Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Percy POV
“Hey mum I was wondering if we could talk?”, it’s only been 2 weeks since I was reunited with my mother, let’s just say I have not left the house in 2 weeks. “Of course, honey, what do you need?”,

My time away has not just affected me, but my mother, I know she is worried about me, I mean I disappeared for 6 months, showed up, with more scars, a tattoo (kind of), and a vague story of fighting giants and Tartarus.

I don’t want to worry her, about Greek stuff, so I try to keep it PG for her as much as possible. “I was wondering if you could help me set up an altar”. My mum’s face morphed into confusion, she offered to set up altars before when I was 12, but I didn’t feel like I needed it or religious.

So obviously this is a big change. “of course, sweetie, we can go to the shops, and grab some stuff, is it for your father?” that is the great thing about my mum she is so supportive. “Gods no, this isn’t for my father, it's for my sister.”,
Wait did I even explain to her about Kymopoleia?
“Who?” OMG kymopoleia was right, it's okay sister I'll save you.

If anyone asks, I did not break down when I told my mum, the situation kymopolelia was in. “and I don’t understand how dad could do this, and she was so close to fading, and Jason said he going to build a temple, what good a temple if there no one worshipping you.

So, I must so I can save my sister. I just don’t understand how he could do this”, as I said I did not break down, at all. I was not on the floor, with my mum hugging me while rocking me back and forth like she used to do when I was younger, not at all, have no idea what you are talking about.

After Mum made sure I was alright, she went into I have read millions of books about having a neurodivergent child, and I have been to multiple courses for parents who have ADHD kids and are on a mum support group, mode.

“Okay, sweetie this is what we are going to do. We are going to make a plan and list, you write a list of everything we need, and ill see where we can buy it. Then if you are up to it, we can go buy them and make the best altar you have ever seen.

“On the website, I said we need cloth, so I presume that could be fabric, and it says for example when making an altar for Demeter use a green or earthy greenish cloth for her altar. So maybe like a dark blue.”
Hm,m my mum nodded, “We could find a dark blue fabric at Spotlight, I will add that to the list”.

We set ourselves out at the dining table, I had my computer open, with multiple websites open on how to make an altar, and my mum is on Her’s researching about kymopoleia, so we could educate ourselves.
And amongst us, we had plenty on the list and notebooks opened. “Can you read me the list so far Percy”. I’m in charge of looking at stuff to add to the altar “blue cloth, blue candle, seashells, a picture/image or statue of them. Stuff to do with their domain to add for offerings. A bowl to burn shit”.

We have done a lot in half an hour, “Percy language”, I smile and stick out my tongue. “How do you feel about going out to buy them now, or do you want to draw a picture first?” honestly, I did need to get out of the house.
“Can we go a buy stuff for kymopoleia,” Ugh dad why did you have to name your children impossibly hard names to pronounce. “of course, it why I offered sweetheart.”, I roll my eyes at my mum blatant teasing. “Go grab your bag, and don’t” ….” don’t forget the headphones I know mum”.

--time skips yay!- -

I clear a space in my room and wipe down the bench top before I go to clean my hands.
In the notes I took it says you should purify your body before you pray, which I figured out just means wash your hands, so I presume I should do that, before setting up her altar. Tomorrow, I decided I will see if their certain prayers I should do.

I lay the dark blue fabric down on my bench top, which will serve as the foundation if my altar. I got kymopoleia a blue candle that smells like wild berries.
Behind the candle I place the drawing of her I made. It wasn’t the best, and it only went by shoulder length, but I added her cool-ass hair.
Kymopoleia had multi-colored hair, from different shades of dark blue, mixed with black. I didn’t know how well I did, but I tried to add different shades, with the colors I have.

I added some seashells I had in my cupboard, added the burning bowl on the side and my altar is complete for now. I still had a lot of other ideas of stuff I could add but this would do for now. One of my other ideas was to make a bracelet, consisting of dark blue, grey and black colors.

Plus, it would be a fun activity mum, and I could do together. Mum loves beading, so I also got really into it, drew says that I make the perfect jewelry, and I should sell it. I don’t think I’m that good, but that is why I love drew, she always has a way of uplifting people, maybe I should invite her to bead with my mum and I.

right, I should probably start praying, I take another look at my notes, it says to address their domain and power, well here goes nothing. “Oh, great kymopoleia, goddess of violet seas and storm, I pray to you now,”
taking another break and looking at my notes, ‘clearly address why you are praying.’ Why, umm for comfort, friendship, and family, I guess.

Wow, that sounds so cheesy. “I pray to you on this humble day for kinship and, and comfort.” Panicking I look back on my notes, ‘Show gratitude and thanks’, so praise them, I can do that. Your storms are great and fierce, and that reflects you. Many might fear your power, but I don’t all I see is kin,”

this is where I completely get off track, “Like a song, I forgot its name, but it goes, I see my reflection in your eyes. Both of us cause chaos and destruction. Which makes people weary of us, I mean Annabeth is now terrified of me because of my powers. Luckily, we both have a Jason, well actually it’s the same Jason, but potato, potatoe. Do you know that saying?

Has Jason told you his progress, he started to design the temple. I see some photos of his sketches in our group chat, with neeks. I told him he should add some more wave designs and a lot of blue.
I hope that is okay. But Jason very excited about his new projects, is tabling the action figure for now, and focusing on the table, but Nico, our cousin, the son of Hades, has finished the design of the mythomagic card and has sent it through to the company.
It looks awesome.

I hope the altar is okay, it’s my first one.

Oh, right I got a cookie to burn for you, I made it with Mum, Its blue, and is a peanut butter cookie. I hope you like it.” I put the cookie in the bowl and got matches to burn it.
Afterward, I thought, “Wait do you even, like peanut butter, have you ever tasted peanut butter, oh no what if you are allergic to nuts, wait can gods be allergic, I guess not, I should probably go, how do I end this again.”

Checking my notes I nod before finishing, “So I pray to you oh great Kymopoleia goddess of violent storm, I thank you for your guidance, amen.” Wait should I have said amen, is it just a Christian thing? I'll add that to the research list.

Kym POV

I was sitting on my rock watching two whales argue. Really whales can be so dramatic, when I hear a prayer, since Gaea was defeated, Jason my priest has been praying to me, with his self-made altar, updating me on the process of the temple and other items.
When I realize it is not my priest but my little brother, I wonder why he is praying to me. I thought he would have hated me after I acted.

Which is a shame, I used to love my demigods’ siblings. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time, and maybe I could have trained the little Kraken as I did with my other siblings, atlas I can’t rewind time to fix my mistakes.

Hmm praying for kinship and comfort, now I never heard that one before. Thank you, my storm is great, but still what prompted you little brother to pray to me? I frown as I hear my brother's troubles, I did sense much power in him, when I saw him, though he did not use it.

I wondered if that was why, that he didn’t want his friends to fear him like this Annabeth now does.

He talks more about Jason and his processes, as I contemplate my brother's plight. It seems we have more in common than I originally thought. Both are feared by others, even our friends turn on us.

I smile you made me an altar, little Kraken, how sweet. Oh, and a cookie. I burst out laughing as he contemplates if gods can have allergies. Maybe, there is still a chance of being a sister gain and being part of a family.

Chapter Text

Kymopoleia POV

Over the next five days, my little brother continued to pray to me and burnt a range of sweet treats. Not once did he talk about our father or any other god, it was usually about his schoolwork, our demigod cousins, how my temple goings, and stuff he found interesting. He never once asked something of me, protection, vengeance, nothing, he was just doing it for me.
It was strange, but I knew through others that my brother was a strange being like that.

Usually, my demigod brothers would have massive egos, or talk about how they pleased our father, Perseus was nothing like that. Maybe just maybe he was treated by his father, how I was. Hmm, if they do not want us to be a part of their family, maybe Perseus, me, and perhaps his mortal mother could be a family unit. I felt a smile begin to form, yes. It's decided, I will bond with my little brother.

Appearing where my altar is, I land in a bedroom. It was small, certainly not a space for a prince of the sea. This only further proves my theory. My little brother was not in this room, but my altar was, and how pretty it was.
My little brother did such a good job. I looked further, but I could not see any other altars. So strange, I open the door, leading to what it seems like to be a lounge room, dining room, study, and kitchen in one, mortals are so strange.

Going to the study area I see Perseus on the couch, with a laptop. “Hello little brother” I stifled a laugh when my little Kraken jumped at my voice.

“Kymopoleia what are you doing here?”

“What can’t a sister visit her brother?”

“Not in this family, no.”

My smile widens so my theory is correct it seems. I tilt my head looking at his laptop, where I point, “What are you doing”, my brother puts on such a curious expression it reminds me of a seal.

“schoolwork” Ahh yes, Perseus talked about this in his prayers, since he was kidnapped, he missed six months of school, therefore, he has signed up for ‘online schooling’,
where and I quote “So I’m going to try to complete a year worth of schoolwork, test, and assignments in 6 months.”

“What subject little brother?” I step closer to him, if its history or English I could probably help, he seems to be doing alright in science and math by himself if the prayers are anything to go by.
“English assignment I need to write a 2000-word essay on the freedom writers’ book, about the text organization and the Dramatic Conventions”.
Never mind, I will not be able to help.

“How’s it going?”, Perseus continues staring at me, “I have finished the draft, why are you here?”
“I’m bored, and I figured I'll hang out with you. Do you have much more to do today” It was like 2 pm in New York, so I hoped not. It would be such a sad existence if he still had more to do today.
“Nah I don’t have much more”
“Perfect, we shall hang out then”
I proceeded to teleport us into the ocean, boy was it fun to see my brother shriek and scream something about not again?

Percy POV

I was having a fairly good day, Mum and Paul were at work, so I was left alone to do my schoolwork. I wish we thought of homeschooling before, it’s so much easier, hem I can stim without being criticized, and I have no one underestimating me or condescending to me while I’m trying to work.
I can put on music while I’m working and sit wherever. I never want to go back to regular schooling ever again.
I Facetime Nico and Hazel at lunchtime, and we were going to meet up tomorrow for lunch, but everything came to a head when a goddess appeared in my living room.

Not just anyone but my sister Kymopoleia. Not that I was going to tell anyone, but I was happy to see her.
However, I was confused about why she was here. She wasn’t fooling me with caring about my school, though that would be nice if the gods would take into account, I’m a high school student with exams to do!!!!
When suddenly I’m not in my home but in the water, “not again”, I hate it when the gods do that. I hear my sister laugh at my suffering. Good to know that Godly siblings were similar to the mortals.

“I knew you had alteriate motive” I half-jokingly shriek at her. My sister just feigns an innocent smile.

“What motives am I’m just hanging out with you Perseus?”, urgh I hate it when people call me that, usually it means I’m in trouble(by mum), I’m going to fight for my life(monster and gods), or they going to try to kill me(gods and monsters), I guess the last two go hand in hand, BUT STILL.

“Urgh don’t call me that”, Kymopoleia didn’t look angry at my outburst(phew).

“Don’t call you Perseus?”, hmm, wait a god being genuine to me, I knew I picked you as my favorite godly family member for a reason.

“No, I don’t like it, it just reminds me of the awful behavior of the heroes”, did I say heroes spitefully and with disgust of course? I hate Hercules.

“Alright Percy, if I call you that, you shall call me Kym” Kym, well it will be much easier to say, that’s for sure.

“Alright, Kym” I hold out my hand for her to shake it, to stir the pot I jokingly add “I don’t have to tell you how a handshake works. Do I?”

Kym feigns being hurt, “How dare you, I am up to touch with your mortal ways, the handshake was invented in the 5th century BC in Greece mind you”

Huh, I did not know that you learn something new every day. We shake hands sealing the deal, we will not call each other by our long and hard-to-say names.

I should probably get back on track. like why the hell I was here. “Why did you bring me out here Kym”.

“Well, I have heard how powerful my little baby brother is. Maybe I want to see for myself.” I try not to scoff at my sister's teasing. “You a powerful goddess want deigns to fight me a lowly demigod?” I tease back. I swear Kym's laugh could be heard for miles.

“What shall you say brother to a friendly spar amongst siblings”, she asks as she mocks a bow.
“Hmm fight until one bleeds?”
“You’re on Percy.”

Chapter Text

Kym POV
I examine my conversation with Percy, as we spar. I got to admit he is quite good, probably better on the surface. I wondered if anyone trained him properly. Cause he certainly not fighting the Atlantean way.

I'll must ask some Nereids about it. They know everything and everyone. I was admittingly confused as to why he had such revulsion for his name. Perseus was a fine name; I thought at first maybe he hated it because it meant destroyer or because he was named after Zeus brood.

Though I would never have guessed it was because it was a hero’s name. Did he not believe he is a hero? He saved Olympus multiple times, surely not. Whoever convinced my little Kraken he was not a hero would suffer greatly.

My little brother was indeed great with a sword, I understood why some claim he is the best swordsman in a hundred years, but I wondered what he could do with a trident. Though I have not hung out with him much, I did not see one in his room or when we had our first encounter.
Perhaps Father enchanted it, like his sword.

Finally, I swipe Percy, calling first blood, “Well done little brother, very impressive”. Percy smiled at me, “You too”, aww I forgot how cute my little siblings could be. “Shall we spar again this time with our tridents.”
I did very much indeed want to see my brother skill with our family signature weapon.

Percy did something very confusing he laughed. “Good one Kym”, I frowned what did he mean? “I do not jest brother.”

This time Percy furrowed his eyebrow “What do you mean?”
I came to the sudden realization that my brother indeed had no idea what I was talking about.
My concern quickly morphed into rage. “My father gifts each of his demigod children a trident on their 12th name day.”

Percy's expression flashed to sorrow and dejection before he tried to cover it with a bantering expression. “Huh must have changed it up recently, I mean honestly keep using the same gift idea over and over again. lame anyway want to continue sparring”

I swear, for a second, I could hear pleading in the latter. Did he think I would turn him away for not having a trident? I’m not like the others, and I must find a way to prove that to my little Kraken.
I entertain Percy's plead, “Yes perhaps he has, I have not seen him for decades anyway, you may start the spar first brother.” The research and learning of what my brother has been through has just increased tenfold.

Percy POV

After Kym drops me off at home, saying she will see me soon. I don’t think she meant it to sound like a threat, but it certainly did.

I did have fun, but I also had a lot to weigh. Did my dad really give his past children presents? From the way Kym said, it sounded like it was an obvious fact. Sure, my dad did give me a present for my 15th birthday, but it wasn’t really for me it was for the war effort.
There were also the pearls, but now that I think about it, I was only given them, to retrieve the bolt to stop a war between the brothers. Was I only wanted when there was a battle to win?

I mean it would make sense, I’m barely needed at camp now, and the only people who are my actual friends are my cousins, Clarisse, Drew, and Frank.

Sure, that’s a lot, but compared to when I was 15 when most of the camp was my friend. I mean Annabeth clearly agrees, as soon as I was no longer of use, or she deemed too dangerous she left me. Rachel and I sometimes communicate but she doesn’t need me like before, she is now the oracle, and she has gotten all her questions answered. Grover was too busy to talk and hang out most of the time, but maybe it was a lie by Grover he wants busy he just doesn’t have any need of me anymore.

Was I really that unlovable, my mum doesn’t think so. I mean I have caused her so much trouble, so maybe she only loves me because I’m her family. Mortals are different from the gods; she might feel like it's her obligation.

“Percy sweetie your back” I heard my mum say though it was so quiet compared to my thoughts.
“Percy darling”.

I couldn’t move, I couldn’t speak, oh I hate panic attacks. I felt tears drip down my cheeks. It doesn’t matter I try to tell myself, but I can’t make myself believe it. I should have let them kill me, maybe it would be for the better. I wouldn’t be a pain for my mum, my cousins, my dad, or Kym. I break out into sobs, I faintly feel my mum embrace, me as she rocks me back and forth her hands stroking my hair.

Chapter Text

Percy POV

The next time my sister visits is a weekend, and just in time, too (because I got around to beading her bracelet). “Hello, little brother. What assignment are you working on now?” I jump, hearing her voice behind me, looking over my shoulder. I turn to her, “Why?”
She smiles, “Why am I here or why do I keep scaring you?”, I refrain from rolling my eyes, “Both”
“I’ll answer when you answer my question.” She says smugly, as she sits down next to me.

I’m so glad I’ve convinced Mum and Paul to go on a date today, otherwise this might just kill Paul or Kym with his questions. “I am working on my history, but I also have a science assignment due in two days.”
“One, here to hang out. Two because it’s fun, do you need help, I’m very good at history.”
“Of course you are, you are ancient history after all”, oops, I did not mean to say that out loud. Kym thankfully did not find it insulting and burst out laughing, “Fair little brother, but that does not answer my question.”

“I’m analysing the impact of events like the Great Depression, on society and individuals. I have to do a 2500-word essay, but luckily my next assignment in history is more fun, focusing on the achievements and struggles of women in a specific time period or region. I’m thinking of doing on women in Ancient Greece.”
“Well, I can give you some examples to do for that, my next question how many assignments do you have to do this term?”
“For history, I’ve got 6 assignments to do this term, but all up 24 assignments.” Honestly, it's not bad as I’m trying to term one and term two in like 3 months. Kym on the other hand doesn’t seem to have the same opinions.
“Don’t you also have to take tests and exams”,
“Yes?”
“How in the fates are you doing all that”, I don’t know, but I’m succeeding. “Honestly pure spite”, Kym makes a strange noise, I really want to get off this subject,

“Wait I just remembered, yesterday Drew came over and she and I did a bunch of beading, and I made this for you.”
I handed Kym the bracelet I made her, Drew said it looked amazing, but I wasn’t so sure, the colours consisted of two shades of dark blue, grey and black. Kym examines the bracelet I made her, before developing me into a hug, “This is phenomenal Percy! Thank you, I’ll treasure it forever.”
Kym releases me from the hug, still admiring the bracelet on her wrist. “You know,” she says, twisting it in the light, “This is something. You’ve got an eye for design, little brother.”
“Uh, thanks,” I mumble, feeling my cheeks heat up. I wasn’t sure if the bracelet was her style, but apparently, I nailed it.
She stands abruptly, a sudden glint in her stormy eyes. “This settles it.”
“Settles what?”
“You need a break.”
I blink at her. “A break? Kym, I have assignments to finish, tests to study for—”

She cuts me off with a wave of her hand. “Please. You’re doing enough work to put Atlas to shame, and you’re giving your sister handmade jewellery in your free time? No way am I letting you spend the weekend buried in books. We’re going out.”
“Out where?” I ask, suspicious. She grins, and the temperature in the room seems to drop. “Shopping.”
“Shopping?” I repeat, not sure if I heard her right. “Like… for clothes?”
“Of course, for clothes,” she says, dragging me off the couch. “You can’t just live in camp shirts and sneakers forever. Besides, I want to do something fun with my favourite mortal sibling.”
“That’s because I’m your only mortal sibling.”
She smirks. “Exactly. Now, grab your wallet. This is going to be epic.”

Before I can protest, she snaps her fingers. A gust of wind nearly knocks me over, and when I open my eyes, we’re standing in the middle of a mall. Not just any mall, though—this place is massive, with glowing skylights, fountains, and enough designer stores to bankrupt a minor deity. Kym looks around, hands on her hips, looking very pleased with herself. “Welcome to the mortal temple of capitalism,” she announces. “Let’s get you something legendary.”
“I didn’t even get my wallet,” I tell her, she glances at me in amusement “You wound me, you think I would let my baby brother pay for shit absolutely not. Let go” and with that, she drags me to the nearest clothes store.

The first store Kym drags me into is Vortex Apparel, which feels too on-brand to be a coincidence. The walls are lined with racks of edgy, modern clothes: leather jackets, dark-wash jeans, boots that look like they were made for stomping through apocalypses. A rotating display in the center glitters with jewelry—silver chains, spiked bracelets, and chokers with storm-cloud motifs.
“Okay, little brother,” Kym says, clapping her hands. “First rule of shopping: Don’t hold back. We’re here to make you look powerful.”
“I don’t need to look powerful,” I argue, Kym rolls her eyes and shoves a black bomber jacket into my hands. “Try this on.”
“I don’t think—”
“Try. It. On.” Her tone leaves no room for debate.

Grumbling, I slip the jacket over my shirt. It fits surprisingly well, though the shiny silver trim feels like overkill. “Happy?”
Kym steps back, tilts her head, and squints at me. “Hmm. Close, but no. You need something that says, ‘I might command a storm if you annoy me.’ Here.” She grabs a navy blue hoodie with a stylized wave pattern across the chest and tosses it to me. “Layer it under the jacket. Go on, don’t be shy.”
With a sigh, I pull on the hoodie and shrug the jacket back on. Kym’s grin widens like she’s just won the lottery. “Perfect. You look like the Prince of Tides.”
“Pretty sure that’s an old movie,” I mutter, glancing at myself in the mirror. Okay, it does look kind of cool. “Exactly. Classic. Timeless. Iconic.” She smirks.

“Now for the pants.”
“What’s wrong with my jeans?”
“Everything,” Kym declares, diving into the racks with alarming enthusiasm. “We need something sleek. Functional. Ooh, cargo pants!”
I cringe. “No way.”
“Oh, yes way,” she says, holding up a pair of dark grey cargo. “They’ve got pockets for all your demigod essentials. Daggers, nectar, emergency drachmas—”
“No. Just… no.” I grab a pair of plain black jeans instead. “These will do.”
Kym pouts but doesn’t argue, which feels like a miracle in itself. We head to the register, where the cashier, a girl with piercings and purple hair, gives us a skeptical look. “You’re really buying the whole ‘brooding hero’ look, huh?”
“It’s a work in progress,” I admit. Kym beams.
Once we’re out of the store, I think I’m safe. But then Kym spots another shop, this one filled with bright, flashy colours, and her eyes light up like it’s Christmas.
“Wait, wait,” I protest as she grabs my arm. “I thought we were done.”
“Oh, we’re just getting started,” she says with a wicked grin. “You can’t have one good outfit, Percy. This is an intervention.”
And with that, I’m dragged into the next store, where I quickly learn that there are worse fates than fighting titans: fitting rooms.

---little time skip---

After we go in like 50 stores, Kym is finally satisfied, as she has now replaced my entire wardrobe. “There you now have clothes that fit your standing.” I restrain to roll my eyes at her. Even if it was annoying it was also enduring of Kym to do this. Besides, if she was going to act as the annoying older sister, I was as sure as hell going to act as the annoying younger brother, “I’m hungry!!!!”
“Kymie why are you staving me?”, she turns to me in alarm before realizing I’m joking with her.
“Why don’t you love me” For more dramatic effect I droop on her body.
“owe”
I stare at her agape, she pushed me off her, perfect! I started fake sobbing “You hurt me, how could you I thought you loved me” passer-by gave us a weird look, but I didn’t care it wasn’t like I was going to see these people again.
“Urgh you’re so dramatic brother” Kym rolls her eyes, saying in a frustrated voice, which I knew was just an act. I nod looking sadly at her, “I know I got it from you”
Kym's face was priceless, until she leaped for me, “You’re going to pay for that brat”

Chapter Text

Unluckily when I got home after my mum and Paul did. Once I saw her relieved face, I felt terrible, I didn’t leave a note, what if she thought I got kidnapped again? I didn’t want ever to put my mum in that situation again. My mum raced towards me and hugged me, “Oh thank the gods you are okay.”
“I’m sorry, that would be my fault”, I turn to give my sister a surprised look, she didn't stay last time, just dropped me off. At least I wasn’t the only one who wasn’t paying attention, my mum let go of me, “And who are you if I may ask.”
“Kymopoleia, goddess of violent waves and storms, and Percy’s older sister.” Was it just me or did Kymopoleia say that with pride?
My mum smiled at Kym, “Well, it is lovely to meet you, Lady Kymopoleia. My name is Sally, Percy's mother.” With that, my mum kissed my head and definitely said that last part with pride.
“Though I must ask next time you go out with my son, please at least leave a note, and make him take his phone.” With that last sentence, she glared at me. It wasn’t my fault; I didn’t even get time to grab my wallet.
After Paul got over his shock of seeing a goddess in the living room, he started to bombard her with questions, “So, you’re the goddess of violent sea storms. Does that mean hurricanes too? Or just, like, sudden squalls?”
Oh no, this was going to be much worse than when he met Dad, wasn’t it? Kym on her hand just stared at Paul shocked, like she was noticing him for the first time, “Yes I can do hurricanes if I want.”
“Amazing, when you cause an earthquake or a storm, is it deliberate, or do they just happen when you’re upset? Like divine mood swings?”
“I can do it deliberately, though my mood can upset the weather.” Kym's voice had a strange weariness in her voice.
“If you’re in a stormy mood, is there a way to cheer you up? Maybe Percy should know about it, just in case.”
With that my mum clapped her hands, “Let's make sure a quest is actually comfortable Paul,” she glared at Paul silently telling him to shut up, before she turned to Kym with a smile on her face, “I’m so sorry we have been horrible hosts, can I get you something to drink and eat?”
Kym looked at Paul and Mum before turning to me, whether questioning she should just make her escape now, “I’ll have whatever Percy having” she said before settling herself on the couch, “I’m actually here to make Percy watch the prince of the time since he clearly hasn’t watched it.”
“Maybe some soda and some cookies Mum” is suggested, this seemed to be going okay, at least Kym doesn’t look like she going to murder one of my parents. “Excellent why don’t you help me in the kitchen.”
With that, I left Kym to put on the Prince of Tides and be left with Paul and his questions, as I heard him ask, “What do you think about humans naming storms? Like Hurricane Ian or Tropical Storm Kym. Does that bother you?”
This could clearly go two ways; I got to save Paul before he is incinerated or Kym and him get along swimmingly. “Kymopoleia seems nice” This was Mum’s way of making sure Kym wasn’t hurting me or trying to send me on quests. “Yes, she forced me to go shopping and basically redid my entire wardrobe.” Now that I thought about it where did our bags go?
Maybe Kym put them into my room. “Good, you guys are getting along”
“We’re fine mum, we’ve just doing the usual sibling things.”
“So, annoying the crap out of each other” I laugh at her answer, as we head back to the living room with cookies, brownies, and plenty of soda.
“What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen at the bottom of the ocean?”
“Paul”, my mum exclaims, Kym just holds up her hand, “No it's fine Mrs Jackson-blofis, the weirdest thing I probably have seen at the bottom of the ocean, is when Triton tried to weave it was a disaster.”
I tried to picture Triton weaving, but it didn’t fit his picture, but to be fair, I've only briefly met him twice, so who knows? Well, probably Kym.
“Now I must educate my brother on the wonder of classic movies, would you two like to join us.”
“I would love to,” Paul answered quickly, yep clearly Paul has worked his charm.

---Little time skip (2hr and 12 minutes) ---

“Okay Kym, I guess it was good,” I begrudgingly told Kym. She just smiles smugly at me like she won. “See little brother this is why your wardrobe should be based on this?”
I scoff, “Don’t act like you are only trying to dress me this way, is because the movie's name is the prince of the tide.”
“I would not, I do not scoop to make everything about the sea.” Liar.
“Well clearly next time I need to show you some actual cool ass movies and shows”
“Like what?” now I was tempted to say the little mermaid, but I will wait before I make her watch that one.
“I bet you haven’t even seen Avatar the Last Airbender.”
“Why would I watch a movie about people who can control air?”
Paul and I lean away with horror. My mum mutter now you have done it. Before Paul interludes “The movie is an abomination, the show is the only way to go.” This of course led us to explain the horrors of the movies and make her watch two episodes of Avatar the Last Airbender, while mum started to make dinner, muttering along the line “I cannot with those two.”
“That is so strange, us water benders would easily destroy those fire benders” Kym exclaims. I nod along, “Katara is obviously my favorite,”
“Good I would disown you if she wasn’t Percy,” she turns to Paul, “Who is your favourite?”
“Someone who hasn’t shown up yet. She doesn’t get here until season two.”

Chapter Text

Kym POV
I was going to leave after making him watch The Prince of Tide, honestly, but then I got dragged into watching a TV show, with Percy and his stepfather, and now I’m being bullied by Percy’s mother to stay for dinner, claiming she has made enough. So now I’m stuck between Percy and his stepfather Paul. Luckily Paul was not bombarding me with his question, it was annoying but also quite endearing. I understand why Percy likes him, he is a good substitute father. Unlike other gods I do enjoy mortal food, I was obsessed with pasta for a while refusing to eat anything else. My last obsession with mortal food was fried banana, what a strange concept. Though I have tried my fair share of mortal food I did not recognize one of the things Sally has brought out, I understood the sausages, carrots, and other vegetables but I did not know what this white thing was, but my mother taught me manners so I shall try this new food. I brace myself remember Kym this is for Percy. I take a glance at Percy eating it, he does not seem averse to it, so I quickly put it into my mouth. “What the fuck is this?”
Three heads swivel towards me, “By the fates this is delicious. What is it called?” my traitorous brothers start laughing. Sally lets out a giggle and say “It's cauliflower cheese, with extra cheese. It is one of my comfort foods.” I have no idea what comfort food is but my gods I need more of this cauliflower cheese. Finally, I saw the reason for my father breaking his oath. This woman is a genius, who would have thought of combining cauliflower and cheese. I need to know the recipe. “I NEED MORE” then I remembered my manners, “please.” Sally piled more cauliflower cheese onto my plate, I happily ate it. Percy is laughing at something Paul just said, while I take another bite of the cauliflower cheese, savoring it.
Sally clears her throat, glancing at me with a mix of concern and determination.
“Kym, can I ask you something?” Sally asks me, I pause in mid-bite, “Of course. Is it about the cauliflower cheese? Because, Sally, I swear on the Styx, this is a masterpiece.”
Sally gave me a small smile, “Thank you, Kym. But no, it’s not about the food. It’s... about you.”
Tensing I ask “Me? What about me?”
“Percy was worried about your health, so how are you really.” This question surprised me, why would this mortal care, also my heart warmed with the idea of Percy being worried about me.
I turn to Percy who looks at me with concern and a bit of shame, “Are you okay, Kym? No judgment, just... wondering.” My eyes soften towards him.
Sighing I put my fork down, stupid meddling mortals “Fine. I’m... fine. I mean, what’s the point of saying otherwise? It’s not like you can fix what’s wrong with me. I’m a sea goddess, after all. My problems are as deep as the ocean.”
“Maybe not. But talking about them can help. Even goddesses need support sometimes.” Sally says softly
I glare at her, how dare she presume to know what I need, “I don’t need pity. I’ve survived this long without it.”
Unlike most mortals’ Sally doesn’t back down and stays calm but stern, “I didn’t say anything about pity. But Percy cares about you and views you as family therefore you’ve become part of this family, whether you like it or not. And I’d like to know if my family is okay”
Sally reminded me of my mother when I was younger, it made my heart break, which may be why I answered her, “I’m managing. That’s as good as it gets.”
Sally nodded, seemingly happy with that answer, “Okay. But if managing ever isn’t enough, you can talk to us. To me. You are family now.”
Percy pipes up after shoveling more food down, “Or me. I’m told I’m an excellent listener.”
Paul the strange mortal also contributed, “And I’m here too. Sometimes an outsider’s perspective can help.
I glance at each of them, uncomfortable but also slightly touched, remembering what it’s like to be surrounded by people who care about me, “...Thanks. I’ll think about it.”
After a pause, Sally continues but her tone has shifted to defensive, “There’s something else, though.”
Oh goody, I’ve wondered when the protective mama bear would come out. I raise my eyebrow at her and smirk, “Is this where the integration starts.”
Percy pauses, looking at both of us, “Mum this isn’t necessary.”
We both ignored him as Sally smiled wryly “Not quite. But I do need to make sure of something. Percy means the world to me, Kymopoleia. And I know you’ve had... complicated relationships with other demigods before. I need to know you won’t hurt him—physically or emotionally.”
I bristle, I was prepared for an interrogation, but for her to outright ask if I would hurt my precious kraken. “I would never!”
“I’m not accusing you. I’m asking. Percy’s been through enough already.”
My little Kraken interrupts awkwardly trying to put a stop to this, “Mom, I can handle myself—”
“Percy, I know you can. But I’m still your mother, and it’s my job to protect you.” She turns her attention back to me, “I need to hear it from you.”
I try to bury my pride, this was for Percy, this stupid yet brave mortal could do nothing to make me stop hanging out with my kelpie, but for Percy’s sake so he doesn’t have to feel like he has to choose, I sigh, “I wouldn’t hurt Percy. I swear on the Styx... I care about him. More than I probably should.”
Sally's posture softens as she smiles at me “Thank you, Kym. That’s all I needed to hear.”
Percy’s stepfather tries to lighten the situation we have found ourselves in “Well, I think that settles it. If you’re sticking around, Kym, you’re officially part of the family. And that comes with unlimited cauliflower cheese.”
I manage a small smile to him “You’re a strange mortal, Paul. But I see why Percy likes you.”
Percy grins at us “Told you he’s great.”
I roll my eyes at my brother.

Chapter Text

Kym POV
Percy told me he is going to camp Jupiter to sort shit out there, so we couldn’t hang out this week. I love how my Kraken thinks he can get out of hanging out with me, I just have to go to him, I do want to see my priest again. So, I patiently wait at my temple, as my little kraken and my priest walk up the hill to my temple. I’m trying not to laugh at my father's temple here. However, I do know Jason is planning on fixing that with Percy's help, as my priest has asked me if he should start building temples for my siblings. I haven’t talked to them since Dad exiled me, though I love my little sisters Benthesikyme and Herophile dearly. I groaned as they stopped by Father Temple, maybe I should let them talk about rebuilding or I could be annoying.
“Hello” Both my brother and my priest jumped in shock, pulling out their weapons, I couldn’t help but laugh. “My own brother pulling a sword out on his dear sister. How rude.”
Percy's posture immediately relaxes as he realises it’s me, though he still hasn’t put down his sword, he gives me a smile, “Womp womp.”
Both Jason and I stare at him in shock, Jason is in horror, and I am mainly just confused, what the hell does womp womp mean? It presumes it’s one of those memes Percy is obsessed with.
“Percy,” Jason says strained his voice full of worry, Percy just waves him off as he puts his sword away and hugs me. Oh, if only I could take a picture of my priest's face. Though to be fair I did try to kill my little kraken the last time he saw us together. Wrapping my arms around Percy, I give Jason a smirk.
“So, what are your two plans on father temple or lack of,” I ask my two favourite demigods, trying not to laugh at the sorry excuse of a temple displayed.
“Not much but it needs to be blue and has tridents on it.” My brother replies.
Jason still a little shell-shocked, contributed “Um yes, so far, we have a base sketch, as Percy says the columns will be blue, with a trident on the outside of the entrance. Though we are wondering what else we should decorate on it.”
I inwardly sigh I could be mean to my father, but I would rather not lose my priest as the blame would go to him, “Keep it fairly simple, have a large burning bowl in the middle, some benches for people to sit by, put a water spring in there, and some pearls as decoration.”
Jason nodded, writing this down in his notebook, “But onto other business, the last prayer you sent me you were wondering what other sea deities you should focus on next, my recommendation would be my younger sisters, Benthesikyme and Herophile, I do not believe they have a roman name, and of course my mother.”
Jason flipped to the front of the notebook adding to his checklist, adding Salacia, before freezing and shyly asking, “How do I spell your sister's name?”
Percy burst out laughing, “I know right, and to think I used to assume my name was hard to spell. So glad mum names me and not dad.”
With that, I let out a giggle, though Perseus a strange name for a child of Poseidon, did fit the theme of the complicated name this family has.
“But enough work I came here to what the word?” I paused for dramatic effect; I did not forget the word. “Ahh yes, bonding activities with my top devotees.” With a clap of my hand, I teleported my two devotees to Pizza Hut.
“Now cheese for Percy, Jason what do you want?” I ask going up to the counter.
“Pepperoni?”
“Hi, can I get one Hawaiian, one cheese, and one pepperoni pizza please, wait do you kids want a drink.” Before they could reply to continued talking to the beautiful cashier.
“What am I saying of course you do and 3 cokes please.” I twirl my hair in front of the girl.
“That come to fifty-four dollars”
“On card please.”
After I paid and was handed the drinks I turned to the two boys, “Seriously Kym, pineapple on pizza, I can’t even look at you.”
“If you're not careful brother, will introduce you to a desert burger.”
“a what?” the boy said in unison. I roll my eyes; I definitely wasn’t going to let them eat a desert burger those things were disgusting not to mention so unhealthy.
“Come sit and I’ll explain to you uneducated fools.”
“A desert burger is a chicken burger that also has maple syrup, churros, bacon and occasionally chocolate syrup. Absolutely disgusting but moving on we are going to play icebreaker games.”
Percy was too busy being disgusted by that burger description, and my wonderful priest still looked confused.
“What type of icebreaker game my lady?”
“Dude I’ve got to train the respect out of you,” Percy said to Jason exasperated.
“Don’t you dare Perseus; it’s refreshing to talk to someone who has manners. And to answer your question, Jason, I was thinking we ask each other questions and we all have to answer. We only get one pass.”
To be all fair the only reason I was doing this was because I was stumped with what to get my kraken for the winter solstice. It might only be the fourth month, Pyanepsiṓn, but hey gift planning takes a while.
“Cool, I'll go first what y’all favourite colour, you better already know mine.” Percy started
“First of all, blue, second my favourite colour is pale yellow and electric blue,” Jason answered Percy.
“Okay descriptive, we’re not in English class”
“Shut up Perce, English is the best subject.”
“Okay boomer”
“I thought we agreed we only called Hazel and Nico that.”
“I can’t help it when you act like a boomer.”
“By what saying English is my favourite colour.”
I stared at them amused, was this what my father and uncle were like? Very interesting.
“Well, my favourite colour is medium sapphire blue,” I say interrupting the boys.
“See.” Jason argues, “She also uses descriptive language.”
“Well, she's definitely a boomer, because she's ancient.” Percy retorts. Okay, rude. I’m younger than Triton so there.
“What is your favourite type of ice cream,” I ask, before Percy my traitor brother can insult me more or Jason and Percy start brawling. “My favourite is cookie and cream, discuss.”
“bubble-gum ice cream”
“Is it because its blue Percy.”
Percy who didn’t look even look guilty answered, “yes, what about it.”
To my surprise Jason laughs, yes finally I thought my priest couldn’t laugh. “Well, my favourite is salted caramel, and if I’m not mistaken it’s my turn to ask question. Would you rather be an avenger and x-men.”
I have no idea what either one is, “x men duh.” Percy replies,
“Same bro, X-men is just superior.”
Luckily, I was saved from answering by the pizza. “One cheese, one pepperoni and one Hawaiian pizza?”

Chapter Text

Pyanopsion was always a dark month for his family, it was the month, he and his wife lost a daughter, his children as sisters, and Atlantis a princess. Pyanopsion was the month of Princess Kymopoleia death, two hundred and eighty-seven years ago.
His beautiful dangerous and mischievous Kym, his second daughter. I stare sadly at Kym’s favouite plushie I got her a few thousand years back; it was a blue seahorse. The sun sparkled over the waves, scattering golden light across the sea as Poseidon emerged from his palace beneath the waters. He carried a plush blue seahorse in his hand, its stitched eyes glinting mischievously like his daughter’s.
“Kym!” he called, his voice resonating across the currents. A small goddess darted out from behind a coral reef, her dark hair swirling like a storm in the water. She was still so young then, barely out of her first century, yet the spark of chaos had already gleamed in her eyes.
Her face lit up when she saw the plush toy in Poseidon’s hand. “What’s that?” she asked, swimming closer, her stormy eyes alight with curiosity.
Poseidon knelt in the sand, holding out the seahorse. “I had it made for you. This is Psephos. He’ll keep you company when I’m busy ruling or if you’re feeling... uneasy.”
Kym’s eyes softened as she took the plushie, clutching it tightly. “You’re always so busy,” she mumbled, but there wasn’t bitterness in her voice, just a quiet sadness.
“I know,” Poseidon said, his tone gentle. “But you’re my daughter, Kym. I see you, even when you think I don’t.”
For a moment, she seemed to overcome to speak. Then, with her usual mischievous grin, she hugged Psephos and said, “If I hug him too hard, will he explode?”
Poseidon barked out a laugh. “No, little one. But try not to test him. He’s meant to bring comfort, not destruction.”
She giggled and darted off into the depths, clutching Psephos like a treasure. Poseidon watched her go, pride and unease warring in his heart. She was brilliant, dangerous, and utterly his.
Even when she was a fully grown goddess, she would hug Psephos when she had a nightmare. With that another memory came to the surface, The palace was quiet, save for the faint sound of waves lapping against its walls. Poseidon walked through the halls, his trident glowing faintly to guide his path. He had sensed it—Kym was troubled again.
He found her curled up in her chamber, her face buried in Psephos, the once bright plushie now faded with age but still intact. Her shoulders shook as though she were suppressing sobs.
“Kym,” Poseidon said softly, stepping into the room. She didn’t look up, but her grip on the seahorse tightened.
“It was the same dream,” she muttered. “The storm... the shipwrecks... all those mortals screaming. They blame me. They always blame me.”
Poseidon knelt beside her, his heart aching. “Kymopoleia, you are a goddess of storms. Mortals fear what they don’t understand. It isn’t your fault.”
She looked up at him, her stormy eyes shimmering with tears. “But it feels like it is.”
Without a word, Poseidon sat down and wrapped an arm around her. For all her power and ferocity, she looked so small in that moment, clutching her childhood comfort.
“I’ve caused storms too, Kym,” he admitted. “Terrible ones. Some I regret. Others... I don’t. But guilt is something we learn to navigate, like the tides. You’re not alone in this.”
Kym buried her face in Psephos again, but she leaned into his side. “Promise me you won’t forget me, Dad.”
Poseidon’s throat tightened, but he nodded. “I could never forget my beautiful, dangerous, and mischievous Kym.”
She fell asleep soon after, still clutching the seahorse. Poseidon stayed with her until dawn, silently vowing to be better, even if he already suspected he would fail.
A knock on the door, brought him back to the presence, “The Requiem parade will be starting soon.” Amphitrite said, dressed all in black, much like himself.
“Tell the children I will be there soon.” Giving one good look at his daughter's room, who luckily survived both attacks on the palace.
---Third pov ---
Every year, under the somber glow of the winter solstice moon, the seas fall into an eerie stillness, heralding the arrival of the Requiem Parade of Kymopoleia. It is a tradition Poseidon himself decreed after his, Kymopoleia died or faded a gesture of remorse and memory for the tempestuous goddess who had been both feared and forgotten.
The processions begin at Poseidon’s palace, its coral spires dimly lit by bioluminescent sea life that mimics candlelight. A solemn Triton, his conch muted in tone, leads the parade, his mournful notes echoing through the waters. Beside him floats his sister, Benthesikyme, her usually stern expression softened, though her regal bearing remains intact.
Behind them comes Herophile, the Sibyl of Delphi, her voice raised in a haunting dirge that weaves through the waters like a hymn, calling forth memories of her storm-bringing sister. She carries a small, sea-glass lantern, its faint blue light symbolizing Kymopoleia’s essence: powerful yet fragile, beautiful yet volatile.
The Queen Amphitrite, Poseidon’s wife, glides forward next, clad in dark-hued robes woven with pearls and black coral. Her expression is inscrutable, but her presence is dignified, as though acknowledging a loss that is both personal and distant. By her sidewalks Rhode, their daughter, carries a wreath of seafoam roses and silvery kelp to honor Kym’s memory.
Poseidon himself brings up the rear, his trident held low in a gesture of mourning. His once-proud demeanor seems heavier, his grief palpable even after millennia. In his free hand, he holds a small, faded plush seahorse—Psephos, Kymopoleia’s cherished childhood companion. It remains a poignant reminder of the daughter he failed to save, emotionally or spiritually.
The procession ends as it began, with solemnity. No words are exchanged as the family returns to the palace, their grief as deep and endless as the ocean itself. Triton blows his conch one final time, its mournful sound lingering in the water long after the gods have departed.
For mortals who live near the coasts, the Requiem Parade manifests as an unusual calm in the sea. Fishermen whisper that it is the one night of the year when the storms rest, paying their respects to the goddess who once wielded them so fiercely.
And so, year after year, the memory of Kymopoleia is carried forward—neither forgotten nor fully forgiven but honored in the only way the gods know how.
Poseidon POV
It was his fault, his precious daughter was dead, if he hadn’t pressured her and argued with her, she would never have walked away. She would be here under his protection where he could have protected his daughter. Another memory of that fateful day came to the surface
The palace of Poseidon was unnervingly quiet, save for the low hum of the currents outside. The trident-wielding god paced anxiously, his mind swirling like the violent storms that often consumed his daughter, Kymopoleia. The god of the seas had learned to tread carefully when it came to his second daughter—his beautiful, dangerous, and mischievous Kym—but today, he had no patience left.
Kymopoleia stood at the far side of the throne room, her arms crossed defiantly, her storm-grey eyes flashing with frustration. The dark clouds that constantly swirled around her—always just a step away from a tempest—seemed to respond to her mood, roiling in the room like an omen.
“You’ve gone too far this time, Kym,” Poseidon said, his voice low but edged with the authority he had long held as lord of the seas. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done? The storm you unleashed… sank entire fleets. Two hundred mortals are dead because of it.”
Kymopoleia’s lips twisted into a sardonic smile, but there was no humor in it. “Mortals are fragile,” she snapped, her tone sharp. “They always have been. They build their ships, sail into my waters, and then blame me when the ocean reminds them of its power. I didn’t tell them to come!”
Poseidon’s anger surged. “You didn’t have to call the storm, Kym! You could have controlled it. You should have controlled it.” His voice rose, a wave of authority crashing through his words. “You knew those ships were carrying families, innocents… Why did you let it happen? Why couldn’t you let the sea rest for once?”
Kymopoleia threw her head back, her dark hair flaring out like an uncontrolled whirlpool. Her eyes sparked with defiance and pain. “You think I control the sea?” she spat. “You think I can just turn it off like you do? You always think I can fix everything with a wave of your trident, don’t you?”
Poseidon’s heart ached at the words, but he couldn’t let them break through. Not this time. “You think this is about control? Kym, this is about responsibility. You can’t just do whatever you want, no matter how angry you are. You are my daughter. You are part of the balance of the world, and you’ve broken it with your recklessness.”
Kymopoleia's storm seemed to intensify with every word, crackling and building in the air between them. The room itself trembled, and Poseidon could feel the weight of the power she was barely holding back. “I don’t want to be part of your balance, Father!” she shouted, the words striking like lightning. “I don’t want to be tethered to this kingdom of yours, surrounded by rules and expectations that stifle everything I am. I am not a tool for you to command!”
Poseidon stepped toward her, his voice quieter now, but his frustration and sadness clear. “Kym, I’ve tried to understand you. I’ve tried to show you that you don’t need to carry the weight of the storm alone. But you refuse to listen. You refuse to see that there are consequences to your actions. People—mortals—live in this world too.”
Kymopoleia laughed bitterly, the sound sharp and hollow. “And what would you know about consequences, Father? You’ve spent so long sitting in your ocean palace, ruling from a distance. You’ve never had to face what it means to feel everything, all at once. The anger, the chaos, the power that I can’t even control. You just send your waves crashing and call it 'balance.' But you don’t feel it.”
The words stung, deeper than Poseidon cared to admit. He knew his daughter was right in some ways—he had always been the one who controlled the sea, who shaped it with his will, but he had never known what it was like to be consumed by it the way Kymopoleia was. The storm that lived inside her was part of her, and she could never escape it. Still, he refused to back down.
“You are a part of me, Kymopoleia. And I love you,” he said, his voice softening, pleading. “But you have to understand the consequences of your actions. I can’t protect you from everything. I can’t protect you from yourself.”
Kymopoleia’s eyes darkened with a deep, old hurt. “You’ve never protected me, Father,” she whispered, barely audible above the gathering wind. “You’ve never even seen me.”
Before Poseidon could respond, Kymopoleia turned her back on him, the storm around her exploding into a violent burst of energy. The room shook as the wind howled, and Poseidon staggered back, his eyes wide as he watched his daughter—the daughter he could never reach—gather her power.
“I’m done,” she said, her voice cold, empty. “You’ve never understood me. You never will. So, I’ll leave. I’ll go where the storms make their own rules, where the ocean is free.”
And with that, she vanished into the maelstrom, the waters swallowing her form as Poseidon stood in the center of the room, frozen in place. He didn’t go after her, to chase her down to apologise, he let her have her space, but that was his daughter's fateful mistake

The terrible silence came two days later.
It started as a whisper at first, a faint tremor beneath his feet. But Poseidon knew. He knew what was coming, as he screamed no, and pleaded to the fates.
The pain came crashing into him like a tidal wave, a force so brutal that it stole his breath. It was as if the very ocean had turned against him. The pain of a god losing a child—the unbearable ache that tore through every fiber of his being—was unlike anything he had ever experienced.
Kymopoleia was slipping away from him. He could feel her life force fading, unraveling like a fraying rope, pulling further and further from his grasp. He screamed, reaching desperately for her, but it was useless. The bond between them—once so strong, so visceral—was severing, and nothing he did could stop it.
Her essence faded, and with it, the very storm she had been.
The wave of grief that crashed over Poseidon was unlike any he had felt before. It was as though the world itself had turned on him, punishing him for his failures as a father, as a god. He had tried to be there for her. He had tried to fix it, to make up for the years of neglect, but now it was too late.
His daughter was gone.
And in that moment, Poseidon felt it—the loss. The excruciating void left by her absence. His chest tightened, suffocating under the weight of the pain, his heart aching in a way no mortal could understand. Even as an immortal, he could feel the deep, gnawing emptiness where once Kymopoleia’s tempestuous spirit had been.
For years after, he would feel it—her absence, her absence from his soul. It was a coldness that would never leave him, a reminder of his failure, and the last words he never got to say.
“I’m sorry, Kym. I’m so sorry,” he whispered to the depths, his voice barely audible over the lapping waves.
But the ocean remained silent. She was gone, and Poseidon could only feel the faint echo of the storm she had once been, a fleeting shadow in the vast, empty sea.

Chapter Text

I kept thinking about the day Percy and I bonded, and how Father had also failed him. Not getting him a trident, their family weapon, disgraceful. As his older sister, I have to remedy that mistake. I of course can’t get the Cyclops forges since whenever I get close to Atlantis or any forges and cities under fathers' control, I’m sent flying back 20 meters. Honestly rude father. The only option left to get my little Kraken the great weapon he deserves is to go to my grandparents and ask them.

// “γιαγιά, παππούς!” crying in despair, “γιαγιά, παππούς!” I hear them rushing towards me, “My darling Kymopoleia, what's wrong.” γιαγιά, ask me concern written on her face, παππούς was right behind her. “I got in a fight with Πατήρ, and I stormed off and now I can't return. There a border stomping me.” I say quickly through my tears. “Why did Πατήρ do this to me? Why can’t he love me.” Strong arms develop me tightly into their arms, with, παππούς swearing he’ll never forgive father.”//

Returning to the present I try to throw that fateful day out of my mind. This was for Percy, and for making up for past mistakes. “γιαγιά, παππούς! I'm back” I yell as I pass the servants. My grandmother Tethys and her husband Oceanus come quickly. “My dear it's been too long.” She says before enveloping me into a hug. “I’m sorry, I’ve been lying low after the incident with Gaia, I didn't want anything to be traced back to you.”
Grandfather frowns as he checks me over. “Did my mother hurt you, Kym?” Right, they didn’t know my plan, and grandfather would refuse my plan right away, claiming Great Grandma was too dangerous to be in league with. “No, I’m fine παππούς. I just fell into her sick trap.” It's more like mind games. Though good came out of it, I got to meet my new baby brother Percy.”
Grandfather smiles, “Yes I’ve heard all about young Perseus, come tell me about your brother who slayed the crooked one.” Shit, that what I forgot, Percy killed Kronus, my baby is so strong, it's just proves why I need to get him a trident. Imagine what destruction he could bring with our signature weapon.
With that, they lead me into the family room and get some food brought up, “I believe you would like his grandma, he’s so sweet constantly caring about the sea creatures around him. Just last week he destroyed 3 fishing boats that were trying to illegally fish there, and all the hippocampi adore him.”
“How did you become so fond of him Kym, you have been weary of everyone new that comes into your family.” Since my father exiled me, I had to be weary, I didn’t want them to try and kill me or capture me. Everyone one of my siblings sided with my father, cutting contact with me, except Chrysaor but he was also on bad terms with my father.
“He started praying to me, and he built me a temple.” It wasn’t a lie, but at that point, I was more intrigued than fond, “then we started hanging out and he so sweet, look at the bracelet he made me.” In all honestly, I have not taken the bracket off since. It was so special.
Grandfather gets to the point, “Why have you come here for Perseus, Kym? I doubt it's just to gush about your new brother.”
“Yes, I’ve found out that Father did not give Percy a trident, and he is now close to turning 18, I was hoping you could help me make one for him.”
“I thought he gave all his children trident on their 12th name day.” Tethys wondered.
“He does γιαγιά but he didn’t with Perseus, I want to rectify that mistake and show him that they might not accept him as family, but I do.”
“Hmm, I would usually not forge a trident, for an obvious reason”, my παππούς, starts, “but for you Kym it will be down. Any special request.”
I smile widely as I leap up from my chair, giving my grandfather the biggest hug. “Thank you, παππούς, I was thinking one that could turn into a penchant and always returns to him.”
Like his sword but stylish, “and his favorite color is blue.”
“By next month Kym it shall be done.” My grandfather reassures me.

Poseidon POV

In the depths of his coral palace, Poseidon sat on his throne of shell and pearl, his trident resting idly against its side. The sea around him pulsed with life, yet his thoughts were heavy, churning like a storm that refused to dissipate. It was not the quarrels of Olympus or the endless demands of the ocean that consumed him tonight; it was the face of his son, Percy Jackson. His child whose life he had shaped and scarred in equal measure.
Poseidon ran a hand through his salt-crusted beard, staring into the reflection of his power in the water pooled at his feet. "What a fool I have been," he murmured, the words lost to the gentle hiss of the tide.
He had treated Percy like a weapon first and a child second. It was easier that way, wasn’t it? Safer to see him as a tool to be wielded against Kronos and the Titans rather than as a vulnerable boy who needs his father. Safer for whom, though? Certainly not for Percy. He had thrust the boy into war before he had even begun to live, and now he wondered if Percy would ever truly forgive him—or if he even should.
On Percy’s twelfth name day, when he had first come into his power, Poseidon should have given him a trident—not as a weapon, but as a symbol. A token to say, you are mine, my blood, my pride. Instead, he had withheld it, thinking Percy too young, too unready. But now, looking back, he wondered if it was not Percy’s readiness, he had doubted but his own. Was it fear of acknowledging his son’s place in the world? Or fear of giving him a burden too great? He had claimed it was for Percy’s protection, but the truth was murkier, harder to face.
And then there was his thirteenth name day, a sacred milestone for the sons of the sea. By custom, Percy should have been made a prince of Atlantis, officially recognized as a child of the tides, a rightful heir to the ocean’s vast power. But Poseidon had hesitated, reluctant to entangle his son further in the politics and dangers of their world. How wrong he had been. Percy had deserved that recognition—not as a pawn of the sea, but as his father’s son. How could the boy ever feel truly at home when his father had denied him his place beneath the waves?
And what of the weekends Percy could have spent in Atlantis? There had been time, hadn’t there? Between the battles, the prophecies, and the ceaseless tides of war, Poseidon could have taken him. Even a day, a few stolen hours among the coral gardens, might have meant the world to the boy. To his son. But Poseidon had not taken them. He had convinced himself it was better this way, that Percy needed distance, that he needed to be raised among mortals to strengthen his resilience, his cunning. And yet, he had not given Percy what he had needed most—his father’s presence.
Poseidon sighed, the sound heavy and raw, as if it carried the weight of a thousand lost chances. "I treated him like a pawn when he needed to be treated as a prince. I treated him like a hero when he needed a son."
The waves outside his palace crashed louder, the ocean sensing his turmoil. He raised his trident, and for a moment, the entire sea seemed to still, as if awaiting his next move. He could not change the past. The gods were bound by that law as much as mortals. But he could shape the future. He could call Percy to him, not as a soldier or a savior, but as his child. He could offer not gifts or titles, but what Percy had always deserved: his love, his time, and his pride.
As the sea began to stir once more, Poseidon stood. For the first time in what felt like centuries, he knew what he needed to do. He already lost one child for treating them as a threat and not his. He cannot lose Percy the way he lost his darling Kym. It's time to rectify those mistakes.

Chapter Text

Poseidon materialized in front of the Jackson residence in a shimmer of sea spray, his divine presence briefly distorting the world around him. The apartment was humble, and small compared to the grand palaces of Olympus or the vast halls of Atlantis, but it held a warmth his kingdom often lacked. He hesitated for a moment, his trident shrinking into a harmless walking stick in his hand, his godly radiance dimming to something more human. He needed no fanfare here.
I’ve failed him enough already.

The sound of quick, light footsteps echoed inside, followed by a familiar voice. “One second!” Sally Jackson’s tone was as gentle and kind as the tides on a calm summer day. When the door opened, she didn’t seem surprised to see him—only curious.

“Poseidon,” she greeted, her smile tinged with caution. “It’s been a while.”
“I know,” he said, his voice low and regretful. “Is Percy home?”

Sally nodded, stepping aside. “He’s at the table, working on an assignment. Go easy on him—it’s history, and he’s not exactly thrilled about it.”
allowing myself a small smile at my ex-lover. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
As he stepped inside, the scent of home-cooked food lingered in the air, mingling with the faint tang of salt from his own aura. The living room was simple, but it radiated love.

And there he was, sitting at the kitchen table, hunched over a notebook, his pen tapping rhythmically against the wood. His black hair was messier than usual, and his brow furrowed in frustration as he glared at the page in front of him.
He looked older than Poseidon remembered—taller, broader, but still unmistakably his son.

“History giving you trouble, Perseus?” I asked gently, leaning on my makeshift staff.

Percy’s head shot up, startled. For a moment, his green eyes flickered with something unreadable—surprise, maybe even a flicker of annoyance—but it passed quickly. “Dad?” he said, his voice cautious. “What are you doing here?”

Approaching the table slowly, his gaze softened as he took in the scattered papers and the boy—no, young man—before him. “I wanted to see you,” he admitted, the words awkward in his mouth. It wasn’t something he said often, but it was the truth.

Percy blinked, clearly not expecting that. “Uh… okay.”

Hesitating, searching for the right words. How did one begin to fix years of distance? “I’ve been thinking,” he began, his voice uncharacteristically uncertain. “I’ve been thinking about the time we’ve missed. And I realize… I haven’t been the father you deserved.”

Percy’s pen stilled, and his expression softened, though he didn’t say anything. Poseidon pressed on, feeling like he was navigating a tempest. “I can’t change the past, but I want to do better. I want to spend time with you—not as the god of the sea, but as your father.”

There was a pause, the kind that felt like the sea holding its breath. Percy’s eyes flicked back to his notebook as if he needed something to anchor himself. “Okay…” he said slowly. “What does that mean, exactly?”

Taking a step closer, his trident now resting against his side. “I’d like you to come to Atlantis next weekend. Spend some time with me—away from the battles, the prophecies, and… everything else. We could explore the coral gardens, visit the royal archives, even swim through the ruins of old Atlantis.” He hesitated, then added, “I thought… perhaps we could just talk.”

Percy’s face was unreadable for a moment, his fingers fidgeting with the corner of his notebook. “I don’t know,” he said finally. “It’s not that I don’t want to… It’s just—Atlantis? That’s a lot. I’ve never even been.”

“I understand,” replying, trying to make sure my tone was gentle. “It’s your choice, Percy. I only ask for the chance to show you that world—the part of it that’s yours, as much as it is mine.”
Percy let out a breath, leaning back in his chair. He studied me, his gaze sharp as if weighing the sincerity in his father’s words. After what felt like an eternity, he nodded. “Okay. Next weekend.”

A flicker of relief passed through, though I kept his expression calm. “Thank you, Perseus. I’ll pick you up on Saturday in the morning.”
Percy smirked faintly, the shadow of his usual humor returning. “Cool. I’ll pack my snorkel.” Poseidon chuckled, the sound deep and genuine. For the first time in years, he felt a glimmer of hope—not as a god, but as a father.

Percy pov

Percy sat at the kitchen table long after Poseidon left, staring at the spot where his father had stood. His history assignment lay forgotten, his pen rolling back and forth under his idle fingers. He felt a strange mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and something heavier, like guilt.

He didn’t notice his mom enter the room until she set a mug of hot chocolate in front of him, the sweet smell instantly pulling him out of his thoughts. Mum slid into the chair across from him, her kind eyes studying his face. “You’ve got that look again,” she said softly.

“What look?” I asked though he had a pretty good idea what she meant.

“The look that says you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders,” she said, giving him a knowing smile. “So… do you want to talk about it?”

Percy sighed, taking a sip of the hot chocolate and letting the warmth settle his nerves. “Dad—Poseidon—he wants me to go to Atlantis next weekend,” he said finally. “Spend time with him.”

My Mum raised her eyebrows, her expression unreadable for a moment. “And how do you feel about that?”

“I don’t know,” Percy admitted. “I mean, part of me wants to go. It’s Atlantis, Mom. That’s huge. And he actually seemed like he was trying, you know? Like he really wanted to spend time with me.” He hesitated, his fingers tightening around the mug. “But… I don’t know if it’s the right thing to do.”

“Why not?” Sally asked gently.

He hesitated again, looking down at the swirling chocolate. “Because of Kymopoleia,” he said quietly. “Kym’s been cool with me. She’s Poseidon’s daughter too, and she’s had it so much harder than I have. Dad pretty much ignored her for centuries. We’ve gotten close, and I think… I think she kind of sees me as the only one who really gets what it’s like to be his kid and feel, I don’t know, overlooked.”

He looked up at Sally, his eyes clouded with worry. “What if she thinks I’m betraying her? Like I’m choosing him over her? What if she thinks I’m just another person who abandoned her?”
Sally reached across the table, resting a hand on his. Her touch was warm and grounding, the way it had been his whole life. “Percy,” she said softly,

“I don’t think Kymopoleia would see it that way. From what you’ve told me about her, she’s strong and proud, but she also cares about you. She knows how big your heart is, and how much you care about doing the right thing. Going to Atlantis doesn’t mean you’re abandoning her—it just means you’re giving your father a chance to try. I think she’d understand that.”

“What if she doesn’t, though? What if it makes things weird between us?”

Sally smiled gently, her thumb brushing his knuckles. “Then you talk to her, Percy. Just like you’re talking to me. You’re good at that—being honest about how you feel, even when it’s hard. If she’s hurt or upset, she’ll tell you, and you’ll work through it together. That’s what family does.”

He stared at her for a moment, letting her words sink in. “You really think she won’t hate me for it?”

“I think Kym loves you, Percy,” Mum said firmly. “In her own way. And I think she knows you well enough to see that you’re just trying to find your own balance—between the surface and the sea, between your father and everything else. She’s been where you are, hasn’t she? She’ll understand.”

Nodding slowly, the tension in his chest easing just a little. “Thanks, Mom.”

Sally smiled; her eyes warm with pride. “Anytime, sweetheart. And for what it’s worth, I think you should go. You deserve the chance to see Atlantis—not because of your father, but because it’s part of you. Just like the shore is.”

looking at her, gratitude welling up in his chest. “You’re okay with it, though? Me going?”

Sally’s smile softened, a touch of sadness flickering in her eyes. “Of course, I am. I’ve always known you belong to both worlds, Percy. I’d never hold you back from exploring the one you’ve never gotten to see.” She squeezed his hand.

“Besides, you’ll always come back to me. You’re my son. Nothing will ever change that.”
He swallowed hard, her words settling over him like a warm blanket. “Thanks, Mom,” he said again, his voice quieter this time.
She leaned over and kissed his forehead. “Go finish your homework,” she teased, standing up and heading back to the kitchen. “Atlantis will still be there next weekend.”

Percy laughed softly, the knot in his stomach finally starting to untangle. Maybe it would all work out. Maybe, just maybe, the sea and the shore could finally meet without tearing him apart.

Chapter Text

I don’t expect prayers. Why would I? In the grand scheme of things, I’m just another forgotten goddess, buried beneath the Olympians' radiance.

My domain is vast, and powerful, but rarely revered. Mortals don’t look at the raging seas and think of Kymopoleia, do they? They think of Poseidon or Neptune.
My name has slipped into obscurity, whispered only in old tales or by those who know where true power lies. So, when the prayers come, I’m pleased.
Usually, it was Jason and Percy but today I have three others actively prating to me, I was… intrigued, to say the least.

The first prayer was unmistakably from a demigod. I could feel the divine blood in his voice, mingled with the faint hum of storms. The son of Jupiter. Jason Grace.
“Kymopoleia, goddess of violent seas and storms, I call on you...”

It was formal, rehearsed even, as if he’d spent hours preparing the words. That amused me. Mortals rarely plan their prayers. But this one? He always plans his prayers.

The next voice, however, was far too familiar. Percy Jackson. Of all the mortals in the world, I would recognize his voice anywhere.

“Kymopoleia? Goddess of violent storm, I pray to you with reverence and awe. Jeez, these intros are long. Look, I still suck at this praying thing. But hey I’m trying.”

I could almost hear him scratching the back of his head, awkward as ever. The thought made me laugh. Typical Percy—bumbling, sincere, and completely unaware of his effect on others.
He continued telling me about his day, I was tempted to clap for joy when I learned he got 78% on his science test.

Later, another prayer reached me. This one wasn’t a demigod, but a mortal. Her voice was warm, gentle, and yet firm in its resolve. Sally Jackson.

“Kymopoleia goddess of violent storms and sea, I don’t know if you’ll hear me. My son speaks highly of you, and I believe in trusting his instincts.”

That caught my attention. My Kraken spoke highly of me. He is so sweet.

“Please, protect him. I know he’s strong. I know he’s a hero. But even heroes need someone to watch their backs. You’re powerful, and I’ve seen the good you can do. So, I ask you, as a mother—to look after him. Even if he doesn’t always realize it, he needs people like you in his corner.”

There was no fear in her voice, no hesitation. She wasn’t begging; she was simply asking. It was… refreshing. And infuriating.
The way she spoke—it was as if she trusted me, truly trusted me, to keep him safe. How absurd. How audacious. How... endearing.

The fourth prayer came from Camp Jupiter from my newly built temple, sharp and clear, carrying the weight of Roman formality. Hazel Levesque.

“Kymopoleia, a guardian of the seas, hear my prayer. I am Hazel Levesque, daughter of Pluto, and I humbly seek your aid.”

I could feel the undercurrent of respect in her words, the kind of reverence that only Romans seem capable of. Her voice was steady yet tinged with urgency.
“Something is moving beneath the ocean’s surface near camp. Something dark. I presume they are stranglers from Gaia's army.
Percy is too far to help. I don’t know if it’s within your domain, but if it is, please, help us. I’ll offer whatever I can in return. A sacrifice, a vow, whatever you demand. Just… please.”

There was a gravity to her prayer, a weight I couldn’t ignore. She was young, but her voice carried an ancient wisdom. I considered answering to help.
Uncle Hades and Aunt Hekate were fond of this girl after all, and Percy has talked about her a few times.

The final prayer arrived almost as an echo to Hazel’s, another voice from Camp Jupiter. This one was less formal, less rehearsed. Frank Zhang.

“Uh… hi, Kymopoleia. I hope I’m saying your name right.
I’m Frank Zhang, son of Mars. I know you probably don’t get a lot of prayers from us Romans, but… we need your help.
Hazel told me about the thing she saw—something in the ocean. We don’t know what it is, but we know it’s bad. And if anyone can stop it, it’s you. So… yeah. If you’re listening, we could use you.”

There was a nervousness in his tone, but also a quiet confidence. He wasn’t demanding or desperate—just honest. And that honesty struck a chord.
I knew Percy was also fond of this Roman as well, I guess I’m helping the Romans now.

The only question should I appear at my temple first or defeat this creature and then appear? Might go with the latter, and could show the Romans the creature's head, and scare them a bit.

Toying with the monster, I thought about the day. Five prayers. Five voices calling my name.
Jason Grace is bold and respectful. Percy Jackson is bumbling but sincere. Sally Jackson, trusting and kind. Hazel Levesque, is formal and wise. Frank Zhang, is nervous but genuine.

I hadn’t been prayed to this much in centuries. I’d answer them. I’d watch over them, even if it’s just for Percy's sake.
After all, even a forgotten goddess deserves to be remembered.

Chapter Text

Percy Pov

Even with Mum’s reassurance, I kept thinking I made a mistake, I was shell-shocked when Dad came, and I agreed to visit. (Pun very much intended.)
what was I thinking, even if Dad wants to correct his terrible parenting skills, Lady Amphitrite hates me as well as Triton. I’ve never met my other sister though I can only presume they feel the same as Triton.

Besides the fact Dad's family hates me, Kymopoleia might end up hating me if I go. Kneeling at Kym’s altar I start praying. I’m getting pretty good at this worship thing.
“Kymopoleia great goddess of storms, I ask that you hear my prayer for your mercy's sake.
I come before you oh great goddess, to tell you that our father has visited me…”

Before I could even tell Kym anything else, she flashed into my room her trident raised, “Are you okay brother, did he hurt you?”
Lying her trident on my bed, she rushes over to me, checking if I’m injured. This just confirms my bad feeling about going, Kym thinks he would hurt me, of course, this is an awful decision.

“I’m okay Kym, he didn’t hurt me, but he did do something unusual.”
Kym's eyes furrowed, before nodding, inviting me to continue.
“He came and apologised for treating me wrongly, and invited me to”
“Father invited you to Atlantis?” Kym finished for me, there was hurt in her eyes.
“I’m sorry Kym”, her eyes flashed to me, first I thought it was going to be full of hatred, instead it was filled with confusion.
“What are you sorry about kelpie?” an understanding came across her face, and a small smile appeared on her face.

“Did you accept?”
“I accepted, but I was shell shocked, and I'll tell him no, you're way more important to me.”
I prepared to go on a huge ramble on how I would turn my entire back on him if it upset or offended her. Instead, Kym cuts me off laughing.
“Oh Kelpie, I won’t be angry if you go. Though I will ask you to do three things for me.”

I faltered, as much as I adore Kym, I really don’t want to go on more quests, I doubt she would, but I’ve learnt to be cautious with the gods.
“Don’t mention me to them at all, be cautious, wear some protection, and always carry your weapon on you.”
Protection, why would I have sex, especially in Atlantis? Where Dad lives?

“I doubt Father would attack you, but some Atlanteans may or even Triton.”
Hmm, I nod to Kym, I’ve already assumed I would get beaten up by Triton.
“I’ll go to my friends and get some charms for you to wear.”
Still confused about the protection part.

“Can you do that for me kelpie?”
“Absolutely though I’m confused on the protection part. I might have forgotten to tell you, but I am asexual, so I don’t really need protection.”
“What the fuck does asexual have to do with being protected?”
I sense a misunderstanding.

“You know protection that people wear when you have sex? What are you talking about?”
Kym gave me a disgusted look. “New rule you will not have sex at all.”
Probably should have argued that I don’t need her permission to do shit, or that I’m not a baby, but I’ve given up trying to convince her I’m not a child.
I don’t think she heard the asexual part, “That's fine with me, I’m sex-repulsed anyway.”
“I meant protection charms from poison and shit like that Perseus.”
Uh Oh, she disappeared with me but that makes much more sense, “I agree to all these rules” I put my hand out the shake on the deal.

Kymopoleia POV

I didn’t technically lie to Percy, I wasn’t angry at him, and I’m type of fine with him going. He just could get hurt so I’m worried, and I’m definitely not upset in any way about Father now accepting Percy after I found him and got close to him.
I’m also not upset that father has not tried to fix our relationship, or worried he will take Percy away from him, and turn Percy against me. NOT AT ALL!!

I would be a much better father to my darling Percy than him. Maybe I could adopt Percy, no Sally would never agree.
I could make him my champion, it would enhance his powers, protect him more, and then everyone will know not to fuck with my little brother. Ahh, this is excellent my first champion.

Everyone will be SOO jealous. Focus Kym we need to ensure Perseus' safety at Atlantis first, because if he were endangered, I would not be able to help him.
That means a visit to my favorite family members, Aunt Persephone, Aunt Hekate, Cousin Makaria, Melinoë, and Zagreus.
And sure, maybe Uncle Hades and Thanatos.
I think about all the protective charms, he might need, protection from poison is a must, as well as mind games.

“Melie!!”
“kymie!!”
I race to hug my cousin as she greets me outside the underworld. “It's been too long cousin.”
“Whose fault is that” melie teases. “I heard you needed a favor?”
“Yes, from Aunt Hekate, but I also want to hang out with my fav cousins.”
“Excellent Makaria wants to exact revenge for this girl who came to the underworld yesterday, she has been up in a rage.”
“Damn he must really deserve what coming to him”
Makaria was one of the most peaceful out of Uncle Hades’s children, it’s a rare sight to see her angry but when you do, oh it's absolutely terrifyingly brilliant.
“Who said it was a guy?”
“Isn’t it always.”
Melinoë shrugs, silently agreeing with me, and then we entered the underworld.

Chapter Text

Kymopoliea pov
I was wrong I shouldn’t have let Percy go to Atlantis, it's sooo boring without him. I don’t have anyone to do fun shit with today.
Melinoë, and Makaria are too busy with a family weekend, chaysor is doing who knows what, Percy is of course with their father, and my grandparents have their date night today. Who else, can I bother?

At the perfect opt-tune moment my darling priest starts praying. Perfect he’ll do, to keep me company this weekend. Also, I can fish out information on my Kraken.
“Hello little priest”
Yep, still funny, seeing him jump and try to compose himself.
“Hello lady Kymopoliea, it's wonderful to see you again”
So formal, maybe Percy was right, maybe he should train the respect out of him.
“I need of you, but don’t worry you’ll be heavily compensated for it”

Heavily, because oh my gods does he always wear the 3 same outfits, I understand the look he is going for English Teacher, softcore vibes, but come on sweetheart you desperately need more clothes.
Hmm, I wonder what Jason wants to study at college, if his outfit is anything too by, maybe English literature. A noble pursuit, if I do say so.
“oh, course my Lady, what do you need of me?” he asked while bowing his head. Ahh this isn’t going to be much fun if he continues to do that.
“Little priest, no need of such formalities, no need to bow constantly, I would like us to be at least coworkers, on our endeavor.
And what I need of you, is to answer some questions about my baby brother.”
Jason on his part had a conflicted look on his face, “ill gladly answer your question but if I think Percy would not like me answering it or a secret my lady I will refuse to answer.”

Oh fabulous, I'll put him on the list of who I can fully trust with my brother. “Yes, yes, of course, come along to my temple.”
Before he could reply I snap my hands and we are in my temple, my priest on his part tumbled nearly falling, it never gets old.
Sitting down on a bench and invited Jason to sit with me.
Cutting to the point I ask, “Do you think my brother is suicidal?”

“What?” Jason exclaims.
I understood his outburst not every day you have a goddess asking you if your friend is suicidal.
“Is my kelpie suicidal, I'm worried about him.”, though with my company he seems happy, how much of that is he faking? I hear his prayers and some days it's downright depressive, and I have not forgotten his first one.
My little brother has fought two wars, and seen things no child should ever see, I know he has been to Tarturus, even though we do not discuss it. I see the worry in Sally and Paul's eyes. How much is my baby suffering?

Jason stares at me for a long time, before he sits at the bench next to me. “My lady, I'm ashamed to say that I do believe he is passively suicidal. While he might never pull a trigger, he would jump in front of a deadly blow to protect someone.”
I sigh in relief, that I do not have to worry about Percy killing himself.
“On the Argo two, he discussed with me some troubling thoughts he had, after our battle.
He could have easily escaped but he didn’t. when he talked to me, I tried to blow it off, not knowing how I could have helped, especially as we were sailing off to defeat Gaia.”

He looked down at his lap, “I noticed he was struggling and kept an eye out though, I will not repeat what he said to me confidence though.”
I nod, “Thank you Jason for your honesty. I will admit I'm quite mad that you tried to blow it off, but I'm thankful you have kept an eye on him.”
“No problem my lady, Percy and I are friends. I will look out for him, is there anything else you need of me?”

I could say no and leave, though I did not want our conversation to end on a dark topic, “Do you know what my brother might want to study at college, while I continued to read his school assignments, he gave no hint of what he wants to do?”
Jason let out a broken laugh, “I cannot help you, nor do I think Percy can. He used to want to marine biology, though he changed his mind thinking it would be too much like cheating.”
“Drats, how can I help him get into college if nobody knows what he wants to do.”

Chapter Text

Kym POV
After an intense silence, I had enough, with a twist of my hand, Jason and I were away from the child soldier camp, and in the bustling city.
“What the fuck!”. Hmm seems both Jason and Percy share the habit of falling over when teleported.
“Language! We are going shopping Jason?”
Horror flashed into his face. “WHY?”

“Because your attire is seriously lacking, but if it makes you more cooperative after we go clothes shopping, we can head to the bookstore.”
I'm sure that bookstores have comics that the boys were eagerly talking about last time.
“My attire is not lacking”. Ahh, so my priest does have some fire in him. Or should I say lightning in him?
“How many times have you worn that t-shirt this month.” Jason's silence fuming spoke enough.
“Exactly I can't have my priest dressed poorly. Now I was thinking since you embody softcore lit vibes, we’ll get you more clothes to match.
Speaking of literature, is that what you’re planning to study in college?”
I had some idea, of what Jason would study, literature or history, is the most obvious.

“Planning on a double major in classical history and English literature studies.”
“What a noble pursuit! Not a lot of Zeus's demigod children go into such a study. You are special.”
I did not know why Jason's face, turned into a frown, I gave him a wonderful compliment. “Though don’t worry, well not do just clothes shopping, I’m not a monster.”
Though that was subjective, I was pretty sure I did mention the bookstore to him.
“We’ll have lunch my treat and we can even step into fun stores. Now first store.”
Without letting my priest protest, I dragged him into the nearest store.
---
“How many T-shirts do I need kymopoliea?”
“More than what we have in the cart now.” honestly there were only five shirts in there, and all were long sleeves.
Looking through the singlets I throw a white and black pair at him. He was worse than Percy, at least he had multiple clothes before I forced him to go shopping.
“Okay is there an estimate on how many more, you’re going to make me carry?”
I stare at him and then our cart, “You need at least 5 short-sleeved t-shirts. And before you even say anything, I’M PAYING. YOU WOULDN’T DISRESPECT A GODDESS, WOULD YOU?”
“No, my lady!”
I refrain from smirking, “Good now light blue or dark blue?” I ask while showing him his two options.
“Light blue please.”
“Excellent, we’ll grab two of those shirts over there as well Jason,” I say pointing to the white short-sleeved t-shirts.
----
“Why are there so many options for jeans?”
“Because there is Jason. Now pick three.”
Yes, Jason was much worse than my little brother.
---
“Are we finished now?”
This time I did roll my eyes, “Yes Jason I find your wardrobe fitting now.”
“Finally,” Jason muttered.
I'll pretend I did not hear that, did they not teach demigods that we gods have an excellent hearing? If not, they probably should.
“What would you like for lunch sparkles?”
“I regret telling you that story now Kymopoleia.”
“Nonsense it was a great bonding story. Now lunch.”
“Maybe an Italian restaurant.”
“Hmm see that you are a Roman through and through.”
----
“Jason, when is your birthday?”
“1st of July.”
“Fuck, I missed it. Of well next year expect a wonderful gift"
---
“Sorry did you just say you killed a titan with your bare fist?”
“Yes, my lady.”
“How the fuck are you not dead?”
“Spite, will, wolf instincts?”
“I'm sorry wolf instincts?”
“Yeah, I was raised by wolves when I was two till four.”
“Why?”
“Lady Hera.”
“That doesn’t explain shit”

Chapter Text

Percy POV
The sound of waves crashing against the shore was peaceful, almost hypnotic. I stood on the edge of the beach, my hands shoved deep into the pockets of my hoodie, as I stared out at the water. My stomach churned with a mix of excitement and dread.
He was late.
The sea in front of me shimmered unnaturally, and I knew it wasn’t just the moonlight. Poseidon was coming. My father. The god of the sea. My… complicated dad who I’d somehow agreed to visit in Atlantis.
A bubble of panic rose in my chest. Why had I agreed to this? Visiting the underwater palace of the sea god? Hanging out with his other family? Triton, who hated me? Amphitrite, who I barely knew but probably wasn’t thrilled about my existence?
A shadow passed under the water, and a surge of energy rippled through the waves. The ocean began to part, revealing a chariot made of coral and gold, drawn by two massive hippocampi with scales that gleamed like pearls. Poseidon stood at the helm, looking every bit the regal god of the sea. His trident was strapped to his back, and his sea-green eyes locked onto me.

“Percy,” he greeted, his voice carrying even over the crashing waves. He stepped off the chariot, the water rippling beneath his feet as if it were solid ground. “Ready?”
“Uh, sure,” I said, my voice cracking slightly. Real smooth. I stepped forward, my sneakers sinking into the wet sand. Dad held out a hand to help me onto the chariot. I hesitated for a moment, then took it. His grip was firm but careful like he was trying not to spook me.
The hippocampi neighed softly as I climbed aboard. “Hey, guys,” I murmured, patting one of them on the neck. It nickered in response, its huge eyes glinting in the moonlight.
Poseidon flicked the reins, and we shot forward. The chariot dove into the water, and a dome of air formed around us, keeping me dry. The ocean sped past in a blur of blue and green, schools of fish darting out of our way as we descended deeper and deeper. I tried to focus on the sights to distract myself from the gnawing anxiety in my gut. Coral reefs glowed with bioluminescent light, and strange, otherworldly creatures floated past, their eyes wide and curious.
Poseidon glanced at me. “You look nervous.”

“What? Me? No, I’m totally fine,” I said, which was the most obvious lie in the history of lies.
He raised an eyebrow but didn’t push it. “We’re almost there.”
The water around us began to brighten, and suddenly, the city of Atlantis came into view. It was breathtaking. Towers of coral and pearl rose from the ocean floor, connected by arches and bridges that glimmered like rainbows. Sea creatures swam freely through the streets, and the entire city seemed to pulse with life.
The chariot slowed as we approached the palace, a massive structure carved from shimmering blue stone. Guards in armor made of seashells and gold stood at attention as we passed through the gates. The chariot came to a stop in a grand courtyard, and Poseidon stepped off, gesturing for me to follow.
As soon as my feet touched the ground, I felt the weight of the water pressing down on me, even though the air bubble around me kept me dry. It was like the ocean knew I didn’t belong here.
“Welcome to Atlantis,” Poseidon said, his voice warm but slightly formal. “Come. I’ll show you to your room.”
I followed him through the palace, my sneakers squeaking slightly on the polished floors. The hallways were lined with murals depicting epic battles and serene ocean scenes. I caught glimpses of palace staff—naiads and other sea creatures—who paused to stare at me before quickly looking away.
When we reached my room, Poseidon pushed open the door to reveal a space that was… well, way fancier than anything I was used to. The walls were made of shimmering mother-of-pearl, and the bed was draped in silky sea-green fabric. A large window overlooked the city, giving me a clear view of the glowing towers and bustling streets below. There was a bed that couldn’t even be described as king-sized.
“I hope you’ll be comfortable here,” Poseidon said. He hesitated, as if he wanted to say more, but then nodded and stepped back. “Dinner will be in an hour. Amphitrite is looking forward to meeting you.”
“Right. Dinner. Got it,” I said, trying not to sound as nervous as I felt.
Once he left, I sat on the edge of the bed and pulled out my phone. Miraculously, it still worked down here, though the signal bar showed a tiny little seashell icon instead of the usual bars. I shot a quick text to my mom.
Hey, Mom. I Made it to Atlantis. I’m fine. Love you.
She replied almost immediately.
Glad you’re okay. Don’t forget to eat. Love you too.
I smiled and put the phone away, then flopped back onto the bed. This was going to be a long weekend.
Deciding to explore the bedroom, I found the bathroom, that had a shower, which raised a lot of questions as to how that even worked. A nice walk-in wardrobe, and shelving for books and such.
Not knowing when I might get kicked out of Atlantis, I put my two bags on the shelving.
When it was time for dinner, a servant escorted me to the dining hall. It wasn’t huge like I’d expected. It felt kind of… intimate, which somehow made it even more nerve-wracking. The table was set with plates made of polished coral, and the centerpiece was a glowing orb that cast a soft, blue light over everything.
Poseidon was already seated at the head of the table, and Amphitrite sat to his right. She was beautiful, with flowing hair the color of seafoam and a calm, regal demeanor. She gave me a small, polite smile as I entered.
“Percy,” she said, her voice melodic. “It’s a pleasure to meet you finally.”
“Uh, thanks, my lady. You too,” I said awkwardly,
Amphitrite smiled warmly at me, “No need for such formalities Percy, please call me Amphitrite.”
taking the seat Poseidon gestured to. I was directly across from Triton, who looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. His eyes narrowed as he stared at me, and I could practically feel the disdain radiating off him.
The food appeared magically—platters of seafood, tropical fruits, and other dishes I couldn’t even identify. I hesitated, wondering if it was weird to eat seafood in Atlantis, but everyone else was already digging in, so I followed suit. Sticking to tropical fruits, because I didn’t want to upset to fish, and I had no idea what half of these foods are.
The conversation was… stilted, to say the least. Dad asked me about Camp Half-Blood and the process of the new cabin and temples. At least this is what I'm good at, discussing how to improve demigods' lives.
“it's good, we’ve just finished setting up the cabins for all the demigods or minor gods, and we have agreed until more show up, we won't start building more.”
“Wise decision, you don’t want to make something that won't be used.” Amphitrite complimented me.
“We now started designing the temples at Camp Half-Blood; to save space, we are building temples that will have multiple worshiping altars for different gods. For example, the rustic gods will have one temple.”
Poseidon tried to keep the conversation going, asking about my quests and how things were on the surface. Amphitrite chimed in occasionally, genuinely curious. Triton, on the other hand, barely said a word, his glares doing most of the talking.
“So, Percy,” Amphitrite said at one point, “do you visit the ocean often? Outside of... battles, I mean.”
“Not as much as I’d like,” I admitted. “School keeps me busy. Plus, you know, giant monsters tend to ruin beach days.”
She smiled. “Perhaps this visit will change that.”
Triton snorted. “As if he belongs here.”
“Triton,” Poseidon said sharply. “Enough.”
I stared at my plate, trying to ignore the growing tension. The food tasted great, but my appetite was gone.
Amphitrite was kind, asking me questions about my mom and my life on the surface, but even her attempts couldn’t fully ease the tension in the room.
By the time dinner was over, I was ready to crawl back to my room and hide under the covers. Poseidon walked me back to my room. He didn’t say much, which was fine by me. My brain was already overloaded, and I wasn’t sure I could handle another heart-to-heart right now.
When we reached my door, he hesitated. “I hope this visit will give us a chance to... reconnect.”
“Yeah,” I said, not entirely sure if I meant it. “Me too.”
“Thank you for coming, Percy,” he said as we reached my door. “I know this isn’t easy for you.”
I shrugged, not trusting myself to say anything without letting my nerves show. He hesitated, then placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Goodnight, son,” he said softly, then turned and walked away.
I closed the door behind me and let out a long breath. My phone buzzed with a new text from Jason.
How’s Atlantis?
I stared at the screen for a moment, then typed back.
Weird. But I’m surviving.
He replied with a single word: Good.
I set the phone down and crawled into bed, staring out the window at the glowing city. Tomorrow was another day, and I had no idea what it would bring.

Chapter Text

Jason POV
After Kym clearly worried about Percy's well-being in Atlantis, I finally caved to texting to see if he was fine.
//how Atlantis? //
It was so strange to Kym's absolute adoration of Percy. I mean just a couple of months ago, she tried to kill him, now she would destroy anyone who even looked at Percy wrong. Selfishly I wished I had someone to look out for me that way.
I heard the bing of my phone, “Kympolelia, calm down, Percy has texted me.”
That only increased her worry to my determent, “Already, there must be something horrible wrong that happened.”
As she talked about getting a rescue team down there to get her kelpie, I apparently being the reasonable one, read the text.
//weird but I'm surviving//
Okay, it's not the text I needed to calm her down, but hey he’s alive (and hopefully unhurt)
I quickly text good.
“Kym, he said he alive.”
“Give me that” she scanned the text, “He said I'm surviving, that not reassuring!!!”
“Nothing gonna happen to him, because if something did lord Poseidon knows that he would have to face the wrath of Sally Jackson.”
Sally was an angel, as soon as she met me, she made sure I knew I could always come to her, from needing to be stitched up, a place to stay, someone to talk to, or if I needed someone to defend me at school.
If any mortal could take down a god alone with just a glare it would be Sally, (she was my new hero.)
Kym let out a small laugh, “You're right, they would have to be suicidal to hurt Sally Jackson’s son.”
Kym and I started walking to the nearest bookstore, as my award for putting up with her clothes shopping.
The bookstore was tucked between a bakery and a record shop, its sign painted in bright, welcoming colors. The smell of paper and ink hit us as soon as we stepped inside, mingled with the faint scent of coffee from a little café in the corner. Kym paused in the doorway, her gaze sweeping over the shelves.
“Well, this is just cute”

We spent the next hour wandering through the aisles, Kym picking up books at random and flipping through their pages with an expression that ranged from mildly curious to openly disdainful. She lingered in the mythology section for a while, muttering about how inaccurate the depictions were (“Poseidon did not look like that—who told these mortals he had blonde hair?”). Eventually, we ended up in the graphic novel section.
“Are these the comics you and Percy were talking about?” she asked, holding up a brightly colored comic book with a puzzled frown.
“Yes,” I said. “They’re like stories but told with pictures and dialogue. Kind of like scrolls with illustrations.”
I try to find an X-Men one, pulling out a copy of X-Men: Days of Future Past and handing it to her. “Here, check this out. It’s a classic.”
Kym opened the book, her eyes flicking over the panels. “These… people… have powers?”
“Yeah,” I said, leaning against the shelf. “The X-Men are mutants—people born with special abilities. They’re outcasts, feared by the rest of the world, but they use their powers to protect people anyway. It’s kind of their thing.”
She looked up at me, her expression thoughtful. “Outcasts who protect those who reject them. Sounds foolish.”

“Maybe,” I admitted. “But it’s also kind of inspiring. They don’t let fear or prejudice stop them from doing the right thing.”
“Hm.” She turned back to the book, flipping through a few more pages. “This Wolverine… I like him. He’s violent but principled.”
I laughed. “Yeah, that’s one way to describe him.”
After Kym decided to buy the X-Men comic for Percy (along with a historical fiction novel she wouldn’t let me see), and get me a New Mutant comic, we left the bookstore and headed to a nearby donut shop. Kym claimed she needed a sugary treat after putting up with me and my craziness.
Which is just rude, she has seen her brother right, just because I fought a titian with my bare fist is not as crazy as Percy fighting the god of war at twelve.
As we ate, we fell into an easy rhythm of conversation. I told her more about the X-Men, explaining their backstories and powers. She was particularly interested in Magneto, which didn’t surprise me.

“So, this Magneto believes mutants should rule over humans?” she asked, finishing off her second donut. “That seems… reasonable. No offense but you mortals suck”
“No offense taken?” I said, laughing. “Though you do sound like Octavian.”
She scowled. “Don’t compare me to that worm.”
I may have told multiple horror stories of Octavian
“I simply understand his perspective. Mortals often squander the gifts the gods have given them. Why shouldn’t those with power lead?”
“Because it’s not about power,” I said. “It’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s hard. That’s what the X-Men stand for.”
Kym frowned, twirling her straw in her milkshake. “You’re very idealistic, Jason Grace. It’s almost admirable.”
“Almost?”
“Don’t push your luck.”

By the time we left the donut shop, the sun was starting to set, casting the street in a warm golden glow. Kym carried her bag of books like a trophy, her expression almost… content. I realized I hadn’t seen her look that relaxed before.
“You know,” I said as we walked, “this was fun. We should do it again sometime.”
She glanced at me, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Are you suggesting I require your company to enjoy myself?”
“No,” I said quickly. “I’m just saying it’s nice to hang out. You’re not as scary as you think, Kym.”
She smirked. “Don’t let it go to your head, little storm. I could crush you like a wave if I wanted to.”
I froze for a second, did I just earn a nickname from a goddess? I liked the nickname.
“I know,” I said, grinning. “But you didn’t. That’s progress.”
She shook her head, muttering something about “insufferable mortals,” but I caught the faintest hint of a smile on her lips.

Chapter Text

Triton POV
I sat at the end of the long coral table, my trident leaning against the side. Father sat across from me, his gaze distant, lost in thought. Mother was already speaking, her voice smooth as always, her hands gracefully moving as she set down a dish of glowing seaweed fruit.
And then there was Percy.
The bastard.
He had the same posture as Kymopoleia. That casual, effortless slouch—like the weight of the world rested on his shoulders, but it didn’t matter. He carried it anyway. Just like her.

I tried not to stare, but it was difficult. The way he sat back in his chair, arms crossed loosely over his chest, like he owned the room. His dark eyes, those damn eyes—there it was again. The same shade of green as Kym's. They were so much alike, it hurt. That casual confidence, the way he smiled—slightly to the side, like he knew something you didn’t, but didn’t care enough to say it. The same smile. Just like her.
It was like looking at the past and wondering how it all went wrong.

I couldn’t keep it to myself anymore. I had to say something. I couldn’t sit here pretending this wasn’t bothering me.
"Father," I said, breaking the conversation. Poseidon looked up, but I wasn’t looking at him—I was looking at Percy, the way he lifted his mug of kelp juice and took a sip without a second thought.
“What is it, Triton?” Poseidon’s voice was calm, but I could hear the edge. He knew where this was headed.
“You’re letting him sit here with us," I said, my words sharper than I intended. “Like it’s nothing.”
The atmosphere in the room shifted. Amphitrite’s smile faltered, and Percy froze, his eyes meeting mine. That look—the one he always had, like he was too clever for his own good.

Father's tone turned low and dangerous “Your brother is allowed here. This doesn’t concern you, Triton.”
I let out a huff of frustration and slammed my hand on the table, the sound echoing through the room. “It does concern me! He’s just like her, Dad. Can’t you see that?”
Amphitrite raised a brow, surprised by my outburst, but she didn’t say anything. I could feel her watching me now. Poseidon’s eyes narrowed, the familiar weight of his gaze settling on me. But I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t stop seeing it.
Percy, the son of Poseidon, had so much of Kym in him. How could I sit here and pretend everything was fine when every word that came out of his mouth, every movement, every glance, felt like watching my sister all over again? How was I supposed to handle this?
I didn’t think about how Percy might feel, or how Poseidon would respond. All I could think about was Kymopoleia, my little sister who faded. Lost to us. How could Father let this boy—this boy, who looks so much like Kym—sit at our table and eat like nothing had happened?

“You’re too much like her, Percy,” I muttered under my breath, but the words still hung in the air.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted him to hear it, but of course, he did. His eyes flicked to me, and I felt the weight of his gaze. He was silent, staring at me with that same intensity like he wasn’t afraid of what I had to say.

I could feel Poseidon’s attention shifting between the two of us, and I hated how it felt. How easy it was to see the similarities between them. The way Percy leaned back, taking a breath, before flickering his fingers, and picking up his fork. It was exactly how Kym used to sit. That same arrogance, like everything was a game, and he was winning without even trying.
I tried to focus on the food in front of me. Kelp pancakes. Sea urchins. A kind of fish I didn’t even recognize. But none of it tasted right today. None of it mattered when I could still see Kym in the way Percy tilted his head, or in the curve of his smile.
“Dad,” I said, trying to rein in the rising storm inside me. “How can you stand it? He’s too much like her. He acts like he doesn’t care about anything. Like she didn’t care.”

My heart was pounding. The words were slipping out faster than I could control them. I didn’t want to bring up the past. I didn’t want to make this about her, but Percy’s presence brought it all back. Every little thing.
Poseidon was quiet for a long moment, his gaze shifting from me to Percy. His expression didn’t change, but there was something in his eyes—something softening, like he didn’t know what to say.

Finally, he spoke, his voice low. “You’re wrong, Triton. Percy’s is his own person.”
I shook my head, unable to stop myself. “He is, Dad. He’s got her eyes. Her posture. The way he carries himself like nothing matters. How can you—how can you just let him be here?”
Poseidon’s brow furrowed, and I could tell he was struggling with the words. He always had this way of defending people, of seeing the good even when it was buried beneath layers of stubbornness. But this? Percy was too much of a reminder of everything we’d lost. Father got up and went to Percy, whispering something I could not hear, and then Percy left the room

Amphitrite set down her fork and met my eyes, her expression more serious now. “Triton, you’re not wrong to feel what you feel. I know it’s hard, seeing so much of her in him. But Percy isn’t Kymopoleia. He’s his own person.”
I almost scoffed. “Is he?”

Father interrupted me before I could continue. “I don’t blame you for being unsettled, Triton. I know this is hard. It was hard for me too, seeing Percy at first and seeing Kym... but he’s not Kym.”
I wanted to argue, to scream that I didn’t believe him. But the words caught in my throat. Maybe Father was right. Maybe Percy wasn’t Kym. Maybe he hadn’t made the same choices she had. But the similarities were undeniable.
“I don’t know how to handle this,” I said, my voice quieter now. “How do I deal with someone who’s so much like her, and still be here, sitting at this table?”
Mother reached across the table and placed her hand gently on mine. Her touch was warm and comforting, a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside me.
“You don’t have to deal with it alone, Triton,” she said softly. “We’re family. We’ll figure this out.”

Chapter Text

After breakfast, I needed to clear my head. Triton’s constant glaring and confusing remarks were like a heat lamp on my neck, and the tense undercurrents at the table didn’t exactly scream family bonding. I had a sneaking suspicion of who Triton was talking about, though, without proper proof, I decided against telling anyone, mainly Kym.
Trying to remember the comforting words Father left me with, I figured I’d wander the palace halls for a while, trying to soak in the beauty of Atlantis, while I waited for Father to take me somewhere.

That’s when I found her—Amphitrite.
She was in one of the quieter wings of the palace, standing in front of a massive coral sculpture. It spiraled like a seashell, glowing faintly in shades of pink and blue, and the light reflected off her hair like moonlight on the water. I hadn’t expected to see her, and I definitely hadn’t expected her to turn and smile when she noticed me.

“Percy,” she said, her voice as smooth as a calm tide. “Enjoying the palace?”
“Yeah,” I said awkwardly, rubbing the back of my neck. “It’s, uh, incredible. I didn’t mean to interrupt…”
“You’re not,” she assured me. “I come here when I need to think. The quiet helps.”
I looked back at the sculpture. It was mesmerizing, the way the coral seemed to flow like water despite being solid. “Did you make this?”
Her smile widened, and she nodded. “I did. It’s an old skill of mine. I shape coral when I need to focus my thoughts.”

I blinked, surprised. “You made this? Like... from scratch?”
She chuckled softly. “Of course. Coral is much like the ocean itself—fragile and strong, chaotic yet balanced. It takes patience to guide it.”
I took a step closer, examining the details. The coral twisted and looped in intricate patterns, almost like it was alive. “It’s amazing,” I said honestly. “I didn’t know you were an artist.”

“Art isn’t about knowing,” she said, tilting her head thoughtfully. “It’s about feeling. The ocean teaches that, though not everyone listens.”
I wasn’t sure what to say to that, so I just nodded. I glanced at her, suddenly curious. “So… do you make a lot of these? Or just when things get stressful?”
She laughed, the sound light and bubbling like a wave breaking on shore. “I suppose you could say it’s my form of venting. The sea carries so much energy—sometimes I need to let some of it out.”

“I get that,” I said before I could stop myself. “The sea can be... overwhelming. You think you’re in control, but then it reminds you how small you are.”
Her expression softened, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of understanding—or maybe even approval—in her eyes. “You have a unique connection to the ocean, Percy. Strong, but not forceful. It’s rare.”
I shifted uncomfortably, "I guess. It’s a love-hate thing sometimes.”
Amphitrite stepped closer to the sculpture, running her fingers along one of the coral’s curves. “You know, I wasn’t sure what to think of you when Poseidon first told me about you.”
I tensed, unsure where this was going. “Oh.”
She smiled faintly, her gaze still on the sculpture. “But now, I see why he admires you. You have his strength, yes, but also your mother’s heart. You see the ocean not just as power, but as life.”

Her words caught me off guard. For so long, I’d thought of Amphitrite as this cold, distant figure—the queen of the sea who probably wished I didn’t exist. But now, standing here with her, I realized there was more to her than I’d assumed.
“I didn’t think you’d…” I trailed off, not sure how to phrase it without sounding rude. “I mean, I didn’t think you’d want to talk to me.”
She raised an eyebrow, amused. “Because you’re Poseidon’s son?”
“Well, yeah,” I admitted. “I figured you’d hate me or something.”

Her laugh was quieter this time, almost wistful. “I won’t deny that it was difficult at first. But hating you would be like hating the tide for rising. You didn’t choose your circumstances, Percy, just as I didn’t choose mine.”
I frowned, not sure what she meant by that, but she didn’t elaborate. Instead, she turned fully toward me, her gaze steady.
“I see the way you carry yourself,” she said. “You hold the weight of the world on your shoulders, and yet you still fight for those who cannot. That is not something to hate. That is something to respect.”

“Uh, thanks,” I said, feeling awkward. Compliments weren’t exactly my specialty.
She gestured toward the sculpture. “Would you like to try?”
“Try what?”
“Shaping coral,” she said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “It’s not difficult, but it does require focus.”
I hesitated. “I don’t know. The only crafts I’m good at are beading and sketching.”
“Nonsense,” she said. “The sea flows through you. You’ll be fine.”

Before I could protest again, she handed me a small, glowing shard of coral. It was soft and warm in my hand, like a living thing.
“Close your eyes,” she instructed. “Focus on the coral. Feel its energy, its connection to the sea.”
I did as she said, though I felt a little ridiculous. At first, nothing happened. But then, as I concentrated, I felt a faint pulse, like the coral was alive. The warmth spread through my fingers, and when I opened my eyes, the shard had grown slightly, curling into a delicate spiral.

“See?” Amphitrite said, her tone pleased. “You have more talent than you realize.”
I stared at the coral, half-expecting it to crumble in my hands. “That was... weird. But kind of cool.”
She smiled. “Art, like the sea, is unpredictable. Sometimes it surprises you.”
For the next hour, we worked together, shaping pieces of coral and adding them to the sculpture. Amphitrite showed me how to guide the coral’s growth, and though I wasn’t nearly as good as she was, I managed to add a few decent twists and spirals. It was strangely calming as all the noise in my head had quieted for a while.

When we finally finished, Amphitrite stepped back to admire our work. “Beautiful,” she said. “You’ve added your own touch to it.”
I glanced at the sculpture, then at her. “Thanks. For... this. I didn’t think I’d feel welcome here.”
She looked at me, her expression unreadable but not unkind. “You’re more welcome than you think, Percy. The sea is vast, and there’s room in it for all of us.”
Her words stuck with me as I made my way back to my room. For the first time since arriving in Atlantis, I didn’t feel like an outsider. Amphitrite had seen me—not as Poseidon’s son, or some demigod hero, but as me. And maybe, just maybe, that was enough.

Chapter Text

Jason POV
I wanted to scream, it wasn’t even six in the morning, why was there a goddess in my quarters. “My lady, what are you doing here?”
“You said we should do this again.”
Yeah well, I didn’t mean exactly the next day, I miss Percy.
“Now get ready.”
Trying not to frown I ask, “Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise, now wear the clothes I got you.”
She threw me a white collared t-shirt, a deep blue vest, and black pants, sighing I went to the bathroom to get changed.
After I left the bathroom, and my hair brushed, I was immediately transported to a waffle house and fell.

I could hear Kym laughing at my pain. Barley registration, Kym ordered us waffles and smoothies, and I sat down at the booth with her.
Why me, please Percy get back here and deal with your sister. Please!

“So little storm what do you think my Kraken wants for Yule?”
One of the things I love about Kym is the nicknames she comes up with, it reminds me of Percy and his creative names to call the gods. I recently had the honor of being gifted with the nickname Little Storm.
“Do you mean as gifts or as a celebration?”
“either” Kym waved her hand, clearly showing she does not care how we start.
“Well, Percy has never been one for big celebrations. Sally and Percy usually just do something small, sometimes inviting Nico and Thalia. They usually just make hot chocolate and watch movies. It’s a hard holiday for my cousins and sister because of what happened to Binaca so close to the holiday.”

Nico struggled after the loss of his sister, isolating himself and refusing to even think of the possibility of people caring for him after Bianca. Hazel and Reyna definitely helped him, and I'd like to think I did too.
Of course, it was also hard for my sister and Percy, for Percy was the first death he saw, and I knew he had a huge survivor guilt over it. It also wouldn’t have helped Percy or Nico, that Chiron made Percy tell a ten-year-old his sister is dead.

“With gifts, Thalia made an offhand comment that she was going to get him a new skateboard. I haven’t thought of gifts for anyone yet.”
The list of gifts I was going to have to get was painstakingly long, maybe Kym was right to get an early start. Not only was I going to have to get my sister, cousins, Frank, and my new Greek friends gifts, but also my old friends at camp Jupiter, which consists of Dacota, Reyna, Ari, and Geoffrey. I should probably get Sally and Couch Hedge gifts as well.

I quickly said thank you to the server, who delivered us our breakfast.
“Do you know what my father got Percy in the past?”
Okay, what? I've never heard of a god giving their demigod children Yule gifts! I understand that Percy is a special case, but I know for certain that Percy also hasn’t gotten any Yuletide gifts. The only closest things to a gift were Riptide and the sand thingy, but that wasn't for Yule.

“As far as I'm aware he hasn’t gotten any Yule present for Percy before.”
Before I even finished my sentence, I could feel the rage sweeping off of Kym, so I quickly tried to continue,
“I do know that he gave Percy a sand dollar for his 15th birthday.”
Kym stared at me dumbfounded, “A sand dollar? What is he going to do with a sand dollar?”
“Apparently it was used in the war to convince the river gods to help them” Honestly, they were pretty cheap gods if that was all it took.
“IT WASN’T EVEN A BIRTHDAY GIFT THEN!!!!”

Other customers turned to stare at us, I couldn't be bothered to feel embarrassed, I understood Kym's emotions to some extent. For my 15th birthday, my friends got me a new dagger, which is sad because like seriously I got a weapon, do you know me at all, just because I'm a soldier doesn't mean I want weapons constantly. but a dagger is way better than a sand dollar.
“I seriously need to up my game.”
With that one sentence, I felt pity for all the retail workers who are going to have to put up with Kym.

Chapter Text

Percy POV

I tapped my pencil against the desk, staring at the half-written biology assignment in front of me. The topic was interesting enough—endangered animals or plants, the causes of why they’re endangered, and how we can fix that. I’d already chosen coral reefs. It seemed like a no-brainer, considering my dad’s whole domain is the ocean. But even with the perfect topic, my brain was stuck.

I leaned back in my chair and groaned. “How am I supposed to write a thousand words about something I already know is important?”
The room I was staying in at Poseidon’s palace was a lot fancier than I was used to. It had a bed made of smooth driftwood, soft seaweed pillows, and walls that shimmered with a soft blue glow, like being underwater but still able to breathe. A few schools of fish swam lazily past the windows, and every so often, a stingray glided by, its wings flapping like it was putting on a show just for me.
But none of that helped when it came to tackling my homework.
I scratched out another sentence, only to stop halfway through. It sounded too robotic, like something you’d find in a boring textbook. I sighed, dropping the pencil on the desk.

“Struggling, are we?”
I jumped, spinning around in my chair to see my dad standing in the doorway. Poseidon looked as relaxed as ever, leaning against the frame with his trident resting casually by his side. His sea-green robes rippled slightly, even though there wasn’t a breeze.
“Uh, yeah,” I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck. “It’s this Bio assignment. I’ve got to write about an endangered species or ecosystem, why it’s in trouble, and what we can do about it. I picked coral reefs, but now I don’t know where to start.”
Poseidon stepped into the room, his footsteps making no sound on the polished coral floor. “Coral reefs,” he said thoughtfully. “An excellent choice. However, I can see why it might feel overwhelming. The ocean’s problems are... vast.”
“Tell me about it,” I muttered, turning back to the paper.
To my surprise, Poseidon walked over and pulled up a chair, sitting down next to me. “Perhaps I can help,” he said, folding his hands in his lap.
I blinked at him. “You want to help me with my homework?”
“Why not?” he said with a shrug. “The coral reefs are part of my domain, after all. Who better to assist you than the god of the sea himself?”
He had a point. “Okay,” I said, sitting up a little straighter. “So... where do I start?”
Poseidon leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Let’s begin with the basics. What do you know about coral reefs?”

I thought about it for a second. “Well, I know they’re important. Like, really important. They’re home to a ton of marine life, and they protect coastlines from storms. And, uh… they’re made up of tiny animals called polyps, right?”
Poseidon nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. “Good. Coral polyps build the reefs by secreting calcium carbonate, which forms the hard structure. Over time, these structures become habitats for countless species—fish, crustaceans, even sharks.”
“Okay, so they’re like underwater cities,” I said, jotting that down in my notebook.
“Precisely,” Poseidon said. “But like any city, they are vulnerable to destruction. What do you think threatens them?”
That part, I already knew. “Climate change, pollution, overfishing… stuff like that.”
“Expand on that,” Poseidon said. “Why does climate change pose such a threat?”
I chewed on the end of my pencil. “It causes the water to heat up, right? And corals can’t handle higher temperatures. They get stressed and kick out the algae that live inside them—the algae they need to survive.”

Poseidon nodded again, his expression serious now. “Correct. This phenomenon is called coral bleaching. Without the algae, the coral starves. If the water doesn’t cool down in time, the reef dies, leaving behind a skeletal wasteland.”
I shuddered at the thought. “Okay, so… how do we fix it? How do we stop coral reefs from dying?”
Poseidon’s gaze grew distant like he was looking at something far beyond the walls of the palace. “The solutions are complex, but not impossible. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential. If humanity can slow the rate of climate change, the oceans will have a chance to stabilize.”
I scribbled that down, my pencil flying across the paper.
“Local efforts are equally important,” Poseidon continued. “Reducing pollution, especially agricultural runoff and plastic waste can make a significant difference. And creating marine protected areas can allow reefs to recover without the pressures of overfishing or tourism.”
I paused, looking up from my notes. “Protected areas… like marine national parks?”
“Exactly,” Poseidon said, his smile returning. “Reefs that are given time and space to heal often thrive again. Nature has an incredible capacity for resilience, Percy, but it needs our help.”

We spent the next hour discussing coral reefs in more detail than I ever thought possible. Poseidon explained how mangroves and seagrass meadows work together with reefs to create a balanced ecosystem. He also told me about the Crown-of-Thorns starfish, a natural predator of coral that can devastate a reef if its population gets out of control.
As I finished writing the last paragraph, I leaned back in my chair and let out a deep breath. “Okay. I think that’s it.”
Poseidon glanced at the paper. “May I?”
“Sure,” I said, sliding, my rough copy over to him.
He scanned the page, his eyes flicking back and forth. When he finished, he nodded approvingly. “You’ve done well, Percy. This is not only informative but heartfelt. Your teacher will be impressed.”
I grinned, feeling a weird sense of pride. “Thanks. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Poseidon smiled, and for a moment, the godly aura around him softened. He just looked like… a dad.
After I cleaned up my notes, we just sat there for a while, the silence comfortable. Outside the window, the ocean shimmered with bioluminescent light, and a school of silverfish darted past.
“You know,” I said after a moment, “this is kind of cool. I never thought I’d be doing homework in an undersea palace with my dad helping me out.”
Poseidon chuckled. “It is a unique experience, I admit. But I’m glad we had this time together. The ocean is vast, Percy, and there is so much to learn. I’m proud that you’ve chosen to care about it.”
I felt my face heat up again, but this time, I didn’t look away. “It’s important. And… it’s part of who I am, I guess.”
“It is,” Poseidon said. “The sea flows through your veins, Percy. Never forget that. And remember—what you do for the ocean, you do for all life on Earth.”
That hit me harder than I expected. I nodded, my resolve solidifying.
“Thanks, Dad,”

Chapter Text

Percy POV
After lunch, Dad wanted to show me around the palace, which was cool of him, he gestured for me to follow, and I did, trying not to look too much like a lost tourist. As we walked through the palace, Poseidon pointed out different rooms and halls, explaining their purpose.
“This is the Hall of Tides,” he said, stopping in front of a massive chamber. The walls were covered in intricate carvings of waves and sea creatures, and the air hummed with power. “Here, we monitor the currents and tides of the mortal world.”
“Like... weather control?” I asked.
“Something like that,” he said, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Though we prefer to think of it as balance. The sea is not something to be controlled—it must be respected, nurtured.”

I nodded, trying to take it all in. It was weird, seeing this side of him. To me, the sea had always been a wild, unpredictable thing. Seeing it as something that needed care... well, that was new.
We kept walking, passing through hallways lined with mosaics that seemed to move and shimmer as we went. One showed a battle between sea gods and titans, the waves crashing violently around them. Another depicted a calm, moonlit ocean, with dolphins leaping through the water.
“This one’s my favorite,” Poseidon said, stopping in front of the moonlit mosaic.
“Why?” I asked, genuinely curious.
He hesitated for a moment before answering. “It reminds me that even the fiercest storms give way to calm eventually. The sea is both chaos and peace, Percy. Never forget that.”
I glanced at him, surprised. There was something almost... wistful in his voice.
“Yeah,” I said, not sure what else to say. “Makes sense.”

The tour continued, and we eventually reached a massive dining hall. The table was carved from a single piece of driftwood, its surface polished smooth. Jellyfish floated in glass spheres above, casting a soft, bluish glow over the room.
“This is where we gather for meals,” Poseidon said.
“I thought we gathered in the other room?” I asked referring to the dining room we ate at for breakfast and dinner.
He gave me a look. “The palace isn’t empty, Percy. Others reside here—nymphs, sea spirits, and even a few minor gods. You’ll meet them in time.”
“Right,” I said, trying to picture myself sitting at that table with a bunch of immortal sea beings. The thought was... intimidating.
Poseidon must’ve noticed because he placed a hand on my shoulder. “You’ll fit in,” he said simply.
I wasn’t so sure, but I nodded anyway.

Things were still a little awkward as we moved on to the next part of the palace. Poseidon showed me the armory (full of weapons that looked like they could take down a Kraken), the library (yes, he had a library, and no, I didn’t expect that either), or the gardens.
The gardens were... something else. Instead of flowers, there were corals in every color imaginable, swaying gently in the currents. Fish and tiny sea horses darted between them, and bioluminescent jellyfish floated lazily overhead.
“This is amazing,” I said, stopping to take it all in.

Poseidon smiled, and this time, it reached his eyes. “I’m glad you think so. I used to spend hours here when I was younger.”
“Wait,” I said, turning to him. “You were young once?” I asked in a joking tone
He raised his eyes at me “You’re calling me old, Percy?”
I shrugged “I mean you’re what a billion years old.”
Dad gave out a chuckle a deep rumbling sound.
By the time we reached the throne room, the awkwardness between us had mostly faded. The room itself was incredible—massive, with a throne carved from coral and studded with pearls that gleamed like stars. Behind it, a wall of shimmering water seemed alive, rippling and shifting to show glimpses of the ocean outside. Schools of fish and even a shark swam past, the light from the water casting dancing patterns across the walls.
“This is where I hold court,” Poseidon said, gesturing to the throne. His voice was steady, but there was a hint of pride in it like this place meant more to him than he let on.
I stepped closer, my sneakers making almost no sound on the polished floor. “It’s… a lot,” I admitted, glancing up at the vaulted ceiling where more bioluminescent jellyfish floated lazily. “I mean, not in a bad way. It’s just… big.”
Poseidon chuckled. “The sea itself is vast, Percy. It requires a throne room that reflects its scope. Here, decisions are made, alliances forged, and disputes resolved. But it is not all politics. Sometimes, it is simply a place to think.”
That surprised me. “You just sit here? To think?”
“On occasion,” he said, his expression softening. “Ruling the sea comes with responsibilities, yes, but there is also peace to be found in its depths. Sitting here, I can feel every current, every wave. It reminds me of what I protect.”

I looked at him, seeing a side of Poseidon I didn’t think existed. For most of my life, he’d been this distant, larger-than-life figure—a god, not a person. But now, standing here, he just seemed… real.
“Do you ever get tired of it?” I asked before I could stop myself.
“Tired of what?” he asked, tilting his head.
“Everything,” I said, gesturing vaguely at the throne, the room, the endless responsibilities he’d just described. “The pressure, the expectations… the weight of it all.”
Poseidon considered that for a moment, his gaze drifting toward the shimmering wall of water. “There are times when it feels heavy,” he admitted. “When the storms rage, and the sea seems endless in its demands. But then I remember what it is to be the sea. It is not just storms or chaos, but calm and beauty. The sea sustains life as much as it challenges it. That balance… it is worth carrying the weight.”
I nodded, turning back to the wall of water. For a moment, we stood there in silence, watching the ocean beyond. A pod of dolphins swam past, their sleek bodies cutting through the water like shadows.

“You’ve done well,” Poseidon said suddenly, his voice quiet but firm. I turned to look at him, caught off guard by the unexpected praise.
“What?” I said, blinking.
“You’ve faced challenges even I would find daunting,” he continued. “You’ve shown courage, loyalty, and wisdom. I’m proud of you, Percy.”
I felt my face heat up, and I quickly looked away, focusing on the dolphins again. “Uh… thanks,” I mumbled, not sure how to handle hearing that from my dad. “I’m just trying to do my best.”
“As you should,” Poseidon said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “And your best is more than enough.”
For a while, we just stood there, the silence no longer awkward but comfortable. I felt like, for the first time, I was starting to understand him—not as a god, but as my dad. And maybe, just maybe, he was starting to understand me too.

Chapter Text

Percy POV

The coral garden was breathtaking. It was like walking into a kaleidoscope of colors, with vibrant corals in shades of pink, orange, blue, and green spreading out as far as the eye could see. Tiny fish darted in and out of the crevices, their scales shimmering like rainbows in the dappled light. Anemones waved gently in the currents, their tendrils brushing against the coral-like dancers in slow motion.

Amphitrite, my dad’s wife—yeah, still weird to say that—was leading the way. She moved with an easy grace, her gown of flowing sea-green fabric rippling like it was part of the ocean itself. She turned to glance at me, her expression calm but curious.

“You’ve seen coral gardens before, haven’t you?” she asked, her voice smooth like the tide lapping at the shore.

“Yeah, but not like this,” I admitted, stepping carefully around a patch of delicate staghorn coral. “The ones I’ve seen on Earth are… smaller, I guess. Less alive. Nothing like this.”

She gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. “This is one of my favorite places. The corals here are ancient, untouched by mortal pollution. They’ve grown wild and free for centuries.”

I nodded, not sure what to say. I still wasn’t entirely sure how to act around Amphitrite. She wasn’t cold or mean or anything—actually, she’d been surprisingly nice so far—but she also wasn’t exactly warm. It was like there was this invisible barrier between us, one I didn’t know how to cross.

“So,” she said after a moment, turning to face me fully, “what were you working on with your father earlier? I saw the two of you talking in your room.”

“Oh, uh, it was a school assignment,” I said, scratching the back of my neck. “I had to write about endangered ecosystems. I picked coral reefs.”
“Fitting,” she said with a nod, her gaze drifting over the garden. “And did you enjoy the assignment?”
“Honestly? At first, not really,” I admitted with a chuckle. “But once I got into it, it wasn’t so bad. I actually learned a lot.”

She tilted her head, studying me. “You seem to have a curiosity about the world, Percy. Have you always been like that?”
“Kind of,” I said, kicking a loose piece of coral with my sneaker. “I mean, school wasn’t always easy for me. I had dyslexia, ADHD, and... well, monsters trying to kill me half the time. But when I found something I cared about, I guess I could focus on it more.”

“Like what?” she asked, her tone genuinely curious now.
I thought about it for a second. “Well, there was this one time in history class when we had to write about women in history. Most of the other kids picked people like Cleopatra or Eleanor Roosevelt, but I wrote about the women of Troy.”

Amphitrite raised an eyebrow. “The women of Troy? That’s an unexpected choice.”
I shrugged. “I thought it was interesting. Everyone talks about the Trojan War, but it’s always about the heroes—the guys. Achilles, Hector, Odysseus. Nobody talks about the women who were caught in the middle of it all, like Cassandra or Andromache. They had to deal with all this tragedy and loss, but they still survived, you know? I thought that deserved attention.”
I skipped out on the parts where Kym told me stories about the women in Troy, and how she and the other gods helped some escape their fates.

For the first time, Amphitrite’s expression softened, a real smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “That’s… insightful. The women of Troy were indeed remarkable, though their stories are often overshadowed by the men. I’m impressed you chose to focus on them.”
“Thanks,” I said, feeling a little embarrassed but also kind of proud. “I guess I just like stories that don’t always get told.”

We continued walking through the coral garden, the silence between us now more comfortable than awkward. Every so often, Amphitrite would point out a particularly rare coral species or a unique fish, and I’d try to keep up with her explanations. She knew her stuff, and it was kind of cool to see her so passionate about something.
“So,” she said after a while, glancing at me out of the corner of her eye, “what else do you enjoy, besides history and saving the world?”
I snorted. “Saving the world isn’t exactly a hobby, but okay. Uh, I guess I’m into skateboarding. I’m not, like, amazing or anything, but it’s fun. Helps me clear my head.”
“Skateboarding,” she repeated as if testing the word. “That’s the mortal activity with the wheels, yes?”
“Yeah,” I said, grinning. “You’ve probably seen it on TV or something. It’s a little chaotic—lots of falling and wiping out—but that’s part of what makes it fun.”
“Interesting,” she said, her tone thoughtful. “The ocean can be chaotic as well, unpredictable and full of surprises. Perhaps that’s why you enjoy it.”

I hadn’t thought of it that way before, but she might’ve been onto something. “Maybe. I guess I like the challenge of it. Trying to land a trick or pull off a move you’ve been working on forever—it’s kind of like battling a wave. You’ve just got to go with it and hope you don’t fall flat on your face.”
Amphitrite chuckled softly, the sound light and musical. “You have an interesting perspective, Percy. I can see why my husband is proud of you.”
I froze mid-step, almost tripping over a patch of brain coral. “Wait. Dad said he’s proud of me?”

She stopped walking and turned to face me; her expression was unreadable but not unkind. “He may not say it often, but yes, he is. I can see it in the way he looks at you, the way he speaks about you. You remind him of the best parts of himself.”
I didn’t know what to say to that. I mean, hearing that my dad was proud of me was… a lot. And hearing it from Amphitrite, of all people, made it feel even more real somehow.
“Thanks,” I said finally, my voice quieter than usual. “That means a lot.”
She gave a small nod, her gaze softening again. “You are more like him than you realize, Percy. But you are also your own person. That balance is what makes you unique.”

We kept walking, the coral garden growing even more vibrant as we ventured deeper into it. Amphitrite pointed out a cluster of black coral, explaining how it was one of the rarest types in the ocean. I listened, genuinely interested, and even asked a few questions. It felt… normal. Like we were just two people exploring something amazing together.
Eventually, we reached a clearing where the coral gave way to a patch of white sand. Amphitrite gestured for me to sit, and we both settled down, the water around us shimmering with a faint glow.
“You’ve been through much in your young life,” she said after a while, her voice gentle. “Yet you remain kind, curious, and hopeful. That is no small feat.”
I shrugged, feeling a little awkward under the praise. “I don’t know. I’ve had a lot of help along the way. My mom, Annabeth, Grover… even the gods, sometimes. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
“That humility is another strength,” she said, a faint smile on her lips. “Never lose it.”
We sat there for a while longer, watching the fish darting in and out of the coral.

Chapter Text

Poseidon’s POV
The Atlantis ruins stretched before us, a haunting reminder of a once-great civilization that had fallen beneath the waves eons ago. Columns of marble, now cloaked in barnacles and coral, rose like the bones of a long-forgotten beast. Statues of gods and heroes lay broken on the seabed, their features smoothed by time and currents. What remained of the city was beautiful in its decay, a bittersweet testament to the passage of time and the inevitability of change.
I turned to look at Percy as he swam ahead, his movements fluid and confident. He paused to examine a toppled pillar, running his hand over the intricate carvings that had somehow survived millennia underwater. His black hair floated around his face like a halo, his sea-green eyes wide with curiosity.
He reminded me so much of Kymopoleia.

The thought caught me off guard, a pang of grief striking deep in my chest. Kym, my tempestuous daughter, had been so much like him—defiant, headstrong, but with a heart that burned bright beneath her stormy exterior. She had loved exploring the hidden corners of the ocean, discovering its secrets with an insatiable curiosity. It had been centuries since she’d faded, her name forgotten by mortals and her essence swallowed by the sea. Yet here was Percy, carrying that same spark, that same connection to my domain.

Amphitrite swam beside me, her movements as graceful as ever. Her eyes, sharp and discerning, flicked over the ruins with a mixture of nostalgia and sorrow. This place held memories for her too—memories of a time before our family slowly drifted apart.
“It’s beautiful,” Percy said, his voice muffled but clear through the water. He gestured to a mosaic on the ocean floor, its tiles still gleaming with faint traces of color. “What is this? Some kind of map?”

“It is,” Amphitrite replied, swimming closer to him. “after the city and place destruction, most Atlantean took their possession with them but some were left here.”
Percy glanced up at me, his expression thoughtful. “Do you ever wish it had turned out differently? Do you wish this palace hadn’t fallen in disrepair?”
I considered his question carefully. “There are times when I think of what could have been,” I admitted. “Though I very happy where my capital is now.”
Percy nodded, his gaze drifting back to the mosaic. I watched him in silence, my thoughts drifting. He had grown so much since I first claimed him. The boy who had stumbled into the world of gods and monsters was now a young man, strong and determined. He carried the weight of his destiny with a resilience that reminded me of the ocean itself—endlessly enduring, constantly adapting.
And yet, there were moments when I saw the boy beneath the hero. Moments like this, when his curiosity and wonder shone through, unclouded by the burdens he carried.

Amphitrite swam to a nearby statue, its features worn but still recognizable as one of the old sea gods. “This was Nereus,” she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “We built that statue of him to thank him doe his help with the first giant war.
“Looks like he’s had better days,” Percy said, tilting his head to examine the statue’s chipped face.
Amphitrite let out a soft laugh. “Time is not kind to even the most revered figures. But his legacy endures, as does yours.” She turned to me, her gaze steady as she spoke so quietly no mortal could hear. “And now, it endures in your son.”

I felt a swell of pride at her words, though I kept my expression neutral. Percy had repeatedly proven himself, not just as a demigod but as a protector of the sea. He understood its beauty and its fragility, its power, and its peril. In him, I saw hope for the future—hope that the ocean might have a guardian who truly cared for it.
As we swam deeper into the ruins, I found myself thinking of Kym again. I could almost hear her voice, sharp and teasing, as she pointed out some long-forgotten artifact or questioned the stories behind the ruins.

I missed her. The ache of her absence was a constant presence, like the pull of the tides. I had lost many children over the millennia, their names fading into the depths of history. But Kym’s loss cut deeper than most. Perhaps it was because she had been so much like me, or perhaps it was because her fading had felt so senseless, so unfair.

I wondered what she would think of Percy. I had no doubt she would have teased him mercilessly, challenging his every move. But I also believed she would have liked him. They shared a stubbornness, a fire that refused to be extinguished.
We spent the next hour exploring the ruins together, uncovering more fragments of Atlantis’s past. Percy’s curiosity never waned, and Amphitrite’s patience in explaining each discovery impressed me. The three of us moved as a unit, our movements synchronized like the rhythm of the ocean.
As we began our journey back to the palace, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace. For all the grief and loss I had experienced, for all the regrets that lingered like shadows, there was still hope.
Percy was that hope.

And as I watched him swim ahead, his laughter echoing through the water, I thought of Kym once more. She would never return, her essence now one with the sea. But in Percy, her spirit lived on—a reminder of the resilience and beauty of the ocean’s children.
I smiled to myself, the ache in my chest easing just a little. Perhaps the sea had taken much from me, but it had also given me something precious. And for that, I was grateful.

Chapter Text

Percy POV
I was never so happy to see the bustling streets of New York. Look spending time at Atlantis was great, but I loved being back home with my mum.
Spending time with Poseidon had been awkward but not unbearable, Amphitrite had been unexpectedly kind, and Triton had been Triton: a giant pain in the ass. But for all its beauty and grandeur, Atlantis wasn’t home. New York was.

The glow of streetlights spilled across the sidewalk, and the faint sounds of horns and people shouting in the distance made me feel like I could finally breathe again. This was my city. My chaotic, noisy, wonderful city.
Checking the eggs weren’t squashed by the milk, I took the elevator up to our floor, when I felt a familiar presence, “Hello Kym.”
She stepped out of the shadow near our apartment door, arms crossed, her stormy-gray eyes flashing in the dim light. She wore her usual scowl like she wasn’t entirely sure whether she wanted to greet me or hurl me off the building. But she was here, and that was enough to make me relax.
“Hey, Percy,” she said, her tone casual like she hadn’t been lurking by my door for who-knows-how-long.

I grinned. “What are you doing here? Don’t tell me you missed me.”
She snorted. “Don’t flatter yourself. I was in the neighborhood.”
“Right,” I said, rolling my eyes. “The goddess of violent storms was just ‘in the neighborhood.’”
Kym shrugged, but there was a flicker of something in her expression—relief, maybe? She reached into the pocket of her leather jacket and pulled out a thin, brightly colored object.
“Here,” she said, tossing it at me.
I barely caught it before it smacked me in the chest. When I looked down, I realized it was a comic book. Historically, days in the future past, she paid attention to what I liked. I try not to laugh as I picture Kym in a comic shop, specifically looking at X-men comics for me.
“Thank you, Kym.”
She shifted uncomfortably, shoving her hands into her jacket pockets. “Yeah, well… it’s not a big deal or anything. I just thought you’d want something to read after spending time in that underwater soap opera you call a family.”
I laughed. “You’re not wrong.”

Her scowl softened slightly, though she still looked like she was trying very hard not to admit she cared. I slipped the comic into my bag and unlocked the door, gesturing for her to follow me inside.
“C’mon,” I said. “I think Mom made cookies.”
"Hi mum, Kym here" I greeted my mum coming in.
"Hi Percy, hello Kym." my mum came towards the door, enveloping Kym into a hug.
Kym hesitated for a moment before stepping in after me.
I grabbed the plate and flopped onto the couch, holding it out to Kym. “Want one?”
She eyed the cookies like they might explode, then reluctantly took one. She sat at the far end of the couch, perched on the edge like she wasn’t sure she was allowed to stay. Which is just stupid, my mum literally just hugged you and invited you in, she didn't hug me.

“So,” she said after a moment, “how was it? Atlantis, I mean.” Kym asked as Mum joined us on the couch.
I groaned, leaning back against the cushions, I've already been asked this question four times since coming home, which was literally yesterday. “Do you want the short version or the long version?”
“Short,” Kym said, biting into the cookie.
“Awkward family dinners, Triton glaring at me the whole time, Poseidon trying to play dad, and Amphitrite being surprisingly really nice.”
Kym snorted. “Sounds like a blast.”
“Yeah, well, I survived,” I tease, “Barely.”

Kym didn’t say anything, but I could tell she was thinking about something. Her gaze was distant, her fingers tracing patterns on the edge of the plate.
“You, okay?” I asked.
She blinked, startled, then scowled. “What? Yeah, I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?”
I raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know. You just look… I don’t know like you’re thinking about something heavy.”
Kym leaned back against the couch, her expression guarded. “It’s nothing. Just… Atlantis. I haven’t been there in a long time.”

I didn’t push her. I knew better than to pry when Kym was like this. Instead, I grabbed another cookie and turned on the TV, flipping through the channels until I landed on a soap opera movie.
Kym rolled her eyes. “Seriously?”
“What?” I said, grinning. “It fits the theme. We just talked about our soap opera family!”
She huffed but didn’t argue. We sat there in silence for a while, watching the cheesy movie, eating cookies and not talking about all the complicated stuff we both carried.

After a while, Kym spoke again, her voice softer this time. “You really don’t hate him, do you?”
I glanced at her, confused. “Who?”
“Poseidon,” she said, not looking at me.
The question caught me off guard. I didn’t answer right away, and Kym finally turned to look at me, her expression unreadable. Sometimes I hated him, but not really, I understood he was a god and couldn’t love me the way I wanted him to. Like any human kid would need to be loved.
“I don’t hate him,” I said eventually. “It’s complicated, but… I don’t think I ever really hated him. I just hated the way things were and the situation it put me in.”
Kym nodded slowly like she understood that better than I realized.
There was silence for a while, “Thanks for the comic,” I said after a while, breaking the silence.

She shrugged. “Don’t mention it.”
And just like that, the tension eased. We sat there for the rest of the night, watching movies and pretending we didn’t both have a million things on our minds. For all her storms and tempests, Kym had a way of grounding me, reminding me that even when things were complicated, there was still a place for quiet moments like this.
Maybe that’s why she was here. Or maybe it was something else. Either way, I didn’t question it.

Chapter Text

Kym POV
I swim towards the palace of Oceanus, weaving through the city building surrounding it. I couldn’t help but be excited, finally, I was going to be able to fix past mistakes. My little Kraken will finally have gifts that he deserved long ago, and his new trident was only the start. I've already gotten a list, books that detail underwater culture, politics, and history are a must obviously, but my little brother was lacking in jewelry, so might as well get him some bling while I'm here. Aww he would look so cute in pearls.

I reach the gate to home, “Business?” a gruff voice demanded. Rolling my eyes I give him a small smile, “Oh please Chardon.”
He gave me a smug smirk underneath his helmet, “Name and business lady?” if it was anyone else, I would have smote them or at least gravely injured them, Chardon was one of my friends who helped me when I was exiled, and found out my husband, Briareus, came back to Atlantis. Even thinking about that disgusting filth the invisible scars, he made flare up.

Pushing the hurt down, I give Chardon a smirk “Princess Kympoleia, granddaughter of Oceanus and Tethys, my business here is to kick your ass and visit my dear grandparents. Good enough?”
Chardon smirks, “Yes, it is good enough princess.” He mocks a bow, “Good to see you Kympoleia, how are you?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know Sea Boy?” yes, I did steal that from one of those vines Percy showed me.
“Oh, I would love to know sea girl.” I laugh before pushing him out of the way and going through the gate.

“Oh μάμμη, Πάππος, I’m here.” I called out into the hall, while greeting the servants, before long I was crushed into a hug by my μάμμη, “Hello my dear how are you?” I look a my grandma, “I'm doing great grandma, how are you?” Before Grandma could answer, Grandad came out, “Oh stop bothering her Tethys, we both know why she is here, and it's certainly not to see us.”
“Well, I am here to see you and to grab the trident,” I say cheekily, which causes both of them to laugh. “Well, the trident for your brother is complete, though I want to meet the little one in return.”
While I would love for my little pearl to meet my grandparents and see my home, I was also worried about how Percy would react to seeing Oceanus, he sided with the titans, who hurt him and his friends, but he completely forgiven me from joining Gaia and other gods who did the same.
“I will let you know a time which is good for him.”
“Wonderful, come and eat then we will give you your brother's trident.”

“It's beautiful, Πάππος.” Grandfather outdid himself; the trident was a beautiful powder blue decorated with shells and pearls. It was perfect for my little Kraken.
“thank you, now to your request it will immediately come back to him if he should lose it, and” with a flick of his hand, grandfather turns the trident into a beautiful golden pendant of a trident on a golden chain, with a peal on each side of the pendant “I've also gotten a chain for him to wear with it, to ensure it will come back to him.”
“Πάππος this is better than what I could hope for thank you so much.” I express my gratitude to him, as I envelop him into a hug.
“Anything for my favorite granddaughter.” He said in a whisper, “Don’t tell the others.”
I laugh with him, “Will you stay for dinner, Kym?”
How could I say, no to him when he just made my little kraken the most beautiful weapon I have ever seen since mine. “of course.”

Chapter Text

Kym Pov
Finally, I was going to give my little Kraken the gift he should have gotten, I did debate whether I should save the gift for Yule or not, but the anticipation won out. This was going to be wonderful, I will train Percy in the way of our culture, with this weapon in his hand, no monster could even dream of hurting him now.
Appearing in his room, I step out into the living room, to find my baby furiously studying, my poor baby was working so hard to graduate high school, it irked me now when I heard rumors about how my brother was stupid and an idiot.
Getting to know him, clearly wasn’t the case, not only was Percy a skilled strategist, but he also clearly put so much effort into his studies, I have helped edit his work and saw his grades. How some demigods claimed he was an idiot was beyond me.

His present in my pocket, I crept towards my unsuspecting brother, waving to Sally as I did, who was on the couch giving me an amused look. I put my hand on my brother's shoulder causing him to jump in fright and suddenly there was a sword at my neck.
“Now is that any way to greet your dear sister? Who has come all this way to see you.” Asking Percy in a sugar-sweet tone.
After Percy realised it was me and not a threat, he gave me a disapproving look but did not remove his sword.
“Sally, can you believe this? How could he do this to his sister? " I said in an over-the-top whining voice. Sally, who was watching the spectacle on the couch, chuckled.

“What are doing here Kymopoleia?” oooh full name.
“Why do I need a purpose to visit my favorite brother.” I did my best seal eyes and him, pouting. Only at this did Percy lower his sword.
“I'm your favorite brother. What a high achievement this is. I must visit all our other brothers to alert them to my promotion.”
“I fear you that would take too long brother. There simply too many.” I don’t even remember how many brothers we had, our sister on the other hand, I could definitely name them all.

“What are you doing here Kym?” Percy repeated,
“Why I'm here to give you a gift.” Percy's cute little face bunched into confusion, “You literally gave me a gift two days ago, a comic remember?”
“So, what I'm hearing is you do not want a present,” I say teasing my younger brother.
“No, give me it,” Percy announced leaping at me.
“Percy manners” Sally reprimanded him from the couch.
“Yeah, Percy manners,” I told him as I smirked at Sally's reprimand
“Kym sweetie don’t tease your brother.” I froze as I heard Sally, though she didn’t seem to notice my shock as she was too immersed in her book.
“Sorry mum, Sorry Kym, I would love to have another gift,” Percy said in an overly sweet and innocent voice.
“brat” I whispered.
Percy being the brat he is whispered back, “Thank you, I learnt from the best.”
“Sally, 1'm taking your son and murdering him”
“Okay be back by dinner.”
“MUM” though before Percy could file more complaints, we were already on a small island.

“TRAITOR!” he yelled while he was on the ground covered in sand, presumably to Sally.
“Oh, don’t be like that, I am giving you your gift”
“And it needed to be out in the middle of NOWHERE!!!” Percy cried, gesturing to the small island we were on, surrounded by a vast and seemingly endless ocean, to a mortal anyway.
“Well, I don’t think Sally would appreciate me giving you a weapon to play about in her apartment, don’t you?” I said smugly, knowing that if I brought up Sally's safety I would in this argument.
“My gift is a weapon?” Percy asked me, looking curious, as he got up and dusted the sand off his jeans.
“Yes.” I threw him the trident pendant on a black cord.
“This is a pendant.”
“You don’t want it, give it back?”
“NO,” he said tightly clinging to the pendant, I rolled my eyes at my brother’s antics.
“It isn’t just a pendant you dummy. It’s a weapon disguised as jewelry obviously.”
“You didn’t have to say it meanly.” Oh, but I did little bother I did.
“All you have to do to change it into the weapon is to touch it and say to me my xmen”
“Wait really?”
“No that's called a joke, you say Kym is the best.”
“kyyymmmm!!!!”
"Okay,” I put my hands up in surrender. “You touch it and say Κίνδυνος”
“Danger” Percy translated. I nodded, giving Percy the go-ahead to try his new toy out.
I couldn’t help but smile widely as Percy watched with awe as his little pendant tuned into a magnificence trident if I do say so myself.
“Kym this is amazing.” Percy says smiling at me, before he acts very un-warrior-like, and drops his weapon to tackle me into a hug, “Thank you so much!”
“of course, little Kraken, you are my brother, you only deserve the best of the best.”
“Can you teach me?” Percy asked so quiet and shy, so different than the usual confident boy I have seen. My heart broke, knowing he had to train himself with riptide, with no help or any guidance.
“Of course, I can't have you dying and Sally blaming me"
Percy smiled up at him, before finally letting me go of his death grip of a hug, “Now go pick up your trident, and I'll teach you how to hold it properly.”

Chapter Text

At 3:40, Drew arrived on the dote, she swung open our door “Hey bitch! Did you miss me?” she said in the way of greetings. Rolling my eyes, I go up to greet my pseudo-little sister. Even though I was older by five weeks I still loved shoving it in Drew's face.
I greet her by pulling her into a hug before letting go “Now why would you think I missed you?” I got a well-deserved smack on my head.
“Okay, rude. How's your day been squid?”
“Studying and studying and more studying and then you arrived, what about you cottontail?”
“Basically the same.”
Every once a month, Drew and I try to catch up in person, whether that's to grab dinner or late lunch, watch a movie, or go to each other houses. This month we picked my house to do beads while eating cookies and talking shit.
In our last beading session, Drew decided to start a project in which she made a bracelet representing the 12 Olympian gods, plus Hades, Hestia, and Persephone. Last session she made five bracelets representing Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis, Apollo, and Ares. As she was beading, we were both surprised at how many of the gods had names starting with the letter A. Last beading session I made four bracelets one for Kympoleia, my mum, Hazel, and Nico.
For Nico's bracelet, I found a skull pendant charm for his, which encompassed black and gold beads. Hazel got a skull pendant charm too, but her other beads were purple and pale yellow, and small gold beads separated the purple and yellow ones.
For my mum, it was simple plain bracelets because she prefers those, which is light purple and blue. And for Kym, since I didn’t know her very well at the time of our last beading session, I made her a bracelet just consisting of beads in the shades of dark blue, grey, and black.
“What bracelets are you doing today?” I asked, drawing out of my mind, as we sat down, with my jewelry kit all set up to go. “Demeter, Dionysus, hades, Hestia, and Hera. What about you?”
“I type of coping of you.” Before Drew could attack me, she did an overdramatic gasp, “but I'm doing the beading representing.” Too late Drew hit me over the head again, “ow that hurt.” It didn’t, I barely felt it, but my guilt-tripping worked.
“WHAT, shit, I'm so sorry.” Drew said rushing to pat my head, like that would help “Well as I was saying, I'm doing the beading representing all of my friends and then keeping them.”
“Aww that’s sweet, so you only doing one?” Drew teased me
“NO, I have more friends than you…… wait no that’s not what I meant to say.”
Drew waved her hand dismissively, “It's fine I know what you meant. Who are you doing first?”
“You duh, then Grover, Clarisse, Annabeth, and if I have time Pollux.”
Pollux and I became quite close after the battle of the labyrinth, at first, I thought he would have hated me, and blamed me for Castor's death, but like me, he needed someone to grieve with.
“I think I have an extra grape charm you could use for Pollux?” Drew said while pulling the charms she wanted on her bracelets out of her bag. There were three grape charms in her collection, as well as an apple charm, a range of cute little fire charms, and two crowns. “If I let you use one of my grape charms, will you let me use one of your skull charms?”
“Of course, I would let you use a skull charm, even if you did have a grape charm.”
As Drew started to pick the beads for her Dionysus bracelet, I went to grab up two cans of coke, and a plate of blue chocolate chip cookies.
We fell into our normal rhythm, drew telling me about the gossip at her school, and me making appropriately timed gasps, and snarky comments. I told her all about my trip to Atlantis, and Kym's gift to me. Drew bugged me until I got it out to show her.
"Fuckin hell, why can't I have cool goldy siblings?"
"I think a lot of people would say that Eros and Harmonia are cool godly siblings"
"Yeah, but they haven't gotten me a gift"
I started Grover’s first because he was my first friend, I chose earthly colours beads, browns, various greens, and yellow because being around Grover makes me happy. Drew picked out the beads for her bracelet representing herself; red, black, and purple, I also added a gold heart charm. Clarisse was easy, red, black, and small gold beads separating the other colours. Annabeth's was white, gold, and light red (nearly pink). Pollux of course had the grape charm, Drew so graciously offered me, with purple, and white beads. I also started thinking about what Jason’s bracelet would look like.
Drew's bracelets turned out amazing as usual, Demeter's bracelet, had two shades of dark green, with small red beads separating the two colours, and had an adorable little apple charm. Dionysus had 2 shades of purple and black beads, with a grape charm. Hades was black, and white with small gold beads, with a skull charm. Hestia had orange, red, and yellows throughout hers with a fire charm. Hera’s had light blue, teal, and gold charms, with the gold crown charm.
“We should do beading more often.” Drew sighed as she helped me pack the beads away.
“so, catch up more than once a month.”
She hummed in agreement, “We should try to aim for twice a month.”
“Give me your schedule cottontail and I'll see when we can catch up again.”
“Will do. who are you going to do next?”
“Probably have to do my cousins next. Unless I want my head on a spike.”
That got a giggle out of her, “I can imagine both Nico and Thalia having your head if you left them out.”
Oh yeah forgot about thalia, probably should make her one too.

Chapter Text

Jason’s day was not going well, or life, it started when his fairy godmother, aka Hera, erased his memory and planted him at a Greek camp, well, Thalia said it started not going well when he was left with wolves, but Lupa was amazing. Percy the lucky guy got all his memory back when he drank gorgon blood, what a dumbass. While he still did not have his whole memory, he had regained some of his memories, like his best friends before his life got erased, were Reyna and Dakota and Octavian?
Reyna and Dakota were able to help spark some memories. He remembers Reyna and him brawling constantly when they were younger, Octavian trying to get him to wear shoes, and how Dakota got in sooo much trouble because he introduced Jason to sugary drinks. He remembered fighting the titans on the mountain of despair, he of course remembered the gods and terrors' names, he remembered how to fight and his schoolwork, but he doesn’t remember who he fought with, who trained him or who studied with him, besides Dakota, Lawrence, Reyna and Octavian. So much of his life was missing from his memories, so transitioning back to Camp Jupiter was exhausting.
Some people would come up to him and talk like they had a whole history, which many of them did. As he travelled to the trophy room, he found that he was a theatre kid, which he had no memory of. It was hard for Reyna and Dakota; he could see it on their faces, even though they tried to hide the pain. He could see Reyna's hurt expression as he talked to Hazel and Frank, making jokes. They probably had inside jokes, too.

He changed, and maybe not for the better, as he couldn’t fully remember his life. The worst part was joking with the others on how glad he was that Octavian was dead. Octavian was one of his first friends. The Octavian he could now remember was a little stuck up, sure, but he had a good heart. Octavian saw a feral little boy everyone feared and decided, yes, that one, he shall be my friend. Octavian always looked out for him, helped him learn how to read and write. Forced him to wear clothes and take baths. All of Octavian's sacrifices, Jason repaid his friend. he laughed as Nico said, “Good riddance,” as Octavian died. He was an awful friend, he knew that. Dakota tried to convince him otherwise, saying that he didn’t remember and that in all fairness, Octie did type of go insane there for a second.
He didn’t have anyone to talk to about this. Hazel and Frank only saw Octavian at his worst; he had already burdened Reyna and Dakota too much. Nico hated Octavian with a passion, and Percy only saw the person who tried to destroy his home. While Camp Jupiter had a therapist, it didn’t feel right discussing his failure of protecting the camp and his friends to a stranger, who would only make him feel worse.

Unbeknownst to Jason, while he was brooding over his past mistakes, a blond girl was having the exact same problem.

Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena, architecture of Olympus, one of the prophesied heroes of the seven, was struggling; she had been for a while, since she was 14 when it finally sank in that Luke betrayed her. Annabeth never had time to come to terms with what her honorary brother was doing, nor did she have the space and time to mourn him after the war. Everybody at camp hated Luke with a passion, not that it was undeserved; he caused so many deaths, but Annabeth still remembered the boy who would sing her songs, tell her stories, would comfort her, who was her brother in everything but blood.

Nobody understood her plight. Thalia and Percy chose to hate Luke so easily, but even now, she couldn’t bring herself to hate him, fear him. Yes, but hate, never.
She couldn’t properly grieve Luke at camp, maybe she would have at boarding school, but then Percy, her best friend, went missing, was kidnapped. How could she grieve the person who tried to kill Percy, while he was missing, then they got thrown into another war, this time with giants, which didn’t help her mental health at all. She ran out of her depressive medicine halfway through the quest, and then, to top it all off, she fell into Tartarus. A place where even the gods avoid.

Tartarus…
So many revelations came to light for her and Percy. Percy nearly murdered a goddess…
not that she could fully blame him, but by the gods, he reminded her of Luke so much in that moment.

Their relationship deteriorated from there. Percy tried his best, but it wasn’t on him; it was on her psyche. She kept wondering when Percy would betray her like Luke, would he snap like Luke? Once school started again, she asked Percy to take a break from their relationship. She loved Percy, but she needed time…
While travelling on Argo 2 new insecurity came to light for Jason. Not that it was his fault, but he looked just like her and Luke, which raised the question of whether Thalia even loved her…
or was she just the perfect replacement for Jason? They both had blond hair and were bookish. Did Thalia choose Luke for that reason, too? How much of their relationship was real, how much was they just a replacement for her real brother?

Chapter Text

Many believed (in terms of pagan religions) that Hellenistic polytheism was no longer a dying religion. When the truth was still the very much the opposite. Sure, the 12(really 14) Olympians were not struggling with a lack of worshippers, but that didn’t mean the minor gods were.

The Greeks' closest neighbouring and longest allying pantheon was the Egyptians, whose minor gods (and some major gods), like Serqet, goddess of protection and scorpions and even Pan, the god of the wild, who still had human worshipers, were confirmed faded. Helios, her dear sister Rhodes' husband, had not been seen or heard for centuries, who had a large group of worshippers amongst the mortals. what hope did that have for the others, like her, like her dear friends Philotes, Goddess of friendship and Apate, goddess of deceit, who were so little known and hardly worshipped.

It was heartbreaking to see her long-time friends slowly lose their power and strength, their allies diminished, as Christianity grew more and more powerful. To see Yahweh and Jesus' smug faces.
Yes, her dear brother Percy and her priest Jason were trying to help, but it was already too late for others. Philotes, who now has a temple in Camp Halfblood and Camp Jupiter, and excitedly told her she had her first prayer in 600 years, by a nice Greek demigoddess, Nyssa.
Her other friends, Eileithyia, Goddess of childbirth and midwifery, Bia, the personified goddess of force and power and Brizo, Goddess of the Sea and Dreams, were currently on the waiting list, which she helped create with Percy and Jason's limited list of minor gods. The poor children showed her the list of all the minor gods they could find online, but because so much information has been lost to time, so too have certain gods. They were shocked by how many deities existed in the Greco-Roman pantheon.

Which is how Kymopoleia, goddess of sea storms, ended up at New Rome University, in front of hundreds of demigods, legacy, mages and five mortal historians (whose background was certified by the university) giving a lecture about lost and forgotten minor gods and goddesses. Not to mention, one side comment she made when Percy successfully bullied her into taking this job in front of the University Coordinator now also had her lined up for the entire next semester.
Once it looked like everyone was settled in, the five mortal historians, Percy, Jason and a blond girl, whom she thinks is Annabeth, were up front. Percy and Jason were smiling encouragingly at her, while the girl had a notebook and pencil out.

“Good morning, everyone, and thanks for coming. My name is Kymopoleia, goddess of violent sea and storms, daughter of Poseidon and Amphitrite, big sister of Percy Jackson, who bullied me into doing this.”
There was laughter amongst the guests.

“Today I will be speaking on the matter of forgotten and lost gods, how we are being forgotten and the impact it has not only on the Greco-Roman Pantheon but on the world as well. The first issue I must address is the Second Titian War.”

“While the gods who joined the titian lord were in the wrong, their suffering and personal goals were not. These gods, like Hypnos, were tired of being undervalued for their hard work in maintaining the order of the world. Hypnos' particular job was created for humans, the joy of dreaming, but Hypnos didn’t get the recognition for his work. He was tired and angry. Which I can relate to.

The titan king promised these gods that they would gain new power and worship, as he planned to create new humans, which would mean new humans to impress, without the struggle of trying to get them to believe.
Thanks to baby brother, not only did Hypnos and countless other gods have lighter sentences, but they also had a chance to recognise their demigod children to have a place in our world.

This work was only further advanced thanks to Jason Grace, son of Jupiter, as he has led the creation of new temples in two demigods' safe havens and is informing mortals of our plight. So please shout out to Jason Grace and Percy Jackson”

Jason and Percy looked so embarrassed as demigods clapped for them, HA, if I have to be tortured, so do you.
“Why are we forgotten?

That is a great question, for which there are simple and hurtful answers.
Maybe it's just because other gods are more impressive, important, more beautiful.
I don’t think that a real answer, though others and I have had similar doubts and thoughts over the centuries
Or simply because, like a lot of human history, it was lost to time. Lost to the burning of texts and places of worship, once kingdoms were usurped or conquered.”

"But how does the forgotten gods impact the mortal world?

Well, because we gods created your realm, without the combined force of the pantheons, this world wouldn’t be what it is today. If too many dream gods faded, you wouldn’t dream. If too many wild and natural gods faded, there wouldn’t be nature.

Now I probably won't be able to get through every god I would like to talk about, so let's start off with one of my friends. Eileithyia is the goddess of childbirth and midwifery. She is the daughter of Hera and Zeus, the ruler of the gods.

Unlike some forgotten gods, there is tangible proof of her existence, as both the Iliad and Hesiod mention her as the daughter of Hera and Zeus. She is also depicted in the orphic hymn to Prothyaria and Callimachus hymn, and some discovered vases and even had her own cult.
One of my favourite poems by my friend is now lost to time, but it describes her as a clever spinner. ‘Elethuia, seated beside the deep-thinking fates, hear me, creator of offspring, child of Hera great in strength’
It's true, Eileithyia and the fates have brunch once a month”

Once more, laughter echoes the chamber.

“Now how is it that one of the children of Hera and Zeus is largely forgotten, when their other children Ares, Hephaestus, Hebe and Eris are so largely celebrated. Well, here is the sad thing: she isn’t the only one of their children who is forgotten.
Enyo and Angelos are also forgotten gods and children of Hera and Zeus. Also, why is it that it’s the daughters who are forgotten? Simple Sexism.
Just joking, not really, it plays a part, but it’s not the only reason.

Enyo is one of the Greeks' MANY war gods. Today, many people believe that Athena and Ares are the only war gods in the Greek pantheon. Which, of course, of factually incorrect. One of the facts that always shocks people, sadly, is that Aphrodite is also a war goddess.

Enyo is the goddess of war and destruction. Back in the ancient days, she, Eris and Ares would spend their days together causing strife. Enyo is even depicted on Achilles' shield that Hephaestus made.
Enyo is often called the “sister of war” and is an impartial war goddess. Enyo was also celebrated in a festival called Homolôïa, along with Demeter, Athena and Zeus.

Angelos, on the other hand, is the goddess of purification, a symbol of redemption and is linked to clean elements like fire and water. Purification and cleaning, which is very important to the people of Greece, BUT also to us gods. Angelos' role is so important in our pantheon as she helps both gods and people stay clean spiritually and physically.
Angelos' role includes cleansing rituals, spiritual purification, maintaining sacred spaces and restoring balance.”

//////

After the lecture, Jason and Percy's friend Annabeth (I was right) was chatting my ear off nonstop.