Forgiven

Aletheia's Decision

This chapter is dedicated to @simonisapanda for giving me the inspiration to turn this into a series. Check out his book After Tartarus, it's really good from what I've read so far.

Annabeth POV

Oh my gods. Percy was alive, and didn't hate me, when I'd been so sure he would. I almost killed him, and he didn't hate me. Percy was the best boyfriend, best friend, and most of all, he was a part of me. I would've felt HORRIBLE if he died by my hand. I was shaking from the tension releasing, uncontrollable tears pouring out of my eyes from relief. Percy was alive.

"I'll give you two some space." Chiron said and walked out of the room.

There was still one thing to take care of. "Uh. Percy..."

"Yeah?" he said groggily.

"Poseidon kinda threatened me while you were out... He said if you didn't wake up and agree that it wasn't my fault, he would punish me. So... should we Iris Message him?" I said hesitantly.

"Yes, yes, gods yes! It was an accident! You wouldn't do that on purpose!" he said defiantly.

I nodded. "Let's IM Poseidon."

We didn't have to, though, as Poseidon suddenly appeared in the room with an unknown woman.

"I brought Aletheia, goddess of truth. She will determine if you actually believe she did it on accident, no doubt about it." Poseidon said. He was in his typical Hawaiian shirt and khakis, except he had an angry aura about him, most likely directed to me.

"Let's get to it, then." Poseidon said impatiently. "Percy, in one sentence state what you believe. If you have any doubts, Aletheia will tell me and Annabeth will get the punishment."

Percy took a deep breath. "I believe that Annabeth Chase did not hurt me on purpose."

Aletheia spoke. "He doubts." she said flatly.

"That settles it, then. Come with me, Annabeth. Your punishment will be once a week." Poseidon said coldly. As I walked away from Percy, I met his eyes, mine now clouded with tears. He thought I did it on purpose, and even if it was just a shadow of a doubt, that stung. I turned around and followed Poseidon, hoping the punishment wouldn't be too bad, as that was the only thing I could do.

Percy POV

That look Annabeth gave me on the way out pained me in so many ways. Before I'd had a sneaking suspicion that Annabeth had stabbed me on purpose. Now Annabeth probably hated me, or at least distrusted me. I layed back down on the bed and sighed, putting my hands over my eyes. Chiron walked in.

"What happened, Percy?" Chiron asked.

"She's facing punishment from one of the Big Three, which could mean death. And it's my fault. I had doubts about her, and now she probably hates me. And don't go off spouting advice, because really, I don't think you can help with this situation." I said coolly.

"I just want to tell you, you're free to leave the infirmary. Your wound is healed enough, just don't do anything too physical." Chiron said.

I got up and ran to my cabin. What had I done?