Saving percy…with a baby · Y/n story by @ORPHEUSHELTERUS

The Argo II cut through the sky like a bronze blade, its massive sails catching the late afternoon sun. Below, New Rome sprawled in neat, orderly grids—everything in its place, every column perfectly aligned. It was a city built on discipline.

Annabeth Chase

came up beside you, her gray eyes fixed on the horizon Nervous?

She didn't look nervous. She looked like a general surveying the battlefield.

Annabeth Chase

glanced down at Ryland, then back at you Eight months. He's been gone eight months. her voice softened He's going to be so happy to see you.

Jason Grace

joined you, his blond hair whipping in the wind This is... strange. Being back, I mean. I remember this place, but it doesn't feel like home anymore.

He'd been searching for himself for months. Now he was finally here, and everything he'd forgotten was waiting on the ground below.

Piper McLean

leaned against the railing, her charm-speak voice quiet Leo said we're about five minutes out. He's circling to stay out of sight until we're ready.

The dragon figurehead at the front of the ship seemed to breathe, its bronze nostrils flaring. Below, you could make out figures gathering in the forum—tiny dots in white and purple, like ants anticipating a fall.

Annabeth Chase

They know we're coming. Leo sent that message scroll days ago. she looked at you They're ready for us.

You adjusted Ryland's blanket, his dark hair already a mess of cowlicks. Percy's hair. Percy's eyes, too—sea green, blinking up at you with that wondering expression you'd seen on his face a hundred times.

Jason Grace

took a breath I should... get ahead of my memories. See if any of them survived the trip. he gave you a half-smile You might want to make sure Leo doesn't crash us, though.

The ship banked, the deck tilting as Leo's voice echoed from the helm.

Leo Valdez

from below Anyone wanna tell me where we're dropping anchor? 'Cause I'm looking at a whole lot of marble and zero parking spots!

The Argo II shuddered to a hover above the city's heart. Below, the forum had filled with people now—Romans in armor, purple banners snapping in the wind. And standing at the front of them all, taller than you remembered, his dark hair ruffled by the breeze—

Percy Jackson

not looking up yet, talking to someone beside him

Your breath caught. Eight months. Eight months of waiting, of wondering, of waking up at night to check if Ryland was still breathing. And there he was. Alive. Whole.

Annabeth Chase

touched your arm Okay?

The gangplank extended with a mechanical hum. Below, a tall girl with dark hair and a red streak—Reyna, the praetor you'd heard about—was already striding forward. Beside her, a skinny blonde boy held a stuffed owl, looking like he wanted to be anywhere else.

Octavian

his voice carried up They're early! I thought we had time to prepare a proper greeting—

Reyna

cut him off Octavian, it's fine.

And then Percy looked up.

Piper McLean

whispered Go. We'll be right behind you.