Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The crowd was in an uproar. Endless cheering poured down for the victor of the tournament, for the man that was able to bring down the undefeated champion. A constant, energizing buzz permeated the air. The people couldn’t believe it. While quite a few had wanted to see the Son of Poseidon win since this was his debut event, none of them expected him to have the ability to surpass Sir Luke. But the results spoke for themselves, and no one could quite contain their excitement.

Of course, the feelings of the crowd as a whole couldn’t compare to the happiness being experienced by one spectator in particular. Lady Annabeth, the daughter of Athena, a hopeful architect, and the technical girlfriend of Prince Perseus, was having a good day. That was a bit of an understatement, honestly. She was having a very good day. She had spent the last few hours watching the love of her life battle it out, proving his strength for all the world to see, and all the while secretly working towards winning her hand. And now, with her mother none the wiser, the time had finally come.

She watched as first the boy pulled up his final adversary, shook hands, and dusted himself off. She so badly wanted to congratulate him, to pull him into a hug and never let go, but that would have to come later. For now, she was stuck up on her balcony as Percy walked towards the edge of the arena, looking up at his uncle with weary, but rather pleased eyes.

Zeus had a very different look on. At best, the man had an expression of uncertainty, but it was obviously a struggle to hold up. Annabeth wanted to slap her forehead. Really?? Does he still think Percy’s after the throne? No one wants it, least of all him! For all the fear and paranoia the king was feeling, he still had a job to do. So he bottled up his emotions to say, “Well… This is a bit of a surprise. You’ve, um, done it, lad. You, er, the tourna- you beat, it. The tournament. Good job.” She rolled her eyes. Of course. No grand announcement declaring Percy the winner and champion, the way he did every tournament past. Their ruler was just stuttering, trying to find words to postpone Percy’s wish. Now Annabeth just wanted to slap him.

Evidently, Poseidon was feeling similarly as he jostled the shoulder of Zeus, a wordless Get on with it!. The king sighed. “Right. Yes, well. Lad. As I’m sure you know. The winner gets one wish granted to them, as long as it is within my power. And I absolutely swear to grant your wish… whatever it may be.” All around, the crowd quieted down, eagerly listening in.

In the silence of the moment, Annabeth could hear her mother beside her pondering on what was about to happen. “I just don’t understand. What could he want when so much else has no sway over him? What could only Zeus provide that fits?” She decided it best to leave Athena to her verbal musing. She was about to get her answer anyways.

Percy, before saying anything, bowed even though he really didn’t need to, and Annabeth felt a rush of affection for him. He’s a dork. My dork, specifically. The boy raised himself up to look at Zeus head-on. “My king. I thank you for this opportunity. I have but one wish.”

“One, eh.” Zeus muttered with a raised eyebrow. He sighed again, before commanding, “Well? Speak!”

Annabeth looked down, barely containing her glee as the champion took in a deep breath, preparing himself. It’s finally time. Amongst the group of spectators, only one person was not surprised by what came out of his mouth. “My Lord, I ask of you this. If she accepts, I request the hand in marriage of Lady Annabeth, daughter of Council-member Athena.”

Almost instantly, gasps and exclamations resounded about. Thousands of whispers and mutters erupted from within the crowd at the declaration, at the bit of gossip that immediately outshined every other story. The prince had finally come to Olympios to participate for this? Marriage with the daughter of his own father’s very famous detractor? Most of the council exchanged confused glances, trying to make heads or tails out of it. Of course, Poseidon in particular was rather dumbfounded.

The only one who could possibly match him in bafflement was Athena herself, who was once again muttering in confusion. “But-why? That- it doesn’t, does he want this? Is it… is it meant to be a ploy of some kind? Like a hostage type of situation. Take my child away from me so I’m subject to his whims. Did his father put him up to this?” Perhaps if she had taken a moment to observe, Athena would have seen just how blindsided Poseidon also was by his son’s request. Still, she did conclude, “No, that’s simply not his style. What could it be then? Why my daughter??” Oh, Mother, Annabeth thought. She didn’t know if she wanted to laugh, or just give a sad sigh. For all your intellect, you could spend a week thinking it over and never figure it out.

Annabeth herself was feeling a mix of giddiness, love, and a tinge of annoyance. He specified ‘If I accept’. He’s giving me one last chance to back out at the potential cost of his own image and pride. Seaweed Brain. As if I’d ever say No.

Eventually, Zeus decided to move on with the show. “Well, then. That’s… a good wish.” It was incredibly obvious how relieved the monarch was that Percy didn’t demand he up and vacate his throne. “But you did say she had to agree,” the man pointed out. He turned to face the balcony Annabeth and her mother were sitting within as the crowd was once again silenced itself, held captive by the sudden drama before them. “So then. Lady Annabeth. Do you accept Prince Perseus’ proposal?”

She felt Athena lay a gentle hand on her shoulder, “I don’t know what he’s planning, but we’ll find out. Obviously, you should deny him, and then we will-.”

Annabeth stood up, and declared without hesitation, “I accept!”

Several more gasps followed her proclamation, the loudest of which was her own mother. “Annabeth?! Wh-what…” She couldn’t even finish her sentence, the woman was so confused. And she wasn’t the only one. Poseidon's face had frozen stiff, as if his brain had short-circuited. Almost every other member of the council was once again shooting each other surprised and confused looks. The only ones who weren’t were Aphrodite and Hestia, who both wore soft smiles, and Jason’s sister Thalia, who grinned as she raised her hands above her head to clap.

Finally, Zeus cleared his throat. “Well then. Hm. I suppose that’s it then. The tournament is over! And Prince Perseus and Lady Annabeth are now engaged.” One final time, the crowd erupted as people traded theories with each other, trying to comprehend what madness had just unfolded before them. This is all they’re going to be talking about for months. Maybe even years. Annabeth couldn’t bring herself to care. Not while she was grinning down at Percy, who sent her a wave back. After so long, it’s finally our time.

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Percy let out a small sigh as he lay his head against the pillow. Finally, rest. He hadn’t gotten much of it lately. And he still wasn’t getting any, if his heart pounding in his ears was any indication. He still couldn’t believe what had happened. It’s… done. The tournament is over. And I’m marrying Annabeth. Zeus said yes. She said yes. There’s nothing left. After he had been granted his wish, Percy was ushered into the healing room, where his mother fixed up all of the injuries he had sustained fighting Luke before pulling him into a hug. And then she’d planted a kiss on his forehead and sent him to go lie down for a bit, which was honestly such a good plan. His mom was a genius.

Unfortunately, Percy didn’t get to spend nearly as much time as he would have liked resting before he heard a knock on the door. His eyes shot open. Oh, great. Who is it now? I hope it’s Annabeth. With a huff, he pushed himself up and stalked towards the door. He was not ready for the sight that greeted him, although he definitely should have expected it. King Poseidon, just staring at him. Not moving, or anything. Just staring. Percy jolted. “Oh! Hey, Dad. Do you… um. Do you wanna come inside?” Poseidon nodded, and Percy stepped aside as the man walked into his room, pausing to look around for a moment before taking a seat on the edge of his bed. Percy remained standing.

Poseidon said nothing he rested his elbows on his legs, staring forward. No changes to his face, nor his posture. For all Percy could tell, his father might very well have turned into a statue. Still, he waited for his father to say something, anything. But nothing came. And eventually, Percy couldn’t take it anymore. Time to face the music. So he started with pointing out, “You’re mad.”

That got a reaction. His father sighed, rubbing his forehead with a frown. The man finally spoke. “I’m not… mad. I am… decidedly confused. Unsure. Perhaps slightly annoyed… But not mad. I… I just,” he turned to look at his son with beseeching eyes, “I would like to understand. What is happening? What happened?”

Percy leaned on the wall opposite to his father and rubbed the back of his neck. “I won the tournament. So, I got to have one wish. And now… me and Annabeth are getting married.”

Poseidon stared at him. Clearly, the explanation of what had occurred did him no favors. His father now said, “This was planned. Your goal was this the entirety of the tournament.” It was a statement, rather than a question. Evidently, he was starting to catch on. The man looked up at the ceiling, bewildered, “I just, it doesn’t- When did this start?”

Percy grimaced. “When did what, specifically start? That’s kind of important.”

His father shot him a look. “How?”

“Are you talking about when the plan to get married started? Or are talking about when me and Annabeth, in general, started?”

The confused king was once again rubbing a hand down his face. “So you, and Lady Annabeth… you have been… ‘a thing’? For a while now, clearly. Yes. When did that start?”

Percy stared up, unwilling to look in his father’s eye as he admitted, “Since the night we first met.” A choked sound came out in front of him. That’s fair.

The king was staring at the ground now, mouthing words. After a few minutes of painfully awkward silence, he lifted his head to again look at his son, “I remember that party. Triton’s birthday, and the same day Athena first brought her child along on one of her investigations. But you two didn’t stop glaring at each other the entire time! How did that, lead to this?!”

Percy remembered it rather clearly as well. “It was after the party. I caught Annabeth sneaking out of her room. She wanted the go see our Grand Falls, since Zeus and Athena had both hyped them up to her. She was trying to sneak out and get back before anyone noticed she was gone, but I knew there was no way she’d make it in time. So, mostly on a whim, I decided to take her using the shortcut in the Palace’s lake. And then I learned she actually wasn’t super stuffy and impossible to talk to. She must have seen something in me too, I guess, but I’ve got no clue what that was. But, one thing led to another, and now… here we are.”

“Right,” his father snorted, “And where exactly is here?”

“Lovers, I suppose,” Percy shrugged. “Well, fiancées now.”

Poseidon stared, understandably incredulous. “Lovers. Every time you looked at each other, your gazes would slide over as if the other wasn’t there. And you would describe yourselves as lovers.”

“Yep,” Percy confirmed. “That started at the Falls too. Looking back on it, Annabeth was definitely pushing me to take her back there. She had the whole thing planned out. It was… maybe three years ago now. I dunno, maybe four.”

It was as if Poseidon’s jaw would unlatch from his mouth and clatter to the floor, it was so stretched. “If it’s been that long, how has no found out?! You mainly saw each other at our palace!”

Percy shrugged. “We were careful. Also, Mom and Grover covered for us.”

“Sally knew?!” Poseidon spluttered, “And Mr. Underwood as well??”

“Of course Mom knows.” Percy chuckled a little as he pointed out, “I’m pretty she knew before we did. And Grover… found out.”

“Was Amphitrite aware of this? Or Triton and Tyson?”

“I’m honestly not sure.” Percy admitted. “But it’s pretty likely they at least suspected.”

Poseidon shook his head. “So then, I was the only one not at all aware of this? That my son had found someone to hold in his heart? So many times, I’ve asked you about considering marriage, and every time, you’ve refused. Why didn’t you just tell me?”

It was Percy’s turn to shoot his father a look. “Dad, think for a minute. I’m getting married to Annabeth, who, in case you somehow forgot, is Athena’s daughter. We figured letting either of you guys know would be the equivalent of signing a contract to never see each other again.”

Poseidon paused at the point, considering. He rubbed the back of his neck as he did so, a mirror to his son. “I suppose… it was rather likely I wouldn’t have reacted, well, favorably. Neither would Athena. That’s why you went through with the tournament, then? Specifically to circumvent us?” When Percy gave a nod, the king huffed. “Fair enough. You’ve… succeeded. Neither me nor Athena would be able to stop this now.”

Percy looked at his father, considering asking him what was bouncing around in his mind. Well, I’ve already come this far. Might as well ask. “Do you want to?”

“Hm?”

“Stop us. Do you want to stop us?”

Poseidon was staring at the ground now. Percy could see the uncertainty on his father's face, carefully thinking over how he wanted to proceed. Eventually, he shook his head. And when he spoke, his words came slowly, and thoughtful. “No… I don’t believe I do. I will not lie and say that I am ecstatic, or even particularly pleased. I feel far too conflicted. But… you were acting in a matter you thought right. As a way to secure happiness for both yourself and your love. I could not begrudge you for that. Nor do I intend to cause problems now that you’ve gotten it.”

He felt his shoulders slump in relief. “Thanks, Dad,” Percy said gratefully. “I know this whole thing getting dumped on you isn’t fun, so I appreciate it.”

Poseidon gave a short nod, and carefully stood up. “Well then. I still have some questions, but they can be left for another time. I have to get to Zeus’ palace soon. The celebrations for your win are underway. I just wanted to check in with you before I went.”

“Good luck.” Percy told him as he opened the door. “There’s no way Zeus doesn’t give you the lamest job since I won.”

Poseidon sighed. “I suspect you’re right.” He walked passed Percy, but stopped right beneath the doorway.

“Dad?”

King Poseidon turned one last time to face his son with a much more certain expression. “Percy. Do not mistake my feelings. Yes, I am… unsure about the results of this tournament. But regardless. Watching you, confident and strong as you faced down you’re every challenge, was one of the greatest experiences you have allowed me to participate in. Right up there with watching you grow into the man you are today. So, whatever changes this event will bring upon us, I will remain proud of you. Do not doubt that.”

Dammit, Dad. I really didn’t need to be told something like that right now. Percy glanced down at the floor as he smiled, trying to blink away tears. “I won’t Dad. Promise.”

His father nodded, and decided to leave him with one last bit of info. “By the way. The rest of your peers have gathered on a floor here. When you are feeling up to it, you should go find them.” And away Poseidon walked, towards the single greatest structure built by humans, and also likely a lot of sweeping.

Percy closed his door, and fell more than sat down on his bed. Alright, so Dad decided not to throw me out of the house for marrying his arch-enemy’s daughter. That was nice of him. So… Now what? I feel way too awake from that whole conversation. I can go find Annabeth, I suppose. I haven’t talked to her since the tournament’s first round. Although, she’s probably dealing with Athena. If I walked in, I would definitely lose my head. Percy only thought for a few more moments before making up his mind. “I guess I’ll go find the others. He said they’re on the first floor, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find them.”

And it really wasn’t. Percy was only walking a few minutes through the deserted halls before hearing a clamor stemming from the room with its door ajar up ahead. He knocked on the door before striding in. “Hey guys, how are you all doing?”

No one seemed to notice him, except one girl in particular. While the rest of them were all concentrated on their little groups, Thalia walked up to him with a grin. “Well, well, well. Look who finally decided to show up. Too busy hyping yourself up to hang out with us now that you managed to snag your girl?”

Percy shot her a deadpan look. “I was actually doing this thing called being tired. Something I’m pretty sure you’ve never experienced.” As Thalia laughed in response and shrugged a little, Percy turned to look at the several groups that were in the room. “So, what’s up with them?”

Thalia shrugged again. “We’re all bored. Dad’s having us wait here while gets the servants and council members to set up the party, which is both really thoughtful for him, and also super annoying. I’m so sick of just sitting around.”

“Riiight.” Percy’s voice trailed off as he looked around at the various scenes before him. Piper had a slight frown on his face as she turned slightly away from Jason, who was frantically waving his hands in the air. She’s probably annoyed at Jason for beating her. Although, judging by the wink she sent Percy, she was likely just messing with her uptight boyfriend.

In the corner of the room, Frank had both of the Stoll brothers confronting him about something. The height difference between them made the scene a bit more comical than any of them likely intended. “Seriously!” Travis shouted as he lifted his arms. “An elephant! A bear! An eagle! Any of those would have worked! Why would you forfeit to her?!” He gestured towards the group on the other end of the room, where Hazel was with her brother and Will Solace, seemingly unaware or the discussion concerning her. Connor nodded beside his brother with what was likely the most menacing face he could manage. Frank, for his part, just looked away with crossed arms, although Percy could definitely see his cheeks were dusted with red.

Thalia laughed beside him. “They’ve been at that for a while. Travis is pissed the guy who beat him, with easily one of the most amazing magics in the room, forfeited his next match to the sweetest girl in existence.” She nodded her head at a brunette girl who was sat down with her head in her hands. “As you can see, even Katie’s given up on calming them down.”

Percy shook his head with a grin. “Poor guy. He’s trying his best.” And then he nodded his head at the last big group. “And what about them?” Nico and Hazel had their eyes closed and hands together, concentrating. At both of their feet were an assortment of stones. Hazel’s were much prettier than Nico’s, but his were several times larger. Will was watching both of them with rapt attention

Thalia nodded as she let Percy know, “They’re showing Will the different kinds of stones they can summon.” And then she leaned closer to whisper, “Also, I am ninety percent sure this is Hazel’s way of getting Nico to show off in front of Will.” Huh. Good job Hazel.

He was just about to go up and give her a congratulatory pat on the head when the door behind them suddenly burst open. Every head in the room turned to face the entrance, to where a woman now stood. Percy couldn’t help the grin that appeared on his face as he laid eyes on her. Annabeth. He was looking at both his love, and finally, finally, his fiancée. He was just about to pull her into a hug, when he noticed the state she was in. She was panting, with her hands on shaky knees. Clearly, she’d been in a hurry. “Annabeth?” he asked uncertainly.

When she lifted her face to look right at him, there was fear in her eyes. “Something happened to Luke. He’s going to destroy the city.”

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Earlier…
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Annabeth sighed as she watched her mother pace back and forth, back and forth. It didn’t stop. She had been at this for too long. But Athena did not waver as she strode across Annabeth’s room and back. She had been at it for the better part of twenty minutes, and showed no signs of slowing down. Eventually unable to take it, Annabeth decided to bite the bullet. She rolled her eyes and finally asked, “Well?”

Athena stopped to glare at her. “‘Well?’ Is that really all you have to say for yourself?”

Annabeth shrugged. “I’m pretty comfortable with my situation. So, yes, it is.”

Athena huffed as she finally paused her walk cycle to cross her arms. Evidently she couldn’t completely control herself, as very quickly her foot started tapping on the floor. And I’m supposed to be the hyperactive one. Her mother looked incredulous. “Content?! You are marrying the son of Poseidon! Of all people, him!!”

“I was there, remember.” Annabeth pointed out. “I know exactly who I agreed to marry.”

Athena sighed as she rubbed her forehead. “Where did this all go wrong?”

“At King Poseidon’s castle,” Annabeth very unhelpfully let her mother know, “Although, personally, I really wouldn’t call this ‘wrong’.”

Her mother was glaring again. “No? I suppose this must have been your plan the entire time. To get married to him. Was this meant to be some kind of act of defiance? Do you hate me as your mother that much that you chose the last person I would approve of as your escape plan?”

“Mom,” Annabeth sighed, “I’ll admit you aren’t the best mother. But this had nothing to do with you. Is it really that hard to believe that I’m in love with him?” Athena chose to glare at the wall, rather than respond. “Can you really not really a flicker of happiness? I’m getting married! And to someone I actually love, at that!”

Athena resumed walking. “You’ve been hiding your relationship to Prince Perseus. Likely for years. All the while, putting on a face of blank agreement whenever we discuss the problems with the family. It’s so obvious now, what you were hiding. What you’ve been hiding. I’m supposed to be happy about that?”

“Because of this very reaction!” Annabeth pointed out. “You’re my mother. I knew exactly how telling you would end from the very beginning. So of course I never let you know!”

“Hm. And now,” Athena questioned, “What do you intend to do? I presume you will not take back your acceptance. Now what?”

Annabeth looked up at the ceiling. “We suffer through Zeus’ party. And then… I suppose I’ll leave with Percy’s family. Go to Atlantis. We already know where we want the wedding to be held. All that’s left is to go there and set it all up.” Athena said nothing, staring at Annabeth instead. She could read the expression on her mother’s face. After a few more minutes of unbearable silence, Annabeth stood up. “It’s rather obvious you won’t be satisfied by anything I have to say, so I’ll take my leave now.”

She had just gotten her hand on the door knob when Athena whispered behind her. “That’s it, then? You intend to leave me behind.”

Annabeth gave one last sigh, and addressed Athena without facing her. “ You know, it would be a bit of a stretch, calling you a good mother. Or even just a decent one.” Athena said nothing in response. “But… you are my mother. That hasn’t changed in nineteen years. I don’t intend on causing a shift now. So… you are invited to the wedding. I discussed it with Percy a while ago. We’ll probably end up holding it in Atlantis since neither of us want to make to big of a deal out of it. So it’s up to you on showing up. But regardless of if you come or not, I’m choosing to live how I want to now. No one else is stopping me.” And she walked out the room, closing the door behind her. The ball was in he mother’s court now.

She only took a few steps before pausing to consider what she’d just done. I told her. I did it. No matter what happens now, she won’t get in our way. Annabeth could help herself as she skipped down the hallway towards to stairs. She was content. They had gotten past their last few obstacles. And she knew for a fact Percy would never allow her dreams to be held back. She was free to pursue her desires. Annabeth… was happy.

It’s a shame that happiness was destroyed so easily.

She was passing by a hallway leading down a different corridor when she felt it. Instantly, her body froze, as what felt like several tons of pressure was placed upon her. Annabeth gasped. What’s happening? What can’t I move? Why can’t I breathe? Forcing every inch of her body, She turned to face down the other corridor. It’s quiet, but… I hear voices. Is that, what’s doing this to me? Should… should I investigate? But this feeling, it… It was easy to recognize. All of a sudden, Annabeth was feeling scared. To be more accurate, she was terrified.

Of what, she had no idea. But it had to be coming from down that hall. She only allowed herself to deliberate on the matter for a few more moments before making up her mind. No! Whatever the thing that's causing this feeling is, it’s dangerous. It could be a threat to everyone here. I am NOT running away. Now certain about her course of action, she dug her straw hat out of her pouch and slapped it on, before drawing her knife. I’m invisible. I'm armed. I’ll be fine. Now, MOVE, dammit!

Gritting her teeth, Annabeth very slowly started inching her way forward. It was tough work, especially when it took all of her concentration just to keep her body in motion. Keep going! I have to find out what it is! The voices she had heard previously were starting to get louder. One very obviously belonged to a man in excruciating pain. That was already bad enough. But it was the second voice that gave her pause. The voice… was unlike anything she’d ever heard before. It’s as if the voice is a knife, cutting into my soul. Annabeth steeled herself to face what the cause was as she slowly reached the end of the hall. One last turn… and it took everything she had to keep from gasping from the sight before her.

On the floor, writhing in agony as he gripped his skull, was Luke. Sweat poured from the man’s forehead as he jerked his head this way and that. Gasps came, labored and short. He was suffering, and hard. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the worst of it. As much as Annabeth wanted to whip off her cap, help him up, ask him what was wrong, she couldn't hope to even move. Because swirling around Luke was what seemed to be… smoke? Purple smoke, that seemed to originate from the handle of the blade in Luke’s sheath. It’s smoke. It shouldn’t be that dangerous. But every bone in my body is telling me that that… thing is the owner of the other voice.

Her theory was confirmed seconds later, after Luke’s head bashed onto the stone floor with a resounding crack, and he shouted in pain. The voice emerged. “oH, QuiT yOur whINnig. SuCH a simPle jOb. aLL you HaD to Do wAS beSt posEidON’s wheLP. And yeT yOu FaiLEd. tHIs iS WhAt yOU dEseRVe!”

Luke let out another strangled gasp. “H-he was too str-rong! I-I didn-t exp-!”

“SiLenCE!!” The voice roared. Annabeth gulped as silently as she could manage. What is this thing? “iN tHe EnD, iT MaTterS Not. i Will siMPLY do WHat I shOUld hAve FroM thE StaRT!” And then, to the girl’s supreme horror, the smoke started to move in.

Luke started thrashing about even harder. “No-o,” He cried, “Ple-ease!” The plea fell on deaf ears as his body raised itself up as the smoke continued to pour within him. Before Annabeth, something was happening, something incomprehensible. Something she was certain spelt the ruin of everything she held dear. Luke’s eyes closed, and the jerking motions of his body slowly calmed down. After just a few moments, Luke’s body was stood up, peaceful and motionless, as if the last minute had been nothing but a false reality. And yet, Annabeth didn’t dare to move as she continued to observe his body.

A choice that proved wise when Luke’s eyes snapped open. But she was no longer looking at eyes with Luke’s familiar bright blue hue, but instead a deep, deep, golden. She had no clue what was happening, but she was frightened beyond belief. And then, the body started moving.

“Ahhhhh,” a sigh was let out as arms stretched up and out. “That feels much better.” Annabeth could barely hold in a shiver. The voice that now came out of the body was an unsettling mix of Luke’s kind voice, and the other being’s frightening one. The Thing stretched out his hands. “A body, once more. Perfect. I truly shouldn’t have bothered with this tournament from the beginning. As nice as it would have been to see that wretched upstart lose his throne right before his eyes, because of his very own rules, nothing quite compares to the mere idea of sinking my blade into his throat. Speaking of which.”

The Thing drew his sword out his scabbard, and Annabeth was sure he was about to cut her down. Instead, with a nasty grin, the man held out his sword and squeezed it’s hilt rather hard. The sword started shaking, and slowly metal along the blade started falling away, revealing a weapon she had never seen before. Wha-at? Is that steel, alongside Celestial Bronze? What kind of sword is that? How did he make that from Luke’s blade? Was it… always that kind of blade? What is going on!? What is this thing?!

The sight of the sword filled her with fear. Unfortunately, it had a different effect on it’s wielder. His reaction to it was to increase the size of his grin. “Excellent. It’s all falling back into place.” He turned now, and closed his eyes. “They should be out there…” When a few moments passed, his eyes opened again, still that chilling gold. “Good, the monsters are all ready. Very soon, I will take back what is right mine.” And then, the single most terrifying thing happened.

He turned back around to directly face Annabeth.

She gasped. The Thing looked her right in the eyes as he let her know, “And there isn’t a damn thing your council can do about it. Good luck, my dear.” And as he walked away from her still invisible body he started to laugh a maddening cackle. “AHAHAAHaHahaaaaa…”

Annabeth was breathing in deeply. No, worse. She was hyperventilating. What, no, wha-what happened? What’s go-oing on? How did…? She didn’t know how long it was taking her to calm down. She was trying to do it as quickly as possible, but it just wasn’t working. Everything, including her reactions and emotions, just felt so… slow. Very quickly, only one train of thought was left pounding in her head. I need to find Percy. Or we all die.