An Assassin's Guide to Family

Chapter 15: Past

---------------- Percy's POV: ----------------

I'd arrived at camp the next morning, the warm morning air greeted me once Blackjack landed in the dewy grass at the center of camp.

I took in a deep breath, the air of camp was something so refreshing, carrying so many memories that it was hard to describe most of the time. It was something so ethereal that it seemed to transcend reality, but I suppose for somewhere where the gods and humans and made a whole new thing, it was easy to see why the area could hold such properties.

Kids around us looked towards us, some giving me a wave and a greeting. I tried my best to respond.

"Boss! Your new home is sooo cool! I bet you have lots of sugar cubes now!" I combed my fingers through his mane, giving him a smile and a nod.

"I have so many sugar cubes, my brother loves to put them in his coffee," I said, pushing myself off his back as I pulled some cubes out of my pocket, extending my flat palm out to him as he began to eat the sugar off my hand.

Blackjack waited to respond, happily licking up the morcels of sugars. "He's a man of culture I see!" He finally said, shaking his head as he stomped a hoof. I let out a short laugh.

"You could definitely say that."

"Percy!" My attention turned to the side, my hand retracting from it's spot in the air as I spotted Annabeth jogging over, a bright smile on her face as she came closer, her hair was down from it's usual ponytail, displaying her long flowing hair.

She treaded to a stop, her arms immediately finding their way around me as she pulled me in for a tight hug. I tried to hug back but she stopped me, pulling her arms back so fast I'd thought something was wrong. She placed a hand up as she looked at me with wide eyes, her hand going into her pocket.

"I know for a fact that you weren't about to hug me with your hand covered in horse slobber." She pulled out a small alcohol wipe, waiting to hug me as I wiped my hand down in front of her, making sure to do a thorough job. When I finished I placed the towelette back in the package before shoving it in my pocket and wrapping Annabeth in a hug.

The smell of new books and lemons practically surrounded her, encasing me in a warm feeling as my body began to relax. Her grip was tight, and I could tell that this was a silent message that she'd missed me.

We stood there for a while before she pulled back. "Don't take this the wrong way, but why're you here? This doesn't line up with your usual visit dates, though I suppose you've been MIA for months now." I didn't miss the short guilting tone but it was understandable, Annabeth always liked predictability, and it helped her with coming up with plans. It was something I personally loved about her.

"I'm sorry about that Beth, something-" I paused, momentarily collecting myself. "something came up, I've been in a pretty messed up spot. Lots of moving parts." Annabeth's smile immediately dropped, instead replaced by concern.

"Percy is it about-" I stopped her, instead nodding.

"Mom is... Gabe's behind bars. I'm with my uncle now." Annabeth placed a hand over her mouth before wrapping me up in another hug.

"Percy, are you okay?" she rubbed a circle on my back gently, something that was comforting enough to keep me centered.

"I'm okay," I mumbled, closing my eyes as I kept my voice steady. "I have a family." I smiled as she pulled back, a hopeful look in her eyes. "mom had a brother. I have an uncle and 3 brothers. They're a handful but it's nice." Annabeth smiled, placing her hand carefully on my cheek. I leaned into the warmth.