The Rise of Gaea

Percy 31

     When Percy opened his eyes, he couldn't help but wonder if he was dreaming.

     Sally Jackson was leaning over him, dabbing at his forehead with a cool cloth.

     "Mom?" he croaked. "How did you get in?"

     She smiled at him, though her eyes revealed her worry. "Your father let me in. How are you feeling?"

     Percy ran a mental assessment over himself. His whole body was sore, his head ached, and his chest felt like it had been hit by a fireball. "Okay." He lied, smiling back at her.

     His mouth tasted like blue cookies, but he didn't remember eating any. Must be the nectar. Annabeth didn't seem to be anywhere nearby, but the presence of his mother was enough to keep Percy calm.

     "Where's Annabeth?" he asked.

     "Don't worry." Sally soothed. "She's with Luke and Thalia right now. I had some... sad news for her."

     Percy frowned. "Like what?"

     "Her father died in a school shooting at the college where he was teaching." Sally said softly.

     Percy felt awful. Annabeth was grieving, and he wasn't there for her! Sure, she hadn't had the best relationship with her dad, but that didn't change the fact that he was her parent. She must be heartbroken.

     Percy sat up, wincing at the onslaught of dizziness, and got to his feet.

     "Percy, you need to rest-"

     "Annabeth needs me." Percy interrupted firmly.

     Sally looked at him, pride in her gaze. "Then go. Just be careful with yourself."

     Percy made his way out of the infirmary, and found Annabeth, Thalia, and Luke. Annabeth wasn't crying, but tear tracks glimmered on her face. Luke and Thalia had their arms around her.

     "Annabeth?" Percy said hesitantly. Seeing her now made him realize he wasn't sure how she'd take his presence.

     She'd seen him destroy Gaea, and probably had correctly assumed he'd done the same with Tartarus. She might be scared, or uncomfortable around him.

     Annabeth looked up, and then launched herself into his arms. She smelled like his soap, and the thought filled him with a sort of giddy pride as he comforted her.

     "I'm here for you, Wise Girl."

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     Athena didn't fidget, or sigh, or tap her foot, but Percy could tell she was getting impatient. He crossed his fingers, hoping Luke and Thalia would arrive before the goddess blew him to smithereens.

     Finally, the tardy pair in question traipsed into the Big House, looking like a newlywed couple from the way they giggled and whispered. They soon quieted when they saw Athena and Percy waiting for them, and sat down.

     Percy laced his fingers nervously, feeling like a clichéd movie character as he said, "I'm guessing you're all wondering why I've gathered you here today."

     Luke and Thalia nodded, grinning at his choice of words, while Athena remained stoic.

     Percy cleared his throat, wanting to get it over with. "Annabeth considers the three of you her parents. Seeing as her dad... isn't here, I thought it would be appropriate to ask you for your blessing to marry her."

     Luke choked, and Thalia thumped him on the back.

     "You have my blessing!" Luke assured him as soon as he could breathe. "I truly believe that you really care about her. Even if the many times you've sacrificed for her didn't count, braving Tartarus for her sweeps everything away. I know we may not have been friends before, but by fighting through hell with you, I've come to know you for the courageous, loyal, strong and compassionate person you are. 

     I couldn't hand-make someone better suited for Annabeth than you are. She needs someone who will fight her battles beside her, not for her, and you have done that countless times. I believe you love each other very much, and that you will do your best to make her happy."

     Percy blinked back tears, touched deeply by Luke's speech.

     He turned to Thalia, and to his surprise, saw tears running down her face.

     "You two are so perfect for each other." She said in a choked voice. "Annabeth needs someone who knows how amazing she is and respects her, and Percy, you practically worship her. I am honored to give you my blessing." She broke down, and Luke rubbed her shoulder.

     Percy turned to Athena, who had remained silent. "Athena? Do I have your permission to marry your daughter?"

     It was then that she spoke the word he had dreaded hearing.

     "No."