Love Against All Odds

Percy - Farewell on Half-Blood Hill

The rest of the summer slipped by, and an unusual familiarity settled over the camp. 

Oskar's departure came earlier than expected, catching Percy off guard. It was a departure shrouded in mystery, leaving Percy to speculate on its reasons.

Percy couldn't help but wonder if Oskar needed some time for himself, a chance to process Nico's departure and find his footing once again. 

With Oskar's absence, the atmosphere at camp felt subtly altered, like a piece of the puzzle had been removed, leaving behind a noticeable void. Percy found himself missing Oskar's presence more than he had anticipated. Oskar had a way with words, a knack for knowing what to say. Percy couldn't help but think that Oskar would know how to comfort Annabeth and ease her worries and fears. Oskar always knew what to say, and Percy wished for his friend's reassuring presence more than ever.

As Percy navigated through his days at camp, he couldn't help but notice the change in Zoe's behaviour since Oskar's departure. Once a regular attendee at campfire gatherings, she now seemed to keep to herself more often, her solitary figure a stark contrast to the lively camaraderie that had characterized their gatherings. Yet, despite her withdrawal from social activities, Percy couldn't deny Zoe's prowess as a teacher. Her training sessions were rigorous, and the intensity she brought to each session was palpable. Under her guidance, Percy observed a marked improvement in the skills of the half-bloods at camp, their movements growing sharper, their reflexes quicker.

Though Zoe's demeanour remained severe, her commitment to training her charges was unwavering. As Percy watched the half-bloods grow and thrive under her tutelage, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Zoe's presence at camp. 

Percy maintained his daily routines: archery, rock climbing, and flying on Pegasus. They continued their rounds of capturing the flag, though everyone avoided Zeus's wrath. Evenings were filled with campfire songs, chariot races, and pranks on neighbouring cabins. Percy found solace in spending time with Tyson, often entertaining themselves with Mrs O'Leary, who still mourned her former master. His relationship with Annabeth remained complicated, filled with both joy and pain, the sting of which lingered long after she was gone.

Percy longed to talk to Annabeth about Kronos, but the mention of Luke always halted the conversation. It was a topic too risky to broach, risking closure from Annabeth altogether.

As July slipped away with beachside fireworks on the Fourth, August brought sweltering heat that even began to affect the strawberries in the fields. 

Finally, the last day of camp arrived, signalled by a standard letter warning that they would be cleaned if anyone overstayed their welcome past noon.

At ten, Percy stood atop Half-Blood Hill, waiting for the camp van to take him to the city. He had arranged for Mrs. O'Leary to stay under Chiron's care while he and Tyson would visit her throughout the year.

He had hoped Annabeth would join him, but she only came to bid farewell. She mentioned staying longer to help Chiron until his leg healed completely and continuing to study Daedalus's laptop, which had captured her interest for the past few months. 

Then, she would return to her father's home in San Francisco.

"There's a private school out there that I'll be attending," she mentioned. "I'll probably hate it, but..." Her voice trailed off with a shrug.

"Yeah, well, promise to keep in touch, okay?" Percy asked.

"Sure," she replied half-heartedly. "I'll keep my eyes open for..."

Once again, Luke's name hung in the air, causing a wave of pain and worry.

"Annabeth," Percy interrupted. "What was the rest of the prophecy?"

She looked out into the distance, remaining silent.

"You shall delve into the darkness of the endless maze," Percy recalled. "The dead, the traitor, and the lost one raise. Oskar and Nico brought back many from the dead, saved Ethan Nakamura, who turned out to be a traitor, and summoned the spirit of Pan, the lost one."

Annabeth shook her head, silently pleading for him to stop.

"You shall rise or fall by the ghost king's hand," Percy continued. "It wasn't Minos; it was Nico. And the child of Athena's final stand—that was Daedalus."

"Percy—"

"Destroy with a hero's final breath," Percy persisted. "It makes sense now. Daedalus sacrificed himself to destroy the Labyrinth. But what about the last—"

"And lose a love to worse than death," Annabeth interjected, tears filling her eyes. "That was the final line, Percy. Are you satisfied now?"

The sun's warmth seemed to vanish, leaving a chill. 

"Oh," Percy murmured. "So, Luke—"

"Percy, I didn't know who the prophecy referred to. I—I didn't know if..." Her voice faltered, trailing off helplessly. "Luke and I—for years, he was the only one who truly cared about me. I thought..."

Before she could continue, a shimmering light appeared beside them, revealing a tall woman in a white dress with braided dark hair—Hera.

"Hera," Annabeth breathed.

The goddess offered a gentle smile. 

"You have found the answers, just as I anticipated. Your quest was a triumph."

"A triumph?" Annabeth questioned. "Luke is gone. Daedalus is gone. Pan is gone. How is that—"

"Our family is safe," Hera insisted. "Those others are better off gone, my dear. I am proud of you."

Percy clenched his fists in disbelief. "You're the one who bribed Geryon to let us pass through the ranch, weren't you?"

Hera shrugged, her gown shimmering. 

"I sought to expedite your journey."

"But you didn't care about Nico. You were content to see him handed over to the Titans."

"Oh, please," Hera waved her hand dismissively. "The son of Hades himself acknowledged it. No one desires his presence. It was always best with one son of Hades, and at least we have been left with the better-looking one."

"Hephaestus was right," Percy snarled. "You only care about your perfect family, not real people."

Hera's eyes blazed dangerously. 

"Be cautious, son of Poseidon. I guided you in the maze more than you realized. I stood by your side against Geryon. I ensured your arrow flew true. I facilitated your path to the Titan's mountain. Annabeth, my dear, surely you recognize my aid. I would appreciate a sacrifice in return for my efforts."

Annabeth stood firm. 

"Percy is right," she declared, turning her back on the goddess. "You are the one who doesn't belong, Queen Hera. So next time, thanks...but no thanks."

Hera's expression twisted into a malevolent sneer as she began to radiate with light. 

"You will regret this insult, Annabeth. You will regret it greatly."

As Hera vanished in a blaze of light, the hilltop returned to its calm state. Peleus, the dragon, slept peacefully under the Golden Fleece as if nothing had happened.

"I'm sorry," Annabeth said to Percy. "I—I should go back. I'll keep in touch."

"Listen, Annabeth—" Percy wanted to talk about everything—the events at Mount St. Helens, Calypso's Island, Luke, and Rachel Elizabeth Dare. 

But Argus honked his horn from down the road before he could, and Percy missed his chance.

"You should go," Annabeth urged. "Take care, Seaweed Brain."

She jogged down the hill, disappearing into the cabins without looking back.