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Chapter Text

My breathing was heavy legs aching, yet I still ran. I was vaguely aware of tears slipping down my face, exiled, a traitor, a freak. And yet I didn’t know what I’d done. I told you to run maybe a week ago. But now I was blamed for something that wasn’t my fault.

So I ran. It was either running or being killed the moment the gods found me.

Monsters chewed at my heels, I wanted to let them kill me. I was ready to stop running, someone grabbed my arm, and in a horrifying moment I thought I’d been found.

I had been.

But not by the ones that wanted me dead, “Luke?” I croaked, when was the last time I had water?

The son of Hermes frowned, seeing the monsters keep running, we were in an alley. Or at least I think that’s what it was. I was tired, my vision was swimming, and I was swaying on my feet. Luke cursed in seeing the dozens of wounds that likely had become infected. I’d never had time to heal them.

“Percy.” He said, his voice was low, “What are you doing here?”

When had he left camp? After me? Why was he here? On top of that, where were we? Tears slipped down my face, my knees buckled, everything hurt. Gods I just wanted it to stop.

Luke caught me, “What happened, Perce?”

I shook my head. I didn’t want to remember it. Didn’t want to relive it. Would he cast me aside in a heartbeat for glory as well? All for his pride? My fatal flaw was loyalty, I knew that now, known ever since I’d been stabbed in the back, betrayed. 

“Breathe.” Luke instructed me, “You need to breathe.”

I hadn’t realized I’d stopped. Luke’s face was filled with care. When would that fade just like the others? 

When I stopped being useful?

When something better came along?

When a bolt is found and glory is just around the corner?

“Percy?” Luke asked again, “Who hurt you?”

And I shook my head, I was shaking and Luke was holding me. Chiron’s disappointed stare filled my mind. Grover’s head shake as he refused, once again, to defend me. And I ran.

I wasn’t a fool, I knew what would happen to me so long as I was considered a traitor. And her face. Her fucking face, so full of pride, because look at what she’d done. That gods forsaken pride that I’d nearly died to just begin to satisfy. So I ran. A traitor, a thief, a mistake.

Not a single fucking trace of the father who claimed to care about me. Not an apology from the person who claimed to be my friend. Not an ounce of care from the person who promised he’d protect me.

And now I was sitting here, with the real lightning thief. Luke’s hands shook, he’d caused all of this. But he hadn’t caused why I was out here. And maybe I could trust him. But I just couldn’t.

I’d been used for my fatal flaw. Tricked into trusting. Then stabbed in the back and thrown aside.

I wanted to push Luke away, start running again and maybe just maybe I’d make it to Alaska where I wouldn’t have to live in fear. But I’d die on the way there and maybe that was preferable. The judges saw in the soul, not through others, maybe in death I wouldn’t be called a traitor. 

Or maybe I’d go to the Fields of Punishment where everyone thought I belonged.

“Okay,” Luke whispered, “I’m going to carry you, we need to get somewhere safer and take care of those wounds.”

A whine of protest escaped my mouth, I didn’t want him to touch me. Didn’t want to be hurt again. But I couldn’t move, and I was in too much pain, and my thoughts were muddled, and my vision was rapidly fading.

So there was nothing I could do as he carried me away.

I didn’t hear Luke’s orders to stay awake. Didn’t hear the curse of the healer as they saw what condition I was left in. My consciousness fled and I was thankful for it.

Voices were muddled around me as I started to come to. Luke’s broke above the crowd. Where was I? The pain was dulled, I vaguely registered the fact that I was covered in bandages. 

I didn’t open my eyes. Simply pretended to still be asleep and I listened. 

“Why is the kid out here?” That was Chris’ voice,

“I don’t know, I found him running from about a dozen monsters. He hasn’t said anything to me.” Luke told him.

“Are we certain he can be trusted?” A voice I didn’t recognize questioned, “After all, he was set on getting that bolt back to Zeus.”

Someone scoffed, “Forced into it more like. The kid is twelve, we can’t throw him back out on the streets. We’d be no better than the gods.”

“Thank you.” Luke agreed, “Quin, I know it’s not normal, but we have to at least try to help him.”

The one who’d argued my prosecution sighed, “I never said I wasn’t going to, Luke. But we need to be careful, he could still be working with the gods.”

Internally I scoffed, I’d rather not be framed and used multiple times, thank you.

Chris spoke again, “But why is he out here, I thought Chiron would be singing his praises after we got news he’d succeeded in his quest.”

“I don’t know.” Luke said again, “But I think it’s safe to assume things didn’t go as we thought.”

No shit Sherlock, my mind muttered. I hated everything about this. I wanted to get up and keep running. I didn’t want to be lured into another trap. Another ploy. Another knife in my back. But I couldn’t move if I tried. I was exhausted, malnourished, and dehydrated. And I had no choice in whether or not these people helped me.

I’d run the first chance I got. I decided. The second I was healed I’d steal some supplies and leave in the dead of night.

I refused to get hurt again. I wouldn’t allow them to get close to me. I wouldn’t let them take care of me. I’d fended for myself for ages, I could keep going.

Walk away. Survive. Fight

My consciousness gave way. I welcomed the silence of it all. Nightmares found me eventually, I’d start running again soon.

They can’t catch someone they can’t locate. Alaska, that had been my destination, I wasn’t going to fight on either side. I’m on my own, I’d start running again the second I could. Never again. I’m never trusting someone ever again.

Chapter Text

I frowned as I looked in the mirror, finger tracing the scar that marked the bottom left half of my face. It’d been about a week since Luke had found me. This was the third time I’d actually been able to remain standing after getting up. I didn’t speak, didn’t acknowledge their worry.

I learned their names, Luke, Chris, Quin, Irene (the healer), and Silena. I recognized Silena from camp, she’d been the head Aphrodite camper.

And I waited until none of them watched to walk around the building. There were several windows, and the main door was normally unlocked from the inside. None of the windows were blocked and the ones the next level up had the same emergency exits my apartment in Manhattan had.

It was like they wanted people to run away.

I scowled at my reflection, at the scar that would remain a stark reminder of her betrayal. I shook my head as tears started building. Crying did shit. What I needed to do was keep working on building their trust so I could stop being watched. Then I’d be able to run.

“You alright kid?” Luke’s voice asked,

I saw his reflection in the mirror, he was leaning against the door frame. I glared, not turning around or responding to him.

“You know, if it’s our trust you’re looking for, ignoring us does nothing.” He noted,

I turned around, scowling as I walked past him. I knew he was following me, someone always was. I went to the loft, climbing up the ladder into the place I’d dubbed my temporary home. Bookshelves lined the walls, a hammock strung between them. There was a beanbag in the corner I’d pushed there because it had better acoustics for listening to their conversations below.

No one followed me up to the loft. They respected my privacy, they just didn’t know I could be trusted. Hence being tailed when I walked around the lair.

I sat in the beanbag, listening to their quiet conversations.

“Anything out of the kid?” Quin questioned,

I heard Luke’s sigh, “No, I don’t want to push, but if we don’t know why he’s out here we won’t know how to help.”

“He just needs time, Luke.” Silena said softly, “He’s as jumpy as a stray cat, and surely he can’t be blamed for that.”

“Silena’s right, we can do all we want to heal or help him. But it’s his choice if he accepts it.” Irene agreed.

I pulled my legs to my chest, curling into a ball on top of the bean bag. These were my least favorite conversations to eavesdrop on. I didn’t want to hear them sob about how closed off I am.

Being an open book gets you killed.

I shook my head, looking up at the glow in the dark stars on the ceiling. I’d try and leave tonight if I could, I decided.

I remained in the loft until I heard them all go to their respective bedrooms. I slid down the ladder, grabbing a stray backpack on the floor. I swiped ambrosia and a few other supplies and headed towards the nearest window. I slip it open, beginning to crawl out, a light switched on.

I blinked, and cursed.

“Going somewhere, Perce?” Luke asked, leaning against the wall.

“Don’t call me that.” I muttered, still slipping outside.

He didn’t stop me, I turned back, seeing if he’d even moved. He hadn’t. Just crossed his arms and frowned.

“Where are you headed?” He asked,

I rolled my eyes, “Why do you care? Aren’t I just another asset to getting to usurp the gods?”

Luke’s frown deepened, “Why’d you think that?”

I shook my head, lowering the ladder on the escape platform. He followed me out the window, helping me lower it more quietly.

“How about a deal, Percy?” Luke suggested, “I won’t stop you from running, but at least give us a chance to show you we aren’t planning anything nefarious.”

I frowned, slapping his outstretched hand away, “No.” One word seemed to crush him more than a well thought out speech.

But true to his word he didn’t stop me. I climbed down the ladder, ignoring the flash of pain in my right leg. And I walked away from the apartment. Grasping the straps of my backpack tighter.

“He was going to give Hades the bolt to get his mom back! He’s the one who stole it, planning on using it for his own gain!”

Tears slipped past the dam, I looked back to the apartment, “What do I do, Mom?” I whispered, looking down at the asphalt.

I heard a loud swear break through the silence. I looked down a nearby alley, and two kids were sitting in it. One sitting back and swearing through clenched teeth. One girl, one boy. The girl was trying to set a very clearly broken leg. I swallowed, knowing Sally would help them. But what if this is another ploy from the gods to get me killed? What if they stab me in the back too?

To fuck with what ifs. My mind muttered, and I stepped into the alley, “Hey, need some help?” I greeted,

The girl snapped up, bearing a pocket knife I had no doubt would be used to kill me should it come to it. But neither seemed anxious to kill. The boy was clearly holding back tears and the girl looked half starved.

I slipped my bag off my back, tossing a bag of rations to the girl, and sliding closer to the boy. I pulled out the bandages I’d managed to get out of the infirmary and grabbed the stick the girl had been trying to use earlier. I put the stick against his broken leg, wrapping it tightly with the bandages.

“Better?” I asked, looking through my bag.

“Thanks.” The boy said,

I nodded, handing him a piece of ambrosia, “I’m no healer, but you probably shouldn’t be walking on that.”

The girl scowled, “What is that?”

“Ambrosia, food of the gods, it heals demigods.” I explained, the boy took it.

She laughed, “Demigods? Fantastic you’re completely nuts.”

I shrugged, “Ask him if it worked?”

Did I know for certain they were half-bloods? No. But I got the vibe they weren’t mortal, so a gamble suffices. Besides, if they’re mortal it just adds to the kill count. And they’re clearly runaways. I doubt they’d be noticed if they died.

But the boy’s eyes watered, “Sabe a los tamales de Mamá.” He whispered,

I gave a grand bow, looking around the alley. I sighed, hating that I was doing this, but I spoke, “Look, I know a safe place you’d be able to stay. You don’t gotta come with me… but you’re welcome to.”

The kids shared a look, discussing the options in Spanish. The girl eventually gave a hesitant nod, “Okay, we’ll go with you.”

I smiled tightly, helping the boy up. The girl and I helped the boy hobble towards the apartment I’d just ran away from. I knocked on the door and refused to make eye contact as Luke opened it.

“What the hell?” He questioned,

I shuffled, “I found them in the alley, thought you might help them.”

The son of Hermes nodded, opening the door wider to allow them inside. He called for Irene to get a closer look at the boy’s leg.

“What are your names?” Luke asked,

The girl frowned, looking at the boy before responding, “Piper and Leo Valdez.”

I noted the information in my mind silently, helping Irene with what I could. Silena and Quin entered the room, spotting the two other kids. They didn’t respond in any grand way. Probably used to Luke taking in strays. At the very least, they assumed I’d had something to do with it. Which was accurate.

“You two runaways?” Was Luke’s next question.

“Mierda!” Leo yelped as Irene rebroke the bone in order to get it to heal accurately.

“Estás bien, solo respira.” Piper told him, she looked back at Luke, “Yeah, we went to the same school. Leo had shitty foster parents, I was sick of being a victim of child neglect, so we ran.”

I nodded, “So pretty typical for kids like us.” I summarized.

Luke nodded, “Been there. Silena do we have leftovers from earlier?”

The daughter of Aphrodite nodded, “I’ll heat it up.”

Chris walked in, immediately going to the coffee machine, “You adopting more strays, Luke?”

Luke rolled his eyes, “I haven’t adopted anyone, fuck off.”

Chris smirked into his mug, clearly not buying that for a second. Once Leo’s leg was wrapped I went up to the loft. Throwing the backpack into the corner and curling up in the hammock. I felt tears prick my eyes, and I did nothing to stop them this time.

“Percy?” That was Luke’s voice, he was sitting next to me, “Are you alright?”

I scowled at the wall, “Does it seem fucking alright?”

“Wanna talk about it?”

“I’m sure you want me to.”

“I’m asking if you want to, Percy.” He repeated,

I shrugged, “I don’t know, maybe?”

“Who caused it?” Luke asked, likely asking easier questions instead of just the whole story to make it easier for me.

“Annabeth.” I choked out, still not even facing him.

Hated how that name sounded. Hated how it felt like acceptance to admit it. Hated the memory of her betrayal, her running, and her telling a false story so she’d get all the glory. All for her pride.

“Why are you out here?” Was his next question, likely trying to grapple with the girl he considered a sister’s choices.

“Isn’t it obvious?” I grumbled, “They wanted to kill me, someone who can steal a god's symbol of power can’t be allowed to live, after all. So I ran. No, I don’t wanna talk about it.”

I heard him get up, “I’ll see you in the morning, Percy.”

I ignored him, curling up tighter in my ball. Why did I even come back? Why was I letting them get their answers?

Why was I starting to trust them?

Chapter Text

I didn’t want to get up, I preferred remaining in this ball on my hammock. However, Leo and Piper seemed adamant on getting me up. Leo complained that I at least needed to show them around, Piper was using charmspeak. That’s just cheating honestly. I groaned, rolling over, and yet again trying to ignore them.

“Come on Percy.” Leo complained, “We don’t know anyone here.”

“You don’t actually know me.” I pointed out from my spot on the hammock.

“Maybe not, but we at least know you better than them.” Piper noted.

I cursed under my breath, looking at them cruely, “I’m going to fucking kill you two.”

“No you won’t.” Leo called the bluff immediately.

Damn it, I swore again, forcing myself to get up. As the other two celebrated their victory, I flipped them off. Well shit, now I had to go socialize. Ew. They followed me down the loft, I did my best to just try and ignore literally everything but myself. Silena placed a bowl of something in front of me for breakfast. Or lunch, it’s kind of hard to tell. 

My head was throbbing, I was tired, I didn’t want to be here. Why did I stay the night? I could’ve left Leo and Piper in Luke’s capable hands and ditched. 

I stirred what was in the bowl with a spoon. I had no appetite, but Silena glanced at me hopefully so I tried to swallow a few bites. Piper and Silena made small talk, they were likely sisters on their mom’s side. Did I say that? No. I used my familiar plan of don’t talk to anyone and don’t trust anyone.

Leo tinkered with stray pieces of metal he’d gotten from gods know where. Likely a son of Hephaestus. 

I frowned into the bowl, getting up silently, and going back to the loft. This time I pulled the ladder up so no one else could get up here. I plopped down onto the bean bag, grabbing the book that had looked marginally interesting.

It was written in Greek, so I could actually tell what the hell it was saying. 

Halfway through the page I started tuning into the conversation below.

“Percy still in the loft?” That was Luke’s voice.

“He came down for a bit.” Silena reported.

“Why doesn’t he talk to you guys?” Leo asked curiously, “He barely talks to us.”

“We…” Luke started, scrambling for an explanation, “Don’t know the full story.”

“Why’s he here then?” Piper questioned.

Silena spoke next, “Like Luke said, we don’t actually know why. Percy… is different from the rest of us.”

“How so?” Leo’s voice wondered,

Internally I snorted, turning the page to my book, and continuing to listen.

“He’s a forbidden child.” Quin told them.

“What does that mean?” I could imagine Piper’s confused scowl.

“He’s a son of Poseidon. The big three gods, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades, swore an oath not to have kids. Only Hades has kept that oath.” Luke explained patiently.

I was silently hoping the conversation would change soon. I don’t like hearing about how much they worry about me. I’m fine. I’d just rather be on my own than in a group. Being in a group means there’s more people. More people means not everyone will believe you. The more people, the more likely you’ll get cast aside.

The conversation, unfortunately, did not shift. Leo and Piper just got more curious with each answer. I just started tuning it out and reading the book. One question caught my attention again, though.

“Has he said anything about why he ran away?” Leo asked quietly, likely fidgeting with metal pieces.

I could practically hear the awkward shuffle Luke made, “He’s… told me a little bit. It’s not my story to tell.”

I scowled at the page, wondering, yet again, why I’d come back. I sighed, going down from the loft and going out through the window to get to the roof. I sat up on the top of the building, watching the people below, and the sky above.

The book was still in my hand, though I didn’t really have any intention to read it now. I sat on top of the parapet just watching what went on in my surroundings.

“It’s a good thinking spot, isn’t it.” Silena smiled, sitting next to me.

I didn’t acknowledge her, she was used to it by now.

“You know, it’s easier to work through things if you let people in. Closing yourself off.. that’s your choice, but it’s not good for you.”

“Is this some kind of trick to get me to talk?” I muttered,

“No, I just think a kid as young as you shouldn’t have to deal with this.” She responded, watching the people below the same as me.

I snorted, “It’s a bit too late for that, don’t you think.” 

Silena hummed, “Is it too late for you?” She asked, meeting my eye.

I looked away, “Seems to be, I don’t need sympathy. I’ll be out of your hair soon enough.”

My hands twisted together, I sighed, pulling my knees to my chest to rest my head on them. Silena watched, but didn’t say anything. Didn’t push any information out of me. 

“Percy, you do know you’re not here so we can use you, right?” Silena told me.

I shrugged, not bothering with a verbal response. I was done talking.

She kept going, “You’re here because we care. Luke found you half-dead, we wanted to help. You’re not a prisoner, you don’t have to stay. But, I know all of us would like you to.”

I gave her a deadpan stare, “Who wants a son of Poseidon who will just make more trouble for you.” I stood, “It doesn’t matter, just… just leave me alone, please.”

I walked away before I had to listen to more of her stupid talks. I went back to the loft, engaging my normal plan of talk to no one. That included Piper and Leo, much to their disappointment. I went to the loft, curling in on myself on the beanbag. I didn’t want to hear how much they claimed to care. I didn’t want to listen to what they thought would help me.

I should’ve left when I’d had the chance. Now they were watching me too much to even try. 

“Damn it.” I whispered to myself, 

I hugged myself, I missed Mom.

Chapter Text

Sally Jackson had been a good mother. She tried so damn hard to ensure I was loved. Grover had explained to me why she’d put up with Gabe’s shit, I couldn’t help but blame myself.

But she was gone. Hades had taken her and I never got the chance to get her back. Annabeth had run off with the bolt, Grover had insisted we waited for her. So we waited. And waited. But she never came back. Annabeth had created this whole story where I was the villain and she painted me in that light. We left the Underworld without Sally to find Annabeth. We thought she was in trouble.

And I lost my mom for nothing.

I had known something was wrong the moment Annabeth disappeared with the bolt. I hated that I’d been right. Hated that I couldn’t even trust the people who claimed to be my friends. Because my protests didn’t matter, Chiron chose who he favored and it wasn’t me.

No one cared that there were holes in Annabeth’s story. They believed every single goddamn word. 

I sat up, scarred hands twisting together as tears pricked at my eyes. The apartment was silent. I knew Irene was still here but everyone else had gone to the market. I slipped down from the loft, grabbing the old backpack and slipping out the window.

Irene always listened to music while she was in the healing bay, I knew she wouldn’t hear a thing. 

I went down the steps, rubbing tears out of my eyes with my arm. Block after block until I couldn’t see the apartment. I walked, I didn’t run. I was tired, but I was more tired of pretending to be what Luke and Silena wanted me to be.

The path I took ensured I went nowhere near the market. Riptide was in my pocket, I’d use it if I had to.

I slipped onto a bus easily, hiding from sight to avoid questioning. I sat in the back, glancing out the window just in case anyone was following me. They’d realize around right now if I’d timed it right.

I noted two other kids getting on the bus, then an adult, then the bus pulled out. With another glance I noticed the boy’s face was painted with panic, the girl was looking over her shoulder every second. I knew those looks.

“Fuck my life.” I muttered, getting up to slide into the seat behind them.

“Bee, that bus driver has horns.” The younger kid whispered,

“You’re seeing things, Nico.” She insisted.

“No he’s probably right.” I spoke up.

The two kids jolted, the girl looked around ten, the boy around eight.

“Who are you?” The girl snarled,

“Just someone trying to survive, names Percy Jackson. You?” I told them, leaning against the window.

They shared a look, the boy was the one who spoke up, “Nico and Bianca di Angelo.” 

“Nico!” Bianca hissed, “We don’t know him, he could be dangerous. He looks like a thug.”

“Offended.” I muttered, “Look, this bus is being driven by a monster, I don’t know what kind. But if the kid can see it, it’s not good.”

“Well what do you propose?” Bianca raised an eyebrow, looking ready to call my so called bluff.

“Follow me.” I told them, pulling the cord down to communicate to the bus driver to stop.

The bus rolled to a stop and I slid out of the bench, walking to the door. Nico started following and hesitantly so did Bianca. The hair on my arms stood on edge. I swore, ignoring Bianca’s indignant “Language!” I drew Riptide.

“Is that a sword?” Bianca squeaked, “How did you get that past the bus security! Or- or—”

“Are you going to keep whining? Or can I save your fucking life?” I snapped,

Nico seemed in awe at the blade. I shoved them both behind me. I heard a growl, and Riptide clashed against a tail.

“A fucking manticore.” I muttered, “That’s a first.”

The manticore snarled, “Sea brat.”

“Pit breath.” I remarked, “Do you want to go back down there, or do you wanna give up this prey.”

“Why did he call you Sea brat?” Nico asked,

“Not the time.” I told him in a strong warning tone.

Caught off guard, the manticore’s tail struck my shoulder. I barked a curse, forcing myself not to think about the pain. I had ambrosia in my bag, I’d grab it later. I rolled under him, dragging my blade across the monster’s abdomen.

“Percy!” I heard Piper yell.

“Shit.” I muttered, getting up still covered in monster dust. 

I rolled my shoulder, walking away. Someone ran towards me and suddenly I was wrapped in a tight hug. Luke. I froze for a moment, caught in the warmth. Seconds later I shoved him off of me, content to continue to run.  

“Percy, wait!” Silena called, grabbing my wrist.

I grit my teeth, I didn’t want to keep playing this game. I ripped it away, “Just leave me alone!” I snapped, walking again.

Luke would take care of Nico and Bianca, they’d be fine. I wasn’t needed. 

Piper and Leo blocked my path.

“Get out of my way.” I growled, voice dangerous.

“Percy, let's just talk.” Piper pleaded, voice layered in accidental charmspeak.

I shook my head, clearing the spell from my mind, “Get out of my way!” I repeated.

The unspoken warning of, I don’t want to hurt you, but I will if I need to, spoke for itself. 

Luke was following me the moment Piper and Leo moved. He grabbed my arm, I froze again. Hating how I felt tears come on.

“I don’t- I can’t-….” I stuttered.

He pulled me closer, another hug, more tears. I realized faintly that I was shaking.

“Let’s just go home.” Luke whispered, “We can talk there.”

The posse went back to the apartment. Luke didn’t let go of me once, I think he was trying to display the fact that he cared, but subconsciously I thought it was because he didn’t trust me to stay. I was sat on the couch, a blanket was set around me, I didn’t realize how cold I’d been.

I heard in hushed tones the older kids talking. Silena was explaining things to Bianca, who didn’t trust any of us, especially not with Nico. Luke sat beside me, an arm around my shoulder.

“Wanna talk? Or do you just want to sit?” Luke asked,

I pulled my legs to my chest, remaining silent as I stared blankly at the floor. Heard the whispers, heard the worry. Why did I let myself get dragged back?

Why did they care so much about me? Was it false? Would I be betrayed again? 

Why did they care?

Maybe I was reading too much into this. I don’t know. But I didn’t move, and for once I didn’t contemplate how I could manage to leave again.

“I just can’t trust anyone anymore.” I muttered, mostly to myself, “Annabeth ran off with the bolt. She sculpted a story where I was the lightning thief and no one doubted her. I trusted her, I thought she was my friend.”

“I wouldn’t expect you to.” Luke replied with a slight grimace.

“Why did you steal it?” I asked, meeting his eye.

Luke held my gaze, “I will not stand idly by as demigods die and struggle for the scraps. I’ve watched hundreds of kids run to their deaths and the gods never did anything. They were remembered by the few who knew them at camp. Chiron never remembered them, the gods never remembered them.”

He paused for a beat, watching everything register to my head. Then he continued.

“I didn’t mean for you to get wrapped up in finding it. I was going to come back and convince you to come with me when you got back. Then I found you in that alley, you were shaking and practically knocking on death’s door… so I brought you here.”

“Why me?” I asked hoarsely.

Luke held my gaze, “You’re just a kid. So is Piper, and Leo, and Nico, and Bianca. You shouldn’t be left on your own. I saw you kill the Minotaur, you lost your mom that night. No one even cared to check up on you afterward. So I did.”

Everything clicked in my head, “I’m sorry.” I gasped, tears hitting my eyes again.

He hugged me, “You don’t have to apologize for anything. I should be the one apologizing.”

I sat there, and I didn’t move. I allowed myself to be hugged. The silent message was sent by doing so, I’ll try and trust you. 

Chapter Text

Things got better after that day, if I’m to be honest. I was half-asleep on the couch, I’d been too out of it to move back to the loft last night. Vaguely I felt someone brush hair off my face. I didn’t even think to move, I was tired, though rapidly losing the fight against wakefulness. 

“Just let him sleep.” Came Luke’s hushed voice, “Quin, you’re with me. Sil, make sure Percy’s okay after we leave.”

I heard the door close but still didn’t move. I could hear everyone else’s voices as they spoke in hushed tones. Nico was still asking rapidfire questions, Bianca tried to quiet him slightly. Cards shuffled, I didn’t need to turn to know Piper and Leo were starting a game.

Going back to sleep was an attempt made in vain, my mind was thoroughly awake though my body protested. Did I want to wake up and face the world? Absolutely fucking not. I hated being so damn fragile, why did all of this have to happen?

Why was I such a burden?

I listened to the growing commotion around me, Silena was worried by now, that much was clear. But no one made any moves to “wake” me up.

Maybe a few hours passed, I honestly don’t know. But I sat up, drawing the blanket back around me the second I did. I drew my legs to my chest, trying to ignore all of the voices in the room. Someone put a plate of food on the coffee table (probably Silena) I didn’t eat. Thinking about food made me feel sick, so I just sat on the couch in silence. 

I heard whispers and knew they were about me.

Why do they even care?

Nico sat next to me, he was shuffling his cards, and explaining what some of them did. I listened in silence, I’d rather be hearing Nico’s ramblings than the others worry.

More people moved into the living room. Things gradually got louder. Eventually I just got up and went to the roof. I sat on the parapet, watching everything happening below. Kids walked with their mothers, friends gathered in the courtyard, and I sat, watching it all with a sick feeling of jealousy.

“Percy?” That was Silena, she never could learn that I wanted to be alone.

I didn’t look up, my hands twisted together in my lap. She came to sit beside me like she had a few days ago. We watched in silence for a moment. 

“How are you feeling?” She asked, glancing over at me.

I gave a mute shrug, too tired to talk or sign.

“Luke is out on a mission, he’ll be back soon.” She offered,

Her arm went around my shoulders, I felt myself stiffen but I didn’t move. I said I’d try, I guess this is me trying to do that. But Annabeth’s words rang in my head louder than Silena’s comforting voice. Lies. It had all been lies. Trusted, betrayed, damn near killed.

“Hey,” Silena broke through the spiral, “You’re safe, Percy. You’re safe.”

More shaky than I’d like to admit, I met her gaze. She smiled softly, getting up and holding a hand out to me. I studied her expression, her body language. Nothing nefarious, Silena wasn’t Annabeth. The thought repeated in my mind like a mantra. 

I got up, taking her hand more than a little hesitantly. We went back inside. I glanced up at the loft, but went to the living room, Piper and Leo dealt me into their game. Go Fish. How appropriate.

Silena and Irene made food in the next room over. Bianca and Nico played Myth-o-magik on the floor nearby. 

A few hours passed and Luke and Quin stumbled back into the apartment. Luke waved but immediately went to the back room that I knew had something to do with the upcoming war. I set my cards down, following after the son of Hermes. Glancing inside proved my theory correct, a war room.

I slipped inside, listening in the background as the older demigods talked. 

“Use the rivers.” I spoke up, 

Luke jumped, “You shouldn’t be in here.” He pointed out.

I walked closer to the table, “Knowing Annabeth she’s going to pull out some shitty tactic, but she tends to forget details like this. You guys are fighting camp, and she’s the so called ‘best strategist.’” Punctuating my sentence with finger quotes.

Quin glanced at Luke, “He has a point.”

I pointed to the marker that was near where camp was, “Thalia’s tree is also their only defense, and we can still get in.”

“What about the rest of the army?” Luke questioned,

I shrugged, “You can let them through the border in the woods like that hellhound. But if you're targeting an attack in Manhattan, they’ll forget to include the Hudson and East rivers.”

Luke raised an eyebrow, “How do you know all our plans?”

I gave him a deadpan stare, “I’ve lived here for, what, a few months? You should’ve expected me to eavesdrop at least a little bit.”

Quin crossed his arms, “He has a solid plan, Castellan.”

Luke nodded, “I’m not saying I don’t agree,” He looked back at me, “how would Annabeth counter a side attack like with the rivers?”

I thought for a moment, “She’d scramble, think about all her strategies for capture the flag.”

He did, “She always plans on no one spotting the group headed for the flag.”

I nodded, “It’s as predictable as Zeus cheating.”

Luke ruffled my hair playfully, “Not bad, kiddo.”

I swatted his hand away playfully, “Don’t thank me until it works.”

“We’re not taking you with us.” Luke reiterated.

I shrugged, “I figured as much, besides, I, in no way, want to see that bitch again anytime soon.”

The older demigods shared a nod. Chris walked inside, shocked to see me in there with them. I smirked, stepping out as if I hadn’t even been there. I went back to the couch, picking back up my cards.

I can help them, at least then I won’t be dead weight

Chapter Text

You could practically hear my teeth grinding together. 

“I’ve been here for nearing a year, Luke!” I yelled, “I’m not a baby, I can help!”

The son of Hermes met my gaze with his usual determined gaze, “We are not putting you back in danger.”

The others were watching the argument. This was a normal squabble within the apartment. Luke didn’t want me or any of the other kids in the war zone, I didn’t give a fuck. 

“I’m already your strategist! Just let me help!” I argued. 

“I’m not going to be a repeat of what the gods are doing.” Luke snapped back. 

My fists clenched, I scowled, “It’s bad enough you barely let us leave the house, I can help, you know I can. I’m not scared of the gods.”

Luke’s gaze turned more cold, “Maybe not, but I know for a fact your still terrified of Annabeth.”

I stiffened, “I can do this.” I insisted, “I won’t get any better with it if I’m not put out there. You know I’m the most powerful here, you need me!”

Luke turned away, “I said no, Percy.”

My eye twitched, I stomped away muttering swear after swear under my breath ignoring Bianca’s indignant, “Language!” I’m from New York, I can't be blamed for my language. Leo and Piper were just as bad, they just had a different language to curse in so they didn’t get yelled at. Silena had been listening to the whole argument from the kitchen and gave me a sympathetic look when I sat at the bar. 

“He just wants to protect you.” She told me,

“I don’t want his protection.” I muttered, “I want to help, he’s not the only one who’s been hurt by the gods.”

Nico shadowed me like he often did, he pulled himself up onto the barstool next to me. He shuffled his cards between his hands, looking up at me expectantly. 

I ruffled his hair, turning back to Silena, “It feels like we’re just useless while Luke, Quin, and Irene do everything.”

“You're all kids, you shouldn’t even have needed to come here in the first place.”

I folded my arms on top of the counter, “Demigods don’t get to be kids.”

Silena sighed, turning away from whatever meal she was making despite knowing I would eat little to none of it. She motioned to Nico to leave the room. The son of Hades agreed quickly, likely going over to Piper and Leo to convince them to play a game with him. 

“Unfortunately you’re right, but you have to understand Luke doesn’t want to be like them. He’s trying to give you the childhood he never had.”

“I don’t want it.” I replied, “Childhood has never played a role in my life and I don’t need it to start.”

The daughter of Aphrodite frowned, “Just try, Percy. Luke is as stubborn as the gods when he wants to be. Maybe just let it go?”

“When Zeus stops cheating.” I deadpanned, slipping down from the barstool, and walking out of the room. 

I slipped into the war room, looking over the table map and studying it silently. Not a lot had changed since the first time I created their strategy. As much as I tried to keep guessing Annabeth’s moves.. I didn’t have much fresh intel, only what little things Quin was able to gather while he spied on the camp. 

Missions began taking longer. The war was starting to pick up. It was nearly June, meaning it was steadily getting closer to the anniversary of my mother’s death. Maybe that was another reason I was desperate to get out there and help. That’s what Sally Jackson would have me do. 

I ended up falling asleep at the table. When I looked around the dream I was immediately placed in a brief moment of panic hit me. 

Chaos, that’s where the dream had taken me. 

“Perseus.” Gasped Poseidon,

I blinked, whipping around to see my father, “What the hell? What is this?”

The god of the seas grunted, “Long story, Zeus isn’t exactly a fair punisher, and since he believes that bullshit the Athena spawn is spewing I’m here.”

I glanced around again, “Just like Hera’s old punishment.. dangling over Chaos for your ‘treachery.’”

“Unfortunately. I don’t have much time, Perseus, Zeus will know I am speaking to you and the longer you can remain assumed dead the better.”

“They don’t know I’m with Luke?” I questioned, raising an eyebrow. 

“No, not yet anyway. You need to listen, you and your friends need to get away from that apartment. Apollo will find you soon, you must get away before that happens.”

“Leave? But where would we go? It’s not like we can keep traveling there are missions needing to get carried out, and Nico can’t keep up if we do that.”

“The sea, Perseus. What belongs to the sea will always return, there is an abandoned cruise ship called the Princess Andromeda, its veiled in mist and fully functional.”

“Why are you helping us?”

“You are my son. I do not stand with my siblings against you and your friends, they are right to despise us.”

“Thank you.”

Poseidon gave a weak smile, “Of course.”

I snapped awake, meeting Luke’s tired blue eyes, “We need to talk.” I told him in an urgent tone. 

The son of Hermes sighed, “Perce if this is about—”

“It’s not, we need to leave. Apollo is going to find us if we stay here, and if he finds us…” I trailed off but everyone within this home knew what I meant. 

We’d be killed. 

“How do you know?” He wasn’t denying the possibility, he needed to understand.

“Poseidon, god or not, he’s never lied to me before, and seeing as he’s been dangling over Chaos for gods know how long, I still trust him.”

Luke nodded. That night was a long one. We packed up what we knew we would need. I relayed my dream to the other older kids. Piper came back inside from scouting the surrounding area and immediately went to go help Nico and Bianca. The two children of Hades hadn’t been with us for very long, I felt bad for how they had been integrated into a home right before it was ripped away from them again. 

I shouldered a backpack I hadn’t touched since my last attempt to run away. A sick feeling of nostalgia hit me. 

Our small group left the building, with a little bending of the mist it looked as though no one had ever stepped foot inside. 

Luke gestured for me to lead the way. I walked, the image of the ship Poseidon had showed me burning itself into my memory. 

Whatever had happened back at the apartment was a closed chapter. The page was turned. But I didn’t know what was coming within these new chapters. Maybe that was a good thing. But it terrified me. 

I’d wanted, begged to, be a larger part of this revolution. This wasn’t what I’d had in mind. 

Chapter Text

Sneaking back aboard the Andromeda was easy, especially for a son of Poseidon. We’d been aboard the old cruise ship for a few months now, settling into a new routine. It wasn’t all that different from the apartment. 

Piper, Leo, and I were all sick of waiting while the others did the fighting. So we did what all responsible thirteen year olds do. Sneak out and handle some mini missions ourselves. I had accessibility to the plans due to my position as the strategist, Piper could charmspeak better than anyone I’d met, and Leo had a way around machines. So far, we hadn’t gotten into any major trouble, the missions we picked were always low risk so we wouldn’t come back with hundreds of wounds. 

We were helping the best way we could. No one but our little trio and Bianca was aware, and Bee only knew because she could shadow travel. It had taken a lot to convince her not to tell the others. 

I speed out the map I’d snagged from Luke’s room, “Alright, Chiron is getting better at placing defenses around Camp Half-Blood. Quin is sneaking in to poison Thalia’s tree, that will get them desperate enough to send a quest for the Golden Fleece.” I reported. 

Poisoning Thalia’s tree hadn’t been my idea, both Luke and I found it awful, but if we got the fleece, Thalia would come back. There was a high chance she’d side against us, but it was a gamble that could roll into our favor. 

“So where do we come in?” Piper asked,

I grinned, “Well, I’m betting they don’t have any strong sea bearing vessel, they won’t make it through Scylla or Charybdis’ lairs if they don’t. The ship will wreck, they’ll have to resort to safety rafts.”

“That’s an awfully large bet.” Leo pointed out. 

“I know their style, they may not be as disrespectful as the Romans when it comes to the sea, however people like me are the only ones who push for honor.” I relayed, “Annabeth discounts Poseidon just to prove herself to Athena, In counting on this plan.”

“If I can get aboard,” Piper mused, “I could convince them to take me with them, then I can snag the fleece.”

I snapped my fingers, “Bingo, I’ll tail along underwater, sirens have a harder time swaying someone with sea in their veins. And if I know anything about Annabeth, she’s prideful enough to listen to the sirens.”

“So we can use that to our advantage.” Leo grinned, “That’s a damn good plot, if the sirens reveal anything about camps plans, or Annabeth fucks up around Piper,”

“We’ll have plenty of info to get back to Luke.” I confirmed. 

There was a knock at my door. I scrambled to hide the map and plans, shoving them in my chest before opening the door with a smile. 

Luke raised an eyebrow, “You kids doing alright? You’ve been quiet all afternoon.”

“Are traumatized children not allowed silence?” I shot back,

Piper snickered into her hand, Leo didn’t bother hiding it. The son of Hermes rolled his eyes, “Silena is done making dinner.”

“Noted.” I replied, the second he walked away the door was shut and locked again. 

“When do we start?” Piper asked eagerly. 

“The moment we get confirmation, questers are being sent out.” I grinned,

“Where do I come in?” Leo asked, tapping his fingers in a Morse code pattern I was starting to understand. 

Leo had taken to teaching me both Morse code, and Spanish. It came in really handy when we went out in our own missions. 

“I need you and Bianca to cover for Pipes and I. Any excuse can work, make it believable. I’ll try and sneak back aboard enough to avoid suspicion, but Piper’s role is going to be a lot harder to cover this time.”

“This is the first time we’ve done something other than sabotage or surveillance.” Piper agreed, “We need to be extra careful, I don’t want to imagine how pissed Luke will be if he finds out.”

Leo gave a salute, “Aye aye, Captain.”

The three of us shared a nod and slipped out of my room. Silena was waiting in the kitchen, placing bowls of pasta on the counter. Bianca was already there, Nico sitting beside her and showing his new cards to Silena. 

Bianca met my eye, I tapped quick fire Morse code on the counter. She and Nico had gone to a military school prior to the revolution, she knew as much Morse code as I did. 

The daughter of Hades nodded, muttering some Italian under her breath, and taking a bite of her pasta. 

Piper, Leo, and I all sat together. Piper helped Leo test my Spanish as we ate. 

Irene walked into the room quickly, “It worked.” She breathed, “They’re sending a quest.”

The three of us shared a look. Our plan was set, now came the hard part. We ate quickly, trying to avoid the suspicion that came with converting solely in a different language. 

“What have you been up to today?” Silena asked. 

I froze mid-bite, “Just in my room, Spanish lessons, reading, the works.”

She clearly didn’t buy it but she said nothing. The second our food was scarfed down the three of us, and Bianca, went into the room Piper and Leo chose to share. 

“This is getting to be a bit much.” Bianca pointed out, “Are you really sure Luke will never let you help?”

“Bee, with all do respect,” I started, “I’ve been asking him for nearly a year now.”

Piper nodded, fidgeting with her fingers, “We want to be able to do something.”

The daughter of Hades sighed, “Just don’t mention my name if you get caught.”

When we get caught, part of my mind whispered. We could only keep this gambit up for so long. 

“I swear it on the Styx.” I promised her, “Piper, come with me, we need to find a good position to stay until the questers come around.”

The daughter of Aphrodite nodded firmly, “See you on the other side.” She grinned, following me on deck. 

Without paying attention I managed to run straight into Luke.

“Woah,” he chuckled, “Where’s the fire?”

“Sorry.” I mumbled, “Just lost in thought.”

Piper came up behind me, “Sorry, Luke, have you gotten dinner yet?”

He shrugged, “I’ll get it later.”

Her kaleidoscope eyes glimmered, “It may be cold by then, wouldn’t you rather eat now?”

This was a dangerous move, Luke could normally tell when he was being charmspoke. But something about the determination in her eyes made me feel as confident as her. 

Luke’s eyes shifted from suspicion to acceptance, “Sure, don’t get into any trouble.”

I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding as he walked away, “Do you have any idea how risky that was?” I hissed. 

Piper gave me a deadpan stare, “I didn’t charmspeak him,” she rolled her eyes, “I know how risky it is, I simply pointed out a fact.”

“You charmspeak when you don’t mean to, Pipes.” I pointed out, “I heard it.”

“Well he didn’t, can we get going? We may lose our chance.” 

I nodded, grabbing her hand as I jumped off of the cruise ship. A water bubble formed around her head in seconds. 

“Holy shit, it will never not amaze me about what lies down here.” Piper murmured. 

I grinned, “You going soft, McLean?”

She snorted, “Let’s go.”

I agreed with her though, the sights the ocean held beneath the surface were always breathtaking. It took us a while to find the wreckage that was clearly a Confederacy ship newly wrecked. The banner of Ares was visible on the mast. 

Clarisse. 

Not a bad choice, she was impulsive and fueled with righteous anger, but she was a good fighter and would put her life on the line if it meant saving a comrade. 

More fun possible reunions for me though, so that wasn’t great. 

Within a few more minutes we found them in a safety boat, just like I’d guessed. Peeking up ever so slightly I spotted Clarisse and Annabeth. Who was their third questmate? 

I ducked back down, “There’s only two, that means one of two options, their picking up their final one on the way, or the third is dead or lost after Scylla. 

“Which are you betting on, Jackson?” Piper wondered. 

“Picking one up, the oracle likes to be cryptic as shit so.”

The daughter of Aphrodite grinned, “Where do I pop into their group?”

I reached out with my nautical senses, “Should be an island a few miles away from here, they’ll have to dock if they want to live, stage yourself as stuck there too, and convince them to take them with you.”

She nodded, “Let’s get over there then.”

With my abilities we were there in minutes rather than the hours it would take the questers. 

I groaned, “It’s Circe’s, I’m gonna need to stay back here, I would prefer not to get turned into a pig. Will you be fine without me?”

“Stay in the water and watch for them.” She nodded, “I can handle this.”

A quick hug later and I was at the bottom of the ocean again, watching for their boat. I found myself humming a song Mom used to sing as I waited. I was tempted to pop my head up a few times, but knowing the myths I did, I really didn’t want to be turned into a pig. Piper would be fine, she was a woman, at the least she’d be given a pep talk and sent on her way. 

The shadow of a rescue raft appeared overhead. I snapped back to attention, this was where the plan started. I sent out a silent prayer to my father for Piper’s safety. 

“Let’s fucking do this.” I grinned, watching the small vessel roll onto the beach. 

Chapter Text

My job was… honestly really boring. It made me wish I hadn’t been the framed traitor just so I’d be able to do Piper’s job. Following their boat after hours sitting in a reef near Circe’s palace was, at least, minorly better. It wasn’t fun, and it sure as hell wasn’t interesting. At least we were doing something to help our cause. It was better than sitting on the boat losing my mind at their ideas of a good plan. 

Occasionally muffled voices would reach where I set myself below their boat. Too distorted to understand, but I heard Piper, so that was a slight ease off my anxiety. 

The fish were a bit chatty, I’ve heard some weird things come out of fish conversations. The little pervs. 

“What I wouldn’t give to not be on the run.” I murmured, floating on my back below their boat.

The temptation of messing with the water below their ship was impossibly strong. But that was a dead give away, wasn’t it? Poseidon was dangling over chaos, the rest of the sea deities are trying to hang low, and I’m supposed to stay hidden.

“I wonder how Bee, and Leo are doing.” I whispered to myself. 

Water rushed around me, weird. I wasn’t the one doing that. 

“Demigod.” A stiff male voice greeted.

I turned around against better judgment, curiosity outweighing common sense, “Are you talking to—”

“You, yes.” 

The god looked familiar, well I guess that’s a bit wrong, but he felt familiar. Similar to a feeling I hadn’t felt since.. since I got claimed. Two tails, green skin, Dad’s trident. Fuck. This was Triton.

“Why do I get the vibe you're not here to check up on the wellbeing of your half-brother?” I muttered, posture falling slightly.

“You would be correct, Demigod.” The god hissed.

“Damn it.” I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose, “I thought the sea deities were hanging low.”

“They are not as brave as I, to avenge our king is a dangerous gambit.” Triton declared, seeming way too smug.

“Dear god,” I replied, “You're so ostentatious. You're basically saying, I’m to blame for our dad’s imprisonment, and you want me to get into trouble. Just say it Triton, I’m not a moron.”

“I am not ostentatious, you are simply simple minded, you have not tried to release our father, and you are the reason he was placed over Chaos.”

“Yes you are, no I’m not, I’m not a god and can’t reach chaos, and why am I to blame when I was literally framed by the blond girl on this boat.” I counted my replies on my fingers, “Did I miss anything?”

Triton scoffed, “A daughter of Athena doesn’t have the ability to work out a spell that servers.”

“It wasn’t a spell.” I rolled my eyes, “She used logic, and her status in camp to make it seem like I really did steal Zeus’ bolt.”

“Then why has every god been tricked into believing her ‘lies’ as you call it as well.”

I blinked, “I… didn’t know that.”

The god crossed his arms, “I am not so naive that I can’t sense a spell, Demigod.”

Things started to make sense in my head, why everyone believed her so easily. It hadn’t really occurred to me that the rest of the gods would need to be convinced, especially those who were siding with Poseidon if there was a war. Shit. This went further than I had thought.

“What are you doing here, Triton?” I asked, “All you’ve done is insult me, and blame me.” I tried to shove the new information aside for now, but it didn’t really work.

Who had cast the spell?

What spell was it?

… Was there a way to undo it? To clear mine and Poseidon’s names, to get my mom back?

“I come with information, and eventually, to turn you in.”

“Excuse me.” I cut in, “You do realize I will be killed the second the gods find me, right?”

“Not to the gods you fool. I may not like you, as you are the cause of my father’s imprisonment, but I am not that cruel. Simply to the demigoddesses upon that vessel. Surely you have enough training to escape from novice demigods.”

I nodded slightly numbly, “Why turn me in at all then.”

Triton’s scowl deepened, “Zeus will know I came here, he’s been keeping an eye on the sea deities, as you know. Turning you in, ensures I remain on his good side, and eventually, I can get him to release my father.”

“That’s… shockingly nice.”

“According to you, you were framed by that Athena brat. While I don’t fully believe you, I believe it would be my father’s wish to assist you. Hecate was not the culprit, and if my information is correct, she is siding with your little rebellion.”

“Then who cou—”

“You may be naive, but surely you can think of a few suspects. Goodbye, Brother, convince me this wasn’t a mistake.”

He disappeared, and suddenly I was on the deck of the ship I’d been tailing for who the fuck knows how long. Piper’s expression shifted to barely concealed panic. Clarisse looked incredibly confused, then there was Annabeth.

She grinned like a cat about to catch, and torture, a mouse, “Would you look at that, the traitor has returned.”

I scowled, trying to hide hints of my fear, “You and I both know that’s a fucking lie, Chase.”

Clarisse raised her spear, oh, she replaced Maimer.

“Lower the weapon, La Rue.” I hissed, “I broke it once and I’ll do it again.”

“You don’t have any power here, Traitor.” The daughter of Ares snarled.

“Calm down, Clarisse.” Piper spoke up, “We need him alive, right?”

She was using charmspeak that was obvious. Clarisse lowered her spear reluctantly.

“You’re new here, Piper.” Annabeth said strongly, not breaking eye contact with me, “This one is trouble, armed or not. He stole Zeus’ master bolt, he’s dangerous.”

Piper’s resolve flickered slightly. I winced, Luke had left the decision to tell them to me. I hadn’t told them. 

“I didn’t steal shit!” I snapped, “You ran off before we could return it!”

Piper stood straighter, “We don’t need to argue, he’s in our captivity, let’s just put him into the hold until this quest is over.”

“Agreed.” Annabeth replied smoothly, “Clarisse, take our guest downstairs. We’ll be seeing each other again soon, Traitor.”

I didn’t fight it. Not yet. Not while Piper was in the hot seat. Annabeth clearly didn’t trust her. She wouldn’t be in a good area to deal with me breaking out if she was near me. And she was following after Clarisse as I was taken into the hold.

I was tied by my wrists and ankles (easy enough to untie) and thrown into the nearest cell. 

“That was unnecessary.” I muttered.

Clarisse walked away after a whole lineup of pre-made threats. Piper rushed to the bars.

“What’s going on? This wasn’t the plan?”

“Blame Triton.” I rolled my eyes,

Her kaleidoscope eyes went down to the floor, “What was Annabeth talking about.”

I closed my eyes, “Do you remember when I told Luke I was betrayed by someone I trusted.”

She nodded.

“I was forced to lead a quest to find Zeus’ master bolt. Luke had stolen it. It appeared in my backpack after the shoes Luke gave me tried to drag me into Tartarus. I wanted to keep going to Hades’ palace, my mom had been taken and I wanted her back… Annabeth disappeared. Grover and I waited for her, and left without my mom to find her.”

“She brought the bolt back on her own and claimed you stole it.” Piper realized quietly.

I nodded, “And according to Triton, some sort of spell was put in place for everyone to think I was the lightning thief.”

“Why didn’t you tell me.”

“I wasn’t ready, I was damn near silent when Luke found me after it all. I met you when I was trying to run away from him. I just.. didn’t want to relive it. The scar on my face? That’s from Apollo attacking me while I was on the run.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Nothing you can do about it. You should go, they’ll get suspicious if you’re down here for too long.”

She nodded, “Hold fast, Perseus.”

“Brace the storm.” I replied.

Chapter Text

Very rarely did I have company. Piper snuck down as often as she could without looking suspicious, Clarisse occasionally came down to threaten me, and Annabeth tried to “pry information” out of me. 

Time ticked by and each second seemed to take hours to go through. I’d been keeping track of how close we were to the fleece with my nautical senses, but dear god it should not be taking this long. Did they even know how to drive the ship? So many parts of me just wanted to roll the boat along faster, but I also knew Annabeth would be pissed at how little progress they were making. A truly hard choice to make. 

I leaned against the back wall, currently ignoring whatever bullshit was coming out of Annabeth’s mouth. 

“Are you even paying attention?” She snapped,

“No.” I replied, cracking one eye open, “You’re kind of putting me to sleep, to be honest.”

The daughter of Athena looked like a walking tomato, “You think we’re not close to finding your new hideout?”

“Cause you're not.” I shrugged.

“You're a fool, Percy Jackson, to think your little rebellion has any chance of succeeding.”

“I didn’t know we were playing reruns of the same game.” I drawled, “I don’t owe you any answers, and am quite content where I’m at.”

She stomped off like a fucking toddler, dear god. 

A few hours later, I knew we were approaching the siren’s island. This.. should be interesting. Knowing what I do about Annabeth, I think it’s easy to say she’ll be prideful enough to listen to the sirens. Clarisse and Piper will have a lot of fun with her insanity. 

“They totally forgot I was down here.” I muttered, moving to cover my ears when I could start to hear the siren’s songs.

I still heard them, as much as I forced myself to ignore it, it was fucking difficult. The sirens are known for their ability, and I was unprotected and trapped. My one ability to block theirs was that I was of the sea. Though my powers had felt slightly dimmed since Poseidon got captured, the sea was in my veins, in a way, I didn’t need to jump into their water to get to them.

Loyalty

The word burned into my brain like a brand, repeating over and over. Old pains flashed up from my scars, old memories staining my gaze.

Shit.

Eventually the voices started being drowned out, we were moving farther away from the island. I opened my eyes slowly, more carefully than I normally would. My head fucking throbbed, scars still burned.

I could start to hear steps going down the stairs that led to the hold. It was Piper.

“Shit.” She cursed, “Are you alright?”

“I’m.. fine, Pipes.” She definitely heard the hesitation in my voice, “I’m serious, there was no way for me to get out, and I can’t drown, so.”

She sat on the floor, “I’m not moving till you tell me the truth.”

I withheld a groan, “It was just.. unpleasant memories that proved the main thing they sang about.”

“Which was?”

“My fatal flaw.” I muttered, leaning back, “Loyalty, of fucking course.”

“Annabeth dove into the fucking water.” Piper rolled her eyes, “She insisted she could handle the sirens.”

“Let me guess, she was wrong.”

“Ding, ding, ding. She hasn’t said shit about what they told her. Probably too prideful to admit her faults.”

“Sounds like Annabeth.”

Piper chuckled, “I have to go but… holler if you’re dying or something.”

“If I’m dying or something I won’t be able to holler.” I snarked,

“Fuck you.” She hissed, running back upstairs.

“And my solitude begins again.” I murmured,

Or so I thought. Because of course I wasn’t allowed five minutes to process what I’d just been forced to know.

“Jackson!” Annabeth snapped,

“I don’t know any Jackson, a Percy maybe, but never met anyone by the name of—”\

“Quit bullshitting me, you knew.” She accused,

I sighed, sitting up, “Knew what?”

She was turning red again, dear god she really was just like a toddler.

“What they would sing.”

“What? Are you coming up with another conspiracy to blame me for shit?”

“You were down here, without ear plugs, you're a son of Poseidon—”

“Are you implying that you think I’m a siren? Gotta say, that’s one of your crazier theories. For the record, I have my theories of what they said to you, but I have no way of knowing if any are true. Secondly, I was dealing with my own shit down here because someone forgot I was still vulnerable to their songs.”

She scowled.

“I can’t control whether or not you believe me, which you don’t, but I am telling the truth. Aren’t you supposed to be leading a quest right now?”

Annabeth froze, something clicked in my head.

“It’s not your quest, is it?” I grinned, “It’s Clarisse’s, no shot she chose you. Dear god, you fucking joined her quest against her will. And now you’re trying to take it over.” I laughed, “God Annabeth, I knew you were full of it, I guess I didn’t realize just how bad your hubris is.”

“I’m done with this conversation.” She muttered walking away.

“Ignore your flaw all you like!” I called down the hall, “You’ll still fall to your pride!”

I was still chuckling a bit. God she was moronic. It’s a death wish to ignore what your fatal flaw is. I’d already been burned by mine, how long until she suffered the consequences of her pride.

My nautical senses told me we were close to Polyphemus’ island. Grinning, I started untying my bindings. They really need to teach better knots at camp. My hand found Riptide in my pocket, technically I’d been unarmed when Triton had handed me over, I guess they neglected the fact that Riptide would always return to my pocket. Getting up, I started using Riptide’s pen form to pick the lock. Thankfully, the door swung open. I ducked behind some crates, and waited until I felt the boat crash against the bay of the cyclops’ island.

Clarisse was the one who came down the stairs to grab me. I heard her swear, then run up the stairs as if her life depended on it. Which it probably did with Annabeth’s temperament. How had Clarisse allowed Annabeth to take control like this?

I slipped out from behind my hiding spot, finding what I’d sensed this entire ride, a small hole in the back of the hold. I kicked the opening further open, sliding back into the ocean. Piper would take control of the plan from here, now, my job was to get to the Princess Andromeda alive. And not get killed by Luke in the process. Easy peasy. 

I pushed my limited abilities as far as they could go. Trying to trace the vibe the Andromeda let off. 

“Found it.” I smirked, crawling up the ladder Leo had been asked to let down today.

I pulled myself on board, out of breath, and exhausted. I’d pushed myself too far, that was evident. But there was no time for passing out. Shakily, I made my way to the war room.

Luke’s concern warped into fury within seconds of seeing me.

I held up my hand, “Before you get mad—”

“Too late.” He muttered,

“Piper and I succeeded, the campers have reached Polyphemus’ island. Piper is going to Iris Message me the second they get the fleece.”

“You involved Piper in this?” Luke demanded,

My eyes darted to Leo and Bianca, “Oops.” I mumbled, “To be fair, though,” I backed up as I talked, still trained in my childhood of dodging punches, “She demanded to be included. We’re all tired of sitting on the sidelines.”

Leo backed me up firmly, Bianca did also, though much quieter. Nico reacted much like Leo.

Luke sighed, “This conversation is not over, Perseus.”

I winced, “Yes sir.”

“Silena, keep an eye out for any sign of ships on the horizon. Bianca, stay with Percy, make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid, Leo, set course for just outside the sea of monsters.” Luke ordered,

The others assumed their positions, Bianca noted how shakily I was standing, and practically dragged me to my cabin. I passed out before my head hit the pillow.

Chapter Text

I woke up maybe thirty minutes later, I still felt a little shaky, but well enough to fight. I jumped to my feet, practically sprinting up to the deck. I slowed once I heard Luke’s interrogating tone, and froze when I heard who replied. Annabeth.

I poked my head around the corner, glancing carefully at the scene playing out in front of me. Piper was standing beside Bianca, Clarisse was leveling her with a cold glare. Annabeth was snarling at Luke as he calmly interrogated her. I listened for a few more minutes before walking out from behind my hiding place, fingers finding Riptide in my pocket.

“You!” Annabeth snarled,

I gave a small bow, “Me.”

Luke sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, “Percy, please don’t tell me you engaged fully with the questers.”

“Okay I won’t tell you.” I remarked, stepping up beside Piper, and giving her a small fist bump.

Silena chuckled slightly from her position just out of view of the questers next to Nico. Luke leveled Chris a sharp look when he started laughing as well.

“Moving on, Annabeth, we don’t want to hurt you, but we will if we have to. Just tell us what you’re planning to do with the Fleece.” Luke asked, leaning down to reach her eye level.

“I’m not telling you shit, besides, you already know what happened to Thalia’s tree!” Annabeth hissed,

Luke stood back up straight, and started pacing as he continued to speak, “Yes, however I think we both know you don’t actually need to heal her tree, or care.”

“How dare y—” Annabeth started.

“Here’s what I think.” Luke cut her off without so much of a glance her way, “I think, you know what the Fleece will cause with the tree. I think, you’re hoping for a valuable player on your side.”

“Why poison the tree then?” Clarisse snapped,

“Simple.” I spoke up, “It’s a very basic poison, one Chiron or Mr. D would know the cure for. Instead of using that cure, you’re out here looking for the Fleece, that’s pretty telling, isn’t it?”

Annabeth was turning red, knowing she got played, “And what are you going to do with the Fleece!”

Piper shrugged, “Probably use it to heal some nasty wounds, I’m sure Irene would be thrilled.”

Clarisse was grinding her teeth, “So what are you doing with us.”

“You think we want you here?” I asked, “Odds are, we’ll drop you off in Florida or something.”

Luke had a small smile on his face. He was clearly entertained by our remarks, but still pretty angry at our antics. So long as he wasn’t yelling at us in the moment, that would be great. 

“And we’re supposed to believe that!” Annabeth yelled, “Your rebels, you’re dangerous!”

“Is that the lie you tell yourself?” Bianca spoke up, she met my gaze with a small smirk, “If that helps you sleep at night, keep on lying.”

“The truth is,” I grinned, “We are dangerous, but not in the way you’d imagine. We’re not scared to fight against the odds, that’s what makes the gods think we’re dangerous.”

“The reason you think we’re dangerous.” Luke added, “Is that we’re breaking the mold.”

A dagger went through the air, grazing my cheek. I didn’t flinch, just wiped the blood from the small cut.

“Okay, who’s job was it to disarm them?” I rolled my eyes, grabbing the dagger, and handing it to Luke.

Luke took the dagger, holding it in his hand tightly, “We’re almost to Boston, you’ll be dropped there. I suggest you behave if you don’t want to deal with Percy more.”

I gave them a wicked smirk, “You know how annoying I can be, Annabeth.” 

Annabeth grimaced, glancing over to Clarisse. The daughter of Ares shrugged, and kept glaring at the floor. Something told me her dad wouldn’t exactly be thrilled with how her quest went. Clarisse’s quest, not Annabeth’s. I felt a strange sense of sympathy for the girl.

Luke nodded to me, Piper, Leo, and Bianca. With a shared anxious glance, we followed him. The meeting room felt way too ominous, and a sick sense of dread immediately filled the pit in my stomach.

“What were you four thinking?” Luke demanded,

None of us spoke, my heart was pounding in my chest. I knew Luke wouldn’t hurt us, but old bruises from Gabe’s punches still hurt.

“You know you’re not supposed to be involving yourselves with the fight beyond this room. What could’ve possibly made you think joining in on their quest was a good idea.”

“Because we’re tired of standing on the sidelines.” I muttered,

“Yeah!” Piper yelled, “We’re capable, we have training, put us in the field!”

“No,” Luke snapped, “I’m not involving you.”

“We want to be involved.” Bianca murmured, more quiet than Piper had, but still.

“We’re not weak little kids.” Leo agreed, “We want to help!”

“I know that!” Luke yelled, “I know you’re not weak, but this isn’t a game. This is serious! People could get killed, and I will not be responsible for your deaths! Do you think this scar was given from an easy adventure!”

“And what do you think mine is from!” I shouted,

Luke stepped back slightly, still angry, still wanting to prove the point, but shocked at my response.

I stepped forward with each word I spoke, “Do you think, it was some fun easy adventure that got me here? Do you think it was some easy adventure to fix the mistake you made!? Do you think we don’t know our lives will be put on the line! That’s the whole damn point! So no one else dies, we will give our lives!”

Luke closed his eyes, breathed, and spoke again, “I don’t want to fight, Percy. I just don’t want you to fight. You’re kids, you shouldn’t have to fight this war.”

“But we are.” Bianca pointed out, “Like it or not, we’re stuck where we’re at, you don’t have the forces without us.”

“Let us fight, Luke.” I repeated, “We’re giving you the best shot we have.”

Luke let out a sigh, “You’re all way too stubborn for your own good. No high risk missions.”

“We haven’t been doing any.” Leo pointed out,

Piper nodded, “Most of our secret missions were recon.”

“How many missions did you… no, don’t answer that, I don’t wanna know.” Luke pinched the bridge of his nose.

The other three shared wide grins. I couldn’t make myself. I didn’t feel as accomplished as I thought I would’ve. Our group started walking back to the main deck.

“Percy.” Luke said, “You stay.”

I shrugged to my siblings friends, “What?”

“Are you doing alright? You haven’t been this…”

“Angry? Disobedient? Quiet?” I produced some words he was clearly thinking, “I’m fine.” I lied, “Just tired.”

“We’re all here if you need to talk, Percy.”

“I’m fine, but thanks.” I left the room, going back to my room. I didn’t feel like seeing Annabeth’s smug ass face again.

Chapter Text

I woke up in a cold sweat, panting as I struggled to regain my breath. Nightmares were steadily getting worse as time went on. It had been a year and a half since the Golden Fleece incident. And it had only felt like borrowed time for me. Something larger was coming, a worse threat than we’d thought. Anytime I’d brought it up to Luke he just said we’d come up with a way to stop it. But the Fates and weaved it into their pattern. 

What’s worse was how careless I’d subconsciously gotten. While the rebellion was starting to grow, we were moving around a lot. I’d lost the Fleece in a scuffle with some of the campers.

That had only solidified my growing unease at the fate I knew I was starting to walk towards. And it terrified me. 

I pulled my knees to my chest, trying to breathe. My scars were burning. God I hated everything about this. What my life had turned into since that quest. 

I was fourteen now, and it just felt surreal that over two years had passed since I’d been betrayed. 

I forced myself to get up, knowing I had a mission with Piper and Leo today. I pulled boots on, double checked I had Riptide, and tied my hair back to ensure it stayed out of my face today. That sick feeling of dread was filling my stomach, and god did I hate that feeling.

Today’s mission was relatively low stakes, but it was definitely higher risk than Luke normally assigned. The last few months had been convincing demigods and monsters alike to join the rebellion. Safe to say, we weren’t as large of a force as camp was, but we were a formidable unit.

“There you are!” Piper grinned as I walked into the war room.

Luke began the debrief, “Your mission is just to sabotage some of their supplies. It’s in a warehouse not too far from the main part of camp, so quiet will be key. Get in and get out, do not engage any of their forces.”

“Yes sir.” I murmured, looking at the maps again. 

I’d been the one to come up with this strike. It was a pretty simple strike. Piper and I were there to keep watch and protect Leo who’s job was to destroy the warehouse itself. Bianca was on standby for an emergency escape. 

Simple, but easy to mess up. One thing goes wrong and we’re all in trouble. That’s why Bee was there, as a buffer for that problem. But it wasn’t fail safe. And anything could go wrong.

We were dropped off of the opposite end of Long Island to camp. Really suspicious for any civilians nearby, but hey, we’re not in this business to make the mortals like us. 

I took the lead, Bianca backing up the group, with Pipes and Leo in the middle. We stayed in the underbrush, carefully looking around every corner. Months of missions had very clearly told us that Chiron liked to place campers in every possible location, even places even we wouldn’t want to go.

“Warehouse is about a mile out.” I whispered, drawing with a stick in the dirt, “If our informat is correct there will be two guards out front that change every four hours. That’s our window to get in. Bianca will stay with Leo, if all else fails, Piper and I can work the campers while Bee gets Leo out of there.”

“Pipes I can see working the guards,” Leo muttered, “But aren’t you, like, god’s most wanted?”

Piper and I shared a glance, “We’re counting on it.”

“I.. don’t like the sound of that, Perce.” Bianca admitted, “Are you sure about this.”

I nodded firmly, “They haven’t come close to catching me in years.”

“They technically caught you last year.” Piper pointed out.

“That was Triton’s fault, it doesn’t count.” I rolled my eyes, “Let’s move.”

The walk was long, but way safer than being dropped any closer to camp. Approaching the warehouse I thought they could hear my heart racing. Bianca let out a rare curse.

“I thought you said there were two guards.” She hissed quietly.

I swore sharply. There were easily seven or eight campers. Shit. And I couldn’t spot her despite her telling me that she’d be on guard at the next window. Not only were we late, we were being expected. This wasn’t good. And I felt like Han Solo saying it but,

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” I whispered, 

“Nothing good happens when you point it out.” Piper snapped near silently.

“Well we can’t turn back now.” Leo pointed out,

“Let’s move.” I decided, leading the way as we crept along the tree line to the back entrance.

Dread, dread so strong it felt like I was drowning in it. Something bad was going to happen and I was powerless to stop it. The door creaked open far too loudly, Bianca and Leo slipped inside. The son of Hephaestus already getting to work planting the bombs. Piper and I stood watch outside. All according to the plan I’d laid out, but the risk factor was now so much higher than when I’d gotten info from the informat. 

I stepped on a twig, the most comical way to get caught. I swore loudly, pounding on the door two times to signal Bianca and Leo to get out as I heard campers come around the other side. 

Piper drew her sword and I followed suit. Swallowing the lump in my throat. A slow clapping serenaded the forest.

“Well done, Seaweed Brain.” Annabeth mocked,

I laughed to myself, “God I'm such an idiot.” I whispered just to myself.

“Did you really think we wouldn’t be able to tell you had a spy in our camp?” She demanded,

“I mean, you guys can be pretty clueless.” Piper sneered,

“Plus,” I added, “We knew you guys knew, while you’re dealing with us, she’s already been signaled to get to the Andromeda.”

Someone barked out a laugh from the group, “We’ve already got you traitors cornered, what other plans do you got?”

I grinned, “I’m so glad you asked.”

The front row went rigid. Piper smirked.

“We do think through the thought that you guys might catch on.” She said in a singsong tone.

“We knew you’d sussed out our informat, I guess we just hoped you’d be a little more naive.” I grinned wider,

Thunder rumbled, lightening struck just in front of me. The blast sent me back into a rock. I felt the bones crack, and screamed as my back was hammered more, lower spine not bearing the burden well.

“We do learn from our mistakes, Perseus.” Annabeth hovered over me, a girl with black-blue hair standing smugly beside her.

“Piper!” I yelled as loudly as I could (which wasn’t as loud as I’d hoped), “Run now! Get back to Luke!”

“I can’t leave yo—” Piper tried to protest as she was fighting off maybe ten demigods at once.

“Hold fast!” I yelled, our code, to let her know that it was serious.

With tears in her eyes and clear force to do as I was ordering, she replied quietly, “Brace the storm.” Disappearing in a flash as I used the last of my strength to get her out of here.

I was thrown to the ground, I couldn’t feel my hips down. But at the time I didn’t even notice, I was too focused on the pain in my back.

“The son of Poseidon has finally bit the hook.” Annabeth sang, “We knew Clarisse was a turn coat months ago, Thalia fed you the information for this mission.”

“Fuck.” I gasped in pain as my back was stomped on.

“The shark is out of water.” The daughter of Athena smiled, “And it’s time to cut off its fins.”

Chapter Text

~Piper~

The second I reappeared on the Andromeda, I collapsed. Why did I leave him? Percy had gotten badly injured in that last scuffle, so why the hell was I delusional enough to think he could escape. I realized faintly that I was shaking.

“Piper!” Leo called, running up to me as he checked me over.

“Where’s Percy?” That was Luke’s voice, it was strained with worry and concern.

I shook my head, hugging myself tightly. Silence fell over the cruise ship. Even the new recruits were silent. The water itself seemed to fall silent.

“What happened?” Silena asked, 

I couldn’t make myself talk. This was my fault. I left him behind. If he was dead it would be all my fault. Those two words rang in my head, over, and over, and over, and over. My fault. I vaguely felt someone help me stand, heard noises that sounded like Silena, allowed myself to be led to the infirmary. I wasn’t the one injured. I wasn’t the one at risk.

I didn’t sleep, though they clearly wanted me to. Leo and Bianca sat with me every time I left my room. The three of us sitting in silence, a silence that should’ve been full of Percy’s remarks and jabs.

The healers had checked us all over, we hurt injured. Not physically at least. None of us went to the war room for meetings. Luke sat with us often.

“Piper.” Luke said softly, “We need you to tell us what happened.”

I shook my head, swallowing roughly.

“Pipes, if you don’t tell us, then there is nothing we can do for Percy.” Luke insisted.

The words seemed lodged in my throat. I looked up, meeting Luke’s stare, and forced myself to explain.

“They were expecting us.” I whispered, my voice hoarse, “They knew we were there. Knew what we had planned. Clarisse was compromised, we got fed the wrong information… Thalia is back. She attacked Percy, we alerted Bee and Leo but…”

Bianca took my hand, squeezing it gently.

A few tears slipped out of my hold, “He used our code, I thought maybe he’d escape himself but… he was too injured. The ability he used to get me out of there.. drained him enough that on top of the injuries he had…” I couldn’t make myself finish. 

Sobs broke through the dam I’d built up. Luke seemed frozen, trying to understand what I’d told him. Leo walked away, I recognized the resignation in his eyes. Bianca and I stayed in that singular place for god knows how long. My throat hurt from crying, eyes red from trying to get the tears to stop.

My fault.

“Piper.” Bianca whispered gently, “Percy is strong, he’ll be alright.”

I shook my head, “No… no, no, no. You didn’t hear his bones break, did-didn’t watch what he looked like as he begged me to leave. I shouldn’t have left. I’m a fucking coward for doing so.”

“Percy wouldn’t have told you to leave if he wanted you to say. If he’s as injured as you remember he was prioritizing you getting away so he would have an out the second you told Luke.” Bee insisted, “Trust his choice, we’ll get him back, and give those campers hell from taking him in the first place.”

“The gods want him dead, Bee.” I murmured, “Who’s to say he’s not already.”

“The Percy Jackson I know is too stubborn to die.” She smiled tiredly, “For now, let’s focus on doing what we can to get him back.”

I nodded shortly, trying to force myself to listen to what she was saying.

“Hold fast.” I whispered, so quiet only Bianca would hear.

“Brace the storm.” I could almost hear Percy reply.

~Percy~

My back and head were throbbing. I felt cold metal around my wrists. Forcing myself to open my eyes and look up revealed a completely empty room. I struggled against the handcuffs though that was purely in vain.

The door adjacent to me opened, Annabeth stepped inside the room. An impatient expression painting her face. 

“Good morning, Perseus.” She smiled wickedly.

“Cut the bullshit.” I croaked, “You want something. You do know you won’t be getting anything out of me, right?”

She didn’t reply, only pulled out a dagger. It wasn’t the one she’d always had, this one was much smaller. Luke had kept the one he had given her. Annabeth tossed the dagger from one hand to the other.

“You’ll break, everyone does.” Annabeth whispered,

I forced myself to holy eye contact with her, “Like hell I will.”

She shrugged, “Then you’ll die, either way works.”

“As if you wouldn’t kill me anyway.” I shot back,

“You’re making this harder than it has to be.” Annabeth said shortly, “You’ve already been here for days, your little rebel buddies aren’t coming.”

“That’s what you think.” I muttered, leaning against the wall.

I felt something cold against my neck. Annabeth’s dagger placed against the scarred flesh.

“Do it.” I said, not letting a single emotion reach my gaze, “Why aren’t you doing it. Didn’t you always say you’d kill me the second you got the chance. Here’s your chance, Chase, cut my throat. Let me choke on my own blood.”

“You’re still useful.” She rolled her eyes, sheathing her dagger again.

“Coward.” I smirked, ignoring how much fucking pain I was in.

“You won't break with threats on your life.” Annabeth snapped, “Maybe I’ll bring Clarisse in here and make you watch her die.”

That made me freeze, ice in my blood, too afraid to speak if it meant my friend’s life was placed on the line. 

“Thought that might get you. You’re not as clever as you think, Jackson.”

“No, I just see through your lies and tricks, unlike everyone else.”

She laughed, though it sounded more like a cold bark than a laugh. Either way it made me freeze.

“If Thals did her job right, you won’t be in play for a while, Jackson. So I wouldn’t get cocky.”

Her tone made my heart skip a few beats. What did she mean? Was I too blinded in how much pain I was in to see what her actual plan was.

“I could say the same to you.” I managed, ignoring her cold glare, “After all, you still needed a spell to get everyone to believe you.”

“What are you saying?” Annabeth leaned closer to me, sharp grey eyes meeting a storm filled sea.

“You’re not as smart as you think you are.” I looked her dead in the eyes, “And your hubris will get you killed.”

Her dagger glided across my cheek, then traced the outline of my main scar, “Cute theory.”

“Call it a promise.” I snarled,

She smiled, standing up straight again, “Try standing for me then.” 

Annabeth walked out of the room without another word or glance. Her tone made my mind start to spiral. The initial break my back had experienced echoed in my ear. My eyes grew wide, my hands shook.

Fuck

No… no that can’t be what happened. But the vivid replays of those memories felt branded into my eyes.

Shit.

Chapter Text

~Bianca~

Feeling stuck was something I was very familiar with. Nico and I had remained trapped within the Lotus Casino for decades. But the familiarity of the feeling didn’t make me feel better. Piper explained what had happened after Leo and I left.

There wasn’t even anything in that warehouse. We’d been looking around trying to find something when Percy knocked sharply on the door.

I leaned against the railing of the Princess Andromeda, trying to silence my thoughts with the sounds of the waves. But anxiety seemed to ripple off of the water, and off of me. Could I find a way to get Percy back without risk? Not a chance. But risk is what made war dangerous, if there were no risk factors any mission could be carried out by the youngest of us. 

And if you don’t fight, you get killed. That was all I’d learned from my memories slowly returning. 

Glancing behind me before I made my move, I did something most would call incredibly stupid. On the bright side, Percy would call it a brilliant idea. 

I appeared near the warehouse we’d failed at raiding nearing a week ago. It was empty, and dead quiet. I summoned a small skeletal mouse, using it to scout out the area.

“Empty.” I murmured, it felt way too quiet, especially for what had happened not so long ago.

At the least I had thought I’d find campers and gods celebrating. The lightning thief had finally been caught. The thought made me angry, but it was the most logical one.

I slid down the hill, looking around the barren forest. There were still dents and blood in the dirt. Going over what Piper had told us a day or two ago, the burnt soil made a lot of sense. I could tell where each struggle was. Though it got more difficult as I tried to follow a path through the grass.

“He won’t be in the camp.” I thought out loud, “That’s too obvious, so where else could they be keeping him.”

My mind drew a blank. Part of me felt like going straight back to the Andromeda. But I couldn’t. Not without something to bring to the table. Not without a way to get our brother home.

I made my way back to the stark warehouse, hesitantly opening the door. Each shadow felt like another whisper straight into my head. I closed my eyes, trying to listen better. Trying to decipher what they were trying to tell me. 

“I’m listening.” I whispered, “I’m listening.”

My eyes snapped open and for a split second I wasn’t in the warehouse. I saw Percy’s crumpled form. Within a second I was on the floor of the abandoned warehouse.

“No!” I cried, “I need more! Where is he?!”

The shadows had stopped whispering. The building was layered in silence once again. And I was barely better off than I had been before those expidiotion. I closed my eyes again. Trying to replicate the feeling. It didn’t show me anything knew. Just the same scene it had initially shown to me.

I walked out of the building. Following the path I took earlier. I could hear everything Piper had described, faintly, I could see the scenes play out. I heard that awful sound of Percy’s back breaking, listened to his pleas for Piper to escape. I snapped back out of the trance. Shaking slightly, feeling sick at the thought of all my brother was going through.

I had very little information to give Luke. But.. I think I can find him.

~Luke~

I shouldn’t have let Percy leave. I shouldn’t have been allowing the kids to run raids. Now my choices were coming back in full force to haunt me. Piper was blaming herself, that was evident. But she wasn’t the one to blame. That was all on me. 

Bianca ran into my room, she seemed out of breath, and shaken.

“Bee? Are you alright?” I jumped up,

She breathed shakily, “I think… I think I know how to find Percy.”

That made me freeze, “What?”

“I- I don’t know what happened. But I went back to the warehouse. The shadows showed me what happened. Showed me where he is. I think with a little more effort I could locate his position.” She explained, the light of hope illuminating her black eyes.

I closed my eyes, breathing slowly. What she had discovered was amazing. Yeah. All this time and we were still learning more about Bianca, Nico, and Percy’s powers. But this was also insanely risky. Bianca had barely gotten to the point of not passing out when using shadow travel. War was full of risks, but how many can I make without losing all of my friends, my family. 

But we’d never get this kind of chance again. What if the trail goes cold? What if Bianca can’t do it again? What if he’s dead before we can save him? 

I wasn’t prepared to make such descions, Percy was the strategist. What am I supposed to do?

“Get everyone, tell them to meet in the war room.” I told Bianca, “It was way too risky for you to go back alone. But thank you.”

Bianca smiled and nodded, running out to find everyone else. I took a moment to breath. Was this really the right move? Percy would’ve immediately said yes, there can’t be success without faliure. There can’t be good without evil.

I walked slowly to the war room. A large part of me not wanting to even try. This plan was insane.

“Bianca, tell everyone what you told me.” I started the meeting, trying to sound more confident than I was.

She relayed the information. And I watched as new light ignited in my people’s eyes. Hope. 

“If we could pull this heist off.” Leo whispered, “We’d make a huge dent in their force.”

Silena nodded, “We find where their keeping larger priority prisoners and such, they’ll scramble.”

“We have to find Clarisse.” Piper said, her voice was quiet, kaleidoscope eyes strangely subdued.

“Nobody left behind.” Leo agreed.

“We do this together.” I eventually spoke up, “We’re not splitting up, we’re not losing anybody.”

A simultaneous nod went around the room like a wave. Bianca looked down, still happy of what we were going to pull, but… something else was wrong. Something was haunting her eyes. As the others left the room, I walked up to her, placing my hand on her shoulder.

“What else did you see?” I asked quietly.

Her eyes turned teary, “He’s not okay.” She whispered, hugging me tightly, “What- what they did to him— He- Percy won’t…”

“I’m sure he’ll be fine, so long as he’s alive, we can adapt.”

She shook her head, “You don’t understand. Percy won’t want to heal if it means..”

“Means what, Bee?”

“Means he won’t be able to fight anymore.” 

Chapter Text

~Percy~

I felt absolutely sick. I can’t remember when the last time I drank water was, or ate for that matter. I was either left alone for hours on end, or constantly badgered by questions that I either don’t know the answer to, or just won’t answer. When I was left alone, that led me to stew in my thoughts for those hours, spiraling with the things that I was fingering out, with things I knew would affect my life from here on out.

Both options I hated with a passion. I just wanted to go home, and if that wasn’t an option, I’d rather die than give up things that would compromise my friends.

Cuts along my body and scars felt like they were on fire. Despite that, I was shivering, I was absolutely frigid despite the feeling of lava coursing through my veins. 

“Hold fast.” I whispered over and over again.

I wouldn’t break, I’m not that weak. 

The door opened with a slam, I winced at the now familiar noise. Tiredly and shakily I met Annabeth’s furious gray gaze. 

“What now, Wise Girl.” I asked, voice dry and hoarse.

How long had I been here? I lost count before I could even start.

She seemed a lot more rattled than she had the other hundreds of times she’d come to bother me. Her eyes looked slightly bloodshot, hair ruffled and messed up. If I was able to sit up, I would’ve.

“Your little friends seem to have found you.” Annabeth growled, “Not that they’ll find much.”

My mind was still halted on the fact that they’d found me. I didn’t register her last sentence till I was run through with her dagger. She leveled her eyes with mine just before ripping the dagger out.

“Enjoy the Fields, traitor.” She hissed. 

The reply was lost on my tongue. I watched her run out as my vision started to fog. 

“Fuck.” I gasped, struggling against the fight of unconsciousness. 

I could faintly hear the sounds of voices I thought I recognized. Then I was out cold.

Chapter Text

~Piper~

Raiding the smaller camp gave me the largest sense of satisfaction I’d had for a while. Bianca had been right, listening to the shadows, to what they had to say, allowed her to locate where they were hiding Percy and Clarisse. 

Each person I fought felt like they went down quickly. I saw Leo glancing at me with a concerned glance.

I’d found Riptide in my pocket a day before the raid. Something about that had me absolutely frozen for hours. Why was Percy’s weapon with me? Regardless I’d tried to ignore it and just focus on fighting.

A glimpse of angry gray eyes sent me over the edge. I sprinted towards the bitch who had caused all of this. Annabeth was armed with a small dagger, I drew Riptide, knowing Percy would be thrilled to have her fall to his sword. She actually looked a little scared of me. She almost looked.. more human than she ever had.

“Why are you fighting this war?” Annabeth asked, not drawing her blade, “You don’t know what actually happened those years ago.”

“As if I’d believe the monster over my brother.” I snarled, leveling Riptide with her smug ass face.

“Hades stole his mother, so he stole the bolt. He was going to send us all into war.”

“Seems to me like you’ve done that pretty damn well.” 

I swung, barely being blocked by her small dagger. She sighed like this was boring, as if I didn’t have a blade right beside her face. I grit my teeth, engaging the fight to go further than just an easy block.

“He didn’t tell you what he’d done for years!” She yelled over the sound of clashing metal.

I didn’t respond, she didn’t deserve my attention. What she deserved was to be run through with a sword. 

Percy had a right to keep what happened to himself. I don’t blame him for not telling us. Annabeth’s lies had ripped away his chance to choose whether or not he would. 

It felt like the sword was a part of me. Almost like an extra arm as I fought. I remembered something Percy had told me.

Aphrodite Aria, Aphrodite the war like. I wasn’t some Barbie doll of a demigod, I was the daughter of a war goddess. Today was the first strike in proving that. On top of that, today would be the day I made this bitch pay for what she’d done.

“You can still join the gods.” Annabeth choked out, she was losing her grip, her facade of being in control rapidly unraveling, “You don’t have to fight for the titans.”

I kicked her down, standing over her as I lined my blade with her neck, “I’m not fighting for the titans. I’m fighting for my family.”

“Piper!” Leo yelled, “We need to go, now!”

I turned around, seeing Bianca help Clarisse stand, and Luke holding Percy in his arms.

“What have you done?” I asked, my voice unrecognizable, blanketed with so much rage it felt intoxicating.

She smirked, “About time the lightning thief dies.” 

“Piper!” Leo yelled again.

I drew back, stabbing her in the side before whispering, “That’s just the start, bitch.”

I ran to join my family, as we ran away from the destruction we’d caused in order to get our people back. I found myself hoping that would become common knowledge. That they’d learn how we operate, nobody left behind, we all stick together.

I helped Bianca level out Clarisse’s weight. Nico and Bianca joined hands, all of us circled up, using the children of Hades’ shadow travel to get home in an instant. Nico passed out almost immediately after the jump, Bianca managed to stay up until we got to the infirmary. 

“How’s Percy?” I asked desperately, meeting Luke’s anxious eye.

“Get Clarisse in a bed, then grab the healers.” He ordered instead of answering my question.

I nodded instead of arguing like I wanted to. Will, a kid Nico’s age we’d picked up from Central Park, was already on his way, holding up Nico as he walked. Irene was the easiest to find next. After around ten minutes of hunting, all of our healers were back in the Andromeda’s med bay. 

They didn’t let any of us stay there as they worked. Leaving Leo and I to pace anxiously outside. 

“What was that?” Leo asked eventually.

“What?” I turned around, meeting his gaze.

“When we started the raid you just went wild.” 

“I.. don’t know, if I’m to be honest.” I murmured, “I just went into the fight and it felt natural.”

“Querido Dios.” Leo muttered, 

I shrugged, “It did feel really good to bring Annabeth down a few pegs.”

“I’ll bet,” Leo grinned, “Wish I could’ve watched more of it, or maybe just set her on fire.”

We shared a smile and for a moment it felt almost like it had when we’d been on the streets. That ease fell faster than I wish it had. I sunk to the floor, leaning against the wall, and unraveling my braid.

“Do you think Percy will be okay?” Leo asked quietly, sitting down next to me.

I closed my eyes, trying to keep from crying, “I don’t know.”

Chapter Text

~Leo~

I felt useless sitting next to Percy’s bed. Hoping maybe he’d wake up any second. That never happened. I didn’t really know what to do, to be honest. The girls were training, Luke wasn’t letting any of us in the war room, and all of my projects needed a second eye. 

Two taps on the door, I snapped upright, looking over to it. Nico slipped inside, he looked tired, and way too young to be holding all of the weight he did.

“Anything from him?” Nico asked, sitting next to me.

“No.” I replied quietly.

We sat in a limbo of silence, neither of us knowing what to do. Nico stretched, looking me straight in the eyes.

“What if we could do some damage?” He asked suddenly.

“Luke would probably kill us but it would definitely be worth it, why?”

“You’re the tech guy, you tell me.”

I laughed sharply, a sensation that felt odd after so long of worry, “What happened to the kid who played mythomagic on the floor?”

The son of Hades smiled sadly, “We can’t stay kids forever, especially not in war.”

I glanced to Percy’s unconscious form. He would be all for this plan, I knew that. Maybe that’s part of what terrified me. But no raids were being run, we were sitting ducks. And maybe that, as well as the determination painting my little brother’s face, is what caused me to reply.

“Let’s do it, follow me.”

My workshop was a haven of all things weird and unfinished. It was also the engine room, for maximum privacy reasons. Wires lay scattered across dozens of tables, gadgets lay half built despite my hatred of unfinished projects. Nico looked around, touching a handful of the gadgets.

“Do you want to blow off your hand?” I asked, turning around,

“No?” Nico replied, pulling his hand off one of the inventions.

I pulled out a box of explosives, grabbing a few to check if they were good or not. I nodded, picking up the whole box.

“Grenades.” I grinned, “Most won’t actually do explosive damage, but they sure as hell will cause problems.”

Nico glanced at the box, a mischievous smile pulling up his lips, “So what do they do?”

“Stink bombs, smoke bombs, explosives, some full of nails, among others.” I counted on my fingers. 

He whistled, “What do you wanna do with ‘em?”

“You’re the one who wanted to cause some damage.” I pointed out, tossing him a smoke bomb, “What do you wanna do?”

He tossed the bomb between his hands, I winced internally, but he looked up and grinned, “I say we go cause as much chaos as possible for those fuckers.”

“Does Bee know you swear like a sailor?” I asked, mostly joking, he actually looked slightly panicked, “Noted, my lips are sealed.”

Nico placed one of his hands on my shoulder. I picked up the box of bombs and gave him a short nod. We appeared on a hillside seconds later. Shadow travel was really convincing that way. Nico faltered slightly, stumbling his first few steps after the jump. I set down the box, stabilizing him.

“Are you sure you’ll be able to stay upright for this?” I questioned, raising an eyebrow.

Nico nodded sharply, “I can’t get better at it if I never work on it.”

I gave him a deadpan stare, “We’re going back the second you stumble again.”

That made him focus almost entirely on how he was walking. I laid down on my stomach, pulling out my half-finished binoculars. I whistled.

“Damn, their ramping up security down there.” I handed the binoculars over to Nico. 

He cursed, “So how do we do this?”

I grinned. “Simple.”

I slid back to the box, pulling out a few different bombs, and sliding back. I pulled the pins and threw them into the camp.

“Now we move.” I hissed, grabbing the box and my brother’s hand, dragging him to a new location.

“Doesn’t this involve more risk?” He whispered,

“No, if we stay on that one spot then we’re sitting ducks. And if we shadow travel to a bunch of locations, you pass out, and I don’t have a way home. This is our best option.”

I placed another bomb in Nico’s hand, “Pull the pin, and throw it as far as possible.”

He did so, grinning with such a sick satisfaction, I saw hints of Percy for a few seconds. I threw a few more before we moved again. This trend continued for a while. And the two of us laughed as we watched campers scramble. Eventually there were two bombs left in the box. I handed one to Nico and held onto the other one.

“Leo.” Nico scrambled down lower, he looked.. livid, 

I glanced down to where he had been a few moments ago, my grip tightened on the explosive in my hands. Annabeth, my eye twitched slightly.

“Here’s an idea.” Nico whispered, “Let’s aim one of these at her smug ass face.”

And oh how I agreed with him. To throw out all caution and hit that bitch smack in the middle of her face with an explosive. Finish the job Piper started, get vengeance for Percy. But… god damn it, Luke’s grave face when he explained why Percy was as quiet as he used to be, Silena’s strained voice as she explained what the healers had reported, Piper brandishing a pocket knife when Percy found us. The risk level of what that would cause, the effects it could have on the rebellion, was that worth a moment of satisfaction? The wrath of the gods, of the rest of camp?

Nico was looking to me for the go ahead. I wanted to, damn I really wanted to. 

I sighed, “Aim near her, we can’t risk the gods wrath on the rest of the people in the rebellion.”

He looked really disappointed, but he listened. Then.. when he went to pull the trigger I heard a click where there shouldn’t have been one.

That wasn’t one of mine, they had their own frequency. Shit. I went to tackle Nico seconds too late. I was blown back several feet. My ears were ringing, my vision was blurry. We’d spent too long in one location.

Sitting ducks.

I crawled towards Nico, who was somehow still conscious, “Shadow travel now!” I yelled over the ringing in my ears.

I saw a small movement of his head, and noticed campers beginning to close in. Then we sunk into the shadows. Back on the Andromeda, in my workshop. I heard the door open, a sharp curse, then I lost consciousness.

Chapter Text

~Bianca~

I let out a sharp curse, running back down the hall to grab Piper. Leo and Nico were both badly burned, the amount of blood on my little brother had made my heart stop.

“Pipes!” I yelled desperately, “I need help!”

The daughter of Aphrodite glanced back, seeing my panic, she immediately followed me back down to the room Leo had claimed as his workshop. It had been too quiet on the Andromeda, and I hadn’t seen Nico in hours, I’d checked every other room before the engine room. 

“Fuck.” Piper breathed, grabbing Leo,

I followed suit, holding up Nico’s weight. Between that and the infirmary was a blur. Will started handling Leo and Irene managed Nico.

“Do you know how this happened?” Irene asked in a professional tone.

I shook my head numbly, sitting in a fold out chair, “I- I just found them in Leo’s workshop.”

“Shit.” Will swore, “Doesn’t Leo have a fuck-ton of explosives in there.”

“This doesn’t look accidental.” Piper noted, she was standing behind me, watching Leo carefully.

“Piper is right.” Luke walked into the room, 

He looked awful, dark bags under his eyes, hair messy, clothes stained. I knew he hadn’t left Percy’s side much since getting him back. And according to Silena he hadn’t been eating either. The few times he left were when one of us went in. I knew he was blaming himself for Percy’s condition, just like Piper was. 

“This wasn’t an accidental friendly fire.”

“So you’re saying they ran a raid?” I asked, meeting his eye with a worried glance.

Luke nodded, “Leo’s box of random explosives is gone. Their wounds also suggest it.”

Will stepped back from Leo and went to go help Nico. Neeks had clearly gotten the brunt of the blast. How they got back to the Andromeda was the real mystery in this case.

“Is there anything out of Percy?” Piper whispered,

Luke shook his head, looking much older than he used to. Days like these made me miss the apartment. Back when Percy had brought us to Luke. Back when we weren’t fighting a war, or at least it didn’t feel like we were at the time. Percy and Luke argued, but no one was hurt this badly. 

They weren’t easier days. But they were days where we were more ignorant. 

Leo stirred after a few minutes as the nectar set in. Piper began laying it into him the second she saw him wake up.

Leo winced, he hadn’t been burned, but shrapnel had caused most of the damage, as well as, there was likely added damage with the blast itself. 

“Explain.” Luke said coldly.

Leo grimaced, sipping on nectar while he explained his and Nico’s foolhardy plan. Blow up random parts of camp to cause chaos. They had been pretty careful, but when the opportunity presented itself to kill the girl who had started all of this, Leo had hesitated, causing their position to become more and more compromised after every second.

I fidgeted with my hands, trying to tune out Luke’s scoldings.

“We only did it because you’re losing your touch.” Leo snapped, “We haven’t ran a raid in over a month, they're gaining the upper hand.”

“Be honest Leo, that was not the actual reason.” Luke didn’t seem angry at Leo’s words, just… really disappointed and tired.

Leo blushed slightly, “They hurt Perce.” He mumbled, eyes downcast, “We wanted to hurt them.” He admitted.

“That’s not your choice to make.” Luke said,

“Then who’s is it?” Piper muttered,

I stayed silent, watching Nico. It was a dumb plan, a dumb idea. But it was for the right reasons. What is right and what is wrong has such a blurry line these days. 

“That isn’t the point. The point is, you were irresponsible and put Nico in danger.” Luke hissed.

This was the most animated I’d seen him in weeks.

“They are right.” I mumbled quietly, “We can’t stop all our efforts out of fear.”

“Percy’s not the only one who can come up with a solid strategy.” Piper affirmed.

“We’re not taking that risk.” Luke snapped,

“Then we will.” I replied coldly, “What the boys did was rash and foolish, but we’ve carried out good raids before. We’ll do it again.” 

I didn’t raise my voice. There was no need for that. Speaking out was enough, not all protests have to be loud.

Something settled in Luke’s eyes. His old arguments of why he didn’t want us to fight rang back in my ears. But so did Percy’s protests. The old raids I got dragged into. And the ones I willingly led. This wasn’t a fight we could escape.

Piper’s kaleidoscope eyes glowed with determination, I knew she had a thousand arguments at the ready the second Luke tried to disagree with us.

Then Nico stirred, he had a lot of burns, a lot of bad cuts, and a broken bone or two. But thankfully he was mostly okay.

I bolted back towards his side, placing my hand on his bandaged one.

“Damn it.” Nico managed.

“Language.” I chuckled slightly.

He looked exhausted, way too tired for a twelve year old. Way too small in the hospital bed he was occupying at the moment. 

“You are a bloody idiot.” I hissed,

Piper whistled, “Didn’t know Bee was capable of that language.”

I was about to lay into Nico when Ethan burst through the door, breathing heavily, he panted out, “Percy’s awake!”

Chapter Text

~Thalia~

I wish I hadn’t woken up. I wish that I remained in that tree. That would’ve been easier to understand than everything I was being told and expected to believe. That Luke had become unstable and was trying to kill Annabeth. That a war was breaking out and Annabeth was desperately trying to save the camp. But what I’d seen of the rebels, that were called unstable, hadn’t been that. The lightning thief and his friend getting the other two out before even engaging us. Then the thief desperately getting the girl out while he was being tortured.

And I still did what I was told because I didn’t have options, didn’t know what to believe. After all I’d known Annabeth for years and hadn’t even seen Luke since waking up. 

But Annabeth didn’t act like the seven year old I’d once known. And everything was so confusing and I couldn’t tell who was actually in the right.

When we’d had the lightning thie— Percy in custody she’d been so overly cruel to him. 

I’d already been ordered to break his back, then she’d made it worse. No, this wasn’t the kid I once knew, that seven year old would see her and run. 

“Thalia!” Annabeth snapped, yanking me out of my thoughts.

“What?” I muttered, pinching the bridge of my nose, the sound of her voice was giving me a migraine. 

She was still healing from the raid that had lost us Percy as a prisoner. And she was still absolutely on one about that.

“As I was saying, we need your help to search an area the rebels were spotted at.”

“There was a raid?”

“Random explosions scattered around camp.”

Gods I wanted to grind my teeth, why does it matter if no one got hurt, and no supplies were damaged. All of this just felt so wrong. I needed to get the other side of the story. 

“Was anyone harmed?”

“No, but that’s not the point.”

“Then what is?”

“Just get outside and help them search.” She slammed the door on the way out.

I sighed, they had obviously escaped, the rebels were really good at that, it seemed. I leaned against the wall, closing my eyes for a moment. I saw a flash of Percy’s lifeless face again. My hands were shaking again, small sparks flying off of them. They hadn’t even cared when the infections started spreading, Annabeth had said he deserved a slow painful death.

It was all so wrong.

I walked outside more slowly than I would’ve a few weeks ago. Annabeth was pacing impatiently outside.

“Is all this really necessary?” I found myself asking, though I regretted it immediately after.

“Of course it is!” She hissed, “I think I know it better than you, Thals.”

“Then what makes it so damn important, Beth?” I yelled, “From what I’ve seen you're worse than the rebels.”

“Don’t you fucking dare.” Her voice was so low it felt like it actually rattled my bones, “Perseus Jackson was going to leave Grover and I in the Underworld, allow the bolt to drag us into Tartarus.”

There was something heavy about her words, and it wasn’t emotion. It felt as if a massive weight had just been slammed over my shoulders. And my gaze felt slightly clouded.

“So go scout out those hills.” Annabeth growled,

The weight was lifted and unbidden I started moving towards the hills, “What the hell.” I tried to say, but the words felt lost on my lips.

I needed to find Luke, or any of the rebels. I wanted an explanation, there was a chance they knew what Annabeth had just done. From the report of the mini raid two rebels had run, it sounded like they’d been hit by a counter fire. Gods I hoped they were okay.

This wasn’t right. Clearly, it seemed obvious, but every time I brought up my concerns Annabeth made it seem like I was in the wrong. My hands were shaking again, sans the sparks this time. 

How was I going to get out of this? I needed answers. I needed to find Luke.

Chapter Text

~Percy~

Everything hurt and I felt so insanely cold. My eyes felt like hundred pound weights attached to my face. I heard the steady beeping of the heart rate monitor and only barely registered that it was sounding off my pulse. I felt coarse bandages scattered around my body that felt so strangely disconnected. 

Forcing my eyes open revealed a few of the newer kids to the rebellion. Ethan and Albastar, I’d recruited them myself.

Ethan perked up, standing up straight, “Stay put! I’ll get the others.” And he sprinted out of the room.

The part of my mind that was more awake grumbled something along the lines of: how do you expect me to move?

It was an active battle to remain conscious. I felt absolutely exhausted despite the feeling that I’d been sleeping for a while. The thought made me feel really gross. Everyone ran in at once, filling the room with noise that just caused my head to throb even more. Piper clutched my hand, she was crying slightly.

“Clarisse?” I croaked, shocked to see the daughter of Ares here, I’d thought she… How did I get here?

“Jackson.” The daughter of war nodded,

“What happened?” I asked, trying to sit up, that led to a whole bunch of my family practically pushing me back down.

“Your body went through a lot.” Will told me, checking me over again, “It’s not a good idea to brute force it to do anything right now.”

I spotted Bianca who was crying, hand covering her mouth. Then saw Nico and Leo who were both banged up pretty badly.

“What happened?” I asked again, still not getting any answers.

“You were unconscious for a month.” Clarisse eventually muttered, leading her to get a million dirty looks from my siblings.

“On top of that your injuries were… bad.” Ethan added, looking down at his shoes.

I knew where this talk was going, and I hated it. Hated that they now knew about it. Hated that I had to live with it. Annabeth stabbing me came to mind, ironic that despite stabbing me in the back she still wasn’t satisfied. I should be dead a thousand times over. Infections from cuts, the blow to my back, the stab. Yet somehow I continued to evade Thanatos.

“Percy, there was a lot of damage to your lower spi—” Will started explaining.

“Don’t.” I interrupted him, “Don’t- just… please don’t. I already know.” My voice broke at that, god I hated how fragile I felt.

Piper glanced away, wiping at her eyes, there was guilt in her gaze. Kaleidoscope eyes remain in colder, more subdued tones. She blamed herself. Obviously.

The room went silent again. There was a pit in my stomach that normally was filled with dread or excitement. I just felt empty. Weak, like a burden, like… like how I felt when Luke had found me half dead on the streets. Alive by spite alone.

“Everyone out.” Luke’s voice broke through the deafening silence, “I need to talk to Percy.”

That wasn’t the tone he used when he was mad at me. No. This was him trying to investigate everything they’d done to me. God, he looked awful, like he hadn’t shaved, showered, or changed in a month. Which likely was the case when going off of what Clarisse had revealed.

Everyone filed out, though Piper lingered by my side until Luke placed a hand on her shoulder. She took one more glance at me before leaving the room. She closed the door behind her.

Luke pulled up a chair beside my bed, “How are you feeling?”

“Is that really what you’re going to start with?”

“How would you want me to start?” He looked so much older than he had a month ago.

“Just cut to the chase, Castellan. I don’t need to be coddled just because I can’t walk.”

“How much do you remember?” 

I thought for a few seconds, “Details are foggy but I remember basically everything. Do you want an in depth description of how my spine shattered or what?”

“Damn it Percy can’t you realize I’m trying to help you!” Luke snapped,

“I don’t want your help!” I yelled, “I’m not some puzzle for you to solve, not something you need to understand! You know what happened! Bianca knows! I could see it in her eyes, the way she wouldn’t meet my gaze! Okay so… just stop… please.” I hated how small I sounded, how much this had drowned out my voice in the crowd.

“I know that.” He leaned back in the chair, chuckling, “God I know that a bit too well, Perce. But bottling everything up isn’t the answer. It doesn’t have to be me you talk to, but talk to someone.”

I didn’t respond for a while. Luke started getting up before I whispered, “She came in nearly every hour.”

Luke sat back down, making eye contact with a gaze that used to feel cold, but now I just knew that was warmth. He didn’t respond, just let me talk.

“She taunted the injury she’d caused, traced my scars with a knife, yelled over and over till my ears rang. I passed out a lot… didn’t get a lot of water or food. But…”

Luke didn’t prompt me to keep going, and somehow that felt more like a prompting than if he had. Or maybe I was just in the flow of it and just wanted these things out of my head. To reclaim the voice that had been stolen from me.

“Thalia.” I spoke even quieter, 

Luke sat up, “What about her?”

“She seemed… remorseful about what she’d done. I… I remember the infections getting bad- think my heart stopped or something.. I passed out soon after it happened, but I saw her walk away after I woke up from it. I saw her outline when the worse wounds were dressed, and when I got what little water I was allowed.”

“What are you saying, Perce?”

“She’s doubting Annabeth, I- I think there might be a shot to get her on our side.”

That made Luke pause.

“Thought this was my therapy session.” I joked quietly.

“We can’t.” Luke voice sounded strained.

“What! But—”

“But nothing, Percy. If she comes to us we’ll try, but we can’t risk it. Leo and Nico are already hurt from a small raid, and you’re…”

“Finish that sentence, Luke.” My voice was dangerously low, “Finish the damn sentence.”

“It’s final, Perce. Just focus on resting.” He left the room without another word.

I felt more lost than I had before, “Fuck.” I whispered to the air, hoping maybe I’d be able to twitch my toes just a little.

This… was a permanent thing. I really couldn’t go back. I’m… I’m— shit.

Chapter Text

Days shifted into the same boring routine. I woke up, people came in, often fussing over things that didn’t matter, they left, I fell asleep often due to medication, rinse and repeat. And god, it was actually torture not being able to move. I hated how still everything felt. I needed to do something, literally anything but playing another round of Mythomagic would do. 

I just wanted to get my brain more active than it was stuck under pain meds. My back still throbbed through it, and my head. Though a large part of that was how inactive I was. 

Each time I went back under I just wanted something to break the mold. 

I got my damn wish, since when did the universe start listening to me?

Piper and Leo walked in, Leo looking triumphant. 

“We have a solution!” Piper declared grandly.

“I’m getting my spine back?” I deadpanned,

That bit was mostly a joke. Mostly. Not really, though at this point I doubt anyone is surprised.

“Best next thing.” Leo punctuated his sentence with jazz hands

I felt a familiar pit in my stomach. Dread. This was set and stone, this was something I couldn’t fix. And I knew exactly what Leo was meaning, god I hated it.

Wheelchair, it actually looked pretty cool, all things considered. It had a wave-like detail on the back, and knowing Leo, it had a shit ton of cool tricks and shit. That didn’t make it better. If anything, it felt a little bit worse, because I know Leo spent a lot of time on this, so much effort to go into something I… hated feels like the wrong word but it’s also the only one that really fits. 

They were starting to explain it now. I tuned most of it out, partially by accident, mostly on purpose. I didn’t like hearing about the thing that would replace my legs. Didn’t like the confirmation that I was stuck, and I wouldn’t be able to fight anymore. 

I was a sitting duck as well as Olympus’ most wanted. Those two things don’t mix. They just… I was going to die if I got caught in a fight, and I couldn’t help but think I should’ve just died in captivity. 

“Both of you.” Clarisse’s voice broke me out of the spiral, “Out, I need to talk to Prissy.”

I looked at the daughter of Ares tiredly. She looked a lot healthier than she had the day I woke up. Her arm was no longer in a cast, she didn’t have deep bags under her eyes, and her skin was no longer pale and clammy.

“Jackson, you don’t have to like it, but don’t pretend you’re fine.” She immediately said the second the other two walked out.

“I don’t know what you’r—”

“Yes, you do. I can see it, so can Bianca, and Luke. You’re not okay, and that’s fine, but you can’t just stuff it down and hide inside yourself.”

“I disagree.” I mumbled, looking back to the wall that I had gotten to know intimately at this point.

“Percy,” She rarely called me by my actual name, “I get that you’re struggling but—”

“No.” I snapped, didn’t raise my voice, just.. snapped, “If you got it you wouldn’t be standing, you wouldn’t be laying here thinking: maybe I should’ve just died back there, save everyone here the trouble. Clarisse, you don’t get it, so for fucks sake, don’t pretend you do.”

“You don’t think I don’t feel it too, Jackson.” Her voice sounded.. sad, “I fed you incorrect information for months, this is all tied back to me. While I don’t understand exactly what you’re going through, I get it.”

We sat in uncomfortable silence for a few beats.

“Sit up.” Clarisse ordered suddenly.

“What?”

“Sit up.” She repeated, more slowly, as if I didn’t understand what she was asking me.

“I can’t—”

“I’m not letting you rot in bed for more time than you already have.” She interrupted, 

“What if I wan—”

“Frankly, Prissy, I don’t care what you want right now.”

I pushed myself into a sitting position. Allowing myself to be picked up and put into that damn chair was the worst feeling I’d had in a while. She strapped me in, largely to ensure I wouldn’t fall out, but I also think she enjoyed the fact that I had to do what she said now.

“Push yourself along, Jackson, we’re going for a walk.”

I snorted at the word walk. She punched me in the shoulder. 

The sun absolutely murdered my eyes the second we got up to the main deck. And, can I say, pushing yourself in a wheelchair? Not easy. Dear god, and it sure as hell didn’t help that I’d been in a coma for a month. Did Clarisse care? Why would you assume she did.

I’m pretty sure I gave several of the people onboard a heart attack for being up. I still felt sick pushing myself in this god forsaken chair, but at least I was moving. 

Leo was practically glowing with pride. I tried actually listening to him as he explained some of the functions. Most of it was still ringing in my ears.

I still felt sick.

Bianca pulled me aside, she handed me water, “You’re not okay.” She said,

I nodded, then shrugged. No point in hiding it if everyone sees straight through your mask. 

“You’re out of bed,” She noted, “That’s progress.”

“I guess.” I mumbled.

There was understanding in her black eyes. Why did everyone assume that they understood what I was struggling with? At least with Bianca it made more sense, she’d seen everything I’d gone through thanks to some snitching shadows.  

“Do you wanna talk?” 

“Do I look like I wanna talk?”

I drank some of the water, it tasted like acid. I just fidgeted with the bottle itself. 

“The shadows…” Bianca whispered, “showed me… some of the.. other stuff.”

My heart stopped, “Oh god, please don’t bring that up.” I mumbled, shaking my head in an attempt to not think about her betrayal.

Her face full of pride because look at what she’d done.

I looked down to the bottle in my hands, “My life is a whole ass chain of fucked up events.” I muttered, laughing starkly.

Bianca sat down on the floor, fingers twisting together, “I get that, Nico and I aren’t even from this time period.”

I shrugged again. My voice felt choked out, the same as it felt after Luke found me. I didn’t feel like eating, or drinking, the thought made me feel even sicker than I already thought. Same as I acted after Luke found me.

It was like a paradox. The same things happening over and over again. And I could do nothing to stop it. I was the Fates' personal joke. 

“Percy?” Bianca’s voice hit my thoughts like a truck, “Did you hear me.”

I shook my head, “Sorry.”

“Nothing to apologize for.. it was a stupid question anyways.”

“I doubt that.”

“You’re just stubborn.” We both shared a sad smile, “I’ll.. get out of your hair.” She walked away before I could debunk that thought.

I closed my eyes, trying to ignore the flashes of old, painful, memories. I missed the times where there weren’t those flashes. I missed my mom. Missed my life before I was a demigod.

Chapter Text

The walls felt as if they were closing in, breathing felt way too difficult that it should have been. My thoughts were a spiraling mess, going a thousand different directions a second, but still being locked on the more painful ones.

I clenched my eyes shut, hoping maybe that would ease the pressure in my head. It didn’t do anything by make my eyes hurt. The fabric of my shirt felt too course, the feeling of the chair felt too hot. I wanted to walk away, to jump into the ocean until the panic attack passed, but I couldn’t. I was stuck in a chair and that’s how it would stay.

I heard the mumbling of voices, I tried to keep from crying, pushing myself through the halls, just trying to get back to my room. Faces blended together and all I could see was Annabeth, Chiron, and Grover.

“I had such high hopes for you, Perseus.”

“Why did you do it? I thought we were friends.. you said you believed in me.”

“He was going to send Grover and I to Tartarus.”

Stole the bolt, stole the bolt, stole the bolt.

Broken, broken

Traitor

I wanted to scream, the same feeling I’d had when I broke my back, or when Annabeth framed me. But no sound came out, as if I had no mouth at all. I found the doorway that led to my room and shut the door shakily. Dropping my face into my hands as I tried to calm down.

Calm down, calm down, please just calm down, god what is wrong with me. Barely anything happened. Why can’t I calm down?

broken, traitor, thief.

My hands were shaking, I realized numbly. I thought I heard pounding but that really didn’t help my panic.

Gabe breaking down the door, Mom screaming for him to stop, I was frozen, still just as useless.

“…ercy.” Someone’s voice went in and out of my head. 

The voice was muffled, but I couldn’t tell if that was the door, or how loud my head was. My vision started clearing slightly. My ears were still ringing. I wanted to curl into a ball and stay up in the loft of a rundown apartment. But I wasn’t there, I was stuck in the bad moments of my past.

The door opened loudly, I didn’t move, couldn’t hear myself or them. 

“Percy.” Piper’s voice was clearer now, Bianca was behind her, I think.

I didn’t respond just sat in that awful silence. Damn it, why couldn’t I just hold it together, I was fine, I wasn’t fine, I’d been fine when I left my room, No I hadn’t been.

A small tapping noise filled the room, I glanced up slightly, Piper was hitting a pen against her palm. The tapping helped center me, I assume that was her intention. I gave them a tired glance.

“Sorry.” I mumbled, hands shaking as I twisted them together.

My heart was still racing, I wasn’t calm, though. My thoughts still going far too fast.

“Don’t apologize.” Piper took my hand in hers, squeezing it gently, “You had no control, so saying sorry just makes it sound like we’re angry.”

“Then stop apologizing for my injury.” I deadpanned, meeting her gaze more shakily than I’d like to admit.

Piper blushed and looked away.

“Are you alright?” Bianca asked quietly, “I’ve never seen you have a panic attack that bad before.”

I shrugged, rubbing my thumb and pointer finger together, “I will be, I just.. got worked up and panicked over nothing.”

“Does it…” Bianca paused looking at Piper for a few seconds before continuing, “Have something to do with what we were discussing earlier.”

I shrugged again, staring down at the floor, feeling far too embarrassed. It did, the topics we’d discussed hadn’t been helping how bad I’d been feeling all day. It wasn’t Bianca’s fault, it wasn’t, but it did send me over the edge

“Sai che puoi parlare con noi, giusto?” Bianca whispered,

I nodded roughly, “Yeah.”

Bee left the room a few minutes later, she looked.. hollow and tired. I knew that look. I’d worn that look for years. I made a mental note to check on her once I was sure I wouldn’t spiral again. Piper cleared her throat, knocking me out of my mental note taking.

“So… I found this after you got… anyway, I’ve been meaning to give it back.” She was holding out the pen, Riptide, my sword.

Seeing it I felt something settle inside of me. I held my gaze on that pen, that damn pen that had gotten me through fight after fight. But.. I couldn’t fight, not the same way I used to. And as much as I hated that thought, it was one I needed to accept. I was never going to be able to fight again. 

“Keep it.” I found myself saying, “You’ll need it more than me.. and I don’t know if I should be trusted with it at the moment.”

Her fingers closed around the sword, “Are you sure?”

I nodded, though the thought of parting with the weapon made me feel like screaming. Then again, a lot of things made me feel like that nowadays. I wasn’t escaping this, I was stuck.

Piper nodded, holding the object to her chest, “I’ll use it well.”

“I know you will.” I replied, forcing myself to meet her eye.

She placed a gentle hand on my shoulder then left the room. My facade dropped the second she stepped out. I ran my hands through my hair, trying to keep from crying. Crying did shit, and it wouldn’t give me my legs back.

The darker part of my mind reminded me of the razor. I shook my head roughly, I’d promised Silena I’d stop doing that. I left my room before I could instinctively go towards that small hidden blade. 

My heart was still pounding in my chest, I found myself heading to the med bay, knowing Nico and Leo were getting checked up in there. Nico grinned widely as he saw me enter.

“Perce!” He greeted excitedly, I gave him a small wave.

“How’s it holding up?” Leo asked as Will rewrapped his arm.

I shrugged, “It’s rolling? I don’t fucking know.”

Will met my eye for a split second. I recoiled, the kid had a way of seeing through the mask and walls I built up. The last thing I needed was more people worrying about me for no reason. They have a reason. 

“How fast have you gone so far?” Nico asked, jumping up and down slightly.

As fast as I went while having a panic attack

“Haven’t tried to max out yet.” I managed, though my voice still broke.

A flash of realization hit Leo’s eyes. I tried to ignore it, waving goodbye as I went down the hall. It felt like I was being bombarded on all sides with their fucking pity. I didn’t want pity, I wanted to fight, to be useful.. as little as I could be. I needed to do something, that’s how I’d always managed my mental health, pouring myself fully into my work. And seeing how it helped others helped me… but I couldn’t do that, and I was spiraling constantly.

The chair hit a doorframe, I looked down at it coldly. Rolling over it after a few beats. I went up to the deck, still trying to hold back all the emotions I was feeling.

“Something tells me this was a long time coming.” I laughed coldly to myself, “Fuck.”

“Maybe, but that shouldn’t mean you’re running from it.” Silena’s voice.

I jumped… well the equivalent to what I was able to, “What the hell, Sil!” I yelled, “You scared the shit out of me!”

She chuckled, “Sorry, Perce.” Silena leaned against the railing, both of us watching the view.

“This feels like the parapet.” I mumbled, mostly to myself again.

Silena made a noise of agreement, “You’re a lot more talkative now than you were then.”

I shrugged, “I guess.”

Silena sighed, putting her back to the ocean, “Boy was it simpler then. Nowadays, Luke’s running himself sick, you kids are running off on raids.”

“If it’s not running off on raids, it was me running away.” I replied, glancing over to her.

“You still are.” Silena’s blue gaze held mine, “Maybe not running away from us, but you’re running from something.”

“Can’t run from anything.” I muttered, looking back at the water.

I wanted to jump into the water, to go back to the Sea of Monsters raid Piper and I ran. 

“I miss..” I started, but cut myself off.

“You miss what?” Silena asked, I shrugged in response, my voice feeling like it was being choked out.

“It doesn’t matter.” I eventually got out.

“I think it does.” She responded quietly, 

I snorted to myself, she was treating me like I was a stray cat again. Just like she used to at the apartment. 

“I miss when I wasn't a demigod.” I admitted,

“I think we all do.” She smiled sadly,

“Piper told you about earlier, didn’t she?” I asked, looking back at the near still water.

“She did.” Silena agreed, “I wanted to make sure you were doing alright.”

“Don’t think that’s possible at the moment.” I rubbed my wrists subconsciously.

She noticed, “Did you feel like cutting?”

I nodded silently.

“But you didn’t?”

I nodded again.

“That’s good.” Silena smiled again.

How did she do that? Smile as if the world wasn’t falling apart around us. As if we were still running this operation out of a small rundown apartment and with only the ten of us. 

“I’m worried about Bee.” I eventually said, mostly not trying to deflect the conversation.

Mostly.

“What about her?”

“She’s got the same look that… I did.” My voice broke slightly, “She asked me a question earlier and I was too busy spiraling to listen. I’m worried about her.”

Silena nodded, “I’ll talk to her, unless you want to.”

I shook my head, “I- I don’t want to try and force myself out of a spiral if things get bad again. I don’t want to project my problems on her.”

Silena nodded slowly, “Okay, just call if you need anything.”

I nodded, swallowing bile that was building in my throat. 

Chapter Text

~Piper~

Wielding Riptide felt… wrong. But also right at the same time. On one hand it felt like I was able to fight for him, despite Percy not being able to fight, I could. On the other hand, part of me felt like I was replacing him. Or at least expected to be as good as him. Percy had been the best sword wielder in years, even beating Luke. And I… what? Was a daughter of Aphrodite’s war aspect, a member of the rebellion, the girl who nearly killed camp's leader.

I would’ve killed her given the chance. The bitch deserved to be dead, and I mean that whole heartedly. 

“Pipes!” Leo jumped in front of me, right before I swung.

“Dear god!” I yelled, “What the fuck are you doing! Do you wanna be decapitated? Don’t do that!”

Leo snickered, “I knew you wouldn’t hit me.”

“Don’t tempt me.” I deadpanned.

Eye contact was held for several minutes before we both dissolved into laughter. 

“How are you feeling?” I asked him, putting Riptide back into pen form. 

“I’m good, just a little stiff.” 

“Serves you right, that was a dumbass move.” I snarked,

“It was Nico’s idea.” Leo rolled his eyes, “I was a follower.”

“You let an eleven year old lead?”

Leo groaned, “It seemed like a better idea at the time.”

I smiled, flicking Riptide between my hands. The sound of footsteps coming towards the training room made me glance up. Clarisse was walking alongside a tired looking Percy in his chair. Percy looked like he hadn’t slept in weeks, though I knew he’d slept through the night last night. 

“Hey Perce.” I grinned, trying to cheer him up a little, “Thought you were gonna be out for longer after yesterday.”

“I was.” Percy muttered, “Someone dragged me out of bed.”

Clarisse gave him a smug smile, “You can’t expect to get better being in bed all day, Prissy. You’re welcome.”

“I’ll thank you the second I give a shit.” He replied.

“You’re just in time actually.” Leo grinned,

“For what?” The son of Poseidon asked,

“The meeting.” Punctuating my sentence with jazz hands, “It’s the first one Luke’s held since… We’re taking you whether you like it or not.”

Percy’s eyes widened slightly, I saw something that looked like a slimmer of hope in his eyes. Strategizing was his strong suit. Even before we’d been allowed to run raids, Percy had been the one coming up with the strategies. He was good at it, really good. His ideas had changed the tide in this war.

But it faded way too quickly, “Are you sure Luke wants me there?” He mumbled,

“You’re the best player we have.” I declared, giving him a thumbs up, my energy faded as I said quieter, “We can’t win this without everyone we’ve got, Perce. If he doesn’t want you there, he’s dooming us all.”

Clarisse nodded, “Piper’s right.” 

Percy sighed, “Alright then, let’s go.”

Leo and I chatted as we walked, I glanced over my shoulder a few times to check on Percy. He and Clarisse were having a whis[ered conversation I couldn’t make out. Percy had glanced at me a few times before looking away, seemingly ashamed.

We opened the door to the war room, all four of us walking in. Everyone else was already in the room, Silena deep in argument with Luke. Chris was backing up Silena, as was Bianca, Ethan, Albastar, and several others. Quin and Irene were backing Luke. From the strays I heard, my heart sank, knowing what they were arguing about.

“Shut it!” I yelled, my charmspeak washing over the room. 

Percy winced, picking at one of his armrests.  

“What are you doing in here.” Luke had directed the question at Percy, making him grimace and look even smaller in his chair.

“Same thing we all are.” Clarisse snapped gruffly.

“It’s fine.” Percy muttered, 

“No it’s not!” Leo and I yelled simultaneously.

“He has a right to be here.” Bianca agreed, staring down Luke.

The arguments picked up again, soon the room was just a shouting fest. As it had been when we walked in.

“Quiet!” Percy yelled over the crowd, 

Everyone went silent. That was the loudest he’d spoken since waking up. The most emotion he’d portrayed since waking up, actually.

“I can decide for myself.” Percy continued, he looked livid,

It made me smile slightly, that was the Percy I knew.

“Dear god, you’re all in here acting like kids over some fuck ass toy in the sandbox!”

“This doesn’t concern you, Perc—” Luke started,

“Don’t.” His voice was ice cold, “Don’t you dare say this fight doesn’t concern me. I’m not the kid you found in the alley, Luke. So when! When are you going to stop treating me as if I’m made of glass!”

The words settled in the room. Luke broke the silence with his reply.

“When you can stand.”

Percy froze, looking at our guardian as if he didn’t know him. Whatever emotion he’d been portraying was swept under that numb expression.

Luke’s reply seemed to echo throughout the room.

A beat.

Then two.

Then I lunged at the son of Hermes, punching him straight in the face. Leo and Bianca pulled me back, but extremely reluctantly.

“What the fuck is wrong with you!” I screamed,

Clarisse’s deathly stare could’ve withered any biotic lifeform.

“I’ll kill you!” I yelled, “I’ll fucking kill you!” 

“Piper, calm down.” Leo said,

I pulled myself out of their grip, “Don’t you dare.”

They stepped back, almost looking afraid. Silena had a hand over her mouth, Ethan and Albastar looked ready to commit murder, Will was already holding a scalpel. That wasn’t even all of them.

Luke said nothing, seeming way too smug and content with what he’d said. I grinded my teeth, I wanted to kill him. Wanted to make him hurt the same way he’d just hurt my brother. 

Violence wouldn’t solve anything, but damn would it feel good. 

Clarisse pushed Percy out, the majority of us followed. Percy hated being pushed, he preferred pulling himself along. My mind whispered, he hadn’t moved much. That same frozen expression.

We got back to the main deck, the fresh air calming me ever so slightly.

Bianca crouched in front of Percy. The numb expression he’d been wearing melted ever so slightly.

“I’m fine.” He croaked, picking at the armrest again, “It’s fine.” He seemed to be trying to convince himself.

“I’m gonna kill him.” I muttered,

“I’ll help.” Clarisse added gruffly.

“It’s fine.” Percy whispered again.

“It’s not fine.” Bianca hissed, looking up at Clarisse and I, “Need a third, bet I can get him a fast pass to the fields.”

“Stop.” Percy mumbled, “Please, I… I don’t want to hurt him.. I just… Don’t.”

“We won’t do anything if you don’t want us to.” Leo assured him, “Right girls.”

“Fine.” We muttered in unison.

“Where do we stand on helping if Will or one of the others kills him?” I asked.

“Piper.” Leo snapped,

I held up my hands in sign of surrender, “Fine.”

“It still doesn’t make what he said okay.” Bianca told Percy, “What he said was awful, and you shouldn’t look past that.”

“I’m not.” Percy said, voice way too quiet to belong to the kid I knew, “I just.. wanna forget this ever happened.”

“I don’t.” Clarisse muttered, crossing her arms, “He crossed a line, that needs to be addressed.”

“I know.” Percy said, meeting our eyes hesitantly, “But that doesn’t mean I have to be the one to do it. Just.. nothing violent.”

“Can’t promise that.” I mumbled, Bianca elbowed me in the side.

“Promise.” She said, smiling sadly.

Clarisse and I met each other’s eye, having the exact same thought. We both knew we’d abide by what Percy had asked, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t fuck with him.

“I see that look.” Bianca hissed the second Percy rolled away, “Whatever it is, count me in.”

Chapter Text

~Bianca~

I followed after Clarisse and Piper, the three of us all sneaking towards Luke’s room. I’m not one to follow the old law of Moses but this was a situation where I felt completely justified in the old following. 

“What are we looking for?” I whispered as Piper picked the lock to Luke’s room.

The daughter of Aphrodite shrugged, “Literally anything we could use.”

“Very specific, Pipes.” Clarisse muttered.

Piper pressed a finger to her lips, and the door swung open. The room looked relatively untouched. I knew Luke hadn’t been sleeping much but… it looked as if it had never been truly lived in. Not like any of our rooms where signs of life blanketed every surface. The only things that proved Luke actually lived here were ink stains on the desk next to a celestial bronze dagger.

We all slipped inside. Clarisse went to the closet, Piper to the bookshelves, I wandered.

The ink was red, almost looking like blood as it dried into the wooden surface below it. I recognized the dagger, it had been the one Luke had given Annabeth when they were kids. I hadn’t known he’d kept it after we let them go.

I went to the dresser, not really knowing what to look for. My hand wandered along the surface, maybe looking for something that wasn’t supposed to be there.

The shadows whispers were getting louder every time I looked at the desk. I shook my head roughly, last time I listened to them they’d shown me too much and had ripped away Percy’s chance to tell me things himself. 

On top of the dresser were pictures of all of us. Moments that were so small it could be considered not worthy of mention. Percy and Silena making blue cookies, Nico and Leo playing Mythomagic, Piper and I giggling about something she’d said, Ethan and Percy drawing together, Will and Nico caught in some obscure handshake. All of them memories that almost made it feel as if we weren’t child soldiers in the middle of a war. Just.. kids.

The wood in front of the photos was worn, almost as if he touched it often enough to cause ware. 

“Bianca.” Clarisse whispered, 

“Sorry.” I said, “Just thinking.”

I went through the drawers in the desk, finding a drawer full of all our drawings. I closed it maybe a little too fast. 

Every little thing. Had he really been paying that much attention? 

A cork board above the desk I hadn’t noticed before held more photos. When had he cared so much? When had he been so sentimental? What I was finding wasn’t what I’d expected and it was so starkly different from the Luke I thought I knew.

My hand brushed the ink, everything went black.

Blood ran through my blackened vision. I heard a high pitched scream. I turned around, watching scenes I wish I hadn’t. 

Piper’s enraged expression as she lunged forward with Riptide. 

A lightning filled camp as Thalia walked towards me. 

Nico, looking much older, summoning hundreds of skeletons. 

Percy stuck, fear evident in his eyes, a shadow looming over him.

Leo frantically tinkering at something before throwing it, an explosion destroying multiple buildings.

Ethan with only one eye beside Albastar as they struggled, slowly being surrounded.

Words started to flow, hidden behind each scene playing out before me. I felt as if someone was forcing my eyes open, I was unable to look away, as scene after scene filled my mind.

Blood stained grass, Luke standing over someone, grief painted in his expression.

The dagger I’d seen seconds earlier felt thrust into my own gut, I looked down and my hands were covered in blood.

Clarisse’s battle cry as she led a group against her own father.

More and more and more. I felt like tearing out my own eyes. My knees felt weak, my vision cleared in an instant, Piper’s concerned voice made it through all the screams and blood in my ears.

“Bianca!” She yelled, 

She was holding me up, I realized faintly. Clarisse wasn’t in the room anymore.

“What happened?” Piper asked.

“I- I don’t-” I stuttered, stumbling over my words, “We need a meeting, right now.” My voice startlingly strong at the last sentence.

Piper still seemed incredibly confused, but she nodded, trusting my judgement over her confusion. Two shadows were in the door frame. Percy looked worried, seeing something the others didn’t. Luke stood beside him, looking almost… afraid. Clarisse stood behind them, looking relieved when she saw me.

“War room, now.” Piper ordered, charmspeak clear in her voice, only one person fought it, not even Luke.

Percy stiffened, stopping me from leaving, “Bee, what did you see?”

He knew then, of course. Visions of the future weren’t common, and he’d once visited the Oracle of Delphi herself.

“I’ll explain soon.” I murmured, “Let’s go.”

Percy winced, “I shouldn—”

“I need you.” I whispered,

He swallowed roughly, before nodding. Rolling along beside me as we went to the meeting room. Everyone was inside, even the younger kids who didn’t normally hear the meetings.

“What happened?” Silena asked, meeting Piper’s eye.

Piper nodded towards me, “Listen to Bianca.”

I cleared my throat, hands shaking slightly, “I- I saw…” I trailed off voice lost in my own anxiety.

Percy grabbed my hand, “Take your time.” He whispered, looking a lot more clam than he had been.

I nodded, swallowing, “I saw glimpses of the future… not- not unlike how I found Percy.”

Confused murmuring went through the room like a wave. Percy sat up straight.

“If you have questions, speak them aloud.” Percy snapped, “Don’t hide behind whispers. It’s rude as hell.”

“Thank you.” I whispered to him, only loud enough for him to hear.

Percy nodded, a small crack of a smile that seemed like an impossibly amazing feat hit his expression. 

“What do you mean, visions?” Albastar asked, 

“Exactly what it sounds like. Scenes of things that haven’t happened yet were shown to me. It’s… happened before, just not this much.”

“What kind of scenes?” Ethan followed up.

I tensed, the image of Ethan’s innocent face with only one eye going through my head again. I looked away, “Not good ones.”

Luke seemed frozen in his worry. Clearly trying to think through it more rationally but he was struggling. How had we never seen that in him before?

“Does it have something to do with your parentage?” Will asked, sitting side y side with Nico.

“I.. don’t know, maybe?”

“I doubt it.” Luke spoke, voice wavering slightly, I hadn’t noticed that before either, “Hades has never had a history with prophecy.”

Nico slumped slightly, making me chuckle a little bit. 

“Percy, what are you thinking?” Leo asked,

Percy seemed deep in thought as he spoke, “These scenes, did they have anything going on behind them?”

“Words.” I replied, piecing together what he was implying in my head, “You think there’s a prophecy involved?”

“There always is.” Percy mused,

Luke seemed to get even paler, which I hadn’t thought was possible seeing as he was literally as white as a sheet at the moment. The pieces were coming together in his head.

“Shit.” He whispered, barely audible.

“What does this mean?” Piper asked, looking to Percy nervously.

Percy sat up, an old confidence coming back ever so slightly, “It means everything is going deeper into shit.”

Chapter Text

~Percy~

Words were ringing in my head again, as much as I tried to ignore it and be there for Bianca it didn’t really work. I closed my eyes, trying to breath through the majority of the thoughts. Everyone was arguing again, it felt like I was back at camp. Why were we in such disarray lately?

When I’d joined we’d all communicated well and agreed on most everything. When we didn’t, it became a civil discussion, ending with a compromise. So why was everything falling apart?

“Shut up!” I yelled over the crowd for what felt like the millionth time today, “Yelling gets us nowhere!”

Mumblings still went around the room, but it was quieter, as was my mind. I took another breath in, looking up at Bianca, signaling her to continue.

“What did you hear?” I asked her, shooting a glare at anyone who was mumbling again.

“It all felt disconnected.” Bianca whispered, closing in on herself slightly.

I’d known her for years, I knew how she detested being put into the spotlight. Preferring to hide in the shadows in raids rather than be on the front lines despite how talented she actually was. She kept quiet and followed through with every plan to the best of her ability, she didn’t question orders, not out loud at least. In some ways, it was a good thing, in others, it wasn’t.

“That’s okay.” I smiled lightly up at her,

That shaved off a small layer of her anxiety. 

“So.. now what?” Leo asked, “We just move on from that bombshell?”

Most people looked straight to Luke for the answer. I kept my face neutral.

“I didn’t want to see you hurt. You’ve been through enough already”

“That doesn’t excuse what you said.”

“I know, and I’m sorry.”

“You acted like her. I don't know if I can trust you again.”

“And that’s not your fault, it’s mine.”

“We can’t really do much else.” I answered instead.

“That’s not entirely true.” Albastar spoke up.

“If you’re suggesting we egg on a vision out of Bianca, forget it.” I hissed, “We aren’t forcing her to do anything.”

“But if it’ll help.” Bianca whispered,

I met her eye, “Only if you want to.”

She shook her head roughly. It didn’t take a genius to guess how violent and harsh the visions had been. Bianca wasn’t one for violence, she preferred peace if we could allow it. She knew we couldn’t, not in this war, but that doesn’t mean she wants to watch everyone she loves get hurt.

The Fates were cruel beings and had a sick sense of humor in tormenting those who saw into their plans.

“So.. we don’t know the prophecy, and we’re sitting around till camp finds us.” Ethan summarized, “Great.”

Bianca flinched, Luke grimaced. I took another breath in, it doesn’t take an army to win a war, just a good strategy, Jackson. Clarisse’s words echoing in my head.

“We aren’t doing nothing.” My voice came out much stronger than it used to, “We’ll start running raids again, we need to fight back, otherwise, we’re just sitting ducks waiting for the gods to kill us off.”

“What do you suggest?” Silena asked, she was smiling, seeing a side of me that had folded after that failed raid.

Another breath, a beat, and I spoke again, “Albastar, you mentioned joining because you sensed the spell?”

The son of Hecate nodded slowly, “Yeah.”

“Can all of your siblings sense it?”

He stiffened like the thought had never occurred to him before, “I- I assume so.”

“Great, take Ethan and Nico, find your siblings. The more people we have the better. I’ll get you the plan in a bit, so wait on the deck.”

The three boys nodded, leaving the room. Something sparked in the room just then, everyone stood up taller, looking around with more excitement and animation than I’d seen in months. 

“Piper, Leo, and Chris, I need you to get into camp’s supplies, destroy as much as possible. This does not mean firing willy nilly and causing as much chaos as possible, I’m looking at you, Leo.”

Piper snorted, Chris looked pleased with the group he’d been placed in, Leo was pouting. They went off to follow through straightaway, I trusted Piper to be careful and logical while carrying it out. She’d seen how it went last time we didn’t.

“The rest of us, we’re all working together to come up with offensive attacks. We can’t stay on defense forever. If we disagree we will not be fighting each other.”

“Camp has better forc—” Quin started to argue

“Why do you think I’ve got two teams headed out to stop that?” I deadpanned.

“Percy’s right.” Luke said quietly, the first thing he’d said all meeting, “We can’t keep fighting each other.”

I still didn’t look at him 

When you can stand

He’d sounded like Annabeth in that moment, his cruel words molding into her spell that ruined my life. It’s hard enough to adjust, it becomes worse when the person you trusted most hurts you using it. 

“So,” Silena grinned, “What’s the plan?”

I closed the door to my room, letting out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. I wanted nothing more than to collapse into bed. One problem, I didn’t want to talk to anyone, and I can’t get out of the chair by myself.

Masking emotions was something I knew a lot about. Taking off the mask though, that’s something that’s a lot harder.

Summoning back my old facade of having everything in control had taken a lot out of me. I knew what I was good at and I was good at strategizing. But acting like their stares and whispers didn’t hurt… that was a lot more difficult. I was used to being laughed at, but when it comes from people who used to value your input… it’s so much worse than a few bullies in school.

A knock went through the door. I withheld a groan, opening the door tiredly.

“What do you want, Luke?” I asked, exhaustion evident in my tone.

The son of Hermes shuffled, “Can we talk, Perce.”

“We already did.” I said, “You and all your shitty reasons have been explained very thoroughly, against my will, might I add.”

“Not about that.” Luke shook his head.

“Then what?”

“Annabeth’s spell, I know who gave her the idea… and… who carried it out.”