Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

So… Percy’s father was Poseidon. Interesting. Cool. That was, uh, neat?

In all honesty, he didn’t know what to make of any of it. Chiron said it would be a good idea to pray to him – to say thanks for claiming him. Percy really wasn’t sure how he felt about that, but considering he was an illegal child of potential mass destruction… he would give it a whirl.

“So,” he said, settling down in his cabin. He had given an offering at dinner but hadn’t actually prayed before. He folded his hands together - hoping that was right. “In retrospect, there were some clues that I was your kid,” he decided. “Blowing up the bathrooms doesn’t particularly seem like an Apollo or Dionysus thing-” he began and then winced when the sky rumbled. “Right. No names. Since they have… power or something,” he said and looked around the cabin. “Um, thanks for claiming me. Based on the Hermes cabin, you didn’t have to do that,” he said, trying not to sound as bitter as he felt. “Am I doing this right? Are you listening?” He wrinkled his nose. The cabin remained eerily silent.

“Because I actually have some questions now that we’re here. Maybe I shouldn’t be asking them to you, though… I’m sure you’re very busy doing, uh, godly stuff. Like… running… Atlantis? We learned about Atlantis in class actually,” he said, remembering Mr. Brunner (aka Chiron) talking about it on some dreary Tuesday at Yancy Academy. “I’m a little confused about it. So, these people lost a war and were dropped into the ocean as punishment by the gods? If that’s the real story, then why does everyone seem to think that’s where people live? That doesn't make sense at all. Maybe Plato is a liar. His name sounds like Play-Doh, so how reliable can he really be? Like, in stories in stuff, they talk about Atlantis as if that’s where mermaids and stuff are, but if you drowned them because they’re annoying, why would that be true? It's nonsense. You don't drown people you like. That's just common sense,” he said, trying his best to articulate his thought process. 

This was quickly abandoned as his mind went down the path of hyperfixation.  At some point, he just began ranting about all his Atlantis-related thoughts. It was only when there was a knock on his door that he realized a good few hours had passed.

“Oh – shoot,” he muttered. “I hope I wasn’t still praying during all of that. Uh, sorry, father?” He frowned at the roof as he scrambled out of bed. “If you heard all that… my bad,” he decided. Not that he was too worried. It didn’t feel like Poseidon was listening. Just an empty room and Percy rambling. No different than any other day, really.

Still, he tried to keep up with the praying thing even if he was really… really… really bad at it.

Hi again, he thought, staring up at the stars above them as he clasped his hands together. Um, it’s me. Your son. Percy...Jackson. Just wanted to let you know we’re almost to the Underworld to get Zeus’ bolt. So… yeah. That’s it. His eyes flicked to where Annabeth and Grover were peacefully sleeping. He thought back to Medusa. How… weird she had been about his eyes. Percy wrinkled his nose. He didn’t want to side against his dad, but… why did he take his girlfriend to Athena’s temple. A temple? Really? Kind of gross, honestly. Then again, where were the ancient Greek hot spots? Percy was twelve, so he wasn’t sure what qualified as a good make-out location. It seemed to him that the beach was an obvious place for the God of the Seas to go. Were there lots of people there or something? Maybe he did it on purpose to make Athena mad. If so, that was kind of sucky of him. He got Medusa in trouble. Not cool. He even –

Percy glanced back down at his hands and jumped. They were still folded together. Did that mean he was technically still praying? Had Poseidon heard all of that? Oh, no… He winced and placed his hands down by his side.

That was, uh, unfortunate. He would try not to make a habit of that. Poseidon might already hate him anyways for the whole Medusa head in a box thing. Shaking his head, Percy leaned over to wake Grover up for his turn to sleep. Yeah. He would keep the praying rambling to a minimum in the future for sure.

…just seems to me like a bad idea, Percy’s voice echoed. Poseidon had to fight not to react too obviously as eyes all waited patiently on him. Also, what’s the deal with those penguins? Whose idea was that? Hermes? It seems like Hermes’ idea… he decided. Poseidon nodded to himself.

“My son prays to me,” he told the others and there was a murmur of approval. “He is indeed in my domain.”

Ares growled.

“It is my daughter’s quest! Why is your brat sneaking off to steal her glory?” he demanded and Poseidon’s eyes flashed. It didn’t take much to quell Ares these days. While his hatred for his son was poignant, it was also a subtle reminder that if Perseus could defeat him… well, he better not make enemies with Poseidon himself.

“He is more concerned with the satyr it appears,” Poseidon said. Perseus’ voice was still rambling in the background – now asking about peanut butter. He had missed the leap where they went from penguins to peanut butter, but that tended to happen if you weren’t following along his train of thought closely.

“It is not his-” Ares repeated, but Zeus’ rumbling silenced them all.

“I don’t care,” he said through gritted teeth. “Just get the damn fleece on my daughter’s tree. Whether it be Poseidon’s boy or your girl. If the tree dies then all will taste my fury,” he warned sharply.

Poseidon resisted the urge to sigh. Zeus wasn’t particularly… passionate towards his children, but he seemed to have developed a sort of soft spot for this one. A small one, perhaps.

…and turnips don’t even taste that good, Perseus continued in the back of his mind. Poseidon swallowed any amusement the comment drew out of him and forced himself to simply nod to his brother’s words. Ares glowered at him darkly. Thanks to Tantalus being a bitch, Percy’s thoughts interrupted and Poseidon choked.

“Lord Poseidon?”

“Apologies, nephew,” he said quickly and Hermes raised an eyebrow at him. Right. He needed to pay attention before Perseus’ thoughts ended up revealed and Zeus killed him out of… whatever emotional breakdown he was going through right now.

“I don’t think Chiron is responsible for the girl’s tree, father,” Artemis piped in calmly, bringing the discussion back on track. “He has trained many heroes for years now without betrayal. Why would he take this path?”

“I don’t want him near my children if he risks being a traitor-” Apollo frowned at her. “No offense, sister, but you have no children to understand this concern.”

“No offense, brother, but you have no intelligence to understand this conversation,” Artemis replied back flatly and Apollo gasped. Poseidon inwardly sighed as the squabbling began with quips morphing into full-blown arguments.

“-Tantalus though? Why did the elders choose to elect Tantalus-”

“Dionysus is more than capable-”

“You want me entrust my children to Dionysus?”

“Do you even know the names of your kids, Demeter?”

…Annabeth would know, Perseus was musing...probably about something entirely different now. Was it penguins again? He hadn't been paying attention. Poseidon shook his head. This child. Admittedly, some of his children had similar problems with keeping their prayers focused in the past, but never to this extent – or maybe it had just been that long since he had a demigod child. Huh. So, Annabeth said she was born of Athena’s thoughts. Does that mean she just, like, appeared as a baby? Athena wouldn’t have been pregnant with her… does she even have a belly button?

Poseidon blinked. He had not been anticipating this. Granted, he rarely anticipated any of Perseus’ thoughts, but this one really stumped him. He had never given Athena – or anything involving her – much thought. She wasn’t typically worth his time.

Am I still praying? Shi- no wonder you hate me, Percy grumbled and Poseidon rolled his eyes. Not that again. He wasn’t sure where the subtle attitude had come from, but it had been pretty prevalent in most of his prayers recently. He hadn’t outright said it, but Poseidon got the feeling it involved Tyson. Hopefully it passed. Mortals developed much faster than gods at least… and Perseus seemed pretty high in emotional intelligence. Probably his mother’s doing.

“Dismissed,” Zeus announced and his focused snapped back to the council. Oh. It was over. Finally. Poseidon almost felt bad for his brother as he glared bitterly at the ground… almost. Instead he shook his head and got up with every intention of returning to Atlantis. At least there he could watch over his child a bit more carefully. He paused.

“…Athena?” he asked suddenly, turning around as the others popped out. The goddess turned to him, meeting his eyes with that obnoxious air of pride and challenge that just mixed so badly with… well, his own pride, admittedly.

“Lord Poseidon?” she asked. Poseidon turned to face her fully. Perseus’ ridiculous question was stuck in his head… part of him really wanted to ask it. If for no other reason than to see her reaction. “Are you going to accuse my daughter of beguiling Perseus into leaving camp somehow?”

Beguiling. She was so pretentious.

“No, I believe it was my son who did the beguiling,” Poseidon said and inwardly snickered when her eyes narrowed. “I only hope you lead the girl as well as you led Odysseus all those years ago,” he said sweetly and Athena’s lips quirked upwards at the reminder of her favorite little mortal tyrant.

“Oh, don’t worry, my lord,” she said and bowed her head. “You can be certain of it.”

“The girl…” Poseidon added casually and Athena lifted a brow. “How does that work? I do hope nobody had to chop your head open like they did with my brother.” Athena’s expression soured. “Are there not some side effects to such a creation?”

Based on the look he was receiving… Athena was not giving any answers on the belly button issue.

“My daughter is right to pray for your boy,” Athena growled. “If he is as hopeless as you.”

Poseidon wasn’t really thrilled with the idea the Athena girl was praying to her mother for Perseus, but sure. His thoughts were quickly taken aback weeks later upon updating himself on Perseus’ quest only to learn his son had outright betrayed him. Athena‘s work probably.

So… I can explain…

No. There was no explanation for this.

Annabeth said you had beef with Odysseus for blinding Polyphemus and, look, I mean… I get it. He’s your kid and I can imagine you probably aren’t thrilled I pulled the same ‘nobody’ business that Odysseus did.

His own son! Athena was going to mock him for years over this. Swimming into the throne room of Atlantis he grabbed his trident, having half a mind to blow something up when Perseus’ voice recaptured his attention.

But to be perfectly clear… It was Annabeth’s idea and she started it and I just went along with it.

…alright that was fair.

And even though I would love to see Poly at a family reunion, he didn’t exactly welcome me with brotherly arms… which reminds me, actually. I’m not convinced you hear these, but on the off chance you do then I’m sorry I’ve been acting like a bit of a brat. I’ve apologized to Tyson already, but… yeah. I’m sure – Chiron! I should welcome him back as counselor and maybe check on Thalia’s tree. Why was she turned into a pine tree, specifically? Is it like… based on New York’s flora or does Zeus really like pine trees?

Poseidon sighed and lowered his trident. He got the feeling it would be some time before Percy remembered he was praying. Still, if Zeus wouldn’t let them be near their children… he supposed this wasn’t the worst thing in the world.

“My lord?”

Poseidon turned to find Amphitrite watching him curiously. Ah. He gave her a warm smile.

“You seem…” his wife began, eyes flicking between Poseidon and the trident in his hand. “In thought,” she told him slowly. “May I be of some assistance?”

Poseidon opened his mouth – with truly every intention of telling her not to worry only to come back with:

“Why do you think Zeus turned his daughter into a pine tree?”

Amphitrite blinked.

“I – you…? I was under the impression the girl was dying, my lord-”

“No, no, I mean… why a pine tree specifically?” he asked, already regretting the words. It was kind of a good question, though. His wife didn’t seem to be on the same page though. She stared at him for a few moments before nodding.

“I, uh, would encourage you to ask him yourself, husband…” she said and then raised an index finger. “Might I ask what brought on this line of thinking?”

Oh. Poseidon sighed.

“Just… a very persistent voice in the back of my head.”

Annabeth.

Percy found it was really the only clear thought on his mind as he curled up in his sleeping bag, trying desperately to ignore the world crumbling around him. Not literally (this time) but he felt his was an apt description with Bianca di Angelo dead, Zoe and Thalia’s fighting, Annabeth missing, Artemis kidnapped… it was just… a lot. He missed Annabeth.

He rolled over again and let his eyes fall onto the space beside him. Thalia was asleep, face not in a scowl for once as she shifted ever so slightly with her fingers twitching so that they lightly crackled. Percy narrowed his eyes.

Hi, dad, he started and paused. Well… it wasn’t like Poseidon actually listened. Percy had decided long ago that if this prayer thing worked it was only in moments of desperation or life-or-death situations… otherwise he would have annoyed Poseidon to the point of being smited long ago.

With that in mind, he continued.

I used to think it was weird you didn’t get along with Zeus. I always wanted siblings and figured if I had any we would be friends… but then I met Thalia. And if I’m anything like you and she’s anything like Zeus… I think I get it, he said flatly, interlacing his fingers together. It isn’t that I don’t like her! If she was in trouble I would definitely help. It’s just… she is super annoying sometimes. And so loud. And dramatic. And always needs to be right or prove she’s right somehow. I know I get roped into competing with her, but by gods can she be smug, he said and then bit his lip. Maybe I’m not completely guiltless… she is fun to annoy. It’s easy to do too. Look at her! She’s a punk-rock tree. I have plenty of material to work with, he grinned.

Thalia’s brows furrowed – as if in her dream she sensed Percy was making fun of her.

Do gods really even have concepts of siblings? Because, no offense, but… I mean, Hera is supposed to be your sister, right? And Zeus married her, Percy reasoned out in his mind. I guess the whole argument is that gods don’t have DNA, but there’s got to be some technicalities to that, right? DNA isn’t the only reason dating your sister is weird. Wait. Is Amphitrite related to you? Oh… no. That’s a thought. I need to read more myths, but sometimes they creep me out now that I knew they’re true…

Percy considered this for a solid hour – though somewhere along the way he had jumped away from Greek myths and navigated towards dog shows in Romania to his kindergarten teacher wearing a green shirt that one time. It was only when he was falling asleep that he remembered his fingers were still very much in praying position and his mind had forgotten that he was meant to be talking to Poseidon at all.

…yeah. Poseidon being unable to hear him was probably for the best.

Still, Percy felt a little regretful as he made his way back home at the end of the summer. There were things he wished he could say to his father that were easier said in a prayer than to his face… or in a council room full of many other gods.

Thank you for voting not to kill me, he went with as he rested his head against the cool glass of the taxi. Not thrilled to be next-in-line for the prophecy, but… I suppose not being dead is good too, he sighed. That was probably where he should have ended it. ‘Should’ being the key word. Unfortunately, he saw a poster for a movie trailer and his mind was gone – twirling and diving and flipping in whatever direction it so chose. Ridiculous.

…and that’s why I don’t know how to feel about the moon landing. Was Artemis not pissed that humans landed on the moon? That’s, like, her domain, right? I don’t know. I mean, personally, I wouldn’t care, but I’m not a god so-

Percy looked down at his hands still folded in prayer.

Every goddamn time.

Ogygia. Perseus was on Ogygia. Poseidon wasn’t sure how he felt about this. At all.

On one hand, he was safe there. He could live an immortal life. Maybe Poseidon could even visit him. It wasn’t a bad idea. Perhaps Hades’ boy could lead them through this war after all. Poseidon wouldn’t necessarily mind it. Of all his children… Perseus might be the one he favored the most. Him having a happy ending would be pleasing. Besides, Atlas’ girl was better than Athena’s whelp.

On the other hand, Poseidon knew it was futile. Despite their limited interactions, he did know his son fairly well. He wouldn’t be able to live the decision to stay with Calypso. There would be too much guilt. Even now, Poseidon could hear it in his voice.

Sorry that I blew up a mountain, he sighed and Poseidon glanced at Mount Helen where smoke was still billowing out. He was suddenly reminded why Zeus had banned their children in the first place… too powerful. Sighing, he waved his hand, disappearing back into the depths of Atlantis. He could still hear Percy’s voice talking about – wait. What was he talking about?

That’s why three is my least favorite number. I’m going with four as my favorite. I wonder what Calypso’s favorite number is – shoot, I need to be figuring out how to get out of here. Why am I still praying? Okay, sorry. One more thing and I’ll go. If you can send me a sign on if I should stay or go… I could really use a second opinion.

Poseidon shook his head. Maybe he would send Hephaestus for guidance, but… he couldn’t really make this decision for him…as much as he would like to. Silently, he swam towards where Triton and Amphitrite were pouring over war plans – Triton mapping out various strategies as Amphitrite consulted a book. Poseidon grimaced. He should be focused on this and not leaving his family to do all the hard work.

…don’t quite get how chess works, Perseus declared. Poseidon laughed. They were on chess now? It seemed like he forgot about his ‘one more thing and I’ll go’ statement he made five minutes ago. Why does the horse make the L-shape move? I bet Annabeth would teach me… I hope she’s okay…

“Father?” Triton’s voice asked, drawing him away from Perseus’ voice. He was staring at him with a small scowl – possibly knowing where Poseidon’s mind was at. “You look deep in thought,” he said and Poseidon smiled.

“Ah, yes. Just considering chess,” he said and from her spot across from him, Amphitrite raised an eyebrow. “Do either you know why the knight moves in an L-shape?”

Triton made a face before going back to his plans. Amphitrite, on the other hand, barely even blinked.

“It is supposed to control the center of the board,” she told him and flipped a page of her book. “And it makes it easier to jump over other pieces and create a more interesting game.” Her eyes flicked up. “Another one of your demigod’s ridiculous questions?” she asked coolly. Poseidon shrugged. “How he can focus on this war is a concern…”

“He has focus when needed!” Poseidon defended and then hesitantly checked in on Perseus’ prayer.

…so, my question is… why llamas? And does that imply that the colonists slept with the llamas?

“He… sometimes has focus when needed,” Poseidon rectified and Amphitrite rolled her eyes. Triton muttered something under his breath. “Llamas?” Poseidon grumbled to himself. He wondered if Hades or Zeus got these kind of prayers with their children. He made a note to ask next time he saw one of them.

“…prayers?” Zeus has frowned when he asked a few days later. “My daughter gives me the same prayer every day. She rarely strays from her script,” he said, sounding oddly proud of that fact. Poseidon figured that it was smart of the girl. She probably had trouble focusing as Perseus did. Making sure she said the same thing every single time was a good solution.

“What about your boy? The Roman one?” Poseidon pressed and watched as his brother’s form flickered to Jupiter’s for a moment. Zeus frowned at him.

“Why do you ask me such things?” he asked suspiciously. “Are you and your sea-brat conspiring on something?”

Poseidon thought back to Percy’s most recent prayer. This time it had started out as a prayer to get through the labyrinth safely and ended up with him trying to understand just why Athena’s girl and this mortal could not get along. Poseidon shook his head.

“I can assure you he has more pressing matters than conspiratory conversations with me,” he said, thinking of Percy’s utter confusion on why this Annabeth was being so volatile with his new friend.

Zeus’ eyes narrowed. “Does he now? I suppose he must focus on the war.”

Poseidon almost laughed in his face. Ah, yes. The war. He had half a mind to tease Perseus about the whole thing the next time they met in person… however, in the end, he found himself unable to do so as he left the household on Perseus’ birthday. There was every chance that his time remaining with his son was limited and he didn’t want to potentially spoil it by Perseus realizing just how much Poseidon heard and censoring himself. He rather liked his son’s baffling and very disconnected thoughts. Even if they were sometimes blasphemous… like now, for example.

You should be ashamed of yourself, the words said flatly, but Poseidon could still hear the amusement either way. That was petty for a god. Poor Paul is nice. He didn’t deserve that.

Oh, as if he had room to talk. Poseidon knew via Percy’s previous prayers that he had messed with the man himself. Still, he supposed there was a difference in a teenager hazing his potential stepfather and a thousand-year-old powerful god hassling his ex-lover’s boyfriend. The man did seem like an acceptable match for Sally.

There was really no acceptable mortal for Sally Jackson, but this Paul fellow might do well enough if she was so inclined.

Thank you for visiting. Even if it was a little depressing, Percy’s voice continued. I hope I can – oh my gods.

Poseidon paused. Did he need to go back? Was something wrong? Zeus wouldn’t dare…

I think I like Annabeth… Like, in a more than friends way.

This child might just kill Poseidon and Kronos both.

He was praying again. With the war on the horizon, Percy found himself doing it more and more. He still had that awful habit of forgetting that he was even talking to his father, but… well, nothing bad had happened yet, right? At least that was his justification as he lazily walked down Montauk’s beach with his hands folded in front of him. He was sure he looked ridiculous, but whatever. It was nice.

“I don’t really know why I pray to you so much,” Percy mused out loud as he stared off thoughtfully into the crashing waves. “I know you can’t hear me – you would have said something by now if you could. I think I just like having someone to vent to… it’s nice,” he considered and then smiled to himself a little. “I suppose I have Paul now. He’s always offering to talk to me about stuff if I don’t want to go to my mom… maybe I’ll take him up on it. It would be nice to talk and have someone respond to me,” he laughed.

A loud crack of thunder went through the air. Percy frowned. His first thought was Zeus, but this was quickly rectified when he saw the sea churn angrily – waves lashing out. They didn’t touch Percy at all, but he could see a few people further down the beach scatter at the sudden change.

“What just pissed you off?” he murmured. Well, his father was fighting titans at the moment. He supposed there were lots of reasons to be mad. He considered checking it out, but the sea was beginning to settle again so he shrugged and kept onwards. “Well, that is assuming I survive,” he continued his previous line of thought. At this, the sea went quiet once more. Strange. “What would even happen if I did? Like… what would my life be?” he frowned.

It was a thought that kept his mind occupied for another hour until he finally remembered to finish the prayer and go home. It ended up being one of his last prayers until the end of the war… which, well, Percy wasn’t entirely sure how his father was feeling about him at the moment.

On one hand, he had defeated Kronos and ended a war… on the other hand, he had sat on his dad’s throne and the god did not seem happy about that. Annabeth looked at him like he was crazy when he asked her opinion on it, but that hadn’t made the position any clearer.

The good news is his dad apparently held no ill will after meeting him on the beach. Though he did leave him with some, uh, questions.

…I can’t tell if you were joking about your other kids, he started out slowly. Do I have siblings?

Percy couldn't decide if the idea excited or horrified him. On one hand, he always wanted siblings. Then he thought back to Thalia and reconsidered. He loved her to death, but the amount of arguing that would entail was too exhausting to even think about post-war. Percy fell back on the sand and smiled to himself. He wouldn't mind really little siblings for sure. Kids were fun. Also, there was a sort of innocence to them that was refreshing. Maybe his dad had some toddlers running around somewhere that he could babysit. Where did that term come from anyways? Babysit... who was even sitting on babies? Was it translated from another language or something? Weird.

Actually, languages were weird. Annabeth told him there was apparently only one language until Hermes decided to bring 'diversity of speech' to them, which, what? Bring it from where? Why? Hermes probably wasn't in the mood to answer questions post-Luke, but Percy had some complaints. English was fine, but if they kept that Greek being the only language thing then maybe he would be passing high school with a little more ease. Was he just bored? Did he want to make the world harder? Ugh.

If Percy had ultimate power like that... what he do when he was bored? He had an opportunity to find out, admittedly. Immortality had been right at the ends of his fingertips. Percy grimaced. Then there might be myths about him doing stupid stuff. Definitely had made the right call.

The water touched his toes, regaining his attention. Percy jumped. Oh. He should go. Annabeth was waiting for him. Unhooking his hands, he grabbed Riptide and twirled it in his fingers, eyes flitting over the water with a small smile.

Paul was great... but sometimes he liked one-sided conversation with his dad too.

The boy at the altar was not his son.

Or was he? He couldn’t say. Couldn’t… couldn’t… Neptune shook his head. He didn’t know this child even if he was vaguely familiar. And yet he called him father. And yet his symbol sat on his forearm, glaring back as the voice bubbled to the surface. His mind flickered.

Percy.

That was not his son. Poseidon was sure of that. He could see a vague outline of him – hear his voice, but… the prayer was short and… was it even to him? He couldn’t tell. This wasn’t his Perseus though. His Percy wasn’t Roman so why would he call out to Neptune? He was –

Greek, a voice hissed and Neptune grimaced. The boy was a Greek. Not his child. Not-

Hera. What has she done? What was she doing? Poseidon tried to listen desperately, but Percy didn’t fill in any blanks. Why? Why wasn’t he talking? He always talked-

Tell me who I am, father.

Oh, the irony. Neptune didn’t even know he was at the moment. The world spun, flickering back and forth as he tried to grip onto something to stop the movement. Time was going by, but the pain seemed to pause it altogether. He was… worried. For what? He had no idea it wasn’t like he had any children to fret over. He –

Hey, dad… it’s me.

Who? What an obnoxious way to start. ‘Me’ didn’t give any indication on – Perseus, a voice in the back of his mind supplied and the world flipped again.

We’re coming to help sort you guys out. I guess your Roman and Greek forms have been messing you up. It’s weird to think of you guys being like… sick, but that seems like the best equivalent? Well, we’ll get you to find your inner peace or whatever you need to fight the giants. I don’t know if you heard or not, but we’re fighting giants. It is not ideal and I thought we had a non-verbal agreement I would retire after titans, but it feels like you and Delphi put me up for a promotion. Not cool.

Scandal! This was a scandal and Neptune would not stand for being spoken to in such a way! He would destroy this boy where he stood. He would-

Leo put granite countertops on a ship…? Why did he do that? Why is it called granite anyways? I bet Annabeth would know. She might still be mad at me though… No, she said she wasn’t. She wasn’t actually mad in the first place, I don’t know why I am pretending like she was. Well, she was mad. Just not at me. Probably? I know she was definitely scared. I would be scared if she just went missing out of the blue for no reason…

Strangely enough, the words stopped the spinning – even if just for a moment. It was like both Poseidon and Neptune paused in their quest for control to try and follow the train of thought. Annabeth… Annabeth… who was that?

Minerva’s girl, right? No, Athena. Damn Athena. Why was he consorting with Athena’s spawn? A child of his shouldn’t – no, no. Dating. Why would she be mad if they were dating? Disappeared? He went back forth trying to piece it all together when he dialed back in to see what other information the child had to offer.

…I wonder who even invented envelopes. Wait. Am I still praying? Damnit, I said I would stop doing this-

If anything could unite Neptune and Poseidon… it would be figuring out this enigma of a boy.

The world was… hollow.

Percy rolled over, fingers latching on the sheets beside him. His mind briefly registered the soft material turning silky in his fingers, but it quickly disappeared into a feeling of pressure. Maybe he should be concerned with his body’s sudden inability to interpret the world, but he was just… too tired to care.

“Bad day?” Annabeth’s voice asked him quietly. Percy didn’t answer. Couldn’t. A hand touched his cheek and his eyes flickered to her. Annabeth. He moved in closer, chest stuttering with relief. She was here. She understood. They may have left Tartarus a few months ago, but the… the after affects hadn’t lessened. Chiron had told them they would fade in time, but Percy didn’t believe him.

Gods, Nico had done that alone. Guilt swirled in his stomach – the only thing he could properly feel as he focused on breathing. Guilt. Guilt and whispers of things he should have done differently. Mistakes - so many mistakes, so many issues, he could have saved them, he should have saved them-

If Annabeth hadn’t been there then he would have died Tartarus. He was certain of it.

There was maybe… maybe a small part of him… that held an unfair stab of anger with her over it.

More guilt. What was wrong of him? Even his own cotton-filled mind avoided the true implications of that thought alone. Besides, on other days he was almost happy. He thought of his mom and Paul and – hey, he was going to get a brother or sister. That was cool. His friends were okay.

For now, a voice whispered and he rolled away.

“Tired,” he finally answered Annabeth. “Just need a nap.”

“Okay. Let me just grab a book or something-”

“I think I need a couple minutes… I…” Percy interrupted and Annabeth blinked at him. He never asked her for space. If anything, they had been more inseparable post-war. She seemed to understand all the same because she knelt down and let her fingers lightly trail over his cheek. “Sorry.” He told her weakly. She gave a sad smile and pressed a kiss to his temple.

“Don’t be sorry,” she said softly. “You know I have bad days too. I’m going to grab lunch… I’ll bring you something blue,” she told him and Percy smiled. He was lucky. So lucky. His mind flicked back to Nico.

“He’s with Will, right?” Percy asked and Annabeth paused by the door. “Nico, I mean,” he said with a shake of his head. “I… we should be checking on him more,” he said quietly.

Because he was there alone. Because Percy had done an awful job in protecting him. Because Percy was a bad friend. A bad person and he had never made it right with him and-

“I’ll check,” Annabeth promised. Her eyes were looking over him slowly. “Try not to think too much. Just sleep, seaweed brain.” Percy grimaced in return as she exited the door and let it shut with a small click, leaving him alone in the solitude of his cabin.

Don’t think. He had to think. It was a predictable train of thought. He would try to think about the good things – to remind himself he was lucky – only his mind jumped to how unlucky Nico had been and Tartarus.

Tartarus, Tartarus, Tartarus-

“You have not prayed to me.”

Pro Tip: Maybe don’t sneak up on a demigod. Especially not one who had been on multiple quests, fought in two wars, and seen the literal depths of Hell. Just a thought.

Percy didn’t really process the voice until it was too late and Riptide was out and placed at the intruder’s neck. He blinked. Once… twice…

“Oh,” he said and just like that the energy left him again. He dropped the sword so that it clattered to floor and collapsed back on the bed. “Hi, dad,” he sighed and he thought back to the earlier words. “I prayed to you this morning,” he added, staring to the ceiling. He sounded so tired.

Nothing. The silence filled the room for so long that Percy was sure his father had left. Just as his mind began shutting itself down again there was a flicker of movement. Percy tensed, but didn’t lash out again as he saw Poseidon shift a bit closer.

“…I didn’t think that was you,” he murmured and Percy stared at him.

“Are prayers hard to differentiate?” He asked dryly. He really didn’t care. Maybe a few years ago this might have excited him… his father popping in to discuss godly things, but now… now he just wanted some peace.

“Not particularly,” Poseidon answered slowly. “And yours have always… stood out,” he decided. Percy pursed his lips. What did he want? “I have noticed they are very short these days.”

“Sorry.”

Poseidon stepped closer. He was frowning down at Percy with something he might label as ‘concern’ on pretty much everyone else… not Poseidon though. He may hold his father in higher regards than other gods, but he was convinced none of them could actually feel things as they did.

“Are you ill?” he asked and irritation filled the room. “Why have you not been treated?”

“I’m not ill.”

“I – Perseus,” he said and a hand touched his leg. Percy flinched at the movement. The hand went away.

“Can you find someone else?” Percy sighed and forced himself to sit up. Poseidon stared back him – expression suddenly unreadable. “I’m… tired,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t think I can do whatever it is you need me to do right now,” he said and more guilt hit his chest. Why was he pawning off his chores now? He was feeling lazy so now other people had to pick up the slack? Other people had to be in danger? How freaking selfish-

“I do not need anything,” Poseidon said, interrupting Percy’s devolving train of thought. “I simply grew concerned when I had not properly heard from you in some time.”

“I pray to you every day,” Percy said, exasperated. “What does it matter anyways? It’s not a conversation. It’s not like you listen-”

“That’s not true.”

“Sure,” Percy said for the sake of not arguing with yet another god. “I’ll do better with that.” He amended and fell back on the bed. He wanted to sleep. Just… just sleep. Then, without thinking about who was in the room or what he was even saying, he whispered: “I think they broke me.”

They. Percy didn’t even know who he met exactly. Maybe the Fates or the gods or giants or titans or… all of them. Either way, it was a stupid thing to say. Nobody wanted to hear that. Not from him. Not from the person who was supposed to fix everything. How could he-

“I don’t think that’s quite true,” Poseidon’s voice answered – surprisingly soft. Soft enough that Percy risked a glance at him. He looked… oddly normal for once. No crazy auras or godly vibes at all. Like he could be anyone’s dad. “I have some answers to your questions.”

“What?”

“Artemis is rather impartial to humans inhabiting her planetary representative,” Poseidon said conversationally. “Her interests are more in how the moon affects this planet so as long as humans don’t do anything drastic I can’t imagine she would mind. Ares, on the other hand… will be very displeased once humans set foot on Mars.”

What… what was happening? Percy blinked a few times as he tried to make sense of the words.

“As for Atlantis, there are plenty of misconceptions. Plato was an idiot. One of Athena’s, obviously,” he added under his breath. Percy felt a hint of amusement at that. “They didn’t anger the gods. The opposite, actually. They rather pleased me. It was a lovely island and I spent a lot of time there. During the war the asked for my aid and I told them that I wasn’t inclined to intervene-”

“Why not?” Percy asked. Poseidon tilted his head. “Why didn’t you want to help?”

“Oh. I was busy. Hermes had just been born so Apollo was throwing a fit about his cattle,” Poseidon said and Percy couldn’t help but scoff. “Anyways, I felt a little bad when I came back and saw they were struggling. They were such a pleasant and loyal group. So, I turned them all into immortal sea people and put their island in my domain. Zeus was upset with me, but I was needing a new kingdom anyway. It worked out.”

Percy shifted a bit, turning so he could hear more clearly.

“The Athena girl…” he said slowly. “Her mother is truly a nightmare. I suppose I should feel sorry for the poor thing. I can’t imagine having a mother such as that – then again my mother let father eat me so perhaps I’m being harsh,” he mused. Then looked at Percy. “I disapproved for a long time,” he admitted. Percy frowned. “I told her as much once,” he added and then paused. “She did not take it well.”

That was news. Annabeth had never mentioned having a conversation with his father – especially regarding anything to do with their relationship.

“But,” Poseidon continued. “I do perhaps see why you enjoy her company. There were worse matches for you certainly… not many that were worse, but some,” he said and Percy raised an eyebrow.

“Since when do you have a say in my love life?” he asked blandly. Not the smartest thing to say to an all-powerful god, but eh. Believe it or not, Percy had done stupider things.

Poseidon scoffed. “Should I not?” he asked and shrugged. “You were a favorite of Aphrodite for a while. I tried my best to get her to leave you alone.” Percy stared back. He wondered what plans Aphrodite had for him. Dear gods.

“…nevermind. Thank you.”

“Uh huh,” Poseidon mused. “Now, on the subject of the creation of Athena’s children... I have no idea. Especially on the whole belly button thing-"

"Oh, she has one," Percy said and Poseidon paused. Percy looked at him for a moment before he replayed what he just said and flushed. "I - uh, I mean - I... asked her...?" He shook his head. "I vaguely remember asking why Zeus turned Thalia into a pine tree. Any answers there?" he asked, redirecting the discussion. Poseidon rolled his eyes, but admitted that he hadn't gotten around to asking Zeus about it.

The conversation continued for a solid hour – maybe more. Percy couldn’t be sure. It was… something. Nice maybe wasn’t the right word. Satisfactory? Distracting? Something. He just listened to his dad’s voice, using it as subtle reassurance he was here. On Earth. Not in Tartarus. Not on a quest. Not fighting for his life. Not alone.

It was a little mortifying to know Poseidon had been listening to all his incessant ramblings, but Percy was equally amused to find his father had taken these questions with utmost seriousness. He tried to imagine him in Atlantis struggling to figure out what Percy was saying and making note to get answers for him. It was… a little sweet even.

“…I can’t believe you heard everything,” Percy grumbled into his pillow. “And that you remember. I don’t even remember talking about the penguins.”

“I’m a god,” he said by the way of explanation. Percy hummed at that. His eyes were fluttering closed. Still… still so, so, so tired. A hand touched his head and he jumped a little, but relaxed when he remembered who it was. His father would never hurt–

“Did you know?” he whispered, keeping his eyes closed. The hand had brushed some hair from his eyes, surprisingly feeling not too different from when his mom used to do the same thing when he was sick in bed… or pretending to be sick in bed. “That Hera grabbed me. That she erased my memory. That I fell in… you know,” he muttered.

No answer came, but Percy still felt the hand in his hair so he didn’t bother to look and see if Poseidon was still there. Maybe that was a question not ready to be answered. Great. He had ruined whatever… whatever this was.

“I knew Hera took you," the answer finally came a few moments later. "I was angry… I hadn’t known why at first and planned to figure it out, but by that point my forms were… struggling,” he continued slowly. “That took up my concentration for the most part. I found out about the other two things later,” he said and Percy nodded. Fair enough. “I did warn you,” came a wary sigh. “A hero’s fate is never happy.”

Percy paused. His mind suddenly flashed back to being twelve and seeing his father for the first time only to be slapped in the face with the ‘I’m sorry you were ever born’ bullshit followed by that hero’s fate comment. What had Percy said in return?

I don’t mind, father.

And Poseidon’s response… not yet.

Percy sat up, knocking off the hand as he did so to stare the god down. Poseidon tilted his head.

“You’re wrong,” Percy told him point blank. There was a pause where Percy knew he had absolutely no idea how to respond to that. “I mean, what the Hell? I… what are even my choices at this point? I’m alive. Slightly messed up, but alive. Maybe you’ll fling me into another prophecy or whatever or maybe I’ll just die fighting monsters – I really don’t care anymore, but even if it ends terribly I have to… get something, right? At least one happy-ish year. Maybe,” he said though as he continued out with his outburst the words got weaker and smaller. Finally he collapsed back on the bed and groaned.

Silence followed.

"Well," Poseidon finally said. "Your mother did name you Perseus for a reason. She is wiser than either of us, so perhaps we need to put some faith in that."

Percy smiled weakly and looked back up.

"That's a good point," he sighed. "She is one of the smartest person I know."

Poseidon hummed.

"She asked me the same question," he told him and Percy tilted his head. "About Medusa. I think it is one of the first things I heard from you," he said with a shake of his head. "Sally found out I was a god and immediately she wanted to know why I brought Medusa into Athena's temple. Didn't even miss a beat," he grumbled, looking vaguely annoyed. "She could have asked me about anything, but she decided to go with that," he mumbled.

Percy waited.

"Well?" He prompted. "What did you tell her?"

"That it was to make Athena mad, but technically it was Medusa's idea-" he said and Percy shook his head. "I am over a thousand years old. You cannot lecture me," he muttered indignantly. Percy opened his mouth to respond, but a knock cut him off.

"Percy?" Annabeth's voice called. "I have food."

Oh. He glanced over at Poseidon. He had honestly lost track of time. It had been awhile since time felt like it passed in normal increments rather than dragging sluggishly by. Percy yawned and sat up. Poseidon reached over and clasped his knee.

"I should leave you," he said and looked Percy up and down. "Do not despair. The Fates did not put you through this grief not to give you reprieve," he said. Percy almost pointed out that this was a different tune then he had been singing earlier, but decided against it. The guy seemed legitimately concerned. That was kind of nice. So instead he smiled weakly and nodded. "And I do hope you continue praying."

"...do you really?" Percy asked skeptically. Poseidon laughed.

"I find most of them quite enjoyable."

"I am almost positive you are going to regret saying that, but sure," Percy said and stood up to let Annabeth in. "Thanks, dad,” he added quietly. When he looked back up there was the smell of the sea and nothing more.

Poseidon wasn't really sure how much time had passed by. By mortal standards, it may have been awhile. Months even. He supposed it did take some time to heal after... well, everything Perseus had been through. He shouldn't expect his son to call out to him when he was working to piece himself together. It was-

Hey, dad. You will not believe this bullshit - well, maybe you will. How familiar are you with mortal education systems? I - wait, sorry. I won't get sidetracked. So, apparently, you go missing for a year and a school won't admit you? I was missing! It wasn't my fault! Now I have to search around for someplace to take me before school starts again and I swear on the Styx that if I don't graduate on time that Annabeth might just strangle me-

There he was.

-Jason says that isn't possible, but Jason is a coward. Hey. Does that come from the word cow? Probably not, but it would be fun to point out to Hera. Sorry. Blasphemous thoughts... she did take my memory and throw me to the Romans though... which, did she have to wipe my memory? I'm not sold on that. I would have played nice knowing I was Greek! I-

"Poseidon?" Zeus' voice said, making him jump. Ah, right. He had been talking to his brother, hadn't he? "Are you listening to me? We have important things to discuss and-"

"Why did you turn Thalia Grace into a pine tree specifically?" He asked. Zeus faltered.

"...what? Why do you ask me this?" he frowned and then leaned back as if trying to see Poseidon more clearly. "Why did I...? I don't understand, brother," he said and Poseidon smiled back. "Why do you ask this?" he repeated. Poseidon opened his mouth before shrugging. Percy was still talking in the back of his head. They had moved onto tornadoes. Zeus frowned at him. Poseidon shook his head.

"Just... answering a prayer."

Chapter Text

Sally didn't pray much.

She hadn't grown up religious and never really sought out any god. Perhaps there was a certain irony in her situation because of that. Biting her tongue, she took a long breath and looked back down at the pregnancy test in her hand. She wasn't sure why she was surprised. Had she really expected birth control to work on a literal Greek god?

No, but she had hoped.

"Damnit," she muttered and ran a hand through her hair. "Poseidon, you whore," she growled - as if he had been the sole perpetrator in this situation. In her defense, she had held out as a 'friend' for three months, but it was a little hard when your friend was handsome, funny, and... oh, what was it? Yeah, a fucking god. Maybe if someone like Apollo had shown up on her doorstep, she could have walked away, but... Poseidon could talk to fish. How was she supposed to resist?

Taking a long breath - Sally told herself to be reasonable. Perfectly reasonable. Putting her hands together, she offhandedly wondered if this would even work... but hey. She didn't really know another way to speed dial Atlantis, so she interlaced her fingers and hoped for the best.

"Poseidon," she said aloud and then swallowed. "Um, it's me. Sally... Jackson," she said and grimaced. "Just thought you should know I'm pregnant... panicking a little bit, but, uh, you did mention that this could happen. I'm not really sure what the next step here is? Like, do I... what do I do? I'm barely qualified to take care of myself, and now I have this half-god baby? I'm not even sure I want to be a mother! I - not that this kid won't be great, but... I don't know. If you could drop some godly wisdom on me... that would be fantastic," she muttered and then unclasped her hands.

What was she supposed to do? Pressing her forehead against the door, she mulled over her options for a bit before letting her hand flutter to her stomach.

"I guess it's just you and me," she told her stomach and swallowed. It would be fine. Fine. Totally fine.

Reassurance came by three days later. Except it wasn’t reassurance. It was a man with a baseball bat, furry legs, and horns. Sally figured her options were to either let him inside or maybe try braying at him... She decided to go with the polite method even though goatman here wasn't exactly full of manners himself. 

"The name is Gleeson. Gleeson Hedge," the... thing greeted as he stomped into her apartment. "I got an anonymous tip that you are in need of some godly guidance," he said and rustled through her trash before bringing out a coke can and chowing down. Sally blinked a few times before slowly closing the door.

"Hello," she went with and then turned to study the guest over. "Um, thank you for... stopping by. What are you the god of?" she asked and Gleeson snorted.

"I'm flattered cupcake, but I'm no god. Satyr.” He wiggled his hooves. Sally nodded. Right. "Now, do you know who the baby daddy is? Or is it a baby mama?" he asked, narrowing his eyes at her. Sally's lips twitched. He didn't know. Good. Poseidon mentioned that prophecy... it was probably safer for nobody to know. Shaking her head she sat down and listened as she was regaled in a tale of gods and camps and demigods. By the end of it, she had a tentative plan. Her son or daughter would smell too strongly to stay in the mortal world. It would be safer to bring the baby to Camp Half-Blood right after birth. Sally wouldn't have to worry of their safety and she... she could continue her life. It was fine.

Except it wasn't fine... it wasn't fine at all. Sally had fought getting attached the entire nine months of pregnancy. She ignored the kicking and milestones. The sonograms and people cooing over her swelling stomach. Despite herself, she always talked to him - to it. 

"I can't keep you," she said once, rubbing her stomach. "I'm sorry, but I just can't. I wouldn't be any good at this. Your father has a place for you to go. It'll be better there," she explained and forced it to sound like the truth.

Admittedly, Sally wasn’t...overflowing with loved ones. It was kind of nice to have someone to... Just someone.

“My life is a mess so I can’t offer you much wisdom,” she said as she snacked on some french fries. “Just know that you should always be kind and sometimes people make that really hard. And we can silently judge them. For example, that guy didn't throw his food in the trash. Why? Perhaps he’s in a hurry... or a dick. Either way I'm going to throw it away because I'm a sucker and can't help myself,” she mumbled and ambled across the park.

It was like having an imaginary friend almost, and then suddenly he wasn't imaginary anymore.

"I've changed my mind," Sally said and Gleeson stared back at her as if she had grown two heads. "You can't take him."

"I can't - cupcake," Gleeson said indignantly. "This boy smells strong already. He's a freaking baby. Look at him!" Sally clutched the bundle closer to her chest. She had fought it so hard, but the second her gaze fell on the baby it was over. She knew that this was quite possibly the only thing in her life that suddenly mattered.

"You can't take him," she repeated firmly.

"Baby daddy won't like that."

"Tough," Sally said firmly and hugged her son closer. "He's mine and I don't want him at your camp."

“But-”

“No.”

“Sally,” Hedge said, dropping the nickname to show real concern. “I’m getting stationed to the West Coast soon. If he doesn't go now then it might be a long time before someone else can find and bring him. Not to mention the monsters.”

Ah, the monsters.

Sally bit her lip. “Please,” she told him and the baby blinked at her. “Don’t take him.”

So Gleeson left. Sally wasn't sure it was the right call - not really, but it was hers and so was this baby. Not sure what else she could do... She prayed. 

"Hey, Poseidon," she said softly. "Your son was born today. His name is Perseus - don't give me shit over it. I don't care that your brother had a son named Perseus. He was the only hero with a happy ending and you were the one with that spiel on the power of names," she grumbled and then nodded. "It also means destroyer so your family better know not to mess around with my boy.” Percy moved a bit in her arms. Sally's lips twitched. "...do you think Aphrodite is going to be mad that you and I made the cutest baby in the world?" she asked.

He was pretty cute. This was a serious concern. Sally smiled a little.

“You better get ready, Poseidon,” she whispered. “I can feel it. He’ll be more than any of those gods can even imagine.”

Poseidon I am so angry at you right now, Sally's voice seethed - hot and demanding. Poseidon froze. Nobody else could hear the prayer, but it seemed precarious all the same with gods mulling about. He didn't often stop by Olympus outside of solstices, but had come to help Demeter out with whatever she had been whining about this morning. He figured he should start winning over more relatives for whenever Perseus' identity was revealed. They might be a bit more inclined to help out.

Swallowing, he tried to keep a straight face as Sally spoke. I am seething, I am furious. You better not show up here or I will throw something at you, I swear. Percy said his first word and it was supposed to be mama but instead it was fish and he’s never even seen a fish, so I know this is your fault entirely and -

Poseidon had to fight not to grin. Ah, yes. Sally did occasionally pray to give him updates. He tried to ignore them, but... by gods was it hard. He couldn't see Perseus at all, so really her words were the only window into his son's life he had. His favorite so far had been Sally trying and failing to figure out how to give him a bath. Perseus' powers would tend to follow his will so if he didn’t want to get wet then he wouldn’t, which would make baths... fairly difficult.

"Brother?" Demeter's voice called to him and Poseidon blinked. Yes. Right.

"Apologies," he said with a slight bow of his head. "My mind tends to wander on land."

"Hm," Demeter said, though there was suspicion in her voice. "Well, thank you for your aid either way," she told him. Poseidon nodded even though he had already forgotten what it was he was helping her with. Sally's voice popped back up.

Not to be rude, but do gods not pay child support?

This woman must be trying to kill him.

I mean, I can take care of myself, but diapers are kind of expensive. Who knew? Not me... or you, probably. Well, now you know. Diapers are expensive. So is everything baby-related, apparently.

She was definitely trying to kill him.

On that note, I have to go to work... you know, so I can afford diapers.

Poseidon was petty sure she might succeed in her assassination attempt if she kept up with this.

"You're smiling," Demeter informed him and Poseidon quickly schooled his expression as he was handed a basket of strawberries... what had he gotten himself roped into? "Poseidon," Demeter said and snapped her fingers in front of his face. "You better not be spying on some mortal. Remember your vows," she told him.

Ah, if only she knew those vows had been desecrated long ago.

"You're absolutely right, sister." He told her and bowed his head. "Thank you for reminding me."

Demeter sighed and shook her head.

"That mortal better consider herself lucky she won't be siring your child," she grumbled.

Poseidon nodded solemnly. "Yes, I do hear diapers are quite expensive these days."

Demeter blinked. "What?"

"What?" Poseidon repeated. His sister looked at him for a few moments before holding up both hands in surrender and lightly pushing him towards the door where one of Hermes' delivery trucks were waiting. He waited - secretly hoping Sally was still there, but it appeared she had gone to work after all. Sighing, Poseidon pushed thoughts of pretty mortals with warm smiles from his mind and tried to figure out what was happening with the strawberries in his hands.

...and if some money happened to appear on Sally Jackson's counter with the words 'child support' clipped to it... well, that was just a coincidence.

"So," Sally said and folded her hands together. "Percy strangled two snakes with his bare hands today… Why can he do that, but not eat peas? I don’t get it," she began, looking at her sleeping toddler curled up beside her. "More updates are that his favorite food right now is pancakes, he says he wants to be a firefighter when he grows up, and he can count to twenty… sometimes. You know, if he isn’t distracted by a butterfly or something," she said and sighed. "He looks like you. Eyes and hair and I'm pretty sure his angry face is the same face you made when I told you that I thought Odysseus was right," she grinned.

Thunder rumbled and Sally laughed.

"He just wanted to get home to his wife. You were kind of being a jerk," she said and sunk further into the bed, turning to stare at her son as she kept her hands firmly clasped together. "More monsters are going to find him, aren't they?"

The wind shifted - blowing into the open window. Sally got up as a fluttering caught her attention. Frowning, she reached over to grab piece of orange paper that landed on her bedside table.

Camp Half-Blood: Long Island, New York

Sally tossed the pamphlet to the ground and folded her hands together again.

"No," she said flatly. "I can find another way. If I send him there then I risk others finding out he's your son and... your family finding out he's your son," she said and swallowed. "Besides, I want him with me. It's safer. Nobody knows he exists. We can wait a little longer. I'll find a way."

Another paper fluttered through the window. Gritting her teeth, Sally stood up and slammed it shut.

"Knock if off," she told him flatly. "I can do this. I - I guess I did pray to you," she sighed, unable to be truly angry. Poseidon meant well. She knew he did. It wasn't kind of her to snap at him. "I can do this though. Perhaps you don't see that I can, but... I'll prove you wrong," she said and Percy shifted in his sleep. "Thanks for listening to me... Do all gods do that? Listen to prayers?" she asked and then looked at her intertwined hands. "Well, I hope you like them because they'll probably be more. I have to keep you updated on the important stuff. Percy got a toy bear the other day. That was big," she grinned. "Naturally, he has named it Squid. I have little doubt he is your son."

It continued on like that. Though... admittedly, Sally's prayers became less frequent as Sally became more occupied with... other things.

“So,” a voice said and Sally could tell he was angry before she could even see him. “I was wondering why you haven't prayed. It seems you were busy proving me wrong.”

“God or not, I wouldn’t lecture me,” Sally warned him as she closed the bathroom cabinet. The mirror showed Poseidon’s reflection – dressed in the beach clothes she had met him in though his eyes were glowing hot and white. They dimmed when Sally looked at him.

“I want Perseus to spend time with you,” Poseidon began slowly and Sally bit her tongue to keep from snapping at him. “But I don’t agree-”

“He’s my son!” she snapped and spun around to glower at him. Poseidon’s expression hardened for a moment.

“He’s also mine.”

“Well, you don’t want him,” Sally spat back. Part of her was shocked at her own words. Sally had always been a smidge temperamental, but she wasn't ever outright snappish. Perhaps it was the lack of sleep or overall living situation. She would have to work on that. Percy shouldn't see her angry. Never. That wasn't what he needed from her. Poseidon though... she could maybe snap at him. Just a little. The god himself at stiffened at her words. “If you think he’s in so much danger then take him to Atlantis!” she told him even though she knew that it would break her heart if he ever did.

Poseidon stared at her with an expression she couldn’t quite read – half-outraged and half-exasperated.

“He would be no safer in Atlantis than he is here,” he said evenly. “And neither are as safe as Camp Half-Blood!” he began as Sally sighed and turned away. “I don’t want that thing near my son or you. Especially you,” he said, voice going gentle towards the end. “I’ve had half a mind to kill him since he entered this damn apartment-”

“Don’t you dare!” Sally began and whirled around to point a finger at him. “I can handle myself. You told me he would be safe if he didn’t smell like a demigod!”

“You consider this safe?”

“Is that the argument you want to take? You think you have the moral high ground somehow? As if I can’t literally go to a library and pull up your misdeeds? I’m sorry, but for what child do you deserve the parent of the year award? Triton? Theseus? Orion?” she demanded. Poseidon’s eyes flashed. “In half of those myths, you are the villain! Don’t pretend like you suddenly have-”

“Those were thousands of years ago and gods have many sides, Sally. This is not my darker one,” he said, though she wasn’t so sure with the tone he used. It was sometimes easy to forget – or to even fully understand – exactly who (no, what) she was speaking to.

“And what exactly do you want with Perseus?” she asked. “He lives and…? What? You’re going to use him to carry out your wars? Your prophecies? Earn you glory?” Poseidon didn’t answer. “I will protect him. He’s my child. My baby. I found a way to keep him with me and he will stay that way until I decide it is time for him to go to your damn camp,” she told him coldly. “If you don’t like it then be an actual father. We can reconsider then.”

A knock sounded at the door.

“SALLY!” Gabe’s voice screeched through the wood. “YOUR BRAT IS WHINING FOR YOU!”

Poseidon’s nostrils flared.

“I’m coming!” Sally called back and took a long breath. Poseidon bit his lip – reaching out for a moment and then lowering his hand when Sally stared at the movement warily.

“You’re a good mother,” he said after a few seconds. “And if you change your mind on what to do with that mortal…” he trailed off and looked in the direction Gabe’s voice came. “I will offer you aid.” Sally smiled weakly and nodded. She didn’t bother to say that deep down… she didn’t think she needed Poseidon for that either. "And... Sally, I..." Poseidon began and went quiet. "I do enjoy your prayers. I can't come here again. It's too dangerous. For all of us. Your words are really all I get to have of either of you," he admitted, sounding defeated by even just admitting such a thing. Sally tilted her head and gave a long sigh as she let her fingers lightly brush over his cheek.

"Fine," she said and gave a wry grin. "But only if you promise me to be good to him... whenever he does go to that camp of yours."

Poseidon's lips twitched.

"I promise."

Horses?

Poseidon paused. Zeus was talking about something or another - winter solstices were really becoming a pain in the ass - when Sally spoke again. It wasn't her usual updates on Percy this time. Instead her voice was full of utter exasperation. You didn't warn me about the horses, Poseidon.

Oh no. That wasn't a good start. He braced himself for whatever was going to come next.

I kept him away from fish because I thought they might talk to him. We stay away from all sea creatures when possible, but I didn't think to worry about the horses of all things. Why? What possessed you to make a land creature? Did you feel the need to buff up your ancient resume or something? Should I expect raccoons to talk to him too?

Poseidon inwardly rolled his eyes. Please. As if he would be responsible for those monstrosities.

I can't believe this. I'm lucky he's young enough people still believe the overactive imagination excuse, Sally continued. She went quiet for a moment and Poseidon frowned a little. Was that it? He was almost disappointed. Scratch that - he was disappointed. Now he had to listen to Zeus' horrendously long lecture on... what was he even talking about?

You know, I'm just going to say it, Sally said. Thank gods. Poseidon wouldn't have to find out what Zeus was talking about after all. If you try to take this kid away from me to put in your dumb camp I absolutely will fight you god or not.

Don't smile. Don't smile. Why did he even want to smile? He would smite others for such a comment. She wasn't done either.

I may not look like much and... well, okay, you would probably win, but I might get a solid hit in. Maybe even two. Now that I am no longer distracted by how good looking you are I think I have a solid chance of getting that second one in.

Poseidon would probably let her have three for the Hell of it. Did that make him pathetic? Perhaps. He sighed. It had been so long since he allowed himself to be dragged down by a mortal like this. He forgot the feeling of it - like someone had come along and swept his power right out from under him. Artemis always growled that all the gods (and Aphrodite) were slaves to their impulses. She was... well, maybe a little right, but there was a definitive difference between bedding a pretty face and whatever this ridiculous adoration Sally Jackson inspired. It was much more rare in his thousands of years.

Nevermind, Sally said flatly. He just ate the last Pop-Tart. You can have him.

...perhaps this is what drew him in. Bewilderment.

I feel the need to point that was a joke. Don’t come around here trying to take my baby. I have a frying pan and clear-sight. Do with that information what you will.

Poseidon laughed and immediately regretted when eyes all turned to him. He had been doing so well.

"Yes, brother?" Zeus asked coolly. Poseidon collected himself quickly. What was the last thing he had heard? Eh, it didn't matter. He would improvise.

"The whole thing just amuses me."

Silence. Ah. He had definitely said something wrong. Zeus stared at him as if already considering all the different ways he could cast him into Tartarus with their father.

"...I'm sure it would," he said coldly. "Cyclops were what allowed Hades' monsters to catch up to my daughter."

Wait. Were they talking about Thalia Grace? Poseidon felt his stomach sink. Ah. That was... unfortunate. Hades glowered at Zeus from his seat. That explained the tension in the room at least. Zeus was throwing his brother nasty looks as Hades himself muttered something or another about his own mortal Zeus had struck down years ago. Poseidon tried to picture Sally and Perseus killed like Zeus had done to the di Angelos. He felt a stab of sympathy for his brother.

"Not at the girl's passing," Poseidon said calmly, deciding to take the easy route. "Just that your daughter was noble enough to die for one of Athena's spawn."

"Poseidon!" Athena hissed and Hermes frowned.

"My child was there too."

"Ah," Poseidon was with a nod towards his nephew. "That must have been why then," he said, ignoring Athena fuming. He sneered at her from across the throne room - matching the look in her eyes of gray swirling with rage.

"You speak boldly for someone whose children were bested by my seven-year-old," she finally told him. Poseidon shrugged. He had many cyclops. He couldn't control them all the time. Maybe he should send some to check on Perseus actually... that might work. Discreetly, of course.

He wondered what his own seven-year-old was up to... other than eating a Pop-Tart that is.

Here's another update, Sally told him (could she sense his curiosity?). I just got a call from Percy's school telling me how he started a small sticker rebellion. Apparently they give out stickers if they're good in school. Percy never gets any so he went and got his own. Now he's passing them out to all the other kids in class. Can't exactly blame the monsters for this one. 

Ha. As if Athena's girl could even compete.

"You know, there are times I forget he’s your son… but then he blows up a bus and I remember," Sally said as she sank into the couch. Gabe was passed out in the bed and Percy was still in school. For now. Sally had no doubt he was going to be expelled even though she was certain it hadn't even been his fault. She should be going to pick him up, but she needed a minute to collect her thoughts.

...and tell her resident baby daddy the most recent bullshit. He had asked to be kept updated, right?

"You know, I'm not even sure this one is on you," she admitted. "I can't imagine there is a monster out there whose grand plan was to have Percy blow up a bus. Why are the cannons active anyways?" she grumbled and pressed a finger to her temple. "We'll have to go out for ice cream or something. That'll make him feel better. Blue ice cream. Have I informed you we're a blue family now? We eat blue food.”

She was so tired. It felt like she went through jobs like Percy did schools. School. She missed school. College seemed like such a faraway dream, but a small part of her held on all the same. 

“What else...? He lost his last baby tooth. Not that he believes in the tooth fairy after Gabe ruined that for him,” she said bitterly. “He says he still believes in Santa, but I know he's just humoring me," she said and shook her head. "I don't know how I got blessed with such a sweet child... I don't think it came from you," she added with an apologetic smile. Then reconsidered. "I guess you can be sweet," she amended and then scowled. "Though I haven't forgiven you for letting me pay for those nachos when you could have just snapped your fingers and got us some.” The wind blew outside and she could have sworn it was a laugh.

Shaking her head, she sat up. That was probably enough for today. Percy didn't deserve to be left much longer with those scowling school administrators with their belittling comments and cold eyes. She got up to grab her purse when a paper caught her eye. Oh no. Biting back a smile, she walked over to the table and flipped it over.

Poseidon - God of Seas, Storms, Earthquakes, Droughts, Floods and Horses

"I know that you did not really make me a resume," she muttered and - yep. There was his work experience (including but not limited to: life guard, fisherman, creator of islands, destroyer of cities, and main adversary to obnoxious mortals returning from war... also horse trainer), Education (Kronos' Gastro-Academy... hilarious), Skills (there were a few highlighted, which she guessed meant Percy would also be likely to inherit.. huh. She didn't know Poseidon knew photography), and Objective ( 'to allow certain mortals a better understanding of myself... because apparently she can go to the library to learn all my misdeeds, but not my triumphs').

Sally snorted. Shaking her head, she carefully folded the paper up and folded her hands together.

"You think you're real funny, don't you?" she asked and looked over her shoulder to where Gabe had grunted in his sleep. Part of her... just a small part wanted to ask Poseidon to come back. He said he couldn't, but Sally felt her stomach ache with hope. Maybe if she asked... he was god, right? Impossible things could maybe be made possible.

Just as she opened her mouth to say it, the door opened.

“Percy?” she asked and straightened herself up. “Sweetheart, what are you doing here? I thought you were at school.”

Percy blinked a few times at her. Tears, she realized. Oh no. She quickly dropped her things and went to him.

“I walked," he said and Sally heard his voice crack. What was wrong? She couldn't see any injuries. Had the teachers said something to upset him? Probably. Sighing, she hugged him, running a hand over the back of his hair. "I didn't mean to," he mumbled into her shoulder.

"I know."

"What's wrong with me?" he asked, sounding more tired than any ten-year-old should. Sally let go and frowned at him. "Don't say there's nothing wrong either. I know there is.” Sally pursed her lips. "I think I might be crazy," he added lowly. "I see things sometimes..."

You wouldn't happen to have a demigod parenting guide, would you?

Ha. As if. If the gods had a parenting guide then maybe they should read it first.

"You see things?" Sally asked him seriously. Percy bit his lip and nodded. She let out a long sigh. "I wanted to wait until you were older to tell you, Percy..." she began and when he tilted his head, smiled. "Those are your eyes. You actually have two of them-"

"Mom."

"Sorry," she laughed and kissed his forehead. "I know things are confusing right now. I wish I could..." she began and trailed off. Could what? Tell him the truth? That was the last thing she wanted. If she could let him live in ignorance forever she would. "You know what? Maybe we should try another boarding school," she suggested softly. "That might be fun."

"Would it?" Percy asked doubtfully. "Maybe I can join the circus instead."

"I bet you would make a great horse trainer," she agreed, thinking of Poseidon's resume. Percy brightened. "Maybe we should wait until you're older though. I think the next school might the one," she promised. Percy grimaced and ran a hand through messy hair.

"Don't lie to me like that."

“Percy, I'm your mother. I wouldn't lie to you,” she promised and Percy nodded. Smiling she kissed his forehead again before letting him go with promises of blue cookies and ice cream. When the door to his room shut, Sally put her hands back together.

“He’s going to be so mad when he finds out I lie to him all the time-”

“Hello, Poseidon. I heard you met our son.”

Poseidon smiled at Sally's words. He should be focusing on a million other things, but the world seemed to pause for him to sink in the sound of her voice. If he closed his eyes he could vaguely see her outline. Percy was currently asleep next to her, head in her lap as she ran her hands through his hair.

“He did well,” Poseidon said even though she couldn't hear him. It was a little silly to reply at all, but he couldn't help himself. Sally's lips pursed as if she could magically understand his response.

“If you were here... I would throttle you for calling him a wrongdoing," she said casually. Poseidon closed his eyes. “Yes, he told me. He tried to make it seem like he didn’t care. I know him better than that,” she added softly and ran a thumb over Percy's cheek. "He just went on this entire quest... fought your ex-girlfriend and the god of War and whatever else for you to be a jerk," she grumbled.

“It… was perhaps poorly worded-”

“I can hear you now," Sally bit back. "It was maybe worded wrong," she mimicked. Poseidon sighed. “You’ve supposedly had many children. Have you not been informed that they have feelings?”

Percy shifted slightly under hand – stilling both her and Poseidon. When it seemed he had slipped back into a deeper sleep, Poseidon spoke again.

“There are politics involved in this, Sally. A war. Perseus very well could be a child prophecy-”

Why was he justifying this? She couldn't hear him.

“He tried to defend you," she grumbled. "Prophecy and politics... I bet you would say the same thing to me,” she groused, being careful to keep her voice a whisper. “You don’t think they’ve told him there’s prophecy? If he can get that stupid lightning bolt back you might do well to not treat him as if he’s weak,” she said coldly. Poseidon pursed his lips. “He knows he’s dangerous. He may not fully understand, but he knows.”

He’s probably always known, Poseidon thought. Deep down. The thought made him sigh. It was never fair. Poseidon wished - not for the first time - that he was there with her in person. He wanted to redo his first meeting with Perseus. Be better. Gods curse Sally Jackson. Always trying to better him in a way no mortal should challenge a god. It was unbecoming, but perhaps that was the charm in it. 

“You were right to keep him,” he said finally. “I credit his success with your parenting,” he told her and then reconsidered. “Also, I don’t believe for a second he would have gotten that bolt for Zeus if your life hadn’t been involved,” he added because this child sent Medusa's head in a box to them. Poseidon had worried what creation awaited them when he learned he was having a child with such a strong-willed mortal, but... yeah. Medusa's head in the box was a new level of stress.

"I bet you like him," Sally said, redirecting his attention to her prayer. "You may have pretended to be distant, but I think you already find him hilarious," she said... and was tragically a little right. Perseus' prayers over the course of the quest were baffling, but sometimes humorous. Poseidon was quite fond of his composure in the throne room. Unlike most heroes and demigods, Percy spoke over the main events as though there was nothing extraordinary about them. It was one of the most matter-of-fact things the sea god had ever witnessed. He especially loved Percy’s comment of ‘I told Lord Hades to give Charon a pay raise and then we escaped from the Underworld’ and ‘Then I challenged Ares and told him if I won that I get the helm. I won so Hades has his helm back and I came here.’

Even Zeus gave Poseidon a look that pretty much said ‘Yep. He’s yours’

“I think he’s going to like you too,” Sally said. Poseidon blinked. “Maybe not right now. He’s digesting, but… at the end of everything… I think you’re kind of likeable sometimes,” she told him with a small shrug. A smile touched his lips.

“Is that so?” he asked. Sally looked at the ceiling and scowled.

“Don’t let it go to your head.”

“I’ll try my best.”

Percy had once asked Sally how she could never be mad at him.

The answer had come easily. It wasn't ever Percy's fault. He couldn't help it if he attracted monsters, gods, demigods, or whatever chaos came into the world. It was something she knew would happen when she decided to keep him and had promised herself early on that she would never hold it against him.

It was also helpful to pray to an ancient Greek deity and yell at him instead.

"Okay, listen," she began when Percy left the kitchen to get more chocolate chips for the cookies they were baking. "I'm glad that you voted not to kill our son. I'm going to throw that out there. Great job. Also, um, look, I don't want to be too pushy on this topic, but there was a vote to kill our son?" she demanded and held up her hands. "I'm not saying there was much you could do about it, but I'm kind of pissed. I - damnit, I had gotten so good at not cursing," she muttered and looked over her shoulder to make sure Percy hadn’t heard. Oh, what the Hell? She could slip back into her older habits. "I'm sorry," she said and took a deep breath. "I shouldn't be yelling at such an... esteemed god," she said and made a face. "But what the fuck?"

"MOM!" Percy yelled and she could hear something crash in the pantry. "How many bags do we need?!"

"HOWEVER MANY YOU WANT!" she called. At this point, they both needed as much chocolate as possible. She turned back to her folded hands to redirect her attention to Poseidon. "Okay, I'm good. Very grateful he's okay," she sighed and leaned back against the counter. "Do you remember our first conversation?" She didn't wait for any universal sign to answer - they didn't often come anyways. "I asked to borrow your giant fork and you spent a solid ten minutes trying to convince me it was a surfboard?" She shook her head. "I need you to have that kind of determination when someone suggests murdering our child in the future," she informed the empty room flatly.

"I didn't know that."

Sally turned. Percy was in the doorway, arms filled with bags of chocolate chips and eyes burning with curiosity. Sally smiled. She supposed now that he knew the truth that perhaps he could be a bit more privy to how her first meeting with his father had actually gone.

"We were both quite adamant on the matter,” she told him. “I'm sure he realized I was clear-sighted immediately, but seemed to be intent on convincing me he was right on principle alone. I just wanted to borrow the giant fork," she shrugged and Percy's lips twitched as he dumped more ingredients on the counter.

"Why did you want the trident?" he asked and hopped up to watch her curiously. Sally handed him a bowl and some eggs to crack. She wondered if Poseidon could still hear them if he wanted - even if she stopped praying.

"Well, there was this tide pool towards the end of the beach and a little girl was upset that these men were harassing the animals that got trapped in there during the last tide," she explained and grabbed a whisk. "So, I thought I would use the trident to scare them away. Your father volunteered for the job after I told him. I was very annoyed with him for not letting me do it myself - which is a good thing actually, because who knows what I would have done with that trident on accident - but I forgave him when he helped me move the animals back into the ocean," she shrugged. Now that she thought back on it... had those mortals thought that an angry man was just chasing them with a surfboard? Or had Poseidon removed the mist? She supposed it didn't matter now.

Percy smiled a little, beating the eggs as he listened.

"Then what?"

"Then he asked me to dinner," she said. "I said no, of course. I was only supposed to be at that beach for a week and it didn't make sense for me to go on a date with some random man who claimed his giant fork was a surfboard. That's actually how I got him to admit it. I said we could compromise and I would let him buy me nachos if he admitted it was a fork. Then he got huffy and said it wasn't a fork, it was a trident," she mimicked.

"But you said that you two spent the summer together?" Percy frowned. Ah, yes. Well. Sally gave a weak smile.

"He, uh, convinced me to extend my stay. In all fairness, I found out Greek mythology was real and there was no way I was going to pass up asking an actual Greek god about... well, everything," she mused, thinking back to Poseidon being so incredibly patient with her asking about literally almost everything. "It was fun. He often served as a translator for me because I wanted to talk to dolphins so badly. I also demolished him at truth or dare."

"You - I'm sorry, you met Poseidon and decided to play truth or dare?" Percy demanded. Sally considered how much she wanted to torture him and then decided he was old enough to have a little fun with.

"Well, I had already said no to strip poker."

Based on her poor son's scandalized face... she would have to take it easy on him in the future.

"But, yeah, truth or dare,” she continued as Percy recovered. “I alternated between asking all my questions and then daring him to do mortal things," she laughed. Poseidon had been so indignant on the matter. "I got him to open up a bank account, you know."

"No, you didn't."

"How do you think I was able to send you to so many private schools?" she asked. Percy's mouth dropped. "I hadn't actually expected to use it," she told him offhandedly. "I prayed to him about child support a few times as a joke and he left money. Later on I found the old paperwork for it just sitting on the counter. I'm pretty sure he left it there and when I checked," she shrugged. "There was always the right amount for your tuition."

"You pray to him?" Percy asked. He had completely forgotten the cookies now, leaving Sally to mull about the kitchen and slap his hands away from the cookie dough as she rolled them into balls on the baking sheet.

Sally shrugged again. "Do you?"

"I try," Percy said slowly. "I don't think he ever hears me. That's sometimes for the best. I, uh, ramble," he admitted. Sally laughed. Yes, she could definitely see that. Even in a normal conversation Percy tended to sidetrack himself. It had to be worse when he was just talking in his own head. "I guess it makes more sense that he would answer your prayers," Percy added - more to himself than to her. Sally stopped in organizing the cookie sheet to look at him. Did it? Her confusion must have shown because Percy smiled at her in that way... that way that made her think of the sun and sea and holding her son for the first time. "That oath was a pretty big deal. He must have liked you a lot to break it."

Sally snorted.

"I don't know about that," she told him and Percy tilted his head as she put the tray into the oven. "The scoundrel did make me pay for the nachos."

"Why did he do that?!" Percy asked, sounding genuinely outraged for her. Sally grinned - though felt a smidge of bashfulness as she walked over to pat her son's cheek.

"I called the trident a fork again."

The differences between Percy and Sally's prayers to him were... extensive.

Both, admittedly, were enjoyable in their own right. There were some similarities too. Percy's endless ramblings often reminded him of a younger Sally - excited to learn so much of her world now that she knew that all she saw wasn't in her head. In turn, Sally's life updates could grow a smidge disjointed if she was flustered or overwhelmed... which was happening more and more since... the Blowfish fellow.

Don't get him wrong, he liked the man fine. If Sally found him agreeable then that was acceptable. She deserved happiness. He just... kept showing up in both of their prayers. First Perseus decides Paul could be a potential confidant as he was talking to Poseidon. Honestly.

What just pissed you off?

A real question his son has asked when Poseidon rightfully got annoyed. It was fine though. Poseidon had other prayers to listen to.

So I'm a married woman now.

...maybe Poseidon didn't like Paul after all.

Sorry, you don't want to hear about that, Sally continued. Poseidon sighed. He should be focusing on this war he was fighting. Oceanus planned on attacking Atlantis any day now and while he had made the necessary preparations there were still other things he should be doing. His people needed him. His family needed him. He couldn't be distracted-

I've just been trying to focus on the good things, you know? I spent everyday this summer just... looking at Percy. Knowing I might be running out of time to see his face, Sally's voice whispered and Poseidon felt his chest sink at the declaration. You were one of those good things once, she mused. I never thanked you properly for him. Even if this is all the time I get... it would have been worth every second. He'll survive though. He has to.

Poseidon pursed his lips. Demigod children were hard. He rarely understood them. Sometimes he tried and sometimes he didn't bother. It was the same with their parents. Sometimes he genuinely connected with them and others a passing fancy. It felt as if both Perseus and Sally had decided to dig out anything akin to mortality in him and trap it.

I know you don't want to hear this, but it's nice to see him get along with Paul. It feels right. Like... everything I ever wanted in one place. I don't mean that in a... husband and son getting along kind of way - even if that's what it is. I just mean that... I don't really know what I mean. All the important parts of my life together. You're included in that too, you know. Through Percy. I don't think I could have ever handled all of you, but the pieces you left me through him... are enough. They're more than enough. And Paul is the rest of my life. I see everything I wanted in a future next to him. No idea what the future is, but I really hope it's happy.

Poseidon smiled sadly. He hoped she got it. He hoped she was right about Perseus. That he lived. That he lived and kept living. Poseidon had given him the spiel of a hero's fate when they had first met, but Poseidon felt as if anyone could defy that... it would be Percy.

But anyways, I really just wanted to wish you luck in this siege Percy was telling me about. I'm sure gods don't get scared or nervous, but... good luck.

"Thank you," Poseidon murmured and someone cleared their throat behind him. He turned to find Triton already bowing - though Poseidon could see irritation hiding behind carefully placed features. "Triton," he greeted and righted himself. "Sorry for the distraction. I was... listening to a prayer."

He waited for Triton to scowl and ask if it was Perseus. However, his son seemed to know it wasn't his brother because he only looked back at him silently.

"What's her name?" Triton finally asked and Poseidon almost jolted back in alarm. He lifted a questioning brow. "This mortal who has brought the ocean to its knees," he drawled out. "Who bore you the son you seem to think can do no wrong," he said with a dramatic wave of his hand. "There aren't many people who would distract you during a time of war... and I've never heard you respond to Perseus' prayers with 'thank you' as much as just general confusion," he snorted and shook his head. Poseidon pursed his lips and Triton waited. "Her name?"

Part of Poseidon wanted to say he wasn't so besotted as to be reduced to such words, but the other part of him was already answering.

"Sally."

"Sally," Triton repeated and dipped his head. Poseidon waited. There was something he wanted to say. Poseidon knew his son. He was quick-tempered and painfully honest at times. The war would quickly wear down any patience he tended to have - or restraint. Sure enough, after a few moments of very clear struggle, Triton spoke again. "If I may be so bold, father?" Oh boy. Poseidon nodded. "I believe mortals pray to gods. Not the other way around."

...he was glad Perseus and Triton didn't get along. If they did then his kingdom would be overthrown by the pair for sure.

“Leave.”

Sally didn’t even look up from cooking as she spoke the words. A soft sigh followed and Sally’s eyes darted up, a bit enraged at the audacity.

“Sally-”

“No,” she said and put the pan off the burner. “No, no, no. You can’t come in here and offer me any explanation now. Not when my baby was missing for a year and you said nothing-”

“I was… unwell,” he said and Sally bit her tongue before she said something that crossed the line. Instead she glared, jaw clenched as she tried to calm herself with the image of throttling him. “I’m sorry.”

"I prayed. I prayed and prayed and prayed and you didn't give me any sign or a single word of acknowledgement!" She hissed and Poseidon winced.

"I didn't hear you," he admitted quietly. "I barely heard Perseus," he told her, but Sally didn't care. No, she did not care about that one bit. She had other things to say.

“He fought in one war already. Now he’s gone through two. What in the name of God – gods, whatever, kind of game is that?” she demanded. Poseidon said nothing. “He’s seventeen. He’s a child and he’s been to Hell. Literal Hell. I thought it would be years before he got over the nightmares and PTSD of the first one, but boy did your family decide to up the stakes on me,” she said in disgust and felt her scars, still healing from Estelle’s birth, give a warning ache. Calm. She needed to be calm. Quickly, she put a hand over her stomach and took a deep breath.

“You’ve had your child,” Poseidon noted warily. “Congratulations.”

Sally narrowed her eyes.

“I don’t know what you want me to say. He’s a demigod. This is what his life consists of-”

“No, it doesn’t!” Sally said loudly. “It… it is so much more than fighting your battles,” she told him fiercely before shaking her head. “And don’t act like you warned me. You told me he could be the child of a prophecy. Not two prophecies – or is there a third one now?”

Poseidon sighed and looked away. “I want better for him as well,” he said quietly.

Sally wanted to laugh. Did he? After all this – did he? Poseidon seemed perfectly content with Percy making him look good to the rest of the Olympians. She wasn’t blind. She knew her son had achieved feats beyond even the greatest heroes – and in the end… isn’t that what all gods wanted?

“You don’t believe me,” Poseidon noted.

“Why should I?” Sally asked. “What indication have you given that you want him to have a long, happy life that entails doing anything beyond Olympus’ whims? I-” She was going to launch into a full tirade – not even caring that she berating an ancient deity -  when someone cleared their throat.

“Hi, dad.”

Sally closed her eyes. Of course.

“Perseus,” Poseidon greeted, looking a little alarmed by Percy’s entrance. Had he not noticed? Interesting. Perhaps he really had been invested in their conversation. Not that it meant anything. Percy’s eyes flicked between them a few times before he slowly put down his bag.

“Um,” he began awkwardly and gave Poseidon a long look. “What do you need?” he asked and Sally hated how defeated he sounded. Something about his tone must have resonated with Poseidon because his fingers twitched.

“Nothing,” he said quietly. “I don’t need anything. As I told you before."

Percy blinked at him a few times – clearly bewildered before giving a small nod.

“Oh... right," he said and then bit his lip. "I'll start praying more," he told Poseidon and Sally frowned. What? They must have had a conversation Sally didn't know about. Poseidon gave a soft smile. Percy returned it hesitantly and picked his bag back up. “Um, in that case… I’ll just… go do my homework…?” He turned to give Sally a baffled look. She smiled back tightly. He was trying to ask if she was okay. She gave a quick nod of reassurance and Percy slowly exited the room, giving a few glances over his shoulder as he went.

Poseidon grimaced.

“I should go. Your husband will be back soon.”

Why was that said like a jab? Like she shouldn’t get on with her life?

“Your wife is probably waiting for you,” she agreed politely. Poseidon fixed her with an irritated look. She smiled back. “Cookie?” She held out the blue platter. Poseidon scoffed and picked the top one off.

“Is it poisoned?”

“It wouldn’t kill you if it was,” she said simply and then sighed. She was being unfair, wasn’t she? “I’m sorry,” she told him and then shook her head. “I… knew you were god when this all started. I just…” She looked in the direction Percy had gone. “I never knew it was possible to love someone so much until I held him. He deserves everything,” she said quietly. Poseidon smiled softly.

“You may not believe me… but I do agree.”

Sally stared. She did believe him. Maybe that was the hard part.

Percy’s head popped back in.

“Sorry, this is weird. What’s happening?” he asked. Sally laughed. She felt a little bad at how distressed he seemed, but for once it wasn’t the ‘weight of the world’ kind of distressed and instead the normal teenager kind.

“We’re talking about you,” she said and Percy’s brows came together. He looked over at Poseidon before fixing her with a mortified stare.

“…why?”

“I found some baby pictures-”

“Nevermind,” Percy decided and disappeared again. Then silently came back and grabbed the metal box where Sally kept all their pictures and wordlessly disappeared again.

Poseidon snorted. “Aren’t there some over there as well?” he asked loudly with a nod towards a second box. Sally wasn’t sure how he knew that, but didn’t ask because Percy had reappeared to grab that box as well, fixing them both with annoyed looks before leaving the room once more. “It’s too bad,” he told Sally. “I wouldn’t have minded seeing some of those.”

Sally shrugged.

“You’re welcome to them any time.”

Poseidon gave her a sparkling look before snapping his fingers. Immediately the two boxes appeared in front of him once more. From the other room, Sally heard Percy give an outraged yell.

“I better get going,” Poseidon told her and gave one last, unreadable look. “And I will do better,” he added. Sally didn’t bother to answer. She wouldn’t hold him to it – even if there was a certain sincerity to the words before he disappeared once more.

They were dancing. Poseidon watched from the window as the music flowed out of the apartment while Paul kept spinning Sally around - both laughing at their failed attempts to get the steps right. He wanted to be annoyed by the sight. Instead he just felt... resigned. He knew this was the best ending anyways. At the end of the day, Sally was mortal. She was living a happy, mortal, satisfying life. Her dreams fulfilled. Her family intact. Her heart still full of love.

Poseidon's own life - as vast and ever-changing as it was - would recover. In time. Perhaps this was the first step towards that.

"I don't remember praying for you."

Poseidon smiled a little. Sally had appeared on the fire escape. The shower was running - probably Paul. The song must have ended.

"You knew I was here?"

"You smell like Percy," she explained and leaned against the railing. "Except more..." she waved her hand. "Godly," she went with. Poseidon scoffed. "What are you doing here? Is Percy alright?" she asked, voice suddenly going taut. Poseidon nodded. He was in California according to his more recent prayer... and thinking about pencil erasers.

"I came to see you," he admitted. Sally looked at him for a long time. He could sense the tension rise. She probably thought he was here to try and seduce her again. "I brought you a gift," he added and Sally narrowed her eyes suspiciously. Poseidon laughed and reached into his pocket, pulling out a ballpoint pen. "Don't worry. Nothing too excessive. I believe I owe you a new one of these," he said. Even though Sally wasn't praying he could hear her thoughts - remembering one of their very first conversations on a beach in Montauk as Sally clutched a notebook in one hand, unimpressed by Poseidon holding a pen out of reach.

"Keep it if you want to be stubborn. That's my lucky pen. It always comes back to me."

"Oh? How funny. I have a sword that does the same."

He wondered what her reaction had been when Percy had shown her the pen Riptide came in. It hadn't been much, but Poseidon hoped she appreciated the gesture. A subtle reassurance that as long as Percy had that lucky pen of hers he would return to her... and as long as he had Anaklusmos he might return to Poseidon.

Sally reached out and grabbed it, a smile playing at her lips.

"It only took you eighteen years."

"I may have been postponing this last meeting of ours," he admitted. Sally tilted her head. The question wasn't said, but it hung there. "My... my son pointed something out to me. I needs to be rectified," he murmured and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Mortals are supposed to pray to gods," he explained, voice growing quiet. Sally tilted her head. "And every time I hear your voice... I only wish I could pray back to you. It is... unbecoming."

Sally nodded slowly for a moment and then gently placed a hand on his wrist, pushing it away from her.

"Well, we can't have that, can we?" she asked softly. "So this is goodbye?"

"I believe it should be," he agreed. "I have enjoyed being your friend, Sally Jackson. I enjoyed the time when I was more than your friend too, but Perseus is old enough to pray to me himself now. I'm afraid I can't keep listening to yours... not that you ever speak to me much these days anyways," he added with a hint of haughtiness. Sally grinned. "You seem preoccupied with this mortal of yours."

"You know, Paul has informed he knows photography too. I must have a type," she said lightly and Poseidon snorted. He was grateful she was making this easy. Then again, for her it would be. Mortal lives... They passed by so quickly. It allowed them the luxury of feeling things much faster. She had moved on from him long ago. Poseidon wondered how long she would stay with him. How long Percy would. Certainly well after their deaths. "Does Percy still pray to you then?" she asked.

Poseidon chuckled. "Yes, he does," he said and at the look on her face, smiled. "I'll be honest... I only understand about... half of what he says to me," he said and then tilted his head. "He's praying to me right now, actually."

Sally bit her lip to hide her smile. "What's he saying?"

"Something about alligators," Poseidon nodded. "He's probably forgotten he's pra - oh, he's just remembered. He's apologizing. He's blaming his ADHD. He's asking why there isn't demigod specific medication to help with that and that would still let him fight - yeah, he's forgotten he's talking to me again," Poseidon nodded. Sally chuckled warmly, running her hand through her hair. 

"Consider yourself lucky that you have not had a dinner with Annabeth and Percy together. She's just as bad as him. I couldn't keep up with those two for the life of me," she said with only fondness radiating from her. Then sighed. "Well," she began and looked at him for a few seconds. "I enjoyed being your friend too," she said gently. "And thank you for keeping me company when I didn't have anyone while Percy was growing up. It will be strange not praying to you."

"It will be strange not hearing from you."

"Hm," Sally said and leaned over to kiss his cheek. "You didn't hear from me for thousands of years. I think you'll be okay for the next thousand," she promised. Poseidon smiled weakly. "Bye, Poseidon." She turned back to the apartment. Poseidon didn't respond. He wasn't sure he could even if he wanted to. He was silent all the way back to Atlantis, mulling quietly until Amphitrite appeared beside him.

"Sally Jackson?" she asked because Amphitrite just knew everything. Poseidon hummed.

"I will not be receiving her prayers," he said easily and grabbed her hand. "I hope this pleases you."

"Poseidon," his wife scoffed. "Let us not pretend you did this for me," she said and Poseidon frowned. Well... not exactly, but he had hoped it would please her either way. Amphitrite looked at him thoughtfully. Poseidon really was lucky to have her. She had always been his perfect half. Collected and calm where he was temperamental and angry. Understanding where he was anything but. He loved her possibly more than anything else the world had to offer... which was why it was so confusing that he had been so fully taken in by Sally Jackson. “Want to know the difference?” Amphitrite asked because... as he said, she knew everything. Even his inner thoughts apparently. Poseidon tilted his head. “You saw me dance once and decided you wanted to marry me. Just like that,” she said with a snap of her fingers. “This mortal of yours was different. You spent the summer with her before actually doing anything. You've listened to her prayers long after. There were no words with us. With her there were only words.” 

There was a bittersweet pang at that. He went to reply, but was cut off by a prayer suddenly entering his mind.

Okay, I know we agreed the prayers need to stop and that is totally fine. I get that. Cool. Okay, but I've thought it over and I'm letting you know right now that if Percy gets married or has children or anything like that then I'm praying because we are in that shit together. No other prayers aside from that though. Paul and I can both cry when he walks down the aisle, but you're his father so I'm dragging you and your fork down with us.

Poseidon sighed and put his forehead on Amphitrite's arm. His wife glanced at him and took a sip from the drink a servant brought her.

"...did she call your trident a fork again?" she asked. Poseidon nodded. "You should probably correct her," she said nonchalantly and Poseidon peered up at her. Amphitrite gave no other reaction other than taking another sip of her drink. 

Maybe he would answer just once more... after he figured out what Perseus was trying to tell him about coconut harvesting.

Chapter Text

Annabeth prayed often.

She prayed before she knew what prayer was. It was like a light in her chest - a guiding beacon with whispers nudging her to reach out to something - someone - and pleading with them to answer back. It was only when she was a little older that she began putting names to who she prayed to.

Her mother, of course. Athena was almost always her default person to pray to. Sometimes it was Tyche. Even Ares when her courage was lacking. She prayed to Hermes for Luke. To Zeus for Thalia. Once or twice she prayed to Hera to beg her to leave her friend alone. As she got older, more gods began to make the list. She prayed to Apollo to give her a destiny - a quest, a future - and sometimes she prayed to Aphrodite when she looked in the mirror. 

The list went on. It felt as though she had prayed to almost every god out there… except for one.

It appeared today that would change.

And, really, it was out of pity. How could it not be? The entire camp had frozen at the whirling light of green - watching as the water healed bleeding wounds with a sense of horror and awe as Percy Jackson glanced up. His eyes brightened - expression growing with excitement until he turned to face them all. Within seconds it slipped away. He knew it wasn't good. It had to be that god… of course, it did…

And Annabeth wasn't an exceptionally soft person. Not at all. No. Nope. Nopity, nope, nope, nope… but, well, look. Only a monster could see someone standing in the midst of such a claiming and not feel something. His eyes were so wide and uncertain, and his hands trembled.

You claimed him, Annabeth began - folding her hands together without even thinking. Please take care of him.

Then a hellhound jumped out of the shadows and tried to murder Percy. Right. Annabeth knew it was nothing but a waste of time.

Fine, she said to herself. I'll do it myself. 

She looked down to find her hands still folded. For a moment, panic jolted through her at the open prayer before fading into exasperation. As if he even heard… and if he did, what did Poseidon care? Gods like that didn't care about their children. He wouldn't keep Percy alive. Zeus' version of 'helping' was turning Thalia into a tree.

"Hey," Percy said as he tried to balance an apple on his nose the next day. "Do you think I can grow gills or something?" he asked, looking hopeful. Annabeth stared at him. This was going to take a lot of work, wasn't it?

"Have you tried praying to your dad yet?" she asked, ignoring the gill question. Percy deflated and let the apple fall to the ground.

"Yeah. Are they supposed to answer? Because I didn't feel like anyone was listening," he said. Annabeth did not feel a twinge of empathy at the disappointment in his voice. She did not. Nope. Not even a little.

"Sometimes," she said and twisted her camp necklace. "Not often," she admitted. Percy frowned in disapproval. Well, then. It looked like Percy Jackson's life was in her hands. If Poseidon wouldn't guide him… 

"Wait… can I eat seafood? I mean, I've never tried it before, but I figured we were just too poor for it. Is… is it like cannibalism for me?" he whispered, horrified. Annabeth blinked a few times. Then folded her hands again. 

Mother, I am in dire need of assistance-

Poseidon wasn't sure what was even happening. 

One second, he was minding his own business, and the next, he had an Athena brat whispering in his ear. Yes. Yes, that was correct. An Athena child. To him. Praying to him. 

Please, for the love of everything good in this world, make it stop.

"Make what stop?" Poseidon muttered as he shifted in his throne. Thankfully, it was empty, but Atlantis was not a place of quiet. Any moment now, there would be rows of subjects appearing to ask for this and that and whatever else they wanted to discuss. Poseidon didn't have the energy for that and whatever this was.

Look, I like Percy. He's my friend. I know you don't like my mother, but maybe don't think of it as helping your rival's daughter, but helping your son's friend… right?

"What do you want?" he asked, looking around as if his throne room might provide him with an answer. Maybe Triton invited Athena here, and they were playing some sort of childish prank on him. Not quite her style, but Triton did bring out the worst in her. 

This isn't going to do anything. Poseidon hates you. Gods, how is Percy doing this? Stupid merman powers. Wait. Could he turn into a merman? If he wanted to? 

For the love of Rhea… not another one. Not this. Poseidon dealt with Perseus' ramblings often enough. He didn't need  another demigod going off in tangents. Please. Spare him that. 

Lord Poseidon? 

Was she talking to him again? Huh. Alright, so maybe her ramblings weren't entirely as chaotic as his son's. She at least seemed to remember her audience. He ran a hand over his face and sighed. He still wasn't sure what she wanted. 

Right, you aren't going to answer.

"Who are you?!" Poseidon shouted, throwing his hands out. She was Athena's kid, but which one? Wait. She mentioned Percy. This was… Perseus' friend? Oh, he mentioned her before. Annie? Anna? Belle? It didn't matter. Why was she praying to him? He had things to do. A knock sounded from the front of the room.

"Enter," he called and took a long breath. 

Do all Athena kids have seasickness like this, or am I just special? 

Ah. There we go. At least she finally got around to telling him what was happening. Poseidon rubbed his temple, smiling tightly as someone entered the room and bowed. Really? She was bothering him over seasickness? Perhaps she should just leave his domain if her body was so against her being there. 

A more reasonable part of him remembered that his son was off on a quest. The girl was probably with him. He shouldn't punish her for being by his son's side. If Perseus found a true friend in her… then he should be accepting. From below, the newcomer stood back up and began talking about...something. Poseidon found the Athena girl was somehow more distracting than his actual duties.

Oh - come on, her voice complained in the background. Tyson, no! Stupid cyclops…

Poseidon stiffened. What was that? 

"My lord?" the merman below asked - interrupting himself with a wary voice. He must have sensed Poseidon's change. He raised a hand.

"Leave me," he instructed through gritted teeth. Perhaps his ire was shot through the connection because he felt a stab of pure panic flood through.

No, no, no! I only mean that- she began, but he waved the prayer away. Foolish. What kind of child of so-called wisdom was she? Insulting his child in a prayer to him? Of all the nerve… he couldn't imagine a worse thing to say. Poseidon took a long breath.

For Perseus, he would not kill her. For Tyson, he would make sure this was the most miserable trip she had ever endured. With a wave of his hand, he sent rockier waves to wherever she was at.

There. At least she knew he was listening.

Wisdom was learning from one's mistakes, and Annabeth swore on her life that she had learned. 

Even after her last quest in the Sea of Monsters, she prayed to Poseidon to apologize for how she treated Tyson (while bitterly keeping her thoughts on other cyclops strictly to herself). It was hard to keep her own prayers so neatly pruned and focused. Often, she found it easier simply to say them out loud. At least then, she had a filter.

Then again, maybe she wasn't Athena's daughter at all based on how easily she fell for Luke's trick with the sky. Absently, she wondered if her mother was ashamed she had taken the sky from Luke. Part of her wanted to cry as she sat in front of the council, covered in blood, dirt, and whatever disgustingness had surrounded her the past week or so.

“You want to kill Bessie?”’

Percy sounded so horrified by the fact that she almost wanted to snatch the Ophiotaurus from the gods herself. Absently, she brought her hands together. Her mother wouldn't appreciate it if she spoke out brazenly during a meeting with all the gods. Percy was (as usual) going to get himself in more trouble. It had been hard enough to watch them vote on his life like he was a farm animal. Still, it at least gave her one ally in the room.

Please let the cow live, she prayed. Green eyes snapped to hers. Oh. He heard. Maybe prayers worked better in closer proximity. She smiled tightly and bowed her head. He's done so much for you. You owe him that much. Probably more.

And it was bold of her to pray that way. To demand something of a god such as Poseidon. She felt his irritation rise, so she summoned whatever respect she could muster and thought back to Percy holding the sky. Shaking and straining and scared. She felt Poseidon pull away. Perhaps he saw it too. 

You are your mother's daughter, a deep voice said coldly in the back of his head. That was new. She wasn't sure she had ever had a vocal response to a prayer before. She felt a sliver of irritation upon learning they apparently could do that. However, strangely enough, you lack her cold heart. 

It wasn't a compliment, but Annabeth almost snorted. She should be offended on behalf of her mother, but what was she going to do? Yell at Poseidon? She had already pushed her luck with that god. Besides, in a roundabout way… she wasn't entirely sure he was insulting her, either. 

In the end, the Ophiotaurus had lived. So did Percy. So did Thalia. So did she. And, according to the gods, so did Luke. It was a lot to mull over, but Annabeth decided to for once leave the thinking for another night and just let Percy offer her another dance.

You aren't going to blow me up for this, are you? 

It wasn't really quite meant to be prayer. It was more of an off-handed thought as Percy spun her, and she laughed. They were both pretty horrible at dancing, as it turned out. Still, it was fun to be disastrous together. She heard a quiet scoff from the front of the room and glanced over to find a couple of gods staring. 

It should probably be embarrassing, but she was having too much fun. Not even her mother's disapproving stares ruined it. Not with Thalia shooting her encouraging smiles from her place next to Artemis. Most interestingly, was Poseidon. He was speaking to Hermes lowly - glancing up to meet her gaze with something torn between exasperation and tired acceptance in his expression.

Him stepping on your feet seems punishment enough, a voice answered. Annabeth laughed into Percy's shoulder. Perhaps sensing he was the butt of the joke, he looked up at her and pouted. To make him feel better, she stepped on his foot.

"Wait," he said and stumbled. "Annabeth, you're going to make us trip-"

"My bruised toes disagree."

"Maybe your feet are just big, you giant."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me!" Percy said and dramatically looked up. "Or did you? Is it hard to hear up there?" he called. Annabeth stepped on his foot again. Percy laughed.

"I am not that much taller than you. You're just mad you're short."

Percy stuck his tongue out at her. "My mom says I'll grow, and I believe her," he said solemnly. Annabeth grinned in return. If Sally Jackson said anything, it should probably be taken as gospel. "I-  ow," he yelped when Annabeth accidentally took a wrong step and kicked him. "Fine, you're a completely normal height." Oh, whatever.

Annabeth ended up tripping them both and spent the next five minutes on the ground laughing.

For a Poseidon kid, Percy was really fun to be around. 

Poseidon was getting real exhausted by Annabeth Chase.

Percy's prayers were endearing. He enjoyed Sally's just as much. However, this girl? This child of his enemy? He was a little uncertain of how to proceed. 

To her credit, she was a careful one. She gave offerings and paid respects. However, he did notice it was almost always when Percy was struggling. He got the feeling she planned it that way. She tried to grab his attention when Percy needed him. 

Which was a little irritating. He didn't need her to tell him when his son needed him.

This, though… this was… um. New. 

And, I mean, honestly. Where does he get it from? He doesn't get it from Sally. I'm not saying it's your fault, Lord Poseidon. Obviously, you have shown… reverence in the past.

"You look confused, Poseidon," a voice asked. He glanced up to grimace.

"Hello, sister," he said, smiling wryly. Hera was dressed in some sort of golden silk dress. She must want something. There were jewels braided in her hair, and her smile looked far too warm. "I trust you haven't summoned me to Olympus to tell me I look confused," he said. Hera laughed. Ah, yes. Definitely wanted something.

I just think, theoretically, that - oh, I shouldn't be talking to you about this, the girl's voice said, cutting herself off. No. No, she shouldn't. Why was she? What was she even ranting about? He never knew what she went on about. Honestly, she was just as bad as Perseus in some ways. Even with their differing temperaments. Has he said anything to you about this Rachel girl? Not that it matters. It doesn't. I just don't want her dragging him into anything. You know how dangerous mortals can be. And-

"Are you kidding me?" he whispered and buried his face in his hands. Hera paused as she went to sit down. "Not you," he added to her. "Athena's demon is praying to me about some mortal my son is involved with."

Hera blinked a few times. He couldn't blame her. The situation was bewildering to him as well. He was a god—an ancient deity that has been the recipient of prayers from kings and queens and other gods. Blood had been spilled in his name. Sacrifices were given at altars for his pleasure. Even when he was least loved, his power was always feared.

So why was the so-called-daughter-of-wisdom praying to him about high school drama?

"If you blasted her into a pile of seaweed, I would shield you from Athena," Hera said sweetly and flicked her hand, so some drinks appeared. Poseidon raised an eyebrow. He took a cup of nectar and tried to decide if it was somehow poisoned. 

"Not a fan?"

"She is ungrateful and prideful like the rest of her siblings," Hera said dryly. Hm. Poseidon was pretty sure she could find some choice words for any hero - Percy included. In the back of his mind, Annabeth was still praying. 

...I'm not even upset, she said in a tone that sounded pretty upset. And I don't care, she added. She sounded like someone who cared a lot. Poseidon sighed. Teenagers.

"She gets feral when it comes to your son," Hera noted, possibly reading his mind. "I think otherwise she can be quite level-headed. It must drive poor Athena up the wall," Hera said smugly. Well, he could take some pleasure in that, at least. Ticking Athena off was always a worthy cause, in his opinion. 

"Why did you ask me here, Hera?" 

"Are you aware that your son is heading into Hephaestus' forge?" she asked calmly. Poseidon shrugged. What did that matter to him? "The one ransacked with titan supporters?" she clarified.

Ah. There it was. Poseidon felt a swell of suspicion rise in his chest. 

"You know I have limited intervention in this matter. As your husband has decreed," he added with a hint of bitterness staining his tone. Hera gave a grimace of what could be sympathy before tucking a wayward strand of hair behind her ear.

"Hm, yes," she agreed. "And there are just so many things that could happen. Rumor has it that our father's scythe is being built there-"

"Hera."

"I will lend him my protection," Hera finally relented. "If anything were to happen, I will intervene."

"And why would you do that?"

"Have you heard about Hades' little creation? The one running amok in the shadows?" Hera asked and sighed. "No, I think it is best we try to keep your boy alive," she said and then grimaced. "If worse comes to worst, I suppose I can always kill the little-death bug myself," she added. Poseidon turned to her and raised an eyebrow. "I only mean if something prevents Perseus from fulfilling his role, of course. Thalia Grace found a way out of it," she muttered. That was true. 

"You're leaving something out."

Hera paused. In the back of his mind, Annabeth Chase was still (still) talking.

...and back in the day, architecture was actually an Olympic sport, she was saying Poseidon wanted to scream. You would probably know that, of course… but you see my point? It all relates.

To… what? What was she even saying? Absently, he begged the Fates to never, never, never have Perseus and this girl pray to him at the same time.

"Yes," Hera said, pulling his attention back. "I… am curious about your son's… connections." Poseidon frowned. "If something were to happen in that forge and he was presented with a way out of the prophecy… would he take it?" she asked. Poseidon frowned. What? 

Not that I have an opinion on any of this,  Annabeth continued. He's your son. I don't care what he does. And, look, don't get me wrong. He's great. Obviously, I want him to be happy. And it's not like I have any sort of complex or abandonment issues to really cloud my judgment, but-

"I don't know, Hera," Poseidon groaned. Why was this happening to him? "He claimed the prophecy last year. For the di Angelo child. I'd imagine he'd follow through on that despite being given an out," he shook his head.

Hera's shoulders relaxed. "Good. Good," she said and leaned forward to pat his knee. "Hopefully, all will go well in the forge, and we won't even need to worry ourselves over it," she said loftily. Poseidon grimaced. He should have known his luck was never that good. At least the Chase girl was finally quiet.

...for about three hours. 

As it turned out, Hera's plan had saved Perseus' life. Poseidon almost interjected himself when he saw the explosion. If she hadn't been quick enough…

The prayer came shortly afterward.

Please, please, please don't let him be dead. I'll do anything. Give anything. Any offerings. Anything. Please. 

It was probably the first time he didn't find her prayers bothersome. After all, if he could pray… he might pray for the same thing. 

Annabeth wasn't sure how long she sat on that dock for. Part of her expected Percy to appear. No, not expected. Hoped? No, why would she want him here? She was mad at him. Furious. Enraged.

For what? She wasn't sure. No. Untrue. She knew… Gods, she knew…

The wind shifted, and Annabeth felt her entire body tense up. The smell of the sea filled her lungs - reminding her a bit of Percy, but at the same time, it couldn't be more different. The scent was sharper. Louder. More persistent. It was almost too much for her as she inwardly cringed, refusing to look away from the water in front of her.

"Coming to collect?" she asked, and someone stepped up next to her. "I did say I would give you anything."

"You did," a voice answered. Annabeth swallowed at it. She had heard Poseidon speak a few times before - the last Winter Solstice being the most recent, but it still jarred her as if hearing it for the first time. "However, it was Hera who saved Perseus' life. Not me. So I suppose you owe me nothing after all." 

Annabeth steeled her nerves and looked up.

She wondered what Percy saw when he looked at Poseidon. If they were kindred spirits or if he felt the raw amount of chaos the god next to her held. Storms and earthquakes and destruction. Annabeth once read Romans were terrified of Neptune (who would have been based on Poseidon). She could understand why. Even in his laid-back beach attire and worn fishing cap, there was a terrifying whisper of power that had her adrenaline begging for her to fight. Poseidon must have sensed her discomfort because his aura immediately drew back as he casually sat down next to her on the dock.

"Lord Poseidon," she greeted and swallowed. "I'm sorry, I should bow-"

"You are distressed," he said with a dismissive wave. "Besides, we don't have to pretend you are thrilled at my presence."

"I'm… honored," she went with. Poseidon snorted and took his hat off, tossing it to the side as he dipped his feet in the water below them. "And a bit confused if I'm honest. I don't think I've done anything to warrant a visit from any god in person," she told him.

Silence followed. Annabeth almost expected him to just leave without another word. Gods were the type of beings to just appear for the Hell of it and zap back out. Poseidon only seemed to be mulling over his words, though… studying her with the same expression Percy wore when looking at opposing teams during Capture the Flag.

"This is not the first time you've prayed to me for my son's safety," he finally said.

Annabeth pursed her lips. "He's my friend. You're his father."

"Your… friend," he repeated slowly. Softly. Annabeth glanced at him. "Yes, I've noticed you've been a constant presence in his life," he said and looked out into the water. "I believe your mother spoke to Perseus about that a few months ago. She said she didn't approve of your friendship."

Ah. Annabeth knew her mother had said something to him. Percy had promised she had been civil, but Annabeth had suspected whatever it was had bothered him.

"You're here to say the same?"

"Oh no," Poseidon told her. "I can handle friendship. Believe it or not, I'm not quite as bitter as Athena is. Then again, I have bigger concerns in my existence than she does, so perhaps it is easier to move past such things."

Annabeth resisted the urge to roll her eyes at that. 

"However, that display of yours in St. Helens seemed a bit more than friendly," Poseidon continued, and Annabeth's heart stopped. It took her a moment to register the words before she felt heat building in her cheeks - absolutely horrified. Poseidon tilted his head when she turned to him with wide eyes. "Didn't think I was watching? I had to standby in case Hera didn't save him. Zeus may have been angry, but I can deal with his wrath for the sake of my son."

"I…" Annabeth began and felt her temper rise sharply. She tried to force it back down. After all, Percy was the one who lacked self-preservation. Not her. "Lord Poseidon," she said slowly. "I mean this… with the utmost respect, but… I don't think you have a say in… that," she muttered.

"I'm his father," Poseidon said, but the words were bait, and they both knew it. Poseidon knew as well as she did that he had no parental right here. No real claim. This was a power play… and Annabeth was willing to dismiss her previous thoughts of self-preservation to prove it.

"What's his favorite color?" she asked. Poseidon raised an eyebrow. "His favorite color. It's an easy one."

"Blue," he said. "At least according to half the offerings I receive from him," he told her, looking vaguely amused. "He's the only demigod to consistently give me blue pancakes. He and Sally do it for some reason. She never told me why," he added with a frown.

Annabeth paused at that. She wasn't sure what to make of that last implication… did Poseidon still talk to Sally? She filed the information to ponder over later.

"His stepfather. He said there was no such thing as blue food, so Sally decided to make only blue food. Percy adored her for it. It's their thing now," she smiled a little before remembering her mission. "Favorite music?" Poseidon wrinkled his nose for a moment. Annabeth absently registered how insane it was that Poseidon was humoring her pop quiz at all before he answered.

"The loud one," he decided, and Annabeth blinked. "I'm not sure what it is exactly, but it gets stuck in his head sometimes when he prays."

Oh. Percy told her he sometimes forgot when he was praying… did Poseidon actually listen? Oh, she would need to tell him that-

"Don't," Poseidon said, probably reading her mind. "He hasn't gotten off-track like that in a long time. No need to worry him over it," he told her. Annabeth pursed her lips, a little suspicious that might be a lie, but decided to look past it for now.

"Rock'n'roll," she answered. Poseidon's lips twitched as he gave a firm nod. "He also skateboards," she snorted with a slight shake of her head. "Won't drink a single drop of alcohol despite those awful unclaimed kids trying to convince him he could die before he turns twenty-one. I don't think he'll drink even if he makes it to that," she shrugged and kicked the water slightly. "He's messy, impulsive, has a dorky sense of humor, is ridiculously patient with animals and kids, and insists on watching all the previews before movies," she said, trying hard to keep her voice business-like instead of overtly fond. Based on Poseidon's exasperated expression, she wasn't doing a good job.

"There is no argument that you know him better."

"Then why do you get a say of what role I play in his life?" she asked him bluntly. At that, Poseidon's brows raised. Well. There goes her self-preservation card. Leave it to Perseus Jackson to bring out this side of her. "Besides, we… really might just be friends. I don't know," she admitted painfully, thinking of Rachel Dare. How easily she had thrown her number on Percy's arm. In all honesty, Percy could get any number of girls. He was… objectively attractive. Funny. Sweet. A bit of an idiot, but in one of the best ways possible.

And Annabeth? Well, current public opinion was that she was 'a lot' and (according to Percy himself) 'scary'.

Poseidon narrowed his eyes.

"His fatal flaw is loyalty," he reminded her. Annabeth shrugged. "Yours is pride. Do you really think that is a good mixture? You'll get him killed," he said, and Annabeth whipped around. "You'll chase after your death to prove yourself, and he'll follow you-"

"No, I-"

"I wasn't finished," Poseidon interrupted coolly. Annabeth clenched her jaw. "You are also Athena's favorite. I don't need her making Perseus' life Hell simply because she disapproves."

"She wouldn't!"

"Still not finished," Poseidon said, and there was a warning note there that Annabeth fought not to snap at. "Though, admittedly, we don't have time to go through all the reasons this venture of yours is a bad idea," he muttered. Annabeth glowered. "In the end, it will be his choice. I know that. I'll respect it. I even work to keep Aphrodite from meddling too much," he sighed wearily… in fairness, that did seem like a hefty challenge. "I simply ask you to consider what the consequences would be," he said.

Annabeth shook her head. "Thank you for the concern, my lord," she said bitterly. Poseidon scoffed and stood up, trident appearing in hand. Annabeth wondered idly if he was going to blast her, but he merely leaned on it.

"And what are you doing out here anyway? I sensed your anger when I approached. I'll admit it confused me," he said, and Annabeth pulled her own feet from the water to turn and look at him. "I would think you would be pleased my son is alive."

"I am very pleased."

"You are also angry?"

"Because I was scared," Annabeth couldn't help but hiss back. She had to remind herself that gods weren't overly familiar with mortal emotions. It wasn't his fault. Not really. "He disappeared, and I… I thought he was dead. I mourned him. I was at his funeral, and he just appeared! Nothing. I heard absolutely nothing until that moment!"

"He could not reach you where he was."

"Yes, I think I'm getting the general idea of that," Annabeth muttered. Poseidon looked at her doubtfully, and Annabeth felt another spike of anger whirl through her - indignant outrage building in her chest. "I might be wrong to be lashing at him right now because of it," she admitted and stood up to face the god fully. "And I will do better, but that's kind of the thing, isn't it? I can be better. For him. For myself. For whatever relationship we'll end up having - friends or not. He can be better too, and I know he'll always be better if any opportunity arises. For me or anyone else. You though?" she asked and inwardly prepared to get blasted. "You won't be better for him. You've never been better for anyone. No god has - so don't make this a competition with me."

Poseidon's eyes flared.

"Perseus isn't Athens, and you're not Athena, child. My son's fondness for you is the only thing keeping you from my brother's realm right now. Remember your place."

Annabeth shook her head.

"I would never make him choose," she said coldly. "I'm simply pointing out that between the two of us… only one is actually sorry for all he's gone through." Poseidon's skin glowed slightly at that. Did she stop there? No. Probably because her mother caught wind of this conversation and snatched her intelligence away. "You might be a little sad that he's had it rough, but in the end, he makes you look good, and isn't that all you care about?"

Silence… and then:

"You're wrong," Poseidon told her and then shook his head. "Not that you'll accept that. Athena and her children never do."

Annabeth wanted to reply, but there was a sharp gust of wind to silence her before she could.

When she blinked again, Poseidon was gone.

The offering came first. 

Poseidon was getting lots of offerings these days. All the demigods wanted to honor the godly parent of their most renowned hero. Poseidon accepted them with feigned humility. Amphitrite informed him bluntly that his modest smiles fooled nobody to the smugness underneath. 

However, he knew the signature offering of Annabeth Chase. Hers had been the same since she was twelve and just as passive-aggressive with a handful of olives (hilarious) and some seafood (what did Percy see in her?). 

Poseidon knew what would come next. If there was an offering, there was-

Lord Poseidon.

Uh-huh. There she was. Funnily enough, Poseidon had almost missed her. In a strange sort of way… it had almost begun to feel like they were on the same side, despite the obvious tension and inability to see eye-to-eye. He leaned back in his chair and waited. His patience with her had grown exponentially since the stabbing incident. While his son hadn't said anything on the matter… Poseidon had a feeling that the knife Annabeth Chase took for him might have been a lethal one for Percy even with the Achilles' Curse. Though there is no proof of such a thing.

"Poseidon?" someone asked, and he raised his hand.

"Athena's daughter speaks to me," he said calmly. The entire room around him paused. He tried to smooth out his expression - you know, to keep the smugness at bay as the rest of the Olympians (who had been discussing how to move past the war) all paused.

"Excuse me?" Athena asked sharply. "My daughter?"

"Yes, she prays to me often," he said with a sort of 'eh' shrug, and Athena's eyes narrowed. "Does she pray to you often?" he asked innocently. Zeus sighed.

I owe you an apology-

"What would my daughter have to pray to you about?" Athena asked, voice rising with annoyance.

Poseidon shrugged. "Well, dear Athena, right now, she is apologizing to me."

"Apologizing?"

"Yes, now, please let me listen," Poseidon told her, though he was a little confused. What was she apologizing for? He wasn't sure he would find out anytime soon either, based on how her previous prayers went. Fates help him if he heard another trivial architecture fact. 

It's Annabeth Chase, she greeted formally. Yes, he thought wryly. I remember.  Our last conversation ended… badly, she tacked on. Poseidon remembered that, too.  And I would like… to apologize, she reiterated. Poseidon felt the smugness in his chest fade. I was wrong. 

Interesting. 

Thank you for coming to him. 

Poseidon felt a…. Twist. A nudge. A something. Guilt even. In fact, yes. Yes, that was what it was. Guilt. Because she wasn't wrong. Hadn't been. Her last accusation was putting his pride above Percy. That he used his son to make his status look good. At the time, he thought it was poppycock, but looking around… 

He pressed a hand over his mouth. It was true he had listened to Percy and came to New York when he called. Why had he done that? For Percy? For the war? Belief in his son's words? For his family? His home? As he sat here… he couldn't be certain. Perhaps it was all of them. He straightened upon his throne.

"Well?" Hera asked impatiently from her own throne. "Are you done humoring the girl?" she asked. "We have important matters to discuss, Poseidon. We don't have time for a disobedient brat-"

"Was she not just awarded for her sacrifices in this war she has helped us win?" The words had only just left Poseidon’s mouth when he realized exactly what he had said. Whoops. Athena was staring at him as if he had grown a second head.

"Um… yes," she said, nodding slowly. “Lord Poseidon is correct, Hera. Please speak of my daughter with more respect." She gave Poseidon one more suspicious glance.

Zeus looked between them all. "...and are we done with this?" he asked dryly.

Poseidon hummed. It seemed she was gone. 

Also, I'm dating your son now. Bye.

Damn her.

"I knew it!" he said, throwing up a hand. Oh, whatever. He saw this coming forever ago. He supposed there were worse options than the Athena whelp. Everyone turned to him. "They're dating," he added. Aphrodite squealed as she clasped her hands together.

"How is this important or relevant?" Hades asked, ignoring Aphrodite shooting him a scathing look of disapproval.

"It's important because Hermes owes me a hundred drachmas. Pay up you- um," Apollo cut himself off when he saw Hermes still staring forlornly at the floor. Poseidon almost felt sorry for him. "It can wait," he decided. Artemis tossed him a drachma.

"You engage in this nonsense?" Zeus frowned at her.

Artemis shrugged. "I thought I could get her in the hunt instead," she said.

Athena's mouth fell open. "How many of you have been betting on my child's love life?" she demanded. Dionysus raised a hand.

"In my defense, there is literally nothing else to do in that camp," he said and then turned to Demeter. "I have fifty gallons that your daughter is going to lower her standards and date the Hermes' boy next," he added to her.

Hermes buried his face in his hands. An awkward pause followed.

"...I think Katie would be very lucky to date Connor," Demeter said, and Apollo quickly shook his head. "Oh, um, Collin," she tried. "No, sorry. Trevor-"

"Travis," Aphrodite corrected.

"Do we have to sit here and discuss Annabeth Chase?" Hermes finally snapped. Right. This was probably Poseidon's fault. Shifting, he quickly cleared his throat.

"We should probably discuss how we can adhere to Perseus' requests."

"Which one?"

"Yeah, Zeus said one wish. The boy somehow squeezed thirty in there."

"In fairness, it took some guts to ask for any of them. I appreciate that he got them all out there-"

Poseidon leaned back in his throne. Well… he wasn't entirely sure if he approved, but hey. He could at least stop Aphrodite from trying to interject now that he had found someone. He supposed there were worse choices. In the back of his mind, he thought of her very first prayer to him.

You claimed him, he answered, echoing her words. Please take care of him.

Annabeth was getting tired of praying. She lost track of how many desperate pleas for help she had sent. How many unanswered prayers. How many offerings she had given and how many times she shouted at the sky and sea and sun.

If you took him, please… please just tell me, she tried and paced back and forth. At least let me know if he's safe.

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Annabeth tugged at her hair, feeling anger worming up in her chest as she paced back and forth. Percy had been gone for months now, and she had received nothing. Not a word of reprieve or a hint of where he could be. Not from anyone. Certainly not from Poseidon. The desperation was getting to her.

"HEY!" she said, smacking open the door to Percy's cabin and walking inside. "I need you to say something. If you don't, I'll… I'll…" she looked around, trying to figure out what would work. At this point, she didn't even care if she pissed him off. At least she would have some reaction. "I'll do something terrible," she threatened, unable to think of a single thing that could equate to how awful she was feeling. "You know what?" she muttered and yanked out her phone.

It rang twice before she got an answer.

"Annabeth? Are you okay? Have you found Percy?"

"No, and Poseidon isn't answering me!" Annabeth seethed as Sally went silent on the other end of the phone. "And I'm trying to make him angry, so he'll say something, and I can't think of anything and - wait. You said he didn't like it when you called his trident a fork, right? One second - YOUR FORK IS STUPID!" she shouted. Nothing. "That didn't work." 

"Annabeth," Sally said softly. "Take a breath."

"Why isn't anyone answering?"

"Annabeth-"

"They can't just take him! After everything, he's done? They're just going to-"

"Sweetheart, listen," Sally interrupted, and Annabeth collapsed on the floor. Tears were caught in her throat. "I know," she said softly. "I know."

"I'm going to blow up the ocean," Annabeth whispered.

"No, you're not."

"I'm smart. I could figure it out," she muttered. "Do you know what happens when you drop a nuclear bomb into the ocean?" she asked and didn't wait for an answer. "Depending on how deep it goes, it creates tsunamis or does practically nothing. I'm going to need to-"

"You're not blowing up the ocean." 

"I'm running out of options!" Annabeth yelled hysterically. "I understand Emperor Caligula now," she muttered. Then paused. "No, I don't. He was an awful person, but I get why he declared war on the sea," 

"Annabeth."

"I don't know what to do," she whispered and pulled her knees to her chest. "I don't. I…" she trailed off and swallowed. "How could he let them do this?" she asked, voice breaking. Sally didn't answer. There really wasn't one she could give. 

And, in the end, she couldn't figure out a good way to anger Poseidon. So she just kept praying...hating that neither of them were enough.

Poseidon found her on Olympus. 

She was sketching something under a tree, lip caught under her lip with concentration etched into her expression as she worked. She tensed when he walked up - sensing his presence - but didn't react.

"You look tired," he greeted. Annabeth looked up. "Tartarus?" he guessed. The expression went blank. So Poseidon sat down. There was a glimmer of surprise at that. Poseidon didn't offer humor demigods as equals by joining them on the ground.

"Lord Poseidon," she greeted. She didn't bow or stand like she might have when she was younger. Poseidon smiled weakly. "How can I help you?"

A bowl of olives were next to her. He snorted and reached over to grab one.

"Don't tell your mother, but I've missed these," he said. Annabeth's eyes narrowed. "You speak little to me these days."

"It never really did me much good," she said coldly. "Percy told me you asked him to pray more. Are you going to order me to do the same?"

"No," Poseidon grimaced and popped another olive in his mouth. "I've always found your prayers irksome and of no value," he said. She put down her pad. "But I cannot ignore all you have done for Olympus… and Percy," he admitted and then looked at her for a long time. "You are a good person, Annabeth Chase," he said. He could at least say this with a fair amount of certainty. He might not have ever acknowledged it if it weren't for his son's fondness for her, but it was true nevertheless. "And if Perseus has suffered, then I suspect you have as well," he told her. 

Her eyes fell down.

"What does that matter to you?"

Poseidon considered. It was a good question. Why did he care? All heroes suffered. This one was Athena's spawn and had proven herself to be a pain as well.

"I heard your prayers," he finally decided to go with. "I hadn't been able to make much sense of them at the time. They were blurred and… painful," he shuddered. Annabeth frowned. "There are gods fortunate enough to have their Roman and Greek forms easily combined. I am not such a god," he sighed. "The differences are a bit starker, and it is hard to make sense of the world like that," he explained. Annabeth nodded slowly. "But I did hear you. It was not out of malice that you were ignored. If I better understood what was happening, then I would have…" he began and trailed off. Then shook his head. "It does not matter now," he said and paused. "Please do not try to blow up the ocean." 

She went deep red. 

"...sorry about that," she grumbled and gave a bashful smile as she tugged at a curl. "The hysteria might have set in a bit," she sighed. Poseidon didn't respond. There was a very small part of him that had wondered if she could actually do it. She was Athena's favorite for a reason, after all. 

"I have a hard time understanding humans," he admitted and then patted her arm. He was pretty sure that was something mortals did. "But you have endured much... even for a demigod. I do believe if there is any who have a hope of healing from which an ordeal..." he trailed off. Annabeth bit her lip. Oh. Oh, no. "I've upset you," he said, a little alarmed. She shook her head.

"No," she choked out and swiped at her eyes. "I just... I didn't know how badly I needed to hear that. From an adult, at least," she sniffed, and Poseidon felt a pang in his chest. How strange it was to be reminded that she wasn't one herself. "Thank you."

"You will heal," he reiterated, stronger this time. Her eyes fell to the ground, and she nodded, pulling her knees to her chest. "But if you do need help and I am able to respond... I will lend it. Assuming that it is not something ridiculous or bothersome," he added. Annabeth looked at him and cleared her throat.

"Thank you," she repeated, voice still a little thick.

"Otherwise, don't feel as though we must continue speaking," he added. "I genuinely do not engage with half of what you say. I saw those pyramids of Egypt built. You do not need to tell me about them."

A hint of a smile touched her lips.

"It was just background for the metaphor I was using," she said. Poseidon narrowed his eyes. 

"The metaphor being…?"

Annabeth's mouth opened and then paused.

"Um, well… I forgot, but it was a good metaphor," she said. Poseidon rolled his eyes. Uh-huh. He stood up, dusting his hands.

"Good luck with your designs," he told her. Annabeth hadn't quite gotten the chance to redesign all of Olympus yet, given that she was immediately plunged into a second war. Her lips twitched again as she nodded. "And feel free to keep with the offerings. I don't mind them," he added, picking up a few more olives. When she blinked again, he was gone.

It was a solid five years before Annabeth prayed to Poseidon again. She kept her offerings, of course, but there was no need for prayers as their routine settled into things like college and regular dating with some monster hunting in between. No wars. No quests. Just… living.

Still, she kept Poseidon's offer in her back pocket for this very moment. 

I need your blessing, she said, and there was a small burst of wind as her answer. I agreed to this because I love your son, but I will not continue down this path without the reassurance that I won't throw up on my wedding day,she said firmly. The wind shifted again, and when she turned, there was a very intrigued god behind her.

"Excuse me?" he greeted. Annabeth narrowed her eyes and pointed at the boat beside the dock.

"I'm supposed to get married on that."

"Are you?"

"Yes."

"When?"

"Next week."

"To who?"

"Very funny," she said, grimacing at the boat. "I'm seasick on pretty much anything that moves. Please don't let me puke down the aisle," she said, clasping her hands together. She had considered bringing this up to Percy, but knew he would insist they move the entire wedding on land if she thought there was a chance she wouldn't feel well.

Poseidon glanced over and then shrugged. "I had assumed you might pray for a more… life or death situation," he said and snapped his fingers. A tingling sensation went through her. "But if you wish for this, so be it," he said. Annabeth felt a swelling of relief. "I'm not sure how much help it will be."

"Is your blessing not strong enough for one wedding?" she asked.

Poseidon scoffed. "I can stop the seasickness," he told her. "The other sickness? Not so much," he said. Annabeth blinked. The… other… sickness? Ten seconds of shocked silence passed before she could figure out how to make sense of any of that.

"You don't mean…?" she began and felt a stab of panic when he disappeared. "My lord? Poseidon?! Poseidon!" she hissed. Nothing. Oh. Oh, no. This wasn't good. Annabeth wasn't ready for that. No, no, no-

"Your father is a jerk," she seethed the next day as she collapsed next to Percy and tossed a negative pregnancy test at him. "I think I had a minor heart attack," she said and ran a hand through his hair. She should have known he would be an asshole about that. Percy always said his dad had an odd sense of humor. 

"Um, what? What?" Percy yelped when he realized what she had thrown him. "How-? Oh, thank the gods," he muttered when he read it. "Not that I don't want to. I'm just… terrified," he informed her solemnly. Annabeth grinned. They were on the same page for that, at least. Someday. Not today. "Wait, how does my dad have anything to do with this?" he asked her.

"I asked for his blessing, and then he said I was pregnant."

There was a long pause.

"I see. That's normal," Percy finally said and turned to her. "Blessing for what?"

Oh. Yeah. She wasn't bringing up the seasickness thing. Instead, Annabeth grinned and kissed him.

"To marry you."

"That better be a lie."

"Nope. I wanted to be traditional," she teased. "Figured I should convince him to give me permission first."

"You're a liar," he said and tugged one of her curls. "Because if you were going to ask any parent, then it would be my mother," he said. Annabeth grinned. That was true.

"I asked both."

"No, you didn't!"

"Did you ask my parents?"

"No, because I am a modern man who knows that it is your poor decision to marry me and not theirs," Percy said solemnly. Annabeth snorted. "But while we're humoring this, what was my dowry?" he asked. 

"Three chickens."

"Not even a goat?"

"Bold of you to think you are goat-worthy."

"What the Hell did I save Olympus for if I'm only going to be worth three chickens?" he complained and Annabeth's smile widened. "If I'm getting a dowry, then it's going to be a goat and three chickens. I'm putting my foot down," he said.

Annabeth hummed. "Alright, I'll reconsider," she said and folded her hands together. "Lord Poseidon, after further consideration-"

"Absolutely not," Percy said, knocking her hands down. Annabeth smiled but made a note to herself to maybe throw out one last prayer to her future in-laws. 

And sure enough, Sally arrived at the wedding with the three chickens and Poseidon with the goat. Percy took one look at the situation and immediately told Annabeth he was filing for divorce. It was too late for him, of course. There was no getting rid of her now.

"I can't believe you came," Annabeth added during the reception when she managed to catch Poseidon. He had technically been in and out of the whole thing - probably trying to remain discreet enough to avoid Zeus. If it hadn't been for the goat, she might not have even known he was there.

"Sally prayed to me," he admitted. "She warned me she would drag me into this," he said, voice softening. Annabeth chuckled. Yeah, that seemed about right. "I should return to Atlantis, however," he said off-handedly. "I trust my blessing worked well?"

"It was perfect," she agreed and bowed her head. "And I guess that was my last prayer to you… for now," she told him. Poseidon frowned at her. It was hard to hear over the blaring music and lights flashing around. Rachel and Will were currently in a dance-off while Piper and Thalia sprayed champagne everywhere as Frank tried to control the situation.

"For now?"

"If you get a grandchild," she said, and Poseidon pursed his lips. "I'm going to use them as a prayer mule. I'll give them architecture facts to relay to you."

"I can still blow you up."

"Hm," Annabeth said. "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you for the goat," she added. Part of her expected to immediately feel seasick as a result of the jab, but she was perfectly fine. In fact, the blessing might have been permanent, considering she hadn't felt a thing of seasickness since. 

She was pretty sure it would be her last interaction with Poseidon up until she received one last gift three years later. A small collection of books on horses and oceans and earthquakes. Annabeth's lips twitched. A note was laid on top. 

Anything but architecture. - P

"We'll see about that," Annabeth said and picked up one of the books. "Hey, Grace," she cooed as she made her way to the crib. "Grandpa got you a present. Want to read before daddy gets home?" she asked, moving to where a slobbering baby was gnawing at her fist. "Don't worry. You can still pray to grandma about the fun stuff," she whispered as she picked her up. "But here's what you do. You put your hands together and say, thank you-" she told her, and Grace giggled in her arms before responding in baby talk.

As far as prayers went, Poseidon better be paying attention. Annabeth got the feeling her daughter was a talker. 

Chapter Text

Nico was pretty freaking thrilled with the situation.

Throughout his childhood, he remembered making wishes. He would squeeze his eyes at the shooting stars, four-leaf clovers, and birthday candles, all with desperate pleas for the same thing.

Please, please, please let his life have the thrill and excitement of the fictional worlds around him. He wanted grand gestures, epic sword fights, and dramatic confessions of love. He wanted wild adventures with brave friends and magical creatures with world-defying stakes.

He wanted it so badly he could scream.

And then, seemingly out of nowhere, he got it.

Most of it happened quickly. A school dance, a terrifying fight, a goat appearing out of nowhere, and a boy with green eyes and wild black hair.

And now his sister was a goddess, and Nico was attending a camp for magical people.

Life was going well.

Now, was he thrilled Bianca was leaving him? Not quite. Nor was he clear about this Hunt thing. His sister wasn't a deity of unlimited power technically (at least according to Artemis), but Nico felt 'goddess' suited her all the same.

And, really, as much as he didn't want Bianca to go off and have her adventures, he could imagine her beaming pride when she returned and found him the greatest hero of all. He wouldn't want his big sister stepping on his glory, right? He wanted to grow strong and protect her - like she had done for him all those years. She could have the Hunt if she must. He would wise up and explore all this new world had to offer.

And he told this to the gods in all of his prayers.

It became a nightly ritual as he sat out in the Hermes cabin - all his Mythomagic cards sprawled out. He would pick a god and pray.

So far, he'd prayed to Apollo to ride his chariot again, Dionysus to show him his cool insanity attacks, and Aphrodite because….well, he didn't want Aphrodite to be mad at Bianca for the no-falling-in-love thing. He also prayed to Eros for good measure, but he seemed less important since he had only like. Twenty attack points. What harm could he do?

And, of course, Poseidon. In case you didn't know, Poseidon was Percy Jackson's dad.

Nico had told all the gods about Percy. He figured they would be grateful to know such a top-notch hero was on their side. Still, the first prayer to Percy's dad was…nerve-racking.

In a way, Poseidon felt more intimidating than Zeus. Nico had seen Zeus' daughter, Thalia. She was loud with scary lightning and similar to Nico in a way he couldn't pinpoint.

Then there was Percy.

Everyone knew about Percy - which is why Nico's prayer to Poseidon had to be the best. Percy Jackson was a real hero. The kind in storybooks and in comics. He slayed Medusa, retrieved stolen lightning bolts, and sailed across dangerous seas to kill Hydras and save his friends.

"-and Katie Gardner said he beat Circe in a fight. Do you know about that? If not, someone should tell you," Nico said, hanging upside down in a bunk with his hands clutched together.

In the end, he decided to also talk to Poseidon about Percy. After all, who wouldn't want to talk about Percy? It must be so cool to have the best hero be your kid.

"I hope I have a godly parent as cool as you. Do you think Percy would be impressed if I was Athena's son? I mean, he liked that other girl, and she was Athena's daughter. But also, I heard someone say you don't like Athena. So maybe he would like me more if Bianca and I were someone else's kids. Who do you think is the best? Who do you think Percy likes best?"

Nico liked praying to Poseidon.

"Who, in the name of our mother, is Nico di Angelo?"

There was a long pause as the gods all paused to turn to where Poseidon was burying his face in his hands, absolutely exhausted. Him. A god. Exhausted. A feat that shouldn't be possible.

"Who?" Hades asked. His brother had been about to exit the Winter Solstice early, clearly wishing to avoid the onslaught of demigods who were on their way to greet them. Poseidon was already stressed about the axe that would definitely be hanging over his son's head without…this.

"di Angelo," Zeus muttered, brows furrowing. "It sounds familiar."

"I believe that's the demigod I helped escort to camp previously," Apollo said before anyone could start accusing Zeus of breaking another sacred oath. "Small boy? Dark hair? Speaks like someone might steal his tongue?"

Poseidon gestured helplessly toward him in confirmation. "He prays to me."

"Oh, he's prayed to me too," Demeter said, voice somewhere between amused and exasperated. "About your son of all things, Poseidon."

At once, the room erupted into identical realization.

"By Rhea, you too?"

"I thought he was praying to the wrong god-"

"-almost blasted the twerp!"

"I think it's cute," Aphrodite mused, eyes thoughtful. "He does think very highly of your son."

"A shame we might have to kill said son," Dionysus muttered and, at Poseidon's glare, sighed. "Why do you ask us about some random demigod, uncle?"

Poseidon ran a hand over his face, trying to find the right words without blatantly offending whoever this child belonged to.

"I…greatly appreciate his admiration for my child," he said slowly. Hades raised an eyebrow. "But the prayers have become… a bit much for me."

For the record, Poseidon also thought Perseus was a fine hero. A good friend. A caring person. Despite everything, his son was brave and fought well with good instincts.

But honestly. He didn't need the di Angelo boy to tell him.

…and then he beat Luke Castellan, except Percy was twelve and Luke was nineteen. Honest. That's what Lou Ellen said, and Lou Ellen isn't a liar. She's unclaimed in the Hermes cabin, too, and knew about the whole thing!

"Surely the boy hasn't prayed that much," Hades said, mystified.

Poseidon fixed him with a look. "Has he not spoken to you?" Hades' lips pursed as he gave a terse shake of his head. "Bide your time. You'll hear from him soon enough." There was a murmuring at that. "My reason for bringing this to our attention is that the boy is unclaimed. If anyone here would do me the kindness of taking ownership of this child and perhaps encouraging his prayers to be more…."

An awkward silence filled the room.

Hades rolled his eyes. "You act as if you must receive every prayer you hear, Poseidon."

"If my son is mentioned, I'd like to hear it."

"So what is the problem?"

"I would like my son to be mentioned only when needed."

"I highly doubt the child is that infatuated with your sea whelp," Hades said dryly. "In time, it will die down."

"I don't know, uncle," Athena said, surprising Poseidon with a nod in his direction. "I have blocked all of the boy's prayers to escape it. Does nobody claim the boy?" she asked, looking around hopefully.

Poseidon offered a wry smile. He really didn't want to offend anyone - something that couldn't often be said of him. For his son's sake, he tempered down any potential annoyance and waited. Nico di Angelo's prayers were stronger than most - louder. He couldn't be a child of a minor god with prayers like that.

But nobody came forward. Everyone looked at Zeus again, but truthfully? The world would collapse in itself like a dying star before a child of Zeus spoke that sweetly about another hero.

Maybe the boy was just… loud.

-just saying. If Percy was in Mythomagic, he'd probably have, like, five thousand attack points. Maybe even six thousand. If he beats a manticore and a manticore has three thousand attack points, then he has to-

Maybe - just this once - he might follow Athena's example and block out the boy's prayers too.

Nico once loved water.

Despite the fact his memories were warped into confusion and washed somewhere in the River Lethe, he had vague recollections of his home in Venice. The canals never held ire for him despite Nico always falling in with Bianca complaining that he would be struck by a gondola.

"I used to tell my sister I would swim out to the sea," he murmured. It had been a maze of its own - those canals stuck between buildings with kids flocking to dip their feet in. Nico had a habit of threatening to run away when he was upset. He'd tell Bianca he'd leave Venice and sail out on the ocean to America. Preferably, New York, because that was where Mythomagic headquarters were.

Once, after a particularly long argument, Bianca told him to go ahead if he wanted to leave so bad. Nico stomped about three feet toward the water before breaking down in tears. He rarely went anywhere without his sister, and the idea of floating out to America was daunting.

"Funny how things work out," Nico mused, pulling his knees up to his chest. His hands remained folded, holding him together in a small ball as he looked at the water lapping by his feet. "I thought the ocean was safe and your son a hero. I guess I never knew much of anything when Bianca was around."

The labyrinth reminded him of Venice. Of the twists and turns. It felt like a jab that his meandering had led him to a beach. He sat at the mouth of a cave, watching the tide slosh up into where the maze stood behind him.

It was stupid to pray to Poseidon. Foolish to anger a god. To insult his only demigod child when Nico knew the myths when it came to the sea god's children.

Somehow, for some reason, Nico couldn't help but feel as though Poseidon was the only person worth hearing his words at this moment. Hades had appeared in a dream to warn him about praying - reminding him that prayers could lead the gods to him.

Nico wasn't sure he cared.

"You can find me," he said to the waves. "Blast me. Drown me. But tell your son to stop following me. I don't want anything to do with him."

No answer.

"Did you hear me?" Nico repeated louder. He squeezed his hands together tighter. "I want nothing to do with him. Nothing. He got my sister killed. I want him gone. I might even want him dead." He waited. Nothing. "Poseidon? I said I want your son dead!"

Anger bubbled in his chest. He couldn't stand it. He couldn't stand whatever this was - whatever feeling flooded him. The hatred and confusion whenever he thought of Percy. The fact he couldn't seem to hate him quite right - and gods, he needed to hate him. He had to. What did it say about him if Nico couldn't hate the person who let his sister die?

And why… why couldn't Nico hate him the way he was supposed to? What was keeping him from hating him?

Unclasping his hands, he threw a rock at the waves and walked back into the labyrinth.

He swore that would be the last time he prayed to Poseidon.

So… I am very sorry that I said I wanted your son dead. That is untrue, and I overreacted. I apologize for being disrespectful. I have given several McDonald's meals as offerings to show my reverence. This is Nico di Angelo, by the way. Hi.

Well, well, well. Look who came crawling back.

Poseidon couldn't say he was surprised by the apology. Nico di Angelo seemed to be nothing but an influx of emotions at any given moment. He had considered killing the boy after the sleight against his son. It was only his son's determination to find the child that held Poseidon off. If Perseus wanted the gremlin to be brought to safety, so be it.

Besides, it was a little funny that this was Hades' boy. It made prayers like these so much more amusing.

Because, look, are his eyes green? Yes. Does this have anything to do with my favorite color being green? No. I don't know why anyone would think that. I'm not sure why it bothers me. Your eyes must be green. We've never met, but Percy's eyes are very godly, so I'm assuming he gets them from you. I've liked green all my life, quite frankly. It reminds me of home. Not Percy. The green. Are you following me?

Poseidon wasn't, but he rarely tried to with demigods. The boy rambled the same as all half-bloods, though, admittedly, he tended to hyperfixate more than Perseus. If anything, his prayers seemed more aligned with that Athena girl who kept agitating him. While she might go on about architecture or insist on history lessons he was present for, this child could focus on the most inane things for hours.

Thank you, Lord Poseidon. I appreciate this.

The other strange thing about this one was that he tended to remember he was praying. Poseidon could only guess that Hades' boy didn't think prayers worked or was just that flustered.

I don't talk much anymore. I like mainly speaking to the dead, but they wouldn't understand this. All they want me to do is be more…lord-like. Focus on my powers. Be strong. Percy seems to like you well enough. Perhaps you're an easier father than Hades.

Poseidon wasn't entirely sure about that. Percy could occasionally be callous in his thoughts. Sally too. Still, he supposed Hades had never been a model father either - whatever that sort of label entailed.

The only other god I speak to these days is my mother's. I once asked Hades if he was real. I never got an answer, so I'm left to wonder. Is it horrible that I hope not? My mother would be heartbroken to hear that. I don't remember much of anything about her, so it feels like I should respect the beliefs I know she held. But… God. That God. He scares me. I know the rest of the gods should scare me, too, but…

A long pause followed.

Nevermind. I need to sleep. Thank you, my lord. Goodnight.

Poseidon pursed his lips and looked out over the shipwreck in front of him. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been thanked so earnestly - while giving absolutely nothing. Even in the days of ancient Greece, his worshippers usually asked for something. Safe waters. Protection. Good tides. A stormless sky.

They feared his power and reveled in his beauty. In truth, not many prayed to simply… speak. Not like this.

Moving through the ship's wreckage, Poseidon looked at the busted metal and shattered glass on the ocean floor. Had this been his storm or Kymopoleia's? He wasn't sure. It was a recent wreck, that much he knew.

Reaching down, he picked up a floating card among some of the broken luggage and ruined tablets.

…well. Athena had favored that horrible Odysseus. The boy was under Percy's protection. And, who knew, maybe his son would escape the prophecy and leave it to this unfortunate soul.

Either way, Poseidon rewarded faithful worshippers.

"And he barely even looks at me! I know gods are busy, and he's literally the king of the Underworld, but…" Nico trailed off.

He had been complaining about Hades for a good twenty minutes now, which was probably a horrible sin of some sort, but he couldn't help it. After all, he once had an older sibling. Nico knew if anyone could empathize with his frustration over his father, it would be a younger sibling.

"You know," Nico said, looking around to ensure the ghosts weren't watching him. "He sometimes talks to you. Not like I do, but he mutters to you, and Zeus like you're both there and arguing with him."

Perhaps it was a low blow to his poor father, but whatever. He hadn't been the nicest as of late. Nico was allowed a few vindictive moments as long as he avoided getting blown up over it. Besides, he liked talking to Poseidon. It made him feel like he did before Bianca died, if such a thing was possible.

"The myths always act like the only thing Hades did wrong was kidnapping Persephone, but I know you probably have dirt on him-"

"My lord?"

Nico froze at the suddenness of the words. A wary voice had appeared, forming a bare wisp of a ghost. Nico lowered his hands, offering a polite nod in greeting.

"Hello," he said.

The ghost looked around. "Your father requested I come to check on you, my lord. You have been absent for a good while." Nico tried not to sigh at that. How was it that Hades was deadset on ignoring him while somehow being overbearing? "Who are you talking to?" the ghost asked.

Nico blinked. He very well couldn't admit Poseidon.

"Just myself," he said, dropping his hands altogether.

The ghost didn't seem surprised. "Like father, like son," it muttered, gesturing for Nico to follow.

Nico hummed. We'll talk later, he promised as he unfolded his hands and turned away.

"Why are mortals so kind to Hades?"

One thing that Poseidon knew about his brothers was that to get along with one, you had to moan about the other. It was simply the way of things.

Sure enough, Zeus paused in examining some storm clouds to fix him with a curious look.

"Are they? Have you seen the drawn movie of him with blue hair?" Zeus asked, looking eager to show the aforementioned movie if Poseidon said no.

Snorting, he collapsed into a chair he had summoned moments earlier. "I feel most humans have painted him in a kinder light than the rest of us. Ovid didn't flinch to speak of our debauchery. Why not his?"

“I had no hand in debauchery.” Poseidon looked at Zeus. For the first time in perhaps a hundred years, the other god almost seemed bashful at the gaze. "My hand in debauchery was light," Zeus decided firmly.

"As a subject in your kingdom, I cannot argue. As your brother, I laugh in your face," Poseidon told him.

Zeus scowled, looking undecided if he was offended or not. Poseidon decided to keep going before he decided he was.

"I merely think it is unfair that Hades is regarded as so….mature is all."

Zeus made a face at that, summoning his own chair to sit. "What has you thinking on these matters, Poseidon? Has a mortal offended us? Have they dared to suggest he has greater power?"

Of course, he would think that. Paranoid through and through.

"No offense was given. I merely receive his son's prayers occasionally," Poseidon said. Zeus blinked. Annoyance touched his face at being reminded that Hades' had a child, but it quickly morphed into curiosity. "He complains about Hades often."

A curl of satisfaction moved over Zeus' face. "Poor boy. Not everyone can be blessed with a proper godly parent."

"You do remember you tried to kill this one, right? And murdered his mother?"

"Hardly my fault he was an abomination against the law."

"A law you had made weeks prior to the murder."

"Have you come with me to argue, Poseidon?" Zeus asked, crackling with energy. Poseidon merely shrugged. Sometimes, that was a benefit of speaking with Zeus. "So the boy doesn't like his father. Hardly worth noting. Why does he pray to you anyway?"

"I'm not sure," Poseidon admitted. "He is rather diligent about it - and his offerings."

"You receive offerings from this boy?"

"Regularly."

"What does he ask for?"

"Nothing," Poseidon told him, shaking his head. "He merely talks."

Zeus blinked. "About…what?"

Poseidon considered. The child never seemed to have an itinerary on these matters. He spoke of his life, his past, his sister, the card game he pretended he no longer enjoyed, and-

"My son," he decided. "He always mentions my son." There was a long pause as Zeus seemed to mull that over. Poseidon had received a few wayward prayers from Thalia Grace before. He wondered if Perseus ever prayed to his brothers.

Probably not. Neither would have the patience for Perseus' prayers.

"I thought your whelp was taken with the Athena girl?" Zeus finally asked and then made a face as if he hated that he knew that. Poseidon frowned. "Oh, don't play coy, brother. You know enchantment as well as I."

What did he-? Oh. Oh... Poseidon hated that.

"No."

"No?" Zeus asked, amused. "You don't believe this to be Aphrodite's doing?"

By Kronos and Rhea, too. Why? Poseidon took a long breath, replicating the actions he'd seen mortals do to calm himself.

"This cannot be," he said firmly. "I- Zeus," he moaned. "You do not hear the prayers I've received. The Athena girl vexes me. Now, there is some mortal who is involved. I cannot add another person to this list - as if Perseus is aware of any of them!"

"Ah," Zeus said with false sympathy. "How unfortunate." He paused. "My daughter is with Artemis."

"I know, Zeus."

"I receive no vexing prayers on her many suitors."

"I am aware."

"It is a peaceful life."

"I don't know why I speak to you," Poseidon muttered. "I do find it ironic that any child of yours would choose a life free of romantic fancy."

Zeus leaned back in his chair smugly. "I do enjoy our talks, brother."

Poseidon was very tempted to tell him that Hades outpowered them both in that mortal card game Nico so enjoyed - but it didn't seem worth watching his brother throw a temper tantrum when the boy was already fixing the problem at hand.

Poseidon had discovered, much to his delight, that Nico had secretly decided to amend the Mythomagic card game depending on how he personally felt about each being.

Hellhounds? Increased attack points and HP whenever he got to pet them.

Hades? Well, he lost attack points whenever he upset Nico (which was often).

Artemis was removed from the game altogether.

And Poseidon? Well, Poseidon was rapidly becoming the strongest card.

I'm speaking logically, of course, Nico's voice explained. Water is pretty powerful and eternal in a way that death and the sky aren't. I know they are technically also a forever thing, but water is different. Your ocean is the same ocean dinosaurs lived in.

Poseidon ran a hand over his face. There was no way a Hades child could be infatuated with Percy, could there? Was that the truth behind his endless prayers?

Part of Poseidon was inanely disappointed. A foolish thought. An immature one. An undignified and ungodly one. He was something to be worshiped and feared. Whether one mortal liked him was inconsequential.

At the end of it all, he supposed loyalty to the sea was still loyalty to the sea. Whether that was him or Perseus held no real difference.

But by the bones of Theseus. Someone needed to tell Aphrodite to leave his son alone.

Nico left the Underworld.

He shouldn't have. His father told him not to. It was dumb with the war brewing and no friends by his side.

But Nico left the Underworld.

I'm so sorry, he thought, absently clasping his hands together. I didn't want to betray him. I didn't mean to. My father-

He stopped himself. At this point, it seemed foolish to defend himself. To justify his actions to Poseidon of all people. If anyone would be angry and betraying Percy like this…

At least Percy had gotten the Curse of Achilles. He hated Nico, but he would figure out how to cope with that later.

For now, he was satisfied to sit on the beach he had shadow traveled to and wait for a tsunami to take him down.

"Rough day?"

"Yes, sir," Nico said without looking away from the waves. Someone sat next to him in the sand. The sun was rising, dousing the sky with orange and hints of pink. He waited for the stranger to ask what was wrong, but no response came.

Nico tried to sense if this was a monster - or perhaps a ghost? It was harder to tell when his emotions felt so muddled. It messed with his powers.

"He overreacted."

Nico snorted. Please. He had tricked the future hero of Olympus into almost being confined to the Underworld for gods' knew how long - perhaps forever. Percy was right to be-

Wait.

Nico turned, unsure of who to expect, but somehow, he was not surprised when he met Percy's eyes.

Except this wasn't Percy.

If Bianca hadn't raised him so well, he would have sworn to Tartarus and back.

"Lord Poseidon," he choked out, scrambling to bow. Gods. The time had finally come. He was dying today. Dead. Horribly dead. Awfully dead. Excruciating- "Who overreacted?" he asked, brain catching up on that comment.

Poseidon raised an eyebrow. "Your neck is bruised," he noted. Nico grimaced, touching where Percy had choked him against the wall. Poseidon wordlessly offered a piece of ambrosia. "My son is… under a lot of stress. You know better than anyone he was not himself. It also doesn't help that the Curse of Achilles has made him less aware of his strength."

What was happening right now?

"Oh," Nico said awkwardly. Poseidon was still sitting, and Nico standing over him, utterly bewildered. "That's… I understand."

Percy's motivations for losing his shit was the one thing Nico did understand. The only thing he understood about this situation if he was honest.

"It is no excuse. I suspect he will be beside himself with guilt later on."

Nico didn't know what to say, so he took a bite of the ambrosia, grateful when it eased more pain from his wounded throat.

Silence overtook them. Nico studied Poseidon over. He was a mix of the older man with a long beard that old paintings displayed him as with a godly aura and a smile like they had known each other for years. Which, technically, they had? Nico had been… generous with his prayers.

"Food?" Poseidon offered, waving his hand. A Happy Meal appeared. Nico blinked a few more times. "It is a consistent component of your offerings, so I assume you enjoy it."

Huh.

"Thank you. Are you going to kill me?" Nico asked, hesitantly sitting back down to open the red box.

Poseidon rolled his eyes. "I'm not Zeus - or Hades, for that matter. I rarely concern myself with murdering children unless given a reason."

Nico decided not to cite some myths he knew of that could suggest otherwise.

"Thank you," Nico repeated, opening the Happy Meal. He grabbed some fries before pausing. "Do you like these?" he asked. Poseidon tilted his head. "I mean, I don't know if gods have favorites when it comes to food, but…" He gave a shrug, feeling stupid for asking. "I don't know. Do you prefer some over others?"

Poseidon stared at him intently, looking very much like someone who was utterly thrown by a question that essentially boiled down to: what's your favorite food?

"I do enjoy your offerings more than most," he finally said. "Perseus is generous as well… though sometimes he offers the food he prefers not eating," he added with a subtle roll of his eyes. Nico smiled a little. "And hoards his favorites for himself."

"Well, if it makes you feel better, I tend to give my father my least favorites, too. It might be a bratty son thing," he mused.

Poseidon fixed him with a bemused smile.

"Perhaps," he said, leaning back into the sand. "Speaking of godly parents, might I ask why you have left your father to join me here instead?"

Nico thought about saying he didn't intend to meet Poseidon in person but figured that wasn't the best approach. He hesitated - unsure how he felt about unloading everything onto a god. Speaking to Poseidon in prayers had always been easy. He wasn't sure how it would work now that they were side-by-side.

Nico flopped back onto the sand to peer at the sky above instead.

"I'm angry at my father. He promised that if I tricked Percy, he'd tell me about my mother. He never said he would try to trap him - only that he wanted to talk. He lied to me, and I feel like a fool for falling for it. We're at war, and now… now my father wants me to be the child of the prophecy? He doesn't even like me! He wishes Bianca had lived instead. I mean, I do too, but…"

He took a long breath. Gods, he was such a dolt.

"And Percy's mad at me," he continued, annoyed that his voice caught a little at that. "It's such a mess."

Poseidon hummed. "Well, if it is any consolation, child… Perseus often is angry with me as well."

"Is he?"

"Constantly," Poseidon said. "In fairness, I did once tell him that his birth was a mistake. It might have been a bit callous for our first meeting." Yeah, that was rough. Nico hadn't pegged Poseidon as someone so blunt. "He has a forgiving heart, luckily. Though, the boy does not forget a sleight. Despite my godhood, he doesn't believe I should be absent. I know he holds me responsible for some… fixtures in his childhood," he added darkly. "I find you odd, comparatively."

Oh, boy. Nico glanced over to see the silhouette of Poseidon shift. "How so?"

"Well…" Poseidon considered this. "You are very empathetic to gods. Perseus wishes to hold us accountable as we're human. You appear to feel for us as if we are."

Nico shrugged. Well, how else was he supposed to think of them? Nico thought it was best to assume everything had feelings. It was better to be safe than sorry. Besides, the more his powers grew, the more he understood the loneliness gods must feel amongst mortals.

"Sit up," Poseidon told him. Nico felt a swell of concern as he forced himself off the sand to where the sea god was patiently waiting as he held something out. It was a black card with familiar golden lettering and-

"Oh," Nico said and awkwardly took the Mythomagic card. It was one of Poseidon, no less. "Thank you, my lord. That was very kind of you." Poseidon narrowed his eyes. Nico wasn't entirely sure what to say. He told everyone he no longer played. He even burned some of his old cards and figurines. He supposed he had told Poseidon about the game enough times that he wouldn't buy that. "I- did you know you have two thousand attack points?"

"You've mentioned this," Poseidon agreed and tapped the card. "This card has ten thousand," he said.

Nico's brows shot up. No card had ten thousand attack points - not even in his made-up version. Just as he was readying himself to reign in the need to correct a literal god on a card game, he noticed what exactly Poseidon was tapping.

"Did you sign this?" he asked, noting the scrawl on the front of the card.

"I did. Now, it has more attack points. More than either of my brothers' cards," he said simply. Nico bit back a smile. Ah. He saw what this was. "Does this reward for aiding my son in receiving the Curse of Achilles satisfy you?"

His father's reward for his diligent work in the Underworld had been his Stygian sword. It was an honor - a huge compliment to be given such a weapon.

Nico liked Poseidon's reward better.

"Thank you, my lord," he said, trying and failing to hide a hint of fondness in the tone.

Poseidon nodded - standing to give him one more look.

"I've been away from Oceanus' battle long enough," he mused, shaking his head. "Let us hope - once this is over - we may see each other again."

And with that, he was gone, leaving only the smell of sea mist and Nico's new playing card.

The war was won.

Perseus was alive. The Athena gremlin was alive. Sally was unharmed. And Nico di Angelo was…

In my defense, I'm struggling a little emotionally, so let's put that on the table before we go any further.

…realizing some things about himself.

Poseidon almost laughed. This poor, poor child. He had seen the moment it clicked. There they all were, relishing the victory against the titans when Aphrodite entered the room. Nico had done a double-take, frowning as he sat up suddenly.

"Is that-?" he began and then shook his head, brows furrowing. He looked up at Hades for a silent explanation.

"The goddess of love and beauty," his father explained. "She'll appear in whatever form you think is most beautiful."

"Oh," Nico responded. "I thought… I mean, she looks like Bianca," Nico said warily.

Hades nodded. "Many see loved ones. She is the embodiment of all beauty."

"Right," Nico said, settling back down. He stared at Aphrodite for a moment. "Her eyes look like-"

And there it was. Poseidon waited. He had long assumed Nico knew nothing of this crush on his son. He was much too young to properly identify it. Poseidon was amazed to see it had gone on as long as it had.

The confusion turned into more confusion as Nico blinked a few times, brows furrowing together. Suspicion arose in his expression before a slight shake of his head and then something else. Poseidon tilted his head. He expected embarrassment to be the next emotion - horrified he hadn't realized earlier. Instead, a hard line of denial flickered over his eyes.

…hm. That wasn't good.

It only got worse when Nico caught Poseidon watching him, thus leading to this prayer across the room.

I said nothing, Poseidon answered back.

Nico's expression grew panicked as he looked around. If Poseidon's response surprised him at all, he didn't show it.

I just fought in a war and am exhausted. Percy is a great hero who saved us all. My father just said it was normal to see any sort of beauty in Aphrodite. I saw my own sister.

Poseidon had no idea how to respond to this. He just looked at him, unsure why this small child looked like he might throw up. This suddenly wasn't as amusing as he thought the realization might be.

Child, he began carefully, but Nico had unclasped his hands with a very respectful nod on his head. Hades caught the movement, pulling his attention from where he was staring at Zeus smugly to notice the interaction. He paused - giving Poseidon a suspicious stare.

…this was somehow going to be Poseidon's problem, wasn't it?

He met Hades' stare and nodded, turning away to enjoy the celebrations instead.

Nico needed ten chicken nuggets with extra barbecue sauce stat.

He had not prayed for months. He had stayed far from the sea. All he had done was hide in the Underworld and give Poseidon offerings for his silence on what was very much an issue Nico was trying to resolve.

Unfortunately, food was a constant problem for Nico in the Underworld. Typically, he'd go to camp to stock up on food for himself, but occasionally, he allowed himself a fast food spree - and knowing Poseidon liked it meant he was getting some, too.

"Well, hello there."

Damnit.

Nico dropped his Coke, hand going to his Stygian sword to note, with rising horror, who was behind him.

"Lord Poseidon!" he choked out. "You… you're far… from the beach. Hi. You also look much younger. Hi. Um, I- I have- do you want a milkshake?" he asked, abandoning the spilled Coke to hold out a chocolate conglomeration of ice cream.

Poseidon blinked. Now that he was no longer at war, his form had grown younger. Nico was forced to see how much he looked like Percy. The same black hair, same jawline, same eyes. Gods, this sucked.

Poseidon snapped his finger, and the spilled Coke disappeared.

"Sit," he said, gesturing to the McDonald's booth he sat in. Nico found it a little crazy that the god of the sea was currently situated near a Ronald McDonald playhouse, but sure. "This is new," Poseidon mused, curiously taking the milkshake from Nico. "Have you offered this to me before?"

"Uh, no. It's frozen milk. A little hard to burn it properly."

Poseidon sipped it through the straw. "...a shame," he said solemnly. "This is divine."

In spite of himself, Nico smiled. He wondered if his father would have such a reaction to mortal food. He tried to imagine him on his throne, that air of power and righteousness around him, drinking a milkshake.

Maybe Nico would bring one back. Just to see if it could even be done.

"You've been avoiding me," Poseidon said, and Nico's smile dropped. "I was a little worried your offerings might stop soon."

"Is Percy still giving you Brussels sprouts?" Nico asked wryly.

Poseidon scowled. "I got blue pancakes the other day…" he muttered, almost a little petulantly. "That is not my concern, however. I've stopped receiving your prayers."

Yikes. This was awkward. And terrifying. Nico played a little with his nuggets as he mulled over potential answers.

"I thought you might be bored hearing me whine about my father."

"This is untrue. I enjoy any surly retorts against my brothers. I hope the Grace child tells me about how much she detests Zeus. I think it would be fun."

Nico tried to smile - he did. But something in him felt numb the more this conversation went on. He waited for the confrontation to arrive. For Poseidon to say he knew Nico's secret and how wrong the whole thing was. Nico knew he knew. There was no way he couldn't with how pathetic Nico had been through all of his prayers.

"In that case," Nico said, not meeting his eyes. "I will continue to complain to you about my father."

"And my son?" Poseidon nudged gently. Nico stiffened. "I have noticed a cabin was built for you at camp. Perseus mentioned in one of his prayers you still don't regularly attend."

"It was built for my father, not for me," Nico said, voice clipped. "And just because we bullied him into getting a place of respect on Olympus and in camp doesn't mean that I am welcomed." Nico dropped his food, suddenly not hungry anymore. "And why does Percy care where I am anyway? I'm not his responsibility any longer. The war is done. He doesn't have to worry about me being the prophecy kid."

Poseidon's expression shifted - going eerily blank. "I don't believe his concern came from that," he said cautiously. Cautious. The ocean? Ha. Nico had never known waves to be so idle. It annoyed him that Poseidon decided he was suddenly glass. "Child, if I may speak plainly-" Poseidon began, only for the lights to flicker.

Nico looked up, half expecting his father to rise from the ground and demand to know what this alliance was, only to see Poseidon's form faltering. Where a man with black hair and green eyes once sat instead held a much sterner man. His hair was a deep red, eyes burning with a green that felt slightly off, and beard falling past his chest.

"Lord Poseidon?" Nico asked with a frown.

The god's eyes snapped to him - sharp and unforgiving. "Poseidon?" he asked, voice a low rumble. "You dare use that Greek name before me, child?"

Oh. Well. This was an issue. Nico leaned away. Wind blew hard against the glass walls, making a few customers jump as they looked outside to see trees bending to the side. The ground shook faintly.

"I apologize," Nico said evenly. "What name do you prefer, my lord?"

A trident materialized in the god's hand. Alright, that was Nico's cue to go. Jerking into the shadow beside him, he yanked at his power as hard as he could, feeling a burn scrape against him as the trident burst into light. Nico felt himself stumble through the shadows - fear gripping him until he landed on the floor.

"What the fuck?" he whispered, letting the curse slip by. He took a few more breaths, trying to calm himself as he registered a few ghostly presences around him and the familiar tile of his father's throne room.

"Nico," Hades greeted. He looked uncertain what to make of the entrance, studying him with sharp eyes. "Welcome."

Had Nico's feelings towards Percy offended Poseidon so severely that he unlocked a new personality for the god? He shook his head as he tried to process it, sitting up to see ghosts watching him while Hades waited for him to do something.

"Father," he said, replaying the entire scenario in his head again. "Do you ever get angry about your name?" he asked. Hades raised an eyebrow. "Your Greek name specifically?"

Hades' expression went taut.

"What did you just ask me?" Dear gods. Was it happening again? His father's form did not change, though. Instead, he glanced around the room before pointing at the doors. "Out. Everyone. Now." Nico stood up. "Not you, child. Come here."

Nico had honestly just wanted McDonald's.

Walking to the front of his father's throne, he knelt. Hades wasn't in the mood for formalities, though. He had already shrunk in size, pulling Nico up by his arm.

"Tell me everything."

Nico did not, in fact, tell him everything. Mainly because he couldn't give any context for his relationship with Poseidon without, well, you know. Either way, Hades had allowed him to gloss over that to instead pace, muttering to himself before finally letting a breath hiss between his teeth.

"Very well," he whispered to himself and turned to Nico. "My son, have you ever been to Oakland Hills, California?"

I have good news and bad news.

Poseidon paused in listening to the ramble of the council. He was sure it was important, or at least Zeus believed it was, but this was also the first prayer he had received from Nico di Angelo in many months.

Bad news. Cupid decided it would be nice to humiliate me and force me to admit my not-so-platonic feelings about your son. Not ideal. But people know now, so I thought you should maybe be aware. Please don't blast me from the sky. You're still one of my favorite gods, and when I showed Frank your signed card, he cried.

Fascinating. Maybe he should give Frank a card, too. As his however-many-great grandfather, it might be a good gift at some point.

Good news, I think I'm pretty much over Percy! So you won't have to listen to me talk about him so much. That's all- shit. No. He's coming. He's here.

Poseidon blinked. Nico didn't usually get sidetracked in the way Perseus did, but Poseidon felt his attention shift away from the prayer. It might have been the first time Nico forgot he was praying. Poseidon frowned, falling back into his chair as Artemis said something.

It's fine. He doesn't hate you. You don't even like him. You just got over Percy. No new crushes. Not that this is a crush. It isn't. And he said he doesn't hate you. Just be normal. Say hi. Or hey. Do people say hi or hey? Is hello too formal? Obviously. Gods. Hello is way too formal. Okay, so hey is best. It's casual. Maybe he's just walking by, and I shouldn't say anything. Gods, why did I come to this stupid camp? I-

The connection broke. Well then. Poseidon scowled at the wall.

"Brother?" Zeus asked. He didn't sound surprised to find him not paying attention, though his tone was curt. "Would you like to contribute to the discussion?" And when Poseidon merely fixed him with an uninterested stare, sighed. "May I inquire as to what is on your mind?"

"Well, my brother, I have lost a devout follower of mine," Poseidon said, trying not to sound too disheartened. "It is a dire loss. As I'm sure many of you know, we no longer live in the times of ancient Greece or the Roman Empire. A true, staunch worshiper is rare and truly valued. We do not have the endless supply of devotion we once had. I simply ask you to allow me peace while I mourn this loss, family of mine."

From the other end of the room, Apollo brightened. "Have any of you ever received McDonald's as an offering before? I must say, it is fantastic-"

"You," Poseidon spat before he could think better of it. Apollo tilted his head. "You stole him from me!"

The room paused as Apollo opened his mouth, only for realization to come crashing down.

"The Hades boy was your worshiper?" he asked, delighted. He inhaled deeply. "You've been getting Egg McMuffins? No wonder you've been in such a good mood these past few years-"

"What child of yours has swayed him? It won't last forever-"

"Excuse me," Apollo said, raising a finger. "My child is very charming and actually interested according to my prayers. You can't hog a kid that your kid isn't even dating. You have Athena's girl!"

"All she does is pray about architecture," Poseidon sighed, throwing up a hand. "And her offerings are always olives." They had grown on him, sure, but at what cost?

Athena cleared her throat, giving him a warning look.

"I'm sorry," Hades interrupted. "Why is my child giving you- did you say McDonald's?" he asked. "As in… the mortal restaurant my son uses to summon the dead?" Apollo and Poseidon shrugged. "It's good?" he asked. More nods. "Why have I not received any?"

"He thinks that you would be offended by anything off the dollar menu," Poseidon said.

Apollo clicked his tongue in agreement. "Yeah, he thinks you're picky. If it makes you feel better, he says he really likes how hard you're trying at the parenting thing these days. Like after that argument with Persephone-"

"You got to hear the end of the argument?" Poseidon asked, a little put out. "Why wouldn't he tell me how it ended? Did Hades get to keep the ugly painting in the throne room or not?"

"What-"

"Nah," Apollo interrupted Hades. "Persephone made him move it to one of the backrooms. Hades only agreed because it was the room Demeter stays in when she visits."

"I knew it!" Demeter yelled. "I knew you put that horrible thing in there to upset me-"

"Why has my son relayed this information about my personal life to you?" Hades interrupted loudly. "How long has this been happening?" he demanded. Poseidon looked away. "Brother," Hades snapped. "Poseidon, answer me."

Poseidon shrugged, focused instead on his trident. “We… may have spoken… over the years…”

"My son has prayed to you for years?!"

"Hades, please," Athena sighed, rubbing her temple. "It is no matter. Demigods pray to many gods. Perseus prays to me often enough," she said, and Poseidon gave her an appreciative nod.

"See? Even - wait, what?" Poseidon asked, concern suddenly growing at the idea that Percy's rambling thoughts had been put in front of Athena. He supposed that was something to be addressed for another time. By Rhea, please do not let him ask the bellybutton question directly to her.

"None of this relates to the council," Zeus firmly told them. "Poseidon, the Hades boy cannot be that splendid of a follower-"

"With all due respect, you have not received a spicy chicken sandwich with extra mayo and pickles, brother," Poseidon said firmly. "And besides, he cannot show preference to a god depending on what demigod he may like!"

"He most certainly can," Hades said, though he looked annoyed as he said it. "Though, I wish it didn't have to be Apollo," he added under his breath.

Ares hummed. "I have a punk around the kid's age-"

"No," Hades, Poseidon, and Apollo all said simultaneously. Ares rolled his eyes, glancing at where Aphrodite was practically shaking with excitement.

"Poseidon, darling, if you would like Perseus to have more options-"

"No," Poseidon said quickly. Aphrodite frowned. "Um, no. Didn't say that. No more options, please."

"Then leave my child alone," Hades said, pointing a pale finger toward Poseidon. "Stop using him for your fried food and gossiping needs."

Bah. Poseidon waved him away. He didn't understand.

"I have gotten attached," Poseidon said firmly, punching a fist into his hand while his trident remained floating. "He has prayed far too much to abandon me now. You can only hear how wonderful your son is so many times before you automatically consider the person praying to be your son-in-law."

"But he's not."

“Irrelevant,” Poseidon said. "He may not like Perseus. Fine. He may prefer this Apollo child. Fine. I don't see what that has to do with- oh." He paused. The room turned to him. Poseidon sat back in his seat. "...I have received an offering."

Apollo nodded sagely. "Apple pie?"

"Apple pie," he agreed and then narrowed his eyes. "...have you written Perseus' recommendation letter yet?" he asked.

"Oh, of course!" Apollo brightened at the reminder. "I'll get on that. Right after this meeting, I promise," he said, ignoring Zeus giving Apollo a dark and contemplative look.

Hades looked between them.

"...I don't suppose I am getting any apple pie, am I?"

It wasn't the first time Nico had stood in front of the Lotus Casino. Sometimes, he found the entrance comforting. A reminder of the brief lapse of time that hadn't been so brief when he stayed there.

There was occasionally a temptation to just… return. Why not waste eternity playing endless video games and letting his brain rot? He certainly would have less to worry over there. No prophecies. No quests. No dealing with emotions.

"Your father would be beside himself to learn you were here."

Nico shrugged. "I think he would let me if it's what I wanted," he said, glancing to the side to see Poseidon studying the hotel with a tilt of his head.

"You're still praying to Apollo," he noted. Nico tried not to scoff at the note of accusation there. "For the record, just because you no longer like Perseus doesn't mean you can't speak to me."

"You like my prayers?"

"They are the only ones that make sense, if I'm honest."

"I've given you plenty of offerings these past months, uncle."

"Apollo has received more since returning to godhood," Poseidon muttered, leaving Nico to wonder if all gods kept track of such things or if high-quality offerings were really so sought after. What would happen if he let them try something from a steakhouse? Had Nico introduced Poseidon to In-N-Out?

"Apollo has grown on me," Nico admitted, crossing his arms over his chest. He looked Poseidon up and down. It had been a while since they had spoken. Nico avoided too many prayers after their last face-to-face interaction.

Poseidon might have sensed what was on Nico's mind because he sighed, turning to face him fully.

"I understand my Roman form… gave you some trouble," he said. Nico gave a wry smile. "It was not intentional. I also find it regrettable it happened during a conversation where I feel you may have been… struggling," he said, voice wary. Right. Nico grimaced, eyes flicking back to the Lotus Casino longingly. "I heard Eros put you in a distasteful position."

"Distasteful?" Nico repeated warily.

"I never liked the god," Poseidon said, shaking his head. "And while I don't quite understand your discomfort with certain concepts, I don't think he should have forced your hand in such a way."

Huh. Maybe some gods had a glimmer of awareness outside themselves. Nico was almost impressed.

"That's very kind of you," he said. Poseidon looked pleased at the compliment. "I'm actually surprised that of all the gods to check in on me, it's you."

"Did you picture Zeus coming down to have this discussion? Besides, I am a very caring, empathetic creature," Poseidon informed him. Nico gave a very stoic nod in return, hoping it hid the internal roll of his eyes. "If it's any consolation," he added, placing a hand on Nico's shoulder. "If you were a tad older, then I would have rooted for you over the Athena girl."

Nico raised an eyebrow. "I mean no disrespect, my lord, but are you saying this as a thousand-year-old deity that slept with a mortal Sally Jackson when she was nineteen?"

Poseidon paused. "On second thought, Athena's girl is growing on me."

Nico hummed a flat, "okay," under his breath. Poseidon looked at him expectantly. "I do appreciate your reassurance," Nico told him. "I've read up on some Greek myths. I know…" he trailed off, trying to find the right words that didn't turn to sand in his mouth. "I know gods share some of the same inclinations I do," he said, sounding like the 80-year-old man he secretly was. But the truth was the actual word was still hard to say out loud. "But it's different. I spent time in the 1940s when that was definitely not a thing, and even now, it isn't always a pleasant concept to some people. Besides, I don't spend time around gods. I spend time around demigods and mortals. Their opinions matter a bit more."

It was a bit insane to sit here and talk to the literal god of the seas about his sexuality, but honestly? It felt oddly comfortable. Poseidon perhaps understood him in a way others didn't. He had been privy to Nico's mindless prayers before he started regulating them. As strange as it was, he had become something of a trusted confidant over the years.

"I see," Poseidon said. He didn't argue. If it were Hazel or even Will, they would try to tell him that nobody's opinion mattered, which might be true in theory, but Nico had a hard time making it work in practice. "If I can offer some biased insight?" he asked. Nico gestured for him to continue. "If you decide to base any self-worth in romantic interests, perhaps think of it in terms of who it is rather than what they are."

Nico frowned, putting his hands in his pocket. "What do you mean?"

From inside the hotel, someone laughed. Nico felt something familiar ache in him.

Poseidon cleared his throat to regain his attention. "I like to think my son is kind, brave, and a number of other admirable qualities you may have noticed," he said, giving Nico a look that could have been teasing. Nico stared back indignantly. "From what Apollo repeatedly tells me, his son also has similar traits."

Nico felt his face flush slightly, a little disbelieving this was even happening. Before he could decide to pull the plug and abandon this conversation altogether, Poseidon continued.

"Perhaps the fact that those qualities catch your eye is more indicative of who you are than anything else. If that is something you still struggle with. You are interested in good, kind people. It is most likely because you are good and kind."

Oh.

Nico blinked. That was… kind of nice.

Poseidon waited.

"...fine, I'll keep praying to you," he relented. "Only because I know you want to hear more about my dad's arguments with Persephone, which," Nico added, turning to scowl at him. "I hear you ratted me out on."

Poseidon at least had the decency to look ashamed. "It was Apollo more than me," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "But I admit that I probably shouldn't have gone along with it. Was Hades displeased?"

"I'm getting him McDonald's now, too, apparently," Nico snorted. "I didn't realize all of you were starving up there." Poseidon smiled, turning to go. "You aren't about to ask about Tartarus?" Nico called as he stepped out towards a line of taxis.

Poseidon stopped. "Should I?"

Nico awkwardly shuffled, looking over his shoulder at the Lotus Casino and then back at the god who had, for whatever reason, decided to come out to the middle of the desert for a child that wasn't his to apologize for an outburst he hadn't fully been able to control.

"No," Nico said quietly. Because he didn't want to talk about Tartarus. Not with him. Maybe not with anyone except for Dionysus on the days his sanity felt like it was crumbling into an abyss somewhere. Poseidon nodded. "I just- I wasn't sure if me being gay was somehow a bigger deal than surviving hell."

Ha. He had said the word again. It was easier this time. Maybe, one day, it wouldn't be hard to say at all.

Poseidon considered this. "Heroes suffer. That is hardly surprising. I cannot ease it. Perhaps I can aid Perseus in that recovery, but I doubt I can offer you much in that regard." Right. Nico looked down at his feet. "But, as I believe your father once pointed out, heroes don't often get happy endings. If there's a path for you to get there… I don't see why I can't point in the direction you might not see."

"There's a path?" Nico asked skeptically.

"I've lived for over a thousand years," Poseidon said, trident flickering in his hand. "There is always a path." He looked up at the flashing lights of the hotel in front of them. "I can promise you it is not in there."

He was gone before Nico could respond. After a few minutes of silence, Nico glanced at the Lotus Casino one last time before turning to head home.

"Dad?"

Well, this was awkward. Poseidon looked over to see his son at the picnic table in front of him, speaking with the Athena girl. He smiled, hoping that was enough to occupy him while he handled the situation at hand.

"How did it go?" he greeted Nico, who was looking over his Mythomagic cards with utter concentration. He was seated directly across from Percy, who also had a deck in front of him. They must be playing one another.

Nico brought out another Mythomagic card and placed it at the center of the table. "My father told me to tell you that using me as messenger is childish and disrespectful."

"Well, he hardly listens when I send messages through Hermes, does he?"

"Um," Percy said, waving a card in the air. "Hello? Do you two know each other?" he asked, bewildered. Poseidon gave him a thumbs up, leaving Percy to blink in bafflement as he turned to Annabeth for an explanation.

"So here's the deal," Nico said, placing one of his cards down. "He is willing to admit that he might have had something to do with the rumor Athena is your daughter if you admit you were the one who told Rhea that he kidnapped Persephone."

The wind blew with Poseidon's annoyance, causing the demigods to quickly grab their cards to keep them from flying off the table.

"Everyone already knew that he kidnapped her!" Poseidon said indignantly. "Demeter was starting wars over it. What's it matter if I told her?"

"I don't know. That's just what he said, uncle." Nico placed down Poseidon's card. "I win."

Percy paused in his perplexed glances at Poseidon to look down at the table. After a few moments of consulting Annabeth, he shook his head, frowning.

"You don't have enough attack points," he said, counting something on his fingers. "Right?" he asked Annabeth one more time.

Nico leaned back, dark eyes glittering. "That card is worth ten thousand."

"What?" Percy asked. "I- no! It's- I literally studied for this. How am I getting these wrong?" he muttered.

Nico reached into his pocket and handed Poseidon a candy bar. He considered reminding Nico that eating mortal food was not the same as burnt offerings but decided to instead just accept it to see how the game played out.

"It's a signed card," Nico explained. "And the signer said it was worth ten thousand attack points. You can't argue with a god."

Percy's mouth dropped as he registered all of this. He turned to Poseidon with betrayed eyes.

"I have, I can, and I will again," he said indignantly. "You did this?" Poseidon shrugged. "Why? How do you know each other?!"

"He prays to me," Poseidon said simply and took a bite of his candy bar. "And I receive his offerings."

"I pray to you! Can I have a signed card?"

Uh. Poseidon hesitated. Percy's brows raised at the pause.

"…well, you have received many gifts from me-"

"Wow," Percy said, aghast. Nico smiled into his deck. "Don't laugh! This is totally cheating," he added to him.

"Is not! Don't be a sore loser. You asked me to play this, remember? A peace offering, you called it. Learn to lose peacefully, Jackson."

"That was before I realized you would cheat."

"If it's cheating, why did you ask for a signed card?" Will Solace asked, looking Percy up and down pointedly. Poseidon hadn't even noticed him there. He looked at him curiously. Apollo raved about his son these days. Almost as much as Nico did in his more recent prayers.

"That proves nothing. Asking for a signed card shows no intention to introduce it into the game," the Athena girl jumped in.

"What are you? Some kind of lawyer?"

"No," Percy said, pointing a finger at Solace. "She's just smarter than everyone."

Will rolled his eyes. "Given the context clues, I think it's safe to say he planned to introduce it to the game."

"Circumstantial evidence would not hold up in court, nor will it at this picnic table, Solace."

"I'll remember this the next time you're bleeding out, Chase."

"I'll remember this the next time you want me on your team for Capture the Flag," Percy jumped in, pointing a card at him. Solace made a face. Poseidon was ready to leave. This must be why Zeus banned gods from regularly attending camp.

Speaking of which, his welcome on this beach was far too casual for his liking. He turned, noting that everyone nearby knelt with murmured prayers and eyes wide with shock.

Alright, it could be just this particular table that was blasphemous. Typical.

"It's fine," Percy decided, putting his hands together. "I have a plan."

Poseidon waited, half-expecting his son to be praying to him despite them being three feet away. After a few minutes of silence, Annabeth nudged him.

"Oh, right. Got distracted. Sorry," Percy said. "Uh, thanks. Bye."

He lowered his hands, peaking curiously at his cards. A second later, he smiled.

"What?" Nico asked suspiciously. Percy brandished a new card, placing it in the center of the table so everyone could lean forward and read it.

"Hades. Eleven thousand attack points. Signed."

"You're a liar," Nico choked, leaning forward. "He doesn't even like you!"

"He does not," Percy said, oddly proud of that fact. "But it seems he will side with me to spite both of you, which is how most of my godly alliances are formed."

Will looked at Percy for a moment before folding his hands together. "Hey, Dad. Nico needs-"

Nico placed down a newly signed card. Poseidon almost laughed. Five thousand attack points. More than Apollo originally had, certainly, but not enough to piss Zeus off if he ever found out about this.

"You're fast," Will mused. "Alright, Nico's cards together outrank-"

"There's got to be someone who likes us," Percy said as Annabeth looked through their cards. "Artemis? She likes you-"

"Artemis isn't in the game," Nico informed him wisely.

Percy opened his mouth - looking like he might argue that - but reconsidered at Nico's face. He turned back to Annabeth. "You're sure your mom won't-? Okay, well, who haven't we pissed off?" Percy whispered as Annabeth flicked through their deck. "Yeah. Yeah, maybe ask Leo? I mean, if Piper can put in a good word-"

"I think it's safe to say I win," Nico said, gathering his cards and ignoring Annabeth and Percy's vehement objections. He turned to Will. "Do you think Mr. D would sign his?"

"I'm surprised he hasn't already-"

"There's a Cyclops card," Percy said, now sorting the deck into piles. "Tyson would totally sign it. You know, as the only member of my godly family who loves me," he added with a dramatic look at Poseidon.

"It may be time for me to take my leave," Poseidon said wisely. He turned, placing a hand on Nico's shoulder. "Tell your father I will not admit to a crime in which only circumstantial evidence is presented," he added, nodding toward where Annabeth gave him an exasperated bow. "I would also like to renegotiate a few old oaths he and I have made over the years. I don't see my merpeople can't be let into the Underworld-"

"Please, do not make me say that to him. If you ask him to add more souls to his domain, he will lose it."

"I may be able to get Demeter to sign a card."

Nico fixed him with a look. "I don't even play that often," he said, crossing his arms over his chest. "I only did it today because Olympus' favorite hero insisted." He gestured to where Percy rolled his eyes, giving Annabeth a knowing look. The Apollo boy threw a spoonful of his yogurt at him.

It really was quite audacious to disrespect Poseidon's son right in front of him, but Solace seemed unrepentant as Percy licked the yogurt off, grabbing a few nearby items to start what would inevitably be a food fight. Poseidon cleared his throat, and they all froze.

"Very well," he told Nico. "I will be on my way. Perseus," he added. "I look forward to hearing more about presidential pets later."

Percy lowered the jello he had been aiming at Will's head. "I genuinely don't remember half of what I say to you."

"John Adams had a dog called Satan," Poseidon prompted.

Percy dropped the jello completely. "Oh, yeah. What was that about?" he asked, turning to Annabeth, who looked intrigued by the topic at hand. "And his other dog was Juno. Weird that he gave two dogs the same name," he added under his breath. Thunder clapped warningly above. Annabeth hit his arm.

Shaking his head, Poseidon stepped into the rising tide to return back to Atlantis.

Just so you know, he totally wants that Demeter card, a voice echoed in his head. Poseidon paused outside the palace to try to place the prayer. It wasn't Perseus. It wasn't Sally. Not even the Athena girl. Hi, by the way. Um, I don't know if you noticed, but I put some fries in the altar for you this morning. They are absolutely terrible for you, but Nico says you like them. I guess your health isn't a big deal since you're a god, but anyway. I'm Will. Apollo's son. I won't bother you too much. I'm sure you're busy, but, uh, Nico sometimes talks about you. Not a lot, but… I got the feeling you've been better to him than other gods have.

There was a long pause. For a second, Poseidon thought he had left. It wouldn't be the first time a demigod had gotten distracted during a prayer.

Thank you, Will finished.

Poseidon smiled and closed the connection.