The Trouble That Came with the Tide

Percy Jackson said yes. He fucking said yes. I couldn't believe it. My heart was racing and my face paled, palms damp. His eyes were locked on mine, nervous. His mouth turned in a shaky smile. The room broke out in cheers, but I needed to sit down. My best friend, the boy I had known since twelve years old, my very own Seaweed Brain. He said yes.

Perseus Jackson. Slayer of Alecto, the Minotaur (twice), Medusa, Procrustes, the Nemean Lion, Geyron, and countless monsters. Defeater of Ares, Polyphemus, Nereus, Antaeus, Phobos, Iapetus, Hades, Hyperion, Kronos. Wielder of Anaklusmos. Retriever of the Master Bolt, Helm of Darkness, and Golden Fleece. Bearer of the Sky and Curse of Achilles. Savior of Artemis. Wanderer of the Labyrinth. Protector of Ophiotaurus and Pandora's Box. Destroyer of Mt. St. Helens. One of the Big Three. Head Counsler of Cabin Three. Subject of the Great Prophecy. The savior of fucking Olympus was there on his knees. And he said yes. The audacity.

"Brother, what will his domain be?" Zeus's voice was loud and clear and full of begrudged respect. Not only was Percy a demigod who saved Olympus, but also the son of Poseidon. Yet he had managed to earn the respect from Zeus.

"You are Perseus, God of Riptides, Prince and Heir of the Seas," Poseidon said with pride. I watched Percy's face. His features ridden with disbelief. His eyes turned to me, his happiness seeping into his eyes. I was proud of him, no doubt, but it was bittersweet. He was leaving me. I had thought, maybe, he liked me the way I liked him. We had kissed before Mt. St. Helens, but then he spent weeks marooned with Calypso. I had seen his love-stricken face after returning. And after that on Olympus, just hours ago, when Rachel rebuffed him I saw his heart break a little. Now it was my heart's turn.

"Rise," Zeus said. And he did. Zeus raised his Master Lightning Bolt, the very same we returned four years earlier, and tapped Percy's forehead. I swear I thought Zeus was going to strike Percy down and I was about to rush forward to him, but Thalia grabbed my shoulder. I winced out in pain, thankful for not passing out again, but kept trying to reach Percy. When the Master Bolt touched him, a golden light enveloped him and I stopped in my tracks.

Everyone watched him in awe. Percy always looked intimidating. The dark windswept hair brushed to the side. His tan skin. His lean muscles and tall demeanor. And his eyes. Oh his sea green eyes were ever changing and swirling. He radiated power. No wonder he attracted so many monsters. But now... now he looked otherworldly. His aura was over-whelming now. As strong as any of the Olympian Council I had ever met. He seemed taller or stronger, or maybe both. The dirt and stains and scars of the war were gone. He was clean and powerful and flawless. He was her very own Adonis, except now he wasn't hers at all. Was he ever?

"All hail Perseus, God of Riptides, Prince and Heir of the Seas," Poseidon proclaimed once more. Percy turned and watched people bowing at his feet. All besides the Olympians did so. Poor Percy. He looked so uncomfortable being the center of attention. His cheeks bright red. I held back my laughter, because I knew if I laughed then I'd start crying and I could not do that. Poseidon nudged Percy.

"Oh erm- all rise," Percy mumbled. Beside me Thalia smirked, but Percy looked like a trapped animal. I needed to talk to him.

"Honor guard!" Poseidon called. The cyclops flanked Percy and created an aisle for him to walk out in. Once the cyclops dispersed I ran out the door, forgetting about any and all self-control that I thought I had.

"Percy," I yelled. He turned and his face melted in relief. He wrapped his arms around me. His ocean scent had increased tenfold. "Are you alright?"

"Me? Yeah- I mean I'm freaking out a little, but I'm okay," Percy said with a nervous smile. He pulled me back into the hug and I didn't want to let go. I wanted to keep him in my arms forever. I didn't want him to leave.

"You're a God now," I said quietly. He released me from his arms, looking into my eyes.

"I am." Why did he sound ashamed? Everything was so new. So raw. But I wasn't about to beat around the bush. I had questions and I needed answers.

"How- how does this affect us. I mean you won't be at camp anymore. The world doesn't need saving anymore-" When was I going to see him? That is what I meant. I hadn't realized how much time we spent together on quests.

"Hey," he said. "Me and you. Nothing is coming between us. I don't know how to describe it, but we're more than best friends. I know everything about you and I'd die for you and you'd die for me. It's just- I don't know how to explain it. We're more."

"More," I echoed with a smile. I knew what he meant. Something about him drew me in and I was so scared of losing him that I forgot something. I forgot his unshakable loyalty.

"And you'll be up here all the time now too, Wisegirl. Head Architect of Olympus," he comforted.

"But won't you be at your father's palace?"

"I'm not really sure how it all works. I've been a God for like three minutes," he laughed. "That reminds me, actually. My father's palace was destroyed when they were defeating Typhon. Maybe you could redesign it and I could be with you all day long. After you're done with Olympus, of course."

"That's brilliant! Daedaleus had this diagram of an Ichthyocentaurs's dagger that could put a layer of air around someone who couldn't breathe under water. Maybe your father has something to that effect," I said.

"An Icky what?"

"Ichthyocentaur, Seaweed Brain. One of Chrion's cousins, I believe. Sort of a fish centaur hybrid," I explained.

"Part fish, part horse, AND part human!?" he said.

"As Zeus said 'a dimwitted one'," I teased.

"I'll have you know that your mother, the goddess of wisdom herself, approved of my immortality." I was so glad that things hadn't changed between us. All this time, Percy had been there for me. Everyone else had flitted in and out of my life. But since I was 12 Percy was always there. Constantly fighting to be by my side.

"Hm," I said, "I suppose it's alright then."

"It better be- OH SHIT!" Percy yelled. Olympus fell silent and I chuckled at him.

"What's wrong?"

"My mom and Paul. They don't know I'm alive! I said I'd give them a signal, but what would they be able to see? It's not like I could just light the Empire State Building up blue," Percy rambled. He looked so cute when he was nervous.

"Percy," I said calmly. He looked at me. "You're a God. You can light the Empire State Building up blue." Realization flickered in his eyes.

"You are a genius. Where would I be without you?"

"Dead probably," I replied.

"Oh shut it," he said, snapping his fingers. "This is so cool!" He snapped his fingers again and my shoes turned blue, then my armor, then my nail polish, then my hair.

"PERCY!"

"Sorry, sorry," he said grinning. With a snap of his fingers it all returned to normal.

"Can all you do is turn stuff blue, because that'd be pretty lame."

"No there's so much more power now. I can feel it all. It's sort of buzzing," Percy tried to explain.

"I heard what your dad said to you before. About you surpassing all other heros, even Heracles," I said. He nodded. It was so like him to be humble. Even now, when he had saved the world.

"I mean he was just caught up in the moment," Percy said with a shrug.

"They made you a God, Perce. That's pretty incredible," I reminded him, "And you defeated multiple Titans. And beat Gods in combat. And-"

"I get the point," he said with a laugh, "but I couldn't have done any of it without you."

"Duh." He glanced at me.

"I'll meet you at the elevator," he said, his face sunken.

"You sure?" Then I studied his face. "Yeah, you're sure."

I watched him walk away. He looked so different now. I mean he had the same black hair and green eyes, but he was more confident. Even in the way he walked it showed. Again, it was bittersweet. I always loved his awkwardness, but now he seemed fuller. Like this was where he needed to be. I love the new him too, but it would take some getting used to.

A God was waiting for me as I walked to the elevator. Poseidon stood there, in front of the golden doors with his arms crossed. He was still wearing his armor that I noticed was emblazoned with seashells. Even with the absence of his magnificent trident he still looked intimidating.

"Well Annabeth," he said. "My son is immortal."

"So he is, sir."

"I noticed you weren't all too pleased."

"I wasn't... at first. I thought I was losing him. I thought he'd forget about me or- or be like the rest of the Gods," I said shakily. I didn't want to offend Poseidon, but it needed to be said.

"Like the rest of the Gods how? He is one now, after all," the King of the Seas told her.

"Well with due respect, Gods tend to be somewhat flippant about relationships. And they don't pay much mind to the results of those relationships," I said carefully.

"Easy child. I don't take offence. I admit this is mostly true, but the Ancient Laws prevent us from doing much more than we already are doing," he said, "And despite that I visited Percy as often as I could and supported him in the only way I knew how. I loved his mother."

"It is different for you. You only had one demigod to look after. The Hermes Cabin is overflowing with unclaimed children. Neglect on the part of the Gods was one of the reasons Kronos was able to rise so soon. It wasn't particularly hard for him to turn the children of the Gods against the Gods," I said.

"Interesting. Do you know if Percy ever felt that way?" Poseidon looked sad or regretful.

"Like us all, Percy had his doubts. But he would never betray Olympus," I explained. Not like Luke did, my mind whispered.

"Hm, well know this Annabeth Chase: you have made of a friend of the sea. But remember the tragedies, child, hubris only leads to the downfall," Poseidon said his eyes. And with that he bid me farewell and returned to the throne room.

"Why do you smell like smoke?"

"Long story," he said and I knew not to push him on it. He seemed slightly overwhelmed. Together we made our way down to the street level. Neither of us said a word. When we got into the lobby, we found Sally and Paul arguing with the security guard.

"I'm telling you we have to go up! My son-" Then she saw Percy and I. "Percy! We saw the building lit up blue," she said. "But then you didn't come down. You went up hours ago!"

"She was getting a bit anxious," Paul said dryly. I watched Sally's eyes run over Percy's new form with flickering confusion.

"I'm all right," Percy said as Sally hugged me. "Everything's okay now."

"Mr. Blofis," I said impressed, "that was some incredible sword work."

"It seemed like the thing to do. But Percy, is this really... I mean, this story about the six hundredth floor?"

"Yeah it's Olympus," Percy told them. Paul looked at the ceiling with a dreamy expression.

"I'd like to see that."

"Paul," Sally chided. "It's not for mortals. Anyway, the important thing is we're safe. All of us."

"Mom," Percy began. "I need to tell you-" As Percy was going to tell her the news, Nico ran in from the street.

"It's Rachel," he panted. "I just ran into her down on 32nd Street."

"What's she done this time?" I said with a frown. Percy and I were finally safe and now...

"It's where she's gone," Nico said. "I told her she would die if she tried, but she insisted. She just took Blackjack and—"

"She took my pegasus?" Percy said. I shook my head at him. Blackjack wasn't the most important thing here. Nico was obviously telling us something important.

"She's heading to Half-Blood Hill. She said she had to get to camp," Nico said waiting for his reaction. Percy and I looked at each other and we both sprinted out the door.

"What was she thinking," I said, "She'll never get through the defenses. Peleus will eat her."

"we've got to hurry," Percy said. He glanced at Nico, who was struggling to keep up. Percy had mentioned how much Nico's powers drain him. And with the day we've had it wasn't surprising how tired he was.

"Percy," I called. I was always the faster out of the two of us, but now he was beating me by bounds and yards. He turned to slow down. "You can teleport yourself there."

"I'm not leaving you here," he said adamantly, "but I'll speed it up for us. He stepped onto the water of the East River, like a modern day Jesus and held his hand out for me. I grabbed his hand tentatively. I trusted him, but I was no child of the sea. I can't walk on water. But as soon as my foot touched the water's surface it felt solid. Percy reached out with his other hand for Nico and pulled him onto the water.

"Don't let go of me," Percy warned. Soon the water we stood on became a current and we were zipping down the river, into the Long Island Sound. I was gripping his hand so tight, but he didn't seem to mind. I looked over at Nico who seemed queasy.

When we finally reached the beach we saw Argus waiting for us. He stood in the sand with his arms crossed, his hundred eyes glaring at

us.

"Is she here?" Percy demanded. He nodded.

"Is everything okay?" I said, but Argus shook his head. We followed him up the trail back to the Big House. The camp seemed so unaffected from the war. Bright sunshine. No destruction. All that good stuff. But the Big House had green smoke billowing from the windows and Rachel was standing there with her eyes closed and arms raised.

"What's she doing?" I asked. "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 go any closer. My heart winced at the concern he was showing for her. I knew she was his friend, but still.

"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." Percy 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!" Rachel opened her eyes and turned.

"It's all right. This is why I've come." She sounded so sure. So confident.

"You'll be destroyed!"

"This is where I belong, Percy. I finally understand." Her voice was so serene and at peace and because of that I couldn't help but think she was crazy.

The house rumbled. The door flew open and green light poured out. 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. 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 more brightly. Apollo appeared from no where. A cocky grin present on his face.

"Apollo," Percy said.

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

"It's my destiny," Rachel said. Percy was in disbelief, but it didn't seem so crazy to me. When Percy asked for her help in the Labyrinth she did it and risked her life over and over. When she had a vision that Percy needed to hear during the war, she flew from her vacation into a war zone and agreed to go to a school she hated to get there. And now she was becoming the new Oracle because she felt it was her destiny. She was brave, I'd give her that.

"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." 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 I couldn't see her at all. Then the smoke cleared. Rachel collapsed and curled into the fetal position. Percy, Nico, and I rushed forward, but Apollo said, "Stop! This is the most delicate part."

"What's going on?" Percy demanded. "What do you mean?"

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

"And if it doesn't?" I asked. Tendrils of fear clenched my heart. Rachel needed to be okay.

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

"Are you okay?" Percy asked as Rachel rose.

"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."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Percy asked.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce the new Oracle of Delphi," Apollo proclaimed with a grin.

"No way," I said.

"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."

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

"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. She doubled over. When she spoke, her voice sounded tripled—like three Rachels were talking at once:

"Six half-bloods shall answer the call.

To storm or fire, the world must fall.

An oath to keep with a final breath,

And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death." At the last word, Rachel collapsed. Nico and Percy caught her and helped her to the steps.

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

"What was that?"

"What was what?"

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

"What does it mean?" Percy demanded. All of us had had enough of Great Prophecy's. Knowing our luck we would be in the next one. Well, I thought, not Percy anymore. Percy isn't a half-blood anymore.

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

"I'm sorry, Percy," she said. "Back on Olympus, I didn't explain everything to you, but the calling frightened me. I didn't think you'd understand."

"I still don't," Percy admitted. "But I guess I'm happy for you."

"Happy probably isn't the right word. Seeing the future isn't going to be easy, but it's my destiny. I only hope my family..."

"Will you still go to Clarion Academy?" Percy asked.

"I made a promise to my father. I guess I'll try to be a normal kid during the school year, but-"

"But right now you need sleep," Apollo scolded. "Chiron, I don't think the attic is the proper place for our new Oracle, do you?"

"No, indeed." Chiron looked a lot better now that Apollo had worked some medical magic on him.

"Rachel may use a guest room in the Big House for now, until we give the matter more thought."

"I'm thinking a cave in the hills," Apollo mused. "With torches and a big purple curtain over the entrance. Something really mysterious. But inside, a totally decked-out pad with a game room and one of those home theater systems." Rachel called Percy over to her to say her goodbyes. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but Percy blushed heavily. Then he glanced at me.

"Six halfbloods, huh?" Percy said as he joined me. We watched Rachel enter the Big House with Apollo and Chiron. Nico and the satyrs dispirsed from the area, leaving us alone.

"Like Apollo said, it probably won't be us- er well definitely not you, I guess," I said. Percy frowned.

"I guess I've had my fill of prophecies," he said. He looked at me then, stared into my eyes. "I'll miss it though. The you and me quest dynamic. Every second you were away when Atlas captured you were the worst of my life, y'know. I just missed you so much. And when you took that knife for me, I was so angry. I wanted to destroy every last thing that could ever hurt you. When I visited you and you were poisoned and drugged up on nectar, and showed you my Achilles' spot. I was trusting you with my life. And I realized that I love you. I have since we were twelve and sitting in the back of that dirty old zoo truck eating-" He never finished his sentence. With a tug and a pulse of golden light he was gone. His face panicked as he disappeared leaving only a rustling of the wind. I sighed to myself.

"I love you too," I whispered to the faint scent of the sea left in his wake.

AN: I've been looking for a story that depicts Percy accepting the god's offer without him going ooc or it disregarding the Heros of Olympus storyline, but I never found a story that did that. If you know of such a story I'd love it if you could share it with me, but until then I will just write it myself. Reviews would be great