How Fates Can Twist

Chapter 1

*End of tlo on Mt. Olympus*

"So, Perseus Jackson, do you accept the offer of godhood?" Zeus asked in a booming voice.

The pantheon remained silent, awaiting the boy's answer. Percy looked down at the ground, contemplating the options set before him. He could be immortal, safe from harm and the horrors of the world. He had seen enough already to know how wonderful that would be.

But he'd also be giving up so many of the good parts of his life. His mother- her cooking, her singing, their trips to Montauk- none of it would be the same. And gods never spent time at Camp, meaning he'd have to say goodbye to Annabeth, Grover, and all of his friends there.

Still, godhood provided him with so many options that demigods didn't have. He would have the power to protect the people he loved, even if he couldn't spend time with them. Had other gods contemplated the same things when becoming immortal?

If Percy accepted godhood, would he become like the rest of the gods, calloused and ignorant? Or would he be able to use that divine power to do what they had failed at- helping their children?

There is no way in hell I'd be as selfish as them, Percy thought. I could do good with that power.

Raising his head to look Zeus in the eyes, Percy gave his answer.

"I accept."

. . .

Annabeth's POV

*5 months later in NYC*

It had been 5 months since the Titan War. They had defeated Kronos, thankfully, and Camp had returned to as close to normal as it could be. Demigods tried their best to ignore the empty bunks of their dead siblings, and Annabeth tried her best to ignore the desolate Poseidon cabin.

She had thought that her sophomore year, spent missing Percy while he was busy hanging out with Rachel, had been the worst feeling ever. Oh how wrong she was.

Annabeth wouldn't admit it to anyone, but all of her worst fears had come true. Luke was gone, and she hadn't been able to save him. Percy had left her, permanently. In his defense, godhood was a hard offer to turn down. Annabeth probably would have done the same thing in his position, but that didn't make it hurt any less. They hadn't spoken since that day in August. She hadn't seen him. She hadn't heard a thing about him. She just hoped that the gods had meant what they said and that he was safe up on Olympus.

Tonight she had been invited over to the Jackson's apartment for New Year's Eve. Ever since Percy left, Sally had made it her mission to host as many get-togethers for demigods as possible. She knew how lonely most of them were, especially now. Annabeth was thankful for the events; they were the only times she got to see both Grover and Thalia.

Annabeth embraced the warmth of the apartment building as she stepped out of the late-December cold. She knew the Jackson's apartment would be even more welcoming; the smell of delicious food and chatter of familiar voices would feel like a hug from an old friend. She ran up the stairs with excitement.

Without knocking on the door, she entered the apartment. The smell of baked goods filled her nostrils and a smile spread across her face at the sight of all the people bustling around the living room.

"Annabeth!" Sally exclaimed as she rushed towards the door. She embraced the girl in a tight hug that Annabeth cherished. She hadn't gotten many hugs lately. None of her go-to huggers were ever at Camp.

"It's great to see you! Thanks for inviting me," Annabeth said after they released each other.

"Of course, dear. Can I get you a hot chocolate? You're freezing."

Annabeth nodded and Sally was off again, giving hugs and hellos as she weaved her way back to the kitchen.

Annabeth spotted Thalia near the hallway and made her way over, taking in the familiarity of the space. She noticed the picture frame hanging awkwardly low on the wall next to the tv. None of the guests around knew, but it covered a hole made by Percy's elbow the time he tried skateboarding inside. Sally had been happy to share that story with Annabeth and embarrass her son. Barely visible on the full couch was a red stain from fruit punch kool aid that Percy spilled one day while the two of them were watching a movie (it may have actually been Annabeth's foot that knocked over the cup, but she would never admit to that). The stain could have been avoided if they had noticed the spill sooner, but-

"Earth to Annabeth. You good?" a voice said loudly.

Annabeth's head turned quickly at the sound and saw Thalia staring at her from her place leaning against the wall. The look on her face told her that she had missed part of their conversation.

"Sorry, zoned out," Annabeth explained, hoping Thalia wouldn't ask too much more. She had found herself zoning out a lot more than usual lately, but she didn't know if that was just her adhd or if something was wrong. Thalia probably hadn't noticed anything was up. Afterall, they never spoke outside of these occasional get-togethers.

At that time Sally arrived with a cup of hot chocolate for both of the girls and the three of them sat down to talk together. Thalia had loads of stories to share about the creatures the Hunters had killed recently and their current target, the werewolf Lycaon. Sally and Annabeth listened intently.

"I know last time you said no to the Hunt, but if things have changed and you'd like to join, the offer is still there," Thalia said to Annabeth as she finished off her hot chocolate.

The blonde girl stiffened. She hadn't thought about joining the Hunters for 2 years now. Last time the offer was made she had decided she didn't want to leave Percy (and Grover too, but that was different), but since Percy wasn't here anymore, there was nothing stopping her. She did miss seeing Thalia.

"Just think about it. You don't have to make a decision tonight," the daughter of Zeus said before getting up to join a few other Hunters in the kitchen.

Annabeth sat there, still frozen. She hadn't reconsidered joining until right now, but the more she went over it in her head, the more it seemed like a good move. Yet she still felt some unexplainable hesitancy about it.

Sally placed her warm hand on top of Annabeth's. "He made his decision. You get to make yours. Decide what you really want, sweetie," she spoke softly. It was like Sally knew exactly what Annabeth was worried about.

Suddenly tears were forming in Annabeth's eyes and she rushed to the bathroom as politely as possible, hoping to not offend Sally. Locking the door behind her, she leaned against the counter and looked at her reflection. Her face had become red faster than she ever thought possible and her cheeks were already glistening with tears.

Gods, get yourself together. It's been 5 months.

5 months of crying. 5 months of missing Percy. 5 months of zoning out while memories played in her head. 5 months of starting to wonder if she just wasn't worth it. It had been 5 months, that she was sure of.

A blur of orange in the mirror took her attention away from her splotchy face. After a moment, she could make out a golden figure through her vision, which was becoming increasingly blurry with tears. She whipped around to face it, reaching for the dagger she always kept at her hip. Before her hand could grab it, everything went black.