❁

(Name) didn't get a chance to talk to her friends about everything that had happened. Why she'd randomly gotten superpowers (superpowers? powers?). Why she had a weird, divine connection to Hades? And of course, the matter of her transforming. Instead, she was roped into the Big House by Hades and Dionysus for a 'chat'.

A lot of the damage caused by Kronos' minions was irreparable, nor Hades or Dionysus had that kind of power. Nymphs and dryads had lost their life forces and faded away in the fires. Half the campus was littered with dead carcasses and decapitated limbs. Those who'd been knocked unconscious by the cerveil gas had suffered permanent damage to their respiratory systems.

(Name) hoped some nectar and ambrosia would help them at the very least, but there was so much about this new world that she didn't understand, so many rules and exceptions to them. If ambrosia, the food of the gods, couldn't heal them, then what could? Would there always be a monster stronger, or bigger, that they couldn't defeat? The endless possibilities were scary, even with her newfound powers.

The infirmary was at full capacity in a matter of moments. Those who had been accounted for and weren't being treated for smoke inhalation and an endless list of other battle related injuries were issued in the clean-up. Stacking up weapons, treating the burn marks around the pavilion, wheelbarrowing away the charcoaled and broken bits of cabins. The mess was burnt in a giant bonfire that piled almost 5 metres high.

Chiron announced that Camp would be having a feast in celebration of the quest's success. (Name) didn't feel very triumphant. Looking out at the burnt treetops and bloodied grass made it all seem pointless. A wasteland for war. Too many lives lost, and for what exactly? (Name) wondered who was used to this sort of thing. Some of the demigods acted fine. Others didn't. People were sitting in the fields, dazed and afraid. Disassociating. It was hard to watch. Others dealt with it differently, running around doing as many jobs as possible. Some seemed unbothered. Others cried.

(Name) pressed her fingers into her palm. Was this the cost of victory?

Everyone was running around like nutjobs trying to get everything ready in time. The Ares cabin was cleaning up the Amphitheatre, blades and spears left abandoned in haste to get the party started.

Demeter kids were cooking a bunch of yummy foods with the harpies. It was a feast of juicy meats, pizzas, fruits, baked potatoes and hundreds of other delicious dishes.

Percy was nervous on all accounts. Finding out (Y/N) wasn't entirely human after everything they'd been through had rocked the boat so to speak.

(Y/N)'s soon-to-be extinct species was making Percy's brain spin; the power she'd wielded over the sea, that glittery symbol that appeared on the top of her head and the fact that she'd seemingly changed her entire appearance in a matter of hours made absolutely no sense. He didn't understand what had happened, and why Hades had lied, and what Kronos had to do with everything, but spinning an inaccurate narrative from the recesses of his mind wasn't healthy.

He needed answers from (Y/N). And he needed the now.

"Hold up! Percy's my...soulmate?"

Dionysus snickered at her reaction, which didn't make her feel any less embarrassed about the ordeal.

"...Well, not a soulmate per se...you chose each other so its more like a fated couple?" Hades said nervously. His statement sounded more like a question and (Y/N) felt her cheeks flush bright red.

(Y/N) looked down; twiddling her fingers. "So basically soulmates?"

"Erm..." Hades frowned almost bashfully. "Fundamentally."

(Y/N) grimaced, her neck going red.

A sudden blare of music made (Y/N) jump. Hades and Dionysus looked out the Big House windows, watching with peculiarity as a throng of demigods rushed past, chanting and dancing towards the dining pavilion.

Apollo kids sang and played tunes, following behind Grover as he shredded on the reed pipes.

Percy sat at his table, alone but somehow surrounded by good and drink. A bunch of nymphs and naiads were crowding around him, giggling and pestering him questions. The poor boy looked incredibly flustered, wolfing down waffles and pizza one after the other.

"What's going on?"

"A party. In your honour," Hades replied.

(Y/N) stood up and turned towards the open door.

"My...honour?"

She looked dumbfounded by his response, and the God smiled gently back at her, amused by her placid confusion.

"Youare the last of your genus and linked to a demigod. An incredibly annoying one at that. It's extremely rare."

"Why don't they ever have parties in my honour?" Dionysus grumbled as he took a sip of his diet cola.

"Because you're a sour old fart," Hades pointed out.

No one could argue with that one.

❋

(Y/N) tried to walk back to the bathrooms to shower and change clothes without bumping into anymore, or causing distraction.

Key word tried.

The music roared around the hearth as people prayed to the Gods and gave them sacrifices. Dryads danced around tables, singing peoples ears off and laughing happily. It felt strange to see so much peace in one place, it was practically radiating.

(Y/N) walked passed the Mess Hall and Naiads stopped their dancing and singing to thank her for everything she had done for the camp. Others hugged her and praised her.

It felt nice to be noticed around Camp Half-Blood as a strong warrior instead of the weak mortal girl who didn't fit in.

Annabeth caught her gaze with a scornful expression and a steely glare, her sharp grey eyes burning holes into (Y/N)'s chest. (Y/N) wanted to be angry at her; after everything she had done for Annabeth and she couldn't even express a shred of gratitude.

It felt uneasy being under Annabeth's gaze for so long, so she tore herself away, and involuntarily looked across at Percy, his sea-green eyes were swimming with emotion and his mouth fell open in bewildered shock as he spotted her.

(Y/N) didn't plan on sticking around to talk to him about their disagreeable destiny so she rushed passed the Mess Hall and headed for the cabins.

(Y/N) skulked passed a huge fountain that surrounded the cabins, it was bubbling softly, water dribbling down the side. She almost got to her cabin, before the Stoll brothers stumbled on out of nowhere.

They scrambled on their feet and bolted across the yard towards their cabin. Will Solace and Lee Fletcher, the head Council of Apollo and the best healer at camp were chasing after them with bows and arrows.

"Hey (Y/N)!" Will Solace said cheerfully as he shot a stink arrow at Conners's feet. The son of Hermes yelped, ducking behind the fountain for cover. If (Y/N) hadn't been used to their antics she would have sulked at being discovered but instead, she smiled.

"Hey Will. What'd they do this time?"

"Layered the toilet seats with cling wrap. Honestly only a son of Hermes would be able to smuggle into camp," he muttered

(Y/N) smiled. She liked Will, he was a young clever.

"You guys are unbelievable," she grumbled.

Travis grinned at her, shrugging as they hid near her feet.

"Unbelievably " he corrected.

"Yeah, cool," Will and (Y/N) said simultaneously.

A warm smile spread across (Y/N)'s face and they shared a laugh.

Lee Fletcher looked the least bit impressed.

"Good luck!" (Y/N) chimed and she swore Conners's cheeks flushed red.

Will and Travis both smiled at her knowingly before all Hades broke loose.

Travis darted sideways, barrel-rolling towards his cabin, but didn't make it in type and got pinned down by another arrow.

"Remember me Conner!" He mourned dramatically as he struggled on the floor.

"No! Brother! Why~!" Conner mocked as he dived to his brother's aide and tried helping him to his feet.

(Y/N) turned and started making her way back to her cabin when Clarisse and a bunch of her brothers came hurdling out a clearing of trees like ninjas. They were boasting and laughing, slapping each other on the back with huge spears and swords.

Clarisse spotted her out of the midst of a conversation and to (Y/N)'s utter surprise she waved at the girl.

"Hey! Fiora!" Clarisse jogged over, her armour clanking with every step.

"Uh...Hello...Clarisse," (Y/N) returned tensely.

The child of Ares shuffled out of her helmet and let out a big breath. Her hair was a mess and her cheeks were bright red.

"Don't look so tense. I was only coming over here to thank you."

"Thank me?"

"Yeah. You saved our butts today so...thanks."

Clarisse looked down at her feet, as if she was ashamed to be acknowledging someone other than herself. Like it was beneath a child of Ares to be grateful.

"Uh...erm no problem Clarisse..." I murmured.

Clarisse slapped (Y/N) on the back and smiled, or whatever you would call the thing on her face.

"What I did when we first meant was really cheap. I guess I underestimated you."

"Apology accepted," (Y/N) smiled.

Clarisse scowled at her seemingly lenient remission and turned away, her ears burn in embarrassment.

"Don't get used to apologies, Ares kids love their pride," Clarisse said before she stormed off.

(Y/N) blinked and watched her leave.

After that (Y/N) raced back to her room, changed and took off to her favourite place in the world; the peer.

It felt almost normal to come there now, a place to relax when she was confused or hurt, (almost always both.) The ocean breeze cleared her head and the moonlight was cleansing.

The sun was starting to disappear behind a film of harsh trees. They cut through the sunset like knives; orange and purple blotched into the stars.

The water sloshed happily around her feet as she dipped them into the water, watching little fish brush past her heels.

For once (Y/N) forgot about the anxiety that seemed to be chasing her at every breath, and became content. It was just her, the sunset and the ocean.

Until her thoughts drifted to the exact person that had been causing her so much turmoil.

Percy Jackson.

That boy was the bravest, kindest most infuriating boy she had ever met.

He was reckless, thick-skulled and oblivious. But he was also sweet, and selfless. (Y/N) knew almost instantly that she liked him. Zeus' Beard she loved him. But at the same time she was afraid of her naivety, she loved him but what exactly. Because he'd saved her life? Because he was good looking? What was beyond that?

She refused to indulge too deeply into her feelings because it made her feel this tingly, uncanny sensation in her gut.

Besides, she'd only met Percy a couple of weeks ago and (Y/N) most definitely didn't believe in love at first sight. But the more she thought about it the clearer her feelings become.

(Y/N) knew she would feel enraptured if he liked her back. The idea of kissing him and being his girlfriend made her cheeks burn. She imagined what it'd be like to lose him, to never see him or hear his voice again and real, tangible pain encompassed her being.

(Y/N) screwed her eyes shut and banished the thought.

She liked Percy Jackson.

A lot.

And it confused her.

The only problem was, (actually there were a couple of problems).

One namely being Annabeth (Cry-Baby) Chase. She was being incredibly unreasonable. (Y/N) was entitled to her own feelings and if that was the reason why Annabeth hated her so much, than oopsie daises bitch.

The second problem was the fact that lots of girls liked Percy. LOTS.

It made sense though, Percy was a very likeable person. He was friendly, courageous, selfless and a son of the Big Three. Also incredibly handsome but that was to be mentioned on another note.

Third; (Y/N) was fairly certain that the kiss they shared was an in-the-moment type thing.

Percy was an extemporaneous person and he acted on gut urges. He was like the sea; impulsive, forever-changing and unpredictable.

Despite Percy's friendliness, (Y/N) wondered what he actually thought of her.

"I thought you'd be here,"

A shadow loomed behind (Y/N)'s head.

Percy sat down beside her and dipped his feet into the warm water.

"Why's that?"

"You always come here when you're upset."

"I'm not upset," (Y/N) muttered sourly, curling her knees up to her chest and resting her chin atop of them.

Percy laughed softly and (Y/N) felt warmth radiated off him in waves, lighting up insides with gentle tingles.

"I..." (Y/N) tried to speak but her voice betrayed. It came out croaky and shrill, and she choked up a bit.

Percy swallowed nervously and shuffled closer to her.

"You're laughing at me." (Y/N) grumbled.

It's incredibly hard to talk about their relationship, harder than battling an army of undead.

"No I'm not." Percy responded, his voice almost timid.

Percy looked at (Y/N), and his chest hurt a little. Moonbeams pierced through clouds and lit up her eyes like sunlight. No longer were they filled with rage and fallout; now they were soft like sea-foam.

"So...we're like...soulmates?" Percy asked sheepishly, his eyes downcast.

"I g-guess?"

"You guess?" Percy scoffed, his hands trembling at his sides.

"I like you, Percy," (Y/N) bit out, her jaw clenched. "I don't really care if we're destined for each other."

Percy shifted, sitting so upright it looked like he'd been electrocuted.

"O-Oh," he stammered awkwardly. "T-That's good then 'cause I like you too."

It was safe to say after that confession they both felt like Apollo's sacred cows. Slow, dumb and bright red.

"You look surprised," Percy grinned, but his hands were still shaking. "You're a very hard person not to like (Y/N)."

"Yeah right," the cynical girl scoffed, nudging the boy.

Percy smiled awkwardly, not really sure how to respond. So he just laced their fingers together and pressed a kiss to her cheek, his entire body shaking with nervous energy.

"You're incredibly smart, funny and fearless," Percy listed. "And uh...pretty."

(Y/N) flushed red. "You think I'm pretty like this?"

"Black hair suits you. It's kinda annoying."

Finally, the tension between them fizzled out, and (Y/N) smiled. "Someone jealous?"

"Change the subject much?"

Percy blushed and nipped another kiss to her neck.

"I don't know what you're talking about," (Y/N) mumbled as she finally pressed a kiss to Percy's lips.

Percy would've melted into a pile of goo, if it weren't for the fact that she pulled away.

(Y/N) lips were cool like the ocean and her skin was warm under his fingertips. Her mere presence destroyed him, but at the same time lured him in.

(Y/N) smiled, her hands come to rest on his neck, softly brushing her thumbs on his nape.

"Well then..."

Percy was torn from his happy thoughts; interrupted by a man floating above the water.

He had shoulder-length black hair and was wearing a Hawaiian shirt. In his left hand was a golden triton, and in the other was a fishing cap.

"Dad?"

"Poseidon?" (Y/N) gawked.

"Percy, (Y/N) it's nice to finally meet you," he gestured with his hand.

(Y/N) was baffled into silence, her jaw wide open.

Poseidon raised an eyebrow at her as he stepped onto the pier, the water beneath him dipping back into the sea.

Percy and (Y/N) scrambled to their feet in shock.

"W-What are you doing here Dad?"

"I came to congratulate you."

"On what?" Percy asked.

Poseidon laughed; it was a warm, rumbling sound that made both the kids smile stupidly with their fingers woven together.

"It's not every day that someone is lucky enough to find a soulmate."

Percy blushed, and glanced down at their entangled fingers.

"Be good to him (Y/N). He's my favourite son," Poseidon said softly, gazing over her with gentle eyes.

"I will." (Y/N) beamed.

"I trust you'll do the same, Percy? Kathréftis' is a species in my kingdom, and look after all those in my domain."

"I am?" (Y/N) asked, unsure.

"Yes. Somehow," Poseidon rubbed his chin. "Oceanus would know more about your ancestry then I, but he has long since faded into the depths of the ocean. Your lineage is a story weaved with of murder, lust and betrayal. This and that, here and there, and eventually you ended up with aquatic powers." Poseidon said wistfully.

(Y/N) nodded solemnly.

"Promise me you'll look after her Percy?"

"Y-Yeah," Percy stammered.

Poseidon grinned happily, his skin turning transparent. The couple flinched and shut their eyes as his skin started to glow, exploding into a gorge of sunrise under the water.

A cool breeze swayed over as he dematerialised.

(Y/N) smiled as they looked out at the moon. A comfortable silence consumed them.

A smile reached her again as she turned back to Percy who was staring at her closely.

"What is it?"

The boy tugged (Y/N) firmly pushing her off the pier. She plummeted headfirst into the water, Percy followed shortly after.

An air bubble wrapped around them as they hit the sandbank, pulling them together like magnets. It was dark and she could faintly see underwater, but her eyes weren't taking in the fish or the coral. They were staring intently at the boy in front of her.

"Jerk," (Y/N) laughed as Percy pulled her into his chest and pressed another kiss to her lips.

A blush crept onto (Y/N)'s face, finding her embarrassment mutual as she rested her forehead agaisnt his own.

"As if you didn't like it."

❁