The Choosing (Percabeth AU)

6. Judo Flipped

Percy finally got down from the float, he loved his people yes...but waving, smiling and putting on a show was exhausting.

He noticed all the other heirs descend hastily and walk towards the man in front of the Pallas, who's name tag read "Chiron, manager".

Percy somehow managed to get through the very messy crowd of royals, went to Blackjack and removed his harness, "Hey buddy" Percy whispered, making sure no one could hear him. He didn't want to be branded as the 'creepy horse whisperer' on the very first day.
"Did you have fun ? I promise I'll get you sugar cubes in a few days once I find some."

"Nice horse" said a voice.
Percy turned around to see a blond guy with electric blue eyes.

"Thanks man. Cool steed you got there" Percy replied with a smile, pointing to the horse next to him.

The blond opened his mouth to reply ,but was cut off.

"Well, Tempest is cool and all but rein it in, party people! I'm here now !, so change the converneightion" a third voice spoke behind the blond, this one belonging to a boy who looked like a Latino elf.

"Gods Leo, stop with the puns" he said, rolling his eyes .

"Now I'm saddled with a ton more responsibility! How can I not make puns, Jason ?!", the elf replied in shock.

Jason rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to Percy.

"I'm Jason Grace. The prince of the Zeus kingdom " he said , extending his hand.

"Percy Jackson, Poseidon's heir" Percy said , shaking it.

"And if you're wondering, this hot-to-trot stud's name is, well It's Leo, Hephaestus " he said , bowing .
Before Percy could shake his hand or laugh, a huge Asian baby faced guy appeared behind Leo ,frowning.

"There you are" the boy said, as Leo turned around to face him.

"You've been pelting me with little animal figurines throughout the parade! If you don't stop, I'm going to report you for misconduct", the guy said.

"Oh get off of your high horse-" Leo began, but was hit on the head by Jason.

"He's sorry and he won't do it again", Jason apologised to the baby man "And he is going to stop with the horse puns."he added ,staring irritably at Leo

"That's alright" the big Asian boy said, seeming content with any form of apology. He shook their hands and introduced himself as Frank Zhang, from Ares's kingdom.

Frank looked at Blackjack ,correctly identifying him as a Morgan and American Quarter mixed-breed, which amazed Percy. They began talking about horses and animals while Jason seemed to be reprimininding Leo for his earlier behaviour, not really paying attention to the fascinating conversation about sea horses.

"Jackson !", a voice half screamed, stoping Percy midway in his statement about stingrays being sea pancakes.

Jason and Leo seemed to stop arguing as well, both staring at the angry looking blonde in front of them and boy...did she look mad. Her stormy grey eyes swirling with irritation, which stood out among her soft features.

He turned around to see none other than Annabeth Chase walking over to him, Jason and a terrified Leo parting a way for her .

She grabbed Percy's hand, catching him completely off guard and judo flipped him.

'Ouch' Percy thought as he collided with the pavement, for once he was glad that his suit had many layers, it managed to successfully reduce the impact of the ground .

Annabeth bent down, until she was only a few centimetres from Percy's face " I'm always first, you little cheater", she whispered, glaring at him.

Percy's breath hitched ,she was pretty he couldn't deny it. Her hair surrounded him, part of it on his forehead, it created a sort of a veil between him and his surroundings, he couldn't see the reactions of the guys.

Normally he could come up with a sarcastic reply ,but right now he couldn't, she was super close to him, like super close, so he settled for a smirk.

Annabeth then stood up straight, still glaring at him and walked away as if nothing happened.

Once their initial shock wore off, Jason walked up to Percy and offered his hand, which Percy gladly took
"You okay bro ?" Jason asked
"Bro?"
"Bro" he confirmed ,before flashing Percy with a smile.

The boys began a new conversation, about the parade ,with Percy explaining his akward encounter with an overly-flirty daughter of Aphrodite.

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Annabeth heard Thalia, who had just come over to speak with her brother, burst out laughing and give her a thumbs up.

"That's my girl!!", Luke yelled, whooping.

Annabeth laughed, flashing a grin at Luke and went towards Piper, Hazel and Reyna, whom she was talking to before she'd decided to show Percy that Athena always wins.

The royals had been beckoned to the front of the Pallas and everyone went there without hesitation, they all bonded over their need for food, a nap and a hot shower.

Just as she reached her friends, Chiron, the manager, called everybody to attention. "Welcome, children. I know you all are tired so without further ado, I would like to suggest that you all go to your rooms and rest. Gleeson Hedge will lead the boys to their respective rooms and Mellie, his wife,will do the same for the girls. Rest well, for we have arranged a campfire this evening, just so you can all get to know each other."he said, waving over a burly but short man who was shot yet terrifying and a petite young woman who seemed about his size.

Hedge turned to to guys. "Listen up cupcakes!! Follow me and I'll take you respectfully, or you'll have to get there the hard way!"

"Can he treat us like that?", Annabeth heard Jason whisper behind her.

She turned to see Percy, Frank, Leo and Jason. Thalia, who had her hand over her brother's shoulder, acknowledged her with a curt bow. "Annie", she nodded.

Annabeth laughed at Thalia's sudden formality and Thalia joined her.

"Oh once Hedge and a few other Gypsies had to stop by my kingdom and he sure did treat us that way", Piper answered Jason with a smile.

Annabeth smirked at Piper as they parted ways with the guys.

Thanks for reading!! Stay tuned!
---S&D