Beyond the Storm: A Percabeth Collection

Meet the Jacksons

Annabeth Chase had faced monsters, gods, Titans, and the occasional angry Olympian, but nothing quite prepared her for this: a full-fledged Jackson family Christmas gathering.

When Percy had invited her to spend the holiday with him and his family, she had assumed it would just be Sally, Paul, and maybe a neighbor or two. She hadn't expected half of Percy's extended family to cram into the cozy Jackson apartment, bringing enough food to feed an army and more chaos than even the campfire sing-alongs at Camp Half-Blood.

Annabeth was standing in the kitchen, helping Sally arrange the dessert table. She was genuinely enjoying herself, laughing at something Paul had said when she heard the sound of hurried footsteps behind her.

"Annabeth, Annabeth, I need your help!" Percy's voice was full of exaggerated urgency.

Annabeth raised an eyebrow and turned around. "What now, Seaweed Brain?"

Percy grabbed her by the wrist and tugged her toward the living room. "Just trust me, you'll thank me later. It's important!"

Annabeth, both amused and slightly confused, let herself be dragged along. "If you break something, I'm not helping you clean it up."

"I swear, you'll love this. Come on!" Percy said, practically pulling her into the living room.

She froze when she saw what he had in mind. Percy had set up what could only be described as an obstacle course made entirely out of holiday decorations. String lights were draped haphazardly across the floor, a pile of wrapping paper tubes formed an impromptu wall, and a few of Sally's fluffy throw pillows were scattered across the floor like landmines.

Percy, wearing an expression of sheer excitement, pointed dramatically at the obstacle course. "Annabeth Chase, I challenge you to a Christmas Eve race!"

"You've got to be kidding me," Annabeth said, already trying to hold back her laughter. "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen."

Percy's grin only widened. "That's what makes it fun! You can't back out now. I'm totally winning this one."

"Oh, really?" Annabeth said, crossing her arms. "You think I'll let you win? I'm the daughter of Athena, remember?"

"Don't care," Percy shot back. "I've got speed on my side. Ready? Set. Go!"

Before Annabeth could even respond, Percy dashed off toward the start line, weaving through the string lights. Annabeth, not one to back down from a challenge, followed close behind, hopping over the pillows with surprising agility.

The living room echoed with their laughter as they darted around, both avoiding the tangle of decorations as best as they could. Annabeth had nearly caught up to Percy when she stepped on a rogue candy cane ornament and went flying forward.

"Whoa!" she gasped, but before she could fall flat on her face, Percy was there, catching her in a tight grip.

Annabeth's breath hitched for a moment as their faces were inches apart, her heart racing from both the near-fall and the proximity.

"I got you," Percy whispered, a little breathless. "You okay?"

Annabeth nodded, but her cheeks were flushed. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine."

Percy smirked, clearly pleased with himself. "You know, you're just lucky I'm here to save you. It's all part of the plan."

She rolled her eyes, but her smile softened as she stood up and adjusted her sweater. "You're lucky you didn't break something."

"Hey, that's my superpower. Saving people. You should be grateful," he teased.

Annabeth laughed, shaking her head. "Yeah, yeah. You're such a show-off."