ｔｈｅ ｌａｓｔ ｏｌｙｍｐｉａｎ

LUCIA'S SKIN RADIATED WITH HEAT, AND GOLDEN-WHITE LIGHT OBSCURED HER VISION. She couldn't find the ground, she felt like she was floating for ages.

Then, moments after, her feet hit solid ground, the heat eased and her vision cleared.

She blinked, disoriented and confused about whatever just happened to her.

"Oh, my" A rich voice hummed "She's even more beautiful up close,"

"Beautifully tragic." Another voice said, this one was lower, holding more bass. "I mean just look at the maiden! she oozes tragedy!"

"Calliope. Melpomene." Another authoritative voice said, "Please allow my granddaughter to adjust to her travels before you throw comments at her."

"Granddaughter-" Lucia's eyebrows furrowed together, Her head snapped up. Nine women stood before her. It took her a second to realize she was on Olympus, and that the people that stood before her were none other than the nine muses.

They all stood in the cella of a temple. The building was large and spacious made up of marble limestone. Lucia stood near the entrance, from there she could see the 9 rows of ionic columns. Further into the Naos was the inner shrine in which stood nine statues, identical to the women that stood before her.

Lucia inched farther out the entrance, The windows in Olympus were dark. The streets were deserted and the doors were barred. The only movement was in the parks, which Lucia knew were set up as field hospitals.

She hid behind the walls of the cella when she saw a familiar face. Will passed the Muses temple with her other siblings. They were scrambling around, caring for the wounded.

The Gods must pay.

Lucia snapped her head back to the women and glared, "How'd I get here, what the fuck do you want?"

Calliope cringed "Such uneloquent language, Clio you should have brought her long ago to teach her the right way to speak."

"Yes, you must excuse her." Clio, her grandmother, was a tall woman. Who carried herself with elegance and authority. She was as tan as Lucia and Hyacinthus. Her black pin-straight hair reached her waist, and her eyes were a deep brown, mysterious, and carrying a heavy amount of knowledge. But Lucia got the feeling not all the knowledge she possessed was by choice. "She is not herself."

The Gods must pay.

"How would you know?" Lucia scoffed, "This is the first time you have even bothered to enter my life. So I repeat, what the fuck do you want."

One of them laughed,  "Oh I like her! Are you sure she's your grandchild Clio!"

Clio glared, "That's enough, Thalia." she turned to her "You are here because your father sent you to me, you've traveled through light."

"And why would he do that?"

"Has Kronos blinded you so?" Polymnia, muse of sacred poetry asked. "Oh how I miss when you sang your hymns,"

"Yes!" Euterpe, Muse of music, agreed "What a voice! How tragic that it keeps being silenced"

"Tragic!" Melpomene echoed

Lucia's eyebrows furrowed together, "That doesn't answer my question."

"He believes we ought to speak." Her grandmother answered, "He wants to help."

"He's 15 years too late." She hissed

"Foolish child." Clio scolded, "You children do not know of the laws dating millenniums. One as an immortal has limits to their involvements in the mortal world."

"Sounds like you're all not as powerful as you make yourself out to be." She shrugged, "Clearly since you need us to do everything for you."

The war was still going on. Lucia could hear her siblings wrapping bandages, the growls and hissings of monsters approaching, and the disco music from the elevator as it rose.

'Percy,' Annabeth said quietly. 'You were right about Luke.'

'Annabeth,' He said. 'I'm sorry—'

'You tried to tell me.' Her voice was shaky. 'Luke is no good. I didn't believe you until . . . until I heard how he'd used Silena. Now I know. I hope you're happy.'

'That doesn't make me happy.'

'Lucia....' Her voice broke, 'She—.'

'She's coming back."

'Percy' She sounded disheartened 'This time..."

'She's coming back.'

Her heart was heavy in her chest, give up Percy

"You are lucky I am not one to be angered," Clio interrupted, she held her head up high. "But I advise you to hold your tongue, others are not so imperturbable, and I for one would prefer to not lose a grandchild. I've already lost my son. Twice."

Lucia's scowled. "I have to leave."

"Leave if it is what you desire." She responded, "However your immortal father's efforts would then all be in vain."

"What efforts." She scoffed

"Think about it, Lucia." Her voice became softer. "What has given you the strength to go on."

The rage returned.

"Me!" She screamed "He isn't going to get credit for what I struggled with! I pushed through! Me! I did everything!"

She remained calm. "No one is denying that insolent child." she huffed "But while Kronos was polluting you. Another was attempting to protect you. To the best of his abilities, even if you don't think it enough."

Lucia froze,"...The memories...the happier ones...that was him?"

"It was me." She corrected, "By his decree yes but nonetheless, it was I who hoped to show you there was more to the story told by the crooked one."

"How?"

"I am the Muse of history. Memory and history are intertwined. It is why you are unable to forget, your past may be manipulated, but never forgotten. That is also why you store so much anger. It is infuriating to hold every scar inflicted on you forever, scabbed over, but never faded.."

"Well, thanks for trying but you wasted your time...."

"Because you killed that woman?." She asked,

"At least it wasn't true patricide or matricide! oh, those always end tragically for heroes!"

"Not helping Melpomene." Urania, Muse of Astronomy, huffed.

Clio ignored her sisters and continued, "Their appearance was a dirty trick implemented by the crooked one. Hecate's truth spell is one that has always caused fatal results, to say I'm shocked, would be a fib. And the crooked one, by all means, has inflamed you with a vile anger. He has long picked at your scabs, causing old wounds to bleed again, all while inflicting new ones—"

The gods must pay.

I Serve Kronos

They must pay

She growled, "I don't need a summary,"

"But I've been told that your capability to love has always been greater than hate. Aphrodite's influence is strong. And it may be a flaw that results in the end only if you allow it to be. It is not a crime to love. I have been forced to learn that through my son, even if he didn't get the benefit of choice. I am here to tell you to choose well. Because Lucia there is still a choice for you. You have not fully succumbed, and Kronos is not here to choose for you. Magic is strong, but even it has its limits...Tell me what has helped you resist up until the mortal's appearance. What caused them to have to use charmspeak so much so that it became your way of life?"

"I kept resisting.." She answered

"Why Lucia."

She hesitated, "I didn't want to hurt anyone. My friends, My family, Percy... I remembered them. I remembered how they made me feel."

"Yet it is not enough is it?" She asked "That is because you Lucia, have forgotten the missing piece. Yourself."

The gods must pay

I serve Kronos

Camp half blood is my enemy

I hate Percy Jackson

Kill Percy Jackson

They must pay

Lucia winced, and she fell to her knees. In an attempt to keep herself from screaming, she bit her lip. Drops of blood dribbled down her chin.

"I know you're deeply pained, my child," A body knelt before her "For the love of my fallen son, For my lord Apollo, and For the blood in your veins that is part mine. I will try and help you see. I will grant you the full truth, not a fragmented one. I will help you determine for yourself what is real. But after, the choice is only yours."

A gasp fell from Lucia's lips when Clio's hands found her temples. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head. And she collapsed...

☼

"DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A SERVANT AGAIN APOLLO?" Hermes asked, "You really never learn from any of your punishments"

The land the two Gods stood in was a prairie; A large open grassland with moist, rich, soil. The sun was going down, it was about mid-day as they stood along a deserted road. There was nothing for miles, but there was a single plant that thrived nearby.

The hyacinth.

"Aw don't be such a buzzkill Herm" Apollo teased, "You sound like Athena."

"Wait till I tell her you said that."

Apollo gasped "You wouldn't?"

Hermes smirked, "All I'm saying is I better not be dragged into your mess If he finds out."

Apollo rolled his eyes, "If you didn't want to help me then why'd you steal it."

He shrugged "I'm Hermes."

Apollo grumbled "Look, Ol Dad won't find out if you don't tell him. We can return the fleece once we bring him back. Badabing Badaboom, like nothing happened."

"We? You mean you. I steal. I don't return. Plus that stupid cyclops smells terrible."

"Fine. Fine." He huffed "I'll do it. Just give me the damn thing."

Hermes handed Apollo the golden fleece, it shimmered even in the evening. Sparkling and oozing with enriching power.

Apollo gladly took it. He made his way to the flower, "Finally, Finally, you will return to me, My love."

☼

"I DONT UNDERSTAND"  Hyacinthus muttered, "How have I— Where am I— This place, it is not my Sparta—"

The two men were now hidden away in a hotel. Due to how long Hyacinth was gone, he returned more than an hour after Apollo set down the fleece.

"I will explain it all." Apollo smiled wide, his white teeth almost blinding. "Anything you need babe."

Hyacinthus's eyebrows furrowed, "Babe?"

Apollo laughed, "Right, Well, It has been a long time since you've been gone. Very long. Many things have changed, but don't worry. I will do everything I can to help you to adjust before I go,"

"You have to go?" Hyacinthus voice lowered

"I do." Apollo said, "But you know this already My prince."

Hyacinthus nodded with disappointment "I do."

"Tell me." Apollo reached for his hands which lay on the bed, He pressed his lips to his knuckles. "Tell me what you desire in a life and I will grant it all to you my Hyacinth. Your new life here will be written by what you want most. Choose the name, the place, anything and everything I promise you it will be yours."

"You," He whispered

Apollo smirked, "Oh but I am yours dear. Need me to prove it?"

"No. I mean. I want you to be with me. I don't want to be alone." He frowned "I don't know this place, I don't know anything..."

"That's not possible Hyacinthus. Not in the way you desire. We must be careful my father will go ballistic if he finds out—"

"You mean to tell me he does not know!" Hyacinthus zoomed forward, "Apollo! He may hurt you!"

"Than he may." Apollo spoke with confidence "But I do not regret what I've done. I feel a piece of my heart has been returned, and perhaps I am a selfish man but it is you who makes me selfish. Millennia after Millennia, you have continued to reappear in my mind. I've tried to be complacent with your absence, but I desire your touch. your love. If I could get you back, why should I have stopped myself?"

Hyacinthus smiled. "Your words are beautiful and cause my heart to soar. Your poetry truly comes out when you do not try."

"My poetry is great all the time. I don't know what you mean."

Hyacinthus laughed. He paused to think. "I've always wanted to learn another tongue. And learn the trade of music...."

Apollo grinned, "I can make that happen."

"As for where..." Hyacinthus continued "Wherever is closest to you. That's where I want to be."

☼

"I HAVE A GIFT," Apollo said as he waltzed into Carlos' Penthouse.

Hyacinthus—Carlos jumped from his spot on the couch, He looked up at the god who invited himself into the home. A giddy smile plastered on his golden face.

"A gift?" Carlos laughed, "Do you not think you've given me enough of those, Dear, you have blessed me enough in these five years."

"I will gift you blessings as many times as I like," Apollo insisted,

"Well, Where is it?" Carlos asked

Apollo grinned "I know you get lonely when I do not come, You are a prince who deserves to continue to live like one and that is why I gifted you the talent for fame and money. But I know that is not enough for you...And now I'm not sure how often I may be able to visit...Zeus—He has been curious about my love for you Carlos Verano. I can not let him find out. Worse, I can not let him tell Hades. That is why I have thought of something, Do you want to have a baby with me?"

Carlos paused, "A baby."

Apollo nodded, "A child, Our child. A symbol of our love."

Carlos truly didn't have much to think about. The thought of a child between him and Apollo was something that felt so easy—Of course. he wanted to say. There was no hesitation for him.

It also helped that he had been feeling lonely despite all the new and exciting experiences he had encountered. And if Apollos' visits were now going to be less frequent (not that they were frequent as is) then he needed someone else. Anyone else who had a connection to him and made him feel like he wasn't alone in this world. This child was it.

"I do," Carlos said "I truly do. But...How?"

Apollo grinned, he cupped his hands together, and light emitted from his palms. "Want to see something really weird?"

☼

"SHE'S THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING IN MY LIFE." Carlos grinned as he held the infant child in his arms: The baby had big brown eyes and dark tan skin. Her brown curls were neatly brushed into two antenna-like pigtails, and sun-kissed freckles scattered her nose.

The baby babbled, hitting her palm against her Dad's cheeks.

"Don't be fooled though, she is one stubborn and moody baby. She's a handful, but when you see her smile it's all worth it."

The man on the opposite side of the desk twirled a pen, "Yes, she is adorable. But, who is the mother? The media never mentioned you were in a relationship or had a child on the way."

"She does not have a mother," Carlos explained, he never was one to be ashamed of who he loved. "But two fathers. We used a surrogate."

A look of judgment fell on the man's face, he quickly hid it away. "And is her other father in her life?"

"It is complicated."

"Always is." He said "Well this is a surprise, but not a dealbreaker. Artists have illegitimate children all the time. I have to say, Mr. Verano, You're a killer talent, I've seen some of your solo shows and your voice is bitchin'  I think if we partner up we can do amazing things, and I promise I won't stop until people can't not associate Carlos Verano with Rock and Roll. So what do you say, would you like me to manage you?"

"Yes, Mr. Davis. That would be incredible."

☼

LUCIA FROWNED, she jutted her lower lip "School bad."

"No Lucia, School is good." Carlos sighed as he bundled her into her car seat. "You have to go to school, it is written in the laws of this land."

"Papa go to work?" She asked

"Yup, Papa's going to work, and you're going to school! isn't that fun! In my time such a thing for a girl was unheard of."

"No! I go to work too! I go with Daddy! No School!"

Carlos huffed, "You are a mini Apollo, I swear."

"I sing papà! I work! Minnie Apolo!"

"No, No. You play with blocks."

The child looked almost offended, "No! Bobo Blocks!"

Carlos had made his way into the driver's seat. He looked at his daughter through the front view mirror. His eyebrows furrowed "Hey? Who taught you that!"

"Ms. Rosa." She grinned

"Remind me to get you a new Nanny." He huffed before looking back out the windshield. "You're going to school Lucia, the decision is final."

"Hmph." She angrily crossed her arms across her chest and looked out the window. "Fine. but no me gusta!" I don't like it

☼

IT WAS RECESS AND LUCIA FELT LIKE AN OUTSIDER, EVEN AT HER YOUNG AGE. She didn't feel like she fit in with the children at all, and they made sure to strengthen that belief in any way they could. In just a few short hours she had her braids pulled on, her star drawings ripped to shreds, and snitched on for not sleeping during nap time.

Now she sat in the school courtyard, eating her Sun chips in the corner as she watched the other students run off with their friends.

'You stink like butt!' Lucia heard a voice say 'go take a shower! and leave me and my cookies!'

Lucia quirked her head inquisitively, She slowly got up from her position down on the pavement. The voices led her to turn the corner of the courtyard.

There, Lucia saw two young boys about her age. One of them loomed over the other, holding a bag of blue cookies. The one on the ground looked about as red and angry as a devil. He caught Lucia's eye, his raven hair had a fresh haircut and his green eyes were stormy and almost to tears. Lucia didn't know why, but something about him made her want to help him.

"You want to eat ugly cookies!" the bully said, " they're gross! stupid!"

Lucia frowned, "Give him his cookies!" she defended "Don't be mean!

The two boys turned towards her in surprise. The one who lay on the ground stared up in awe.

"Ew! Girl!" The bully pointed at her "Cooties!"

Lucia nodded, "Yeah! Here's Cooties!" She stepped forward and in seconds, swung at the boy. He fell to the ground, his head snapping back as blood spurted from his nose.

"Woah! Awesome!"

The young boy started to cry, his howls of pain filled the courtyard. Lucia looked almost proud of herself as she snatched the ziplock bag from his grasp.

She then turned to the other boy who wouldn't stop staring at her. She offered him a hand with a giddy smile. He gladly took it.

"For you! Pretty Blue Cookies!"

He returned her smile, "Very Pretty."

"Perseus Jackson! Lucia Verano!" The teacher yelled, "What is the meaning of this!"

☼

THE TWO CHILDREN SAT IN THE OFFICE WAITING FOR THEIR PARENTS TO ARRIVE.

"MmmGoodcookies," Lucia said through a mouth full of food, she ate so many cookies her lips were now dyed blue.

"Mhmm" Percy agreed as he munched on his own "Worth it!"

Lucia beamed, "We eat cookies and go home! we win!"

The Dean cleared his throat. "No children, You do not win. You are in big trouble, we do not solve problems with violence."

"Mean boy sad." Lucia shrugged "Percy good! Cookie good! I win!"

"No!" He tried again but it was no use, the girl hadn't apologized for what she had done. And well, she wasn't going to. "Now both of you stay silent until your parents come!"

Percy giggled,

She smiled, Her face lit up with an idea "Wanna be my friend Percy? Got no friends in school. All so mean. Not you."

Percy's face lit up just like hers, a crooked smile formed on his lips. He nodded his head frantically. "Yeah! Yes!"

She clapped her hands, "I have a friend! My first friend!"

The dean tried warning them again but Lucia rolled her eyes.

"Shh!" She shushed him, "I speak with Percy! Not you!

Percy sighed dreamily, His cheek falling into his palm as he rested his elbow on the arm of the chair. "So cool."

"I will separate you two!"

Percy scowled, "She said shush mister! didn't ya hear!"

"What happened!" Carlos burst in through the double doors. A woman trailed in behind him. "Is she alright!"

"Percy!" The woman called, she ran to crouch down in front of him. Her hands frantically moved his head, looking for any sort of injury. "Son, what happened? Are you hurt?"

"No. Don' worry." Lucia told the woman "Percy safe and tummy full of blue cookies! Not sad! Happy with best friend!"

The woman looked at her. An amused smile formed on her face. "Oh yeah?"

"Yes they may be Happy and Safe, But these children are in very serious trouble." The Dean scolded "Today your child punched another student during recess. They say it was because the student took away their blue cookies, and called them gross. But I am sure you understand that this behavior is unacceptable."

"Percy!" Sally reprimanded,

Percy shook his head, She pointed towards Lucia. "Not me. She's the hero. Rescue me and my cookies."

"Lucia?!" Carlos parroted sally's tone

"Meanie down." She shrugged "But!" She wrapped an arm around the boy's shoulder. "Friend!"

"Mommy." Percy leaned in, wrapping an arm around her own shoulder. "This is Lucia."

Lucia beamed "Papa! This is Percy!"

The dean huffed in annoyance, "If you could please come with me so we can speak on the best way to go about their punishment. "

Lucia giggled, the Dean's words weren't affecting her in the slightest. She was too giddy, too excited. she whispered into Percy's ear...

"Don' worry Perce, together we win."

☼

"PERCY, PERCY!" Lucia screamed, she hopped on the couch. "Patrick and Spongebob are going to get beat up by sandy!"

"Wait!" He screamed from the kitchen "I'm getting cookies!"

"HURRY!" She said, "She ripped Patrick's forehead off!!!"

Percy practically zoomed over to the couch, "Awesome!"

"Hey!" She crossed her arms across her chest, "Did you get the goodies!"

Percy rolled his eyes, he sat himself down on the couch. Setting the platter of cookies on the coffee table and handing Lucia the bag of gummy bears.

She clapped happily before plopping down next to him. "Yay!" Her gaze fell back on the tv. "Oh, she's gonna get them!" She cackled loudly "Run SpongeBob!"

"Reminds me of you."

She smacked his arm "Hey!"

"What's going on here."

The two children jumped, behind them appeared the lazy drunkard. He just got home from the liquor store, a six-pack in his hand. "Get the fuck out! This is my TV!"

"Gabe," Sally sighed, she stepped out of her room. "You're back early."

"Yeah, I am!" He raged "Why are they in my spot? You're lucky I even let that stupid girl come over! get get! Move your damn kiesters! Sally what's wrong with you!"

Percy frowned, his hand forming into fists. Cookie crumbs fell onto the couch.

Lucia reached over and wrapped her hand around his fist. She spoke calmly. "Sorry Hediondo, We will go."  smelly

Sally nodded, She helped pick the platter up for the children and guided them to Percy's bedroom. "You stay here alright? I'll come back when your Dad is here Lucia but don't, don't come out until then."

Percy stayed silent. Sally sadly caressed her son's cheek and set the platter on the dresser. She closed the door, and Lucia could hear it lock. Soon after, Gabe's screaming followed.

Percy looked down, his fist still in Lucia's hand. She let go and wrapped her arms around him. The boy began to cry.

Lucia guided him to sit on his bed. She rested his head on her shoulder. "just wait! that hediondo is gonna get a bloody nose!"

"No." Percy shook his head, tears spilling down his cheeks. "No, Don't want him to hurt you too."

Lucia frowned, "Too?"

He jutted his bottom lip out.

Lucia felt her heart constrict. Seeing Percy sad made her sad.

She smiled, "Come with me."

Lucia guided Percy to the window. She moved the curtain, allowing sunlight to seep into the room.

"You see that." She pointed to the sun.

Percy squinted, but did his best to look up "The sun?"

Lucia nodded, "Papa always says the sun loves me. And if he loves me and protects me. He has to do the same for you. Because you're my best friend. So whenever you're sad, whenever you're scared. Look for Sunlight." She looked up gazing out the window. The light shimmered on her. "And when it's dark, it's okay, the light is still there and always comes to shine again."

A smile formed on Percy's lips, "Lucia? How do you say light in Spanish?"

She scrunched her nose up."Ehhh. I think it was close to my name! I think—hmmm. Oh! I got it! It's Luz!"

"Luz." Percy smiled, he smoothed down the wrinkles on her nose with his finger. "Can I call you that? Like Perce?"

She quirked an eyebrow "Why Luz?"

"Because you're like light. You make the dark, bright."

Lucia felt her cheeks ache from how wide she smiled. She was lucky to have such a special friend. To have someone who she could count on no matter what.

She nodded,

Percy grinned, "Wanna eat some cookies, Luz?."

"You don't have to tell me twice!"

MEANWHILE

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN I NEED A WIFE!" Carlos scoffed, "Don't be ridiculous?! I'm here to make music. And you know that I don't...That I'd rather have a husband."

"Yes yes." Davis scowled "I'm aware, But you can continue whatever that is behind closed doors. In the public eye, you need someone, Especially because you're a father. Single parents get the sympathy listens yeah but two famous artists raising a child together... That's going to shoot you up the charts. And would even build a great foundation for Lucia in the future. Trust me Carlos it's all about the PR, it's not personal. It won't affect you whatsoever besides a woman being in the house. Who knows! it could be good for Lucia to have a mother figure! Look the story is going to be easy. Lucia's original mother is dead, and her new and famous stepmother joins the family and offers the little girl what can not be offered by her father. Happy and Perfect rock and roll family for all the magazines to see. Deal?"  

"I—"

"I also have to remind you, That we have a contract. I am here to decide what's best for your career."

"It's not Personal?" He asked, "Only for publicity?"

Davis nodded

"But what woman would ever agree to be in a loveless marriage?" He hesitated "If I'm not wrong, it's not about business deals anymore. Love matters."

"Maybe for wusses!" Davis cackled "Don't you worry, This woman, she only wants one thing. Love is not on her mind. She's ambitious: only wants fame and fortune. She's a bit of a jealous one but you won't have to worry about that since it won't be real."

"And who is this woman?"

"...Have you ever heard of Agatha Knight?"

☼

LUCIA SLAMMED HER BACK AGAINST THE TREE. she tried steadying her breath, but tears just kept spilling down.

She had long left the funeral procession and ran into the woods. She was angry at how many people had shown up, so many people she didn't know, so many people that were only here for a name instead of a person. She had become tired of the paparazzi, of the lenses forced into her face. She just wanted a place to cry, a place to properly mourn.

Lucia heard the shuffling of leaves, Someone was calling for her.

"Luz!" The young boy called "Luz, you here?"

I don't want him to see me like this

The sun shone down on her like a spotlight.

"Luz!" When he found her, he ran over immediately. He stopped in front of her and crouched beside her.

Lucia looked away, "Percy, go" she whispered

He frowned and sat down properly. "We don't have to talk."

She shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I'm not happy Percy, You gotta go."

"I don't want to go."

"I can't be Luz for you right now—" Her lip trembled,

"You're always Luz for me." He said,

Lucia pouted, her eyes pooled with tears. She turned to look at him. "Always?"

He nodded,

"Perce—" She cried, "I miss him!" She collapsed into his embrace. Her young body was wracked with sobs. "Why'd he leave me? why didn't he want to stay with me? what did I do!"

Percy frowned, he rubbed her back. "I don't know Luz, I don't know..."

"Agatha said he wasn't happy," She sniffled, she rubbed at her eyes "She said I was a bad daughter. I ruined his life!." A sob escaped her. "I don't understand! What did I do!"

Lucia clung to Percy's black sweater, Her eyes rimmed red.

"You weren't." Percy furrowed his eyebrows, he hesitated "I don't understand a lot too. But, I know your dad loves you. everyone does!"

"Not Agatha." She looked down, "She's mean...She hates me..."

Percy rolled his eyes, "Well I hate her then."

She giggled, Laughter replacing the sobs.

She hiccuped, "Perce."

"Yeah Luz?"

"Promise me," Her eyebrows furrowed in distress, her face puffy and stained with dried tears. He wiped away the new ones that emerged. "Promise me you'll never leave me."

Percy frowned,

"I won't ruin your life." She cried "I won't be a bad friend. I won't I promise, so please don't leave me."

"I won't. I promise," He stuck his pinky out." I won't ever leave you, Luz."

☼

"THE DEFENDANT IS FOUND GUILTY OF 5TH-DEGREE ARSON AND PROPERTY DAMAGE."  The judge declared, "For this misdemeanor, the defendant shall be placed in a Military academy for 5 years until further examination."

Lucia stood over the defendant's table. Dressed in a black dress, she hugged herself, wrapping the white cardigan around her shivering body. The defendant is found guilty.

The gavel hit the sound block.

☼

"NO! NO!" Will complained, he snatched the herbs from Lucia's hands. "That is Goldenseal! not mint!"

She huffed, "It's a leaf!"

"Yeah and high doses of that leaf can be poisonous!" Will set it down on the desk.

"Yikes." Lucia backed away "See this is why I'm a coffee girl,"

Will rolled his eyes, "Yeah well coffee won't help you fight against a cold. Now remake the tea."

"Yes doc," Lucia saluted dramatically, She picked the right herbs up. Throwing them into the mortar before grinding them together with a pestle.

"Good!" Will smiled, "See you are a child of Apollo."

She scoffed, "You doubted it."

"Your sutures were abominable." He teased,

"Hey!" She complained, "I have other talents."

"Yeah yeah, flashlight,"

Lucia gasped. She grabbed her little brother by the shoulder and messed up his hair with her fist. "I may be a flashlight but you're just the camps underpaid healthcare!"

"I don't get paid at all!"

"Exactly!" She laughed, before getting back to the tea. She picked up the kettle and a tea strainer shaped like a star. "You know what, just wait I'm going to make you a name tag. From this point on it's your official title."

"Fine, But take out the underpaid part."

She booed him, "What a buzzkill!"

☼

"GOLDEN GIRL,"  Ethan called. He followed behind her as she made her way out of the ship's training room. "Hey."

She turned, and Lucia smiled slightly "Yes?"

"You did good in there." He complimented, "You should be proud of yourself."

The cries of the demigod rang in Lucia's ears.

I Serve Kronos

"Yeah..." She said. "Thank you, I am."

"You've been doing well." He continued, "You're.. incredible."

I hate Percy Jackson

Camp Half-Blood is the enemy.

She smirked, "Why exactly did you follow me out here E?"

"Oh," He smiled, "Do I have to spell it out for you?"

She chuckled and took a step forward. Her arms wrapped around his neck. Their lips met. "You can't ever wait, can you?."

"What can I say," He pulled her in closer "I can't get enough of you."

Lucia opened her mouth to speak, but the scent of saltwater filled her senses. Droplets of cold sea water splashed her face. The boat rocked, and the heat of the sun fell over Lucia.

She pulled away from Ethan. A gasp fell from her lips.

Her gaze fell out to the sea and suddenly her face fell.

"Kronos also ordered another meeting with Hecate." Ethan informed, "He told me you were to go right after training.."

The gods must pay

I serve Kronos

Camp half blood is my enemy

I hate Percy Jackson

Kill Percy Jackson

They must pay

Lucia shook her head, her face became blank. She looked up to see a flash of guilt on Ethan's face, but it went as fast as it came.

"Right, Of course." She nodded, she faked a smile "I'll see you E.."

Lucia walked to the door at the very end of the upper deck, which led down to the morgue. Before she could make herself go, her gaze fell back onto the water...

"Lucia." Hecate called, "Come here."

Come Here

The two words held a gravitational pull, Lucia couldn't fight against them. She looked down at the darkness of the staircase.

"Yes, I'm going."

☼

"YOU HAVE BROKEN EVERY RULE!" Zeus yelled from his throne. Apollo stood before him in the palace of Olympus. He was shrunk down in size compared to the king of the gods. "I should strip you of everything! How dare you go against ancient laws! How dare you defy me!"

"Father—"

"No Apollo! You are lucky we are to deal with the threat of  Typhon and the inconvenience of Kronos, But just know you are on thin ice. And your daughter, you are lucky I do not strike her down as we speak! She is a traitor!" Lightning crackled off Zeus' white beard

"She is being manipulated," Apollo begged, "Father please, She is my child. Just give me time. She will see reason."

"She is a child that was never supposed to exist." Zeus huffed,

"Like Thalia?" Apollo quipped,

Lightning crackled louder, "Phoebus Apollon!"

"Okay okay!" He raised his hands in surrender, "So that wasn't the best thing to say!"

Athena walked into the throne room. Her usual calm composure replaced by one with urgency. "He is advancing, We must take action now."

Zeus growled, he looked at Apollo one last time. "This will be discussed after..."

☼

"HEY,  LITTLE STAR."

Lucia stood frozen, she couldn't speak or move but she watched her father as he stood in front of her. They were in a verdant field. The same one in Sparta where Hyacinthus died. A crystal clear spring of water stood a few feet away. The sky above her was cerulean and illuminated golden hues of sunlight.

"I don't have much time." He explained

"So you're gonna just have to listen alright? I know you know about your dad, Hyacinthus. And if Clio listened correctly then you should already know how he ended up being your father—That is if she listened, She still holds a grudge and gets all moody from time to time. which fair but I mean! He wanted me too! Not my fault I'm hot, awesome, and desirable no? Anyways, Your dad—Your other dad. He was desirable too, he was known for his beauty. And Zephyros, That bastard, was in love with him. His jealousy took him from me. Everyone wanted to claim the great spartan prince Hyacinthus. And I guess, history repeated itself when he came back...I know I've messed up. I brought him back only to neglect him. Only for him to be taken from me again, taken from you. But the only thing I wanted, was to reunite with him. And you. You are the product of what we had. So I don't regret it...I guess, What I'm trying to say is, I let my feelings cloud my judgment, sorry about passing that down by the way. And I get it if you're mad at me kid. But I never stopped loving your dad. And I will always try and look out for you in the ways I can. I know you're all freaked out about killing that lady, but back in my days that was called avenging! Wait-No. I have to teach you to not murder people don't I? Well, just make sure no more mortals. It's hard to defend that during trials. About Hyacinthus. He's in the fields of Elysian if you were wondering. And I think he's gonna try for rebirth soon. I hope he does, he deserves a second—third chance. You know what they say third time is the charm!—Oh! I have to go! Typhon's going to destroy New York! But-Yeah! Uh-Be good! Remember no more killing mortals! And about that manager guy! Try not to mention that happened, Kinda broke the rules there involving myself. But hey! You know what they say! Everyone loves a rule-breaker! they say that right? Oh! Shit! Yeah, gotta go! Bye, little star! I hope to see you soon..."