Keeping Up a Facade: Endgame

This chapter will take a completely different approach and aesthetic style towards this work of fanfiction. My sibling has run out of inspiration for this particular piece, and has asked me to adopt it.

Memories... they fade like wall-flowers on a sweltering summer's day; when the students filter out, leaving only the teacher's pets and freaks trapped inside the building. They twirl and tango with the best of us, just to leave us stranded on the dance floor before the song is over. Fallen leaves arrive earlier than autumn, crushed under out footsteps as we take leaps of faith through what we hoped were sunshine meadows, not yet spotting the clouds in hot pursuit. And the clouds will always be behind us, until the solemnity of it all hits us -later rather than sooner, and our stride breaks at last, tumbling into the weeds of life, the wonderful world no more in a burst bubble of naivety. And who will be there to blame us, to make snide remarks and point out our errors? They'll be the ones alongside us. For everybody falls... Even the best of us, and that was no joke.

Memories, and there was no barrier imaginable to stop the tide of recollections when they choose to arrive at the door; at times perfect strangers, a wisp of wishful thinking; at other times, Goldilocks- unexpected visitors that appear from nowhere and leave just as sudden, a stab in the heart the only reminder of the event. And sometimes, sometimes the Big Bad Wolf huffs and puffs and tears the door down, and hiding under your bed doesn't do it because always He knows where you are, always. And you can run and you can scream, but He comes and huffs and puffs in your head and you can hear the tear-jerkers and heart-wrenchers, see the pity and loathing, experience it all as if you were there again.

And scars can fade and bruises can depart, the body can forget the abuse and turmoil. But the mind does not easily forget. Forgetting is a luxury reserved for the comatose and catatonic, the dead and the dormant. Square pegs in round holes, still memories are as water, able to form any shape, and thus they become circular, and fall through that hole in your head.

And there'll be no bridge left to feed the fire, no tugboats to sink when the memories seek you out with a question mark at their tails. They come to ask what you've left behind, what you've learned through all your trials and tribulations. Did you learn the lesson beneath the surface? Did you stare despair in the face, and still smiled, flashing a lifetime of dimples?

Cause it doesn't matter how many times you fall, does it?

If you stand up again.

I found a reason...

The gavel rang out loud and clear in the courthouse, all other sound fading into the background as a dizzying dawning of realization fell upon its main occupants: He was free. The shackles of his past had finally fallen to the ground, leaving him to rub the tender parts of his arms where the cuffs had cut into his flesh.

To freedom! He wouldn't've believed it if he hadn't heard the judge himself. A lifetime sentence it was to be, and already he could see the years coming back to him with specked tear ready to drop.

Sweet freedom! Not a saccharine store-bought escape from home, or a dreaded wait before he would return home to a sullen tormentor, ready to lash out anytime. With Gabe in jail, he wouldn't have to worry about such trivialities (as they seemed now), about expected pain (which shouldn't be expected anyway) and needless words that pierced and pointed. No, he didn't have to worry anymore.

The whole room was in uproar now; bursts of with-held laughter and gleeful shouts, suppressed sobs and animated chatter filled the room with a gaiety that the room hadn't seen in ages. The judge did not heed the cacophony now though. He wasn't one to rain on their parade, although he'd made it a point to rain on another one's.

Gabe, with a surprising clarity, saw his years fly by his head. His macho act deflated like a pricked balloon, his body visibly shrinking as he swooned, and inevitably collapsed on the chair in shock. Two burly guards dragged him out of the venue.

But nobody was focused on the vile monster- even Poseidon, who before was so intent on him, was smiling along with the best of them, seeing his son's face light up at the realization that he'd never again have to suffer at the hands of this coward. Though a stab in his heart reminded him that he was as much responsible for Percy's suffering as Gabe; his smile wavered. He'd have to make amends. But how? His son hated him. If he knew afore, he would've done something, he was sure of that. He'd have to talk to him after. Clear things up.

Thalia and Nico did not feel bound by etiquette rules, or societal mannerisms. If anything, the current context only further served to enhance their wildcat tendencies; they were jumping up and down, gleefully yelling with reckless abandon, chanting and cussing out the sentenced man. They were more than immensely glad for their cousin. He didn't deserve such treatment, and to see him free from all constraints, at his own will now to walk amongst them as a full-fledged man, instead of a prisoner, was as much a rush for them as it was to Percy. He meant more to them than he'd ever know. They didn't notice the cornucopia of emotions flittering on his face, ranging from pathetic gratefulness and sadness to happiness and dissatisfaction. He'd wanted the bastard to burn. As once he was, at once, he would never be as he would be.

As much as Annabeth wanted to join the festivities erupting in mid-air, most of the crowd cheering, she felt constrained. On the one hand she was happy for him; a tidal wave of elation in the knowledge that her new friend would be safe. She still felt guilty for wanting to satiate her curiosity, and using him for her own ends. But she stood by him, didn't she? On the other hand, she didn't know how things would proceed from here. And where she would go. Her father... or should she say, another stranger, as it were. If he didn't even have the decency to acknowledge her as his daughter, then perhaps she should move on. However painful that may be.

Despite all the various motions and heightened feelings circulating through him at the moment, Percy still noticed something off with Annabeth: She wasn't rejoicing or with the rest of the crowd. Getting a closer peek at her face, he saw a lapse of delicateness, a look he hoped he'd never have to see her wear again. It was a painful delicateness; as if she were treading on glass eggshells barefoot. And it looked as if she weren't treading softly either.

He bit his lip. Reaching over, he pulled her into a friendly hug- he hoped she didn't see it as any more than that. He liked her a lot, but not more than a camaraderie, an innate sense of comfort and safety and well-being around her. During the two weeks it took for them to assemble and prepare a solid case against Gabe, despite the glaring evidence, they had bonded. They thought they would have to survive in the streets like waifs in the meantime, but Hestia had come across them- hungry, wet, and cold, after hiding out in the streets for two days. No, 'The Struggle' in the streets was no fun, there was no adventure in being a bum, a disgruntled Percy and Annabeth had found. A shocked Hestia had at first taken them to a restaurant to eat- they were hungry, and nobody could deal with two resentful teenagers- before showing them to her apartment, which she told them they could use for the coming while.

"Not all the Olympians are rotten," she'd said to a stunned Percy and Annabeth. "There are some of us who don't adhere to the family trait."

So they sheltered into the cozy five room apartment, finding pleasure in little things, such as eating all the homely meals a proud Hestia presented, and talking. Such a simple act, the moving of lips and uttering of words, yet with the most astounding of effects- both knew the potential and fatality of words, when brandished as swords. Both could connect well, and many a night was spent with either Percy confessing to Annabeth, or Annabeth breaking down in front of Percy. It was a good symbiotic relationship, and it worked for the both of them.

It only got better when Thalia and Nico showed up.

All this flashed through his mind as he was hugging her, taking idle comfort in the warmth of her lithe frame. Her body felt like a frozen popsicle that was melting slowly under the summer heat. Unyielding at first, but gradually getting more supple as time went on. She buried her face into his chest, not wanting to leave his snug embrace just yet.

They had gotten past the awkwardness of perfect strangers. To anyone who cried wolf, daring to question their relationship with the perils of love, they would be mistaken in their first sight.

They could understand each other, better than most. And that was all that mattered.

"I would ask what the hug is for, but to be brutally honest, I couldn't care less if we'll stay this way to perpetuity," she piped up from the hem of his shirt. He patted her on the back clumsily.

"You just looked a bit down, that was all." He murmured.

She snorted. That was the understatement of the century. To say she was feeling down, one would have to be composed out of solid marble. Now more than ever she was in turmoil of what her next step would be, where she'd go, and especially, how he and her would move on from this now that this stage of life was behind him. Or at least, in hindsight. He had the world in front of him. And she didn't know what she want.

Should she be honest? She'd bared her soul in front of him, during that time spent together with him. She trusted him.

"I just... I don't know how things will proceed from here, you know?"

"Huh?" He acted confused, she just knew it.

"I don't know how we'll go on from here. You have the whole world in front of you, your past can't bother you anymore in physical form. For me, I still have my dad and I-" She broke off, looking off in the distance, infinitely more interesting at said moment than the conversation.

"Annabeth, you should know-"

"I wasn't finished." That shut him up rather fast. "I mean to say, I'm concerned for the future. I don't know how we'll go from here..."

Oh God, Percy thought. She doesn't like me like that, does she? Not after all I told her.

"... And I don't where I'm going to live..." Her voice cracked, trying to suppress a sob without fail. "But huh, listen to me talking... when this is really your big day. I won't spoil this for you, Jackson."

She smiled a sad little plaintive, that reminded him of a cottage on the beach with its door blown off its hinges; a cold wind blowing through the once impervious space. But he wouldn't be deterred. A new strength seeped through his very essence, flexing his muscles and baring his teeth.

He took hold of her, and made sure to stare her in the eyes. "You can come with us. We'll be our own family, your dad doesn't deserve an ideal being such as you. I'll be there for you, as a friend. You know me by now, and if you don't- well, you should!" He cracked a smile at the end, to show his sincerity and humor.

She had shuddered at the word 'Family'. Someone else had talked her into something, with that dreaded buzz word of the century... Family. Yet, she felt this was different. Would be different. She trusted the boy- no, man- in front of her. Letting go of all her fears and doubt, she pulled in for a tighter friendly hug.

"I'm happy for you," she whispered, "That he'll never bother you again." And then she broke off to stroll away, needing some time on her own. And he understood.

While Hermes had packed up his case and left- congratulating an exuberant Poseidon, Thalia, and Nico, other said parties still remained. Poseidon hesitated for a moment, before exiting out the double doors with Hermes. Percy wouldn't want to talk to him now. What he needed now were closest of friends.

After taking a quick glance around, Thalia dragged an unwilling Nico to look for boy in question. They had spied Annabeth and Percy embracing, and had half a mind to run over with smirks and smart-assery, to question them, but it did not seem like a good time. There was a time for everything, and for all the festive atmosphere, the duo in the corner did not seem to share such sentiments. So they gave them their minutes, while they leaped for joy.

Now, the question of where the two are now became an object pursued with much fervor.

"You don't think they're making out, are you?" A cheeky Nico asked.

"I think you're not thinking in your right mind," Thalia muttered under her breath. "Yeah right Nico, you know Percy isn't some sex-starved junkie from some dungeon."

"I never said he was, but you saw the way they were hugging. That's gotta be closer than anything... even us."

Even Thalia had to admit that was a valid point. Still, she couldn't let her younger cousin take charge here.

"Whatever it is, we oughta look for them. Not that I'm worried in particular-" she broke off to glare at her gulping cousin- "but because we have to see how he's doing."

Hard logic to argue with, a disgruntled Nico found.

However, Poseidon had come across a contemplating Percy first. Warming the marble stairs that lay afore the New York Hall of Justice, a pensive look cast toward a darkening horizon, he was surprised to find a near-tranquil look on Percy's face.

A cold wind slugged him in. Winter, slowly creeping up on them, had finally chosen to make her arrival; bitter winds blew through the streets, penetrating clothing and howling in the busy avenues. Set the stage for an atypical New York winter.

"Mind if I sit here?" Poseidon asked tentatively, expecting some form of opposition.

Percy shrugged noncommittally. "It's a free country, as far as I'm concerned."

Taking the answer as a yes, he perched himself on the step. The silence permeated the air, unwilling to alter its currents- no matter how much Poseidon tried to get up his nerve. Thus, the silence played out; the scene could've been any other average Joe in other situation. But this context demanded extra restitution, a wariness Poseidon knew he had to relent.

"I would say I'm sorry," Poseidon started, "but then I know the terrible deed I have done through my ignorance."

If Percy was listening, he did not acknowledge. He sighed.

"This is as much my fault as it is that abhorrent man, the one who is about to face his lifetime charges. Perhaps I should've accompanied him to his new accommodations."

"Perhaps..." A near silent response from the boy beside him.

"But I am sorry. I don't expect you to forgive me, but at the very least, know that I have to make amends to you, and I'll be here waiting, if you ever find it in you to forgive a stupid fool."

Percy was startled. He hadn't remembered Poseidon ever apologizing before. Or if he did, certainly he hadn't sounded so genuine as today, of all days. Poseidon wasn't even looking expectant- something he'd come to suppose from a man of his stature.

But Percy merely nodded. Not that he didn't want to flood his father with words- biting, stinging, accusing, caring words. He would. But he didn't feel it was an appropriate time for such a confrontation today, of all days. He just saw the world lift from his shoulders, and fall right into the palm of his hands. Though he knew it would be better to clear up everything on one day- rather than leave it to later, he didn't feel up to the sordid task right now.

"I understand Poseidon. But at the moment, I'm happier than I've been in a while. It feels like a fresh new start for me. I know where you're coming from, and I also know you feel guilty on this account. But right now, I would just like some time to think. Maybe later we can have this conversation, and I'll have thought it through."

Poseidon looked like he was going to add something, but changed his mind abruptly. He stuck his hands in his pockets- a move Percy thought made him look much more younger and timid than his solid frame.

"Right, well I appreciate the opportunity. And we'll have that talk, whenever you want." Poseidon finished, before walking off lamely.

"Wait up!" Percy had called back. Poseidon peered over his shoulder, wondering what was to come next. Percy was standing up, his gaze boring into the older man.

"You're not excused totally. But know that you aren't the man I thought so despicable earlier." His gaze softened a fraction of a degree.

Poseidon's face lightened up like a child in a candy store. He had so much he wanted to add. But he knew that later, he could make amends. Right now, more than ever, he needed his friends- which he already saw hurrying down the marble slabs.

"Thank you, Percy. And goodbye." He left, a new spring in his step.

Percy swiveled his head to where Poseidon had been staring at- and found his cousins with their arms folded.

"What was all that about, Jackson?" Thalia shot first, before he could say something. Nico nodded in earnest, though he gave Percy a small knowing smile.

"He wanted to talk." Percy said simply.

"And what was that all about with Annabeth, Jackson?" Nico quirked inquisitively, attempting to mimic Thalia's haughty mannerism. She punched him on the shoulder.

"Jerk," she growled under her breath. He scrunched up his nose, leaping away from her.

"I don't wanna know how your breath smells! Smells like peeled onions!" She scowled, sizing him up.

All this while, an amused Percy watched on.

"Are you guys done, or should I be preparing for Nico's funeral here?"

"Hey!" Nico acted hurt. "I can defend myself. She's not as tough as she makes out."

"Right. Should I bring up the teddybear incident?"

"No." He looked absolutely terrified. "Anything but the teddy bear incident."

"I thought so," she smirked, victory assured. "But seriously Percy, what did he want?"

"He wanted to make up for what he did. Apologized as well." He answered detached.

"Wow... that's big." She stared. Even Nico was slightly shocked.

"How so? What's wrong with that?" He asked.

"Percy... Poseidon is one of the proudest of the Olympians, apart from Zeus. For him to apologize... well, let's just say it wouldn't've come easy for him to do so." Nico answered.

He mused over this new revelation. Perchance Poseidon might be sincere after all...

"Let's go back to the apartment," he said out of nowhere. "I'm getting hungry, and I know for one that Hestia's grilling hamburgers tonight. Thalia's eyes lit up with a dark craving.

"Yes, let's go, I'm feeling slightly peckish as well."

"Wait a minute, guys," Nico perked up like an ignored chihuahua. "Percy, you still haven't answered my question about Annabeth. I saw you guys hugging, are you two going out now? Oh and speaking of Annabeth, shouldn't we wait for her or so before we head back?"

This took the two cousins by surprise, though his whining tone left other things to be desired. He usually wasn't one to have cause for concern for others outside the family.

"I think that we should leave her alone for a bit," he spoke up after a while. Thalia lifted an eyebrow.

"Why?" She inquired softly.

"I'll tell you on the way back, is that okay?"

Nico was practically bursting with curiosity, and was already pacing down the avenue. Thalia feigned disinterest, but she knew that Percy wouldn't leave her without a seriously good reason. Plus, she was dying for a cheeseburger...

And with that, the trio ventured back to the apartment, wise-cracking and joking all the way.