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annawrites444 · 10 months ago

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Hellooooo may I request reader x Thalia where they had little bit of chemistry well traveling with each other to the camp with Annabeth and Luke but after the incident only thing reader has left of her in her Jacket ,but when she's back finds reader has Joined Luke's side and doesn't know what to do.

Sorry if you need more to work off but the rest and ending is up to you

HIII ANON!!! AHHHH TYSM this is my first request ever so I'm so excited <3 I'll try my best to do it justice :)

*PLEASE DON'T REPOST ON ANY OTHER MEDIA OR WEBSITE OTHER THAN TUMBLR WITHOUT PROPER CREDS*

A Lost Love~ Thalia Grace x reader

TW and A/N : Some use of Y/N, Angst, cliffhanger?- for now... (also not proofread)

You remember the fear in her eyes, the yelps of surprise, the pace at which the five of you ran, never looking back. You bounded over hill after hill, Thalia and Luke took the lead with you and Annabeth in tow, and Grover close behind. The furies were hot on your trail and your breath shook more with every step. You saw the flash of Thalia's sleek black hair streak through a gorgeous sunset sky, normally you'd take the time to sit and enjoy an evening like this with your newfound friend, but unfortunately luck was not on your side tonight.

As the camp grew closer so did the furies who were even more bent on catching the young demigods before it was too late. The group of you were able to put enough distance between yourselves that Thalia could turn around and stop you all to quickly buy you some time.

"Listen, there are too many of them and not all of us can fight. " Thalia choked out, "I'll hold them off" her once fear ridden eyes hardened with determination. "No." you interjected to her surprise, which led her to lock eyes with Luke, giving him. curt nod to signal him to pull both you and Annabeth away from her and toward the camp before the furies caught up. You and Annabeth let out cries of refusal and struggled against Luke's grip, before noticing how emotional this was for him too. "We have to go." Luke muttered, his voice cracking with hurt but he knew there was no other way. "No. We'll find a way, you don't have to do this" your cried out to her. "Hey," Thalia slid off her black leather jacket and threw it to you. "keep it, it looks better on you anyways." Thalia's eyes softened and she gave you a last soft smile before turning around and getting into a fighting stance with her dagger drawn. The furies were much closer and managed to gain speed. Luke pulled as hard as possible with grover's help to direct you and Annabeth to camp, blocking out both of your cries for Thalia, Thalia your friend. Your companion. Thalia your new found love.

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That day you lost hope in the gods and in camp, you stuck around for Annabeth and Luke but once given the chance you ran with Luke to join a side you felt would give you much needed justice and revenge.

You still wore that jacket, everyday. Now as Luke's partner and a servant of Kronos, you had a new purpose, a new motivation to get up in the morning. No more Hermes cabin with the other rejects and unlucky campers wishing their godly parent claimed them, now you had status and power. Not to mention a friend at your side who also believed in the same cause. However, we never forget our first loves, and consequently you couldn't either, your mind still went back to Thalia whenever you sought comfort. The few times you'd ever felt anxious or scared since then, you'd don Thalia's beloved jacket and picture her smile that blew away any storm cloud of worry.

You patrolled the outskirts of the camp, clad in bronze armor, with your preferred weapon strapped to your side, analyzing every rock and tree you saw to make sure you were alone. You noticed the trail of smoke floating above the treetops in the air, it was most likely somebody's camp. You let your curiosity get the better of you and follow it to it's source, however as you were passing through a thicket of trees you hear the bush nearby rustle and look with surprise to see Thalia staring back, she had a silver bow and arrow pointed at you and her eyes were hardened with determination. You were frozen in shock with a mixture of both feelings of shame and joy. Your best friend whom you thought was dead was alive and well. Not to mention she had somehow gotten even more beautiful than your last painful encounter. "Y/N..?" Thalia looked up at you with a growing smile as she quickly threw her weapon aside and embraced you. It took you a moment before you reciprocated and tightly wrapped your arms around her burying your face into the crook of her neck. She smelled like the campfire she had surely just left.

Thalia pulled away from the embrace to hold both of your hands and looks you dead in the eye, "You don't know how much I've missed you" you can't help but smile, trying to stomach the growing anxious pit of emotions in your stomach. She didn't know about you. She didn't know you sided with Kronos considering her reaction. "Why are you here??" you ask with trepidation, "Oh, I'm a Hunter of Artemis now and I was just patrolling the camp grounds." she replied and quickly let go of your hand. "Oh." you looked away feeling a sharp pang in your chest, becoming a Hunter of Artemis meant that she rejected love. "Hey, is that my old jacket?" Thalia pointed out the worn leather jacket you had on underneath your armor. Your face burned as you scrambled to find a response to her observation. "uhh, yes I wear it all the time." you fiddle with the zipper/ buttons on the jacket and look back up at her to find her grinning back, you then spend the next few hours leisurely walking around the forest and you directed yourself and Thalia as far away from Luke and his expectant band of soldiers of the army of Kronos. You couldn't stop talking with Thalia, who talked about her year as a Hunter and how much she has learned, and you talked about anything you could other than the camp that you left behind and your current status in Kronos's army.

Finally, while you were both headed back you stopped her and with all the courage you had gathered, told her about your new position. "Thalia, I left camp-halfblood." you say your voice ringing strong with confidence, she looks at you expectantly awaiting your explanation, "I have missed you so much and wish I could keep catching up but I need to tell you something. And I don't want this to change your view of me but you need to know...I joined Kronos with Luke." you wait a moment after hearing her gasp to look up at her shocked expression, eyes widened and her arms falling limp to her side. "I don't want to fight you" you say putting some distance between yourself and Thalia unsure if she would attack or not. She seemed to be conflicted about that as well as her eyes looked clouded with several emotions as if she was debating that very thing.. whether or not to fight you. "Why?" Thalia asked with a crack in her voice since you were the last person she'd expect to have to face as an enemy. "Ever since you sacrificed yourself for us and ever since Luke came back from his quest from Hermes, I have lost faith in the Gods that claimed to protect us, Demi-gods get slaughtered doing whatever the Gods want, we fight and die to just do them favors. I was done feeling rejected and not "important" enough for my godly parent to claim me." Your eyes hardened in response to your passionate argument. You slide your chest plate off before taking off Thalia's beloved jacket and holding it out to her to take back, after she didn't make a move to take it, you drop it on the ground before throwing on your chest plate and giving her one last pained expression before turning to leave.

You didn't look back once, though you desperately wanted to. Thalia was your friend yet you knew you could not be around her, for her safety and yours too. You chose to retreat even though you should have fought her, you couldn't fight Thalia, not because you weren't trained enough to, but because of what it would mean. It would mean that you two were truly enemies and you didn't want that. Fighting back the burning tears in your eyes, you headed back to your camp. Thalia stood frozen in the middle of the clearing you had just left and bounced different ideas and arguments around in her head as to why on Earth you would join Kronos. She understood how you and Luke felt, even she who was the daughter of Zeus himself, never got as much attention as she had wanted from her father. She had won you back and lost you all in the same day, Thalia knew it was for the best that you left and didn't exchange information with her anymore, but it pained her to have to turn around and go back to her life as a hunter now that you were on her radar. You who had once brought her so much carefree joy and happiness, you who had loved her and who she loved back. She had once loved you, what troubled her know was if those buried feelings would resurface and if they would command her as they did before. Thalia picked up the jacket, her fingers sliding over every scratch and hole you had fixed with little patches, the inside of the jacket's cuffs still had her name in silver lettering embroidered. It stung to hold it, to feel it still warm in her hand.

What could Thalia do for a lost love?

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Thank you so much for reading this far, I had so much fun writing this and hope my interpretation of Thalia was okay 😭, especially since we don't get much about her in the series and I haven't read the series in a very long time.

Divider pic creds to: heavenlayt

Have a good rest of your day/night

much love- Anna <3

#request #thalia grace #pjo thalia #pjo series #pjo x reader #thalia grace x reader #angst #percy jackson #Percy Jackson #x reader

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twoidiotwriters1 · 8 months ago

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The Curse of Oenone (Leo Valdez xFem!Oc)

A/N: How are we feeling? We're halfway through this book hang in there! -Danny Words: 2,468 Series' Masterlist Previous Chapter // Next Chapter Listen to: 'Renegade' -by Big Red Machine ft. Taylor Swift

XXXIII: Depression Isn't a Joke, but My Will to Live Sure Is

I watch Annabeth and Percy huddle together in front of a broken altar. Behind them is Bob, the titan Percy fought with Thalia and Nico. I'm guessing he's there to help, cause he's not trying to kill them while their backs are turned.

"What are you doing?" Percy asks, his clothes are ragged and he's got scratches all over his body. The sight makes my stomach churn.

"Sending a message," Annabeth answers, looking as bad as Percy. "I just hope Rachel gets it."

"Rachel?" Percy frowns. "You mean our Rachel? Oracle of Delphi Rachel?"

"That's the one," Annabeth says with a hint of amusement.

I read over her shoulder what she's written on a crumbled-up napkin:

Connor,

Give this to Rachel. Not a prank. Don't be a moron.

Love, Annabeth

"Now I just need to burn it," she says. "Anybody got a match?"

The ground opens and swallows me, then I get hurled back out in the middle of a fight with the Kerkopes. Octavian is screaming curses and orders, Reyna is next to him looking just as harassed, but unlike Octavian, she's fighting. Further ahead I can see my camp.

"Your attempts are useless, daughter of Olympus."

This is the first time I hear Gaea's voice, but I recognize it immediately.

"I was wondering when you'd come," I look at the woman in a dirty veil, dressed in clothes that look like moss and roots. "Hard to fear your threats when every bad guy you've sent has been nothing but embarrassing."

The sleeping lady smiles. "You're as vain and stupid as your patrons." Gaea dissolves only to appear closer. "They chose you as their General because you rather die than let them down, but don't be mistaken, the children of Olympus always fall onto me. I'll feast on your power, and destroy everything you love."

She touches my chest with two fingers, pushing me back.

"And I'll start..." Gaea's sleeping smile grows. "With Leo Valdez."

Ara falls off the bed, scratching her forehead with the nightstand. She swears, getting up and feeling her wound. She's tired of waking up like this almost every day, but at least there is no blood, so she gets up to get dressed.

Ara doesn't bother to check the time, nowadays she can't go back to sleep even if she wakes up in the middle of the night, and she rarely feels tired anyway. Ara guesses that it might be the blessings, all that power ought to do something to a mortal body that was previously below average.

The girl walks to the mess hall, then stops, ponders, and walks past to go to the top deck. As expected, Nico is on the foremast, eyes glossy like his mind drifted away hours ago and he hasn't moved since then.

Ara tries to whistle and then remembers she's never been able to, but a loud noise comes out effortlessly and makes her stop in shock. Nico looks at her scowling. "Did you just whistle at me like I'm a dog?"

"I didn't know I could do that," she replies in surprise.

"What do you want?"

"We need to talk," she says in her General voice. "Come to the mess hall."

Ara leaves knowing he'll follow her, she grabs two plates from the cabinets and fills them with nice-looking food, when Nico gets there she seizes him by the shoulders.

"You're having breakfast with me."

"Wh—don't touch me!"

"You haven't eaten in a whole day—you thought I wouldn't notice?" Ara sits in front of him. "Don't get up or I'll force-feed you."

"What is your problem?" He fixes his jacket. "I'm not hungry, you can't—"

"But you can meddle in my relationship with Leo?" She asks sharply. "You need to know your place, I won't allow this to happen a second time."

Nico looks down at his plate with scorn. "This is absurd."

"What's absurd is your attitude," Ara scowls. "I mention a tiny mistake I did before coming to this journey, and you decide to poison Leo's mind—"

"I told him what he had to hear," the boy argues. "Hades knows you won't do it."

She keeps her voice steady, furious enough to not lose it like other times. "You don't know what he needs. He's not Michael."

"You're right, he's nowhere near as strong as Mike was, or as strong as what you had with him," Nico grabs a fork begrudgingly. "I won't finish this, by the way, it's too much."

"It's enough for a kid your age and body type. Eat." Ara brushes it aside. "And I didn't have anything with Mike, he was just a friend."

Nico's eyes flare up with irritation. "He made you what you are and you do him a disservice by denying what you felt. And you're not my doctor."

"And you're not my therapist," Ara eats a mouthful of bacon angrily. "I don't want you meddling with my crew and telling them things that you don't even understand."

"I understand way more than you think."

"Why are you trying to get Leo to break up with me?"

"What?" Nico raises a brow with slight surprise. "It was you who tried to end it by dying!"

"How did you find out about the curse?" She presses.

"Why haven't you told Leo?"

Ara tenses at his question. "I wanna trust you, Nico, but then you do this... Is it impossible to understand why I said what I said to Lily?"

"You're blessed, and you waste yourself on what? Teen romance? Your selfishness is gonna get Percy killed!"

"And Annabeth."

Nico blinks. "What?"

"Percy and Annabeth," Ara corrects him, prowling to a subject she knows she shouldn't touch. "You always skip her when you're agitated."

Nico's face flushes. "I gotta give it to Valdez, I didn't think he'd ask you, considering he eats out of the palm of your hand. Perhaps he will dump you, eventually. He should. I'm not sorry I told him."

Ara jumps out of her seat, but Leo enters the hall at that moment. He notices Ara and stops. "Am I interrupting another murder attempt? Should I come back later?"

Nico pushes his plate—almost empty—away. "You know what, arae? I wish it'd been you instead of Percy and Annabeth, maybe the fall would've fixed whatever's wrong with you."

Nico walks past Leo, and Leo looks back at her and whistles lowly. "That was cruel."

"That is Nico," she retorts with composure. "The one I know, anyway..."

"Were you arguing about what I said last night?"

"I was going to kill him for three years' worth of disrespect," Ara pushes her plate—almost full—away. "I'm sick of having him on the ship, he brings out the worst in me."

Leo thinks what she says is true, but that's probably not smart to admit out loud. He watches intently, the vibrant energy she used to have during their first quest is sorely missing. "What's the deal between you two?"

"He wants to see me alone in the world," she states with certainty. "He can't hate Percy, so he puts it all on me."

"You haven't been a saint, though, have you?" Leo asks pointedly. "Not with him."

"Do you think..." She can't even finish the sentence.

Leo shakes his head. "I want to feel like before—"

"There you are!" Hazel walks into their conversation. "Ready to train me, General?"

Ara walks out of the mess hall glancing at Leo with concern. "Let's go."

"Before I forget," she rummages through her Octopi bag and pulls out a Ziploc from it. "Ginger. It'll help your seasickness."

Hazel examines it. "Where did you find it?"

"Triptolemus," the girl shrugs. "While Frank and Nico were looking for the barley, I searched through the cabinets to get some."

"Who taught you all this?" Hazel asks with curiosity. "The medicine and healing stuff."

"Michael Yew," Ara hangs her octopi over one shoulder. "Son of Apollo. Taught me many things so I wouldn't be helpless on my own... I owe my level of preparation to him and my friend Lily."

Hazel hums. "Nico told me about him. He used to train you both, right?"

Ara nods, gaze wistful. "Your brother didn't get to know him like I did," she looks back at the younger girl, now much smaller than her. "Ready to start?"

"Before we do that," Hazel lifts the bag of ginger and examines it shyly. "The way you've been acting towards Frank and me..."

Ara's expression fills with guilt. "I'm sorry, I—"

"No, I mean," the girl interrupts her. "You're helping us."

She stares at Hazel blankly. "You don't want me to?"

"You can do whatever you please, it's just... why?"

"Why am I helping?" Ara raises a brow. "I'm not following, Hazel. Why are you asking me about it just now?"

"Well, I kind of got the impression that you knew about Leo's er... situation with me."

Her cheeks get warmer. "Oh," Ara leans both arms on the railing. "Leo and I struggle with the whole sharing-is-caring part of relationships but sometimes it... spills out. I'm sorry."

"I'm glad he told you about it. It might help him."

Ara looks back at her. "What?"

Hazel tries to cover it, but Ara sees her flinch at her reaction. "He might understand the situation better this way. Does your prophecy have to do with a curse? I spent a lot of time around cursed souls during my first life, and Nico called you an—"

"Nico called me Arae, which is my name," the girl scowls at the skyline. "I'll be honest, Hazel, my prophecy didn't sound good the first time I heard it, but as time goes on I like it even less. Your brother thinks he knows all about me, but he doesn't."

Hazel shifts her weight from one foot to the other. "Curses can't be broken by the person who carries them. You've helped everyone here, we owe you our lives one way or another—"

"That's why I haven't..." Ara makes a face and groans. "You're linked to Leo by an old promise his great-grandfather made, right?"

"Yes?"

"This curse is centuries older," she explains. "I shouldn't let just anyone get involved in it—not until I have a clear view of things. I don't want to freak y'all out."

"Ara—"

"The crew is doing well," she holds so tightly onto the wooden rail that her knuckles turn white. "I don't want to taint that... I always end up making things worse, I won't do it this time."

Hazel makes a face. "So what are you planning?"

"I'm getting Annabeth and Percy out of Tartarus," then she remembers her dream. "They're still alive—Bob is with them."

"Bob?" The girl raises a brow. "Who is that?"

"An old friend, Nico knows him. My point is, that their chances of survival have increased. Not by much, but it's promising, I'll put all my focus on that."

"But what if your prophecy comes sooner?"

"It won't."

"Are you sure?"

"No," Ara moves away from the railing. "But I must believe it."

When the giant turtle shows up, Ara isn't surprised. She's been wondering when they'd face their next sea monster, and this seems to be it. They reach a narrow passageway and the turtle stops attacking them, but the real problem shows up.

"Well..." Piper glances at the creature and shrugs. "At least the turtle can't get us. We're safe here."

An arrow comes down flying and pierces the mast only a few inches away from the girl's face. Everyone scatters and gets to the ground, except Piper, who freezes in shock.

"Piper, duck!" Jason whispers hastily.

"Up there," Frank points from his hiding spot. "Single shooter. See him?"

"Who the heck is he?" Leo asks grumpily. "Why is he firing at us?"

"Guys? There's a note," Piper tells them shakily.

"Oh awesome," Ara grumbles.

Hazel gets there first and grabs the note. "First line: Stand and deliver."

"What does that mean? We are standing. Well, crouching, anyway. And if that guy is expecting a pizza delivery, forget it!" Hedge complains.

"There's more," Hazel continues. "This is a robbery. Send two of your party to the top of the cliff with all your valuables. No more than two. Leave the magic horse. No flying. No tricks. Just climb."

"Climb what?" Piper frowns.

"There," Nico points up.

Hazel continues reading "I do mean all your valuables. Otherwise my turtle and I will destroy you. You have five minutes."

"Use the catapults!" Hedge demands.

"P.S. Don't even think about using your catapults."

"Curse it! This guy is good."

"That guy made a mess of our ship with his pet and now he's robbing us?" Ara speaks with annoyance. "I'm done with men thinking they can take away my stuff without a fight. This is—"

"You're going..." Leo interrupts her with a tired tone.

"Well, yeah! He's telling us to climb and I'm the best climber here. Is anyone against it?" No one responds.

"This guy has a sharp aim, you can't fight him even if you reach the top," Leo points out. "Look, that's not a good trajectory. Even if I could arm the catapult before that guy pincushioned us with arrows, I don't think I could make the shot. That's hundreds of feet, almost straight up. He's crazy good."

"Yeah," Frank pouts. "My bow is useless too. He's got a huge advantage, being above us like that. I couldn't reach him."

Ara hates it when people tell her she's got no chance. What do they know about what she can and can't do? She's the daughter of the gods, and this stranger feels like a god sent... which she shouldn't say out loud, they already think she's unreliable.

"I'll go with Ara," Hazel offers.

After their conversation yesterday, Ara wasn't expecting this from her. "Are you sure? I mean..." her eyes go to the weasel that jumps to Hazel's shoulder. "Who is that?"

The creature screeches and farts, and Ara makes a face. Hedge snorts. "Says its name is Gale, and that she's here to check Hazel's skill."

"Listen," Hazel insists, "this robber wants valuables. I can go up there, summon gold, jewels, whatever he wants."

"If we pay him off, you think he'll actually let us go?" Leo asks skeptically.

"We don't have much choice," Nico replies. "Between that guy and the turtle..."

Ara's almost vibrating with the need to hit something. Hazel's horse (he helped them escape the turtle moments before) whines and shakes its mane with indignation. "I have to, Arion," Hazel tells him. "Well, Ara? What do you think?"

"We go together," Ara nods to the group. "You guys keep the ship safe."

"My sword," Jason looks at the water with a scowl. "It's back there at the bottom of the sea, and we don't have Percy to retrieve it."

Hazel doesn't even think about it when she opens her palm and leaves it hovering over the rail. The sword flies out of the water and the girl catches it. "Here," she says handing it to him calmly.

"How... That was like half a mile!" Jason exclaims in awe.

"I've been practicing. Now, if there are no other objections, we have a robber to meet."

Ara pats her shoulder and gives her a grateful look. Hazel doesn't return it, she has no choice but to follow her General. Leo seizes Ara by the wrist and whispers in a heavily concerned voice.

"Don't you dare dying. We still need you."

Ara lets out a dry chuckle. "If you say so."

Next Chapter –>

Taglist.

@siriuslysirius1107 @ask-giggles1303 @asnyox-the-hoarder @im-planning-something-look @bandshirts-andbooks @coolninjapaper @thewaterlily @whenisthefall @1randomcomic @you-bloody-shank @sunflowergraves @owlalex44 @taylordaughter @typicalsolangelolover @writingmia @espressopatronum454 @slytherinnqueen @orbitingpolaris @obxstiles @ellipsisspelled @thepixiechicksh

#twoidiots writing #pjo fanfic #leo valdez fanfic #doo #leo valdez x oc #heroes of olympus #percy jackson and the olympians

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iricathel · 2 years ago

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— 𝕯𝖊𝖒𝖔𝖓𝖎𝖈 𝖓𝖆𝖒𝖊𝖘 —

Before introducing the names of my characters, I must emphasize that they all originate from ancient Greece. The reason for this is that the characters actually have roots in Greece (taking into account their location and development within Makai), so it would be ideal if their demonic names came from this ethnicity regardless of their nationality.

Having this in mind, these names would only be used within Makai and characterized as their true and original names, since their secondary names would only work as a cover in the human realm to camouflage and blend in with people. With all this I would also like to add that I headcanon that these demonic names could be given away at their maturity celebration (when they are able to drink blood for the first time) which would be at the age of 10, meanwhile, they would use their human name as an alias.

🫧 Irina: Thalia — Meaning "the merry one" or "the flourishing one," this name comes from one of the 9 muses in Greek mythology, daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. This muse presided the comedy and idyllic poetry*, besides that it was one of the three Graces.

This name was given to Irina due to her development and a rather cheerful and gentle personality during her childhood, as well as being quite dreamy and charm due to the romantic fantasy books she read, poetry being one of her all-time favorite genre.

* Idyllic poetry is based on the romantic and sometimes erotic feeling of love, although it does not have dialogue, it comes from the Greek "eidyllion" or small image according to its translation. Of a brief and simple composition, but very expressive that extols a life normally field, giving way to the tranquility and sensuality of an environment, state or moment.

🫧 Zazu: Keelan — Although the origin of this name is unknown, its meaning would be "thin" or "skinny", however, in Gaelic it would be "slender" or "fair".

The reason why Zazu received this name was simply as a taunt or insult that the villagers in the area he lived in used to say, later becoming his final name. These taunts logically attacked his physique, which was quite thin, even becoming malnourished due to the scarcity of food he ate at that time, obviously also appearing very weak.

🫧 Arnold: Basil — It comes from the Greek name 'Basileos' which means "royal", therefore its meaning would be "king" which alleges that he is a powerful and ambitious man. However, interestingly it also means "basil" like the herbaceous grass. According to the legend, there was a basil plant in the place in Jerusalem where Empress Eelena of Constantinople found the True Cross.

The reason for this name was mainly due to the strong and tough character that Arnold presented at an early age, showing great leadership skills and ambition that made him stand out among his other brothers as the best option to inherit the throne. However, it also had a background with basil, which is characteristic for attracting health, fortune and money; as well as being a good luck charm.

🫧 Vera: Calliope — It was another of the 9 muses, prestige of epic poetry* and eloquence besides being the main muse. Its meaning is "the one with the beautiful voice".

Although Vera has been a former human, she was able to be gifted with a demonic name after her transformation into a vampire thanks to Arnold, who gave her this name due to her intelligence and cunning to convince people only by speaking, coming to have a very sweet and serene voice for him being able to listen for hours straight to Vera talking about the most absurd thing.

* The Greek nobility was very fond of hearing the heroic warfare deeds of their ancestors, with which they identified. The epic poems (from the Greek word epos, "narration") that recounted them were composed and transmitted orally by itinerant poets, called aedos or rhapsodists.

🫧 Callie: Nefeli — This name comes from the Greek 'nefos', which means "cloud". According to Greek mythology, Nephele was a cloud nymph created by Zeus from a cloud in the image of Hera. Mother of the centaurs, she is also the goddess of hospitality and appears in the story of Frixos and Elli and in the myth of the golden fleece.

The origin of her demonic name is more attached to the Greek mythology, since Camille was born as the spitting image of her mother Vera. So inspired by the myth, they decided to give her this name as she was the nymph with the image of Vera.

🫧 Belmont: Thaddeus — It's a name derived from Theodorus of the greek 'theos' "God" and 'doron' "gift; thus being its meaning "the gift of God" although "brave heart" is also attributed to its derivation.

Belmont was not given this name yet since he is only 7 years old, but when the time comes for his ceremony this would definitely be his demonic name due to his adventurous and energetic spirit, being quite a daring and unscrupulous child.

🫧 Herkus: Iasonas — Coming from the greek 'iason' its meaning would be "the healer". In Greek mythology, Iason was the Thessalian hero who led the Argonauts and went in search of the Golden Fleece, in order to regain the throne of Iolcos, his homeland.

This name was given to him by his own mother wishing that Herkus could get the throne since despite being a bastard son, he still has the right of inheritance even though the chance is quite low due to his reputation.

#owl clan lore #owl clan #diabolik lovers oc #irina avenel #zazu suwan #arnold avenel #vera avenel #belmont avenel #herkus adomaitis #((this was exhausting to write ngl))#((It's been a long time since I wrote so much info))#callie avenel

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lukecastellanshandholder · 2 years ago

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Time for another rant about how the fandom mischaracterizes Luke just because they think he's "pure evil", and how they make up reasons not to like him to try and convince people not to like his character just because they don't personally like it😌💜

(Buckle up! This one's a long one 😅💜)

Ok so, everytime I see someone with a "hot take" about how "Luke groomed everyone in the Titan Army to join him, especially the people from camp who joined", it makes me want to claw my own eyes out...

Like, if you really got that from reading the books, I suggest that you go and listen to this little bonus track from The Lightning Thief musical for a simplified version of what happened before Luke "turned":

https://open.spotify.com/track/2EQpuOfLqlcDeY1jz0BTE5?si=1YJzjtKHQx-KAk5CXXG7fA&utm_source=copy-link

That is exactly what I believe happened and how it went down. 100%

Because, you're going to look me in the eyes and tell me that the person who started all of this. Who has fought ever since meeting Hal in that trap of a house. Hal, a demigod who was tortured by the god's just because they got entertainment out of it. Who they punished simply for using the power that was given to him BY THE GODS. The same person who sacrificed himself to save Luke and Thalia and asked Luke to make sure that no other Demigods die in vain. You're going to tell me that Luke, the same person who promised Hal that he would do all he could to make sure that the god's were stopped and that Demigods stop dying by the hands of the gods, wanted to recruit his friends and others in general, on purpose, just so that he could watch them die? Going against everything he stood for?? Absolutely not!

I firmly believe that he desperately tried to get the others to rethink siding with the gods! He desperately tried to get them to stay out of it regardless of what side they were ultimately on! One verse from the song that really peaks my interest is Luke talking to Silena and saying, "Silena, we don't have to fight their (the gods) battles". Kinda sounds like he's, oh I don't know, trying to talk her out of fighting in a war at all!

But then there's more! Luke tells both Silena and Clarisse multiple times that they "don't have to choose". In addition, there is also one main part, this part right here:

[Clarisse:]

Now at camp we win

[Luke:]

(Hey)

[Silena:]

Be the champion

[Luke:]

(Wait)

[Girls:]

The Last Olympian standing!

[Luke:]

(It's their fight, why bother?)

He literally is asking them, 'why bother to fight their (the gods) fight'! But also, as both Silena and Clarisse are talking about winning this war, Luke is just asking them to 'wait' and almost in a begging voice asking them to reconsider. Now why would he do that? Because he doesn't want to see them get hurt because of the god's and fighting for them when, in Luke's experiences with the god's, they wouldn't even try to fight for their children.

Luke doesn't want to see two of his friends die, just like he had to watch Hal and Thalia die!

Now I know some are probably thinking "well, that's just evidence from the musical and that doesn't count as cannon to me." That's absolutely ok because, there is also a lot of evidence from the books, even if it isn't stated out right! So let's look at that evidence from the books!

First of all, is Annabeth. If Luke really "groomed" everyone at camp to try and join his side, why did he never really try to talk her into joining him? Because, if he were going to try and get any of his important friends/ family to join him, it would be her. He doesn't really try to talk her into joining him. It seems like after Percy comes to camp and before she goes on the quest, that he distances himself from her.

In fact, it doesn't seem like Luke has ever told Annabeth about his plans. I doubt he barely even told her about how he felt about the gods! He probably hid it because he didn't want her to see his struggles. Why? Because he wanted to protect what he saw as his only family from this war for as long as possible. Much like with Clarisse and Silena in the song, he didn't want her to "pick a side", he wanted her safe and not at risk of dying a senseless death. Luke isn't stupid, he knew or at least had the feeling that he would end up dying or being in major danger of dying at least. He didn't want her involved in the first place.

Besides, with Annabeth's infatuation with Luke, if he really was manipulative and "groomed" her, then Annabeth would've joined him in a heartbeat. They probably would've been long gone together to work on setting Kronos free before Percy even had a chance to meet Ms. Dodds. But Luke knew how she was and, that she was also growing frustrated with the gods, especially so with her mother.

Then we come to the events in The Titan's Curse. Luke does kidnap her, but only because he knows that Artemis and Percy will do just about anything to save her and take her back. He already kind of knows that Atlas is going to fail. He knows that Artemis is going to try and save Annabeth because she wants her as a hunter and, even though most god's don't care about Demigods, Annabeth falls into the catagory of demigod who she swears to protect. A young, wise, strong girl who may or may not be ready to renounce men for eternity. A potential recruit.and person to worship her.

Then you have the fact that Percy is of course going to come and save Annabeth. Luke knows this! He knows that it's going to happen because, if anything, he knows his enemy. He always knew that Annabeth would end up going back with at least Percy.

However, he does trick her into holding the sky for him, that is a given. But, she accepts the challenge and follows him blindly, which is even more proof that if he really were "grooming" her back at camp, she would've followed him almost no questions asked back then!

"But what about the other Demigods who Luke recruited from camp? So what he didn't groom Annabeth into believing what he thought! He still groomed the others!"

Why would you automatically think that? Do you not believe that there were no other Demigods at camp that didn't share Luke's feelings before he even talked to them about it?

The Demigods at camp are a pretty close knit community. They almost all know each other or have at least seen each other. They've all noticed how people they usually see walking near the lake, or ones that they usually see tending to others in the infirmary, suddenly just... Disappear or just never come back. Kids in the larger cabins have probably felt the pain of seeing a younger or older sibling go out on a quest and then a week later their burning that same siblings burial shroud.

All of the kids in the Hermes cabin have realized that, if they haven't actually been claimed by Hermes himself, that the their godly parent just... Doesn't care enough to claim them or, in Ethan and Alabaster's case, they're parents are "minor gods" and that the other gods don't respect them what so ever.

All that to say that, Luke definitely wasn't the first and only demigod to really look around at things and realize how screwed up things are. However, he was the first to have enough drive and power to try and find a way to put the gods "in their place". But, that does not mean that he groomed the other campers if they already shared his sentiments.

Then we have the recruits who didn't come from camp. I will admit, there isn't much said about these kind of recruits in the books. With that said, I believe that Luke probably did what he knew best. He probably saw Demigods out in "the wild", saw that they were about to either die a senseless death by a monster or, something to do with a god, and stepped on to save them. He probably ran into so many Demigods who were just like him when he was younger. Scared, confused, hurt, alone, probably a runaway as well. So, Luke took them in and offered them protection on the princess Andromeda.

Now, did things definitely change with Luke when Kronos was truly starting to take control of his body? Absolutely. However, even to the end, Luke's true goal never changed.

Try to stop Demigods from dying senseless deaths at the hands of the gods. Make the gods take responsibility for their children.

I'm the end, Luke just wanted Demigods to have better lives, to be treated better by their own parents. To not be left alone when they're just young and confused kids. And you know what? He sacrificed himself for that. And, even to his dying breath, even his death wasn't in vain or caused by the gods. His death helped kick start change, with Percy's help.

Percy, who in the end, saw what Luke truly wanted, saw his view on things, and agreed with him. The one Demigod who from the very beginning, Luke has no intention of bringing to his side. Which brings even more evidence to, if Luke really groomed everyone to join him because no one else would want to join him or understand where he's coming from... Then why did Percy end up agreeing with most of what Luke was fighting for, especially when he gets older.

So, with everything said; no, Luke was not a "groomer". What he was is a kid who was villainized since he was younger for something he quite literally couldn't control. He was someone who was wronged and manipulated by the gods and Kronos too many times. He was a kid who looked around at the crumbling world around him and vowed to make a change. He was the catalyst for that change, opening up people's eyes to how the world really was and that it could be better. In the end he was the unfortunate hero who was meant to bring change. And in the end, he did.

#soooo yeah #I got really into this and it turned out much longer than I expected #but still #thank you for coming to this ted talk #also #I said a lot about Annabeth but none of it was me trying to talk bad about her #i was just stating facts and my observations #but #... I always did say that I would write an essay about luke #this one just isn't in MLA format 😅🤭#i love luke #luke castellan #pjoverse #pjo fandom #percy jackon and the olympians

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mmvalentine · 3 years ago

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Pomegranate pt 6 | Feysand

Hades/ Persephone inspired AU. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 7

Rhys has them dressed in a flicker of magic, pulling Illyrian leathers from a pocket realm, and then crouches on the floor listening intently to the minds beyond the door. Feyre braids her hair with deft fingers, and looks sombre.

Rhys thinks vaguely that an enemy invasion is not exactly the afterglow he had planned after their first time, but he supposes that is not the most pressing matter at hand.

Now he is picking up more familiar voices. His army is here, and he has never been so glad to hear them. He speaks to Feyre in a quick, low voice.

"Alright. I have five hundred soldiers on the ground and more coming. I'm going out to meet Cassian but I'll send Mor to come get you. She can winnow you to the Night Court."

But Feyre puts a hand on his shoulder.

"Rhys," she says. "These are my people. I'm not leaving them alone while they're being attacked." Rhys wants to argue but then her canines are lengthening and her fingers turn to talons, and he remembers the power of the High Lord of Spring.

"You're a shapeshifter," he realises, and then feels he should be less surprised.

Feyre's beast is both like and unlike Tamlin's. She has gold markings around her face but her fur is velvety black. She is muscled and powerful, but sleek and streamlined. Her eyes do not change at all. Rhys takes her in, and is only more sure than even that she is made for the Night Court.

Feyre speaks directly into his mind.

When it's all over, come find me, she says. And then she slips past him and out the door, tail flicking through the air.

Rhys thinks for a moment that her creature is very beautiful, and then a Hybern soldier lumbers through the door with a broadsword, and the battle is begun.

Rhys locates Cassian shortly afterward, and the general is efficient as he is ruthless. The two brothers stick together for the most part, and although they are not defending their own home, Rhys thinks that in the end, all wars feel the same.

Hybern's army is surprised as Tamlin's at the sudden arrival of the Night Court allies, but even so they manage to cut a devastating path through the Spring Court. Rhys does not see Feyre for hours, but he does run into her father.

"What are you doing here, whelp?" The High Lord snarls. He's brandishing a bloodied knife in each hand, and his hair is falling in face.

"I was expecting something with a more grateful flavour, but I suppose it's difficult for you to muster manners of any kind," Rhys replies, brushing dirt off his shoulder.

"You sent the Hybern bastards to prove a point, didn't you?"

"Oh you really have lost it, old man."

"Don't even think about taking Feyre," Tamlin says, ignoring the jibe. "I've sealed her door. She's not going anywhere, not this day."

Rhys pictures her feline form slinking off with fangs gleaming and her tail flicking through the air, and says nothing.

"Call off your dogs," Tamlin growls.

"We are here to help, you geriatric ass."

"Why?"

"Because if Hybern gets a foothold in Prythian, we're all at war."

"Fine," Tamlin barks. "But stay out of my way."

He stalks off, and Rhys hopes Feyre's beast finds him and eats him.

///

The battle is over by sunset.

It is not swift, and it is not easy. Despite Rhysand's reinforcements and the element of surprise, the Hybern armies are strong and great in number. Cassian and Azriel stand dirtied and bloodied, their heads bowed together as they discuss what implications this might have for the safety of Prythian at large.

But Rhys doesn't care. Not now. He is weary and covered in filth, and he wants to be home. He trudges up the cracked staircase and goes in search of Feyre.

When it's all over, come find me.

Rhys casts his mind out wide, and wishes they had made a more concrete plan.

Feyre? he sends out softly. He's never spoken into Feyre's mind before, and doesn't want to scare here.

Then a reply comes, drifting across like a scent.

Here. Rhys receives the image of a dark room with slate flooring. He follows the thread through the house, until he finds Feyre in her fae form, curled around the body of a stout female.

Rhys crouches down in front of them.

"Hello love," he says softly.

"There are so many dead, Rhys," Feyre says. She has blood under her fingernails and dirt on her face, except for where the tears have tracked through it.

"I know."

"He could have stopped this, he could have evacuated or prepared or something."

"I know."

Feyre begins to rock back and forth, clutching the dead fae closer to her. Rhys lets her. It is long moments before she looks up.

"It's over, isn't it?" she asks him.

"Yes. It's over."

"And Tamlin?"

"He's fine. The Night Court soldiers offered to help clean up but he declined, so we're on our way out now."

"We?"

"Yes. All of us." He holds his hand out. "It's time."

Feyre looks down at the female in her arms, and back up at Rhys.

"Take me," she whispers. Rhys lifts the fae away, placing her gently on the stones a little way away. Then he kneels in front of Feyre and wraps his arms around her, tucking her head under his chin while she hugs him back as tight as she can. A second later, he winnows.

////

Feyre spends three days in Rhys's bedroom.

Initially, he gives her her own room. When they arrive in the Night Court, he helps her clean off then puts her to bed, and strokes her hair while she lies there unable to cry. She falls asleep eventually, and Rhys thinks he might give her some privacy. He pads back to his own room, but when he turns around she's following him with a fist in her eye like a tired kitten.

And so Feyre sleeps next to Rhys. She does not eat much, and does not say much; there are many of her kin she is mourning. And despite her being captive in the Spring Court all her life, she is also mourning her home.

On the fourth day, the inner circle intervene.

They creep into the room and perch around the bed, where Rhys is sitting with his back against the headboard and Feyre's head in his lap.

"Hello," Mor says shyly. The corner of Rhys's mouth lifts, because Mor is never shy. "My name is Mor. This is Cassian, Azriel, and Amren."

Feyre's eyes track around the circle, but she doesn't say anything.

"I know you don't know us," Mor goes on. "But I think we know you, a little. And we really want to be your friends."

Mor shuffles a little further up the bed, and looks to Cassian. Cassian blinks and then startles forward, emptying a bag over the mattress. He clears his throat.

"Rhys told us you haven't eaten much," he said. "So ah, we've brought you some things we thought you might like."

Feyre sits up slowly. Rolling over the covers are what seem to be an array of fruits, although she doesn't recognise many. There are flowers too, and the ones she does know are edible.

"We'll give you some space now, if you like," Mor says. "We just wanted to introduce ourselves."

"No," Feyre says. Her voice is scratchy from not being used. "Stay."

Mor beams at that, and Rhys knows it's her most winning, most luminous smile. No one can deny Mor when she smiles like that.

"We're really glad you're here Feyre," she says.

The others shuffle closer too now, and when Feyre picks up a fruit and rolls it in her hands, Azriel carefully plucks it from her fingers and slices it open with a black blade from his hip.

"This is a pomegranate," he tells her, handing it back. "It's an autumn fruit."

Feyre pulls it apart in her lap. "It looks like rubies," she marvels.

Rhys picks up a couple of seeds that have fallen on the bed, and places them on her tongue. "Welcome to the night court," he says by her ear, and the juice bursts bright and sharp between her teeth.

****

Argh sorry I know that was a clunky chapter and I CANNOT write battle scenes, I normally wouldn't try but I had to get Feyre out of the spring court yet without being helpless. So, bear with me I'm going straight back to my comfort zone I just had to move the plot along 😬

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST: @ghostlyrose2 @highladysith @stardelia @feysand-loml @tillyrubes10 @ratabrasileira @live-the-fangirl-life @maybekindasortaace @annejulianneh111 @thebonecarver @rowaelinismyotp @loosingdreams @whythefuckdoiexist @inejsarrow @swankii-art-teacher @sjmships @courtofjurdan @teddytdr @positivewitch @thalia-2-rose @darling-archeron @rapunzel1523 @fairchildjace @philosophorumaurum02 @story-scribbler @allthecolorsneverseen @asteria-of-mars @fandomstalker27 @realbookloverproblems @dealfea @s-tormwitch @cretaceous-therapod @whenyadoesntcutit @scatterbrainedgirl @tanvee1231 @endlessdaydream

#feysand #feysand fic #acotar #mine

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amaryllisblackthorn · 4 years ago

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a lot of people have this idea that Annabeth's been like, a Luke apologist and in denial since the very beginning but it's not really true?. Annabeth was angry at Luke for his betrayal in the end of Lightning Thief and during Sea of Monsters. It's only until the end of The Titan's Curse that she starts the 'Luke really isn't that bad' kind of thing.

the end of Lightning Thief:

"I can't believe that Luke..." Annabeth's voice faltered. Her expression turned angry and sad. "Yes. Yes, I can believe it. May the gods curse him...He was never the same after his quest."

"When I get back next summer," she said, "we'll hunt down Luke. We'll ask for a quest, but if we don't get approval, we'll sneak off and do it anyway. Agreed?"

She was really angry at him during Sea of Monsters. Her vision from the Sirens does indicate that deep down she may believe she's able to save him, or at least wants to, but it doesn't diminish the hurt and anger she does feel.

"How could you?" Annabeth sounded so angry I thought she'd explode. "Thalia saved your life! Our lives! How could you dishonor her--"

"Liar!"

"I understand you want to destroy the camp!" she yelled. "You're a monster!"

"Because you have none of your own [intelligence]!"

"That's disgusting!" Annabeth said.

"You're insane," Annabeth said.

"Go to Tartarus," she said.

All those above are on the Princess Andromeda with Luke. Then later, to Percy:

She shook her head. "We made a dozen safe houses like this. I doubt Luke even remembers where they are. Or cares."

Even in the beginning-ish of Titan's Curse, she doesn't trust him. When he's struggling under the sky and asking for her help, she's hesitant. It's only when the sky begins to fall that she goes to help hold it.

Annabeth had tears in her eyes. She reached down like she wanted to touch Luke's face, but at the last second she hesitated. "What happened?" she asked.

"Why should I trust you?" Annabeth asked. Her voice was filled with hurt.

Then the darkness above Luke began to crumble, like a cavern roof in an earthquake. Huge chunks of black rock began falling. Annabeth rushed in just as a crack appeared, and the whole ceiling dropped. She held it somehow--tons of rock. She kept it from collapsing on her and Luke with her own strength.

However!! There's a shift in her feelings by the time Percy and Thalia rescue her and I personally think it's because she's aware that Luke 'saved' her life for the time being after Atlas ordered him to kill her after Artemis took the sky -- even though he was super complicit in her being in that situation in the first place. Compare:

Luke hesitated. "She--she may yet be useful, sir. Further bait."

and

"We'll bring Luke back," Annabeth pleaded. "To Olympus. He...he'll be useful."

I don't think it's a conscious parallel on Annabeth's part per se, but Rick Riordan using the parallel to indicate the connection. I think that's when Annabeth discovers that Luke does still care deep down, and that deep down the person that she knows is there. which is fair, because before this point he hadn’t given her any indication seeing as he literally directed Oreius to eat her. that’s a whole ‘nother write-up, though, i think. i digress.

Once she knows this, she starts to view him as someone being manipulated and taken advantage of by Kronos, someone who was able to manipulate Ares, a god, in the first book, -- she's not wrong! He is being manipulated. That doesn't absolve him from his horrible behavior especially towards her, but she understands that Luke is a troubled, traumatized young man being taken advantage of by the evil King Titan, and she's also aware that literally no one else cares enough to try to save him.

like, the language Annabeth uses to describe Luke in the end of Titan’s Curse is the same that Percy uses to describe the demigods on the Titans’ side in Last Olympian.

"You don't believe me about Luke," Annabeth said, "but we'll see him again. He's in trouble, Percy. He's under Kronos's spell."

I tried to wound his men, not kill. That slowed me down, but these weren’t monsters. They were demigods who’d fallen under Kronos’s spell. I couldn’t see faces under their battle helmets, but some of them had probably been my friends.

there’s another callback with the language Percy uses to describe the opposing demigods in Last Olympian. this time, to what Percy says to Luke at the end of Lightning Thief.

“He’s brainwashing you, Luke.”

“You’re being used, Luke. You and Ares both. Don’t listen to Kronos.”

This kid was getting brainwashed—trained to hate the gods and lash out because he’d been born half Olympian. Kronos was using him, and yet the kid thought I was his enemy.

Poseidon put his hand on my shoulder. “Percy, there were only a few demigod warriors aboard that ship, and they all chose to battle for Kronos. Perhaps some heeded your warning and escaped. If they did not . . . they chose their path.”

“They were brainwashed!” I said. “Now they’re dead and Kronos is still alive. That’s supposed to make me feel better?

Percy has sympathy for the demigods manipulated by Kronos to be on the Titan’s sides; he sees them as victims. the reason he doesn’t for Luke, I feel, is because Luke’s betrayal made it personal. I think this is where Percy’s fatal flaw comes into play, honestly, with the personal loyalty. both in regards to the personal betrayal to Percy, as well as Percy’s loyalty to Annabeth (and thus Luke’s betrayal of Annabeth, too). and i feel this also applies, to a lesser extent, to Ethan. but that’s a whole ‘nother write-up, too (one day!)

there is, admittedly, the factor of Luke’s age in comparison to Percy, Annabeth, and most of the other campers. there’s definitely a power imbalance -- especially with Annabeth, which isn’t okay, obviously. so even though he’s a victim and young himself, that power imbalance in regards to his actions, manipulations, etc is messed up and not okay.

even so, Luke is still pretty young himself -- not as young as the others, but still young. like, i got into this series when i was younger than Percy and Annabeth were, so Luke, like most early 20 year olds, seemed very old to me in that regard; it’s only as i got older and closer to his are that i started to really realize that heck he was really young. so while Luke is definitely an adult in regards to the relationship he has with Percy, Annabeth, and other younger demigods -- which he should have been mindful of and makes his manipulation etc very messed up and not okay -- he’s also young himself which is something to keep in mind. like, Luke is only around 19-22? in the series. That puts him at a power imbalance in regards to Annabeth and Percy, in which he's very much an adult in the relationship, but outside of that he's still pretty young! he’s a college kid, which when you’re younger seems pretty old but then you are one and realize differently -- his brain hasn't even fully developed yet. but i’m like, seriously digressing.

my intended point was that i disagree with the interpretation that Annabeth was blinded by emotions and a toxic relationship which led her to make excuses for Luke and unable to see him for what he really was etc,-- because Annabeth was angry at him after his betrayal and had even thought he was different, that he didn’t care anymore. The ‘Luke apologist’ behavior only starts at the end of Titan’s Curse, the third book in the five book series. I just feel like her ... feelings? perspective? position? idk the right word.... is often misrepresented?

she becomes very defensive over Luke’s ‘inner goodness’ and stuff because she’s literally the only one who wants to save him and knows it. she knows what he’s done isn’t okay, but she keeps driving it home that he’s being manipulated because he is! it doesn’t excuse his actions but it doesn’t have to. by the end of titan’s curse, annabeth sees luke as someone terribly lost and no one trying, willing, or caring enough to save him. and like, she’s right when she sees luke as someone who isn’t beyond saving, who’s extremely lost and being manipulated through his trauma and anger -- it doesn’t excuse what he’s doing but that doesn’t make him someone not worthy of saving. despite what he’s done, luke is still her family and she will fight for him. she sees luke the same way percy sees the other opposing demigods in the last olympian and she’s right. she’s not making excuses for him, she doesn’t think he’s done nothing wrong, she’s just not willing to give up on him and she was right. as the child in the relationship/dynamic, it wasn’t her responsibility to be the one to save him and shouldn’t have been, but she wasn’t wrong in how she saw Luke.

like, their was definitely a power imbalance in their relationship and it’s definitely important to acknowledge that, but i feel like people tend to like, erase annabeth’s agency, for lack of a better word, and attribute her desire to save Luke as being tragically misplaced? like, Luke has totally wronged Annabeth and mistreated her terribly, but like...I find her not giving up on him mostly admirable and not pitiable, though like I said as the child in their dynamic it wasn’t her responsibility. i’m rambling though.

mostly this post was made to remind people that Annabeth was angry towards Luke, and rightfully so, until near the end of Titan’s Curse, which is where her defending Luke and insisting he could be saved really started, likely with Luke indicating he actually still cared deep down for the first time being the catalyst. especially since it seems a lot of people give like the impression they think she’s done it from the very beginning? idk ive definitely rambled a lot and lost my main point sometime ago or something. enjoy this anyway.

#annabeth chase #pjato #percy jackson and the olympians #luke castellan #ab analyzes #i'm kind of expecting this to be somewhat controversial idk #;the last olympian #;titan's curse #;the lightning thief #;i have at least two other related metas i want to write up so hopefully ill get around to that

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firerose · 4 years ago

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headcannons about each individual member kf the seven as dark?

So I decided to split this answer into seven seperate posts because otherwise it would be too long (I'm having to much fun wit this XD)

I'll post the first one here <3

Ok, here we go <3, Hazel: People expected her to change after Franks death She had lost her boyfriend at fourteen no one expected that to be easy So none said anything when she kneeled over his grave for five whole days and nights Reyna simply brought her food and hot chocolate and mourned with her But if they all could have had a look into Hazel's mind they could have seen the slow death of the sweet kind girl she used to be Thoughts of hate begin to burn inside her She asks herself why Juno who saved Franks stick from burning up as a baby refused to do it a second time. The question makes her storm up to Olympus, her brown eyes hard with anger Her friends are with her, Of course, they want to protect each other now that one of them has fallen Juno awaits them in her usual glory, tall with a cloak around her shoulder and .. jewellery precious metals decorating her arms and neck "Why didn't? Do you save him? Was he just a weapon you did not need anymore?!, hazel shouts out her suspicion and now people, gods and demigods alike begin to worry The queen of Olympus remains silent She sees the hatred in hazels eyes and regrets not answering her grandsons screams for help when he burned in the flames Her silence is Hazel's answer and in her growing rage the necklace on Juno's neck starts chocking the goddess Hazel does not feel remorse, only satisfaction as she hears Junos choking It is Percy's hand on her shoulder that snaps her out and Juno's necklace flys into her open hand "You will never use a demigod like that again I will make sure of that. She says and then with one last glare leaves Things are not the same when shes back at camp Jupiter Everything and everyone annoys her, reminds her of what she has lost They are around her all the time like, Leo who reminds her of Sammy, Jason who made Frank Praetor, Percy who loved Frank like a brother Whenever they talk about Frank she feels the desire to yell at them One time when Jason tries to comfort her once again she snaps "You don't have to do this just because you made Frank Praetor and you feel guilty.", Hazel tells him a bit too harshly and Jason leaves her She feels guilty so she does her best to act as grateful as possible from now on The days are very hard for her That is why she loves the night She hasn't forgotten the power rush she got on Olympus and that is why keeps practising She steals weapons from the night patrols She makes the tunnels under the field of Mars change so that they all lead to dead ends When some of the new Rome's war veterans talk about having seen lost loved ones at night Hazel pretends to not listen She just thanks Jason in her thoughts for telling her so much about the ones that fell in the titan war Hazel disappears two weeks after Frank's death The remaining five of the seven are devastated They immediately go searching for her but even after five months there is no sign of her Other demigods start whispering Even Thalia who visits Reyna often is part of those whispers She doesn't know hazel and Frank well and yet what she has heard reminds her so much of the story of a friend she had once lost He had been left alone with his fate with his insane mother just like Hazel Thalia fears that now that Hazel has lost a loved one she will seek revenge just like Luke once did. Nico and Percy are Hazel's greatest defenders They deny every rumour and says that Hazel just needs time to calm down it's the only thing that keeps them from drowning in their guilt Hazell has gone to her old home in Alaska Arion took her there It hurts to be back but here she is saved from the gods who used her and her loved ones She's so sick of being their pawn The years pass and all alone in this cold country Hazel's heart turns to ice A few old men yell insult her with racist phrases She controls the metal ankers on their ships to impale them She hears screams from her neighbour's house at night and so she breaks the metal lock to get in The man who is beating his wife only has a second to look at her before her senses reach metal and they find it......in his

blood She concentrates hand stretched out and the man chokes to death She leaves without a word There is no remorse in her, if the gods let her sweet gentle boyfriend die why isn't she allowed to kill a few bad peopöe One day she decides to return as thoughts about her past cloud her mind Someone has to show the gods that they can't treat their children like this She returns after ten years but does not show herself to her friends Maybe because she worries that they notice how much she has changed Instead, she decides to try to control the labyrinth just like Pasiphae once did The mist helps her to create new tunnels that lead wherever she wants them to go One day they lead to new Rome She just wants to look at how everyone is doing but when she sneaks near the city hidden in her magic she sees something that makes her furious Her friends have moved on She sees them celebrating with other Romans and greeks They celebrate Gea‘s defeat like it wasn‘t just a terrible unnecessary war they had to suffer through She hates that they enjoy their demigod lives They should have told the gods that they want to live normally away from both camps that endanger their lives Unfortunately, that makes her think of Frank and how he has ripped away from his life, his home country just to serve the gods Hazel feels her rage burning like an active Volcano close to erupting She walks up the hill over new Rome and looks down at the glorious city She could bury it without even trying For a moment she thinks about the lives that will cost but then again what else could make the gods notice their flaws She reaches for all the metals buried under the city She hesitates for a moment but then she thinks about Frank, his sweet smile and with a scream the earth starts shaking Buildings and temples collapse People get swallowed by big cracks in the earth There are screams horns are blowing Mist is rising and People hear voices whisper that this is god's fault They have to be punished for their mistakes It‘s like a storm of fog being thickest at the hilltop Hazel‘s old friends are filled with dread as they have seen those powers before Leo decides to fly directly into the mist together with Piper and Jason Hazel sees them approaching and a soft smile appears on her lips The mist lightens All demigods gasp Leo yells in despair He already blames himself for Franks death and now he sees that Hazel the girl he once loved has gone mad Her once curly short hair now long falls around her shoulders Her once brown eyes glow sickly golden as if the riches of the earth have taken control over her It drives him insane and so he rips out a hammer from his tool belt and attempts to attack her Hazel feels deeply hurt by this and so she moves her hands Leo is thrown of Festus's toolbelt made of metal turning out to be his curse Hazel smashes him into the ground a hundred feet under him Festus claws impale Jason and Piper before they have time to react Hazel feels a sting in her heart but she oppresses it The gods and their quest would have killed them anyway Percy and Annabeth are still in the falling city trying to get as many people out of there as possible They both try to ignore the corpses falling from the sky Percy‘s mind is still refusing that the girl he sees as a sister would do this He knows that she has to be stopped but how is he supposed to do that? He still loves her like a sister despite the lives she is taking Her real brother steps up instead Hazel can feel his presence behind her It makes her lose focus The citizens of New Rome cry in relief when the metals stop resurfacing Their city is in ruins but at least it has stopped Before Hazel can react skeleton warriors jump out of the earth restrain her by grabbing her arms She is furious about Nicos interference and struggles to escape „Hazel please it‘s not worth it just surrender and we‘ll talk about this.“, Nico says while he walks up in front of her. Hazel‘s heart breaks at the tortured look in his eyes and she realizes that she is the reason for it She disappeared She came back and murdered

hundreds She did it for Frank but she suddenly asks herself if Frank would have ever wanted to get justice in this way Would he wanted her to become hateful and obsessed with revenge just for him? As she looks into Nico‘s eyes regret strikes her „I……..I‘m sorry.“, She whispers with tears in her eyes. Nico smiles sadly happy that his little sister came to her senses He stretches out his hand to gently touch her cheek Thunder rumbles and suddenly a lightning bold explodes the hilltop right where the children of the underworld Jupiter feels nothing as he watches Percy, Reyna and Annabeth falling to their knees, sobbing and holding each other Hazel Levesque is just another demigod for him, a girl that could not get over her boyfriend Percy buries Hazel next to Frank all by himself New Rome is rebuilt with the help of the greeks The time goes by and slowly Frank and Hazel‘s names are forgotten Juno would love if they had never existed in the first place Whenever demigods speak of them they do it with anger and the queen of Olympus fears that one day a rebellion will start It's not often that their names are talked about but when they are people always refer to them as „Hazel Levesque and Frank Zhang. The couple that died in Storm and fire

#percy jackson #heroes of olympus #hoo #dark hazel #dark!seven #dark!Hazel #hazel levesque #frank zhang #leo valdez #jason grace #piper mclean #annabeth chase #thalia grace #frazel

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annabethisterrified · 4 years ago

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Book Review: THE TOWER OF NERO (The Trials of Apollo #5)

***No spoilers until you go under the cut!***

After months in the human form of Lester Papadopoulos, the former god Apollo is nearing the end of his trials alongside the young Meg McCaffrey. All their adventures and misfortunes have landed them back in the place it started-- New York. Meg and Apollo must defeat the final, most powerful emperor of the Triumvirate, who also happens to be Meg’s manipulative stepfather. Meanwhile, Nico, Will, and Rachel have important roles to play as the final battle looms. Even if they can defeat Nero, a more terrible enemy awaits in the form of Python, Apollo’s nemesis. Still, if they can succeed, Apollo will finally be restored to godhood. But after everything he’s been through, going back to the way things were doesn’t sound so great anymore. Apollo and his friends will have to find a new way to make all the sacrifices and pain they’ve experienced and witnessed worth it. That is, if they can survive their final trial.

As both the culmination of The Trials of Apollo series and the Camp Half-Blood Chronicles, The Tower of Nero excels at bringing the complicated, moving themes of the saga into final, meaningful reckonings. Nero proves to be a chilling and impressive enemy who forces Apollo and Meg to put everything they’ve learned through their journey together to the ultimate test. New and old characters combine to see the story to its end, and long-time readers are rewarded with actualized development and a bittersweet farewell. The Tower of Nero is a fitting and robust conclusion that shines with all the heart, humor, and growth that makes this saga a worthy frontrunner in children’s literature.

SPOILER SECTIONS BELOW

Welcome!!!!!!!!! Y’all. Y’ALL. I am REELING. If you’ve been around here a while, you probably know I’ve been online here since 2012 (?????!!!!!) where I subjected by followers to weird takes and frantic excitement about the upcoming installments of Heroes of Olympus, then Trials of Apollo. Since I was ten years old, this story has been such a huge part of my life. Now I’m 22 (?????!!!!). So. How am I feeling? I’m feeling like I need to flip over every piece of furniture in my house. In a good way. Look. I gotta break this down into three parts because I’m the worst!

I. TRIALS & TRIBULATION

The Trials of Apollo, to me, felt like the inevitable conclusion to Percy Jackson and the Olympians & Heroes of Olympus. We went through two series where we intimately followed the lives of young demigods growing up through two brutal wars, dangerous quests, and personal reckonings. Gods certainly made appearances, and some were more helpful than others, but the message was always clear-- the demigods were on their own. Two wars fought, two wars won, and at what cost? For what change?

Bringing a god down to earth (both literally and metaphorically) is really the only way a story like this could be rounded out. Especially when the god in question is Apollo. He’s the son of Zeus, who punishes him by turning him mortal. This family set-up already has enormous implications in reference to the previous chain of mythological events: Zeus killed his father Kronos, Kronos killed his father Ouranos, etc.

Prophecy is also the scaffolding of this entire saga. Everything is dictated by it-- every quest relies on it, most of the demigods we meet are led by it, and the whole Greek/Roman world seems to build their lives around it. My point is, Apollo was a great character to use as the mouthpiece of this last series. He’s been present throughout the previous two series, and he’s relatively unaffected by the Greek/Roman divide. The enemy, the Triumvirate, is also an exciting antagonist-- they’ve fueled and funded the previous two wars, and their obsession with becoming “gods” is loaded with implications as Apollo races to return to his own status as a god.

Apollo himself is also a completely terrible being. From the first pages through his perspective, there’s certainly little sympathy or commiseration with our narrator. Apollo is many things: spoiled, petulant, selfish, and arrogant. He is not good, and now, he is no longer a god. Still, his voice and struggle remained compelling and engaging throughout the series.

His bond with Meg McCaffrey is, without a doubt, the emotional heart of the whole series. I think they both see aspects of themselves in each other, and it was a genius move to make her the stepdaughter of the enemy. Nero literally sent Meg to be Apollo’s controller and thought that she would easily bring him down; the fact that both these very troubled people cling to each other in the face of such manipulation and frightening circumstances-- and then repeatedly choose to fight their ways back to each other time and again-- is really what makes this series work so well.

With Meg and Apollo at the forefront, after The Hidden Oracle the series takes on something of a “tour” format. We discover new places and revisit old characters across the country, which was definitely exciting for long-time readers to see familiar faces undergo even more development. (This might just be me, but I don’t think ToA can really stand on its own without the worldbuilding/establishment of the first two series-- that’s not a knock on it, but so much of it picks up where the previous series left off, which might make it a disorienting read for someone new to the world.)

Of course, the obvious midpoint reversal of the series is the death of Jason Grace in The Burning Maze. A flip switches completely-- not just for Apollo, but for the whole cast. This is not an incident that just “happens” and is swept aside. In the final two installments, Jason is threaded throughout the story, showing how grief is never truly over. But his sacrifice saved everyone he loved, and had profound impacts on everyone he knew. As brutal as it was, I appreciated how Jason really changed everything through his choice.

By the time Apollo and Meg return to New York in The Tower of Nero, they are better, stronger versions of themselves. The things they once wanted-- godhood restored, or a father’s approval-- are no longer appealing. Their development (both individually and as friends) is utterly believable and hard-won. We see characters from The Hidden Oracle return changed, too. Losing Jason has dredged up dark feelings within Nico, Rachel is warding off the influence of Python in her mind, and Will’s healer heart is put to the test in yet another final battle. (Listen, this kid played instrumental roles in The Last Olympian, The Blood of Olympus, AND The Tower of Nero. The fate of the world really is in his capable, glow-in-the-dark hands.)

Together, Apollo and team venture into Manhattan for a very intense, exciting, and profound final reckoning with Nero. (CHAPTER 20, ANYONE????) Both Apollo and Meg, once and for all, come into their own and reclaim their power and independence. The pay-off is immaculate, and it’s jarring to remember the Apollo we once knew-- the easygoing one from The Titan’s Curse, the snobbish one from The Blood of Olympus, and the self-pitying one from The Hidden Oracle. His development throughout ToA is seamless and incredibly moving, and we’re left with a protagonist that we can truly, unequivocally root for and love.

II. HAVE YOU LEARNED?

When Nero is defeated, the real enemy still lurks. Apollo’s age-old nemesis, Python, has long haunted him. Their final reckoning is one-on-one, and after everything Apollo’s learned and been through, he goes into his last battle not necessarily caring whether he lives or dies-- he just knows Python must be defeated, no matter the cost. Don’t get me STARTED on his last conversation with Meg!!!!?????? (”Just come back to me, dummy.” I LOVE THEM)

So, yeah, I’m already crying at that point. Apollo (slowly regaining his godhood) goes into this completely by himself, assuming all risk and responsibility. He’s forced to sacrifice the Arrow of Dodona, and eventually chooses to sacrifice himself by flinging them both down to Tartarus. But we don’t stop there! Oh, no, we go all the way down to Chaos. The primordial soup of all the pantheons, all of existence. Python crumbles, and Apollo clings to the edge-- he clings to life.

This is it. This is the literal rock-bottom moment of the saga, and I’m completely unsure of how he’s getting out of this one. Who’s going to rescue him? What can he even do at this point? Genuinely, I had no idea where this was going-- and I never would have guessed that it would be the goddess Styx who shows up. She’s played an important, but also very minor, role in ToA. I was baffled at first-- I thought, what does she have to do with any of this? But then it ended up playing out in like the most breathtaking, moving way possible. It’s one of the most defining scenes of the entire 15 books to me.

She only asks him: “Have you learned?”

This is the goddess of promises and oaths. Since The Lightning Thief, we’ve seen how oaths are tossed around like confetti. Percy’s very existence (not to mention Thalia and Jason’s) is because of a broken promise. An oath to keep with a final breath is one of the revisited elements throughout the Heroes of Olympus series. Apollo makes willy-nilly promises in The Hidden Oracle, which he later regrets.

Then, at the end of everything, Styx only asks Apollo if he’s learned. All the talk of promises and oaths in this story doesn’t actually have anything to do with “keeping promises”-- certainly, so many promises are broken we can’t keep track. It all boils down to whether we learn from what we experience and use that to become better people moving forward. It’s about making sure we mean what we say and what we do. It’s about commitment and devotion to the people we love and the things we care about. Promises don’t matter. Only action does.

I can’t understate how thoroughly pleased I was that this was the final reckoning of the saga. It was an unexpected and completely profound moment, and such an important scene to use as the emotional climax of the book.

III. WHERE WE GO FROM HERE

After 15 years and 15 books, The Tower of Nero had to find a way to bring the saga to a close without nailing the coffin shut. More standalone novels are surely on the horizon (I’m looking at you, Nico and Will), but as a whole, this saga did need to come to a satisfying end.

Let’s pick up after Apollo is restored to godhood. He wakes up to his sister Artemis, and the very first thing he does? After finally returning to his true form, the thing he’s relentlessly yearned for the whole series? He just breaks down sobbing. He’s miserable. There’s no relief or joy in the realization that he’s once again an Olympian.

I’m always a sucker for the trope of “Character does everything possible to reach Goal only to realize that Goal isn’t actually what they want or need at all”, so of course, I was moved to see Apollo learn that he doesn’t actually care much about whether he’s a god or a human anymore. (In fact, he later remarks that he envies Lu’s new ability to grow old and age alongside Meg and her foster siblings.)

I was doubly-moved that Apollo’s restoration to godhood was not an action on Zeus’s part. From what little context we get (a lot happens “off screen” and even Apollo isn’t sure), it appears that Apollo either reclaimed his own godhood through sheer force of will to return from Chaos and reunite with his friends, and/or Styx aided him. But it seems obvious Zeus wasn’t involved, which has HUGE implications for the power structure of the Olympians moving forward.

A lot of us, myself included, had certain expectations for how Apollo’s inevitable reunion with Zeus and the rest of the Olympians would go. I, for one, was excited to see Apollo either tell off his father, or possibly assume a position as the new Camp Half-Blood director or New Rome’s pontifex maximus. Instead, we got a somewhat quiet, but incredibly tense interaction between all the Olympians. The closest thing to an outburst is actually between Hera and Zeus, as she tells him off for not mourning his son Jason, as Apollo did. (Dare I say....I liked Hera for a moment?) (ALSO, I’m fully on-board with the theory that Zeus did not intervene in Jason’s death as a punishment for Jason publicly calling him “unwise” in The Blood of Olympus.)

The whole scene reads as a powder keg. Already, it’s established that Apollo, Artemis, and Dionysus (and possibly even Athena and Hera) have no illusions of Zeus’s grandeur. They do not view him as family, or even as a leader. He’s simply just the one with enough power to punish the rest of them when they get “out of line”.

Apollo began naming Zeus as his abuser fairly early on in the series. Perhaps witnessing the way Meg thinks and speaks about her stepfather Nero made this clear for him. In either case, he begins to explicitly mirror the very same advice he gives Meg in dealing with her abuser: distance yourself from the abusive person/situation, and accept that tyrants do not change and it is not your responsibility to attempt to make them “see the light”. Thus, Apollo makes no appeal or argument to Zeus– he understands by then that it’d be fruitless. Instead, he’s concentrating his energy on doing everything he can do with what he has; he’s committed to being a protector and friend of demigods, and he sees that other gods are beginning to (if not already) see Zeus’s wrongness. (More on this here.)

Was it what I expected going into the book? Nope. But I have to admit that it was really exciting to see Zeus try to hide the very real fear of realizing that his son Apollo is no longer afraid of him, and is quite possibly more powerful than him, too. Apollo switches gears entirely away from Zeus, and focuses his energy back on the friends he’s made and the children he has. It’s a refreshing reminder that it’s often more productive to concentrate on helping others instead of harming those who harm us.

That being said, I would have liked a few paragraphs or pages discussing what practical differences there will be for the lives of young demigods in the wake of this change. I understand that might not have worked given the very condensed timeline post-returning-to-godhood (the story ends literally the same day or day after), but I do hope and believe that Apollo’s transformation is going to change the way demigods perceive gods-- and what they will expect of gods in the future. Just look at how Apollo is received by the campers at CHB. They’re ecstatic to see him. They think of him as a hero. Apollo is coming back just to help and spend time with his kids, his friends, and the campers, and he’s going to keep coming back. The other gods are certainly going to feel some pressure to follow suit.

Speaking of Apollo’s reunions...shall we?

I loved that we got to see all the main-players one last time. Mimicking the “tour format” of the series, we get to watch Apollo catch up with his loved ones, who helped him learn how to be a better person throughout his trials.

It was sad, but reassuring, to watch Nico come to terms with Jason’s death. I like how he outlined the differences between Hazel’s and Jason’s deaths, and why he isn’t interfering out of respect for Jason. Watching Jason appear to Apollo (ambiguously as a ghost or as a figment of Apollo’s dream-imagination) was another moving reminder of the stark differences in the ways that different demigods prioritize and think about what it is to be a hero. Jason’s idea and Percy’s idea, for instance, are super different because of the way they were raised. Percy would put anything on the line for his family and friends; so would Jason, of course, but he also has a much broader view of what’s worth sacrificing your life for...which is admirable in ways, but also painfully sad, since a lot has to change in order for Jason’s death to carry weight. Over the course of the last two books, I think it’s very safe to say Jason’s death did change just about everything for the people who knew and loved him, and even those who didn’t.

Whew. Okay, back to Camp Half-Blood. Nico and Will are clearly now very comfortable with each other, and it’s refreshing to see how they both watch out for each other and bring out the best in one another. I’m excited for their inevitable solo book, but regardless, it’s good to see Nico getting the help he needs (from his own experiences, from Dionysus, Will, etc), and for Rachel to get some distance from her terrible parents by living out her art student dreams in Paris.

Then, we drop by the Waystation. I simply cannot get over the fact that Calypso is at BAND CAMP. Anyway, it’s unsurprising to find out that she and Leo are still “complicated”, but I’m glad she’s experiencing the highs and lows of mortal life, and that Leo is working on helping out vulnerable youth (and has two mom figures in his life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). Glad we get to see Thalia and Reyna both happy and healthy, too.

Next up, Camp Jupiter and New Rome. LOVE that Hazel and Frank have both reclaimed the curses that haunted them since The Son of Neptune. They really both did just...like...basically die to bring down the Big Bad and then come back better than ever. (Side note: I still obviously have issues with the fact that Hazel is SO YOUNG! There was no reason for her not to be 15/16 like the rest of the Argo 2 crew! Ugh.)

Anyway, then we say goodbye to Percy and Annabeth. Except for the annoying continuity error in terms of the timeline of them learning about Jason, I really really really loved this parting moment with them. I know some readers wanted Percy and Annabeth to stay in New York, but it always felt very natural and meaningful for me that they’d want to relocate to New Rome. That was always the Big Dream for most of Heroes of Olympus, and it makes sense to me that they’d choose to live somewhere designed for demigods to actually live and grow old and raise families. Besides, I’m quite certain they’ll frequently be visiting New York. I digress.

It was super bittersweet to see these two finally off on their own (and basically living together, as Apollo teasingly implies) going to college! Definitely a huge sigh of relief and satisfaction after following all their exploits since they were twelve. I’m so glad we get to see them (all things considered) happy and excited for their new life together. They certainly stepped back in this series, as they deserved. But they still lose Jason, and that’s something that weighs heavily on them and likely always will. Apollo calls Jason “the best of us”, and I don’t think that use of “us” is lost on Percy, Annabeth, or anyone-- Apollo’s identity and alignment is with them now, which will hopefully lead to positive change.

Then, simultaneously the saddest and happiest (?) reunion-- with Piper. This was obviously really heavy, since the last time Apollo sees her is in the wake of Jason’s death. For me, I’m very proud and excited by the fact that Piper is the only character who basically forges a whole new life (outside of the sphere of the Olympians) for herself. She’s far from other demigods and gods, and is committed to reconnecting with her mortal family and making a beautiful life. She has a new friend, too, which is absolutely awesome. (I mean, we all KNEW, right? But it’s really great to see this confirmed on-page.) When Piper told Apollo that he did right by Jason, I definitely lost it. And I also just really loved the final beat with her-- Apollo’s stammering a goodbye, but Piper’s already turned around to walk back to her new friend and her new life.

The final farewell, of course, went to Meg McCaffrey. She’s reclaimed Aeithales, and is now foster-sibling-extraordinaire by rescuing Nero’s other adopted demigods and giving them a new chance. Meg’s really matured and grown into such a kind and strong leader, but it was super bittersweet to see how much she still values Apollo. Their reunion just about broke me. They share a bond that no one else will ever understand, and they brought each other out of darkness that nearly ended them both. I literally can’t think of a better final dialogue than what they share:

You’ll come back?

Always. The sun always comes back.

I’m fine!!!

Anyway, this brings me to the closing lines of the story. Just as Percy opens The Lightning Thief by directly addressing the reader, Apollo closes The Tower of Nero by bidding farewell to us.

Call on me. I will be there for you.

On so many levels, this line works really well as the ending. For me, and I imagine for you too if you’re reading this, these 15 books are a pillar of our childhoods. We grew up alongside these characters, and found enormous excitement and identity and magic in these pages. The story may have come to a close, but it lives on within us-- it’s something we can return to time and again for enjoyment and understanding.

More than anything, this story pulled off something I didn’t really know was possible: it makes me feel genuinely and enthusiastically glad to be human, no matter how strange or hard it gets.

____________

My fifth-grade teacher assigned The Lightning Thief as mandatory reading when I was ten years old. I picked it up reluctantly, but from the first lines, I just completely fell into this story. Twelve years since that assignment, I’m now a traditionally-published author myself...writing about what else but mythology, of course. These books saw me from elementary school all the way to post-college life. It’s hard to imagine where I’d be without them-- certainly, I’d never have achieved my lifelong dream of becoming an author, nor would I have found such an incredible online community like the one I’ve found here. I consider myself extremely lucky to have grown up alongside these characters and their incredible story.

I know we’ve likely got more standalones in this world to come, but this is still the end of the saga. I’m sad to see it come to a close, but I’m so ecstatic with the send-off we got, and I’m excited to let the story settle and become a part of me-- something that will always affect how I see the world, something that reminds me of why I write, and something that’s always there to welcome me home.

#review #tower of nero #trials of apollo #the tower of nero #the trials of apollo

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lechugana · 4 years ago

Text

ρωμαϊκός

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Words: 6681

Categories: F/M, Gen

Tags: roman!percy, percabeth, no beta read, capture flag game, nico has a new pet, it’s a mouse skeleton

Summry:

AU where Percy is roman and Annabeth is searching from him. "But you still listened to me, Jackson" Annabeth replied with a small smile on her lips. "But I still listened to you, Chase" he repeated copying her smile, the boy's smile was predatory, the smile of a boy who knows he's going to get in trouble ... and he doesn't care.

Read it also on AO3

Romans exist Annabeth repeated over and over again as she walked beside Nico.

They were both leading the Greek camp, walking the streets of New Rome. As much as Annabeth wanted to pout, she couldn't stop admiring the columns, the buildings, the marble stairs… all the classic architectural elements that Annabeth thought would be in Rome, they were here, in San Francisco. The whole city exorbitated wealth and classicism, the people wearing a mix of robes and modern clothes, the streets lined with shops that had the smallest campers trotting from window to window. Among the people walked what were lares, spirits - ghosts - of the home, Nico had already warned them of them when he had visited the camp for the first time together with Jason and with the blessing of his father, becoming an ambassador of Hades ... Pluto .

Now that they were in Rome, Hades is Pluto.

And Athena, Minerva. And Minerva has no children and is not a strategist goddess. Here is a simple virgin goddess of the arts.

On the Field of Mars were two people shoulder to shoulder, dressed in purple, white and gold robes, like the ancient Roman emperors. One was blond-haired, and Annabeth knew instantly that it was Jason, his hair shining in the sunlight, while next to him was a Latin girl, with long dark hair in a braid.

"Annabeth. Welcome to New Rome” Jason welcomed, as he spread his arms before them, his blue eyes narrowing at his smile. “She is Reyna, the second praetor of Rome. Nico, you already know her. "

"Daughter of Minerva " Reyna reached out to Annabeth. Annabeth could notice how her siblings were tense, Malcolm was behind her trying to calm the little ones.

"Athena" Annabeth corrected in the calmest way possible, her body seemed calm, but she was watching every movement of the praetor. Annabeth had realized that the girl was just like her, a strategist ready for an attack at any moment.

"Welcome to New Rome" Reyna slightly moved one of her eyebrows. “Jason's friends are our friends. We hope that your instance here is as placid as possible. I'm leaving my colleague Jason to take you on a tour of our city, I have to attend to some business ”Reyna gave Jason a look, one of those looks that is only understood among familiar people, gave him a squeeze on the arm and left followed by her two metal greyhounds.

"Really, Jason? Minerva?"

"I know I'm sorry. I've told her- Hello to you too Travis, yes Connor, I haven't forgotten about you, I'm talking to Annabeth for a moment, can you-? Thanks, Malcolm” Jason tried to get rid of the Stoll brothers, Malcolm who was seeing everything from behind, grabbed the two brothers by their ears and led them to the other end of the Field of Mars. "As I said. I told Reyna, I told her everything I needed to know about the Greeks and Camp Half-Blood, but she is…” Jason waved his hand in the air trying to find a word. "Difficult?"

Annabeth studied Jason for a few more seconds, making him more nervous than he was, his hand kept moving his glasses and his feet moved slightly from side to side. Annabeth rejoiced knowing she made Jupiter's son nervous.

"I don't blame you Jason, you're just trying to do what you can." Jason's shoulders immediately relaxed at those words. Annabeth may have been proud but not a masochist. "Now show us where to stay, oh preator."

"Now do you know Latin?"

" I've done a bit of research."

---

Their rooms were simply a camp built by a group of Roman demigods on the outskirts of the city of New Rome, as far away as possible.

Big tents with all their amenities arranged for the campers, the smaller greek campers were hopping around, excited about a night of camping out in the open, the hut bosses were running after them to calm them down, though many of them gave up even before chasing them.

"I never would have thought the Romans would exist," Malcolm whispered next to Annabeth. They were both a bit away from the chaotic camp watching them. "I wish Chiron was here." Annabeth nodded slightly; Chiron had been her father since he ran away from his family in San Francisco. The two had been inseparable since she arrived at the camp shortly after Thalia's death, Chiron always came to her when she had a problem, always counting on her opinion in any matter that arose. “Do you think he will be here? Come on, Annabeth, don't look at me like that, we have the same mother,” he laughed. “You haven't stopped looking for him since the battle, and I know you're waiting for the right moment to tell Jason. Have you ever considered that maybe he is a fugitive demigod? "

Annabeth had indeed considered that this boy had become a fugitive demigod. A demigod without a camp, who wandered from one place to another away from monsters and without having a stable place.

“Yes, I have thought about it, but…” Annabeth could feel her cheeks flush with embarrassment, “it's a hunch, okay? I know it's stupid, but I feel like it must be around here."

Annabeth wanted to drown in humiliation, Athena's children didn't follow hunches, they followed clues and logic.

Malcolm stared at her for a long time, until his shoulders sagged in defeat, “Of course it's not stupid. I just want you to remember that there is a possibility that he is not here…” Malcolm shifted between his own feet, unsure. "Or that you will never find it."

---

The Romans dining room was not disappointing either. Long wooden tables adorned with fruit bowls, silver jugs filled with drink and glasses of the same metal. The Romans were talking and throwing jokes as well as food, some were speaking louder, while others were observing their companions.

The image itself was a shock to Annabeth, she didn't know why, but she had imagined the Romans as stoic people, eating meals without laughter or talking, but the image in front of her showed her that she had been wrong.

The sound of a glass silenced everyone in the dining room, Reyna was up with a small golden dagger and a glass of the same colour, "We want to officially welcome, both my partner Jason, like me" Jason like Reyna , raised and with a golden glass in his hand, but instead of being next to him he was at the table of the Greeks with his friends Leo and Piper. “We hope that your stay in Nueva Roma will be as comfortable as possible and that our relationships for the future will be strengthened and grown for prosperity. Iubentium."

“We are very grateful that you have allowed us to stay in your camp, we hope that, like you, our relationship grows and strengthens over time and for future generations, in order to have a powerful ally among us. Cheers.” While making the speech, she tried to look around to find the boy without attracting much attention, but not locating him, Annabeth focused only on Reyna. When she finished Annabeth raised her glass at the same time as Reyna, both looking at each other as they drank from her glass, calculating each other's every move.

"Nice speech" Nico murmured next to her.

"It's sarcasm?"

“Pf, yes and no. The speech was fine, but you could tell in the air how you were throwing knives at each other” he said simply as he swallowed four chips at the same time. Clarisse who was listening nearby snorted proudly at Annabeth.

"I do not like her. She’s hard to read,” Annabeth admitted as she tossed her food back and forth without much appetite.

“Normal” Nico drank from his Coca-Cola, “her mother is Bellona, the Roman goddess of strategy. She is also watching you Annabeth and can't figure you out. You both collide by nature- Will, I'm not going to eat a pear, I hate pears."

Annabeth let the two boys argue about nutritional values and her gaze began to search among the many heads of the Romans, but as before, no clue of that boy.

"Oh Hazel. What good find "Annabeth looked up listening to the voice of Jason. Hazel, she supposed, was the girl with dark skin and curly hair, the girl was very short in stature, maybe she was not over thirteen. She was dressed in a purple T-shirt and gold breastplate, her matching helmet carried under one arm, and a sword slightly too large for her hung from her hip. "Ah, I didn't know you were talking to your brother, I'm sorry Nico, but do you know where Jackson is?"

Hazel was thoughtful for a moment, but then shook her head, “He wasn't on watch today, and from what Frank has told me, I don't think he's in the stables. Maybe in the bathrooms? I do not know."

“Ah… don't worry, it doesn't matter. I just wanted him to meet the Greeks.” He turned to Annabeth when he saw her confused face. "Jackson is a ... how to say, a free spirit?" Jason laughed at the comparison. "He does not like to follow the rules very much and he always gets into trouble, surely you would get along well."

"He's my kind of man," Connor blurted out from behind his brother, his hair full of roots, growing little by little around his neck.

"Susan, please don't strangle Connor at lunch." Piper scolded Demeter's daughter from the other end.

"Susan, don't stop," shouted a son of Aphrodite from the other end.

The cries of the Greek demigods filled the air of the dining room. Some encouraging Susan to strangle Connor, Hermes cabin maliciously clawing at Connor's face to break the roots. Other campers rose from their seats to watch the show between Demeter's cabin and Hermes. Hazel who was still present next to Nico giggled at the ruckus that had formed in a very short time.

"I can't imagine what your camp will be like day by day."

Annabeth smiled at the teenager with pride warming her chest as she saw the scene that had been lovingly formed.

---

Ares's cabin exploded into cheers upon hearing the news that they were going to fight the Romans, at the same time, Hermes's cabin joined in the cheers, leaving the other campers staring at each other with terror in their eyes.

Annabeth studied Jason's proposal, she knew that it was tradition to have friendly fights (in the case of the Greeks to capture the flag), but after meeting Reyna, Annabeth expected any trap to catch the Greeks and give an excuse to the Greeks. Romans to attack them.

Nico and Piper were next to her, studying her reaction.

"Annabeth, I think Jason wouldn't have proposed this to us if there really was a trap." Piper tried to reason with her, inadvertently using her charmspeak.

"It doesn’t matter if he is a praetor, that doesn’t mean that they tell him everything" she murmured stubbornly, the two have been friends for a long time and her charmspeak no longer had that much effect.

"Nico, tell him that nothing is going to happen."

Nico, instead of answering, was silent with his two hands in his pockets, hunched over, looking at the ground, a small mouse skeleton curled up at his feet.

"What do you want me to say? What Chase said is true. ” Nico reached down and scooped up the mouse skeleton in the palm of his hand. “Jason is… a visionary. And visionaries tend to have a lot of ideas, and those ideas cause change. The Romans don't like change. They like tradition. And right now, the tradition is that both Greeks and Romans are separated, as they always have been. "

"You're no help, death boy," Piper growled, earning an angry scowl from the smaller boy.

"Can you feel if something bad is going to happen?"

"If someone is going to die?" Nico frowned again, but this time in concentration. "No. Everything is still fine; nothing feels out of place. "

"You see? No carnage is going to form,” Leo exclaimed jovially from behind Piper. "Don't look at me like that mija, it's a good thing!"

"But that doesn't mean there is going to be a catch."

Piper threw both hands in the air, finally giving up on this conversation. Annabeth was too stubborn to change her mind.

The girl from before, Hazel, came back together with a boy much taller than her and leafier, they both greeted Nico happily and he responded dryly, as always, too focused on his new skeleton pet. The two Romans were there to guide them to the weapons room, where they can equip themselves for the afternoon games.

Hazel was talking animatedly to Nico, her curly hair trotting as she walked, the boy a little further behind the two demigods, always keeping a safe distance from the son of Hades. Annabeth raised an eyebrow when she noticed that the boy was afraid of poor Nico.

The leaders of the huts tried to line up their brothers to give them the necessary weapons, but as always, no one was listening to anyone, so everyone ran to get the best weapon they could find. Both Annabeth and Nico stood at the gate watching, both carrying their weapons on their hips, Annabeth watched her brothers giving advice to the other campers on which weapons would suit them best in battle, while Nico watched Will trying to calm her down. his brothers when it came to catching arrows and bows, a small group from Apollo's hut stayed behind Will, hinting that they would be the paramedics on the battlefield.

When everyone was already armed and protected with armour, they followed the two Roman boys to the Field of Mars.

“Wow, why do they have a battlefield? I also want one!" Ares's hut began to protest as they admired the battlefield.

"And have you seen his armoury?"

"I do not like. It's all outdoors, I prefer to be in the forest. "

“So you can tangle me with roots again? No thanks."

"I told you it was accidental!"

"Unintentionally does not mean catching someone with roots and hanging them from a tree."

"Mathew is trying to cast a spell on me!"

"The Romans are going to crush us," Nico muttered.

Annabeth didn't have the mind to worry about the campers, she already had different routes and strategies in mind to fight the Romans. Yes, the Romans may be very meticulous and were known worldwide for their formations on the battlefields. But the Greeks had a factor that they did not have, they had no order. The Greeks were neither orderly nor organized, in the battles each one went on his own, without following any training, and that freedom when fighting could give them an advantage right now.

The Romans were already in the middle of the field, all standing in ranks and cohorts, dressed in golden armour and red shields. The image gave Annabeth chills.

In front of the five cohorts were the two praetors, both dressed in purple capes and like the other Roman campers, in gold armour. Whereas Jason had an excited glint in his eyes as he spotted Leo and Piper amid the tide of demigods; Reyna, on the other hand, her gaze was not as friendly as that of her partner, with her arms crossed and her back straight she watched as the mestizo camp arrived at the place.

Annabeth wanted to get rid of the bad feeling she had in her body, she could imagine what the Romans were seeing when they arrived at the place, a group of unstructured demigods walking scattered around the place, some were running around, others were on top of others, some they were lagging in the back. Annabeth shook her thoughts, the Greeks defeated the army of Cronos, a titan, they were not weak.

When Annabeth arrived at the scene, standing in the front row, with the entire camp behind her, she watched Camp Jupiter, some of the campers who were there laughing at each other as they shot them glances.

“As you are smaller in number, a cohort will help you during the games. Fifth cohort."

The first cohorts began to laugh among themselves as they looked at the last cohort, in it, the two centurions in front were visibly discouraged. One of them took out a flask and began to drink from it, while the other centurion tried to shake him off.

"Each group go to your place."

And with that said, each group went to one side of the field. Annabeth waited for the Fifth Cohort to approach them.

"Good luck with the graecus."

"In the end, the outcasts gather among themselves."

"How many victories are we going to have already?"

"I think twenty-seven."

"No, thirty."

Despite the comments from the campers, one of the centurions tried to liven up the atmosphere, cheering up his subordinates, giving smiles and patting on the back, while the other centurion continued to drink from his flask while visibly leaning on his companion.

“We are the fifth cohort. Jason has told us a lot about you” the centurion introduced himself. "I'm Gwendolyn, and this is my partner Dakota ... don't worry he's drinking Kool-Aid", slapping her hand on the flask caught his attention.

"I hope you like losing." Dakota lifted his flask and took a sip. Annabeth raised an eyebrow.

"Annabeth. I guess you know who Nico is. She's Clarisse… There is Will… Oh, this is Piper…” Annabeth rummaged through the other campers with the cabin leaders, but seeing that the Stoll brothers were doing their thing, she stopped naming with a sigh.

"Are you all the praetors?" Dakota exclaimed upon hearing the number of names Annabeth had named.

"Mn? Oh no. We are the cabin leaders. A cabin by God. "

The Fifth Cohort gaped at them. Apparently, they did have more differences than they imagined.

“We are always defending ourselves. It's easier to accept defeat.” Gwen shrugged.

"Pathetic" Clarisse snorted. Both Ares's and Nike's cabins supported her.

"You don't know who is in the first cohort!"

"Of course, we don't know, we are new, remember?" said Fred, a Hermes boy, who bore a horrible resemblance to the Stoll brothers.

"And we do not care, we are going to crush them" a girl from Nike jumped up from behind, hitting her fist with her hand for more emphasis, both Nike's cabin and Ares's hut jumped in cheers at those words.

"Let’s not get so excited, they are not monsters ..." A child from Iris tried to quietly calm the other campers.

"Shut up Eugene."

Annabeth sighed and looked sideways at the Romans, "We never stare." Annabeth turned to be seen by both Greeks and Romans. "We are going to attack. Romans and Greeks. Will, choose one of your brothers to go into battle for medical help. Nico, I think you already know what to do. Nina, she will give you some inventions from Hephaestus's cabin, listen to her well what they are for. You Romans, stand in the front row, shields raised and prepare to defend. "

Annabeth watched as everyone fell into place. Will named some of his faster brothers to go to the field, while Nico caught some of the Hermes and Demeter campers explaining the plan. Piper, in the background, was practicing her spell-talk with Leo. Nina was handing out small gadgets to some of the campers followed by Hecate's children who were giving some explanations of how they worked. Clarisse, along with Nike's hut and Ares were sharpening their weapons, looking with sharp smiles at the Romans scaring them.

"How do you know we are going to win? She is nothing but a daughter of Min… Athena. And they are Romans, and they always play dirty, no matter what you do, we are going to lose” Annabeth made out Dakota's voice behind her as she fixed her golden bib.

"Athena always has a plan." Annabeth smiled at Malcolm's voice.

---

Ugh. Annabeth hated fighting in the open field, she preferred to fight in the woods of the half-blood camp, it was easier to hide there, and the trees helped her to form even more convoluted plans than usual.

From his place he could see how Reyna flew over the fields of Mars on the back of her pegasus, even from there he could see her frown and how she judged them from the sky. On the floor and sitting in a box, Jason was looking at them with bright and expectant eyes, Annabeth couldn't help but think that Jason looked like a labrador retriever, wagging his tail from side to side excitedly.

On the other side of the field were the other cohorts, preparing for battle, from her place, Annabeth could see as they were placed in an attack position, prepared to fight.

"Are you sure it's going to work?" Malcolm appeared behind her.

"I hope so." Malcolm glanced at her, looked like he wanted to say something, but at the last moment he closed his mouth and hunched his shoulders in defeat.

"They look prepared," he simply said. "I'm scared."

"For us?" Annabeth this time looked at him raising an eyebrow.

"Mn? No way. For them. I don't think I've ever seen Clarisse so excited in a battle, I think I've heard her say she's going to try to split the Romans in two. The Romans have never had to endure the fury of the sons of Ares. "

"And the Nike ones," Annabeth recalled.

"Don't remind me, ugh."

Both Annabeth and Malcolm laughed as they watched the Romans on the other side moving from side to side.

A trumpet sounded from overhead, Annabeth raised her head and saw Reyna look her directly in the eye. All of this was challenging. A challenge to see if the Greeks were worth it. And Annabeth already knew.

Taking one last look at the Romans already in position, she went to hers, raising her eyebrow in recognition of Reyna.

---

“Gwendolyn, I need you to help us form defences. Get into position swinging line, on the left flank, not right. Put the archers in the first row, not in the last, and then in the second row put an arrow line. "

Gwendolyn looked at her with wide eyes, shocked to hear the Greek know the Roman techniques and embarrassed that she did not know any Greek techniques. With a nod of his head he ran after his fellow Romans giving them Annabeth's orders.

Seeing that her zone was in motion, she braced herself. Praying that he hadn't been wrong.

From her spot she could see how the fifth cohort got into the position she had said, thanking herself for her curiosity in having studied Roman defence tactics. The fifth cohort advanced from their position, alerting the Romans to their orthodox attacking position, the archers should be behind not in front, and it was the right flank that was more protected than the left, just as soldiers with arrows should be in the front row. Annabeth heard the confused sounds of the other cohorts when she saw that position, cracking their positions and hesitating when attacking, she could hear the confusing sounds of the enemy cohorts from her place. That made her smile.

After appreciating their tactics in action, Annabeth jumped into action. Picking up her dagger, she jumped to the right flank, seeing that the defence of that area was weakened, running between the Roman and Greek campers.

From her place she could see Nico's signal, probably aided by his sister Hazel, a lump, almost imperceptible on the ground, with a silver coin gleaming in the sunlight. Taking a deep breath, she lunged for the signal, dodging and kicking the Romans, and the Greeks pulling away with experience. She could see the silver coin shining brighter every time she got closer, but halfway there she saw a group of Romans rush over the sign, taking it to the other side of the field.

"Shit," Annabeth blurted out after someone tackled her.

"Minerva's daughter," a Roman hissed. The boy had a shield almost the same height as him and was covered by golden armour. His face was covered by a helmet of the same material. Annabeth snorted at those words. Right now, he didn't feel like fighting an angry idiot. "You are going to learn to respect our goddess-"

Without letting him finish the sentence, Annabeth lunged towards the boy and he raised the shield reflexively, just before she hit the shield, Annabeth turned to the side, surprising the Roman with a kick to his back, throwing him to the side. From above, Annabeth raised her dagger to threaten the boy at her feet, but when she raised her hand, she realized that his dagger was gone. Looking everywhere for it, she acknowledges that the poor dagger had disappeared at the time of the tackle.

Annabeth wanted to hit a wall.

"Annie!" Piper yelled from her right throwing something at her. Annabeth reflexively raised her arm and saw that what Piper had thrown at her was nothing more than a stick in the shape of a 'y'. “Don't look at me like that, it was you who asked me to look for him if there was an emergency. Hey you! You are very sleepy ... be careful! oh, he fell head-on, do you think he'll be okay? That had to hurt. "

Annabeth shook her head and took the stick in the shape of an 'y' and with a calculated blow she hit the boy at her feet on the head knocking him unconscious. Taking the stick by its shorter sides, she put the longer stick in front of him, pointing her way. Pointing it to the ground.

The stick had not yet moved, leading Annabeth to despair, the Greek kept pacing back and forth, sometimes in circles, looking for the stick to vibrate. Was she wrong? She was seldom wrong, and she was too proud to accept that she was wrong. In addition, she was the daughter of Athena, she could find another solution, every problem has a solution. A small vibration went up his arms, jumping from his place he saw the long stick vibrate to the ground. Releasing the air that she did not know she was holding, she followed the vibrations of the stick, following the path that led to the stick vibrating even more. She stayed above a point where the vibrations had made her arms not stop shaking.

It's here. Annabeth thought.

A clash of metal made her raise her head.

"Do you want to become a skewer or what?" The boy in front of her yelled from his helmet. That boy had stopped an attack from the other side, an attack that was going for her. Snorting, Annabeth ignored him, but marked with her foot where the stick had pointed. "I've saved your life and that's how you thank me-"

Annabeth pushed the boy away when she saw from the corner of her eye that another Roman was going after them, throwing the boy to one side, she dodged the spear by turning on herself, grabbed that spear at the same time, pulling the Roman towards her and knocking them out with one of his elbows.

Turning around, she saw how both the boy and she were cornered by a group of Romans with their spears pointed at them. They both unconsciously approached each other, touching each other back to back, noticing their breaths. The boy's helmet fell right next to the two boys, Annabeth imagined that the boy had thrown the helmet out of frustration.

"You are surrounded" shouted one of the Romans.

"Really? I didn’t see it” the boy behind him said slightly, the boy resting his head on the crown of Annabeth's head, thanks to the fact that he was at least half a head taller than her.

"Surrender."

The group of Romans stepped forward, further closing the circle that the two boys had around them.

Annabeth surveyed her surroundings, still noting the weight on her head. Out of the corner of his eye he saw that the boy was wearing a short-sleeved shirt, revealing his tattoo on his arm. Annabeth's heart leapt at the sight of him.

"I have a plan."

"Huh. It's going to be suicide."

"Maybe. But I'm not going to lose to the Romans."

"Do I have to remind you that I am a Roman?"

Annabeth wanted to kick him. "There is water below us. Use it."

Annabeth noticed how the boy tensed behind her. "I cannot."

"Yes, you can. I've seen your tattoo."

The boy gulped, his breathing shallower and faster. "I've never done."

You're must be kidding me, Annabeth thought. "That's not what I saw in New York, seaweed brains."

"Gods, you're wise girl" Seaweed brains let out a slow breath, Annabeth could tell how the boy shook his head slightly. "I still remember you, you know? That back kick hurt too much."

"I took a stab for you."

Seaweed brains laughed shaking his shoulders, "I still owe you one, now that you mention it."

"Well, if you owe me one, use the water." Annabeth nudged him in the ribs as he hissed between her teeth.

"It’s not that easy. The Romans hate everything that surrounds my father, remember? Give thanks that they let me be in this camp" little by little, both Annabeth and the boy were placed in attack position.

"And what difference does it make if they hate you, all the more reason for you to use your power, they won't change their opinion of you."

"They can kick me out of the camp."

"You have another camp on the other side of the country."

Seaweed brains turned, making her pull with him. The breath of Annabeth stayed in her throat. The boy was just as she remembered, if not, even better. He had grown in recent years, his hair, which was short before, was now longer and even blacker if that was possible, making his long hair tousled as if he had walked by the sea. His sea green eyes shone with that expression of melancholy and sarcasm that captivated Annabeth the first time she saw him. Even his skin glowed a golden hue in the San Francisco sun, and he had grown in recent years, becoming taller than her.

"You're still as eloquent as the last time I saw you, wise girl."

"I didn't know you knew that word."

"I've done a bit of research. I still remember not understanding half of the words you were saying."

"But you still listened to me, Jackson" Annabeth replied with a small smile on her lips.

"But I still listened to you, Chase" he repeated copying her smile, the boy's smile was predatory, the smile of a boy who knows he's going to get in trouble ... and he doesn't care.

Seaweed Brain put his hand into a fist and instant water came around the couple, drowning the group of Romans who were around him. Annabeth heard the screams behind the wall of water, she also saw how the Romans tried to swim among the torrent of water, dust and sand, spears and shields sailed without an owner. Lowering his hands, the water calmed down as the tidal wave of Romans, weapons and shields fell to the ground.

"Here" Seaweed brains threw a dagger in his direction. Annabeth took it instinctively, realizing shortly after that it was her dagger. "You had lost it."

A scream sounded behind Percy, causing Annabeth to act quickly, making the Roman a hold on his arm and throwing him with all his might to the ground.

"Ugh, that had to hurt" Percy giggled, scratching his neck slowly. Walking towards the Roman he leaned out so he could see his face. "Now someone has suffered what I had to suffer. I still don't know how you can lift all that weight like nothing. You told me you were going to teach me, wise girl."

A horn sounded from the sky, ending the battle. Annabeth rose from the ground, stepping over the fallen Roman and standing by Percy's side, staring at the mess he had made. The water had formed a diameter of at least two kilometres, washing away all the opposing combatants, leaving the allies dry. Awesome.

"The Greeks have won" Reyna's voice rang out over the entire battlefield.

"Wow. As always your plans work" Percy glanced at her. "I thought you were going to be more excited to see me. It's been a few years now that I think about it, how's Grover doing, I tried to talk to him, but-"

Teary-eyed Annabeth silenced him with a fist on his jaw.

---

The first time Annabeth saw Percy was in New York, a few months before the battle against Kronos. The boy had run into her while on the run against a monster. Annabeth, out of sheer instinct, grabbed his arm and helped him escape from the monster, both working in perfect coordination, which caused Annabeth to have chills all over her body.

Annabeth and Percy had been partners ever since, both working shoulder to shoulder to defeat Cronos. The only problem was that Percy was never at Camp Half-Blood, always making excuses when Annabeth told him to visit.

It was when Grover showed up that Annabeth got her confirmations on Percy. He was a Roman demigod, not a Greek, he was the son of Neptune, not Poseidon. A strange sensation had risen up the girl's back, she could even notice her mother looking at her with accusing eyes.

You have joined the enemy. With the enemy.

She even noticed how a bubble of hatred grew when he thought of the Roman demigod, but when he saw those green eyes, the bubble exploded. The boy was looking at her fearfully, his eyes staring at the ground, preparing to leave her sight, but he also had a defeated look, as if he already knew what was going to happen. Annabeth shook off the feeling of that bubble of hatred and smiled at Percy, making that look the boy had disappear in a moment.

From that day on, Percy, Grover and Annabeth were inseparable, always staying at the boy's house to make plans, although it was more like Annabeth making plans and Grover and Percy eating Miss Jackson’s cookies. Part of her time she was asking about the world of the Romans, her curiosity floating around as she listened to the information the boy gave her. She learned that Neptune was not as respected as in the world of the Greeks, she also heard how Percy told him the threats he suffered when he tried to use his control over the water. The only person he got along with was Jason, a son of Jupiter, they were both in the same cohort, and now they were more than friends, both always together, despite the voices of the lares and the other demigods, all of them wanted to keep the great Jason away from the son of Neptune, a boy who only brought bad luck and trouble.

Annabeth and Percy grew closer each day, somehow Percy complemented her. On the outside it seemed that he was nothing more than a handsome boy without a head, but being almost living together in the boy's house, Annabeth realized that it was only the boy's personality, he was much smarter than he seemed, filling in the blank holes of Annabeth's plans. He also had blind faith in her, something that caused her mixed feelings. His fatal flaw was loyalty, Minerva had told him on one of her missions.

And the day of the Battle of New York arrived, they decided it was better than Percy did not speak about his Roman lineage, both say that Percy is a fugitive demigod, and had seen the danger had formed in his city and he had come to help.

They both fought shoulder to shoulder, as if they had grown up a lifetime together. Both protected their backs and threw themselves for the attacks that went to the other.

In the battle of the bridge, when Rachel came to speak about the prophecy, Annabeth stood in front of Percy, blocking a lunge that went for the boy, falling seriously injured. Annabeth did not remember much of what happened next, she only noticed painful palpitations in her body, how little by little her body became cold, but at the same time the wound was burning. There was a moment when he opened his eyes and looked Percy in the eye.

“You are cute when you worry, with your sulky eyebrows. "

Thanks to the great work of the Apollo children, Annabeth was at 75 percent of her abilities, and ready to fight Kronos. The three friends, Percy, Annabeth and Grover went to Olympus to finally fight Cronos.

The memory of Eric still hurt Annabeth, she remembered how she had given her life to betray Cronos, despite the fact that his betrayal was useless, since Luke's body was bathed in the Styx river. Eric's words echoed in their ears, asking for their help so that the next generations of demigods were recognized by their parents. After Eric's death, Percy had given the knife to Luke, having full faith in Annabeth and that her persuasion would bring Luke to light. The knife entering the demigod's body caused Kronos's body to turn to nothing but dust, leaving Luke's dead body.

Annabeth had fallen to her feet, clutching Luke in her arms, Percy and Grover on either side of her. Annabeth knew that Percy couldn't stay in this place for long. Rising up with a force she didn't know where she had gotten it from, she had escorted Percy to the elevator, leaving Grover by Luke's side and helping Thalia somewhere on Olympus.

"I have to go back to Camp Jupiter," Percy whispered, they were both about the same height, their eyes being on the same level. Percy's eyes were red, and pockets of water accumulated in them. Annabeth's eyes were surely worse.

"Before the gods return," Annabeth whispered as well.

"We will see each other again" the phrase sounded more like a question, green eyes searching for something between grey eyes.

Annabeth didn't answer him but kissed him at the elevator doors. It was a soft and loving kiss. Annabeth didn't know when she was going to see him again ... or if she was going to see him again. Before the boy could say anything, she pushed him into the elevator.

"Chase, we'll meet again." This time it didn't sound like a question, but rather a statement. The sea green eyes held great determination.

And the doors were closed.

And it took two years for me to see him again.

---

The Romans around her gasped as Annabeth knocked Neptune's son down with a punch to the jaw. Annabeth didn't let him get up, getting on top of him putting an arm around his throat, hinting that she would strangle him without a doubt.

Percy, instead of revealing himself, laughed under her. His green eyes sparkled with new light, tearing at the wide, white-toothed smile he now wore. Some of his freckles that came out from the sun were hidden among his wrinkles. From above Annabeth could see the resemblance he had to Poseidon, both with black hair and brown skin, and both with the same wrinkles next to their eyes that appeared when they smiled.

"You're cute when you worry." Percy held up a finger, putting it in the same place Annabeth had put it two years ago, between her eyebrows. "With your brows furrowed."

Annabeth whimpered and lunged toward the boy, hugging his shoulders and neck. Annabeth could hear the boy giggling as he hugged her back. Raising her head, through the tears she only recognized those green eyes that had haunted her for years and without thinking twice she kissed him.

#AO3 fanfic #pjo fanfic #percy jackson #annabeth chase #percabeth #roman!percy au

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halfbloodallbitch · 5 years ago

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God Swap Au

(The way this au works you take to characters and swap there godly parents. I decided to add Will because I need to keep the numbers even and I don’t think Bellona has a Greek equivalent)

Percy:

Son of Athena

There’s no Gabe in this au cause he’s not needed

Percy is really into Mythology (not just Greek but every kind), Ancient history and biology

His room looks like an explosion in a book store. He does have a system but it seems to only make sense to him.

He can give of mad scientist vibes

Annabeth:

Daughter of Poseidon

She loves building model ships and hopes to one day design the fastest boat there’s ever been

She still ran away from home when she was seven and she still met Luke but in this au it’s just the two of them.

She isn’t claimed until years later after she’d already met and befriended Percy.

She was worried Percy wouldn’t want to be friends with her anymore but he reassured her that that wasn’t going to happen

Jason & Thalia:

Children of Pluto/Hades

In this au they were the ones who lived during the 40′s

Their mother died from alcohol poisoning around the same time the big three prophecy was made

Realising he had to hide them, but couldn’t hide them together due to being greek and roman Hades/Pluto sent Jason to the Lotus Casino until it was time for him to go to the Wolf House.

Before he could think of what to do with Thalia Zeus attacked and killed her.

Decades later Jason found her and escaped the underworld with her.

He tried to take her to Camp Jupiter but they got separated along the way and she ended up at Camp Half Blood

Hazel & Nico & Bianca:

Children of Jupiter/Zeus

Both born in the modern day

Nico and Bianca’s mom was a big city lawyer who moved from Italy to the States

She died after her office block was attacked by someone who’d lost a case to her

They were sent to Camp Half Blood where they arrived around the same time Percy did.

Two years later Bianca meets the Hunters and decides to join them

After she dies Nico does run away but it doesn’t take long for Percy and Annabeth to find him and bring him back. He’s known them for three years and he has friends at camp who he already misses.

Nico has a toy plane modelled after the frecce tricolori planes and dreams of being a stunt pilot one day

Hazel was also born in the modern day, and in this au never died.

Her curse is she can’t touch people without accidentally electrocuting them. Usually it’s only a small shock but there are times it’s killed people.

Out of fear she covers as much skin as possible and refuses to touch anyone.

When Jupiter claims her everyone starts expecting her to take a leadership role much to her frustration.

She ends up turning to Jason for help and quickly figures out this Pluto kids a much better leader than she is. It’s just no one wants to listen to this weird kid who talks funny and appears and disappears a little too quickly and quietly

Will

Son of Aphrodite

He has the power to make anyone fall in love with him, romantically or platonicaly. He never uses the romantic side of his powers and only uses the platonic side if he’s in danger

Nico calls him Pretty boy

He’s the one everyone turns to first when they have relationship problems or just need to rant but don’t think their friends or siblings would understand

When he becomes the head of the cabin he makes a strict no shipping fellow campers rule.

Piper

Daughter of Apollo

She’s more on the musical side, though she does keep a small first aid kit in her saddle bag which she carries everywhere

Whenever she sings everyone has to stop and listen to her no matter what they’re doing

She can also play the flute. She can control mice by doing this earning her the nickname Pied Piper from Leo

She is quick to prove wrong anyone who accuses her of just being a healer with a pretty voice

Leo

Son of Ares

He gets very angry if he sees someone picking on someone smaller than them, even if said person is bigger than him

He’s gotten into a lot of fights because of this

Eventually his mom had to send him to the wilderness school because he’d been expelled/ran away from all the local schools and three military schools

Whilst he was there she died

He tends to use his sword for everything, including opening tins, picking things of the floor and at one point scratching his back. Piper yelled at him for five hours after he came to her for healing

Frank:

Son of Vulcan

He can still shape shift but also have fire powers (you don’t know true fear until a burning elephant has charged towards you

He’s pretty good at making/fixing weapons which is just as well because Leo keeps breaking his

His mom was a combat engineer until she died.

#au #godswap au #pjo #hoo #toa #percy jackson #annabeth chase #jason grace #piper mclean #leo valdez #frank zhang #hazel levesque #thalia grace #nico di angelo #bianca di angelo #will solace

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str8upthot · 6 years ago

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Why the Greeks would have won during the Roman Invasion at Camp Half-Blood

From time to time I think about the worst case scenario in which the Greeks and Romans actually fight on Half-Blood Hill.

Throughout the series, the way they describe the legion is as an unstoppable force that would make the Greek demigods falter and be crushed in that they were out matched in every sense - sheer numbers, skills, and tactics, but I actually think that the Greeks would win, hear me out.

1. The Greeks live in a camp with a forest that comes stocked with monsters to fight and train against. They live in near constant danger.

2. Because all the Greeks are 1st generation demigods they are likely more in touch with their godly parentage. (There’s not a whole lot of evidence of this, but if Octavian is the Augur for the romans and he’s a distant descendent I’m inclined to believe that not many of them have much control over their parents domain/sphere of influence)

3. The Greeks - 30-40 strong defended Olympus: against hordes of monsters, titans, and turned gods and goddesses - ALONE. And since then the survivors have been training along side the newer campers, teaching them how to stay alive.

4. When Percy first arrived at Camp Jupiter and played in the legion’s war games, none of the Roman defenders knew how to defend or stop Percy’s fighting style - which is VERY much Greek. (Yes I know he had the help of a miniature hurricane, but mainly kept projectiles away from him. The romans utilize numbers while the Greeks utilize surroundings.

5. Half-Blood Hill is where the Greeks are strongest. Literally a home field advantage. Almost every Greek demigod reaches Thalia’s Tree against the odds of a pursuing monster.

6. The Greeks have always been more attuned to other creatures in their world. They have more friends - both beast and human. Percy can call upon the Cyclopes in Poseidon’s Forge (because let’s be honest- you hurt Percy’s home Tyson will kill you dead), Grover can rally all the nature spirits in a 5 mile radius as a Lord of the Wild, Chiron could theoretically ask for the aid of the Party Ponies - which would really terrify the Romans as centaurs are seen as evil beings to them (also noted by Percy that evil centaurs felt wrong to him), worse comes to worse, Thalia and the Hunters of Artemis would likely lend a hand too, despite their grudge with the campers -which was eased during the battle of manhattan to a friendly rivalry (also, the hunters were very much a Greek tribe of warrior women) because CHB is their second home — basically what I’m saying is that the Greeks could easily rally enough supporters to triple or quadruple their numbers, enough to match those of the Roman camp

7. But Matt... what about the roman’s Eagles, their elephant, and the Amazons? Listen. The eagles are very good at scouting and recovering but they make easy targets for the Apollo cabin to shoot out of the sky. The Amazon’s have no stake in the squabble- it’s unlikely that they would come to the aid of a conquering force: the amazons have always been known as defenders - their own homelands, Coming to aid Troy - they always get something out of it. And I’m sorry but Hannibal would barely make it up Half-Blood Hill before Peleus ripped him apart.

8. This is definitely not the first time the Greeks have been ambushed at CHB. The will have tons of defenses laying in wait. Many, even they forgot we’re there. After Thalia’s Tree was posioned Monsters could break through the magical barrier protecting camp - showing how quickly the Greeks could respond to an attack, and how deadly they could be be even in pajamas and half armored up. Not to mention how rapidly they were able to establish a countermeasure for the Battle of the Labyrinth at Zeus’ Fist.

9. The way CHB is set up, gives each cabin a voice, a way to promote their strengths in times of need - the Athena and Ares cabin would easily dominate the warfront and strategy talks while the other campers race around thickening the brush in the forest, added more gadgets and automaton defenses, prepping weapons, laying distractions, setting up hunters perches in strategic places, fortifying camp and adding bunkers and hideouts to sneak around (we all know the Greeks are cunning- it how they survive when numbers are low - think Trojan War, Battle of Manhattan, All of Percabeths time in Tartarus is just showcasing the inherent trait they all share.)

10. The Roman legion is literally without proper leadership. Both acting Praetors are off field - yes Reyna is returning, but even she would likely not support the attack on CHB after learning everything she has and traveling with the the Statue of Athena and fighting alongside Greeks.

11. And let me say- I know we had more time with the Greeks but even the powers that some of the halfbloods at camp Jupiter have seen relatively unimpressive: the most spectacular being Jason who can control the winds - but the Greeks can bless and curse weaponry (Ares/Athena), necromancy and mist manipulation (via Hecate cabin), and the ability to put others to sleep and plague their dreams (Hypnos) to name a few. The connection to the gods was always stronger in Greece than in Rome.

12. The Greeks fight with no rules. Everything is about survival. And they (as a whole) always survive. The romans fight was a kind of respect, for a lack of a better word.

13. You better believe there would be some monstrous tag teams from the Hephaestus-Hermès co-op that would do some SERIOUS damage... and no one wants to be on the receiving end of a Hephaestus machine or a Hermès prank.

14. Culturally speaking, if the romans could even destroy the Greeks it would entirely decimate their own culture. Their gods only exist because they were adopted from their Greek forms - some were literally just pull straight over - ie Apollo (didn’t even get a name change smh). The Greeks could theoretically decimate the Roman camp and remain unaffected by the blow back as their pantheon would remain intact. (But that’s hypothetical)

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lurkingleighbee · 4 years ago

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Thrawn Ascendancy: Greater Good Chapter One - Chapter Three

Chapter One

The Chiss Ascendancy (according to Thrawn): power, stability, integrity, light in the darkness, culture, and glory

Ar’alani faces off with the Nikardun, who appear to want to die as martyrs

Ar’alani seems to have that desired combination of experience and intuition

“There were tables and balance charts to calculate that sort of thing. Ar’alani preferred to do it by eyesight and experienced judgement.”

puppies = whiskercubs?

Thrawn and Ar’alani work well as a team :)

“...she and Thrawn had worked together long enough that she knew he would see what she was seeing and know exactly what she wanted him to do.”

Ar’alani seems to be AOK with striking down what are basically floating, defenseless ships without offering a surrender. Pretty dark.

Thurfian got a secret promotion to Syndic and is preening on the inside (and apparently promotions within the family are supposed to be kept secret)

Thurfian still hates Thrawn and wants him gone (I think the reason(s) were spelled out in the previous book, but this is an obsession of another kind)

the Vagaari are confirmed canon again! But then again, you may know what that means

“That was certainly one of his most mixed-results exploits... [Thrawn] captured that gravity-well generator the researchers are still trying to figure out, but then lost the big alien ship from Lesser Space before anyone could get a look inside.”

Mitth’ras’safis (aka Thrass) is most certainly MIA

possibility: will Thrawn find his brother?

and what about C’Baoth? And Lorana?

Zistalmu (from the Irizi family, same as Ar’alani) and Thurfian (from the Mitth family) are going to start a rumor that’ll (they hope) get Thrawn an... “extra-long deployment” (my words)

Thurfian knows spreading a rumor around needs to have a certain weight to it, and decides to angle himself higher up in the family

Memories I

it looks like the Memories chapters are going to a new character, Haplif, rather than to Ar’alani

we are introduced to Jixtus - a veiled being with an exotic voice, described as a “strange mixture of rasping and melodic wrapped up inside an obscure accent”

Jixtus (and honestly my immediate instinct was that it’s Palpatine because of the cloak and hood, but (1) Palpatine would not have the time, (2) Palpatine was not aware of the Chiss until Thrawn showed up, and (3) Palpatine does not wear “gloves covering his hands” nor does he wear a “black veil covering his face”

Jixtus gives me slight Jedi vibes with this line: “But beware of overconfidence. Eyes held high in pride are less able to see uneven ground ahead”

Haplif’s talent lies in “reading and analyzing cultures” which is apparently “unmatched” (just you wait, buddy), “but individuals could still surprise him, especially those he hasn’t had good opportunities to read”

so basically an evil Thrawn

Haplif (and Jixtus, I assume) managed to engineer a civil war on a planet within months

topical!

Haplif: “MIlitary minds and reactions are of no consequences. I deal in the political realm, and I doubt the Chiss leaders have any less ambition and lust for power than anyone else in the Chaos”

oh no... will he and Thurfian team up?

Haplif is going to make contact with the Chiss and stir up some serious, potentially fatal, danger

Chapter Two

I feel like Thalias and Che’ri have their own little crushes on Thrawn

Che’ri is past her 10th birthday (and people around her forgot and she’s sad...)

Thalias promises to make it up to her, somehow

also they have a little discussion about Che’ri learning to fly the ship - is this a bit of foreshadowing? Hmm...

shoot, will Che’ri start to lose her skywalker powers as she gets older?

Thalias is revealed to have claustrophobia

how did she handle being in that giant box with Thrawn in the last book?

Thrawn has given himself the quest of trying to return that certain ring from the previous book (the one described as a “nest of small stylized snakes with two larger ones curving up from among them”)

Samakro seems quite uptight with rules and regulations

gets a bit pissy that Thalias is on equal status with the military in a meeting with the Rapacc, in a discussion about refugees (called the Magys) and the Nikardun

“So now a mere caregiver - and an only recently confirmed one, at that - was to have equal voice with Expansionary Defense Fleet officers? Samakro could see no reason for it. And things with no clear purpose always made him nervous”

Samakro also has a great line about children: “...you’ve been dealing with a ten-year-old girl for the past few months. Children that age are as alien as anything you’ll find in the Chaos”

So, to summarize a bit of exposition, the head of the Magys has convinced herself that the home planet is totally destroyed and she has utterly failed - therefore suicide is the only option left (i.e. mass suicide)

Thalias was asked to basically convince the head of the Magys (also called the Magys, a bit confusing but so be it) to NOT kill herself

The Magys are matriarchal - and the head lady honcho won’t talk to any man

Chapter Three

During the “conversation” (which feels like a massive hostage negotiation Thalias has to take on by herself), Thalias brings up that the Chiss managed to survive and endure what is essentially a never-ending Ice Age

and if they can handle that, why can’t the Magys handle their darn selves?!?

“The Beyond” = “Third Sight” = “The Force”

“That there is no reason to go back,” the Magys said. “No hope that others of the people still live. So we will therefore die and rest in the Beyond, and through the Beyond bring healing to the world.” “How can you bring back healing when the people are gone?” Another double tongue flick. “Do you not even listen to your own words?” the Magys said scornfully. “You said it yourself: The world is not the people. Our world has been torn and scarred, but perhaps it can be healed. We will join the Beyond and make the attempt.” Thalias frowned, trying to make sense of it all. So the Magys believed that by dying she and the rest of her group could join with some greater cosmic system and through it work to heal the damage caused by their civil war? “But what’s the point of healing the world if there’s no one left to live there?” she asked. “There are others in the universe,” the Magys said. “Many others. Some of them may one day come to live on the world we leave to them. Why should we not strive to properly prepare it?” “Because those others may or may not come,” Thalias said. “You and your people, on the other hand, are already here. Shouldn’t you be trying instead to return and build your world and culture for yourselves? We did. Why not you?” “No,” the Magys said. “We are not you. It cannot be done.” She lowered her eyes again. “All that can be done is death, and the Beyond.”

Thalias decides to prove her wrong and suggests going back to the home world to see what is left.

This is the planet Jixtus and Haplif were talking over in Memories I - I believe, the one engulfed in civil war

Thrawn acknowledges The Force

“A concept from Lesser Space” - keeping in mind this Lesser Space is much, MUCH larger and dare I say more advanced than Chiss Space, but go on - “that General Anakin Skywalker told me about when we were working together,” Thrawn said. “He defined it as an energy field created by all living things from which he and others could draw power and guidance...”

“The concept seemed somewhat vague. But if living things create the Force, perhaps it can work in reverse, with the Force creating or nurturing living things”

The first “Perhaps” - page 46

Side trip time!

Samakro likes order and structure and CANNOT stand it when it is interrupted

does not care for Thrawn personally but he is not insubordinate

does not like Thalias at all (suspicious of her from the get go)

and this side-trip has him kind of bent out of shape, and he is worried that “the Springhawk could be delayed or, worse, summarily ordered to report back to Csilla” - and that would mean the mission going tits/belly/toes up

Samakro seems to borderline loathe Thurfian (and by extension the Aristocra) and notices that Thurfian has something going on with Thalias

Samakro is all military and cannot stand politics

But, he seems to have a good grasp on the relationships going on between people

Notes on the audiobook

Samakro still sounds like Jack Nicholson and it tickles me

Lakinda sounds like the voice Thompson uses for Eli Vanto

there seems to be a new soundtrack underscoring the narration, which is interesting

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ihateuverymuch · 4 years ago

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I'm re-reading Percy Jackson (I'm on the fourth book of the first series now). I still love it as much as the first time I read it. The quests are so entertaining. I love the humor. The friendships are wonderful!

RANDOM THOUGHTS (Spoilers):

I've seen the second movie again recently and it was so fucking far from the book. How could Grover be at the camp in the beginning!!! Most of their lines were cringy. Tyson and the Hippocampi were the only good things there.

The first movie was also far from the book, but at least the script and cinematography was better.

I'm sad that Athena didn't approve of Percy and Annabeth's friendship.

Percy dancing with Annabeth in the Titan's Curse Book was the best thing ever. #PercabethForever

Tyson is the most precious character ever. Honestly, if he wasn't there, they would have died.

Ugh I hate that Luke poisoned the tree.

It's funny the Queen Anne's Revenge ship was used. Blackbeard as the Son of Ares!!! HAHA

I still love the hate that Silena has towards the Hunters for talking smack about love. They had to hold her to stop her from attacking them.

I hate Tantalus and Dr. Thorn. They deserved their fate.

I love Percy's support towards Sally's lovelife. He just wanted his mom to be happy. After Gabe, she deserves it.

I love that Percy never promised not to call Paul, 'Blowfish'. He only said not to his face.

Rainbow the Hippocampi is the best thing ever.

I love that Percy let Clarisse carry the fleece back alone to the camp. Also, Luke was pretty dumb to arrive after Clarisse left HAHA.

I hate that Annabeth was kidnapped.

I forgot the fact that Hades never broke the oath since Nico and Bianca were born before they made it. I also forgot that Percy, Annabeth, and Grover didn't tell anyone at first that Nico is the son of Hades.

Zoe's death is so heartbreaking. I forgot that Atlas didn't kill him physically (he did broke her though).

Dionysus is an ass, but you can see how much he cares for the people he loves.

I loved the part where Dr. Chase arrived and killed the monsters!!!

I hate that Luke took advantage of Annabeth's care and feelings for him to make her hold the sky.

It's funny that Thalia, being the daughter of Zeus, is afraid of heights.

Percy is one of the best characters ever. I love his inner thoughts. He is much smarter than we give him credit for.

I love the scene where Dionysus unleashed his powers on Dr. Thorn and the Mortals. He was scary and awesome.

I love that Apollo helped them with their quest because nobody messes with his little sister.

I really hated Clarisse when she told Polyphemus that Grover is not a lady cyclops and when she teased him aloud and he was able to follow her voice and sunk their ship. She was so stupid there.

I felt so bad for Annabeth during the part where she tried to listen to the songs of the Siren.

I love that Hades returned Sally to pay Percy back for bringing his helm back (I hate that they ruined Hades in the movie).

Still my favorite chapter title:

My favorite Centaur / Chiron nicknames:

Best Insult from Chiron:

Seaweed Brain is only for Annabeth!!!:

Dionysus pretending not to know Percy's name is a mood:

#ihateuverymuch #spoilers #rants #thoughts #percy jackson #half-blood #percy jackson and the olympians #percy jackson and the lightning thief #percy jackson and the sea of monsters #percy jackson and the titan's curse

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valdez-and-the-argo-crew · 5 years ago

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God!Percy fic chapter 2

Previous chapter: https://valdez-and-the-argo-crew.tumblr.com/post/190161565556/godpercy-fic-chapter-1

I woke up to the shimmering form of Annabeth standing at the foot of my bed.

“Di imortales!” I exclaimed, sitting up and pulling a shirt on.

“Rise and shine, Seaweed Brain.” She laughed. She looked more mature than I remember, although that might be because I still remember her as a 16 year old, rather than a 26 year old.

“A little warning would be great, you can’t just Iris message me out of nowhere when you know full well I’m trying to get my beauty sleep.” I pouted.

“Percy it’s like noon where you are, don’t you have like, camp duties to do?” She asked.

“Yeah probably but I haven’t slept in a hot minute, god stuff ya know? Anyways...” I shrugged. “Why are you calling?”

“I just wanted you to know that I’m on my way over, Grover and I left Camp Jupiter yesterday. Had to stop so my pegasus could rest, but we’ll be there probably late afternoon, maybe early evening.” She said.

“Alright cool!” I smiled wide. I hadn’t seen Annabeth in person since the winter solstice, so it was good to finally be seeing her.

The iris message vision started to flicker and fade slowly. It made me kinda sad because now that I’m talking to her, it made me realize just how much I miss her.

“I got to go, but I’ll see you then, Aquaman.” She laughed.

I rolled my eyes at the nickname. “Whatever you say Wise girl.”

She laughed and shook her head as the message faded to almost nothing. “Oh! By the way...you still drool when you sleep.”

With that, the Iris Message faded away completely and I was alone again, but this time with something to look foreword to.

With a very dramatic sigh, I rolled out of bed and grabbed one of my many orange shirts and tugged it over my head. I looked in the mirror I hung over my bed, and noticed my hair was an absolute disaster.

I used my Very Impressive Godly Powers to fix it, since that took absolutely no effort. Theoretically I could look however I wanted, but I chose to look like regular me aging at a regular pace. So basically I look not a day over 25.

After I finish getting ready, I grab riptide off my night stand and I head out the door to the arena. Nothing like a little sword practice in the morning to get me amped up.

I dragged out a training dummy from the shed and start hacking away at it.

I practiced on the dummy until any mortal would’ve been exhausted, but of course I hadn’t broken a sweat. I capped riptide and put the dummy back just as the conch sounded for lunch.

I wasn’t hungry but I walked to the dining hall anyways, sitting at the head table next to Chiron. I grabbed a square of ambrosia and took a bite, washing it down with nectar. Being a god had its perks, like being able to have ambrosia without consequences.

“Afternoon, Percy,” Chiron smiled warmly.

I acknowledged his greeting with a nod as I had more ambrosia.

“Always the appetite,” Chiron chuckled as I finished.

“Hey, don’t judge me I can do what I want.” I laughed. I looked out to all the campers eating and talking at the tables. There were even more campers than yesterday, since more campers keep flooding in. Most of them were claimed right as they crossed past Thalia’s tree, but a few joined Jamie in the Hermes cabin.

Speaking of Jamie, I noticed he looked left out. He was picking at his lunch and hardly talking. I frowned and got up.

“I’ll be back,” I told Chiron, walking away from the head table and over to Jamie. He noticeably perked up when he saw me.

“Percy!” He smiled widely.

“Hey buddy,” I said, standing behind him. I looked at Jacob. “Is there room for me to sit?”

“There’s plenty of room.” He smiled and gestured for me to sit.

I squeezed in next to Jamie, who, once again clung to my arm. He stopped picking at his food and started eating.

I wondered why it was, that Jamie found so much comfort in me, that allowed him to open up. He kept shoveling food down his face, until he finally washed it down with the apple juice in his goblet.

Soon lunch was over. Afternoon activities began, but I went down to the ocean to think. I stepped into the water and walked until my head was all the way under.

As always, I felt calmer here. I felt safer and protected. Thanks dad.

I looked at the passing fish, talking to a few of them as they pass by. Fish aren’t usually very intelligent so it was mostly one sided.

I tread further into the water, the silt and sand in the water swirling around my arms and legs as I walked.

It was silent down here. The only sound was the gentle waves lapping above in a mesmerizing rhythm. The pull of the undertow dragged me farther out, and I obliged, following the current out to sea.

I held out my hands and willed my godly power to flow through my hands and to the water in front of me. I created air bubbles and manipulated the water, just having a bit of fun. I’d never really had a chance to do this before, even though I could’ve done exactly what I’m doing now countless times.

When Zeus told me I was going to be assigned to camp half blood for a while, he took away some of my powers, sort of like a parental control lock (or in this case, divine uncle lock). He said that if I was to be the first god campers interacted with, I shouldn’t have all my powers, because Zeus doesn’t trust me not to loose control. I can’t even tell which camper has which god as a parent, which is unfortunate, because I could’ve helped Jamie.

I focused back on the water, willing it to become a violent raging whirlpool for about a minute, before calming it down again.

What else could I do with my powers?

I didn’t have my own domain like my dad or any of the Big Gods, so as far as I could tell my powers were just my regular Son Of Poseidon powers...but I felt more powerful.

I walked farther into the water and created little ripples of water all around me. I was like Elsa, but less ice-princess-y and more lame-god-playing-around-underwater.

Just for laughs, I made a snowman out of sand, but it quickly fell apart. I laughed and sent a wave over where it had been to dispel the sand.

I created a few more waves just to see if I could. Each one was bigger than the next, though they always fell away before reaching the shore.

I felt free. I miss being able to harness the water while fighting some giant big bad evil person or monster. But quests are reserved for demigods. Maybe I’ll go off and slay some monsters for fun.

I willed a giant wave to form. The kind that knocks you under and spins you around and you’re left directionless with salt water in your nose and mouth. I wasn’t going to let the wave loose, I just wanted to see how big and dangerous I could make a wave.

But a dumb fish distracted me and caused me to let go of the wave, causing it to head directly for Camp Half Blood.

Crap.

That wave was like 10 feet tall and fast moving.

I propelled myself foreword in the water, trying to catch up with the wave. I could tell people at camp had already noticed it, and had started to take cover.

I broke through the wave and ran to the shore, yelling at a few stray campers to get out of my way. I finally got to a good enough distance away and turned around, my hands extended, willing the wave to break apart.

The wave wasn’t listening.

It barreled towards me and the few campers who weren’t smart enough to scram.

“STOP!” I yelled at the wave, using every ounce of power I had to break the wave.

Still nothing.

I started to panic. I’d created a tidal wave that was about to destroy part of camp.

I closed my eyes and braced for the wave to hit, but it never came. Instead came the last voice I’d expected to hear.

“You have an explanation for this?”

I opened my eyes and saw a middle aged guy in a Hawaiian shirt. My dad. He didn’t look happy.

I was about to start talking but Chiron walked over, arms crossed and disappointment evident. I feel like I’m back at a parent teacher conference.

“My bad?” I said with a weak laugh.

“Percy you sent a tidal wave at your camp.” My father scolded. “Why were you making tidal waves?”

“I was just bored.” I mumbled, looking down at the sand.

“My boy, when you’re bored, you make sand castles, you talk to the local fish, you don’t destroy your camp.” Poseidon said firmly.

“I know. I’m sorry.” I said, trying to look him in the eye.

I noticed a few campers starting to gather around, including Jamie.

“Perhaps we’d better take this to thenBig House,” Chiron suggested.

“I agree, though I can’t stay for long.” Poseidon nodded. Chiron and I walked to the Big House while Poseidon just teleported.

Inside, I sat on a couch, trying to take the glare of the god and centaur who were currently mad at me. It wasn’t easy.

“Tell us again what happened, Percy.” Chiron looked at me.

“I just wanted to have a little fun, and to see what I can do.” I explained.

“But you’re smart enough to know what you’re doing. Why the tidal wave?” Poseidon crossed his arms.

“I promise I never meant to send it towards camp. I was going to make the wave go away after I finished forming it but some little minnow distracted me.” I said.

“What I want to know is why you were making a wave that big.” Chiron looked at me for an answer.

I shrugged and sighed. “I miss the adrenaline of a fight, one where I can just call upon everything I have and take down a monster with my power and sword. I’ve just been here for 10 years with nothing to do.”

“But you happily agreed to train sword fighting,” Chiron said.

“And I love it, but it’s not enough. I want to just battle monsters...but all the quests go to the demigods.”

“Percy, you will have plenty of time in your life to experience fighting with all your strength. The next time a great prophecy is issued, I know we gods will have to get involved.” Poseidon said. “Be patient my son. And try to contain yourself, okay?”

“I know, I really am sorry.” I said sincerely.

A moment of uncomfortable silence passed between the three of us.

“Right, well I’d best be headed back to my kingdom. It was good to see both of you.” Poseidon smiled, going back to his usual warm demeanor.

“We can see you out,” Chiron said, opening the door for my dad and me.

To my surprise, someone was leaning against the porch railing, polishing her dagger absentmindedly. Just the sight of her made me completely forget about what had happened.

“Annabeth!” I smiled wide and ran forward to give her a hug. “Where’s Grover?”

“In the woods with Juniper. Talked about her the whole way back.” She laughed, and then noticed my dad behind me.

“Lord Poseidon...? What brings you here?” Annabeth asked, looking between him and Chiron. Great, my dad is going to humiliate me in front of my best friend.

“Oh nothing, there was just a mishap off the sound so I came here to assure everything was alright. Percy can tell you about it later.”

Annabeth raised an eyebrow, turning her head towards me. I felt myself go red so I looked away.

“Anyways, it’s good to see you seaweed brain.” Annabeth smiled.

“You too, Owl head,” I quipped back. “We were just gonna walk back to the shore. Come with?”

“I see no reason not to.” She shrugged. The four of us started walking back to the beach. We were almost there when Poseidon paused.

“While I’m here, I suppose there is one thing I need to do.” He said and turned to look at the crowd of campers that were following us. He pointed right at Jamie, and I knew what he was going to say in an instant. I can’t believe I didn’t see it before.

Annabeth noticed too. I could see out of the corner of my eye that she was looking between me, Jamie and Poseidon.

The jet black, windswept hair, the sea green eyes, the fierce expression and inquisitive smile, and even though my skin tone was slightly darker than his, we both had the same beach-y tan look...

“Jamie Reed,” Poseidon smiled and beckoned him forward. “It’s nice to meet you, my son.”

A collective gasp arose from the campers who had tethered around. Poseidon put his hand on Jamie’s shoulder and a sea green trident lit up above Jamie’s head. The little boy was awe struck.

Chiron stepped forward. “All hail Jamie Reed, brother to Percy, and Son of the ocean, the earth shaker; Poseidon”

#percy jackson #pjo #percy and grover #pjoverse #percy jackon and the olympians #pjo stuff #incorrect pjo quotes #pjo text post #percabeth #poseidon #rick riordan #chiron #chb #camp half blood #god!percy #gods of olympus #grover underwood #greek mythology #annabeth chase

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jflashandclash · 4 years ago

Text

Tales From Mount Othrys

Luke: Two Toned Memories

Author’s Note: This short takes place during the events of The Titan’s Curse, after Percy and Thalia lose Annabeth and pick up the Sol Angelos. Uh, warning… kinda creepy. References to abuse. Luke-transition-into-titan. You know. Like a normal Saturday.

Luke’s fingers were so warm and moist, he feared that his sweat would condense on the other side of the one-way mirror.

She was right there: her cute, blonde curls matted with grime, her grey eyes boring into the glass—too smart to be tricked by something so obvious. The others tried to give her a Camp Othrys shirt to get rid of the manticore blood on her front. She refused, as viciously stubborn as Luke remembered from their travels.

They had lost the Di Angelo siblings to Artemis’ huntresses and Camp Half-Blood. Honestly though, Luke thought this was a better catch. Even Kronos’ angry mutterings couldn’t change his mind.

“I could make her kill Percy Jackson,” Flynn said, rolling one of her hair stilettos between her fingers. “It would be pretty simple.”

Luke didn’t like the way Flynn looked at Annabeth through the one-way mirror. Flynn held the weapon like she could pin Annabeth as a lab specimen.

Alabaster tapped a pen against his lip thoughtfully. “That’s not a bad idea. Can you postpone the effects of your charm speak?”

They were talking about this too casually. This was Annabeth. Not some random demigod. Annabeth. His Annabeth.

Flynn frowned. Mercedes, standing beside the three of them, remained silent, listening, as their spy master tended to until the end of meetings.

Flynn had become more powerful since Luke met her, but he didn’t know she could give commands with a delayed activation time. His stomach churned at the thought. Luke bit his lip, paranoid, again, that she might be manipulating him.

Alabaster shifted forward, flicking the pen to the side. “Even if you could give her a residual suggestion, Lou Ellen and I could concoct a poison and imbue something with said poison. Perhaps a gift she could give him. Or, even better, give Chiron.”

“No,” Luke said. Anger made him bite his lip until he tasted something metallic. He hated that old, foolish horse. “Selena told me the most recent prophecy—” –I—“—Kronos has every right to be the one to kill Chiron.”

The door to their makeshift interrogation wing busted open.

An enraged satyr bustled into the room, appearing ready to gore the first person that made a Disney reference.

In the hallway behind him, Jack’s voice drifted closer. “Phil! Wait! This is a joyous occasion! We finally get to meet his Annabeth, the one of valiant tales! You mustn’t—”

“This,” Phil snarled, pointing at the one-way mirror, “is why you don’t send a monster to do a goat’s job! You’re giving me hemorrhoids here! Does that look like two children of the Big Three to you? I spend months tracking down two children of Hades, and this is how you repay me? By sending Mr. Splinter—”

“Dr. Thorn,” Axel corrected, hiding a smile as he stepped in after. With Mercedes, Alabaster, Flynn, and now Axel and Phil, this room was too cramped. It should have just been he and Annabeth. No one-way mirror was necessary.

“Whatever. Mr. Spikey! Mr. Lionface! That a better name? You send Mr. Tactless, Tasteless Lionface!” Phil huffed, stomping his hooves up to Luke.

Luke didn’t want to deal with this right now. Annabeth was more important, wasn’t she? And Phil could be so loud and obnoxious.

“And even if you didn’t want to send me, we could have sent the Pax Extraction Duo. Why did you send a monster to recruit demigods? We have demigods that are willing to go. Who do you think a teenage girl and her little brother are going to trust more? A really hot, mysterious guy and his disarmingly cute little brother that are here to rescue them from bad guys that the gods sent to track them down, or a fucking LION with a SPIKE problem!”

Luke didn’t remember making the motion. One second, Phil was shouting at him. The next, the back of Luke’s hand hurt. Phil was on the ground, clutching at his face. Jack was trying to help him up. Axel stood between Luke and Phil, facing Luke. No matter how much Luke wanted to avoid it, there was that look again: in Axel’s eyes, in Mercedes’ stillness, in Jack’s flinches.

Fear.

Luke opened his mouth to apologize. The words that came out were, “Know your place, satyr.” Was that what he wanted to say?

Maybe Luke shouldn’t feel bad. Phil had interrupted an important meeting about Annabeth. Why should Luke care about those pesky Di Angelos when he had—

We needed them, Kronos hissed.

For a breath, Luke was back in the closet. His mother’s old clothing—the cute stuff she had worn to impress Hermes—reeked of mothballs, so much that he kept one hand over his mouth and the other desperately pressed to bar the door. Green lights radiated through the closet’s slats as his mother screamed and shook the flimsy frame.

On an exhale, Kronos released the memory: Luke was back in the interrogation room that had too many people in it, too little air, and too much tension. It was just Kronos’ promise, a quick taste of the nightmares punishment Luke would receive when he laid down to sleep. Sometimes, it was easier not to sleep.

Supposedly, at some point, Luke agreed to let Kronos in his head and to enact such punishments for Luke’s failures. After Alabaster, Jack, and Axel dunked him in the River Lethe out of desperation, Luke couldn’t remember agreeing to that. It made reliving these nightmares worse when he couldn’t remember agreeing to such a deal.

Phil scowled at Luke, wiping a streak of blood from the side of his mouth.

It was one thing to hit Alabaster in private or Jack when he was having an episode. It was another thing to hit Phil in public, in front of Luke’s friends. They were still his friends, right?

Subjects.

Shut up and get out! Luke thought.

Everyone flinched.

Had he said that aloud? Luke’s hand was pointing to the exit of the interrogation room. He’d meant that for Kronos, hadn’t he? Not Phil?

Or was Kronos puppeting him again without his even realizing it?

This time, Luke carefully formed the words coming from his mouth, trying to prove to himself that they were his own. “Not now. We’ll talk about the Di Angelos later.” His finger shook. His voice shook. He couldn’t sound scared—Alabaster would take note if he sounded scared.

Jack tugged at Phil’s arm. “Phil, not now, please. He’s stressed—”

Phil shrugged him off. He spat blood at Luke’s feet. “I hope it feels good turning into thing you hate, kid.”

Luke’s fingers closed into a fist.

Axel’s gaze narrowed.

Mercedes took a step backwards.

Then Phil was gone out of the room, the door thumping shut after him. Jack bolted after the satyr. For a tight breath, Luke considered walking after Phil to make an example. We should kill him.

Luke wanted the thought to alarm him. He liked Phil, right? Half the people in this room wouldn’t be here if not for that satyr. Phil helped Luke, back when no one else had. Back when no one believed in him.

Even the sharpest tools wear down to uselessness with time.

With the amount of blood forming in Luke’s mouth, he must have bit down on the inside of his other cheek. Begging Kronos to get out of his head would do nothing. Besides, what if those thoughts weren’t Kronos?

We’re becoming the same person.

His friends wouldn’t care that he hit Phil, not for long anyway.

Jack would understand. Just like Jack “got confused,” he knew that Luke lost his temper. It wasn’t anything more than that. It was something that would be easy to control once he had Thalia here, once she reminded him of what he was before all he knew was Kronos.

Flynn and Alabaster knew that you needed to use force to keep people in line. Axel had become desensitized to violence because of his father and Mercedes was a proper soldier: someone who took orders and saw actions without question.

And Luke needed to focus on his plan for Annabeth. Phil didn’t matter.

He gave them one of his charming smiles, unrolling his fingers from fists. He raised his hands in an open gesture. “Annabeth was more important than the Di Angelos. We need someone to trap Artemis—”

Alabaster snorted. Throughout Phil’s outburst, he appeared unfazed. He folded his arms and leaned against the wall. There might be a spell pouch in his hands. Maybe Luke would need to start disarming people before they had conferences.

“Any girl. Any young demigod female from Camp Half-Blood or New Rome would be adequate to get Artemis under Atlas’ burden, but it had to be Annabeth. Do you want Thalia to hate you?” Alabaster asked. He sighed, and Luke got the distinct feeling that Alabaster wanted to sound annoyed. Annoyance was better than fear.

For once, Luke had a response to Alabaster’s insubordination. A smirk twisted his lips. “We need someone that will willingly help me with Atlas’ burden. She will help me.” Annabeth hadn’t lost faith in him, not like the others.

Luke hadn’t liked this plan at first, but it was all part of the test. Part of Kronos’ overall plan. Prove yourself to me. Take Atlas’ burden. Show me you are worthy of the next world. He would. He was worthy. He had to be worthy. There wasn’t a choice anymore, and Annabeth and Thalia would pull through for him in the end. He’d given up so much for them…

“They don’t need to be willing,” Flynn said. She rolled her hair stiletto again. Her dark eyes bore into him, the scars on her face distorting her expression. Although he’d been working with her for a year and a half, Luke still hated looking at her face.

Annabeth would do it without Flynn’s interference. Pain shot through his cheek as he bit deeper into the pierced skin. “I’m going in to talk to her.”

Mercedes cleared her throat. His little half-sister had done what she did best—faded into the background when she didn’t want to be noticed. Now, she lifted her head, the tan fabric of her hijab blending too well with her skin. He wondered if she wore the greys and tans to blend easier into the background. “Would you at least let me or Flynn talk to her first? Either one of us could get some useful information out of her and we might be able to put her at ease.”

Luke glared. “What are you saying?”

Mercedes swallowed. Although she stood her ground, the spymaster began to shake. “That she’s a thirteen-year-old girl tied to a chair, gagged, and probably terrified.”

Axel hadn’t relaxed. He took a few steps to stand beside Mercedes, folding his arms. His jaguar tufts were low against his black hair. “And you, her captor, are an older male.”

Luke stared past the two of them, at the one-way mirror. Annabeth’s curls were tangled in sweaty clumps against her temple. Her eyes looked defiant, but she must have been scared: kidnapped by a monster and mercenaries, misunderstanding her situation as one of danger instead of opportunity. He could comfort her and usher her into this new world, show her the potential of what it could be.

He remembered the way her cheeks reddened when he teased her at camp, the way she looked up to him without hesitation, the way she knew he could be trusted when everyone else suspected him of fault. She always fell to pieces when he flirted with her. Luke never needed to think of her like that—no, not when he had Thalia. Thalia may have looked younger, but she was really nineteen now. Annabeth was just Luke’s little sister.

When he closed his eyes to exhale, he could still see her face. Her curls darkened to black, the grey eyes swirled to green, leaving her youthful smile and all of its brilliance. “Rhea, my beautiful little sister.” Kronos’ hand—Luke’s hand—cupped her chin to kiss the redness of her cheek.

Luke’s little sister.

Rhea was Kronos’s sister. His wife.

Luke shook his head, feeling sick and woozy. He needed to get in there to talk to her. “No one talks to her but me. She trusts me.” His voice cracked.

Alabaster rolled his eyes. “This is true. For being a daughter of Athena, she is pretty dumb.”

Flynn shrugged. She reinserted the hair stiletto into her bun, the charm at the end swaying gently. “Fine. If you’re going to waste such a good opportunity for information and the potential to kill Jackson, you might as well make use of her in other ways. Torrington, you have some Lethe water, right? We need to make sure she’ll still save him from Atlas’ burden when he’s done.”

The room felt colder.

Mercedes took a step closer to Axel. If he thought the two liked each other more, Luke might have guessed that she’d disappear behind Axel, much like Pax did.

Luke should have asked what Flynn meant or been offended. All he could do was watch Flynn’s curves as she exited their small interrogation room. “I’m going to check on Jack and Phil,” she called before the door silently shut.

Alabaster’s knuckles turned white on his spell pouch. “We don’t have enough River Lethe water to use it recreationally,” he said, his tone slow and even.

That made sense. If Luke remembered properly, Mercedes had petitioned to use their Lethe water for spy operations, a sensible proposition.

“I won’t need any,” Luke said. He needed to get in that room. Everything would make more sense when he was able to talk to Annabeth, when he didn’t have their stares. He could dismiss Axel, Mercedes, and Alabaster. He just wanted things to be like old times, even how they were at the start of Camp Half-Blood, when it was just he and Annabeth. Before he realized how full of shit Chiron was.

He stepped towards the cell’s door.

Axel stepped into his way again.

This time, Luke felt his fingers snarl into a fist before he lashed out. He held it. Jack wouldn’t want Luke to hit his surrogate son. No. And, Jack’s surrogate son would hit back. What would Alabaster and Mercedes do if a fight broke out between the two of them? This spoiled upstart of Hecates’ and Luke’s mysterious little sister. Luke’s hand tensed until his nails dug into his skin, Backbiter’s hilt chilled against his knuckles. Would they betray him? Would they all turn on him? They had too much power. We should have never allowed them that kind of power, that kind of trus—

“I’m keeping the promise I made to you,” Axel whispered. His lips barely moved, looking more like sheets rustled in a summer breeze.

Axel was a friend. He walked Luke through breathing and meditation exercises to help keep Kronos out of his head. There had been a promise—or a talk. The memory was fussy. Maybe Axel saw an opportunity to manipulate Luke after the River Lethe dousing.

Iciness clenched Luke’s chest. Pain spread there, compressing inward. Someone who wants to help me stay me.

Maybe Kronos wanted to isolate Luke from people who wanted to help him.

Jack and Alabaster were the first two clear memories he had after the River Lethe. They said Axel had saved his life, plunging his arm into the River Styx to save him.

Luke exhaled his clogged breath in the form of a laugh. He forced a smile at Axel, one that hurt his cheeks. “Yea, dude. Of course. Why are you all acting so serious?”

What promise? What promise had Axel made? To keep Annabeth safe?

Alabaster cleared his throat, reminding Luke that there were two other people in the room. Luke broke eye contact with Axel and broke the line of sight from Annabeth. He hadn’t realized how intently he had focused on her until the green of Alabaster’s gaze startled him. “The shock of seeing you might be the best thing to trigger Annabeth’s aid with Atlas’ burden. You still get vibes after a River Lethe dousing. For your plan to work, it would be best for Annabeth not to see you beforehand.”

Mercedes nodded. Her acne flecked cheeks were pale. She looked nauseous. “Witchboy is right. We don’t understand its application well enough yet to use it yet for someone so important. We should just keep you separated.”

Luke put up his hands and took a step backwards. “I can wait. Besides, it’ll be better when we have Thalia on our side. Annabeth has been brainwashed for years. She’ll come around once Thalia does.”

This felt like a script he had repeated too many times. They didn’t need to be worried though. He would never do anything Annabeth didn’t want him to.

Does someone who worships Zeus know what she does and doesn’t want? Does she know what’s good for her?

Luke swallowed, his mouth tasting poignantly of blood. He rolled his tongue along the gouges he’d chewed into his lip. He trembled. Was there something wrong with him?

“I’m going for a walk. And to apologize to Phil.” The words were hollow, a continuation of a script to make them happy, like when he told his mother that his dad would come back home and make everything better.

No one moved when he backed up to the exit. Everyone tried to look casual: Axel stayed in front of the door with his arms crossed, Mercedes tilted her body towards him, Alabaster flipped open the spiral notebook that he kept with him.

When Luke left, he made sure the door didn’t latch and waited.

“I suppose we can send in Lucille or Mercedes to make sure she’s comfortable,” Alabaster said.

“We need to set up a guard.” Axel’s voice was much harsher. “Who do you think we can trust and will be capable? Prometheus and Morpheus—”

“Pax One,” Mercedes cut him off. Luke didn’t hear her footsteps before the door latched shut. Leave it to a child of Mercury to consider eavesdropping.

Luke clenched his fists. They didn’t need to set up a guard to protect Annabeth. Or, maybe they did, to protect her from other people and monsters aboard the ship. Kelly would certainly love to get her hands on her. They were looking out for Annabeth’s best interest.

The ship’s corridor listed. The piece of flabby skin protruding from his cheek ached, and yet none of it felt real. A world where his friends set up guards to protect his little sister from…

He just wanted it to be how it was. Hadn’t there been one point in his life where things were good? When Thalia and he had been on the run?

Luke exhaled. He didn’t need to worry about any of this: the changes overcoming him, his friends’ odd behavior, or Kronos’ plans. He would just be the head of Kronos’ army once Thalia killed the Ophiotaurus. He wouldn’t need to worry about Kronos being in his head after that. It would be fine. Everything would make sense.

Thalia would come back and she would help him. She would save him. She always did.

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed! Stay tuned next week for Ajax’s The Birth of The Triple A Chimera.

#Tales from Mount Othrys #Percy Jackson and the Olympians #PJO #luke castellan #Axel #Jack #Flynn #phil #writing #Ah--luke in his natural state of being an asshole #Observe his caretakers debating on water spritzers or rolled up newspapser to discourage bad behavior.

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