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Chapter Text

"fuck!"  

That was all Malcolm could say about the situation they were in, surrounded by monsters on all sides in a forest with two kids, a satyr, and a wounded demigod. All things considered, "fuck" is a good description of how they will be unless he can find a solution for this problem.  

He thought back on how this was supposed to be a rescue mission: kill a few monsters, pick up a couple of kids, and then return to camp. easy right?    Well, it had been easy until about the picking up the kids part. From there, it all went to Hades, ambushed and pursued by monsters at every turn.  

Frankly, they could have managed to escape if only Francis, the son of Hermes, who came with him on this mission, hadn't been wounded. Unfortunately, he was wounded badly, so Malcolm was left standing over the downed demigod to try to protect him, the kids, and the satyr huddling against a tree.  

Malcolm sent a prayer to his mother, the goddess Athena, for any help, and braced himself for what looked to be his last fight.  

And as he got ready to fight, he saw something fall and drop on one of the cyclops present. He couldn't make out what it was—a branch, he thought—but then the cyclops groaned and turned to dust. Malcolm gaped at that, but he was unable to figure out what happened when, somewhere on his left, a dracaena also exploded into golden dust.  

And as the monsters surrounding them finally noticed the disturbance around them, Malcolm finally saw the cause of it.  

He saw warriors—two armored warriors armed with swords—running through the assembled monsters with practiced ease. In minutes, all the monsters were reduced to dust, as if they didn't pose any challenge to the two warriors, who were clearly demigods. demigods with skills to match some of the very best camp has to offer  

Malcolm thought that reinforcements were sent to them, but quickly dismissed that idea. They never contacted the camp to ask for such help. and a closer look at the armor of the two showed that they were not from camp. He thought that maybe they were from Camp Jupiter, but that was also unlikely.  

As Malcolm was pondering all this in his head, one of the warriors finally stepped to them, the smaller one.  

approached them slowly, taking care not to appear hostile, which Malcolm appreciated, while the bigger one, the one who jumped down from the tree, Malcolm figured, followed behind. He can feel someone's eye on them.  

After a few steps, the bigger one suddenly stopped. Malcolm wondered what happened when he felt a sense of danger coming from that one. Malcolm gripped his sword tight in his hands as he got ready to defend in case an attack came their way.  

Suddenly, the smaller one went and placed a hand on the bigger warrior's arms, and Malcolm let out a breath as the tension disappeared. With the bigger warrior now calm, Malcolm finally asked the first thing that came to his mind.  

"Who are you?"  

Did Malcolm think to thank them for their help? yes.   Did he think there were better things to ask? absolutely!   Was Malcolm thinking clearly? maybe not  

While Malcolm was kicking himself inside for such an idiotic question, the two warriors looked to one another, having a silent conversation that reminded Malcolm of his sister and one other person.  

Suddenly, the bigger one nodded, and facing Malcolm and his group, an apparent understanding had been reached.  

Malcolm watched as the warriors sheathed their swords. Then the smaller warrior lifted her hands to her helm, removing them as Malcolm watched, the other warrior following suit.  

And as the warrior's face was revealed, Malcolm found himself disbelieving his eyes.  

Malcolm stared at the two warriors, mouths open, as he fought his mind to calm himself.  

He briefly registered in his mind that the smaller warrior was none other than Hazel Levesque. who has been missing for 7 years. The other warrior's reveal, however, halted all thoughts in Malcolm's brain.  

Just as he was succeeding in restarting his malfunctioning mind, he heard the bigger warrior speak with a voice that Malcolm never thought he would ever hear again.  

"Hey Malcolm, it's been a while."  

said the voice of one Percy Jackson, hero and twice-savior of Olympus,

The missing son of the sea god  

Chapter Text

The streets were filled with people, all rushing somewhere, cars racing past, horns blaring as they drove by, and the air smelling of exhaust. Leo loved it! The city felt alive, and he felt a part of it as he walked, dodging passersby as he went. His sister right beside him was keeping up, yammering about some project his other sibling had going on. 

Leo looked to his sister Nyssa, his second-in-command at camp, as she informed him of the various projects ongoing at camp and smiled. She has really started to get into the role of co-councilor. Soon he could pass from being head of the cabin to her. 

As he thought that he looked up at the sky, he was looking forward to leaving camp. He planned on setting up shop somewhere. Don't get him wrong; he'll miss camp and his friends, but he feels like he's old enough to go on his own. So plans were made, and soon he'll act on those plans. 

It took Leo a while to notice that he was walking alone; he was so deep in thought that he didn't notice Nyssa had stopped walking. He stopped, looked back, and saw her, staring at a display of a store. 

He walked back and nudged her. "Yo! Sis! What happened?" Leo asked. 

"Look," Nyssa replied without looking away, eyes glued to the store display. 

Curious, he too looked at the display to see what caught her attention. At first glance, Leo saw it was a display for luxury brands, bags, shoes, dresses, and jewelry. The kind that children of the goddess Aphrodite would normally be into, 'Not daughters of Hephaestus' thought Leo. Though, to be fair, Nyssa is still a girl despite spending most of her time in the forges. There have been a few times where he has seen her talking with a few Aphrodite campers. And she has been hanging out with a son of Ares recently. 

Leo smiled fondly at his sister when he thought of her interest in "girly" things stemming from wanting to get closer to a boy. Leo felt happy for her and hopes her love life gets blessed by their father's wife, unlike his. Thoughts of his siblings love life brought forth memories of his own romance, or lack thereof. Leo's thoughts went to Calypso; he wondered how she was and where she was. Ever since their breakup, Leo has tried to move on and forget the Titaness. But that was easier said than done. especially when he was alone. 

Leo shook his head to clear his thoughts and looked at the display again. 

The display was showing an advertisement for what Leo thought to be a jewelry store, a high-end one at that, judging from the apparent rain of multi-colored stones falling on a model. The shot started at the feet of a woman, showing heels encrusted with jewels, moving up to the model's waist, where a belt of red, blue, and yellow gems was wrapped around. The shot continued to the model's neck, now showcasing a necklace of braided gold and silver with a pendant made of bright sapphires and emeralds. 

Leo was baffled by Nyssa's interest in the advertisement; he didn't think that she was the kind of girl who would be overly enthralled by such luxuries, even if her motivation for it was to "pretty" herself up for a boy. 

He racked his brain as he stared at the advertisement, trying to see what actually captured his sister's attention. It wasn't until the shot moved to the model's face that he understood. 

The shot panned up, showing first the model's ears sporting a diamond earring with a silver dove motif dangling below. And as the model spun, her hair gathered behind the model's shoulder. 

The final shot was focused on the model's face, looking straight at the camera with her hand in the frame along her face, showing a brilliant ring of silver with a big pink diamond surrounded by rubies. Slowly, the name of the store, "Celestial Creations," is interposed on the model's smiling face. 

Leo was left shocked, his mouth open as he stared unbelievably at the model's face. A face he has not seen for 3 years. A face that he has missed terribly. A face that now brought back all the worry and stress he felt when it disappeared all those years ago. Memories of a day when Chiron announced her departure from camp due to trauma. He remembered the frantic IM he had with her, the apologies, and the promises to keep in contact. Of the last news he heard from her, Of her staying with her father. Her brief romance with a woman named Shel and their sudden breakup. 

The last time they talked before he lost contact was when she told him how she decided to ask her mother for help and advice. Then silence, from her, then from the gods. Worried, Leo went to Olympus to ask directly the Goddess of Love, who informed him that she was sent somewhere safe where she could heal and possibly find new love. 

Leo remembers trying to get information as to where exactly she was sent, but the goddess denied him that. She said that her daughter does not want to be contacted until she is ready. The goddess advised him to be patient and to respect her wishes. Still, Leo tried everything he could think of to get in touch with her, but to no avail. 

Now, in a random shopfront, he finds the face of a long-lost friend. One he thought he would never see again. 

The beautiful, smiling face of one Piper Mclean. 

Leo found himself being shaken by his sister, asking, "What do we do?" 

Still staring at the screen, Leo absentmindedly reached into his toolbelt and pulled out a smartphone, one of his finest inventions. A joint project between Hephaestus, Athena, Hecate, and Iris campers. A marvel of Greek engineering, modern science, and ancient godly magic. Put together into a monster-safe mobile device for Demigods to use. 

Using the mobile's camera function, Leo took a photo of Pipers face, then quickly shoved the phone back to his toolbelt, grabbing Nyssa's arms. He turned back to the parking lot where they left the car after dropping off the Roman campers that visited camp, explaining why they were in the city. 

"Hurry!" Leo almost shouts to Nyssa as he speed walks, dragging his sister along. "We need to let everyone know!" Leo followed up. 

And as they disappeared among the crowd, Leo thought of how the campers would react to the news. But above all, how will he react to actually meeting Piper after so long? 

Leo smiled as he planned their eventual reunion. 

Chapter Text

At camp, most of the campers are present at the dining pavilion for breakfast. That included one Travis Stoll, co-councilor for Hermes Cabin, currently sitting at the Hermes table with his half siblings.

Travis smiled as he looked around his father's table, even after the gods were made to claim their children, even after the fact that cabins were made for the minor gods. The Hermes cabin was still one of the most populated ones at camp. Travis couldn't help but think about how being the god of messengers and travelers gave his father the opportunity to father so many children.

Looking around, Travis thought back to how the camp was 7 years ago, before the second Titan War. He couldn't help but compare the camp back then to how it is now; just the number of campers now is more than triple the number back then. Thinking of the state of things made him happy. So sporting a happy smile, Travis joked with his siblings as they planned pranks on the other campers.

After a while, his eyes drifted to the Demeter table, towards Katie Gardner, Councilor of the Demeter cabin, his girlfriend. As if sensing him, Katie looked back at him with narrowed eyes, no doubt thinking he was up to no good. Travis flashed her a wide grin, causing Katie to shake her head, smiling fondly. Seeing that, Travis made plans to get Katie alone later.

Travis eyes continued to look around the pavilion. 

The Apollo table was filled with campers huddled close, probably discussing the latest medical breakthrough. He noticed Will, the councilor for cabin 7, missing. He looked around and found him sitting at the Hades table, shaking the lone Hades camper at camp, Nico Di'Angelo, Will's boyfriend, who at the moment had his head plastered on the table, asleep.

Travis's eyes traveled next to the Ares table, where Clarisse, a retired camper who was visiting for the week, was laughing loudly with her siblings.

Travis swings around his seat and looks at the Hephaestus table, missing almost half of its members. Which is pretty normal considering most of them are probably still asleep after staying up all night with their projects. Though he remembers Leo and Nyssa were actually out of camp at the moment, they were sent by Chiron to escort the visiting Romans to the city. They left at sunrise and should be back by dinner.

As he looked around, his eyes landed on the empty table. Tables one and two, Zeus and Hera's, Looking at those tables always bring back painful memories. memories of Jason Grace, the fallen son of Jupiter. Travis looked away, his eyes going to the table dedicated to Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt. The table was only in use when the Hunters of Artemis were in camp; granted, they hadn't visited in awhile.

Finally, Travis eyes landed on the last empty table, a table dedicated to the God of the Seas, Poseidon. And the one who used to occupy that table was the only demigod child of Poseidon in the last century. Percy Jackson.

Looking at that table brought back a lot of memories of the twice-hero Olympus.

Even now, years after he left, his stories are still being told to new campers: stories of his quest and the monsters he faced. The enemies he defeated. Stories of the sacrifices he made—sacrifices that led to the betterment of the lives of all demigods

Travis thought fondly of the pranks the two of them played on other campers. of the battles they fought in.

Unknowingly, the memories made Travis look over at another table. This one was filled with a group of blonde-haired, gray-eyed campers. All sat around the table, eating while reading books or discussing with a sibling. Table 6 is dedicated to the goddess Athena.

As he looked at them, Travis's sight focused on the oldest of the bunch. A woman sporting the same hair and eye color as the rest. Annabeth Chase, senior camper, architech, and hero of Olympus

Travis watched as she smiled at something one of her younger siblings said; a smile Travis noticed did not reach her eyes. Eyes that remained hollow, hiding within them a sadness that very few could understand.

Seeing that, Travis couldn't help but feel a bit of satisfaction, a feeling that conflicted with him also feeling bad for her. Despite all that she did to deserve that hurt, she was still one of Travis's oldest friends.

But Travis also knows the reason behind that hurt, as most senior campers know. Even some of the campers who came after the war know. Though now no one blames her, just the knowledge that people know the reason behind her sad smile brings more sadness to her.

Just knowing that she was the reason Percy is gone is enough to cause her hurt.

Shaking the depressing thoughts away. Travis looked at the table and noticed Malcolm was missing. He thought back to how Malcolm and a half brother of his were sent as reinforcements for a satyr who called camp for backup. Travis actually volunteered to go, but Chiron decided against sending him. He was told by Francis that his brother needed the experience and that he needed more at camp, training the new campers.

But they have been gone for four days now; Chiron estimated that at most they would go for three. It was time to worry. Travis decided to ask Chiron about them later; if there was no news, he'd take matters into his own hands.

Travis's thought was broken by the conch blowing, signaling that breakfast was over. After reminding his sibling what their schedule for the day was, he stood up and headed to the armory. He was scheduled to teach beginner sword fighting; he needed to get ready.

Being one of the oldest campers, Travis was one of the better swordsmen at camp. And his cheerful and upbeat personality makes him a great instructor to the younger campers, or at least that's what Chiron told him when he assigned him that post. Stepping into the arena, he found a gaggle of teenagers, all around the age of 13. 

25 young, loud, and rowdy campers, all wielding wooden swords and wearing armor. He loved them instantly. And as he stood in front of them, he couldn't help but smile at the thought of how different they were from when they started training a month ago.

He called for their attention and partnered them with someone. As they went through the drills and moves, Travis commented on their mistakes, praising what they did right and reminding them of what to do in certain scenarios.

After 2 hours, he calls for the end of the session, again reminding everyone to reflect on what they learned today and dismissing them to their next lessons. After cleaning up, he heads to his own lesson, senior archery.

------------------line break--------------

Afternoon at Camp Half Blood, Travis lessons have just finished, and he is on his way to the Big House, where he plans to demand Chiron allow him to leave camp and look for his brother and Malcolm if they have still not reached out to them.

As he approached the Big House, he found Chiron and Mr. D on the porch, playing cards as always. Travis bowed in respect to the two immortals. "Ah! Travis, my boy! Would you like to join us?" asked Chiron in acknowledgement. Travis shook his head and replied, "No thanks, Chiron; I'm here to ask for an update on my brother." Chiron looked at him, and Travis followed with, "They were supposed to be back yesterday, Chiron! I'm worried! We're all worried!"

Chiron sighed and placed his card on the table. Travis noticed that he had the winning cards again. Mr. D also saw Chiron's cards based on his frown, but God just stood up and went inside the Big house, clearly leaving Chiron to deal with the issue. Chiron wheeled himself from the table toward Travis with a tired look in his eyes.

Chiron then waved him over, and he stepped closer to the centaur. 
"I understand your worry, child; I was just about to call you, actually," said Chiron when he stood in front of him. "Is there news?" Travis asked nervously.

"I received an Iris message from Malcolm early this morning. He told me that they are heading back now and will be arriving here around dinner time," Chiron replied.

The news brought peace to Travis; his brother is coming home. But why were they late? Travis asked himself. "That's good! Thank the Gods! But why were they late, Chiron? Did something happen?"

Chiron looked out of the camp before answering, "Malcolm did not give me all the details; they were rushing to board the plane after all, but from what he managed to tell, they were ambushed by a large number of monsters and were surrounded at one point." Hearing this dispelled all the relief from hearing his brother was safe. He was about to explode at Chiron for not letting him be the one to go on this mission when the centaur held his hand up, signaling that he was not done talking.

"Yes, they were surrounded and injured, but they were rescued. Two demigods managed to arrive and help them in time," Chiron continued. "Two demigods?" Travis clarified.

Chiron nodded his head and went on. "After finishing off the monsters, they were taken to the residence of the rescuers, where they were healed and offered rest for the night; that happened yesterday," Chiron recounted. "When Malcolm contacted me this morning, they were at the airport; they were driven there by the two demigods, who also gave them the money for their travel." 

As Chiron finished, Travis was left in deep thought. His brother and friends were safe and coming home. On the other hand, two unknown demigods manage to help them. that in itself was suspicious.

"Who were they, Chiron?"

"I do not yet know, child; Malcolm was mum about the identity of the two, though he promised to tell when they arrived." was the answer he got.

"Keep a calm mind; they will be home soon. I have sent a couple of Apollo and Ares campers as well as Lou Ellen to pick them up from the airport," Chiron assured him.

"Okay, Chiron, just let me know when they are here, please." Travis accepted but asked Chiron to keep him informed, still worried but somewhat mollified.

"I will be calling for a council meeting later when they arrive; I will call you then," Chiron promised.

Travis nodded at that and started to walk away when Chiron called out to him. "And if you could let Annabeth know about what happened, Travis, that would be helpful!" 

"I will!" Travis replied with a wave of his hand.

Travis found Annabeth at the Lava Wall, overseeing some of the younger campers training. He approached her and relayed the news. Annabeth was visibly relieved to hear her brother was fine and on the way back to camp. She thanked Travis when one of the campers climbing the wall lost footing, diverting her attention.

"I will see you later at the meeting, Annabeth," Travis called to Annabeth as he walked away.

Travis then went to the strawberry fields, looking for Katie. He found her with a couple of her siblings tending to the berries. He smiled at her as he watched her direct her siblings. Katie noticed him, and Travis grinned at her, making Katie blush. He reached for her hand and began tugging at her, his intent obvious.

Katie rolled her eyes at his antics but allowed herself to be led away, but not without leaving a few instructions for the oldest of her sisters to take charge. He led Katie to the docks, where they just sat and dangled their feet in the water, watching the naiads weave baskets as they told each other how the day went until the conch sounded, letting them know that it was dinner time.

The two went back to their respective cabins to lead their siblings to the dining pavilion.

Dinner, unlike breakfast, was a noisy affair. All campers are present during dinner except those that are away from camp; all are expected to be present during dinner. And as Travis led his cabin to the central fire pit, he thought back to those who were currently not in attendance. And when it came his turn, he offered more than he usually would, praying for the safety of those who were currently away.

Travis was just finishing his meal when he was approached by a nymph with a message from Chiron. "You are expected in the Big house," the nymph said, quickly leaving. Travis nodded and called to the next oldest of his siblings. "Nick! You're in charge!" Getting a nod from Nick, Travis stood and went to the Big house.

As he was walking, he was joined by Mason, a son of Hephaestus, whom he asked if he heard any news about Leo and Nyssa. "Leo called, said they stopped at the city for early dinner, and should be back within the hour," Mason said after a nod.

Nodding at that, the two continued the trek to the Big house. When they arrived, they found that most of the other councilors and senior campers were already present. With a few absences, the most notable is Nico. Chiron, he saw, was at the head of the table quietly speaking with a satyr, whom Travis thought to be the one who called for help. Then he saw Malcolm sitting next to Annabeth, shaking his head, his eyes glued to the table. Probably discussing the mission with his sister, Travis thought.

He was about to step to Chiron to ask about Francis when he was tackled into a hug from the side. He recognized his brother a second later and returned the hug. After a few seconds, he let go and held Francis at arm's length. eyes, taking him in fully. He noted a few scratches, and his arm and head are bandaged but otherwise look fine. He was about to ask Francis what happened when Chiron banged his hoof on the floor, bringing the room to attention.

Everyone in the room sat down and looked to Chiron, who cleared his throat and started the meeting. "First, I would like to thank everyone for making the time to attend this meeting. Second, I would like to applaud Malcolm and Francis, as well as Protector Peter, for a job well done. Not only have they protected two young demigods from certain harm, but they have also brought them back to camp safely!" Chiron commended with a proud smile. He continued, "The two young ones are currently watching the orientation film and will be introduced to the temporary cabin by a senior camper," he informed all. "And lastly, I thank the gods for everyone's safe return!" Chiron finished with his fist at his chest, above his heart.

After a minute of silence, Chiron again addressed the room, "I know all of you would like to know the circumstances that led to these events, so I think it's only right that I leave the floor to those who are involved and would know more." With a nod towards Malcolm and Francis, he encouraged them to tell the story.

Malcolm looks around at all the faces in the room and starts. He tells how they got to the city and managed to find the satyr with the two kids almost immediately. As they were leaving, they started to encounter monsters. He told them how the number of monsters increased with every encounter. How they were ambushed when they tried to lose the monsters pursuit in the forest.

"Is this where you were helped, Malcolm?" Annabeth interrupted.

"Yes," Francis answered.

"I thought I was going to die," Malcolm followed, his hands being grabbed and squeezed by his sister. "I was the only one who could fight at that point; Francis was down and the kids were hiding behind Peter," he continued as Travis placed a hand on his brother. His worry just intensified at hearing how close it got. 'I should have gone instead,' Travis thought.

"I was praying to mom, you know, when those two appeared," Malcolm said as he looked at Annabeth. "I thought they were sent by her at first," he confessed. 

"Were they that good?" Travis asked.

"There were close to 18 monsters surrounding us, Travis, including five cyclopses," Malcolm answered.

"And those two run through them in just a couple of minutes!" Francis exclaimed. 

Travis was left in awe at the apparent skill of the two obviously veteran demigods. but he also felt a bit of apprehension. "Who could they be?" he wondered.

Malcolm continued his story of how, after the fight, they were led to the home of the two demigods. "So they were living in the forest?" asked Katie, earning a nod from Francis. Malcolm then told them how they were given ambrosia and nectar to heal. At this point, Will Solace finally spoke up. "They have supplies of ambrosia and nectar?" he asked Malcolm, who only shrugged.

Francis spoke up before Malcolm could continue, telling them how they were given rooms to rest and how they were driven to the airport the next day and given enough money for plane tickets for all of them.

"That was where I IM'ed Chiron, letting him know why we were late." Malcolm finished the tale.

Travis, as well as everyone else in the room, was silent, but he was sure everyone was wondering about the same thing. The identity of the two demigods. Finally, Katie, unable to bear it anymore, asked

"Who were they, Malcolm?"

Travis Inwardly smiled at Katie's question. 'So much like what I asked Chiron earlier,' he thought as he stared at Malcolm, waiting for him to answer. He saw him close his eyes and sighed deeply. When he opened them, he first looked at Chiron questioningly, who nodded back to him. Then Malcolm looked around the room, at every face. Then he sighed once again, opened his mouth, and said

"It's Percy and Hazel."

Travis would like to say that he took the reveal as well as he could, but then he would be lying. No, the truth was, as soon as he heard those names, his mind went blank. His ears started to buzz. and his eyes stared at the son of Athena, sitting at the table almost in front of him. waiting for him to jump up and declare everything to be a joke. But no, as one of the oldest sons of Hermes at camp, he can tell a good joke from a mile away. And this one was not a joke.

As Travis got his bearings back, he looked at the people around him, noting varying degrees of shock. The worst was from Annabeth, whose mouth was open as she was staring at her brother with eyes shining with unshed tears.

Travis was about to ask Malcolm where they were when the door slammed open. breaking the silence that ruled the room. bringing everyone back from their shock-induced coma.

All heads turn toward the doors, where they find one Leo Valdez, panting like he has just run a marathon. Travis saw Chiron about to ask Leo what happened from the corner of his eyes when Leo opened his mouth and shouted

"I found Piper!"

Chapter Text

Shock, 

That was all she could feel—well, not really; she could feel a lot of things right now. To say that she was overwhelmed would not be an understatement. 

She is currently experiencing disbelief as her mind struggles to reconcile the truth she has just heard with the new information she has received.

Annabeth acknowledges that she was experiencing a significant amount of fear at that moment. And rightly so, she tells herself. Fear is exactly what she should be feeling upon hearing the news that her brother shared with all of them.

But, unexpectedly, Hope is the emotion that is currently overriding all of her others.

Hope for forgiveness 

Hope for reconciliation 

Hope for friendship renewed 

'Hope for more than friendship, perhaps', a small voice at the back of her mind whispered. It took all her mental strength to silence this voice.

Shaking her head inwardly, she attempted to formulate plans for moving forward with all the available information. However, despite her best efforts, her mind consistently returned to a single thought.

Piper, Hazel, mother, Malcolm, Leo, Percy, no-stop mission, young campers, schematics, books, Percy...stop it, training, Chiron, dad, Sally, PERCY! 

PERCY! 

PERCY! 

PERCY! 

PERCY! 

Her mind was on a roller coaster ride. Only this one has no end in sight. It continues to revolve around a single, unending thought. PERCY! 

She finally let her mind lead her to the morning of the same day, which surprised her. Her thoughts drifted back to the beginning of the day.

She wakes up feeling numb, as she has done every day since she lost him seven years ago. She has spent every day since being wracked with guilt so severe that she couldn't escape from it. She doesn't want to escape. Every day, she compelled herself to rise and navigate the day as if everything was alright. Hurting, but fine. But she was anything but fine. She was the furthest from being fine. 

She remembers this morning starting just like every other morning, waking up to a heaviness in her heart. She forced herself to get up and organize her cabin in preparation for breakfast. She converses with her sister Bea, who is assuming Malcolm's role as co-councilor during his absence.

She remembers leading her siblings in prayer for Malcolm's safety, already late in coming back. Then, she proceeded with her daily schedule, completing her tasks almost robotically. She was merely performing routine tasks.

She recalls that the day nearly unfolded in the same manner as before, until Travis approached her to share news about her brother and his situation. Travis informed her that they were on their way back. They scheduled the meeting for dinner later. She almost expressed her gratitude to Travis, but a camper who had lost his footing on the lava wall diverted her attention.

Then she remembers spending time at the beach, the only place where she finds peace and feels connected to him. She reminisces about their "spot," where she and Percy used to be together. She remembers smiling as she looks back on everything they went through.

She smiled through the pain of remembering how she broke his heart. The pain only intensified when he disappeared from her sight. She never imagined that her feelings for him would grow to the point where his absence would cause her physical pain.

'Absence makes the heart grow fonder,' she thought. 

She never gave any credence to that saying, but here she is. Her heart is aching for her lost love. She yearns for the happiness she lost.

As she gazed longingly at the sea, she remembered being shocked by the conch sounding off her silent prayer to Poseidon. That day, during dinner, a nymph summoned her to a meeting at the grand house.

Finally, she remembers the meeting they just had. She had a series of revelations that deeply shocked her. Which brings her to the present. 

Leo's declaration dropped another bomb on her as she struggled to calm her mind and heart from thoughts of Percy.

"I found Piper!" 

With those words, her mind finally gave up trying to make sense of how today went. She closed her eyes as she sent a silent prayer to her mother for guidance, as well as to the Fates, a heartfelt plea for a chance at happiness, one more chance, one last chance.

With being with Percy 

Chapter Text

"Leo!"

He heard his sister shout beside him, "Slow down!" Nyssa ordered. Leo reluctantly eased on the gas, bringing the van down to 70 mph. "Sorry," Leo apologized to his sister, who nodded back at him.

Admittedly, Leo should have let Nyssa drive, as his mind has been a mess ever since seeing Piper, his best friend, whom he hasn't seen in almost 4 years. Leo still remembers how hurt he was when Piper just cut contact with everyone, even him.

Leo's mind spiraled as he tried to figure out why Piper had disappeared and then reappeared. He didn't notice he was speeding again until Nyssa called him out. Smacking him on the arm for good measure. So, Leo drove carefully until they turned to the farm road to camp.

It was dark when they arrived at camp. Leo parked the van and shouted to Nyssa to go back to the cabin to let everyone know their backs, as he was already walking to the Big house to tell Chiron the news, knowing the old centaur would like to know as well.

Entering the Big house, Leo noticed voices coming from the rec room. Thinking that a meeting was taking place, he headed straight for the door. In his impatience, Leo slammed the door open, surprising everyone inside the room.

Leo looked around the room and noticed the tension in the air. Initially, he wondered if he was the cause, but he pushed that thought aside. He has more important news to share.

"I found Piper!"

Leo addressed the room before anyone had a chance to respond. The room fell silent as each individual gazed at him.

"What?" After a while, Annabeth whispered to Leo, bringing the room back to life with questions. Leo couldn't really understand anything, especially when everyone was asking and talking at the same time.

It wasn't until Chiron stomped his hoof, quieting the room, that Leo asked him to repeat what he had just said. Leo let out a sigh and addressed everyone with a stronger tone.

"I found Piper."

"I see. Please explain, Leo," Chiron requested.

And so Leo walked to Mason, who stood up and gave him a seat. After he sat down, he addressed the room with a look and started.

"Okay, so I didn't really see her in person, but I saw her," he started. "What?" Katie asked clearly confused.

"So, you know how we went to the city to escort the Romans, right?" Leo asked, getting nods from everyone. "After we dropped them off, Nyssa and I decided to walk around the city for dinner," he continued. "Well, after dinner, Nyssa wanted to look for clothes, so we were window shopping when she stopped at one of those shopfronts with big TVs."

Leo stopped and looked at Chiron, who nodded at him, urging him to go on.

"That's where I saw Piper!" Leo stated with a wave of his hands. "But you just said that you didn't actually see her?" Will repeated his earlier words. "Yeah! What's with that?" followed Travis.

"Well, the TV on the shop window was showing an advertisement for a jewelry shop," Leo said. "And Piper was the model!" Leo clarified while pulling out his mobile phone.

"a model?" Annabeth repeated, clearly bewildered.

"Yeah! Here, look!" Leo answered as he passed the phone to Mason, who was standing behind him.

Mason took the phone and looked at the photo being displayed on the screen, his eyes widening in recognition. The phone went around the room. Every person has the chance to check and see for themselves. After they'd all had a look, Annabeth took the phone and studied the photo closely.

Leo took the chance to ask why they were all here. "Was there an emergency?" he asked. Chiron replied that everyone was fine and that they were just listening to Malcolm's report on the rescue mission.

"Oh yeah! Nice job, Malcolm!" Leo remembered the mission Annabeth's brother was given.

Chiron then informed him of the things that happened on the mission. and of the 2 demigods that help them.

"Cool! So do we know who they are?" Leo asked after Chiron finished the tale.

Upon asking that, Annabeth sighed and returned the phone to him. Then she told Leo that they would continue the discussion about what to do with the news with Piper tomorrow. Leo was about to complain to her when he saw the look on her eyes. They were pleading with him to stop for today, so he just nodded. Then Annabeth closed her eyes and said with a tired voice.

"It's Percy and Hazel."

"What?" I asked again, because clearly, I heard wrong; she couldn't have said those two names now, could she? "It's Percy and Hazel," Annabeth repeated. Yep! Mind blown

I stared at her as my mind refused to take in this information. 3 demigods who have been missing for years. What are the chances of all of them appearing at the same time? Highly unlikely.

I look to Malcolm, questioning him with my gaze. When he nodded, I knew it was the truth.

"What do we do?" I asked no one in particular. "We need a plan," Annabeth replied. 'Of course she'll say that' I thought, 'children of Athena and their plans.'

"It cannot be a coincidence," she continued. "Three missing demigods being found virtually at the same time is an impossibility." 'Great minds think alike,' I thought, "unless someone planned it this way," Katie said, joining the conversation.

"That's why we need to plan this thoroughly; we cannot just show up in front of any of them," Annabeth answered Katie.

"Actually," Malcolm interjected. Annabeth looked to his brother and asked, "What?"

"I actually asked Percy when he dropped us off the airport if he wanted us to keep meeting them a secret," Malcolm stated. "I was ready to swear on the river Styx to keep it all a secret," he paused.

"But what?" his sister asked, urging him to continue. "But Percy said that he doesn't mind us knowing." Malcolm finished looking directly at Annabeth, causing her eyes to widen. "And yes, sister, I know how to go back there," Malcolm stated. answering Annabeth's unspoken question.

Annabeth nods at that and states, "We can plan for meeting Percy tomorrow; now that we know that he is not adverse to the idea of seeing us again, it makes going to meet him a lot easier." The majority of the people in the room agreed with her. "Now we just have to think about how we can get in contact with Piper; you said that she was modeling for the store?" Annabeth asked of me.

"Yup!" Leo nodded as he answered. "What was the name of the store?" Drew, who kept quiet the whole time, asked suddenly. All eyes turned to her as Leo thought back for a minute. "I think it was called Celestial Creations." At that, Drew's eyes widen. "You know the store drew?" asked Travis.

"Yeah, it's a very high-end store, extremely expansive too!" drew confirmed and continued, "My father bought me a set of diamond necklaces and earrings for my birthday two years ago." "He said it cost him more than $100,000!" and it was one of the cheaper once they had it on sale too!"

People nodded at that while not really caring much until Drew stood up and said, "Wait here! I need to show you guys something!" then left the room. As they waited for Drew to come back, they continued to discuss how to best approach meeting Piper.

Katie suggested to go back to the store and ask them for pipers contact details, seeing as she models for them. Annabeth agreed that it was a good idea but also added that the store might not be willing to give out that information to anyone. Here Malcolm said that proof will need to be provided to them to convince them that we actually do know Piper, earning a lot of nods.

After a few minutes, Drew finally came back with a bunch of magazines on her hands. She dropped then on the table and started to flip through one, quickly finding the page she was apparently looking for, then doing the same to the other magazines until all 6 magazines were open on various pages on the table.

I took a look, and all of them feature "Celestial Creations," various jewelry and gems of all kinds being shown on the pages. A frown became evident to all of us and Drew noticed. "Look!" drew said, pointing her finger to each page displayed on the table. Again, we all took a closer look, but still all I could see were pictures of jewelry being modeled on the pages. I glanced around the table and noticed that the guys like me sported a confused look on our faces while the girls all noticed something we didn't, based on their wide eyes.

Not wanting to be left behind, I asked Drew. "What are we missing here?" Drew rolled her eyes at my question, then shook her head when she noticed all the boys looked equally baffled. Before I could say anything, Annabeth asked for my phone again. I passed it to her, and she started to look between the photo on the phone and the pages on the table, comparing them.

After a while, Annabeth placed the phone down on the table, looked up at us, and said, "It's Piper." I guess we still looked confused because she repeated herself and swept her hand over the opened pages on the table. Drew took over and explained that the models on the pages were Piper. I looked again, but I couldn't be sure since none of the pages showed her face. I told them how could they be sure, and all the girls in the room assured us that it was definitely Piper.

"I've been following Celestial Creations for 2 years now, since my dad gifted that set for me. And I've always noticed something familiar about that model; it just didn't click to me that it could be Piper. I mean, she never was once the type of girl who was into fancy jewelry," Drew confessed. "I guess a lot has changed," Annabeth followed up.

"Maybe she's done hiding now?" drew thought aloud. "What do you mean?" I asked her. Drew looked at me before answering me. "She's been modeling for that brand for more than 2 years, Leo; now all of a sudden she shows her face, which means she knows there's a chance one of us will see."

"She also knows that there will be a chance that we will try to get in touch with her," Annabeth continued. "Maybe that means she's ready to come back now," I stated, wishing that was the case. I missed my friend a lot.

"Or it could be that she's moved on now," Drew countered. "What?" I asked a bit harshly. Drew ignored my tone and explained. "Have you forgotten she's somewhat famous? Her father's a famous actor, for gods sake! And remember what Mom said when you went to her?"

"Your mother told me that she sent Piper someplace where she would be safe," I stated as I recalled meeting the Goddess of Love. "Yes! But mom also said that she sent Piper somewhere she can maybe fall in love again!" Drew reminded us.

"So, you mean." I started saying but Drew cut me off. "That her showing her face now might mean that she's moved on and is now with someone else." I was silent as I contemplated that.

Before any of us could continue, Chiron ended the meeting. Reminding us that it was way past lights out and that we continue discussing tomorrow.

We all stood and started to go out of the Big house. As I stepped out, I saw Annabeth and Malcolm walking side by side to their cabin. I feel worried for her. I wanted to ask her if she was okay, but I knew that was a dumb question, so I didn't.

I started walking back to cabin 9 with Jake, both of us silent until. When we arrived, I was bombarded with questions about what happened by my siblings. I promised to tell them tomorrow, but for now, let me rest. After taking a shower, I laid down on my bed and thought back to the day. My thoughts wondered back to Piper, on how she was doing and where she was.

Then I thought about Percy and Hazel.

My eyes closed as I remembered the days we spent together.

Chapter Text

Rain 

That's what woke me up. I opened my eyes to darkness. looking over to the veranda door and seeing that it was raining. I hear it hitting the glass of the door, and I hear the wind blowing outside the house. The sound and the darkness of the room bring back memories of the underworld. 

I close my eyes and try to drive the images of Asphodel from my mind. 

Nope, closing my eyes only makes it worse. I sit up and look around my room. I was searching for anything that might distract my mind from its spiraling thoughts. 

Nothing

Giving up, I got up and left my bed. Fixing up the too-big shirt I took from Percy that I use for sleepwear. I smile at the memory of Percy complaining about how he doesn't have enough shirts to wear now. Something all the females in this house see as a benefit. He is a feast for the female eye, after all. 

I grab my phone from the bedside table. 2 a.m., it read. Deciding to go to the one place I know can quell the storm going through my mind. I step out of my room and walk down the hall to the door at the end. I open the door slowly so as not to surprise the person sleeping within. Stepping inside and closing the door just as quietly, I walk to the side of the bed and gaze at the man sleeping on it. 

laying down, half covered by a blue blanket, is the sleeping form of Percy Jackson. 

Shirtless, as he often is when sleeping or training, is something that I and the others that live here enjoy watching or just looking at in general. Seeing the slight trickle of drool from the corner of his lips brought a smile to my face. Making me reach over and brush his hair away from his face. 

I wondered how his mere presence calms my mind and how just the sight of him brings peace to my whole being. 

'A safe harbor' is what Percy meant to me before, but now he is so much more. 

Slowly, I lift the blanket and slip in bed beside him, causing him to stir in his sleep. His eyes open wide with an alertness born out of necessity, and he scans the room as he reaches for his pen under his pillow, always within reach. 

"Hazel?" Percy muttered sleepily when his eyes found me lying beside him. His eyes locked with mine, silently questioning if I was okay. I nodded at him. "I'm ok; I just didn't want to be alone," I assured him. 

Relieved at my answer, he laid back on the bed, placing his pen back under his pillow. I then found myself wrapped in his arms as he pulled me closer to him. And as I felt his warmth envelop me, I laid my head on his shoulder and surrendered to the comfort his closeness provided me. 

Listening to his quiet breathing and feeling his heartbeat calmed by his troubled mind. Inhaling his scent settled my rapidly beating heart. I closed my eyes and marveled at how, just by being next to him, he managed to chase the demons haunting me. 

And so, I allowed myself to fall asleep next to the one man who brought peace to my troubled existence. 

------------------line break------------------- 

Sunlight piercing through my eyelids woke me for the second time today. I moaned as I turned away from the unwanted intrusion. I tried to press my face into my pillow, 'hard' I thought. Why is my pillow hard? I opened my eyes and was rewarded by the glorious sight of a sleeping, half-naked Percy Jackson. 

Even after years of living together, I still have not gotten used to the fact that I can behold such a sight. I could feel myself blushing red as my eyes took in his bare torso. The early morning light streaming into the room accentuated his near-perfect form. 

Heat spread all over my body as my eyes wandered lower, the sheets now only covering one leg. My eyes were tracing over his defined muscles, and my hands were itching to touch every contour and every scar that marked his skin. A testament to the life he's lived. Every scar is proof of all he's done and conquered. 

As my eyes went further down, I beheld a sight that brought a different type of heat to my body. My core tingled with desire and need while my mouth watered in obvious lust. 

There, under the covers, is the very obvious bulge of his manhood, standing at attention in the morning sun. Temptation almost overwhelmed me as I found myself wanting a peek under the covers. Somehow, I found the necessary self-control to stop myself from reaching over with my hands and lifting the covers, knowing that if I did, I wouldn't be leaving this bed for a few hours. 

'And what's wrong with that? ' a small voice asked from the deepest recess of my mind. 

'Stop it' I argued and sighed. Arguing with myself is not a good sign. 

With a last lingering look at Percy, I pushed myself out of his embrace and got up. My movement caused him to grunt and turn to his side, giving me a look at his wide, muscled back, which was equally scarred as the rest of his body. Again, I find myself drawn to him, his strength, his resilience, and most of all, his heart. 

I grab my phone from the table to check the time. '6:34 am' it shows. 'Too early' I thought. Slowly, I got off the bed, left the room, and headed back to mine for an early shower. 

------------------line break------------------- 

I arrived at the dining room after a while, where I found Rose and Blueberry, two of the three nymphs that reside here, setting the table for breakfast. Both have been with Percy longer than I have and have been serving him since his "disappearance.". 

"Good morning, you two!" I greeted them with a smile. 

"Good morning, Mistress Hazel!" the two replied with a smile while lowering their heads, subservient as always. I have long since given up trying to get them to drop the way they address me. Accepting their reasoning that they were sent here to serve, never mind that they have been here longer than I was. 

I sit on my chair and watch as the nymphs place bacon, eggs, toast, and orange juice on the table. And blue pancakes, of course, can't forget that. "I'll go and inform Master Percy that breakfast is ready," Rose announced before heading out of the dining room. "What do we have scheduled today, Blueberry?" I asked the blue-haired nymph. 

She informs me that today is grocery day. I decide to go with them as I have been cooped up in the house for days now and I also need a few things. Though I could have just told them to buy them for me, I wanted to shop as well. 

So, as I waited for Percy and Rose, my thoughts drifted back to the last few days and the strange things that happened and changed what was supposed to be a routine day for us. 

------------------flashback------------------- 

The day started as always. She got up and went to have breakfast, then went down to the basement, where the training facility is located. There, she trains with her sword for a couple of hours, followed by mist control training. Then she checks with the nymphs about chores and if anything is needed for the house. They then have lunch, followed by admin work for the company she runs with Percy. 

In the afternoon, she relaxes by the pool with a drink of her choice until she needs to check on Percy in the workshop, whom she then drags back to the house for dinner. They then spend some time talking about the day before going to sleep. 

That was the day to day, but that particular day. Something happened that disrupted their quiet way of life. 

That day, at around 3 p.m., while she was answering a few emails, she was alerted to the presence of monsters near their home. This was made possible due to the barrier that surrounded their home, much like the one at CHB. The barrier protects their land from monsters, mortals, and even some immortals. 

She rushed to the door and started to put on her armor. Their place, being a home for demigods, had multiple storage places for armor and weapons, making it easy for them to gear up at a moment's notice. 

Grabbing a sword and shield, she ran out where the presence of monsters was strongest. She was halfway out of the clearing around their home when she was joined by Percy, wearing the same type of armor she had and a sword that was not Riptide. They glanced at each other, then continued to run into the woods that surround their home. 

They ran through the woods quickly and quietly until they came upon a clearing about 15 minutes away from their home. They crouched behind some shrubs to get a better look. They found a group of about 20 monsters, cyclopes, dracaenas, and other kinds surrounding what looked like a couple of demigods. From the looks of things, one was wounded, while the others are non-combatants. Only one was combat-ready, but that one was protecting the downed Demigod. 

'That's bad,' I thought as I looked over to Percy. He signaled for me to go left with his hands, and I nodded. Perfectly fine with following his lead. I turned and headed to my left while Percy turned back and circled around the monsters and climbed a tree, placing himself tight above the largest of the cyclops. I got in place and waited for Percy. I saw him point his sword downward, and I willed the mist to surround me, making me imperceptible to the monsters. 

The moment Percy dropped on top of the cyclops head, his sword stabbing deep in the monster's eye, was the moment I attacked. Taking advantage of the confusion caused by the cyclops bursting to dust due to Percy's action. I stepped out behind a tree and slashed my sword at a group of dracaenas, killing two. Quickly bringing my sword over my head, I slashed downward, killing another monster. Ducking under the spear thrust of the last monster alive in the group, I rolled to the side and came up stabbing my sword to the dracaena's unprotected side, and she dissolved to dust. I didn't get a chance to rest as another spear came at me from my right. I sidestepped that attack and brought my sword down her neck. 

After killing the last monster on my side of the clearing, I looked over to Percy to see that he had just finished the last two of the monsters. Even after all these years, even after years of sparring and fighting with him, I am still left in awe of his skills with the sword. The ease with which he finished off almost twice as many monsters as I did in the same amount of time is a testament to why he is the best swordsman alive. Or ever lived, in my opinion. 

Watching Percy fight is like watching the sea: graceful and powerful at the same time. 

I turned toward the group of demigods when Percy began to walk back to where they were. As I got near them, I noticed that two of them were children, no older than 7 or 8 years old. They were being shielded by a faun or satyr, judging by the orange shirt the older ones were wearing. As I  scanned the group, I also confirmed that one of them was wounded and was being protected by the only one capable of defending, or fighting at all, really. The demigod stood in front of his group, his sword held, and pointed in our direction. cautious and alert. 

At this point, Percy has caught up to me, and we both stopped dead in our tracks. Finally recognizing one of the demigods. He was someone I knew. Someone with whom I have been a bit friendly before. 

I look at Percy to gauge his reaction, knowing his history with him. I saw him frozen where he stood. Eyes glaring in disbelief at the demigod in front of us. I noticed at the corner of my vision that the demigod stiffened at our reaction. His guard was going up, readying himself to defend if needed. I approached Percy slowly and placed my hands on his arms, giving him comfort and letting him know he was not alone. He turned his head to look at me, and I saw his eyes soften as I conveyed my trust and support for him. 

I relaxed when I saw him calm down, and we both turned back to the group. 

"Who are you?" The demigod asked. 

Once again, I look to Percy to see him also looking at me. I nodded at him, silently telling him that I would stand by whatever he decided to do. He takes a moment to think, lets out a sigh, and turns back to the demigod. Percy began to lift his hand and remove his helm, and I did the same. 

As our faces were revealed, I saw the eyes of the demigod widen in recognition and shock. understandable since it has been 7 years since they saw Percy's face. 

I looked at the demigod, who was frozen, as he stared at Percy, who smiled at him. 

"Hey Malcolm! It's been a while." 

Percy greeted the brother of his ex-girlfriend. 

------Flashback end------- 

I was brought back to the present when I heard Percy's voice from the hallway. I turned my head to look just as Percy and Rose entered the dining room. Percy smiled when he saw me, and I could feel myself blush as I smiled back. 

"Good morning, Hazel!" he greeted me as he kissed my cheek and sat down beside me. 

Rose then filled my plate with breakfast while I glared at her playfully, noticing the marks she now sports on her neck. Proof of what happened when she 'woke' her master up. 

"Yes, it looks like someone had a very good morning," I replied to Percy's greeting, keeping my eyes on Rose as she sat down on her seat, who by now was blushing with the color of her namesake. I smiled at the two, then turned my glare at Percy, whose grin widened in response. 

I shake my head at his antics, though I smile, having grown used to him. 

We start eating breakfast, but my thoughts still make me glance at Rose, or rather, her neck. Envy fills my chest, thinking, 'I should have woken him up'. Regretting my inaction this morning, I promised to follow through with my thoughts tonight. 

"Oh, Percy, we were going to the city to buy groceries later. Do you need anything?" I asked as we ate. 

"I'm not sure; I'll check first, then let you know," he replied. 

"Want me to tag along?" Percy offered, ever the gentleman. 

"We're good, thanks," I assured him, getting a nod back. 

We finish breakfast and leave the nymphs to clean up while Percy and I head out to the patio. Percy sits down on one of the lounge chairs and pulls me along with him. I sat on his lap and relaxed as I leaned back on his chest. 

After enjoying a few minutes of silence, I asked Percy what had been on my mind. 

"Do you think Malcolm arrived at camp safely?" 

"They should have arrived around dinner time yesterday," I hummed, and he continued. "Besides, I advised him to call camp so they could be picked up at the airport, so they should be okay," he explained. 

I followed up with my first question after nodding, "And are you OK?" 

"Hmm?" 

"Are you ok with them knowing?" I clarified. 

"It should be ok," he answered after a while. "It's been a long time since everything happened. Hazel, I'm not mad or angry anymore." 

"And if they come here?" worry and concern evident in my voice. Only to be met by a bark of laughter from the man I was using as a chair for the moment as he stated, "Ha! Oh, I'm sure they will!" 

Slightly irritated by his nonchalance, I persisted. "But what if SHE comes here?" 

Percy quiets down, finally understanding my point. I sit up and twist to look at him. I lock eyes at him as he calmly looks back at me. There was no turmoil or hesitation in his gaze. 

"It doesn't matter if she comes here, Hazel; I'm not leaving you, all of you!" 

His statement contained a conviction and assurance that were palpable. A pledge that he intends to see through, a promise he intends to keep. 

It assured me that no matter what, I would always have him by my side, but my mind still needs something more. Something tangible. 

So, I leaned closer to him, my hands on his shoulder, bracing myself as I brought my lips to his. 

Soft, tender lips met my own as I took what I needed to calm my mind and heart. After a short kiss, I leaned away and looked into his eyes again. 

"Promise?" I hated how needy I sounded. But I needed this; I needed to hear him say it. 

And Percy, as if reading my mind and knowing exactly what would remove all the doubts plaguing me,. 

"I swear on the Styx!" 

I heard the sound of distant thunder as his oath was sealed. It still baffles me how he can swear to himself like that with apparent ease. 

I smiled at him and leaned my head on his chest, content with just basking in the peace I felt with him by my side. 

Chapter Text

The meeting ended, and all the councilors were coming out of the Big House and were heading back to our cabins, all of us sporting contemplative looks on our faces, no doubt thinking of all the revelations that came out tonight. 

Percy, Hazel, and Piper. 

Three Demigods, friends we all thought we had lost, suddenly being found at almost the same time. 

'It can't be coincidence,' I thought. 

As we walk to the cabin area, I notice Leo looking at me with concern and pity in his eyes. I turn away from him and ignore the pang of hurt that was constantly ringing in my heart. 

I continue the silent trek to my mother's cabin with Malcolm while thinking of how to ask him more about his encounter with Percy and Hazel. As we reached our cabin, I decided to just ask him directly. Before opening the door, I stopped and turned to Malcolm. "Meet me in my room later, Malcolm," I said. He was about to protest but stopped; he must have seen the pleading look on my face. 

"Please, Malcolm, I need to know," I pleaded. 

My brother silently looked at me and sighed, nodding in agreement to my request. 

The moment we entered, all our siblings swarmed us, everyone hugging Malcolm. Everyone was relieved that he came back to us safe. 

Bea, who took over his duties while he was away, started to interrogate him after hugging him, joining the rest of our sibling in asking him all kinds of questions about the rescue mission. 

I allowed them to continue for a few minutes before clapping loudly, getting their attention. 

'Clap! Clap! ' 

"Alright everyone! Time for bed! You can all get the story from Malcolm tomorrow!" 

"But Annabeth..." argued some of the younger ones. 

"No buts! Bed! Now!" I insisted. "He'll still be here tomorrow," I assured them. 

After a lot of grumbling, they all went to their bunks, getting ready for the night. I look at Malcolm and tell him to clean up, then I stare at him, conveying my request to talk to him later. He nods, then heads to the showers at the back of the cabin. 

I watch him till he enters the showers and heads to my room. I entered and sat down on my bed. I dropped my head to my hands as my mind reeled with all that happened today. 

Percy and Hazel rescuing Malcolm, 

Piper modeling for a jewelry company, 

Hazel being with Percy, 

Percy 

Percy 

Percy 

I let out a sigh as my mind spirals—memories of the past, of war, and people that died. Thankfully, I was broken out of the rapidly worsening thoughts by a knock on my door. 

"Come in," I call out, knowing who it was. 

I smiled as Malcolm entered my room. I gestured towards the chair near my desk, and he sat on it. We both stared at each other for a while, silence filling the space before I began. 

"I'm sorry for forcing you to come here, Malcolm. I know you're tired, but I must know; I need to know." I started with an apology, hoping that he would understand my need to know. 

"I understand, Annabeth; I expected this actually," he replied with a small smile. 

"So, where should I start?" he asked me. 

"How about you start after the fight with the monsters?" I suggested. 

"Alright," Malcolm agreed, closing his eyes for a few seconds. 

When he opened it again, he looked at me with seriousness in his gaze. He opened his mouth and began telling the story again. 

"We'll; I've already told you about the fight, so I won't repeat that." I nodded, and he continued. 

"So, when they removed their helmets, I was obviously shocked." 

"Wait!" I interrupted. 

"How did you not recognize them? I can understand not knowing Hazel but Percy. You've known Percy as long as I have," I asked, finally. 

"Firstly, it's because they were wearing helms that covered their whole faces, and the design of both their helm and armor is very different from that of both Camp and New Rome. Secondly, Percy was not using Riptide," he explained patiently. 

"Not Riptide?" I asked, bewildered. 

"Yes, Percy was using an ordinary celestial bronze sword. And don't ask me why Annabeth; I didn't get to ask him about that," Malcolm clarified while also stopping me from asking more. 

My mind whirled with this information. 'What happened?' I asked. Riptide carried so much importance to Percy. It was the sword that accompanied him throughout all he's been through. Knowing that I wouldn't get answers, I nodded to Malcolm. 

"After getting past the shock at seeing them, Percy went straight to Francis, while Hazel approached the children," Malcolm continued. 

"After a while, Percy stood up, taking Francis with him. Then he told me to follow them to their place. We followed them through the woods for about 20 minutes, Percy almost carrying Francis with Hazel beside him; I was at the back," Malcolm stated before pausing with a complicated look on his face, making me worry. 

"What?" I asked. 

"I don't know how to tell you this next part, Annabeth; I'm worried about how you'll take it." 

"Why? "I asked again. 

"It's just that, when they led us through the woods. I noticed how close Hazel and Percy were. I mean, she was able to calm him down. Plus, they were almost holding hands while they led us." 

Malcolm's revelations have halted my thoughts; more questions emerge from my mind, adding to the already long list of things to think about. Percy and Hazel, the possible relationship between them. the silent implication Malcolm was telling me without actually telling me. In the end, my rational mind won out. 

"That's not surprising Malcolm; Percy has always been close to Hazel; she was the first one he got close to when he got to New Rome. They went on a quest together to find Thanatos." 

"It's understandable how close they got, especially now if they have been together since they both vanished." 

"But that's the thing, Annabeth! It's been 7 years since Percy went away. We don't know what happened to him or to them during that time." 

"Whatever happened to them is not our concern, Malcolm! Not yours. Definitely not mine. After what I've done, I don't have the right to even think about that kind of thing with him!" I exclaimed. 

"The most important thing right now, Malcolm, is to get as much information, understand what's going on about them, and make a plan on how to approach them," I explained, hoping he would drop that line of thinking. 

Malcolm sighed and thankfully relented. He continued to tell his story, describing the house they were taken to. 

"The house, or rather the mansion, was a 3-story mix of brutalist and minimalist design, with the entrance facing the woods and the back facing the lake, mostly composed of wall-to-ceiling glass walls." 

"The outside was the color of gray cement, while the inside was a combination of gray, black, and off white. It was beautiful, Annabeth, in a utilitarian way." 

"When we arrived, Percy led us through the solid black wood doors that opened up to a wide-open living area with a double-height ceiling. One wall was completely made of glass looking over the lake. While straight through the door is a dining room, to our right is a set of stairs to the upper floors." 

"Percy placed Francis on one of the couches while the rest of us followed suit. Oh! I forgot to tell you guys about the nymphs!" Malcolm suddenly exclaimed, startling me. 

"Nymphs?" is asked him, lost. 

"Yeah! When we got in, we were welcomed by 3 nymphs who Percy introduced as their companions. But I think they were servants." Malcolm cleared, 

'Servants? ' The concept intrigued me. What could have happened that would allow Percy to have not one but three nymph servants, I thought? 

"So, when we got seated, I asked them if the place was safe; we were in the middle of the woods. With two Demigods of the Big Three," Malcolm continued. I nodded at his question. It was a logical question. Something I would have asked too if I were the one there. 

"It was Hazel who answered me; she said that the house, along with a large swath of land including the entire lake and river, was protected by a border like the one we have here at camp." 

My eyes widen at what Malcolm shared. He noticed my shock and nodded. 

"Yeah! I felt the same," he said while nodding some more. 

"She also told me that the border not only protects their land from monsters and immortals, but mortals that end up near the place are repelled away by a spell that Hecate herself cast. In addition to the spell that alerts the residents of any possible intruders." 

I was left in awe; the place Malcolm described sounded much like camp, only on a smaller scale. 

"After explaining, Hazel stood up and left with two of the nymphs saying that they would return with some medical supplies, while the third one also left but came back quickly pushing a cart with water and glasses for us. Hazel returned not long after with the nymphs carrying boxes of medical supplies." 

"Together with Percy and Hazel, they began to tend to the wounded of us. Namely Francis and me. After they were done, Percy told one of the nymphs, the one with red hair. Rose, I think her name was, to get 2 of the guest rooms ready. As she went upstairs, Hazel turned to the 2 other nymphs and told them to get dinner ready for all of us." 

"Is that why you think they were servants?" I asked Malcolm. 

"Yeah," he admitted. I nodded at Malcolm. 

"After all the nymphs were gone, Hazel stood and told Percy that she would be freshening up, and Percy nodded at her." 

"As she walked toward the stairs, Percy called out to her, 'You fought great today, Hazel!" 

I smiled at that, Percy as still the same kind guy I knew. unaware of my thoughts, Malcolm continued. 

"Then Hazel looked back to Percy and replied that she had a great master. Then she did something that surprised me more than anything that already surprised me that day," Malcolm added cryptically. 

"What? What did she do?" I asked for like the thousandth time tonight. 

Malcolm was obviously conflicted, but he pushed through. 

"She smiled at Percy." I was about to say something, but he cut me off. 

"But it wasn't a kind smile, Annabeth; it was the kind of smile those girls from the Aphrodite Cabin have when they look at Percy back then." 

"You mean," I started, but again, I was cut off. 

"Like how Selina would smile at Charlie before both of them would disappear for a few hours." 

Malcolm was quiet after that, gauging how I would react. I knew deep down that Percy would not wait for me, not after what I've done. I expected this kind of thing would happen. I'm actually happy for him and for them. 

But at the same time, my heart was breaking, but not from anger. But from envy and jealousy. 

Me, the one that hurt Percy. Is feeling envious of Hazel? Jealous of what she now apparently shares with Percy. I once again wish I could have taken back everything. But I know I can't, so I school my expression and bury the turmoil running rampant inside me. Then I look at Malcolm and encourage him to continue. I can dwell on my thoughts later. 

Malcolm stares at me for a few moments before continuing. "After a while, Percy asked the satyr Peter what happened. Peter told him about how he found the two kids in an abandoned building. How they have been homeless for a few months now." 

"Percy approached and kneeled in front of the two boys and asked them if they were brothers; they weren't, by the way. Then he asked if they had been told what they really were. At this, the two boys turned to Peter, who nodded at them, and then they told Percy that they had been told by Peter." 

I once again smiled at that. "He's still great with kids," I murmured. 

If Malcolm heard me or not, I don't know, but he just continued, "Then one of the kids asked Percy if this was the safe place they were told about. I was about to answer them, but Percy beat me to it. He told them that this was not the safe place, that this was his home. That the safe place was camp, a camp for our kind where we train to protect ourselves and others like us." 

"Then Percy stood and patted both the boy's heads, promising to help get them to camp. He returned to his seat, and I took that as my chance to ask him where he has been and what happened to him the last 7 years." 

I sat up straight upon hearing that, my mind focusing on Malcolm. ‘Finally’, my mind cried, answers for questions that had haunted me for so long. 

"Percy smiled at me first and I thought he would not tell me anything but he finally spoke up. He said that after the war with Gaea, after he rejected godhood again in favor of better recognition for the minor gods, more support for us demigods and Hades and Hestia's throne be given back to them. He was called back to Olympus after 2 days. He met Lord Zeus, his father Lord Poseidon and Lord Hades at the council room. He said that it was explained to him that the Fates have decreed that a reward must be given to him or the fates shall be the ones to decided what his reward will be. Percy said that he was also warned by Lord Hades to not take this lightly, for if the fates decide for him there will be no fighting it, and that he will be forced to live with their decision." 

Annabeth was once again left speechless. 'Why is it always him?' she thought. 

"Percy said that the three gods actually started arguing as to what to reward him. He said that Zeus mentioned how Ares and Aphrodite wanted to force godhood on him. His father wanted him to be sea god and be a general of the forces of Atlantis, something Zeus opposed vehemently while Lord Hades wanted him to marry his godly daughter Melinoe." 

"The arguments only stopped when Lady Hestia suggested for them to actually ask him what he wants. Percy said that he asked for time to think and it took him 2 days to make up his mind. He said that he went to his mother, who gave him advice that helped him come to a decision." 

"What was his wish, Malcolm?" I asked, no longer able to wait. 

"I asked him if his wish was that place, but he said no, saying that when he returned to Olympus he was meeting with Lord Zeus, Poseidon, and Mom," Malcolm said, smiling a bit. 

"Mom?" I clarified. "Yeah, Percy said he was also surprised by mom being there." 

"Anyway, when he got there, he told them what his wish was. He said that his wish was safety and freedom." 

"Safety and Freedom?" I repeated. 

Malcolm continued, "Then he said Mom asked him to elaborate, and he explained that he wished for safety from monsters and freedom from the god's meddling." 

I nodded at hearing that; if anyone deserved such a reward, it would be him. 

"He said that the Gods were silent for a bit until his father told him that his wish was something that was out of their power to grant. Then mom explained that if such a wish was possible, then they would have granted it to all of their demigod children since ancient times." 

I found logic in my mother's words, but I also know that this was Percy. Logic was something that did not work for him. 

"Percy laughed when I asked what happened next; he said that before Lord Zeus could deny him that, he reminded them that this was his wish and that it was up to them to find a way." 

Only Percy would be so brave to do that. I thought. 

"Then mother asked Percy to give them time to think, so he left the throne room and sat at a nearby garden for a while until he was called back. He said that when he returned, the whole council was present." Malcolm suddenly stopped there. 

"And then?" I urged him to continue. 

"That's it; that's as far as he got. Before Hazel returned and informed us that dinner was served, Percy stood and led us to the dining table, and we never got back to talking about his wish or the council's decisions," Malcolm said apologetically. 

I sighed heavily; I was so close to learning the truth about Percy's disappearance! But I swallowed my irritation and urged Malcolm to continue; I was sure there was more. 

"We were led to a dining table that can seat 12 people, I think. The three nymphs were present, and they served us as we sat down. They also sat down after they had filled our plates, and we began to eat. As we were eating, I noticed Percy and Hazel were whispering with each other, but I didn't hear what they were talking about, but I think it was about what they were going to do with us." 

That was very possible given the situation. 

"After eating, Percy told all of us that he would be driving us to the city the next day, that he would drop us off the airport. I told him that we did not have any money for that, but he just said not to worry about that, so I let it go. We were then led by the nymphs to our rooms. Peter and the kids shared one room while I shared the other with Francis." 

"The next day, like he said, Percy drove us to the airport and gave us money for the trip; he also advised me to IM camp, which I did; the rest you already know." 

"It's a shame you didn't get to hear what the reward was," I said after a bit of silence. 

"Yeah, but for a wish like his, I believe it would have required a price from him, or at the very least a condition." Malcolm theorizes, and I agree. 

"Thanks Malcolm! I'm glad you came back safe. You can take a rest now." I dismiss Malcolm. 

I walked him through the door and closed it behind him. 

I drop back on my bed, my mind running through all that I've learned today. 

The answers I got only increased the questions I have. 

My mind went through all the possibilities the future now holds for me. 

The possibility of meeting Percy is something I never thought I would have. 

The possibility of going to his home, his possible relationship with Hazel, the nymphs that live with him. 

The reward he asked for. 

And many other questions that flood my mind. 

But one thought managed to dominate my mind. 

The thought of finally being able to meet Percy, 

And asking for his forgiveness. 

Chapter Text

The morning of the next day! I can't say I slept much but somehow, I felt energized! Must be because of all that happened yesterday. The excitement of all the discoveries and the future that we will be facing is filling me with anticipation and adrenaline.  

Or it could be the 6 cups of coffee I've had since waking up.  

Who knows?  

So, there I sat at the rec room, sipping on my 7th cup of joe, looking at the faces of the other councilors as we wait for the start of the meeting.  

Seated around the table are the usual members, me, Will from Apollo, Travis for Hermes, Katie for Demeter, Sherman for Ares, Annabeth for Athena, Drew for Aphrodite, Pollux from Dionysus and a bunch of other Demigods from the minor gods.  

Clarisse was also here, looking like she was ready to fight someone. Sherman must have told her what happened last night.  

As Chiron entered the room, everyone quieted down. He stomped his hoof signaling the start of the meeting.  

"Where is Nico?" Annabeth started, asking Will.  

"He left for New Rome after lunch yesterday" Will informed us.  

"Should he be informed?" Travis inquired.  

Personally, I think we shouldn't yet, but I waited to see how the others will react.  

After a bit, Annabeth stated "Not yet, at least until we get to meet Percy and Hazel first, if we tell him now, he might just go there directly, or he might go to his father and demand why he was not told about Hazel all these years."  

"That's right," Chiron followed up. "Young Nico has been getting along with his father and this might just cause tension between them. Not to mention he has his duties as ambassador between camps."  

"So, we wait until we know more before telling him?" Will asked, clearly concerned about his boyfriend.  

"Yes" most of the councilors agreed.  

"Now that that's out of the way, what do we do with Prissy?" Clarisse interjected suddenly.  

"And Piper" I added. as everyone started looking around.  

Annabeth again was the first to suggest something. "We need to send some people to meet with Percy, Malcolm already said yesterday that he doesn't mind us knowing where he is so he obviously is expecting visitors"  

"Who do we send then?" Katie asked while looking around the table.  

"Malcolm goes seeing as he knows where to go" Annabeth decided for her brother then continued. "But considering how the last trip there went we need to send him with someone that can fight and also support in case it's needed"  

"So, three people, 2 fighter and a backup?" I asked. "Pretty much." she agreed with a nod.  

"I'll go" Clarisse volunteers. making everyone look at her in disbelief.  

"What? just because I'm no longer a regular camper doesn't mean I don't care. Prissy and I go way back. I've known him just as long as princess over there" she explains while pointing to Annabeth.  

"I can also take it if in the event things get physical at any point." she finished.  

I nodded, "makes sense" I said  

"Okay, so Malcolm and Clarisse. who else?" Travis said.  

"I nominate Will as the 3rd member." Annabeth suggested, making Will ask her why.  

"You can support the two of them with your healing. And it would also keep you away from camp for a bit in case Nico comes back. I'm sorry, Will but we all know you won't be able to hide the fact that Percy and Hazel have been found from Nico." she explained.  

"Yeah, I guess so" Will accepted.  

"It is decided then. Malcolm, Clarisse and Will are going to go meet with Percy and Hazel" Chiron announced and everyone agreed. But I had to make sure of one thing.  

"Are you sure about not going Annabeth?" I asked  

Annabeth looked at me for a minute while everyone looked at her, waiting for her response.  

"Yes, Leo, I'm sure. I understand why you asked that. And I admit I want to go. But now is not the time yet. We must first get a feel of how we will be accepted by Percy. Me meeting him might just cause him to disappear again." she explained.  

Trust an Athena camper to have an answer for everything.  

"I will go and meet with him soon. But not until he says he's ready" she says with an even voice, but her eyes say otherwise. I can clearly see the longing there. So, I nodded at that and moved on.  

"And Piper? How do we go about getting in contact with her?" I changed the topic.  

"I think it's going to be a little bit more complicated with Piper." Annabeth started.  

"How do you mean?" Sherman asked.  

"The fact that Piper is now a model makes it harder for us to approach her. If we do this wrong, we might just get in trouble and be mistaken as stalkers. Or people might just think of us as fans that want to get to know her. Both of which will be bad for us." Annabeth answered.  

"And don't forget about her dad, people might also think that we are just getting some dirt on their family" Drew reminded us.  

"All valid points" Will stated. " So, we need to be smart and come up with a plan that will not make us look like paparazzi."  

"Basically" Annabeth confirmed.  

After that exchange, we all shut up as we tried to think of a plan that will allow us to approach Piper. After a few minutes out of all the people present, it was Drew who came up with the best idea.  

"I think we need to go to the store that Leo saw her modeling for." Drew suggested, making everyone look to her with blank faces. Me included, except maybe Annabeth and Will.  

"That's a good idea." Annabeth said and before anyone can agree I interrupted.  

"Can one of you explain why it's a good idea?" I asked.  

Drew rolled her eyes but explained anyway.  

"If Piper is modeling for them then it's obvious that she works for them, or at least she's connected to them. So, by going to the store, we can find out if they can give us Piper’s contact details" "not likely" Will interjected. "Or we can at least get an idea of where we can start looking for her" Drew continued ignoring Will's words.  

"And, as a daughter of Aphrodite. I know a lot more about jewelry than most of you. Plus, I own a necklace from that brand, which I can use as an 'IN' to get them talking" She added.  

I stared open mouthed at Drew's completely logical plan.  

"So does that mean you," Travis started but was cut off by Drew. "Yes! I'll go to the store first"  

"I applaud your initiative Drew, But I must remind you not to push for information forcefully" Chiron reminded.  

"I know what I'm doing Chiron!" she snaps, then calms down and acknowledges his points.  

"I'll be careful, promise. I'll only be making first contact anyway; not likely I'll meet Piper the same day I go there" drew assured the centaur.  

"Good point" I replied.  

"So, when do we do this?" Sherman inquired.  

"Clarisse is just visiting, so we need to know when you'll be available for a trip to Washington for a few days" Annabeth asked the daughter of Ares.  

"I need to be home for the next week but after that I'll be free for a month" Clarisse answered readily.  

"So, in two weeks then" Annabeth confirmed getting a nod from Clarisse. Already her hand is moving over her planner that I did not notice was in front of her.  

"And when do you plan to go to the store Drew?" she continued  

"I'll be going home in two days, but I can't go there directly. So maybe 5 days from now" Drew replied, tilting her head. she looked cute doing that.  

'Stop!' I reminded myself.  

"I'll finish up back home and come back in two weeks," Clarisse promised getting a nod from all of us.  

"That's the plan. We'll discuss more about the logistics before we send you off" Annabeth announced, signaling the end of the meeting.  

As we all stood up, Chiron reminded us about our duties for the day.  

I got out of the big house, feeling more settled than last night.  

I started walking toward the forges, ready to begin teaching the younger campers on how to properly care for weapons with a smile on my face.  

Chapter Text

New York 

The city that never sleeps, home to the Olympian pantheon.  

It's also here that I now find myself sitting in front of a mirror and getting my hair and makeup done. Why you ask, well that's because I'm getting ready to shoot for a brand of luxury bags.  

The kind that would cost someone tens of thousands of dollars to purchase. I never thought that I would be here back then.  

Modeling.  

Such a wild concept I never imagined I would be doing. But here I am, already in my 3rd year in the industry.  

buzz buzz buzz 

I was shaken from my thoughts by my phone vibrating, a phone. Something that a few years ago I wouldn't have been allowed to have due to the danger it poses to me. Now I can enjoy the convenience this small device brings to my mind.  

I picked up my phone and look at a message from Hazel.  

I smiled as I thought back to my friend. Though now she is more than just a friend. What we share between us labels us as something more than just friends.  

I read her message, just checking in.  

I reply. "Just fine. at the studio, I can't wait to get back home. I miss you" I hit send.  

She replies after a few seconds. "I know you miss him more"  

I smile as enjoy our banter.  

After a few minutes my assistant, Melissa sits next to me. I put down my phone and turned my attention to her. And as the staff applies the finishing touches to my hair and makeup, Melissa starts to run me through my schedule for the week.  

"Okay Piper, after we are done here, we have a shoot for Gucci next then we have a meeting with women's magazine about a possible feature for you and the company."  

I nod, already familiar with those.  

"We also got a few emails requesting a meeting from a few agencies that want to sign you."  

"No, I'm not signing with any agency Melissa. That's final" I cut her off.  

"Are you sure, like really sure Piper? Some of those are real big agencies." she pleaded.  

"If I wanted to be signed to an agency I would have done it years ago. You don't think my father would have made me sign with the same agency as him?" I retorted.  

"Fine, I'll just tell them you said no" Melissa conceded.  

"By the way, I hope you remember that I'm taking a break for a month in two weeks. My schedule better be cleared of anything by that time!" I added.  

"Yes, yes. everything is set for your break. That's why we're cramming all of your commitments in the next few days" she reassured me. "Where are you going anyway?"  

"I'm going home," I answered.  

Melissa looked at me and smiled salaciously before saying "You mean going home to HIM."  

I felt my face blush at her words, but I was beyond denying my feelings.  

"Yes Melissa, to HIM" I admitted.  

Melissa let out a sigh, before saying "He is so lucky to have you!"  

"Nope, I'm the lucky one!" I countered.  

"Really! How lucky are you? on a scale of 1 - 10 how lucky are you with him?" she asked leaning toward me grinning widely as she tried to insinuate something else with her words.  

We joked around the topic for a bit until a member of the staff came to tell me everything was ready. I was led towards the set, a simple white backdrop. I said hello to the photographer and the representative of the brand I'm modeling for today.  

"Ready Piper?"  the photographer asked.  

"Yes!" I answered.  

------------------line end------------------  

2 hours, 10 bags, and hundreds of photos later, I'm sitting on a chair with Melissa. Just relaxing after a set of shoots, waiting for the go-ahead from the photographer that we were set so we could leave.  

Melissa's phone rang as I was sipping on my coffee, I glanced at her as she answered but ignored her conversation with whoever it was that called her.  

"Piper" Melissa called me in a low voice, I looked at her and saw that her phone call had ended, and she was looking at me with her brow knitted.  

"Did something happen?" I asked, concerned as I scooted closer to her.  

"That was from the store," she began. "Someone came asking for you," she said gravely.  

I froze at that; my eyes widened in surprise.  

I knew it was inevitable, that something like this would happen. But not this soon, it's only been a month since I showed my face on my shoots.  

I could feel my heart beat faster, 'Who could it be' I asked myself wondering.  

There weren't a lot of people who would reach out to me,  

Dad? it was possible, he's been asking me for a long time to join him in the "limelight" as he called it.  

Friends? I don't have a lot of friends either. And the friends that I have now all know to call Melissa to get to me.  

Demigods? They are the most likely candidate.  

But therein lies the problem, who among them reached out? I was excited to know but at the same time, I was nervous. Would they be happy to see me? Would they accept me and my decision to bail on them back then? would they understand my reasons for disappearing?  

And most importantly, would they accept me knowing what I am now?  

I don't regret accepting and paying the price for the safety and freedom I have now. And I believe that making that decision has been the best decision I've made in a long while.  

And I also don't regret falling in love again, Real Love. The one Mom always harps about.  

Now that I understand love, and experienced it. I wouldn't trade for anything.  

But it does make me apprehensive about meeting whoever this person looking for me is.  

If they are from camp, they might judge me, us. and I wouldn't accept them judging HIM. They can say all they want about me, but not HIM, never HIM.  

I am His, and HE is Mine.  

And I will not let anyone hurt him again.  

I calmed myself, pulled back from the dark, possessive thoughts I went through, and asked Melissa who it was.  

"Who were they?"  

"They introduced themselves as your sister. The office didn't believe them at first of course, but they showed pictures of the two of you in some sort of camp. So, they heard her out"  

I nodded, 'Sister' I thought, I have a lot of sisters, and brothers as well but who among them came for me?  

"Did they get her name?" I finally asked.  

"They said her name was Drew, they also said that she came with one of our necklaces, she used that to get Nicole to gossip about you," Melissa said a bit tersely.  

"Gossip about me?"  

"Yeah! I am told they first asked about the model on the window and Nicole started telling them about you. I don't exactly know how much she shared but she only stopped when that person, Drew, said that she knew you personally."  

"The manager only agreed to pass along her information to you because of the pictures she showed." Melissa finished and waited for how I would react.  

"Did Drew leave a message?" I asked  

Melissa shook her head, "No, just her number in case you would want to reach out"  

I leaned back on the chair and thought, I expected this to be honest. I knew someone from the camp would see my face in some advert in the city. Then they would reach out, I just didn't think it would be this soon.  

And I also didn't think it would be Drew of all people who would be looking for me. I drew in a breath and exhaled, I decided.  

"Melissa, call the office and get me that number for Drew please," I told my assistant.  

she nodded and held her phone up to call the office but stopped and looked at me.  

"I didn't know you had a sister," she said questioningly.  

"Half-sister, from my mother's side" I confessed.  

Melissa nods and pressed call on the phone.  

10 minutes later I have my phone in my hands, Drew's number keyed in. My finger posed above the dial button, like it has been for the last 5 minutes.  

I don't even know why I'm hesitating. 'It's just drew' I chastised myself.  

finally, I took a deep breath pressed the call button, and waited.  

after a few rings the other end picked up my call and I heard the familiar voice of my once-upon-a-time least favorite sibling.  

"Hello," Drew greeted curtly.  

somehow, hearing her voice caused me to laugh, it was a short quiet laugh but it brought peace to me.  

"Piper?" Drew asked over the phone.  

"Hey, Drew! I heard you were asking for me?" I answered.  

---------------line end---------------  

"Yes! See you soon" I ended the call.  

"That seemed serious" Melissa stated as I handed over my phone to her.  

"It's been 3 years since we've seen each other. a lot has happened. we have a lot to catch up on." I shrugged as I answered.  

"I see."  

"Oh! Melissa, please clear my schedule 5 days from now from lunch onwards. I'm meeting Drew for coffee that day." I asked.  

"Piper! You're fully booked for the whole week! how am I supposed to clear your schedule?" she asked in return, not happy with my request.  

"Please! I'm sure you'll find a way" I implored.  

"Fine. I'll see what I can do!" she finally relented.  

Now do I feel bad about using my charmspeak on her, not really. I figured this time warranted its use.  

After a while, we both said goodbye to the photographer and the crew and made our way out of the studio.  

We got in our car and drove off to the next appointment I had for the day.  

we drove off; I thought back to how the day went and I couldn't help but feel excited about meeting Drew.  

And the rest of my friends at camp.  

even Her.  

I close my eyes to rest, thinking of things to come.  

Chapter Text

Perfect!

That was what she thought as she checked her reflection in the mirror. She twisted and turned in her room as she double and triple-checked her appearance one last time, making sure nothing was out of place.

It's been 5 days since I volunteered to visit the shop where Leo saw Piper's advertisement, and now here she is—in her New York home, getting ready to leave.

After making sure her attire was spotless, she then checked her bag for all the necessities. Then she made sure that her small celestial bronze knife was strapped firmly to her lower leg. Once that was done, she made her way to her bed and picked up a small black box that contained one of her most prized possessions.

Inside the box lies the diamond set of necklaces and earrings her father gifted her, bought from Celestial Creations.

She opened the box and gazed longingly at the set, running her fingers over the sparkling stones. Drew thought of wearing them today but ultimately decided against it.

She closed the box, placed it inside her bag, and, with a final look at the mirror, left her room.

Outside her apartment building, she hailed a cab and told the driver the store's address. Drew looked out the car window as she thought of what she was about to do. She sent a silent prayer to her mother, hoping everything would go smoothly.

After a while, the cab stopped in front of an upscale building. Drew got out of the cab and studied the building. Drew found the window Leo described, and she watched the advertisement showing Piper's face.

Drew watched the advertisement for a bit, noting the pieces of jewelry Piper was wearing. After watching it, Drew went into the building and made a beeline for Celestial Creation's store.

Drew was greeted by three staff members when she went inside the store. Drew smiled as she started to browse the pieces on display.

"Welcome!" The three people greeted me as I entered the store.

I smiled at them and went to one of the display cases. Rings of all makes and styles were displayed.

As I was browsing, one of the staff members came near me and asked, "Are you looking for anything in particular?"

I smiled at her and replied, "I'm looking for something that will match my diamond set, actually."

"I see. Do you think you're set with me?" she asked.

"I do!" I told her while I reached into my bag for the box.

Once I brought out the box, I placed it on the glass display and opened it to show the staff.

She immediately recognized it as one of their designs.

"Oh! This is one of ours!" she exclaimed upon seeing it.

"Yes! My father gifted that to me for my birthday last year!" Drew told the clerk.

"I remember the customer who bought this had the main stones replaced with diamonds," the clerk told Drew in return.

"Really! What was it originally?" Drew asked, shocked.

"Sapphires, if I remember correctly," the clerk answered.

"It looks like I have to thank my father again!" Drew smiled.

"Now! You said that you were looking for a ring to complement this piece, right? I believe we have a number that would suit your tastes!" the clerk announced as she began to pull tray after tray of rings set with diamonds of all sizes and shapes.

As Drew was trying on several rings, she decided to try and ask the clerk about her sister.

"Can I ask you something?" Drew asked tentatively.

"Yes, of course!" the clerk responded.

"The girl in the video, who is she?" Drew asked as she pointed towards the window.

"Ahh! That's Miss Piper!"

"She's beautiful! And the items she's wearing! Just wow!" Drew exclaimed, trying to get the clerk to talk about Piper.

"Oh yes! Some of those were created just for that shoot, you know! Most of those are one of a kind!"

"I wonder how much those are?" Drew questioned. "Would it be possible to see one of them?"

"I'm sorry, ma'am; that would be impossible as they are no longer available," the clerk told Drew.

"They were sold?" Drew asked, shocked again.

The clerk giggled before saying, "Oh no! They weren't sold to anyone! They were given to Miss Piper as gifts!"

"Gifts? All of them?" Drew exclaimed, once again shocked.

"Yes! Hard to believe, right? But then again, Miss Piper is dating the boss, so it does make sense a bit," the clerk explained.

Drew's mind went on a whirlwind of thoughts as the clerk told her about the apparent relationship Piper has with the owner of the store. She was having a hard time imagining that Piper, her sister, who hated dressing up and would cut her own hair, was now a model for a luxury brand of jewelry. Not only that, but she was dating the owner of said brand.

She thought back to when Piper first arrived at camp and how Piper hated wearing any jewelry and chose to braid her hair with a bird's feather of all things. Now she is being gifted hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry by her rich-as-fuck boyfriend.

Drew felt respect for her sister, albeit begrudgingly, for landing a rich guy, which for Drew was a sign of being a daughter of Aphrodite.

Drew was pulled back out of her thoughts when the clerk continued telling her about Piper.

"Did you know that Miss Piper is the daughter of a famous actor? I was surprised when I found that out!" the clerk gossiped to Drew.

"Yes, I do know that," Drew told the clerk, deciding to finally proceed with her mission.

"Tristan McClean, right?" Drew informed the clerk, "Yes, her father."

"Actually, I know a lot more about Piper," Drew told the clerk.

"What do you mean?" the clerk asked, now eyeing her suspiciously.

"I know it's hard to believe, but we used to go to the same summer camp," Drew told the clerk.

"The reason I asked about her is because it's been a while since we've been in contact, 3 years in fact, and when I saw her in the advertisement, I was shocked."

"If that's true, then why have you not been in contact with her? If you are friends, then you should have her number," the clerk asked, suspicious of Drew's motive.

"I said we knew each other from camp when we were younger, not that we are close," Drew explained.

"Is everything alright here?" Drew turned her head as she heard a second voice. Unnoticed by Drew, the clerk she was talking with called on the other staff member.

"I'm Helena, the manager of this store. What seems to be the problem here?" The manager introduced herself to Drew, taking over for the clerk.

"My name is Drew. I was just telling your staff here that I knew your model, Piper, when we were young, but I don't think she believed me," Drew explained.

"I apologize for my staff, but was there a reason for your interest in Miss Piper?" the manager asked directly.

"No need to apologize; she didn't do anything wrong. I do have a reason why I came here besides looking for a ring to match my set," Drew said, pointing to the box she brought with her.

The manager glanced at her set and nodded to her, so Drew continued to explain.

"As I was saying, I knew Piper back when we were attending the same summer camp when we were younger. I still go there as a counselor, and Piper used to visit until about 3 years ago. Then she stopped all contact 3 years ago until one of our old friends walked by this building and saw the advertisement with Piper." Drew paused, making sure the manager was listening.

"I see. I assume your being here today has something to do with Miss Piper and getting in contact with her?" Helena asked.

Drew nodded and spoke. "I know that it is hard to believe what I'm saying. Plus, given the fact that Piper's father is famous, I might come off as a stalker or some kind of paparazzi, but I promise that's not the case, and I can prove it."

Drew then reached into her bag and pulled out a small book. She opened it and flipped through a few pages, then placed it down on the counter and turned it over to show the manager. The manager looked down at what turned out to be a photo.

In the photo, there were a bunch of teens all wearing orange shirts on what seemed to be a dock with a lake in the background.

Drew used a finger and pointed at the last person on the left of the photo. "That's me," Drew said, pointing to herself. Then she moved her finger and stopped on a girl in the center of the photo.

"That’s Piper," Drew said as she looked at the manager, who was looking at the photo closely.

"My half-sister," Drew said silently, making the manager's eyes widen when she heard her.

"I know, it's hard to believe, but it's the truth," Drew said when the manager looked at her.

"I cannot give you her contact details, unfortunately, but I can at least pass your details to her staff and let them decide if they will believe your claim. That's all I can do for you at the moment," the manager finally told Drew.

"Thank you! That would be very helpful!" Drew smiled as she thanked the manager.

Drew was given a notepad where she wrote down her number.

After she passed her phone number to the manager, she once again thanked her and got ready to leave.

"Thank you for your help, and I'm sorry for the trouble," Drew said.

"It's no trouble, and please feel free to come back when you've decided on the ring," the manager stated, going back to business mode.

"I will!" Drew promised.

With her mission now done, Drew walked out of the store and out of the building. She stopped at the window and watched the advertisement play. Her eyes were drawn towards the jewelry Piper was wearing, each more beautiful than the last.

Each is probably more expensive than her own by a large margin. She smiled as she remembered how all of those were apparently given to Piper by her rich boyfriend.

'Nicely done, sis! ' Drew thought as she took one last look at Piper before she turned away and began to walk back to her place.

------line break--------

It's been a few hours since Drew got back from the store; she is currently in her room. lying down on her bed, scrolling through her phone. Drew was enjoying a relaxing afternoon when her phone rang.

Drew looked at the unknown number calling her and frowned at the interruption. She answered the call tersely and heard someone laugh on the other end.

A familiar laugh.

"Piper?" Drew whispered over the phone.

Drew held her breath as she waited for a response. After a few seconds that seemed too long for Drew, she finally heard the voice she had not heard for a long time.

"Hey, Drew! I heard you were asking for me." Piper's voice sounded alive as she heard her over the phone.

"Yes, I was," answered Drew after taking a deep breath to steady her nerves for the coming conversation.

"So, how did you find me?" Piper asked.

"I didn't; I mean, Leo was the one who saw your advertisement in the city. He then told the camp about seeing you," Drew explained.

"Ah! I see, how come he wasn't the one who came to the store?" Piper continued to inquire.

"The decision of who will go was discussed during a councilors meeting. There was a lot more happening at camp at the moment Leo found out about you, so he couldn't decide on his own," Drew answered.

"And I volunteered to go to the store to try to find you, just so you know," Drew announced somewhat haughtily.

"You did? Why?" Piper asked, clearly confused as to why Drew would ever do something for her. aware that the two of them were not close to each other.

"First, out of everyone at camp, I am perhaps the most knowledgeable about jewelry. Second, I actually own a set from celestial creations." "I heard about that," Piper said, interrupting Drew.

Drew ignored Piper and carried on with her explanation: "I used that set to convince the people at the store to pass along my details to you. Since we know that getting your details would be close to impossible,"

"Lastly, I used the fact that we are half-sisters to somehow get them to do what I wanted," Drew finished.

"I understand; for what it's worth, I knew something like this would happen when I agreed to show my face. I just didn't think it would happen this soon," Piper said.

"So, when can we meet? We have a lot of questions for you, Piper. I have a lot of questions for you," Drew finally asked after a beat of silence.

Drew waited for Piper's answer, silently worrying that her sister would not agree.

"I'm booked for the next 5 days, so we can only meet after that. Would that be okay for you?" Piper answered after thinking for a bit.

"Yes! That's not a problem for me," Drew agreed, happy for her success in getting Piper to meet up.

"Okay, let's meet at Starbucks near the Empire State Building 5 days from now, after lunchtime," Piper suggested.

Drew had no problem with that, so she agreed to the plan.

"By the way, Piper, I will be reporting this to camp, so I won't be alone when we meet up," she reminded Piper.

"I know; it's ok with me," Piper accepted easily.

"I'll see you in 5 days, then, Piper!" Drew confirmed.

"Yes! See you soon," Piper replied before hanging up.

Drew smiled as she placed her phone down on her bed, happy for her success. excited about meeting Piper. She thought about Iris messaging camp right away but decided against doing that.

She would be going back to camp tomorrow anyway. She'll just tell them then, she reasoned.

Drew spent the rest of the day on her bed, feeling good about what the future holds.

Not just for her but for camp as a whole.

Chapter Text

10 a.m. at Camp Half blood, 

Drew is making final checks on her attire in the mirror inside cabin 10, while Lacy, one of her younger sisters who will be going with her to the city, is busy strapping a celestial bronze dagger to her leg. 

Drew smiled at her sisters' antics as she noticed how excited she was. Drew isn't sure if it was meeting Piper or going to the city that got her in such high spirits. 

After a few more minutes, Drew called Lacy and led her out of the cabin. Together, they walked up the hill to the pine tree at the top to wait for the others, who would be leaving camp as well. 

Drew thought back to the meeting they had a few days ago, when they decided on how to proceed with meeting the lost campers. Although she volunteered to be the one to try to meet Piper, the councilors had to discuss who among them would go and meet Percy. 

And aside from Malcolm, who knew where to go, she doesn't know who else was chosen to go to Percy. 

When they reached the Pine tree, Drew watched Lacy approach Peleus, who was currently curled around the base of the pine tree, and pet the dragon's head. She saw the dragon's eyes narrow in contentment as her sister continued to pet its massive head. 

Drew looked over the valley of the camp as they waited for the other campers to arrive. The numerous cabins and the dining pavilion, which have been expanded to accommodate a greater number of campers, have been increasing year over year. 

Drew looked at it all and compared it to how it was before. She knew that how camp is now is incomparable to how it was in the past. The changes that happened have made the lives of all the demigods living in camp better than they were when she first arrived. 

The improvements to the living situations alone were already enough to make most of the older campers surprised and thankful. But the biggest improvement would be the interactions of the gods with their children. 

That's not to say the gods visit camp, no. But the gods do reach out to their kids more often now, through letters, gifts, visions, and dreams. And once in a while the gods would spend the day at camp, mingling with all the demigods. 

The result of that is greater respect and loyalty from the demigods. 

Now more than ever, the gods are more secure in their rule, making the threat of rebellion almost nonexistent. 

All these changes can be attributed to one demigod, Percy Jackson. 

It was his wish that made all this possible. 

It was his sacrifice that paved the way for a better life for all demigods. 

It was his hardships that opened the eyes of the gods to their shortcomings. 

and it was his words that made the gods change their ways. 

And it was he who left after he was betrayed. 

Drew was brought out of her thoughts when she heard the unmistakable voice of Chiron. She turned her head to the side and saw her mentor and four other demigods walking up the hill. She saw Malcolm and Sherman, together with Clarisse and Will Solace, walking behind the centaur. 

She nodded at Chiron when the group reached them under the pine tree and watched as Sherman stepped over to her side. 

Chiron looked over all of them once, then spoke in a kind but serious voice. 

"Good morning to you all! I would just like to thank each and every one of you for accepting these responsibilities." The centaur bowed to us as he said this. 

"A few reminders before I let you all go. Clarisse, Malcolm will lead the mission. Please follow his lead and try not to antagonize young Percy when you meet him. We don't know how he will respond if you do challenge him. We don't know how the years have changed him," Chiron stated as he kept his eyes on the daughter of war. 

"A little trust, Chiron; I'm not the same hot-headed kid I was back then," Clarisse replied with a sneer. "Though I can't promise that I won't challenge him to a spar," she continued as she grinned. 

"Just be mindful of how he will react," Chiron pleaded while shaking his head. 

Chiron then turned his head to look at Malcolm, reminding him of a few points. 

"Just like what I said with Clarisse, don't push Percy too hard for information. Try to gauge how he reacts and how much he is willing to share." 

Finally, he looks at Drew. 

"You, my dear, will be leading; remember that the most important thing is your safety. same with Malcolm: don't push too hard; let Piper share only what she feels comfortable sharing. This is only the first meeting. We'll have more chances to learn more," Chiron told Drew with a smile. 

Drew nodded at Chiron's words. 

Chiron then spread his hands and prayed to the gods for their success and safety. 

Together, they all walked down the hill towards Argus and the waiting van, Sherman telling an excited Lacy that this wasn't really a quest with Lacy not caring. As they got to the foot of the hill, they all got in the van, and Argus started their long drive to the city. 

In the van, Malcolm and Drew discussed their respective missions and what they plan on achieving. Malcolm said that his main priority would be to get a feel for how accepting Percy would be about other campers visiting him and to get the truth about his disappearance. though Drew thinks the first point is to the benefit of his sister Annabeth. 

He then told him that hers would be to ask her sister where she had been and what she had been doing for the last 3 years. The second would be the reason for her disappearance. 

Along the drive, the campers all told each other stories of their own quests, with Lacy listening intently. This was her first time out of camp for a mission. 

Drew and her company would be dropped off first near the Empire State Building, then Argus would be driving Malcolm and his crew to the airport. 

After a few hours, they arrived, and Argus stopped near the Empire State Building. Drew, Lacy, and Sherman got off and said their goodbyes to Malcolm and his crew. Drew watched the van drive off for a few seconds, then glanced at her companions. Lacy and Sherman were looking up at the top of the Empire State Building, probably trying to see if they could spot Olympus from the ground. 

Drew smiled, remembering how she used to do the same when she was younger. After a while, Drew called on them both and began to lead them to the nearest Starbucks, where they would be meeting Piper. 

When they arrived at the place, they all went in and chose a table at the back of the store. Lacy and Sherman went to take a seat while Drew ordered for them. Drew sat down while waiting for their order. She noticed Lacy fidgeting with her fingers and felt her nervousness. 

"Relax, Lacy. It's just Piper," Drew assured her sister as she took her hand and squeezed it. 

"I know Drew, but it's been 3 years. A lot could change in that time," Lacy reasoned as she stared at Drew. Sherman just nodded at Lacy's words. 

"Regardless, we won't know until we meet. Besides, whatever happens today, at least we'll know that she's still alive. That's better than what we used to think," Drew replied. 

"I guess," Lacy accepted. 

They waited in silence for their drinks for 5 minutes until they were called. Sherman stood and went to get their orders. He was passing their drinks when the door to the shop opened. Drew looked over and saw a woman wearing dark sunglasses, a cream-colored shirt, a black leather jacket, and tight-fitting jeans. 

The woman was looking around, clearly looking for someone, when Drew finally recognized her. 

Drew waved her hand to get the woman's attention. When she noticed Drew, the woman paused and leaned near another woman who Drew didn't notice was standing right next to the one she was waving at. 

Drew noticed the first woman whispering something to her companion, then pointed towards where Drew was sitting. Then they walked over, the second woman following closely behind the first one. 

As the two women neared them, Lacy stood up and ran toward them. "Piper!" she screamed as she wrapped her arms around the first woman. Drew saw the one that came with Piper move as if to remove Lacy from Piper, but stopped when Piper hugged Lacy back. 

Piper lets Lacy go after a few seconds and leads her back to the table with Lacy clinging to her arm. Piper first greeted Sherman, who just nodded back at her when she reached the table. Next, Piper turned her eyes to look at Drew; she removed her sunglasses and smiled. 

"It's been a while, Drew!" she greeted. 

POV change (Drew) 

"It's been a while, Drew," Piper greeted me. 

I stood and hugged her tight. We may have had our differences in the past, but those don't change the fact that she is my sister. One who has been missing for 3 years. 

I could feel her shock and reluctance through the embrace for a few seconds before she returned the embrace. I smiled as I felt the connection we, as Children of Love, have all strengthened. 

After a while, we let go of each other with a smile on each of our faces. Piper then introduces her companion, who turns out to be her manager, named Melissa. 

I sat back down as Piper was telling her manager to order for them before sitting down as well. I kept my eyes on her as Piper sat down beside Lacy in front of me. I felt a smile form on my lips as I watched her fuss over Lacy. Commenting on how much she's grown and how beautiful she has become. 

I noticed her eyes turn to Sherman sitting next to me; she seemed to study us for a while before settling on me. 

"I missed you all back at camp," Piper said while her eyes were locked on mine. 

"Why did you leave us, Piper?" Lacy asked, ever the blunt kid. 

I smiled inwardly as Lacy beat me to that question, although this is the exact reason I chose her to accompany me here. I knew her innate bluntness and curiosity would do wonders in asking Piper the difficult questions I plan to ask her myself. 

I watch as Piper turns to Lacy; she smiles before answering. 

"It became too much; I had to go away from it all," Piper said with a small, sad smile. 

"Where have you been?" I asked quickly before Lacy could. 

Piper turned toward me, her eyes looking straight at me. She paused, clearly thinking of how to answer my question. The question that the whole camp wants answered. 

After a beat of silence, Piper opened her mouth, but her answer brought only more confusion and a bit of anger to me. 

"Somewhere safe," Piper said. as if those two words would be enough to satisfy three years' worth of worry and stress that I and the whole camp suffered when she suddenly disappeared without a word. 

I gritted my teeth and stopped myself from shouting at her. I took a deep breath before following up on my question. 

"I need more than that, Piper! We need more than that. 3 years with no contact from you," I started. "And mom and the rest of the gods were no help! All they say is that you were somewhere safe whenever we asked," I continued, my voice now rising. "But what is safe, Piper? Where is it safe? "I finished, my chest rising and falling, anger and frustration running through my veins. 

"We deserve some answers, Piper," I pleaded. 

Piper kept quiet and waited for me to finish. She sighed, then nodded her head. "I know, Drew; I'm just not sure how to tell you," she said in a small voice, her eyes soft as she looked at me. 

"Then you can start at the beginning, when you went to mom," I prompted her. 

"Ok," Piper agreed. 

At this time, her manager came back with their drinks; Piper took hers and told her manager to give us space. Her manager nodded and sat at a different table. I watched as Piper took a sip of her drink, then she placed it down on our table. She closed her eyes for a bit, steeling herself. When she opened them, I saw a silent determination shining through her eyes. She swept her eyes at us, then she started telling her story. 

"It all really started when Jason died; at that time, I was hit with severe depression," Drew remembered. The entire camp mourned the loss of the Son of Zeus. 

"I went and lived with my father after that. I thought the distance from the Greek world would help lessen the pain I was feeling. I thought that I could distract myself from the depression his death brought. But it didn't help," Piper continued. 

"After a while, I met Shel, and we started dating." Drew remembered that name from Leo. That was actually the last detail they got from Piper before she disappeared. All they knew was that the two of them dated, and then they broke up. 

"For a while, things were good; they were going great, actually. We were having fun; we were connecting." Drew watched Piper speak with a smile on her lips. 

"I tried to move on; Shel helped with that. She was clear-sighted, so after I explained our world, she understood. And she did her best to understand our world, the things that happened, what I went through, and I tried to be happy with her," Piper stated. 

"But between monster attacks and the memories of those I lost, it became too much for her to handle. So, we broke up, and once again my heart was broken. And this time I almost ended it all," Piper confessed. 

I felt my mouth drop when Piper told us how she almost took her life. I stared at my sister and thought about how we had almost lost her. Lacy, young, sweet Lacy, was now clinging to Piper, tears flowing from her eyes as she cried in Pipers arms. 

Sherman, who was next to me, stayed silent, though I could feel his shock as well. 

Piper took a while calming Lacy down, wiping her tears with a napkin. When we all calmed down somewhat, she looked at me apologetically, and I smiled at her, conveying my support. 

"Why didn't you tell us?" I asked her. She smiled before she replied. 

"Because I was stupid, and I did try. When I came back to camp for a few weeks, I thought about telling anyone. But in the end, I chose to go to Mom for help," she explained. 

"What did mom do to help?" I asked. This has been one of the things that has baffled us since she disappeared. We tried asking our mother a few times, and every time she would only tell us that Piper was somewhere safe. 

"And before you tell us mom helped you, we know mom helped. What we want to know is how she helped!" I told Piper I was not going to accept any vague answers. 

Piper just smiled and nodded. She took another sip of her drink before she continued telling her story. 

"The day I went to Mom, she listened to me and let me vent to her. After I finished crying, Mom told me that there was a way for me to heal and be safe. But she also told me that there was a price for that safety." 

"A price?" I asked her, and she nodded. 

"Safety?" Sherman asked. 

Piper turned to Sherman and answered, "Yes, safety from monsters and the gods meddling." 

I was about to ask why the gods have not made that known to anyone when Piper lifted her hand to stop me from asking. "Let me finish Drew," she asks me, and even though I wanted to ask about the safety she told us, I remembered Chiron's words at camp. So, I nodded and let Piper continue. 

"Like I said, there was a price to pay, and mom made sure that I knew what that was. Mom told me that the only way that safety can be granted to me is if I pay the price willingly," Piper stated. "Mom said that forcing, controlling, or coercing someone to pay that price will result in failure." 

"That even the entire Olympian council will not be able to forcefully grant that safety to anyone without paying the price, and the cost must be paid by the one wishing for that safety," Piper explained to us. 

I listened attentively to Piper as she explained how she remained safe. I wanted to know more about the details of the price she had to pay, but I get the feeling that she won't tell me more than she already did. 

"Did you accept?" Lacy asked. I thought the answer to that was obvious, but I kept my mouth shut. 

Piper smiled as she looked at Lacy, then she nodded. 

"What was the price?" Sherman asked, joining the conversation. but Piper shook her head before saying, "It's not my place to tell," making Sherman frown. 

"How do you know if the price is worth paying?" I asked. 

"The price is made known when an offer is made, meaning that you'll only know what the price is when the same offer of safety is made to you. And I cannot make that offer; only the gods and the one you pay the price to can," Piper answered. 

"It seems complicated," Sherman said after getting his answer. 

"It's quite simple, really; Mom made me aware of the price, and an offer was made to me." 

"And you agreed to pay willingly," I asked again. I had to be sure that Piper was not forced into whatever deal that was. 

"Not immediately, Mom took me to the safe place, and then I stayed there for a few months. Only when I was sure I wanted to be there did I pay the price," Piper explained. 

"Then why not just stay there without paying?" I insisted. If she was able to enjoy the safety for a few months without paying, then why not? I thought. 

Piper smiled while she shook her head. 

"Sure, I could have done that. But then I would have needed to stay there, meaning that I would not have been above to meet with any of you again," she continued. 

"Paying the price allows me to enjoy the freedom and safety from monsters, gods, and other immortals even when I'm not at that place. Do you want to know when was the last time I was attacked by a monster? 3 years ago, before I went back to camp." 

Her answer shocked me again. But it also made me incredibly curious about the price she had to pay. 

"Safety and freedom are what I paid for, Drew, and I got that and more," Piper finished as she picked up her drink once again. 

"And was it worth it?" I asked Piper seriously. She nodded her head, looked me in the eye, and said, "Yes." There was no doubt reflected in her eyes. She truly believed in her answer. 

"And you are safe?" I added. "I am," Piper stated. 

"Safe and happy," Piper followed with a smile. 

Happiness was pouring out of Piper's eyes when she said that. Any doubt I had about how she felt about the price he paid was washed away by the waves of pure delight and love I felt from her. 

I decided to change the subject and focus on a more lighthearted topic as a way to glean more information from my sister, mainly what she has been up to during the time she was away. 

"Enough of the heavy stuff!" I declared, surprising Lacy and Sherman. "Tell us, Piper, how did you come to model for Celestial Creations?" I asked. 

Piper smiled at me before telling us how that got there. "I met the owners of the store through mom. When she took me away, I was then introduced to the owners. The one that makes all of the pieces they sell is someone who was blessed by mom's husband, you know. And when I paid the price, I needed to make a living, and they convinced me to model for them," Piper said. 

I suddenly remembered a piece of gossip I heard when I first came to the store. I leaned forward and stared directly into Piper's eyes as I said, "By the way, Piper, I heard something interesting when I came to the store last time. I wonder if you can confirm it." 

"What?" she asked, tilting her head. 

"I heard from the store that you are actually dating the owner of celestial creations. Is that true?" I asked her with a wide grin on my lips. Lacy gasped as she looked at Piper with unbelieving eyes. 

I watched as Piper's face reddened as she blushed at my words. Piper smiled. Her lack of denial was an answer in itself. But I wasn't done. I followed with perhaps the biggest gossip I got last time. 

"I also heard that all of the jewelry pieces you modeled were given to you as gifts," I said with a smirk. 

"Really?" Lacy asked with a gasp as Piper just nodded her head. I then heard Lacy tell Piper about the necklace she had been keeping an eye on. She had wanted to buy that piece but was unable to do so due to how expensive it is. 

I laughed at Lacy and then told her jokingly, "You should find a rich boyfriend like Piper, then you can have them buy you whatever you want!" 

"Stop that, Drew!" Piper admonished me. She then turned to Lacy and told her in a serious manner. "Love is not a game, Lacy; you must never use it for material gain," she told Lacy. 

I scoffed. "That's rich coming from you, who was gifted literally millions worth of jewelry by her rich boyfriend!" I told her. I was thinking about how hypocritical she was being. I thought she would be silent after that, but instead Piper sat straight and stated it in a clear voice. "Thats different" 

"How?" I asked. clear challenge in my voice. 

"I love him, and he loves me," Piper stated matter-of-factly. 

"Sure," I replied a bit derisively. 

I was rolling my eyes at her when Piper called me by name. "Look me in the eye, Drew, and listen carefully," she demanded in a very serious tone of voice. I did as she asked and locked eyes with her, wondering what she was about to do. 

"I swear to our mother's name and to the Styx, I love him with all of my heart and that he does the same for me!" Piper stated, shocking not just me but the two other demigods with us. 

I heard the distant rumble of thunder, signifying the acceptance of her oath to both my mother and the keeper of oaths and promises. I waited with bated breath for any reaction to Piper, but there was none. Indicating that what she said was the truth, plain and simple. 

I stared at my sister in wonder, despite how I had acted earlier. I truly felt happy for her. After everything she went through, she finally found the love and happiness she deserved. And she was safe, even if that safety came with a price. 

A price that is still a mystery to me. 

We were all silent for a few minutes as we took in the significance of what Piper just did. Then, as if deciding to spare us more mental trouble, Piper tuned to Lacy and smiled as she began asking her about the necklace she wanted. 

"So, you've been keeping an eye on something from us?" she asked. 

Lacy was quiet for a bit before she started to tell Piper about the piece she liked. "Yes, a necklace I saw in a magazine," she told Piper. "What is it like? "Piper asked Lacy, and she proceeded to describe the necklace. 

"It's an emerald pendant surrounded by amethyst in the shape of a lily flower on a thin gold chain," she said. I watched as a look of absolute longing took over Lacy's pretty face. Her eyes were glazing over as she imagined her dream necklace. 

'My sister has great taste,' I thought. 

"Ah, yes, I'm familiar with that one!" Piper said, recognizing the piece Lacy described from memory. "That's a beautiful piece, Lacy! You have great taste!" Lacy blushed at Piper's praise. 

I saw Lacy smile at Piper when, all of a sudden, Piper stood up, taking Lacy with her. "Let's go," she stated, leaving Sherman and me gawking at her in confusion. "What's happening?" I heard Sherman ask, his head looking around. taking in everything. 

"Where are we going?" I asked Piper, who was by now waving her manager over. She turned to me and said, "Just come with me." So, I stood up as I heard Piper ask Sherman if we drove to get here. He told her that Argus drove us. I saw Piper nod, then she told her manager to get the car. 

We followed Piper out of Starbucks, and we waited for her manager to arrive with the car. As we waited, I listened to Lacy ask Piper where we were going. 

"It's a surprise," was all Piper would say in reply. 

They stood on the sidewalk for a few minutes until a black SUV stopped in front of them. Piper told them all to get in as she opened the door. The three daughters of Love got in the middle seat, while Sherman got in the front passenger seat. 

When they got settled in, Piper told her manager to take them to the store. 

I racked my brain as we drove, trying to figure out why Piper was taking us to the store. But the reason eluded me. So, I just quietly listened to Piper and Lacy share gossip about the comings and goings of camp. 

It took us almost 10 minutes to arrive at the building where the store is located. We got out of the SUV as soon as we arrived, and we all stopped at the window, watching the same advertisement Leo and I saw. 

I was watching with Sherman when I heard Lacy speak. 

"Were you really given all of those?" Lacy asked Piper while pointing at the advertisement, her eyes wide in awe and a bit of envy. 

"Yes, I was," Piper replied. 

"He really must be in love with you," Lacy stated, still staring at the advertisement. 

"I know, right!" Piper smugly said as she pulled Lacy away from the window and into the building, with me and Sherman following closely. 

Once inside the building, we followed Piper straight to the Celestial Creations store. We were welcomed by the staff, who greeted us as we entered. Then I heard the store manager's name, Helena Greet Piper. 

"Welcome back, Miss Piper! Is the boss not with you today?" she asked Piper. 

"No, I'm with my sisters today," Piper replied, pointing to me and Lacy. "I believe you've met?" she asked at the end. 

The store manager nodded, then said, "Yes, she came here a few days ago, telling us about how the two of you went to the same summer camp." 

"We did," Piper agreed. 

I started to look around the store while Piper talked with the store manager. I still have no idea why we are here, but I decided to make the most of the time here and have a bit of fun browsing. 

I was checking out a set of teardrop-shaped diamond earrings set in platinum when I noticed Piper approach Sherman, who was standing next to me, looking at the different earrings as well. 

I listened as Piper asked Sherman if he was looking for a gift for anyone special. I knew he was dating a daughter of Iris back at camp and that they had been together for a while now, and he said as much to Piper. I heard him say he was looking for an anniversary gift, and I nodded at his choice. 

I then heard Piper ask Sherman, "Why not one of those?" Curious, curious, I turned to look at them and saw Piper pointing towards a collection of rings. 

'Engagements rings' I recognized. I watched as Sherman stared at the rings for a beat; the serious look on his face was a reflection of the contemplation that his mind was going through. Piper and I waited for his answer when he suddenly turned to look at Piper and said in a clear and serious tone, "Not just yet." Then he smiled. 

I saw the look of shock and surprise on Piper's face, as I too felt the same. 

I then heard the manager call Piper, and as she walked back to the counter, I saw Piper take a box from her. Then Piper called Lacy, who was looking around the place. I decided to join the two of them, and when I got near, I saw Piper open the box and show Lacy the contents. 

"Is this the one?" asked Piper. I heard Lacy gasp as she stared wide-eyed at what was inside the box. I took a look, and inside the box was a necklace that was exactly the same as Lacy described earlier. 

"Try it on!" Piper suddenly said, causing Lacy to take her eyes off the necklace. 

"That's okay, Piper, I don't want to." Lacy tried to decline but was cut off by Piper taking the necklace out of the box. 

"Nope, I want to see how it looks on you," Piper stated as she walked behind Lacy and placed the necklace around her neck. Then she took a hold of Lacy's shoulders and turned her towards one of the mirrors in the shop. 

"It suits you," Piper said as Lacy gasped at her reflection. her eyes wide as she looked at the necklace of her dreams now around her neck. I agreed with Piper; the necklace does suit Lacy very well. 

"Piper's right. But I think it would be better if you wore your hair up. It would allow you to show more of the necklace, and if you added a pair of matching earrings, it would be better," I said as I gathered Lacy's hair and tried to find the best style for it. 

As I watched Lacy model the necklace in front of the mirror, I noticed Piper go back to where I was browsing earlier. I saw her take the same earrings I was checking out and walk back to me. I had a feeling she was going to make me try it on, and I was proven right when she handed me the earrings when she got to me. 

"Try this on!" she said with a smile. 

I was quiet for a bit before I went and joined Lacy in front of the mirror. Soon I was marveling at how beautiful that pair of earrings was on my ear. I grinned widely as I made plans to have my father get me these for my birthday. 

As Lacy and I were still in front of the mirrors, I saw Piper walking back to the manager. They started talking, with Piper gesturing to the three of us, including Sherman, who was just standing to the side like a bodyguard. 

I saw a look of shock on the manager's face for a short second before it was replaced with a calm and professional one. She nodded to Piper, then picked up the phone to make a call. 

After a while, me and Lacy stopped and took off the pieces Piper gave us to try on. Lacy places the necklace back in its box, and then we go to where Piper is talking with the store manager. 

Piper smiled at us, and I noticed another box on the counter beside Piper. 

"Another one to try on?" Lacy asked, pointing to the box. 

"No," Piper said, shaking her head. 

I then nudged Lacy, and together we handed the jewelry pieces back to Piper. She held out her hands, laid them on ours, and pushed them back to us. 

"Keep them," Piper said with a smile. 

I stared at Piper in shock. This has been a shocking day filled with surprises. 

"Are you serious?" I asked incredulously. 

"I am," Piper answered, her smile still present. 

I watched as Lacy tried to give back the box to Piper again, but Piper just shook her head. 

"I already told Helena that those are going to be given to you guys," Piper said as she nodded towards the store manager, who was still on the phone. 

She nodded to us with a smile, confirming what Piper said. 

"Why?" I asked Piper while I stared straight in her eyes. 

"Because I can, and you guys deserve them," she answered with a shrug. 

Her nonchalance took me aback; she was acting as if she wasn't giving away thousands' worth of jewelry on a whim. This was a very different Piper than who she was years ago. I wondered what happened to her to change her so much. 

"Won't you get in trouble with your boyfriend?" I heard Lacy ask, worry evident in her voice. 

"Fiancée," I heard Piper say, again shocking not just me but Sherman and Lacy. 

"And no, I won't be in trouble," she reassured Lacy with a smile. 

I was about to speak when Piper was called by the store manager. 

"Miss Piper, the boss would like to speak with you," she said as she held the phone to her chest. 

Piper smiled reassuringly at us before she went and took the phone. 

I watched Piper talk on the phone for a bit before I took Lacy aside. 

"Be ready to give that back to them in case Piper gets into trouble, okay?" I told Lacy, who nodded, though I could see and feel her disappointment at that possibility. 

"I understand," Lacy said while hugging the box close to her chest as she kept her gaze on Piper. 

After about 5 minutes, Piper calls me over with a frown on her face. 

"My fiancée wants to speak with you," she said, her voice filled with confusion. 

She passed me the phone, and before I even had the chance to say hello, I heard a voice from the other end. 

"Hello Drew, I heard from Piper that you don't want to accept my gifts," said the voice. 

Again, this day is proving to be one filled with shocking revelations and surprises. 

I was left speechless as I heard the voice—a voice that I recognize, a voice I have not heard in 7 years. 

"Percy?" I asked, wishing against hope that I was right. 

Chapter Text

chapter 11 

"Miss Piper, the boss would like to speak with you." 

Helena called out to me as she held the phone to her chest. I sighed as I imagined what Percy was feeling about what I was doing at the moment. I knew he wouldn't stop me, but I still thought of what I could promise to do for him just in case he refused. 

I grabbed the phone from Helena and took a deep breath. "Hey baby! How are you? I miss you so much," I said sweetly. 

I heard Percy chuckle before speaking, "Don't be cute with me, Piper; tell me what's happening." 

I sighed and told him, "As you know, I met up with Drew today, and she brought Lacy and Sherman with her. We were talking about me modeling for us when Lacy mentioned a necklace of ours that she has been keeping an eye on." 

"Okay," I heard Percy say. 

"So, I got an idea to take them to the store so she could try it on, but when I saw how happy she got when she was wearing it, I decided to just give it to her as a gift," I explained. 

"Okay, I understand Lacy, but what about the others?" Percy asked. 

"I saw Drew looking at a pair of earrings, and Sherman was looking for an anniversary gift for his girlfriend. So, after I let Drew and Lacy try on the ones they wanted, I thought, why not just give those to them as gifts?" I again explained my reasoning. 

"Why did you feel like that?" Percy inquired. 

I thought for a minute and told Percy the truth. 

"I feel like, as a sister and as a senior camper, I've neglected them. At least this way I could provide for them. I know it sounds materialistic and vain, but it's how I feel," I confessed. 

"If I can make them happy by giving them gifts, then I will," I stated. 

I heard Percy sigh on the other end as I waited for his decision. "I understand; to be fair, it's not like I was going to stop you. I just wanted to know why. You know you can do whatever you want. Remember, Piper, what's mine is yours to do as you wish," Percy said. 

Hearing Percy's word brought a stab of heat through my body. I felt myself blush and desire to course through my veins. I suddenly wished I was with him. 

"And I am yours to do as you wish," I told Percy, wishing to convey with words what I want to do with action. The low possessive hum I heard from the other end told me my message was received. 

"Thank you for understanding, Percy. I promise I'll make it up to you when I get back home," I promised. 

"I look forward to it, Piper. I miss you. I wish you were home," Percy replied. 

"Soon, in the meantime, make do and have fun with the four other girls you have with you! But make sure you rest up for me for when I return," I teased him, knowing full well I'm going to pay for it later. 

"When you get home, you won't be leaving the bedroom for days. I promise you that, Piper," Percy almost growled out in response. 

I again felt my blush rise as I shivered in anticipation. "I can't wait," I said, but I knew I had to. 

After a moment of silence, Percy asked how the meeting with Drew went. 

"They went fine; Lacy has grown so much, and Sherman was also there as a bodyguard," Piper told Percy of how the talks went, laughing a bit about Sherman. "Also, Drew has been teasing me about getting a rich boyfriend, which is just annoying." 

I heard Percy laugh, which was just irritating. "Stop laughing! It's not funny!" I hissed at him. 

"Sorry, but you have to admit that she was right! You did get a rich boyfriend. Well, fiancée now, really," he said. I sighed. "That's not the point," I said. 

"The point is that you shouldn't let yourself be affected by what other people think about us. As long as the people that matter to us know the truth, then what they think won't matter," Percy explained. 

I smiled, being reminded of one aspect of Percy that I fell for. "Enough of that; did Drew like her gift?" Percy suddenly asked. "She's rejecting it," I told him. 

Percy was silent for a bit before he said, "Drew?" he asked, confused. "Rejecting jewelry?" 

"I think she's rejecting it because she doesn't want me to get in trouble with my rich boyfriend," I said in a teasing manner, earning me another laugh from him. 

"Pass the phone to Drew, Piper." I was taken aback by his words. "What?" I asked. 

"I want to talk to her; make sure she accepts your gift," he explained. 

"Are you sure? She will recognize your voice, you know," I clarified. 

"That's fine; she probably already knows about me from when Malcolm told camp about meeting me." I listened to him make sense of his decision, and I couldn't find anything to refute his statement. 

"Okay, if you're sure," I agreed. 

I placed the phone against my chest and called Drew over, who frowned in confusion but still came over. 

"My fiancée wants to speak with you," I told Drew when she reached me. I saw the trepidation in her eyes as she took the phone from my hands. I watched closely as her expression changed from subdued curiosity and worry to shock and disbelief as she heard Percy's voice over the phone. 

"Percy?" I heard Drew ask quietly, and I could imagine Percy laughing on the other end. 

I just stood by the side as Drew asked Percy questions after questions about where he's been. A smile forms on my lips as I imagine Percy dodging every one of them or giving answers that are vague enough to cause frustration to the one asking. 

Then I felt irritated again, as I figured that Drew would heap those questions at me when she failed to get answers from Percy. I sighed as I readied myself for another wave of difficult questions coming my way after their conversation. 

After about 5 minutes, Drew handed the phone back to me with an incredibly annoyed look on her face, and I just knew I was in for a long conversation later. 

"That went well, I think," I heard Percy say with a chuckle after I took the phone back. I giggled, and his enjoyment of the situation infected me too. 

"I think so too, though I'm sure Drew will be asking me more questions later," I replied. 

"You can tell her what you think she can handle," he suggested. "I will, but not all of it," I agreed. 

"Well, I have to go now. It seems I will be having guests here in a while. We need to prepare to welcome them," he tells me. 

"That should be fun!" I teased him. 

"I will see you soon, Piper," he tells me. "Yes, soon," I reply. 

I was about to hang up when I heard Percy call out over the phone, "I love you, Piper!" loudly. I just knew he did that, knowing that Drew would hear him. 

Smiling, I returned his statement with one of my own. 

"I love you more!" 

I was sure I was blushing madly when I finally cut the call. Still sporting a smile, I returned the phone to Helena, thanking her for her assistance. 

"Thanks, Helena, and sorry for the trouble." 

"It's no trouble at all, Miss Piper!" Helena said with a smile of her own. 

I nodded, then steeled myself as I turned back towards Drew, who was by now looking at me with an unreadable expression. "Explain!" she demanded, almost shouting at me in her shocked state. 

Based on her mood and how she's acting right now, I knew Percy intentionally riled her up just so she could direct her annoyance at me. I promised myself right then and there to do my best to get back to Percy when I got home. 

"Later," I told Drew as I noticed the other two demigods also staring wide-eyed at me. I sighed, as I knew there was no escaping now. 

Sherman's eyes were wide as he asked, "Percy?" while Lacy stared at me with shock visible on her face. 

I decided to answer the question I knew was foremost on their minds first. "Yes, I'm with Percy now." I was expecting Drew to speak up at that, but once again, Lacy beat her to it, asking, "With Percy, as in, you two are." I cut her off and confirmed what she was asking about. 

"Yes, Lacy, I'm with Percy that way." I finished showing her my engagement ring. 

"How?" Lacy pressed on, determined to get answers. and I sighed again before I gave an easy answer they could understand. 

"Remember when I said that my mother promised me safety and the possibility of falling in love again?" I asked. They all nodded in response. 

"Can you think of anyone that can provide me with that safety better than Percy?" I followed up, waiting to see how they would respond to that question. 

"Okay, yes, Percy can keep you safe, but love? When did you fall in love with him?" Drew was the one to ask this time. 

"I admit that at first I didn't see the appeal Percy had; I even thought of him as a troublemaker when I first met him," I explained. "But all through our journey to defeat Gaia—his actions and his devotion to Annabeth—the way he kept fighting even after what happened between them—" I smiled as I remembered those days. 

"Well, it's safe to say that by the time he disappeared, I'd developed a bit of a crush on him, though of course I didn't act on it. I was with Jason back then." 

"So, you also had a crush on Percy?" Lacy asked, blushing a bit. 'Huh, so Lacy also had a crush on him,' I thought. 

"You and everybody else," I heard Sherman mutter, causing all three of us girls to look at him and smile. 

I thought that was going to be enough, but I was wrong. "Alright! everybody had a crush on Percy back at camp, even some of the guys did! But what I want to know is how YOU fell for him!" Drew insisted, even going as far as pointing a finger at me. "And don't try to talk your way out of answering Piper! I'm the same child of love as you; I can feel the depth of your feelings for him." Drew was now standing right in front of me, eyes locked on to mine. "So, I ask, how?" 

Drew was heaving by the time she finished her tirade. 

I took a few moments to think of how I would respond: "I lived with Percy ever since the day I disappeared, Drew; every day was spent with him. Watching him, learning things about him, understanding him as a person, knowing him as an individual," I started. 

"I saw how he took every day as a blessing, how he never took a single moment for granted, and how he cherished every second he got to spend with those he cared about, including me." 

"And this was all before we even got together." At this point, I knew this was going to be a long conversation. So, I motioned for Drew and the rest to follow me to a small seating area the store had in one corner. I led them all and took a seat. I waited until we were all seated, then I continued. 

I glanced at them all before starting again. "As I spent more time with him, I learned more about him—things that made him unique, his little quirks, small things that made him more human, like how he would tilt his head when concentrating on something, how his hands would fidget when he's not doing anything, how he loved skateboarding, and how much he enjoyed surfing." I was smiling widely at this point. 

"Then I learned and witnessed the side that made it seem more divine than some of the gods," I continued. 

"I saw the very earth shake and tremble with his anger. I witnessed how his eyes would reflect the state of the seas. I felt the power of the entire ocean whenever he would embrace me." I'm sure I was blushing at this point, but I went on. 

"I used to think that the stories I heard about him when I got to camp were just that—stories. Myths like the ones we read about in mortal books. Then I met him, and I was, well, for lack of a better word, disappointed." 

"Here was Percy Jackson, the guy the entire camp has been talking about. Slayer of legendary monsters. Saviour of Olympus! He who fought Titans and Gods and lived to tell the tale!" 

I'm on a roll now. 

"The one guy who turned down immortality for his love! I built him up in my mind as some godly man. A perfect, strong, muscled person. More god than man." 

"Then I saw him at New Rome, and what did I see? A kid a few years older than me with wind-swept black hair, tattoos on his arm, and a smirk on his face. I pegged him as a troublemaker right that instant!" 

"I questioned all the stories I heard about him. This punk for a kid couldn't have done all of that, I told myself. I even thought that Jason looked more like a hero than him, with his blonde hair and his serious demeanor." 

"But like I said earlier, as I got to know him on the quest to stop the giants, I saw him for who he truly is. I saw how he would take the burden to himself just so he could make sure that the rest of us wouldn't have to." 

"How he would sacrifice himself to keep us safe." 

"How he would fall into the deepest pits of hell for the one he loves." 

"Other things too, things that he was forced to do while they were in Tartarus, things that have not been made known to anybody else at camp." 

"How even after what he found out about him and Annabeth—how broken he was—he still chose to fight for us. Then after the war, when he used his well-deserved reward to make the lives of everyone better, I knew that he was more than the stories told about him." 

"He was better, just better." 

"And now, after having lived with him for a few years, I now know that all those stories are true." I stopped to take a deep breath. I noticed Lacy and Drew looking at me, mesmerized by what I was saying, while Sherman was just listening intently. 

"Living with him, I started to know him more as an individual—not as Percy Jackson, the demigod son of Poseidon, Twice Saviour of Olympus, but as Percy Jackson, the loyal, sarcastic, sexy son of Sally Jackson." I was sure my smile was at the widest they've been all day. I stared at Drew as I finished. 

"And most importantly, I learned that he is Percy Jackson, the man I chose." 

"That's how I fell for him, Drew," I told Drew after my impromptu speech. 

Drew was speechless; I was sure she was pondering my words. 

Once again, it was Lacy who broke the silence first with a question. 

"And he makes you happy?" she asked in a small voice. I answered truthfully, "Yes." 

I saw a small smile form on her lips and a mischievous glint in her eyes as she followed up her question. 

"In every meaning of the word?" Her tone and the blush on her face made me know the true meaning behind her question. Lacy couldn't look me in the eyes after that question, as I was taken aback by her brazenness. 

'It seems our little sister is growing up,' I thought. 

"Lacy!" I heard Drew start to chastise our sister, and I decided to interfere. 

"It's ok, Drew; Lacy is a growing girl. It's only natural for her to be interested in this kind of thing," I said, making Lacy look up at me with a grateful smile. 

"She's not old enough to know about those things!" Drew snapped back. 

I shrugged and replied, "She's got the same mother as we do, Drew. It's inevitable." 

Then I looked at Lacy and gave her the answer to her question. 

"Yes, Lacy, Percy makes me very, very happy!" I stated. 

I watched as Lacy's eyes widen and her blush deepen as she got her desired answer. I smirked at her reactions while Drew was still fuming beside her when we heard a cough. 

"Ehem." We all looked at Sherman, whose face was also a bit red, his eyes looking decidedly away from us girls. We giggled as we were reminded of where we were. 

"There are other people present," Sherman said. causing me to look around and see that the rest of the store's staff were also listening to what I just said. I smiled at them, then turned to Helena and told her. 

"Make sure they keep their mouths shut, Helena, or else," I told her, letting my word sink into them. 

"Of course, miss Piper! I'll make sure they know what the consequence will be if they dare speak of what they overheard today," Helena promised with a cold smile. 

I nodded as I noticed all the staff quickly turn away from us and act busy. I was about to speak when Drew opened her mouth. 

"As happy as I am with you, Piper, I have to ask. Isn't Hazel also with Percy? At least isn't she also living with you? Malcolm said he saw her with Percy," Drew asked. I honestly thought they would ask about this particular detail earlier. 

"I cannot speak about how Hazel came to live with Percy; her circumstances are her own. But yes, she is living with us. We also live with three other nymphs, and Hazel has been living with Percy longer than I have, you know," I explained, hoping that Drew would stop. 

"But is she with him like you are?" Drew insisted, dashing my hopes of ending this line of questioning. 

"I cannot and will not answer that, Drew." I decided to just halt her questions. making sure they know I won't be answering anymore. 

Drew was silent for a while, looking as if she was thinking of an argument that would get me talking. But in the end, she just sighed and let the matter go. 

"Malcolm, Clarisse, and Will are on their way to meet with Percy, you know," she informed me. 

I replied, "I heard you telling him over the phone earlier; I'm looking forward to knowing how that meeting will go!" I said with a smile. 

"Yeah, me too," Drew said in a small voice. before she seemed to remember something as she looked at me with a serious expression. 

"Leo misses you," Drew said seriously. 

Speechless, that was how Drew's words left me. The memories of my oldest friend filled my mind. Guilt over my sudden disappearance overwhelmed my emotions, as I feared how Leo would react if and when he heard what we talked about today. 

"How is he?" I asked after gathering my courage. "Getting by," Drew answered, making me wonder what she meant by that. 

I suddenly remember that I have no idea what's happened to my friend for the past 3 years. Is he okay? What is he doing with his life? Is he seeing someone? Where has he been? 

I know nothing about any of this. 

'What a crappy friend I was,' I thought ashamedly. I could have reached out at any point, or I could have visited after I got with Percy. I don't regret my decisions, but I could have done better. 

I was about to ask for more information when Drew asked, "When can he visit you?" 

I thought for a minute before answering. "I'm going back home in two days, so I don't know," I said as I began thinking about how I could get to meet with Leo. 

Before I even had the chance to speak, Drew blew up at me in anger, surprising me. 

"What do you want me to tell him, Piper? That I saw his closest friend and that she still can't or won't meet with him? That won't work!" 

Lacy was holding on to Drew's hand by the time she stopped. 

"I never said I didn't want to meet up with him," I told Drew before I looked down. "It's just that I promised Percy that I would be home in two days, and I won't break my promise to him. I also still have some job commitments to finish in the two days I have left here in New York," I told her. 

"I was thinking of a way to make this work!" I explained. 

"Don't think for a minute that I don't want to meet Leo. He's my oldest friend. But Percy is my priority now," I declared. 

"I think the only way we can meet is if he will go and visit us at our place, but that would mean flying out to us," I mused. I really could not think of a better way to meet. 

"That won't be a problem for him," Sherman interjected with a smile. I looked at him questioningly, and he answered. "He rebuilt Festus; he can just ride on it to get to you guys." 

'Impressive! ' I thought, truly one of the brightest minds alive today. I smiled proudly at what my friend had achieved. 

I looked around and spotted Melissa standing near Helena on the counter. I waved her over and asked for a card when she reached us. She handed me one, which I passed to Drew, who looked at it closely. 

"Pass that to Leo and tell him he can call me on that number," I told Drew, who nodded while still studying the card. 

"Can we also call? I mean, we at cabin 10," I heard Drew ask in a small voice while not making eye contact. 

I smiled and answered. "Of course, Drew!" 

I was about to say something else when Sherman cut me off. "I'd hate to interrupt, but we need to be going by now, Drew," he said, looking at the clock over the counter. 

Drew frowned as she checked the time while Lacy whined beside her. "Do we have to?" said Lacy petulantly. Sherman just smiled and nodded at her. 

Drew stood up, and I followed. "Don't think this is over, Piper; I'll get you talking about everything soon!" she told me, waving the card at me. I immediately regretted giving her a way to contact me. I just smiled at her. keeping my thoughts to myself. 

I walked over to the counter and grabbed the boxes that I left there. Then I walked back to the group and handed it to them. Drew accepted her with a small smile, while Lacy was almost bouncing in happiness. 

When I handed the last box to Sherman, he looked at it with shock on his face. He tried to decline, but I reminded him that I had already informed Percy about it and that he would be disappointed if he refused our gift. 

"Don't make me use my Charmspeak on you!" I warned him jokingly and he relented, taking the box from my hand. 

"Thank you, Piper, and please thank Percy for me as well," Sherman said as she stuffed the box into his pants pocket. 

"I will, and let me know how your girlfriend liked it!" I told him with a smile. 

As one, we all went out of the store after bidding farewell to Helena. Once we were out of the building, I asked them how they were going back to camp. Drew said that they planned to take a cab back to the Empire State Building, where Argus was waiting for them. 

I decided to take them there in the car. 

When we got to the Empire State Building, Sherman got out first and opened our doors to let us out. I gave each of my sisters a tight hug. 

When I hugged Drew, she surprised me with what she whispered in my ear. "I have an idea of what the price you paid was." 

I pulled away, but she held me by my arms. She looked at me straight in the eyes and asked 

"Are you really happy with him?" 

"Yes!" I answered. letting my eyes convey more than words could. 

Drew studied me for a bit before nodding, then she let me go. "We'll continue our talks later, Piper," she told me as she stepped back. gesturing with her hand that she'll call me. 

I nodded at her and waved to the others before I got in the car again. Melissa looked at me in the rear-view mirror with worry in her eyes. 

"I'm just tired, Melissa," I told her. which was not a lie. A lot has happened today, and I was ready to rest. 

Melissa nodded and drove to the hotel. 

I closed my eyes and wished I was back at home. 

In bed with Percy. 

His arms wrapped around me. 

Chapter Text

It was late in the afternoon; Percy was sitting on a lounge chair in the backyard of the mansion, facing the pool. He was watching Hazel and the 3 nymphs play in the pool as he waited for Drew over the phone. 

He has just finished speaking with Piper about her giving them gifts, and he asked to talk with Drew. Percy used his control over the water to mess with the girls, sending waves to them and splashing them over their faces. Making them yell and shriek at him. 

Percy smiled as he looked over the girls when he heard Piper's voice over the phone telling Drew that he wanted to talk to her. He waited a few seconds before speaking. 

"Hello Drew, I heard from Piper that you don't want to accept my gifts." 

I waited for a bit for Drew to respond. I imagined her shocked face when she heard my voice and smiled. 

"Percy?" I heard, and I laughed before answering, "Yes, it's me. How are you?" 

"What? How?" I heard her confused questions over the phone. "Wait! You're the owner?" 

"Relax, Drew, I'll try to answer all your questions. And yes, I am the owner," I replied, trying to calm her down. I failed. 

"Don't tell me to relax! 7 years, Percy! Now you show up saving Malcolm out of nowhere," Drew snapped over the phone. 

"And then I find out that you're rich now," she followed up while I just kept quiet, letting her vent. 

"But what surprised me the most is that Piper told us that the owner of Celestial Creations was her fiancée! So don't tell me to relax and just tell me what the Hades is going on!" Drew hissed, making me smile. 

After waiting for Drew to calm down, I finally started to answer her questions. 

"Yes, Piper and I are together; I also own Celestial Creation," I started. "And it's good to hear from you again after so long," I ended. 

"So, you two are really engaged?" she asked. "Yes," I said. 

"But don't you also live with that Roman girl? Hazel, right?" Drew followed up. 

"That's right, I also live with 3 other nymphs. Your point?" I asked, wanting to see if she would go where it thinks her mind is. 

"No, it's fine; I'll ask Piper later," Drew backed off. 

before I could say something, else Drew informed me that I would be having guests. "Percy, Camp decided to send some campers your way." 

"Really, who did they send?" I asked her, excited to see who would come. It's been years since I saw any of my old camp friends. 

"Malcolm, of course, since he's the one who knows where to go." I nodded at that logical choice. 

"Then they got Clarisse to go with as well," which surprised me a bit. "Clarisse? As in Larue? What is she doing at camp?" 

"Yes, that Clarisse; she was at camp visiting when Malcolm came with news about you," she answered, clearing my doubts. 

"Lastly is Will solace, as a precaution in case of injuries." Drew was silent after that. I pondered about what the meeting with them would result in. 

"They should arrive there in a couple of hours," Drew finally informed me. 

"Thank you for letting me know, Drew." I thanked her for the heads-up before asking her to pass the phone back to Piper. 

"That went well, I think," I said while chuckling a bit, and then I heard Piper giggle as well. 

"I think so too. Though I'm sure Drew will be asking me more questions later," Piper replied, and I could hear worry and apprehension in her voice. 

"You can tell her what you think she can handle," I suggested, wanting to lighten her feelings. 

"I will, but not all of it," she decided. 

"Well, I have to go now. It seems I will be having guests here in a while. We need to prepare to welcome them," I told Piper. 

"That should be fun," she told me, and I could tell she was teasing me with her tone. 

"I will see you soon, Piper," I promised her. "Yes soon," she accepted. 

I was about to hang up when I remembered something. "I love you, Piper!" I declared loudly over the phone. I was sure Drew overheard me, and I can just imagine the blush on Piper's face, making me smile widely. 

"I love you more!" Piper replied just as loud. 

I ended the call and looked over the pool again. Seeing four women dressed in sexy bikinis playing with each other awoke the desire in me. Making me want to dive in and join them. But as much as I wanted to, I knew I had other things to prioritize. 

I used my powers and made the water move them all towards my side of the pool. Hazel and the girls yelled in surprise at being moved, but they quickly calmed down when they saw me standing by the edge, waiting for them. I hauled them up one by one as I smiled at each of them. 

Once they were all out of the pool, I informed them of what Piper told me. "I just got off the phone with Piper; her meeting with Drew went well," I shared with them. Hazel was clearly relieved by the news. She's been stressing over this meeting since we were told by Piper. That's why I invited all of the girls for a day of relaxing by the pool. As a way for Hazel to relax and forget about Piper in New York and just enjoy the day. 

I then informed them of our impending guest. "I also learned that we are expecting guests from camp; they should be here in a couple of hours. So, we need to prepare for them," I declared. 

"Rose and Blueberry will be in charge of dinner; please prepare enough for 3 more people, but it would be better to just cook a bit more than that. These are demigods who have traveled from New York; I'm guessing they would be hungry when they arrive," I told two of the nymphs who nodded at my words. 

"Aethra, please get three guest rooms ready for our guest," I told the only oceanid in residence, who smiled and bowed her head to me. 

Hazel clapped her hands after I spoke and waved the girls back to the mansion. I dried all of them as they passed by me, as a way of helping them. At least now they won't have to go back to their room to dry off and change. 

Hazel was about to follow them, but I held her arms and pulled her back. She looked up at me in wonder but stayed her tongue, knowing I would say what's on my mind when I'm ready. 

I guided her back to my lounge chair and pulled her on my lap when I sat back down. She leaned back against me as she sighed when I wrapped my arms around her form. 

"I heard from Drew that camp sent Malcolm back here. This time he’s taking Will Solace from the Apollo cabin and Clarisse from Ares," I began. “I'm excited to see them again, especially Will; I'm also looking forward to seeing Clarisse again," I paused. Hazel sat up and turned to look at me, worry in her eyes. 

"Clarisse and I have a complicated history; we respect each other as warriors and leaders. But the natural competitiveness we have for each other never really went away. I'm worried how we'll react to seeing each other after 7 years." I confessed to Hazel, who by now was looking down at me with nothing but understanding in her eyes. 

She leaned down to me and wrapped her arms around my neck, as I tightened my hold on her as well. 

"What can I do to help?" she asked after a minute. 

I smiled at her offer and decided to accept it. "Can I ask you to be the one to meet them at the border when they arrive?" I spoke. "That way I can have a bit more time before I see them again." 

Hazel lifted her head from my shoulders to look me in the eye before she nodded and replied. 

"Of course, I'll take care of it," she promised. 

I smiled at her, then pulled her in for a kiss. 

After, she leaned back at me, and together we spent a few more moments just watching the sun set as we waited until we needed to get ready to receive our guest. 

------------line break----------- 

Nervous 

That was what I was feeling as I stood in the entryway of my mansion while waiting for Hazel to arrive with our guest. Hazel left to meet them at the border some 25 minutes ago, and I reckon they should be just a few minutes away from arriving at my door. 

I turned to my right and saw the three nymphs standing in a line, all wearing classic Greek chiton of varying colors to match their hair. 

The 3 of them did a great job with getting things ready; the food looked delicious, and the rooms have been prepared. All that was needed was for the three demigods to arrive. 

The doorknob jiggling brought my attention back to the door. I turned my head just as it opened. The first through the door was Hazel, wearing a simple white shirt and jeans. With her sword strapped at her hips. She gave me a beaming smile that I returned as she walked through the door and stepped aside while holding it open for the rest of the people to come in. 

I braced myself as I got excited to meet some of my friends who I had not seen for a long time. 

I smiled as I saw Malcolm step through the door. I could see the unease in his eye as he saw me, so I nodded to him, trying to indicate that he was welcomed here. Unlike the first time, Malcolm was wearing a Camp shirt with a backpack slung behind him. He was also not injured, which was a plus in my books. Despite my smile, I could still see some nervousness in his eyes, and I got a feeling that aside from getting information about me, he was here for some other thing. I pushed that thought aside for now as the second of my guests came in following Malcolm. 

Will came in with wide eyes that glanced all around the entryway. I smiled widely, as I couldn't help but be in awe at how tall he's become. Gone was the small healer I used to drag across the battlefield. Here in front of me was a full-grown man only a few inches shorter than me. Despite that, I could still see some youthful childishness on his face. His blonde hair was a bit disheveled, probably from the trek here. He was wearing the same camp shirt as Malcolm with cargo pants whose pockets were obviously full. 'Medical supplies probably,' I thought. A backpack on his back and his bow held in his hands. The lack of a quiver confused me, but I decided to ask about that at a later time. 

Will smiled back when he saw me and stood beside Malcolm. 

Finally, the last of my guests entered, and I felt my grin widen. The first thing I noticed about Clarisse was her body. Unlike what I thought, she has not become bulkier, but her muscles have become more refined. She became one of those people whose muscular body wouldn't be noticed when wearing an oversized hoodie. 

I saw her eyes scan the place, looking for any danger. Making sure everything was safe and secure. A bag was held in her right hand while her spear was held by her left. She looked relaxed, but I knew better. Her stance was such that it would allow her to simply drop her bag, and her right hand would hold a spear. ready to lunge or swipe any attack coming her way. 

Clarisse looked over at me after her scan of the room was done and returned a grin of her own. 

I took that chance to formally welcome them to my home with open arms. 

"Welcome! everybody to my home!" 

I approached them and shook their hands one by one. Clarisse, as I expected, gripped my hand hard, as if she were attempting to crush them. I just smiled at her as I released her hand and took a step back, with Hazel now standing beside me. 

"I'm sure that you have a ton of questions for us, and I promise we'll answer them all later. For now, please follow these girls to your rooms so you can all freshen up and rest a bit before we all sit down for dinner," I announced while gesturing to the three nymphs who bowed together. 

Malcolm nodded, and together they all followed the nymphs to the second floor. I then held Hazel's hand and pulled her to the living room. "How did it go?" I asked as I sat down on the love seat, pulling her on my lap. 

"It went fine; I only waited for about 5 minutes until they came upon the border," she told me. "Clarisse's and William's surprise at the border was very obvious when I crossed it and appeared in front of them, but that was understandable," she continued. 

"They did start to ask me questions about the place, but I told them that you would take care of answering any questions they might have, so they stopped," she finished with a small smile. 

"Thanks for that, I guess," I said, kissing the back of her neck, making her giggle and squirm. I wrapped my arms around her as I continued my lip assault on her neck. 

The room became filled with the sounds of her giggles and halfhearted reprimands as we waited for dinner to start. 

------------line break----------- 

I was sitting at the head of the dining table with Hazel on my right, waiting for Malcolm and the rest to come down from their rooms. 

Blueberry and Aethra were going around the table, making sure everything was set up properly, while Rose went to fetch our guest, letting them know dinner was ready. 

"Everything looks delicious!" I heard Hazel say. I turned to look at her and saw that she was talking to Blueberry, who was smiling from the compliment. "They do!" I followed up with a smile for the blue-haired nymph, who blushed and nodded at me. 

I looked down at the table, filled with plates filled with meat of different kinds cooked in a variety of ways that were foreign to me. There was also a number of vegetables in salad form together with fruits, some of which I don't even recognize. The nymphs have really outdone themselves this time! 

'I wonder what I can do for them as a reward,' I thought. 

As I was musing over that, I heard footsteps from the corridor. I turned my head to my left just in time to see Ruby enter the dining room, followed by the three demigods I am currently hosting. I stood up and welcomed them. 

"Welcome once again; I hope your rooms are okay?" I asked as the nymphs led them to their seats. 

"They are, thanks," Malcolm replied. "They're even better than some hotels!" Will followed up with a wide grin. 

"I'm glad!" I said with a smile. "Please sit" 

As my friends all took their seats, I also took the chance to say something. 

"I know I promised to answer your questions, but I would like to ask all of you to hold them back for now so we can enjoy the delicious food we have in front of us," I asked. "We'll get to those questions later over drinks," I assured. 

"That's fine, Percy," Malcolm agreed, though I could see Clarisse was not happy but held back whatever she was going to say. 

"Let's eat!" Hazel declared with a clap of her hand. 

We all started to load our plates with whatever we fancied eating. Then we all stood up and headed to one of the lit braziers at two corners of the dining room for offerings to the gods. 

"To Poseidon! To Hestia! To Hades! To Aphrodite and to Athena and Hephaestus! To all the gods of Olympus!" I declared in a clear voice. I offered a whole plate of ribs to the fire and was rewarded by the pleasant aroma of sea breeze mixed with the scent of freshly opened books. 

I stepped back to allow Hazel to make her own offerings. 

"To Lord Pluto, Lord Neptune, and Lady Vesta!" Hazel stated with her eyes closed as she tipped her plate to the fire. 

We returned to our seats to find the other already sitting down. Once we were seated, I gestured to the nymphs to fill our cups, and we began to eat in earnest. 

The dining room was filled with the clicking of utensils and idle talk as we enjoyed our meal. 

"So, Clarisse, how have you been?" I asked Clarisse, trying to make some small talk before we move on to the serious stuff. 

Clarisse narrowed her eyes at me mid-bite; she seemed to regard me critically before she finished her bite. She chewed for a few minutes and swallowed before she answered. "I'm fine. Me and Chris are still together. I finished college about 3 years ago, and now I work at a private security company." 

"Really! I'm glad; I'm happy for you and Chris. Though I'm still confused as to why you are here," I told her. 

"What do you mean, why I'm here?" she asked, her tone stiff. 

"Not like that, just that I know Malcolm told everyone at camp about us meeting the first time when he got back. What I'm wondering about is how you knew about me, us. Were you contacted by camp to come here or something like that?" I clarified. 

"Ah! That's what you mean! I try to visit camp as much as I can. I happened to be there when Malcolm announced that he found you guys. And I was free, so here I am!" she declared. 

I nodded at her while taking a bite of my food. 

"How about you, Will? Anything new with you? Are you a doctor yet?" I asked with a smile. 

The blonde smiled at me then said, "I decided to stay at camp full time." 

That surprised me. I was sure he was going to be a doctor or something similar. Never had I thought he would stay. "What happened?" I inquired. genuinely curious. 

"Camp needed me more. Don't get me wrong, Percy. I still went to college and studied medicine, but I believed our kind needed my skills more," Will explained. 

"I understand," I replied. And I did understand his point. 

"I just hope that you're not taking the responsibility all on your own," I followed up. 

"I'm the head of the Apollo cabin, Percy. I make sure most of my siblings are trained in the art of healing among other Demigods with such a gift," he clarified with a smile filled with confidence. 

"That's good," I smiled as I declared that. Happy that such changes are now in place. 

We continued with other topics until we finished our meal and moved from the dining room to a seating area outside the mansion. 

We all sat on soft rattan chairs and couches around a lit firepit. I had the nymphs bring out a couple of glasses as they started to serve drinks to all of us. 

As we all got settled around the fire, with the three choosing to sit right across me. I readied myself for their questions as I saw Clarisse's eyes narrow upon seeing Hazel take a seat on my lap. She leaned back against me while taking a sip of her Bourbon. 

I smiled at them to encourage them to start. 

Surprisingly, it was Will who spoke first. 

"You look and feel different, Percy." It was not a question in any way, just an observation of the obvious that I think he needed to air out to set the tone of the coming discussion. 

I smiled and said in response. "It's been seven years, Will; changes are to be expected." 

Will nodded, and it was Clarisse who posed the first real question of the night. 

"I know this is so obvious, but I have to ask. What's going on between you two?" Clarisse asked while eyeing the two of us closely since we sat down. Or rather, since Hazel sat down on my lap. 

Instead of answering her, I chose to grab Hazel's left hand, bringing it up to my face and kissing the finger with the gold ring set with a huge emerald. I followed that up by kissing the inside of her wrist, making Hazel blush madly. 

Hazel smiled at me lovingly before she turned to face Clarisse to answer her. 

"Percy and I are engaged," Hazel declared. 

I noticed Malcolm's eyes tighten at that news, but I ignored that for now. I thanked Will and Malcolm for congratulating us on our engagement. 

After a bit, Malcolm continued the questions. 

"Percy, do you remember when I asked you the last time about the reward the gods gave you?" he asks tentatively. 

I thought back to that day and remembered what he was asking about. 

"Oh yeah! That! If I remember correctly, I was interrupted by something before I could answer you, right?" I asked him, getting a nod from him. "Could you tell me now?" he asked. 

I closed my eyes for a bit before replying. 

"I don't know how much you've told the other about what I shared with you back then. But I think that if I am going to be telling you the entire story, it would be better to start from the beginning," I stated. Will and Clarisse both sat straight while Malcolm nodded with a serious look on his face. 

I glanced at all three of them before I started. "So, like I told Malcolm, this all started after the war with the giants. When I was called back to Olympus, where Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades made it known to me that The Fates had decreed that I be given a reward or else The Fates would decide for me," I started. 

"After a bit of discussion, they ended up just asking me what I wanted as a reward. I wanted to just decline altogether, but I was reminded once again that The Fates would take it upon themselves if I were to do that, so I took a few days to decide what I wanted. My mom helped a lot, and after a few days I went back to Olympus, where I met up with the gods again." I paused to make sure they were all listening. 

After getting a nod from Malcolm, I continued. "This time Athena was present instead of Hades. It was then that I told the gods what I decided on. Safety and Freedom was what I decided on as a reward." I could tell that I needed to elaborate on my choice based on the confused looks I was getting from Will and Clarisse, so I decided to clear that up before telling the rest of my story. 

"To clarify for you all, what I wished was one, Safety from monsters, and second, Freedom from the gods meddling," I explained. I waited to see if anyone was going to ask anything, but a nod from Clarisse told me that they understood what I meant. 

"After hearing my wish, the gods requested for a few hours to find a way to grant it. They explained that my wish was not something that has been granted to anyone, demigod or mortal ever. I left and was called after a few hours. I found the entire council present when I got back, and they explained to me what will need to be done first in order for them to be able to give me my wish." 

Here I paused again, making eye contact with my friends. Internally getting ready to share something I have only told six people. 

"The gods told me that in order to grant me my wish, they would need to make me immortal first. Then they went to explain that to grant me the Safety I wanted, I would be given land that would be like the camps, protected by a barrier." I continued. 

"You mean this place?" Malcolm asked, gesturing with his hands around where we are. 

"That's right," I confirmed. 

"Then they informed me that in order to grant my wish of Freedom, a curse needs to be placed upon me." I heard Will gasp at my revelation, and both Malcolm and Clarisse eyes widen in shock. 

"What was the curse?" Will asked fearfully. 

I gave him a comforting smile before answering. knowing that my answer might illicit a violent response. 

"The curse of the Harem" 

As I expected, after a few seconds of silence. Madness descended. Malcolm and Will started to ask questions at the same time. I tried to wait them out, but when I noticed Clarisse trying to stand up, I decided to take a more direct approach. 

I lifted my hand, and that quieted them all down. I also stared at Clarisse and asked her to at least let me finish my explanation. She regarded me apprehensively for a few seconds. then ultimately decided to let me continue. She dropped back to her seat and nodded at me. 

I smiled at them as thanks for giving me this chance. I wrapped my arms around Hazel, who at this point went rigid with worry, trying to give her some comfort and taking comfort from her myself. 

"Like I said, the gods told me that the only way to grant my wish of Freedom was to place the curse of the harem on me. The way they explained it, the curse of the harem is the only thing that can negate the curse placed by Lamia upon all demigods' millennia ago," I explained, repeating what the gods said back then. 

"Why have we not been told about this before? How come we never knew about this?" Will asked. 

"That's because this curse has never been placed on anyone before; I am the first to bear this curse," I told Will with a small smile. 

"How come they have never used that curse before?" Clarisse asked. 

"Because it takes the entire Olympian council to place the curse on anyone, willingly," I answered, stressing on the word ‘willingly’ to make them understand. "That meant that if even one member of the council was not in favor of it, then the curse would not be cast and the ritual would fail," I finished. 

"Is that why the entire council was present that day? "Malcolm guessed correctly. His Athenian mind is now finally calm enough to think and put the pieces of the puzzle together. 

"That's correct," I nodded. 

"Now don't get me wrong, I still tried to decline their offer. But Apollo assured me that what was in store for me if I was to decline was far worse than what they are offering. He told me that The Fates would most likely force godhood on me, making me the god of Fate. The enactor of their will. And I honestly couldn't think of a worse, well, fate for me." I went on. 

"So, after thinking about it some more, I finally accepted. But not before making sure that all of them wouldn't be pushing daughters upon me. It was your mother, Malcolm, that assured me that that will never happen," I said as I nodded toward Malcolm, who blinked at that tidbit. 

"And so, after they explained the curse and I accepted, the council wasted no time and started the ritual. I was an immortal, and the curse was placed on me on the same day. To be honest, I expected it to hurt, but nothing really happened aside from a bright light that surrounded me for a few minutes," I said as I remembered that day. 

"After that, they informed me that it would take a while for them to find a place for me, and so I went back to my mom's place, where I waited for a month until my dad picked me up and took me here." 

Finally finished with telling my tale, I looked over my shoulder to Ruby, who was standing there, and motioned for her to bring me my drink. All of the girls know that I don't drink alcohol, so they are always ready with some kind of non-alcoholic drink for me. I took a deep gulp of the cherry coke she brought me and relaxed back on my seat as I waited on how the three would react. 

It was Clarisse once again who broke the silence by asking the obvious. 

"And are you a member of his harem?" she asked Hazel as she pointed at me. 

I knew Hazel was blushing when she nodded her head and answered Clarisse. 

"That right, I am the first member of Percy's harem," she said proudly. 

I felt more than saw Clarisse glare at me as she blew up. "So, what! Are you just collecting women for your own use now?" she shouted. 

I was about to respond when Hazel beat me to it, answering just as loudly as Clarisse did. "For your information, Clarisse! I joined Percy's harem willingly!" Hazel shouted back. 

I held on to Hazel, making sure she stays on my lap rather than launch herself at Clarisse. I kissed her neck and shoulders in an attempt to calm her down. After a while, she settled back on me, and I whispered my thanks to her for defending me. She turned around and kissed me on the lips, then went back to glaring at Clarisse, but at least she stayed quiet this time. 

While I was hugging Hazel close to me, I also took the time to look at Clarisse. I stared at all three of them before I explained how someone becomes a member of the harem. 

"I know that the idea of a harem has such a negative image on people's minds, and believe me, I thought so too. But I would like to ask each and every one of you to try and keep an open mind as I try to explain what it means to be a member of my harem," I asked them. Imploring with my eyes for them to let me finish before they judge us. 

"The first thing you have to understand is that despite how bad the idea of a harem is now, it wasn't always like that. Thousands of years ago, the idea of a harem was not in any way connected to slavery or sexual abuse," I started, explaining to them what a harem is. Or at least what my harem is like.

"Back then, a harem is a place where women of noble birth are housed or kept within the home of the head of the family. It is there they are protected and kept safe. And it wasn't just wives or concubines that are placed in the harem. Unmarried women of the family, young daughters not old enough to marry, widows of male family members, treasured female friends. All of them can be housed within the harem where once again they are kept safe." 

"The harem is also the place where women are taught skills they need in life. Cooking, embroidery, and all such arts are all imparted within the confines of the harem." 

"It is also within the harem that the heir of the family is raised. It is up to the women of the harem to teach the next generation the morals needed in order to grow up to be a respected and noble member of society." I finished my lecture, feeling a bit silly to be the one imparting knowledge with a son of wisdom present in front of me. 

"It is only in recent history did the concept of a harem being a place where a man keeps a bevy of women who he can sexually exploit and subject to his whims start to arise," I explained. I can see some form of understanding dawn on their minds, so I took that chance to really get them to change their mindset. 

"And I assure you, there is no such thing happening within this harem. Anything that does happen is both wanted and consensual, like in any sort of relationship. There are rules set within the harem that assure the safety and certain freedom of its members." I assure them. 

"Certain freedoms?" Clarisse asked. intrigued. 

"To understand what those limitations are, first you must understand how one joins the harem. Only then will you understand the rules of it," I added. 

"As the master of the harem, it falls to me to secure the well-being of all its members in every aspect. Traditionally, I am also responsible for the safety of its members. But that is not applicable in this harem," I said with a smirk just as Hazel laughs at my words. 

"And as master of the harem, I cannot just decide to make any woman a part of the harem like what you suggested earlier, Clarisse. There are rules that must be followed by both me and any woman that would like to join," I said to Clarisse. 

"How does one become a member of the harem?" Malcolm asked in a calm, inquisitive tone now. 

I smiled. 'Finally,' I thought. 

"In order for any woman to be a member, first the woman must be made aware of the harem, meaning she cannot be inducted into it without her knowledge. Then the rules of the harem must be told and explained to her, so she will be aware of what is to be expected of her in the case that she decides to join." I was about to continue when Hazels spoke up above me. 

"Just like how I was made aware of the rules and what would be expected of me before I joined the harem" she said while still glaring at Clarisse. 

I laughed at her terse tone, kissing her behind her neck and ears, effectively shushing her up. I smiled and continued my explanation. 

"The most important aspect of joining this harem is that instead of me asking any woman to join, they are the ones who must ask to be allowed to join." 

Confusion—I was sure that was what they were all feeling at the moment. The concepts of what he just shared with them were so far and so different from what they thought they believed was the truth. 

"I'm sorry, can you clear that up for me one more time?" Clarisse asked, rubbing her temples. 

It was Hazel who answered once again. "Like I said earlier. I was made aware of the rules and expectations of joining the harem before I made my decision. Then I lived with Percy for a year here in his bordered land in safety. All that time was spent with him, turning over the idea of joining in my mind. Weighing the pros and cons of it. And after spending a year with him and falling in love, my decision was made. I asked to be allowed to join. To be the first of his women," she stated with a smile so lovely I was tempted to drag her back to my room. 

"And then you became a member," finished Clarisse. 

"Not really," I answered her, with Hazel finishing for me. 

"It's not enough for me to just ask; Percy also has to accept me into the harem," she finished. 

Everyone was quiet for a minute until Hazel spoke up again. "The most important aspect about being a member of Percy's harem is consent; remember that," she drove home the point. Making sure none of them will think of what Clarisse so obviously thought of earlier. 

"The choice to join must be made willingly, and the decision to accept them must also be made willingly. No one can be forced or coerced into joining against their will," I summarized. 

"So, you joined willingly," Clarisse asked of Hazel. 

"I was already in love with Percy by the time I asked to join the harem, so yes, I was more than willing to be with him," she answered in a calm voice this time. 

"What about the nymphs?" Will asked, surprising me. I'd almost forgotten he was here. 

"The three of them were given to me by the gods as servants when they gave me this place. So, they can't be members of the harem since they cannot, by virtue of them being servants, give their consent willingly. As their very instincts make them acquiesce to my wants and needs," I explained. 

"Makes sense," I heard Will whisper to Clarisse, who nodded. 

Malcolm's next question was something I expected: "How many members are there currently?" 

"Aside from me being the master, there are currently only two members: Hazel, the first member, and the other member, who is currently away for a job," I told him. 

"A job?" Clarisse repeated, "I thought." 

"You thought Percy keeps us here all the time so he can do what he wants to us anytime he wants, like a slave, right? Did you even listen to what we told you about the rules of harem earlier?" Hazel cut her off angrily. 

Once again, I tightened my hold on her as I embraced her. "Calm down, Hazel," I whispered to her ears, trying to calm her anger. 

"No, Percy! I won't let anybody think so badly of you, no matter who they are!" Hazel replied, still struggling against my arms. 

"It's ok; it doesn't bother me one bit," I told her. "But," she tried to protest, but I kissed her behind her ears and down her neck, and that shut her up. A muffled moan was the only thing coming out of her mouth as she blushed. 

After I dealt with Hazel, I turned to look at Clarisse. "Like I said earlier, I am aware of the negative image the Harem has in modern times. I also understand that it might look like Hazel is nothing more than a slave, but I assure you all. That is simply not the case!" I explained one again. 

"I admit, the rules of the harem skew heavily in my favor, but that doesn't mean the members are stripped of the rights to make decisions of their own," I followed. 

Malcolm, taking the chance, raised his hands as if he were a student and asked his questions. "You mentioned the rules of the harem a few times now, but we still have no idea what they are. Can you tell us what they are?" 

"The Rules of the Harem are very simple. And there's really only one rule for members. It's that they have to pledge loyalty and obedience to the Harem master, which I know sounds a lot like slavery, but like I said earlier, I have taken steps to ensure that the freedom of choice is NOT taken away from any woman who joined or will join in the future," I explained, hoping that they believe me. 

"Steps to ensure their freedom?" Clarisse repeated, clearly asking for clarification. 

Again, I was beaten in answering by Hazel, who spoke up in defense of me. "Like Percy said, we had to pledge our loyalty and obedience to him when we joined the harem. And the curse ensures that our pledge will be binding, meaning that if we, the members, ever break our pledge, there will be consequences. But like Percy said, he has taken steps to ensure that our rights to make our own decisions are preserved," she started. The three were listening attentively. 

Hazel sat up and turned, so she was facing me. She looked deep into my eyes and held my face as she continued her explanation. "The day I joined the harem, after I had given my pledge, Percy surprised me by making a pledge of his own." She smiled as she caressed my face. 

"What did Prissy pledge?" Clarisse asked, and I smiled at the old nickname. 

Instead of letting Hazel continue, I decided to take over for her and also remind her of what I promised on the day she decided to be mine. So, I lifted my hand and pressed a finger to her lips as I flashed her a smile. Keeping my eyes on her, I repeated the pledge I gave her that day years ago. 

"I swear to lady Styx, to all the gods of Olympus, to your father, Lord Pluto, and to my own mother, Sally, to always take your wishes and wants into consideration. I promise you my protection and my devotion. I swear to never take you against your will. What is mine is yours as we now share our life on this earth." I declared, and distantly I heard the rumble of thunder as I once again swore the same thing I did years ago. Only this time, aside from the three nymphs, I had three more people present as witnesses. 

"I love you, Hazel, until the end of days," I told her, with as much sincerity as I could convey. Hazel, for her part, has started to tear up. her eyes beaming with happiness as she leaned down to capture my lips with a searing kiss that took my breath away, which was technically impossible. Being the son of Poseidon and all. 

After she came up for breath, she stared at me for a long moment until someone coughed from somewhere in front of us, reminding us that we were not alone. For now, that is, later would be a different matter altogether. 

Hazel buried her face on my shoulder as she wrapped her arms around me. I turned back to Clarisse, who was now gawking at me stupidly. I raised my brow at her, a silent question in my eyes. asking her to say what she wanted to say. 

"That was very sweet of you, but I don't understand how you could make the pledge in the name of the Styx Willy-Nilly," she said with an incredulous expression on her face. 

"I was able to swear those because, by that time, I was already in love with them. So, I knew my words would be the truth, and I was sure in myself that I knew I would never have never gone back on any of the things I had promised them. So even if I make the same pledge now, tomorrow, or 10 years from now, I am certain that I would not be struck down by Lady Styx for breaking my pledge in her name," I explained to her as Hazel tightened her embrace, whispering how she also loves me in my ear, making me do the same. 

After a minute of quiet, Malcolm spoke up. Repeating what he just learned about our lives here. 

"So, for the last 7 years, you have lived your life here. in this place given to you by the gods after you asked for safety from monsters and freedom from the gods. A curse was also placed upon you to grant your wish—a curse that gave you a harem, and now you are living with two harem members and three nymphs," he enumerated. 

I nodded, leaving it to a son of wisdom to summarize the last 7 years of my life. 

"Have you been here all this time?" he suddenly asked. confusing me   

"Huh?" I asked him back eloquently. 

"I mean, have you lived here since you went away?" he clarified. 

"Ah! I see what you mean, to answer your question. This place is my home now, but I travel around quite often, actually. But I did stay here without leaving for a while during the days before Hazel joined me in living here," I told Malcolm. 

"How can you afford this place, Percy?" Will suddenly asked, reminding me again that he was in fact present. 'How can a son of the sun god be so good at erasing his presence?' I asked myself. 

I turned to Will to answer. "This place was gifted to me by the gods. The place is kept functional by their blessings, so there are no electricity, water, or internet bills. But for anything else, we have to provide for ourselves. Or rather, according to the traditional harem rules, I have to provide those for the members of my harem." 

"And you do," Hazel said, making me smile. "It's a group effort," I responded, making her giggle as she started to kiss the side of my neck. 

"How? I mean, how do you provide for yourselves?" Will followed up with his own question. 

"The three of us run a business now," I said, simple and clear. 

I could see Will about to ask a follow-up question again, but he was cut off by Clarisse asking a question of her own. 

"What happened to Riptide Prissy?" she asked. 

I tilted my head at her question, confused as to why she was asking about my sword. 

"What about Riptide?" I asked, hoping for clarification. 

"Why are you not using it anymore?" she clarified. I furrowed my brow in further confusion. Malcolm, seeing that, explained everything. 

"I think what Clarisse meant is that when I came back to camp after you rescued us, I may have mentioned to them that you were using a different sword that time. Anyhow, we were all wondering why that is, especially since you are well known for only being able to use Riptide efficiently." 

"I see." Now it makes sense. I took my right hand from embracing Hazel, who by now was back to leaning against me, facing Malcolm and the rest. Then I reached into my pants pocket and pulled out Riptide in pen form.

I uncapped it, and my sword grew in my hand. Soon I was holding the sword my friends have grown to associate me with. 

"Riptide will always be mine, unless I decide to pass her on to some other child of the sea. But seeing that my father has sworn to the creator's name to remain faithful to his wife, that seems like an impossibility now more than ever," I told them while gazing at the sword that has been with me through it all. 

"But to answer your question, Malcolm, the reason why I was not using Riptide during that fight is because during my time away, I learned a lot of things to occupy my time. Included in the list of things I learned is forging. I learned how to forge my own weapons and armor," I revealed, and I saw the shock on their faces. 

"Now, as a child of the sea, I am only comfortable using weapons forge under the sea, which have the essence of the sea in them or those that I forge myself. So, unlike before, I am no longer limited in the kinds of weapons I can use, with the exception of the bow, of course. I'm still hopeless with that," I said, pouting by the end. 

"So, you're confident enough to spar with a weapon other than Riptide. Is that what you're saying?" Clarisse asked with a wide grin on her face. I can already imagine what's going on inside her head. And frankly, I'm looking forward to it. 

"I am, even with a spear or trident," I replied with a grin of my own. 

"How about tomorrow then? Let's see if you can walk the talk!" Clarisse challenged me. I was about to agree when Hazel decided to be the voice of reason once again. 

"Nope, there will be no sparring tomorrow or ever, not until you finish the piece you're making right now! That order is already a couple of days behind schedule!" She turned and glared at me as she reminded me of my responsibilities. And like a husband, I nodded and agreed with her. 

'Happy wife, happy life' I thought, although in my case it would be 'Happy fiancées, happy life.' 

"You can have that spar as soon as you're done," she compromised, and I smiled at her. 

"How long did you plan to stay?" I asked Malcolm. "We planned to stay for around 5 days to a week, if that's okay. We can camp on the grounds; if it's too much trouble," he replied to me, explaining their plan. 

"There's no need for you guys to camp out. You're welcome to stay for as long as you want," I assured them with a smile. I then turned back to Clarisse, who was still waiting for a response. 

"We can have that spar on the third day; I only have a little bit more to finish that piece anyway. I can finish it by tomorrow afternoon. In the meantime, you all are free to do what you want; just ask the nymphs if there is anything you need," I told Clarisse before I turned and addressed them all. 

"We can also go to the city if you want!" Hazel offered. 

"You just want to go shopping again," I teased her. 

"And if I do?" she turned to me, asking with a teasing smile of her own. 

"And nothing; you go buy whatever you want." I smiled as I gave way to her whims and desires. As I always do nowadays. 

"Good answer," Hazel said, kissing me. 

"Thank you, guys, for giving us rooms here; I really did not want to camp out and sleep in a tent." Will thanked us wholeheartedly. And I agreed with him. Camping is not fun. 

"What is that thing that you need to finish quickly?" Malcolm asked, curiosity leaking from his tone. Now I could answer and tell them exactly what I have been doing to earn money, or I could push that until tomorrow. I decided to procrastinate. 

"That's a secret for now," I teased him, but followed up with a promise to tell him tomorrow. "I'll show you guys tomorrow." 

With that, Hazel stood up from my lap and stretched. "It's time for bed," she announced. She turned to me, bent down to my level, and kissed me again. 

"I'll be waiting in my room, Love; don't keep me waiting long," she said in a quiet voice. I was sure the others heard clearly. "I'll see you in a few," I replied, making her blush. 

She stood up and bid everyone a goodnight, then she left heading toward the mansion, and I was tempted to follow her. But I held myself back, knowing I still had a few things I needed to discuss with our visitors. 

"Yawn!" 

I looked at Will, who I noticed is struggling to keep his eyes open. He turned to Malcolm and asked if it'd be okay for him to turn in for the night. Malcolm nodded and told him to rest up. 

"Blueberry, can you lead Will to his room, please?" I called the blue-haired nymph standing near the door of the mansion. "Of course, master," the nymph replied, and then she led Will into the mansion after he said his own goodnight to all of us. 

"Was there anything else you wanted to ask or discuss?" I asked after we were left alone. 

Malcolm beat Clarisse, who was about to say something, based on how her mouth was already halfway open. 

"About my sister," Malcolm started apprehensively. He waited for my response before continuing. 

"What about her?" I asked, in a clear and neutral tone. I have been anticipating this question. I was expecting him to actually ask me about her earlier, but I guess he didn't want to start this conversation with Hazel, my fiancée, nearby. 

"I wanted to ask if she could come here, to visit, to try to talk,” Malcolm asked quietly, eyes down. 

I looked up at the stars in the night sky, my eyes quickly finding my favorite constellation. A tribute to a friend by the goddess she served for thousands of years and contemplated. Am I ready to meet her again? Can I bear to see her face and hear her voice again? 

If I am to be honest with myself, I'm afraid. Afraid of how I would react to seeing her again. Would meeting her bring back the pain and hurt I have fought so hard to let go of? Will her presence here disturb my peace? 

Frankly, I have no way of knowing the answer. 

But what I do know is that I am no longer the boy who runs away instead of facing such problems, plus I have the support of Hazel and Piper now. I know they won't let me spiral down if the worst happens if I meet her. 

With my decision made, I looked down and answered Malcolm. 

“I have no problem with her coming here,” I told Malcolm. "Although," I continued, Malcolm's eyes tightening when I said that. Bracing for whatever I was going to say more. 

"I cannot guarantee that she will get a warm welcome from any woman living in this house," I informed him. 

"What do you mean?" Malcolm asked, confused and worried. I decided to explain one aspect of the harem that I had left out earlier. 

"One downside of being a member of the harem is that all members feel very protective of one another. That is even more pronounced for me as the master of the harem." 

"Is that why she blew up at me earlier?" Clarisse asked, cocking her head to the side. 

"Partly yes, now don't get it wrong. What you implied earlier would have gotten her mad regardless, but add that with her feelings for me and the effects of the curse. Well, let's just say any woman in the harem won't be able to tolerate even the slightest insult against me," I explained. 

"Now, I'm not saying that Annabeth will be in danger if she comes here; I personally guarantee her safety, physically at least. But for how she'll be welcomed and accepted when she comes here, that I can't guarantee," I continued. 

"I see, I understand," Malcolm muttered after a while. 

"Couldn't you just tell them to behave themselves for when Annabeth comes to visit?" Clarisse asked with a smirk. 

"I could, but I won't," I answered her truthfully. looking at her straight in the eyes. 

"Thanks for the warning, Percy; I will pass it on to her when we get back," Malcolm stated. 

"It's been a long day; we should get some rest, Clarisse," Malcolm declared, looking at Clarisse. 

"Alright," she agreed readily. standing up along with Malcolm. 

"I'll see you guys tomorrow; have a good rest. You are safe here," I told them. 

They nodded and followed Rose to the mansion and their rooms. 

I sat alone for a moment and thought back to all that happened today. It started with a phone call from Piper and ended with a potential reunion with my ex. I sighed and drained my drink. I stood up and began to walk back to the mansion, but not before kissing Aethra goodnight. 

After that, I went in and climbed the stairs to the second floor to Hazel's room. Knowing I was invited and expected, I didn't bother knocking. I opened the door and almost had a heart attack. 

Waiting for me on her bed was my beautiful fiancée, wearing one of my shirts that was very loose on her. 

just my shirt. 

"Took you long enough," she called out from the bed, and I found myself being drawn to her. My feet moving on their own. Closing the door behind me, I quickly crossed the room to where I was being beckoned. 

As soon as I got near her bed, I leaned down and kissed her lips with a passion I reserved only for her and Piper. Hot, needy, and full of the promise of a night filled with love and completion. 

After what seems to be an eternity but really just a few minutes of our lips and tongue battling for dominance, we parted. "I'm sorry for making you wait, my love," I said in-between kisses to her jaw and the corner of her lips. Before I trailed my lips down her neck, 

I was rewarded by a moan escaping from her lips. Sounding much like a Sirens call, promising me all I ever wanted and more. Only I was not holding back from answering them. 

Hazel dropped down the bed, and I followed her, laying down over her as I lavished her with my love and affection. 

"It's okay," I heard her say from where it was attached to her neck. "Just don't make me wait any longer," she demanded, her hand now pulling at my hair. 

I pushed up and braced myself with my arms as I took in her beautiful face, blushing furiously from obvious lust and anticipation for what was to come (Heh!)  

I smiled at her and declared. 

"Your wish is my command, my lady!" 

I then got rid of the shirt she was wearing and followed suit. Our lips met again in a dance of lovers as we shared our warmth with each other. 

That night, neither of us planned on getting much sleep. 

Chapter Text

It was the night of the same day camp sent out Drew and Malcolm on their own respective missions. I had just been called to the Big house by Chiron for a meeting. A mixture of excitement and dread filled me as I made my way there. I find my mind coming up with all sorts of scenarios about what will be revealed when we begin discussing what went on with Drew's meeting with Piper. 

I went straight to the rec room, our de facto council room. In there I found Drew, Lacy, and Sherman huddled together in one corner, talking in hushed whispers. About what? I don't know, but I hope they'll share it with all of us. 

They stopped when Lacy saw me and gestured to the other two. Drew and Sherman turned to me with unreadable expressions on their faces. ' Are they talking about me? ' I thought. 

I glanced around the room and saw Chiron by the other end of the ping pong table, having a heated talk with Nico, who is clearly not in a great mood. It must be about Will being sent out of camp with him not around,' I guessed. I wonder if he was asking the centaur where his boyfriend was sent. 

I took my usual seat and waited for the rest of the councilors and senior campers to arrive. One by one, they all arrived and took a seat around the table. Once everyone was present, Chiron stomped his hoof down, signaling the start of the meeting. 

"Can someone please tell me where Will was sent?" Nico demanded before anyone could say anything. 

"As I said earlier, Nico, you will learn of where young William was sent during this meeting. As what Miss Tanaka and her fellows did today is connected to what Malcolm and his group are sent to do," Chiron explained in a soft voice. 

"Patience, sit and join us in learning how Drew's day went," Chiron pleaded. 

I watched as Nico frowned, clearly not happy but agreeing with Chiron for now. 

Chiron smiled at Nico, then looked around the room. "I give thanks to the gods for the safe return of Drew, Lacy, and Sherman from their mission in the city. I also offer a prayer for the success of Malcolm in their journey. May they be blessed and watched over," Chiron started. 

Chiron bowed for a minute, then lifted his head and turned to Drew. "I also give thanks to Drew for volunteering to go on this mission," Chiron said with a smile. 

"For those not in the know, a few weeks ago, Leo saw Piper in an advertisement for a jewelry brand while in the city. He shared the news with us, and we came up with a plan to try to reach out to Piper," continued the centaur. 

"That is how she went to the store last week, to gather information and to at least try to get a message to young Piper if possible. That is what brought us to today, to learn what has happened in that meeting," Chiron finished. 

I nodded along with the others in the room. I saw Drew smile at the attention she was receiving. I saw her begin to open her mouth to start but was cut off when Nico suddenly spoke up. 

"What has that got to do with where Will went?" Nico asked. 

"Please have patience, Nico," I asked him.  

Hearing my voice, I saw him turn to me, and his eyes met mine with undisguised fury and hatred. He was the only one who had not forgiven me. 

"Don't talk to me!" he barked at me. 

I shut my mouth and turned away, not wanting to add to his already horrible mood. Thankfully, Chiron was present, and he managed to calm Nico down and get him to wait a bit more for the information he wanted. 

Nico turned his glare to the centaur but otherwise kept quiet. 

"That brings us to today," Chiron started. "Earlier, Drew accompanied by Lacy and Sherman went to the city and met up with Piper," he paused. "I will let her tell all of us what happened in that meeting, but for now, I will explain to Nico why we think the two are connected." 

Nico sat up, and I prepared myself for whatever reaction he might have. Chiron looked at Nico and started his explanation. "A couple of weeks ago, Malcolm was sent as reinforcement for a Satyr who contacted us for support. The satyr found 2 demigods and was being hunted by a group of monsters. We sent Malcolm together with Francis from cabin 11 to them post haste." 

"Malcolm and Francis were able to get to the satyr and his charges easily enough. They were on their way back when they were ambushed by the same monsters hunting them and were led to a forest in an effort to avoid the monsters," Chiron added. 

"It was in that forest where, unfortunately, Francis got wounded quite severely, leaving only Malcolm capable of defending against what I was told—a large group of monsters numbering close to 30," Chiron told me. I looked around the table and saw the surprised looks of those who had not heard the full story yet. 

"It was also in that forest where they were rescued by two unknown demigods," Chiron said, pausing for effect. He's been getting more theatrical lately. 'I blame Mr. D! ' I thought. 

"The two demigods made short work of the monsters, then they led Malcolm and his fellows to their home where they had their injuries treated. They also spent the night there to rest," Chiron continued. I was only half-listening, focusing more on the others with me in the room. Studying their reactions to the story. Some were curious, some were serious. Others were impatient. 

"The following day, Malcolm and the rest were driven by their rescuers to the airport. They were also given enough money for plane tickets for 5 people," Chiron ended. 

"Okay, I still don't see why Will is gone," Nico asked, still confused and irritated. 

I looked at Chiron to see if he was going to continue explaining; he looked back at me and nodded. 'Damn it! ' He wants me to take over now. I sighed and braced myself. 

"The reason is because Malcolm was sent back to those demigods, but we were worried that the same might happen again. So aside from Malcolm, who knew the way, we also sent Clarisse as an additional fighter. Will was selected to join them as field medic and range support, just in case the worse happens." I explained our reasoning to Nico, whose glaring I ignored. 

After a while, Nico turned away from me and spoke. "I understand that, but what connection does it have with Drew's mission in the city?" he asked. 

"I will explain that part," Chiron offered.  

"The connection between the 2 lies in the people they are meeting, Drew here," Chiron started again, nodding to Drew, "went to the city to meet up with Piper, who has been missing for 3 years." 

I took a deep breath and kept my eyes on Nico, knowing what was to come. I was worried he might explode; his reaction to the upcoming news was causing me stress. I hope he'll take the news well. 

"While Malcolm was sent back to meet and gather information about those 2 demigods," Chiron continued, unaware of my internal turmoil. 

I noticed Nico was sitting so still, as if a statue. and given his complexion, he might as well be one. I also noticed how the temperature in the room was going down fast. I can now see my breath fogging as I exhaled. In the corner of my vision, I noticed how the shadows seemed to be moving, tendrils of darkness wriggling like snakes.  

It's times like these that reminded me that Nico is currently the most powerful demigod residing in camp. Exceeded only by Percy, and Percy is not here to stop him. 

"Who are they?" Nico asked. His voice was sounding like the sweet whispers of death. His tone was promising peace in the afterlife. Bringing memories of the underworld. 

I wanted to answer him, just to get this over with. But I held back, knowing I was already on thin ice with him. So, I let Chiron be the one to tell him, At least I'm sure Nico won't lash out at the centaur. 

After a lengthy pause, Chiron sighed and finally told Nico what he wanted to know. 

"They were Percy and Hazel." 

Immediately, everything in the room stilled, even the air. Everyone held their breaths, waiting for Nico's reaction. As the son of Hades stared at the centaur, I could see Chiron also staring back at him. I was expecting an outburst of emotion, perhaps anger or even denial. But what we got from him worried me more. 

"What?" 

Nico asked in a voice so devoid of emotion that I was worried he might have been overwhelmed. And an overwhelmed child of the Big 3 is a dangerous thing. Quickly, I repeated Chiron's words. Hoping I won't aggravate his already worse state. 

"The demigods that rescued Malcolm and the rest were Percy and Hazel, your half-sister," I said. Taking advantage of Nico's silence, I continued. "That's the reason we said there was a connection between the 2 missions," I ended with. "They were both missions to meet with friends who have been missing for a long time now." I leaned back on my seat, having finished my explanation. 

"And where did they meet them, Chiron? Where did you send them?" Nico asked, his voice dark and foreboding. 

"They went to Washington State, Nico," Chiron revealed. 

Nico, after hearing Chiron mention the place, stood up, as if going there immediately. Hurriedly, Chiron tried to stop Nico from leaving. "Wait, Nico! I know you want to go there immediately. I won't stop you, but please listen to me first!" 

Nico stayed standing and just waited for Chiron to continue. Chiron sighed, "First, you have no idea where exactly you need to go, nor do we. Malcolm is the only one who knows. Peter the satyr is out of camp and Francis went home to his family." He began listing the reasons he had for stopping Nico. 

"Second, from what Malcolm had told us, Percy's land is protected by a barrier like the one we have around camp, protecting the place from monsters or mortals. It's safe to assume the barrier does more than just hide the place being seen and discovered. We simply don't know more about it. So, I'd advise caution," Chiron added. 

"And lastly, we don't know how young Percy will react to you or anyone else suddenly going there. We sent Malcolm back to gauge how accepting he will be to others visiting him, unannounced." Chiron finished his list. 

Seeing as Nico was somewhat calmed down with that, I added something I think needed to be said. 

"It's been 7 years since he left Nico. We don't know how much he's changed, or Hazel for that matter," I said gently. Hoping I won't trigger him. I failed. 

Nico turned to me and glared. "And whose fault was that!?" he asked me in a steely voice filled with anger. I met his glare and replied, "Mine!" I admitted. "But Hazel's reason for disappearing? Does anyone know that? I don't," I shot back. 

I saw how his eyes narrowed at me. I thought he was going to attack. My heart was beating hard in my chest as I counted down the seconds, waiting for his next move. I have long since accepted that it was my fault that Percy left. And I have lived every day in constant guilt and agony because of what I've done. But I won't allow myself to be blamed for things I had no part in. 

We were locked in a standoff; fortunately, Chiron was present to once again calm things down. Chiron cleared his throat, getting both of our attention before he spoke. 

"What we are saying, Nico, is that you have to be mindful of the actions you plan to take," Chiron said.  

"Like I mentioned earlier, I won't stop you. But I implore for you to at least do it the right way. Malcolm was allowed by Percy to return there. At least he was invited back as Percy knew that he would be reporting back to us about their meeting and that we would be having questions for him. So, in a way, Malcolm is expected," Chiron explained. 

"You, on the other hand, are not," he added diplomatically. 

"I can't just do nothing, Chiron," Nico said, defeated as he slumped back down on his seat. His head dropping on his hands. 

I felt bad for him, despite his anger toward me. I still see him as a friend and ally. So, I decided to help him out. And maybe earn some brownie points from him. 

"There is something Malcolm told me and only me the night they returned." I began, immediately all eyes turned to me, ignoring them all I continued. "He told me that Percy's place was given to him as a reward. Safety and freedom, that was his wish." 

I looked around and saw everyone listening attentively. 

"What I mean is that even if you know where to go, you won't be able to enter the place, at least without Percy's permission. Even with shadow travel," I said, looking carefully at Nico. 

"Then what do I do?" Nico asked. For the first time in a while, his voice was not carrying anger toward me. I smiled, happy my plan worked. Carrying on, I followed with what I thought would be a viable plan. 

"The way things are, you only have 2 options available," I said to him. "The first would be for you to stay here at camp and to wait until Malcolm and the rest come back or they contact us. That way we can either know how Percy feels about any of us visiting or we can have Malcolm ask Percy about you going there while on the call." Like always, I started with the most logical option, not that anyone here would ever pick that one, including me. 

"The second option would be for you to go to your father, Lord Hades, and ask him to somehow get you to where Percy and Hazel are." I finished with a shrug. 

By the time I finished, Nico was frowning at me. So, I explained further. 

"As an Olympian god, I believe that Lord Hades had a hand in granting Percy's reward. And as his son, you may be able to either get him to give you more information about Percy and Hazel. Or, like I said, send you there directly," I told him. "Those I'm afraid are the only options I could think of." 

Silence descended in the room as everyone thought about the options I presented. Even I thought about them, thinking about following through with it and going to my mother and somehow see if I could convince her to help me out. I doubt mom had any involvement in whatever happened to Percy back then or even what's happening now. Malcolm did say that our mom was there when Percy presented his wish to the gods. 

But I quickly discarded that line of thought as fast as it came. I knew my mother would not be helping me in any way. She already made her disapproval and disappointment for my actions and decisions back then known when I first came to her for help in finding Percy 7 years ago. 

It was only my role as part of the prophesied 7, my accomplishments as architect of Olympus, and our relations that stayed her hand from punishing me for what she calls 'foolish actions that lacked wisdom'.  

Those are also the reasons why she shielded me from Poseidon's wrath and what led her to advise me to stay away from any body of water deep enough to drown me. "Never ever fully submerge yourself, daughter, because if you do, you may never come up again," she told me. 

I was pulled out of my thoughts when I heard Nico stand abruptly. "I will follow your advise, Annabeth; I will go to my father," he declared, his tone flat. He turned and started to walk out of the room. We watched him, unmoving until Chiron called out. "You're leaving now? We still need to discuss Drew's mission!" Chiron reminded him. 

"Percy and Hazel are my priority, Chiron," Nico said, not looking back as he stood just before the doors. "And it will take a lot of time and effort to convince my father to help me, so it's better for me to start now. Just let me know about Piper when I return," he added, then he stepped through the open door and walked out of the room. 

We all started and gawked at the door for a minute before we turned to Chiron, waiting to see how we would proceed. Drew broke the spell by speaking in her usual snarky way. 

"So do you still want to hear about how our meeting went, or can I leave?" she said while checking her nails. We turned to her, and she gave us an unbothered look. 

"Forgive us, Drew. Please, you may begin anytime," Chiron told her with a smile. 

I noticed Leo, who was seated across me, perk up. He stopped whatever he was doing with his hands and paid attention to what Drew was going to be saying. Understandable, since Piper was his best friend. 

After a while, Drew finally started. "Okay, so like Chiron said, we left camp earlier with Malcolm. They dropped us off at the Empire State building, and from there we walked to the Starbucks, and we agreed to meet in."  

"We waited for a bit until Piper arrived with her manager; I forgot her name though," Drew said with a frown. 

"A manager?" Katie asked. "She's a model now; of course she has a manager!" Drew answered, matter-of-factly. 

I saw Chiron nod at Drew, urging her to continue. 

"So, like I said, Piper arrived with her manager, and we started to talk," Drew went on. 

"I'm going to skip all the small talk and the gossip and just tell you the important stuff, okay? Otherwise, it'll take all night to get through all of it!" Drew said with a raised finger as she looked at all of us. 

I nodded at that, agreeing that we need to get to the important details first. We can talk about the gossip later. 

"Of course, Drew." Chiron voiced his agreement, and Drew continued again. 

"The first important question was asked by Lacy," Drew said, tuning around to look at her sister standing behind her. Lacy is now the center of attention. blushed as she stared down at the floor. "Kid's a menace!" Drew said with a smile on her face. 

Drew shook her head and turned back to us and went on. "Anyway, Lacy asked Piper why she left, which, if I think about it, really is the most important question to ask her!" I agree with that 100%. 

"Piper answered though; I thought she wouldn't," Drew blabbered. 

"So, what did she say?" Leo asked, speaking for the first time. 

Drew paused before answering. "Piper said that after she broke up with that clear-sighted mortal girlfriend of hers, and she came back here. It all became too much for her. Camp reminded her of all that happened to her, all that she lost," Drew said in a somber tone. 

Her words brought back memories for me, and I'm sure they for the others too. 

"Ahem," Chiron cleared his throat, bringing all of us back to the present. I found the centaur now standing behind Drew, his hand on her shoulder. Drew shook her head and continued. 

"So, according to her, after a while of staying at camp, she couldn't take it anymore. She went to mom, who then told her of a way she could heal her heart from all the hurt she was suffering from. And a chance for her to fall in love again," Drew stated. her tone getting that familiar high pitch whenever an Aphrodite camper talks about love. 

"And her answer did nothing but irritate me! because it answered nothing! So, I pushed and pushed until she finally gave me a real answer!" Drew was getting very animated now, hands moving all over, her facial expression mirroring her feelings. 

"She said that mom explained to her that there is currently a place that exists where she can be safe from monsters, a place she can stay in where she can rest and heal away from all that has to do with demigod stuff, but that staying there would have a price. A price that she had to pay herself." At that point, Drew's voice was almost a whisper.  

"A price?" I asked, just to confirm. 

"Yes, a price. Don't ask me what it is! Piper never told us, said only the person you pay to can share what it is!" she said with a hand raised, cutting me off before I could question her. 

"She said that paying the price, willingly! let her live a life safe from monsters and away or the gods meddling. That's how she became a model. She said that the last time she was attacked by a monster was 3 years ago, before she came back to camp last time she was here." Drew's reveal shocked all of us. 

A way to be safe from monster attacks, something every single person in this camp would want. And a way to be free from the god's influence. Something I wanted since I turned 13 after, I almost choked up. The memories of all those years ago are taking me by surprise. Memories of my first time going on a quest with Percy. 

We both wanted that, and now it seems Percy, Hazel, and Piper are enjoying those perks. Piper by paying a price, and Percy being rewarded for it. Something he deserved. 

I frowned. The similarities between the two were glaring. The only difference was the way they both acquired that safe. I wonder if I could figure out what the price Piper paid was. And if I could pay it as well. 

"So, Piper agreed to pay, whatever that may be, when she met Aphrodite?" Leo asked, breaking me out of my musings. 

"Not at first," Drew answered, shaking her head. "She said mom took her to the place and she was introduced to the person who can explain the price to her. After that person explained to her what she will be paying for, what the price is, what is expected of her, and what she can expect after paying the price. She was also told of the rules of the place," Drew explained as she used her fingers to count the points off. 

"And then she lived at that place for a while, so she could try and see if she liked that way of life. Piper said she stayed there for a year before she decided to pay the price. And that she never regretted that decision. She said that it was the best decision she made for herself." Drew paused, allowing us time to think. 

And I was thankful for that; my head was starting to hurt. There was so much to think about—too much information to sift through. And it didn't help that the information we got was still incomplete. 

A safe place, a price to pay. 

All these variables jumble in my mind, creating a mess of my thoughts. I know they all fit together, but I was missing one crucial piece, a center piece that will allow everything to make sense. 

"And that's what happened to her after meeting with mom!" Drew declared with a wave of her hand. 

"So, she's living a somewhat mortal life now. Good for her!" Katie said, then followed up with, "Is that how she became a model? I remember her saying that she didn't want to be famous like her dad when she was here first time." 

That got my attention. I remember asking Piper about that before, when I learned about her father's being an actor. And a famous one at that. 

"Ah! that! Piper explained that! She said that after she paid the price. She got introduced to the owners of Celestial Creations by mom. She was then convinced by them to model for their products. At first, she only showed her hands and parts of her face and neck, like I showed you guys before. It was only a month ago when she started to show her face as well," Drew answered Katie animatedly. 

"I am very happy for her," I said with a smile. "It seems luck is finally on her side." 

"You have no idea," Drew said, then her eyes widen, and I understood she wasn't supposed to say that aloud. 

"I feel like there's a deeper meaning behind that slip of yours, Drew?" I told her, narrowing my eyes at her. 

before she could say or do anything, Sherman reacted, further confirming my suspicion. 

"You don't say," Sherman said under his breath, but still loud enough to be heard. His words made Drew turn to him sharply as she gave him an impressive glare. 

"Sherman! We agreed!" Drew shouted as Sherman just shrugged, raising an eyebrow at her. 

"Yes, we agreed to not share the names of people. But not how they are connected to Piper," he countered. "And you slipped up first!" 

Again, I narrowed my eyes as I looked at the two of them. 'So, they had an agreement beforehand to keep somethings from us,' I thought. I had a bad feeling about this. But I also know that they must have a good reason for doing this. No matter their personality, even Drew. None of them would ever withhold information that could endanger the camp or anyone living within it. 

"I know, but we still have to be careful," Drew said sad in a low voice. 

"I understand. That's why I'll leave things to you; I'll just shut up and not talk unless asked," Sherman said, then he turned to us and added. "Please understand that the privacy of other people is at stake here." 

I nodded, accepting their reason. I was still curious, though. 

Once Sherman finished speaking, he leaned back on his seat and crossed his arms. Taking that as her queue, Drew started again. "Since I've already said too much, I'll just carry on with that topic. But, do please understand that I will still be keeping the identity of those people a secret?" she followed up. 

Drew took a deep breath. "The reason I reacted like that is because, in my opinion, as a daughter of Aphrodite, she really did get lucky, in all aspects a woman can get lucky in!" 

"I say that because when we were at Starbucks, Lacy mentioned to Piper that she has been keeping an eye on a necklace from Celestial Creations that she saw in a magazine." Drew said. I noticed Lacy nodding behind her, her hand going to her neck with a small smile on her face. 

"Remember when I mentioned weeks ago how my dad got a gift from them, and I said how expensive that set was even after it was sold at a discount?" she asked us. I remembered that meeting, so I nodded to her, and she went on. "Well, after hearing about Lacy's dream necklace, Piper dragged us all towards the store, the same store I went to." 

"When we arrived at the store, Piper talked with the manager while Lacy and I just browsed around." Drew shrugged. I was getting confused. What was the relevance of this story? I wanted to ask but held back. I decided to wait until the end. 

"After a while, Piper handed Lacy the necklace she described earlier and told her to try it on. She also made me try on a pair of earrings I was checking out. Those were pieces worth tens of thousands of dollars, so Lacy and I really enjoyed trying them on!" Drew had a wide smile on her face as she recalled that scene, her hands touching her ears as if remembering the feeling of wearing those earrings. 

"But after a while, I reminded Lacy that we had to return them to the store, so we took them off and gave them back to Piper." Drew continued, the smile on her face falling and turning to a serious expression. I focused on her now. Knowing what's coming next would-be vital information. 

"What happened next was the reason, or at least one of the reasons why I said she got so lucky," Drew explained. 'I was right, I thought, though I still have no idea of the relevance of it. "As we handed them back, Piper actually pushed them back to us and told us to keep them!" Drew said, with her hand up. A finger pointed up. 

Now, as a child of Athena, I don't really get the appeal of jewelry. But I do know that giving away tens of thousands worth of jewelry is not normal. 

"She just bought them for you guys?" Katie asked, eyes wide with surprise. I looked around the room and noticed that almost all present were wearing looks of shock and disbelief. 

"Not just me and Lacy; Sherman was also given something!" she added, nodding to Sherman. I looked at the son of Ares, and he nodded as confirmation. "Piper noticed me looking at a pair of diamond earrings," he explained. 

"And no, she didn't buy those for us; she gave them to us." Drew answered Katie's question, whose mouths were open in shock. 

"Did she use her Charmspeak on the store personnel?" I asked, worried for Piper. Remembering her stories from before she found out what she was. 

"You'd think that, but she didn't; there was no need to. She had something more effective than Charmspeak now," Drew declared with a smug look, confusing me further. What did Piper have now? And did it have to do with the price she paid? 

"That's worrying," Chiron spoke out for the first time, mirroring my concerns. 

"It's nothing bad, Chiron," Drew pleaded to Chiron with a smile. "It's actually a good thing for Piper. It was just shocking and unexpected when we learned of it," she explained, Lacy and Sherman nodding to her words. 

"So, what does she have now that's better than Charmspeak?" Leo asked, his attention fixed on Drew. Whatever he was working on earlier was forgotten on the table. 

"Before I tell you all, I need to give some context," she started. "When I first went to the store a week ago, I tried to get information from the people working at the store through gossip." I nodded, an effective tactic. "One of the store staff there let something slip. A rumor about Piper that was confirmed by her today."  

'A rumor? ' I wondered. 

Before Drew continued, she turned to Leo and asked him something. 

"Leo, remember when you saw that advertisement with Piper?" Leo nodded. "Do you still have the video?" another nod. "Show it," she ordered. I watched as Leo pulled out his phone and played the same video he showed us weeks ago. Drew grabbed the phone and passed it around the room. 

After everyone had a look, Drew continued after she placed Leo's phone in the center of the table. With the video of Piper still playing. "Well, I saw that too, and I used that as a subject to gossip on. And it worked!" 

"I asked her about that advertisement, about the pieces shown there. I asked if it was possible to see any of those." 

"It was at that moment I learned the most shocking news about Piper, well, the most shocking at the time." Drew paused, then she shook herself and went on. 

"After I asked, the store staff said that none of those pieces on the advertisement were available anymore!" Drew was in story-telling mode now. Her voice took a deliberate tone. "She said they are no longer available because they were all given to Piper! As gifts! From the Owner!" Drew declared; each point being said in a louder voice as the last. 

"Those were a lot of jewelry! That must have cost a lot!" Leo exclaimed, looking at his phone again. Watching the video of Piper with all those pieces that were apparently given to her as gifts. 

"Millions!" Crew clarified. 

"How?" I asked at the same time Leo asked, "Why?" 

I wondered how Piper got the owner to do that. And a quick glance around the room told me that all of us shared the same question. With the exemption, Drew, Lacy, and Sherman. 

With a wide smile, Drew answered us. "That's because, according to that store staff, Piper was actually dating the owner!" 

With a wide smile, Drew dropped a bomb on us. 

Piper was dating again.  

Piper was moving on, and based on how Drew was telling the story, Piper was happy again. 

And I was happy for her; truly, I am. But I was also envious. There she was, making moves for a happier future. While here I am, stuck and stagnant. Full of regret and hurt, clinging to memories of the past I wish I could take back. 

I turned to Leo and saw him staring at Drew, mouth open in shock. 

"I can see why you said Piper has been really lucky now," Katie said, breaking all of us out of our stunned silence. 

"That's not even the best part!" Drew replied giddily, just as she always was when talking about love. Her mother's domain. "Earlier today, I asked Piper if the rumors about her dating the owner of celestial creations were true, and she corrected me!" 

I frowned. Why would Piper correct Drew? unless there was no truth to those rumors. But that was even more unlikely, given how Drew was acting at the moment. Thankfully Drew carried on with her story, saving me from asking. 

"They weren't dating!" Drew started; her energy was very palpable now.  

"They were engaged!" 

And there it was. A reveal so massive it dwarfed her earlier bombshell. 

'Engaged' 

Piper has moved on so far away from where I am, from where I was. That was a territory I was completely ignorant about. A status that I, a daughter of Athena, hero of Olympus, has never achieved. 

Something I fear I never will become. 

But one I wish to be someday, but only if it's with HIM. 

Wishful thinking, I confess. But we can all dream. Even the impossible is within reach in our dreams. I forced a smile on my lips and turned to Drew. 

"So, Piper is going to be married soon. We need to send our congratulations to her and her fiancé," I said. 

"We will, once we have established a way to contact her," Chiron said. He has been so quiet I forgot her was here. 

"That's why I said Piper has been so lucky. A fiancé that's rich enough to be giving away jewelry worth millions just because Piper asked. A life safe from monsters and gods." She began to list out the points, and I had to agree with her. Piper really lucked out. 

I would kill for even just the safety from monsters' part of her luck, or pay what she paid. 

"But most of all. Love. Piper really has fallen in love. And as a child of love, I can guarantee the love she feels is real. And according to Piper, her fiancé feels the same love for her as she does for him." Drew went on, droning on about love, the way most of her sibling gets. when talking about love. 

"But if you ask her, she'll say she was the lucky one. And I know for a fact that she is doing the best she could to make her fiancé 'Happy', if you know what I mean," she said, making air quotations with her fingers at the word happy. "But she insisted that her fiancé has her beat in that regard. She really told us that her fiancé was an expert at making her 'Happy.'" Again, she emphasized the word Happy. 

Drew was unstoppable now, sharing things that were intimate in nature. Her emphasizing the word happy, making sure we get her meaning. I glanced around the room again and saw that all of us got what she was insinuating. 

Fortunately, we have Chiron with us. "Ahem! That's quite enough, Drew," said the centaur. 

Drew pouted in response but stopped as he requested. 

"It's late, so let us summarize what we learned from Drew's mission," Chiron announced. 

"We learned that Piper is engaged now," Katie started, choosing the most recent of revelations about Piper. "We also learned that she was sent to a place that is safe from monsters," Leo added. 

"And most importantly, we learned that she paid a price for the freedom from the gods." I finished. 

Chiron nodded. "Very good, we will have another meeting when we get news from Malcolm either tomorrow or the next day," he declared. 

At that, I noticed Drew and Sherman exchange a worried glance, making me wonder what that was about. I stood up with the others and was about to join them in going out of the rec room when Drew called out to me. 

"Annabeth, Leo, stay for a bit. We still have a few things we need to tell you guys," Drew said as I turned back. She was standing beside Chiron, Sherman still in his seat. I went back to the table and was joined by Leo. We both sat back down and waited for Drew. But she had her eyes at Chiron, who was looking towards the door out of the rec room. 

After a few minutes, Chiron turned and nodded to Drew, weird. Why did they need to make sure the coast was clear? What was so secret it couldn't be overheard? 

Drew smiled at the centaur before she turned to us. "The reason I called you two back is because I still have two things I need to tell you two," she began. 

"Okay," I replied, worry and apprehension clear in my voice. Leo just nodded, oddly quiet. 

"First, Leo. I asked Piper about you getting in touch with her." That took me by surprise, Drew taking the initiative for another person. "She said that she was going to be busy for the next 2 days with her commitments. After those, she will be going back home to her fiancé." I watched as Drew reach into her pocket and pull out a card. A calling card? 

"She said to call on that number, so you can at the very least talk with each other. Maybe plan a day to meet up?" She finished as she passed the card to Leo, who took it gingerly in his hands. 

Leo stared at the card in his hands for a minute, then stuffed it in his toolbelt. He looked to Drew with a thankful expression. "Thanks a lot, Drew! It means a lot to me," he said, his voice trembling with emotions. 

"I did it for her too," she replied. Then she turned to me and paused, a troubled look on her face. Immediately I was on guard; why was she so nervous? What was she going to tell me? I braced myself for whatever was coming my way. 

"I really don't know how else to tell you this, so I'll just give it to you straight." Drew started after a bit. Her word did nothing to calm my mind and heart. "I actually got to speak with Piper's fiancé. And I was surprised when I heard HIS voice." Drew paused again, looking at me as if she was gauging how I would react to her news, whatever that is. 

But why was she acting this way? What has Piper's fiancé got to do with me? 

"It was a voice I recognize," she went on, trepidation in her voice. 

"A voice anyone who has been in this camp for at least 7 years would recognize," she added. 

"No!" I whispered. shaking my head. I tried to deny what she was implying. 

I stood up, my chair skidding back as I tried to get away, shaking my head to drive away what I knew she was going to say next. Of all the things I learned this past month, I never imagined this. 

This was it! I thought.  The connection between the two I was missing. The one puzzle piece that would make sense of it all. I stared at Drew, my vision blurring from the tears filling my eyes. 

Chiron moved beside me but kept his distance. 

"Piper's fiancé," Drew continued. 

And I found myself praying to all the gods that existed. for her to say a different name. But as usual, the gods failed me. 

"It was Percy."  

I heard his name, and it was like everything clicked into place. 

'Safety and Freedom' I thought. It was right in front of me. 

Some daughter of wisdom I was, missing the obvious. 

I only managed to look at Drew, seeing the absolute truth on her face. 

Then darkness engulfed me. 

Chapter Text

"Percy and Hazel are my priority, Chiron," I told the centaur, not turning back. I stepped through the door frame and pulled the shadows toward me. Immediately, I was surrounded by darkness so absolute that not even the light of the sun could penetrate it. 

The coldness that left one freezing and shaking enveloped me as I Shadow-traveled to the domain of my father. 

Unlike what others think of me, I don't actually emulate Percy in all things. Especially his disrespect for the gods. Unlike him, I don't just casually walk through the domains of any god without their permission. And even if I did, I wouldn't do so in a disrespectful way. 

So, with that thought in mind, I materialized outside the massive main door to my father's palace in the underworld. 

The underworld, with its dark skies and bleak colors. Home, I thought. I stepped towards the doors. The sentries on either side bowing as I pass them by. 

I walked through the entrance and made my way to where I could feel my father was. HIs office, as he always was. Buried under mounds of paper waiting to be dealt with. 

As his son, I had a duty to help out, which I was happy to fulfill. Aside from being the ambassador of both camps up on the surface, down here, I had a different set of chores I had to do. Sometimes I would be welcoming new souls as they disembarked from Charon's barge. Or I would be directing the lines of souls as they enter Erebus. Or I would stand behind the judges and watch as they pass judgment. 

Lately, though, my father had me accompanying the Furies into the fields of punishments. While there, they would teach me the different ways to punish those who deserved it based on their life up top. It used to bother me a lot—the screams of the damned. Not anymore, though. I was actually enjoying spending time there. I even had a hand in setting up punishment for the newly arrived wicked souls. 

I especially enjoyed it when I set up a place for Annabeth when her time came. Only I was informed by my father that her fate was unfortunately out of our hands. He said The Fates had something planned for her. 

How unfair, I thought. 

Anyway, I made my way to my father's office. Mentally readying myself for what I know is going to be an arduous task, perhaps even more than when I convinced him to fight during the 2nd Titan War. 

Still, this was Percy and Hazel. I would go to any lengths to get them back. 

I stood before my father's office; the doors closed as I heard the sounds of a pen scratching over paper over and over again. 

I took a deep breath, intending to knock when the door opened, and I heard my father's voice from inside, telling me to come in. 

"Come on in, son," my father called. 

I released my breath and walked through the door. 

I found my father where I thought he would be. Sitting behind his desk, head bent down. Fingers holding a pen and moving furiously over a report, signing it. All around him were stacks upon stacks of paper. 

"Where are your assistants?" I asked, looking around the other 4 desks on either side of the room. Desk, which was empty at the moment. 

That was one of the changes I was happy to say was my contribution to the betterment of the running of the underworld. The utilization of souls from Asphodel, those souls that have done nothing significant to warrant punishment or Elysium. 

By making them render service in the underworld, they are given the chance to earn paradise. or a chance for it. It took a while to convince my father of the benefits of it. My father, despite being one of the more progressive gods there is, is a bit of a micro-manager when it comes to his work. 

But he's been trying to change as of late, delegating tasks to his other subordinates. And letting others help with tasks he used to do by himself. Already the results are obvious after only 4 years of implementing some of the changes I recommended. 

His office was now more spacious. The amount of paper stacked around was reduced in half in just 2 years. 

I took pride in being a part of the changes that are happening here. 

I was taken out of my thoughts by my father answering my question. 

"I sent them to check on the progress of the constructions. They should be back in an hour," he said as he stretched. 

I watched as he rubbed his eyes and looked at me. 

"Why are you here, Nico?" he asked. "If I recall, you said you wanted to spend time under the sun with your boyfriend," he added with a slight smirk on his lips. 

Despite the light teasing tone of my father, I found it hard to respond in any positive way to him right now. Not getting any response from me, he turned and stared at me. His eyes boring in to mine. Looking for any indication as to the reason for my worse than normal mood. 

"What happened?" he asked, a frown forming on his face. 

"Why?" I started. I watched as confusion washed over my father's features. 

"Why did you never tell me you sent Hazel to Percy?" I told him. seeing the shock and resignation register on his face as he finally learned the reason for my visit. 

"I see, so you've finally learned the truth," Hades said as he nodded. 

"Whether I learned or found out doesn't matter! Why was I not told?" I hissed at him, not backing down. I will get answers. "I asked! countless times. Why?" I added. 

My father looked at me with unimpressed eyes. Then he waved his hand, and four shadowy forms coalesced around the room. Soon the 4 assistants joined us and bowed to me, then my father. "Take care of the rest," Hades ordered as he stood and gestured to the mountains of paperwork scattered around the room. 

The 4 assistants started right away while he walked towards me. He stood before me, looking me dead in the eye before walking past me. "Come, Nico, let's take a walk as we talk," he said as he walked out of the door. 

I stared at his back for a moment before I stepped up and followed after him. We walked in silence for a few moments. Walking through the hallways of his palace, all the while my eyes stared forward. I knew my father would answer my questions. But I also knew he would need time to formulate his thoughts. 

We finally walked out of the palace into one of the many gardens that populate the grounds. courtesy of Persephone. We walked among the plants and giant jewels until we came upon a fountain. 

We stopped in front of it, then my father turned to face me. "It was out of my hands, Nico," he said. making me frown in confusion. He continued before I could ask more. "Informing you of where I, or rather my Roman form, sent your sister," he explained. 

"How could it be out of your hands? You sent her there. To Him!" I asked. 

His answer doesn't make sense. 

"How much do you know of where she was sent?" my father asked. I was about to tell him not to change the subject, but he held his hands and went on. "Answer me, Nico, it's important," he added, almost like an order. 

"I know that you sent Hazel to Percy; I also know that Percy was granted a place protected by a barrier like the camps and that it is protected from monsters and gods," I told my father. He nodded after hearing my words. Then he conjured two stone chairs and sat on one. He gestured for me to take a seat on the other. "Take a seat, Nico. This will take a while." 

I took a seat and waited for him to start. 

"In order for me to be able to explain why I did not inform you of Hazel's whereabouts, I will need to tell you how exactly things happened," he started. I braced myself for a long tale, knowing that nothing about Percy's life was easy and straightforward. 

"It all started a month after the war with the Giants, that day, we the Olympian Gods were summoned to Olympus by Zeus to discuss a very important matter. Now knowing my brother, I assumed he was just going to be talking our ears off about the glory of the gods or some other nonsense. But that day, when I arrived. I saw a look on him that I have only seen once. It was back when he declared war against our father. Immediately I knew the matter we are going to be discussing would be of utmost importance." My father started the tale, and I listened intently. 

"Once we were all in attendance, Zeus informed us that The Fates visited him the day before with a message to convene the council. Right after that, The Fates appeared before us and declared what the reason for the summons was." 

"The Fates required us, the Olympian gods, to reward your friend, Perseus Jackson." 

That was a shock. I thought Percy asked for a gift. 

"Immediately, madness descended in the throne room. The Fates decree was absolute, and some of us were opposed to it. But once again, Zeus managed to surprise me, well, us, by taking the helm of the proceeding and demanding that we think of the appropriate reward for the twice-hero of Olympus." 

"Each of us gave our opinion on what to reward him. Some, like Ares and Aphrodite, wanted to turn him into a god. His father wanted that too, but he wanted him turned into a god of the sea. Zeus and I opposed that. I offered to marry him to your sister Melinoe." 

"We were getting nowhere until Hestia suggested to ask our nephew what it is he wanted. And so, Zeus dismissed the other gods but me and Poseidon and summoned Perseus. When he arrived, we told him of the fates demand. We also warned him that there was no way around it. Either he asks for something as a reward or The Fates will grant it to him, regardless of his wishes." 

"As he always is, your friend tried to decline but was persuaded in the end. He asked to be given time to think about what to ask for, and we gave him that time. After a few days, he came back. Unfortunately, I was not on Olympus when he presented his wish to Zeus, Poseidon, and Athena." 

My father summoned a goblet of wine and took a sip. He offered me the same. I shook my head, and he continued. 

"Safety and Freedom, that was his wish," he told me. 

"To be precise, Safety from monsters and Freedom from us, the gods meddling," Hades said with a smirk on his face. 

"The gall on the boy! Did you know when he first appeared before me? He had the audacity to say that he had two requests for me! He was 12 years old and on his first quest, and already he was bartering with gods! And he was being suspected of stealing the Master bolt and my Helm at the time!" My father barked, an amused look on his face as he remembered those times. 

The Lord of the Dead shook his head and sighed. "But I do understand why he wanted that. 2 wars, countless quests. All before he turned into legal manhood. So, when we were called back to discuss his wish, I agreed and supported it." 

My father, ladies and gentlemen, the dark, heartless ruler of the underworld. The one god, the world above, believes is associated with evil. Was actually the one god that understood humanity quite well. 

"And so, when Athena and Apollo found a way to grant his wish, I was the first to voice my agreement. The other took a bit longer to convince, but in the end, we reached a consensus." 

My father looked at me at this point, and I could feel we were reaching the crux of the matter. The reason as to why he could not tell me what I wanted to know years ago. 

"But as with everything concerning wishes and gifts, it came with a cost, multiple in Percy's instance. According to Athena and Apollo, before we can grant the wish, there needs to be a few conditions that needed to be met by Percy himself. The first is that he needs to be turned in to an immortal. That was the easiest one to meet among the requirements. But as you know your cousin, He is very much averse to immortality. He turned down Godhood not once but twice already." Father looked pointedly at me. As if daring me to deny that. I won't. I was there both times Percy turned down Godhood after all. 

Then he smiled, a smile I only ever see on him when a soul is brought for him to personally judge. "Did you know that while your friend may have turned down godhood twice, he actually declined immortality five times? And there was a time when he almost ascended on his own." 

I gaped at my father; I was aware of the 2 times Percy declined godhood, but the rest? I wonder when those happened. Hades smiled and continued. "Ah! I see it's not common knowledge. We'll let me tell you," he said with a smile. I wanted to tell him not to bother. To just get on with the story, but I was curious too. So, I just kept my mouth shut. 

"The first was when he and his quest mates escaped the lotus casino. Now I know it's not immortality in the truest sense, but technically, it is. Same as you when you and your sister were there." The mention of Bianca sobered us both for a bit. 

"The second was just days after they escaped the lotus eaters. It was during our first meeting; I was so angered by him and the circumstances that I threatened to turn him into an undying skeleton to lead my armies into war with my brothers." That brought shivers to my body. That was not a good way to spend eternity. 

"The third was when he left Calypso's Island. Were you aware of him being there?"I nodded; I've heard about it from the other campers. 

"If he had stayed there then he would have turned immortal. Though I don't think it would have been good for us." I agree, I was still grateful to Percy for stepping up. And not letting the prophecy fall to me. 

"The other 2 times you already know. Anyway, according to Athena and Apollo, Percy needs to be made immortal first. Like I said, the easiest part of the conditions. But what comes next was more complicated." I sat on the edge of my seat. Ready for whatever Father will tell me. 

"In order to grant his wish of Freedom from us gods, a place was given to him—a domain that not even us gods can enter without his permission. His immortal essence is tied to that place. As long as that place exists, he is out of our reach." 

"Is that why?" I started to speak, but my father held up his hand. "Let me finish Nico. Things are a lot more complicated than they might seem," he asked. I looked at him, then I nodded. 

"When your sister Hazel called to me, she was broken. She has just ended her relationship with the Praetor of New Rome, and she was asking for help. She prayed to me, and I heard the hurt in her voice. So, I went to her." My father started; my eyes widen. Hazel, was that hurt with her breakup with Frank? 

"I found her in her room in New Rome. There I discovered that she was not only hurting due to her failed love. But for something far more severe," my father said, looking at me with a look I could not discern. 

"There is a reason why the dead can never be allowed to return to the living world, my son. I understand why you did it. I also know that she was necessary for the fight against Gaea. That is why I asked Thanatos not to take her back after the war. As a reward for her and to let her live a second time." My father's word brought me a sense of doom. Have I done something wrong? 

"Know this, my son, even though you did what you did thinking it was for the best. There are consequences. Those who are taken from the underworld and brought back to the world of the living, bring with them a little bit of the time they spent here. The longer they have stayed dead, the worse the memories would torment them while living again." No! What have I done? 

"And in Hazel's case, she has been dead for decades. The memories were already causing her to suffer from constant 'Blackouts' even before she went on the quest to free Thanatos. Her time as one of the prophesized 7 just exacerbated her suffering." How could I have been this stupid! How did I not notice? Why did she not tell me? 

I was speechless; my mind whirled with the knowledge that I made all of this possible. My selfishness has caused my sister to suffer. 

"Her suffering was made worse by the disconnect she felt with her then partner. As I was made aware, that praetor became so busy with his duties that he did not notice her worsening condition. Their subsequent breakup was the last straw for my daughter." I held my head in my hands. Pity and disgust were the overwhelming emotions right now. But anger was quickly catching up. 

Frank! 

How dare he do this! 

"I would you reign in your anger, son," I heard my father say. 

I looked up at him and saw him looking at me with a warning. 

"I understand your need to somehow avenge your sister, but I would like to remind you that if the boy was deserving of such retaliation, then I would have doled it out already. But I did not, because even though his inaction and inattention have caused Hazel to be hurt, the torment she was suffering was something that he did not cause." My father explained, unhelpful as my need to go to that son of Mars and hurt him back was still raging in my veins. 

"His only fault is that he was unable to support her, and he was unequipped to take her out of the darkness clouding her mind at that moment. So, by the laws of the underworld, he cannot be punished for that." My anger was still simmering within me, but I held it back. Knowing my father was right. 

"Your sister at the time was begging for relief. And the only way I could release her from that burden was to take her back down here. But I did not want to do that to her. It would not be right or fair. And so, I was left with only one other option." My father had a resigned look on his face, and I knew that he was not really set in his decision, at least not back then. 

"And so, I decided to send her to the one person I know who can actually help her, the way she should be helped. The only man with the right temperament and heart to heal her mind and mend her heart. The one man that can keep her safe as she puts herself together." My eyes were locked with my father, just waiting for the confirmation of what I already know. 

"I sent her to Perseus Jackson." 

"I also took into consideration Hazel's trust in Perseus; you and I both know that she looked up to him as a leader and as a friend ever since he first came to the Roman camp. The quest they went on together, as well as the fight against Gaia and the giants, only served to solidify her belief in him," father explained his reasoning. And I had to agree; Hazel did look up to Percy, just like I did. 

"It was with that belief she had in him that made me decide to place her well-being with Perseus. And as far as I know, things have turned for the better." A small smile graced my father's face as he finished explaining. 

"So Hazel is better now?" I asked again. I needed to know that she is better and not just getting by. 

I watched as Father nodded at me with that smile on his face. "Yes, she is better. Much better than I had hoped she would be," he said. 

"So, you just sent her to Percy after she called out to you?" I ask, now wondering how everything turned out the way it did. 

Shaking his head, my father continued to tell the story. 

"After I had ascertained Hazel's condition, I took her down here. While she was here, I explained to her what my plan was. I told her what happened to Percy, though not all of it. I also told her how I thought she would be better off with him," he started. 

"After she heard me out, she agreed to meet with Percy. She was quite eager to see him again and was actually pushing me to send her to him that very instant," Hades said with a quiet chuckle escaping his lips. 

"I had to tell her that I needed to ask Percy first. I told her about Percy's land that was granted to him. How that land ensured that he wouldn't and couldn't be approached by any god without permission," he went on. 

"She stayed down here for 2 days while I went to Hestia for advice on how I could approach Perseus about this issue. She was after all, the one god with an open invitation to Percy's land." I smiled at that; it was so like Percy to honor Hestia that way. 

"She advised me to just go to Percy and tell him the truth. And so, I did as she advised. When I went to Percy, he was in the wilderness. Exploring the forests and mountains of Washington." 

"I remember him being very angry when I appeared before him. 'I knew it was too good to be true!' he said." father laughed as he remembered. I would have liked to have seen that. 

"But he calmed down fast after I explained that I was looking for him about Hazel. He allowed me entrance to his domain when I told him how I thought he could help her. And he agreed to take in Hazel for a while, as long as she agreed to the rules." A ghost of a smile returned to my father's lips. And I'm sure I was sporting the same smile too. 

"I quickly took Percy down here, and he explained to Hazel about the place he was granted, what she could expect, and what was needed from her." A serious look came over my father's face, and I got a feeling that he was not telling me something. 

"It took Hazel 2 days to decide. After she made her decision, I sent her to Percy, and she started to live with him." Hades stopped speaking, apparently done with the story. 

I took a while, thinking over all that I had learned. I now understood why Father kept Hazel's whereabouts from me. But something was still bothering me. 

"I understand now, father, but I think you could have still told me that she was with him; you just had to keep where they are a secret. Or you could have explained it to me. And why did it take Hazel 2 days to decide? I would think she would have gone with Percy immediately," I asked. 

Father looked at me with a rueful smile before answering. 

"I could have yes, but I chose not to," he said. "Why?" I asked, a bit irritated. "Because my child, I know you," my father said, looking pointedly at me. "You would have searched everywhere and asked around, trying to find out where the two of them were. And eventually, you would have gotten in trouble with another god." His explanation hit me dead center. 

"Yes, I would have." I accepted. 

"As for why it took Hazel 2 days to decide. Well, that's because of certain matters that required her careful considerations. Matters that I have yet to explain to you." At that point. I felt like there were things so serious they would need to be discussed at length. 

"What matters? What are you keeping from me?" I demanded. 

Hades sighed in defeat, looked at me, and made his decision. 

"I have told you about how Percy got the freedom from the gods that he wished correct?" he asked, and I nodded. "But I have yet to tell you how his other wish was granted; do you remember his wish to us gods?" he asked me, like a lecturer. 

I thought for a bit and remembered from the story earlier and from the meeting back at camp. 

"Safety and Freedom," I said. 

"Yes, Safety and Freedom. You now know about the freedom part, but the safety part is very hard to explain," father said, pausing to take a drink from his goblet. 

"According to his wish, Percy wanted to be safe from being hunted by monsters. Now Nico, do you know the reason as to why monsters can hunt demigods like yourself?" father began explaining. 

"Because our scents?" I answered questioningly. 

"Yes, but why do demigods have scents? And how can monsters detect those scents?" father asked after nodding to my answer. I shook my head. 

"I asked this of you because Percy's wish of safety hinged on the premise that the demigod scent he gives off can be removed, or at least be masked like what his mother did when he was younger," he continued his explanation. 

I remember Percy telling me that before. How his mother had married that sad excuse of a human named Gabe to hide his scent from monsters. I felt my lips turn to a sneer as I remembered looking for that particular soul in punishment and dragging him to Hades and requesting a harsher torment for that waste of space. 

"And according to Athena and Apollo, the only way to remove the scent of a demigod is through a curse," the father continued. His words halting my thoughts. 

"A Curse?" I asked, incredulous. 

"Yes, a curse," he repeated. Confirming his words. 

Before I could ask, he followed up his words. "To understand why, first you must learn the reason for the scent demigods give off. Tell me, Nico, what do you know of the monster Lamia?" 

"Not much," I answered. 

"Hmm, understandable. Well, the truth is Lamia is the cause of the scent demigods have. Millenia ago, Lamia cursed all demigods to suffer at the hands of Terrors, monsters now they are called. In retaliation to us gods for the deaths of her children. She placed her curse upon ours." Hades confessed, his eyes sad and low. 

I was speechless. Another of the gods' mistakes that we, their children, are paying for. 

"Her curse made it so that every demigod would be hunted by every monster by the very scent they give off. The scent of their divinity that they inherited from us." I watched as Hades took another long drink of his goblet before continuing. 

"And again, based on the search by Athena and Apollo, the only way to counteract Lamia's curse is with another curse. An ancient curse that was created during the early reign of the Titans." 

"It is a curse that has never been placed on anybody, one I thought would never be placed on anybody," father said almost to himself, like he still couldn't believe it. 

"Why was it never used before? If that curse could, as you say, remove the scent from demigods. It would have been useful of us, your children," I asked, my tone accusatory. 

There was a pause before Father answered. "That is because it required the entire Olympian Council to agree to willingly place that curse on someone, meaning if even one of us was not willing to, then the curse would not take hold," he explained. 

"And until that moment, we the Olympians have never been in agreement about anything; someone was always against the other." I nodded; that was obvious. It was a miracle they all even agreed to this. Why did they agree to it? I asked myself. 

"So, Percy was the first to bear the curse. Why not? But what is the curse?" I asked. What did Percy have to bear for the safety he so wished and deserved? And was having that curse, whatever that is worth it? 

I saw the reluctance in my father as he held back in answering. Clearly at odds with himself. making me curious as to what the curse entails to garner such a reaction from the stoic god of the underworld. 

I started back at him, indicating with my gaze that I would not stop asking until he gave up the truth. 

With a sigh, father closed his eyes for a moment before looking back at me. He opened his mouth, and the words that flowed out shocked me to my core. 

"It was the Curse of the Harem." 

For the second time today, I was frozen. I felt the anger rush through my veins as the words of my father registered in my brain. I felt the shadows curl around me, reflecting my emotions. The ground trembled as I unconsciously used my gifts in the presence of my father. 

With a wave of his hand, Hades halted the flow of my power. The shadows went back to the dark corners of the room, and the ground went still. It was not the first time my father had to do this—rescind his gifts that he had given me upon my birth. I have known for a long time now that the gods actively choose what gifts or powers their demigod children will inherit upon their birth. The only exemption to this seems to be Percy, because of course he is. 

I stared at my father as he looked back at me calmly. 

"Are you calm enough to continue?" he asked with an eyebrow raised. I took a deep breath and nodded. 

"Explain!" I demanded of my father, knowing I was pushing it. But I had to know if Hazel was placed in any harm, then even if it's against Percy. I would not hesitate to fight to free her from there. 

"Is Hazel really better? Is she safe?" I added after a while. 

"She is, truly. She is safe and happy where she is," father answered. His tone filled with a sureness born out of the belief that what he said was the truth. 

"How can she be happy in a harem? Do you even know what a harem is?" I asked, still not believing it. 

"I do; at least I know what a harem used to be. And that is what the curse is about. The harem of the past and not what it is being portrayed today." His answer confused me. 

"I will need you to be calm, Nico, if I am to explain the details to you. Keep an open mind and remember that this curse has existed even before we the gods were born. All except Aphrodite, of course," my father continued, asking for my cooperation. 

I nodded after a while, wanting to get more information about whatever happened back then. 

'A Harem! ' I snorted. What could be different form before and what it is now? 

"Based on your reaction, I can tell you are at least familiar with the concept of a harem, or what the concept is nowadays. Which is One man with a number of women that he can use sexually, women who have no say whatsoever to how they are treated by the master of the harem. That is what you envisioned, correct?" he asked after a short speech. I had no rebuttal for that, so I just nodded. 

"I thought as much," father nodded. "And you couldn't be more wrong," he followed up. 

"What you thought is the modern concept of a harem, influenced by modern times. What it originally was is completely different." 

"Back then, a harem is a place where women are placed to be protected, where women are cherished and educated. Members of the harem are not powerless or devoid of choice, unlike what the modern harem portrays. Rather, the harem members themselves have as much power or sometimes even more than some male members of the family, except the head of the household." He explained, and I was conflicted; my knowledge of what a harem is contradicted what my father was telling me. 

"I understand your anger and apprehension, son, but think. Do you truly believe Perseus to be the kind of man who would abuse his power and authority to do those kinds of things to any woman, much less your sister?" my father asked me. The questions halting my thoughts and calming my anger. 

I tried to imagine Percy, the same Percy who willingly took on the weight of the first prophecy on his shoulder just so that I wouldn't. I tried to imagine him as a cruel master who took what he wanted from Hazel. 

I couldn't. 

It just seems to be an impossibility for him to be like that, even in my imagination. 

"No, I don't think he would be like that," I said with a shake of my head. 

"No, I didn't think so. And neither did I think him capable of being like that. Otherwise, I wouldn't have sent your sister to him in the first place," my father assured me. 

"Besides, it wasn't like Hazel became a member of Perseus's harem the moment she started living with him. Remember I told you she lived with him for a while, a year in fact before she became a formal member of the harem. And at that time, your sister has already fallen so deeply in love with young Perseus." father explained further, divulging more information that I found shocking. 

My sister was in love. 

"It was her feelings for him that cemented her decision to join the harem. And as far as I am aware, there are currently only two members of the harem. And both of them are actually engaged to Perseus. We are only waiting for the announcement of when the weddings will take place," father announced with a wistful smile. Perhaps already thinking of the wedding that he will be attending. 

Another shocking news thrown out like it was nothing. 

My sister was Engaged to be married. 

She was happy, and she was in love. 

I am happy for her, and I couldn't fault her for her choice of partner. As someone who once upon a time had a crush on Percy. I understood the appeal he had. 

"So, Hazel is healed now?" I asked. 

Father smiled sadly, and I got worried. "She is better now. Sadly, the nightmares will always be with her. But now she is with someone whose mere presence can chase them away." 

I nodded at that, knowing full well how that feels. To have someone with you that can chase away the demons simply by being near you. 

'Will' I think back to my boyfriend, who was currently where Percy and Hazel were. I looked back up at my father, remembering my original reason for being here. 

"So, father, can you at least tell me where Percy and Hazel are?" I asked, hopefully. 

Despite assurance from him, I needed to see for myself. Only then will I decide and believe if what he said is the truth. And I needed to hear from Percy and Hazel themselves that they are happy. 

Hades nodded to my questions before speaking. "I will need to ask Perseus first, but I would think he would agree to you visiting," he said, swirling the contents of his goblet before taking a drink. 

"It's late up top; stay the night, Nico. I will go and ask Percy tomorrow," father declared, and that was the end of that discussion. 

I nodded, agreeing to spend the night here. I watched Father drain the goblet of wine, then he dissolved into shadows, leaving me alone in the garden. I stayed for a while, thinking of all I found out before I stood up and walked towards the palace. 

-------Line break-------- 

The next day, I was helping out at the entrance to Erebus, directing the newly arrived souls where they needed to go when I was summoned to the throne room. 

Excited, I rushed through Asphodel and went straight to where I knew Father would be. 

I entered the Throne room and saw my father sitting upon his throne holding court. Before him knelt a soul, bound by red hot chains that burned the soul's skin. I walked past the other members of his court and stood below the raised platform where his throne was placed. I bowed to my father and turned to the soul that somehow garnered enough wicked deeds in life to warrant a personal judgement from the ruler of the afterlife. 

I saw his eye bulging from his sockets as the pain from the chains burned his essence. His mouth, which was missing, was evidence that he was being mouthy with my father earlier. A common enough occurrence I later learned. 

I stayed silent as my father read from a scroll floating in front of him. Knowing the scroll contained all the misdeeds this soul did while he was still alive. 

"Hmm, rape, murder, theft. Just these three is enough for you to be sent to the fields of punishment, but what followed those? Well, these guaranteed you an audience with me indeed," father mused atop his throne, making me curious. 

"You created for yourself a following of religious people, and you fancied yourself the prophet of god! Well, would you look at that? Apollo would love to have a word with you for that one. I'm sure it would be a very enlightening conversation," father said with a sneer. I shook my head in pity. Apollo, after what happened with the immortal emperors of Rome. Became more ruthless with those who tried to usurp his domain of prophecy. 

"But that is not even the worse one, no no no. It seems that in your delusions and greed you managed to convince your followers to part with their children and for them to give them to your care. Where you then abused and tortured them, subjecting them to all manner of perversions!" 

I felt the entire throne room freeze as my father's anger filled the room. 

"My, my, my! Now it seems not only Apollo but even Artemis would be delighted to be introduced to you!" Whatever pity I felt for this wretched soul was erased as I heard of his sins. I now only hoped the worst for him. 

"As the Lord of the dead and ruler of the underworld, I hereby pronounce you guilty of your sins and sentence you to the Pit. May the horrors that roam the darkness of Tartarus torment you for all eternity. Take him away!" my father declared. 

Quickly, the furies that were perched on my father's throne took the air and grabbed the soul with their talons. carrying him away to be dropped at the entrance of Tartarus. 

"This court is adjourned!" 

After that declaration, the throne room emptied out, leaving me alone with my father. When it was just the two of us, he rose from his throne and shrank to mortal height as he stepped down the dais toward me. 

When he stopped on the floor, he looked at me and smiled softly. 

"I went to Perseus last night and got his permission for you to visit. I will be sending you to the border of his land where you will be welcomed in by them," he said as he stared at me. 

I felt happy! At long last, I will be able to meet up with Hazel and Percy! 

I was about to thank Father for his assistance when his follow-up words halted my thoughts. 

"Tomorrow." 

"What?" I asked. incredulous. 

"I will be sending you there tomorrow," he declared. 

"Why?" I whined like a child. 

"It was a request by your sister,"  father replied. 

Knowing that there was nothing I could do, I just nodded and watched as Father walked away towards his office. 

After standing in throne room by myself for a few minutes. I decided to go back to the entrance and continue helping out; at least I would be able to distract myself until tomorrow. 

end 

---extra scenes---- 

Dinner in the underworld was a quiet affair. Even more so when the Queen was away on the overworld. The muted music of some orchestra was all I could hear as I ate with my father in the massive dining hall that was rarely used in the palace. 

I took a bite of the fried chicken from the happy meal I bought, well had someone bought it—while watching my father eat the fine slab of steak in front of him. I once asked him why he ate mortal food, and he said that thousands of years listening to the departed souls lament about the food they missed made him curious about mortal food. And once he tasted them, he couldn't stop. 

I was on my second chicken leg when my father spoke up. 

"I can see you having a question for me, Nico; don't hesitate. Ask." 

'Was I always that easy to read?' I thought as I stared at my father. I shook my head and looked at my father in the eyes. 

"How come you and the other gods have some semblance of control over our gifts and powers, but not Poseidon over Percy?" I asked. 

"What do you mean?" father asked back. tilting his head. I decided to explain better so I would get a clearer answer. 

"Like what happened earlier, when I lost control when I learned about Hazel joining a harem. You waved your hand and I lost my powers. How come you and the other gods can do that to us, your children, but Lord Poseidon couldn't with Percy?" I spoke. 

"Ah! I see. To answer your question, son, it isn't that Poseidon couldn't; it's just that he wouldn't. At least not then. But now, even if he wanted to, he wouldn't be able to," father replied with a sigh. 

"Huh?" came my brilliant reply. 

"What I meant is that, before the end of the war with the giants, Poseidon, like the rest of us gods, had the ability and the right to withhold control over the gifts of our children, like I did with you. But something happened to young Perseus during the war. Now Poseidon has no control over his sons' abilities any longer," father continued. 

"My guess is that something happened to him during his time in the Pit. What that something is, I do not know. But I can guess," he went on with an absent look in his eyes. 

I wondered what happened to Percy. I was also a survivor of the Pit, twice even. But whatever happened to Percy down there might have still been worse than what I went through. 

"I wonder what happened to him?" I questioned out loud to no one in particular. But my father deemed it appropriate to answer anyway. 

"Before I answer that son, first you must learn how a demigod inherits their gifts from their godly parent," father declared as he sat back on his seat. I sat up, intent to listen. It's during these times that reminds me that my father is the oldest male Olympian god. The eldest son of Kronos. 

"Deep within every demigod's soul resides the divinity that they inherited from their godly parent. But unlike us gods whose whole essence is made of that same divinity, a demigod's divinity is quite miniscule in comparison. The amount depends on how much the god decides to impart to their children," father started to explain. 

"And that imparted essence is contained in a vessel within the demigod's soul. Those you are in tune with their inner self can actually perceive this vessel, though not many can," he continued. 

"Now, I admit to gifting you, Hazel, and even Bianca significantly more than what I did to those of my other children that came before you. That is because on some level, I knew that all of you would be embroiled in the prophecies that were going to be fulfilled. I wanted to make sure my children would be strong enough to survive the wars to come. And I was right in doing so. Though I still did lose a daughter, twice." My father looked down, and a somber look flashed through his face. 

The mention of Bianca brought a pang of hurt and guilt over me. But it came to pass quickly; I had accepted Bianca's loss years ago. 

"Any way, like I said. Us gods consciously decide how much of our essence is inherited by our children. And the years leading up to the wars we decided to gift more than usual to our children in preparation for the great prophecy. Poseidon most of all." His word did not even surprise me. 

"In all the millennia we have existed. Never have any of us gifted as much as Poseidon gifted Perseus. Poseidon has always been known to love his children deeply, but he has never gifted his children more than one aspect of his divinity. It's always just one, whether it was the ability to not get lost while sailing or being able to transform into Sea-life. As far as I know, he has never imparted his earthshaking aspect to any of his demigod children." father went on. 

"But that was before Perseus was born. For all intents and purposes, Perseus is a mortal Poseidon. With almost all of his domain, even his looks were inherited strongly by his son. Perseus looks more like Poseidon than even Triton does. Only his mortality is the difference between them." father paused, taking a drink of wine before he went on again. 

"But even with all that, Poseidon still had the same control over Perseus's gifts like I do with yours. That is until he came out of the Pit. After that, Poseidon lost all control he had over his son." 

"When I learned of these particular details, I delved deep into his soul to see what could have happened. You remember what I said about the vessel within the soul?" my father asked like a teacher. 

I nodded. "The one containing our divinity?" I answered, questioningly. 

"Yes, well, when I saw Perseus's vessel. I was shocked with what I saw. First, Perseus's soul, his mortal soul, was mixed with a large amount of divinity. Larger than what is survivable by any mortal, demigod or not. And it could only mean one thing: his vessel somehow shattered, his divine essence spilling forth and mixing with his mortal soul." I stared at my father as he continued to speak. 

"Normally, when a demigod's divine vessel shatters, they die. A demigod surviving that has only happened once with Dionysus. But with him, he was already in the middle of his ascension to godhood when his vessel shattered. His vessel shattering only hastened his ongoing change to being a god." 

What I was learning now was something I never even thought of. But I had a question, though. 

"You said that what happened to Percy has only happened once. But there have been a number of mortals who have been turned to gods before. How come they don't count?" I asked during a lull in my father's lecture. 

"Being turned into a god and ascending to godhood are two completely different things, Nico," my father said as he looked at me. 

"When we turn a mortal into a god, we do so by first remaking their bodies into immortal flesh, capable of withstanding divinity. Then their mortal essence is changed into divine essence. Once their new divine essence has permeated their entire immortal body, in case of demigods, the vessel within their soul is removed, allowing the essence they inherited to mix with their own divine essence. And thus, a new god is formed. For mortals, it only requires an input of divine essence from the god that turned them into one for them to fully turn into a god themselves." 

That was an eye-opener. 

"That is what happened with many of the gods that came from mortality, like Herakles, Ariadne, Ganymede, and the others," father listed names of some of the known ones. 

"Ascending to godhood, on the other hand, however, requires belief. Mortal belief in the person that is ascending. People needed to believe that that person is more than man. It will take more than just a handful of people, no. It will take thousands upon thousands of people believing in that person. That belief then kickstarts the process of ascension. And it takes time. For Dionysus, it took close to 200 years for him to fully ascend." 

200 years, that's was a long time. 

"It is largely the same process, as turning to a god. The main difference is that there is no god to assist in the change. The change happens on its own without any divine intervention. With Dionysus, we only took notice of his ascension when he was almost done with the change. Zeus took him up on Olympus and kept him there for 30 more years until his vessel shattered and his own divinity came under his full control." 

What a tale! I never even knew that was what dear old Mr. D. went through.  Now I have something else to hound over our dear camp director. 

After taking another drink, father sighed. 

"With Perseus, however, I along with the other gods noticed that his mortal essence, like I said earlier, has been mixed with more divinity than what a mortal can usually survive. It was an impossibility that there he was, standing in front of us, when he should have been dead. But then again, that cousin of yours has been doing the impossible since he was twelve," father said incredulously. 

‘Yeah, that is Percy in a nutshell.' 

"A deeper look in to his soul revealed that his vessel was shattered. I say was because when I delved deep to check, what I found shocked me to my core son. His vessel, which I expected to be shattered, was indeed shattered, but it was somehow still in shape. And it was still doing its purpose of containing his divinity. Although the cracks on it made his divinity seep through, mixing with his mortal essence." I just shook my head at that. It was so like Percy to deny even dying because of divinity. 

"Looking at his vessel and with the information about him and that daughter of Athena surviving the Pit, I surmised that something happened to him down there that forced him to use his divinity to the point that his vessel shattered. Causing his divinity to mix so deeply with his mortal essence than I believed in that moment, he became a mortal god." father said. His voice filled with wonder, and I couldn't help but agree. 

Percy has always seemed more god than mortal, ever since I first met him all those years ago. 

"At that moment, I think he unlocked a part of himself that allowed him the power to overcome the threat of death by his divine essence mixing with his mortal one. But that is where the confusion starts. His divinity mixing with his mortal essence should have catapulted his ascension to godhood. But instead, we found his mortality holding strong. He was neither god nor was he mortal. He had all the makings of a god with his own domain yet he remained a demigod." 

"I believe something happened with him down at the Pit. It pushed him beyond the limit of what he can do and endure. And then something happened again, one that forced him to push the shattered remains of his vessel to form once again. Then he pushed his divinity inside the cracked shell of his vessel. Somehow halting his ascension." father said in a grave voice. 

"And as far as I know, what he did was impossible. It's something that shouldn't have been possible to do." Father finished. filling his goblet and draining it with one gulp. 

"And yet he did." I started. 

"And yet he did," my father repeated, agreeing with me. 

"And that is why Poseidon no longer has the ability to limit and control Perseus's gifts. Because for a brief moment, Percy was his own god, with his own domain. One that I believe he still has control over. He just somehow never shared what it is to anyone." 

"And by the time I came upon that realization, he was already gifted his wishes and was out of our reach." 

"Ha ha-ha ha!"  

I laughed at the look of my father as he moped at the lost chance to interrogate Percy. 

"Maybe he's told Hazel the truth about that! I'll ask her when I get there!" 

Father nodded, then he looked down on his plate and noticed the steak he still had left over. He frowned and called over one of the undead servers. 

"Bring me a new plate," he ordered. 

I watched as the server shuffled away. I reached into the bag beside me and pulled out a burger. 

I bit into it and felt excited about meeting Percy and Hazel soon. 

Chapter Text

It was a sunny day on Olympus, Apollo was shining down in full from the sky. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of a multitude of flowers growing all over my garden. The sound of the fountain water gurgling mixed with the sounds of birds as they flew through the air.

All of it combined to create a very relaxing atmosphere that I am now enjoying as I lay back in my lounge chair by the fountain I use to check on the mortal world.

All over the world, I feel love being created. I feel hearts beating as they fall in love. I also feel hearts breaking as that love shatters. I feel love bloom as mothers look upon their newly born children. And I feel love wither as betrayal happens.

I smile as I feel all of these. As all of them are a part of me. A part of the cycle that has existed since before I was even born. The oldest of the gods! That's me, but don't mention that to my face, okay?

No woman wants to be reminded of their age.

I look down on the water in the fountain. Through the ripples, I saw various couples. All sporting varying levels of love. Kids with blooming crushes. Teenagers caught up in their feelings and being adventurous. Adults, more subdued with expressing their love. And the elders, content in the embers of the once smoldering fires of passion within their hearts.

Every single one of them I cherish as much as I can. Though I admit, there are a few among the centuries I have kept an eye on closer than the rest. Couples whose love and story have excited me and kept my attention. Individuals whose actions have called forth my scrutiny.

None more so than my current obsession.

Percy Jackson.

He who the books refer to as The Boyfriend.

The current generation of romantics even has a title perfectly suited for him.

"The Book-tok Boyfriend," they call him.

And I wholeheartedly agree, having read and inspired many of those works of literature. And really! How many men exist that will cross a continent to find and free a girl from captivity? One who wasn't even his girlfriend yet.

How many men can say that they declined an offer of forever in an island paradise spent with a beautiful woman who confessed her love and promised an eternity of affection, servitude, and pleasure, all if you stay?

Who among the men living today can say that they turned down godhood and all the power and glory that comes with it? In exchange for a lifetime with a woman who, again, was not yet his girlfriend.

Any guy whose memory of the woman he loved remained even after having his mind wiped by a goddess.

Or a man who willingly fell to the deepest, darkest part of the pit just so his love wouldn't be alone. 

Only one name comes to mind when I think of all those: Only Him.

Only Percy Jackson.

Thinking of Percy brought a smile to my face, but it also brought back the memory of heartache. A hurt so severe I felt it all the way up here. The pain of a heart broken by betrayal. The feeling of the trust shattering to pieces caused by callousness, pride, and selfishness.

I wished I wasn't so affected by the fracturing of our minds brought about by the war between the Roman and the Greek sides of my existence. If I wasn't, I would have seen the cracks within the bonds between Percy and Annabeth earlier. I could have interfered and done something to mend them, correct them even. But alas, it wasn't meant to be.

I know I promised them an entertaining love life. But what happened to them, that was neither entertaining nor was it as I intended.

I sighed as I felt the familiar feeling of loss and disappointment over that lost love.

Needing a little bit of uplifting of the spirits. I waved my hand over the water and conjured up the images of my favorite demigod.

The water started to shimmer, showing me Percy Jackson in his home. He is currently sitting on a lounge chair like I was at the moment, making me smile. The only difference was that he has a woman sitting on his lap.

I smiled as I watched Percy wrap his arms around the waist of Hazel Levesque, the daughter of Pluto. Percy's first fiancée and the first member of his Harem. I watched as Hazel giggled and squirmed as Percy held on to her while he peppered her with kisses from behind.

I shivered as I felt a tsunami of emotions from the two. Massive waves of love battered my senses. Coming from Hazel for the son of Poseidon she was currently using as a seat. Feeling what I can from her, I was sure that even without the curse affecting her. She would have remained loyal to Percy. And her love for him would only grow in time.

And Percy was just being his usual loyal and loving self. Just a glance at him, and I was sure he would have done all that he did for Annabeth and more for Hazel. Or for any woman he falls in love with.

Looking at the two being so in love made me think of my own daughter.

Piper

My beautiful, tragic girl.

I'm glad that I was able to help her in time. Otherwise, I would have lost her to the darkness of the underworld all before her time.

And I was also thankful to Percy for being the kind of man that he is. Without him, Piper wouldn't have been able to heal. She would have lived, yes. But a life without love is no way to live at all.

I smiled down at the couple being projected on the water as I remembered that day Piper came to me here.

----------flashback----------

I was sitting on a couch in my temple, watching Ares perform as he regaled me with exploits from his past. Stories that I have heard thousands of times before. I stifled a yawn as boredom nearly overwhelmed me as I spent time with my lover.

Time I wish I could spend some other way.

Or with someone else.

I was fighting to keep my eyes open when the doors to my temple opened with a bang, surprising not just me but also Ares, who turned towards the door. Shield held in front of him, spear held above him. Ready to hurl it to whoever it was that opened my doors unannounced.

"Stop! Ares!" I shouted as I glimpsed at the form of the person that entered my temple. One glance was all I needed to recognize my daughter, Piper Mclean. But more than that, the emotions I was getting from her were what made me shout at my lover.

Pain, Anguish and Despair.

My daughter was at the end of her rope and was only a step from the edge. Anymore than that, and she will be lost to me forever.

I was on my feet and was across the space in a second. Next I was holding my daughter in my arms as she shook with sobs so heartbreaking I was tearing up myself.

"Shush, Your okay, I've got you," I whispered to her as my daughter lost herself in her tears.

"What is happening?" I heard Ares ask from behind me. I sighed as I was once again reminded that for all his strengths, my lover was not the most emotionally intelligent man I knew. I mean, even my husband is better at that than him. And Hephaestus spends all of his time with his machines and toys!

"Ares, darling. Would you be a dear and leave us alone for now." I said to my muscle bound lover. I started to walk back into the couch, taking my daughter with me.

"But you promised we would spend today together!" Ares whined like a child behind me.

"I'll make it up to you some other day," I said, trying to get rid of him.

"Dite! I had a whole day planned!" he continued as we neared the couch.

"Ares!" I raised my voice. "Leave us alone!"

I turned and looked straight at him. Letting just a little bit of my true nature slip out. A reminder of who I am and that I was the one who chose to be with him. A choice I was beginning to find to be extremely stressful as of late.

Being with Ares used to be exciting. Just seeing him used to take my breath away. But now, it's always the same thing. Oh, how I hope he'd matured in the centuries we've been together. But now, I don't think that's possible.

And that actually worries me. Not that I would be splitting up with Ares, no. It's that he was not the only one causing me stress.

While Ares has not changed much in the thousands of years we've been together. My husband, Hephaestus has changed so much. And not all of that change was for the better.

He used to look at me with such love and hatred. Every time we meet up for a council meeting or when we pass by each other on Olympus. His eyes would always be trained on me. And I would feel the yearning for me coming from him, stronger than any other.

The jealousy and hatred he's had for me every time he saw me with his brother Ares was like the sweetest drug. And I found myself yearning for it, like an addict looking for her next fix. And so I blatantly displayed my affairs and dalliances with his brother and all the other men in front of him.

For in his hatred for me lies his love for me also. And that love is what I used to keep him on a tight leash. Knowing that whatever else I did. He would always be there behind me.

But lately, his attitude towards me has been lukewarm at best. The times he's tried to catch Ares and me on dates can be counted on my fingers in the last decade. And the number of times he's asked me to be with him has practically stopped.

He used to send me gifts every year on our anniversary, but I have yet to receive anything from him in the last 5 years.

But what worries me the most is his indifference towards me.

His eyes no longer stray to me when we meet. And there is only resignation in him whenever he sees me with Ares.

I wish he would be angry with me again. I would prefer that over this.

For in anger lies a love that was hurt, and a heart that is hurt can be healed and nurtured.

But indifference is the absence of feelings, including love. And I am scared of that.

I shook my head and watched as Ares walked out of the door of my temple. I waved my hand, and it closed behind him. I sat down, taking my daughter with me. I pushed all thoughts of my own love life to the back of my mind for now.

My thoughts are directed to my crying daughter for the moment. All others can be pushed back at a later date and time.

Piper was still crying on my chest as we sat down, and I felt horrible for my daughter. After all she went through for us gods. She didn't deserve the pain she was currently feeling.

I just ran my hands through her hair as she slowly calmed down.

After a while, her sobs stopped. Though her eyes still had tears on them, they weren't flowing down like earlier. She sat up and I handed her a handkerchief. I studied my daughter closely as she wiped her face clean.

Her eyes were sunken and red from crying and lack of sleep, and her lips were cracked and bruised from being bitten due to stress and anxiety. Her color was off, and her form was all wrong. Her shoulders were hunched over, and she wouldn't look me in the eye.

This was not the brave and strong Piper Mclean I know. The one that used her voice to not just lull the earth back to slumber but also brought back the son of Jupiter from death. Gone was the confidence from her eyes, replaced by a desperation so intense I knew she was hanging only by a thread. Anymore, and she would snap.

My heart broke for my daughter. None of our children deserved the things they went through.

After a while, I sensed that she was ready to talk. I asked Piper what happened, even though I already knew what it was. Sometimes, it's better to speak it out loud.

"What happened, sweetie?" I asked.

It took a few seconds for Piper to speak up, but when she did, all her emotions came with her words.

"I couldn't take it anymore, Mom! I'm scared! and I'm tired," my daughter said in an anguish-filled voice so soft and small I almost didn't hear it.

"Oh, sweetie! No need to be afraid now," I assured her. taking her into my arms.

"Am I cursed, mom? Did I offended any god? Are you mad at me?" Piper asked as I rubbed her back.

"No, honey! Why would you think that?" I replied, asking her at the same time.

"Then why does everyone I love leave me?" she asked in a voice so broken my heart ached for her.

"Baby, that's not true!" I told her, but she cut me off.

"Not true! Jason left, first because our time together was only an illusion. Then he died, leaving me alone! Then Shel, I thought we had something, but then it all became too much for her too. And I had to leave!" My daughter listed in a loud voice. I just listened to her. Letting her get it all out of her chest.

This was better than how she was earlier. I prefer her to be this angry, even if it's with me. Rather than her being just done with everything.

"There were others too. But every time something happens and they leave me!"

"Why mom! Why!" again, Piper started crying, and I was left trying to calm her down as I took her in my arms again.

"It's okay, my love. We'll get through this," I told her. Letting her know that she won't be alone.

"Am I really destined for love, mom?" she asked against my chest.

"Of course, honey!" I replied.

"Then how come none of your children has had luck in your domain?" Piper followed up, making me pause and think of her words.

Piper, Drew, and Selena. Just three of my children that have been rather unlucky with love. Drew, being that she remained frivolous with how she handled love. As much as I hate to admit it, she was headed for heartbreak at this rate.

Selena, my poor girl. Such a tragic example of love gone wrong. Her love for my husband's son led her into making the wrong decisions, ultimately leading her to her demise. The only consolation is that they are now reunited in the afterlife after much discussion and begging for her part. Just to ensure her daughter gets Elysium after all the mistakes she made in life. Though even though she was happy, her daughter got to be with her sweet Charlie in the underworld. They would never really get the feeling of being one. They would never feel the love of making a family of their own.

My daughter would never know the happiness and love of being a mother.

I will not allow the same faith to befell Piper. Not if I can do something about it.

"No, Piper! No!" I denied her words and pulled her away from me. I held her at arms length and looked her straight in the eye.

"I give you my word, Piper. You won't suffer like that. None of my children will. I promise!" I vowed.

Hearing my words, Piper dissolved into sobs as she cried some more, though this time there was relief mixed with the despair she was feeling. And that was enough for me. For now, that is.

After about 10 minutes, Piper quieted down, and I noticed her breathing was more calm and level. I chanced a peek at her and found that she had fallen asleep. 'Good,' I thought, she needed the rest. For both her mind and body.

I stood up, taking Piper in my arms. I walked deeper in my temple and went to one of the empty rooms within. I went inside and placed Piper on the bed. I tucked her in and opened the balcony door to let the air in.

I strode out and looked over at the magnificent view of Olympus. On any given day, I would have felt pride in being one of the Olympians and calling this mountain my home. But not today, no. Today I felt nothing but disappointed. Not just at myself but with all of us gods who reside here, in this place that held all the power in the world.

'Some powerful goddess I am," I chided myself.

I looked back to my daughter sleeping peacefully on the bed and made my decision.

The moment Piper started to tell me her problem, an idea started to form in my mind. An idea so ridiculous I tried to push it out of my mind. But now, after all the revelations I got, it seems to be the only option available to us.

Piper's mental state is so fragile that I'm afraid another monster attack is all it will take for her to snap and end things. And her fragile heart has been broken so many times that it will take time to heal. Time and a special kind of man with the patience and care that will allow Piper to learn to let her guard down and fall in love again.

That is the only way for her heart to heal as a daughter of love; there is no other way.

Like how Apollo's children needed sunlight to thrive, her own children needed love to survive. Without it, they would wither and die, so to speak.

I don't want my daughter to have to suffer any longer. I stepped back in the room and sat on the bed. I ran my hands through Pipers hair as I thought of how I could broach this subject to her. Not just that, but how I would also approach Him. I know that at the moment. He does not have a favorable opinion of me. Especially after what happened to him and Annabeth. 

I know he believes me to be the cause of what happened between them. I did promise to keep their love life exciting. And I did meddle in some way, but not to the point where it would lead to them breaking up.

But regardless of his opinion of me, I don't believe Percy would have it in him to deny me a favor. Especially if it involved the safety of one of his friends. Besides, it's not like I'm asking him to take Piper as one of his own.

'I'll only ask Percy if Piper could live with him for a year, yes, that could work.' I mused as I ran my hand now over Pipers face, brushing the loose strands of hair from her face. Clearing all the blemishes she acquired in her stress and anguish. Bringing back her beauty, one that she so rightly deserves as my child.

Call me vain, but there is power and strength to be found in beauty.
And Piper needs both right now.

The more I think of my plan, the more I marvel at how things turned out.

'It would seem The Fates really do know our "fates,"' I thought.

I marveled at how the threads The Fates weaved for Percy have come for this moment. How their insistence that he be rewarded was somehow made to facilitate the healing of not just her daughter but the daughter of Pluto as well.

'And if I'm right, then there will be others as well,' I thought with a smile.

With my mind made, I smiled at my daughter as she slept soundly. I leaned and kissed her forehead. and stood up to leave the room.

With one last look at Piper, I closed the door to her room and went back to the garden. I called one of the servant nymphs working under me and told her to look after Piper in case she wakes up before I came back.

After getting a nod, I closed my eyes and willed myself to appear in the underworld. Now I know some gods are not allowed to enter the domain of another god with permission. But that's not applicable to me. I existed in the time before the three sons of Kronos split the world among themselves.

As a daughter of Uoranos, born out of the waters of Pontus and cared for by thassala. I can go where I want, when I want. Beside, as long as love and beauty can be found at any place and time, then that place is not barred from me.

And contrary to popular claims, the underworld is full of love and a certain type of beauty.

When I opened my eyes, I found myself in front of the huge, dark gates of Hades's palace. I stepped through them and walked where I felt the Lord of the Underworld currently was. I found him in the hall where his throne was placed. Holding court just as his younger brother and king, Zeus, does on Olympus.

I stood by the door of the hall and waited for his proceedings to finish, not wanting to cause a disturbance. Well, more of a disturbance than I already did.

I waited for about half an hour until the proceedings were done. As the Throne Room emptied out, I went and stepped up to Hades as he stepped down from his throne. We met at the bottom of the steps, and he looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Now, I wonder what would have happened to force you to come to my domain uninvited?" he asked with a curious lilt in his voice. I bowed slightly before answering, just to show respect. No matter our age, He is the ruler of the underworld, and I am here as a guest. A guest who will be asking for a favor.

"Something important enough," I said in reply.

"I figured as much," Hades said as he sighed. He gestured with his hand for me to follow him, and together we walked out of the throne room. We walked in calm silence for a bit until he started asking me the reasons for my visit.

"So, Aphrodite, mind telling me why you're here?" he asked, without looking at me.

"I have a question about your daughter, Hazel and Percy," I started.

Hades turned to look at me at that, concern obvious on his face. "Is she alright? Did you foresee anything about her?" he asked, worry evident in his voice.

"She's fine! They both are," I assured him. "They are more than fine if what I feel from them is any indication," I added, making Hades question me.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"I meant that they are both falling ever deeper in love with one another." I told him with a smile, hearing that made Hades pause in his steps for a bit. I stopped and waited for him. "I see, it seems like I was right in my decision," he stated after shaking himself.

I chuckled as we resumed our walk. 

"If that's your reaction to that news, I wonder how you'll react when they get engaged? or marry. Or have kids." I wondered aloud.

Hades sputtered as he tried to respond. His eyes bulged wide as he started at me. "What? Is she? Is Hazel?" He choked on his words as he tried to ask me for clarification.

How fun!

"Relax! She's not pregnant. Not yet. But I'm at least sure that a proposal is possible soon," I said when he calmed down enough. "Proposal?" he asked as we went back to walking. "Hmm"

"We both know Percy well enough by now. You know the kind of man he is. He will do right by your daughter," I told him.

Hades was silent for a while before he nodded. "Yes, I can see that happening," he responded, absently.

We came out in one of the gardens around his palace. After a while of walking, we sat on one of the many benches. I took a deep breath before I started to speak of the reason I came down here.

"We got distracted, but the reason I'm here is somewhat connected to your daughter," I started. "I wanted to ask how you approached Percy with the Hazel situation?" I asked Hades.

"So this is not about a quest?" he replied. "No, a request more like," I responded.

"Hmm," Hades acknowledged. I stared ahead, thinking about my question while I stayed quiet beside him. After a while, he started to speak.

"When I approached him, he was understandably upset. He thought I was going to send him on a quest. I had to immediately clear things up. So my advice is to just go to him and explain directly what you have in mind." He gave me his advice, and I was grateful for it.

"And also, make sure he is either at his new home or somewhere he is relaxed. It will make asking him your favor easier," he added. I turned to him, asking him about that with my gaze.

"He was camping in the wilderness when I came to him the first time, so he was already on guard. My sudden appearance just made his mood worse," Hades explained. I nodded, and we were quiet for a few minutes.

"I thank you, Hades, for your insight. I shall take it into consideration," I said as I stood up. "What do you plan to do now?" he asked. "I shall first talk with Percy. I will inform him of what is happening with my daughter before I ask him my favor," I answered.

Hades nodded. "I see. Are you expecting the same outcome as with my Hazel?" he asked. I paused thinking of what I hoped this endeavor would result in.

"While I'm sure the same will happen between Percy and Piper. For now, all I'm hoping for is for my daughter to find peace with Percy, so her heart may heal. Love will follow naturally with time," I stated.

"After all, very few women exist that can resist Percy's charm," I said with a smile.

"I wish you well on your task ahead, Aphrodite." He bid my goodbye, and I closed my eyes as I willed myself out of the underworld. I traced Percy's presence, finding him at his new home. Locating him was easy for me. The amount of love I feel from that area was quite overwhelming.

But entering his domain was another matter all together. The border ensured that no matter who it is. No god or goddess can enter without his expressed permission. And so, I materialized just beyond the border of his lands. I opened my eyes and looked around.

The place was beautiful, filled with trees and plants. Nature was in full bloom here. I can see and sense the border but could not see through it. Nor can I sense anything or anyone within. 

I decided to wait patiently, knowing that Percy already knew I was waiting beyond his borders. Or at least, a god was waiting for him. It took 5 minutes of waiting until the border shimmered, then out came Percy Jackson himself.

The years have been very kind to him. Just a glance at him would be enough to make a lesser woman feel the need to submit to him. Such was the beauty he possessed that I often had to double check if my heritage got mixed with his along the centuries. But no, Poseidon's was the only divine blood to mix with his blood.

And did that blood run through him so much? "Mini-Poseidon," he has been called. Not just because he inherited much of his father's domain. He also inherited Poseidon's looks, along with his temperament. Not much remembers now, but his father was once worshipped as a fertility god. And among us divine, his father has had the most lovers. And the most number of offspring.

'It's a blessing that he didn't inherit his father's womanizing ways,' I thought.

I smiled at Percy as he watched me with a frown on his handsome face.

"Hello, Percy! You look great!" I complimented him. It was the truth. He did look great. His body was exuding a dominant feel; a lesser goddess would feel overwhelmed by it. Much less a mortal woman. His body, hidden beneath his tight shirt. was the perfect specimen of sculpted muscles earned through hard work. The scars he had all over his skin evoke a need to caress and worship them from any woman who lays their eyes on them. Including me.

I shake myself mentally, pulling my thoughts back from the carnal desires that sprouted from deep within my mind.

I stared at Percy, waiting for him to respond. He stared at me for a few minutes longer before he sighed and leaned on a nearby tree. A picture of confidence and resignation. A deadly combination for any woman.

"Aphrodite," he greeted with a nod of his head. "What are you doing here? And please don't tell me you're here to give me a quest," he added, his tone exasperated.

"I'm not! I assure you. Besides, that's not allowed anymore," I told him, taking a step towards him. He just kept his eye on me until I was standing right in front of him.

"When has that ever stopped you guys?" He scoffed before replying.

"That was before The Fates themselves decreed it to be so. Not even us gods can meddle with them," I explained.

Percy eyed me closely, trying to see the truth behind my visit. I waited until he was done, I was about to speak when he spoke first.

"So, why are you here then?" he asked after a few seconds.

I took a deep breath, then just told him the reason. "I'm here to ask you a favor," I said directly, looking him straight in the eyes.

Percy sneered after hearing that. He shook his head and pushed himself off the tree he was leaning on. "I knew it!" He started pacing in front of me, and I could feel his irritation for me. I decided to just continue, hoping he would extend the same care he did for Pluto's daughter for my own.

"It's not for me, Percy!" I said, halting his steps. He turned to me with an incredulous look on his face. "Really? Who is it for then?" he asked. "It's for Piper," I replied in a small voice, keeping my eyes on his.

Percy's eye widened at that, clearly taken aback. He took a minute, just staring into my eyes before he spoke again.

"What happened with Piper?" Percy asked, voice filled with concern.

That single question assured me that I was doing the correct thing. That my decision to approach Percy was the correct one. The obvious worry and concern he was showing for my daughter all but assured me that he would care for Piper and that he would do everything to keep her safe. That his care for her would eventually lead to her heart healing.

With that revelation. I stood straight in front of Percy and bowed.

"I, Aphrodite, formally ask Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, to extend the same offer of protection and care he did for Pluto's daughter Hazel Levesque, to my own daughter, Piper Mclean."

I stated in the most sincere voice I could muster. I have not bowed to any being in over millennia. I cant even remember the last time I did so. But for Piper, I would do so. Over an over again.

Fortunately, Percy was a person who didn't enjoy lording over others, so he called me up from my bowed form and asked what I was doing.

"Lift your head, Aphrodite! Tell me what happened," he said, flustered.

I smiled at how cute he was being. Here he was, a man. With a goddess, not just any goddess but the goddess of Love and beauty herself, bowing to him. And he wanted nothing more than to end the spectacle as soon as possible.

He truly is a unique one.

If it had been some other god. They would have surely taken advantage of my vulnerability. The fact that I was asking for a favor would have guaranteed them asking me for something in return. Most likely involving sexual favors. And I would have agreed. For Piper, I would have. For my children I would have.

But Percy Jackson, I briefly looked into his eyes, and all I saw was genuine concern and a willingness to listen. And the will to help to the best he could. And just for that, I was tempted to offer up myself as thanks or as a reward for his assistance.

Oh! Who am I kidding! I would have offered myself up to him just so I could partake in what that daughter of Pluto was enjoying!. But tempting as that maybe. Now was not the time; maybe in the future. When he is more open to the idea of sharing his body with others, then I'll get the chance. For now, my focus must be on getting him to help Piper.

"It's a long story, Percy, just know that she needs your help," I said, pleading with him. Knowing that it was useless. He was always going to at least hear me out.

I was proven right when he sighed and looked to the border.

"Let's go inside at least, then you'll tell me exactly why you need my help," he said.

I smiled as I thanked him.