Reading is Fundamental

XVI - Annabeth - Pallus

I have no control over my life istg *hits that woah* *buries myself in a pauper's grave* also just now realized that yes there is canon info on will's mom oops

Warning: Discussion of major character death. Brief mention of drug use and child abuse. Crass language

"What happened?" Annabeth demanded, staring him down. "I'm not an idiot, Percy. Between your time and mine, something happened to make you like this. What happened? Was it when you were missing? One of Kronos's old followers?"

Percy didn't answer, clearly dazed. The sight of her boyfriend in such a state melted away most of her anger. Not all of it, but she could wait a moment.

A loveseat materialized from nothing and the demigod fell onto it. By now it was obvious that the power used to create this place was Percy's own, no matter how much she wanted to deny it.

He sat down and immediately curled up into himself. Annabeth felt a jab of bitter happiness. A week ago he would never have been this open. Then again, maybe this Percy was so shattered he didn't care anymore.

"Ugh, I'm sorry," he said, wiping snot from his face like it was a mild annoyance. His expression was still a bit hollow and devastated, but he didn't seem to mind. "God, I'm such a mess," he laughed. He paused for a moment, clearly thinking, then pulled an unmarked pill bottle from his pocket. With practiced movements, opened the bottle and popped one in his mouth. A small table appeared beside his chair with a glass of water for him to wash it down with.

Annabeth felt vaguely nauseous. He clearly wasn't alright, but she hadn't thought he'd have fallen back into drugs again. He said he was over that.

Percy shook his head, seeming to understand exactly where her mind was going. "It's just aspirin," he said. "I get headaches. My doctor said it might be because of dehydration, but I have my doubts about that." He laughed lightly.

He was even more aloof than her Percy typically was, and she couldn't help but wonder how much if it was forced. Probably most. He talked about terrible things like they were minor inconveniences.

Annabeth sighed. How could she be mad at him when he was like this? But she needed answers. "Why did you bring us here?" she asked, this time in a kinder tone.

He smiled, staring at her like she was a miracle. "Annabeth Chase," he muttered. "You were never this nice to me."

She huffed. Did he not think she was real? "Yeah, because you look like a wreck." As soon as the words left her mouth she regretted them. She had no idea how fragile this man was; she shouldn't keep treating him like her Percy. He was obviously changed.

But the demigod just burst out laughing. "There's my Wise Girl."

"Percy," she insisted, relaxing a bit. "Why did you bring us here."

He sighed and rubbed his face. "So a bunch of stuff happened, but long story short, I had some powers suppressed for a while; we just released them, and now all the power buildup hit me at once. I'm pretty sure I passed out when it did and now I'm dreaming."

She waited for him to explain further. He didn't. "That's it?" she asked. "Percy, you aren't just dreaming. I am acting completely out of my own agency." He didn't believe her. "Why are we here then, to confront your traumas with you?"

He shrugged. "Maybe?"

It made sense, but not completely. "So, what happened?"

He grimaced. "I can't tell you that."

"Yes you can," she corrected. "Siren clearly isn't going to remember any of this, which means you are able to wipe our memories without making us go insane."