#eventually loosing him? Did Grover ever

[victorianchildwithinternet]

i cant stop thinking about Grover and the way satyrs age differently and how he will slowly fall behind. About him seeing Annabeth and Percy grow, mature, come into adulthood and eventually die while he could never catch up to them.

Its not only that, but also the fact that they already know this. In the last olympian Percy remarks how alarmed he is at the fact that he is gaining a significant height over Grover. He knows this is only the begging. He knows that at some point he will be an adult, possibly with children, and Grover will still be a teenager.

And imagine Grover at Yancy academy, slowly becoming ACTUAL FRIENDS with Percy instead of being some homework to do to get his license as searcher. Because this kid is his age, they share interests. And maybe he didn't think about it back then, with the naive look of a 12 yr old that cant see what will come. But what if the other satyrs warned him of the dangers of it. What if, even though he tried to dismiss them, it slowly grew on him and became one of his biggest insecurities. What if he started to put Percabeth at arms lengths, trying to make the inevitable more manageable since at least it was his choice.

And while Percy would try to guess what he messed up with, Annabeth would. She would recognize what was scaring him and reasure him that it wouldnt happen.

And maybe they stayed friends through out most of their lives, but the gap would become increasingly bigger and bigger and even if they managed to stay friends for Annabeth and Percy's entire life times, he would still have to see his friends slowly get away as they died. And he still has like 200 more years to go. But even then he isnt mortal. He doesnt have a soul. He wont have some heartfelt reunion with them in the underworld. His time spent with them will actually be less than half the life he will live. And still he will miss them through out it all.

brb gonna go cry about Grover Underwood for a while.

[alloutofgoddesses]

Percy Jackson TV Thoughts

(I’m a book reader so I know things and will reference them in this)

EPISODE ONE

THE WORD FOR WORD OPENING FROM THE BOOKS!!!!! GOD I love it

(all of us the moment we see a black Pegasus) BLACKJACK!! He’s looking after Percy even as he’s a baby 🥺

The actor for young(er) Percy does such a good job at being Percy

Who let an armoured Rhino loose in the city?

THE MYTHOMAGIC CARDS

Every time I look at Mr. Brunner’s wheelchair I just think about how eventually he’s going to be #pranked by the campers changing his fake legs out for Rocky Horror inspired legs

SALLY JACKSON MOTHER OF THE YEAR 17 YEARS RUNNING

Oh Percy oh my baby someone take his suffering and give it to Octavian

Mrs. Dodds is SO GOOD I desperately wish we had more of her

He doesn’t know that he can actually write with it though

Grover and Percy exchanging the stuff in their sandwiches is such a good little detail to add in there

Walker is an incredible Percy and Aryan is an incredible Grover

I LOVE the way Mrs. Dodds transforms into her Fury self (do we know which one she is? I always forget)

Is that Rick on the other side of the headmaster? Hey dude

Grover selling out Percy is WILD like I know they had a time limit for moving the plot along but I’d be mad at him too dam

Eddie yelling at Gabe was so funny… Gabe eat more fruits you don’t know how much time you have left to do so

People saying Gabe’s awfulness have been reduced aren’t necessarily wrong but… he answers Sally’s phone which suggests some stuff. I do hope they sprinkle in some of his terribleness throughout the season though

D’Angelos you say? 👀

As my mom said, his bags were already packed

what on earth is this little Kronos dude and why is he holding a lantern. I love his voice though

Did. Did they make Percy in a bunk bed? Sally. Please tell me there’s another bed in this cabin

I do appreciate Sally TV version being more forthcoming than Sally book version

My parents Did Not laugh at the Jesus joke which is unfortunate, it’s hilarious

Percy littol baby it IS okay honey

Aryan is doing an AMAZING job of acting like an adult who’s Done This Before… it was always hard for me to remember Grover being older than Percy in the books but Aryan has made it clear from the beginning

SALLY JACKSON BAMF OF ALL TIME

The boundary looks so far away y’all how are you gonna get there

What are we swearing on guys? Certainly not a river

Sally I love you SO MUCH all mothers, current or future should be TAKING NOTES

When is Chiron going to explain Anaklusmos if Percy kept it?

The Minotaur has such soft looking ears I cannot lie to you. I would try to pet them probably

Chiron he IS the one though. Both in the way Annabeth expects him to be and not

Oh my god these end credits??? Amazing they’re incredible! And so chalk full of spoilers

Omg a little teaser at the end!

EPISODE TWO

Annabeth that’s dramatic as HELL I love you bby girl

What is that thing on the nightstand next to Percy? It looks like someone fused a hairdryer to a kettle

PERCYYYYYY

I WISHED that’s how this worked my dude

I have seen this clip on the internet before so I knew it was coming but it’s Very Funny

“But did you?” PERCY

The first and last time Percy will ever be respectful to a god

Mr. D is so goddamn funny, thank you to the casting director, the actor, and the actor’s friend’s child who told him how big of a deal this is (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, the actor went on a talk show for press)

I’ve never experienced a New York summer but how is Chiron wearing THREE layers

They’re ancient and they’re COWORKERS it’s amazing

Helpful little ‘gods make demigods do stuff they can’t’ sprinkle there good foreshadowing

These cabins are beautiful

THE HEARTH IN THE MIDDLE HI HESTIA

Not Percy thinking he’s immediately going to get bullied 🥺

YES love that we get to see a dryad and a little of Grover talking to the Cloven Council!

TRANSITIONS

They would get really squishy you’re right Grover

I can’t wait to see Mr. D do some god shit

Ope Kronos is back hey dude. Is he wearing a cloak?

Me, turning to my cat, named Hermes: You’re a FATHER?!?!

Seriously though what is Clarisse’s deal? Why bully the new kid? I have to assume it comes not only from her dad being Ares but other stuff

WHEELCHAIR!!! Disabled rep is AMAZING

Hey I’m pretty sure I won that lighter

I love that Chris is like “Yeah technically but she’s the goddess of failure” like that’s helpful but not helpful

Percy trying to talk to his mom is adorable!!! I wonder if it actually got to his mom or if someone else heard it, like Hades or Poseidon

He’s made some friends!! Oh Percy you don’t even KNOW how many friends you’re gonna make

Perseus I love you

Okay but who’s fixing the stall

Glad Annabeth got to stay dry this time

SPEAKING OF ANNABETH GOD I LOVE HER SO MUCH!! She was one of my IDOLS as a kid and now I get to experience her being a kid and watch Leah crush it

Luke you stay away from her you don’t get to call her your little sister

The forbidden kids? Different from The Big Three but I don’t hate it

Oops well I’ve been pronouncing Thalia wrong more times that I have pronounced it right

The actor for Luke, Charlie, is showing just enough subtle dislike for the gods and his life at camp that it’s only obvious if you’re looking for it. I can’t wait for people to be able to go back and see the hints being laid out

How many generations of campers did it take for the rope bridge to get full of ribbons, and do they serve any purpose

I can’t wait for the armour adjusting moment to be paralleled. Even more so, I can’t wait for the gif sets that will come out of it

I also floss if I am made to stand still. It’s a great stim, I can’t blame Percy

AND HE GETS TO PET A LITTLE CREATURE?!?! Honestly he’s living his best life

The only rule you paid attention to maybe

FIGHT CHOREO MY BELOVED

Sorry Clarisse but maybe you shouldn’t go after the new guy with unknown skill levels

ANNABETH THAT WAS SUCH A HARD SHOVE

Omg the lake, the infamous lake, the very important lake

Honestly I’m sad that 1) no hellhound 2) we don’t get to see Chiron pronounce him the Son of Poseidon? I’d like to know why they made that choice

Love that Chiron went “Congrats on the dad reveal you have to go solve his problems now”

HE IS SALLY JACKSON’S SON FUCK POSEIDON

Grover Underwood you will always be famous

Give me more immediately!! Next week I’ll be at my grandparents house with EIGHT other people, including a five year old. I’m hoping his mom will give me permission to indoctrinate him into the fandom. If not I’ll just make everyone still awake watch it after the kid goes to bed

NEXT WEEK TEASER!!! Very exciting

[athenasspawn]

Okay so... I have this idea that the gods would hang out and gossip about their kids– make ships and bets – and I can't take the thought out of my head, so listen out:\

Once in a while some gods (obviously not all of them, we wouldn't want WW3 to start) would meet up to 'spy' on their kids. They did this one day every some months, so they would each make a bets in favor or against different ships and see how things elaborated the next time they met.

Everyone thinks Aphrodite is the most invested on this game, but it is actually Athena (Athena loves to win and she has to show that she knows everything)

Whenever they make a bet Athena is the last one to give her vote because she doesn't want anyone to copy her.

Aphrodite goes all crazy trying to make her ships happen.

All of them expectantly wait for their ship to happen (some even interfere)

When a ship actually happened you can see almost every god exchanging money and favors. You could see who won and who lost by the changes in their domains.

When Percy and Annabeth where in their first quest (with Grover) lots of gods made bets on them. Athena voted that they were not going to get together.

Aphrodite and Poseidon voted that they would. (though Poseidon just be in contrary with Athena)

Aphrodite for the next couple of years did everything in her power to make Percabeth happen. (Even visit Percy in person)

When Percabeth had their first kiss (just before Percy makes a volcano explode) somehow no god saw it, so the bet continued. And slowly more and more gods got into the bet.

Eventually, just after the first war, Percy and Annabeth have their second kiss and this time the gods see it. Olympus went crazy (Zeus got even madder at Percy, because he did not only reject immortality but he had made him loose the bet; now he owed Apollo a favor.)

Aphrodite was so happy that she popped up in front of them and hugged the couple. They were all "what was that for?" And Aphrodite only said: "I won a bet to Athena, who is the dumb one now?"

And then the next big bet was solangelo.

Hades and Apollo were the two biggest fangirls ever over Nico and Will. Hades made a solangelo headcannon and made it viral through the underworld.

Nico was really confused when he next visited his dad and everyone was talking about his relationship with Will and all he could think was: "Are we this obvious that even the dead know?"

[pjo-hoo-toa-freakazoid]

Do you have any annabeth mtf headcanons?

Here ya go :)

Born Nathaniel Theodore Chase.

She started feeling dysphoria at age 5. She never really got much attention from her dad and barely talked to him so she kept it to herself and remained confused for most of her childhood.

Age 7 was the worst for her. Sure the clothes she worse had nothing wrong but it still didn’t feel like it was ‘her’ she looked too much like a ‘him’ and that really made her insecure.

She started growing her hair out and would use her step mother’s hair clips to look more like ‘her’ and she would get scolded it for it. She ended up managing to steal some of the accessories and would sometimes stay up at night so she could peacefully be “herself” and not gets weird looks from her parents and constantly being questioned my her little brothers.

She told Magnus about how she felt (he was the only family she trusted) And he was supportive of her but didn’t know much how to help. Annabeth was grateful to him either way. At least he listened to her and accepted her.

Magnus helped her choose her name, She couldn’t decide between Lou Ann and Bethany so she combined the names and formed Annabeth.

Hence Annabeth chase was born.

Once she was caught stealing her step mom’s perfume and that was her breaking point when she was called a freak and threatened to cut her hair. It shattered her, and she had to run away and be free to live like herself, she had nothing to loose anyways and so she did run.

Meeting Luke and Thalia was the best thing that ever happened to her. She never told them because she was embarrassed and besides she could easily pass as a girl. And that was the first time she used the name Annabeth.

Thalia found out by accident once. It was quite a surprise but she didn’t care, she reassured Annabeth that she was not a freak and that there was nothing to be embarrassed about. They had a long talk and Thalia set her mind that once they reached camp she’d help Annabeth with everything. Annabeth was like her little sister.

Back in camp, without Thalia, it became a bit difficult for her to keep hiding. CHB was her family, she trusted them but still had a few insecurities in her head.

Despite trusting/loving Luke. She never told him. But he was the one who got her ears pierced for her 9 birthday (upon requesting). He also gifted her silver owl earrings which she wore a lot.

Chiron found out eventually but he didn’t bring the topic up so as to not make Annabeth feel too uncomfortable. So for the next 4 years Annabeth kept researching about transition and got better at adapting.

Then came along Percy. He was a bit of a goofball but was pretty alert but Annabeth was one step further than him. She had already practiced to keep her voice high pitched. She simply couldn’t let him know. He might’ve been sweet but the memories of the past always lingered.

It was until after TLO when Annabeth confessed, she loved Percy and he loved her, there was nothing to hide and Percy was glad to know, Annabeth didn’t seem any different to him, she was still and always would be his Wise-girl. Supportive simp boyfriend™️

Grover cried when he found out, he was really happy that Annabeth shared something so sensitive with him. Even tho she trusted him with his life, he was super happy.

She slowly came out to the other campers. Everyone supported her, but there were a few people who found it hard to process, either because they never noticed anything or that it was really unexpected. But there was no negativity.

After BoO. Annabeth came out to all her friends. Piper, Reyna and Hazel helped her a lot. Even though Annabeth had researched, there was nothing wrong in asking her friends for advice.

She took her first dose of hormones a year late than usually due to the constant quests. (This was actually during MoA). She started showing a lot of noticeable differences during first semester of college.

Her family came around sometime during the end of TLO, (When she would spend the summer at home instead of camp). It was before college when they finally accepted her and could wrap around their minds that Annabeth was their daughter.

Her step-brothers were confused since they vaguely remembered they had a big brother, but the topic was soon forgotten.

Piper was especially close to Annabeth during the early transition stages.

Now for Athena’s reaction. It never bothered her and never will, Annabeth is her child, gender didn’t matter as long as Annabeth was comfortable with however she identified as.

Annabeth Legally changed her name on her 18th birthday. And her bottom surgery is scheduled for after she graduates or sometime in between the second semester of college.

Hope you liked these✨

[Masterlist]

[kookie-doughs]

Y/N L/N AND THE HALFBLOODS

Percy Jackson X Reader -Y/N L/N met Percy Jackson and everything was now ruined.

CHAPTER 10: The Wheels On The Bus Goes Skrt Skrt Skrt

It didn't take me long to pack. I didn't have anything at all, which left me only an extra change of clothes and a toothbrush to stuff in a backpack Grover had found for me and Percy. Both having nothing to carry we decided to share a bag. The camp store loaned us one hundred dollars in mortal money and twenty golden drachmas. These coins were as big as Girl Scout cookies and had images of various Greek gods stamped on one side and the Empire State Building on the other. The ancient mortal drachmas had been silver, Chiron told us, but Olympians never used less than pure gold. Chiron said the coins might come in handy for non-mortal transactions—whatever that meant. He gave Annabeth, Percy and I each a canteen of nectar and a Ziploc bag full of ambrosia squares, to be used only in emergencies, if we were seriously hurt. It was god food, Chiron reminded us. It would cure us of almost any injury, but it was lethal to mortals. Too much of it would make a half-blood very, very feverish. An overdose would burn us up, literally. Annabeth was bringing her magic Yankees cap, which she told us had been a twelfth-birthday present from her mom. She carried a book on famous classical architecture, written in Ancient Greek, to read when she got bored, and a long bronze knife, hidden in her shirt sleeve. I was sure the knife would get us busted the first time we went through a metal detector. Grover wore his fake feet and his pants to pass as human. He wore a green rasta-style cap, because when it rained his curly hair flattened and you could just see the tips of his horns. His bright orange backpack was full of scrap metal and apples to snack on. In his pocket was a set of reed pipes his daddy goat had carved for him, even though he only knew two songs: Mozart's Piano Concerto no. 12 and Hilary Duff's "So Yesterday," both of which sounded pretty bad on reed pipes. We waved good-bye to the other campees, took one last look at the strawberry fields, the ocean, and the Big House, then hiked up Half-Blood Hill to the tall pine tree that used to be Thalia, daughter of Zeus. Chiron was waiting for us in his wheelchair. Next to him stood a surfer looking dude. According to Grover, the guy was the camp's head of security. He supposedly had eyes all over his body so he could never be surprised. Today, though, he was wearing a chauffeur's uniform, so I could only see extra peepers on his hands, face and neck. "This is Argus," Chiron told us. "He will drive you into the city, and, er, well, keep an eye on things." I heard footsteps behind us. Luke came running up the hill, carrying a pair of basketball shoes. "Hey!" he panted. "Glad I caught you." Annabeth blushed, the way she always did when Luke was around. I looked at him with a frown. "Don't look at me like that. I had to find out from the others you're going on a quest." he glared. "So much for the option you won't die at." "I would've told you if you were at the cabin when I got back. Now what's with the shoes?" "Just wanted to say good luck," Luke told Percy. "And I thought... um, maybe you could use these." He handed him the sneakers, which looked pretty normal. They even smelled kind of normal. Luke said, "Maia!" White bird's wings sprouted out of the heels, startling me so much, Percy dropped them. The shoes flapped around on the ground until the wings folded up and disappeared. "Awesome!" Grover said. Luke smiled. "Those served me well when I was on my quest. Gift from Dad. Of course, I don't use them much these days...." His expression turned sad. I didn't know what to say. It was cool enough that Luke had come to say good-bye. But here he was giving Percy a magic gift.... It made me a bit jealous. "Hey, man," Percy said. "Thanks." "Listen, Percy..." Luke looked uncomfortable. "A lot of hopes are riding on you. So just... kill some monsters for me, okay?" They shook hands. Luke patted Grover's head between his horns, then gave a good-bye hug to Annabeth, who looked like she might pass out. The three went to Chiron about stuffs while Luke and I had a staring contest. "So Percy got a present and I only get an I don't know... a hug? Here I thought I was your favorite." "What made you think you are?" He laughed and ruffled my hair. "And no you don't get a hug." "Suddenly I'm not coming back." He smiled and from his back he pulled out a sheathed knife. "I meant to say you won't get only a hug. I noticed you're not a fan of swords. So, I made this my self. I am no Hephaestus child but hey..." He handed me the knife. The sheath was plain colored with a metal chap and locket, it had chains attached to the locket where I could probably put it on something to make sure I bring it with me. Pulling the knife out of the sheath, its knife was around 15 inches. On the blade, Ancient Greek was engraved on it. I think it's my name and the other side is his. "What is this?" I grinned. "I don't know. I ran out of good ideas! I swear I looked up some of Plato and Socrates for that." "And you settled for that?" I laughed. "I am going to take that back now." "Hey, that doesn't mean I don't like it. Thanks." "It's celestial bronze... Half of it at least." "Half?" "I'm sure Chiron won't appreciate it. It will harm both us and humans." "So... It'll hurt both side?" "Yup. And I'm not sure but according to a Hephaestus kid but it's supposed to glow when its near something." "Its not glowing now." "We never said no backsies. I'd like it back now." "I'll take good care of..." I stopped to think of a name and almost immediately remembered a perfect one, "Sting." "I would ask but I already know." Luke shook his head. "Be careful with Sting. It---" "He. Sting is a he, thank you very much." "HE, is lethal. He it can kill us, others close to our kind and normal humans." "Oops I accidentally stabbed myself." With a worried look he pulled me in a hug, "And whatever happens. Put your safety above all. No need to be the hero. If you die in this quest I will get the lord of the dead revive you or kill me." "Ew how sentimental." "Be careful... okay? All of you. Promise me that." "Fine, I promise. On the knife, I'll come back not dead, with everyone." After Luke was gone, I placed the knife on my waist. I went back to Percy. "Okay, that's extremely cool," I heard him say. "What's cool?" I grinned standing behind Percy overlooking his shoulder. "My new pen." He showed me his pen and uncapped it only to show a sword. "I can't loose it no matter what! Its called Riptide." "But what if a mortal sees you pulling out a sword?" Chiron smiled. "Mist is a powerful thing, Y/N." "Mist?" "I just keep hearing that over and over can someone finally explain?" "Yes. Read The Iliad. It's full of references to the stuff. Whenever divine or monstrous elements mix with the mortal world, they generate Mist, which obscures the vision of humans. You will see things just as they are, being a half-blood, but humans will interpret things quite differently. Remarkable, really, the lengths to which humans will go to fit things into their version of reality." Percy put Riptide back in his pocket. For the first time, the quest felt real. We was actually leaving Half-Blood Hill. We was heading west with no adult supervision, no backup plan, not even a cell phone. (Chiron said cell phones were traceable by monsters; if we used one, it would be worse than sending up a flare.) I had no weapon stronger than a knife to fight off monsters and reach the Land of the Dead. "Chiron..." I said. "When you say the gods are immortal... I mean, there was a time before them, right?" "Four ages before them, actually. The Time of the Titans was the Fourth Age, sometimes called the Golden Age, which is definitely a misnomer. This, the time of Western civilization and the rule of Zeus, is the Fifth Age." "So what was it like... before the gods?" Chiron pursed his lips. "Even I am not old enough to remember that, child, but I know it was a time of darkness and savagery for mortals. Kronos, the lord of the Titans, called his reign the Golden Age because men lived innocent and free of all knowledge. But that was mere propaganda. The Titan king cared nothing for your kind except as appetizers or a source of cheap entertainment. It was only in the early reign of Lord Zeus, when Prometheus the good Titan brought fire to mankind, that your species began to progress, and even then Prometheus was branded a radical thinker. Zeus punished him severely, as you may recall. Of course, eventually the gods warmed to humans, and Western civilization was born." "But the gods can't die now, right? I mean, as long as Western civilization is alive, they're alive. So... even if I failed, nothing could happen so bad it would mess up everything, right?" Chiron gave us a melancholy smile. "No one knows how long the Age of the West will last, Percy. The gods are immortal, yes. But then, so were the Titans. They still exist, locked away in their various prisons, forced to endure endless pain and punishment, reduced in power, but still very much alive. May the Fates forbid that the gods should ever suffer such a doom, or that we should ever return to the darkness and chaos of the past. All we can do, child, is follow our destiny." "Our destiny... assuming we know what that is." "Relax," Chiron told me. "Keep a clear head. And remember, you may be about to prevent the biggest war in human history." "Relax," Percy said. "I'm very relaxed." When we got to the bottom of the hill, I looked back. Under the pine tree that used to be Thalia, daughter of Zeus, Chiron was now standing in full horse-man form, holding his bow high in salute. Just your typical summer-camp send-off by your typical centaur. I took Percy's hand and we gave each other a reassuring nod. I wish us luck. Talking whilst at camp drained me. I apologize if I won't be much help. You have stamina? So you aren't a bigshot all powerful god? Without you and I as one. I am nothing. I have given you my everything.

Argus drove us out of the countryside and into western Long Island. It felt weird to be on a highway again, Annabeth and Percy was sitting next to me as if we were normal carpoolers. After two weeks at Half-Blood Hill, the real world seemed like a fantasy. I found myself staring at every McDonald's, every kid in the back of his parents' car, every billboard and shopping mall. "So far so good," Percy said. "Ten miles and not a single monster." She gave him an irritated look. "It's bad luck to talk that way, seaweed brain." "Remind me again—why do you hate me so much?" "I don't hate you." "Could've fooled me." She folded her cap of invisibility. "Look... we're just not supposed to get along, okay? Our parents are rivals." "Why?" She sighed. "How many reasons do you want? One time my mom caught Poseidon with his girlfriend in Athena's temple, which is hugely disrespectful. Another time, Athena and Poseidon competed to be the patron god for the city of Athens. Your dad created some stupid saltwater spring for his gift. My mom created the olive tree. The people saw that her gift was better, so they named the city after her." "They must really like olives." I interjected. "Not you too! You know what? Forget it." "Now, if she'd invented pizza—that I could understand." "I said, forget it!" In the front seat, Argus smiled. He didn't say anything, but one blue eye on the back of his neck winked at me. Traffic slowed us down in Queens. By the time we got into Manhattan it was sunset and starting to rain. Argus dropped us at the Greyhound Station on the Upper East Side, Percy and I didn't let go. Taped to a mailbox was a soggy flyer with Percy's picture on it: HAVE YOU SEEN THIS BOY? He ripped it down before Annabeth and Grover could notice. "They could've at least gotten a better picture." I smirked which caused him to roll his eyes. Argus unloaded our bags, made sure we got our bus tickets, then drove away, the eye on the back of his hand opening to watch us as he pulled out of the parking lot. Grover shouldered his backpack. He gazed down the street in the direction Percy was looking. "You want to know why she married him, Percy?" I stared at Percy then at Grover. "Were you reading my mind or something?" "Just your emotions." He shrugged. "Guess I forgot to tell you satyrs can do that. You were thinking about your mom and your stepdad, right?" Percy nodded. I missed my parents of course, but I had Luke and Grover to talk to which made me less lonely. Percy became an outcast when we got to camp and had no one to talk to. I squeezed his hand and gave him a smile. "Your mom married Gabe for you," Grover told him. "You call him 'Smelly,' but you've got no idea. The guy has this aura.... Yuck. I can smell him from here. I can smell traces of him on you, and you haven't been near him for a week." "Thanks," Percy said. "Where's the nearest shower?" "You should be grateful, Percy. Your stepfather smells so repulsively human he could mask the presence of any demigod. As soon as I took a whiff inside his Camaro, I knew: Gabe has been covering your scent for years. If you hadn't lived with him every summer, you probably would've been found by monsters a long time ago. Your mom stayed with him to protect you. She was a smart lady. She must've loved you a lot to put up with that guy—if that makes you feel any better." I knew what Percy was thinking. He was thinking of the fact we'll get his mom and my parents. How we'll save them all. We got restless waiting for the bus and decided to play some Hacky Sack with one of Grover's apples. Annabeth was unbelievable. She could bounce the apple off her knee, her elbow, her shoulder, whatever. I wasn't too bad myself. The game ended when I tossed the apple toward Grover and it got too close to his mouth. In one mega goat bite, our Hacky Sack disappeared—core, stem, and all. Grover blushed. He tried to apologize, but we were too busy cracking up. Percy pulled me to a corner, after excusing ourselves for a bathroom break. "You finally going to tell me about this quest?" "The truth is," He started. "I don't care about retrieving Zeus's lightning bolt, or saving the world, or even helping my father out of trouble." I gave him a look that reassured him to continue. "The more I thought about it, I resented my father for never visiting me, never helping my mom, never even sending a lousy child-support check. He'd only claimed me because he needed a job done. All I cared about was you and my mom. The underworld god had taken her unfairly, and he is going to give her back." "Percy, we don't even know what's going on. Yeah, he might have her. But what is there's another reason? We don't exactly know anything. I don't even think my parents are with him." "Well, no matter where they are. We will get them back. The least I could do is get them back." He rested his head on my shoulder. "Don't "You will be betrayed by one who calls you a friend," "What?" I froze. "Percy... I would never---" "You will fail to save what matters most in the end." "What are you talking about?" The rain kept coming down. "The rest of the prophecy. Y/N, I don't want you to betray me. Please... don't." I could hear his voice breaking. "Of course I won't. We'll get this quest done. We won't loose anyone and we'll get our parents. Don't worry." I hugged him. "I will stay with you. I won't leave and I won't betray you." "Hey Bonnie and Clyde, we need to go." Finally the bus came. As we stood in line to board, Grover started looking around, sniffing the air. "What is it?" I asked. "I don't know," he said tensely. "Maybe it's nothing." But I could tell it wasn't nothing. I took Percy's hand and started looking over my shoulder, too. I was relieved when we finally got on board and found seats together in the back of the bus. We stowed our backpacks. Annabeth kept slapping her Yankees cap nervously against her thigh. As the last passengers got on, I immediately clamped my hand onto Percy's knee. "Percy." It was Mrs. Dodds. Older, more withered, but definitely the same evil face. I scrunched down in my seat. Behind her came two more old ladies: one in a green hat, one in a purple hat. Otherwise they looked exactly like Mrs. Dodds—same gnarled hands, paisley handbags, wrinkled velvet dresses. Triplet demon grandmothers. And I was now sure, Mrs. Rudolph was one of them. They sat in the front row, right behind the driver. The two on the aisle crossed their legs over the walkway, making an X. It was casual enough, but it sent a clear message: nobody leaves. The bus pulled out of the station, and we headed through the slick streets of Manhattan. "She didn't stay dead long," Percy said, "I thought you said they could be dispelled for a lifetime." "I said if you're lucky," Annabeth said. "You're obviously not." "All three of them," Grover whimpered. "Di immortales!" "Who knows maybe they just want to play?" I said nervously. Annabeth gave me a look of irritation, "Not now," she said, obviously thinking hard. "The Furies. The three worst monsters from the Underworld. No problem. No problem. We'll just slip out the windows." "They don't open," Grover moaned. "A back exit?" she suggested. There wasn't one. Even if there had been, it wouldn't have helped. By that time, we were on Ninth Avenue, heading for the Lincoln Tunnel. "Maybe a nice chat would help?" "They won't attack us with witnesses around," Percy said. "Will they?" "Mortals don't have good eyes," Annabeth reminded him. "Their brains can only process what they see through the Mist." "They'll see three old ladies killing us, won't they?" She thought about it. "Hard to say. But we can't count on mortals for help. Maybe an emergency exit in the roof... ?" We hit the Lincoln Tunnel, and the bus went dark except for the running lights down the aisle. It was eerily quiet without the sound of the rain. Mrs. Dodds got up. In a flat voice, as if she'd rehearsed it, she announced to the whole bus: "I need to use the rest-room." "So do I," said the second sister. "So do I," said the third sister. They all started coming down the aisle. "I've got it," Annabeth said. "Percy, take my hat." "What?" "You're the one they want. Turn invisible and go up the aisle. Let them pass you. Maybe you can get to the front and get away." "But you guys—" "There's an outside chance they might not notice us," Annabeth said. "You're a son of one of the Big Three. Your smell might be overpowering." "I can't just leave Y-- you guys!" "Don't worry about us," I assured him. "Go!" His hands were trembling. But I took the Yankees cap and put it on. And he simply vanished. Mrs. Dodds stopped, sniffing, and looked straight at a spot. My heart was pounding. Apparently she didn't see anything. She and her sisters kept going. "Maybe if they approach us, I could try talking? I really was Mrs. Rudolph's favorite..." I stammered. "Yeah stage is yours." Annabeth answered. The old ladies were not old ladies anymore. Their faces were still the same—I guess those couldn't get any uglier— but their bodies had shriveled into leathery brown hag bodies with bat's wings and hands and feet like gargoyle claws. Their handbags had turned into fiery whips. The Furies surrounded us, lashing their whips, hissing: "Where is it? Where?" The other people on the bus were screaming, cowering in their seats. They saw something, all right. "He's not here!" Annabeth yelled. "He's gone!" The Furies raised their whips. "Don't!" I stepped in front of them shaking. "H-Hi Mrs. Rudolph. W-What could you need?" Annabeth drew her bronze knife. Grover grabbed a tin can from his snack bag and prepared to throw it. To our surprise the bus jerked to the right. Everybody howled as we were thrown to the right, and I heard what I hoped was the sound of three Furies smashing against the windows. "Hey!" the driver yelled. "Hey—whoa!" The bus slammed against the side of the tunnel, grinding metal, throwing sparks a mile behind us. We careened out of the Lincoln Tunnel and back into the rainstorm, people and monsters tossed around the bus, cars plowed aside like bowling pins. Somehow the driver found an exit. We shot off the highway, through half a dozen traffic lights, and ended up barreling down one of those New Jersey rural roads where you can't believe there's so much nothing right across the river from New York. There were woods to our left, the Hudson River to our right, and the driver seemed to be veering toward the river. The bus wailed, spun a full circle on the wet asphalt, and crashed into the trees. The emergency lights came on. The door flew open. The bus driver was the first one out, the passengers yelling as they stampeded after him. The Furies regained their balance. They lashed their whips at Annabeth while she waved her knife and yelled in Ancient Greek, telling them to back off. Grover threw tin cans. It was as if I didn't exist which was kinda offensive. "Hey! I'm also here!" I yelled pulling out my now glowing knife and helped Grover. "Hey!" A voice from the door way echoed. "Percy you idiot! Run!" I yelled. The Furies turned, baring their yellow fangs at him. Mrs. Dodds stalked up the aisle. Every time she flicked her whip, red flames danced along the barbed leather. Her two ugly sisters hopped on top of the seats on either side of her and crawled toward him like huge nasty lizards. I don't know how but I managed to parkour my way to avoid them and get to Percy in no trouble. I raised my knife and stood in between of them. "Perseus Jackson," Mrs. Dodds said, in an accent that was definitely from somewhere farther south than Georgia. "You have offended the gods. You shall die. I suggest you step away from him Y/N L/N." "I liked you better as a math teacher," he told her. She growled. Annabeth and Grover moved up behind the Furies cautiously, looking for an opening. Percy took the ballpoint pen out of his pocket and uncapped it. Riptide elongated into a shimmering double-edged sword. The Furies hesitated. Mrs. Dodds had felt Riptide's blade before. She obviously didn't like seeing it again. "Submit now," she hissed. "And you will not suffer eternal torment." "Nice try," I told her. "Percy, look out!" Annabeth cried. Mrs. Dodds lashed her whip around my sword hand while the Furies on the either side lunged at him. I managed to keep one of them and parried with her using my knife., which turned out to be Mrs. Rudolph. "I hate to admit it but you were my favorite teacher. Why go mean now?!" I struck with the hilt of my knife against her, sending her toppling backward into a seat. I turned to see Percy had sliced the Fury on his right. As soon as the blade connected with her neck, she screamed and exploded into dust. Annabeth got Mrs. Dodds in a wrestler's hold and yanked her backward while Grover ripped the whip out of her hands. "Ow!" he yelled. "Ow! Hot! Hot!" Mrs. Rudolph came at me again, talons ready, but I dove in and got in range to swing Sting at her and she broke open like a piñata. Mrs. Dodds was trying to get Annabeth off her back. She kicked, clawed, hissed and bit, but Annabeth held on while Grover got Mrs. Dodds's legs tied up in her own whip. Finally they both shoved her backward into the aisle. Mrs. Dodds tried to get up, but she didn't have room to flap her bat wings, so she kept falling down. "Zeus will destroy you!" she promised. "Hades will have your soul!" "Braccas meas vescimini!" Percy yelled. I wasn't sure where the Latin came from. I think it meant "Eat my pants!" Thunder shook the bus. The hair rose on the back of my neck. "Get out!" Annabeth yelled at us. "Now!" I didn't need any encouragement. Taking Percy's hand, we rushed outside and found the other passengers wandering around in a daze, arguing with the driver, or running around in circles yelling, "We're going to die!" A Hawaiian-shirted tourist with a camera snapped my photograph before I could recap my sword. "Our bags!" Grover realized. "We left our—" BOOOOOM! The windows of the bus exploded as the passengers ran for cover. Lightning shredded a huge crater in the roof, but an angry wail from inside told me Mrs. Dodds was not yet dead. "Run!" Annabeth said. "She's calling for reinforcements! We have to get out of here!" We plunged into the woods as the rain poured down, the bus in flames behind us, and nothing but darkness ahead.

Previous | Masterlist | Next

UwU Haha this is what the knife looks like since I'm not sure if I describe it that well... Omg I just realized my brother changed the chapter title lmao -kookie-doughs

Just imagine it has your name on the blade.

Taglist?

@gayer-than-the-gayest-gay @the-natureofme @booknerd-3000

[greekgrad12]

know

tlh/son content i didn’t ask for :)

(tw!! mentions of not eating and depression)

**********************************

It had been four months, five days, and twelve hours since Percy Jackson disappeared. Four months, five days, and twelve hours since he kissed her goodnight and went off to his cabin. She was supposed to see him the next day. They had planned to eat breakfast together and then go to the stables to hang out with Blackjack. It was meant to be normal day, and yet, it ended up being the beginning of Annabeth’s worst nightmare. She thought he’d be back by now. She thought she would have been able to find him at this point. 

One week, she would catch herself thinking, He was able to find me in barely one week after Atlas captured me. Why can’t I find him?

The last four months have been hard, but Annabeth had recently fallen into a new kind of despair. Something more than an ache, more than a sinking feeling in her chest. The feeling made her physically ill. Over half of the time, she wanted to scream, and her siblings encouraged it. They tried to convince her that it could help, but she was too numb to ever put in the effort. 

The past week had been her worst one yet. Annabeth barely left bed, let alone the Athena cabin. She spent every day staring at Daedalus’ computer looking through missing people’s reports, searching for strange happenings around the world, and trying to come up with new search plans. She hadn't eaten in days and it was beginning to be noticeable. 

Her brothers and sisters tried to reason with her, but she wouldn't budge. Piper tried to comfort her, but Annabeth didn't want pity. The Stoll’s stopped by and tried to make her laugh, but she barely breathed out a chuckle. Even Will Solace made an appearance and tried to convince her that she needed to be taking better care of herself.

“Percy wouldn't want to see you like this,” he’d said. 

But how would he know what Percy would want? She was his girlfriend. She was his best friend. She was the one who felt like she was dying every morning when she woke up and realized that this wasn’t all a big nightmare. Annabeth was the one who’d lost someone she loved, again, and couldn't do anything about it, again. 

She didn't even have Grover to lean on. If she were to let anyone in right now, it would be either him or Thalia, but they were both off leading the satyrs and hunters in a search party. At least they were doing something. Chiron hadn't let her leave the camp in who knows how long. Apparently, she was too big of a risk in her present state. Annabeth thought that was bullshit. 

Somehow, the girl had managed to feel more weak, useless, and alone then she ever had before, and yet, at the same time, she felt nothing. 

A knock on her cabin door pulled Annabeth from her computer screen. She assumed it would be one of her siblings trying to coax her into coming to dinner again, but she was surprised to see none other than Clarisse la Rue leaning against the door of her cabin, hands behind her back. 

“What are you doing here?” Annabeth’s voice came out croaky. She hadn't spoken all day. 

“Could ask you the same thing,” Clarisse replied as she walked further into the room towards where Annabeth sat on her bunk, “It’s dinner time, princess.” 

Annabeth rolled her eyes at the big girl looking down at her, “I’m not hungry. And I’m busy.” 

Clarisse scoffed, “Yeah, and I don't buy it. You missed breakfast and lunch today, and dinner last night. And the night before, and the night before that.” 

“Like I said, I’ve been busy.” 

“Annabeth,” The end of the bed dipped as Clarisse took a seat. The blonde didn’t want to look up from the laptop, but there was something strange in Clarisse’s voice. She still sounded annoyed, but it was almost comforting, gentle even. 

When she looked at Clarisse, she was met with an expression she’d never really seen on the girl’s face before. It could almost be described as a mix between an aggressive don't bullshit me and a gentle I know. Annabeth hated it. 

I know. 

I know this is hard for you. I know this hurts. I know things will turn out okay. 

For some reason, everyone assumed that they knew what Annabeth was going through. That they knew what she was feeling. But how could they possible understand what she was feeling when she couldn't put it into words herself? Annabeth was no stranger to loss, but this? This was different. She’d always been a tough girl. She’s always been the one who was able to hold herself together and put on a brave face for the sake of doing what’s important. But this? Loosing Percy? Her Seaweed Brain? 

They had been through so much together and so far they’d survived. Together. And now she's facing all of this alone. Annabeth isn't some damsel in distress. She survived without Percy before, so she wasn't sure why she suddenly feels like she can't breathe without him. 

She didn't want to be reminded of those stupid words ever again, “Don't.” 

Annabeth was surprised that Clarisse even heard her. The word came out in a harsh whisper and the waver in her voice didn't help.

Rather than give her the typical pity look, Clarisse just sighed and brought her hands out from behind her back. In her right hand, she was holding a water bottle, in the left, a piece of pizza wrapped in a napkin, extra olives. Annabeth just stared at it.

“Who sent you?”

“Believe it or not, I come by my own free will,” Clarisse placed the food and drink down in front of Daedalus’s computer, “You’ve been ignoring everyone. I think Malcolm was about to send out an Iris Mesage to Thalia and have her bring the hunters back so she could try her hand at talking to you. Figured I’d give it a go before we resort to that.”

“Why do you care if the hunters come here?”

Clarisse got quiet and looked down at the food she’d brought in. There was a look on her face, it almost as if she was contemplating what to say. It took a moment before she finally let out a sigh and spoke up, “Those hunters jump back really quickly. They were back to the hunt in no time after the Titan War. And it’s tradition to have a game of Capture the Flag every time they visit. We haven’t played since before, well, everything-“

“And you don’t want to loose to them again,” Annabeth scoffed. Of course Clarisse would have her own agenda in mind right now. The blonde had half a mind to throw the pizza into her face and-

“No,” Despite Annabeth’s rude tone, Clarisse remained calm, “I just don’t want to fight. Not for a little while longer at least.”

Annabeth wasn’t sure how to react to the confession. She’d never heard an Ares kid say they didn't want to fight. Especially Clarisse.  The other girl must have sensed Annabeth’s confusion, or read it right off of her face, because she explained further, “The um... the last time I was in an actual fight was right after Silena... you know.” 

This time it was Clarisse who was avoiding eye contact. Of course Annabeth knew, she was right there when it happened. She witnessed first hand as Clarisse’s tough walls crumbled at the sight of Silena’s death. No camper was excited about training after the war was over. A majority of the summer had been spent as if they were kids at a normal summer camp and not a bunch of demigods who had just fought in a giant war where half of their friends had died. For a moment, just moment, they were normal. 

But training would have to start again eventually. Wars come and go, but monsters will always return. However, no one was eager to jump back into making a game out of war when they had just barley survived a real one. 

“Yeah...” I know. 

Annabeth stopped before those cursed words could slipped through her lips. She and Silena were very close friends. She missed her all the time. She would be reminded of her when she walked past the Aphrodite cabin, or when she went to see Backjack, or, even worse, when she hung out with Piper. Annabeth loved and missed Silena so much, but she didn't know what Clarisse was going through. 

When Chris came back to camp, Clarisse and Silena became closer than ever. The daughter of Ares found someone she could confide in and trust. A person who she could let her walls down with, but it was more than that. At least, that’s what Annabeth was starting to believe. 

Looking back at the days after the war, Annabeth now realized how familiar this all must be for Clarisse, because she was the exact same way. Well, maybe not the exact same. The daughter of Ares didn't spend her time searching news reports or making up search plans, but she retreated in her own way. It wasn't until Chris intervened that she started to get back to her old self. 

“Clarisse,” Annabeth asked, gently, “How did- I mean, with Silena- you-” 

Clarisse snickered, but it wasn't harsh in any way, “I think this is the first time I’ve heard an Athena kid sound so unsure. Just ask.”

“How did it feel?” the blonde was straining not to let tears fall from her eyes, “When she- when you lost her?” 

“It felt like...” Clarisse bit her tongue and leaned her head back, as if she were trying to hold something back too, “It felt like I’d just lost what made me whole.” 

“Why?” the question came out softer than she’d intended. 

Then, for maybe the first time in her life, Annabeth saw a soft smile appear on Clarisse’s face, “Because I loved her. Just like you love Percy, just like he loves you.” 

Love. 

Annabeth didn’t know when she stopped trying to hold back her tears, but by the time she realized her cheeks were wet, it was too late to do anything about it. 

“I don’t know how you feel, but I know what you’re going through. Though, hopefully, not completely. Jackson is still out there, I know because that headache he always causes me to have is still here,” Annabeth laughed for the first time in months, “Look, I do intend to help you find him, and I will hit him over the head for leaving, whatever the reason, I don't really care. But you have to start taking care of yourself again, Annabeth. What you're doing, it’s dangerous and stupid. Believe me, I know. And we don’t call you Wise Girl because you’re stupid.”

Then, Annabeth did something she never thought she’d ever do. She shut her computer then reached out and gave Clarisse la Rue a hug. Just as Annabeth was sure she was about to get body slammed, the other girl hugged her back. 

“No offense or anything,” Annabeth said, pulling away from the girl and wiping tears off of her face, “but this all seems very un-Clarisse of you.” 

The girl chuckled at that, “Silena taught me to open up about my feelings. I’m beginning to realize that I wouldn't be honoring her if I decided to backtrack into my old secluded ways just because she’s gone. However, that being said, if anyone asks, I came in here, yelled some sense into you, and you don't know about my mushy side.” 

A small smile appeared on Annabeth’s face, “Deal.” 

“Good,” Clarisse said, leaning back onto the bed post, “Now, I'm not leaving until you drink your water and eat your pizza. After this, you're going to the bonfire and having one night off, and if you argue I will go all Ares on you. We have every resource available out there looking for Percy. I know it’s your specialty and all, but you shouldn't be stressing yourself over things you can't control. He’ll come back to you, he loves you too much to stay away much longer.” 

After that, there wasn't much more convincing to be done. Annabeth ate her food and drank her drink while having a civil conversation with Clarisse. She’d gone back to talking and teasing like the Clarisse Annabeth knew, but now she was someone else. The last thing the blonde girl ever imagined was to have Clarisse la Rue, daughter of Ares, help her sort out her feelings, but now she knew. 

Annabeth knew why it hurt so much that Percy was gone. She knew why no one was able to comfort her, not in the way that he did, and she knew why losing him hurt so much more than anyone else. She knew why she had this dark feeling surrounding her, even still now, because one heart-to-heart over a piece of pizza won’t just take that away. But she knew it was possible. Clarisse was proof. Annabeth can come back from this and find Percy. She knew she could. She knows she can. 

Because now she's knows why it’s so important. 

It’s because it’s Percy. 

And it’s because she loves him. 

[scarpool-gmk]

7

Title: Godly Marine: Killed Author: Scarpool Fandom(s): NCIS, Percy Jackson & the Olympians Pairing(s): Gen Rating: PG/K+ Summary: Chapter 7 (9/13) — Staff Sergeant Michael Kahale, Marine Corps Mechanic and Son of Athena, was murdered. Annabeth Chase is determined to find out who did it and why. She, along with Percy Jackson, Grover Underwood, and Clarisse La Rue, infiltrate NCIS where they team up with NCIS Agents Leroy Gibbs, Anthony DiNozzo, Timothy McGee, and Ziva David. Complete Genre: Fanfiction, Mystery, Drama, Humour, General, Action Warnings:  N/A

Gibbs's command to 'bring them all' was still ringing in Tony's head as he finished dropping off the Kahale kids in the conference room. Their father was waiting for questioning.

The elevator dinged, signaling Ziva's and Gibbs's arrival. They lead Patricia Kahale in, Ziva taking point and escorting her to interrogation.

Tony walked next to Gibbs to report. "One in interrogation, the rest in the conference room."

Gibbs nodded and glanced around the bullpen. "Where are they?"

The long Island Agents. "Uh, don't know, Boss. They weren't here when we came back."

Gibbs lifted an eyebrow but stayed silent.

"So, how do you want to do this, Boss?"

"Let's start with the father."

Tony snatched the case file as they passed his desk. Then, not because he had an urge to share his current opinion, Tony said, "And the evil step-mother?"

"Let her stew."

"Right, Boss. How about the kids?"

"Have McGee bring them down. He's in charge of any incoming calls."

"Right." Tony started for the center stairs.

"Hey!" Gibbs called out. "You're with me. Write to him or something."

Tony frowned as he followed Gibbs. Although interrogation was way more fun than dealing with McProbie and the kids, Tony was uncomfortable that Gibbs wanted him to send a postcard through the building.

"Write to him?"

"Through your phone," Gibbs said.

"Oh! Er, you mean send a text."

Gibbs stopped in his tracks. Tony cringed. "I'm writing to him, Boss."

Gibbs continued on, leading them to the interrogation wing and pushed open a door even though he was never told in which room the man was being held in. Tony shuddered. The Gind. What power it beholds.

"Hey, what's going on?" Johnathan Kahale questioned as they entered. "You said this was about my son? What's going on with the investigation?"

"Mr. Kahale," Tony said, "This is Special Agent Gibbs."

"Hi," Kahale said and, after a brief hesitation, held his hand out. Gibbs shook in greeting.

"So, you are also on Michael's case? I had only met two other agents before being picked up by Agent David and Agent DiNozzo here. I didn't realize how big your teams are."

"Yeah," Gibbs chuckled, "I'm getting that a lot recently."

"Oh," Kahale said, unsurely. Tony understood. He would have said the same thing to that.

"So, how long is this going to take? With the kids here, I should really speak to my wife."

"Your wife is also here, Mr. Kahale," Tony said.

"Really? Can I please see her?"

"No," Gibbs said.

"What? Why not?"

"You are both suspects," Gibbs said.

"Excuse me?! I don't know how you came to that conclusion, Agent Gibbs, but I assure you that neither of us had anything to do with my son's death."

"Then I'm sure you can account for your whereabouts during that time," Tony said.

"I was home."

"Asleep?" Gibbs asked.

"Yes."

"Your wife?"

"Right beside me."

"Did you know about Michael's presence in the area?" Tony asked.

"It's like I told the other agents. No."

"And your wife?" Gibbs asked.

"No."

Gibbs reached into the case file and placed a sheet down.

"Explain," Gibbs said.

"I don't understand," Kahale said. "Are these my phone records?"

"Yeah," Tony said, "There were three calls during the night. One of which you made. You called Michael."

"How do you know it was Michael? It could've been anyone."

"Like who?" Tony asked. "Who would you call at one in the morning that used a number that magically disappeared after use?"

There were a couple of 'um's and 'well's as Kahale fished for an answer. And Gibbs was able to fill in Kahale's awkward moment. "Adrian Rodriguez."

Johnathan Kahale blinked. "Who?"

"Don't know him?" Tony said, hoping to get any sort of recognition, although it was apparent the name was meaningless to the man. "First Lieutenant Adrian Rodriguez. He was assigned to the same ship as your son. He used the same technique Michael used. Make a call. Dump the phone. You have quite the phone history. Remarkably, so do the First Lieutenant's parents. In fact, most of the calls you received from out of service numbers align perfectly with the First Lieutenant's folks. Gap lengths and all. Same day. Same hour. Same location."

Kahale sighed heavily. "It was Michael."

"Why'd you call him?" Gibbs asked.

"Wanted to set up a place to meet?" Tony suggested. "A place to kill him?"

"No! Never!"

"So why lie about contacting him?" Tony asked. "Was it your wife? She doesn't like him. That much is obvious. So what? Keep it hidden? Keep the son you had with another woman a little secret?"

"Michael wasn't some dirty secret!"

"He went missing," Gibbs said.

"Yeah," Tony said, adding some interpretation to that topic. "Why did he run away?"

Kahale shifted in his seat. "He didn't run away," he said. But his posture displayed the doubt he had. Interesting. If he had communicated with his son, shouldn't he have known the answer to that?

Gibbs opened the file again and placed down pictures of Michael's body in autopsy. He also placed down Ducky's official report. "He had tissue and muscle scars old enough to have been done before he disappeared," Gibbs said.

Kahale's eyes flashed up at Gibbs. "You imply that he had ever been beaten in my home, Agent Gibbs?"

"He was different," Tony said, hoping to diffuse the situation and redirect some of the clear revulsion from Kahale onto himself. "No pictures. No social life. Behavioral problems. No steady school. Mother doesn't exist. Who was she? Just some random chick?"

"She wasn't random. And she wasn't just some chick. She was intelligent. Exquisite. Knowledgeable about every subject. Well-travelled. Skilled beyond measure. She knew me before I even laid eyes on her. She's a goddess. And I fell for her, even knowing the consequences."

Wow. Tony might be jealous if his partner lit up like that about a previous flame that had no records. Not to mention, bringing a kid into the picture.

"I loved his mother. I still do. No matter how much she may now despise me. And I love Michael. I could never blame him for any of the things he brought with him. How could I blame him?"

'Blame him?'

"What happened?" Gibbs asked.

"Why'd he leave?" Tony said.

Kahale let out a breath. "He wanted to find his mother's relatives."

"Is she dead?" Tony asked.

Kahale shrugged. How helpful.

"You didn't know where they were?" Gibbs asked.

"No."

"So, what," Tony said, wrapping his head around this idea. "You just let a ten-year-old kid travel the country? Unsupervised? Alone? With not a clue where to go?"

"It wasn't planned," Kahale said, "He didn't say anything; he just left."

"But," Tony dragged the vowel out. "You were okay with his disappearance?"

The silence was the confirmation.

This was crazy! Who would do that? No, scratch that. Tony knew the answer to that. But these people just didn't fit that profile. This guy had to be lying. He was just following the given story, hoping that it would pan out.

"Well," Tony said, "that would explain why a couple of lawyers sent a missing person file knowing nothing would happen."

"Get someone to review his statements," Gibbs said, packing up the case file. "You're not charged with murder yet, but you will be charged with a list of other crimes."

Tony flung the door out dramatically. "Yeah, like child neglect."

Gibbs walked out, and Tony started to close the door, slowing down so it wouldn't close too fast. He waited for Kahale to plea. To bargain. To let loose.

But he didn't. And Tony had to eventually close the door. The click as empty as the amount of nothing they had gotten from that interrogation.

-Ζήβα-

Ziva sat on the corner of the table as Gibbs took up his spot on the chair.

Patricia Kahale sat on the other chair, hands folded and eyes pointed straight at the one-way viewing glass. She had remained silent on the car ride over. Interestingly enough, she had not requested a lawyer even though promising she would when last questioned.

Gibbs placed down the profiles of the two children, Jeremy Swallar and Natasha Hibashira.

"Last time you were here," Gibbs started, "You told me you did not recognize them."

Gibbs waited for a reaction. Mrs. Kahale did not so much as avert her gaze.

"Mrs. Kahale?" Ziva asked. 'If this is how it's going to be, we might as well just cut-'

"Who's on the other side?"

Ziva blinked, forced out of her thoughts.

"Another agent," Gibbs said.

"One of yours?"

"Yes."

"No one else?"

"No, just my guy."

"Good."

Ziva remembered how Mrs. Kahale reacted to Agent La Rue and seemed to dislike Agent Jackson. Did she know something they did not?

Gibbs tapped on the pictures. "You said you didn't know them."

Mrs. Kahale glanced at them. "I did."

"You lied."

"A mistake, surely."

"You were seen talking to them at a bar," Ziva said.

"What did you say to them?" Gibbs asked.

"I didn't say anything to them," Kahale stated. "Besides, aren't they a little young to be at a bar unaccompanied?"

"Who said they were unaccompanied?" Ziva asked.

"Was that not what you implied? Why would I talk to them, if they had their parents with them?"

Ziva had to hand it to Kahale. She could dance. Ziva gave her a little smile. If only just.

"They were looking for a ride," Ziva said, "We believe you suggested them to go to Tarsibo. He is your client, after all."

"I did not speak to them."

"You don't want to talk about them. Fine," Gibbs said, "How about we talk about your stepson. You haven't seen him for years?"

"No."

"You haven't spoken to him?"

"No."

"Your husband was," Gibbs said.

"N-" Mrs. Kahale stopped and threw them a questioning look. "If he was, I have no knowledge of that."

Ziva frowned. "So, you did not know that your husband was in regular contact with Michael?"

"No."

"Did you know your husband called him right before he died?" Ziva asked.

"No."

"You told me you didn't know he joined the Marines. Did you not know what happened to him? That he was even alive? Did you not care? Your husband never told you anything, and you never asked?"

"No," Mrs. Kahale said.

Ziva leaned back. One word for all of her questions. She was used to it, but Gibbs at least cared.

"I suppose it was his way of respecting my desire to not be a part of it," Mrs. Kahale said. She scoffed. "His way of shielding me from that side of his life."

"His ex-wife," Gibbs clarified.

"She was never his wife," Mrs. Kahale said.

Gibbs shrugged. "Your husband had a kid with her. He speaks very highly of her. I would understand if you were resentful."

Mrs. Kahale glared at him. "I don't hate her, Agents," she said, "But if she's so smart, why does she make so many rash decisions? I'll tell you why. Selfishness. Pride. She doesn't have to deal with the consequences of her actions. Someone else always deals with them."

Ziva raised an eyebrow. Yes. Definitely resentful.

"Sounds like you know her," Gibbs said.

"No. But I've heard plenty of stories."

"What kind of stories?" Ziva asked.

"Dramas."

Gibbs hummed. "You would describe them as tragedies?"

Mrs. Kahale lifted her chin. "I would."

"Like the epic stories of the Greek myths," Gibbs said.

Mrs. Kahale said nothing.

"Your husband said she was a goddess. So, was he a part of some cult?"

Mrs. Kahale kept silent.

Ziva narrowed her eyes. The woman obviously did not like whatever it was her husband and this mystery woman were a part of. Why keep silent?

"You can tell us what's going on," Ziva said, "We will help you. Why don't you say anything? Are you being threatened? Your children are here and safe."

Mrs. Kahale swallowed. "It's nothing like that."

Oh, but it was. There was a response at the indication of being threatened and her kids, just as clear as to when Gibbs mentioned Greek myths.

"The kids," Gibbs said, tapping the pictures. "How do they fit in this?"

The woman looked down and took a breath, collecting herself. Ziva sat back. 'Just when we were making progress.' Were they looking at this wrong? Were the kids simply an unrelated event?

Patricia gave an annoyed huff. "As I already told you-"

The files flew from the desk. Gibbs was frustrated. Ziva did not envy this woman. He slammed his hands on the table, glaring down at her. "Then tell me something new. And make it the truth."

No. Ziva did not envy this woman at all.

The door clicked open.

Gibbs turned his death glare at McGee.

"Um, B-Boss," he stammered, "you really need to know this."

Ziva quickly followed after Gibbs. Although apparently suicidal, McGee was still a dear friend, and Ziva wouldn't like to see Gibbs murder him.

Gibbs growled. "What."

McGee nervously wet his lips.

"Well, Ducky has already released his findings. All these reporters who were following the case got them and reported the info to their respective medias. Reshaun Sachs, the bartender; you knew that, of course- well know, you haven't forgotten. Well, he decided to find out what was going on since his business is obviously involved and-"

Oh no. McGee was rambling. And Gibbs's face was darkening with each word. Would her gun be helpful? Or perhaps her knife would be more practical. She decided on simply clearing her throat. Loudly. McGee stuttered to a stop. Ziva gave him a pointed look.

Ziva was relieved when she saw his face alight with understanding.

"Patricia Kahale was at The Drowsy Owl during the time of death. She could not have killed Staff Sergeant Michael Kahale."

-Αντώνης-

Tony did not like this.

He watched as Gibbs and Ziva entered the interrogation room.

"You are free to go, Mr. Kahale," Ziva said.

"Thank you. If I can just see my wife, then we can-"

"Your wife isn't cleared," Gibbs said.

"What?"

"She admitted to killing your son."

"What?! No! She couldn't have."

"How do you know?" Ziva said, clicking the door shut behind her.

"She was at home."

"Weren't you home as well?"

"Yes, but- she just couldn't have done it."

"We know," Gibbs said, taking a seat. "Although not in your house, she is witnessed being at a bar during the time of the murder."

"Then you know she didn't do it. That she's innocent."

"Mr. Kahale, aren't you curious as to why she would be at a bar so late at night?" Ziva asked. "Not telling you and lying that she was?"

"Maybe she was meeting with her friends. I trust my wife."

"Have any idea as to whom these friends might be?" Gibbs said.

"No, I did not see them."

"What did they tell you?"

"Nothing. As I said. I did not see them."

"But you spoke with them. You received a call before and after you spoke with Michael. A blocked number."

"You had to be awake to answer your phone. You had to have known your wife was not lying asleep next to you. Why did you lie?"

"No, I-"

"Did you follow her?" Ziva said.

"Were you at your house?" Gibbs asked.

"Ye-"

"We have your kids here," Ziva said, "We can ask them."

"How about you ask them?" Gibbs said.

"Stop, please-"

"Maybe," Gibbs said, "you can tell them why you killed their brother."

"THEY HAD HER!" Mr. Kahale screamed. "They had Patty! And they were going to kill her! Unless…unless…"

"Unless you killed Michael," Ziva finished for him.

A gasp broke Tony's attention away from the interrogation room to the reason he was placed behind the glass. Patricia Kahale stood next to him with her hands over her mouth, staring intently at the scene before her.

"I warned him. I called him. They gave me a car and a bullet. I needed to save my wife. I wanted him to help me. But he said there was no time and that there was no one in D.C. that could help."

He bowed his head. "They had my wife," he sobbed.

"No," Patricia whispered.

"She's not part of this life," Mr. Kahale said, "She shouldn't die from it. How could I have brought her into it?"

"No," Patricia said again, and the look in her eyes gave Tony a bad feeling. "John, no!"

Tony was a half-second too late. The woman ran out of the viewing room. Tony sped out after her to see her flinging the interrogation room open.

"How could you do it?!" She cried.

"Boss," Tony said, "I'm sorry she just…" He stopped as Gibbs held a hand up.

"I'm sorry," Mr. Kahale said, "But I couldn't let you be involved. I couldn't let them have you! And you came back home and didn't say anything, acting fine-"

"I was always involved! Michael's stench led them to our family even after he left. They threatened to take me, you, our kids. They told me what they did to people."

"You took up a deal," Gibbs said, "You help them get what they wanted, they leave you alone."

Mrs. Kahale nodded.

"How many are there?"

"Too many. It's a nest that has grown through some sort of pact between them all, and nothing is killing them."

"Why didn't you call the police?" Ziva asked her.

"That would just make things worse. Besides, Michael has obviously delivered a message to his people."

Gibbs froze for a second.

"Boss?" Tony asked. What was going on?

Gibbs snapped out of it. "You two," he told the Kahales, "Stay."

He stalked out of the room. Ziva and Tony followed, having to jog to keep up with him. Tony quickly texted McGee a heads up and to send the Kahale kids back upstairs. When Gibbs took the stairs, they knew whatever he figured out was bad.

"McGee!" Gibbs barked. "Search the Long Island team."

"But I already- okay," McGee easily complied, after looking at his boss, "Looking up Lima."

McGee shared his screen on the plasma as he loaded up the federal database.

"No," Gibbs said, "Not Lima. Don't go through any federal sites."

"Um, okay? Doing an internet search of Percy Jackson."

"News sites," Gibbs said.

"Boss there are hundreds of Percy Jacksons," McGee scrolling through articles, "We'll never find-"

"That one," Gibbs pointed.

It was an article from a few years ago. "Percy Jackson, Criminal or Victim?" The photo had an image of a young, disheveled Percy Jackson. And by his side…

McGee was freaking out. "Boss, I'm sorry. Their profiles should have-"

"Her," Gibbs pointed, "Age her up to now."

"Right. Aging."

McGee cut out the photo of the blonde and plugged it into the program. He had wisely shut his trap. As the image began to come into focus, Tony felt his heart stop. There was no denying it.

"Gibbs," Ziva said, quietly, "That's-"

BANG! Gibbs slammed his desk drawer closed and shoved his firearm in its place at his hip. There was utter silence in the bullpen as Gibbs strode off.

A few seconds later, Tony was the first to move. No matter how angry Gibbs was, Tony was still a cop. The rest of his teammates quickly followed.

They left the image of Annabeth Chase, otherwise known as NCIS Special Agent Anne Lima, on the screen behind them.

Previous Chapter Chapter List Next Chapter

[annabethisterrified]

Book Review: THE BURNING MAZE (The Trials of Apollo #3) by Rick Riordan

There are no spoilers unless you click ‘Read More’!

California is burning. After shutting down the oraclic sites in New York and Indiana, Apollo (aka Lester Papadapaulos) and Meg McCaffrey team up with Grover Underwood to find the source of the burning maze, a morphed portion of the Labyrinth where the third oracle is trapped. Along the way, they must work with demigods Piper McLean and Jason Grace to figure out how to navigate the twisting, smoldering maze.

But the third emperor of the evil Roman Triumvirate makes Nero and Commodus look pathetic. With the stakes high and their world burning, Apollo and his friends must put out the flames before they devour everything. 

In classic Riordan tradition, this third installment amps up the drama and danger. With dark and mature themes, the lighthearted aspect of this series begins to dwindle away as real consequences and devastating decisions wreak havoc upon Apollo, Meg, Grover, Jason, and Piper. The Burning Maze is a cinematic, heartbreaking adventure that elevates the stakes and leads us to the grittiest part of The Trials of Apollo. Once again, this book proves that this third series is not a spin-off or separate from Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Heroes of Olympus; The Burning Maze proves that The Trials of Apollo explores the loose ends and lingering fears the first two series laid out. A must-read for any fan of Riordan’s mythological mayhem. Just, uh, grab some tissues first.

SPOILERY COMMENTARY BELOW!

Heyyyy there! So seriously, massive spoilers ahead. You sure about this? Okay. Also, I gotta break this down into chapters. It’ll be the only organized part of this, trust me.

1. That Fun Five Letter Word...Starts with D! 

2. The Devolution of Jasiper

3. Apollo’s Arc

4. What Comes Next...?

5. Miscellaneous Sobbing

-----

CHAPTER ONE: THAT FUN FIVE LETTER WORD...STARTS WITH D!

I am not okay. Like, really not okay. Granted, I’m writing this review less than thirty minutes after finishing, so maybe I need more time to process what just went down but....damn. Like, my stomach ACTUALLY HURTS. I AM IN PHYSICAL PAIN BECAUSE OF THE CONTENT OF THIS BOOK.

In a good way, you ask?

Uh. It’s hard to say. This book is tricky to review. I’ve had an easy, breezy time describing my feelings for all the PJO, HoO, and ToA books prior. But in The Burning Maze...everything changes. 

For years, a lot of us on here have lamented the fact that we felt Riordan’s books have lacked a degree of consequence. On the rare occasion that he did kill a character, he brought them back-- Jason in The Lost Hero, Hazel, Leo...I could go on. 

And it’s not that we’re bad people who want to watch our favorites perish! We just...well, if you keep bringing back dead characters, we start to lose the fear that a character’s death should instill.

I guess he heard us, then.

Because if you’ve read this book, you understand too-- there isn’t anything bringing Jason back. This was real. Final. (In his own words!) And that kind of hurts. A lot. But at the same time, as heartbroken and sick as I feel, this is what we’ve been asking for for a long time-- something that reminds us of what’s at stake. 

Something, I suppose, to make us remember that. (See what I did there?)

Now, I’ll talk more about this in Chapter Two because I have a lot of confused feelings, but I for one, when it was announced that Piper and Jason would be in this book, assumed it would be a joint arrival, if that makes sense? I wasn’t expecting the two of them to be starkly and individually portrayed and explored...and yeah, I gotta wait til the next section to talk about this. Back to Jason’s demise.

And yeah, this was spoiled for me. And yeah, it was my own fault, so don’t feel bad for me. Still, I didn’t know HOW or WHY he would die, so there was plenty of heartbreak for me to uncover along the way. I was mentally steeling myself for the first 300 pages of this book, dreading what I knew was coming, crying at nearly every scene he was in (which frankly, wasn’t many scenes!) and basically losing my damn mind remembering ceaselessly all the times we’ve had over the past what? EIGHT YEARS? Since Lost Hero came out? I’ve loved Jason since The Lost Hero...since I was TWELVE. I am now TWENTY. I watched him grow. I waited impatiently every year for the next HoO book to release. I watched him fall in love with Piper and expand his loyalties and grow stronger and wiser and end up with such a fitting duty-- pontifex maximus.

And today, eight years later, I watched it all get ripped away. 

And I’m torn, because I think in a dark way, this is an absolutely tragically beautiful arc for Riordan to explore and utilize in ToA. I think it was a long overdue and necessary decision that clarifies the real danger our characters should have been exposed to much earlier. 

But I really thought he was going to be okay after Blood of Olympus. I thought our Seven were safe. I had already imagined and accepted what their lives were going to be like-- I had imagined he and Piper’s kids, his job as pontifex maximus, everything that was going to unfold for him... I thought the great tragedy of his long, happy life was going to be not growing old with his sister, Thalia. 

And it was hard to have him brought back into the action just for half of a book, just to get killed so gruesomely, so violently...without even getting to say goodbye, a fact that Piper and Leo later lament. So am I outraged at this writing decision? Or simply as a loyal reader? I think it’s the latter. I am angry for Jason and the friends he left behind, but I also deeply respect this writing decision. It’s a weird balance, and my thoughts will likely evolve as I have more time to digest.

I don’t feel good thoughts about this book, but that’s not a negative on the story. I think Riordan knocked it out of the park. That doesn’t diminish the dread and devastation I feel as a reader who has loved Jason for eight years. As a reader who had happiness for Jason’s future, and as a reader who really, truly, thought it would happen. 

Then again, isn’t that the whole point? Demigods are never, ever safe. And now Apollo will always remember what it is to be human, because Jason did such a goddamn noble job of it. 

I’m proud of that boy, and deeply sorry for him. I’m gutted. I’ll miss him terribly. I just hope this arc is further explored and resonates in the final two books in this saga. I just hope it wasn’t for nothing, but I know it won’t be. 

Don’t get me fucking started on 

Coach Hedge: “I was his protector.”

Leo: “Where’s Jason?”

Goodbye, please see Chapter Five for more screaming!

CHAPTER TWO: THE DEVOLUTION OF JASIPER

Ironically, this somehow hurts me just as much as Jason’s death? Like...okay. Let me think of how I can articulate this, because I’m feeling a lot of things. 

First off, I (unlike many of us bloggers here) genuinely loved Jason’s character and his romantic pairing with Piper right from the get-go. It clicked for me. It really resonated, and I was fully supportive. I loved the strange dynamic of having this fake foundation, and watching it develop (seemingly) into something real-- something unique and strong, a soaring romance worthy for a daughter of Aphrodite. 

We didn’t see it happen on-page, but they were an official couple by The Mark of Athena and I was behind it 100%. They had rough patches that I guess were indicative of future problems, but they were easily swept aside by the larger importance of surviving their Argo 2 mission. I loved their tender, intimate moments in The House of Hades and The Blood of Olympus.

Truly.

So I was confused when they were broken up (again, something we don’t see happen on-page) in The Burning Maze. And being from Apollo’s perspective, we of course will never fully understand why this happened. 

Now again, I have to deal between looking at this from two perspectives. Am I upset at the author’s decision, or just as a really-passionate Jasiper shipper? Of course, my immediate thought was that one of them had broken it off to protect the other, probably thinking “oh fuck if one of us is gonna die in the maze, maybe I should break this off to avoid future pain”. But then jason goes and tells apollo that it was PIPER that broke it off well before the burning maze was even a thing and i’m like WATTTTTT

I’m still like WHATTTTTTT

So, I wait for Piper to have her heart-to-heart with Apollo. (Listen, I fucking LOVE Piper in this book. What a badass motherfucker. Holy fuck.) And I’m expecting her to give a concrete, selfless reason for breaking things off with Jason.

I wasn’t expecting her to have fallen out of love with him.

But the more Piper explained herself, the more I realized that I was just the type of secondhand observer that Piper had started to resent. Apollo put it succinctly: “Your relationship was born in crisis.” 

It really was-- beyond Hera’s meddling and Aphrodite’s hyperfixation, these kids were also in WAR MODE. That’s enough to stress anyone out. I hadn’t really stopped to consider what Piper was dealing with, as a daughter of the love goddess. How everyone expected her to have everything romantic figured out. To have a love story to rival Percy and Annabeth’s. How her first love must be the love of her life.

And the whole world-- and the whole pantheon-- was watching them and expecting it. Judging them, all the time. 

Like, yeah, girl. That’s a lot. I think I get why Piper did it, even if it broke my heart. That being said, I do wish that if Jason had lived, they eventually would’ve made their way back to each other and fallen in love for real.

But Piper was right. She deserved to forge her own identity, even with the world restraining her constantly. I wish I knew exactly where her feelings for him stood, but at least we know with certainty that she always considered him her closest friend. She clearly loved him so much, more than anyone-- even if it was a different type of love than the one they first shared.

Just because she’s Aphrodite’s daughter doesn’t mean she should have to fall in love so dramatically and eternally. That isn’t fair for her. Her first remark to Grover was cutting and clear-- Jason and Piper were never like Percy and Annabeth. 

And this is still hard for me to stomach, since I love(d) them together, but I am glad Riordan is exploring the much more realistic aspect to relationships. As someone in a long-term relationship, I can empathize with Piper’s fears. The world always wants couples to be “Percabeth”-- together forever, utterly known to each other. 

But the reality is, most couples are nothing like Percabeth. And that’s okay-- that’s normal, and as sad as that is, at least it was acknowledged and addressed and explored. 

It took away some of the sting of Jason’s death that I’d been anticipating. I thought maybe there would be some last-minute confessional, some last tender moment between them. There wasn’t. He was torn away so fast. 

I’m devastated that Piper has to live on without him. But she has her father, Hedge and Millie, Leo...she’ll be okay. She’s a fighter. Always was. 

It’s hard to see one of Riordan’s hallmark couples fall apart in a way you don’t expect. But I can’t say it’s not realistic, and it’s kind of relieving to see one of his romances take on the tough stuff and not fall into a sweeping, encompassing romance that is usually unrealistic. 

CHAPTER THREE: APOLLO’S ARC

YEESSSSS RIORDAN DONE GOOD ON THIS PART

Apollo’s narration and character has finally developed into someone I can truly empathize and sympathize with. As cool as it would’ve been to see some of these scenes from other character’s points of view, I was really happy to read through Apollo’s eyes. I love love love where his character is going.

God....him referring to Jason as ‘brother’...his obvious care for Meg...it got me good. I’ve always liked Apollo as a narrator, but this is the first book where I LOVED IT. He’s set on a good path! He’s still funny, thank goodness, but there’s also a darker, wiser grace to him now that gives the story a more serious edge that will definitely help the books moving forwards.

I can’t believe he tried to kill himself to save the others. Ugh. What a guy. 

Love him!

That is all.

CHAPTER FOUR: WHAT COMES NEXT...?

So, I did a big happy dance when the next prophecy was revealed....REYNA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE REYNA OH MY GOD WE GET A WHOLE BOOK WITH HER I’M PSYCHED FOR THE TYRANT’S TOMB 

But beyond REYnA!!!!! and Camp Jupiter????? I don’t really know what to expect for this fourth installment. I imagine we’re going to Delphi for the final book, but sticking to the Bay Area for The Tyrant’s Tomb??? 

I’m like...extremely apprehensive because a lot of people are predicting that Apollo and Reyna are gonna fall in love?????????????????????? like what with her final prophecy: no demigod shall heal your heart

umm. first off, reyna could do WAY better. But like...is this actually gonna happen? UHHHHH????? Guess I have a full year to think on this one hmmm

CHAPTER FIVE: MISCELLANEOUS SOBBING

soooooo i’m like kinda numb kinda devastated kinda in love with this book kinda wanna throw it against a wall

Like, okay, I recognize that as an author Riordan did an excellent job writing this book and I am so excited to see what goes down next.

BUT ALSO I HAD BEEN IMAGINING THIS DREAMY REUNION SCENE BETWEEN LEO/PIPER/JASON AND THEN IT HAPPENED EXCEPT JASON WAS IN A COFFIN??????????????????????????????????????????? FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I ALSO CANNOT BELIEVE PIPER IS MOVING TO OKLA-FUCKING-HOMA i mean actually I’m really happy that she’s finding her roots and that she’s taking some well-deserved family time and that coach hedge is with her but also I WISH SHE WAS WITH HER CHB AND CF FRIENDDDSSS

at least it’s kinda close to Indianapolis?

jesus christ

Anyway, I really loved Piper in this book-- my queen, my crush, my...oh my god i just love her she’s a fantastic character and i really hope she’ll come back somehow for the final battle

I’m also happy that Grover gets to go back to CHB and see Percy and Annabeth again! Yay!!! And I’m happy that Camp Jupiter hasn’t burned down to the ground yet! Yay!!!!!

In conclusion, I will grieve Jason Grace forever. But damn, what a book. See you next spring, demigods. 

PLEASE MESSAGE ME TO TALK ABOUT THIS IF YOU’VE READ TBM I NEED TO CRY MORE

[amarabliss]

The Deal (Steve McGarrett/Reader)

Steve and the team are faced with a job they can't do alone leading them back to you...the one they locked up in prison a couple years prior, offering a deal you can't refuse...Steve struggles seeing the  supposed reformed inmate as he has to keeps tabs on them until the op is over...will things run smoothly? or will there be trouble in paradise?

“There is no way…No way!” Danny looked at Steve, “That is suicide just asking you to walk through the door.”

“I know Danny…” Steve had an arm crossed over his chest while his other hand was holding his chin thinking, “I am up for suggestions.”

“What we need is an acrobat extraordinaire.” Grover looked at the schematics, “No offense, Steve.”

“No, you’re right…” Steve put his hands on his hips letting out a heavy sigh, “I might know someone who can help…well know is a loose term but…she’s got the skills we need for sure.”

“She?” Danny started to follow him as Steve pulled out his phone.

“Danny, don’t be jealous.” Steve looked at him, “She’s a convict and not my type.”

“Convict?” Danny’s eyes got wide, “This outta be a good story.”

“It’s certainly a story…” Steve sighed as his call was answered, “This is McGarrett of 5-0…I need to speak the warden about an inmate, it’s urgent.”  

Steve turned the corner of the museum swiftly gun trained and looking for a target. They’d been informed of a possible jewelry heist a few days ago and all the leads pointed to the set displayed at the museum of art that was considered priceless and historical.

“Report…” He whispered into his com.

“Nothing on the feeds, boss.” Kono sounded off first.

Chin chimed in after, “I’ve got no movement either.”

“Keep your eyes peeled, the intel was solid.” Steve told them wishing Danny was not in New Jersey this week. They really could have used another man for this job.

He finished his sweep and headed back toward the jewels location. He stopped dead in his tracks when he turned the corner seeing a hooded figure standing next to the jewel’s container. He raised his gun slowly stepping toward them, “Put the jewels down and turn around slowly.”

The figure froze for a moment before slowly setting the jewelry down in the case before pivoting gracefully kicking a nearby table with other priceless heritage. The one closes to him being a vase. He reacted instinctively catching the vase in time to look up and see them jumping the wall fixtures to the roof.

He cursed telling the team he was in pursuit on foot to the roof. He followed them up quickly rolling out of the window and pushing himself up into a sprint. He jumped to the lower roof tumbling after them, “Stop!”

It never worked…he always shouted it, but no one ever stopped. He pushed himself harder to catch up as they flipped over some vents running toward the edge to get the velocity needed to reach the next roof, which they did hitting the floor hard.

Steve used the opportunity to try and catch up launching himself across. He was not as lucky. His weight got the best of him dragging him down just inches from where he could have corrected. He let out a yell scrambling the catch what little of the ledge he could reach.

His fingers screamed as he struggled to pull himself up. He looked up surprised feeling small gloved hands on his wrist. His eyes quickly averted to their owner. You made a face as you started to pull him up your hood pushed back showing your hair around your face, “Damn…you’re about as heavy as you look…”

He watched you fall backwards eyes closing and breathing hard, as he fell onto the roof. He stared at you a moment breathing heavily, “Thanks…”

“No prob…lem…” Your eyes snapped open feeling a metal cuff on your wrist, “Seriously…I just saved your life and you’re going to arrest me…”

“Yeah…” He smirked a little helping you up, “You have the right to remain silent…”

Steve cleared his throat as you walked in to the interview room at the women’s prison. You stopped in the doorway eyes getting wide, “Well…if it isn’t Commander Steve McGarrett.”

“Y/N…” He clasped his hands together on the table, “This is Detective Danny Williams.”

“Hey.” Danny smiled standing against the wall giving a small wave.

“What do I owe the pleasure?” You sat down across from Steve.

“I have an offer for you…which was hard to come by because you have apparently been a model citizen.” Steve flipped open a folder looking through it, “You’ve actually had your sentence reduced from six years to ending in six months only serving a two year sentence total…DEA approval and everything on that. How’d you manage it?”

“When you tell the warden, you can see six ways to break out of jail…and they don’t believe you and then you do it and offer to help them…”  You smiled a little as you shrugged, “Tends to get you some brownie points.”

“That’s a lot of brownies.” Danny pushed off the wall and walked over, “You actually have helped all the prisons on the island with ‘weak spots,’ as you dubbed them.”

“Yeah…so…I offered up my specific skill set to help. There are some real sickos on this island that really don’t need to be out and about.” You looked from Danny to Steve, “Some of them you put away.”

Steve averted his eyes before leaning back in the chair crossing his arms, “Just because you helped out doesn’t mean you’ve changed.”

“Fuck you.” Your face contorted in anger, “I’m not gonna sit here and listen to some Navy asshat insult my progress.”

“It’s not you…” Danny sighed, “he’s just an ‘asshat.’”

Steve glared at Danny as he air quoted you, “Whatever, we have a job for you and in return your sentence will be reduced to probation with electronic monitoring once the job is completed.”

You stared at him for a moment before you spoke dryly, “No.”

“What?” Steve eyes lit up with surprise.

“I said no.” You stood up looking at him, “I have test next week I can’t miss.”

“A test?” Danny squinted putting his hands on his hips, “A test for what?”

You looked at him, “Since I’ve been in here I’ve been taking classes to get my business degree. I have a goal for when all this is over with…it’s my final final. I refuse to miss it.”

Steve remained silent staring at you as Danny spoke, “I’m sure we can work something out with your teacher as this is a national security issue. The job we need you for is time sensitive and a real threat to not just the island, but eventually a risk for the mainland…to everywhere else. So please…I’m asking you as a father who just wants to keep the world safe from the sickos that we put away daily…and in return we can help you graduate and get out early.”

You crossed your arms looking at Danny for a moment, “His approach was a lot nicer than yours.”

Steve rolled his eyes, “Are you going to do it or not?”

“I want assurances that will be able to finish out my degree.” You leaned on the table looking at him, “No electronic monitoring, and after this is all said and done…I want written recommendation from you that shows how ‘rehabilitated’ I am, so I can move on with my life. Deal?”

Steve felt his jaw clench as he stared at you. He felt Danny smack his arm, “Steve…come on…”

“Fine.” Steve leaned forward getting nose to nose with you, “But you screw up once…deal is off…all of it, including your original one with the DEA.”

“Fine.” You smirked sitting back looking at them both, “So what’s the job?”

[elementseries]

EleMenT Chapter 115

Chapter 115: Broken Man

  “Heeeeeey~! Dante wake up already!” Dominic’s voice calls out. “Please stop that! He still needs his rest!” a woman’s voice said. “He’s been resting for several days now, and I’m bored as heck over here…” Dominic said. Dante slowly opens his eyes, his vision blurry at first but clears up in seconds. He sees Dominic standing at the foot of his bed with Veronica berating him. “You’ve just woke up less than a half hour ago, you have no room to judge…” she told him. “Yeah but I’m awake now so it’s time for him to do the same. Time for Dominic’s Wake Up Call Chop!” He said, putting his hand over Dante’s head and got ready to karate chop the top of his head. “Stop that at once!” Veronica shouts. “I’m awake you idiot…” Dante said as he sat up. “Dante!! Good to see you’re alright!” Dominic gives a very hard pat on his back, causing an irritated Dante to make a loud grunt. “Ow…” he said softly. “Don’t do that! He’s still injured!” Veronica shouts. “I’m fine…” Dante said and began getting out of bed. “Ah! Stay in bed! You’re not ready to leave yet!” she shouts at him. “Yeah come on, let’s go see how the guys are doing eh?” Dominic grins as he headlocks Dante. “Oi…” Dante groans out. “Will you both listen to me!?” Veronica shouts at them.

  In the manner of seconds the both of them lays in their bed with a big bump on each of their heads, both having tears streaming down their face. “Now you two stay in bed, I’ll get the commander…” Veronica said, her fist smoking as she walks away. “…so, we lost big time didn’t we?” Dante said, starting down at the foot of his bed. “Yeah but hey, we’re alive so we’ll get him eventually!” Dominic grinned at him as he spoke. “Hmn… but we never loose…” Dante said. “It was bound to happen ya know? I mean we’re pretty amazing when we fight together, but there will always be someone stronger! That’s why we just gotta get stronger ourselves!” Dominic told him. “…” Dante stays silent. “You guys did a lot better than I could ever do…” a voice said. They looked over at a bed across from them and saw Dale laying quietly. “Oh hey, sorry did we wake you?” Dominic asked. “No, I’ve been awake. Too much in deep thought about my… failure” Dale told them. “Hey come on you did your best out there” Dominic reassured him. “And my best didn’t do anything” Dale said. “Neither did ours…” Dante responded. Dominic looks at both of them and said after a sigh, “Jeeze guys, just be glad we made it in one piece eh?”

  “He’s right! You three did an amazing job back there!” Grover said as he entered the room “Commander?” Dominic asked, surprised at his praise. “If you three haven’t hold the enemy off as long as you could, we’d have suffer many more casualties on our side. It ended in a stalemate, but at least neither of our enemies were victorious” Grover said. “Though I feel like I didn’t do anything…” Dale said. “Nonsense! You fought bravely to save your fellow troops! You’re a hero in my eyes!” Veronica suddenly shouted. “…?” All four of them were silenced by her sudden outburst. Her face turned red and she looked away in embarrassment. “I mean… you shouldn’t feel bad…” she said. “Well… if it hadn’t been you two, I wouldn’t be here today, that’s for sure” Dale said and looked at Dominic and Dante. “Thank you for saving my life” he said. Dante gives him a nod while Dominic smiles and gives him a thumbs up. “Alright you three, no more talking and get your rest!” Veronica told them. “Aw come on, we’re feeling fine!” Dominic swings his arm in a circle as he tried to convince her. “I wasn’t asking” Veronica said in a stern voice, channeling electricity between all her fingers in one hand. “!” All three of them quickly laid down in their beds perfectly still. “That’s better” she said.

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  Few days later, Dominic was at the base watching a news report on a small and old TV covering Theodore C. McLaren holding a meeting with both the human extremists and elemental extremists’ leaders to have them drop their weapons and stop the war. “I don’t know how far he’ll go with those two stubborn mules…” he commented to himself. “It would be a miracle if he could actually get them to agree to anything. “Though I do give him kudos for being brave; confronting those two warmongers and staying in a room with them.” He looked around and saw the place was nearly barren with only a few soldiers and staff. “Well, now my insecurities are in need of social activity but no one’s really here… hey Tom!” Dominic called out to a soldier. “Where did the general go?” he asked. “General Grover said something about helping a bunch of people who lost their homes during the war” Tom said. “Oh that’s cool of him. What about Dale?” Dominic asked. “Oh… him and Veronica went out somewhere… to be alone if you… ahem… catch my drift” Tom said with a sly smirk and winks.

  “Err… I guess. Wait, what about Dante? He doesn’t usually leave the base unless he has a mission” Dominic said while scratching his head. “Dante? Hmmm… I think he went out scouting…” Tom said. “Ehh? For what? Without me?” Dominic said, pointing to himself with a sad look. “You were sleeping, what was he supposed to do?” Tom asked. “Wake me!” “Well he didn’t wanna be rude…” Tom said.

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  “Should be around here somewhere…” Dante said as he traversed a thick forest. He looked down at his map and said, “I heard the location from those two clearly…” he thought of what he overheard two human extremists soldiers say while he hid behind a tree a day ago, hoping to get intel from them. “Yeah, it’s a little mansion hidden in the forest, we take any elementals we can find and bring them there. Just north of here. Can’t miss it…” Dante eventually saw the small black mansion in the distance. “Finally… now I can rescue those elementals” he said and made his way towards it.

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  “Not bad Davis! You have a real mean right hook!” Dominic said as he walks with a fellow soldier from the base’s gym, both sweaty and lightly bruised and carrying towels and boxing gloves. “Keep training and you’ll best me yet!” he said with a grin. “I dunno bout that, no one can best you Novastar Bros., but thanks for the encouragement” Davis said happily. After they walk separate ways, spots Dante walking through the door. “Yo Dante! Where’ve you been man?” he asked. “How about a spar?” he asked, but saw Dante was walking with his head tilted down and his hands clutched into fists. “Hey you alright man? You’re brooding more than usual…” Dominic said. “….nothing. It’s nothing…” he quietly said. “Just… tired of this damn war. I’m going to lie down…” he walked passed Dominic without looking at him. “Well aright. All of us are tired of this war too, so just cross your fingers and hope it’ll end soon” Dominic said and walked away. He didn’t realize Dante’s arms were shaking, his eyes bloodshot and his pupils shrunken, his face covered in sweat, and his breaths deep and hoarse. “It will never end…” he whispered to himself.

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  Just one day later, a miracle happened when a message from the World Government shook the world and caught everyone by surprise: Theodore C. McLaren, a high ranking official and negotiator, was able to convince the leaders of both opposing supremist parties to cease fire, drop their weapons, come to an agreement, and sign a peace treaty. To this day it’s unknown how Theodore was able to get both leaders to stop fighting; there was no recording of their meeting as they wanted to keep it private. According to the government they were just as tired of fighting as everyone else. However the nightmare has finally ended for many. The war has ended. While watching the broadcast on the television, Dominic, Grover, Dale, Veronica, and all the rest cheered happily, throwing their arms in the air and some even crying tears of joy. All except Dante… who just stood there, leaning his back against the wall, staring at the TV with eyes like daggers as the events he witnessed after opening the black mansion’s doors were still clear and vivid in his mind. He heard the screams of despair, agony, fear, and pain of various elementals and saw the horrid acts the humans preformed on them.

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  “You’re what!?” Dominic shouts in shock. “Are you deaf? I said I want to travel the world…” Dante said, annoyed by his outburst. Several days has passed since the war ended. Everyone has been sent back home, the new government has been established for both humans and elementals to prevent any more race wars between the two. “Yeah but it seems so sudden, you never talked about doing that before…” Dominic scratched his head. “It was… a recent decision” Dante told him. They discussed their plans for the future after all the fighting has finally stopped. “Aw man… I was hoping you’d become a grandmaster with me!” Dominic said. “Stuck in an office teaching disobedient children all day every day? Not my thing… besides, there can only be one grandmaster per city remember?” Dante said. Dominic looked away, crossed his arms and said, “I could bend the rules a little and make us a pair…”

  Dante sighs and looks off to the distance, “Sorry Dominic, I just hate the feeling of being cooped up in one place.” “Well do you like to wander around a lot… guess this means this is the end of the Novastar Brothers eh?” Dominic asked. “…of course not. We’re still brothers even apart” Dante said as he continued to stare out. “You got that right! I wish you luck bro!” Dominic grinned and puts his fist out. “…same to you, Grandmaster” Dante bumps fists with his. Dante leaves as Dominic watches, a concerned look on his face.  “What’s wrong?” A woman next to him asked, having long brown hair and purple eyes [Dominic’s Future Wife: Barbra (Age 28)]. “I can’t shake the feeling that something’s wrong. It’s like a shadow was casted over him ever since a few days before the war ended… I don’t know what it is…” he told her.

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  “Maybe it was my fault for not realizing it sooner…” Dominic said back at the present as he took another swig of whiskey. “Why did you wanted to travel the world? To see if humans were really that bad? Or were you just trying to clear your mind? In any case… witnessing the tragedy of the Albatross Clan and learning it was a human responsible… it was the final nail in the coffin was it… the next time I saw you after all those years… you said you couldn’t believe in my dream of perfect co-existence between us elementals and humans…” he said, closing his eyes and remembering that day.

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  “After all these years I finally get to see you again and now you’re saying this nonsense?! We fought in a war to secure peace together, how can you just suddenly go against that?!” an angry Dominic shouts [Dominic, Age 44]. “The government can’t be trusted anymore… not with the sins I witnessed the humans commit…” Dante told him [Dante, Age 47]. “What are you talking about!? What sins?! I thought you wanted peace between humans and our race like I did!” “Things change…” Dante said, his hands shaking. “…” Dominic calmed down a little and began to say, “Dante, just what did you…” “Sorry Dominic…” Dante interrupted. “I cannot support you anymore. Humans and elementals living together is something I disagree with. Both must be separated… and I will do something about it…”

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  Dominic puts the bottle of whiskey which was now half full next to Dante’s cross. “You were suffering… weren’t you brother? I’m sorry… but I hope you found peace now” He got up and walked away from his brother’s grave, leaving a photo of them both when they were in the war. “Goodbye, Dante Novastar.”

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