“Man I wish dad would give me a credit card.” Leo said wistfully, staring off into space. Percy shuddered at the idea of the boy being able to buy any amount of building equipment he could want. 

“Yeah camp would be buried in the amount of parts you’d inevitably order.” Frank snorted, agreeing with Percy’s sentiments. The rest of the group chimed in, laughing at Leo’s pointless defense. Percy caught Rhode watching them out of the corner of her eye, face bright with amusement. Finally his older sister stopped, leading them upstairs and into a long hallway interior to the palace. The hallway had two armed guards at the top that Percy recognized as mermen in human form, bowing their heads to the group as they passed, muttering “my lords, my ladies.” Piper blushed at the term. Nico straggled behind the group, trying to disappear into the shadows. Percy could tell his younger cousin was anxious about the party, so he nodded towards him to catch up and walk next to him. 

“You ready for tonight?” Percy teased as the son of Hades caught up to his side. Annabeth had moved ahead, looking at the statues and architecture ahead of them and asking Rhode countless questions the goddess answered with gentle patience. Percy did suppose she had a connection to Athena after all, it made sense she would cater to his girlfriend’s curiosity and thirst for knowledge. 

“There are just so many people.” Nico replied, eyes shifting left to right. Percy nodded, grimacing. 

“I know, but good news nobody is particularly focused on us right now. It’s kinda an everyone on their own kinda deal.” Percy offered, glancing over at his younger cousin. 

“I suppose so.” Nico said, cocking his head in thought. After a moment of silence he hummed, blinking in surprise. 

“What’s wrong?” Percy asked quickly, a serious tone entering his voice. Nico shook his head reassuringly, raising a hand placatingly. 

“Nothing major, small shipwreck took the lives of twelve off the coast where you said the Coral Palace is.” The son of Hades relayed. “The waters are hot there, taking a few other lives this week. I’ve been keeping an eye out since you mentioned your concerns about Xanthe.” Nico finished. Percy nodded. 

“Sad, but it makes sense. Dad has been riled up since he arrived because Xanthe was taking the brunt of it for the moment. Hopefully things will quiet down there soon.” The son of the sea replied, nodding in reassurance to himself. Thankfully his older sister was here resting, well somewhat. 

“And we’re here!” Rhode called as they all shuffled forwards, eyes widening in awe as Rhode pushed open a set of double doors to reveal a surprisingly modernly decorated living room. A large U-shaped couch sat in the middle, a cream white in color with large sea-blue pillows. A large fireplace sat in the opposing wall that was made from polished dark-color marble, small blue flames dancing in the fire. A flat-screen television hung above the fireplace, and black fuzzy blankets were folded and stacked in a basket placed next to the couch. Behind the couch opposite the television was a set of doors that were opened to reveal a hallway and a set of stairs. 

The walls were made of dark marble, while dark black carpet lay the floors. Down the first hallway was a set of three dark stained oak doors. 

“I thought the couples could stay down here, there’s bigger beds in there for you all. Upstairs there are private rooms and bathrooms for the rest of you, towels are under the sink. Hang your towels on the back of the door, they’ll come through and clean while you’re not in here. The private baths all have a salt and freshwater tap, this is the family rooms after all, so be sure to check unless you would like a saltwater bath.” Rhode continued, chuckling at them slightly. Percy and Annabeth headed towards the first room, Frank, Hazel, Will, and Nico shortly behind them. Piper, Leo, and Jason headed upstairs, bidding a hefty thank you to their host. Rhode motioned for Percy to go get settled and sat down on the couch content to wait for them to settle in. 

Percy opened the door furthest down the hallway, eyes widening at the room itself. It was easily master suite sized, a massive bed donned in navy blue comforter and pillows sat made in the center. Two coral nightstands sat on either side, lamps made of small tridents standing atop them bathing the room in a soft yellow glow. A set of glass doors was to their left, opening to a private balcony with what appeared to be a hot saltwater tub sat outside along with an array of patio furniture.

Further into the room was another stained oak door leading to a bathroom, and after entering Percy could see there was a large marble tub in one corner, on the other side was a massive glass shower with a rainfall showerhead. A large coral vanity stood in opposite the shower, a glass top and glass sinks topping the petrified coral structure. The sink faucets were metallic gold, and two mirrors were hung above each sink. Past the shower was another door to a toilet (Percy guessed this was not the first time they had mortal guests over) and fogged windows over the large tub allowed in natural light. There were also soft white lights in the ceiling, and Percy was overall stunned with the presentation of the room before him. 

“It’s honestly incredible.” Annabeth said, shock coloring her tone as she set down her bag on the bed. A mischievous look overcame her face as she turned towards Percy again as he emerged from the bathroom. 

“What do you say we try out that tub in a little bit? I brought a swimsuit I’ve been meaning to show you.” Annabeth said in a low tone. Percy’s eyes widened as he smiled wildly at her. 

“Tempt me too much and we’re skipping the party.” He said in a similar tone, moving quickly to capture her lips in a kiss. Annabeth kissed him, suddenly smiling and breaking their faces apart. 

“Hey, I was doing something there.” Percy whined, trying to lean back in with a cheeky smile. Annabeth giggled, gently whacking his arm. 

“I think your sister is waiting to tell you something first.” Annabeth laughed, moving back towards the door. Percy groaned, shuffling after her in mock disappointment, they would have time to relax later. For now he needed to make sure everyone settled in ok. 

They passed Frank and Hazel heading back into their room, both of them gawking at a similar layout to Percy and Annabeth’s room but with the balcony doors on the back wall and the bed to the left in the room. Will and Nico were back in the living room, looking to explore the balcony overlooking the gardens below. Percy noted there was a large patio couch outside, covered in black cushions. He was also pleased to note another larger saltwater pool on the communal balcony as well, towels stacked on a bamboo shelf next to the pool. 

Rhode had flipped on the television, watching what appeared to be some sort of news broadcast from greece. Percy noticed with sadness they appeared to be discussing the recent shipwrecks in the aegean sea. Unusual for the time of year as most sea storms happened there in the cooler winter months. A few more ships had gone down off the coast of Athens, the body count was rapidly rising. 

“I see the fighting is getting more intense.” Percy said finally. Rhode looked up at him, sighing as she switched off the television. 

“Father is upset with how exhausted Xanthe has become. I figure he will take it out on everything coming close to the palace for the time being.” His older sister said, shaking her head. 

“But she is okay? She’s here and resting.” Percy said firmly. Rhode nodded, relaxing slightly. 

“Yes indeed, she’ll be around soon to say hello. I figure she is being pried away from her flirting by the urge to check in on you.” Rhode said, voice thick with amusement. Percy blushed slightly as Annabeth actually “aw”d at that. 

Percy did snort as he heard a crashing sound followed by a yelp. Laughter cackled after the sound, and soon enough Leo came falling down the stairs. Rhode pursed her lips in an attempt not to laugh as Percy dissolved into laughter. Leo shook his head as Jason and Piper came into view. 

“Why did you think running full speed was ever a good option for you, captain clumsy?” Piper asked, ruffling Leo’s hair as he stood. The seventeen year old grumbled at the daughter of Aphrodite, and stomped over the couch where he flopped down. 

“The rooms are incredible, thank you my lady.” Piper said, spotting Rhode on the couch and bowing her head. Jason and Leo muttered their thanks as well, to which Rhode smiled happily at and told them it was her pleasure.

Soon enough the other couples reemerged, both extending their thanks to Rhode as well who accepted it graciously. 

“Well I will be off shortly to ensure the catering crew is fully prepared for the evening, I just wanted to say to let me know if you need anything else. And Percy,” Rhode continued, looking at her little brother. “Triton will be by for a time this evening before he returns to father at the palace. He wishes to give you his early present for the party this evening.” Her eyes sparkled with mirth as Percy muttered. 

“I didn’t expect any of you to get me anything and now here comes Triton with his second present.” Percy grumbled. Rhode raised an eyebrow questioningly but did not say anything else. Apparently she hadn’t known about the shell, but Percy guessed Triton was just getting warmed up with the conch shell he had alrady been gifted. 

“This part was still being crafted I believe, he was quite excited about it last I heard. It has been a gift he has given his favorite demigods over time. Orion received them, as well as Xanthe for her sixteenth birthday. It has been awhile since he has been able to craft them and he will be trilled to give them to you.” Rhode said, a warm tone to her voice. Percy got more nervous at that, wondering what possibly could be coming his way. 

Shortly after bidding her goodbye the others began to wander out of the rooms and towards the main palace, eager to explore some before guests started arriving. Soon Percy and Annabeth, joined by Piper, Jason, and Leo walked along the corridors. They walked the hallways, running into Rachel who had been looking at the artwork adorning the hallways. Apparently she had learned of a an art gallery and was keen to find it, one of the staff members guiding her away after they ran into her. 

Apparently the gardens extended a ways back and had a waterfall and swimming pool at the end. Finally reaching the garden and skirting past where staff was setting up a large stage and sound equipment, they kept moving on a pathed path through the tropical garden set before them. Towers of flowers bloomed sky high, various rabbits, foxes, and deer hid among the thick trees and bushes at some parts. You could spend hours taking the small cobblestone paths among the garden, and could sit and enjoy the impossible sight of nature before them at various wooden benches perched beneath sprawling trees.  Nereids and nymphs ran among the branches and babbling creeks, giggling and waving to them. Leo blushed as one blew a kiss his direction, muttering about being a taken man. 

Soon enough the trees and flowers opened up to a small valley, a large pool of fresh water surrounded by rock structures flowed out of the valley into a small creek that traced back towards the sea in the distance. A large waterfall towered overhead, a spray of water filling the further end of the pool. A few other people were around, a few early guests had arrived if Percy had heard correctly earlier, and had come to swim and relax by the water. A few sun chairs lay about, some covered by large teal umbrellas for shade. A few staff members walked about offering cool drinks to the surrounding guests. A small tiki bar was open near the rocks to their right, a few staff members behind it dressed in floral Hawaiian shirts and shaking cocktails. 

“This is incredible!” Piper said, awe in her voice.

“Percy, your sister’s style is insane.” Jason agreed, looking around. He spotted the bar with pleased eyes, moving towards it to get a drink. Leo was hot on his heels. 

“I’m totally getting a Pina Colada.” Leo remarked, grinning wickedly. 

“Remember we have an entire night of partying to get through, don’t get a hangover before dinner.” Percy called after him, laughing. He gazed around, moving towards the water with Annabeth. She was in a simple white two piece, not the swimsuit she had teased him with earlier, though she still looked flawless to Percy.

She caught him staring at her after a second and blushed, smiling slyly at him. “Well come on then seaweed brain.” She teased. “Let’s go get in the water.” Percy grinned back picking her up and carrying her towards the water while she laughed in protest. 

“Don’t you dare throw me in!” The daughter of Athena squeaked. Percy laughed but restrained from doing so, instead placing her upright with her feet in the water, quickly wading in after her until they were about neck deep. The water was pleasantly warm, the June sun beating down on them. Percy closed his eyes and took a deep breath in, smiling at how peaceful it all felt. Soon enough the others joined them, tropical drinks in hand as they also had managed to recover a few float-toys including pool noodles for them all to share. Everyone situated themselves comfortably, they all started talking about everything they had seen and how nice their rooms were. 

Percy was content here. He felt as though maybe for just this one day everything might actually go right for him and his friends. A relaxing day and interesting night they’d tell stories about at the campfire for years to come. Finally Percy happened to glance around and spot a familiar head of blonde hair a few yards off shore. Sitting at a cluster of sun beds were the nine muses, Percy recognized them from previous trips to Olympus. Sitting next to one of them on the sunbed was Xanthe, smiling slyly at one of the blushing muses. Percy’s gaze drew the attention of the other demigods, who now all were staring at Xanthe who was flirting with an actual muse. 

“This is so cute!” Piper exclaimed, her love goddess side showing through slightly as her eyes lit up. 

“This is gold, we’re watching Percy’s sister try to pull a muse!” Leo laughed, trying to be quiet and not attract attention. Percy snorted at that, coughing slightly. 

Xanthe was leaning back on her hands, smiling at the muse Percy assumed was Erato. Erato was known as the muse of romance and poetry, influencing those looking to woo and express deep rooted desires through poetic works. She was in a boho style dress in a light tan color, lace sleeves flowing down her arms. The chest was a plunging lace neckline that stopped just above her diaphragm, and flowed loose in sheer fabric down to her knees. Her feet were laced in dainty gold sandals. Her long dark hair flowed free down past her waist, and a crown of myrtle and roses sat upon her head. 

Xanthe was dressed in flowing black linen pants that were tied around her hips. Her top was a black crop top that wrapped around her front to back before coming up around her neck to hold it in place. Similar to Rhode, delicate gold bangles decorated her arms from her biceps all the way down to her wrists, scattered bands with different inscriptions, patterns, jewels, and pearls from the sea delicately woven into them. They glittered when she moved. Her hair was mostly freely flowing down to her waist, however one section was braided from the top down to the middle of her head, interspersed within the braid were strands of sea green metallic threads. Upon her head was a gold circlet, centered in the middle upon her forehead was an aquamarine stone and two pearls resting next to it on each side. 

Xanthe said something and Erato and the other muses laughed, each dressed in somewhat similar dresses in various colors and designs and wearing crowns indicating their function and domain. Erato lifted her hand to Xanthe’s arm, fingers brushing lightly over her upper arms. Xanthe leaned slightly into the touch, cocking her head and sending a familiar crooked smile at the muse. 

She muttered something to the muse of romance, who suddenly blushed, her eyes fluttering briefly at whatever Xanthe had said. Jason whistled slightly as they all watched the muse get flustered. 

“Damn, Jackson! Your sister has game I guess?” Jason laughed, pointing at the demigod son of Poseidon. Percy snorted out a laugh as well as the sound brought the attention of the muse in question, who suddenly smiled fondly. 

Erato placed a hand on Xanthe’s shoulder, drawing her attention before she nodded towards the group of demigods now trying very hard to look like they were minding their business. Percy saw Xanthe snort and shake her head, turning to throw parting words to the other muses before standing. He watched as Xanthe took Erato’s hand, kissing it softly and whispering something too her. Erato blushed again, the other muses cooing at them nearby. 

Then Percy’s older sister started walking towards them, grinning at them knowingly. She walked over the water as she approached and quickly Leo blurted out “Yeah so this weather is very lovely this afternoon isn’t it?” 

Despite wanting to groan they all muttered varying levels of assent looking up at the sky as Xanth walked next to Percy and Annabeth, sitting down criss-cross on top of the water. 

“Yes I’m sure you’re all discussing the fascinating topic of the weather .” Xanthe said sarcastically, amusement in her tone as she raised an eyebrow at all of them. 

“Yes, it's so interesting how it changes and things.” Percy replied with an equal amount of sarcasm. He raised his eyebrow as well as he continued. “I assume that’s what you and your ex were discussing over there, with how flustered she seemed.” 

“Who told you she was my ex?” Xanthe squawked, looking genuinely shocked as the demigods burst into laughter, unable to contain themselves. She let them laugh it out, shaking her head and muttering curses aimed towards her older sister. 

“An old flame reigniting perhaps?” Piper asked, interest now fully peaked. Xanthe blushed in response, shaking her finger at Piper. 

“A little instigator, just like your mother.” Xanthe said, voice heavy with amusement. Piper frowned slightly at the comparison but otherwise wasn’t too bothered by it for this case. 

“So how many exes do you have?” Annabeth asked quickly, then her face puckered realizing that could be considered rude. “Sorry, you don’t have to answer that I just got curious-” Annabeth stuttered out quickly. Xanthe laughed in response, shaking her head. 

“Honestly, a lot. The problem is we all kind of know each other so it’s hard to be awkward when you see each other for the rest of your life immortal life. Any old issues just kinda fall away eventually so we bump into each other again from time to time.” Xanthe said, shrugging nonchalantly and avoiding the question asked. Annabeth seemed like she had more questions but restrained, nodding in thanks for the response. 

“So how are you all liking the place?” Xanthe asked the group, smiling at them. 

“It’s amazing here.” Leo said honestly, gesturing around them. 

“Seriously, this place is like a paradise.” Percy agreed. 

“And you haven’t even seen the beach yet.” Xanthe teased. “We may have to ask our older sister to make your room here permanent.” She finished. 

“Don’t tempt me.” Percy laughed in response. “But I wouldn’t want to impose.” He added, cocking his head. Xanthe snorted. 

“Little brother Rhode loves hosting, she would be pleased to have you anytime.” Xanthe said. She frowned slightly and continued. “And normally all of you would be welcome at the Coral Palace, though at the moment I’m not allowing visitors to the palace for a safety precaution. The skirmishes have become a bit more organized, I have more to update you on about that later Percy, I know you’ll want to know.” Xanthe acknowledged, nodding towards Percy. The demigod grimaced slightly, glancing at Annabeth. 

“Hey guys I want to try something from the bar, come help me decide.” Annabeth suddenly said, pointedly staring at the other demigods. Piper quickly caught on, grabbing Leo and Jason and dragging them out as they questioned them why they had to join them. Xanthe watched with amusement before turning her head towards Percy curiously. 

“What was that obvious distraction for?” Xanthe asked softly, a knowing look on her face. 

“I had a dream last night.” Percy said back, looking down at Xanthe’s arms to check and ensure for himself the wounds had fully healed. Xanthe’s face read with confusion before she followed his gaze, instinctively putting her hand up where the wounds had ripped through her arm a few hours before. A knowing expression now crossed her face and she nodded, looking into the water. 

“Demigod dreams are not often pleasant.” Xanthe said. “I am sorry you had to see that. I am fully healed now, no long term issues from it. Father said Triton will be stationed with me at the palace for a while to allow us to rotate and each get adequate rest. It should not be a situation that repeats itself.” His older sister reassured him, looking back up to meet his gaze. Percy nodded slightly. 

“It had me worried though, I mean those things were meaner than a lot of sea monsters I’ve seen before. They seemed older too.” Percy sighed, meeting her gaze. He hesitated for a moment before going on to explain the rest of his dream that night. Xanthe listened patiently, nodding gravely when he finished. 

“I had begun to worry about something stirring.” Xanthe started slowly, frowning. “You are correct, those monsters were very old, much older than me.” The tsunami goddess continued. “Now that we know there is an active potential threat father will be sure to reinforce the guard and the reserve legions. I will have the city bulk food stores and supplies, evacuate civilians that want to get out. We’ll have periodic messengers sent between the palace and Atlantis with updates to ensure communications are good and that needs are easily addressed. We can work to make sure the palace doesn’t become isolated.” Xanthe said, now looking as though she was planning amongst herself. Her eyes were focused elsewhere with a concentrated look on her face. 

“I’ll be sure to check in too. You really had me scared last night, I kinda just met you all I’d like to keep you around for a bit longer.” Percy tried to joke, it fell slightly flat though it did bring a small smile to Xanthe’s lips. 

His father’s words echoed in his mind about “not being able to protect” Xanthe before, and something had happened to her. It caused him to frown, what was powerful enough to make an Olympian, especially his overprotective dad, unable to find Xanthe when she was hurt or in pain. Was it still around? Is it something that could be used against her again? 

Xanthe noticed his furrowed brow and cocked her head at him. “What is it, little brother? Something has you concerned more than I would expect for my minor skirmish.” She asked worriedly. 

“It’s just…” Percy started, swallowing to try and figure out how to phrase this. Xanthe stared at him expectantly, looking mildly concerned. “Those voices want these things to bring dad’s “kin” to them. What about us? I mean you especially are on the front lines against them. And dad said something a few days ago, about you being out of his protection at one point and I don’t mean to push about it but if someone hurt you then could the same thing happen now could it still hurt you? Is there anything I can do to help you prevent that?” Xanthe’s face blanched at the mention of her previous time and Percy hurriedly tried to continue. 

“Percy.” Xanthe said slowly and Percy stopped his ramble, blushing and hoping his sister wasn't offended by the questions. They sat in silence for a moment, a look Percy didn’t fully understand passed over her face. After a moment she raised her eyes back to his and spoke again. 

“Right after I was turned immortal I shielded myself from father, from the sea. I didn’t want a connection to it, I was grieving my wife and child. I was angry my wishes were disregarded, I wanted to be left alone. Godly emotions are different from humans and are felt for much longer. In my newness to all of it I held a grudge longer than I realized, spending my time causing tsunamis and living among mortals.” 

Xanthe took another breath before continuing. “I got involved with a group that practiced mortal magic. They were spells stolen from Hecatate, and that day they decided to perform a spell revealing a truth never before spoken. My identity was unveiled and they fell to their knees to worship me. I left enraged that my trust had been broken, but words of my presence spread and soon many mortals were discussing me in that area.” Xanthe continued, Percy settled back a bit more on his pool noodle, he had a feeling this was a long story. Annabeth was still at the bar with the other demigods, now speaking and laughing with a nymph of the creek who was happily telling them some sort of tale. 

“I wandered alone for a few days, hoping word of me would die down and I could return to living a simple life. Word however had gotten around to a few monsters and their masters in the area. Back then some clear sighted mortals kept monsters tethered to them magically, they used them largely to hunt demigods and other minor immortals.” Xanthe spoke calmly, though a small amount of rage was filtered behind her careful tone. 

“Why did they hunt them? For fun?” Percy interrupted quietly, genuinely curious. 

Xanthe shrugged. “Sometimes, sick minds have existed since the dawn of time. However demigods and minor gods often could be bound, and sold to the highest bidder for various purposes. Usually nefarious, oftentimes as blackmail towards their godly parents for some purpose or another.” She replied. 

“And they caught wind of you?” Percy asked, understanding starting to dawn on him. Xanthe nodded, swallowing hard. 

“They hunted me for three days. They knew enough about me to keep me away from the water, and cut off from the sea my abilities were somewhat limited. I was also still so young to my power, I had a hard time understanding how to use it. They had a chimera and several hellhounds. As well as one more powerful tool I did not understand the power behind until it was used against me.” Xanthe said seriously. 

“I was exhausted, injured and not healing well. Chimera venom had made me weak and unable to defend myself, they speared me through my shoulders and pinned me still. It was then they painted runes along my body, chanting stolen spells.” Xanthe shuddered, closing her eyes and running her hands over her skin. Percy swallowed roughly, anger pooling in his stomach. 

“It bound me magically, weakened me in a near mortal shell. They chained my hands and dragged me back to their camp, their leader was waiting with an offer from a small group of powerful mortal magicians.” Xanthe swallowed again, shifting so her knees were in front of her. 

“They bought me to use for their magic. The blood of a new god, and the blood of the sea could be used for a variety of things. They kept me bound for the time, draining my ichor and using parts of me for whatever they needed.” Xanthe said quietly. Rage continued to bubble in Percy’s blood. He hoped those mortals had died in pain, he was sure his father wouldn’t have let that go easily. 

“Many years later I managed to break part of the binding and shatter my chains, I ran towards the water and allowed my connection to break back open. Father was there the second my skin touched the water. I don’t know entirely what he did to all of them, I went straight to the palace to recover. It was many years before I braved the surface again.” Xanthe finished quietly. 

“So they’re gone forever right? Nothing to worry about from them?” Percy asked quietly, wanting to confirm. Xanthe shrugged. 

“They are long dead, yes. However the spells still exist. It would be much more difficult to bind me now, father would slaughter cities if he thought any of us were to be hunted and bound. You included, by the way. There are still some tethered pairs out there hunting, twisted beings who sell and buy for blackmail and profit. If you think something like that is happening you call for all of us, do you understand me?” Xanthe asked him seriously. Percy nodded quickly, assuring her he would always reach out. 

“And you would do the same, right?” Percy asked in response. Xanthe frowned darkly. 

“Little brother the last thing I want in this world is to ever be at the mercy of men again. My pride is not worth such a fate, if I suspect they have that power I will alert father immediately.” She promised him. Percy nodded, now soothed somewhat. 

“I just want you all to be safe.” Percy said quietly. Xanthe sighed, nodding. 

“I know, how do you all think we felt since you were eleven?” She asked, snark in her tone. Percy laughed at that, and Annabeth took that as her cue to allow the others back into the water, wading back towards them. 

“I got something called a Mai Tai?” Annabeth called, finally approaching them. Xanthe relaxed again, leaning back from where she still sat on the water. 

“Delicous choice, I will probably get one soon.” As she spoke the goddess reached into the pocket of her pants, pulling out a small purple object and raising it to her mouth. Instantly the demigod’s interests peaked as Xanthe turned to look behind her at the crowd, inhaling and exhaling a cloud of vapor. Percy blinked in surprise. 

“Did the goddess just hit a vape ?!” Leo asked, looking completely stunned. Xanthe whipped around with a confused look on her face, still clutching the vape in her hand. She looked at the object and then back at the shocked faces around her. 

“What, not like I can get cancer and die?” Xanthe asked, genuine confusion coloring her tone. Percy groaned as the others exploded into laughter. His older sister stared at him in confusion as he too snickered. 

“That is just so meme worthy honestly, sis.” Percy finally said, not fully able to articulate what was so funny about the entire situation. Xanthe rolled her eyes and hit her vape again before putting it in her pocket. 

“This does not mean I approve of you vaping, demigods can still get cancer even though its more rare. I am a bad influence, please allow me to remind you of this.” Xanthe joked, though Percy could tell she was serious. “Do as I say, not as I do. Especially later at the party.” Xanthe laughed, shaking her head. 

“Oh good gods, what are we walking into.” Percy laughed, looking at her. Xanthe shrugged. 

“Immortality gets boring sometimes, expect a lot of immortals to let loose tonight. Do not take anything offered to you, and Rhode is going over that with the other demigods too. They aren’t malicious, or they wouldn’t be allowed in, but they have a hard time understanding what is ‘fun’ versus ‘trip to the psych ward’ for mortals so I wouldn’t risk anything but the bar. Nothing will be tampered with, the bar staff is recommended by cousin D himself.” Xanthe noted to them, nodding when she was finished like she was sure that was all she had to say. 

“So it is a giant rave?” Jason asked slyly. Xanthe shrugged sheepishly and Percy almost groaned, shaking his head. 

Suddenly Percy felt a presence enter the area slightly, like projected force. A voice spoke in his head. “Percy, Xanthe. Are you around? I wish to see you both.” Triton said in his mind. Xanthe too had turned her head towards the main palace, before glancing back at Percy. 

“ We are, big brother. We can make our way to you momentarily.” Xanthe said back softly. Xanthe and Percy differed in that way from the rest of the royal family. Being born demigods had them feel awkward speaking in their heads, and when it was safe to do so still spoke aloud while casting their words into the mind of the intended recipient. Percy as a demigod could only do so when in range of his royal siblings and parents, though the others could do it with certain members of the guard and their court when needed. 

The other demigods watched the exchanged with interest as Xanthe stood. 

“You guys good to make your way back inside in a bit?” Percy asked the others. Everyone nodded their agreement and waved him off, Percy kissing Annabeth on the cheek and agreeing to meet her back in their room afterwards. Percy stood out of the water next to Xanthe, who grabbed his shoulder and moved them inside to the family hall of rooms. Percy blinked rapidly at the sudden change and looked around. 

Xanthe waited for him to catch his balance and then walked with towards the end of the hall past his room. It was the largest doors, the true family suite and not the guest suites they had set up. This is where Rhode’s rooms were, along with the royal family’s rooms when they came to visit. The large stained doors opened to reveal a communal seating area with a similar large cream colored couch sat facing away from them towards a large television that was watching a soccer match. Triton sat in human form on the couch in front of them. 

He looked dressed for a party as well. He had long wavy black hair that came down to around his shoulders, which were broad and tanned. He was wearing a deep green tight fitting vest with a white undershirt that was rolled up above his elbows. He had on black slacks Percy could see as they walked around the side of the couch. On his feet were a pair of black shoes with a bright red sole, some sort of designer brand Annabeth had discussed with the other girls a few months back. Starting just above his elbows, below his rolled sleeves, were gold bangles and bracelets down to his wrists, various tridents, pearls, and other decorations scattered among them. Percy was started to gather what his gift was about to be. 

Upon Triton’s head sat a simple gold circlet, a trident crossed with a conch shell sat in the center, a symbol of the heir to the seas. Tan skin and sea green eyes, Triton certainly looked like he could be Percy’s older brother in his late twenties to early thirties. He smiled at them both as they approached. 

“I have the second part of your gift, I was still working on having them crafted but I wanted to give you the shell as soon as possible, in case you need to get to Atlantis quickly.” Triton started, motioning towards the boxes stacked in front of him. 

“You guys didn’t have to get me anything.” Percy said anxiously, nervous to open the box. Triton shook his head. 

“It it something I took pleasure in helping to create for my siblings. I helped craft Xanthe’s, and Rhode’s. Kym and Ben’s too, as well as mother and fathers. It is something I do for my family.” Triton replied seriously, gesturing again towards the box, Nodding Percy opened the box on top, a large black box that was made of stained wood. He opened it to reveal bands and bracelets made of black metal and a sea-green tinted metallic metal. Various tridents were carved into several of them, one or two sea-green jewels glittered from the prongs of one. Riptide was carved delicately into the metal of one band in astonishing detail. Percy’s jaw dropped, it was more incredible than he imagined it would be. Also astonishingly to his taste there were fewer of the bangles than for his sisters, and they were adjustable to size where he placed them. 

“They’re incredible, Triton.” He said, not able to tear his eyes from the carving of riptide on the band he picked up. “Thank you.” Percy said honestly. 

“I am glad you like them.” Triton said warmly, sounding incredibly pleased. “The white box is for your future betrothed. She should have some as well, for family events and such.” Percy’s eyes snapped up at that, blushing at the chosen term. 

“Oh, wow. Thanks, she’ll love them I’m sure.” Percy replied. Annabeth probably would love them if Triton had put half as much detail into it as he had with Percy’s set. He frowned slightly at something. 

“What?” Xanthe asked, amusement in her tone. Triton raised an eyebrow. 

“Nothing, it’s just I don’t think my outfit would show these off very well and I’m not sure what to change into.” Percy replied sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. Triton snorted in amusement, shaking his head. 

“Oh little brother, we can fix that.” Xanthe said, a gleam in her eye. Percy got anxious for a moment. 

“Now I’m anxious.” He admitted. Xanthe laughed alongside their older brother who shook his head again. 

“Brought it upon yourself, good luck. I’ll see you both later at the party.” Triton said, turning back to his soccer match. After a moment the crowd booed, Triton spat out a string of curses about the player’s stupidity. Percy laughed at him and followed Xanthe out of the room and back towards his room. 

“I brought something to wear but I did not take into account the potential family dress code.” Percy said, tone amused. Xanthe snorted. 

“Yes as I once said to Triton, giving us gifts that force the royal family to constantly be, as the children say “serving cunt”, is a surefire way to increase the amount of proposal offers we inevitably get each year.” His older sister replied, eyes sparkling with mirth. 

Percy dissolved into a fit of giggles at the statement, wondering who had even taught his sister such terminology. He made a point to remember to ask her later, as they had already reached the entrance to their rooms. After walking through the communal living room, waving hello to Frank and Hazel who had elected to watch some sort of horror movie together on the couch, they made their way back into Percy and Annabeth’s room. 

“Alright, this is what I got.” Percy finally announced after rummaging around in his bag for a few moments. Xanthe had jumped onto the bed, sitting criss-cross on top of the comforter. She pulled out her phone and swiftly sent a message before reviewing the outfit Percy held out before her. 

“Hmm, not terrible. We can make a few adjustments.” Xanthe said with a pleased tone, nodding at the set before her. Percy had managed to find a pair of dark blue jeans with no rips or holes in it for his pants, and he had a lose fitting dark blue button up to tuck into them for his top. He had a pair of black converse to wear for his shoes, and had brought only his watch to wear in regards to jewlery. 

“Not terrible? That is the outfit I would wear to a mortal funeral minus the blazer part of it.” Percy laughed. Xanthe made a face at him. 

“I will allow you to keep it then until I find you a suitable mortal outfit to wear. Rhode certainly will be pleased to take you shopping and get you fitted.” His older sister replied. Percy quickly squeaked out a protest. 

“This feels like the start of you two entirely redoing my closet.” He said, resignation already in his tone. Xanthe grinned wickedly at him, sending another message on her phone. It buzzed a moment later and Xanthe fist pumped at something she had just read. 

“Rhode has a few options she’s bringing over now. Something out of her designer sets she was approving for sale through her companies. She’s thrilled to have an in person test model.” Xanthe told him, grinning. Percy groaned. “She’s also bringing something along your future betrothed might enjoy, I’m sure she has fantastic style however I do know Rhode will want her to keep it for the future if she doesn’t want to wear it tonight.” His sister finished, jumping up at a knock on the door. 

“If it’s a designer dress Annabeth will probably faint.” Percy replied, dropping onto the spot on the bed Xanthe had just vacated, burying his head in a pillow as Rhode’s voice carried through the room. His girlfriend wasn't the most fashion-forwards by any means, however she was still a woman and she had a wicked shopping streak when need be. 

“No time to rest, little brother. We have outfits to try on.” Rhode said cheerfully, amusement coloring her voice. Percy pulled up his head to see Rhode carrying several garment bags over her left arm. 

What followed felt as though Percy was in a montage scene in every coming-of-age movie ever. Rhode tossed several bags into his arms and sent him into the bathroom to change, her and Xanthe settling down to discuss the wardrobe renovation Percy was seemingly about to undergo. 

After a few outfit changes, Percy finally emerged and received satisfied nods from both sisters. 

“This one feels the most like him.” Rhode said, Xanthe humming in agreement as she scooted over, gesturing for Percy to sit down next to them. Together his sisters looked over his presentation, muttering about getting him a hair-cut soon as Rhode opened the black box of bangles that Percy had left on the nightstand.

“Triton outdid himself with these,” Rhode commented, lifting the metal to her face with an appraising look. “They are well crafted, and suitable for you Percy.” 

“The ones for the daughter of Athena are lovely as well, he seems particularly pleased with his work.” Xanthe remarked, also taking one of the bracelets between her fingers and inspecting it. Rhode snorted in agreement, then turning and beginning to place the bands along his now bare arms, from near his shoulder down to his wrist. Eight bands in total, four for each arm. Percy stared at them as they moved along his wrists, it was a new sensation he had yet to feel before. Xanthe and Rhode watched him, pleased with his appearance. 

“Well go and look, tell us what you think.” Rhode encouraged him, and Percy stood and walked to the bathroom to look in the mirrors. He almost gasped at his appearance, he hadn’t bothered to look when he went to show his sisters the outfit they had settled on as best. It was a set of dark green slacks, and the top was a black v-neck tank of high-quality material. It was loose around his stomach and his sisters had advised him not to tuck it into the pants. 

It was almost mesh like in appearance, though it was not see through. It was veered deeper than a top he normally would have bought for himself, the fabric coming back together around his sternum. He had also exchanged his camp necklace for a simple gold chain sporting High Tide’s pendant around his neck. The metal bangles draped his arms, adjusting to fit around his biceps and comfortably around his forearms and wrist. He was honestly shocked at how he looked, it wasn’t a way he would typically style himself. 

“I actually really like it.” He called back, surprise evident in his tone. Rhode laughed and Xanthe snickered as he emerged from the bathroom. Rhode smiled at him, looking him over. The final part of this outfit was a pair of solid black sneakers that adorned his feet, a last minute change Rhode had given it. 

“You are starting to look more like a little prince.” Rhode remarked, humming slightly. Percy blushed. 

“At least you wouldn’t be expected to wear a chiton anymore.” Xanthe laughed, snapping a photo of him with her phone. Percy protested as she put the phone behind her back, snickering at him. 

Sighing at his sisters who were debating when they would be taking him (and Annabeth now too it sounded like) out shopping later in the month. He shook his head as he suddenly heard voices coming from the living room, footsteps making their way towards the room. Soon after Annabeth entered, looking Percy over in surprise as she spotted their godly visitors. 

“Well you look,” Annabeth started, looking at his outfit more closely. “Very nice.” She finished, face growing scarlet. Xanthe snickered, Rhode smacking her arm gently as she stood, walking towards Annabeth with a smile. 

“Triton gave him the other half of his gift and he needed an outfit change in order to wear them.” The goddess of Rhodes said warmly, gesturing towards the bangles Annabeth had been looking at on Percy’s arms. Percy shook them at her, grinning. 

“However I also wanted to give this to you. I know you have an outfit planned, but if you wish to wear your gift as well it might go well with them.” Rhode continued, handing Annabeth a garment bag off of the bed. Xanthe stood too, pointing out the white wooden box on the nightstand as Annabeth’s eyes widened. 

“A gift?” She asked, almost suspiciously as she moved to open the box. Percy just grinned at her questioning glance. After opening and looking at the gold jewelry in the box, Annabeth gasped in surprise. She then opened the bag, to Percy’s dismay he could not see what was in it, though Annabeth gasped again, eyes wide. 

“I thank you, my ladies. These are far more than anything I expected, I did not expect anything from you at all though.” Annabeth replied, looking back up at the goddess’ with a grateful expression. 

“The bangles are actually from Triton.” Percy said, Annabeth’s attention back to him. He blushed at the reminder that his siblings were now referring to his girlfriend as his “future betrothed”, but he would tell Annabeth the details later. The daughter of Athena mumbled another thank you, eyes returning to the box of jewelry. Xanthe’s phone buzzed suddenly, and she grinned at the number on the screen before lifting the phone to here ear. 

“Darling you can’t possibly be lost already?” Xanthe asked, a teasing tone in her voice. When he strained Percy could hear another soft and melodic voice on the other end of the line. 

“What, I can’t call for help from my favorite hero? What if I’m a damsel indeed in distress?” The voice replied, heavy with flirtation. Xanthe blushed slightly against her cheeks as Percy laughed at her. 

Xanthe waved goodbye to them both, muttering about seeing them at the party as she made a quick exit, standing and walking out of the room and out of the shared space back towards the main palace. 

“I wonder if she’s run into any other old flames yet.” Rhode contemplated, also gathering a few unneeded items and moving towards the door. 

“How many of her exes are coming tonight?” Percy asked, tone thick with amusement. Rhode snorted a laugh. 

“The relationships among immortals is more like a very complicated venn diagram.” Rhode replied, still chuckling. “I imagine at least several.” Percy let out another laugh as Rhode bid them goodbye, heading back towards the gardens to put the finishing touches on the place. It was now nearly four o’clock, and dinner would be served in another few hours. 

Annabeth looked Percy over again once they were alone, a mischievous look overcoming her face. “I won’t lie,” She said, eyes raking over him with a nearly unreadable expression in her eyes. “Your family seems to have remarkable taste.” 

Percy laughed again. “You don’t say, they made me play fashion show for at least the past hour before settling on this.” He told her, moving to take the bangles off for the moment. He would put them back on later, before the party started. He changed back into his dry swim-trunks and a t-shirt while Annabeth set aside their new outfits for the night. Whatever was in the garment bag apparently was very nice, and Annabeth had thrown all of her outfit choices aside in favor of whatever was in there. 

They sat on the bed for a moment, taking a few seconds of blissful quiet before a look came over Annabeth’s face. 

“Well if we’re playing fashion show I still haven’t shown you that swimsuit I brought.” Annabeth started slowly, a teasing tone lacing her words. Percy’s face lit up, smiling widely at her. 

“Now that is a tragedy, maybe we should try out that saltwater pool before dinner.” Percy replied, leaning into a kiss with his girlfriend. Annabeth smirked and kissed him back before jumping up and racing to the bathroom. 

“I expect you to meet me there.” She called back, shutting the door with a cheeky wink. Percy raced to jump out of bed, pulling off his shirt and racing into the heated saltwater tub outside. Annabeth soon emerged and the demigods spent the rest of the afternoon alone in their own slice of paradise. 

Chapter Text

Two hours later all the demigods began emerging from their rooms, Percy and Annabeth included. 

Percy had finished getting dressed, and was now settling at picking at his hair, nervous it looked too wild for how well dressed he actually felt. Annabeth had retreated upstairs to get dressed with Hazel and Piper, both of whom Percy could hear exclaiming over whatever dress Rhode had left for Annabeth to wear. 

After finally deciding it was going to be how it was, Percy tucked his phone in his back pocket and made his way into the living room, finding the other guys waiting for him there. 

Jason was in a sky blue silk button down shirt and black slacks, Will dressed similarly in a moss green silk button down and khaki slacks. Will also had a black chain necklace around his neck, a small black skull hanging from it. An anniversary gift from Nico, Percy guessed. Leo was sitting further towards the balcony, dressed in a cream button down tank top sweater-vest type shirt, and ripped dark blue jeans. 

Frank was in a black button up shirt and jeans, blue converse on his feet. He sat next to Nico, who was fully decked out in goth gear. He had leaned more into his emo style as he had aged, and now was embodying the persona of a child of Hades. Percy had a feeling his Uncle of the underworld enjoyed his son’s style, it certainly fit the stereotype and allowed everyone who came across him to know who the boy’s father was. 

He was in black corset type tank top that was laced up through the back, black baggy jeans that were ripped and aged. He had on black combat boots that came up over his shins, laced tightly around his calves. Nico had various silver rings on his fingers, including his infamous skull ring. He had on a black choker with a small silver sun hanging from it, and he had decked his eyes in heavy liner. Percy grinned at him as he approached. 

“So did we find the top in the bag?” The demigod asked innocently. Will snorted, covering it with a cough as Nico glowered at Percy. 

“It was in Will’s cabin.” Nico muttered in response, causing Jason and Percy to snicker at him while Nico glared. 

“Well I think he looks snazzy.” Frank said, grinning mischievously at Nico who raised an eyebrow at him. Nico had also gotten more piercings, and now had one through his eyebrow that only accented his legendary bitch-face. 

“ Snazzy?” The son of Hades asked threateningly, sending them all into another round of laughter. 

“I think you look great, babe.” Will soothed, plopping down next to Nico and planting a kiss on his lips. Nico blushed, muttering his thanks to his boyfriend as he took his hand. 

Finally the attention was drawn to Percy’s appearance as Jason made a show of pointing his finger slowly down Percy’s body. 

“Speaking of snazzy,” Jason started, lips twisting into a grin. The others also looked him over, Frank whistling at the bangles on his arms. “What is with this get up? This is not what you had picked out at camp.” 

“Seriously, did you get abducted by the Aphrodite cabin?” Leo questioned, eyes raking over the designer set Percy now wore. 

Percy laughed, briefly explaining what had happened since they left the pool earlier. Before any more comments could be made, the sound of heels walking down the stairs had them turning to face the girls as they made their way down.

Piper came first as they applauded teasingly. “Give us a spin!” Leo called, jokingly making his voice deeper. Piper laughed at them as she spun, showing off the dress she had chosen. She did look very nice, Percy thought. The daughter of Aphrodite was dressed in a bohemian light-brown dress that flowed down just past her knees. She had a pair of white heeled knee-high boots on her feet, and her arms were decorated with beaded bracelets. Her hair was braided to one side, and a headband made of braided leather with a few colorful beads and feathers were braided into it sat upon her head. 

Hazel came down next, dressed in a beautiful ankle-length gown in a deep purple color. It looked as though it was modeled after a roman-style toga, though clearly fashioned in the modern century. A golden headband perched among her hair, and low black heels adorned her feet. Her hair was fully let out, framing her head in a well-formed afro. She blushed as Frank stood up to greet her, stumbling over his words about how beautiful she looked. Percy smiled at them before his attention was caught by the final woman walking out into the living room. 

Annabeth was in a black dress that flowed down around her ankles. It was made of a sheer satin fabric that clung to her body in a way that suited it perfectly. It had a plunging neckline, and Percy spotted a silver necklace with a small owl pendant sitting against her skin. The sleeves were short, leaving her arms bare minus the incredible bangles and bracelets gracing them. They were silver and gold, small owls, spears, scrolls, and other small engravings were on the various bands. One band held a small aquamarine stone in the center of it, that band sat up around her right bicep. Dainty silver heels were on her feet as she walked towards Percy, who was staring at her with his mouth open. 

Her hair flowed long and wavy down past her shoulders, and she had applied the smallest hints of makeup to her (in Percy’s opinion) already flawless face. She smiled nervously at him and Percy finally closed his mouth, fishing for something to say to her. 

“I’m not really sure how I got this lucky.” Percy finally sputtered out. Annabeth smiled widely at him, clearly pleased with the answer as the rest of the demigods broke out into laughter at the pair. Annabeth pecked him on the cheek, and Percy finally tore his eyes away from her to see if the others were ready to head down to dinner. 

They maneuvered their way down the stairs and past the main foyer where they had entered, instead following the small stream of demigods emerging from what looked like the guest suites in the palace. Together they all made their way towards the dining room, being guided by several white-coated staff members. 

Percy found his eyes difficult to pull away from how stunning his girlfriend currently looked, but did glance up as they passed the gardens along the way. The muses had taken to the stage, now all dressed in white dresses that appeared to be styled like a modern chiton, a few instruments strewn at their feet. Their crowns of flowers and branches remained in place, and Percy spotted Xanthe near the edge of the stage as the muses proceeded to run mic checks (something none of the demigods realized they even had to do). His older sister was dressed now in an ankle-length black flowing skirt, barefoot against the grass in the garden. She was in a cropped black top that wrapped around her, leaving her shoulders and arms still bare minus the bangles that draped them. Her hair was the same, but Percy noticed glittering gold jewelry in her ears along the various piercings she had there. She hadn’t ever had them before, at least that he had seen, and she was enthralled in conversation with the muse standing above her. 

Erato giggled at something she said, before turning back to the main group and strumming what looked like a guitar to ensure it was in tune. He didn’t have long to observe his older sister as the stream of demigods continued to spill into the hallway. 

Soon enough they reached a set of doors that were propped open, the room behind them a massive dining hall of true royal standards. Massive marble walls and columns along the edge of the room seemed to shine with how polished they were, a large chandelier made of pearls softly glowing from the ceiling. A large oak table with dozens upon dozens of chairs lined the table, mountains of food piled high on top of it. Golden platters filled with dishes ranging from the ancient Greek era to modern times spanned the table tops, and crystal glasses filled with your beverage of choice as you wrapped your fingers around it. The demigods’ eyes all widened as they piled into chairs set along the table, and Percy spotted his older sister down towards the further end of the hall surrounded by a handful of empty chairs. He nudged his friends in that direction and slowly they made their way around the crowd. Rhode smiled at them as they approached, and Percy could see now that Triton was seated directly to her left, and Kymopoleia was seated directly to her right.

Kym was also dressed for the occasion, a body-fitting dark purple dress clung to her figure, and her crossed legs revealed tall black heels that laced up her legs. On her arms were bangles made of gold and black metal, carved into them small tridents and waves, and small pearls were strung along one of the bands closest to her wrist. On her head was a golden circlet, centered on her forehead was a small yet incredibly detailed image of a ship breaking in half, a metal wave cutting the ship in two. Her nails were long and black in color, and she held a crystal glass of what Percy assumed was champagne between her fingers. 

There were empty seats next to Kym and Triton, and the group of demigods hesitated for a moment, not sure where the best spot to sit was. 

“Jason, my priest!” Kym called, grinning wickedly. “I am pleased to see you in attendance, I have saved you a seat here!” She said, pointing to the seat next to her. Jason gulped but thanked her, moving to sit down. Leo and Piper sat in the seats next to him, and Percy and Annabeth moved around the other side of the table to sit next to Triton.

Percy sat closest to his older brother, who was inspecting his and Annabeth’s appearance with a satisfied nod. 

“I see Xanthe and Rhode did well in redesigning your outfit for this evening.” Triton commented as they sat down, looking pleased. 

“Yes, thank you for the gift Lord Triton, and you Lady Rhode for the dress. It is simply stunning.” Annabeth replied, blushing where she sat next to Percy. Rhode gave her a pleased look, smiling warmly at her, and Kym took that time to look over her younger brother. 

“The choices suit them, have we considered replacing all of their clothes?” The goddess of violent storms asked her older sister. Rhode smiled back slyly and Percy groaned, shaking his head while he blushed. 

“It is already in motion.” Rhode assured, and Kym gave him a devilish smile. 

"And your future betrothed looks very nice, that dress does suit you child.” Kym said, now smiling at Annabeth with a satisfied nod. Annabeth's cheeks grew hot and she mumbled out a thank you. 

“Thank you all again for your hospitality,” Hazel cut in. Percy shot her a thankful glance from sparing them more discussion about outfit planning. “I can safely say the Roman demigods are insanely excited for this evening.” She finished, glancing down towards the Roman cohorts, most of which were sitting and eating respectfully. It appeared the children of Bacchus had found Pollux, son of Dionysus, and were handing him glasses of wine in rapid succession, watching as he scowled at one glass and waved his hand and changed it from a white to a red wine. The Roman children of the wine god cheered and Pollux blushed, taking another sip from the glass as his siblings dissolved into laughter. Percy watched with an amused smile, grateful that Pollux had found another set of siblings to love and cherish. 

“That could be a problem for later though.” Frank commented, looking slightly nervous. Kym boomed out a laugh. 

“It has been a long time since children of the wine god graced one of our events, they always manage to make it a lively occasion.” Kym stated, amusement coloring her tone. Triton nodded in agreement, bringing his own glass to his lips and drinking before following his younger sister’s statement. 

“Yes I believe the last time was somewhere around the mortal ‘Civil Rights Movement’. Didn’t Xanthe somehow end up in China for a month afterwards?” Triton asked, frowning slightly. Rhode shook her head and Kym laughed.

“It is not my fault Jiutian Xuannü is more possessive than even our father is.” A voice suddenly called, bringing the demigod’s attention to said goddess of tsunamis walking swiftly towards them. Triton gestured to a seat between him and Rhode that had suddenly appeared, and Xanthe sat down with a sigh as she reached for a glass of wine. 

“Another ex of yours?” Percy teased, Xanthe raising her eyebrows at him. 

“Not so much an ex as a brief affair.” The goddess grumbled in reply, Triton chuckling at her defense.”

“She’s the goddess of love, war, and longevity.” Kym snorted in response, pulling a tray of what looked like some sort of sweet cake closer to her and grabbing one. “What in the world would make you think that she would want anything other than a long-term relationship?” 

“She’s not the goddess of marriage! She’s had plenty of lovers before me.” Xanthe complained. 

“Back to the children of the wine god, what exactly did they have to do with that whole situation?” Piper asked amusedly, genuinely curious. Xanthe shrugged. 

“I’ve gotten along with Dionysus’ children for centuries, however due to their nature parties take a more… wild turn. To be fair they were not the main problem that night, Aphrodite was actually the one who influenced most of the crowd to take someone home.” The blonde goddess explained. Percy made a face at that, not enjoying the image before that. Piper as well grimaced at the thought and took a large drink out of the wine glass before her. 

“Yes, her setting you two up is the only reason you went home with her that night.” Kym said sarcastically, grinning at her sister who flipped her the bird. 

“Off the topic of what our sister gets up to in the bedroom,” Rhode cut in. Triton choked on the bite of food he had taken, glaring at Rhode pointedly. “The main bulk of the party guests will be arriving within the hour, have you advised the demigods on what to expect?” Rhode asked pointedly, staring at Xanthe and Kym, both of whom simply shrugged. 

“I mean I did warn them not to accept anything from anyone. I feel like that’s about as much ‘older sister’ advice I can give them for the night.” Xanthe replied, now also snatching one of the sweet cakes off the pile and taking a large bite. 

“Mhm yeah, whatever she said.” Kym mumbled through a mouthful of food. Rhode and Triton rolled their eyes. 

“Where’s Ben, by the way?” Percy suddenly asked, realizing a member of the royal family was absent from the table. 

“She is off near Atlantis somewhere, the waves took her towards a small village of merpeople in need of help. It seems the fighting is leaving the coral palace and spreading outwards.” Triton said, growling at the thought. Percy tensed at the words, glancing between the expressions shared among his older siblings. 

“But she’s alright too?” Percy asked to clarify. They all nodded at him. 

“To be honest, Ben isn’t much of a party person.” Xanthe admitted, picking her wine back up again. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she went looking for trouble in the first place.” The goddess finished, a wry smile on her face. 

Percy nodded at that, it did make sense. Benthesikyme was the sibling he had the least interaction with, so it didn’t surprise him she would not love to face a large crowd when she wasn’t required to. Rhode had explained that Ben had been born an immortal nymph in her nature and had grown more into her powers as she had aged. Rhode had been born a nymph as well, though upon her marriage to Helios she had come fully into her powers and become the goddess of Rhodes. 

Kym and Triton on the other hand had been born as gods, fully powered and fully grown shortly after their birth. Rhode had explained that she and Benthesikyme had taken more after their mother, Amphitrite, in nature while Kym and Triton embodied more of their father’s abilities. 

“Well personally I don’t know who would want to miss this.” Leo snarked, plate piled high with a variety of food. Jason sniggered and snatched some sort of meat-pie off of the top, grinning at Leo as he cursed him half-heartedly. 

“Exactly the right mentality, little demigod!” Kym said loudly, grinning sharply at him. “Have you ever considered becoming another god’s priest?” She asked him, leaning slightly around Jason to make eye contact. 

“Oh, I’m fairly sure I’m not allowed to, you know, lots of stuff to do in the shop!” Leo replied hastily, looking anxious. Xanthe chuckled at him, gesturing towards her sister. 

“Stop trying to snatch up new priests, focus on the one you already have.” Xanthe chastised, grinning at Jason who shook his head. 

They all swiftly dissolved into their own conversations after that, Frank and Hazel talking excitedly with Percy and Annabeth about the upcoming performance from the muses. As Percy glanced back towards his siblings, Triton watched as Xanthe, Rhode, and Kym discussed something in hushed tones, amused looks on their faces. Suddenly down at the other end of the hall what sounded like an argument broke out, a few children of Ares shouting something at an opposing female figure laughing darkly at them at the other end of the hall. She was dressed in black ripped skinny jeans and a ripped blood-red tank top. Her arms were covered in tattoos, from her shoulders down to her wrists. She had short dark brown hair that messily framed her face, and a shield was strapped across her back. She had on black combat boots and was standing toe-to-toe with Clarisse with a demented smile on her face. 

Clarisse was dressed somewhat similarly, though she was in black ripped jeans, tan combat boots, and a crimson tank top. She snarled, yelling something Percy couldn’t quite make out properly from this distance. The woman in front of Clarisse suddenly bellowed out a deep laugh, throwing her head back with the sound. Clarisse blinked in surprise, not used to that reaction, and the older woman put her hand on Clarisse’s shoulder, saying something that seemingly calmed her down. The other Ares campers returned to the table as Clarisse was led towards the front of the room closer to them, the older woman throwing her arm around her shoulders cheekily. 

“Oh good gods.” Xanthe muttered, sinking backwards into her seat. Triton snorted and Rhode smiled knowingly. Kym snickered, waving her hand and refilling Xanthe’s glass of wine. His older sister grabbed it, draining it all in one gulp before pushing her chair out and standing, walking around the table towards the incoming pair approaching them. 

“How many of her exes did you invite?” Triton asked knowingly, smirking at his sister as she finally reached the pair. 

“Another one?” Percy asked in shock, the other demigods dissolving into laughter. Triton shook his head. 

“Indeed, our sister does… What was that saying again?” Triton trailed off for a moment, searching for the term. “Oh yes, ‘get around’.” Triton finished, the demigods emerging in a new wave of laughter. 

“You’re no better, big brother. I distinctly remember many of your demigods running around for a time there.” Rhode remarked smoothly, smirking at the heir to the seas. It was Triton’s turn to blush and Percy groaned, covering his face with his hands. 

“I am learning way too much about all of you today.” He muttered, Kym bursting into laughter at the statement. 

“So who is that?” Piper asked quickly, eyes alight with curiosity. 

“That is Luigina,” Rhode said, a twinkle in her eyes. “Immortal daughter of Ares. She’s not a goddess but an immortal warrior, she serves on fields of battle across time.” Percy nodded, now knowing why her and Clarisse looked so similar. 

Xanthe was now speaking with Luigina, who was eyeing her with a smug smile. Clarisse apparently had managed to escape back towards her siblings leaving Xanthe alone with the immortal warrior. Xanthe did not look pleased to see her, however Luigina said something that made her cheeks burst with scarlet color. Xanthe snarked something back, leaving the child of war laughing before she turned and made her way back towards the Ares’ campers. Xanthe muttered something as she walked back towards them, quickly settling down in her seat and grabbing her wine glass that had been refilled. She drained it again before refilling it, this time settling back and sipping on the glass. She looked irritated, scowling slightly. 

“Bad breakup then?” Percy couldn’t help but tease. Xanthe rolled her eyes waving her hand not clutching the wine glass upwards. 

“Luigina is a persistent plague.” She muttered, shaking her head. Percy pursed his lips and Triton laughed again, also shaking his head. 

“She’s just mad because the last time they broke up Luigina went off and dated one of Xanthe’s other exes just to try and win her back.” Triton said, amusement in his tone. Xanthe’s scowl confirmed the truth of the story, Percy let out a loud laugh at the disgruntled look on his sister’s face. 

“Rhode was right, definitely a venn diagram.” Annabeth said, mostly to herself. She looked like she was mentally noting the chain of events and Xanthe squeaked in protest. 

“You called my love life a venn diagram?” She asked hotly, glaring at her older sister. Rhode simply shrugged as Kym guffawed next to her. 

“To be specific I called all immortal relationships a complicated venn diagram.” The goddess of Rhodes clarified. Xanthe groaned at her, downing her fourth glass of wine hastily.

A few more minutes of conversation cleared the air about past relationships, Percy inquiring more about the potential guest list that had slowly been mounting since their party invites had first gone out to camp and olympus. Soon enough Rhode stood, bidding them farewell for now as she made her way to the foyer to greet incoming guests. 

Soon after Kym also stood, agreeing to help Rhode with final checks, and made her way out of the hall with a promise to find Percy later and check in on the demigods. Triton was now sipping what appeared to be some sort of whiskey, and Xanthe had summoned some sort of shot glass along with lime and salt. 

He watched as his older sister filled the glass with a bottle she summoned before taking the shot swiftly, chasing it down with a slice of lime. She didn’t make a face, but Leo spotted the bottle with interest. 

“Is that tequila I spy?” The son of Hephestus asked innocently, yet wearing a smirk on his face. “My latino roots can sense it.” Xanthe laughed and another small glass appeared filled in front of Leo, who looked delighted.

“Oh gods,” Piper groaned as Leo took the shot, coughing violently afterwards much to the amusement of the others. Xanthe cackled as Leo gulped down a glass of water. “This is going to be a long night for everyone but him.” Leo, now recovered, laughed as well. Xanthe cocked her head. 

“Well if he gets too drunk pass him off to the staff, they’ll get him back to his rooms safely.” The goddess said with amusement. A smirk slowly spread over her face and suddenly all of the demigods, including the ones further down the table, had a shot of tequila in front of them. Percy looked down at his glass, raising an eyebrow at Xanthe who shrugged innocently. 

Soon enough they were all convinced to take it, Percy wincing at the burn of it but thankfully not gagging as some demigods had. 

“You’re already being a bad influence.” Triton muttered amusedly, glancing at a few demigods who had choked on the liquor. Xanthe raised an eyebrow. 

“These kids have fought in multiple wars,” The tsunami goddess said dryly. “Not being able to handle their liquor is the least of their problems.” 

“If any of them throw up on me I will not be pleased.” Triton sighed, shaking his head. Percy winced at the thought, Triton may have a fondness for Annabeth but other demigods were not safe from his easily brought-on wrath. He hoped everyone would stay out of his way this evening. 

Xanthe was saved from having to respond when her phone rang, she picked it up with a small smile and greeting. 

“Alright, I’ll let everyone know and they’ll start making their way down there. Thanks for the heads up, sweetheart.” Xanthe said after a moment, a grin on her face. She muttered a quick goodbye and waved off Triton’s knowing look. Xanthe then stood from the table, eyeing the group of rambunctious (and now slightly tipsy) group of demigods before her. 

“The muses will be beginning their performance shortly.” Xanthe announced loudly, her voice magically cutting through the air and bringing the attention straight to her. Everyone settled down quickly, turning to face the front of the room. “The other party guests have begun to arrive so if you wish to be closer to the stage I would depart shortly. Rhode has asked me to inform you that if you have difficulty finding your way back to your rooms, or find yourself in need of personal space, to please let one of the staff in the blue coats know, they can escort you safely back to your rooms. Otherwise, enjoy the evening everyone.” The goddess finished, smiling at them all. A cheer went up from the back of the room, and demigods stood and began making their way back down the hall where Percy could hear instruments warming up and voices streaming in. 

“I’ll be off to watch them perform, I’ll be sure to find you later and ensure you have everything you need.” Xanthe informed them, voice returning to a normal volume. “The muses will be performing first and then music will be played afterwards. There will be several rooms for conversation. If you need a break you may ask an employee if you cannot find them.” Xanthe finished, smiling at them softly. She bid goodbye to them as well, making her way out of the hall and back towards the stage setup. 

The demigods chattered for a bit longer, finishing the last of their meals and watching as their plates magically disappeared. Triton too stood and left, mentioning he was also heading towards the muses’ performance. 

Finally Hazel stood, claiming she was eager to see exactly how everything had come together for the performance, and the others stood to join her. Percy walked hand in hand with Annabeth, somewhat tense. Annabeth squeezed his hand as they made their way out of the dining hall, smiling at him. Soon enough the group reached the now crowded courtyard. The muses had taken to the stage and were introducing themselves, the crowd cheering as each was named. 

Looking around Percy noticed there were hundreds of people arriving. Gods, demigods, nymphs, immortals, spirits, and more walked around the palace practically buzzing with excitement. They stood near the back of the garden as others piled in around them cheering. 

“Well I hope you’re all ready for what we have in store for you tonight!” One of the muses called from center stage. She was in a flowing white chiton-style dress, and was clutching a dainty silver flute in her hands. Her long blonde hair was braided down her shoulders, and a crown of wildflowers encircled her head. The crowd cheered, throwing up their hands as she smiled down at them. Percy recognized her as Euterpe, muse of music and lyrical poetry. 

“First I would like to give a gracious thanks to our host, the lovely Lady Rhode.” Euterpe said, gesturing towards the back of the crowd. A spotlight appeared, shining down on Percy’s older sister who smiled warmly and waved at her. Cheers emerged from the crowd and she laughed, the spotlight returning to Euterpe. 

“And now we’re feeling like it’s time to get started!” Euterpe said, grinning as a roar went up from the crowd. A few of her sisters strummed their instruments in the back, a drumbeat kicking off their first song. 

With a laugh Percy recognized the song, as together the muses began to sing a cover (or perhaps the original since they were the divine inspiration for music after all) of Holding Out for a Hero . A roar went up from the crowd, immortals and demigods alike singing along with the muses. Leo was moving his way closer in the crowd, Jason trailing slightly after him just in case with an amused grin on his face, waving at the others to let them know they would find them later. Hazel convinced Frank as well to try and fight their way closer to the stage, and Frank picked her up as the daughter of Pluto had protested, grinning as he shouldered his way through the crowd. 

Piper, Annabeth, and Percy stood further back and watched the muses perform, Annabeth smiling happily up at Percy when he caught her eye. 

“Maybe this won’t be too bad after all.” She said, grinning at him. Percy shrugged, laughing. 

“We are just getting started, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” Percy noted, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and leaning down so his chin was on the top of her head. Annabeth held his arms and laughed with him, watching as they noticed Frank (who had transformed into a bear at this point) was tossing Leo up and down in front of the stage to the delight of the crowd around them. 

____________________________________________________________________________

The muses performed for nearly four hours, the crowd seemingly only growing more excited as time went on. They performed songs from throughout the centuries, fast, slow, loud, classical, rock and roll, anything you could imagine being played across a stage made an appearance. 

Nico and Will had snuck off an hour or so before, both the son of Hades and the son of Apollo seeming to get overwhelmed with the volume. They let Percy know that they would be off in one of the quieter rooms in the palace for a few minutes of peace but that they would likely return later. 

Currently Annabeth, Piper, and Hazel were off to the bar. While they weren’t drunk by any means, the seven and friends had enjoyed their share of the drinks served throughout the party. Percy was still sipping on something called a hurricane that Jason had dropped off with him a few minutes earlier, and he was surprised at how sweet it was.

Well saying they weren’t drunk was probably a lie when it came to one member of their group. Leo had indulged plenty at the bar, and was currently beyond what one would call “tipsy”. He wasn’t black out (yet) but Jason and Frank had elected to keep an eye on him as the muses performed their closing song. Apparently afterwards a few minor music gods were going to be playing something called “EDM” music and Percy was genuinely curious what that could possibly mean. 

Leo was currently towards the back of the crowd, dancing with a group of demigods to I Wanna Dance with Somebody. Percy shook his head as the last of the lyrics rang out, the crowd cheering loudly as the muses bowed and waved as they exited stage. Percy couldn’t spot any of his siblings at the moment, they had been pulled away by the crowd but Percy was sure they were nearby. 

Light pop music rang out over the speakers while the stage was empty, though many of the crowd started moving towards the bars or walking back further into the gardens during the intermission of sorts. It was then that Percy spotted Jason shaking his head at Leo who had somehow tripped and fallen over, now laying laughing on the ground. Frank rolled his eyes and gestured to Percy, who quickly sat down the glass and walked over to his friends. 

“Is he actually wasted right now? It’s not even midnight yet.” Percy asked, amusement in his tone as he looked over Leo. The boy’s face was flushed, a mixture of laughter and liquor sending a scarlet tone through his cheeks. He was gasping for breath through laughter, and was clutching his stomach. The sight of Percy set him off again, and he rolled back over while wheezing. 

“Yeah no I think he took shots with a few of the Bacchus kids.” Jason noted, raising an eyebrow at Leo who now was laying on the ground looking at the sky. Percy groaned and nodded, now understanding. 

“Should we put him to bed?” Frank asked, scratching his head and shrugging. 

“No! I’m not even that drunk you’re all just funny .” Leo laughed again, shaking his head at them. 

“Alright fine, but we should all go sit down, we’ve been up for a while.” Percy chuckled, reaching out a hand and letting Leo grasp it. He hauled the smaller boy to his feet, who stumbled and nearly fell again, grabbing onto Percy’s shoulder as to not fall. Percy frowned at this, maybe Leo was drunker than he thought. 

“You sure you’re alright man?” Percy asked. Leo nodded and then groaned, face turning green. 

“Kinda nauseous, but fine. Let’s go sit down.” Leo squeaked out, pursing his lips afterwards. Jason, Frank, and Percy exchanged glances knowingly. 

“The girls aren’t back yet though.” Frank said, looking around but not spotting the other half of their group. Percy also couldn’t spot Annabeth through the crowd, and he had left his phone in his room. He cursed himself slightly, wondering how to convey where he went when he suddenly had an idea. 

“Hold on.” Percy mumbled, closing his eyes and concentrating so he didn’t speak out loud. 

“Hey, Xanthe?” Percy called mentally, looking for his older sister. He felt when she heard him, her full attention turning towards him in his mind. 

“Yes, are you alright little brother?” Xanthe asked quickly, mentally scanning him. Percy shook his head, forgetting she couldn’t see him. 

“ I'm fine. My friend got a bit too drunk and we can’t find the girls. Would you be able to let them know we’re taking him to sit down in one of the quieter rooms inside?” He asked. 

“I will bring them to you, and check on the boy myself.” Xanthe replied, and Percy felt as her attention pulled away before he could say anything else. Percy felt slightly guilty, he hoped Xanthe wasn’t annoyed that she was pulled away from her first night of relaxation in months for one of his friends who got a bit more than tipsy. 

On the other hand he would be reassured if someone older than him made sure Leo wasn’t about to get alcohol poisoning or something. Nodding to Jason and Frank, briefly letting them know about the conversation, they moved inside with Leo being supported by Frank. Leo really was able to walk upright, he just had a tendency to trip over his own two feet sober, let alone when he had liquor in him. Finally Percy noticed a large set of double doors propped open, soft purple light illuminating the hallway in front of it, and motioned to bring Leo that direction. They walked in, adjusting to the new light as they glanced around. 

It was a large entertainment room of sorts, a massive ballroom style room with marble walls shadowed in blue and purple lighting, soft glowing pearls illuminating things lower to the ground. Over a dozen large couches shaped in a circle sat spaced among the room, and towards the back wall was a bar with a few staff members milling about and bringing drinks and snacks for the guests seated in groups at the couches. Percy spotted a familiar figure closer towards the bar, Nico and Will curled up on one of the couches that was otherwise empty. Percy soon spotted why they chose that position, as a restroom door could be seen next to it as they approached. There weren’t a lot of bathrooms not in the guest suites, as Percy knew most of Rhode’s guests were immortal and had no need of them. 

“I think I need to go in there.” Leo said as they approached, pointing towards the restroom. Frank nodded, letting the other two know he would make sure Leo didn’t pass out or anything and lead him into the bathroom. Percy and Jason shook their heads as they moved towards where the other two demigods were sitting. 

Will frowned after Leo, looking concerned. Nico had his eyebrow raised in amusement, a small smile gracing his face. 

“Is he alright? Should I go take a look at him?” Will asked them as Percy sat down. Jason shook his head. 

“Nah he’s mostly fine, just needs to sit down for a bit.” The son of Jupiter said, chuckling slightly. 

“Xanthe’s bringing the girls this way too, she said she’ll take a look at him too.” Percy added. Will nodded, seeming satisfied at the answer and settling back into the couch. Nico snorted. 

“Was it perhaps the five shots of tequila he took with the Bacchus kids and a few nymphs?” The son of Hades asked, voice full of snark. Percy blinked, then started laughing. 

“ Five? On top of the other shit he drank? I’m surprised he’s not puking!” Percy laughed, shaking his head. He was now more glad his sister was coming, that sounded like a lot for a small kid like Leo. Percy wondered if something like this would happen and he made a note to remind the other campers to keep an eye on their siblings and call him if something happened. 

“Oh he’s puking all right.” Frank said, pinching his nose as they came out of the restroom. Leo looked tired, and was sweating. He flopped down on the couch with a groan. A staff member came by to ask if they needed anything else and Percy asked if they could all have a glass of water. He remembered his mother telling him drinking water helped when you had too much to drink. 

They chatted for a moment about the muses performance, when suddenly Nico waved, spotting someone behind them. Percy turned and saw Xanthe, Annabeth, Hazel, and Piper walking quickly towards them, Xanthe seeming the most unalarmed. 

“Is he alright? He’s awake right?” Annabeth asked worriedly, spotting Leo sitting with his head in his hands. 

“He’s mostly fine, he threw up and we just got him water.” Percy remarked, grinning as Leo groaned. Piper walked over to him, smacking him lightly on the back of the head. 

“Shots with the Dionysus kids, really?” She asked, voice thick with disapproval but also a hint of amusement. Leo shrugged. 

“I was triple dog dared!” He said slowly, grinning at her. Piper rolled her eyes and sat down next to him, placing the glass of water in his hands. 

“Drink it.” The daughter of Aphrodite said sternly. Leo grumbled but complied, taking a few sips. Annabeth and Hazel sat down, glancing at him as Xanthe plopped down in between Percy and Leo. 

“Hmm, a fun choice at the moment but one everyone comes to regret.” Xanthe said lightly, amusement lacing her words. She snapped her fingers over Leo’s head and the boy winced, suddenly his eyes widened and he sat upright with a gasp. The others stared with wide eyes as a ball of liquid suddenly emerged from Leo’s head, moving to float over Xanthe’s hand. 

She smiled ruefully at them, closing her fist and the ball dissipated, evaporating into mist. Leo blinked a few times, then shook his head. He seemed a bit more with it than before. 

“What was that?!” Leo asked, shivering again. 

“I pulled some of the alcohol out of your bloodstream. Not enough to take away the fun part of the buzz, but enough so you don’t want to puke anymore.” Xanthe said, grinning as she reached out and grabbed his wrist, a white bracelet with a red X in the middle now on his wrist. “However, part of that favor is you have been officially cut off for the evening.” Xanthe finished. 

“Would you mind giving me a few of those to give out to the other demigods so they can’t be served anymore?” Percy asked. Xanthe nodded but opened her mouth to speak. 

“Sure, but at the moment the staff is equipped with them, they’ve been instructed to put one on any mortal, or even immortal sometimes, if they need to be cut off. They’re enchanted, they cannot be removed until tomorrow morning, and any drink passed into their hands will magically become alcohol-free.” Xanthe said, laughing as Leo groaned in defeat. Percy sighed in relief. 

“I honestly didn’t think about a plan for drunk demigods.” Percy said sheepishly. Xanthe cocked her head at him.

“You didn’t need to, we did. The bracelets are enchanted to do what I just did as well, takes away any danger or unpleasantness but leaves a slight buzz behind so they can go about enjoying the party without anything else going on.” Xanthe explained, looking confused. 

“We aren’t really used to gods taking precautions, my lady.” Hazel explained quickly, shrugging at her older cousin. Xanthe frowned. 

“You are still young, did your older siblings not guide you?” She asked earnestly, looking around at them. Percy winced, shaking his head. 

“I mean the group you see here is the oldest group from camp, minus a few that stayed back. The rest are a lot younger, and right now we’re older than most of the demigods were back when I first came to camp. Jupiter’s a lot different but we’re working on changing at camp half blood to be more about living and not just survival.” Percy explained. Xanthe’s eyes widened. 

“It has been too long since I have been at camp.” Xanthe said darkly. “It disturbs me how little the others care for their offspring. Many demigods lived a long normal life after their youth.” Xanthe said. Percy cocked his head. 

“They did? Not a lot of stories talk about that.” Jason asked, curious. Xanthe frowned. 

“Oftentimes, yes. I will say my brothers and first cousins had the hardest time doing so but many of them did. They had children, lives, houses. It was ultimately what we were training for, to ensure we could defend our future.” Xanthe explained. All of the demigods looked thoughtful for a moment. 

“It’s harder to live in a world where monsters are hidden.” A new voice suddenly said, moving closer from behind Percy. It was melodic and twinkling, and Xanthe smiled when she heard it, turning her head. 

“And why is that, dear muse?” Xanthe teased as Erato rounded the corner and sat down next to Xanthe. Percy scooted a few feet over to give them enough room, and now the entire couch was nearly full and they were all facing each other. 

“More demigods are persecuted by mortals now than they used to be, it is harder for them to find safety from mortal and divine threats.” Erato explained, the demigods nodding along with agreement. Xanthe cocked her head. 

“I suppose that does make sense, the mist is not often kind to demigods.” Xanthe mused, smiling over at Erato. 

“No, it convinced everyone I blew up the Arch.” Percy couldn’t help but grumble, he was still bitter about that. Erato laughed, Xanthe staring at him in confusion. 

“When did that happen?” Xanthe asked, raising both eyebrows at him in surprise. Percy blinked at her. 

“My first quest, it was after I was claimed?” Percy said. Xanthe pressed her lips together and shook her head. 

“Father neglected to mention that.” She muttered with annoyance. Piper took her opportunity to interrogate the two immortals and ran with it. 

“So how did you two meet?” Piper asked quickly, glancing knowingly between them. Xanthe blushed and Erato laughed again, looking between Piper and Xanthe. 

“Well, Xanthe was a younger immortal then, what maybe two or three hundred years after your ascension?” Erato turned and asked the other immortal, who nodded at her. “And it was the summer solstice, my sisters and I performed and she was there with the royal family. She snuck out during my performance, and I was determined to figure out why so I followed her outside.” Erato said, looking teasingly over at Xanthe. 

“I left because I couldn’t stop accidentally saying ‘she is incredible looking’ in my head and accidently projecting it onto Triton because I was standing next to him.” Xanthe said dryly, causing the demigods to begin to laugh. “Father had to tell me to go outside because he was trying not to laugh and the more I tried not to do it the more I did it.” Xanthe finished, glancing back towards Erato. 

“Yes and after she explained as such, I asked her, so you think I’m ‘incredible’?” Erato said, laughing towards the end of her sentence. Xanthe grinned cheekily at her, cocking her head. 

“And do you remember what I said back?” The goddess of tsunamis asked the muse. Erato blushed scarlet red and muttered something about ‘not in front of the children’. Xanthe let out a loud laugh, winking at Percy who had covered his face with his hands after her statement. 

Once everyone calmed down again the demigods fell into various discussions with both the immortals and other demigods around them, their ADHD soothed falling into and out of various conversations. Percy discussed with Erato his desire to learn guitar and the muse looked thrilled, offering him advice and tips for how to get started. 

Xanthe and Jason actually looked to be having an interesting discussion over the science of severe weather, particularly the similarities between hurricanes and tornadoes. Leo, Frank, Hazel, and Annabeth were in deep discussion on how to get some of those bracelets to keep at camp and with them for future use, and Will, Nico, and Percy had been discussing with Erato the best romantic tragic works in history. Well, Will and Nico were discussing Erato, while Percy watched on in amusement. 

They sat for another few hours before louder cheering and music started back up outside, and the demigods felt rested enough to see if they wanted to rejoin the party goers outside. Percy stood, offering his hand to Annabeth who took it with a smile. Xanthe and Erato waved goodbye to them, instead electing to stay inside discussing something of great interest. Percy grinned at her when Erato wasn’t looking, wagging his finger at her. She rolled her eyes and flicked at him, turning around as he laughed at her. 

Outside the room had turned back into a full-scale party. Music blasted from the speakers, a few minor gods acting as DJs on stage. Percy and Annabeth danced for a while, actually finding themselves enjoying the loud music and company. They swayed and danced with their friends, smiling and genuinely enjoying the night that had been set before them. Their friends would be taken care of, no one here was injured, they were all safe and more importantly not in charge. Nothing bad would happen for one night off, and they finally got to simply enjoy themselves.

______________________________________________________________________

Two hours later and the demigod’s had lost interest in the dance floor. It was fun for a good while, however eventually the crowd of immortals grew more intoxicated and therefore more obnoxious. A few immortal children of Ares (Luginia included Percy noted) had begun picking a fight with what appeared to be several immortal children of Nike. The argument quickly descended into chaos, punches being thrown left and right, weapons being unsheathed. 

Soon enough the dance floor was a full out brawl, Percy grabbed Annabeth’s hand and pulled her off to the side, heading out towards the gardens further from the palace. He hoped the others made it out as well, as he had very nearly had to exchange blows with a very drunk satyr he had never met before. Thankfully the half-goat had tripped over his hooves and fallen over, leaving Percy to jump over him, laughing slightly as they swiftly moved out of the crowd. 

Triton had spotted Percy making his escape off the dance floor with Annabeth, and quickly moved over to them, glancing them both over to ensure they were uninjured. Percy shook his head at his older brother, Percy and Annabeth had seen worse than an immortal fight-club (which ironically he had seen a version of before back in the Labyrinth) and they hadn’t even broken a sweat making their way out. 

“You both appear uninjured, where are the rest of your friends?” The heir to the seas asked quickly, glancing back towards the crowd still brawling in front of them. A spark of worry lit in Percy’s stomach when he didn’t know the answer, now making a move towards the crowd. Triton stopped him, placing one hand on his shoulder and making a ‘wait’ gesture with his other. 

“ Are all demigods accounted for, sisters?” Triton said in Percy’s mind, and quickly the demigod caught on to what his brother was doing. 

“I believe all but two, Xanthe is retrieving them from the fighting now.” Rhode replied calmly. Percy tensed slightly. 

“Who?” He asked quickly in response, accidentally speaking out loud. Annabeth had realized what they were doing and whipped her head back to the crowd with scrutinizing eyes. 

“The elf and my priest appear to still be near the center of the fighting.” Kym replied, sounding slightly distracted. 

“The son of Jupiter removed himself from the situation, the son of Hephestus is with me.” Xanthe cut in suddenly, and Percy spotted Jason soaring above the crowd, quickly landing next to them. He looked unharmed, though his shirt was slightly singed around his left shoulder, and his hair was a wild mess. He was panting as he landed, looking at both of them with a raised eyebrow. 

“Well that was quite the adventure.” The Roman demigod drawled, glancing back towards the brawl before them. Percy snorted, now calming as he knew his friends were all accounted for. 

“ Καταραμένοι ανόητοι! Μακριά πριν σε σκοτώσω, αθάνατη ή όχι!” Xanthe’s voice suddenly roared. Percy didn’t have enough time to translate before he got the gist of it as an immortal son of Ares flew by them, a trident sending him soaring through the air. He landed with a thunk nearly thirty feet behind them, and as the demigods turned back towards the crowd, which now had parted down the middle to allow Xanthe to stride out. The crowd still battled further away from Xanthe, and after she had breached the edge of the brawl they all fell back into place, punching away once more. 

Xanthe was clutching Leo’s arm in her left hand, the boy practically being dragged out. Leo’s entire shirt was burnt, still smoldering slightly, and he had a wicked smile on his face. Xanthe’s face was twisted into a scowl of annoyance, still aimed at the immortal that had fallen behind them. Percy could see he was alive still, hence the immortal, and was bleeding ichor from his three new holes in his chest. He was gasping and heaving, evidence that he was not a god and simply immortal, as he sat up trying to recover. 

Xanthe was still cursing, ignoring Triton’s raised eyebrow as she dropped Leo next to them, not stopping her determined stride towards the Ares’ kid behind them. The man looked maybe in his early thirties, but his eyes widened as he spotted Xanthe still advancing on him.

“ Θέλετε λοιπόν να αναφέρετε την αδερφή σας; Επιτρέψτε μου να σας πω για την αδερφή σας τότε-” Xanthe shouted, Destructive Wave returning to her hand as she reached for it. 

Percy did manage to translate that phrase, understanding what it meant. “So you want to bring up your sister? I’ll tell you all about your sister then-” The child of Ares stood, eyes wild, and reached for a dagger in his belt, brandishing it and swinging it at her. 

“I don’t speak Greek you old bitch!” The man yelled, gnashing his teeth in anger. Xanthe came to an abrupt halt, eyes starting to glow with power. 

“You are a CHILD then! Allow me to introduce you to the version of me your sister met first.” Xanthe said coldly, eyes glowing blue-green as suddenly both of them disappeared with a roar of an earthquake and violent wave. Percy blinked at where they had both stood moments ago, cocking his head up at Triton. 

“So is she off to find a way to kill him or something?” Percy asked, raising an eyebrow. Triton shook his head. 

“I don’t yet know the answer to that, little brother.” The god said, smiling wryly. 

“What did he even say?” Jason asked, turning towards Leo. Everyone turned their attention to the still-somewhat tipsy son of Hephestus. Leo shrugged at all of them. 

“Honestly I could barely make it out, something about flirting with someone else after what ‘she did to his sister’ I think.” Leo said, looking around at all of them. Triton made a face. 

“And what did she mean about the ‘version of her’ that his sister met?” Annabeth asked, looking over at Percy. 

“Lugiuna is a daughter of Ares who gained immortality shortly after Xanthe was made immortal. She traveled battlefields across the world, fighting and winning. After a few years she returned back to Greece and Xanthe was engaged in combat. We don’t know everything Xanthe did after she hid herself from us, but we knew where she had been.” Triton started, glancing towards where the ocean was. 

“She still hated the Romans, and she was still protective over her little brothers and sisters who were demigods at the time. The day they met Xanthe was one where she watched one of our demigod brothers die.” Triton continued darkly. Percy frowned at that, now starting to understand what his sister had meant. 

“She destroyed two cities with earthquakes and tsunamis, a hurricane was barreling down on the coast. Xanthe tore through men like they were made of paper, our brother’s body was returned to the sea where father brought him to rest in Atlantis.” Triton said, looking down at the ground for a moment. “But Xanthe was still a very young goddess. She knew little of what she was capable of, and at the time she had no care for others. Lugiuna was enthralled immediately. It would be another four hundred years before they got together, but those two have been off and on again ever since.” Triton finished, allowing himself a slight chuckle. 

“She seems pretty mad at her right now.” Percy said dryly. Triton snorted. 

“Yes well as I mentioned before, the last time they broke up Lugiuna dated one of Xanthe’s other exes for the sole reason of making her jealous. Despite her protests I do think it somewhat worked, Xanthe is rarely this annoyed by one of her past affairs.” Triton laughed, shaking his head. 

The demigods laughed, and suddenly Percy spotted Rhode making her way out of the crowd with Hazel, Piper, and Frank. All of them looked unharmed, not even a wrinkled shirt, and Percy knew both Will and Nico had gone up to their rooms for the rest of the night an hour or so before the fight had started. All in all everyone seemed to be accounted for. 

“The other demigods are fine too, I redirected them all inside when the fighting broke out. The fight won’t go on much longer, we’ll let them tire themselves out.” Rhode said when they reached the group, shaking her head as a small fireball exploded in the distance. Percy frowned. 

“Is this like a usual thing then?” Percy asked, looking between his completely unsurprised siblings. Rhode and Triton both nodded, glancing back towards the brawl. 

“You have met our extended family, have you not?” Rhode asked him teasingly, and everyone laughed slightly at that. 

Suddenly above the crowd the child of Ares reappeared, soaking wet and gasping. He was thrown to the ground, crushing three other brawlers as he slammed into the earth. The earth shook as he struck the ground, and for a moment the fight was stalled as everyone braced themselves. Percy looked upwards and spotted his sister on the roof of the palace, eyes glowing and hair whipping around her face. She looked pleased as the group reignited their fight, tackling the child of Ares as the crowd cheered. 

Another instant and she was by his side, Leo yelping in surprise when she appeared. 

“Well you didn’t kill him.” Triton said amusedly. Xanthe shrugged. 

“Just some light drowning.” Xanthe replied, grinning wickedly. 

“Oh yeah, light drowning, no biggie.” Leo said sarcastically, looking back towards the crowd. 

“JUST SO YOU KNOW!” A voice yelled from the other side of the crowd, the group turning and spotting Luginia grinning at Xanthe. “THAT WAS REALLY HOT, BABE!” She cheered, giving Xanthe a double thumbs up. 

Xanthe flipped her the bird with both hands, eyes glowing and the earth shuddering softly around them. 

“I would rather you not destroy my home, dear sister.” Rhode warned softly, no real threat in her tone. Xanthe settled, still scowling as she muttered, turning and storming away towards the back of the gardens. 

Percy did not bring up how her cheeks had flushed scarlet, but he did snicker slightly. 

“It's like being in a romance love triangle.” Piper said, watching where Xanthe had stomped off to. Triton let out a roaring laugh at that, Rhode and Percy both giggling slightly. 

“Romance Venn Diagram.” Annabeth said suddenly, before busting out laughing. This set off the rest of the group, and soon they were all nearly in tears, trying desperately to control themselves. 

________________________________________________________________________

A few minutes later they had collected themselves and walked after Xanthe, Rhode informing them several fire-pits had been set up around the waterfall they had swam at earlier for a quieter setting away from the fighting. 

Soon enough they were settling down around a campfire, large patio-couches had been conjured, surrounding various stone fire-pits that had been placed around the edge of the water. String lights glittered overhead, and soft music played from invisible speakers. 

Xanthe had spotted them as they approached, leaving from where she had taken a seat at the bar to join them, a glass of whiskey in her hand. Together the group of demigods had taken a seat, the Atlantean royals settling in around them. Kym had yet to make another appearance, but Triton mentioned something about her always enjoying the fights and that she was likely immersed in the brawl herself so she was bound to turn up. 

“We’re not going to talk about it.” Xanthe said sternly, pointing at Triton. Their older brother threw up his hands, shaking his head. 

“I said nothing.” The heir to the seas replied, smiling slyly. 

“Yeah but you were thinking about it.” Xanthe muttered, plopping down in between Triton and Percy. 

“I was not.” Triton replied, Xanthe shot a glare his way that had no heat in it as she took another sip from her glass. 

“Liar.”

“Sure.” 

“Enough, you two.” Rhode mumbled, shaking her head at them. 

Soon enough everyone was engaged in conversation, Xanthe and Triton arguing about how many exes she had, and Xanthe exclaimed something about spotting two of Triton’s exes that evening. Percy had quickly asked who and Triton had shook his head, trying to order Xanthe not to say and to which she quickly told him mentally.

After bickering with his siblings and chattering with the other demigods for a while, soon Percy noticed himself yawning. Rubbing his face slightly he glanced over at Annabeth who was sitting with her head resting on her hand, still trying to talk with Piper about something. Realizing quickly that it was approaching three in the morning, Percy decided that it was time to head to bed. 

“You think the fighting’s still going on?” Percy asked Xanthe, who shrugged. “Possibly, why?”

“I think I’m about ready for bed.” The rest of the group muttered their agreement, and Percy noticed everyone yawning and shaking their heads fighting to stay away. Rhode smiled at them all in amusement. 

“One moment, dears.” She said, and suddenly they all reappeared seated on the couch in their living room. Percy smiled in relief at not having to make the long trek back to their room, and the others thanked his sister as they piled back into their rooms for the night. Rhode and Xanthe bid them goodnight, Triton nodding warmly at the group of them. Annabeth and Percy were left alone with his godly siblings for a moment. 

“Well I hope that wasn’t too scarring of an event for your first immortal party.” Rhode said, voice thick with amusement. Percy grinned at her.

“What’s a little brawl in comparison to the fact that I got to listen to the muses play the greatest hits from history for four hours?” He asked in reply, laughing. Triton chuckled and Xanthe grinned. 

“I’m glad you all enjoyed yourselves, I let the other demigods know I’ll return you to camp tomorrow afternoon, that way you all can sleep in. If you’re up sometime before noon feel free to join us for breakfast in the family suites, the other demigods will be brought food when the arise.” Rhode said warmly, smiling at them before making her way out of the room. 

“I too will leave you to rest.” Triton said, moving after his sister. Xanthe was left with them, smiling happily.

“I’m glad you liked it.” Xanthe said, joy glittering in her tone. Percy smiled at her. 

“Thanks for making sure everyone had a good time, it means a lot more than you know.” Percy said in reply, shaking his head. 

“I remember what it was like, once.” Xanthe said, eyes glancing towards where Percy knew Greece was. “Dozens of lives you feel responsible for. It was nice, those times when I got a break from all of that.” His older sister finished, looking wistful at the memories from the past. 

“It really was incredible,” Annabeth said, grinning. “I think this night is going down in camp legend, the Apollo cabin will probably write stories about it.” She laughed. 

They all chuckled at that, Xanthe cocking her head at something unheard and she sighed. 

“Well that's my cue, the fight is still going on so me and Kym are going to break it up.” Xanthe said, looking almost excited by the idea. Percy laughed. 

“Good luck with that, I’m about to pass out for the next three to six business days.” The demigod replied, Xanthe snickering at him. 

“I’ll check on you all in the morning, have a good night!” Xanthe called, disappearing suddenly with the sound of a soft wave and the scent of sea-salt and lemons surrounding them. 

Percy held out his arm to Annabeth, who laughed and took as they walked towards their room. Together they helped take off their bangles and placed them back in their velvet-lined boxes, carefully placing the clothes they had been given back in their garment bags. Despite having so much to talk about, both demigods fell blissfully asleep in seconds. 

Chapter Text

Percy dreamed that night, much to his disappointment. He had hoped for a peaceful night’s rest after being up so late with all of the commotion of the party, however his mind seemed to have other plans. 

He opened his eyes to find himself on an island, somewhere far from mortal land he instinctively knew. The ocean lapped at his feet on shore, crystal blue water gently rocking with soft waves. Looking around he quickly spotted a few bright-red cows meandering the fields, and as he turned he saw a large statue in the distance. With no other choice Percy wandered closer, suddenly noticing another figure in the distance, standing near the base of the statue.

As he approached the statue more details became visible, and Percy suddenly realized it was a large statue of Apollo, standing guard over his sacred cattle. Unlike how Percy normally saw him, Apollo was dressed in a chiton, standing tall with a firm expression on his face. Upon his head was a crown that had spikes of metal coming off of it, clearly designed to look like rays from the sun. In his right arm a lyre sat cradled against his body, and his left arm was pointing outwards. Around his left stone arm a large python curled, head resting on top of his wrist and its body draped around his arm and over his shoulders before the tail curled behind the statue. 

It was maybe fifty feet tall, but the impressive craftsmanship of the statue only held his attention for a moment when he spotted a familiar red head of hair at the base of it. Rachel was dressed in a simple white sundress, her hair free-flowing around her, and her feet stood barefoot in the grass. She was staring up at the statue of Apollo with wide eyes. Percy quickly, trying to call out for her but finding Rachel did not reply to his calls for her attention. 

Finally he was standing next to Rachel, waving and calling her name to no avail. The oracle of Delphi stood still, staring upwards at the stone face of her patron god of prophecy. 

“It’s really starting to freak me out that you can’t hear me.” Percy muttered, shaking his head. Rachel did not reply, and Percy took the time to scan the surroundings behind him. One of the cows approached the oracle, and Rachel’s hand came up and scratched the cow behind the ears, still not breaking eye contact with the statue. 

Right when Percy was about to give up and walk away to see if he could wake himself up by jumping into the water, Rachel’s voice finally rang out. 

Except it wasn’t just Rachel who was speaking, it was the oracle speaking through her. A green mist lit her eyes, wrapping itself around her head and falling down around her shoulder. Rachel’s voice opened, the raspy tone of the oracle emerging. 

“I understand, I will show them.” The oracle said, nodding to the statue above them. Percy frowned. 

“Show us what?” He asked sharply, grumbling when he received no response. The oracle’s mist suddenly dissipated as fast as it had appeared, leaving Rachel blinking, glancing around her. Finally she looked back up at the statue and sighed, before turning and walking towards the water. Percy tried to follow her, but instead the ground fell away from under him. 

Cursing loudly Percy regained his footing, instead turning around and realizing he was now underwater. It was very dark, though a soft blue glow above him indicated that it was light outside wherever he was. Percy swam forwards slightly, trying to spot whatever it was that his dream was trying to show him, when he spotted a flash of light nearby. 

Swimming up and over a ridge, Percy spotted a group of various sea-monsters, ranging from telkhines, sea serpents, various fish-like people, and more dressed in full battle armor charging on a figure in the center of them all. 

With a start, Percy recognized Benthesikyme fighting in front of him. Of all his siblings, he had heard the least about Ben’s fighting abilities, and instantly a tick of worry went off deep in the pit of his stomach. 

Benthesikyme seemed to be holding her own fairly well (she was a goddess nymph with masterful control of the waves to be fair) and was sweeping away dozens of the creatures with a profound current that ripped through the ranks. 

They dissolved into fine dust screaming, but more replaced them as hundreds of monsters trampled towards his older sister. Swimming closer he could see Ben looked tired, she had a small cut on her left arm that was bleeding sluggishly, but starting to close in front of his eyes. He tried to summon his powers, but felt nothing happen around them even though the feeling in his gut pulled as though he was using them. In case he was causing pipes to burst back at his sister’s palace, he quickly ceased though looked around them desperately. 

“Triton!” He tried to call desperately, Ben twitched then, glancing his direction but looking through him unseeingly. Nothing else happened, however, it appeared that calling for the family in his dreams meant they couldn’t really hear him. 

Benthesikyme was dressed for battle, graceful silver armor covered her chest, forearms, and shins and was wearing a black leather pteruges. Black sandals donned her feet, laced tightly beneath the silver armor secured to her shins. She held in her hands a bident, not a trident like Percy would have expected, but swung it expertly. Her black hair was braided down her back, and her face was set in an annoyed expression. On her head was a silver crown, currently sitting as a larger piece that wrapped behind his sister’s jaw in the same way Xanthe’s had in order to secure it in place for combat. It was engraved with the images of waves, and blue sapphires and softly glowing pearls lined the bottom. Despite being a more peaceful goddess Percy knew any of his siblings would be hard-pressed to sit back in times of extreme conflict, and all of them had been trained in combat from a very young age in order to be able to protect themselves. 

Another fish-creature slashed at Percy’s sister, cutting her cheek. Percy nearly growled as Ben sighed in irritation, cutting through the creature and setting off another current around them that tore a large group apart with the churning water spinning around them. 

Ben tapped the cut on her cheek with her fingers, pulling her hand back and inspecting the golden ichor in front of her eyes. She muttered something and then closed her eyes, when suddenly a bright blast of light appeared next to her. Percy slammed his eyes shut as well, turning his face away as he listened to the screams and bubbling sounds the monsters all made as they burnt to a crisp. 

When the light receded Percy found himself looking at his two siblings, Triton had arrived in full merman form, also dressed for battle. He was in full celestial bronze armor from the waist up, but had no armor on his scaled tails. He had his trident in his hands, glowing brilliantly bronze in the water. A large trident crossed with a conch shell was engraved in the center of Triton’s breastplate, and on his head sat his crown. No longer a circlet, but a crown of imperial gold, the center coming to a point and a conch shell was carved delicately into place.

“Are you alright, little sister?” Triton asked quickly, concern in his voice. Ben shook her head. 

“I am fine, Triton. Already healed, but they were more persistent than they were yesterday, like they finally have orders.” Benthesikyme said coldly, glancing over where the enemy had previously stood. Triton frowned harder at that, eyes dark with thought. 

“Return to Atlantis, tell mother what’s happened. I'll inform father at the Coral Palace, he’ll want to know.” Triton relayed. 

“I am not eager to find out how much they will both fuss once they know.” Ben muttered, with a hint of amusement in her tone. Triton grinned weakly, still looking somewhat worried. 

“First Xanthe, now you injured in a few days time? Father will likely ‘blow a gasket’ as the mortals say.” Triton replied, and both Percy and Ben snorted at that. 

Ben mumbled a goodbye and disappeared with a swift current, Triton watching after her before disappearing himself. Percy found himself alone, wondering why his dream hadn’t shifted or woken up. 

Quietly a small figure emerged from the darkness, a woman Percy could practically feel malice rolling off of. She walked past Percy, not noticing him as she walked towards the spot where his older siblings had disappeared from. She cocked her head at the darkness before her, seemingly not bothered by being underwater. She was in a silk floor-length black dress that clung to her figure, and as she was facing away from Percy he could see that the dress was open-backed. On her skin were two black tattoos depicting wings that almost seemed as though they were fluttering in the currents passing by. 

The being (because Percy was certain this was not a mortal at this point) took a deep breath, turning her face upwards and allowing Percy to see her eyes were closed, mouth twisted in a cruel smile. 

“Smells like suffering.” She said softly, voice echoing through the water. The tone of her voice felt like Percy had stabbed himself in the eardrums, leaving him shuddering at the sensation. 

“It is not ENOUGH!” A voice roared from beneath them. It was hauntingly familiar to Percy, though he couldn’t place it. It sent shivers down his spine, and his breath was pulled in quick gasps through his lips. His eyes widened and suddenly he was awake, gasping as he jumped out of bed and running for the bathroom. 

Annabeth called out behind him, wondering what was wrong. The bathroom lights weren’t on, but Percy could see a soft glow outside indicating it was likely well into the morning hours. He slammed on the saltwater tap in the bathtub, settling himself inside despite still being in his pajamas. 

Images flickered through his mind, the Battle of the Labyrinth, the funerals after saving Olympus, clutching Annabeth’s hand tightly, begging Nico to meet them at the doors-

His breathing was rapid and shallow, he curled in on himself tightly, squeezing his eyes shut and trying to slow his heartbeat back down. It pounded against his skull, and adrenaline had left him trembling slightly, unable to hear anything but the beat of his own heart. 

The water now was approaching his chest, and he felt a pair of warm hands gently reach out and place a hand on his shoulder. He flinched slightly but then leaned into the touch, a second hand coming around to lay against his face. After a moment the hand on his face fell to his hands clutched against his chest, fingers gently pulling one of his hands free and moving it away from his body. 

Suddenly his cold fingers touched warm skin, the tips of his fingers resting against someone’s collarbone. He could feel a slightly calmer heartbeat there, and quickly registered this was Annabeth. He was safe and with Annabeth. 

He felt her take a large and obviously slow breath before releasing it. He could feel her chest vibrate as she said something, but the ringing in his ears hadn’t diminished enough for him to hear it. He knew from experience what she was reminding him to do however, and managed to pull a shaky breath in as well with her next inhale. 

They sat like that for a few minutes, Percy finally managing to slow his breathing and heart rate down enough that the adrenaline faded. Annabeth had pulled him in closer now, heads resting together as she clutched both his hands in hers. She was watching him, Percy could feel it even though he hadn’t opened his eyes yet. 

“Can you look at me?” Annabeth asked softly after a few moments, Percy nodding as he slowly pulled his eyes open. Annabeth came into view, smiling softly in relief at him, eyes hinted with confusion. 

“Sorry.” Percy mumbled, looking down towards the water in the tub. Annabeth shook her head, forcing Percy to look back up at her. 

“I know it’s been awhile since you’ve had a bad episode like that one, but you know you’re never allowed to be sorry for them, seaweed brain.” Annabeth said, voice slightly amused. Percy chuckled at that, mumbling back that he knew. 

“What set you off though, bad dream?” Annabeth asked after another second. Percy sighed and explained his dream, and the final voice that had emerged from the darkness. Annabeth’s face turned into a frown, looking more concerned. 

“I don’t know why the voice was so familiar, I just can’t place it.” Percy said, annoyance coloring his tone. Annabeth shook her head. 

“We’ll figure it out, but for now we should go talk to your sisters, they’ll be able to help you make sure Ben is alright.” His girlfriend soothed. Percy nodded, she was right, per usual. He stood, drying both of them off with a wave of his hand, still slightly shaky as he went to grab a pair of clothes from his bag. With a start, he suddenly realized all of his clothes had been swapped out for something new, minus his camp shirt still in the bag. 

“So I think your sisters have started on their closet makeover plan.” Annabeth said amusedly, holding up her own bag with new clothes. Unlike Percy’s bag, all of her old clothes were still in place but lay under the new items on top. Percy rolled his eyes, amused slightly as he tried to come up with something to wear. 

Finally he settled on a pair of black linen pants and a blue tank top, Annabeth going with a pair of white linen pants and a matching white flowing tank top. He grinned at her. 

“They’re never gonna stop now that we caved once.” Percy said to her, and Annabeth snorted in response.

“Honestly not displeased with the arrangement if you keep picking out tank tops to wear.” Annabeth said, grinning at him slyly. Percy smirked at her, moving to peck her on the lips with a kiss. 

“Or you  keep getting dresses like the one you were in last night.”  He remarked, Annabeth blushed but smiled at him, slipping on a pair of sandals and walking with him out the door. Nobody else appeared to be awake yet and so they had the hallway to themselves as they moved towards the family suites. Percy nodded to the guards as he passed, who nodded back with a quiet “My Lord.” 

He paused when he reached the doors, unsure if he should knock. Annabeth looked at him, slightly puzzled as he gestured to wait, instead reaching out mentally. 

“ Rhode, Xanthe, Kym? Are you awake?” He called internally. Three answers came to him, simple presences in his mind letting him know that they were. He nodded to Annabeth who pushed open the door to reveal the three royal sisters seated on the couch Percy had seen the night before. 

They were spaced out, Xanthe and Kym lounging on the furniture with glasses of fresh juice in their hands. Xanthe had returned to her outfit from the previous day, minus the bangles, and Kym was now dressed in loose purple sweatpants and a black tank top. Food was spread out of the table, various breakfast dishes and a few sweet cakes laying on platters across it. His oldest sister was wearing a simple light-green sundress and sat closest to where the demigods had entered the room. Rhode was seated with a mug of coffee in her hands, turning her head to greet Percy with a smile. 

“Good morning you two, I didn’t expect to see you so early.” Rhode said warmly. Percy grimaced slightly and her look turned concerned. 

“What’s wrong?” Xanthe asked, sitting up. Kym’s eyes shot over to them as she too sat upright. 

“Is Ben alright?” Percy asked quickly. Rhode’s eyebrows furrowed and she looked over at Xanthe and Kym. All three of his sisters exchanged confused glances, now starting to look worried. 

“What do you mean, Percy?” Xanthe asked quickly. 

“I had a dream, Ben was under attack and Triton had to come and take out a large hoard of monsters. She said she was healed but I just wanted to make sure.” Percy elaborated. Kym, Rhode, and Xanthe exchanged quick glances, Rhode nodding to them as Xanthe suddenly disappeared, followed immediately after by Kym. The sound of roaring waves and wind followed behind them.

“Come, sit. I have a feeling that is not all your dream revealed.” Rhode said, gesturing to the seats next to her. Percy moved around quickly and sat down, frowning. 

“It must have just happened then if you guys don’t know yet.” Percy said, looking at where his other sisters had disappeared. Rhode shook her head. 

“We did not yet know, you are likely correct and it just happened. Triton had returned to the Palace earlier this morning to see how father was faring. Xanthe is returning to check and will be back shortly I’d imagine.” Rhode explained. 

“And Kym?” Percy asked in response.

“Off to check on Ben herself.” Rhode replied, seeming satisfied to leave the checking to her younger sisters. She looked closer at Percy. “ But you seem incredibly concerned considering you recall Ben as unharmed, what else happened in your dream?” 

Percy winced as he explained the voice and the figure he had seen, Annabeth placing a hand on his shoulder at the reminder of his panic attack he had woken into. Percy sighed. 

“I don’t like not knowing why that voice was so familiar, it feels like it’s something important.” He finished quietly, expression frustrated. Rhode frowned softly, but shook her head. 

“Do not push yourself to the edge trying to contemplate why. It will either come to you or not, your mental wellbeing is more important than solving this at the moment.” Rhode told him softly. Percy nodded, understanding what she was telling him.

A few moments later Xanthe reappeared, scowling. Percy almost jumped, still slightly on edge. 

“Father and Triton are aware, it had only been but an hour or so that the events transpired.” Xanthe relayed quickly, looking frustrated. Percy nodded, knowing that was likely. 

“And Ben is ok?” He asked quickly. Kym reappeared now as well, seeming more reassured than Xanthe. 

“Our sister is fine,” Kym said, looking pleased. “She is with mother who ensured she was fully healed, she is resting now.” Kym finished. 

Xanthe gave a pleased nod, and Rhode informed them both quickly of the rest of Percy’s dream. Xanthe frowned again, looking at Kym.

“She does not sound familiar to me, she’s likely older than I am. Would the two of you know?” Xanthe asked her older sisters. Both shook their heads. 

“There are many gods I am unfamiliar with.” Kym said, shrugging. “She does not appear to be a sea goddess, however. The question is how is she commanding sea monsters?” 

All of the sea born siblings frowned at that, while Annabeth looked thoughtful. 

“Percy’s previous dream had multiple voices, it’s likely these two beings are in alliance with an older sea god as well.” She said, looking around at them. All of them glanced at each other. 

“It’s not promising to see such an alliance, the old sea is stubborn as much as we are, they dislike siding with those not born from the depths.” Rhode said softly, frowning. Kym sighed. 

“It is likely they will begin attacking Atlantis as well, we should begin preparing for all out assaults.” Kym added. Xanthe nodded. 

“Father assumed as much, he’s already adding support for the guards and setting new patrols and routes to hopefully catch the enemy off guard.” The goddess of tsunamis said firmly. Rhode nodded as well, looking back to Percy. 

“Ensure camp is stocked with supplies, it is unlikely the battle will move from the water but I have a feeling if it does they will target camp, and likely you. Ensure you have an escape plan waiting in case we could not reach you in time.” Rhode said seriously, and Percy nodded, swallowing thickly. He hoped fighting wouldn’t reach the shores, camp needed rest not to be dragged back into another all out conflict. 

“We will also have a plan in place, one to defend the camp if needed. I will discuss with Triton and father, we can set up a meeting with Chiron and the camp leaders.” Xanthe determined, looking like she was mentally designing a plan. Annabeth’s face was in a similar expression, already thinking of ways the camp could be fortified. 

“We can set that up for later this week, before the Summer Solstice would probably be best so we don’t lose time with everything going on on Olympus next week.” Annabeth said, nodding to herself with determination. Percy nodded with her. 

“They seem pretty focused on underwater targets at the moment, however it is good to be prepared.” Rhode reassured, looking over at Xanthe who signed. 

“I do not enjoy not having answers. Father will need to hear about those figures in your dream, perhaps he can determine who they are.” Xanthe mused, looking over at the demigods sitting before her. 

“I will join the perimeters of Atlantis tonight on patrol, that way I can report back to father on events that transpire.” Kymopoleia noted, nodding to herself. 

“Well now that a plan has been decided,” Rhode said, looking around at them all. “On to more pressing matters, how are you both feeling after last night’s excitement?” Rhode asked warmly. Percy and Annabeth both grinned in response, glancing at each other. 

“I’m just glad no one died.” Percy said honestly, Xanthe snorted and Kym let out a loud laugh. 

“It got close there after you all went to bed, the Ares group somehow managed to get ahold of flame throwers towards the end.” Xanthe said, annoyance and amusement both staining her words. Percy’s eyes widened. 

“Good gods, they better not have given any to their demigod siblings.” Annabeth muttered quickly. Percy hadn’t even thought of that, and Rhode looked mildly concerned. 

“Knowing a certain someone, I’d search the Ares campers before they return.” Xanthe mumbled in reply, rolling her eyes. Percy snickered slightly with Kym. Rhode shook her head at them, smiling softly. 

“So back to business tonight for you then?” Percy asked his sisters, not able to yet drop the topic burning in his mind. They nodded at him, glancing at each other. 

“I’ll be returning to the palace, father has set up new fortifications and Triton is remaining there for the time being to assist the new patrols.” Xanthe informed him. Percy nodded back at her. 

“I’ll ensure defenses here and at camp are up to par, then focus on helping out where needed.” Rhode said. 

“Should Olympus be informed?” Annabeth asked suddenly. Xanthe’s face darkened. 

“The Summer Solstice is next week, father will inform the council at that time and advise them to take precautions in case this is another uprising attempt. I doubt our esteemed uncle will offer much assistance.” Xanthe growled softly. Percy frowned at that. 

“Maybe if the request came from camp, especially if his own children were to ask him in front of the council, maybe his pride would encourage him to offer assistance for camp at least. Atlantis might be the trickier suggestion.” Annabeth said slowly, face furrowed as she contemplated something. Rhode nodded her agreement.

“A wise suggestion, one I will advise father to take. Your mother will likely assist you as well, she will see the benefits of ensuring camp is defended.” Rhode said. 

“I’ll call Thalia when we get back to camp later today.” Percy said sagely, looking over at his girlfriend and squeezing her hand. She glanced up at him, expression softening. He sighed. “I just can’t believe something else is already stirring.” 

“We can handle it.” Annabeth said firmly to him, squeezing his hand back. Percy nodded at her, smiling. Xanthe shot them a knowing smile, winking at him when she caught his gaze which made him blush. 

“So what time should I start waking everyone up?” Percy asked Rhode, wondering if he needed to start banging on doors. Rhode shook her head. 

“No need, we won’t be heading back until around four or five o’clock this afternoon, that way everyone has time to rest before returning back to camp.” Rhode replied. Percy nodded, slightly relieved he would get to rest the day away. Maybe he could convince Annabeth for a mid-morning swim on the beach he had yet to explore. 

Annabeth cocked her head, looking thoughtful. “By the way, how is it that there isn’t a time difference between here and New York? I mean, we left at eleven thirty and arrived here around that exact time, isn’t New York seven hours behind this place?” The daughter of Athena asked. Xanthe chuckled, Kym taking another bite of some sort of fruit she had plucked off the table. 

“The island is enchanted to ensure my guests arrive and depart whenever they intend too. We intended to arrive here at eleven thirty, and so we did. We expect to arrive at camp around five o’clock then we will arrive around that time.” Rhode explained, looking at Annabeth warmly. 

“Interesting…” Annabeth noted, looking like she had more questions up her sleeve. Percy however had other plans, and quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. 

“Hold that thought, I want to swim before we head home and I’ll need a buddy in case I get hopelessly lost.” Percy said teasingly. Annabeth blushed and grinned at him. 

“Well how could I refuse an offer like that?” She laughed at him. Percy laughed in response, waving goodbye to his three older sisters who waved back. They laughed as Percy practically bounced out the door, eager to reach the water now that the thought had crossed his mind. 

The rest of the afternoon was peaceful, campers slowly emerging from their rooms to eat breakfast and lunch, groggy from their night’s sleep. They all seemed unharmed, though a few of them were mildly hungover, but everyone was in a good mood. Percy and Annabeth spent a few hours on the beach, resting on the shore among dozens of sunbeds, or swimming in the gentle waves. Percy had a great conversation with a few dozen fish and a small angel shark that spotted him exploring underwater. 

Percy spoke with his sisters a few more times, bidding Xanthe and Kym goodbye and reminding them to stay safe as they went off to the Coral Palace and Atlantis respectively. Rhode had gathered up all of the demigods, ensured they had all belongings, and returned them safely to camp. 

The younger campers had been waiting for them, throwing themselves at their older siblings with cries of delight, exuberantly explaining everything they had gotten to do while they were gone. Exhausted older siblings happily scooped up the younger kids, smiling happily with them and chatting about how the past day had been for each of them. 

Celeste had run up to Annabeth upon their return, eager to show her the new minecraft world her and Kyle had managed to create in the last twenty-four hours. Percy shook his head in amusement, kissing Annabeth lightly on the cheek before watching her take off with her siblings towards the Athena cabin. 

After dinner they had spoken with Chiron, informing him of the dreams Percy had experienced the night before, and the current plan for informing Olympus and preparing camp. Chiron had looked concerned, but agreed that for the moment it was a sound plan. He set a meeting for the day before the solstice to inform the head counselors, to give Percy time to get Thalia and Jason on board with the plan. He knew they would be, neither of them would like the idea of camp being threatened in any way. 

But for the night, everything was calm and peaceful. Bidding his girlfriend goodnight with a kiss, Percy returned to the Poseidon cabin and fell into a blissfully dreamless sleep. 

Chapter Text

Swords clanged in the arena as Percy sparred with a few members of the fifth-level swordsmanship class he was teaching that afternoon. He swiftly parried a slash from Maria, daughter of Hermes, and called out advice to her in order to improve her form. 

It had been six days since the party with his siblings, and Rhode had sent word that she would be present the day after the solstice to go over fortifications for camp. They had changed their plan slightly as Thalia was unable to make it to camp until the morning of the solstice due to the Hunters being set on the path of a monstrous boar making its way along the southern coast. Thalia assured them she would be there as soon as possible, but the boar was causing destruction along mortal towns and had even caused a few fatalities. The daughter of Zues couldn't bring herself to walk away from the hunt until the matter was settled. It would work out better this way, they assumed, as that way Thalia could ask Zues for protection for camp before Rhode admitted she had already planned to add to the defenses. 

The counselors had convened the day before to discuss Percy’s dreams, going over the possibilities for who the entity Percy had seen after Benthesikyme’s battle had been. It was then Percy had remembered the first part of his dream while at Rhodes of Rachel standing before the statue of Apollo and the oracle coming forwards. 

Rachel had also been in attendance, and Percy had turned and asked her if she had seen any glimpses of the future, or painted anything indicating a prophecy had been set. Rachel had shrugged in reply. 

“I’ve only painted something for my class so far this summer, and I wasn’t ‘told’ to paint it like I have before like with the Battle of Olympus,” Rachel had said. “And I haven’t had that dream, or at least I don’t remember it. Maybe it’s something yet to come?” 

It had left Percy slightly puzzled as to why he was seeing the future before even the oracle had seen it, but Rachel had promised to come to all of them immediately if she did have that dream or paint anything relating to battles or camp. Annabeth had concluded that the dream had likely taken place on Delos, the birthplace of the twin archer gods. Now sacred to Apollo, Delos remained untouched by mortal presence and was now where the sun god’s sacred cattle spent their days. 

For the time being the Hephestus campers were working on ensuring all of the weapons in the camp were sound, and producing extra swords and daggers to supply if needed. They had instituted nightly patrols that would walk the boundary of camp, ensuring everything remained intact with the protective border and various automatons the Hephestus kids had cooked up the past two years. There were now several metal lions that prowled the perimeter along with Festus (rebuilt solely in dragon form this time) that the children of the forge god meticulously maintained. 

It was now the day before the Summer Solstice, and Percy was starting to get antsy. He hadn’t heard much from his siblings (besides Rhode) the past few days, and had sent a text to Xanthe to check in. His sister had replied that the battles had actually slowed significantly, but that skirmishes had started up closer to Atlantis so Triton had been recalled there to take charge of the legions and defend the capital. Despite that not auguring well, the decrease in battles had left Xanthe operating on full power so anything that came up near the palace was easy for her to handle. 

Maria threw another stab in his direction and he dodged, swinging his blade to knock hers away and hitting her on the shoulder with the flat of Riptide. Maria dropped the sword in surprise, rubbing her arm sheepishly. Percy grinned at her. 

“Not too bad, you’re lasting a lot longer so your endurance is getting better for sure.” Percy complimented. Maria thanked him for the spar and ran off to rest, grabbing some water as Percy dismissed the class and moved to start cleaning up the arena. The arena went quiet as the voices of the campers faded into the distance and Percy quickly placed all the swords on the rack, setting two aside that he realized needed to be sharpened for his upper level classes. He’d take them to the Hephestus cabin later in the afternoon. 

As he was finishing up, grabbing a cup of water from the cooler sat at the outside of the sparring ring, a salt-water scented breeze blew past him. Percy turned and spotted the lord of the seas standing a few feet away from him, smiling softly. Percy grinned at him. 

“Hey dad, what’s up?” He asked, walking over towards his father. 

“I wanted to check in with you myself after the week’s events.” Poseidon said warmly, glancing him over. “And update you on how things have changed in Atlantis.” He said, a more serious tone entering his voice. Percy frowned. 

“Xanthe wrote back to me and said everything is going alright at the Coral Palace, how are Triton, Kym, and Ben doing near Atlantis?” Percy asked quickly. His father shook his head. 

“Yes, it appears our enemy is refocusing their efforts away from the Aegean sea and have moved a bit closer to home. Xanthe sends messengers daily with updates, but she is holding out well. Kym has returned to her own home in the tropics where a new fleet of creatures has emerged. She said the battle remains intermittent and she is well, but it has scattered us across the seas. Triton and Ben fight near the palace, I assist where I can. They have not been injured thus far in the fighting, Amphitrite has begun preparations in the palace, and the people so far remain unaffected. All in all I suppose things are well, but I wanted to discuss your dream with you again. The figure you saw.” The lord of horses explained. It was good to know his Atlantean family appeared to be doing well so far despite the conflict. Both Xanthe and Kymopoleia had been slower to respond to his messages the past few days. 

“Yeah, sure. Whatever I can do to help.” Percy said, nodding to his dad. Poseidon looked closely at him. 

“You said it was a female being, and I wanted to clarify one detail. You said she had tattoos on her back, what were the tattoos of?” Poseidon asked. Percy cocked his head. 

“Wings, black wings. They almost looked like they were moving under her skin.” Percy told him. The lord of the seas frowned at that. 

“It appears my assumption may be correct then.” Poseidon said darkly, looking annoyed. 

“Who is it?” Percy asked quickly. 

“To me it sounds like Eris, goddess of discord and strife.” The lord of the seas mused, glancing over where the ocean lay behind them. Percy frowned. 

“Didn’t she like, start the Trojan war?” The demigod asked, trying to recall the dozens of myths he had learned over the years. His father nodded. 

“Indeed, by laying out a golden apple inscribed with ‘To the Fairest’. It had Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite in a fit for ages. Not to mention what came after the war that ensued.” Poseidon finished darkly. 

Percy shook his head. At the end of the Trojan war Odysseus had taken his journey across the seas, injuring Polyphemus in his battle home. His father had not taken it well, and Rhode had once mentioned that apparently Odysseus’ men had also killed two of Poseidon’s young demigod sons in Troy during the final battle. This incurred his father’s wrath, and helped to create the story of the Odyssey from the mortal’s travels. 

“Aside from your epic fight with a dead man,” Percy interrupted, Poseidon scowling at the thought of the mortal king of Ithaca. “What would Eris want with the sea?”

“As you already know she is not working alone. I thought she was in the pit at the moment, but it appears the strife of previous wars has caused her to remerge. It is likely she caught scent of discord among old sea-deities and is now working with one or more of them.” Poseidon scowled. Percy frowned at that. 

“Who, not Oceanus right?” Percy asked. The titan of the seas had been beaten back thoroughly in the previous two wars, or so Percy had assumed. Poseidon shook his head. 

“I have already checked, the titan has not escaped from the chains of his punishment. There are others, though the variety of creatures being thrown our way has me conflicted on who it could possibly be.” The lord of the seas said, looking frustrated. Percy nodded. 

“Well at least for now we have one name to give to the council tomorrow, a face to pin the blame for the time being.” Percy said, looking for the positive side of their identification. His father smiled softly at him, relaxing slightly. 

“Yes, at the very least the mention of her will put Hera, Aphrodite, and Athena on high alert.” The lord of horses grumbled with amusement. Percy snorted. 

“As long as they don’t try to start the Trojan war in Manhattan, I’ll take them getting upset.” Percy snickered. His father shook his head fondly. 

“I will see you all tomorrow for the council meeting, Triton will attend with me but your sisters will remain at their posts to ensure there isn’t a sudden assault.” Poseidon explained. Percy nodded, assuming as much. 

“Alright then, tell everyone to be safe and let me know if anything changes. I mean that, I don’t want to find out like three days later.” Percy said firmly, looking pointedly at his father. 

“Sometimes I think you are too much like me.” Poseidon chuckled softly at him, before disappearing with the sound of a gentle wave. Percy grinned at the spot where his dad disappeared and resumed tidying the weapons. He grabbed the two swords he had set aside earlier and moved to take them to the Hephestus cabin. Afterwards he would head to the Athena cabin to update Annabeth on the recent events. 

_______________________________________________________________

The rest of the day, and night to Percy’s both relief and frustration, passed without further interruptions from divine beings. While relieved he hadn’t spent the morning recovering from a panic attack induced by visions in the night he was also hoping the dreams would be more revealing as to the identity of the unknown foe. 

Camp that morning was abuzz, cabin counselors preparing their siblings coming with them to Olympus later that afternoon for the council meeting. Annabeth had elected to bring Malcolm and two of younger brothers Hector and Kyle. They were chosen because they had yet to see Olympus and were next on the roster the Athena campers had designed to ensure all of their siblings had a chance to visit the home of the gods. When Annabeth had first explained the rotating system they had set up Percy had been incredibly amused, it felt exactly like something his girlfriend and her siblings would come up with rather than simply remember who hadn’t visited Olympus before.  

Activities had been somewhat interrupted that day as campers were chattering non-stop about the meeting that night. Despite their efforts to go relatively unnoticed, most of the camp had now felt the increased tension in the cabin-counselors and seeing the patrols around the camp borders had led them to understand something serious was going on with one of the gods. Percy knew Chiron intended to speak with the camp in two days' time, after the head counselors had another meeting with Rhode to assess what needs had to be addressed, but it looked likely he would have to let camp know sooner. For now, they kept the attention aimed at the solstice, there wasn’t a need to scare the camp before everything could be set in place. Or at least until they had been firmly shot down by the king of the gods and discovered themselves holding their own once more.

For the moment, however, Percy and the rest of the seven plus Nico sat at the edge of camp, waiting for the hunters to arrive. Most of the Roman legion had returned to Camp Jupiter in the days following the godly party, however a few others besides Frank and Hazel had elected to stay at Camp Half-Blood for the time being to help with potential battle efforts. They would return to camp in a few weeks if nothing else important arose. Thalia had called to let them know the Hunters of Artemis would be there within the hour and Percy wanted a chance to speak with his friends and cousins before the group departed for Olympus later that evening. 

Soon enough a horn sounded through the trees, a group of silver-clad girls emerging from the woods. Percy spotted Thalia leading the group towards them, nodded to Percy as she approached. 

“Head off to the cabin and get settled, I have something to discuss with Chiron before we depart this evening.” Thalia said. Percy recognized the hunter next to her as Phoebe who quickly said “Yes, Lieutenant.” and walked off in the direction of the Artemis cabin with the other hunters trickling behind her. 

“So, is that boar turned into pork chops?” Jason asked with a grin at his older sister. Thalia smiled back wickedly, embracing her younger brother before quickly capturing Nico and Percy in hugs despite their teasing protests. 

“You know it.” Thalia called back, laughing. Percy grinned at her. 

“Ready to bother your dad into sending camp some reinforcements?” The demigod son of Poseidon asked, Thalia shooting him an amused glance. 

“You know I’m always down to bother the old man about pretty much anything.” The hunter said. The others laughed, moving forwards to greet her and catch up with how she had been. The hunters had spent more time at both camps since the end of the giant war, Thalia moving to keep relationships she had built well established to provide the hunters more safe places to lay low if need be. Because of that it wasn’t unusual to find them at camp for a week or two during the summer, and the hunters would likely be staying another week or so at least after the meeting on Olympus. 

Soon they moved back towards the Big House, entering to let Chrion know the hunters had arrived and to discuss their plan one final time before the demigods departed for Olympus. Shortly after they returned to the Poseidon cabin, everyone making themselves comfortable on the beds while they waited for the announcement to be ready to leave went out. 

“So I’m actually so upset that I missed this epic party.” Thalia complained when they all settled in. Percy, Nico, and Jason laughed at her, Annabeth grinning at their friend. 

“I swore you would have been invited.” Annabeth said sheepishly, actually feeling bad that the hunters hadn’t been there. Thalia shook her head. 

“Oh no, we were invited but Lady Artemis said no. She said it was because technically our physical ages are mostly under sixteen…” Thalia grumbled in reply. Percy snorted. 

“Most of you guys are like hundreds of years old.” He laughed, glancing at her. Thalia shrugged, still looking put-off at having to miss what was most certainly a memorable event. Soon enough everyone was talking, but Percy heard a knock on the door. He glanced over to spot Rachel at his door, grinning when she spotted him. 

“Mind if I come in?” The Oracle of Delphi asked. Percy gestured at her to enter, Leo and Piper scooting over to make room for her on one of the beds. 

“Haven’t seen much of you the past few days,” Annabeth said, smiling at her. “What have you been up to?” She asked. 

“Well I had my painting done, but I looked at it this week and something didn’t feel quite right about it so I just decided to rework a part of it. It’s not done yet, I still have a few more hours of work on it before I finish and then I can finally show it to you guys.” Rachel said, looking slightly annoyed. Percy shook his head. 

“Man, the life of an artist just sounds exhausting.” Percy said slyly. Rachel scowled at him teasingly in response, tossing a pillow in his direction. 

“What’s the painting about?” Piper asked suddenly, and everyone turned to the oracle for an answer. Rachel made a face. 

“It’s kinda hard to describe, a bit of a conceptual piece. I’ll just have to show it to you when it’s finished. Hopefully it’ll be finished by tomorrow night.” Rachel said with a smile. Everyone nodded their agreement and fell back into conversation a while longer. Soon enough they heard a horn blow, indicating it was time to head off to Olympus. They made their way outside, still chattering about what they hoped to see tonight (there was usually some sort of entertainment before the main council meeting began) and gathered outside of the pavilion where Chiron and Mr. D stood waiting. 

The wine god had scowled at them, muttered for them all to hurry up before snapping his fingers and transporting them to Olympus in a single moment.

The younger demigods gasped as they took in their surroundings, Olympus did look incredible for the solstice. The city was decorated for a celebration, large silk banners hung depicting images of the gods and the sun. Vendors walked the streets, selling clothing or baked goods for golden drachmas. Servants bustled past, carrying jugs of wine, mead, and nectar towards the throne room. Music was playing lightly through the air, various street performers singing and playing for gathered crowds. 

Chiron advised the younger campers to stay close to their older counterparts, and to enter the throne room no later than seven thirty. It was nearly seven at that point so the demigods quickly set off. Percy and Annabeth stopped with Kyle at a vendor selling meat-pies. After ensuring they were safe for mortal consumption, Percy passed the man a drachma for the three and passed them out. The others had spread out, buying food and goods with their saved up money. Percy spotted Thalia looking over a new bow, her hunters admiring several silver daggers behind her. 

Soon enough it was time, and the demigods made their way up into the throne room. It too was decorated for a celebration, and arrangements of overflowing flowers draped the hall. The gods were already seated on their thrones, speaking with those next to them and indulging in the glasses of wine and nectar being brought to them by various cup-bearers. Zeus was speaking with Percy’s father, rumbling something to him which left his father chuckling. 

Zeus was dressed in his usual dark-gray pinstripe suit, the master bolt clutched in his hand that was resting on his lap. Poseidon was dressed more formally than usual, in a sea-green button down and black slacks. He still had on sandals however, and his trident was propped up on his throne next to him. The lord of the seas smiled at the demigods as they entered, gesturing to Percy to join him. It was then Percy noticed smaller chairs next to them, a few couches by the gods with more than one demigod child in attendance. Jason nervously parted ways as Zues beckoned him, gesturing to the sky-blue miniature throne that had been materialized next to the king of the gods. Thalia and Nico headed to Artemis and Hades’ thrones respectively, Annabeth giving him a kiss on the cheek before guiding her younger brothers toward Athena’s throne with Malcom’s help. 

As Percy walked towards his father he spotted Triton on Poseidon’s other side, seated in a throne made of bronze metal with the waves carved into it. The Olympians towered above them, probably twenty feet in height each. Not as tall as Percy had seen Poseidon get in his dream that night with Xanthe, but staggering to the demigods. Triton was in mortal appearance, wearing a similar outfit to the party the previous week but minus his bangles on his arms. Percy hopped up on the soft blue armchair that appeared by his father’s throne, smiling up at his dad who grinned back at him. 

“Hope you’re ready for Olympian democracy.” Triton called to him mentally and Percy laughed quietly. Poseidon also pursed his lips above them, clearly able to hear as well. 

“ Yeah, not like the last time I put a proposition in front of them I made them all pay immortal child support.” Percy muttered quietly in response, projecting his thoughts to his father and older brother. Both of them snorted quietly, but they were soon hushed as Zues clapped his hands. 

“Olympians! We are here tonight to celebrate the Summer Solstice, and discuss needs that must be addressed. Before we open the discussion to new business, we will hear and vote on several new laws. Demigods, you will have a chance to speak after godly business is concluded for the evening.” Zeus boomed, Percy having to fight rolling his eyes at the arrogant tone his uncle commanded. 

“I swear if more than two of these laws are on what nymphs are on versus off the table again I am going to lose my patience.” Percy projected internally. Poseidon coughed slightly, an amused feeling brushing Percy’s mind let him know that he had been heard. The lord of the seas gave an innocent expression when Zues shot them both a glare, Percy pressing his lips together to avoid smiling.

The demigods had been invited to attend the Olympian council meetings after the Battle of Olympus, as a bit of an improvement on Percy’s original thought of including minor gods. The minor gods were scattered behind the Olympians, various immortals sitting on smaller thrones but still privy to the conversation. The meeting went though the motions of several new laws that were to be voted upon. It took a while to get through each motion as each group was given the chance to speak on the matter before voting took place. Thankfully there was not much discourse that evening, and matters moved along at a decent pace. Percy had caught himself zoning out several times, wondering if he would be blasted with lightening for daring to pull his phone out of his pocket. 

A voice inside told him that was a bad idea, it sounded somewhat like Annabeth and his mother simultaneously, so he decided against it. He instead entertained himself by pestering Triton with various comments and asinine questions. He could tell his father was listening in because he had coughed several times to cover his soft laughs. 

Sure enough there were three new nymphs that had been declared off limits by the conclusion of the new laws needing to be passed. Triton had revealed halfway through the meeting that apparently prior to tonight Hades and their father had bet on how many nymphs would be voted off limits for the evening, and Poseidon had won, leaving Percy struggling not to laugh as the final tally was counted out. 

Finally Zues opened the floor to new business. “Is there anything you all would like to address this evening.” The king of the gods boomed, looking around at his family. Most of the Olympians shook their heads, but Poseidon nodded, sitting up straighter in his throne. 

“I have unfortunate news, brother.” The lord of the seas started, the other Olympians turning with interested gazes. 

“Continue, Poseidon.” Zeus interrupted. The lord of horses gave him a pointed look before going on. Percy almost snorted out a laugh at the pause his father had taken before moving forwards with his announcement. 

“Atlantis and other aspects of my realm have begun suffering attacks from various creatures of older times. Percy’s dreams have revealed one of the figures plotting against me is Eris.” Poseidon explained, gesturing to Percy when his dream was mentioned. 

“That bitch?” Aphrodite asked sharply to Percy, looking annoyed. She was dressed in a floor length teal blue gown, and despite her usual appearance shifting tonight she looked like a woman with tanned skin and long brown hair that was curled into loose waves. Her eyes displayed her irritation at the goddess of strife, dark brown and sparking with something Percy couldn’t quite describe. Percy almost laughed, but instead nodded in response to the goddess of love. Muttering broke out behind them as minor gods started whispering among themselves.

Despite having won the argument involving the golden apple, he knew all three Olympian goddesses involved had been annoyed by the trick Eris had played on them all those years ago. A quick glance revealed Hera and Athena also looking increasingly annoyed. Zeus glanced at Hera with a slightly worried expression before turning back to his older brother. 

“And what do you purpose we do about that, brother?” Zeus asked hastily. 

“For now we hold our own well, we do not know at this time who else Eris conspires with but we work to discover their identity. I only wanted to advise you all to prepare yourselves in case the battles spread beyond my waters. Such as into camp, perhaps.” Poseidon said before looking over at Chiron. Zeus gestured at the centaur to speak, and the immortal trainer of heroes stepped forwards so the whole council could see him better. 

“Camp has begun preparations just in case of any scenario where fighting reaches our borders, but assistance would not be opposed.” Chiron announced, bowing his head to Zues. The king of the gods frowned.

“What resources would you request from the council then?” The lord of the skies grumbled, looking over at Percy suspiciously. He held up his hands in an “I’m innocent” gesture, but Thalia spoke up before the god of thunder could say anything. 

“Father, Chiron is right. The camp is constantly under threat in times of conflict. Surely you see defending camp is a benefit to you?” Thalia said quickly, drawing Zues’ attention towards her. He glanced at his daughter, hesitating slightly. Jason took that time to speak up.

“Thalia is right, my lord. Camp holds power, protecting it would be important in case the threat were to turn towards Olympus. Both Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter would be forever grateful for assistance in fortifying the boundaries.” Jason said soothingly, looking up at the Greek version of his father. Zeus’ form flickered slightly as his face softened somewhat, showing a brief glimpse of Jupiter under the surface. Zeus’ form reappeared, and he nodded. 

“Fine. Ares, will you supply them with support from some of your immortal soldiers? Reinforce both camps, ensure they remain protected in case they are needed to defend Olympus.” Zeus said firmly, looking over at the god of war. 

“They will be there by the end of the week.” Ares said, grinning wickedly. Clarisse and Frank sat next to him, both looking up at their father with slight concern. Percy wondered if it would be the group he had met at the party the previous week and winced. Hopefully this would benefit rather than hurt them. The campers who had yet to hear about the conflict looked at their older siblings in confusion as they were reassured that all would be explained later. 

The rest of the meeting passed surprisingly smoothly, no other issues arising and a set of performers entered to conclude the meeting for the night. Percy settled back and watched the performance, it appeared to be some sort of silk gymnastic show, with a small string quartet playing the instrumentals beneath them. Afterwards the campers were escorted out with Chiron, where Mr. D snapped them back to camp. It was late, nearly eleven o’clock so the other counselors dispersed to take their younger siblings to bed after being assured that all would be explained the following afternoon at that campers meeting. 

Percy returned to his cabin, quickly throwing on his pjs and walking out to the back deck where his coral pool sat. With a small frown he pulled out his phone and sent a text to Xanthe. He had gotten her number before leaving the party and found himself periodically checking in on his older sister. Kym too had recently gotten a phone and so he texted both of them to check in. 

“Hey, how’s the fighting today for you both? We got extra support approved from uncle Z so we’ll have backup by tomorrow afternoon.” Percy sent, looking back out at the water while he waited for a response. The moon was full that night, and Percy stared out at the waves lapping against the shore. After a few moments his phone buzzed and he looked to see a reply from Xanthe. 

“Fighting is good for me today. Managed to take out a hoard of serpents. I think Kymopoleia is resting, she had a busy day but is not injured.” Xanthe said. Percy nodded at this. 

“Any update on possible perpetrators?” He asked. Three dots appeared, indicating Xanthe was typing. The bubble disappeared a few times before a text finally came through. 

“ Nothing new. It is not our concern at the moment. Try to enjoy camp.” Xanthe replied back to him. Percy frowned slightly. Not our concern he wondered, but she was the one who brought up trying to determine who was responsible the other morning after the party. 

“What do you mean? It’s important to know who they are, right?” Percy asked back. The dots appeared and disappeared a few times, increasing his concern. 

“I just mean our father is working on that right now.” The text that finally came through read. Percy’s tension eased slightly, he supposed that was true. A second text followed it after a moment. “ He knows more than we do. He will figure it out.” 

“I guess you’re right. Are you going to come give me another lesson with High Tide soon?” Percy replied, electing to tease his sister slightly. 

“Sword fighting lessons will have to wait, the attacks are slowing but intermittent. I never know when the next one will happen. I promise at some point.” Xanthe’s text replied. Percy read the text twice. Sword fighting lessons? Maybe his sister was more exhausted than she was letting on. He sent her a reply.

“Are you sure you’re not too tired?” He asked her. 

“I am fine, why?” Percy frowned at the response. Maybe he was overreacting, probably just a slip of her mind, Xanthe probably wouldn’t tell him if she was overtired. 

“No reason, you just sound like it. Go get some rest, talk more tomorrow?” Percy sent back. He got back a waving hand and a thumbs up emoji in response and chuckled at it, returning his phone in his pocket and trying to get rid of the uneasy feeling in his chest. Tonight was a win. Camp was more defended, his siblings were doing well on their own battlefields, and he was exhausted. 

He returned inside to his bed, and quickly closed his eyes to fall into a deep and peaceful sleep.

Chapter Text

Three days and nights had passed peacefully since the meeting on the summer solstice, and one morning Percy was pulled from his slumber by knocking on his cabin door. He sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes and yawning. 

“Who is it?” He called sleepily, glancing towards his door. A voice laughed lightly at him. 

“Nobody?” Annabeth’s voice said back, leaving Percy snickering at the reminder of Annabeth’s claims on Polyphemus’ island. While overall the experience wouldn’t be one he would recommend, time had blunted the situations they had been through and certain things were even funnier now than they had been in the moment.

“Well Nobody can let themselves in while I get dressed.” He replied teasingly. Annabeth opened the door while he moved towards his bathroom with a camp shirt and shorts. Annabeth was dressed similarly in her camp shirt, but had on a pair of black leggings instead of shorts. 

“Hurry up so we can make it to breakfast on time, seaweed brain.” Annabeth teased back, looking over at him happily. He grinned at her and closed the bathroom door, swiftly readying himself for the day. 

Thankfully the past few days had come and gone without much fuss, the campers ensuring camp was ready for any possible siege that could come their way. Xanthe and Kym had been slow to respond to his texts, but thankfully both seemed to be holding their own well against the onslaught of battles set before them. Oddly enough the previous day Kym had also started to sound more exhausted, similar to how Xanthe had been. She seemed slightly scatterbrained, and the goddess of sea storms had actually called Piper "Penelope" on accident, despite having met her before.Triton had apparently been kept busy with Benthesikmye at Atlantis, the main fight seemingly shifted towards the capital for the time being. No more dreams or new evidence had come to light in recent days, and the identity of the true enemy had not yet been discovered. 

Percy wondered if his sisters were fighting more than they were willing to admit to him and had exhausted themselves too far. He had no evidence to suggest that however, as even his father had reassured him they were in good contact with both of his older sisters despite them being unable to check in on them in person. He made a mental note to bring it up to Rhode later in the afternoon. 

His eldest immortal sister would be arriving for another meeting due to the fact that the Ares warriors would be arriving later in the afternoon to begin setting up defenses. Rhode wanted to ensure they had built up their other defenses and ensure they had enough supplies for anything they would need to do so. 

Soon enough he finished brushing his teeth, grabbing Annabeth’s hand and walking with her towards breakfast. He filled Annabeth in on his texts to his sister the previous night. Annabeth frowned softly as he brought up his concerns. 

“We’ll be sure to mention it to Rhode this afternoon at the meeting.” The daughter of Athena noted, looking over towards Chiron instinctively. 

“Mention what to Rhode?” Thalia’s voice called from behind them. Annabeth quickly summarized Percy’s texts with Xanthe and Kym from the past few days. Thalia shook her head at her younger cousin.

“The relationship you have with them is so much different than my minor god siblings, I feel like they’re always just looking for a fight with me and Jason.” Thalia said, annoyance entering her voice and causing her eyes to flash slightly with lightning. Percy grinned at her. 

“Xanthe said she’ll treat you all like honorary siblings if you’d like, Rhode would probably be down too if you’re alright with a full-closet makeover.” Percy teased back. Thalia’s expression lighted, but she frowned at him. 

“Nuh uh, tell them to keep their kelp-hands away from my stuff.” Thalia laughed, Percy snickering at her. Annabeth rolled her eyes and kept walking towards the pavilion as the cousins caught up. Breakfast was somewhat tense, as the younger campers had run with the conversation from Olympus and told all of their younger siblings about the battle going on in the seas. Chiron stood after a while, stomping his foot to silence the campers. 

“Heroes, I know you have all likely heard what was discussed a few nights ago on Olympus. I wanted to reassure you that as of right now there is no threat to camp and everything we are doing is just a precaution. Your cabin-counselors will be getting more information to give you this afternoon on what to expect, and Zues has sent support by both allowing the hunters to stay here for the foreseeable future, and supplying extra support with a batch of immortal warriors belonging to Ares.” Chiron announced, looking over the crowd. The hunters did not seem keen on this arrangement, but said nothing as Thalia looked at them intensely. Clarrise at the Ares table had frowned again, looking annoyed about something. 

“In regards to safety, please do not venture off into the woods alone. If you are going beyond camp boundaries we ask that you please let the Big House know where you are going and how long you expect to be gone. If you need your weapons repaired the Hephaestus cabin has agreed to do so and will get you sorted out, please see them with any questions. Other than that, keep an eye on each other. Together we will work to ensure this conflict never sees the inside of our camp.” Chiron reassured, looking over all of the demigods settled before him. 

Older campers soothed younger, and after his statement concluded the centaur sat back into his seat. Mr. D scowled at his goblet before him, flicking his wrist and changing the orange juice into a red wine. Chiron stared at him before sighing as Mr. D took a pointed gulp from the glass. 

Soon enough campers dispersed to their morning activities, still whispering to each other about what they had learned. Percy guided his first two sword fighting lessons of the day with the younger campers. By the time both were said and done the sun had risen high into the sky, and Percy quickly cleaned up before heading off to lunch. As he settled down at his table with Annabeth, he pulled out his phone and sent a message to Kym and Xanthe asking how they were faring that day. A few minutes passed with no reply and he frowned before standing and moving towards the bronze fire-pit near the head table. 

Lunch was club sandwiches, and Percy sent an offering to both his older sisters and father with a handful of chips that had appeared on the table. He felt his father brush his hair with a gentle breeze, but did not smell the familiar scent of lemons or humid air he had come to expect from Xanthe or Kym. He frowned, tension building slightly in his stomach. Right as he was contemplating reaching out to ask his father how Xanthe and Kymopoleia were doing, his phone buzzed and he quickly inspected the text message there. 

Kym had replied, informing Percy that Xanthe was resting after a few skirmishes the night before, and letting him know she too would be off to rest shortly. The battles around the Coral Palace and Kym’s own palace in the tropics had slowed somewhat after a small spike during the night and they both had taken the opportunity to relax somewhat before more inevitably arrived. 

It soothed Percy somewhat, however he still had a tense feeling in his gut that something wasn’t quite right. He shook his head, he would speak with Rhode later who would be able to check in on both of his older sisters. 

Shortly after lunch all the head counselors made their way to the Big House, Hazel, Frank, Jason, and Rachel tagging along with them. As they entered the rec room, Percy spotted Rhode sitting next to Chiron at the end of the ping-pong table. He moved towards her quickly as everyone took their place and she smiled at him. 

“Hello Percy, how are you feeling today?” Rhode asked him softly. Percy smiled weakly at her before remembering his concerns. Chiron noticed the expression on his face and turned his attention towards the demigod son of the seas as Rhode’s face turned to one of concern.

“I’m a little anxious and I can’t entirely place why.” Percy admitted as he sat down, Annabeth sitting directly across from them. Rhode frowned. 

“Everything is going well under the seas. Our siblings are holding their ground well, Xanthe and Kym are resting today while they recover from skirmishes the past few hours. Messengers arrived this morning with updates from both of them.” Rhode informed him, brows furrowed. Percy frowned. 

“I just can’t shake the feeling that something is off about that.” Percy admitted. Chiron looked at him appraisingly. 

“What makes you say that, Perce?” Jason asked and suddenly Percy realized that all of the demigods were staring at him. Percy winced. 

“I’m not sure. Xanthe and Kym just sound more tired than they should be for what they’re saying is going on.” He tried to explain. The others exchanged concerned glances. Rhode placed a hand on his shoulder. 

“Both of them have sent messengers today ensuring that all is fine in their homes, and have continued to do so into this afternoon. They have a schedule for sending messages, and so far they have not missed any check ins. At the moment no issues have arisen on that front. Today I’d love to go over the preparations for the fortification here. Father informed me that Ares’ will be providing reinforcements to you all?” Rhode asked, looking over at Chiron who nodded. 

“Yes, Lord Ares is sending a squad of immortal warriors to camp, they will assist in patrolling and guarding the perimeter.” Chiron said. 

“We should probably check them for flamethrowers first.” Conner called teasingly from the other side of the table. Percy and the others laughed at the reminder of how the party had turned out near the end of the night. 

“They have promised to be on their best behavior according to Lord Zues.” Chiron said with amusement. 

“I will supply emergency charms to camp, if anything breaks past defenses, give them out to all the campers, they can bring you all straight to Rhodes for safety.” Rhode informed them, the other campers nodding in satisfaction at that plan. It was reassuring to have an escape route in place for the younger campers who couldn’t fight well and that they wanted out of danger. 

Leo spoke for the Hephestus cabin next, letting everyone know how weapons stores were becoming more filled, and mentioning to Chiron they could use another shipment of celestial bronze to help create replacement parts for the automatons guarding the camp boundaries. Rhode spoke up, offering to send a shipment left over from the cyclops forges later in the week. 

The others each followed, finally concluding demigod business for the meeting as no one had any questions. Rhode swiftly bid Percy goodbye, promising to head to Atlantis later in the day  to check in on the rest of their family. Despite the uneasy feeling only growing stronger, Percy heard the sound of a war-horn blasting near the edge of camp and knew that was something he would have to deal with.

He walked to the crest of the hill, looking down and spotting a group of warriors dressed in full battle regalia trampling through the trees. Many were dressed in greek armor, clutching celestial bronze weapons in their hands, while others looked like mortal soldiers straight out of a history novel. Percy saw a familiar face marching near the front, dressed fully in celestial bronze armor with a spear strapped across her back. Luginia and the immortal warriors had arrived. The demigod son of Poseidon set his uneasy feeling on the back burner, it would have to be something he dealt with later. For now he had to make sure no flame-throwers had been smuggled across the camp boundaries.. 

_________________________________________________________________________

A few hours later Percy sat by the water, face turned towards the lapping waves on shore. He was still tense but not sure why, the water was calm and peaceful today. If anything had happened to his godly siblings the sea would have been churning with white-hot rage as his father’s wrath split open the waters. He wondered briefly if it was simply the sensation of the impending battle he felt like was coming his way. He was contemplating heading to Atlantis to check in personally, just to make sure that he was overreacting and something hadn't changed underwater. Rhode had agreed to go to Atlantis, and none of his Atlantean family had given any indication that something was wrong. And yet, his uneasy feeling had only gotten stronger through the day. 

Annabeth found him there, sitting down next to him with a quiet thump as her legs hit the sand. He smiled at her, leaning into her shoulder. She lay her head on top of his, sitting in silence for a moment. 

“You’re worried about your siblings.” Annabeth stated after a moment, pulling away slightly to look at him. He nodded, returning his gaze towards the water. 

“I know they’re immortal, but that voice… It felt hateful and cruel in ways we’ve only seen a few times before.” Percy sighed. Annabeth nodded. 

“It’s normal to be worried, Percy. I’m worried too, but this time I feel like we’re actually being taken seriously by everyone.” Annabeth said. Percy nodded his agreement. 

“It is nice to actually have backup for once, even though I cannot imagine what Xanthe will say when she finds out I’ll be seeing her ex more than her the next few weeks at least.” Percy said, laughing slightly. 

Luginia had arrived earlier in the afternoon with a squadron of fourty or so immortal warriors of Ares. Many of them were Ares’ children, his domain allowing him the ability to grant minor immortality to his favorite soldiers across the ages to fight in battle for eternity. Some of them however were just famous mortal soldiers gifted in combat by Ares to continue fighting long after when they were originally fated to die. They had set up camp in the woods, already seeking out their younger siblings to spar and start brawls with. Percy actually pitied Clarrisse, apparently Luginia had taken a special interest in the older demigod. 

“It is nice.” Annabeth replied, amusement in her voice. “And Xanthe will probably curse up a storm that’s for sure.” She finished, laughing slightly. Percy grinned back at her, glancing back towards camp and spotting a few of their friends walking along with Rachel who was chattering with them excitedly. Leo, Piper, Hazel, Frank, and Jason were following the Oracle, laughing at something she had said. Spotting the two of them down by the shore they waved, Percy waving back as they gestured for him to join them. He and Annabeth stood, making their way towards the group before them. 

“What’s going on?” Percy asked amusedly as he approached. Rachel grinned as Piper spoke up. 

“Rachel just told us she finally finished this infamous painting she’s been talking about all week.” Piper laughed, Rachel blushing slightly. 

“And we’re finally off to see it.” Jason finished. Rachel nodded in agreement at the words. 

“It’s true, do you want to come with? It’s still drying but other than that it’s completed finally.” Rachel added, looking slightly embarrassed by the comments about her work.  

“I still don’t know what it’s even about.” Leo whined, rolling his eyes teasingly. Rachel snickered at him. 

“Well you’re going to see it in like five minutes so hold your horses.” Rachel said in response, turning and marching away towards her cave Apollo had helped her fashion the previous few years. Percy and Annabeth shrugged, joining the small procession towards the Oracle of Delphi’s newest creation. 

Percy forced himself to relax slightly, he would worry about talking with Rhode and checking in on his older sisters in the morning, tonight everything was looking up. He had his friends, reinforcements had arrived, camp was secure and all was well. 

And yet… Percy could not shake the feeling that something was coming. It was dark now as they made their way across camp, talking about the day’s events and other topics as they walked. The sunset in the distance had finally fallen under the horizon as they entered Rachel’s cave rooms, the oracle quickly flipping on the lamps swinging overhead. 

Percy had to hand it to Apollo for the design. When you first entered it looked like a cave down a small hallway, lit by lamps designed to look like glowing purple torches. Upon reaching the end of the hallway it opened up into a large room. Two skylights sat above, at the moment giving a limited view of the stars you could see in the New York sky. The walls were smooth and painted lavender, covered in various artworks from different times of Rachel’s life There was also a photo wall that Rachel had started after the Titan War, photos of camp and their friends through various summers, Percy noticing with a pleased expression that there were a few photos of her time on NYU campus this past year with a small group of mortal friends she had made. 

A large black couch sat facing a massive flat screen tv on the left wall, and the right wall had two doors. One led to a bathroom and the other Rachel’s bedroom and painting studio. 

“Where is it, come on! I gotta see what you’ve been talking about for a week.” Leo said eagerly, flopping down on the sofa and turning to face Rachel. The red head laughed and headed into her room, letting them all know to sit down. 

“I bet it’s about pollution.” Percy started as they all settled in. Jason’s eyes gleamed. 

“You’re on, I bet it’s about a human rights prompt.” Jason shot back. Percy grinned as they shook hands. Piper snorted and shook her head. 

“I say…” Leo started looking thoughtful. A mischievous expression fell over his face as he grinned teasingly at his friends, waving his hands mysteriously at them. “It’s been a prophecy all along…” He said slyly. Everyone groaned, throwing pillows at him as he laughed. 

“Whatever it is, I'm sure it’s beautiful.” Hazel remarked, tearing her gaze from another painting Rachel had hanging up of a flawlessly painted silver bow teetering on the edge of a cliff, string snapped and broken. Percy wasn’t sure what that painting was about, but it was very well done. 

“Alright, everyone close your eyes while I set it up on the stool.” Rachel called with a laugh, everyone making a show of covering their eyes as she moved the painting and stool in front of them. Finally after a moment of shuffling and teasing remarks, Rachel settled and finally spoke. 

“ I'm calling this The Capture of Divinity and it’s for my school project. We were supposed to paint something about the concept of a power imbalance.” Rachel announced, allowing them to open their eyes. 

The demigods were completely silent as they lay eyes on the painting, eyes shooting towards Percy as everyone registered what was on the canvas. The silence was broken by Leo stuttering in a stunned tone. “Do I have the gift of prophecy, because what the fuck?”

The painting at first glance was very dark toned in coloration, a lot of dark black and gray elements had been used to create a monstrous shadowed figure, standing over the top of the painting with glowing silver eyes, shadowed arms reaching towards the front of the painting. A female figure was centered on the canvas. 

It was the image of a woman being dragged to her knees by silver chains painted with the appearance that they were glowing, seemingly wrapped in the same shadows as the monster above her. She was dressed in a simple white tunic that was stained with golden ichor down the sides. The chains were wrapped around her upper arms down to her wrists, seemingly cutting into her skin and causing rivets of golden ichor to spill to the ground in small pools around her legs. Her head was facing upwards, neck outstretched and eyes glowing a solid brilliant gold as her body language gave the impression of pulling against the chains holding her. Tears of golden ichor ran down her face, her expression twisted into one of complete desperation. Familiar golden hair framed her face, and a crown was being ripped from her head by the monster’s clawed fingers, dwarfed in the creature’s hands and looking smaller than Percy knew that crown would be.

Without a doubt this was Xanthe painted before him, Percy’s entire body tensed. He glanced over at Annabeth with alarm, Rachel looking at all of them with confusion written over her face. 

“What’s wrong, you guys don’t like it?” She asked quickly, looking back towards her work. Percy couldn’t speak for the moment, panic rushing through his mind. 

“Rachel, you’ve met Xanthe right?” Annabeth asked quickly. Rachel shook her head no. 

“I haven’t actually, I got lost after finding the art gallery and made it back late for the party the other night. Then I got tired so I went to bed super early. Why?” The oracle asked sharply. Percy took a deep breath before regaining his words. 

“Because you just painted her.” Percy said slowly, looking at Rachel with horror in his eyes. Rachel’s mouth dropped open, eyes widening in shock as she turned with a new expression towards the painting she had just unveiled. 

“I’ll go get Chiron, he needs to see this. Possibly Luginia too.” Frank said quickly, standing as Hazel did as well.

“I’ll go with him.” The daughter of Pluto said, the two of them ran out to find the immortal trainer of heroes. 

“I don’t understand, I didn’t see this in my sleep, I didn’t feel compelled to paint this? Why would I paint this?” Rachel asked quickly, eyes wide now with concern. 

“I’m not sure, but we should probably contact Apollo. He can take a look at it and determine if this is old or… something yet to come.” Annabeth said, still looking at Percy. The demigod of the sea nodded slightly, forgetting he had told Annabeth about his and Xanthe’s discussion about the time the goddess had been bound before. 

“Wait, this has happened to her before?” Leo asked suddenly, looking back and forth between them. Percy nodded. 

“A long time ago she was bound, apparently there are certain immortals that use monsters to hunt minor gods and demigods for money.” Percy growled in response. Piper gasped. 

“That’s terrible, but in possible good news that could mean that this is a glimpse of the past? Not her future, right?” Piper mused, looking over at Rachel who shrugged. 

“I honestly don’t know, this was one of those paintings I thought had no godly forces behind it. Now I’m not sure if I painted anything else important that could be helpful to you guys.” Rachel said worriedly, glancing around. Something dawned on Annabeth then, her eyes flashing as she looked at Rachel intently. 

“Rachel, you said you changed something in this painting because you felt like you had to, what did you change?” The daughter of Athena asked, the oracle turning to look back at the portrait, pointing towards Xanthe’s head. 

“Her hair color was black before. And a few things on her face looked different.” Rachel replied, looking back towards them. Percy frowned at that, looking over at Annabeth whose face was set with contemplation. 

“Why would it show you her with black hair before? It’s one of her more defining features.” Annabeth asked quietly, more to herself than anything but Rachel shrugged anyway in response. Percy didn’t know the answer either, but pulled out his phone suddenly remembering he had it. 

He sent a text to Kym and Xanthe first, before swiping to his contacts and hitting the “call” button under Xanthe’s contact. The phone rang twice before a generic voicemail echoed out. Percy tried once more, and then tried Kymopoleia and got the same answer. He almost shouted in frustration when the voicemail message played again, but suddenly spotted two familiar faces making their way back into the cave with Chiron ducking behind them. 

“There, that’s it.” Hazel said, pointing towards the painting. Chiron frowned as he approached it. Percy growled again as once more he was set to voicemail. Both his texts and calls went unanswered. Percy closed his eyes and reached out to Xanthe and Kym with his mind, feeling nothing where normally he would find his sisters’ presence. He reached out for his father and Triton, then Ben and even Amphitrite went without a response. The alarms in his head got even louder, shaking his head at Annabeth who was watching him curiously.

“I can’t get a hold of Xanthe or Kym.” Percy said darkly. Chiron nodded worriedly.

“I tried to contact Lord Poseidon before coming down here, Iris states she is unable to connect the call. I suspect the rest of the royal family is much the same. This timing does not feel unconnected.” Chiron said gravely. Percy’s heart thudded in his chest as Annabeth squeezed his hand. The demigod son of the sea swallowed hard, no Iris Messaging or mental communication? What in the world was going on underwater? Had Atlantis fallen?

“Could this be an all out attack?” Annabeth asked darkly. Chiron frowned harder, looking back at the painting. 

“At this point it seems likely. We must send word to Olympus just in case, our reinforcements arrive just in time it may seem.” The immortal centaur said. Percy shook his head. 

“So there’s probably no chance this is depicting when Xanthe was younger then?” He asked. Chiron winced. 

“Unlikely at best, I do not know much about her previous plight, but I did know she was ensnared by mortals and a few monsters, this appears to be a more powerful entity in play.” Chiron determined, his tail flicking anxiously. 

“I need to go to Atlantis.” Percy said immediately, the others already moving to protest. “Look I have the conch shell Triton gave to me, it takes me straight to the palace out of danger. I’ll see why dad isn’t responding and he can go check on the others. Maybe this is still in the future, maybe it hasn’t happened yet.” He finished, also trying to reassure himself. 

“That’s too dangerous,” Annabeth cut in, looking at him sharply. “I don’t think you should go alone, what if something happens?” She asked him more quietly, grabbing his hand. Percy shook his head and squeezed her hand back. 

“It’ll be the safest for me underwater near dad and Triton, and Amphitrite doesn’t let anything near the palace. Look, if I’m not back in a few hours then let Olympus know I’m missing but I’ll send word as soon as I’ve gotten ahold of dad and my sisters.” Percy said, starting to stand. The others weakly protested, but they knew it was currently their best plan. 

“I can’t say I fully agree with this, but it is important to determine if this is a changeable event.” Chiron finally said, looking grave. “But be careful, Percy. Camp will need you if the fighting reaches shore.” Percy nodded at the reminder, starting to move out of Rachel’s cave with Annabeth in tow. 

The daughter of Athena raced after him, muttering plans to herself and to Percy as he moved with determination towards the Hades cabin. “Contact Apollo, that's our next step. Check on camp fortifications, and figure out how to contact Rhode. We could send a messenger, with one of her necklaces. Surely those can break through whatever is going on.” 

“That's if she is even there, she was heading to Atlantis earlier to check in with dad and Triton about Xanthe and Kym.” Percy said darkly. Annabeth frowned, looking up as they approached the doors to cabin thirteen. 

“Nico!” Percy called sharply, knocking on the doors to the Hades cabin. He heard a shuffling sound and then his younger cousin’s voice replied. 

“Come in, what’s wrong?” Nico said as Percy entered the cabin, noticing how flushed both of their expressions were. 

“Long story short Rachel painted Xanthe getting captured, no one can get ahold of anyone in my godly family, I’m going to Atlantis to see if I can figure out what is going wrong, camp could be under attack but we don’t know, and I need you to tell me how many lives the ocean has taken today.” Percy spat out quickly, Nico’s eyes widening with every part of the past half-hours events being revealed to him. 

“What the fu- ” Nico stuttered out, eyes wild. He shook his head, closing his eyes suddenly and concentrating. He tilted his head slightly after a moment of tense silence. “Uh, not too many near the Coral Palace if that's what you want to know, one drowning off the coast but no violent storms or anything like that.” The son of Hades finally said, opening his eyes again and looking between Percy and Annabeth quickly. 

“It could mean we still have time, I have to get to Atlantis.” Percy said, turning and moving out of the cabin. Nico and Annabeth ran after him, protesting. 

“You have no idea what you could be walking into!” Nico argued, looking at Annabeth. 

“I think we should give it some time, try and contact them again.” Annabeth said, grabbing Percy’s hand and pulling him to a stop a few feet away from the Poseidon cabin. Percy sighed, stepping closer to Annabeth and placing a hand on the back of her neck. He pushed his forehead against hers and she swallowed anxiously, looking up at him with worry written across her face. 

“It’s the best option we have. You know time is of the essence here, we need to make sure everyone knows what could be coming.” Percy replied softly. Nico looked away awkwardly, looking like he almost wanted to run away from the situation. 

“I know it is. I just don’t like it.” Annabeth conceded, leaning back slightly to look at him again. 

“If we had a better plan I’d take it.” Percy said, slightly amused. Annabeth sighed at him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Percy smiled at her, gripping her hand tightly. 

“I know. But if you don’t come home to me I’ll kill you, seaweed brain.” His girlfriend said, not able to fully shake the worry from her voice. Percy grinned at her cheekily.

“Oh I know better than to think you won’t judo flip Charon.” Percy teased back, Annabeth letting out a weak laugh at the joke. Nico snorted. 

“Please don’t,  dad wouldn’t shut up about it for weeks because Charon would use it as an excuse to ask for another pay raise.” The ghost king said weakly. Percy laughed at that, Annabeth shaking her head. 

“I need to get going, you guys get camp ready just in case. I’ll IM you in a few hours.” Percy said after another moment, finally letting go of Annabeth’s hand to move towards his cabin. The other two nodded at him, Annabeth looking tense again. 

“I’ll hold you to it.” She said firmly. Without further discussion, Percy moved inside his cabin and grabbed the conch shell from its place on the shelf next to his bed. He stared at it before checking to make sure he had Riptide in his pocket and High Tide around his neck. Hesitating for a moment he moved over to the drawer of his nightstand, opening it and pulling out a small bag of ambrosia, just in case, and stuffed it into his shorts pocket. 

After taking a deep breath he lifted the shell to his lips, blowing through it and listening as it bellowed softly through his cabin. Immediately he smelled salt water, and felt himself pulled away as though he was being caught in a current. Hopefully soon he would get to the bottom of all of this and ensure his family was safe.

__________________________________________________________________

Annabeth heard the call of the conch shell blow through Percy’s cabin and smelled a saltwater hinted breeze blow past her as she walked away from cabin three. She couldn’t shake this uneasy feeling, however she knew that was likely due to how quickly things were moving. She and Nico swiftly made their way across camp. 

“I’m going to go grab Will and let him know what’s going on. We’ll get the other head counselors out to the Big House to fill everyone in.” Nico said quickly, Annabeth nodding as he disappeared into the shadows next to them. She hurriedly made her way back towards Rachel’s cave and spotted the others walking out, Rachel carrying a canvas covered in a white sheet. 

“Percy’s gone, headed to Atlantis. If we don’t hear from him in a few hours we need to alert Olympus that he’s missing.” Annabeth informed them quickly. “Nico’s getting the head counselors to the Big House with Will.” 

“Good, I will meet you all there after I inform Lugina of the ongoing events, she will need to be updated with the rest of the group.” Chiron said, nodding sagely. He turned and galloped off towards the woods where the Ares warriors had set up tents and cots in the trees. 

“I swear I had no idea you guys.” Rachel said worriedly, looking truly saddened. Annabeth shook her head. 

“It’s not your fault. The oracle sometimes speaks without you even realizing it, that can’t be helped.” Annabeth soothed, but it did little to cheer the oracle’s spirits. 

“Percy didn’t explain before left, Xanthe was bound before. Why? And how? What’s powerful enough to bind a goddess?” Piper asked Annabeth. She winced slightly, not sure how to explain the story. 

“It’s complicated, I think it’s something I should explain in a few minutes, once we get the other counselers updated.” She said. The others nodded, agreeing it made sense to update everyone at once and continued on their way to the Big House. Other demigods made their way towards the house as well, asking Annabeth what was going on to which she told them all would be explained once they were all gathered together. 

She watched as everyone filed into place, Chiron striding in last with Luginia following closely behind. Unlike the mirth she had seen Luginia display earlier when speaking with Clarisse, the immortal now looked stoic. She was dressed in a black tank top and leather jacket, black jeans and black combat boots. A spear was strapped along her back, and two leather holsters held curved blade celestial bronze daggers on her hips. 

“Annabeth, what’s going on?” Katie asked from across the ping-pong table, looking worriedly around. “Do we need to evacuate the younger campers?” The daughter of Demeter asked. The other cabin counselors nodded in agreement, muttering. Annabeth held up her hands, the demigods settling down.  Chiron nodded for her to take the lead as Luginia sat down next to him at the table. 

“Sorry to pull everyone away on short notice but a few things have changed we needed to update you all on. Just a bit ago Rachel went to show us the painting she has been working on and we recognized the painting to likely be some sort of prophetic work.” Annabeth started, nodding to Rachel who grimaced and unveiled the painting, propping it up against an empty chair where Percy usually sat. Annabeth swallowed hard as the image came back into view. 

Lugina had the most unexpected reaction amidst the soft gasps and wide eyes from the demigods who had yet to see it. She sat up sharply and audibly growled, eyes seeming to flicker with rage and burning flames. She looked at Chiron who held up a hand in an attempt to calm her. The immortal daughter of Ares stared daggers at the painting as Annabeth moved to continue. 

“As you can see this likely depicts Xanthe. Rachel had never met her and did not understand what she was creating. At the moment we are having trouble contacting both Xanthe and the rest of the royal Atlantean family. Percy has gone to Atlantis to determine if there is trouble there or if something is impeding our ability to get messages through to them.” Annabeth said, looking around the table as people glanced at the painting in Percy’s chair once more. 

“We don’t know when this is set to be occurring, Percy will be back in a few hours and we will determine more from there. For now we wanted to keep everyone informed and make sure you all have enough evacuation pendants should they be needed in case of attack.” Annabeth finished calmly, trying to ensure everyone remained with a level head. It didn’t help that her heart was pounding. Something in the back of her mind felt like she was missing something important but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. 

She shook her head and answered a few questions, making sure to pass extra pendants to the Hermes cabin in case camp came under siege. Shortly after she finished speaking a few of the head counselors started making their way back out of the Big House, eventually leaving Thalia, Will, Nico, Chiron, Lugina and the rest of the seven seated around the ping pong table.

“You did well settling them, we still don’t know if we have cause for worry.” Chiron said, nodding to Annabeth. It did little to reassure her at the moment. 

“You still haven’t explained how Xanthe was bound before, or why.” Piper asked quietly, looking at Annabeth knowingly. Annabeth sighed, feeling uncomfortable. Percy, and by default Xanthe, had shared that privately. It felt wrong to discuss something so personal to the family out in the open, but it seemed as though it may come painfully relevant in the near future. She hoped the goddess of tsunamis wouldn’t hold sharing this information against her. 

Annabeth opened her mouth to respond, but a low voice beat her to it. “Mortals bound her with magic. She was tortured for years. They stole her flesh, her ichor, her skin, her bones. They took a part of her mind in the end. She was never the same after the first time I saw her. Back before they first bound her.” Luginia said angrily, voice verging on a growl. 

“That’s… essentially what she told Percy. Apparently she was discovered hiding in mortal form and hunted by mortals tethered to monsters. She was cut off from the sea and bound with sigils and chains imbedded with magic. Mortal magicians bought her from the hunters to use in their spell casting.” Annabeth said softly, everyone staring at Luginia in horror. 

“That’s awful.” Hazel said, disgust heavy in her tone. Hazel was still very adept at magic, and had studied more spells in the recent years now that she had the time. “That is dark magic, cruel magic. To take ingredients for a spell unwillingly is for hateful spells that more often than not turn on their own users.” The daughter of Pluto elaborated at their curious looks. 

“Eventually it did for them. Xanthe broke free, most of them died in her escape but a few more powerful pursued her. Her father took care of them after that.” Luginia said firmly, looking darkly pleased. 

Chiron shifted his legs, looking deeply saddened by the conversation. “It was unfortunate but it was much more common for demigods to be stolen in the old days. Bound abilities also disguise your location from godly beings, so recovering them once they had been taken was nearly impossible.” The immortal centaur said softly.

“So how would we be able to tell if that was happening to us? Or someone around us?” Jason asked, looking at the two immortal beings in the room. Chiron frowned.

“Sigils are the most common and the most difficult to break. More powerful wielders can chant incantations. They will need to have you restrained first, you have your abilities until the spell has been completed so they have to find a way to ensure you can’t use them until it’s too late. They often used physical bindings, chains in particular can be inscribed with binding sigils that and are not easy to break once on. I suggest you keep an escape pendent with you at all times, if you feel any inclination that something like that is happening use it immediately.” Chiron warned, the others nodding and grabbing one of the pendants in the box in front of them. Annabeth reached out and picked one up. It was a simple silver shell pendant hanging from a silver chain. She clasped it around her neck alongside the others, ensuring it wouldn’t fall off by tugging on it slightly. Rhode had informed them that they would evacuate anyone who pulled off the necklace and threw it to the ground. 

“For now, I would rest. Luginia has promised to maintain a patrol for tonight to ensure nothing sneaks past the boundary. If we have not heard from Percy in the morning I will contact Olympus myself.” Chiron reassured them, the others nodding in reply as they clipped the necklaces around their necks. 

“I’m going to reach out to Apollo, he usually replies to me. Maybe he can help figure out if this is a prophecy or just a window into the future.” Rachel spoke up suddenly, staring at the image she had painted on the canvas sat before them. Annabeth shook her head in agreement. 

“I still have a hard time understanding how a goddess managed to be bound.” Leo piped up, looking between the painting and the others. “I mean, Triton told us that Xanthe once destroyed an entire city because one of her brothers died there, how could something manage to overpower her?” The son of Hephestus asked incredulously, referencing Triton's story the night of the godly party. Luginia grunted, shaking her head. 

“The royal family is powerful, but not infinite. Olympians are the pillars of power for their domain, the family draws power from them and their aspects. Before Xanthe cut herself off from that power in order to hide herself Poseidon could still watch her, find her even while not in the ocean’s waters. When I first saw her she was fully herself and allowing herself access to the power her father’s kingdom offers her. She was a brand new goddess, not even ten years had passed since her ascension and she had much to learn. She had not yet discovered the connection between the power the waters gave her and her father’s ability to find her even when she was on land.” The immortal warrior of Ares said gruffly, scowling. Annabeth nodded slowly. 

“Like an outlet, right? Unplug the machine and it stops working.” The daughter of Athena offered, glancing to Chiron who nodded in agreement. 

“Essentially yes, but immortals have their own ‘battery pack’ if you will. Unplug them from their godly domain they are still powerful but more easily run down. Connecting back to their domain allows them to ‘recharge’ in a sense, allows them to heal themselves and rest. Without it they become weakened and can be contained. The Olympians are the only exception as they embody the entire aspect of a domain and are not easily cut off from it.” Chiron said sagely, looking back at Annabeth with an approving expression. 

“Well but this time the royal family is all on good terms, Xanthe and the others should be at full power.” Piper pointed out, glancing over towards Luginia. 

“The only way the royal family could be bound now is if someone managed to cut them off from their power, isolating them from their father. It would have to be fast, Poseidon would notice quickly if they were forcibly cut off from his domain. Or powerful enough to disguise it.” Luginia said slowly, eyes contemplating what she had just announced. Annabeth’s mind raced, surely then there would be signs of the sea god’s ire by now if something had occurred with his children. 

“What would be able to do that?” Jason asked. 

“Magic. Something old, something powerful. And again, it would have to be quick to escape Poseidon’s notice. He is monitoring all of his children closely at the moment due to the conflict.” Luginia replied gravely. 

“Would a mortal magician have that ability?” Hazel asked thoughtfully. Luginia shook her head in response and the room went still as they all digested that information. 

The silence in the room was heavy for a few moments, the gravity of the situation settling over the demigods like a weighted blanket. Annabeth closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Percy would be fine, Poseidon would have begun tearing the oceans apart if anything had happened to his children.

Unless it had escaped his notice, her mind whispered to her. She frowned again, pulling out her phone and checking to see if she had any missed messages. Percy had not texted her and a tick of anxiety spiked higher in her chest. She tried to settle herself, putting her phone back in her pocket and turning to face the rest of the room once again. 

“We may not have answers for a while yet.” Chiron said finally, standing up from where he had tucked himself into his wheelchair for the meeting. “Go now and rest while you can. If Percy or anyone else contacts camp while you’re sleeping I will wake you. We can discuss more in the morning if we have no news.” The centaur finished, Luginia quickly standing and storming out of the Big House practically seething with rage. 

Annabeth too stood, muttering a good night to her mentor and walking out with the rest of the demigods left in the room. Jason shook his head as they stepped off the porch, looking out towards where the ocean sat in the distance. 

“I hope fish-brains gets back to us soon. I just feel like this is the start of something really bad for all of us.” Thalia said softly, looking back towards Annabeth meaningfully. 

“I know what you mean.” Piper mumbled, glancing down at her feet. “Ever since the solstice meeting I just feel like something is creeping closer.” The daughter of Aphrodite revealed. Annabeth frowned. 

“I know I’ve felt it.” She said in reply, sighing. “Percy has too, we have to trust that he’ll be back.” Annabeth finished, voice firm. 

“And if he isn’t we’ll go get him back.” Nico said darkly, looking determined. Annabeth couldn’t help but let out a small smile at that. Rachel muttered a quick goodbye, letting them know she would be heading off to start praying to Apollo, hopefully the sun god would have more answers for them in the morning. Annabeth said goodnight to the others, pausing before heading towards cabin three. 

Tonight she would be waiting for Percy to come back. If he wasn’t back by the time the sun rose that would be something she would deal with in the morning. For the moment she pushed open the door to the Poseidon cabin, staring at the spot where the missing conch shell was supposed to be sitting on the shelf. 

Not bothering to change, Annabeth sat down on Percy’s bed and opened her phone staring at the message app she opened. 

Still nothing from Percy. She sighed, closing her eyes before mentally sending a quick prayer to both her mother and the lord of the seas. 

“Bring him home to me, please.” Annabeth thought, leaning back against the wall behind her. She also sent a message to her boyfriend, asking him for an update on how things were going. 

It seemed a few minutes later her prayers were answered as her phone buzzed in her hand, quickly bringing it up and heart beating faster at the sight of Percy’s contact lighting up her screen. She read the message at the speed of light, sighing in relief at the contents. 

“ Hey, just got to Atlantis. Can’t talk dad and I are heading out to check on Xanthe and Kymopoleia.” Her screen read. Annabeth frowned slightly after reading the message again. It was unlike Percy to use Kym’s full name, especially when writing or typing. She wondered if it was because he had finally managed to get one of her siblings to help him fix the autocorrect on his sister’s name.

“I love you, be safe.” She replied quickly, but received no response. She frowned at her phone again, settling back against the pillows propped up on the bed. Despite her best efforts to stay awake, it wasn’t long before the daughter of Athena fell into a fitful sleep. 

Chapter Text

When Annabeth woke up early the next morning she thought camp was under attack. 

The daughter of Athena had slept poorly through the night, periodically startling herself awake to check for messages on her phone and look to see if an Iris Message depicting messy black hair and a crooked smile was hovering somewhere around her. The night went on and she grew increasingly worried each time she discovered that Percy had not reached out. 

The final time she woke she knew that was the last rest she would be getting for a while. Screams rang out, sending her adrenaline and heart pumping as she opened her eyes and shot to her feet. Annabeth didn’t remain standing for long, however, as the ground beneath her shook violently and sent her to her knees. 

Annabeth braced her hands against the floor as the earth trembled, a few framed pictures making their way off of the dresser in the cabin and falling against the floor. The glass shattered loudly, and Annabeth turned her head to see out the back cabin door that had swung open. Through the loud grumbling of the earth shifting beneath her, Annabeth could see the ocean in the distance. It was dark and stormy, gale force winds bending trees beyond the camp boundary nearly sideways. The waves crashed against the shore, large enough to take out a house, and sent the water into a flurry of white foam. 

After a few moments the shaking slowly began to cease, and Annabeth pulled herself to her feet and propped herself up against the bed as it fully receded. The ocean still stood firm in its rage, water slamming into the windows of the cabin as rain hammered down around camp. Annabeth’s eyes widened, something terrible had happened. 

Poseidon, Earthshaker, Stormbringer, Lord of the Seas was angry and she had a feeling as to why. Without a second thought Annabeth tore out of the cabin, sprinting past the other campers who were emerging from their cabins, faces twisted in terror and confusion. 

She paid them no mind, heart pounding in her chest as she ran past towards the Big House. She could see the other cabin counselors following behind her, but Annabeth knew she needed to get to Chiron. 

As she finally approached the Big House porch she spotted the immortal trainer of heroes ducking out of the doorway with a grim expression. Thunder and lightning roared overhead, wind whipping through the trees as a torrential downpour unleashed over camp. Nymphs and satyrs were running around like mad, nature spirits standing out in the weather staring at the ocean intently. 

“Chiron!” Annabeth yelled, skidding to a stop in front of the centaur. Her chest was heaving and she heard others behind her. 

“What happened? Who is it?” The daughter of Athena gasped out, eyes wild. Chiron shook his head, feet stomping anxiously behind him. 

“Get the counselors inside. We need to talk.” Chiron said gravely, eyes glancing back towards the water. Annabeth’s breath caught in her throat. 

“Come on, Annabeth. Let’s get out of the rain.” Katie said behind her, gently grasping her shoulder. It shot the daughter of Athena out of her temporary daze and together the demigods trudged inside, still dripping water off of their clothes. Annabeth shivered as she moved towards her usual seat, suddenly spotting three figures standing near the back of the room. 

With a start she recognized it to be Apollo, Hermes and Rachel gathered in a small trio near the head of the table. Rachel was silent, eyes wide and unfocused as she stared at the floor in front of her. Hermes and Apollo didn’t even glance up at the demigods who entered, muttering in hushed tones to each other. 

Time seemed to slow down around her as she sat down in her usual spot, noticing the painting of Xanthe was still set in Percy’s vacant chair. Percy wasn’t back yet. Poseidon was enraged. What had happened? Had he been hurt, killed? Possibilities raced through her mind, her ears ringing and blocking out the noise of the other campers calling for answers around her. 

Finally something broke through Annabeth’s haze, a hand gripping her shoulder tightly. Jumping slightly she looked up to see Nico standing next to her, a grim expression on his face. Her heart beat faster, opening her mouth to ask the question she didn’t know if she wanted the answer to but the son of Hades beat her to it. 

“He’s not dead. I would know.” Nico told her firmly. Annabeth paused, blinking slowly as the information was processed by her mind. 

“Then what happened?” She finally asked after her voice returned to her. Chiron cleared his throat and the demigods went quiet, turning to their mentor for answers. 

“Early this morning Rachel came to wake me. Apollo had come to inspect the painting we showed you last night and determined it was an interpretation of what has occurred in the past few days.” Chiron announced gravely, Annabeth’s eyes widening. 

“Xanthe has been captured?” The daughter of Athena asked, horror mounting in her mind. Chiron’s frown deepened. 

“The situation is more complicated than we originally anticipated. After Lord Apollo made his determination I attempted to contact all of the Atlantean royal family and was unable to do so. I then contacted Lord Hermes, who went personally to Atlantis to determine what had happened.” Chiron said, gesturing towards the god of messengers. 

“The details are still being determined at this point, but here’s what we know so far.” Hermes said, stepping forwards so the demigods could see him better. The god was dressed in a black mortal tracksuit, complete with a Nike headband. His caduceus was currently in the form of a smartphone clutched in his hand. He looked as grim as the rest of them, glancing back at his brother behind him before continuing. 

“I arrived in Atlantis this morning and discovered several small skirmishes being dealt with by Atlantean warriors. I approached my uncle and informed him about how messages had not been able to get through anywhere underwater, and also let him know about the painting of Xanthe.” Hermes relayed, wincing slightly. 

“He quickly set off for the Coral Palace to check on her personally, and I accompanied him. When we arrived the city was warded with powerful and old magic, essentially sending out a ‘don’t look over here’ broadcast that kept attention off of the palace. The city was practically destroyed, and Poseidon dispatched a few remaining hordes of monsters left behind to guard it. The captured Atlantean commanders we recovered relayed that communications had been cut off nearly a week prior, and that Xanthe had fallen in combat nearly three days ago. The soldiers did not see what became of her after she took a powerful blow, but that is when the armies fully unleashed upon them and overtook their forces.” The demigods gasped, turning to look and whisper with one another. Annabeth’s heart pounded in her chest. 

“If communications had been cut off for over a week then how has Atlantis and Percy been communicating with Xanthe this whole time?” The daughter of Athena asked sharply. Percy had been texting back and forth with his sisters all week, including the previous day. How had Xanthe been unable to call for help from any of them? 

“Someone cast a separate spell over the palace, essentially sending out auto replies to messages about their status. Someone powerful must have cast it in order to make the replies seem somewhat genuine, but after further review there are slight discrepancies that match up with the timeline given to us by the soldiers.” Hermes replied, shaking his head. “But those weren’t the only discrepancies we found. It was shortly after this that we realized a similar pattern had followed Kymopoleia’s messages the past two days.” The god of messengers said darkly. 

“No…” Piper said softly, eyes widening at the realization flooding across the room. Hermes nodded sagely. 

“Unfortunately yes, Kymopoleia’s palace was in a similar disarray, her captured guards offering a similar story. Nobody was able to leave the city grounds once the spell was enacted, and Kymopoleia fell in combat sometime last night. They don’t know what became of her afterwards.” Hermes told them, a bone chilling shiver rushing down Annabeth’s spine. 

That text from Percy last night, the feeling she had about it. Horror rushed into her mind as she braced her hands forwards on the table in front of her. It caught Apollo’s attention who moved around the table by her side. The god swiftly kneeled down to be just below eye-level for her. The god was dressed in a light-green sweatshirt and jeans, looking at her intently with piercing blue eyes. 

“What is it?” He asked her in a serious tone. She shook her head. 

“Percy went to Atlantis last night to speak with his father. I got a text from him, something didn’t feel right about it but I assumed it was because there was a lot going on.” Annabeth said slowly, realization dawning on Apollo’s face.

“Annabeth, Percy wasn’t there this morning. His father assumed he was here at camp, it’s only a few minutes ago Chiron told us where he went last night.” Hermes said softly, looking at her with a grave expression. 

“No.” Annabeth said firmly, a desperate edge to her voice. “ No. Nico said he’s not dead.” She snapped quickly, eyes in the room turning towards the son of Hades who nodded in agreement. 

“Then I fear the worst and he too has been taken. I’ll need to inform Poseidon, I’d brace your campers in case I can’t persuade him to control his temper in regards to the camp.” Hermes said quickly, nodding to Chiron as he disappeared. The centaur quickly told the other counselors to go to their cabins and warn them of the possibility there would be another earthquake soon. Piper volunteered to warn the Athena cabin in Annabeth’s stead. 

Soon Annabeth, Nico, Chiron, Rachel, and Apollo remained in the rec room, a heavy silence falling over them as they waited for the messenger god to return.

__________________________________________________________________________

10 HOURS EARLIER

Percy honestly didn’t know where he was. He blew the conch shell as he had been previously instructed, but had not appeared inside Atlantis as he had expected. He materialized somewhere he had never seen before, miles of dark murky water above him. He frowned, looking around to try and determine how this had happened. The shell had disappeared from his hands entirely, and was nowhere around that he could see. In fact he couldn’t see much of anything with how dark the waters were around him. 

In his immediate vicinity he could faintly spot the ocean floor beneath him, covered in rocky sand and other debris. What confused him even further was the lack of sea life around him. Normally by now a school of fish would have swam by, or a shark would make a brief appearance. Percy swam forwards slightly, looking around and not seeing a single bit of aquatic life anywhere in his field of vision. 

Alarm bells that had already been going off in his head got louder, a pit worry settling in his gut. The ocean was filled with billions of life forms, from sea spirits down to even sea cucumbers. To spot nothing  sent Percy’s mind racing. 

Was he even near Atlantis? The pull he typically felt when underwater was hauntingly absent. Atlantis was a bit like Olympus, moving as the times changed to where it was best suited. Once he had started looking for it Percy could feel the call of the capital to him at any time, knowing precisely how to get there. But now, nothing. 

“Dad? Triton? I’m not sure where I am, are you close?” Percy broadcasted mentally, reaching out to see if he could feel a familiar presence. Empty silence followed his words, and Percy swallowed thickly. His adrenaline was now pumping and he began using the currents to push himself to the surface. Patting his pockets he found Riptide and his phone where both still present. The Hephestus’ campers had outdone themselves once again with perfectly waterproof phones, and his father had given the schematics to the cyclopes, who managed to create a phone that could even withstand immense pressure at the bottom of the sea. 

Despite his phone functioning underwater, if he was far from the palace he rarely could catch a signal as cell phone towers were a very new thing to be introduced underwater and so far only the main palaces had one. Percy believed the home of the royal family had been updated first. Likely the reason why was to give Percy another way to contact them if needed, but it had come in handy a few times before Percy had managed to get a handle on communicating telepathically with his family.

The water parted around him as he shot upwards, racing the miles towards the surface at rapid speed. He was still probably seven or eight hundred meters away when a chill went down his spine and he felt himself look over his right shoulder before he even registered why. 

Approaching with shocking silence (and an insane speed for the size of them) were two of the creatures Xanthe had fought in his dream. The shark-like jaws of the first one opened, now less than two hundred feet from him. It let out a bone-shaking roar that had all of the hairs on Percy’s skin standing upright. 

He pulled Riptide from his pocket, uncapping it to full-size as he pushed the currents faster. He was hoping to breach the water before they could reach him. His plan quickly changed as the creatures moved even faster, now nearly on top of him. He redirected the currents to push him backwards, keeping his eyes on the creatures and his blade raised. The first one was maybe twenty feet back now but closing in fast. Realizing there was no chance of outrunning them he quickly tried to narrow down a strategy for how to defeat them. 

They were massive, and despite sounding exactly like something he would try, he was not willing to be swallowed in order to try and kill it from the inside. His blade was small in comparison to the monsters before him, the three foot sword looked like a toothpick by default. 

The monster was closing in, the currents not able to push him fast enough to put more distance between them, so Percy shot downwards and forwards again, allowing the beast to swim past him. Turning around quickly in the water at that speed was difficult for something the size of the shark-serpent, and it bellowed again as it struggled to correct its course. The second beast was now in front of him, opening its mouth wide and reaching out with clawed scaly fingers. 

Percy shot beneath it, now only feet from the creature’s bottom jaw. Pieces of flesh and metal were caught in its crooked and sharp lower teeth, draping over its jaw and dragging through the water. Clearly this was one of the creatures that had been sent to the battlefields, did that mean he was close to Atlantis then? He had no more time to contemplate as he shot upwards, aiming the point of Riptide towards the creature's throat. The blade sunk into the flesh up to the hilt in the side of the beast’s neck, the creature letting out a deafening shriek as the sword struck. It did not die though, as Percy’s blade was small enough it was likely just an irritation for the large beast. 

It thrashed his head from side to side, speed slowing as it tried to shake the blade free. The movement caused Percy to lose grip on Riptide’s handle and sent him spinning through the water. The demigod quickly regained control of the currents and launched himself further away as the first serpent had managed to maneuver its way back towards them. He pulled High Tide from his neck, the trident growing to full-sized in his hands in an instant. Until Riptide returned to him this would have to do. 

The better reach the trident gave him quickly became an advantage as he realized he needed to try and stab the shark-serpents through the eyes if he wanted a chance to kill them or escape. He propelled himself towards the first creature head on, the second one still distracted trying to shake Riptide from where it was firmly lodged in its flesh. 

He stayed level with the monster until he was a few feet in front of it, then pulled himself upwards. He was smaller and faster than the beasts and Percy knew he had to use that to his advantage. The creature again was not able to keep up with him, and Percy managed to get level with its eye before it could turn its jaws towards him. He slammed the prongs of High Tide with all of his might, compelling the water to give it even more force than his bare strength alone. 

Celestial bronze prongs sank deep into the shark-serpent's eye, black blood exploding outwards around him. The beast let out an earth-shattering roar as it started to dissolve. Percy’s heart pounded and ears rang as he pulled High Tide back towards him, pleased with his victory and high on adrenaline. He then remembered the second serpent was still behind him and whipped around just in time to see jaws racing towards him only feet away. 

He swung his trident upright, only having a second to brace for impact before the jaws tried to slam shut around him. Percy ducked as teeth approached his head, and his right foot being gripped with a sudden intense pain caused him to cry out. 

The jaws of the massive creature were stopped by High Tide, the prongs of his trident stabbing into the roof of the serpent’s mouth and the bottom jaw crashing into both his right foot and the end of his weapon. Black ichor floated around them in the water, mixing with his own bright red blood as the creature thrashed and screamed. 

His right foot had been impaled by a nearly two foot long tooth and was bleeding heavily, the water already attempting to heal the wound around the edges. He didn’t have a moment to even contemplate what his next move would be when the creature started swimming down at the same pace it had originally approached him. He gripped High Tide tightly to avoid being swept away by the incoming flow of water towards the monster gaping throat ahead of him. A few seconds later Percy felt them impact the sea-floor. 

The monster had dove headfirst into the ocean floor, smashing Percy underneath it as it did so. The impact hit him flat on his back, forcing all of the air out of his lungs and caused him to black out. 

It seemed he was only out for a couple seconds but he woke up in excruciating pain. He gasped deeply in the water, almost unable to catch his breath. He saw the creature dissolving above him, he assumed High Tide had been driven up through its own skull and killed it upon slamming into the ground. His body ached, but he could feel the water already working towards healing him. His right side had taken the brunt of the impact, and in his chest several ribs on that side felt broken. His right shoulder was out of place, though thankfully his leg was no worse off than it was before. Now free of the obstruction the water had started to heal the gaping hole in his foot, red streams floating away from the wounds into the water around him.

Sand from the sea floor sifted through the water as he lay there gasping, desperately trying to hold onto his barely regained consciousness. Percy saw spots in his vision as he blinked sluggishly. He took a few slightly deeper breaths, though not so much as to aggravate his ribs.The ringing in his ears slowly started to fade, though his pulse still pounded against his skull. 

As his hearing returned he heard something that caused his rapidly fading adrenaline to spike again. He could hear chanting coming from somewhere around him. It felt ancient and cold, cruel. It was the voice from his dream. 

His breaths became more shallow and rapid, eyes snapping back open and trying to sit up, but finding with a scream of pain that he couldn’t. The water was healing him, but it wasn’t an instant process. Typically he would have needed to lay there for at least an hour if he wanted to be fully fixed up with the extent of injuries he had sustained. After surviving and emerging from Tartarus he had ensured Annabeth was in the hands of the others and had dove into the water, not being able to return to the surface for almost two hours as the water worked to repair what damage it could. 

But he couldn’t now. That voice, it was even more chilling in person than he was in a dream. The words it was speaking were unfamiliar, they sounded older than anything he had ever heard before. It wasn’t ancient Greek, and it wasn’t Atlantean either. Percy tried again to shift himself somewhat in order to look around, managing to turn his left arm in front of him to push himself up with rather than try and use his core due to the broken ribs he was now more than certain he had. 

He couldn’t speak, but he wanted to shout at the being. Percy needed to know who this was. Had something happened to his family, why didn’t the shell take him into Atlantis? He was suddenly awash with a feeling that sent him spiraling back to the Acheron down in the Pit. The sensation caused his eyes to squeeze shut at the onslaught, trying to think back to why this voice was so familiar. But it was growing more difficult to concentrate. Nothing mattered anymore, why did he need to know who it was? He was so tired, he was in so much pain. He should just die, lay down and die. It was pure misery. Oh. Oh.

Misery.  

His blood ran cold, mind rapidly flickering between different memories of the Pit. Annabeth bleeding, her fearful expression as he turned the goddess’ poison against her, battling towards the doors, Bob charging Tar- 

His eyes snapped back open as a hand wrapped around his throat, sharp nails digging into his skin and causing him to bleed. It yanked him harshly to his knees, the broken ribs in his chest causing him to gasp. He struggled to bring his left arm up, weakly grasping the wrist holding him. His eyes shot upwards to reveal a face that nearly sent him spiraling in a panic attack. Sunken eyes met his own rage burning deep within them. Her cheeks were scratched and bleeding, dripping golden ichor down and splattering onto her gray tattered dress. Her stringy gray hair was matted on top of her head, and inhumanly sharp teeth were twisted into snarl. 

“Do you remember me, Perseus Jackson?” the goddess asked, voice cold and even more ancient than he remembered it to be. She released him suddenly, his hands coming up to catch him and slamming into the ground below as she pushed him downwards. It caused his right shoulder to scream at him, but he clenched his jaw shut so as to not cry out. He panted for a few seconds, drawing ragged gasps through his teeth as he fought to catch his breath. 

Summoning every ounce of breath he had, he managed to offer a reply. “ Akhlys.” the demigod said, the barely audible whisper not disguising the horror in his tone. Sharp teeth twisted into a cruel smile.

“Good.” The goddess of misery said, and suddenly the chanting got louder around him. His eyes shot around, looking for who else could be present but saw no one. Suddenly something else drew his attention, the sensation of metal slamming into his wrists and wrapping up his arms.

Chains had appeared from seemingly nowhere, silver and glowing softly in the dark water surrounding them. They were inscribed with black sigils that shone as though they were still freshly painted, and seemed to get darker as the chanting grew even louder. Percy could feel his strength leaving him, the water slowing its work to heal his wounds. He thrashed against the chains with everything he had left, but they didn’t budge. All he had done was aggravate his shoulder and ribs leaving him gasping in pain. His mind was sluggish and full of panic, not entirely sure what to do. He sent out one last desperate call for his father in his mind. “ Tell Annabeth I’m sorry.” His thoughts finally said. 

His eyes scattered black spots before him, his eyelids feeling excruciatingly heavy. He couldn’t hold himself upright any longer and slumped towards the ground, blacking out entirely as his head thudded into the sea floor. 

Chapter Text

Annabeth wasn’t sure how long they sat there waiting for Hermes to return from Atlantis. Surprisingly the weather had actually improved slightly, now just a heavy drizzle pouring down over the Big House. The ocean had even calmed somewhat, waves retreating and winds winding down to what could be described as gusty rather than hurricane force winds.

Annabeth, Nico, Chiron, Rachel, and Apollo sat in mostly silence, though Apollo and Rachel quietly discussed the painting in the corner of the room. The television was on in the next room, and Annabeth could hear reports of massive earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and more plaguing the waters of the world starting early that morning before she had even been awake. 

Soon enough a few more people trickled back into the conference room as counselors had updated campers and began checking in to see what the plan would be moving forwards. Soon the remaining members of the seven had returned, as well as Thalia and Phoebe after informing the hunters. The Stoll brothers also had made their way back, along with Will who was now making his way towards his father. 

“Any word yet?” Jason asked as he sat back down, wincing as he heard another announcement from the tv stating an aftershock had just hit California. Annabeth shook her head, looking over at Will who was now discussing something with the god of the sun. 

“I just think it’s worth a try.” Will finally said, slightly louder. That fully caught the daughter of Athena’s attention. 

“What is it, Will?” Annabeth asked, everyone’s attention finally falling on the son of Apollo. Will winced, turning to face her as Apollo shook his head, looking tired and very unlike how she normally saw him. 

“I was just telling dad that we've been working with Robert, that brother of ours that arrived a few months ago? He’s had some luck with the ability of Sight. It gives him a brief glimpse of something he has been concentrating on. It’s not a prophecy, only events that are about to occur or have already occurred, but it’s a bit tricky for him. It falls a bit under dad’s prophecy domain so I was hoping maybe he could talk him through it.” Will explained, gesturing back towards his father who looked troubled. 

“The problem is Robert hasn’t had much success in seeing something that isn’t directly related to him. He could perhaps see if the camp will come under attack soon, but being able to figure out what happened to the Atlantean family would be difficult for him to even look for. And I’m not sure if what we would find is appropriate for a child to see.” Apollo said firmly, shaking his head. Will frowned. 

“I mean he is thirteen, dad. And he’s seen injuries before, he works in the infirmary with both of us.” Will argued, looking frustrated. Apollo shook his head again. 

“Everything about this is too similar to a story from long ago. If it takes the route it did last time then that is not something I want any of you to see.” Apollo said, voice taking on a desperate edge. His eyes were slightly wild but his face was stoic. It unnerved Annabeth greatly to see the sun god so tense. 

He could be intense, of course, Apollo had many domains and they weren’t all “sunshine and rainbows”. He was the god of prophecy, plague, healing, medicine, and more. But he was normally much more open with his children in discussing their abilities and what might happen if they used them. His children often had a wide variety of his gifts other than archery and it was always a guessing game for them to narrow down what they had inherited from the sun god. 

“Are you talking about what happened to Xanthe when she was captured before?” Annabeth asked quickly, noting Apollo’s wince. 

“Doctor patient confidentiality, kid. I was summoned to help heal her after she was out of her bindings and it wasn’t pretty. I don’t want Robert to see that, he’s barely thirteen as it is.” Apollo said, somewhat desperately. 

“But if it could provide us valuable intel on what happened down there isn’t it worth it? And Robert volunteered, he’s seen bad injuries before, including when a few Ares campers nearly eviscerated themselves falling on that trap the Hephestus campers set a few weeks back.” Will reminded his father. Annabeth winced this time, remembering the incident clearly. This was before her and Percy had returned to camp, but Malcom had called to tell her about the incident due to the severity. A few new campers of Hephestus had been experimenting with medieval traps and had set one without permission in a section of the woods for capture the flag. 

While the Ares campers, two of Clarisse’s younger brothers at twelve and fourteen, had recovered with quick work from the Apollo healers and Chiron himself, traps had since been much more restricted for any war games the campers wanted to play. Apollo shook his head quickly in response, looking troubled. 

“Look I can’t tell you much, but let’s just say it was worse than that.” Apollo said darkly. Annabeth tensed at the tone, what in the world had possibly happened that had been worse than anything they had seen? Annabeth frowned harder. 

“Then what can we do?” The daughter of Athena asked in reply. 

“Our sister Michelle has been working more on her abilities,” Travis called out, everyone turning to face the sons of Hermes. “She got more of the messenger side of skills, she’s been able to recall messages that have been sent in the past. She managed to write out the exact message the Titanic sent out right before it sank the other day. In morse code, and she had never even seen it before.” Travis explained, everyone glancing back towards Annabeth. 

“I remember that one well, ‘ Come quick. Engine room nearly full ’.” a voice called from behind them, heads whipping around and revealing Hermes walking into the conference room. 

“Would it be possible then, to see if they tried to send a message that didn’t go through?” Annabeth asked the messenger god, who shrugged. 

“I’d say it could be worth a shot. Boys, would you mind grabbing your sister for me?” Hermes asked, Travis and Conner nodding before making their way back towards the Hermes cabin. Annabeth shot Hermes a glance.

“Wait, if you're here why can’t you do it?” Jason asked, looking thoughtfully over at Hermes who shook his head. 

“My children inherit more of an interpretation of my gifts rather than the entire gift itself. There are a lot of ways my messenger skills can manifest in them. Sometimes they’re just really good at delivering messages at the right moment, or knowing if someone has an important message to give someone. Michelle is able to recall messages that were supposed to be delivered but never arrived alongside messages that were delivered in the past. Because my domain is so broad it can be difficult for me to filter through the chatter, she’ll be able to focus on that while I guide her power to actually pull an answer through to us.” Hermes explained, shaking his head slightly. 

Annabeth nodded, it did make sense. Percy had noticed that certain aspects he wasn’t the most skilled in from his father’s domain, such as his earthshaker abilities, had begun to improve and received some sort of ‘boost’ when his father was nearby. Annabeth also found working in one of her mother’s temples on Olympus had seriously accelerated her ability to work on plans for reconstructing the home of the gods after the Titan War. 

“Does Poseidon know about Percy?” Annabeth asked quickly, Hermes’ face twisted into a frown, eyes glancing towards the doorway. Annabeth followed his gaze and suddenly spotted the lord of the seas standing by the window in the hallway, looking out over the water with a thunderous expression. 

He was dressed in bronze armor, his trident strapped against his back. He was in a black pteruges and black leather sandals that wrapped around his calves. His hair was long and pulled back into a low-ponytail. His armor had a large trident engraved in gold on the breast plate, and on his salt-and-pepper hair sat a crown of fish bone, pearls, aquamarine, and coral set into celestial bronze. His jaw was set with displeasure, body tense. He looked ancient, like a version of himself that Annabeth had never seen before. His beard was surprisingly short cut around his jaw, and streaks of gray intermingled with the black. His hands were clenched by his sides, fingertips seemingly having inhuman claws on the ends that flickered slightly in form as Annabeth tried to look more closely. His mortal form always appeared tall, though now he seemed particularly intimidating at nearly seven feet in height, he would almost have to duck to get through the doorway. Broad tanned shoulders were tense, green eyes looking quietly at the rain pouring down around them. Rage practically flowed off of him, his aura pulsing with his emotions. 

“I do.” The lord of horses said, his voice bordering on inhuman rage. The other demigods and Chiron quickly stood, bowing and offering quiet greetings to Poseidon. 

“Do you think what you are saying will work, Hermes?” The lord of the seas asked. Finally turning to face the room, his gaze burned into Hermes’ thoughtful expression. 

“It’s worth a shot. Especially since you’re here, if the message was meant for you then she might have an easier time concentrating on the message that was trying to be sent.” Hermes replied, cocking his head slightly as he thought. Poseidon nodded darkly, walking slowly into the room and stopping near Chiron. 

“My lord, camp is prepared in case of an all out assault. Is Rhode prepared in case our younger campers need to evacuate?” Chiron asked the lord of the seas, who nodded. 

“The escape pendants she gave you have been rerouted to take them into Atlantis safely. Rhode, Ben, and Triton are currently on lock down in the palace with their mother. I will not be allowing them out of our sight for the time being.” The sea god said, rage filtering through his tone. Annabeth winced slightly before speaking. 

“Is it possible they could be rerouted, my lord? Percy was intending to come and see you and never made it.” Annabeth asked, her gaze meeting that of the sea lord’s. He seemed to soften slightly as he met her expression, taking in her frazzled and anxious appearance.

“I will ensure personally that they are not. If you send anyone away, contact me immediately. Hermes has assured me that there will be no more interference in our messages.” Poseidon said darkly. Hermes nodded as the others looked towards him to confirm. 

“And Triton being the Messenger of the Seas will make it easier for him to get through to me if you believe the spells are being put back up. Now that he knows what he is looking for he will be able to sense it.” Hermes added, Poseidon nodding firmly. 

Travis and Conner quickly returned, Michelle following behind them with a shocked expression. They quickly guided her past the intense stare from Poseidon to stand near Hermes, and the fifteen year old looked up at her father with a stunned expression. 

“I don’t know how to look for a message that hasn’t been delivered for someone I hardly know about.” Michelle said after a moment, looking around at all of them anxiously. She was a shorter girl with mouse-brown hair and blue eyes. She was shivering slightly, her camp shirt and jeans soaked through with the rain. Hermes smiled softly at her, placing his fingers under her chin so she had to look at him. 

“Hey, it’s ok. I’ll be here to help guide you and make sure we can find what we’re looking for since I know more about them than you. If we can’t then no biggie, we’re right where we were before.” Hermes reassured her. Poseidon scowled at the idea of ‘can’t’, but said nothing. He schooled his expression back into a frown as Michelle glanced at him, and he nodded. 

“Ok. I normally have to write these things down.” The daughter of Hermes said after a moment, glancing back towards her father. Apollo stepped forwards, shaking his head.

“If Hermes lets me tap in a bit while you work then I may be able to create a vision of the message rather than having to write it down.” Apollo explained, Hermes nodding his approval at his older brother. 

Together the two gods sat down, Michelle standing between them. Hermes reached out and took her right hand, and Apollo grasped her left. She looked decidedly anxious, but then took a deep breath and schooled her expression. She closed her eyes and her brows furrowed with concentration, Hermes watching her closely. Apollo closed his eyes as well, holding his open hand out in front of him. 

“Let’s start with Percy,” Hermes said softly, Michelle nodding at the words. The room was dead silent for a moment before an image flickered to life above Apollo’s open hand. It was an image of dark murky water, barely any light visible in the image. Suddenly something moved into frame, the image of someone swimming upwards through the water. 

Annabeth’s heart pounded as she recognized Percy as the image moved closer, his green eyes staring around him in confusion. Poseidon leaned in expectantly, eyes locked in on the image of his only demigod son. Small whispers broke out around the other campers, eyes drawn to the expression of confusion written on Percy’s face. He glanced around and then closed his eyes. Despite his lips never moving, a familiar voice rang out around the room. 

“ Dad? Triton? I’m not sure where I am, are you close?” Percy asked, eyes opening after another moment and looking around again. Poseidon let out a sharp breath between his teeth. Annabeth’s heart beat hard against her ribcage, they had discovered at a young age Percy had perfect bearings at sea. The second his skin touched the water he knew precisely where he was and how to get where he was going, for him to not know where he was while submerged in the depths of his father’s domain was unnerving. The image started to dissipate, like mist falling back into a puddle. Suddenly Michelle let out a small curious noise, cocking her head while her eyes remained closed. 

“What is it?” Hermes asked quickly, scanning his daughter for signs of discomfort. Michelle opened her mouth to speak again. 

“There’s more, another message undelivered.” The daughter of Hermes said determinedly, furrowing her brow in concentration once more. Annabeth sat up straighter, everyone leaning in slightly as the image in front of them began to reappear in a cloud of mist. 

Annabeth gasped as a new image came into view, one of Percy gasping in front of them. He was on his knees and looked gravely injured. His body was covered in cuts and black and purple bruises, his leg bleeding into the water behind him. The way he had shifted his weight off of his right side was indicative of broken ribs, alongside the fact that his breaths seemed shallow in spite of his struggle. The most startling part about the image was the silver chains that were wrapped around him, pulling his arms taught and out to his sides. 

His face was an expression of panic and desperation she hadn’t seen since they had fallen into the Pit, green eyes alight with horror. He was blinking rapidly, head dropping down towards his chest as his body started to go lax. 

“Tell Annabeth I’m sorry.” Percy’s voice finally said, his lips unmoving. The image went dark as Percy slumped towards the sea floor, dissipating into mist as Apollo closed his hand. Poseidon let out a fierce and inhuman growl, the earth shaking suddenly beneath them before stilling just as quickly. 

Annabeth felt tears start to well in her eyes and quickly slammed them shut. Of course, when he was injured, chained, and bleeding his first thoughts were to tell her he was sorry for breaking his promise to not go off and get himself hurt. It was so like him it left a painful throb in her heart as she took a deep and shaky breath. 

She finally managed to pull her eyes open and tuned into the chatter around them. Everyone was muttering in hushed tones, glancing between the godly beings in the room and Annabeth. A quick glance revealed that this had only further enraged the god of the seas, who’s eyes had started glowing a faint green-blue as his expression only darkened. His eyes were alight with rage, and Annabeth felt if she looked directly into them she would be driven insane with visions of storms and destruction of the past. 

Chiron glanced worriedly at her before her attention was drawn to Hermes, who was patting Michelle’s hand gently as she stared worriedly over at the god of the seas. 

“I’m sorry, that’s all there was.” Michelle said, voice shaking slightly as she addressed Percy’s father. The lord of the seas shook his head. 

“You have done well, I understand you have limitations. Are you able to repeat this with my daughters?” Poseidon asked, voice barely disguising rage as he spoke in a surprisingly gentle tone towards the girl. 

The stories spoke often about Poseidon’s wrath but Annabeth knew he had a gentler side to him, especially when it came to children and even those who weren’t his own. He was never unkind to any demigods at camp when he came to visit Percy, and oftentimes would speak with the other children if they approached him while he was present. Unless someone was outright disrespectful Annabeth didn’t know if she’d ever seen the sea god so much as raise his voice (apart from council meetings with Zues, the two brothers had a tendency to dissolve into shouting matches while Hades watched on in exasperation). Michelle nodded slowly and glanced back towards Hermes. The messenger god nodded back at her reassuringly and she closed her eyes again. She swallowed as Apollo held his hand open once more, the sun god closing his eyes as well. 

“Ok, Kymopoleia this time.” Hermes continued. Michelle took a deep breath and slowly an image appeared over Apollo’s open hand. The image took form into the shape of the goddess of storms, dressed for combat in the depiction before them.

She was in full bronze armor, though she was in a merwoman’s form. Her scales were deep purple and blue, a gradient across her limbs. Her fingers were clawed and black as night, her lips bared in a vicious snarl of shark-teeth across her fury written face. Her crown was no longer a simple circlet, but instead made of celestial bronze with massive shark teeth embedded around the base of the crown. The image of the breaking ship was sat in the center, and Kym clutched a glowing bronze sword in her hands that Annabeth half-mindedly realized as a falcata. She was staring past them, rage filling her eyes as an inhuman growl rang out. “I don’t know why you cannot hear me but something is coming. My palace will fall, but I will not stand aside while my generals are slaughtered. I am weak, I have been poisoned, I am unsure why the water does not heal me.” Kymopoleia’s voice said darkly. She did look slightly unwell, there were dark circles under her eyes, and a few smaller cuts along her arms were bleeding sluggishly despite having been submerged in the depths. 

Annabeth’s breath caught in her throat at the mention of poison, a feeling like ice sending a shudder through her body. Her mind sent flashes of the pit, of Percy’s desperate face, of fire scalding her throat, glass against her feet-

She gasped softly and shut her eyes for a moment before looking back to the still-going image. 

“ You’d better come find me soon.” Kymopoleia’s voice said, though her lips never moved. A roar sounded in the distance as the image began to fade, before suddenly solidifying into a new form. 

Poseidon let out a snarl as gasps echoed across the room when the new image came fully into focus. Kymoploeia had been transformed back into a semi-human form. She had two legs again, and her skin was bruised purple and gold, bleeding from various small cuts. She had scales around her shoulders in dark purple and blue, and though she had a human face her teeth were sharp and pointed. She snarled at the figure above her, a shadowed looking being with glowing white eyes far above the sea goddess. Clawed hands reached down, pulling Kym’s crown from her head and letting out a cruel laugh. Kymopoleia’s clothing had changed to a simple white tunic clasped around her shoulders, falling to just above her knees. She was wrapped in silver chains around her shoulders down to her wrists inscribed with black sigils that seemed to almost be pulling in shadows from around them. 

The chains tightened as Kymopoleia’s eyes began to glow solid gold, the goddess opening her mouth and letting out one final bellow before the image cut off. It was a language that Annabeth couldn’t understand, but she managed to make out how it sounded as “Ma’akata! Kp’akata!” 

“What did she say?” Conner asked quietly, looking at his father. Hermes winced and glanced over at Poseidon who was seething. The winds outside had picked up again, the sea god looking as though he was attempting to soothe his temper. 

“She called for her mother and I.” Poseidon said darkly, face drawn with tempered rage. Michelle swallowed hard and glanced down at Hermes who smiled softly at her in reassurance. 

“You did well.” The messenger god soothed. “Let’s try Xanthe next. Concentrate on what you know about her and let me guide you towards what we’re looking for.” Hermes said, Michelle taking another deep breath as he spoke.

It took longer than the previous time, but soon an image began to appear above Apollo’s open hand. Xanthe’s eyes stared back at them as the image moved out, seemingly looking through all of them at something behind the image. She was in full armor, the soft glow of a massive coral palace lit by glowing pearls behind her. She looked uneasy, face furrowed into a frown as she kept her gaze steady. Finally a voice rang out, Xanthe’s familiar tone echoing through the room. 

“ Πατέρας , something approaches. It feels old and powerful. My messengers tell me they cannot get any messages through to you. I cannot feel you. I cannot leave the city boundaries. Something has poisoned me, I am not healing well.” The goddess finally spoke. She did look rather ill, her eyes had dark circles under them, and a large gash along her collar bone from some sort of blade had split her open. Golden ichor poured from the wound and part of her breast plate had caved in at the blow. Annabeth’s heart pounded harder at the second mention of poison. 

“Something is coming and I cannot reach you. I must face it, forgive me.” Xanthe finally said, lips moving as she spoke. Annabeth could feel intent rolling off the words, similar to when Percy spoke aloud to his siblings despite actually reaching out with his mind. A quick glance at Poseidon revealed an expression that had twisted into one of both fury and something akin to guilt. He didn’t speak, instead taking in every second of the image as it slowly started to dissolve in Apollo’s hand. 

“Is that all?” Hermes asked,the god still completely focused on his daughter. The fifteen year old didn’t respond, instead the image changed and solidified in Apollo’s hand. 

They all refocused on it, scanning for bits of information they could possibly pull out from the image set before them. It cut to a new scene, this one much louder than the previous one. As the image came into focus Annabeth could hear chanting in an old and powerful language, quietly filling the room with unease. The voice felt cold and cruel, and as the image took final form Annabeth let out a soft gasp.

It was very nearly the image Rachel had painted and revealed to them the night before, Xanthe being pulled to her knees by glowing silver chains inscribed with black writing. The voices chanting got louder and Annabeth could hear the screams of soldiers clashing with monsters in the background. 

The being above Xanthe was no easier to see, still shadowed and monstrous in size. Xanthe struggled against the chains, letting out a desperate scream as she lashed against the chains. It only renewed the golden ichor pouring down her arms. Her appearance was now her in a simple white chiton, clasped over her shoulders and stopping just above her knees. Unlike the image Rachel had painted, the tunic was only smeared with her godly blood while most of it floated off into the water surrounding them. 

Xanthe opened her mouth, eyes starting to glow gold as tears of ichor began to run down her face. “ Βοηθήστε με! Δεν σου τηλεφώνησα πριν, αλλά σου τηλεφωνώ τώρα! Σε παρακαλώ, πατέρα!” The goddess of tsunamis shouted upwards, voice breaking with a desperate sob on the last syllable. With those final words the goddess went slack in her chains, eyes falling shut and body going limp. Her head began to fall towards the sea-floor, but a clawed hand reached out and grabbed a handful of her blonde hair and yanked her head back. Xanthe’s eyes remained closed as the image began to fall away into a spray of mist. 

“That’s all there is.” Michelle said, eyes still closed. Suddenly Apollo shook his head, the image beginning to pull back up. 

“No, keep concentrating. This is a part of a Prophecy. I may be able to loophole our way into seeing some of it through your abilities.” The sun god quickly explained, Michelle nodding as the image focused entirely. 

Annabeth nearly choked as the image reformed. A familiar figure stood holding Xanthe’s limp form with a clawed hand. Tattered black dress, sunken eyes, bloodstained cheeks, and ratty hair. Annabeth’s breaths came faster, eyes widening in horror at the abrupt and unexpected reminder of the Pit. 

“She took longer to fall than I expected from your poison, my sister.” A voice called, another figure stepping into view. It was the goddess Percy had described from his dreams the other night, Eris. The goddess was now in armor, black as night and carrying a sharp dagger in her hands. Her fingers were clawed as well as she reached down and clasped Xanthe’s cheeks harshly with her hand. Nails dug into flesh but Xanthe didn’t so much as flinch. 

“Blasted sea blood.” The ratty goddess’ cold voice said in reply. “ Even his bastards have too much control over a domain that isn’t theirs. Especially the damned boy.” Annabeth’s breath caught in her throat, eyes growing wider. Her mind refused to say the name, still processing what she was seeing before her. 

“Yes, yes, yes. I know all about your hate for that demigod. We’ll get him soon enough.” Eris replied smoothly, dropping Xanthe’s face and standing to face the goddess next to her. 

“ I still do not see why we could not go for him first.” The ratty goddess muttered, eyes dark with rage. Eris shook her head, looking annoyed. 

“ It is how our new friend needs it done. It is more difficult to hide the demigod’s disappearance at this point, our spells will hold here longer so we conserve our resources. He will bring himself to us before long.” Eris snapped back, suddenly turning towards the battlefield behind them with a cruel smile. 

“I wish to bathe in the blood of this battle now, dear sister. Take that one away and go make her downright miserable .” Eris said, waving her hand behind her at the other goddess. 

The word struck Annabeth like a bullet, her mind flashing to an image of Percy’s face, so cold so cruel she didn’t even know he could look so cold, the goddess choking on her own poison-

The image began to fall away as Xanthe was pulled away in a wash of sickly-black water floating away outwards from the goddess of misery. Her mind raced as she tried to keep herself present, but she was almost trapped in a field of memories she couldn’t fight. 

Poseidon looked enraged, the ground quaked slightly but the god had not allowed it to shake more than a slight tremble. The winds outside raged but were already seeming to calm. Annabeth took a shaking breath as Hazel suddenly noticed her appearance. 

“Annabeth? Annabeth, are you ok? What’s wrong?” The daughter of Pluto noticed from a few chairs down, standing and moving towards the daughter of Athena. This brought a few other people’s notice and Annabeth heaved in another gasp, mind still racing. 

“Akhlys.” Annabeth managed to wheeze out, before suddenly realizing she couldn’t be in that room anymore. She jumped to her feet, racing out towards the Poseidon cabin. 

She heard people shouting after her as she ran. A long time ago she would even be embarrassed at the scene she had just caused, but now she knew that getting away from everyone was more important. The rain seemed to part around her but she only noticed as an afterthought. Her feet slammed into the earth as she ran, breath coming in rapid gasps. Tears started rolling down her face as she remembered Percy, broken, bleeding, crying for her, clutching her hand in his-

Finally she reached the door to cabin three, slamming into it and racing inside. She ran for the bathroom, desperate to lock herself away where she felt like nothing could get inside. She slammed the door and slid the lock into place before collapsing onto the floor. She pulled her knees to her chest and squeezed her eyes shut. She braced herself against the door as she tried to breathe through her panic. Before she shut her eyes her vision had been spotty, and still even she could hear Percy screaming for her in her mind. She could hear herself too, desperately calling for Percy while blind and deaf, not able to feel him anywhere around her. She sobbed, burying her head in her knees as she tried to stop gasping. 

She felt so weak when this happened. She knew it wasn't a weakness, not really. She knew this was expected, that they had been through a lot, but everytime she broke down she felt like a failure. Things got better with time, but a direct reminder of one of the worst things she had ever experienced coupled with Percy being taken had wreaked havoc on Annabeth’s emotions. 

A few minutes later she had managed to slow her breathing and heart rate slightly, still unable to move as her sobs subsided. She took another deep breath and jumped suddenly at a soft knock on the other side of the door. 

“Annabeth?” A voice called, oddly familiar. Annabeth frowned, wiping her face and coughing slightly to clear her throat.

“What?” She called weakly. She heard shuffling for a moment before the voice continued.

“Would you be able to come out or could I come in?” A voice called through the door. Annabeth suddenly realized it was Apollo calling from outside. She blinked for a moment and finished wiping her face somewhat clear of her tears. 

“I’ll come out.” Annabeth said in reply, pulling herself to her feet. She splashed a little water on her face, frowning at how red her eyes looked before she pulled open the door and was slightly stunned to find not only Apollo, but also Poseidon and Hermes standing further back in the cabin. 

“We need to ask how you know Akhlys.” Apollo told her slowly, looking her over briefly. Annabeth swallowed hard, glancing at the ground. 

“It’s something me and Percy never wanted to talk about.” She said softly, voice nearly breaking. Apollo nodded at her and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. 

“It seems like now it’s going to be important that we have all the facts.” The sun god said, Annabeth nodding slowly. 

“I know. I need to sit down.” The daughter of Athena said, moving around Apollo towards where she and Percy had two beds pushed together. She sat down, pulling Percy’s pillow closer to her chest so she could try and catch the scent of his favorite shampoo he used. 

“Where did you meet her, child?” Poseidon said softly, eyes seemingly calm for a moment, though Annabeth knew that was likely to not freak her out. Annabeth took a deep breath as the three gods moved around her. Apollo sat down on a neighboring unused bed, and Hermes conjured a folding chair to sit down on. Poseidon remained standing near the door, now dressed in his usual Hawiian shirt and bermuda shorts. 

“The Pit.” Annabeth said after a moment, all three gods shuddered at the mention of the place. “We needed her Death Mist. It was the only way to make it to the doors unnoticed.” She started to explain, glancing down at the pillow still clutched in her lap. The gods exchanged glances, Poseidon looking back to her face closely. 

“We were so tired. We knew she would betray us but we had to try, see if we could outsmart her.” Annabeth continued, not able to turn her head up yet. She swallowed thickly, shaking her head. “And betray she did. She tried to kill us, drown us in her poison. We couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t breathe and then suddenly I could again.” She stopped, not sure how to continue. 

“And then?” Apollo asked softly after another moment. Annabeth took a deep breath, waiting another beat before opening her mouth again. 

“Percy was choking her with her own poison.” She finally said. It felt strange to say it to anyone else, she had always known that if it wasn’t life or death this was something she and Percy wanted to keep between them. It had taken weeks for them to even broach the subject with each other, and Annabeth had sobbed to Percy how sorry was for her initial reaction. 

She was scared, when it had first happened, but her emotions were also completely fried. They had been on the verge of death for days, they were exhausted and nearly ready to give up though neither of them would have admitted it at the time. They kept going for each other and nothing else. 

They had spent several days discussing everything that happened with their therapists and they had come to accept what had happened, though Percy had still been resolved to never use that ability again. She had always known though that he would never hurt her, and he had only done it to keep her safe. 

She looked up to see Hermes and Apollo exchanging glances with somewhat shocked expressions, and spotted Poseidon nodding sagely. 

“It does not surprise me, he is not the first child of mine to exhibit control of other liquid substances in extreme circumstances.” The lord of the seas said softly. Annabeth’s eyes shot open wider. 

“Really?” She asked quietly. They had been worried it was an effect of the Pit, and now Annabeth wished she had pushed Percy to speak with his father about the topic earlier. Poseidon nodded in reply.

“It would explain why she would agree to stand against you, those two children of Nyx are typically very focused on one goal when they get together.” Hermes commented after a beat, looking over at his uncle who scowled. 

“It seems this new ‘friend’ they mentioned may be the true mastermind behind this plan.” Poseidon said darkly, looking out towards the stormy water. 

“What could disguise itself enough that you can’t recognize it?” Annabeth asked quietly, glancing up at her boyfriend’s father. Poseidon shook his head. 

“Not much, typically something old and belonging to the seas.” The sea god said, looking back towards her. 

“What do we do now?” Annabeth asked after another moment. Poseidon’s expression darkened and he looked towards his nephews. Apollo and Hermes stood. 

“Alert your father as to what has happened, as of now Atlantis is officially at war. If I find out anyone is withholding information about what has happened to my children they are standing against me and I consider that an act of betrayal. I will return to Atlantis to continue fighting and begin the search for them.” The god of the seas said, coldly, Hermes nodding and disappearing into thin air.

“Uncle, contact me if anything occurs and you are in need of a healer. Especially if the situation is anything like last time.” Apollo said softly, nodding to the lord of horses and disappearing with the scent of flowers and of hot asphalt warmed by the sun. 

Poseidon was left alone with Annabeth, scowling at the reminder. Annabeth looked at the god, now needing to know. 

“What happened last time that was so terrible?” Annabeth asked. “We know she was tortured, but Apollo says it's bad enough he doesn’t want any of his children to see it.” Annabeth’s voice nearly shook. If it had happened like that last time what was to say it wouldn’t happen to Percy now. Would he be able to recover? What should she expect to find when they brought him home (because there was no way in any hell that she wasn’t bringing him home, not after everything they’d been through)?

The god of the seas tensed, jaw clenching as he glanced back her direction. He shook his head before he spoke. “It is not my place to tell you that. I can assure you that what happened to Xanthe cannot happen the same way to Percy, that is a much more complicated story than her imprisonment alone.” The lord of horses said, his tone not doing much to reassure Annabeth. She nodded though was not entirely pleased with the answer. Something suddenly dawned on her, and she reached quickly for her phone. 

“I need to tell Sally and Paul.” Annabeth said, trying to open her contacts. Poseidon shook his head at her. 

Poseidon looked her over briefly before moving slowly towards the door. 

“I will tell her myself now. I will return later to discuss any possible findings, contact me if anything changes.” The sea god said, disappearing with the roar of a sea storm and a crashing wave. Annabeth took a shaky breath before smoothing her expression. She stood and headed back towards the Big House. She needed to check in with the others and figure out what the plan was from the camp's perspective. 

___________________________________________________________________________

Sally Jackson-Blofis awoke to find the world shaking around her. Picture frames clattered off the wall in her bedroom, and she felt Paul jolt awake next to her. Her heart started pounding as she threw back her cream-colored comforter and leapt to her feet, racing down the hall with her husband on her heels. 

Estelle slept in the room next to them in their three-bedroom house Paul and Sally had bought shortly before their child was born. It was a quaint place in the suburbs, not terribly far from Montauk, and Percy had been overjoyed to discover they had managed to move outside of the city when he returned from the Giant War. 

Sally knew the life of a demigod would be dangerous before Percy was ever born. She thought she had seen him through the worst of it, that he had survived insurmountable odds and lived past his sixteenth birthday. He had turned down immortality to remain with his girlfriend and family for the rest of his life. He had gone back to school, and with Annabeth’s help maintained decent grades and started branching out more at school after he successfully toppled the titan lord. Late that November Sally had discovered she was pregnant with Estelle. 

At first Sally was worried about how Percy would react, terrified her child would think she was attempting to replace him. Instead Percy had been absolutely overjoyed, already begging her to let him help get the nursery ready, and deciding on what stories he could tell his new sibling from the myths of his godly family. Sally had been so overwhelmed with joy and love from her son it had nearly brought her to tears. Sometimes she wondered how she had gotten so lucky with the boy she had raised. 

The next day Percy went off to camp to visit his friends and Annabeth, there visiting before she would return to California and school with her father. He had been thrilled to share the news, with her permission of course, and had gladly announced to the entire camp that he was to be a big brother for the second time. Percy never forgot about Tyson, and the boys visited each other at camp often. Sometimes she would come home from the publisher’s office to find Tyson sitting cheerfully in their living room, him and Percy attempting to play some sort of video game. She had always loved having the young cyclops in her home and she knew it made Poseidon happy when his children got along. 

It was a few days later that Sally got a call from Annabeth. The worst news she had ever heard in her life passed through the phone, the demigod daughter of Athena’s voice distraught. 

“Sally, we can’t find him. Percy’s disappeared.” 

The following months were the hardest in her entire life, and considering what she had endured in the years of her previous marriage that said a lot. Not knowing where Percy was had crushed her, she found herself in a daze. She forced herself to be strong, for her son. She had to be strong, she knew he was. She would find his way home to her, Sally could feel it. Finally she received word that something had changed, that they may have a lead on where Percy had gone. 

Three demigods, Jason, Piper, and Leo as she would later learn, had made a sudden appearance. Jason a Roman demigod that had his memory wiped by the queen of the gods. They believed the boys had been switched, forcing them to bring the camps together. Still though there was no word on where Percy was. 

Then suddenly it was June. Sally, now eight months pregnant, was having an incredibly difficult pregnancy. She had terrible morning sickness, high blood pressure, and more. Her doctors were in a frazzle trying to make sure she was healthy and able to carry the baby to term. She still held strong. She just had to wait, her boy would come home to her. Percy would fight empires to come meet his little sister (she tried not to think about the fact that he didn’t know Estelle was a girl when he had been taken). 

Then one morning she got up and found two voicemails waiting for her. The first was just a publisher calling to ask for an update for her most recent work she had started prior to Percy’s disappearance, but the second one had left her in tears. 

“Mom. Hey, I’m alive…” She had desperately hit redial on the number, but the phone rang and never picked up. Paul had found her a few minutes later, desperately calling Annabeth on her cell to let her listen to the message her son had finally given them. 

A few weeks later they set off for the Roman camp, Annabeth promising to keep in touch with updates. And then she heard nothing, for weeks. Soon it was early July, and Sally was rapidly approaching her due date. Her profession had taken off in a way she hadn’t expected, and her books had sold enough that she and Paul were able to put down a deposit on a house. They had carefully packed all of Percy’s belongings and arranged them for him in the new room. Sally had had Paul paint it sea-blue. 

Sally stayed strong as they decorated the nursery, she tried not to cry when she realized Percy hadn’t been able to pick anything out with her like he had wanted to. Then finally, she went into labor. 

It was Poseidon who sent her into labor, oddly enough. She woke up that morning to the earth shaking beneath her, a moderate earthquake that had later revealed to be a 5.5 on the Richter scale. Thankfully their house was unharmed, but it was only a few minutes later there had been a knock on the door. 

Paul opened the door to find the lord of the seas, form practically flickering, with a grim expression on his face. Sally had sobbed when he came around the corner, suddenly tensing as she felt something in her stomach bare down. 

“What happened to my son?” Sally had asked, Paul racing to her side as she nearly doubled over. There were very few reasons the earthshaker’s powers would rock New York, and the last time it had happened was when Poseidon had been told his son had been taken. Poseidon had looked distressed, glancing down where water had spread down her thighs, before he finally answered. 

He told her their son wasn’t dead, but had fallen into Tartarus. The Pit. Sally had sobbed at the news, Paul desperately packing the car to get her to the hospital. Poseidon had sat with her, eyes concerned as she cried. 

Finally they arrived at the hospital, the doctors rushing to get everything in place. Estelle had come quickly, and thankfully without much fuss as Sally had found herself exhausted. Poseidon had left when they got into the car, and Paul held her hand with teary eyes while their daughter was born. Sally was distraught, one of the best days of her life coupled with one of the worst. Her son was in literal hell, trapped while she could do nothing. He had missed the birth of his precious little sister and he didn’t even know it. 

She had cried and clutched Estelle close in her arms while Paul hugged them. 

A few weeks after that there was a knock at her door, and her son was standing before her. He was battered, bruised, and looked hauntingly thin, but he was there. She had crushed him in her arms, pulling a haunted looking Annabeth in with them. They had cried together for a while, while her son told her a quick summary of everything that had happened. 

And then Estelle started to cry. She had seen the look on Percy’s face, his eyes going wide with shock and guilt. She had smiled at him. “ Come meet your little sister.” She had told him gently. Percy had cried softly when Estelle was placed carefully in his arms, looking desperately up at his mother. 

“ I have a sister?” He had asked, a spark of joy lighting his face. He had truly become the best big brother ever, overcoming so many challenges to be there for his newborn sister. 

Her poor son was so broken, so exhausted. He had woken every night for weeks with violent screams, begging for Annabeth through broken sobs. Sally had wept for her boy, and watched on with pride as he accepted and learned from the help that was finally given to him. She cheered with him when he got into New Rome University, and had driven with him across the country to move him into his apartment with Annabeth. 

She was so proud of the man her son had become. Those few years of relative peace Percy had started to meet his older siblings as well, Rhode even making several appearances at her home. Even Triton once had been by to introduce himself, and Sally had been shocked to discover Benthesikyme playing with Percy and Estelle on the beach and Montauk one afternoon. 

Even Poseidon had come around a few more times, it felt oddly like true coparenting, Poseidon asking her permission to have Percy around Atlantis for the holidays and things of that sort. She had been lulled, she supposed, into a sense of peace.

Which brought her to today. Estelle was rapidly approaching her second birthday, and she knew that something had been going on at camp. Percy had mentioned he would still be home on July fifth for Estelle’s birthday party, but had been unsure on if he could stay any longer. He had told Sally about his newest godly sister, Xanthe, and about the conflict beginning under the sea. Sally was worried, but she had to trust her son would come home. He promised her he would always do everything to come home. 

But now, the earth shook underneath her. She flew into Estelle’s room, which they had painted a light blue (Percy had been thrilled at this revelation), but oddly enough everything seemed much too calm in there. Estelle slept soundly in her crib, her dark brown curls messy around her head. She was in her Nemo pajamas, which Percy had proudly picked out for her while at the store one day, and didn’t seem disturbed at all by the earthquake going on. A quick glance around the room as Paul came to a halt next to her was that nothing in this room was shaking. A look back towards the hallway showed the pictures still shaking in their frames, but here they were still. 

“Well that’s… odd.” Paul finally said, looking around the room and back towards Sally. She moved closer towards the bed, checking once more that her daughter was unharmed, and then looked out the window. A torrential downpour went on outside, and soon enough the hallway outside stopped shaking as well. Deciding to let Estelle sleep, Sally and Paul quietly stepped outside towards the living room. 

“What in the world was that?” Paul finally asked, Sally quickly moving to where her phone was plugged in. She yanked it up, scanning her phone but not seeing any messages. She pulled up Percy’s contact and started calling, the phone ringing before shortly going to voicemail. She nearly yelled as understanding dawned on her husband’s face. 

“He’s not answering.” Sally said, pulling up her texts and sending rapid ones to Percy, asking where he was and what had happened. She waited another moment in heavy silence with Paul but did not get a response. 

“Try to call camp.” Paul suddenly said, pulling her over to sit down on the couch. Sally nodded numbly and started calling the number she had saved for camp half-blood. It rang and went to voicemail. She cursed, dropping her phone and running her hands through her hair. 

“Why aren’t they picking up?” Sally asked desperately, Paul taking her hands as he sat down next to her. She leaned against him, eyes welling with tears as he shook his head. 

“Give them some time, we’ll call them again if we don’t hear back.” Paul soothed, Sally nodding against him. If something had just happened Percy could be in the middle of battle, hopefully soon they would have more answers.

But why then would her son’s father be so angry? She frowned, closing her eyes and sending out a small prayer towards her ex-lover. 

“What happened to our son, Poseidon?” She asked, but did not receive a response. 

They sat there another hour before Estelle woke up, babbling from the other room. Paul had gotten up to get her dressed, Sally moving numbly towards the kitchen to get her daughter’s breakfast ready. 

After feeding Estelle and cleaning up, Sally suddenly saw her phone light up on the counter. She had raced towards it, snatching it up to see a text with Percy’s contact lighting up her screen. 

Relief poured into her body as she opened the message, but it only lasted for a brief second before a cold feeling swept her body and she frowned. 

“Hey mom. I’m alright, tell dad to relax. Just having a family reunion of sorts.” The message read. 

“What’s wrong?” Paul asked quickly, picking Estelle up. Sally shook her head, not sure what to think of the message. 

“Percy texted me but… something doesn’t sound right here.” Sally said slowly. Paul frowned and moved to put Estelle in a playpen in the living room, putting on Dora for her to watch so they could talk for a minute. 

Paul read the message too, brow furrowing. “You’re right, it doesn’t really sound like something he would say to you right now.” Paul said after a moment, looking back up at her. A pit of worry grew in her stomach, and she took a shaky breath. 

They sat for a moment before suddenly there was a knock on their front door. Sally froze, Paul’s eyes widening as he moved to answer it. Sally’s heart thumped against her chest as Poseidon came into view, dressed in his usual Hawaiian shirt combo. 

He had a grim expression on his face, his eyes dark and stormy. 

“Not again.” Sally said to him desperately, and Poseidon shook his head. 

“The story is even more complicated this time. I need to fill you both in.” Poseidon said, and Sally gestured to the kitchen table. Together the two stunned mortals and the god of the seas sat down, Poseidon shifting uncomfortably. 

“What happened to our son?” Sally asked him firmly, eyes boring into him. Poseidon’s expression darkened. 

“Three of my children have now been taken, Percy included.” Poseidon told them, Paul’s eyes widening. 

“Who took them?” Sally asked in reply, searching the god’s expression. He scowled. 

“So far we have identified two individuals involved, Akhlys goddess of misery and poison, and her sister Eris goddess of strife and discord.” The lord of the seas said. “However there is another unknown entity in play, an older sea deity I have been unable to identify. I am not sure why but they are targeting my children. Xanthe was taken first nearly three days ago, and Kymopoleia late sometime two days ago or so. By our account Percy was taken sometime last night.” Poseidon finished grimly. 

“Last night?” Sally clarified, glancing down at her phone. Poseidon nodded darkly. 

“Yes, I did not know any of them had been taken until this morning. Powerful spellwork was cast over my daughters’ homes, it sent replies to messages insisting everything was going fine, and cut off their ability to contact the outside world or leave the city. They also cut off contact with Atlantis, something we didn’t realize until early this morning when Hermes arrived. Yesterday something akin to a prophecy was unveiled and Percy could not contact any of Atlantis, so he attempted to travel to me and figure out what was going on. He never arrived and the camp has not heard from him. We have since been able to confirm he too has been taken.” Poseidon summarized, looking furious. Paul looked back and forth between them before beating Sally to the burning question that had arisen. 

“Then how did Percy just text us?” Paul asked quietly, looking down at Sally's phone. Poseidon’s face twisted to one of surprise, reaching out and taking the phone Sally offered to him. He read the text a few times, now looking puzzled. 

“It appears somewhat similar to the ‘autoreplies’ Hermes states the spellwork would send out when anyone was contacted underwater. It is how Xanthe and Kym were taken without my notice. Annabeth received one last night from him, stating he was safe and with me which was not the case. However now I was assured that those spells are completely removed, so I am unsure who would send this unless it was intentional.” The lord of the seas said, voice barely disguising rage. He handed the phone back to her. 

“Someone took my son and sent that on purpose ?” Sally hissed angrily, eyes blazing into Poseidon. 

“I believe it was meant for me, though I don’t yet understand why.” The sea god said, frustration evident in his tone. He ran his hand across his head, looking down at the floor. 

“Three of my children, three taken and I haven’t a clue where they are. I have so much power at my disposal and yet, now I am completely useless.” Poseidon growled, looking as though he wanted to disintegrate something. Sally paused at that, looking over at Paul. A cold feeling washed over her. The father of her son didn’t know how to find him. 

She knew of the Odyssey, of Poseidon’s rage over Polyphemus. She had read countless myths depicting Poseidon doing everything in his power to protect his children. He had told her once of his family, of his children long passed in that summer they had spent together. When she discovered she was pregnant she couldn’t help but be thankful her son’s father would do everything he could to protect him. 

For him to be unable to find not one but three of his children she knew he would be in agony. Even when Percy was young and Poseidon was forced to stay away to avoid attention from his brothers she found evidence that he had come to visit Percy while she slept. She’d find her son content, cuddling some sort of small toy or a new figurine on his dresser. She didn’t ever know exactly where they came from, but she had a feeling it was Poseidon checking in on their son even when it was dangerous for them both. 

“You’ll find them. All of them. And you’ll bring each of them home.” Sally said, voice firm. Poseidon looked up at her with an unknown expression, guilt and sorrow prominent in his gaze. 

“I will. I won’t rest until each of them is back in my arms.” Poseidon swore. 

“Good. Bring our son home, Poseidon. And his sisters.” Sally said. She knew that Percy’s older siblings had become a positive impact on him, allowing Percy to finally experience some semblance of normality in his entirely abnormal life. The past few years had been a blessing, and all she wanted was for all of Poseidon’s children to be back where they belonged, getting into normal trouble like throwing parties with their younger brother.

“It does bring me a small amount of comfort that they are likely to be together, I know they will protect each other until I can reach them.” Poseidon said softly, eyebrows coming together to form a worried line. 

“Percy’s enjoyed having them around. And having you around.” Sally replied, glancing over at Paul who nodded. 

“And his siblings have enjoyed getting to know him. Xanthe and Rhode in particular seem especially fond.” Poseidon said, a hint of amusement breaking through in his voice as the god let out a small smile. They sat in silence for a beat before Paul softly cleared his throat, glancing over at the god of the seas. 

“By the way, I couldn't help but notice that our entire house was shaking this morning, except for Estelle’s room. Should we be concerned about that?” Sally’s husband asked, glancing towards the playpen where the toddler babbled, watching Dora with a squeal of delight. Poseidon turned to look as well, a warm expression breaking out over the god’s face as he stood and walked over to Estelle. Sally followed him, knowing Poseidon would not injure her daughter. Estelle looked up and babbled, grinning up at the god who reached down and picked her up, placing her gently on his hip. It made Sally’s heart clench, she had only ever seen Poseidon hold Percy once, the day he was born. The god had come to meet his son and wish them both a final farewell, his presence was already attracting more attention to her than originally anticipated. 

The god of the seas smiled at her daughter, placing two fingers on her forehead and the toddler let out a loud laugh as a small flash of light flickered outwards from her. 

“What was that?” Paul asked quickly, glancing down at their grinning daughter. Poseidon handed Estelle gently to Paul with another smile as the toddler patted his face. 

“It appears some of my children have paid her a visit. She is quite protected from aspects of my realm, she also cannot drown and no boat she is on will ever experience rough seas.” The god of the seas rumbled, a look of deep fondness on his face. Sally’s eyes widened as she walked over, brushing Estelle’s hair back with a shocked expression. Paul looked down at their child’s face, expression stunned. 

“Thank them for me.” Sally said in awe, glancing back up towards her son’s father. Poseidon nodded warmly to her before his expression once more turned grim. 

“I must return and check on my other children. Amphitrite is watching over them for the time being but they have been outside of my sight long enough that I wish to see them myself. If I have news I will send word or come myself if I am able in the meantime I wish to see you both protected, if this is truly someone targeting me or my family they may see you or your daughter as leverage, as it is apparent to anyone in my world that the royal family favors that child.” Poseidon explained, waving his hand behind him. 

Suddenly two men appeared in the hallway behind her, something slightly inhuman about them despite being in mortal form. They were tall and tanned, dark hair and sharp features, both dressed in celestial bronze armor with swords holstered by their sides. They bowed to the god of the seas before standing upright, like they were waiting for orders. 

Paul jumped when they appeared, Sally looking over at them before Poseidon continued. “These are two of my most loyal guards, Haunce and Margialis. They have served me and my family well for many years, if you would allow them I would like for them to stay and protect you.” Poseidon said, glancing back towards Sally. 

“You really think someone would come after us?” She asked quietly. Poseidon’s expression darkened, shaking his head. 

“At this point I don’t know what to think. What I do know is our son will want you two and his little sister protected if something were to happen.” The lord of the seas replied gravely. Sally finally nodded, Poseidon gesturing to her as he turned back to face the two guards. 

“This is Sally Jackson-Blofis and her husband Paul Blofis, Prince Perseus’ mother and stepfather, as well as their daughter Estelle. Guard them with your life.” Poseidon ordered, the two guards saluting to him. 

“Yes, sire.” They both replied. They announced they were going to secure the perimeter and swiftly pulled open the front door and stepped outside. 

“If you find anything, you let me know as soon as you do.” Sally said firmly to the lord of the seas, who nodded at her in return. 

“I will.” The god of the sea said, disappearing into a spray of sea-mist. The guards returned a few moments later as Sally settled Estelle back into the playpen, desperate to take a moment and process. The guards glanced at each other as she stood up, before one (Margialis if Sally recalled correctly) opened his mouth to speak. 

“The perimeter is secure, my lady. If you and your husband need a moment we would be able to watch over the…Princess.” The guard said slowly, trailing off before deciding on what to refer to Estelle as. Sally shook her head. 

“She is not your king’s child.” Sally said weakly, glancing down at her daughter. The guard nodded at her. 

“I know, but she is our Prince’s sister. It seems like the most appropriate title to offer her.” Margialis stated, glancing over at Paul who had a stunned expression. 

“Are you comfortable? Watching a mortal child?” Sally asked slowly. The guard smiled softly at her, nodding. 

“I am a father myself, my lady, and I have been with the royal family for thousands of years. I was present for three of the royal family’s births, and even Lady Xanthe was brought to the palace in her youth though I am unsure if she remembers much of that now.” Margialis explained, Sally nodding back in response. 

“I’ll be back in a moment.” Sally finally said, turning and walking back towards her bedroom, finally letting a few tears fall. It appeared Paul agreed the guards could handle their toddler for a few moments while Sally collected herself.

Paul pulled her into a hug as she let herself cry, finally feeling her strength leave her. She almost cursed the gods, they had better find a way to bring her son home to her or she would outright march on Olympus herself. 

Chapter Text

The first thing Percy noticed when his consciousness began to fight its way to the surface was that he hurt . He wasn’t sure how long he had been unconscious, and as he managed to pry his eyes open slightly he struggled to recall what had happened. 

He tried to move his arms, eyes snapping open as he let out a groan, wrists tugging against clanging chains restraining him from moving his hands towards his face. His right side still throbbed, though he debated if it felt slightly better than it had before. His heart was pounding in his chest as everything started to come back to him, and he finally managed to lift his head and look around. 

He was seated, thankfully not on his knees, though the position he was in was far from comfortable. He was propped up against a stone wall behind him, the only light a single torch on the wall to his right lit with oddly glowing silver fire. His arms were chained around his wrists to his shoulders, silver with black sigils exactly how he remembered. They were pulled upwards, bolted into the wall a few feet above his head. It forced his arms upwards, and he sat up straighter in an attempt to relieve some of the pressure on his painful shoulders and hissing slightly as he jostled his ribs. A few short gasps later he realized he could take somewhat of a deeper breath now and managed to slow his breathing back down. 

Percy couldn’t see much of anything else, he was in a cell of some sort. Stone walls led to a stone ceiling on three sides, though towards the front he could see slotted metal indicating some sort of cell door. It felt somewhat like an old prison, or dungeon. A quick glance revealed somehow he was in completely new clothes, now wearing some sort of simple white chiton clasped over his right shoulder and the fabric falling down around his knees. He scowled, wondering where his clothes and weapons had been taken. He listened closely, at first only hearing the sound of his own breaths, but soon hearing the sound of a woman whispering somewhere nearby. 

“Hello?” Percy called quietly, wincing as his throat burned from disuse. He coughed slightly, grimacing at the sensation of it in his chest. “Is someone there?” He called again, the whispering stopping from wherever it had come from. 

After a few seconds Percy was about to call out again, desperate to see if someone else had any idea what was going on and why Akhyls had taken him when a woman's voice called back, strikingly familiar. 

“Perseus?” Kymopoleia’s voice said, rough and tired. Percy’s eyes widened as his head shot up, turning towards his left where her voice had come from. It sounded like she was in the cell next to him. 

“Kym?!” Percy called in shock, staring at the wall beside him. He heard the sound of chains rustling before his sister’s voice called again. 

“Are you hurt, little brother?” The voice said, Percy starting to feel uneasy. 

“A bit, yeah. What’s going on? You were just talking to me… I don’t know how long it’s been but like yesterday for me and you said you were fine. And then I came to find dad because we found Rachel had painted something weird of Xanthe and then some sea-monsters attacked me-” The demigod rushed out, now glancing worriedly around his cell. It appeared that vision had come true, Rachel had said she painted Xanthe’s image with black hair before, he supposed that meant the Oracle was trying to convey that both of his older sisters had been captured though he didn’t understand why Xanthe wasn’t responding. 

“Of Xanthe in chains?” Kym’s voice called back darkly, causing Percy to come to an abrupt halt. 

“Is she here, have you spoken to her? Is she alright?” Percy asked quickly. Kym took a second to reply. 

“I can see her, across from me. She was here when I awoke after being bound, she is bleeding from her head and she has not woken up since. I feel it has been several days since I first appeared here.” Kym finally announced, sounding tense. Percy’s eyes widened. 

“Several days?! But I swear even dad thinks you’re fine Kym, we’ve been getting messages from you guys and everything.” Percy stopped after a moment, thinking back to how odd the messages had been the past several days. “Unless someone else has been replying for you.” The demigod said after another second, horror growing in his tone. Kym seemed to move next to him, the sound of the chains shifting over the stone wall. 

“That seems most likely, communications were cut off several days ago. I found myself unable to leave the palace, none of my subjects were able to either. We fought until I was weakened, something poisoned me and old powers emerged with spells older than even myself. They bound me, I called for father and mother. Neither of them heard me.” Kym said darkly, sounding truly exhausted. 

“Are you ok? What happens when you’re bound, are you mortal? Can you die?” Percy asked quickly. 

“It is similar to being trapped in a mortal body. Our divinity will regenerate injuries on a much slower level though, and we are weak. We do not need food or mortal comforts though I find I would particularly enjoy some sort of mortal sweet at the current moment.” Kym finally said, a slight bit of amusement entering her tone. Percy almost rolled his eyes, if only he wasn’t so concerned. 

“But Xanthe hasn’t woken up, why?” He replied, Kym was silent for another moment. 

“I do not know.” Kym said, voice heavy with emotion. “I have called for her, but she does not wake. Sometimes she speaks, but her eyes never open.” 

“What does she say?” Percy asked, almost scared to know the answer. 

“She cries for her mother sometimes, or her wife.” The goddess revealed, sounded troubled. Percy frowned, Xanthe had not discussed either topic with him in great detail, both were touchy subjects for somewhat obvious reasons and he did not know the full story. 

“You haven’t told me if you’re hurt.” Percy replied, turning his gaze back to where he now assumed his sister sat in the cell next to him. 

“A few minor afflictions, the poison is still in my system. I am trying to avoid unconsciousness, the toxin is apparently some sort of hallucinogenic.” Kym told him, Percy wincing at the thought of it. Both his sisters had long and complicated lives, with many aspects they would rather not relive in some sort of godly LSD trip. 

“Do you think Xanthe’s been poisoned?” Percy asked after another second. 

“Highly likely, her head wound likely happened in the struggle. Her body will heal, though it is taking longer than I would like.” Kym grumbled, sounding enraged. Percy felt a jolt of anger spike through him, why had Ahklys come for his sisters if he was the one she wanted? Something wasn’t lining up. 

“Camp will know I’m gone, they’ll tell dad and figure out you two are here as well.” Percy said in response, nodding to himself. He waited for Kym’s response, but instead she said nothing as a cold voice emerged from out of sight. 

“Oh, I’m counting on that actually.” A male voice said, the sound causing the hairs on Percy’s arms and neck to raise. 

“Who are you? What do you want?!” Percy yelled, baring his teeth at the unseen foe. Suddenly a shadowed being appeared at the edge of his cell door. He could vaguely see the outline of a tall being, clawed hands on his fingertips and long black hair that fell around his waist. Percy squinted but couldn’t make out much more as the figure laughed, Kym in the next cell letting out a string of curses as Percy heard the sound of a cell door opening that was not his own, the figure disappearing from view. 

“For what the god of the seas has done to me, done to my mother ? I want every last one of his precious royal children to pay. I wanted all of you here before I began, but alas he has discovered your disappearance and the others have been placed on lockdown in Atlantis.” The voice continued, Percy suddenly hearing the sound of chains being moved across the small hallway from him. 

“Don't touch her, you τρεις φορές καταραμένο κομμάτι κοπριάς αλόγου!” Kym suddenly roared, Percy managing to pull himself to his feet as he tried desperately to see what the figure was doing in Xanthe’s cell. 

His blonde older sister had still not made a sound, and the male voice let out a soft hum and laugh at Kym’s outburst. Percy somewhat understood his older sister had just called the being a thrice damned piece of horse shit, but still was too intensely focused on what the being was doing to laugh. 

“Your mother messaged you this morning, Perseus. The seas are angry and it has her worried.” The being said suddenly, Percy’s heart dropping to his feet as a feeling of terror poured over him. 

“If you go near her-” Percy growled, pulling against the chains in his cell. 

“ Like you could stop me .” The being interrupted, snarling at him. Percy bared his teeth in response. 

“But I did not hurt her. I just let her know that you’re going to be having a little family reunion for the time being.” The voice told him, back to a more casual tone of voice as if this was a totally normal conversation to be having. “Xanthe dreams of her mother too. I’m glad you irritated Ahklys so badly in the Pit, little demigod. She makes for a valuable ally in my plight. Her poison has left this one’s mind addled for days now.” The being continued, Percy nearly flinched at the name. 

“What have you done to her?” Poseidon’s only demigod son asked darkly, the being letting out a cruel laugh. 

“She won’t die, boy. Not until I want you all to.” The voice continued, Kym snarling out another muttered insult. 

“Why? What did dad do to you, to your mother?” Percy finally asked, desperate to get the beings attention away from his older sister. The being suddenly appeared in front of his metal door, slamming into the metal bars and causing Percy to jump before glaring back at the being defiantly. 

He was somewhat humanoid, long black hair curled down to around his waist. He was in dark blue-gray armor that almost appeared to be made out of stone. His face was mostly human, though his teeth appeared razor sharp. His hands were clawed and tipped with black scales, and his legs appeared wrapped in a haze of nearly-black mist. His eyes though were the most shocking, sea-green and staring at him with ferocious intensity. The being opened his mouth to speak, an inhuman roar emerging from him. 

“ HE FORGOT US!” The being bellowed, voice echoing through Percy’s entire body and off the cell walls. Kymopoleia fell silent, Percy’s chest heaving as he looked into eyes that nearly matched his own. They were filled with rage and pain, and a type of cruelty he had never seen in eyes like that before. 

“Who are you?” Percy asked quietly, never breaking eye contact with the being in front of him. Teeth pulled into a wicked smile, eyes burning through Percy’s own. 

“As of right now that’s not important. You wanted to think about your mother? Well think of her then. Both of you.” The god said, turning and striding away, but Percy heard Xanthe’s cell swing open again. 

“Leave her alone!” Kym screamed, voice verging on desperation. Percy’s mind started racing, images of his mother conjured before his eyes. She was crying, Paul clutching her to his chest as he tried to console her. Then the image switched, his mother lying dead in a pool of blood, Estelle pulled close to her still chest in her cold, dead hands. 

“Mom?” Percy asked in shock, falling to his knees. The images felt so real, like he was suddenly in his mother and stepfather’s living room. Sally’s eyes were open and unseeing, Percy felt himself choke on a sob. 

A wail broke him out of it, a type of sob he had never heard from either of his sisters before, and he struggled to pull his attention back towards Kym’s shouting and Xanthe’s cries. 

“Μαμά, σε παρακαλώ! Μου υποσχέθηκες, πατέρα, σε παρακαλώ-” Xanthe screamed, voice pitched with an accent he only heard when she spoke in ancient Greek. The being laughed as Kym yelled. 

“ What have you done to them?” Kym howled wildly, the sound of chains being snapped taught from her cell. The being let out another cold laugh, the sound of footsteps making their way out of whatever dungeon they had found themselves in. 

“Reminding them that father rarely keeps his promises.” The being replied, the sound of a door slamming shut behind him. 

Percy’s heart pounded as another image of his mother appeared, on her knees bruised and bloodied, begging him to save her from Gabe. He closed his eyes and tried to drown it out, but it wasn’t easy with Xanthe’s pleading for her mother not far from him and Kym’s voice swearing retribution beside him. 

What had the being just said? Not your father. He just said father.

No…

Chapter Text

By the time Annabeth had returned to the Big House most of the other demigods had made their way back inside. Rachel had also disappeared, likely off in her cave searching through her paintings to see if anything else seemed startlingly relevant. 

Chiron was inside, speaking rapidly with Clarisse and Luginia, both of whom looked to be in a foul mood. Clarisse’s face was twisted in anger, eyeing her older immortal sister with distaste, while Luginia’s expression was contorted with rage. 

The immortal daughter of Ares let out a frustrated growl, throwing her hands up in the air. “And I have told you three times, they will obey my younger siblings if I leave them here. I ask only for a few days to depart on a scouting mission!” Luginia shouted, finally spotting Annabeth entering and gesturing towards the daughter of Athena pointedly. 

“The child of the wisdom goddess will see the value in this plan.” The immortal snarled, Annabeth blinking as she was thrown into the discussion. 

“What exactly is the plan?” Annabeth asked slowly, walking up and standing next to Chiron who had returned to his wheelchair to save space in the crowded room. Chiron shook his head but Clarisse beat him to an answer. 

“She wants to leave, take a few soldiers and go. She is the commander of the immortal warriors and we need her here . Who knows what might be coming our way?” Clarisse shouted in response, eyes blazing. 

“My knowledge of binding divine beings here is valuable, Xanthe told me everything from her previous imprisonment. Together her and I traveled the world and destroyed many of the old powers that have that ability. There are leads I can follow to see if we can figure out where Poseidon’s children have been taken.” Luginia snapped back, crossing her arms over her chest defiantly. Clarisse gnashed her teeth, looking like she was about to retort but Chiron stepped in first. 

“Clarisse, what Luginia is saying has value. She and Xanthe were… partners for many centuries. She knows how to find her, and by default the others.” Chiron soothed, looking between the two daughters of Ares. 

“It’s not safe to leave the warriors without a commander, who knows if they’ll actually listen to me if it comes down to battle?! My immortal siblings have a terrible habit of not doing what they’re told.” Clarisse growled back. 

“I wonder who that reminds me of, Clarisse?” Annabeth couldn’t help but reply, feeling slightly guilty as Clarisse flinched at the reminder of the Battle of Olympus. 

“I know my pride gets in my way, and it has too much in previous years. But I will not watch more of my siblings die because you want to launch a rescue mission for your immortal squeeze.” Clarisse replied darkly, glaring at her older sister for the last part of her sentence. 

Luginia bared her teeth, bringing herself to full height as she glared down at the demigod. 

“Mind your tongue, little sister , when you speak about her. You know nothing of our story.” Lugina said quietly, eyes flickering with rage. It seemed to make Clarisse halt for a moment, though she still looked enraged. 

“That’s enough, both of you.” Chiron snapped, shaking his head. “Luginia what exactly is your plan besides following up on old leads? You and Xanthe have been apart for over a century now, I imagine many of them are quite cold.” Chiron finished, looking at both of them. Luginia scowled, but nodded at him respectfully. 

“There are a few bonded pairs we allowed to remain alive, we found no evidence they used their bond for nefarious purposes. The closest of them was a pack of hellhounds controlled by an immortal demigod magician that last I saw was up in the Maine area. I can track him down in a few days, I just need to get in contact with a few people first.” Luginia explained, voice calmer now but not disguising her displeasure at having to explain herself. 

Chiron nodded sagely at her. “And you truly believe he would be helpful?” The centaur asked, glancing back towards Annabeth. 

“I am unsure, it has been several decades since I saw him last but he was not unpleasant all those years ago.” Luginia grumbled, glancing over her shoulder as the Stoll brothers started bickering over something. 

“Camp would be unprepared if you are gone.” Clarisse said desperately, looking rapidly between Annabeth and her older sister.

“If there's any chance we can figure out where Poseidon’s children have been taken, where Percy has been taken then we have to try.” Annabeth said after a tense moment, Luginia’s face lit up with victory as Clarisse scowled. 

“You’re only saying that because it’s Prissy, Annabeth. You almost tore camp apart the last time he disappeared, I don’t want to see that happen again.” Clarisse growled, Annabeth flinching at the reminder before she scowled back. 

“Damn right I want to find Percy! If someone out there told you Silena was still alive, captured and needing to be rescued you’re telling me you wouldn’t drop anything to go find her?” Annabeth hissed in reply, Clarisse’s expression only darkening. 

“That’s a low blow, princess.” Clarisse finally said. Annabeth nodded. 

“It was, and so is you bringing up Percy after everything we’ve been through.” Annabeth replied, Clarisse finally letting out a small nod. 

“Fine, but you’d better instill the fear of father into them if they dare to disobey me.” Clarisse conceded angrily, poking Luginia harshly in the chest before storming out of the Big House. Luginia let out a somewhat fond smile after her, but it faded just as quickly as she turned back towards Annabeth and Chiron. 

“I can be gone by sunset, if you don’t hear anything from me in three days the warriors will fall as Clarisse’s responsibility as our oldest demigod sibling here.” Luginia told them, Annabeth shaking her head quickly. 

“No, you’re not going alone.” Annabeth said firmly. Luginia chuckled darkly.

“I won’t be alone, I’ll have help coming. They’re rather fond of their cousins and won’t take lightly to them being bound.” Luginia explained, glancing over at Chiron who nodded slowly. 

“If it is who I believe you are talking about they will be a valuable asset.” Chiron said quietly, Luginia nodding to him in confirmation. 

“Who are you talking about?” Annabeth interrupted, glancing at her mentor. 

“Two immortal children of the big three, Bronte daughter of Zues, and Taryn the son of Hades.” Chiron informed her. Annabeth's eyes shot open wider as Luginia nodded once more. 

“Gods?” Annabeth asked quickly. 

“Bronte was a goddess long before I was born, one of Zues’ first demigod daughters. He raised her to immortality as a gift for defeating a small giant uprising that occurred before the Greek empire even existed. Taryn was born six or seven centuries ago, he was bound and trapped when he was discovered as a demigod. They performed some sort of spell that caused his soul to start to twist and change. In desperation to keep him alive Hades raised him to godhood.” Luginia explained gruffly. Annabeth nodded slowly. 

“And they both know Xanthe?” Annabeth asked in reply. Chiron nodded. 

“Bronte met her shortly after Xanthe had ascended. Bronte is quite well versed in hiding herself from godly eyes and taught Xanthe to do the same so she could disguise herself from her father.” Chiron informed her, Annabeth nodding as she contemplated that. 

“When Xanthe and I were traveling and destroying the groups that bound and used demigods for their own gain we came across Taryn, he didn’t even know he was immortal at that point and was running from himself. He latched on to Xanthe, saw her as a mentor and sister that he was never given the chance to be raised around. They have both been recalled to their fathers’ side after the news from this morning, though after I inform them Xanthe has been bound once again they will be happy to escape their notice and join us.” Luginia elaborated, looking darkly pleased. 

“And I’ll go with you.” Annabeth said firmly after a moment, looking at both of them. Chiron frowned and Luginia shook her head. 

“Xanthe would be displeased if you were to be injured, it would upset her little brother. I would not risk taking you.” Luginia argued, scowling. 

“Well tough, neither them nor you make decisions for me. I can look after myself, we can be ready to leave by sunset you said?” Annabeth shot back, face set with determination. There was no way in hell she was sitting by while someone went looking for Percy without her. Not a chance in Tartarus. 

“And you think for a second we aren’t coming with you?” An incredulous voice called behind them, Thalia staring at Annabeth with a firm expression. 

“Damn straight, they’re our cousins too. If there's something we can do to help you’d bet we’re doing it.” Nico’s voice called as he walked up behind his older cousin. Both children of the big three glared at them, faces set with determination. 

By this point the rest of the demigods in the room had fallen silent, watching on with vested interest. Jason suddenly stood too, glancing over at Annabeth. 

“I mean come on, Percy’s family. We aren’t gonna sit here while we wait for news.” Jason said, voice steady.

“As much as I understand that, I feel we need to keep this group small. I’ll need a majority of you here to get the younger campers to safety in case of an attack.” Chiron cut in, looking around the heroes before him. Annabeth frowned, glancing at the other members of the seven who were watching her closely. 

“Chiron’s right, we can’t leave camp undefended. Jason, you’ll be the only big three kid left at camp. Your abilities may be needed here.” Annabeth sighed, shaking her head. Luginia nodded shortly. Jason looked like he was about to protest but Thalia shot him a pointed stare and he nodded curtly. 

“Then it’s settled. I will take those two and the daughter of Athena, everyone else will remain and prepare camp for battle.” Luginia announced, gesturing towards Thalia and Nico. Protests started to ring out, but Annabeth held up her hands. 

“Guys seriously, the camp has to hold strong. And we need people here in case Percy or the others find a way to contact us. Luginia says we can get the information we need in three days, if you haven’t heard from us by then…” Annabeth trailed off, unsure of how to finish. “Well, then keep the camp defended.” She said after a moment. 

“It doesn’t make me feel much better about the situation, but fine. In the meantime we can focus on figuring out who the other individuals are involved in this plot against Lord Poseidon.” Frank said, nodding to Annabeth who nearly sighed in relief. Hazel frowned next to him. 

“I still don’t entirely understand what powers could possibly disguise his children from being taken by force, it seems like something he would be able to recognize quickly.” Hazel mused, glancing over at Luginia. 

“It is odd that Poseidon couldn’t recognize when his children were cut off from his domain.” Luginia replied, face now reading with confusion. “When Xanthe was captured the first time he did not know, but only because she had already hidden herself from him.” The immortal said darkly, shaking her head. Annabeth frowned at that, it had been bugging her too. Poseidon had been one of the first to realize Percy was truly missing, shortly before she had discovered his bed empty that morning all those years ago, simply unable to communicate that to anyone due to being sequestered on Olympus at the time. 

“It is something we can debate later, for now it appears some of my campers have a quest.” Chiron announced, looking grim. “Annabeth, you know all quests must start with a prophecy.” The centaur informed her. Annabeth swallowed hard, not eager to hear what haunting words would follow them on their journey. 

“We’ll go to Rachel when the others arrive.” Annabeth replied, Thalia and Nico nodding their agreement. 

“I need to inform the hunters, Phoebe will be in command until I’m back.” Thalia said, moving to walk out of the Big House. 

“Then we shall reconvene later after you are all prepared.” Chiron said firmly, eyes boring into Annabeth’s own. The demigod daughter of Athena nodded, knowing she needed to inform her siblings about her impending absence. Slowly the demigods all broke off, unease palpable as they made their way towards their cabins. Annabeth took a shaky breath, hoping this wasn’t going to come back to bite them. 

____________________________________________________________________________

Several hours later Annabeth found herself sitting by the water. Poseidon had managed to calm his temper enough that the water could be described as rocky rather than full-blown storm as it had been earlier. 

Malcolm and a few other other siblings had been very against her leaving with Luginia and the small group they had formed as an impromptu rescue mission. She was uneasy, leaving them behind when camp was potentially under threat, but she simply could not find it in herself to stay when there was a chance of tracking Percy down. 

Annabeth had packed a few days worth of clothes, as well as her sword and two extra daggers. She had also tossed in rations that could get her through nearly a week if she had to conserve, and a small pouch of golden drachmas. She was dressed in black leggings, one of her knives holstered against her thigh, and had changed out of a camp shirt and instead had thrown on a simple blue t-shirt and black jacket in case the weather were to be colder than they had anticipated. Despite it being June, enough had happened on her quests before that she knew to always be prepared for all types of weather. 

Her pack held two canteens of nectar, and a few ziploc bags of ambrosia she had retrieved from Will. He had also packed her a smaller med kit, the son of Apollo also knowing how both she and his boyfriend had a habit of ending up injured, that could be used on minor wounds. In case they did find a way to track Percy down Annabeth was hoping that the nectar and ambrosia could be saved for her boyfriend. 

The image that she had seen in the mist earlier had him in fairly rough shape and the daughter of Athena had no idea what had happened since he had been taken. Xanthe’s story had not been promising, especially with what Apollo had been alluding to earlier in the day. 

If any of that had repeated itself so far, Annabeth wasn’t sure what they would find. She knew nectar and ambrosia could heal demigods, did it do the same for immortals? She would have to ask Luginia if they should find a way to stuff extra in their packs just in case. 

She was broken out of her musing by a familiar figure flopping down next to her, dressed in black combat boots, black cargo pants, and a ripped t-shirt with a band Annabeth didn’t recognize scrawled across the front. Thalia was wearing her wristwatch that she knew was the form Aegis would take when not in use, and her bow and quiver were strung across her shoulders. The daughter of Zues smiled ruefully at her as Annabeth looked up, giving her a weak smile in return. 

“I guess black was the unofficial dress code.” Annabeth said with some amusement, noticing Nico stepping out of the shadows in the treeline. He was in black jeans and a long-sleeve black shirt as well as black steel toed boots. He had a black backpack slung over his shoulders, and his stygian iron sword was holstered at his side. His usual rings were present, and he let out a laugh at the sight of them. 

“I’ve been dressing like this longer than you’ve been alive,” Thalia protested half-heartedly, grinning over at Nico who stuck his tongue out. “You both are copying me.” 

“Technically I’m older than both of you.” Nico argued back, sitting gracefully down next to Annabeth. She shook her head. 

“And yet physically I’m still the oldest one here.” Annabeth replied, glancing around at them both. The sun was still an hour or so from setting, and Luginia had informed them she would come and find them all when the two other immortals arrived. 

“Oddly enough I’m more worried about meeting another godly sibling of mine rather than anything else. I mean I’ll deal with it for Seaweed Brain of course but me and Jason haven’t exactly had the best of luck.” Thalia grumbled after a moment of silence, shifting her body slightly with unease. Nico nodded at her. 

“Same, if one more of them sics another ghost on me in my sleep I’m going to lose it.” Nico mumbled, rolling his eyes. Annabeth snorted at them both, suddenly spotting a tall figure with messy brown hair stalking towards them. Luginia was dressed in a crimson long sleeve shirt and black jeans, tan combat boots on her feet. A leather jacket was over her shoulders and her spear was strapped along her back. Her two curved daggers were sheathed at her hips, and she held an army-green duffle bag in her hands that looked like it had seen better days. 

Emerging from the shadows behind her were two figures, both dressed like they were ready for a mission. The first figure to emerge from the treeline was a tall woman, like insanely tall. She was probably six foot five, broad shoulders and jet-black hair that was cut into a close-cropped crew cut. She was in a black tank-top and dark green cargo-pants. She also had on a pair of black-doc martens, and had a massive celestial bronze berserker sword sheathed in leather straps across her back. Her eyes were the same electric blue as Thalia’s, and she was grinning broadly at them. She had a crooked nose, like it had been broken several times, and one eyebrow had a slit shaved into it. 

The second figure followed at a slightly slower pace, he looked slightly younger than the woman before him, who appeared to be in her early thirties, but the man appeared maybe twenty at most. He had long black hair that was pulled into a loose bun behind his head, and was also dressed in a navy blue long-sleeve shirt and black jeans. He had a pair of black and white nike shoes on his feet, and strapped over his shoulders was a silver bident, similar to a trident but with only two prongs instead of three. On his hip was a silver sword, engraved with black flames that practically sucked in the shadows around it. He had delicate features and a slight turn to his lips that reminded her of Nico and Hades both. 

“Little sister, it is good to finally make your acquaintance!” The woman boomed, approaching Thalia with her arms outstretched. Thalia squeaked as the insane woman practically lifted her off her feet with the hug, her eyes glancing desperately in Nico and Annabeth’s direction. 

“It's best just to let her finish, she has undiagnosed cuteness aggression.” The man said wryly, grinning cheekily as the taller woman released Thalia and shot him the bird with one hand. 

“Oh so it’s wrong of me to be pleased to see my little sister for the first time in her life?” The woman grumbled, scowling at the man who rolled his eyes, holding up his hands. 

“I’m just saying, you haven’t even introduced yourself yet and you're smothering her. It should go something like this.” The man suddenly coughed, turning abruptly to face Nico and holding out his hand expectantly before continuing. “Pleasure to meet you little brother, my name is Taryn. There, see? No need to scare them, you know how your little siblings can be with the demigods.” The man chastised, Nico slowly raising his hand and shaking the one offered to him. 

“Fine, hello little sister, my name is Bronte, and I am not shaking your hand because we have already hugged.” The woman grumbled, Thalia still looking slightly frazzled as her gaze shot between the two of them. 

“No because you’re supposed to start with the handshake-” Taryn started, tone heavy with exasperation, but Luginia suddenly cut in.

“We don’t have time for this, you two. Finish introducing yourselves. We need to get off to the oracle. It took you far too long to arrive.” Luginia snapped, gesturing towards Annabeth. 

“Well I was on my way hours ago, dad didn’t even spot me making my escape, I almost had to launch a rescue mission on Olympus on my way here though.” Taryn grumbled, pointing towards Bronte who scowled. 

“Our uncle’s news has father in a tizzy, he’s been summoning all of us to put to work preparing Olympus for war. I had to convince Ganymede to distract him, I owe the bastard thirty drachma.” Bronte whined, rolling her eyes. 

“Poor Ganymede.” Taryn chuckled, Thalia making a horrified face as she put the pieces together. 

“Yeah that’s not something I ever want to hear about again.” The demigod daughter of Zues said, Bronte chuckling at her. 

“You’re immortal now, little sister, you’ll find his mind provides more than enough distraction if you’re trying to avoid his attention.” The goddess said, grinning as Thalia groaned. 

“Wish it worked that way with dad, but no the man has got to form an emotional connection first.” Taryn grumbled in reply. It was Nico’s turn to groan, shaking his head at the mental image. 

“We need to stop talking about his entire subject all together.” The demigod son of Hades grumbled, looking at Annabeth pointedly. She cleared her throat, deciding to rescue her fellow demigods from any more conversation about their father’s sex-lives could go on. 

“I’m Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena. And you two already seem to know Nico and Thalia. Luginia filled you both in on what we’re doing?” Annabeth asked quickly. The two immortal’s expressions turned dark, nodding grimly at her. 

“We are up to date, we shall find them. All of them.” Bronte growled, turning her face and nodding slightly to the water. For a moment the waves stilled, freezing in mid air like a cartoon, before they continued in their wrathful pounding against the sand. 

“I heard next we’re off to the Oracle? I must say I’m quite thrilled at getting an official quest, I never got to experience that as a demigod.” Taryn said, sounding somewhat giddy. Nico shot him a sideways glance as Thalia and Annabeth exchanged looks. 

“Yeah well, I’m more than fed up with prophecies and quests.” Annabeth muttered in reply, grabbing her gray backpack from the ground and slinging it over her shoulder. “So let's go get this one over with. I want my boyfriend back.” She said firmly, turning and marching towards Rachel’s cave. She heard the others trailing after her. 

“Luginia certainly feels the same, I haven’t heard you so upset since the last time Xanthe broke up with you.” Taryn teased behind her, Luginia snarling in response. 

“Taryn, enough. You are not old enough to remember the last time Xanthe was bound but it was not an experience I wanted my little cousin to repeat.” Bronte replied gravely.

“As if I wasn’t bound myself for years before you all found me, it’s not exactly a situation I’m pleased about either.” Taryn hissed, Annabeth turning her head back to see the god’s dark brown (nearly black) eyes flashing dangerously. Nico watched on with a curious expression. Bronte’s form flickered with electricity, dancing down her arms and off into the ground below them. 

“That is not what I meant, and you know it.” Bronte replied, glaring at him. Taryn scowled but continued walking. Annabeth glanced over at Thalia who was giving her a worried glance. They were starting to doubt if this group was the way to go. Luginia ignored both of them, storming ahead past Annabeth with a thunderous expression. 

“When Xanthe was taken before, no one really talks about it, what happened to her?” Annabeth asked after a moment of consideration. Luginia came to a sudden halt, the group stopping close behind her. She turned, expression colored with grief and rage combined. 

“That is her story to tell. What I can tell you is that it changed her, they had her for sixty-three years. She was bought and sold dozens of times, parts of her used in spells darker than almost anything we’ve seen since. For a long time, before we realized her flesh and blood was being used for these spells, we had no idea where all of this dark magic had come from. We had no idea the knowledge they possessed. Hecate took much of it back when Xanthe managed to break free and Poseidon informed her of what spells they were using.” Luginia said darkly, shaking her head. Bronte seemed even less likely to say anything, expression contorted into one of rage, but she then opened her mouth to speak as well. 

“Xanthe was a young goddess, those were hard for mortals to come by. If you can think of something that can be taken from you it can be used to cause pain and strife. Not only did Xanthe have to endure what they took from her, she also had to watch as parts of her were used to cause death and destruction.” Bronte said coldly, glancing back towards the water. 

“She won’t even tell me all of it.” Taryn added, shrugging. “And she knows what I went through.” The god said, glancing down at his younger brother. Nico looked disgusted at the information, seemingly coming to some sort of understanding that Annabeth hadn’t come to yet. She raised an eyebrow at him and he shook his head, muttering not now under his breath. 

They continued after that, no longer speaking as they finally approached Rachel’s cave, a sour mood now infecting the entire group. They trudged inside after knocking, hearing Rachel’s voice echo for them to enter from the other room. Taryn whistled as they entered, staring up at the skylight above them. 

“This is niceeee. All this you right here? Okayyy.” The immortal drawled, Luginia snorting at him. 

“Is this another one of those internet things you keep talking about?” The immortal daughter of Ares asked gruffly. Taryn winked at her but did not elaborate, but Nico snorted. 

“I still do not understand how these ‘phones’ work.” Bronte grumbled, crossing her arms. Taryn rolled his eyes, waggling his finger at her. 

“No shit, cuz. It took Xanthe almost three months before she figured out instagram.” Taryn groaned. “I swear you’re both so old.” 

“In comparison to me you’re both too damn young.” Bronte said dryly, shaking her head as Taryn chuckled at her. 

Annabeth cocked her head. “How old are you, exactly? Timelines are getting a bit tricky in the immortal world for my taste.” She asked, looking between the three immortals who all shrugged at her. 

“We haven’t exactly been keeping track.” Taryn said dryly, glancing over at Bronte who frowned as she appeared to be concentrating on something. 

“Based on how old you were when we found you, you're somewhere in the seven hundred and fifty range.” Bronte said after a moment. “I’m honestly not sure, was it almost three thousand years or so after my ascension that Xanthe was raised? So I think for me somewhere around five thousand. Give or take a few hundred years.” 

“I was raised to immortality about two decades or so after Xanthe was, we estimate most likely we’re around two thousand or so, maybe a bit older.” Luginia said, shrugging again at them.

“And that’s not old to you?” Nico asked sarcastically, his older brother grinning. 

“Considering the Olympians don’t even know how old they are? Not even a bit. Bronte was a demigod before the ancient Greeks existed.” Taryn chuckled in response. The entire conversation was starting to make the daughter of Athena’s head hurt so she was glad to have an interruption as Rachel walked into the room. 

“Chiron let me know you’d be coming.” The mortal girl sighed, shaking her head. She was in paint splattered sweats and a ratty t-shirt. “I haven’t found anything that seems tied into the current course of events, so I guess it's time to see if we have a Prophecy waiting for you.” 

“Exactly what I was hoping to spend my evening doing.” Bronte grumbled. Rachel was quickly introduced to the newest additions to their rag-tag group as they all settled down on the couch in front of them. Rachel sat back, taking a deep breath before nodding.

“Alrighty then, let’s ‘approach seeker and ask’ this thing.” Rachel said with a slight smile, Bronte chuckling at her humor. 

“How do I find her?” Luginia asked before anyone else could say anything. Rachel turned to her, a moment passed before her face went slack. Green mist emerged, lighting her eyes and floating around her head and draping her shoulders like a shawl of sorts. 

The Oracle of Delphi’s mouth opened, a raspy tone emerging ancient and cold as always. Annabeth shivered as she began to speak. 

“ Immortals and heroes shall traverse the land,

Searching for answers given by love’s hand,

The children of the sea bound and cursed,

A forgotten god’s wrath will shake the earth.”

After reciting what needed to be said, Rachel promptly collapsed back into the couch, the green mist rapidly fading in front of their eyes. Luginia exchanged a pointed look with Bronte who nodded back to her. Annabeth stood, moving to check on Rachel who was already coming back around. 

“You alright?” Annabeth asked, mind racing over the new information she had just heard. She committed the prophecy quickly to memory, glancing over Rachel as the oracle waved her off. 

“I’m fine, what did I say?” She asked quickly, Annabeth dutifully reciting what she had just heard. Rachel frowned and stood, moving over and writing down the words on a piece of scrap paper. “I’ll take it to Chiron and show him, you guys really should be heading out. It’s almost dark already.” 

“She’s right, we need to get a move on.” Taryn said, glancing upwards towards the skylight which now showed streaks of indigo running through it. Annabeth frowned, they were right. They had wasted too much time already, she needed to move out and look for answers. After a moment she glanced back towards Rachel who nodded at her reassuringly, and with swift goodbyes they headed towards the camp boundary. 

“So, quick question, how exactly are we getting there? I cannot shadow travel us all without passing out for the next six days or so.” Nico remarked, giving a side eye to his older brother. 

“Luginia are you all teleporting us or something?” Thalia asked, raising an eyebrow as the daughter of Ares shook her head. 

“I am simply immortal, not a goddess. You’ll have to ask those two.” Luginia muttered, gesturing towards a sheepish looking set of godly cousins.

“Well, I would be able, or Bronte, to teleport us but we have a slight issue in that department.” Taryn started, cringing slightly. 

“Our fathers can easily see what we’re doing when we use our godly abilities and since we’re on a bit of a secret mission for the time being we can’t use them.” Bronte explained, glancing somewhat anxiously towards the sky. 

“So you’re telling me we have two fully-powered gods who can’t teleport us?” Nico asked incredulously, looking back and forth between the two gods who both shrugged at him. 

“As you can imagine father and Xanthe are not fond of each other, and he isn’t particularly fond of Kymopoleia or Perseus either. He’s content to let our uncle sort things out, and expressly ordered zero interference unless instructed otherwise. When I say I had to sneak out I wasn’t kidding.” Bronte continued, scratching the back of her head. Annabeth winced, remembering the history between Percy’s older sister and their uncle. 

“And dad’s gone into overprotective mode. All of his godly children have been recalled to the Underworld for the time being, he would have done the same to Nico here if he wasn’t a demigod.” Taryn said, gesturing towards his younger brother who scowled. 

“I’d like to see him try.” Nico muttered, shaking his head. Taryn shrugged again. 

“Look, speaking from experience I’m glad he’s taking precautions. However I reserve the right to ignore his decisions and go off on my own if I want to. Issue is he can force me to come back if he discovers I’m missing. I thankfully got him to pick a fight with Aunt Dem for the time being so we have a few days.” Taryn snickered, glancing towards Bronte who groaned. 

“I almost pity the god.” The immortal daughter of Zues muttered. 

“That still doesn’t explain how exactly six of us are getting to, was it Maine you said?” Annabeth asked Luginia, who nodded at her question. 

“Well obviously I thought ahead, idiots.” Taryn laughed, pulling out a set of shining car keys from his pocket. Annabeth blinked as he clicked the button, suddenly a slight car honk sounded from behind them. Bronte slowly turned, eyes wide as she took in what she saw sitting next to the camp strawberry van. 

“Oh Xan is one hundred percent going to kill you when we find her.” Bronte said quietly, shaking her head. Taryn only laughed. 

“Only if we wreck it!” The son of Hades defended, Annabeth’s eyes not moving from the car before them.

It was a dark gray sports car, sleek and shiny with some sort of jaguar logo on the front. The wheels were pitch black and practically glittered in the rapidly fading sunlight. 

“Yeah, considering we’re traveling with demigods that seems incredibly likely.” Bronte groaned. 

“Is that a Jaguar F-Type?” Thalia asked in awe, already moving closer towards the car. Taryn grinned wickedly as the doors started to open with another flash of the headlights, rising up to reveal a black-leather interior. 

“Xanthe owns a sports car?” Annabeth asked in shock, glancing back up and Luginia who was shaking her head. 

“Xanthe adores mortal technology, especially anything that allows her to move at high-speed.” Taryn explained, running his finger over the hood. “She may not be very good with the surround sound but she can push this thing well over three hundred miles per hour with the mods she bribed Hephestus to put on it.” 

“That cannot possibly be safe.” Nico said exasperatedly, looking over the car with slight unease. 

“Not even a little bit.” Taryn crowed, laughing. “Especially when the top is down. This baby is a R75, Xanthe got it sometime last year to take out for kicks.” He finished, Bronte rolling her eyes. 

“Two thousand years of living means former demigods take risks where they can, what gets your adrenaline going when you can’t die and you spend your entire mortal life on the verge of death? Xanthe has a tendency to get bored.” Luginia said fondly, eyeing the car with a spark in her eyes. Annabeth shook her head. 

“Moving past that, how exactly do you expect all six of us and our weapons to fit into a convertible sports car?” Annabeth asked, exhaustion coloring her tone. 

“Well my dear, peak your head in and find out.” Taryn said cheekily, wiggling his eyebrows. Suspiciously Annabeth leaned down and looked inside the car, shocked to see two more rows of seats behind it. She quickly pulled her head back out, looking around the outside of the car and noticing it was the same size on the exterior as it was before. She then ducked down again and sure enough there were still two additional rows of seats that should not be able to fit in the space. She stood back up and blinked, shaking her head after a moment. 

“I cannot believe I’m about to quote Doctor Who right now, but it’s bigger on the inside?” Annabeth asked dryly, glancing at Taryn who was snickering at her. 

“I actually understood that reference!” Bronte cheered loudly, Taryn patting her on the shoulder with a sly grin. 

“Excellent, big cousin, soon enough we’ll have you quoting the Kardashians.” Taryn snickered, Bronte’s face twisting in confusion. 

“I would rather we didn’t.” Thalia interrupted them, raising her eyebrows as she ducked down to inspect the interior. 

“So are we leaving or not?” Luginia asked impatiently, and soon they had piled all of their supplies in the trunk (which also appeared bigger than Annabeth knew it should be) and arranged themselves in the car. Taryn had volunteered to drive and despite her apprehension about that she also did not trust any of the demigods to drive the expensive car and risk Xanthe’s wrath if something happened to it. 

With a wicked laugh Taryn revved the engine, flying out of the small driveway and onto the road with incredible speed. Annabeth’s eyes widened as they flew around cars as if they were standing still, somehow managing to avoid crashing headfirst into oncoming traffic. 

Taryn briefly explained the mods Hephestus put on the car also included basic protection from accidents and no mortal cause could make the car crash, meaning unless they ran headfirst into a monster at mach-way-too-fast the car wouldn’t wreck. 

Annabeth didn’t want to know if the protection would hold for the mortals sitting anxiously in the backseat, so she quietly prayed to Poseidon that they didn’t crash. Soon enough they were leaving New York, heading north towards Maine. At this speed they would get to a small town in the northern part of Maine called St. Francis in three, maybe four hours. 

Annabeth closed her eyes, trying to drown out the chatter around her as Thalia actually seemed interested in hearing more about the modifications on the car. It shouldn’t have surprised her that Thalia was so interested in sports cars, but after seeing what her friend did for fun with the hunters Annabeth figured she should have seen it sooner. The Hunters often spent nights racing through the woods on ATVs after their prey, provided by Artemis of course, so Thalia having a penchant for motorized speed death-traps honestly wasn’t shocking. 

Soon enough though her mind wandered back to Percy and she frowned, looking out the window at the blurred cars they were speeding around. She hoped they made it without any incidents, she wanted her boyfriend back in her arms. 

Chapter Text

Percy didn’t know exactly how long images of his mother tormented him for. Xanthe had fallen silent hours ago, and he no longer had the energy to even lift his head. He was curled against the wall with his eyes closed, arms now more than numb in his chains, trying desperately to block out the sound of his mother’s voice.

Kymopoleia had tried to get him to talk to her, Xanthe too, but neither of them had been able to formulate a response. She too now was quiet, though occasionally Percy could hear whispering that sounded somewhat like praying. 

Once it seemed like it had been quiet long enough he carefully pried open his eyes, glancing in front of him and was left washed with relief that no images were in front of him. His cell was as drab and dreary as it was before, and Percy groaned quietly as he shifted his arms in an attempt to alleviate some of the discomfort. 

“Percy?” Kym suddenly called. Percy winced as he tried to roll his shoulders back, arms alight with the sensation of a thousand needle pricks. His legs weren’t much better, and he hissed slightly as he shifted his weight. 

“Yeah?” He said back, flinching at his rough voice. He coughed to clear his throat before speaking again. “Can you see Xanthe, is she awake?” He asked, concerned about the fact that he hadn’t heard anything from her in a few hours. 

“No, she passed out a while ago. She hasn’t woken up since.” Kym said darkly, practically growling. Percy swallowed thickly, now beginning to notice his desperate thirst. 

He was hungry too, he had to guess it had been at least a day since he was taken. His mouth was dry like a thousand cotton balls had been stuffed inside. He glanced up at the ceiling as his stomach clenched.

“How long was I…” Percy started before trailing off. The sound of chains rustling indicated Kym was moving around her cell. 

“I am not sure. No more than a few hours I’d assume.” Kym said quietly. Percy nodded before he remembered his older sister couldn’t see him. 

“What did you see?” Kym asked after a moment of tense silence. Percy closed his eyes again, trying not to recall everything that he had seen.

“My mom she… I couldn’t save her.” He admitted softly, pulling his eyes back open and watching the shadows dance in the soft torch light that still lit their dungeon. 

“I suppose that explains Xanthe’s reaction then.” Kym replied, shifting once again in her cell. Percy frowned, glancing at the cell wall separating them. 

“She never told me. What happened to her mother, I mean.” Percy mumbled, though he had a feeling Kym could still hear him. Kym did not reply, however, but movement indicated she was still listening. They sat in silence for another moment before they were startled out of it. 

“She was killed.” A voice suddenly said, weak and shaky. Percy’s eyes shot upwards as he tried to push himself to his still slightly numb feet. 

“Xan?! What are your injuries, why aren’t you healing?” Kym called, the sound of frantic scrambling in the cell next to him as the goddess of storms mimicked his movements. 

“Xanthe!” Percy called at the same time, relief washing through him at the sound of his older sister’s voice. 

“I.. I don’t know entirely. A wound on my chest is still healing, but my head seems better than it was. Clearer now at least.” Xanthe replied after a moment, and Percy could now hear the clink of chains across from him though he still couldn’t see far enough to actually lay eyes on his sister. 

“You were poisoned, Kym too. Is that why you weren’t waking up?” Percy called quickly, heart racing as Xanthe took another moment of silence. 

“It is possible. I was slow to heal before too.” Xanthe replied darkly, Percy swallowing hard at the reminder that this was likely bringing up unpleasant memories for all of his Atlantean family but especially her. 

“Do you remember anything from before now?” Kym asked sharply, voice echoing off the stone walls. 

“I remember being bound, but nothing but dreams since then.” Xanthe’s voice said, chains clinking again as she moved slowly in her own cell. “Of my wife. My mother.” 

“Perseus saw something similar.” Kym returned, and Percy could practically feel both their gazes turning towards him. 

“Father will protect your mother, Percy. He’s learned his lesson before.” Xanthe said, Percy’s brows furrowed in confusion. 

“You said something before, in Greek. About dad promising you something about your mom.” Percy said slowly. Xanthe was quiet for a long moment before she replied. 

“I did?” Xanthe asked, voice echoing with confusion. It appeared Kym nodded at her because Xanthe let out a quiet ‘oh’. 

“The stories I’ve read about you, they don’t mention what happened to her.” Percy said, not sure if he should even attempt to broach the subject. Chains clinked again and he heard Xanthe sigh. 

“My mother was a beautiful woman and she refused to take a husband after her and father were no longer together. When I left for camp I asked father to watch over her, to protect her if I couldn’t be there.” Xanthe started after a moment, voice low and haunted with memories of her ancient past. 

“He promised me he would. Hunters came to town, looking for wives. They favored women they knew had once been a lover to a god, claiming it made them more worthy of bearing their children. Almost all of our neighbors knew my parentage and they found my mother easily. She refused them, I was fifteen at the time.” Xanthe continued. 

“Father did not know they had come, mother did not pray to him. She only prayed to him when it was about me, she was stubborn that way. Determined to live her own life.” Xanthe’s voice grew heavy with grief, pausing for a moment as Percy sucked in a breath. 

“They killed her when she would not choose one of them to marry. I was off on a quest at the time, so I decided to stop in and see my mother on my way. I found her there, slaughtered like an animal in our home.” Xanthe said darkly. 

They were silent for a long pause before Percy opened his mouth to speak. “What happened to them?” He asked, heart pounding.

“I killed them. All of them.” Xanthe replied, voice cold. “I was angry at father for a while, but I now understand he could not have even known if she hadn’t prayed to him.” She continued, voice now returning towards grief. 

“I’m sorry.” Percy said, not entirely sure what response would be appropriate. 

“There was nothing to be done, little brother. Her death was fated. We’ve spoken since, in the Underworld. She cares for our little siblings that join her there.” Xanthe said, tone warming slightly. “Some of them, anyways.” 

“Maybe I’ll convince Nico to break me into the Underworld some time so I can meet her.” Percy said, trying to keep his tone light. 

“I have a feeling she would enjoy that.” Xanthe said, Percy could practically feel the smile on her face.

“As touching as this is, I’m afraid I’m going to have to break up the moment.” A cruel voice laughed, a woman's this time. Kym snarled, and Percy could hear her lunge towards the cell door. 

“What do you want, Πουτάνα?” Kym’s voice hissed, and Percy heard Xanthe snort across from him. He couldn’t translate the word, for some reason, but could infer it had not been polite. The woman’s voice laughed, and suddenly a figure was standing in front of his cell. It was Eris, the goddess from his dreams, but instead of being in a black dress she was now in pitch-black armor. She had a silver dagger inscribed with black runes on it clutched in her hand, and had a wicked and downright inhuman smile on her face. 

“Nothing from the sister-squad for the time being. My sister and I have business with the demigod.” Eris sneered, eyes alight with something sickly. Percy’s heart pounded as he pushed himself away from her as the door swung open. He scowled at the goddess, trying not to give away how anxious that statement made him. Kym swore in a multitude of languages and he heard Xanthe yell across the hall. 

“ Leave him alone !” Xanthe screamed, Percy could hear her hitting the end of her chains with an enraged shout. Eris smiled cruelly, Percy squaring his shoulders as she approached. His eyes shot to the knife in her hands, a half-hearted plan forming in his mind as he lunged. 

Eris was close enough to him now that he could reach without hitting the end of his chains, and he launched himself towards the dagger with all his might. He slammed into the goddess, knocking her to the ground as his hands reached for the blade, hoping to snatch it before Eris recovered. He heard an annoyed snarl as he crashed into her, his sisters screaming something in their own cells. 

His hands nearly lay on the hilt of the dagger when Eris’ clawed hands reached out and grabbed him by the back of the hair and slammed his head down and into the stone floor. Percy grunted as he saw spots in his vision, he could feel hot blood running down the side of his face as Eris pulled him upright. His knees nearly buckled as his vision swam, blurring in front of his eyes, but a clawed hand grabbed him by the throat instead, forcing him to stay upright or choke. His body was already so tired, and now his head pounded. 

“Unlike my sister I still enjoy that you have some fight left in you. Gives us more to work on.” Eris laughed, Percy blinking rapidly in his attempt to stay conscious. She let him fall, his right shoulder, though no longer dislocated he noted with relief, screaming at him as he slammed into the floor. He almost groaned, but managed to only let out a soft hiss of pain at the movement. The dagger was now once again held in Eris’ hand, her black eyes glinting in the torchlight as she stared down at him. 

“Percy?!” Xanthe called desperately, rage coloring her tone. “What happened? Are you alright?” Kym was still cursing in the cell next to him, it seemed she had moved into Egyptian swear words at this point. He wanted to reassure them that he was fine, but Eris had other plans. She reached upwards, the end of the chains coming loose from the brackets in the wall and appearing in her open hand. She laughed, snapping the chains taught and yanking Percy’s hands towards her. He was dragged a foot or so across the floor, letting out a pained shout at the harsh pull to his broken ribs and sore shoulders. 

Seeming pleased with the arrangement, Eris turned and walked out of the cell, Percy being dragged behind her. He tried to stand but the goddess’ pace was too quick for his injured and aching body so he stumbled and fell again as he entered the small corridor of the dungeon. Eris then stopped for a moment, grinning at him as she snapped the chains again, jerking him forwards another few feet. 

He gasped as he skidded to a stop in front of the cells next to him, and looked up through a haze of blurry vision and pain and saw Kym thrashing against the chains in her cell. She was screaming something at Eris, but Percy couldn’t hear what she was saying through the ringing in his ears. His sister was in mostly mortal form, though for some reason he could swear he saw purple and blue scales covering her shoulders. She too had been dressed in a simple white chiton that was smeared with traces of golden ichor and several cuts on her arms still wept the golden fluid. 

He tried to shake his head to clear the fuzz, and noticed Eris was saying something to Kym but he still couldn’t understand it. His ears were still ringing and his head still throbbed from where it had forcibly met the stone floor. Percy slowly turned his head in the other direction, vaguely noticing his hands now felt slick with his own blood that was dripping onto the floor. 

Opposite of Kym was Xanthe, dressed now too in a ichor-stained white chiton. She was on her knees, pulling her chains as tight as they would go so her arms were wrenched behind her. She had a massive gash on her left collarbone and chest, it was still bleeding sluggishly though somehow it looked as though it had already scarred around the edges. Her head was coated with golden ichor, a colorful blue and golden bruise tracing up under her hairline though he couldn’t see where the wound was bleeding from. Her face was stained with golden tears, eyes shining with pain and terror like he hadn’t ever seen from her before as she looked at him. Unlike Kym, Xanthe was silent, eyes watching his expression closely. 

She nodded slowly to him, face stealing over, and Percy found himself unable to nod back. She was reassuring him, he knew, that he was strong enough to face whatever was coming. He knew it too, though right now it didn’t feel much like it. He had survived the pit, this would not break him. 

His vision began to fade rapidly, Xanthe not taking her eyes off of him until he was completely unconscious. 

____________________________________________________________________________

Despite passing out, Percy found he didn’t get much reprieve from his aching consciousness. He almost groaned as he rolled his head, noticing he could feel rough stone underneath him. He blinked slowly, head pounding and blood rushing in his ears as he pulled his eyes open once again.

Above him was a cavernous ceiling, stalactites were pointed down at him and Percy swore he saw several black bats hanging further in the shadows. He tried to sit up from where he was laying but the chains around his arms wouldn’t budge. He turned his face to look and saw that he was on some sort of raised stone outcropping, the chains securing him lying face up with his arms outstretched.  

He looked around again slowly, eyes adjusting to the low torch-light. He could see a stone wall to his left, and when he turned his face to the right he could see a small opening that looked as though it led to a hallway further back. Next to the door was a large set of shelves filled with small glass vials of liquids of all different colors and shades. Baskets also were stacked among the vials, overflowing with mortal and godly species of flora and fauna. In front of the shelves sat an unlit bronze brazier. Inscribed in the metal were symbols that looked similar to those Percy could see on his own chains. 

Suddenly a figure moved behind him, where Percy had been unable to see, and an amused voice rang out. “Finally, you’re awake. You mortals are too fragile, one small bump and you’re out like a light.” Eris said, stepping to Percy’s right and into his field of vision. 

“I think it was more my brain not wanting to look at your ugly mug anymore.” Percy snarked back, almost wincing at how rough his voice sounded. Eris grinned darkly, slowly shaking her head. 

“I almost wish we could cut out your tongue, but our new friend might need that later. He does not care, however, if we are to make you miserable.” Eris said, amusement heavy in her voice. Percy did his best to glare at her, though his mind was still somewhat fuzzy.

“So this is some kind of revenge for your sister then? She tried to kill us, I tried to kill her back. End of story.” Percy growled, narrowing his eyes at the goddess of strife, who only smirked in response. 

“It is not your place to control what is mine, boy.” Another more hauntingly familiar voice said, a figure emerging from the hallway Percy had spotted before. His heart rate picked back up and goosebumps rose on his skin at the sight of the goddess of misery. 

“Well in my opinion it's not your place to try and kill us when we’d done nothing to you.” Percy snapped back, his adrenaline doing wonders to fight back the memories tearing at the back of his mind. 

Eris moved quickly, striking a blow to his chest that left him gasping temporarily. The goddess of discord leaned in close to his ear as he coughed, mind racing with pain from the blow to his still-broken ribs. “We are gods, boy. We owe you nothing. We take what we want, including your life if need be.” Eris growled softly to him. 

Eris then stood, turning and walking past her sister with a wicked smile. “Take your time, dear sister. Our new friend wanted some… quality time with his younger sisters.” She said to Akhlys, Percy’s eyes widening at the phrase. 

With everything going on he had almost forgotten their revelation from earlier about the identity of their unknown captor. Their brother? How? Percy knew not all of his siblings were fond of the royal family, but to do something like this? Attack the royal family itself, take them hostage, torture them all to get back at Poseidon? He had no idea who it could be. He thought he knew of many of his siblings, and even his monstrous children had the lord of the sea's attention if they needed him. A prime example being Polyphemus himself, one of his father’s least favorite sons, who was able to call upon their father for revenge upon being blinded. 

Well, blinded the first time at least. The second time Poseidon had been quite pointedly quiet about the entire situation. But still, for his father to forget a child of his, especially an immortal one, seemed incredibly unlikely. 

Akhlys did not smile at that, which made sense for the goddess of misery, but her face did contort to something similar to pleasure. As Eris left the room was silent apart from the sound of Percy’s harsh breaths. Akhlys moved slowly towards the shelves filled with toxic-looking substances, snapping her fingers to light the brazier with ghostly-gray and white flames. 

Percy watched as the goddess of poison went to work, gently selecting a small vial of black liquid from the shelves before pulling out one of the baskets. Straining to see what she pulled out, Percy spotted two red and white capped mushrooms in the goddess’ hand. She muttered something he couldn’t quite hear and tossed the vial and the mushrooms into the fire. After a moment the brazier’s flames lit a toxic shade of green, black and red smoke billowing out from the pit as the flames grew taller. After a moment the flames receded and Akhlys reached into the fire with her bare hands, pulling out the vial that was no longer black. It was bright red and practically seemed to glow in the flame’s light. Akhlys looked over it coldly, turning towards Percy and striding towards him. 

A fresh wave of golden tears had dripped down her face and onto her tattered dress. Her sharp and crooked teeth were yellow and black, some of them broken out of her mouth entirely. Her sunken eyes glinted with a maniacal light as she leaned down over Percy. 

“Many have misconceptions on what exactly a poison is.” The goddess said, her hot breath hitting Percy in the face causing him to scowl. Her breath smelled like death and rot, like someone who hadn’t brushed their teeth once in their entire lives. He wondered for a moment if gods even had to brush their teeth but his mind was drawn back as Akhlys continued. “A poison doesn’t always need to kill. It’s anything that alters your-”

“Sorry to interrupt this fascinating science lesson,” Percy said suddenly, frowning up at the goddess. “But do you have a poison that, I don’t know, freshens breath? Because you could use a pick me up of that right now.” Percy snarked, feeling a twinge of satisfaction as Akhlys face twisted into one of rage. 

“My sister is right, we should cut out your tongue.” Akhlys hissed, grabbing his head and forcing it back against the table. 

Percy felt somewhat amused at his slight victory, but struggled slightly in his chains as the goddess held the vial in front of his eyes. It almost seemed to shimmer, and when he looked closely Percy could see that it was swirling with the black streaks. “But this will be more effective. Amanita muscaria is an effective hallucinogen. And paired with a simple spell and pit-scorpion venom it allows the consumer to feel the pain of each form their visions take without suffering any injury at all.” The goddess of misery finished, eyes glinting wildly. 

“And you think there is any way in hell I’m taking that willingly?” Percy asked bitingly, Akhlys just grinned wide at him. 

“Oh, I expect you’ll take it happily. Or I can go find that daughter of Athena of yours. Maybe watching Eris take her apart will loosen your resolve.” Akhlys said darkly, Percy’s eyes narrowing at the mention of Annabeth. 

“You can’t touch her, dad wouldn’t let you.” Percy growled, baring his teeth at the goddess who let out a cold laugh. 

“He couldn’t even protect you, demigod, or your sisters. How do you expect him to stop me from taking her?” Akhlys hissed. 

“That doesn’t sound like a part of your ‘friend's’ plan or you would have already. Admit it, without him you’re not powerful enough to stand against my father. Otherwise you would have chased me out of the Pit years ago.” Percy retorted.

Akhlys snarled, raising her hand from his head and slapping him across the face. Her nails tore into his skin and ripped open his cheek, he could feel blood flowing down the other side of his face now. His eyesight went speckled with black spots at the force of the blow, and he spit a mouthful of blood on the stone altar he was chained to. He grinned back up at her when she didn’t respond. 

“So I’m right then.” Percy said triumphantly. “Without him you don’t stand a chance. You want to take a risk of pissing him off? Go right ahead, I’ll be one step closer to getting out of here.” 

“The only reason I needed him was for his ability to hide you from your father long enough to be bound.” Akhlys said darkly, leaning in close to his face and forcing him to once again endure her rancid breath. “Now that I have two goddesses and a demigod I have all the ingredients I need to write my own protective spellwork. I knew of this magic long before mortals ever graced this earth.” She growled, scowling. 

“But you haven’t done it yet.” Percy said slowly, raising an eyebrow at her. “Why’s that?” 

“Enough!” Akhlys roared, grabbing his face with her clawed hands. He winced as his head was forced up off the stone table, he could see the open vial moving closer to his face. He struggled to pull his head away from the grip holding it in place and clamped his jaw closed. “You will drink this now or I will forgo any requests to keep you intact. I will cut pieces of you away until you beg for death.” 

Percy knew he struggled in vain, there was no avoiding what was coming. Akhlys would force him to drink it, and who knows how hurt he would be when she finally managed to force the poison down his throat. He knew she wouldn’t kill him, not yet anyways. Whoever the being was that apparently he was related to wanted him alive for now and so did Akhlys, his misery was sweet to her and there was no avoiding it. His mind raced as Akhlys growled in frustration, what would Annabeth do? 

“Wait!” Percy shouted, Akhlys actually listening to his surprise. “Wait, I’ll drink it. But only if you tell me something first.” He said after a second, Akhlys actually paused to listen. 

“And why would I tell you anything when I can force you to take it anyways?” She asked slowly. He glanced at her face, breathing heavily. 

“Because otherwise it’ll take too long. You know where I’ve been, you know I can take pain.” Percy said darkly, Akhlys scowling at him. “You might get me to drink it but I’ll make it hell on you, I’d swear that on the Styx. Or, you can tell me who he is and I’ll take it right now without a fuss.” Percy finished quickly, the goddess actually releasing his head and stepping back to contemplate. 

“Swear that if I tell you you’ll drink this. All of it right now, no tricks, nothing.” Akhlys said, voice tinged with dark amusement. 

“I swear on the Styx if you tell me who he is and how he is related to my father I will drink what you are holding willingly.” Percy said, thunder booming somewhere in the far distance. Akhlys glanced upwards at the sound, a cold smile growing over her face. 

“He is your father’s firstborn. The cast aside, the original heir, god of the depths.” Akhlys said gleefully. “ Eumelus, son of Cleito.” 

“Triton is my father’s firstborn.” Percy said, tone colored with confusion. His father had never mentioned any children before Triton, his mind struggled to recall anything his siblings had said that indicated Triton had an older brother. It didn’t sound like his father to forget something like that. Akhlys shook her head. 

“I have answered the question, drink. Now.” Akhlys snarled, thrusting the vial closer to him. Percy closed his eyes and took a deep breath before allowing the glass to be raised to his lips. He felt the goddess tip the poison into his mouth, forcing himself to swallow it. He coughed after it was gone, it burned against his lips and throat and had done nothing to soothe his raging thirst. 

At first nothing happened, he blinked for a moment as Akhlys stepped back, grinning madly at him. She laughed, turning and walking away from him and back out into the hallway. 

“Have a good evening, son of the seas.” She said, almost cheerfully as she snapped her fingers once more. The brazier and all of the torches went out leaving Percy chained to the stone altar in pitch-black darkness. 

He took a deep breath as she left, his heart was still pounding and a pit of anxiety had formed in his stomach. Whatever he had just drank was not going to be pleasant in a few minutes. He shut his eyes, exhaustion pulling at him. He thought of Annabeth, he prayed she was safe and away from danger. He missed her. He missed his bed. He missed blue food, and the safety of camp, and he missed his mother. His eyes welled up with tears, a single one making its way down his temple and splashing onto the stone next to him. 

It wasn’t long before he felt the toxin kick in. A burning pain began in his stomach, suddenly a burst of color fell over his vision. It burned red, then faded into a violent orange. Suddenly he realized he was watching his hands reach out before him, plunging into the violent orange color and filling his palms with liquid fire. 

The Phlegethon he realized with a start, watching himself bring the fire to his lips and take a drink. His body burned at the sensation, he could practically feel his skin bubbling. While the river of fire had healed them, it was still fire and painful to touch or drink. He suddenly felt glass shards digging into his knees and he gritted his teeth. 

Suddenly the image shifted, instead he was under the sky. It felt exactly like when he was thirteen. He couldn’t help but let out a scream of pain as he suddenly felt an immense pressure bearing down on him, gritting his teeth as his body trembled at the strain. The image switched again, this time he was staring down a familiar pair of golden eyes, his leg alight with pain.

Before long everything blurred together and Percy was lost to a haze of painful memories.

_______________________________________________________________

Annabeth didn’t know when she dozed off, but she discovered that it must have been several hours since doing so as she awoke to find the car pulling off an exit on the highway, now going the regular speed limit. She rubbed her eyes, noticing it was still dark, as they pulled into a gas station on the side of the road. It was rundown, only two pumps out front, and looked like it had just been pulled out of a nineteen eighties horror film. 

“How long was I asleep? Are we close?” Annabeth asked, yawning slightly as she shook her head to clear it from sleep. A quick glance revealed Thalia was doing the same, blearily peering out the window next to her. Lugina and Nico had taken the final row of seats, and Bronte sat next to Taryn in the front passenger side. 

“Three hours or so, we’re just refueling. I also assume the mortals and non-godly immortals will probably need a bathroom break at some point.” Taryn said teasingly from the driver’s seat, glancing back at her with a grin. “Not too far now, maybe an hour or so tops.” Annabeth nodded in reply, noticing she did actually have to pee. She was hungry too, her stomach growling. She was glad she had shoved her wallet in her pockets, she’d rather buy something here and save her rations for a more dire situation. 

“I’d kill for a McDouble right now.” Nico moaned from the backseat, looking forlornly at the flickering lights overhead. Taryn laughed as he pulled up next to one of the vacant pumps and parking. 

“Alrighty, everyone out and stretch your legs. I have a feeling wâpanacâhkos will be expecting us.” Bronte said cheerfully as the doors lifted open. Thankfully they also opened far enough back that the mystery car was able to allow Annabeth to step out. Nico appeared next to her as her feet hit the concrete, stepping out of the shadows cast by the gas pump next to them with a grin. 

“Wahpa-what now?” Thalia asked, frowning in confusion. 

“Wah-puhn-uh-chah-kos.” Taryn sounded out, stepping out of the car and stretching his arms over his head. “He usually goes by Kos for short. I wouldn’t ask him about his name though, bit of a touchy subject.” The godly son of Hades said with a wry smile. Bronte snorted and shook her head.

“Why?” Annabeth asked, curiosity making her have to know before they arrived. Bronte shrugged at her. 

“His mother named him before giving him to his father, so she named him essentially after herself, his name means ‘Venus’ or ‘bright star’.” Bronte said with a small laugh. “It is, however, a feminine name in Cree language.” 

“Wait, so he’s Native American? Don’t they have like their own set of gods they worship and everything, why would one of them have a demigod with a Greek goddess?” Thalia asked incredulously. 

“Love’s a universal language, little cousin.” Taryn said, chuckling and shaking his head. “Besides, Kos doesn’t worship the Greek gods, he knows of them and respects them but they are not his gods if that makes sense. When he dies he won’t go to the Underworld, he’ll instead follow the path his pantheon has laid out for him.” Nico turned towards his older brother slowly. 

“You’re telling me that all pantheons exist? And have their own afterlives?” Nico asked, shock somewhat coloring his tone.

“I guess that makes enough sense, I have met a few Egyptian magicians before. They worship their gods a bit differently than we do and I know they have their own afterlife and god of the dead. And my cousin is a Norse demigod, I don’t think Percy and I ever ended up telling you all about him.” Annabeth said slowly, processing that not only were Greek, Roman, Norse, and Egyptian gods real but that all pantheons had that same potential. There were hundreds of religions across the world, all of whom had their own smattering of gods. Her head hurt at the thought of it. 

“Well not all, but many of them, yes.” Bronte said, glancing over at the daughter of Athena.

“You met a what now, Annabeth? And your cousin is a what?! ” Thalia asked, eyes going wide. Annabeth shook her head at her friend. 

“Now is not the time for either of those stories, we need to keep moving.” The daughter of Athena replied, Thalia grumbling about wanting more of an explanation but didn’t push any further. 

“You’re telling me you’ve never fought something other than Greek monsters in your time with the Hunt, little sister? Artemis is not typically one to discriminate when picking monsters to take out. Well, excluding when the Wild Hunt gets involved, she doesn’t normally like her Huntresses being around them.” Bronte mused, glancing down at Thalia who looked back up at her with a frustrated expression. 

“Well if they weren’t Greek she never mentioned it.” The demigod daughter of Zues muttered, Bronte chuckling at her. 

“Moving away from the actually mind-shattering epiphany this entire conversation is about to give me, I have to go to the restroom so I’ll be back.” Nico muttered, walking quickly towards the side of the gas station where a bathroom sign swung in the light breeze. 

“Thalia I promise we can talk about it later.” Annabeth sighed as the daughter of Zues opened her mouth with a pointed stare. 

“You damn well better tell me about it later. I’m getting a goddamn Snickers.” Thalia grumbled, stomping towards the gas station while the three immortals watched on with amusement. Luginia now had pulled herself out of the backseat, eyeing Taryn pointedly. 

“I have so many questions but I also have to pee, so I’ll be back too.” Annabeth said, walking after Nico and pushing open the women’s bathroom. It was dingy and dark, fluorescent lighting flickering overhead. It was thankfully single stalled and Annabeth quickly finished up and headed back outside, glancing over her shoulder as a chill ran down her spine. It wasn’t cold, being June, but as she stepped back outside she found herself pulling her jacket tighter around herself, moving towards the inside of the gas station itself. The immortals had also made their way inside, Thalia included, though Nico was still absent. The bathroom door was shut when she had passed it so she assumed he was still in the restroom. They were picking over the limited inventory, a young pimple-faced man stood with his jaw dropped staring at the car outside. He was dressed in a bright red polo shirt and khaki slacks, looking absolutely dumbfounded.

“I just don’t get how you all fit in there?” He mumbled, squinting slightly as he turned and stared at Thalia who slapped a snickers bar down in front of him abruptly. Thalia rolled her eyes and snapped her fingers, the Mist briefly covering the mortal’s eyes. 

“There’s more than one car, we got out of the other one.” Thalia muttered, the store clerk nodding slowly. 

“Oh, right. That makes sense.” He said dazedly, glancing back out at the parking lot. “Nice car though, is it yours?” He asked, suddenly more aware of himself. He grinned awkwardly at Thalia, blushing slightly. 

“It's my cousin's, she’s letting us borrow it.” Thalia said briskly in reply, tossing a few dollar bills on the counter as Annabeth finally grabbed a bag of life-savers off of the shelf. 

“Well, uh, maybe I could give you my number to give her? I’ve got a 1960 Dodge Charger I’ve been fixing up if she’s into cars.” The man asked, face growing even redder. Thalia blinked, glancing back at Annabeth who nearly laughed. 

“She’s got a girlfriend.” Luginia said gruffly, tossing a bag of jalapeno beef jerky on the counter with a scowl causing the cashier to jump. 

“Oh, uh, that’s uh… cool.” The clerk mumbled, moving to quickly scan their items and putting away the cash in the drawer. 

“Ooooh no she doesn’t!” Taryn called, sauntering up to the counter and plopping down two monster energy drinks and a bag of cheetos. “She’s just upset because our cousin broke up with her.” Taryn teased, winking at the cashier while gesturing to Luginia. The clerk looked rapidly between the two of them, Luginia sending the younger immortal an annoyed expression. 

“Yeah, right, I saw how she was with Erato the other night.” Luginia muttered, snatching her beef jerky and storming out, Taryn passing a sleek black credit card to the cashier. 

“She’s a bit of a jealous ex. Oh, and put whatever they’re having on that card and fill up on pump one, alrighty? Thanks, sweetheart.” Taryn said with a grin towards the cashier, before grabbing his drinks and walking out towards the car. 

“And a pack of Marlboro reds, long.” Bronte added as she walked over, carrying some sort of soda with her. Annabeth raised an eyebrow at her but Bronte just shook her head. 

With a moment of hesitation Annabeth grabbed a bag of chips for Nico, a kind she’d seen him eating before, and she and Bronte approached the register, setting their items down. The cashier now seemed as eager as possible to check them out, moving quickly to toss their items in bags and handing them back the card. Bronte stuck it in her pocket and muttered a quiet thank you before they walked out towards the car. Once they passed the doors Annabeth couldn’t help but snort. 

“So is a nicotine addiction a part of becoming a god or something? First Xanthe with her vape and now you.” Annabeth asked teasingly. Bronte laughed lightly. 

“They’re not for me, and to be honest I suppose so. Especially those who become gods instead of being born one. Taboo is hard to resist, especially when you realize you can’t die.” Bronte snickered, tossing the pack of cigarettes in her pocket. Annabeth’s attention was pulled from the topic by the sound of Luginia cursing from over by the car. 

Taryn was pumping gas and laughing as Luginia scowled at him from over the top of the car. 

“I’m just saying, I haven’t ever seen her this upset after a breakup of yours, Luginia, I still think you have a chance.” Taryn teased, Luginia growling at him.

“She can do what she pleases, even if the muse makes her happy. It does not bother me.” Luginia said darkly, very obviously bothered. Annabeth raised an eyebrow and exchanged a look with Bronte, who grinned at her. 

“What did you two even fight about? Most of your arguments last a decade tops, but I’ve never seen you apart so long. I mean you dated Peitho to get back at Xan and she’s not even remotely your type.” Taryn asked, wiggling his eyebrows at Luginia who only scowled harder. 

“Who are you to say she’s not my type?” Luginia asked sharply. Bronte snorted, raising an eyebrow at the daughter of Ares. 

“Luginia, you like a woman who can bring cities to their knees. Bia is your type, not Peitho.” Taryn snarked back, Lugina’s face turning slightly red as the point obviously made. 

“Peitho is a goddess of love, right? Persuasion, technically, I think.” Annabeth asked, glancing over at Taryn who nodded in confirmation. 

“It’s not necessarily about the domains they inhabit that drives immortal attraction, but it does tie in a lot to personality in the immortal world.” Bronte grumbled amusedly, Luginia rolling her eyes in exasperation and muttering about going to the bathroom too. She stormed off, Bronte continuing after she was out of earshot. “Love and war go well together, look at Ares and Aphrodite, they are heavily intertwined. Persuasion, though, is about patience, persistence, etc. Luginia has no patience, they were a poor fit. To be fair Peitho and Xanthe were a poor long-term match too, but they were together for a few years and parted on good terms. Xanthe being upset that Luginia dated her isn’t because it was Peitho, but because it was Luginia doing it just to get her attention.” Bronte said, eyes dancing with humor. 

“So they’re hopelessly in love but Xanthe broke up with her, yeah that’s a perfect match alright. The Romance Venn Diagram expands.” Annabeth said dryly. Taryn frowned softly at her. 

“Love is complicated, especially when that love means forever. Very few of the gods have ever been solely faithful to a spouse, time can take a heavy toll on a relationship. They’ll probably find each other again, though to be honest I’m not sure if Poseidon would be too pleased.” Taryn said, finishing with an amused glance with Bronte. 

“Why’s that?” Annabeth asked, curiosity killing her. 

“No idea, to be honest. Xanthe and Luginia had a big fight sometime in the late eighteen hundreds, bigger than I’ve ever seen from them honestly. Normally a few years later, typically no more than thirty or so, they’ll be drawn back to each other and forget whatever pissed them off in the first place. Not this time though, Xanthe has stood firm.” Taryn said, shrugging. 

“It was an odd few days, the seas were angry but Xanthe wasn’t causing it, her father was. He’s watched them break up and get together dozens of times over the years but something happened this time that left him in ‘papa bear’ mode for over a century now.” Bronte mused, also shrugging. Annabeth committed that tidbit to memory to quiz them about later, but also noticed the cold feeling she had earlier was back. She frowned suddenly, glancing around them. 

“Where’s Thalia and Nico?” She asked quickly, Bronte and Taryn exchanging concerned glances as they realized the two other demigods had not yet returned from the bathroom right around the corner. 

Annabeth turned and started running towards the bathroom, noticing both doors were open and the stalls were empty. Her eyes widened as she glanced down, noticing three sets of prints headed into the woods behind the gas station. 

“Did they make a break for it or something?” Taryn asked sarcastically, looking incredulously towards the woods. 

Annabeth drew her dagger from the holster around her thigh, moving to follow the prints. Bronte grabbed her shoulder, the demigod turned to protest but saw Bronte was looking into the woods scrutinizingly, concentrating on something. Her eyes suddenly widened, turning to run back towards the car. 

“START THE DAMN CAR!” A familiar voice suddenly bellowed, Annabeth turning back to the woods to see Nico running towards them. His shirt was ripped and he had a small cut on his arm but otherwise looked unharmed. His sword was in his hand and he was sprinting full speed towards them. Annabeth suddenly heard the sound of massive footsteps thudding in the distance, followed by an echoing roar. 

“START THE GODS-DAMNED CAR!” A second voice called, Annabeth seeing Thalia booking it shortly behind Nico. She also appeared mostly unharmed, but was covered in golden dust and she had her bow in her hands, eyes wide as she sprinted towards them. Bronte suddenly pulled up behind Annabeth, the doors flying open as the beast in the distance roared again, echoing through the trees. Luginia was next to come into view, running full tilt in their direction. She was bleeding from a cut across her forehead, eyes wild with a grin on her face. She too was covered in monster-dust, and she laughed as they all got closer. 

“I love traveling with Big Three kids, something interesting always finds us!” The daughter of war cheered, sheathing one of her daggers back against her hip as she got closer. Nico reached them first, diving headfirst into the car and appearing suddenly in the backseat, Thalia climbing in hot on his heels. The beast roared again, shaking the earth as Annabeth’s eyes widened. 

A dragon was fighting its way through the trees, bellowing at them and spurting columns of flame out of its nostrils. It was probably three tons and the size of two tanker trucks. It was covered in dark green and shimmering scales, teeth bigger than Annabeth’s head lined several rows in the creature’s mouth. It bellowed again and Luginia laughed again as she dove into the car. Throwing herself after her, Annabeth slid into the second row of seats.

Bronte slammed the doors, backing up with incredible speed and throwing the car in drive. She took off out of the parking lot at high speed, flying towards the interstate. Thankfully the dragon did not follow, letting out a single spurt of flame after them before turning and tromping back into the woods. 

“How in the hell did you go to the bathroom and find a dragon? ” Annabeth groaned as they all calmed down, the dragon now a safe distance behind them. 

“Honestly it found me, a few harpies were making their way out of the woods when I got out of the bathroom, they were running and then they saw me so I had to kill them. Then Thalia came to get me and one of them got away screeching about avenging her sisters so we were like, ‘fuck well now we gotta go kill her so she doesn’t follow us or something’.” Nico grumbled, patting the cut on his arm with annoyance. 

“Then we come around the corner and boom, dragon.” Thalia said exasperatedly, rolling her eyes. “That’s about when Luginia showed up and tried to tackle it for some reason?” She said, looking pointedly at the daughter of Ares who still had a wicked smile on her face. 

“I’ve never tackled one before, wanted to see how it would go.” Luginia replied snidely. Thalia groaned and put her head in her hands. 

“Gods we’re literally stuck in a magical sports car with a group of insane immortals. What is my life?” Thalia asked, glancing upwards. Annabeth snorted. 

“You do realize you are also immortal.” She said with amusement. Thalia shook her head. 

“Yeah I’m not suicidal immortal like this one. What’s wrong with you anyways, can’t you die from wounds and shit?” Thalia asked, turning back to Luginia who grinned back. 

“Terms of my immortality, I shall never fall on the battlefield.” The daughter of Ares said proudly. 

“But Xanthe strangling her, on the other hand, would be a way she could go out.” Taryn snickered from the front, Luginia shooting him an icy stare. 

“Yeah we’re so coming back to that later, but could we maybe bring it back to where we’re going?” Thalia asked, glancing around at the older immortals. 

“Fair enough, look so Kos isn’t a bad dude. He really just tries to follow the teaching of his people, live with peace and harmony in nature and all that jazz. He also got super into a few different kinds of magic when he was younger that left him immortal and bound to a pack of hellhounds. He lives up here out of the way, I’ve only seen him a few times. The hellhounds at this point are more for his protection than anything, his power is a kind you can steal so he’s not super keen on strangers. He liked Xanthe well enough, the last time we met. I think that fucker actually owes me ten gold from somewhere in the eighteen fifties. We made a bet on when the first world wars would break out and I was totally on the money.” Taryn crowed, looking pleased. 

“I think we’ll forgo bringing that up if we want his help finding Xanthe, there’s no way he doesn’t know you cheated by quizzing Ares after you got him drunk.” Bronte said, voice heavy with amusement. 

“You got my father drunk and your first question was ‘when are the first world wars going to break out’?” Luginia asked incredulously. Taryn shrugged. 

“Technically that was a mission from dad trying to figure out how to prepare for a huge influx of souls.” The godly son of Hades said, shrugging. Bronte laughed, Luginia making a ‘fair enough’ face at the two of them. 

“So he might know who took Percy and the others?” Annabeth asked quickly, interrupting them before they could go off on another tangent.

“That or he can help us track her. If I’m right about my hunch they bound them according to the Greek laws of magic. In a sense there are a lot of different kinds of magic, they all have their own benefits and their own cost. Hiding someone from Greek gods is complicated but not impossible. It is, however, more difficult to mask someone’s location from a multitude of different types of magic, especially if you don’t know which one might be looking for you.” Luginia explained, looking grim. 

“So because he knows different types of magic you think he has a way to find them.” Annabeth concluded, Luginia nodding at her. 

“Searching for answers given by love’s hand.” Nico said quietly, reminding them of the line from the Prophecy. Annabeth’s heart beat quicker, maybe this was actually it. They had almost made it (mostly) without incident and if the Prophecy held true they could be getting answers soon. Bronte frowned, looking back at them in the rearview mirror. 

“Try not to think too much of the Prophecy, little cousin. I’ve found in my time they confound more than they assist during quests.” Bronte said, Annabeth nodding slowly with her, unease growing in her stomach. 

“Well let’s pray we don’t run into any more trouble, but Bronte’s right. Who knows how many times we’ve misinterpreted the lines from a Prophecy. This time let’s worry about what is right in front of us.” Annabeth said firmly, glancing back and her fellow demigods who nodded solemnly. They too knew the weight Prophecies brought down on them, it was sound advice. No matter what they did the prophecy came true anyways, more often than not in the way they least expected it too. The car settled into a tense silence as they settled back in. Annabeth sighed, hopefully she was wrong. Hopefully by morning she would have a location and by tomorrow, she’d have her boyfriend home. 

Or she was coming for blood. 

Chapter Text

Thankfully Annabeth and the rest of the group managed to make it safely the rest of the way, Bronte soon slowing down to normal speed and exiting the highway. Annabeth found she didn’t have the stomach for her snack after all and passed it off to a grinning Taryn. 

Soon enough they turned down a small unpaved road, the car bumping violently as Bronte winced. “You’re paying to have this detailed before Xan sees it.” She muttered quietly, brows furrowing as they hit another pothole. Taryn rolled his eyes and waved his hand, muttering something to her. 

“You weren’t kidding about the in-nature part.” Thalia said, glancing out at the pitch-black forest behind them. 

“Kos prefers solitude. He is, however, a practiced diviner. He’s probably waiting for us, no way he didn’t sense that one headed his way.” Taryn said, snickering slightly and gesturing towards Luginia. She shook her head at him. 

“He’s still a bit of his mother’s son.” Bronte chuckled at Annabeth’s inquisitive stare. “He’s obsessed with Luginia and Xanthe’s love story.” 

“There is no story. She has told me she does not wish to be with me again.” Luginia muttered darkly, glaring out the window like she could disintegrate something. Annabeth could see Bronte raise her eyebrows in the rearview mirror. 

“Yes because we’re launching a secret rescue mission that you would have done anyways with or without anyone’s help or approval because you simply don’t care about her anymore.” The goddess said pointedly. 

“That’s not what I said.” Luginia snarled, glaring at her. Taryn laughed, Nico and Thalia exchanging glances with Annabeth. 

“Moving on from that, are you sure he’s not going to ambush us because I can see at least three hellhounds tailing our car.” Nico said dryly, gazing casually out the window from the back seat. Annabeth whipped around to look but saw nothing. 

“They’re protection dogs, he probably sent them out to make sure nothing was tailing us here.” Bronte said, not at all looking concerned. 

“Which, to be fair, did happen the last time.” Taryn said, raising a finger to emphasize his point. 

“This time I think we’re in the clear. Look, we’re here.” Bronte said, slowing down and coming to a stop thirty or so feet from a small house. It was a cabin, really, that was built with oak planks. It had a small front porch with a rocking chair, and a man was sitting in it smoking a cigarette. 

Despite the distance Annabeth could tell he was tall. He had ridgid features and long black hair that was braided into two parts laying down his shoulders. He had dark brown skin with a warm undertone, and was dressed in jeans and a green t-shirt. He raised an eyebrow at them as Bronte put the car in park, the doors opening and the rag-tag team piling out of the car. 

Behind her Annabeth heard a quiet growl, turning to spot a small pack of hellhounds encircling their car. She tensed, reaching for her blade, and saw her friends doing the same. Taryn spotted her and shook his head, and she slowly returned her hands to her sides. The hellhounds walked slightly closer before the man whistled sharply from the porch. 

“s ipwêhtê!” The man called, and the hellhounds stopped growling. After a moment they turned, running back off into the woods with scattered barks and howls. Nico sheathed his sword again, and together they followed Bronte, Luginia, and Taryn to the porch. 

The man didn’t stand, but put out his cigarette when they approached. He grinned at them as Bronte walked up the porch steps, smiling broadly at the man. 

“Kos! Good to see you, my friend. I assume you’ve been expecting us.” Bronte said, tone alight with cheerfulness. The man cocked his head, glancing over the group of them with raised eyebrows. 

“I did, but not because I divined it. Mother came by a few days ago. I had a feeling that would lead to something bigger. The hounds spotted you a few miles back.” The man chuckled, pulling himself to his feet. Bronte reached out and shook his hand firmly before she stuck her hand in her pocket, pulling out the pack of cigarettes from earlier and tossing them to Kos. The man caught them with a grin, winking at her. 

“It’s funny you greet me like an elder when you’re so much older than me.” Kos laughed softly, still pocketing the cigarettes. Bronte shrugged. 

“It’s not as if you don’t want them.” She said cheekily. Kos shook his head and Taryn groaned. 

“Why’d you get rid of the pipe, though, it looked so badass when we would roll up and you’d be smoking it.” Taryn grumbled, looking put-out.

“Oh I still have it, but cigarettes are far more convenient.” Kos chuckled, turning his attention towards Annabeth with a small smile. 

“w âciyê, little demigods. My name is wâpanacâhkos, but please, call me Kos.” The man said warmly, nodding to the three of them.

“Pleasure to meet you.” Annabeth said, glancing over at Bronte who gestured with her hand. She reached out and offered her hand which Kos happily shook, Nico and Thalia quickly doing the same. 

“So, I couldn’t help but notice you’re missing someone. nimâmâ warned me something was brewing, does this have something to do with her absence?” Kos said more seriously, glancing over at Luginia who scowled. 

“She has been taken. Along with two of her siblings, Kymopoleia and her demigod brother Perseus Jackson.” Luginia relayed, Kos nodding solemnly. 

“Ah, the forbidden child. And you’ve come to look for them then I take it?” Kos hummed, glancing around at them all. Annabeth nodded quickly. 

“Yes, and we would appreciate any help we could get.” Annabeth said. Kos frowned, turning towards Luginia. 

“Something’s off about you. Your love line… hmm so complicated the two of you. Did you push her like I warned you not to?” Kos asked knowingly, Lugina’s expression darkening. 

“Leave it, Kos.” Lugina ground out, gritting her teeth. He raised an eyebrow at her before sighing. 

“She’s been bound, yes?” He asked. Lugina nodded sharply. 

“Most likely Greek in origin, we’ve discovered two of the responsible parties.” Taryn explained, shifting his weight slightly. “Goddess of misery and goddess of strife.” Kos raised his eyebrows fully, glancing between them. 

“The children of Night, someone must have really pissed off the poison goddess to get her out of her cave.” Kos said, gesturing at them to follow him inside. Annabeth tensed. 

“You know, I’m not exactly sure why Ahklys even went after the royal family. She knows a straight attack against the royal family would not end well without support, it had to have been a heavily calculated risk, even with her sister’s help. Poseidon must have really done something to piss her off.” Bronte snorted, glancing back at them and noticing Annabeth’s expression as she froze on the porch. 

“No, not him.” Kos said suddenly, turning back to face Annabeth sharply. Her heart pounded as his gaze burrowed into her eyes, dark brown and too old for his features. Her breath froze against her lips, Thalia shooting her a worried glance and moving towards her.

“Annabeth, what’s wrong?” She asked quickly, looking back and Kos suspiciously. 

“So much pain in you, child.” Kos murmured sadly, eyes seemingly boring straight through her mind. His eyes suddenly went cloudy, a thin white film overtaking them for a second before they cleared once more. “Oh, yes. That would do it, wouldn’t it.” Kos mused, turning and continuing his walk inside the cabin. 

“What does he mean, daughter of Athena?” Luginia asked slowly, eyes narrowed. Annabeth took a deep breath, eyes wide. 

“What did you see?” Annabeth asked, Kos glancing back to face her with a sad smile before continuing inside. 

“An act of love.” Kos said, disappearing into the cabin. 

“In the Pit.” Annabeth said after another tense moment, all eyes left on the porch boring her. “We met Akhlys in the Pit. We needed her Death Mist, she tried to kill us.” She rasped out, swallowing hard and staring down at her shoes. 

“And what, she’s pissed off that you escaped?” Thalia asked. Annabeth shook her head slowly. 

“No, probably what happened after that. We were going to die, I was so sure that was it and I was so tired, so ready to just lay down and give up.” Annabeth continued softly, glancing back up and meeting Nico’s gaze. He looked at her knowingly, he had been down in the Pit too. She knew he would understand out of all of them, the desperation and exhaustion running through their veins. Every breath had been torture, every step agonizing. It was endless suffering. 

“And then I wasn’t choking on poison anymore because Percy took control of it. He sent it back to her, she nearly drowned in her own domain.” Annabeth finished quietly, noticing a sharp intake of breath from Luginia. Bronte and Taryn exchanged looks, but ultimately didn’t seem surprised. 

“It would not be the first time a child of the sea controlled other liquids, especially in a situation as dire as that. I do see how it would anger her though, her own domain used against her? I would have paid to see her face.” Taryn said after a moment, nodding slightly with a small grin. 

“Poseidon said something similar.” Annabeth replied, swallowing hard as she looked up anxiously towards Thalia. To her surprise Thalia didn’t look shocked or scared, she looked sad. Her eyes were damp as she moved towards Annabeth, pulling her suddenly into a fierce hug. 

“He could have killed her, for all I care. It got you two home where you belong. That’s all I care about.” The daughter of Zues said in her ear. Annabeth’s eyes watered as she hugged her back, relief washing over her. 

“Are you all going to come inside? We have work to do.” Kos suddenly called, startling Annabeth back into the moment. 

“He’s right, we need to find them soon.” Annabeth said quickly, pushing past all of them to enter the cabin. It was quaint but still spacious enough for one person. Annabeth noticed the walls and shelves decorated with Native American art. Baskets, pottery, and a few woven pieces that left the weaving goddess’ part of Annabeth in slight awe. 

“Incredible work.” Annabeth said quietly, hand glancing over one of the woven pieces and noticing the texture was not entirely smooth, like there was something underneath it. 

“High praise from a child of the weaver.” Kos said, voice amused as he returned from somewhere deeper in the cabin “Quillwork, something nisikos made for me a long time ago. I am rather fond of it.” Kos said warmly. 

“Who made it?” Annabeth asked, not understanding the language he spoke. He grinned at her. 

“nisikos means ‘my paternal aunt’ in Cree.” Kos explained, setting something down on the coffee table. There was a large easy-chair and a small green couch facing an old television. Annabeth assumed it was from the nineteen-eighties, and the weather channel was playing on mute across it. 

Taryn flopped down on the couch, Bronte settling down next to him. Luginia stayed standing near the door, eyes flicking anxiously towards the dark woods surrounding them. “We should hurry, I sense battle approaching.” The daughter of war said, Annabeth’s eyes shooting towards her. 

“What exactly does that mean?” Thalia asked curtly, hand clutching her bow still strung over her shoulders. 

“It means someone’s coming to kill you soon. But they’re not here yet, the hounds would have told me.” Kos said calmly, settling down into the armchair while Annabeth, Thalia, and Nico shuffled closer. A shallow silver bowl had been placed in the center of the coffee table, a small crystal glass of water sitting next to it. 

“Who?” Nico asked, glancing anxiously towards the door. Luginia shrugged. 

“I only know when combat nears, I cannot say what it will be.” Luginia muttered in response. 

“You know what I need, then.” Kos said calmly, Luginia hesitating for a moment. 

“It won’t damage them at all?” The immortal child of Ares asked, frowning. Kos shook his head. 

“You know that it won’t. I need what you’re holding, Luginia. It has powerful love attached to it, I can use that to ‘boost the connection’ if you will, to get a better location.” Kos said, raising an eyebrow at her. Luginia scowled before reaching under her shirt and pulling out a silver-chain necklace she had never seen before. Taryn whistled, actually looking tense. 

“Damn, Luginia. Forget about the car, if those things get so much as a scratch on them Xanthe will actually send you to my father personally.” The god said, shaking his head slowly. 

Looking closely Annabeth could see strung on the silver chain were two celestial bronze rings, the metal woven carefully together so that it looked as though they were braided. Lugina carefully passed them to Kos, who took them equally as gently. “Are those wedding rings?” Annabeth asked, glancing curiously at Luginia. Had she and Xanthe ever been engaged?

“Yes,” Bronte said solemnly. “Xanthe and Androna’s.” Annabeth’s eyes widened, glancing closer at the rings. Kos clutched them in his hand, using his other to gently pour the glass of crystal clear water into the bowl. 

“I didn’t even know they had wedding rings back then.” Annabeth said quietly, eyes still wide. 

“That tradition started after Alexander the Great brought it over from Egypt, before Xanthe was born.” Bronte said softly, turning her gaze back to Luginia. “The real question is, why do you have them?” 

“I asked Hermes to grab them for me when he was at the palace. She never wears them into battle, I wanted to keep them safe for her.” Luginia muttered, cheeks slightly flushed. 

“You kept your girlfriend’s dead wife’s ring safe for her?” Thalia asked dryly. Luginia scowled at her. 

“Xanthe and Androna have made their peace, but this is the only real piece of their life and marriage she has left. Yes, I kept them safe.” Luginia retorted, Thalia holding up her hands in a ‘peace’ gesture. 

“If you’re all quite ready, we really should be getting this show on the road. The hounds have just informed me that they sense something moving this way.” Kos said amusedly, Annabeth’s gaze shooting to his face. 

“What is it?” Annabeth asked quickly. Kos shrugged. 

“It’s not close enough yet to tell, but we should hurry. I figure someone knows you’re here and that you’re going to be looking.” Kos said, turning to face the water and gripping the rings tightly in his hand. He began chanting quietly in a langage Annabeth didn’t understand, closing his eyes to continue.

They all sat in silence, watching closely for a few moments before the water began to swirl slightly in the dish, rippling outwards. Soon Annabeth noticed Kos had ceased his soft chant, instead his expression turned curious, cocking his head at the water. A sudden breeze drifted through the cabin, and Annabeth could have sworn she heard someone whisper behind her. A quick glance revealed nothing but it sent a chill down her spine anyways.

She glanced over at Nico who had gone ghost white, glancing around them with anxious eyes. 

“There are spirits here.” Nico said softly, Taryn grinned at him. 

“There are spirits everywhere, little one.” Kos hummed gently, still not closing his eyes. The swirl in the bowl got faster, water creating a small vortex despite not having been touched. “So much love in this shielding magic. And it’s not Greek in origin, exactly. A bit more ancient than that, but falls under similar principles. It’s older magic.” Kos continued darkly. 

“Love?” Annabeth asked suspiciously, wondering if his parentage was clouding his abilities somehow. Kos chuckled at her, eyes still closed. 

“Yes, love. Old love, but love that burns as brightly as the day it’s born. Love that never fades. It’s why the sea king cannot see his children, it blinds him. He cannot recognize it.” Kos murmured, brows furrowing. 

“What are you talking about, this entire thing screams hateful intentions.” Thalia said, sounding bewildered. Kos didn’t respond for a moment, tilting his head to the opposite side. 

“Love comes in many forms, daughter of the sky. Tell me, what kind of love never fades, never lessens? Not even time can change it.” Kos asked, Thalia glancing at Annabeth with a confused expression. 

“Grief.” Nico said softly, Kos nodding towards him. 

“Exactly.” The immortal child of Aphrodite said, tone pleased. “Love has many shapes, many faces. This is the face of grief, loud and clear. He is overconfident, he did not allow for them to set up more protections.” Kos said more softly, face returning to its concentrated expression. 

“Where are they?” Luginia asked quickly, eyes searching Kos’ face. The man suddenly frowned, raising his hand and bringing it down quickly into the water, sending it flying everywhere. 

“Kos, what was that?” Bronte asked sharply as the man’s eyes shot open, standing quickly to pass the rings back to Luginia. 

“He may be overconfident, but he knew I was watching. He sensed my presence, the presence of my ancestral guides. He’ll be able to find you here now, he saw me.” Kos said quickly, and Annabeth could hear the sound of hellhounds howling in the distance, causing her heart rate to pick back up. She drew her sword from where it was sheathed, noticing as the others did the same. 

“Did you find them or not?!” Luginia snarled, snatching the rings and throwing them back around her neck. Kos shook his head. 

“I did not, but it doesn’t matter now. He’ll be moving them, setting up new protections. But I did manage to get something.” Kos explained, moving quickly towards an umbrella stand by his door. He shuffled around before pulling out a shotgun and quickly checked to make sure the shells were loaded. 

“What?” Luginia growled, looking frustrated and slightly panicked. 

“His name. You are looking for the first heir to the seas, long since faded. Or so Poseidon thought anyway.” Kos said darkly, snapping the shotgun shut and cocking it with one smooth motion. 

“Wait a damn second, are you trying to tell us Triton kidnapped his siblings?” Thalia asked incredulously. Annabeth’s mind raced, searching all of her mythology knowledge and still not understanding what Kos was trying to say. 

“No,” Bronte said darkly, shaking her head. “Poseidon’s firstborn. Eumelus, son of Cleito, Poseidon’s first wife.” 

“I don’t remember reading anything about him having a wife before Amphitrite.” Annabeth said quickly, eyes widening at the implication. 

“It’s not a part of history humans kept well. Amphitrite and Poseidon were married a few hundred years before my birth, Triton joining them not too long after. When Poseidon was first given the seas, the people wanted to give him an heir, give him a queen. Cleito was an immortal nymph and an obvious choice for a young god of the seas. They were a fair match and got along well. Together they had seven children.” Bronte explained quickly, glancing towards Kos who nodded. 

“But their mother was not a goddess, and time paid a heavy toll on Cleito. She became depressed, no power to draw from to stabilize herself, her mind fell to madness. She walked to the Pit with her four youngest children and threw them all inside before she jumped after them. When Poseidon’s eldest sons realized what their mother had done they jumped after them, desperate to bring their family home.” Bronte continued, looking grave. “Poseidon attempted to go after them but he was still young then, coming into his power. He could not find them, the Pit itself hid them from him. He managed to drag himself out but he never heard from any of them again. We assumed they faded millennia ago.” 

“That’s… horrible.” Annabeth whispered softly, horror chilling her to her core. 

“I was not yet alive but I know it was a dark time. Poseidon grieved for centuries before ever having another child. He still grieves, and that is what allowed Emelus to hide himself and his siblings from their father.” Bronte said, realization dawning on her face. 

“Hold on for a second, then why is he trying to hurt Poseidon then? Why wouldn’t he just come home, Poseidon would be overjoyed to have him back I’d assume?” Nico asked, glancing over at Annabeth with an equally shocked expression. 

“The Pit changes you, you know that.” Taryn said softly, turning slowly to face the room. “He’s likely an angrier being now, a colder one. His mind was likely twisted by the Pit. And then imagine one day, after thousands of years, you catch a glimpse of the surface world and see your father and a brand new family. To him it likely does not matter that Poseidon grieved, that it took him so long to move on. All he sees is a new wife, a new family. A new heir in his place.” 

“We have to tell their father,” Luginia said quickly, eyes narrowing. She cocked her head. “After we survive whatever has just arrived.” Suddenly something outside let out a bone-shaking roar, Kos turning with wide eyes towards them. 

“Apparently he’s made more than just new Greek friends.” The immortal said sharply, gesturing outside. Annabeth quickly peaked around the corner and spotted some sort of serpent heading their direction. It was massive, roughly the side of a sequoia tree in both length and diameter, and was a shimmering rainbow down its body. Sparks flew from the creature’s scales, lighting up the darkness like a million fireworks. On its head were a massive set of antlers, easily the size of a billboard, and had a blazing diamond shaped-crest on its head. It roared again, the grass underneath its mouth withering and dying in an instant. 

“What the hell is that thing?” Thalia yelped after sticking her head around the corner, pulling off her bow and notching an arrow. 

“Uktena,” Kos said darkly, eyes narrowing. “The Keen-Eyed. Not normally this far north but something has sent it here.” 

“The once-heir.” Bronte said gravely, unsheathing her sword from behind her. 

“It seems the Pit makes for interesting company.” Luginia muttered, a quick glance revealing a wicked gleam in her eyes as she pulled her curved daggers from her hips. 

“There’s a spot, the seventh plate back in its armor where a blow can kill it. Watch the head, every exhale releases plague upon the earth.” Kos said abruptly, raising his shotgun and walking swiftly out on the porch. A second later they heard a loud blast, smoke drifting through the air as Kos fired. Annabeth and Thalia exchanged glances, the daughter of Athena’s mind racing to create a plan.

“So who’s serpent riding today?” Taryn asked cheerfully, bident now firmly grasped in his hands. Bronte and Luginia slowly turned towards him, grins on their faces. Taryn’s smile fell and he scowled at them both. 

“I’m serpent riding today, aren’t I?” Taryn groaned, rolling his eyes. 

“You are the smallest, it would make sense.” Bronte shrugged at her younger cousin who groaned. 

“And hey, not like you can die.” Nico said somewhat cheerfully, taking the opportunity to grin at his brother. “Since you can’t use your godly powers we can distract it if you can get on top and stab the damn thing.”

“Oh great, less than twelve hours and they’re already a bad influence on you. I wish Xan were here, she’d probably already be on top of the damn beast.” Taryn grumbled as they all started to move out onto the porch. 

“With how much time you’re wasting she probably could have already killed it.” Bronte muttered in reply, Taryn shooting her a mock insulted glance before quickly moving into the shadows and headed off towards the beast from behind. 

“HEY!” Thalia shouted suddenly, waving her bow at the creature’s face. It bellowed again, now only twenty or so feet away from them. “Over here, smallpox breath!” 

She lifted her bow and fired, hitting the monster directly into its open mouth. It shrieked but continued its advance. Bronte and Luginia suddenly charged, each sprinting towards the beast’s head with weapons drawn. Annabeth noticed Taryn managed to make it on top of the creature, nearly falling as he finished his scramble and dropping his bident in the process. The silver weapon clattered to the ground, Annabeth almost sighed. 

“Was that his only weapon?” Nico asked quietly. Annabeth scanned the godly child of Hades’ from afar, noticing his sword was not on his hip. 

“ I think so.” Annabeth sighed, gripping her sword tighter and racing towards the bident on the ground. The beast was somewhat distracted, snapping and breathing and Luginia and Bronte who expertly dodged, slashing at the beast’s eyes with their weapons. The blades glanced off of the Uktena like they were whacking it with baseball bats, and a quick glance upwards revealed Taryn desperately holding on. 

Suddenly the beast rolled attempting to smash both Taryn and the other two immortals near its head, slamming its body into the ground with enough force to shake the earth. Taryn yelped as he went flying into the trees, Bronte and Luginia diving to the side in the nick of time to avoid being flattened. 

The sportscar, however, was not so lucky. The beast rolled right over the top of it, caving in the roof and hood. Annabeth winced, she was certainly glad she wouldn’t be the one to tell Xanthe. 

“Oh come on! ” Taryn’s voice called from somewhere in the woods, and if the situation were any other time Annabeth would have burst out laughing at the sheer disappointment in his tone. 

Luginia then stood as the Uktena righted itself, sprinting towards a tree to her right. She raced passed Annabeth, snatching the silver bident from her grasp as she ran. “Distract it!” The daughter of Ares roared, scaling the tree with impressive speed. 

Thalia shot off another volley of arrows, hitting dead center between the plates of armor along the beast’s body with a satisfying thwack. Bronte swung as the beast turned toward her younger sister, bringing the blade down hard over the back of the creature’s head. The Uktena roared, turning back towards Bronte.

“Keep exchanging blows!” Annabeth yelled “It's having a hard time choosing which of us to go after first!” The others nodded, and Nico suddenly appeared directly behind the creature’s right eye, swinging his blade with all his power to strike a blow before disappearing again. Thalia sent another round of arrows, all of them slamming into the creature with downright deadly aim. Annabeth took the opportunity to sprint towards the beast, sliding under the side of its jaw and striking with all of her might. 

The blade glanced off, as she expected, and she stood and sprinted as the beast turned its head towards her, opening its maw wide. Her heart pounded as Bronte shouted, bringing her berserker sword down over the beast’s head. 

“If you’re gonna do something, do it now!” Nico shouted, appearing once more behind the beast’s eye and slashing at it. 

Luginia had managed to scale her way up the tree and now lept from one of the branches, throwing herself on top of the creature. She landed dead on target against the monster’s back. Before the beast could even recognize it had a new rider, Luginia lifted Taryn’s bident over her head and brought it down with all of her strength. The weapon sunk into the beast about halfway, the Uktena bellowed, thrashing and throwing Luginia across the clearing to smack into the porch, the wood splintering as she crashed. Kos lowered his weapon and crouched to check on her as she pulled herself upright again. 

The serpent thrashed and screamed, hissing as it began to steam. The monster let out one final wail and began to evaporate like smoke, disappearing into the wind. They all sat for a moment, panting and staring at the place where the beast once stood. Taryn’s bident clattered to the ground, echoing slightly around the small clearing. 

“As exciting as that was, you all need to get going. You don’t have long before the new protections will be in place, it may be Poseidon’s only chance to track them in time.” Kos said sharply, standing quickly and looking at the car with a wince. 

“I figure you are hiding yourselves from your parents, but time is of the essence here.” Kos said dryly as Bronte groaned. Taryn stumbled out of the woods, bleeding golden ichor from a wound on his head. 

“That was not as fun as I was hoping it was gonna be.” Taryn muttered, before turning to look at the car with a dumbfounded expression. “Oh gods, yeah no I’m about to be spending wayyyy too much quality time with dad.” Nico let out an abrupt laugh, still panting slightly. 

“I’m blaming it all on you.” Bronte said, gesturing for all of them to get closer. Luginia stood, appearing unharmed with a grim expression. 

“Wait are you teleporting us, won’t your dad know where you’ve been?” Annabeth asked shortly, now worried they would have to watch out for the thunder bringer’s wrath. Bronte grimaced and glanced upwards. 

“At this point Kos is right, time is of the essence. I may not see you all for a bit but I’ll be fine. I’ll probably get lectured for a bit about obeying orders.” Bronte muttered, waving at them all to stand near each other. Annabeth turned back to Kos, nodding to him. 

“Thank you, for giving us a chance to find them.” Annabeth said, Kos smiling warmly at her. 

“Your love is strong, now I see why my mother is so obsessed with the two of you.” Kos said, waving as Bronte grabbed her shoulder and the world fell away around them.

_______________________________________________________________________

Percy didn’t know entirely how long the toxin lasted in his system. It felt like both no time and days had passed when the hallucinations finally let go of his mind and the burning pain in his veins began to fade. He lay there, still restrained on the stone altar that he had been tied to before, processing everything around him. It was still dark, pitch black in fact, and Percy could not see if anyone else was around him. At some point he had given in and screamed, the pain was too much, the memories too strong. He didn’t even care if Akhlys had sat and watched his misery, he didn’t have the energy to be angry. 

He sat there long enough in the dark that his body started to go numb, pins and needles causing him to hiss as he tried to move slightly to relieve the uncomfortable sensation. He swallowed thickly, mind still churning with memories from his time spent under the poison’s influence. 

He had seen a lot of what he expected to see, and then more of what he didn’t. He could handle memories of his wounds, battles he had fought and paid for in blood (both his own and the blood of others), but what he hadn’t expected were the memories of Smelly Gabe. 

Percy now knew that his father had no idea what Gabe was truly like. He hadn’t ever told his father, but he felt it had been better to let it go. He was eager to forget all aspects of his former stepfather. He hadn’t ever discussed it with his mother either, and truthfully Annabeth was the one he had opened up to about it the most before meeting his demigod therapist. Because it had been so long and buried under so many new torments Percy hadn’t been bothered with memories of the ghastly man in a few years. 

He was a being of the past, though sometimes Percy still thought about his statue sitting in a museum with harsh satisfaction. He knew now that Gabe had hit his mother, but he did not know entirely if Sally knew what Gabe had done to him. The mortal had made Percy an offer shortly after marrying Sally, that if he swore to never speak a word of what he did to Percy then Gabe would not raise a hand against his mother. 

Percy had been five at the time, but still fiercely protective of his mother. He felt he had no choice, and at the time he didn’t. He agreed, though now he figured Gabe had offered the same deal to his mother for her silence. 

Percy couldn’t even recall how many times he was struck by the man, beaten and left broken and crying on his bedroom floor. How many beer bottles had struck him, sending him spinning to the floor, or even those nights when Gabe, drunk, would stumble into his room and tell him to keep quiet-

Percy stopped his mind from racing, taking a shaky breath. The last offense had not happened often, maybe thrice in Percy’s life, but that was a part of his past he had never told anyone. 

Not even Annabeth. 

But his poison had found those memories like second nature, pulling hazy images from the recesses of his mind with ease. He noticed at some point he had started crying, he couldn’t bring himself to care. It was eerily quiet, not a sound, and the minutes (or what Percy assumed were minutes) soon ticked into hours. 

He tried to sleep but his mind wouldn’t let him. He missed the company of his older sisters, Kym and Xan’s voices would be a welcome distraction right now. He was worried about them too, who knows what the angry god of the depths was doing to them. Percy wished he could ask them to tell him stories, like Rhode did sometimes. Of things they had seen or parts of history they had been present for. 

He wanted his bed. He wanted to go home and curl up with his girlfriend and never move again. Hadn’t he suffered enough? Percy sat for another while, when suddenly he heard the sound of chains being dragged over the stone floor, and suddenly all the torches on the walls came alight. 

He turned his head to face the door, steeling his expression with stern resolve. Another moment and Percy watched as Eris walked through the door, face twisted with rage and dragging Kymopoleia behind her. Kym was being pulled by the chains around her arms, face contorted with anger as Eris snapped the chains. Kym was thrown, skidding across the room and slamming into the base of the stone altar Percy was restrained against, and he shouted with fear as his sister’s head slammed into the rock. 

Her head began to bleed and she shook it with a frustrated growl, pulling her eyes up to glance at him with an anxious expression. Percy’s attention was drawn back towards the door as Akhlys strode in next, dragging a struggling Xanthe behind her. Xanthe was cursing violently in ancient Greek and a few languages he could not identify. She too was thrown towards them, though thankfully she avoided her skull striking the rough stone as she glanced over at Kym worriedly. Her eyes then moved upwards, going wide as she saw Percy’s own eyes staring back at her with concern. 

“What’s going on, are you guys ok?” Percy asked quickly, eyes glancing back up at Akhlys and Eris who were now arguing in some sort of language he couldn’t translate. Eris was hissing something, Akhlys waving her hands and gnashing her teeth through her response as she gestured towards the doorway behind them. 

“I know who the god is, I know why we were taken.” Xanthe muttered quickly, leaning down towards Kym and wiping the ichor away from her older sister’s wound. Kym mumbled something about being fine and pushed herself into a seated position. Xanthe reached up, grasping Percy’s wrist with her hand and he felt a pit of anxiety soothe slightly in his stomach at the contact. 

They hadn’t been this close to each other in days, something had to be going on. 

“I don’t understand why he would do this though, why would he want to hurt us-hurt dad ?” Percy asked quietly, Xanthe’s face turning grim with a tinge of surprise. 

“ ENOUGH !” A familiar and unwelcome voice roared from the doorway, Akhlys and Eris turning with thunderous expressions to face Eumelus. The god had irritation written all over his face, and he growled as he strode over to the shelf of poisons. 

“I told you we would need more protection and you didn’t listen! The boy is not of our magic, of course he can be used to find us.” Eris hissed, glaring darkly at the other god as she clutched her dagger tightly in her hands. 

“I care little for your opinion. Before now your protective spells were not needed and I wanted these parts of my sisters intact for my plans, now the plan is changing because of that rat-bastard of Aphrodite’s.” Eumelus snarled in response, grabbing a sharp bronze knife from the shelves and turning to face the goddess of strife. 

“The curse you require can be done without what we need for a protection spell. Get the bowl, we will require mortal blood.” Akhlys suddenly cut in, eyes turning coldly towards Percy. A chill went down his spine as Xanthe’s eyes widened. 

“Perseus, promise me, whatever happens to me and Kym you keep your eyes closed.” Xanthe said suddenly, turning her head sharply to gaze at Percy with a piercing stare. “Please.” 

“What’s going on, what do you mean?” Percy asked quickly, glancing back over towards the gods holding them captive. Eumelus laughed darkly, grinning wickedly at Xanthe. 

“It will change nothing, I will break you all in the end.” The god said, voice thick with something Percy could only describe as pleasure. 

“ Percy .” Xanthe said desperately, never breaking her gaze from the demigod before her. Percy swallowed, looking back at his older sister anxiously. Kym had an expression of determined resignation, nodding to Percy encouragingly. Percy finally nodded to her, Xanthe’s expression briefly washing with relief before apprehension returned. 

“I must go, I will be asking an old friend to help take care of my meddlesome cousins and that damned brat of Athena’s.” Eumelus growled, Percy’s heart racing at the mention of Annabeth. Had something happened to her, why were the gods suddenly in such a rush? “But be sure to make it painful for them.” The god finished darkly before disappearing with the roar of the cruel depths following him.

Eris turned back to them, a large bronze bowl clutched in her hands. She strode towards them, taking one hand and flicking her fingers, sending Xanthe and Kym to the side of the room with one blast. His sister’s crashed against the wall, the chains wrapping around their body and binding them tightly. A cloth material appeared, gagging them both so that they couldn’t speak. Percy’s heart raced as Eris approached, he narrowed his eyes at the goddess. 

“Gonna have to hard pass on that.” Percy muttered, shifting in his chains as his sister's muffled cries echoed around the room. Eris grinned. 

“Good, the magic is stronger when what is needed is taken rather than given.” Akhlys said, walking towards them with a cruel smile and the blade Eumelus had left behind. “I hope you enjoyed your time here, it’s going to get even worse now that we have to relocate.” The goddess of misery said gleefully, now leaning over Percy’s face. His adrenaline was racing as her clawed hands reached out and grasped his upper arm, holding it firmly in place with his wrist facing up. She then quickly took the blade and sliced it down the length of his arm, Percy nearly gasping as a now almost foot long gash began to weep crimson blood. 

It fell downwards, rushing out of him at an alarming pace as it dripped into the bowl Eris sat on the floor next to him. He blinked as his body began to shake, he assumed it was shock due to the heavily bleeding wound. Xanthe shouted something through her gag and struggled, eyes wide and angry. Kym thrashed next to her, glaring darkly at the goddess of strife as she laughed. 

“Blood from a mortal, bone from the divine.” Akhlys muttered, almost absent mindedly as she turned to walk towards his older sisters with the blade still in hand. Xanthe managed to make eye contact with him as his vision blurred, pointedly slamming her eyes shut and shaking her head. This is what she had meant, Percy now understood. Akhlys stopped before Kymopoleia, who stared up at Akhlys with a fierce glare. 

Xanthe’s cries became louder as Kym’s arm was forced outwards, the chains rewrapping themselves up further away from her wrists. Akhlys raised her dagger, Kym’s face firm with resolve as Percy finally squeezed his eyes closed tightly. He had promised them, they didn’t want him to see this. 

He heard the sound of the blade fall, metal striking flesh and bone before letting out a soft ping as it glanced off the stone floor. Kym let out a furious but muffled wail, Xanthe screaming something that was obviously meant to be a curse. 

Percy couldn’t help but pull his eyes open, noticing first the golden ichor was spilling quickly over the floor as Eris turned with something in her hand. With a shock Percy realized with rapidly growing horror that Eris held Kymopoleia’s severed hand with a maniacal expression. Kym was now cursing through her gag, pulling what remained of her hand closer to her chest as ichor rushed out in waves. Percy forced himself to look back at Akhlys who was wiping the blade clean of the ichor and blood staining it on her tattered dress. Horror washed over him as the goddess of misery turned next towards Xanthe, who now sat rigid with a fierce expression written over her face. 

Xanthe shook her head at him as Akhlys got closer, Percy’s heart racing. 

“And the sight of one with the blood you are hiding.” Akhlys said, voice filled with twisted pleasure as she reached down and grasped Xanthe’s face with one clawed hand. His sister refused to look away from the goddess as the blade was raised, Percy couldn’t help but squeeze his eyes shut at the sound of Kym’s enraged shout as the blade came down. 

“Xanthe!” Percy shouted as his sister let out a muffled cry. He kept his eyes closed at the sound of blade meeting flesh, mind racing wildly. They were practically mortal in this form; could they bleed out? Would the wounds disfigure them permanently? Rage lit his body, fighting back the dizziness the bleeding wound on his arm was causing. 

After a few more seconds he couldn’t keep his gaze off of them anymore and opened his eyes to see Xanthe crashing into the floor as Akhlys released her grip. His sister had fallen facing away from him, but he could see a pool of ichor forming around her head as Kym thrashed and screamed, struggling towards Xanthe but unable to reach her. 

Eris let out a maniacal laugh as Percy struggled, cursing at them. Akhlys turned, an insane smile on her face as she stalked towards him. With a hum of satisfaction she picked up the bowl, now nearly half full, and walked back towards Eris who tossed Kym’s severed limb inside while Percy watched on in horror. 

Akhlys then tossed in something else, covered in ichor and almost glinting in the light. With a wave of nausea Percy realized it had been a pair of eyes. 

Xanthe’s eyes. They had taken out his sister’s eyes. They had taken Kymopoleia’s flesh and bone. Rage churned in his stomach as he narrowed his own eyes furiously. Ahklys smiled gleefully, walking carefully over to the now-lit brazier and began chanting again in that deep unfamiliar language. 

As she did so Eris strode over to his sisters, the chains unwrapping slightly and the ends of them falling in Eris’ outstretched hand before she suddenly disappeared with them both. 

“What have you done to them? Where did they go?!” Percy roared, Akhlys only letting out a cold laugh. 

“I took what I needed, boy. Your father will not be able to employ the help of any other pantheon to find you now.” She hissed in reply, dumping the bowl of horrifying contents into the brazier. The flames lit blood-red, launching themselves upwards towards the ceiling. She then turned and stalked towards him, his chains unbinding and dragging him upright as the ends appeared in her hands. She yanked on them, causing him to fall off of the altar with a painful thud, body screaming at him while his vision swam. Akhlys pulled the chains again and they disappeared into thin air. 

Chapter Text

Percy woke in a large open cell, noticing the walls lit by torchlight. He glanced around himself as his memory came back to him, struggling to sit up and blink away his blurry vision. He was weak, barely able to sit upright as his right arm pulsed with pain. 

“I can hear you moving, lie still or you’ll undo my work.” Xanthe called, Percy’s heart racing as he registered what she said. He slowly lay back down, glancing over where Xanthe’s back was turned to him, crouched over an unmoving figure. They were still bound in chains, but here they were not attached to the wall and were free to move around the cell. The walls were rock, rough stone that was nearly black in color. Two torches lit either side of the cell, and a stone door was shut to Percy’s left. He blinked, trying to see what was going on, and spotted Kym laying on her side, eyes shut and face lax. 

“Kym!” Percy called softly, trying to sit up once again. Xanthe tensed and whipped around, Percy audibly gasping. She had covered her now missing eyes with a piece of cloth that was tied around the back of her head, presumably ripped from the bottom of her chiton if the rough edges of the cloth were any indication. It was stained with golden ichor, some of it still dripping down her cheeks and splashing onto the floor. 

“Stop moving!” Xanthe hissed urgently at him before turning back to Kymopoleia’s still form. Horror filled Percy’s bones, heart racing as he took in everything that just happened. “I tied off your wound, Eris and Akhlys didn’t bother and you’ve lost a considerable amount of blood.” Xanthe muttered quickly, Percy now noting she was binding Kym’s right wrist with another piece of torn chiton. 

He glanced down at his own right arm, now tied tightly with blood stained white fabric but he was relieved to notice the flow seemed to had finally stopped. He swallowed thickly, mouth even drier than it was before and his voice rough from strain. 

“Is… is it permanent?” Percy asked after another tense moment, Kym shifting slightly in her sleep as Xanthe twisted the cloth around her older sister’s wrist. She turned her face back towards him, shaking her head softly as she gently placed their sister’s arm back on the floor. 

“Thankfully not, though eyes and limbs take a bit longer to heal when bound. I estimate if we’re stuck here long term a few weeks for me, maybe a bit less for Kym.” Xanthe said, voice colored with exhaustion and pain. Her shoulders slumped as she sat back against the wall, swallowing hard. “It’s not the first time someone’s taken my eyes from me.” Xanthe said after another moment, Percy’s stomach was twisting. 

“They did this to you before?” Percy asked darkly, face contorting into a frown. Xanthe shrugged. 

“Vision and eyes are very important in shielding and seeking magic, they can be used to disguise locations or search for something. My eyes regenerated with time, several generations of magic wielders took them from me previously.” She finally said, face turning slightly towards Percy with a scowl. 

“I’m sorry.” Percy said quietly, grief heavy in his tone. Xanthe shook her head, frowning softly. 

“Do not be, it is not your fault. We will heal.” She said firmly. “I am simply glad they did not take it from you.” 

Percy didn’t know how to respond, he wished he’d noticed his sister had gone missing sooner. He wished he had never let them leave that night after the party, maybe if he had begged them to come stay at camp none of this would be happening. 

“But it hurts, I know that.” Percy said after a few moments, Xanthe tilting her head at his words. 

“All injuries hurt. These wounds are still nothing to my previous time. As I said we will heal, little brother. You, however, are still mortal. That cut is deep, your breathing and heart rate were slow and shallow. You’re in shock, I need you to lay still.” Xanthe said firmly, shooting him what he knew was supposed to be a stern look but it fell slightly hollow as he stared at the bandage wrapped around her eyes. 

“Are there any more wounds I need to address on you, Percy? You were gone a long time, we were worried. I could hear your cries.” Xanthe asked after another minute, sounding truly exhausted. 

“No, she made me drink poison. It hurt but it was just memories.” Percy replied, shaking his head and wincing when he recalled his sister couldn’t see it. 

“Memories are more damaging than one first assumes. Are you sure you’re alright? What did she force you to relive?” Xanthe asked anxiously, a concerned look overtaking her expression. 

Percy closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to steady his fried nerves before he responded. “Painful ones, of things that have hurt me before.” Percy admitted, shaking his head. 

“Of the Pit?” Xanthe asked softly. 

“Some of them.” Percy mumbled. Xanthe cocked her head but didn’t push, instead turning her face back where Kym was still sleeping. Golden ichor stained the left side of her face, a small wound no longer bleeding rested just below her hairline. The gash was small, and Percy’s eyes slowly traced down to the stump left on Kym’s right hand. He swallowed hard, Xanthe had wrapped pieces of chiton around it tightly at the wrist, carefully covering all exposed flesh. The bandages were already stained with ichor, though thankfully the small pool of it underneath his sister had not grown since Xanthe had finished her work.

“Eumelus did something similar to us for a time.” Xanthe finally said, breaking the tense silence in the room. “Memories I had long since locked away. Kym cried for Gyges, she has not mentioned him in centuries.”

“Wait, who? Percy asked quickly, confused. Xanthe shook her head. 

“The Hundred Handed. He was Kym’s husband.” Xanthe explained, Percy’s eyes going wide. Kym had mentioned being married once, but had seemed stormy at any further questions on the topic. He glanced over at Xanthe again. 

“What happened to him?” Percy asked quietly, Xanthe tilting her face in his direction again. 

“He died in a merfolk uprising many years ago and never returned from the Pit, we assume he has faded. Kym has since refused another spouse.” Xanthe told him, frowning softly. Percy felt saddened for his sisters, none of them appeared to have good luck in the long and happy marriage department. 

“Hundred Handed, like Braries?” Percy inquired, his sister nodding at him. 

“Yes, they are brothers. They have a third, Cottus, but no one has heard from him in centuries either.” Xanthe said solemnly, Percy digesting that information. “I believe mortals interpreted Braries and Kym’s friendship at the time as evidence of a marriage between them. Most mortal accounts claim Braries was Kym’s husband and that they created a daughter together. This is not the case, Kym never carried a child.” Xanthe finished quietly. 

“I always kind of wondered why you guys don’t have kids, or at least talk about them.” Percy admitted softly, glancing over at Xanthe who’s expression turned dark. 

“Well you know the story of Pallas, correct?” She asked him, Percy muttering a quick yes in reply. “Triton had two other immortal daughters that faded long before I was even born, and once had dozens of demigod children, but Pallas was his final straw. He would not raise anymore children to watch them fade or die, he has not had another child since Athena’s spear struck her down. Kym and Gyges simply just did not desire children until it was already too late and he was gone. Kym grieves him, she cannot bring herself to have a child with another. Benthe has a daughter, they speak but they are both drifters and don’t see each other often l. Rhode has several as well, she would be happy to introduce you to them but I feel she did not want to overwhelm you.” Xante said, voice tinged with amusement at the mention of Rhode’s children. Percy’s face went shocked. 

“And you?” Percy asked after another moment of processing. Xanthe’s face turned into one of raw grief and sorrow, Percy regretting the question the moment he asked. Before he could say anything else Xanthe opened her mouth and answered him. 

“It’s not that I don’t want children as much as I cannot have children.” His sister replied softly, turning her face down towards her lap. Unconsciously she raised a hand towards her womb, curling slightly in on herself. “It is a curse from my previous imprisonment, it is… a complicated story.” Xanthe muttered quietly, shaking her head. 

“You don’t have to tell me, I get not wanting to share certain things.” Percy told her quietly, a feeling of unease growing in his chest at his sister’s grief stricken face. 

“It is… It is not something I tell many people.” Xanthe whispered, looking distraught. “They took that from me, they took her from me.” She choked out, a broken sob cutting through her words. If her eyes were still in place Percy knew she would be crying. The cold feeling in his chest spread as the words sunk in. They took her his sister said. Once in a conversation with Rhode, shortly before returning to camp, she had told him that Xanthe and Androna’s child was a son. Apollo had told them as such. 

“When you were captured.” Percy said slowly. “They… did they?” He couldn’t bring himself to say the words. Xanthe paused for a moment, still trembling but then turned her face back towards him. 

“The most powerful thing you can take from someone is innocent life. Even new divinity, it takes time for them to grow into their immortality. That is the reason Leto hid the archer twins from the queen’s wrath for so long.” Xanthe said darkly, voice still choked with sorrow. “They had only one thing left they had yet to get from me, a child to sacrifice.” Percy swallowed hard, another wave of nausea overcoming him. 

“Is he dead, the one who hurt you?” Percy asked and Xanthe let out a slightly hysterical laugh. 

“No, he is a god. He cannot die.” Xanthe told him, shaking her head. “His presence on this earth will torment me for the rest of my days. The father of my daughter, he left her to die. They cut me open!” Xanthe suddenly wailed, another sob forcing its way out of her lips. She took a gasping breath. “And they stole her from me !” 

Percy’s heart sank, tears coming to his eyes as his sister’s body shook with sobs. He pushed himself up slightly, trying to shuffle towards his sister’s shaking form. 

“And to make it so much sweeter for them, they shredded my womb so badly no child could ever be born from it again. My divinity could not heal me, Zeus ordered Apollon to not heal the damage, I will never carry a child.” Xanthe sobbed, shaking her head as Percy finally managed to reach her. He threw his arms around her, her shoulders flinching at the unexpected contact before she collapsed partially into him, sobs easing after a moment. 

“I’m so sorry.” Percy mumbled, squeezing his eyes shut as Gabe’s image flickered before his eyes, Xanthe’s shaking started to slow. 

“It was long ago.” Xanthe replied after another moment. 

“But that doesn’t go away.” Percy said knowingly, wincing as he felt his sister tense. Her face turned upwards towards him, a horrified look overtaking what he could see around the bandage. 

“ No ,” She said softly, her tone haunted. “Father would have killed them, Percy.” 

“I don’t think he knows.” Percy said quietly. “I never told him. I never told my mom. I’ve… I haven’t even told Annabeth.” He said softly, shaking his head. 

“Are they dead?” Xanthe asked, unintentionally echoing Percy’s previous words. He would have laughed if he wasn’t so exhausted. 

“Yes. My mom turned him to stone with Medusa's head.” Percy told her proudly, Xanthe nodding firmly. 

“A quick death, not fitting for a beast. Though very well done on your mother’s part. Who? I would like to break into the Underworld and have a conversation with him.” Xanthe said darkly, Percy feeling a slight twinge of fondness at her tone. 

“My first stepfather.” Percy mumbled, shaking his head at her. “He’s dead now, it doesn’t matter. If I ever see who you spoke of it won’t matter that they’re a god. I fought Ares at twelve, I’ll find a way to kill him myself.” 

“No need,” Xanthe said, voice now darkly amused. “I believe Triton was the one to find him first. He denied involvement, but I always doubted that. I used to worry I would see his face again, but I have not in almost a thousand years.” 

“I’ll have to ask him.” Percy muttered, Xanthe shaking her head fondly. 

“I am sorry,” Percy said again, swallowing hard as sorrow struck him once again. “About your daughter.” 

“Me too,” Xanthe replied sadly, both of them falling silent as Percy sat back next to her. Soon enough he felt tired, Xanthe encouraged him to lay across her legs and sleep while she watched (listened?) over them both. 

He fell asleep, exhausted from the horrors the day had held for them.

__________________________________________________________________

Annabeth wasn’t entirely sure where Bronte was teleporting them, but Olympus was not what she was expecting. She had originally assumed the goddess was taking them to Atlantis to inform Poseidon of what they had learned, but she heard Bronte let out a curse as their feet hit the ground. Annabeth spun around, glancing up and spotting a furious Zues sitting on his throne. His form flickered with energy, lightning flashing down his arms and eyes glinting dangerously. 

“And where, exactly, have you been daughter of mine?” Zeus asked coldly, glaring at Bronte who winced, shaking her head. 

“I apologize for leaving my post, father, but I felt I could be more helpful in the field. I had hoped resolving this issue faster would limit the risk of battle spilling over here on Olymp-” Bronte started, Zeus standing abruptly before she could finish. 

“ENOUGH! I care little for your excuses, I know you did it to help my brother’s welp you’re so fond of.” The king boomed, glaring harshly down at Bronte who returned the look in kind. 

“So what if I was?!” Bronte roared in response, drawing herself up to full height and sending a withering glare at her father. The lord of the skies growled. Annabeth turned and spotted both Nico and Thalia standing behind Taryn and Luginia, the immortals keeping their gazes sternly on the floor. 

“You know what she did to your brothers! I do not understand why you care so much for the wretched girl, I wanted her dead centuries ago!” Zues yelled, lightning crackling and striking the edges of the room and causing Annabeth to duck. 

“My brothers were wrong, she gave them a chance! Multiple chances! They were the ones who refused to surrender, they were the ones who challenged her to a battle to the death on the Styx! It was you she wanted, father. Hasn’t her life been punishment enough? Hasn’t what you cursed her with punished her enough?!” Bronte yelled, bolts of lightning striking the ground around her as thunder boomed violently overhead. 

“ SILENCE !” Zeus roared, waving his hand harshly towards Bronte and the goddess disappeared, Taryn turning with a sharp expression towards Annabeth. 

“Pray to my uncle, now.” Taryn hissed, Annabeth nodding as she sent out a mental call for Poseidon, letting him know that they needed to tell him something. 

“And you! I know damn well your father won’t be pleased, boy. He already knows you’re missing, had me promise to send you back if I found you.” Zeus boomed, snapping his fingers and Taryn disappeared with an annoyed expression. 

“And you four are supposed to be at camp, defending it and waiting to be called upon if need be.” Zeus hissed, sending a stinging glare in Luginia’s direction. “You would do well to do as you’re told, granddaughter.” Luginia didn’t flinch, glaring back up at the king of the gods. 

“The warriors are under my sister’s command for the time being, we’ve not been gone long. We need to inform Poseidon, we have discovered the identity of his enemy and a possible trace on where his children have gone. He would be most indebted to you, my lord , if you allowed us to continue.” Luginia ground out, not looking pleased at having to show that much respect. 

“I have a question for you, brother dear.” A stone cold voice suddenly said, snapping all eyes to the entrance to the throne room where the lord of the seas stood, now fully redressed in his battle attire from earlier. His trident was clutched in his hand, glowing brilliantly as fury pulsed from the sea god’s aura. 

“Why, when I have told you the consequences, would you proceed to block my efforts to find my children?” Poseidon asked darkly, Zeus scowling at him. 

“Your children can rot, for all I care.” The king growled, stalking towards his brother as Poseidon prowled closer. Annabeth tensed, glancing towards Thalia and Nico who both gave anxious expressions. Luginia leaned closer, whispering to close their eyes if blows were to be exchanged between the two Olympian gods lest they be blinded. “ My children must do as they are told. Which brings me to you, child.” Zeus said, glaring at Thalia. 

“Father I had no orders to remain at camp, I am more useful hunting. As my Lady has taught me.” Thalia snapped back, glowering at Zues who’s eyes flickered dangerously. 

“Your children and their cousins have brought me answers, you would do well to mind yourself and allow them to speak. Lest I challenge you right here, right now.” Poseidon interjected, stepping close to Zues and glaring down at him. Both gods were twenty feet or so in height, and the ground beneath them trembled. 

Zeus paused for a moment, glancing at his older brother with a furious snarl. “Or I can inform Hera about that mortal woman from Washington who just had her first prenatal checkup.” Poseidon finished, glowering at the king with a cold expression. Zeus’ eyes widened almost imperceptibly as he looked at the sea god. 

“Any of them disobey my orders again and I will not be so lenient.” Zeus muttered after a long pause, flashing away with a clap of thunder. Poseidon smiled wryly before his expression fell firm, turning to face them and walking over to them. He appeared once more in mortal size, though still incredibly tall, and looked firmly at Luginia. 

“What have you found?” Poseidon asked darkly, Luginia not looking up at his gaze. Annabeth almost frowned, she had not seen the child of Ares not glare someone down before, god or not. 

“We discovered who took them, Eumleus.” Annabeth said quickly, Poseidon’s gaze snapping to her with a look of pure shock. Grief then flashed across his face, the god shook his head. 

“No, it cannot be. He faded centuries ago, or he would have found his way home.” The god said slowly, glancing between them. 

“I’m afraid not. Kos, a son of Aphrodite, confirmed it, Uncle.” Nico said hesitantly, Poseidon’s face contorting with one of sorrow followed by rage. 

“If this is true and he has hurt my other children then he is no son of mine.” The sea god hissed, closing his eyes and turning his head to the side. After a moment his green eyes shot open as he growled, the world shaking violently around them. 

“ NO!” Poseidon snarled, disappearing into thin air with the sound of a storm. The four remaining stood in shock for a moment, glancing around as they wondered what exactly they should do next. 

“Damn, you guys managed to thoroughly piss dad off.” A voice suddenly said, Annabeth turning to spot Hermes striding towards them. He was now dressed in a red t-shirt and jeans, green winged converse on his feet. He grinned at them as they exchanged anxious glances. 

“Lord Hermes, we came with news for Lord Poseidon, about the person responsible for taking his children.” Annabeth said, somewhat shakily. She wasn’t exactly sure why Poseidon had flashed out so suddenly but based on his thunderous expression it wasn’t good. Hermes nodded, grin dropping and expression turning solum. 

“He’s off tracking what’s left of the magic linked back to our foes. He let me know to keep an eye out for messages, but he’s upset because he still can’t feel them through it. Whatever was disguising them has been given a serious upgrade.” Hermes told them gravely, Annabeth’s heart rapidly sinking in her chest. They were too late, their small window was gone. 

“What kind of upgrade, like they switched to a new type of magic?” Thalia asked sharply, Luginia growling in frustration as she turned and stormed away, cursing. Hermes watched her go with an odd expression before responding to Thalia. 

“Something like that, ancient spells Nyx taught her children generations ago. They’re dark spells we honestly haven’t seen since… Well, the last time any sort of god was bound.” Hermes told them, shaking his head. 

“What do they take?” Annabeth asked quickly, Hermes frowning at her. Her heart pounded against her ribs, mind racing. 

“Off the top of my head, divine bone, mortal blood, and the sight of what you are trying to hide is the easiest for what they have with them.” A new voice suddenly called out, a tall goddess with stern features and jet-black hair stalked towards them. 

“Hecate, I had not informed them you had arrived.” Hermes said quietly, noticing how Annabeth’s expression had turned downright panicked. 

“Well the girl wanted to know, now she does.” The triple goddess muttered, rolling her eyes. She was dressed in black and purple robes, a shimmering blue necklace that swirled like it was filled with smoke hung on a golden chain around her neck. Her nails were long and pointed, and she had high sharp features. 

“Their sight?” Thalia asked numbly, eyes glinting with horror. 

“Just one, unless they’re feeling extra cautious.” Hecate replied flatly, not noticing how the three demigods' expressions were turning. Hermes glanced between them anxiously before cocking his head.

“I’m sending you back to camp. Give everyone a heads up, things might get rocky depending on what Uncle P finds out there.” The messenger god said quietly, snapping his fingers and sending them straight to camp. 

Annabeth stumbled as she landed, noticing they had ended up in the Big House living room. Thalia tripped as she landed, falling over and landing against a startled Luginia with a huff. 

“Hermes…” Luginia growled, looking up at the sky with a piercing glare. 

“Annabeth, is that you?” Chiron called, the sound of hooves clopping down the hall. Chiron emerged a moment later, flipping on the lights. It was now nearly six in the morning, camp would soon be rising and Chiron was already dressed. He glanced between all of their exhausted faces with mounting concern. “What happened?”

Annabeth summed up the previous night's events quickly as Thalia moved out the door to go start waking campers in case the sea god's wrath shook the camp once more. Chiron’s expression turned sorrowful, shaking his head as they got to the end of their tale. 

“Eumelus was once a kind boy, a good prince. A bit brash but overall kind. It pains me to know how much he has changed.” Chiron said sadly, slowly shaking his head. It struck Annabeth again exactly how old Chiron was. They all sat in silence for a moment as rays of Apollo’s chariot began to flood the horizon. No quakes shook camp, however Annabeth could increasingly notice the waves were starting to get rough again. The sky over the ocean darkened though thankfully it did not rain in camp boundaries. 

“Chiron, is he going to kill them?” Annabeth asked her mentor after a moment. Chiron’s tail flicked uncomfortably, expression sour. 

“I do not know.” The centaur said gravely. Annabeth tensed, mind still reeling from everything that had happened in only a twelve hour period. The sun now had risen, campers emerging from their cabins and chattering as they readied themselves for breakfast. Luginia growled something about checking in on the warriors and stood abruptly, storming out of the Big House. Annabeth felt frustrated, had they really exhausted all of their options for getting answers? Had Poseidon found anything? 

“You all have had a very long night,” Chiron said after a moment, watching Luginia’s retreating form. “You should get some sleep. We can reconvene in a few hours, but for now I’d recommend you rest. I will wake you immediately if there is any news.” Nico looked like he was about to protest, but Annabeth shook her head. Nico glanced at her, and she sent him a ‘wait’ expression. 

“Alright. I’m going to the Poseidon cabin.” Annabeth said softly, ignoring the glimmer of surprise in Chiron’s expression. He hadn’t expected her to give up without a fight, so she knew she had limited time. Nico nodded, mumbling that he would be headed off to bed and together they stepped out onto the porch. 

“Get the others, we need to let them know what’s going on.” Annabeth said quietly to the son of Hades, who nodded sharply at her and melted into the shadows. She moved quickly through camp, heading for cabin three with new determination. 

If magic couldn’t find them, she knew one other way that the god had been communicating with them. Phones. 

Somehow the god had managed to enchant responses, though they almost felt too specific. Like somebody had been taking the time to craft responses they knew would soothe Poseidon’s worries. That would have to be someone who knew the god of the seas, that someone had to be Eumelus. 

She ignored other camper’s shocked expressions as she reached Percy’s cabin, throwing open the doors and yanking her phone out of her pocket. She sat down on Percy’s bed and opened the messages app, pulling Percy’s contact up and beginning to type. It was then the rest of the seven started trickling in, glancing at her anxiously. 

“Hey, what happened? Nico just said to get over here but he wasn’t very specific. Is it bad news?” Jason asked, striding in the cabin with a determined expression. 

“We figured out who has Percy and the others, but we weren’t fast enough to track them. Hecate said that they’ve enacted a new spell to hide them from Poseidon.” Annabeth informed them, hitting send on the message with a scowl. 

I know who you are. Your father grieved you. Why would you take them? Her message read. She was hoping to get a response, maybe she could figure out how to make the god slip up. Or at least find out if her theory was correct and he was the one crafting these responses. 

“So what’s next?” Piper asked, following Jason in with Leo, Hazel, and Frank close behind. Soon enough the entire seven had entered the cabin, all glancing over at Annabeth worriedly. Nico and Thalia were the last to enter, standing near the doorway with grim expressions. 

“I have an idea,” Annabeth said slowly, looking around at them all. “That Eumelus is the one replying to us instead of sending out ‘auto replies’ like Hermes thought.” She explained. 

“Wait, go back. Who exactly is Eumelus?” Frank asked, Annabeth frowned at him. There was still no response on her phone. 

“Apparently Uncle P had a wife a long time before Amphitrite who went insane and threw their children into the Pit before jumping in herself.” Thalia said darkly. “They thought all of them had faded, Poseidon could never find them. Eumelus was their firstborn son, the first heir to the seas.” 

“But the royal family seems really close, why wouldn’t he have just come home?” Piper asked, voice colored with confusion. 

“Maybe he thinks Poseidon replaced him.” Jason said grimly, shaking his head. “Gods aren’t well known for logic and reason. Plus the Pit itself…” The son of Jupiter trailed off as Annabeth nodded to him. 

“That’s the current theory. I want to see if he’s still replying now that Poseidon knows who he is.” Annabeth informed them. Hazel tilted her head. 

“But why would he? I mean, isn’t that just another way to potentially get caught? He has to know eventually Poseidon will find them.” Hazel asked, glancing back at Nico who shrugged. 

“Pride.” Annabeth said triumphantly. The entire room’s attention was drawn as her phone buzzed, Annabeth quickly scanning the contents. 

“He replied?” Leo asked incredulously, eyes widening. 

“He did.” Annabeth said softly, swallowing hard. 

“What did he say?” Thalia asked, narrowing her eyes at Annabeth’s expression. 

“ Why would I not take them? He left our mother to rot, left my siblings, and then built himself a new life. Their pain brings me great joy.” Annabeth recited, already formulating a response. 

He looked for you, he went into the Pit for you. Your siblings have done nothing, they weren’t even alive yet. She messaged back, briefly letting the others know what she had said. 

“Ok, but what exactly is your final goal here? To trick him into telling you where he is?” Piper asked, looking at Annabeth with concern. She shrugged, heart pounding as she waited for another reply. 

“He probably won't, but maybe it will keep him distracted. Poseidon is searching for him right now, if he’s focused on this maybe it’ll buy him enough time to find something more helpful.” Annabeth told them, glancing around at the faces around her. Her phone buzzed again, all eyes drawn as she read off the message. 

“And yet, he left. Left us behind. The Pit is a cruel being, Perseus knows that. He cried for you when he relived it, daughter of Athena.” Her voice wavered, hands shaking as she already went to type a response.

“Annabeth, maybe you’re not in the best state of mind for this right now…” Hazel said slowly, moving towards her as Annabeth hit send. The daughter of Athena held up her hand, sending a stinging glare her direction. 

“He’s replying, I got what I wanted.” She said darkly, the others shifting nervously around her. 

Tartarus does not define us. We are free now. You included, he doesn’t influence your decisions anymore.  She sent. The reply was almost instant. 

But He does define me. He let me see the world, let me see the god of the seas. The family he created, the one he does protect. Let him feel the pain I felt watching my mother fade. It said, Annabeth quickly rattled off the message to the rest of the room watching with bated breath. The phone buzzed again. 

He let me see you two, when you arrived. Annabeth’s breath caught in her throat. She shook her head. 

Then why would you take him? Has he not suffered enough? 

Hazel sat down next to her, reading off the messages she couldn’t bring herself to voice. Nico walked closer, staring at Annabeth pointedly as she waved them off. The phone buzzed again. 

Perhaps, but this is not about his suffering. This is about our Father's. The Pit let me see his rage, feel his anger when the boy fell into the darkness. He let me feel Xanthe’s pain, when her child died all those years ago. The pain our Father felt when he found out. It was sweet to me then too. 

Annabeth paused, Androna’s and Xanthe’s child? What would draw the attention of the primordial enough about that to warrant him showing Eumelus? The phone buzzed again as Hazel read out the message to the rest of the room

And I know you’ll tell him about this. His misery will be profound. You know, this modern century really is a wonder. I mean, cameras in phones? We didn’t even have portraits back when I was born. Show him, child of Athena. Your suffering will bring me happiness too, I’ll be sure to tell Perseus. 

An image was attached below, leaving Annabeth’s head rushing with horror. Her hands began to shake harder and Hazel snatched the phone away from her as the others clambered forwards for answers, Thalia rushing to her side. The daughter of Zues grabbed her hands, desperately asking Annabeth what was wrong but she could only shake her head. 

It was a photo of Percy, Xanthe, and Kymopoleia in some sort of cell. They were together, but Annabeth had briefly been able to spot both blood and ichor coating the floor. Percy had been lying on his side, facing away from the image with his head on Xanthe’s lap, and he had been changed into a simple white chiton like his sisters wore. She could see blood smeared on the small amount of his face she could see, and his shoulders and legs were covered in bruises. Kym had been laying across from him, head resting near the other side of Xanthe’s lap. Annabeth had spotted a small glimpse of ichor stained bandages wrapped around her wrist before her eyes were drawn to Xanthe’s face. 

The other two were clearly asleep (or unconscious), but Xanthe’s lips had been twisted into a snarl, obviously awake, except once she looked higher up Annabeth realized she couldn’t see Xanthe’s eyes. The upper half of the goddess’ face was wrapped in ichor soaked cloth covering where her eyes should be, the lower half of her face streaked with golden ichor that dripped onto her chiton below. 

Sight, Hecate had said. Her heart sunk, from what she could see of Kym’s face her eyes had been intact. She couldn't see Percy’s, had the same happened to him? Her mind raced as her ears rang. Thalia had managed to grab the phone at some point to look at the photo and her face went white as she sat down next to Annabeth, gripping her hands tightly and looking her dead in the eyes. 

“He’s alive, whatever else. He’s alive , Beth.” Thalia murmured to her, Annabeth just barely able to hear her. She slowly nodded, heart still pounding but fog clearing from her head. Thalia was right, no matter how he came home to her he was still alive. That’s all that mattered. She stood, quickly taking the phone back from Hazel as the others looked back at her with shock and horror in their faces. 

“I need to go to the Big House, someone needs to get in contact with Poseidon.” Annabeth said quickly, turning and striding out towards where she had just left Chiron a short while ago. 

“I’ll get Luginia, she needs to know.” Nico said darkly, turning and walking off through the camp towards the immortal warriors. The others followed after her quickly, other campers parting to let them through as most streamed into the dining pavilion for breakfast. She waved to Chiron sharply when she spotted him, the centaur galloping over towards them. 

“What has happened?” Her mentor asked as he approached, glancing at all of their shocked faces. 

“Eumelus messaged me back when I texted Percy’s phone. He sent us something Poseidon needs to see.” Annabeth said, voice still somewhat shaky. Chiron’s tail flicked anxiously as he shifted, nodding and turning back towards the Big House. Annabeth took another deep breath and followed him. She sent out another silent prayer to the goddess of luck, Tyche, praying the three children of the sea could hold out a bit longer. They would find them. 

She had to. 

Chapter Text

Percy awoke to his sister shaking his shoulder, he could hear Kym groaning across from him as he pulled open his too-heavy eyes. He groaned as well, head pounding. A wave of dizziness washed over him, it seemed the blood loss was still taking its toll. 

“Both of you, come on!” Xanthe hissed quietly, shaking his shoulders softly again. 

“What is it, what’s wrong?” Kym asked softly, Percy managing to slowly sit upright with Xanthe’s help. His older dark haired sister was sitting, her injured wrist still pulled close to her chest. She was blinking slowly, gazing around them in confusion. “Where are we?” She asked. 

“They moved us, you passed out. I dressed our wounds and you both fell asleep, Eumelus was here.” Xanthe replied quietly, slowly pushing herself to her feet with the help of the wall. She kept one hand on it as she turned her face in Kym's direction. 

“Xan…” Kym said softly, eyes going wide as she looked at her younger sister’s face. Xanthe shook her head. 

“What did he want?” Percy asked, finally registering what his older sister had said. He shook his head, trying to clear it. He was processing everything too slowly for his tastes. 

“He said nothing, just opened the door for a moment and took a picture on a phone.” Xanthe continued. “But when he left I did not hear the door lock. I waited an hour to be sure, but he did not notice.” Xanthe said quickly. 

Percy tensed. “That sounds like a trap, Xan.” He said quietly. Xanthe shrugged. 

“And if it’s not? It could be our only shot.” She replied, Kym suddenly sniffing the air around her, glancing towards the door and back at Percy. 

“It is strange, I can smell Tyche’s influence here.” Kym said after a moment. Percy’s heart quickend. 

“First off, you can smell that? Secondly, goddess of luck right?” He asked quickly. Kym and Xanthe both nodded. 

“It’s possible someone prayed to her. She might be looking to stay on father’s good side.” Xanthe said, turning her face back in the direction of the door. 

“We must move quickly, before our luck runs out.” Kym said softly, managing to push herself to her feet. Percy started to stand but quickly realized he didn’t have the strength. Xanthe apparently heard his brief struggle and moved towards him, arms outstretched. She bumped into his shoulder and quickly grabbed him under his arms. He pushed as she pulled him upright and managed to stay on his feet with Xanthe’s supportive arm. 

“I’m alright.” He mumbled at Kym’s concerned glance. Their chains dragged against the floor, making far too much sound. Xanthe winced. 

“We need to carry them, someone’s going to have to guide me.” Xanthe said, letting go of Percy to begin wrapping the extra length of chains around her arms to keep them from clinking against the floor. 

“I shall support Percy, Xan hold onto my arm.” Kym said after a moment, also finishing wrapping her chains in place. Percy had finished doing the same, at first wanting to protest but after one shaky step towards his sister he knew it would be better to lean against her side. A brief glance at his arm showed how pale he looked, they had taken a lot of blood from him. 

He leaned against Kym, Xanthe reaching out and grabbing Kym’s elbow on her other side. Together they shuffled towards the door, Percy almost laughing at how ridiculous they must look. 

Finally they reached the door, Percy gingerly grabbing the handle and pushing. The door swung outwards easily, Percy and Kym’s eyes going wide as they exchanged a glance. 

“Still feels like a trap.” Percy muttered, guiding them out the door and into the hallway. There were several other doors, though they were all open and empty as they passed. The final door was also unlocked, leading to a large stone-walled hallway lined with torches. 

“So, right or left?” Percy asked after a moment, Xanthe shrugged. 

“No clue, pick and let’s hope it's a good one.” She said, Percy turning and deciding that left was the way to go. 

They made slow progress, all three of them were weak and Kym having to both support one and guide the other of her two siblings was tiring. They had to pause several times as Percy’s vision swam before him, before they came upon another doorway. It was an entrance to a small room filled with various shelves of what looked like potion ingredients. Something caught Percy’s eye though, a glimmer of bronze at the back of the room. He nodded to Kym in that direction, together they all shuffled forwards into the room. 

It was dark, not lit at all by torchlight, but Percy’s eyes adjusted rather quickly. He spotted the glimmer of bronze further back and noticed a bronze dagger on one of the shelves, the one that Akhlys had used earlier on them. He winced and noticed there was a cabinet below that shelf, door closed but something drew him towards it. 

Kym helped Xanthe brace herself against the edge of the countertop, Percy stepping forwards and pulling the cabinet open. Inside was his camp necklace, Riptide in pen form, and a small trident necklace. He blinked. This was an insane amount of luck for him, he hoped that meant Kym was right and Tyche had offered the better half of her influence towards him for once. 

“Our weapons.” Percy said softly, passing the trident necklace to Kym who strung it around Xanthe’s neck. She sighed happily, clutching the necklace with the hand not being used to keep herself steady against the counter. Percy slung his own necklace around his neck, holding Riptide tightly in his hands.

“My sword isn’t here, I’m not sure where they’ve put it.” Kymopoleia growled softly, Percy wincing. He turned back around and noticed Xanthe tilting her head, lips frowning slightly. 

“What’s wrong?” Percy asked quickly, glancing back towards the door and hoping they hadn’t been spotted. Xanthe shook her head. 

“Are we in a storeroom right now? Lots of weird ingredients around?” She asked softly, Percy quickly glanced around. It looked like it, large shelves filled with buckets of mysterious plants and stacks of vials piled high. Towards the other side of the room there was a bronze brazier, it looked like the one from the previous location they had been at. 

“I think so, yeah.” Percy finally said, glancing back at her. “Why?”

“They were careless in my previous imprisonment, they often performed spells in my presence. One they performed often was simple enough, a teleportation spell. It’s not a complicated ask for magic to give so the ingredients were simpler to get ahold of, especially with me there.” Xanthe said quietly. “If you can find me a few things I may be able to perform one, get us out of here right now.” 

“And what is the cost from you for such a spell, little sister?” Kym asked sharply, eyes darting towards Xanthe’s face. 

“Not much, a small amount of ichor.” She said quickly, shaking her head. Percy frowned, still not loving the idea but knowing it would be better to get out of there faster. “And two other ingredients. Oleander and Nymph tears. I have a feeling since both are also technically poisons that Akhlys may keep some here. Kym, help Percy see if he can find some.” Xanthe said, Percy nodding as they moved around the room. None of the vials or baskets were labeled, though soon Kym let out a triumphant grunt as she stretched her one hand upwards to grab a basket of dried branches and flowers. Oleander, Percy recognized. 

He turned towards the vials, looking closely at each glowing crystal glass. They were all colors of the rainbow, some obviously more mortal elements such as water or dirt in the enclosed containers, others brilliant shades of the rainbow and shimmering slightly. 

“Nymph tears are clear with a slight silver glow.” Kym informed him softly, moving slowly over towards the door nearby. She glanced outwards and seemed reassured no one was coming for the moment. Percy turned back to the shelves, blinking through blurry vision and spotted something near the back of one of the shelves. He gingerly reached out and picked it up, holding it closer to his face and noting it was transparent and faintly glowing a pulsating silver. He could feel sorrow pouring off of it, and it almost brought tears to his eyes. He shook it off, turning back towards Kym with a triumphant expression. She nodded as he held it out, Xanthe telling her to light the bronze brazier. 

“We need a torch.” Kym noted quickly, suddenly recalling neither of them would be able to light it. She sat the basket down on the counter and moved outside, shortly making her way back in with a torch clutched in her hand. She slowly shut the door behind her and moved across the room. The new wave of torch light lit the room better than it had before, and Percy suddenly spotted something on the edge of the counter glimmering in the light. 

His cell phone. His heart pounded as he moved towards it, noting that the screen turned on as he picked it up. It couldn’t seem to display a time, but his heart leapt as he noticed there was a signal on his phone somehow. He shakily pulled up his contacts and clicked on Annabeth’s number. He heard Kym ask Xanthe what to do next, his currently blinded sister starting to make her way around the table. 

The phone rang twice, the sharp sound causing Kym’s head to snap his direction, her eyes going wide at the sight of the phone.

“Was that a cell phone?” Xanthe suddenly asked, rounding the corner of the cabinet to get closer to Kym as Percy spotted something that caused him to tense. There was a bucket of some kind on the floor, directly in his sister’s blind path. 

“ Wait, Xan!” He called, but it was too late, his sister’s foot landed directly on the object, sending his older sister falling to the ground with a loud clang. Kym sprang forwards, grabbing Xanthe’s shoulders and helping her stand upright, both of their faces now twisted with concern. 

“A little more warning would be appreciated!” Xanthe hissed quietly, Kym helping her shuffle towards the ingredients now placed to the bronze brazier. 

“I’m sorry I didn’t expect to be the leader of the three handicapped mice today-” Percy snapped back softly, no real anger in his tone as he suddenly heard a sharp gasp that caught his attention. 

“Percy?!” Annabeth’s voice called suddenly. Xanthe and Kym’s faces whipped towards him with shock. 

“Annabeth!” Percy whispered back, gesturing a hurry up motion to his sisters. Kym turned and lit the brazier, guiding Xanthe’s hands to the ingredients as his sister started to mumble something in an ancient language. “Look not a lot of time, managed to get out of our cell Xanthe found some ingredients for a teleportation spell so we’re trying to get out of here.” He said quickly, glancing over as Xanthe tossed in the dried oleander flowers. 

“ What!? Are you hurt, what’s going on, do you know where you are?” Annabeth asked, sounding as though she had taken off running. Percy let out a soft laugh, eyes stinging at the sound of her voice.

“Hurt, check. I got a cut on my arm and some bruises but alright other than that for now. We’re making an escape attempt, but no I don’t know where we are. They moved us sometime last night, they were arguing about how a son of Aphrodite found us?” He asked, glancing back at Xanthe who let out an amused snort. 

“So did Kos find you or did you find him?” She called softly towards the phone, Percy noticing Annabeth’s startled sound at the words. 

“ Luginia took us, Xanthe he sent us a picture, your eyes-” His girlfriend started. 

“Will return with time, be ready I’m going to try and send Percy through in a second.” Xanthe said, pulling her trident from her neck and allowing it to grow to full size. She took the prongs and carefully lined them to her wrist, cutting it through with one simple motion. She winced, holding her wrist out over the brazier and allowing the ichor to fall against the flames. Annabeth had gone silent, listening carefully. 

“Ok, once it’s purple in color you stick your hand in. Think of somewhere familiar, somewhere safe. Not underwater, just in case there are still spells up.” Xanthe told him, Percy noticed the flames were burning pure white. Suddenly the door swung open behind them, crashing against the wall and causing Percy to spin towards the sound. He uncapped Riptide and dropped his phone to the floor with a smash in the process. He heard Annabeth call for him through the line before it struck the ground, but instead quickly had to hold up his blade as two armed sea-creatures on legs attacked him. 

They were both dressed in a similar gray armor that Eumelus had been wearing, and looked like sea serpents that grew legs. Scaly and green with sharp teeth, black eyes, and fins instead of hair. They swung their swords at him with a cry, Kym moving forwards with a growl. Percy sliced one in half, the other one managing to stab him in the thigh. He fell to his knees, cursing in pain and his vision swimming. He swung his sword upwards and stabbed the other, it screeched and dissolved. Percy noticed the walls were washed in a purple glow, his eyes widened as he turned. 

“It’s purple, Xan!” He shouted, Xanthe’s face twisting anxiously as she grabbed Kym’s arm, pulling her sister back with all her might and forcing her hand into the fire. Kym cursed at her, but quickly disappeared into thin air. The flames once more receded and turned back into their usual orange. 

“Percy, are you injured?” Xanthe asked quickly, arms outstretched and stumbling towards him. 

“I’m fine, keep going.” Percy groaned, pulling himself upright and grabbing his older sister’s wrist and gently tugging her back towards the brazier. Xanthe nodded, Percy couldn’t help but feel relieved that Kym had gotten out when she had. A quick glance back towards his phone showed that it had shattered on impact, disconnecting his call to Annabeth. He frowned, upset he hadn’t managed to tell her he loved her. Xanthe reached out blindly, fingers grasping the basket and pulling it closer to her. She started grabbing more oleander flowers and tossing them into the brazier. 

She began chanting again, reaching forwards to grasp the vial of Nymph Tears from its place. Suddenly she was struck with some sort of force, sending her crashing across the room to slam into the wall. Percy turned to face whatever had come through and was also tossed, his shoulder taking the brunt of the impact. 

He groaned as he slid to the floor, Riptide clattering out of his grasp. His blurry vision increased, and he briefly noticed Xanthe had slumped unmoving next to him. He tried to lift his head from his chest but succumbed quickly to darkness.

_________________________________________________________________________

ONE HOUR EARLIER

Together the demigods moved quickly to the Big House, Chiron moving towards his room to send an IM to the god of the seas. Annabeth slowly sat down in her usual spot around the table, the others sending worried glances in her direction. 

She took another deep breath. Percy was alive, that's all that mattered. Everything else could be dealt with, they’d dealt with it before. She glanced back at the phone in her hand, screen still locked, as Luginia stormed through the door. 

The child of war was steaming, making a beeline for Annabeth as soon as they made eye contact. Annabeth dutifully unlocked the screen and passed over the phone before the immortal could even open her mouth. 

Luginia dropped into the chair next to her, pulling the screen close to her face. The soft light emitting from the phone only helped illuminate the growing rage in her eyes as she snarled, tossing the phone onto the table. Annabeth scowled briefly at her, thankfully the phone had not cracked or the two daughters of the war gods would have been battling it out on the table. 

Luginia didn’t even seem to notice her expression, instead her hand came to rest on the chain around her neck. She clutched it tightly, closing her eyes and taking a deep but shaky breath. Annabeth watched her closely, what was it with those two? They obviously cared for each other, what could possibly have driven them apart? 

Chiron re-entered the room, glancing anxiously down at Luginia before clearing his throat and looking back up at the rest of the room. “Lord Poseidon will be arriving shortly, but I still don’t entirely know what’s happened here?” The centaur said, looking pointedly over at Annabeth. 

“I had an idea. The messages we thought were auto replies of sorts were far too specific. To personal, like the sender knew exactly how to calm Poseidon’s worries. Even though he was on high alert. I sent a message to Eumelus.” Annabeth explained, Chiron raising an eyebrow at her. 

“And he replied?” The immortal centaur asked puzzledly, glancing down at the phone. Annabeth slid it over to him. Chiron frowned deeply as he carefully scrolled through the messages. “I suppose it does make sense, "Poseidon relayed that Sally received an odd message from Percy’s phone yesterday morning. I didn't have the chance to tell you before you left.” 

Annabeth’s head shot up, another message? “What did it say?” She asked quickly.

“It told her Percy was fine and for me to relax. Told her he was having a ‘family reunion’.” A cold voice said, everyone jumping slightly as the lord of the seas appeared next to Chiron. The centaur’s tail flicked nervously as the god slowly reached for the phone, pulling the screen closer to his face. 

The ground shook as the god snarled, glancing up at Annabeth sharply. “How long ago was this?” He asked darkly. 

“Not long, thirty minutes ago maybe. Why?” She replied, glancing over at the others. Hazel’s eyes widened suddenly, standing and running out of the room. Frank stood and followed after her, looking confused. Poseidon watched them go before turning back to the room. 

“My niece seems to have figured it out, Hecate does seem to favor her. Sometimes spellwork can be used to trace messages back to the source.” The god said, tone turning darkly pleased. “You have done well to get his attention.” Annabeth swallowed hard. 

“I wish we had more to go off of, especially with what Hermes said earlier about the new protections going up. And Xanthe, Kym…” Annabeth said slowly, refreshed horror chilling her spine at the reminder of what the messages contained. Poseidon frowned harshly, scowling down at the phone still clutched in his hand. 

“Once they are returned home they will heal. I could not see what they took from Percy but my assumption with new information from Hecate is that they likely took mortal blood. They want them alive.” Poseidon relayed, voice echoing through the room like a pounding of waves against the hull of a ship. 

“What about Bronte, and Taryn. They were trying to help, are they going to be ok?” Thalia asked, looking at Poseidon pointedly. The god let off a small smile, though still tainted with rage and concern. 

“Taryn will be fine. He is as one would say ‘grounded’ and on lockdown in the Underworld for the time being. Zeus will soon forget Bronte’s actions and move on, she is currently being detained on Olympus.” Poseidon relayed, glancing back out the door as Hazel raced back in, balancing a few items in her arms. 

Hazel had learned a lot more about magic in the past few years. She learned from Hecate and Hecate’s disciples, putting her time into learning protective spellwork that could be used to weave into the existing protections around both camps, and even working on protective talismans and charms for her friends. They’d even found that lesser scented demigods had been able to use these charms for avoidance against monsters, dampening their propensity to run into monsters. It had yet to be largely successful for the Big Three kids, but Hazel was determined to find a set of spellwork that would be effective. 

Hazel had also tried her hand more at divining magic, but had not had much luck with it. She had tried in previous days to track the three missing Poseidon kids but was unsuccessful. Her abilities mostly lay in the realm of protective and battle magic as it would seem. However, Annabeth also knew with a little assistance from a god any magic weilder’s abilities could be amplified. 

The daughter of Pluto dropped a few jars on the table, turning back and waving Frank over who was carrying a small bronze bowl. The bowl was inscribed with sigils, not unlike the ones she had seen on the children of the sea’s chains, but the sigils were more graceful. Less sharp, more curved like cursive writing. Hazel quickly uncapped a bottle, pouring water into the bowl. She pulled out her spellbook and glanced at the small text, scowling slightly. 

“Why’s the print so small?” She growled, peering closely at it before nodding. She picked up a small jar to her right, pulling out a handful of dried flowers Annabeth didn’t recognize and dropped them into the bowl. She then muttered something in soft language Annabeth couldn’t understand, but the water and flowers in the bowl started swirling. Hazel picked up another small vial, filled with what looked like dirt inside, and poured it too into the bowl. She paused in her chanting, turning to Poseidon. 

“How much?” The god asked before the daughter of Pluto could speak. He pulled his trident from his back as he asked, Annabeth’s eyes widening as she realized what he was about to do. 

“Just a bit, say the words ‘emanum ex patara se covenos’ when it falls in.” Hazel replied, stepping back away from the bowl with wide eyes. Poseidon nodded firmly, turning the prongs of the trident into the palm of his hand. He swiftly pulled the blades over his palm, a streak of golden ichor appearing against his skin. The lord of the seas did not flinch as he held his hand over the bowl, quietly repeating what Hazel said as the ichor splashed into the bowl. 

The water spun faster, glowing slightly blue-green as Hazel moved closer to it, peering inside. With a sharp gasp Annabeth realized her eyes had clouded over similarly to how Kos’ had. Hazel took a deep breath, suddenly going limp and falling to the floor. The bowl turned bright red, steaming as Poseidon cursed and waved his hand. The bowl disappeared from sight instantly. 

Frank launched forwards, catching Hazel before she could hit the ground and lowering her gently to the floor. He glanced anxiously up at Poseidon as the god crouched, gently tapping her forehead with his fingers. 

Hazel gasped again and sat up, blinking wildly as she glanced around the room. “I couldn’t see, something blocked me.” She whispered, shaking her head after a moment. “I’m sorry.” 

“It is not your fault, I was hoping since there was a tethered message to my blood it would override those protections. Hecate suggested it but was doubtful it would work.” The god muttered darkly, glancing back towards the phone. 

“Well has anyone considered the second option here for tracking a phone?” Leo suddenly said, everyone turning to glance at him. “Non magic… duh. It’s a cell phone, it has to be drawing a signal from somewhere right? Percy said even Atlantis had to install cell towers.” The son of Hephestus said, Poseidon’s eyes going wide. Annabeth’s mind screeched to a halt, had they really forgotten the mortal element here? It was likely the centuries old god had no idea that was even possible now. 

“Can it be done?” The lord of the seas asked sharply, Leo swallowing nervously. 

“I mean, sure in theory. Tyler, my brother, he’s into computers. I could ask him.” Leo said, glancing anxiously over at Annabeth. 

“If it can be done he will be heavily rewarded.” The sea god said, nodding firmly. “Go, now.” Leo stumbled as he stood, reaching out and grabbing the offered phone from the god before racing off towards the dining pavilion where his siblings were gathered for breakfast. 

“It's my phone, I’ll go with him.” Annabeth said, standing. Poseidon nodded. 

“I will remain here for a while, until it is apparent we will or won’t get answers.” The god said, before suddenly pausing and turning with a growl. 

“Why are you not with your mother?” He asked sharply, another tall form striding into the room. With a start Annabeth noticed it was Triton in full mortal form and battle armor. His trident was strapped across his back, and he was scowling deeply at his father. 

“Because I am not an infant who needs to be coddled, father. I went to check on the troops and came to see where you got off in such a rush.” Triton said pointedly. Poseidon shook his head. 

“And I told you, I will not have you risking yourself right now. It is bad enough that my youngest children suffer, I will not have the rest of you out of safety as well.” Poseidon snarled, Triton drawing himself to full height as the demigods exchanged anxious glances. 

“They are my siblings too! My family. You will not have me stand down after I have lost so much. I will not lose them too.” Triton growled in response, Annabeth briefly noting a flicker of remorse and grief flashing over Poseidon’s face. The god shook his head again. 

“ Triton!” He hissed, but Annabeth interrupted. 

“I’m going to be with my phone, I’ll be back with updates.” She interjected quickly, turning and moving quickly past both angry gods as she raced towards the Hephestus cabin. She knocked before barging her way inside, glancing around as she spotted Leo and Tyler sitting in Tyler’s bunk. 

The cabin had been somewhat remodeled to accept the new Hephestus children that had arrived. Their cabin numbers now climbed, nearly twenty of them had been claimed. Tyler was an older camper that had never needed to come to camp before, but as soon as he reached high school and started working with computers monsters came for him. He had been brought to camp and was thrilled to learn about monster safe technology zones and had been eager to work on his coding and computer skills. He was a tall, lanky seventeen year old with dark skin and a broad smile. 

At the moment his dark brown eyes were narrowed with concentration, hair plaited in braids down his back. He didn’t even glance up at Annabeth, instead staring closely at the phone hooked up to the laptop in front of him. 

“Any luck?” Annabeth asked sharply, Leo glancing up at her. He shrugged. 

“He’s having to hack into the phone network, it's taking a bit.” He informed her, Tyler growling suddenly and shaking his head. 

“It’s harder with texts, if I happen to get one while the phone is plugged into the software I have running then we have a chance. But based on that last text I doubt your guy is sending anything anytime soon.” Annabeth frowned. He was right, Eumelus had been content to leave their conversation where it had been. 

“What about a call, if I call the phone can you trace that signal?” She asked, Tyler taking a moment to concentrate. He shook his head after a moment. 

“No, I need a signal from both sides. Look I can run this all you want, but that phone is going to die eventually. I need an incoming signal in order to trace it to its origin.” Tyler said, shaking his head sadly. Annabeth sighed, it had been a long shot. She reached out her hand. 

“ We can try to text Eumelus later and see if we can hook it back up to the software then. Thanks, Tyler.” Annabeth said quietly, turning to walk out of the cabin with a heavy heart. She had made it nearly back to the Big House to share the news with the waiting gods when she felt her phone buzz. She pulled it to her face, expecting a text from her dad, or even Sally, but suddenly froze. Percy’s contact was lighting up her screen. 

It rang once, then twice. She finally managed to move her fingers and answer, raising a shaking hand to her ear. 

“Hello?” She asked quietly, not exactly sure what to be expecting from the other end of the line. 

“ Wait, Xan!” Percy’s voice called through the line, Annabeth’s breath catching in her throat. How in the world was she hearing him right now? Had Eumelus put him on the line just to hurt her? Her thoughts screeched to a halt as there was a loud crash though the phone. She blinked twice, noticing Thalia had spotted her through the window and was watching her with a concerned expression. She gestured to the phone and turned around, Thalia moving out of her sight and towards her.

“ A little more warning would be appreciated!” Xanthe’s voice echoed through the line, a wash of relief pouring over Annabeth as it confirmed the other goddess was alright for the time being. 

“I’m sorry I didn’t expect to be the leader of the three handicapped mice today-” Percy snarked, no real anger in his tone. He sounded exhausted, and Annabeth quickly realized he didn’t know she had picked up. 

“Percy?!” Annabeth called, looking over her shoulder and spotting Thalia staring at her in shock. The daughter of Zues darted back inside as Annabeth took off, sprinting towards the Hephestus cabin full-tilt. 

“Annabeth!” Percy’s voice suddenly whispered back, sounding awash with relief and exhaustion. “ Look not a lot of time, managed to get out of our cell. Xanthe found some ingredients for a teleportation spell so we’re trying to get out of here.” Her boyfriend’s voice said. 

“What!? Are you hurt, what’s going on, do you know where you are?” Annabeth’s heart pounded as she burst into the Hephestus’ cabin. Her mind raced, escaped? How in the world had they gotten loose from their cell? Was this some sort of trap, Eumelus imitating Percy and the others so they would let their guard down? Tyler and Leo were still in there, looking at something on the computer as Annabeth put the phone on speaker. Leo’s eyes widened as he read the contact, Tyler frantically plugging in the phone and beginning to type. 

“ Hurt, check. I got a cut on my arm and some bruises but alright other than that for now. We’re making an escape attempt, but no I don’t know where we are. They moved us sometime last night, they were arguing about how a son of Aphrodite found us? ” Percy said inquisitively, Annabeth heard Xanthe snort on the other end of the line. 

“So did Kos find you or did you find him?” The goddess of tsunamis asked, Annabeth feeling slightly startled that they even knew that information. Tyler and Leo were still working frantically, Annabeth tensed though at Xanthe’s words. 

“Luginia took us, Xanthe he sent us a picture, your eyes-” Annabeth started, quickly being cut off with the goddess’ response. 

“ Will return with time, be ready I’m going to try and send Percy through in a second.” Xanthe said, Annabeth’s eyes widening. Could this actually be happening? Could Percy really be about to come home. Xanthe’s voice continued. “ Ok, once it’s purple in color you stick your hand in. Think of somewhere familiar, somewhere safe. Not underwater, just in case there are still spells up.” 

Annabeth waited with bated breath as Leo’s eyes shot over to Tyler, who was still typing frantically. His expression looked triumphant, but Annabeth’s hope faded quickly as she heard a loud crash coming through the line. The phone suddenly went dead, Annabeth’s heart sinking as she stared at the disconnected line. 

The cabin doors slammed open behind them, Poseidon and Triton striding in with the other demigods trailing behind. “What happened?” Triton demanded, looking at Annabeth’s distressed face. 

“Percy called, he said they got loose from their cell and that Xanthe knew how to make some sort of teleportation spell. They were about to try when the line got disconnected.” Annabeth rasped, glancing over at Tyler who was still working. 

“Hold on, I got something!” The son of Hephestus cheered, throwing up his hands and glancing around. “It’s not much, a general idea of a location more than anything but it's still a set number of miles that that phone has to be in.” Tyler elaborated as Poseidon strode closer. 

“Where?” The lord of the seas said darkly, the boy swallowing hard as he spun his computer around. There was a blinking map, a small set of islands somewhere in the water. Annabeth paused. 

“He’s hiding children of the sea on an island?” She asked flatly, glancing at uncertainty at the grouping in front of her. Poseidon suddenly shouted, the earth shaking as he turned and stormed out of the cabin, disappearing into thin air mid step. Triton glanced over at the islands and then blinked, also disappearing. Annabeth’s heart pounded, what had just happened? 

Chiron suddenly pushed his way into the cabin, leaning close to the map and inspecting it closely. He sighed suddenly, shaking his head. “I see why he was so frustrated. Poseidon is not the only king of the waters. It seems Eumelus has taken the children north, to a section of islands sacred to Manannán, celtic god of the seas.” Chiron said softly, shaking his head. 

“Wait a second, there’s politics involved in the different pantheons? Like all the sea gods have divided turf?” Leo asked suddenly, having been filled in previously on the existence of other pantheons while they were waiting for Poseidon to arrive. Annabeth rubbed her head, godly politics were getting on her nerves. Chiron tilted his head. 

“In a sense, yes. Poseidon has remained the predominant authority over the seas, his reach is the most expansive as he is still the most prominently worshiped sea deity in modern times. To keep peace he allows the other gods to remain in control of their own sacred territories, however I know for a fact part of the pact they have is to remain neutral in regards to inter-pantheon conflict. If Manannán knew what Eumelus' true purposes are on his islands then Poseidon would likely go to war with him.” Chiron explained, glancing over at Annabeth. 

“But if he doesn’t know?” Annabeth asked quickly. Chiron nodded to her. 

“Then the children will be returned shortly. Unless they are hidden even from him.” Chiron said softly, Annabeth nodding slowly at the new information. 

“But they both left in a big hurry for that news.” Jason chimed in, looking back at Annabeth’s phone which had started to ring. Sally Jackson’s contact lit her phone. Her heart pounded, had they been successful? She pulled the phone closer and answered.

Chapter Text

Of all things Sally Jackson expected to find crashing into her kitchen table that morning, a chained and bleeding goddess was not one of them. 

Sally hadn’t slept much the night before, occasionally jerking awake from nightmares about where her boy could possibly be. Percy had been gone almost two days at this point, anything could have happened. Estelle slept surprisingly well, Sally occasionally found herself checking on her daughter through the night but found her daughter peacefully asleep. Huance and Margialis stood guard from the living room, ensuring nothing bothered her family. 

Paul had fallen asleep a few odd hours ago and she felt it was best to let him sleep. Better for him to be well rested and able to take care of Estelle if she fell apart. Finally the sun rose, she sighed as Estelle began babbling from her room. She padded out into the hallway, pulling on her gray bathrobe as she went. She entered the nursery and picked her daughter up, smiling softly as the toddler giggled at her. 

Estelle truly was an incredible child. She slept well, ate well, and grew well. Sally now wondered if perhaps some of that was due to the blessings Poseidon’s children apparently placed on the girl. It warmed her heart that the children of the sea wanted to protect Estelle on behalf of Percy, she wondered if her son even knew. 

She carried Estelle back to the kitchen, the guards nodding to her and smiling warmly at her cooing child. The toddler reached out for Margialis, and Sally raised her eyebrows with an amused smirk. 

“It seems someone made quite the impression.” Sally laughed softly, Margialis blushing slightly as Sally offered the girl over to him. 

“She is a precious one, the little princess.” Huance hummed with amusement, Sally also blushing now slightly. It seemed the nickname was sticking, she had a feeling Percy would be thrilled. It was more Amphitrite she was worried about. Sure she had accepted Percy, something Sally was eternally grateful for, but how would the queen of the seas take her children favoring a mortal child belonging solely to her husband’s ex lover? 

She tried to think nothing else of it, instead moving to make Estelle her breakfast. She made a small batch of toast and fed it to her, then moved her toddler to the living room to watch some sort of cartoon. Huance stood guard over her as Sally moved to clean up in the kitchen, checking her phone for updates as she did. Annabeth had texted her the previous night that they were heading off grid to search for answers. Sally was almost worried before she saw a follow up text that said they were fine and heading to speak with Poseidon about what they found. 

Sally tried to sit patiently but found her anxiety growing by the minute. Why hadn’t Annabeth called her yet, had something happened? Had Poseidon found something? The weather hadn’t improved much, it was still dreadfully dull and rainy outside. The sea was in a terrible mood, not something she would expect if Annabeth had found good news. 

Margialis watched her from the doorway, glancing back towards the living room with a small smile. Right when Sally was about to go wake Paul (she couldn’t sit there in silence waiting alone anymore) there was a sudden flash of purple light. Margialis was next to her in an instant, pulling her away from the kitchen and putting himself between her and the doorway as a loud crash echoed from the kitchen. 

“ XANTHE !” A somewhat familiar voice rang out desperately from the other room. Sally peered around Margialis as Huance came up behind her. Margialis’ eyes widened, turning to the younger guard behind him. “Get the king! It is Princess Kymopoleia!” He ordered, the merman’s human face twisting with disbelief as he disappeared in an instant. 

“Where are they?! What have you done to them?!” Kymopoleia’s voice roared from the other room, Sally spotting the goddess’ ichor stained chiton and chains still wrapped around her arms. Her heart skipped a beat as she spotted the bandaged soaked wrist where fingers and hand were hauntingly absent. 

“My princess! It is me, Margialis!” The guard called pleadingly, sheathing his weapon and holding out his hands desperately. Kym snarled, eyes flashing dangerously as she drew herself back. 

“Enough mind games! If you’ve hurt them I’ll fade you myself, Perseus was right it was a trap the whole time!” Kym growled, shaking her head violently. “My head isn’t clear ! Where are they!?” She suddenly roared, glaring up at all of them. 

“My princess, please, your father is coming. He will be here soon.” Margialis said soothingly, glancing back reassuringly at Sally. Paul had raced down the hallway at the commotion, snatching Estelle and retreating to the other side of the living room. Once certain her husband had her daughter safe she pushed slightly around Margialis who briefly grasped her arm. She pulled away, moving forwards. 

“Percy calls you Kym, your dad says you and the others blessed my daughter.” Sally said quietly, slowly settling to the floor a few feet in front of Kym. Kym’s eyes watered, she shook her head. 

“Get out of my head.” The goddess moaned, squeezing her eyes shut. “Leave them out of this!” She hissed sharply. Sally’s eyes watered as she looked at the terrified goddess before her. 

“Kym, thank you for blessing her. For helping keep her safe. And now, for helping Percy. I’m not in your head, this is real. You’re in my house, for some reason.” Sally said warmly, with a touch of curiosity towards the end of her sentence. Kym suddenly seemed more clear minded, blinking wildly and glancing around. 

“I…I am?” Kym said slowly, looking back towards Sally. Her eyes widened suddenly.

“Wait, where are they?! They should have been next, where are they?!” Kym suddenly wailed, looking around desperately. Her breaths came in jagged rasps, Sally lunging forwards and grabbing the goddess into a hug. Her form collapsed into her, sobbing into her gray robe. Sally’s heart throbbed, sometimes, even when thousands of years old, the only thing someone needs is a mother. 

.

“Your mother and father will be here soon.” Sally soothed gently, Kym trembling against her. 

“ Καταιγίδα μου τι σου έχουν κάνει…” A grief stricken voice suddenly said, Sally turning her head to see the god of the seas standing before her. He was dressed in his usual Hawaiian outfit, rapidly moving towards Sally and falling to his knees in front of his daughter. 

Sally gently moved Kym over to him, she was losing energy fast, hardly able to keep her eyes open as she cried softly. 

“ Kp’akata !” Kymopoleia rasped softly, muttering something else to her father that Sally couldn’t understand. Poseidon’s face twisted, Sally quickly moving to stand back. Suddenly there was another gasp from further towards the living room, Sally turning to see a white-clad figure quickly push past her. 

Sally watched as Amphitrite, queen of the seas, fell to her knees and pulled her daughter’s head to her chest. Poseidon let her pull the goddess away, eyes damp as he turned back towards Margialis with a dark expression. 

“Summon Apollo. And Hermes. Now.” The god said firmly, Margialis nodding and disappearing at once. Amphitrite pushed Kym’s ichor-stained hair away from her face. The queen of the seas had tear tracks down her face, her hair braided down her back. Her crown was a circlet on her head made of simple silver and gold intertwined metals that looked as though they were braided. In the center was a large sea-green stone that rested upon her forehead. She was in a flowing white dress that fell around her like robes, and was barefoot against the floor. She cradled Kym close to her chest before glancing up at Sally who was frozen in place. 

“Thank you, Sally Jackson-Blofis. For comforting her.” The goddess of the seas said warmly, nodding slowly to Sally who gaped in response. 

“Anytime…” Sally said softly before her anxiety overtook her awe. 

“Poseidon, where is my son?” Sally turned quickly, glancing at the father of her child who shook his head. 

“I do not know, I was just at camp. Annabeth states Percy managed to call her, saying they were making an escape attempt with a teleportation spell. The line disconnected, we had no idea what happened until I heard Huance call for me and then go to inform Amphitrite.”

“Triton is tracking down Manannán, the demigods managed to track the cell phone somehow to one of his sacred lands in the north. I will know more soon.” Poseidon said, looking at her briefly before his eyes returned to Kymopoleia. Sally stepped back to give them a moment, moving closer to Paul and checking on them both. Paul’s eyes were wide as he glanced into the kitchen, Sally brushing Estelle’s hair back with a small sigh. Her heart thudded in her chest, her son was alive. Her son was alive and well enough to make an escape attempt. A small touch of relief graced her, but it wasn’t over yet. Kym pointed out a glaring question, why hadn’t the other two been able to follow her?

Suddenly there was a bright flash that left Sally squinting and Paul turning away. Sally refocused her eyes and spotted two gods she had never seen before, but could interpret who they were based on Percy’s descriptions. One in jeans and a red t-shirt, winged converse on his feet. The other was in white sneakers, blue jeans, and a pastel yellow sweatshirt that read “ Down the Yellow Brick Road” in faded black lettering on the front. 

Apollo and Hermes. God of medicine and messengers respectively. She blinked as both moved straight into the kitchen, Apollo summoning an old-fashioned doctor’s bag out of thin air as he settled down criss-cross in front of the three other gods. 

“Let me see the worst of it,” Apollo muttered, gently pulling Kym’s severed wrist closer to himself and hissing slightly. His eyes glowed a soft gold as he waved his hand over it, wincing and cocking his head. “She needs to be unbound first, it won’t allow for outside influence. Same as when Xanthe was returned last time.” Apollo said darkly, Poseidon growling. 

“Hermes.” The god snarled, the god of thieves launching forwards and inspecting the chains. 

“Not a lock I can pick, Uncle P, you know that. Same as last time, magic bindings equals magic solution. Get her to Atlantis, I can bring Hecate to you.” Hermes said quickly, snapping his fingers and disappearing. Poseidon growled as Apollo reached out and waved a softly glowing hand over Kym’s head, wincing again. 

“Mortal grade body with a godly grade concussion. She probably won’t be waking up for a while. I need those chains off sooner rather than later. If you notice you still can’t sense her, if she wasn’t sitting right in front of you would have no idea she was here.” Apollo mumbled, Amphitrite growling this time. 

“She will not be leaving my sight for a second. I will take her back now, tell Hermes we will be in the infirmary.” Amphitrite ground out, disappearing with a nod from her husband and the god of healing. 

“I’ll go with them, as soon as the chains are off I can get Kymopoleia healed up. At least this time we know the unbinding spell already, not like last time.” Apollo muttered, disappearing in an instant. Poseidon’s expression soured further, Sally moving back into the now mostly-empty kitchen. 

“How long was it last time?” Sally asked, Poseidon looking up at her with a slightly startled expression. 

“Nearly two months.” Poseidon said darkly after a brief moment. He shook his head. “Xanthe healed significantly slower while bound. Apollo spent many hours ensuring she could not fade when she returned.” 

Sally considered that for a moment, swallowing hard. “I need to tell the kids what just happened, and that Percy didn’t…” She trailed off, eyes watering as Paul approached her, laying a calming hand on her shoulder. Poseidon nodded slowly, almost as if he were in shock as he stood. He glanced at the destroyed kitchen table and snapped his fingers, the table repairing itself in an instant. 

“I will hopefully return with more good news soon.” The god of the seas said, disappearing into thin air. Sally blinked, hands shaking as she reached for her phone. 

“Annabeth?” She said as the line connected. “Kymopoleia is free, she got out.”

_______________________________________________________________

“Ok, yeah, thanks Sally. I’ll call you as soon as we have an update.” Annabeth said, swallowing hard as she hung up the phone. The rest of the demigods stared at her, waiting with bated breath for the news. 

“Kymopoleia made it out, somehow ended up at Sally’s house. Percy and Xanthe didn’t follow.” Annabeth repeated gravely, the others scowling in disappointment. 

“Hey, we still have somewhat of a location here, we can 100% take off on the Argo V if we want.” Leo said pointedly, gesturing towards the blinking circle of islands on the screen. Annabeth nodded slowly. 

“Sally said Triton is searching for the god of the seas up there, it's possible they’ll get answers faster than we can get there. But if they find nothing then I’ll go myself.” Annabeth said firmly, the others nodding. 

“Look, we’re going with you. All of us. We’re gonna bring Percy home.” Jason said quickly, nodding at Annabeth. The others stepped forwards, looking determined. 

“Yeah, Fish Jesus is family after all.” Leo quipped, it brought a soft smile to her face. She frowned again suddenly, glancing over towards the door. 

“Then we need to get ready, go grab supplies. Nico, see Will about getting first aid kits ready in case we find them first. Leo, find that location on a paper map in case we lose electronics at some point, and see how closely you can narrow things down. I’m going to ask my siblings to help me research celtic gods, maybe if Triton doesn’t have any luck persuading him we can figure something out.” Annabeth announced, striding out of the cabin as the others scrambled to do as she asked. 

Chiron watched on, Annabeth had almost forgotten he was there. He trotted after her, worriedly glancing down at her dark expression. “Annabeth, you must be cautious here. Other pantheons are notoriously tricky to deal with.” The centaur said gravely, Annabeth nodding. 

“You know I know that. We’ve met the Egyptians, and Magnus is a Norse demigod. I know Celtic myth is a bit different, why do you think I’m going to research them before takeoff? You know out of anyone I can find a way to bring them home.” Annabeth snapped back, Chiron grabbing her shoulder as she felt a twinge of guilt at her tone. 

“Annabeth, please.” Chiron said quietly. “Use caution. I know you want him back, we all do. It’s not worth your life. Promise me.” Annabeth sighed, nodding slowly. 

“If I’m dead there’s no one to bring Percy home, I’m not going anywhere. I’d challenge Thanatos himself at this point.” Annabeth said after a moment, Chiron’s lips twitching in amusement. 

“Alright. Keep me posted, and don’t leave until we hear from Poseidon. He may return with information about this quest that could help you.” Chiron informed her, turning and heading back towards the dining pavilion. Campers had started to break for activities but she could tell they knew something was going on. 

They had noticed two gods storming through camp without a doubt, plus with the abruptness of the demigods racing off there was a chatter in the air about what had happened. Connor and Travis came jogging up behind her as she reached the steps of the Athena cabin, coughing as they approached to grab her attention. She turned, both of them exchanging a nervous glance. 

“What’s going on?” Travis asked, looking up at her anxiously. Annabeth shook her head. 

“Percy and the others made an escape attempt, we found a way to track them. Kymopoleia got away, the others didn’t. Poseidon’s tracking them down now. Me and the others are going to get him back. Let the other counselors know you all are in charge of camp for now, Malcolm will step in and help while I’m gone.” Annabeth quickly told them, Travis and Conner nodding and racing off towards the Demeter cabin to tell Katie. 

She walked up the steps with an anxious sigh, pushing open the door and was greeted with several heads whipping around towards her. Gray eyes as stormy as her own peered back at her, Malcolm standing and quickly moving her way at the sight of her face. 

“What happened?” Her older brother asked, pulling her to sit down as she quickly summarized everything from the past few hours. Finally she got to the mornings’ events and let Malcom know that she needed help researching Celtic myths revolving around Manannán. Her other older siblings quickly got to work, a few though taking the younger siblings out towards their training activities for the day. 

Malcolm, and a few of her other siblings over sixteen (including Maggie an incoming freshman at New Rome U, Jonathan her twenty-year-old brother from Seattle, and Adrian her seventeen-year-old brother from Boston) quickly got to work. They piled out their laptops and Maggie even called her father who lived nearby to see if he would be able to check something from of her old books. When Maggie had discovered her parentage she had been obsessed with researching all she could about all types of mythology and religion and had tomes of various lore in her childhood home. 

Eager to find something of note, Maggie quickly spoke up. “I remembered a bit from this story I read about Manannán before, a story about his own children. Maybe we can appeal to that side of him to get Poseidon’s children home.” 

Annabeth nodded slowly at the idea, perhaps protectiveness and possessiveness from the sea gods was a universal aspect. Percy said Poseidon spoke about the sea as though it influenced him as much as he influenced it. 

Soon enough they were engrossed in research, Annabeth moving to pack a small bag since she had lost the last one in the trunk of Xanthe’s crushed car. She winced as she realized she was down a blade and a good chunk of drachma. Maybe she could ask Taryn or Bronte if they could swing by and pick those up for her sometime.

She closed her eyes briefly, sending out a silent prayer to her mother to give her wisdom, and another to Poseidon to let her know the news soon. She sighed and turned back to her siblings, they had answers to find. 

____________________________________________________________________________

Triton was growing increasingly frustrated. He had listened to his father originally, allowed his mother to watch over him with careful eyes, but he had quickly grown restless. The battle still raged outside, though thankfully reports from his Commanders to him the line was holding well against the onslaught. Eris had appeared a few times, laughing with glee at the pain and strife before her as she cut through mermen like it was nothing. 

Father had been by to check in on them a few times, letting them know he had an update coming from Annabeth soon as the demigods (and Luginia, Triton noted wryly) had taken up a mission to track down his siblings themselves. 

Finally his father had swept away in a rage, the echoes of a storm breaching the surface of the water thousands of meters above them. Triton scowled as he stood, ignoring his mother’s calls for him and reappearing in the fray of battle. 

He struck down dozens of monsters, relishing in the fear and pain he brought to them. If his siblings had suffered, then so should they. After a while he felt his father’s anger rising again, his troops advised him that they could handle the stragglers in the most recent wave of attacks. He cleaned off his armor and trident and traced his father’s emotions to the demigod camp. 

He appeared in the hallway of the… what did the mortals call this place again? The Big House? He almost snorted at the nickname as he entered. His father’s head tilted his direction, frowning over at him. 

“Why are you not with your mother?” He asked sharply, Triton glowering at him. 

“Because I am not an infant who needs to be coddled, father. I went to check on the troops and came to see where you got off in such a rush.” Triton said pointedly. Poseidon shook his head. 

“And I told you, I will not have you risking yourself right now. It is bad enough that my youngest children suffer, I will not have the rest of you out of safety as well.” Poseidon snarled, Triton drawing himself to full height as the demigods exchanged anxious glances. 

“They are my siblings too! My family. You will not have me stand down after I have lost so much. I will not lose them too.” Triton growled in response. His father’s face flickered briefly with grief and remorse, Triton fighting back a wave of painful memories of his long-lost children. 

And his Pallas, his sweet Pallas… Percy was so like her, in so many ways. When he fought he could be so playful, teasing even. As Pallas had when she sparred with Athena. Once the wisdom goddess had been like a second child to him, but now he could barely stand to look at her. He had developed some fondness for her children, after all it appeared many of his siblings had come to love and marry them. Annabeth was by far one of his favorites, he knew the child would do anything to protect his brother. He had seen how they were together, after falling into the Pit, ensuring that each half of their partnership began to heal. Percy’s eyes were full of adoration when he stared at the girl, and he knew it was only a matter of time before they were to be married. 

Xanthe’s own wedding had been a bit rushed, the pair more content with a small and simple ceremony. The children grew up younger back then, both because of what they had been through but also because mortal life spans were simply much shorter. Xanthe and Androna had been married at eighteen, their ‘honeymoon’ of sorts had left them straight back on the battlefields where they had first fallen in love.

He prayed Percy and Annabeth would have a happier ending. He would more than pray, if anything dared to come between them again he would put an end to it. Triton was brought out of his musing by the sound of his father’s pain-filled voice. 

“ Triton!” He hissed, but Annabeth interrupted. She quickly said something about following her ‘phone’ and that she would be back with updates before rushing past him and out the door. 

“Father. I am not going anywhere.” Triton said firmly, Poseidon’s eyes flashing with irritation. 

“You all, so damn stubborn.” He grumbled, finally ceding to his son’s pointed gaze and sitting down. He ran a thumb over his palm, healing a small gash there. Triton frowned as he moved closer, glancing over at the ingredients on the table. 

“Divining still not working?” Triton asked quietly. Poseidon shook his head. 

“No, there is more I need to update you on. Come.” Poseidon said darkly, Triton allowing himself to be pulled away with his father. They reappeared in Percy’s cabin, his father walking slowly over to the picture frames on the floor. 

“It appears my anger was a bit too harsh on camp yesterday.” Poseidon said softly as he carefully picked up the broken frames. They reassembled themselves in an instant, Triton’s father gently placing them back on the dresser. 

“Percy will just be pleased you fixed them. Especially if you fix anything else that may have been broken.” Triton added softly, Poseidon wincing. 

“You are right, I will have the campers send a list once we have recovered your siblings.” Poseidon said quietly. Triton glanced over at his brother’s bed. Still messy and unmade, the conch shell he had given his demigod brother glaringly absent. 

“What has happened?” Triton asked. Poseidon looked over at him. 

“I have told you before, long ago. About your older siblings.” The king of the seas said quietly. Triton’s eyes widened. 

“And that they had long since faded, yes…” Triton replied, tone stunned. 

“It appears one has not. He was twisted by the Pit, blinded by hatred and pain. He took your siblings. Alongside Akhlys and Eris.” Poseidon relayed gravely. Triton’s unneeded breath caught in his throat. 

“What?” He choked out, Poseidon looking down at the floor. 

“Eumelus. He was Cleito and mine’s firstborn. The original heir. I wish he had just come home. He may no longer be my heir but he is my son. I would have welcomed him to meet you all with open arms.” Poseidon said, voice strangled with grief. Triton shook his head. 

“And he… And he took them to what? Hurt you?” Triton asked softly.

“I suppose so. He apparently has been watching for quite some time. Since Xanthe was last bound at least.” Poseidon said darkly, Triton’s eyes snapping up towards his father’s face. 

“Watching what about it? ” Triton hissed, anger growing rapidly into rage. 

He remembered how his little sister had come home the last time. She was bruised, bleeding, and broken. His father had cradled her in his arms as he appeared in Atlantis, frantically calling for a healer. Her arms were still bound in chains, she was covered in dozens of stab and slash wounds. Arrows stuck out of her calf, rough bandages tied around her midsection that were soaked with ichor. 

And wrapped in white fabric in her arms was a small form coated with dried silver ichor. A divine child, taken from his sister before it had a chance to grow its divinity and take on immortality. He would never forget her bone chilling wails as they tried to pull the child away from her arms, the golden tears that ran down her cheeks as she screamed. 

She had not been unbound before she escaped, she had slaughtered many of her captors with her bare hands alone. She had taken the body of her daughter and fled on foot in the night, crashing into the water and calling desperately for their father. 

Poseidon had taken care of the mortals, but there was one question remaining. Who had fathered his niece who’s life had been stolen? Apollon had been summoned to heal Xanthe, keep her sustained enough where she could not fade before she could be unbound. None of the royal family had slept, Xanthe had screamed for them to let her fade, let her die. In the end they had managed to convince her not to fade, desperate not to lose her after so many years of wondering if she had chosen to fade in the first place. 

Finally she had been unbound, but Zues himself had decreed her womb was not to be returned, not to be healed properly. Xanthe had been the only one unsurprised by this ruling, and at first seemed almost relieved. Triton also knew where his sister’s interests lay, and it would never be with any male being, mortal or not.

Only a god (or more unlikely a Titan)  could sire new divinity with a goddess, and his sister would not have given in willingly. She never told them, but once on Olympus he had seen her face. Pale and drawn, eyes bright with panic as she raced from the palace, throwing herself back into the sea with enough terror that it had brought their father to her side. 

Triton had seen enough. He made sure Xanthe would never see that god’s face again. No one would ever see his face again. 

Poseidon’s face grew enraged, shaking his head. “He knew of her daughter. The Pit let him feel her pain. He called it sweet.” Triton snarled, a small squall starting up in the waters nearby. Poseidon waved his hand, calming it. 

“Careful, your brother will not be pleased if we destroy the camp.” The god of the seas said, voice still colored with rage. 

“He contacted you?” Triton asked darkly. 

“Annabeth, the girl was smart enough to goad him. He sent her taunting messages, ones he knew would be delivered to me.” Poseidon informed him. 

“What else did he say?” Triton hissed, Poseidon quickly sending him a mental relay of the messages. Triton paused as he looked at the photo, taking a shaky breath to stop the hurricane that was starting to form off the coast of Long Island. 

“ Hey, sea gods! Percy is calling Annabeth!” A voice suddenly said in their minds, the Huntress, Thalia. Triton’s eyes widened as they disappeared, Poseidon quickly spotting Thalia as they reformed outside of the Big House. 

“Where?” His father snarled, Thalia jumping at their sudden appearance. 

“This way, Hephestus' cabin is tracking it.” Thalia said, turning and racing towards a mechanic shop looking cabin. Poseidon stalked after them, Triton hot on their heels. 

They burst into the cabin, Annabeth turning with a shocked expression as two of Hephestus’ children worked frantically on a mortal computer. 

“What happened?” Triton demanded, looking at Annabeth’s distressed face. 

“Percy called, he said they got loose from their cell and that Xanthe knew how to make some sort of teleportation spell. They were about to try when the line got disconnected.” Annabeth told them weakly, glancing over at one of the boys who was still working. 

“Hold on, I got something!” The son of Hephestus cheered, throwing up his hands and glancing around. “It’s not much, a general idea of a location more than anything but it's still a set number of miles that that phone has to be in.” The boy elaborated as Poseidon strode closer. Triton’s heart pounded in his chest, an escape attempt? Could Xanthe have done it, managed to get all of them to safety in time? 

“Where?” The lord of the seas said darkly, the boy swallowing hard as he spun his computer around. There was a blinking map, a small set of islands somewhere in the water. Annabeth paused. 

“He’s hiding children of the sea on an island?” She asked flatly, glancing at uncertainty at the grouping in front of her. Triton suddenly felt a presence in his mind, Huance, one of their most trustworthy guards. His mother had informed him that he and Margialis had been dispatched to guard the Jackson-Blofis household until Perseus was returned. “ My Lords! I am headed to Atlantis to inform the queen, Princess Kymopoleia just appeared in the Jackson-Blofis residence!” The guard called. 

Poseidon suddenly shouted, the earth shaking as he turned and stormed out of the cabin, disappearing into thin air mid step. “Find Manann á n. He will answer for this even if they all have escaped.” His father’s voice said in his mind. He swallowed thickly, striding closer and glancing at the maps quickly before disappearing. 

He reappeared somewhere off the coast of Ireland, allowing his divine presence to resound into the sea nearby. Water crashed into the rocks below, calm water already beginning to churn at his thunderous presence. 

“ Manann á n!” Triton roared into the waters, casting his energy outwards. He felt a presence ting against his subconscious, the celtic deity had heard him. He returned his thoughts towards his father. 

“Father did they escape? Are they alright?” He asked. Poseidon was silent for a moment before answering. 

“Kymopoleia was the only one to make it out, she states they were attacked. She is unconscious, Apollo says he cannot heal her until she is unbound. Hecate is coming shortly.” His father replied darkly, Triton growling. 

He would kill his elder brother for this. Long ago his father had told him stories about his older siblings. Eumelus, the firstborn son, a good and kind prince beloved by the people. Skilled in battle and god of the depths, for a time Triton was envious about how Poseidon spoke of the god. 

With age he realized the fondness and longing in his voice wasn’t because he loved Eumelus or the others more than he loved his current family, it was that he grieved them. He had never fully moved on from his losses, his possessiveness for his family reaching new heights. Evident as to why Xanthe was not in the Underworld as she had wanted, their father could not fathom losing any more children at the tail end of a war that had killed dozens of them before her. 

He understood it, Xanthe did too with time. No matter how much she hated how her eternity had been set up for her, she had admitted to them both that she later understood why her father was unable to watch her die.

Because of that he would not lose her. Would not allow Perseus to undergo a tragic fate at the hands of one who could have come home to them. Could have been a part of their family, but instead chose to try and tear it apart. 

Suddenly the sea before him parted, a chariot making its way to the surface. The figure rode over the parting waves, dressed in a shimmering robe that seemed to almost look like seaglass in the light. He had dark red hair that was thick and curly, a crown of stone and sea glass on his head. On his hip was a glimmering sword Triton knew to be Fragarach, a sword which can pierce any armor and kill with the slightest of blows.

“Triton, what brings your sour presence here? Surely you Greeks should still be celebrating, we still celebrate well past the holiday here at least.” Manann á n said dryly, Triton shaking his head. 

“The Summer Solstice was many days ago. And we have been busy fighting a war. One you just threw yourself into.” Triton said darkly, the celtic god’s eyes widening slightly. 

“I stay out of inter-pantheon conflict. Your father knows that.” Manann á n said sharply, glancing back at the waves behind him. 

“Then why, when my siblings have been taken, did we track them to your sacred islands off the coast? The ones near Man.” Triton growled. The Isle of Man was Manann á n’s sacred territory, along with a few surrounding areas. The child of Hephestus had managed to isolate the signal down to three specific islands, maybe eighty square miles of land to cover. Manann á n blinked, shaking his head. 

“I was unaware of this, if they have been held somewhere on my islands it is without my knowledge.” Manann á n refuted, holding up his hands in a peace gesture. 

“A sea god Eumelus is responsible, you claim no knowledge of his whereabouts?” Triton snarled, Manann á n raising an eyebrow at him. 

“I swear on that river of yours, the Styx was it? I swear on the Styx I had no knowledge of your siblings' locations or of Eumelus.” Manann á n said firmly, Triton being taken slightly aback. 

“Then will you allow us access to find them?” Triton asked slowly, Manann á n shrugging. 

“Well I assume since you don’t know exactly where they are they’ve been magically cloaked. Look all you want I doubt you’ll have much luck. However…” The celtic god mused, humming slightly. Triton twitched, his annoyance growing. 

“However, what?” The heir to the seas snapped, Manann á n shaking his head. 

“Demigods of your kind, those without a direct blood connection to the sea. Easier to get around those connections when you’re half mortal. Send them, they’ll be able to find them. I won’t stand in their way.” Manann á n said thoughtfully, Triton scowling. 

“If I find out you attempted to halt their progress in any way you’ll be sorry to see me again.” Triton hissed darkly, Manann á n frowning slightly at him. 

“I’m as old as you, Triton. Remember who you speak with, I am doing you a favor.” The god said darkly. Triton shook his head. 

“You do this because you fear my father. If my siblings die on your land, it’ll be me taking your soul across your waves, not the other way around.” Triton hissed in reply. Manann á n’s eyes widened slightly, disappearing back into the waves, his chariot pulled by a large all-black draft horse. 

Triton allowed himself to disappear, he had news to bring to his father. He knew how to bring his siblings home. 

Chapter Text

Percy woke up startled, jumping in place as his ears rang with a frantic shout of pain. He blinked, looking around and revealing that he had somehow been returned to his cell. He was chained to the wall, forcibly brought to his knees with his arms outstretched behind him. His heart sank, they hadn’t been fast enough. They hadn’t gotten out. He shook his head to clear the fuzz and realized that Xanthe was not with him. His adrenaline spiked as he looked around, eyes widening as he heard another pained groan. 

Xanthe was muttering something now that sounded like a curse. A dark voice grumbled something in return, Xanthe hissing under her breath at the comment. 

“Leave her alone!” Percy called weakly. He wasn’t sure how many concussions he was up to but they, along with the blood loss and possibly infected wounds,  certainly were starting to get to him at this point. His right hand throbbed for some reason, but he couldn’t be bothered to look. The male voice laughed, the sound of a cell door swinging open and a shadowy figure walking out. 

“If you insist. I can always return my attention to you, little demigod.” Eumelus said slowly, door swinging open as Xanthe began yelling again. 

“NO! Leave him be, he cannot! He is still mortal, you will kill him!” Xanthe howled, Percy’s eyes widening further at the sight of the god before him. He had a length of braided leather in his hand with a sharp pointed end. It was coated in golden ichor and was clenched tightly in Eumelus’ clawed hand. With a wicked smile he snapped his fingers, Percy’s chains loosening and dropping him from where he was pulled to his knees down onto the floor. 

He grunted as he hit the floor, not able to look up as Eumelus struck out. The whip struck him over his left shoulder, causing him to shout in surprise and pain as the biting end of the weapon struck flesh. A spray of blood hit the floor, the whip coiling back towards him already. He closed his eyes and ducked, lifting his hands to cover his face as the barb pulled across his forearms. 

“Stop!” Xante shouted desperately as Percy shouted again. The whip came back down further as Percy ducked to avoid being hit in the face, leaving a new wound over his shoulder blades. He tried to turn slightly and was rewarded with a new wound. Eumelus laughed darkly as he returned the weapon to his side. Percy gasped softly, heart pounding as he glared back up at the god. 

“She’s right, you know. You won’t survive much more of this.” Eumelus said after a moment, voice practically glowing with pleasure. “It’s almost time to send you back.” The god said. Percy’s heart pounded. 

“What do you mean?” He asked quietly, Xanthe going quiet in the cell across from him. 

“I’m going to let Akhlys poison you. Slowly, painfully, incurably. Then I’m going to give you back to our father and let him watch you both die.” Eumelus said cheerfully, eyes flashing with dark glee. Percy slowly shook his head. 

“Xanthe can’t die.” Percy rasped. Eumelus laughed uproariously. 

“That’s the best part, brother dear!” The god chortled. “What it will do to her mind, and yours? It will make her choose to fade.” 

Percy felt horror wash over him as Xanthe muttered a Greek curse. He glared up at Eumelus, determined not to show exactly how much the sentence had concerned him. “People have tried harder than that to kill me, I’m still here.” Percy growled, Eumelus shaking his head with an amused look. 

“How many times could you survive it, though? Over and over and over again until your body gives out beneath you? Until you can’t afford enough energy to draw a breath? Your own mind will shut itself off to get away, and take you out with it. Both of you, after all the only way a god can fade is if they choose in the end to do so.” Eumelus said darkly, turning and slamming the door behind him as he stormed away. 

He heard the second door close as Eumelus left. His hands shook as he pushed himself more up to a sitting position, patting the cut on his arm and shoulders gently with a wince. “Xan? Are you ok?” He asked anxiously, hearing Xanthe’s chains move in the other cell. 

“I am alright. Just a few new cuts.” His sister said weakly, sounding utterly exhausted. Percy frowned, deciding finally to just lay down on his side. He had firmly heard the lock slide into place this time, there were no more escape opportunities. They had been so damn close… 

“Is that true? You have to choose to fade?” Percy asked after a moment of silence. Xanthe took a moment before answering softly. 

“In the end, yes. We can be worn down,injured, taken from our power, no longer worshiped, lose our domains, and that hurts yes and can push us to the breaking point. But… We have to make the final call. To choose to let go. Pan refused to for a long time, until your friend Grover found him and Pan’s powers were passed into him.” Xanthe explained quietly, coughing slightly at the end of her sentence. Percy’s eyes shot her direction with concern. 

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Percy asked quietly. Xanthe stayed silent for a moment, Percy starting to sit up with concern. 

“While you were asleep. He took something from you, to make your dose. What was it?” Xanthe said quietly, Percy’s eyes widening further as he scrambled to his feet. 

“Xanthe, what else did he take from you?” Percy asked quickly, not able to spot his sister through the door. She coughed again. 

“Ichor, I cannot bring myself to tie off the wounds. I am tired. I want to sleep.” Xanthe murmured suddenly, Percy’s heart racing as he went to knock on the door to see if he could keep his older sister awake. As he did so he realized his fingers lit up with pain. He then noticed with an abrupt halt that his hand was covered in blood. Three of his fingernails had been removed on his right hand. He stared, completely shocked that he hadn’t noticed before that moment, but soon shook it off. He could barely feel them, his adrenaline far too high. 

“Xanthe, stay awake. Just keep talking to me.” Percy said firmly, hearing his sister hum something. 

“I do not think I can, little brother. I need to sleep.” Xanthe said softly, a sob breaking through her voice. Percy’s eyes shone with tears as he slowly sat down against the door. 

“Well you’d better not pass out on me yet, I have questions for you. Like what kind of outfits you wore in the nineteen twenties, I have to know if you dressed as a gangster or like a flapper girl. I can’t make up my mind as to which one fits you better.” Xanthe let out a soft laugh, Percy managing a small smile at the sound of it. 

“I dressed differently, depending on my mood. I was particularly fond of fedoras for a bit there.” Xanthe said, voice heavy with amusement as Percy let out a laugh. 

“Tell father I’m sorry.” Xanthe said even more quietly, Percy sitting up sharply with alarm. 

“No I won’t be telling him anything because you’ll be telling him yourself, right? Xanthe, you have to tell him yourself.” Percy said quickly, glancing towards the cell door. His sister gave no answer. “Xanthe?” He called again, swallowing hard when his sister didn’t reply. 

Had she passed out? How did blood loss affect even a bound god, could it put her out for the rest of the day? He shook slightly as he curled in on himself, glancing down at his bleeding hand. He squeezed his eyes shut, fighting back tears. He felt incredibly alone. His sisters were gone for the time being, Kym hopefully somewhere safe and Xanthe passed out just out of his reach. He was alone now, stuck in a torturously cold stone basement and still aching from dozens of wounds. His ribs still throbbed, now even more so after his crash into the wall what felt like several hours ago. He sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. He prayed Xanthe held on, he just needed time to think. 

___________________________________________________________

Annabeth had finished what little research they could do on such short notice, Malcolm promising to call her if they found anything concerning. The seven reconvened outside the Big House, Chiron waiting anxiously for them. 

“Triton has contacted us with news, Manann á n has promised you safe passage through his lands and waters. He will not interfere and as of right now has sworn no involvement. Triton states the reason they cannot find them is because of the shielding magic. Manann á n suggested demigods lead the search as you have no genetic relation to Percy or Xanthe, which will help you circumvent the spell.” Chiron told them. Annabeth glanced over at the others, all of which had slung bags over their shoulders. 

“And they couldn’t tell us themselves?” She asked, genuinely curious. Magic was starting to feel like taking the term ‘exploiting loopholes’ to a whole new level. Chiron looked over at her. 

“They are with Kymopoleia, she is injured and still bound. Hecate is working to unbind her but it is a difficult process.” Chiron informed them, Annabeth’s heart pounding. How injured had Kym been? She had looked back over the photo to try and gather more context clues and had seen Kym’s severed hand and wounded head, but could they be life threatening? If something that bad had happened to her what shape would she find Percy in? 

“Ok, so we’re off. How long will it take us to get there, Leo?” Annabeth processed, looking over at the son of Hephestus. He shrugged slightly. 

“A few days at top speed.” He replied, Annabeth frowning. It was too long, who knows what might happen to Percy by then.

“Well then let's get a move on.” A gruff voice said, Annabeth spotting Luginia stomping towards them.

“Triton did say demigods, it's hard to know if your immortality will complicate things, Luginia.” Chiron said softly, the daughter of Ares scowling at him. 

“I’m not a god, Poseidon had no influence anywhere in my lineage. If we’re on foot it could work. I’m not leaving demigods to take care of her right now.” She hissed in reply. Nico cleared his throat. 

“She may be helpful if Xanthe’s in rough shape. Will knows how to keep demigods alive, but if something’s happened that’s bad enough we’ve never treated a god before.” The son of Hades said, glancing over at Luginia who nodded firmly. 

“I’ve dressed her wounds many times. I can take care of her until she is returned to Atlantis.” Luginia said, Annabeth sighing. They already were taking too long. She glanced over at the group surrounding her. 

Thalia, Nico, Piper, Leo, Frank, Hazel, Jason, and Luginia. Quite the full house off on a rescue mission. She took a deep breath, nodding to Chiron. 

“We’ll take her, more hands in case we need to fight our way in or out. Let’s get going, we’re wasting daylight.” Annabeth said sharply, the others nodding their agreement. 

“I can help with that!” Hermes called, appearing suddenly in front of them. Annabeth blinked as he grinned, winking at her. 

“Hecate’s taking care of Kymopoleia’s bindings, it should be simple enough. Uncle P sent me to get you on your way. I can get you close, just to the edge of Celtic waters. After that it's a twelve hour or so flight away to the first island.” Hermes informed them, clapping his hands together. 

“Any chance you managed to narrow it down further, Leo?” Annabeth asked. Leo shook his head. “Alright then thank you, Lord Hermes. We should really get going.”

“Get to the ship and start her up, once you’re all on board I’ll send you off. And don’t thank me friend, you very well may die. We’re not sure what’s waiting for you there.” Hermes said, with far too much cheer for Annabeth’s liking. 

He disappeared then, Annabeth sighing as she turned. They started hiking off, Chiron warning her to be careful as they left. 

The Argo V had been painstakingly rebuilt without Festus, as the dragon was now fully formed and guarding the borders of camp alongside a few other creations. It was a massive warship, parked not too far from Zues’ fist. 

Leo pulled down the ladder, Annabeth piling on last. As soon as their feet hit the deck Leo was in motion, moving toward the engines and starting up the ship. It rose into the sky, gears turning and rumbling beneath their feet. 

Annabeth looked down at camp as they rose into the air, campers pointing and waving at them from below. Suddenly they shifted, reappearing mid air somewhere over stormy waters. Leo hummed as he checked the coordinates on screen. 

“Hermes was right, eleven hours and twenty-six minutes until our first set of coordinates. Where do we start looking?” He asked, all eyes turning towards Annabeth. 

“Somewhere made of stone, easily defendable. There’s got to be a monster presence nearby, maybe some sort of old castle.” The daughter of Athena mused. How many places had a stone dungeon in them, even with magic involved? It seemed too extra for Eumelus to design not one but two false prisons, especially to show them, she had a feeling there was some old abandoned castle hidden by mist somewhere on the islands. 

Eumelus was also a god of the sea, Annabeth knew he would still have to favor it. It was where he drew his power, his greatest strength. Once they got closer she would advise Leo to scan around the perimeters first, along the coastline.

The rest of the seven drifted off to the cabins, Annabeth dropping her bag at the table in the galley and sat down. She rubbed her face with her hands, not able to stop her eyes from watering. 

“You’d better hold on, Seaweed Brain.” She mumbled to herself, squeezing her eyes shut. “I’m almost there.” 

Chapter Text

Percy figured he must have passed out at some point and awoke to the sound of a door swinging open. He sat abruptly upright, scrambling away from the door as he heard footsteps. A cruel voice laughed, he could hear Xanthe’s cell door being unlocked and pulled open. 

“What are you doing?” He hissed, hearing the sound of Xanthe’s chains being moved. His sister had not responded since their last conversation, though he had been calling to her intermittently to see if she woke up. 

“Your friends are on their way, that precious Athena girl of yours is with them. It’s time to leave them all one last surprise.” Akhlys voice called back, thick with twisted happiness. Percy swallowed hard, whatever poison Eumelus had spoken of Akhlys had finished it. 

“Don’t!” Percy shouted angrily, heart pounding as Akhlys laughed again. 

“You will both take it. Unconsciousness won’t save her. Wake up, little goddess.” Akhlys hissed, Percy heard chains being snapped taut. 

Xanthe did not make a sound, he heard the goddess of misery snarl in frustration. “ Wake up!” The goddess growled, Percy suddenly recognizing a pained shout coming from the other cell. 

“Xanthe!” Percy yelled, banging against the door. He heard Akhlys laugh as Xanthe cursed in Greek, suddenly his chains snapped him backwards against the wall. He groaned as he slammed against the stone, gasping slightly as his wounds were pressed into the rock. 

“Drink, or I’ll slit your throat and pour it down myself.” Akhlys muttered in the other cell, Percy soon heard the sound of Xanthe coughing. 

“Good. Your turn, Perseus Jackson.” Akhlys said darkly. Percy’s eyes widened, It was too late. Xanthe had taken it, he was next. 

Xanthe’s door locked and his swung open, Akhlys striding in. Clutched in her hideous hand was a vial that was a violent shade of puke-green. He screwed up his face at the sight of it, setting his features determinedly. 

“I will take no games from you this time, boy. You will drink or suffer the same threat I gave your sister. Drink. Or I will slit your throat and pour it down myself.” Akhlys said firmly, eyes glinting as she moved towards him. He could see a glinting dagger on her hip that was glittering with golden ichor. His eyes widened further, the goddess wasn’t bluffing. He took a deep breath, he could survive this. He had to hold out until Annabeth found him, she was coming. Akhlys had revealed as much. He closed his eyes as the vial was held to his lips, Akhlys harshly tipping the contents onto his tongue. He almost gagged at the taste but Akhlys grabbed his hair, leaving him unable to move away. 

He retched slightly after the last drop, Akhlys standing swiftly with a mad smile. It tasted like moldy gym shorts, rotten meat, spoiled milk, and aging blood. He bared his teeth at the aftertaste. 

“I wonder how this feels for you. Knowing my face is the last one you’ll see before your demise.” Akhlys said, pleasure coloring her tone. Percy glared up at her. 

“I wonder how it’ll feel for you, when I’m alive and you’re thrown back in the Pit where you deserve to rot.” Percy hissed in response. Akhlys snarled and struck out, hitting him harshly across the face. His cheek stung, fresh blood pooling to the surface due to her clawed hands. 

“Because it’ll feel good to me.” Percy snarled, Akhlys turning and storming out of the cell. She slammed the door behind her, Percy gasping quietly after he heard the final door lock behind her. 

“Percy?” Xanthe’s strained voice called. His head whipped up. 

“Are you alright?” He asked quickly. Xanthe coughed again. 

“New cut, otherwise I’m fine. You heard what she said, they’re coming.” She ground out, Percy nodding even though he knew she couldn’t see. 

“I know, we can hold out. We’ll be home soon.” Percy said determinedly. Xanthe was silent for a moment. “Xan, you heard what I said.” He reiterated. 

“I know, little brother. No matter what you see, just keep repeating to yourself that it’s not real. You already lived it, it cannot destroy you.” His sister rasped weakly. 

“Sound words of advice, so that means you’ll be holding yourself to the same standards right?” Percy snarked back softly, voice touched with amusement. Xanthe hummed, voice seemingly fading. 

“Of course they’re sound. They’re Triton’s.” Xanthe replied. Percy’s curiosity spiked. 

“When did he tell you that?” He asked softly. Xanthe let out a quiet laugh. 

“After the last time I was bound. I wanted to fade, I couldn’t bring myself to do so until they told me I could let go. I don’t know why I thought I needed that but I did. They refused, Triton told me that. ‘You already lived it, you survived it. It cannot destroy you.’” She told him quietly. He smiled at the words. 

“It's almost like he’s older than us or something.” Percy remarked, Xanthe chuckling softly at him. 

“I hadn’t had the chance to tell you,” Xanthe said after another moment, Percy glancing towards the sound of her voice. “Why I never came to see you sooner.” Percy swallowed hard. 

“You don’t have to.” He said softly, though he was curious. 

“You deserve to know.” His sister sighed, coughing again. Concern ticked up in his chest. 

“When father originally made the pact on the Styx I was pleased. I had watched so many of my siblings die in the wars, it broke my heart. Then one day I met you, by accident. Just in the park with your mother. I was meeting a friend at a nearby coffee shop, such an ordinary day. I walked past and you were playing in the splash pad. I don’t think you noticed, or anyone really, but you made the water pressure stronger wherever you ran. You were so young . And that’s when I could feel you, the sea beating through my veins calling to you.” Xanthe revealed, Percy’s eyes widening. 

“And I wanted to run to you, and hold you. But then I remembered the Prophecy. You were destined to die at sixteen years old, I couldn’t bear the thought of watching the light leave your eyes. I was a coward, so I hid myself away. I couldn’t help myself, a few times after that, but mostly I couldn’t bear to think about what your future would hold. Then the battles started and I lost my chance to meet you face to face, with you knowing who I am.” Xanthe continued, trailing off slowly. Percy found in some way he could understand, after everything Xanthe had lost. He was still saddened, now knowing she could have spoken with him before. 

“And then we won.” Percy said, voice neutral. He wasn’t upset, but now more curious. Xanthe shifted, he heard her let out a small sob. 

“And then you were so happy . So content with your life I didn’t know when the right time would be. And then suddenly you were gone, and then thrown back into war, and came out with such heavy burdens to carry. I didn’t want to overwhelm you, and then I look up and you’re almost out of your teens. My little brother, my first demigod brother in so long and I missed all of it because I was being selfish, and I’m sorry for that.” She finished, another sob echoing through the dungeon. 

“It’s not your fault.” Percy reassured her quietly. 

“And yet I’m still sorry. I got into my own head. We will make it out of here, I will be there whenever you need it little brother. I promise you that.” Xanthe said firmly, Percy’s heart warming. 

“Xanthe, I’m just happy to have you guys around at all. Family is all that’s ever mattered to me. I’m not letting any of you go anytime soon, got that?” He asked. Xanthe let out a weak laugh in response. 

“Do you feel it yet?” She asked him suddenly. Percy winced as he realized he did. His mind felt heavy, clouded. It almost burnt, stinging against his consciousness like something was biting down on his mind. He sighed. 

“I do. Should we fight it?” He asked her quietly. 

“No, we have enough of a fight ahead. I’ll see you on the other side, Αδερφάκι.” She murmured quietly. Percy’s heart warmed at the phrase. 

“You too, αδελφή.” Percy replied, Xanthe humming softly at the Greek word for sister. They sat in silence then as the sharp pain in his mind grew. He felt it begin to pull at his consciousness, and soon collapsed into the waiting darkness. 

_____________________________________________________________________

“Annabeth. Annabeth wake up, we’re almost there.” A voice suddenly called, startling the demigod daughter of Athena upright. With a start she realized she had fallen asleep on the table, someone had covered her with a blanket at some point. The others were scattered around the gally, Leo pouring himself a mug of coffee with a shaky hand. 

Luginia stood in the corner, glowering out the window of the gally towards the darkness. It had become night in their travels, now pitch black outside. 

“We thought about waking you but you haven’t slept in almost two days, you needed it for this.” Hazel said firmly, sliding a cup of tea in front of her with a pointed look. Annabeth rubbed her eyes, mumbling a thank you to the daughter of Pluto and taking a sip of the tea. 

Earl gray, her favorite. She glanced around at the rest of the demigods. Hazel had thrown on a Camp Jupiter t-shirt, a bronze chest plate fastened around her. She had on black leggings and sneakers, her spatha sheathed at her side. Leo was in a grungy tank top and jeans, oil streaked and frazzled hair. Frank had changed into a similar style to Hazel, but was in army green cargo pants. 

Jason and Piper were glancing at the map towards the front of the room, both in bronze chest plates. Piper was in a camp t-shirt and baggy black pants, sneakers on her feet. Katoptris was fastened to her hip. Jason flicked his coin anxiously, dressed in a blue t-shirt and black joggers. He turned and nodded to Annabeth when he noticed she was awake. 

Nico and Thalia sat across from her, both dressed similarly to how they were the night before in black ensembles, Luginia still in combat boots, cargo pants, and a leather jacket. 

“Check the coastline first. Eumelus is still a sea god, most of his power comes from there. He’ll still want to be close.” Annabeth announced after a moment, Leo nodding to her as he moved out the door. 

“Go get changed, we’ll come get you if we find something.” Hazel said softly, gesturing towards the door. Annabeth scooped up her bag, moving quickly out the door and down the deck where the cabin doors were. She paused at the one Leo had designated for her and Percy, pushing it open. Inside was a large bed in the middle of the room, a small dresser sat next to it. A bathroom door was to her immediate right, with a small toilet, countertop, and shower inside. Leo had really outdone himself, the Argo V was a sight to behold inside and out.

She tossed the bags onto the bed, carefully extracting her bronze breastplate and arm guards from her larger duffle. She changed shirts, pulling on a fresh camp shirt and leggings before pulling the armor over her shoulders. She tightened the straps expertly, putting on the plates for her arms before strapping her sword around her hips. She lined up her thigh holster, carefully sheathing her remaining dagger inside. 

She grabbed a smaller bag that could be thrown over her shoulder, nectar and ambrosia inside along with mortal bandage equipment and antibacterial scrubs. She would have to triage the worst of the wounds first, at the very least Percy’s injuries could be infected or worse, and who knew how much godly food he could tolerate in this state without evaporating. 

She turned, marching back outside towards the galley when Leo ran up to her, practically vibrating. 

“Major monster activity, it’s about two hours north of us. Could be what we’re looking for.” Leo crowed, eyes alight with determination. Annabeth nodded firmly, moving quickly around Leo towards the rest of the group. 

“Set the ship in that direction, then get ready. We’re not stopping until they’re back.” Annabeth growled, Leo sprinting back off towards the controls. 

She scowled darkly at the crashing ocean far below. It was time to finish this. 

___________________________________________________________________________

Triton sat outside the infirmary impatiently, eyeing the door with increasing agitation. Rhode sat next to him, stone faced, while Benthesikyme hovered nearby. Poseidon and Amphitrite were inside with Kymopoleia. Hecate had arrived and begun her work, only allowing Apollo, Amphitrite and their father to remain inside. 

Kym looked terrible, her complexion ashen and face tight with pain even in unconsciousness. She had been redressed into a simple white linen shirt and pants, the ichor cleaned from her skin and wounds rebound with clean dressings. Triton had felt sick at the sight of her, especially recalling the news about Perseus and Xanthe’s injuries. 

Xanthe had told them her eyes had been taken before, many times, but it broke his heart no less to see her in such a state. Percy had been unconscious, his concern for the boy growing by the minute. Blood loss was dangerous, upon reviewing the image Apollo had determined the boy had to have been given some nectar or ambrosia, otherwise he would not have survived his injuries. 

Triton prayed Hecate would finish unbinding Kymopoleia soon, he needed at least one of his siblings awake and safe until the others were returned to them. It had been almost an hour and he had heard nothing from the room. 

Rhode grasped his hand suddenly, face tight with fear. “Triton I cannot take this. We nearly lost Xanthe last time, and Percy is mortal. I cannot take it if we lose them. Percy has not even met my sons.” Rhode said quietly, shaking her head. Benthe froze in place from her pacing, whipping her head around. 

“And he has yet to meet Eirini. They will come home, father will ensure it.” The goddess of waves growled. Triton shook his head softly, patting Rhode’s hand gently. 

Eirini was Benthesikyme’s daughter. She had been born a few dozen years before Kymopoleia had even been born, the goddess of peaceful water. She was a drifter and took more towards her nymph heritage meaning she rarely came to court. She was not Ben's daughter by birth, but had been born to a mortal man Benthe had fallen in love with thousands of years before. Eirini's mortal mother had died in childbirth, leaving her father a widower. When the man had died tragically in a monster attack after many years together, Benthesikyme had begged Poseidon to raise Eirini to godesshood as to not lose her as well. 

Erini was somewhere in the halls, sulking about being called home and unable to wander to her heart's content. She was worried about her younger aunts and uncle, but never was much of a fighter. She was a restless goddess, always eager to be on the move wherever the water was most soothing. 

Rhode’s sons were a good group of boys. Seven sons were born between her and Helios. He believed at the current moment most were venturing into the mortal world, exploring the modern age and business endeavors. Rhode had been debating introducing them to Percy for months but had been scared to overwhelm the boy too soon. 

“Settle, both of you. As soon as the demigods find something they will contact us. We have to trust in that. They are strong, you know this.” Triton said, trying to be reassuring. His sisters exchanged concerned glances, Ben resuming her pacing as Rhode sat back in the chair she was perched in. They glowered together at the door for a moment longer before it swung open, their mother’s relieved face greeting them. 

“Is she unbound?” Triton asked quickly, all of them standing and moving towards the door. His mother simply gestured happily behind her, Triton pushing past to see Kymopoleia sitting upright in bed. Her hand was still bound with wrappings, though Triton knew it would be a few hours longer before the water restored such a severe injury. 

Her head wound was nearly closed, her eyes alight with concern as she looked over at them. Apollo was still sitting next to her on a small stool, the god of medicine frowning firmly down at her wrist. 

Poseidon sat on her other side, a look of pure relief on his face. His shoulders were still tense with worry, but some of that concern had been lifted in the face of his daughter’s somewhat of a recovery. Triton rushed to her side, Kym turning her face up towards him with a nearly unreadable expression. 

“What news, have you found them yet?” Kym asked sharply, Triton almost laughing at how in character she sounded. 

“The demigods are in route, they should be upon them soon. As soon as they tell us where to go we will be there.” Poseidon informed her carefully, Kym growling and shaking her head. 

“They should have been right behind me, I don’t know what Xan was thinking.” Kym said, voice raspy. 

“Most likely she was thinking her window was closing to get at least one of you out of there.” Apollo said sagely, Kym nearly jumping at the sound of his voice. “She knows how bad this can get. I’m glad at least one of you will be fairly uncomplicated to heal.” The god of medicine said, Poseidon scowling at him.

“And when exactly, will the rest of the healing take place?” Poseidon asked darkly, Apollo raising an eyebrow. 

“Her chains are off, she’s healing. A few hours more and she’ll be good to go. I’m gonna go grab some more supplies just in case, mortal ones. If it takes Hecate as long to unbind him as it did her then Percy may need a blood transfusion before we can get him fully healed. Kid lost a lot of blood based on that photo and since we just learned with Kymopoleia mortal triage is possible I’m getting stocked up.” Apollo said quickly, snapping his fingers and disappearing. Triton frowned, not pleased that Apollo was concerned enough to bother with mortal supplies. 

“He bled heavily, Xanthe tied off the wound but he was weak. He could barely stand.” Kym said, voice shaking slightly as Rhode settled in next to her. Benthe stood at the end of the bed, eyes shining with horror. 

“He will be alright. I’m sure of it.” Rhode said firmly, grasping his sister’s good hand tightly. Kym squeezed her eyes shut and leaned forwards, allowing Rhode to hold her tightly in a crushing embrace. Triton glanced up at his father, Poseidon’s face conflicted. He nodded to the god of the seas, turning and striding out of the infirmary. It was time to see what was taking the demigods so damn long.

Chapter Text

Annabeth glanced back over at Leo who bit his lip anxiously, scanning the radar he had built designed to detect high levels of monster activity by tracking the use of the Mist. Essentially the sensors had been enchanted with the help of Hecate’s children (and Hazel to a degree) to indicate where high levels of Mist were being used. The more Mist being utilized in one location, typically the more monsters that were present. 

Initially Leo had drawn them closer to the middle island off the coast of Ireland, but now the sensors indicated next to nothing. 

“And you’re sure these were the coordinates?” Frank asked, raising an eyebrow at Leo who scowled at him. 

“No, we’ve just been floating aimlessly for two hours Frank!” Leo snapped back, smacking the computer aside the screen. Annabeth pinched the bridge of her nose, they didn’t have time for this. 

“Maybe it means something else,” Hazel said suddenly, glancing over at Luginia. The immortal daughter of Ares stood outside, facing over the deck and staring at the shoreline in the distance. It was a shadowed castle, old ruins to mortal eyes, but fully intact if you could peer through the Mist. Something scratched at Annabeth’s mind, a nagging sensation deep in her consciousness. She wondered what it could be, what she was missing. 

“Maybe there weren't a lot of monsters here, maybe it was the Mist just disguising the castle?” Piper mused, Annabeth frowning. 

“Then why is it like all readings have disappeared? It's odd.” Annabeth remarked, Luginia suddenly striding into the room. 

“We’re in the right place.” The daughter of war said with firm confidence. Annabeth blinked. 

“I’m not gonna love the answer, but how do you know that?” Jason sighed, Thalia snorting loudly at him. 

“Wait no, I got this one. She senses battle approaching.” Nico said flatly, Annabeth letting out a snort this time as Luginia rolled her eyes. 

“It is a battle, there will be bloodshed. As of now something is telling me this fight is not in our favor. We need to move quickly.” Luginia retorted sharply, Annabeth nodding slowly. Something dawned on her, eyes going wide as she cursed quietly. Luginia’s eyes bore into her own. 

“Two things,” Annabeth informed the room. “First, protection wards. We were outside of them, now we’re inside of them. That would explain the lack of readings. Secondly,” She paused slightly, Luginia nodding at her words. “This is a trap. Eumelus left this place, what, abandoned? Percy and Xanthe potentially inside? No, he knew we were coming. If they’re inside, he left them on purpose.” 

“Why would he leave them after going to so much trouble to hide them?” Leo asked, raising an eyebrow at Annabeth. 

“He’s finished with them.” Luginia growled, the room going silent at her words. 

“Gods can’t die.” Jason said after a moment, looking over at Annabeth. Luginia shook her head. 

“No, but they can fade. He’s done something to them, both of them that makes him certain Poseidon won’t get them back. The ultimate torture, watching your children die.” Luginia muttered, Annabeth squeezing her eyes shut. 

“But that means for now, we’re operating under the assumption that they’re alive. Everyone has underestimated Percy, and if Xanthe’s anything like him they’re still here. We’re bringing them home.” Annabeth said darkly, the others nodding at her words. 

“Fuck it, I’m in.” Thalia laughed suddenly, Nico rolling his eyes at her. 

“I think it was a silent understanding there you missed, Pinecone Face.” Nico snickered, Thalia poking him with an electrified finger. The son of Hades yelped quietly and Annabeth shook her head. 

“So, what’s the plan?” Hazel interjected. 

“Try to sneak in if possible, if what Luginia is feeling is right then there will be monsters inside. Possibly an angry goddess or two waiting to ambush us. We need to move quickly and quietly and find them. See if we can get them free at the least before the monsters even realize we’ve arrived.” Annabeth said, quickly organizing some semblance of a plan in her mind. 

“Small group then, too many of us will attract too much attention.” Hazel replied, Annabeth noting the daughter of Pluto was using this time to ground her back into reality.

“Hazel, Frank, Me, Luginia.” Annabeth said. “I need someone who can use some of that protective ‘don’t notice me spellwork’, someone who can take care of Xanthe, and Frank you can turn into something big that can carry Percy out, I doubt he’ll be running condition.” Annabeth held up a hand, Thalia and Nico already going to protest. 

“No, I need you out here, ready to breach at any sign of us being in trouble, and with the Argo waiting as an escape route.” Annabeth said before they could even fully voice their arguments. Thalia sat back, looking surprised as Nico huffed. They both did not argue but exchanged glances. 

“I agree, everyone else is on standby if we call for help. Cell phones clearly work here, we can actually call for backup.” Hazel said after her, shooting the room a pointed stare. 

“We may not even need to get them onto the ship. As soon as their skin touches the water Poseidon will be able to retrieve them.” Luginia said, Annabeth’s attention snapping towards her. 

“To take them to Atlantis, to Apollo? Even in sacred waters?” Annabeth asked sharply. Luginia raised an eyebrow. 

“The celtic god would not dare interfere with a father reuniting with his children. He would not dare risk Poseidon’s wrath either.” Luginia affirmed. 

“Alright then, let’s go.” Annabeth said, stalking outside. She hadn’t quite considered how they were getting to the coastline when Nico grabbed her shoulder. “I’ll shadow travel you all down, it won’t take much effort even with four because we’re so close.” The son of Hades said, Annabeth nodding to him. 

She grabbed Hazel’s arm, and the group latched on to each other as Nico pulled the shadows around them. They disappeared from the deck of the Argo and reappeared on a cliff overlooking the beach. Just above them was a side entrance, almost sewer like in appearance though it had no foul odor. Nico looked over at her pointedly.

 “I’m waiting right here until you call and tell me to get back on the ship. I can’t get left behind. I have enough juice to get myself back to camp if need be, but I’m not moving until I know everyone is out safe.” Nico said firmly, Annabeth almost groaning. 

“ Nico!” She hissed but Luginia turned and walked swiftly away from the group. 

“No time, the boy can do as he likes. Let’s go.” The immortal said, Annabeth deciding it was better to keep up with her than argue with the stubborn son of Hades. 

They trudged up the side of the hill, finally managing to find a small path that took them towards the pipe system below the palace. There were large iron bars but they were far enough apart they all managed to step through easily. Luginia frowned, looking at the darkness ahead. 

“Don’t suppose anyone thought about a flashlight?” Frank asked quietly. Annabeth pulled one out of her bag in an instant, turning it on and scanning the passage in front of them. Frank didn’t even look surprised as they trudged forwards. The floor was dirt but thankfully dry, the walls lined with stone and the ceiling twenty feet high. 

“Sewer tunnels?” Annabeth asked softly. Luginia shook her head. 

“No, more likely servant tunnels. There will be entrances up into the main palace deeper into the building.” The immortal said. Annabeth wondered if she’d ever fought in a proper medieval battle before, she probably had. Now wasn’t the time to ask, so instead the group strode forwards in silence. They were guided by the flashlight Annabeth carried, but otherwise remained quiet as they finally approached another set of doors further into the dusty hall. 

“Ok, this feels shockingly simple.” Hazel murmured, Annabeth agreeing with her somewhat. The doors were large and made of dark stained oak. They slowly pushed the bronze handle open, the doors surprisingly quiet as it swung inwards. 

It was a large stone hallway with windows high above near the ceiling. The walls were lit by torches so Annabeth switched off her flashlight and stowed it in her small pack as they walked carefully into the castle. 

“We’re probably close, dungeons would be near the servants' chambers.” Luginia muttered, turning left and further into the castle. 

Annabeth followed behind, Frank taking up the rear and glancing frequently over his shoulder to make sure they hadn’t been snuck up on. Luginia seemed determined, almost as though she already knew what direction to take. 

“Do you know where to go?” Annabeth asked, Luginia frowned deeper, not turning to face her. 

“No.” Luginia said back, almost too quiet for Annabeth to hear. She decided to momentarily trust the immortal anyways as she really had no other choice, following her lead and keeping her eyes peeled for monsters. 

It was maybe three turns and a ten minute walk later that they finally got a clue. One of the torches was missing from the wall and it briefly caught Annabeth’s eyes. There was a door on the other side of the wall, closed and not very dungeon-like, but there was a glimmer of something on the doorframe that brought her focus closer. 

A glimmer of gold. She pulled to a halt, Luginia spinning to face her and following her gaze. The immortal’s eyes widened as Frank and Hazel exchanged a glance, Lugina moving to slowly open the door in front of her. 

Inside was a room in disarray. One side of the room was smashed, cabinets and shelves caved in on themselves and vials spilling everywhere out onto the floor. Then Annabeth’s attention came to the center of the room. There was a large island of sorts, and stabbed into the wooden top was Xanthe’s trident. It had golden ichor staining the shaft and prongs. Laying next to it was Riptide in pen form, and Percy’s necklace. Her heart stuttered as she rushed forwards, grabbing Percy’s beloved weapon and shoving it into her pocket. She pulled the necklace over her own head. She would be giving it back to him soon. 

Luginia pushed around her, grabbing Xanthe’s trident and pulling it from the table. She spun the weapon in her hands, the trident shrinking to a bronze charm on a leather cord necklace that Luginia strapped around her neck. 

“That felt incredibly staged.” Hazel pointed out, Annabeth nodding. She was right, that was too simple. Too poised. 

“Let's keep moving.” Annabeth said, all four of them swiftly moving out of the room and striding down the hall. It was a few minutes later they came upon a door that was made out of pure iron. It caught Luginia’s attention immediately because of this, the daughter of war striding over and glancing at the handle. She pulled, the door staying firmly shut as she tugged. 

“We could try picking the lock-” Frank remarked, but Luginia snarled instead. She took three steps back and stomped forwards, stomping on the lock with all her weight. The metal shrieked at the contact, caving in under her booted foot. Frank’s mouth hung open as Luginia pulled the door back again with all her might, the door swinging open with a violent squeak. 

“Is that like… An immortal power or a demigod one?” Frank asked. Luginia paid no attention as she raced inside, Annabeth noting quickly it looked like cell doors lining the walls. Each one had a slitted window around and Luginia peered into the first cell and growled in frustration as she moved away. She ran to the next one, eyes going wide as she attempted to pull the door open. 

“ Καρδιά μου !” Luginia shouted, looking back through the window in momentary panic. “τι σου έχουν κάνει?!”

Annabeth rushed forwards, moving past Luginia and to the next cell. She peered inside, nothing. She turned and moved to the next one, looking inside. 

Her heart sank to the bottom of her chest. Fear gurgled in her throat as she saw what was inside. It was Percy, chained to the wall and bleeding from various wounds. He had blood coating the side of his face and blood-soaked bandages on his right arm. 

His head was against his chest, eyes closed and breathing slow and shallow. “Percy!” She called desperately, she heard Hazel come up next to her and gasp. She heard a loud crash behind her, so much for them being quiet on this mission. Luginia had repeated her move with the first door, and was now pulling the door open with a determined snarl on her face, she raced inside, Annabeth turning to Frank who pushed her aside. He turned into a gorilla, nearly bowling Annabeth over with his size, and threw his entire weight against the door. 

The door went caving inwards on contact, Frank smashing the door to the floor as he fell over the top. He returned to human form as he scooted forwards, standing up and rushing over to Percy. Annabeth was hot on his heels, falling to her knees and grabbing her boyfriend’s face in her hands. His skin was cool and clammy to the touch.  

“Percy, Percy can you hear me?” She asked quickly, sliding her bag around to get nectar and ambrosia from it. She winced as she realized she couldn’t get Percy to eat or drink, not if he was unconscious, but she pulled out the bottle of nectar anyways. She poured some over the wounds on his head and cheek, knowing it may not wake him but could help if his unresponsiveness was due to concussion. 

Frank tugged at the chains at the wall, noticing they were simply wrapped in place around iron cuffs that were bolted to the stone. 

Percy’s arms dropped, Annabeth supporting him as his body fell limp against her lap, she winced as he took a suddenly deeper breath. She hadn’t considered how straining the position must have been to breathe. She could see part of his chest in the chiton he now wore, dark blue and purple in color, it was likely he had broken ribs. 

“Annabeth, we need to move. We can’t give him anything while he’s out. Let’s go.” Hazel said quickly, Annabeth snapping out of her momentary panic.

“He’s probably got broken ribs, he can’t ride on a horse or anything like that, Frank.” Annabeth murmured, Frank nodding and pulling Percy’s right shoulder upright as Annabeth stood and supported his left. Together they struggled to pull Percy out of the cell, realizing they had yet to check on Luginia or Xanthe. The immortal child of Ares emerged shortly in front of them, carrying Xanthe close to her chest. Her chains remained wrapped around the goddess’ arms, and golden ichor dripped to the floor with every step Luginia took. Annabeth’s eyes widened as they drew closer, spotting the bandages soaked in ichor wrapped around Xanthe’s eyes. 

“She will not wake, I suspect intentionally. He left them to die for us to find.” Luginia said quietly, glancing down at Xanthe with the most gentle expression Annabeth had seen from her. She panted, gently setting Percy down as Frank stepped back. He transformed back into a gorilla, carefully leaning down to pick Percy up and hoist him gently against his shoulder. Luginia did not place Xanthe down, instead striding off, carrying her easily back the way they had come. 

Annabeth ran after her, Frank and Hazel close behind as something triggered the hairs on the back of her neck to raise. 

“Luginia!” Annabeth called, the immortal coming suddenly to a full stop. They skidded behind her, the immortal turning with a grave expression. 

“Battle is here.” The daughter of war said darkly. Annabeth swallowed hard. It had been too easy, the other shoe had dropped. 

Chapter Text

Annabeth could hear the sound of footsteps storming closer to them. The sound echoed off of the stone hallways, the demigods all froze as the sound of snarls and guttural growls neared them. Monsters, armed most likely, and by the sounds of it a lot of them were heading their way. 

She swallowed hard, glancing at Percy’s unconscious face. He looked uncomfortable, brow furrowed harshly even without being awake. She wasn’t losing him this close to getting him free. She turned to Luginia, who had crouched to gently lower Xanthe to the floor. Hazel rushed over as Luginia gestured, instructing Hazel to sit near her. 

“Watch over her. I’ll be back.” Luginia said darkly, standing and walking away from them and drawing her spear from its sheath. Annabeth watched with wide eyes, was she really about to try and take on a battalion of monsters alone?