ｔｈｅ ｌａｓｔ ｏｌｙｍｐｉａｎ

"NOBODY STEALS MY PEGASUS" Percy grumbled over and over as they ran for the river. He was outraged, fuming in fact. 

Lucia tried to reassure him that they'd get him back but he was so pissed off that he just kept cursing under his breath.

The traffic was horrible. Everybody was out on the streets gawking at the war zone damage. Police sirens wailed on every block. There was no possibility of catching a cab, and the pegasi had flown away. Lucia thought of the Party Ponies, but they had disappeared along with most of the root beer in Midtown. So they ran, pushing through mobs of dazed mortals that clogged the sidewalks.

"She'll never get through the defenses," Annabeth said. "Peleus will eat her."

Lucia and Percy looked at each other, they hadn't considered that. The Mist wouldn't fool Rachel like it would most people. She'd be able to find the camp with no problem, but Lucia was hoping the magical boundaries would just keep her out like a force field. It hadn't occurred to her that Peleus might attack. She wasn't the closest to the girl, but she sure didn't want to see her lifeless body on top of half-blood hill.

"We have to hurry," Percy glanced at Nico. "I don't suppose you could conjure up some skeleton horses."

He wheezed as he ran. "So tired . . . couldn't summon a dog bone."

Lucia rubbed his back as he caught his breath, "It's alright. Drink your soda, you need the sugar."

Nico looked embarrassed of her doting but without a word took a sip from the drink he had yet to throw out.

They scrambled over the embankment to the shore, and Percy let out a loud whistle.

Lucia knew he hated to do it. Even with the sand dollar he'd given the East River, the water was still pretty gross and polluted. But despite the risk of getting sick, the sea animals came when they were called by Percy.

Three wake lines appeared in the gray water, and a pod of hippocampi broke the surface. They whinnied unhappily, shaking the river muck from their manes. They were beautiful creatures, with multicolored fishtails, and the heads and forelegs of white stallions. The hippocampus in front was much larger than the others. Lucia recalled Percy telling her that Annabeth, Tyson, and he received help from them in their quest to the sea of monsters.

"Rainbow!" Percy called. "How's it going, buddy?"

He neighed a complaint.

"Yeah, I'm sorry," He said. "But it's an emergency. We need to get to camp."

He snorted.

"Tyson?" He said. "Tyson is fine! I'm sorry he's not here. He's a big general now in the Cyclops army."

"NEEEEIGGGGH!"

"Yeah, I'm sure he'll still bring you apples. Now, about that ride . . ."

In no time, Annabeth, Nico, Percy, and Lucia were zipping up the East River faster than Jet Skis. They sped under the Throgs Neck Bridge and headed for Long Island Sound.

It seemed like forever until they saw the beach at camp. They thanked the hippocampi and waded ashore, only to find Argus waiting for them. He stood in the sand with his arms crossed, his hundred eyes glaring at them.

"Is she here?" Lucia asked.

He nodded grimly.

"Is everything okay?" Annabeth said. Argus shook his head.

They followed him up the trail. It was surreal being back at camp, because everything looked so peaceful: no burning buildings, no wounded fighters. The cabins were bright in the sunshine, and the fields glittered with dew. But the place was mostly empty.

Up at the Big House, something was definitely weird. A green light shot out all the windows. Mist—the magical kind—swirled around the yard. Lucia felt herself being drawn to it like a moth to a flame.

Chiron lay on a horse-size stretcher by the volleyball pit, a bunch of satyrs standing around him. Blackjack cantered nervously in the grass.

He neighed frantically when he saw Percy

Rachel stood at the bottom of the porch steps. Her arms were raised like she was waiting for someone inside the house to throw her a ball.

"What's she doing?" Annabeth demanded. "How did she get past the barriers?"

"She flew," one of the satyrs said, looking accusingly at Blackjack. "Right past the dragon, right through the magic boundaries."

"Rachel!"Percy called, but the satyrs stopped him when he tried to get any closer.

"Percy, don't," Chiron warned. He winced as he tried to move. His left arm was in a sling, his two back legs were in splints, and his head was wrapped in bandages. "You can't interrupt."

"I thought you explained things to her!"

"I did. And I invited her here."

He stared at him in disbelief. "You said you'd never let anyone try again! You said—"

"I know what I said, Percy. But I was wrong. Rachel had a vision about the curse of Hades. She believes it may be lifted now. She convinced me she deserves a chance."

"And if the curse isn't lifted? If Hades hasn't gotten to that yet, she'll go crazy!"

The Mist swirled around Rachel. She shivered like she was going into shock.

"Hey!" Percy shouted. "Stop!"

Percy ran toward her, ignoring the satyrs. Percy got within ten feet and hit an invisible force field. He bounced back and landed in the grass.

Lucia didn't understand completely what was going on. Clearly, she was missing a few things but through Percy's fear and the scene before her, she knew it was major.

Rachel opened her eyes and turned. She looked like she was sleepwalking—like she could see them, but only in a dream.

"It's all right." Her voice sounded far away. "This is why I've come."

"You'll be destroyed!"

She shook her head. "This is where I belong, Percy. I finally understand why."

The house rumbled. The door flew open and green light poured out. Lucia recognized the warm musty smell of snakes.

"The Oracle..." Lucia gasped

Mist curled into a hundred smoky serpents, slithering up the porch columns, curling around the house. Then the Oracle appeared in the doorway.

The withered mummy shuffled forward in her rainbow dress. She looked even worse than usual, which was saying a lot. Her hair was falling out in clumps. Her leathery skin was cracking like the seat of a worn-out bus. Her glassy eyes stared blankly into space, but Lucia got the creepiest feeling she was being drawn straight toward Rachel.

Rachel held out her arms. She didn't look scared.

"You've waited too long," Rachel said. "But I'm here now."

The sun blazed brighter. A man appeared above the porch, floating in the air—a blond dude in a white toga, with sunglasses and a cocky smile.

"Dad?!" Lucia exclaimed.

He winked at her but held up his finger to his lips.

"Rachel Elizabeth Dare," he said. "You have the gift of prophecy. But it is also a curse. Are you sure you want this?"

Rachel nodded. "It's my destiny."

"Do you accept the risks?"

"I do."

"Then proceed," the god said.

Rachel closed her eyes. "I accept this role. I pledge myself to Apollo, God of Oracles. I open my eyes to the future and embrace the past. I accept the spirit of Delphi, Voice of the Gods, Speaker of Riddles, Seer of Fate."

Lucia had no idea where she was getting the words, but they flowed out of her as the Mist thickened.

A green column of smoke, like a huge python, uncoiled from the mummy's mouth and slithered down the stairs, curling affectionately around Rachel's feet.

The Oracle's mummy crumbled, falling away until it was nothing but a pile of dust in an old tie-dyed dress. Mist enveloped Rachel in a column.

For a moment Lucia couldn't see her at all. Then the smoke cleared.

Rachel collapsed and curled into the fetal position. Annabeth, Nico, Percy, and her rushed forward, but Apollo said, "Stop! This is the most delicate part."

"What's happening to her?" Lucia demanded. "What do you mean?"

Apollo studied Rachel with concern. "Either the spirit takes hold, or it doesn't."

"And if it doesn't?" Annabeth asked.

"Five syllables," Apollo said, counting them on his fingers. "That would be real bad."

Despite Apollo's warning, Percy ran forward and knelt over Rachel. The smell of the attic was gone. The Mist sank into the ground and the green light faded. But Rachel was still pale. She was barely breathing.

Then her eyes fluttered open. "Percy."

"Are you okay?"

She tried to sit up. "Ow." She pressed her hands to her temples.

"Rachel," Nico said, "your life aura almost faded completely. I could see you dying."

"I'm all right," she murmured. "Please, help me up. The visions—they're a little disorienting."

Apollo drifted down from the porch. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce the new Oracle of Delphi."

"You're kidding," Lucia deadpanned. "You're my Dad's Phytia?"

Rachel managed a weak smile. "It's a little surprising to me too, but this is my fate. I saw it when I was in New York. I know why I was born with true sight. I was meant to become the Oracle."

Percy blinked. "You mean you can tell the future now?"

"Not all the time," she said. "But there are visions, images, words in my mind. When someone asks me a question, I . . . Oh no—"

"It's starting," Apollo announced.

Rachel doubled over like someone had punched her. Then she stood up straight and her eyes glowed serpent green.

When she spoke, her voice sounded tripled—like three Rachels were talking at once:

"Eight half-bloods shall answer the call.

To storm or blaze, the world will fall.

A bargain made by a swelling heart

Shall cause order to break apart.

A malison settled with a final breath

And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death."

At the last word, Rachel collapsed. Percy and Nico caught her and helped her to the porch. Her skin was feverish.

"I'm all right," she said, her voice returning to normal.

"What was that?" Annabeth whispered.

She shook her head, confused. "What was what?"

"I believe," Apollo said, "that we just heard the next Great Prophecy."

"Next..." Lucia's voice trailed off 

"What does it mean?" Percy demanded.

Rachel frowned. "I don't even remember what I said."

"No," Apollo mused. "The spirit will only speak through you occasionally. The rest of the time, our Rachel will be much as she's always been. There's no point in grilling her, even if she has just issued the next big prediction for the future of the world."

"What!" Lucia exclaimed. "Then what's the point of an oracle that's not a corpse? can't we ever just get a clear answer!"

"Little star," Apollo sighed, "I wouldn't worry too much. The last Great Prophecy about Percy took almost seventy years to complete. This one may not even happen in your lifetimes."

Lucia thought about the lines Rachel had spoken in that creepy voice: about storm and blaze, order breaking apart, a final breath, and the Doors of Death. "Maybe," Lucia said, her stomach becoming queasy. She felt goosebumps rise in her skin and deep down knew there was a reason she felt that way. "But it doesn't sound good."

"No," said Apollo cheerfully. "It certainly didn't. She's going to make a wonderful Oracle!"

☼

THE REST OF THE DAY WAS AS STRANGE AS THE BEGINNING. Campers trickled in from New York by car, pegasus, and chariot. The wounded were cared for. The dead were given proper funeral rites at the campfire.

Silena's shroud was hot pink, but embroidered with an electric spear. The Ares and Aphrodite cabins both claimed her as a hero, and lit the shroud together. No one mentioned the word spy. That secret burned to ashes as the designer perfume smoke drifted into the sky.

Ethan was also given a shroud, Lucia made sure of that. It was black silk with a logo of swords crossed under a set of scales. As his shroud went up in flames, Lucia hoped Ethan knew he had made a difference in the end. He'd paid a lot more than an eye, but the minor gods would finally get the respect they deserved. And more than anything, she hoped that in his final moments, he knew how much she truly cared about him.

Then they had dinner at the pavilion. The highlight was Juniper, who screamed, "Grover!" and gave her boyfriend a flying tackle hug, making everybody cheer. They went down to the beach to take a moonlit walk, and Lucia was happy for them, though the scene reminded her of Silena and Beckendorf, which made her chest ache.

Mrs. O'Leary romped around happily, eating everybody's table scraps. Nico sat at the main table with Chiron and Mr. D, and nobody seemed to think that was out of place. Everybody was patting Nico on the back, complimenting him on his fighting. Even the Ares kids seemed to think he was pretty cool. Lucia was glad that he was getting the praise he deserved.

As for Lucia, the campers were mixed in how they treated her. Some were happy to see her and told her how great she did in battle. A lot of her friends treated her the way they always had. Others whispered behind her back like she couldn't hear. Even some of her siblings. They called her insane and said she got more than she deserved. Rumors of her killing a mortal in cold blood spread throughout the tables and filled her ears.

Lucia tried to drown out everything as she picked at her food. But it was hard to bear. All of it. She didn't even realize she wasn't eating until Will said something.

She shook her head, "I lost my appetite." she admitted "But it's alright."

"Don't listen," Austin reassured,

Lucia furrowed her eyebrows.

"I can hear them too." He explained.

She tried to smile, "I'll try." When they all returned to their meals. Lucia decided to finally speak up. "I have something to tell you guys."

"What is it?" Kayla asked.

"I can't be your Head Counselor..." She whispered, guilt churning in her stomach as she watched most of their faces drop. Some looked relieved, which almost felt like an icy shard was stabbed through her chest. "Not yet. I just need some time before I can fully take on the role. I hope you guys can understand that."

"Of course—"

"No, I can't." Aurora huffed

Lucia sighed, "Rory. You turned it down. If you didn't want it you should get it. I simply can't hold all that responsibility yet. I was thinking maybe someone could co-counselor with me for now..."

"I don't want to." Aurora crossed her arms over her chest, "Thanks but no thanks."

"Will?" Lucia tried, "I know you have a lot with the infirmary but it would be temporary..."

Will nodded, "I'll help you out, Lulu."

She exhaled and nodded. "Thanks, Willy."

"Is it true?" Aurora asked on the other side of Lucia. Her sharp tone pricked at Lucia's skin. "You killed two mortals."

Will frowned "Rory. This isn't the time."

"We deserve to know." She grumbled, "I mean—"

"Yes," Lucia said. "It's true."

"So you're a murderer."

"Rory!"

"Will. I'm older than you." Aurora hissed, "I'm the oldest remember? Lee is gone. Michael is gone. Kronos, her lord killed them. Half of our siblings are dead. So speak to me with respect."

"Aurora." Lucia scolded, she tried to brush off her comment about Kronos. "I get you're upset. But leave Will alone. None of us need reminders of what we've lost. Believe what you want. I don't want to talk about this right now."

"And you always get what you want huh?"

Lucia scoffed, "You have no idea what you're talking about."

"Whatever," Aurora grumbled as she walked off.

"Ror-" Lucia tried to go after her but Kayla, who sat across from her, rested a hand on hers.

"Just give her some time." Austin said from beside Kayla, "She misses them and it's making her grumpy."

Lucia frowned, and she sat back down. "She was doing alright earlier?"

Will shrugged. "Don't know what happened but...She's not alright anymore."

Lucia brushed off the tension and tried to understand Aurora. They had lost a lot and it was probably all just hitting her. Lucia knew more than anyone what it was like to suddenly become overwhelmed with pain. She just hoped her sister knew she'd be there for her. It was then that Lucia made a promise that she would get better, for herself most importantly but also for her siblings, even if some couldn't look her in the eye anymore. She wanted to be there for them, she wanted to be a leader and be a shoulder to lean on. She truly loved her little family and nothing would ever change that.

Suddenly she thought of Apollo's warning words. Her heart sank.

you can't stop fate once it's been spun.

☼

THE DINNER CROWD TRICKLED AWAY. Some went to the campfire for a sing-along. Others went to bed. Lucia had made her way to the Athena cabin first.

When Lucia didn't find Annabeth she walked back to the pavilion. She found the blonde sitting next to Percy at the Poseidon table. She grinned when she noticed the blue cupcake in Annabeth's hand, but she couldn't help but feel fearful of what they were talking about.

Lucia decided to wait. A few beats passed and Annabeth got up, when she found Lucia standing she made her way toward her.

"Hey, Beth." She smiled, "I tried to find you in your cabin."

"Sorry had to wish the Seaweed Brain a Happy Birthday." Annabeth chuckled, but her face fell just as fast..."Lucia..I—"

"Don't apologize," Lucia said. "I purposely did it. I wanted you to think I was on his side. I should be the one apologizing for hurting you."

"I should have kept believing in you." Annabeth frowned,

"But you did." Lucia tucked a strand of blonde behind her ear. "I know you did despite what you said."

Annabeth's lower lip trembled. "I thought you were going to die. I thought the last thing I'd ever say to you was—"

Lucia embraced her. "Beth. I'm sorry for scaring you."

Annabeth pulled away. Her grey eyes looked at her intently. "You need to know that when we fight for you it's because we want to. So stop pushing us out and stop treating your life like it holds no value. That hurts more than anything the bad guys could ever do to us."

Lucia frowned, "Beth—"

"I know it's in your nature but I'm asking you to try." Annabeth frowned. "If I can use my heart sometimes you can use your head."

Lucia scoffed "Hey I use my head more than most."

Annabeth rolled her eyes. "I'm not saying you're not smart Lucy. I'm saying you're impulsive. And I can't handle wondering if I'll see you the next day because you sacrificed your well-being once again. This isn't one-sided. We have to look out for each other. So please if you're hurt tell us so that we can help you too..."

Lucia nodded,

Annabeth smiled but it wavered. "I have something else to tell you..."

"You like Percy?" Lucia asked

Annabeth's face fell. She furrowed her eyebrows together and scrunched her nose up. "Oh, gods no. Gross?"

"Huh?"

Annabeth laughed. "You thought I had a crush on seaweed brain?"

"Well—" Lucia furrowed her eyebrows together "Yeah? It just seemed like you were mad sometimes. And you were annoyed with Rachel."

"Can you blame me? Dare isn't exactly the wisest mortal around." She huffed, "And I guess I was just confused...and it was stressful."

Lucia giggled, "Fair enough but confused about—"Lucia stopped, she noticed how Annabeth was watching her. "Oh..."

"Percy is the only other person I've told but...I've been thinking about it for a while. And I like girls..."

Lucia's mouth fell open.

"And...only girls. I'm a lesbian."

"Beth! That's great!." Lucia dove into her arms once again. She squeezed the blonde like tomorrow wasn't going to come. "I'm so so so proud of you."

Annabeth sniffled, "Thank you, Lucy. I've been wanting to tell you for so long."

Lucia frowned and pulled away. "Me?" She asked,

"I thought so. But you only helped me realize it."  The blonde clarified, "At first I thought I was jealous because of Luke, then Percy. But I started to see I was jealous of them. I mean so many girls liked them both, and I...I had no idea what was going on with me, but I realized I wanted one to like me too..."

Lucia pouted, "So I lost my chance."

Annabeth rolled her eyes teasingly and flicked her forehead. "We both know there's only one person you want to take a chance with"

"But this is Annabeth Chase we're talking about the game has changed" Lucia joked, "Peter Johnson who?"

Annabeth snorted. "You're ridiculous."

"But you love me." She smirked.

"I guess." Annabeth teased. "Now go. I know you want to."

Lucia gave her a gentle smile, "Are you going to be okay Beth?"

"I don't know." Annabeth admitted, "Are you?"

"I don't know," Lucia echoed. "Guess we'll have to figure it out together."

Annabeth nodded in agreement.

"Also you know I have a sister named Aurora and she—"

"Lucia." Annabeth deadpanned.

"Yes, O great architect of Olympus."

"Go." Annabeth laughed, "He's waiting for you..."

"He is no—" Lucia turned to see Percy watching the two girls. "Oh, guess he is..."

Annabeth snorted, "I bet that he saved the cupcake to eat with you."

"I'll see you, Beth." Lucia kissed her cheek. She went to leave but before she could let herself, she turned and grabbed Annabeth's hand "And trust me, your girl is out there. And she has no idea just how lucky she will be to love and be loved by Annabeth Chase."

☼

LUCIA WALKED OVER TO THE POSEIDON TABLE, where Percy sat by himself and watched the moonlight on Long Island Sound. As she walked closer she could see Grover and Juniper at the beach, holding hands and talking. It was peaceful.

"Hey," Percy said.

Lucia slid next to him on the bench. She pulled something out from her pocket. "Happy birthday Perce."

He looked at the necklace in her hand. The cord was black leather, It was the same as the one currently stringing his camp beads, but this one had a small blue seashell as a pendant instead. He softly took it from her hands. "When did you?"

"I made it last year." She admitted, "For your 15th birthday, but I didn't get to give it to you..."

Percy looked at her. His face grew solemn. "That was a terrible birthday."

"Did you miss me..."Lucia wondered,

"You serious?" Percy's face twisted in disbelief. "It felt like my heart was ripped straight from my chest and dangled out of my reach. I didn't know if you were in pain or even alive. I just knew you weren't with me and you were in his hands. And that-" His voice broke. "Gods I can't even explain how it felt. I missed you. More than anything. I knew I had to do everything I could to find you again."

"You must have been disappointed..."

"No." He said, "It was still you, Luz."

"I'm sorry." Lucia frowned, "For hurting you. I hate that I hurt you."

"I've hurt you too." Percy frowned,

"That doesn't compare" She scoffed, "I tried to kill you. I tried to intentionally harm you. Percy—"

"Luz."

"Yeah?"

"I didn't care if you hated me. I wasn't going to quit." He whispered, "I knew somehow, we'd find each other again."

"That's terribly unhealthy." She sniffled

"You're bad for my health then." Percy teased, "Your dad is the god of plague isn't he."

"Kelphead you just compared me to a plague." She elbowed his ribs. "You're lucky you look the way you do."

"How?" his green eyes sparkled in the moonlight.

Lucia rolled her eyes. Mostly because if she kept looking into his, her heart would simply break out of her ribcage. She grabbed the necklace from his hands and put it over his head. Her hand touched the shell once it was on him. "Do you like it?"

"Love it." He whispered,

Lucia felt her cheeks burn red. "Percy. I'm in pain. For so many reasons...And I just want to take a break. Take some time to myself. And I don't know how long it's going to take to be okay in my own skin...but I want to try."

He nodded. "You deserve that. I want you to be happy."

"Me too" She murmured, "will you be there?"

He bit his lip and looked away. "Of course Luz. We're best friends. I'll always be there for you..."

"Oh." Lucia's face fell. That wasn't exactly the answer she expected. "Yeah..."

He sighed. He then grabbed the cupcake hidden on the other side of him and placed it in between them. "Want to share it?"

A grin fell on her lips. She wasn't as discouraged anymore. "Why didn't you share it with Annabeth?."

He cleared his throat, "Well—she left, I didn't—"

Lucia giggled, she grabbed the cupcake and held it up. "Did she bake this herself?"

"Tyson helped." He said, "That explains why it looks like a chocolate brick, With extra blue cement."

Lucia laughed. She paused. "I'll share it with you on one condition."

"What?"

Lucia held the cupcake closer and her fingertips touched the already burnt wick of the candle. She didn't know if it would work but shockingly it sparked with light. A single flame danced. "I missed last year...don't let me miss it again."

He hesitated, "Will you sing to me?"

She grinned, "Cumpleaños Feliz" she hummed softly and under her breath, she was shy about singing for the first time in a long time. Especially now knowing anyone could hear her. "te deseamos a ti."She had long hidden her voice to only a select few out of fear, a fear that kept being forced onto her. But now as she watched Percy's lip curve upward at the sound of her voice. She sang louder and felt the fear melting away. "Cumpleaños. Cumpleaños." Her voice was sweet and thick like honey. An intoxicating voice, one that demanded to be heard.  "Cumpleaños Feliz."

Percy blew out the flame of the candle.

"You didn't make a wish." Lucia pouted.

His gaze flickered back to her. "I already got what I wanted."

She dipped her finger in the icing and swiped some on his nose. He scoffed, grabbing some and doing the same to her. Laughs burst from their chests.

They cut the cupcake in half and shared, eating with their fingers. Lucia and Percy sat side by side watching the ocean. Crickets and monsters were making noise in the woods, but otherwise, it was quiet.

"You saved the world," she said.

"We saved the world."

"You're generous." She hummed, "I did more bad than good."

He gave her an incredulous look. "You? Lucia Verano doing more bad than good? Impossible. You are good. The definition of all that's good."

Lucia whispered, "You say that because you care but—"

"Did I ever tell you what happened to Gabe?" He stopped her. "My mom turned him into stone with Medusa's severed head. Sold him to a museum."

Lucia looked surprised, but eventually, she smiled. "She's such a badass."

"You are too."

"It's different." Lucia whispered, "You know it is."

"Maybe." He decided, "But I would never hold this against you. Especially not with what I know. And you shouldn't either..."

"I've hurt others too Percy." Lucia looked up at him "You can't look at me like I'm Perfect anymore, Because I'm not. I'm flawed. Deeply."

"You were never perfect—" He said

"Jeez. you know how to make a girl feel special, Aquaman"

"—That's not!"

"I'm teasing you." She nudged his shoulder "Continue."

He took a calm breath in. "What happened isn't all on you and you have to know that. You weren't in control. But when you are... Somehow you always come out burning bright and passing that warmth to everyone. Even despite your pain."

"Sometimes." Her voice lowered, "I don't want to be like that, but it's the only way to survive..."

He frowned, "If you ever need a place to cry, You know you have me right?"

Lucia hesitated, she got lost in her thoughts. "But Percy...I may not have been in control, but it shows what I'm capable of. I'm capable of hurting, of ruining...I can be like them..."

"No, you can't.." He said, "Everyone's got a side to them that they don't like. I don't know everything but I know you. And I love you, not despite your flaws but with them. The same way you love me, A Kelphead."

Lucia giggled, she looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "I don't want to cause anyone pain. Especially if they don't deserve it. When I fought on the ship it was because he was forcing me, because I had no choice you have to—"

"Lucia, you have nothing to prove to me."

"How do you do that." She whispered, "How do you believe in me so much when I can't even believe in myself."

"The same way you believe in me, Nico, Annabeth, Will..." He trailed off, "I love you."

"Well, how do I love myself." She grumbled,

"I don't know." Percy answered honestly, "It comes naturally to me."

Lucia snorted and smacked his chest. She knew he just wanted to make her laugh.

His hand fell on hers, holding it there. "But you can figure it out. Luz, I wish I could show you how special you are."He flipped her hand palm up and drew circles, "I can't because you're stubborn." Lucia responded with a scoff. "But...While you figure things out. Just know you don't have to be afraid to give me your pain. Or anger. Or any side of you. Because I want it all..."

I want it all...

"You know, you're not always such a Kelphead." Lucia smiled,

She then found the courage to do something. Something she had stopped herself from a million times, out of fear of not deserving it. Out of fear of it not being for her. But Lucia had decided that she didn't just want to love anymore, but allow herself to be loved. Honestly, truly, and completely.

"Rachel is the new Oracle, which means she won't be dating anybody." Lucia said boldly "She's sworn to maidenhood, you know? She made an Oath to my father."

"You don't sound disappointed," He noticed.

Lucia shrugged, "Oh, I could care less."

"Uh-huh."

She pulled her hand away from his. "Why did you kiss me in the forge."

He avoided looking at her, "I can't tell you...it's not the time."

Lucia found herself reaching for him. She turned his face to look at her. "Perce. Why did you do it."

He brushed the cake off his hands nervously. "When I was at the River Styx, turning invulnerable...Nico said I had to concentrate on one thing that kept me anchored to the world, that made me want to stay mortal."

Lucia kept her eyes fixed on him. "Yeah?"

"Then up on Olympus," He said, "when they wanted to make me a god and stuff, I kept thinking—"

"Oh, you so wanted it." She teased

"Well, maybe a little. But I didn't, because I thought—I didn't want things to stay the same for eternity, because things could always get better. And I was thinking . . ." He cleared his throat like it was dry.

"Anyone in particular?" Lucia asked, her voice soft and breathy. She was trying not to smile.

"You're laughing at me," He complained. "Luz don't play with me, I can't take it. Not with this."

"I am not!" She defended,

"You are so not making this easy."

Then Lucia laughed for real, and she put her arms around his shoulders. Her right hand found the nape of his neck and brushed through his hair

"Making what easy, Ocean eyes."

"Luz...I-When I say I love you."  He whispered, stumbling over his words. Lucia kept gazing at him with her violet eyes. "—I mean—For a long time I've had this—Gods would you stop looking at me like that."

She beamed, "Like what?"

"You just like to see me squirm don't you." He grumbled

She smirked. Deciding to give the poor boy a break, she allowed herself to inch closer. She could feel his breath fanning her lips. Their foreheads touched. "Me too..." She whispered,

"Bestfriends? " Percy asked, but Lucia could hear his heart slamming in his chest.

"Mhm." Lucia pressed herself against him. She tilted her head to the side. "The best..."

Their lips met in one swift motion and their eyes fluttered close. Lucia pulled him closer, and she felt his strong arms wrap themselves firmly around her waist. The kiss was softer, slower than the first. He tasted like sea salt and blue icing. Lucia was glad they were sitting down because her knees felt weak. Their hearts thrummed in sync.

They could have stayed that way forever, except a voice behind them interrupted, "Well, it's about time!"

Lucia pulled away, startled. Her eyes widened when she saw Annabeth grinning ear to ear. Will stood beside her wiggling his eyebrows.

Suddenly the pavilion was filled with torchlight and campers.

Clarisse led the way as the eavesdroppers charged and hoisted them both onto their shoulders.

"Oh, come on!" Percy complained. "Is there no privacy?"

"The lovebirds need to cool off!" Will said with glee.

"The canoe lake!" Connor Stoll shouted.

"I can't swim!" Lucia squeaked,

"Percy's got her covered!"

"Austin you're such a traitor!" Lucia gaped.

With a huge cheer, they carried them down the hill, but they kept Them close enough to hold hands.

Lucia started to laugh, and Percy chimed in even though his face was completely red.

They held hands right up to the moment they were dumped in the water.

Lucia made sure to hold on as they sank. Fishes swam around them curiously. When they made their way to the bottom of the lake, Percy made an air bubble.

Lucia giggled, "Perce—"

"C'mere." He murmured, one hand holding her cheek as the other pulled her in by the waist. He rubbed his nose against hers. "Stay with me."

She rested a hand on his chest, he held her there for a moment in silence, the restless sounds of the campers felt even more distant than they had before.

Slowly, his hand traced down to hold her jaw, she tilted her head up to him.

"Kiss me," She whined.

"Are you sure this is a good idea right now?" He whispered, "I'd wait for you Luz. As long as you need me too..."

"I am..." She said, "Right now, there's nothing I'm more sure about. You make me happy. I want you Percy..no one else but you."

"Say that again."

Lucia giggled, "What part."

"All of it." He smirked,

"You make me happy. I want you. No one else but you." She repeated

"With my name." He corrected

"I want you, Percy." She rolled her eyes

"One more time." He grinned,

She smacked his chest, "Are you going to keep playing or—"

He didn't allow her to finish, swallowing her words with the press of his lips. He kissed her hard, His teeth tugged at her lower lip, and his tongue swept past.

It was dizzying. The way he kissed her left her breathless. Her stomach erupted with a million wild butterflies. He pulled away, allowing her a single gasp before he sealed the space between them once more.

Their friends kept waiting for them to come up, but dating the son of Poseidon meant you didn't have to hurry.

And it was pretty much the best underwater kiss of all time.

Well...Kisses