Beyond Tartarus (A Percabeth Fanfiction)

Chapter 36-Gowns Galore, Followed by Trouble

Annabeth

 "Goodness, there are so many, I-I don't know what to choose?" I gasped, staring at the endless racks of wedding gowns. Big, poofy, boisterous gowns with pearls and sequins and jewels. Then there were dainty, slim-fitting gowns with unique necklines and long, wispy tails. It was overwhelming, I didn't know where to start.

 "Well, first let's see what specific styles you like, that'll help us narrow down your options." Mari suggested as I continued to gawk. 

 "What is it you're looking for in particular? Do you like frills, beading, or lace? What about shape? Do the large cupcake skirt dresses attract you, or would you prefer something like the mermaid dress for example, something that is slim-fitting and has a long train?" All her questions scattered around in my brain as I concentrated on my answer. 

 "I'm definitely not into the poof, I like the delicate dresses with nothing too frivolous. I prefer something more simple, light and airy, if you can." I almost chuckled at my response, mainly because I sounded so tomboyish when explaining what I wanted. Most dresses were hardly comfortable or light, would Mari even be able to find me such a thing?

 Percy 

 I heard the doorbell ring as I sat in the kitchen eating breakfast. I put down my coffee mug and made my way to the front hall. Opening the door, I was greeted by Jason and Leo. 

 "Oh hi!" I exclaimed, patting the backs of both Jason and Leo as I welcomed them in. 

 "How have you two been? I haven't seen you in ages! How is high school? Do you even go to school? Wait, how did you guys get my address?" As I pestered them with questions, I escorted them to the kitchen where they both sat themselves down at the table. I took my plate of scrambled eggs off the table and went to the fridge to grab the boys a drink.

 "Would you guys like a soda or something?" I asked, turning away from the refrigerator to see them nod. I grabbed three sodas and placed them on the table, taking a seat as I asked, "So what are you two doing here anyway?" Jason shrugged, but Leo spoke and said, "Well, spring break started, so we've mainly been spending our time hanging out. Jason arrived in New York only a day ago so we've been touring around, and we thought we would visit you. Chiron wanted to say hello as well, and he wanted us to tell you something."

 I frowned,"What did Chiron want to tell me exactly?" Leo's almost-permanent grin faded when he said, "He's, uh...he's been sensing a disturbance in like the force or the air or something, again. He says we may not have destroyed all of Gaea's spirit friends and family, or whatever they are." 

 "Well of course not," I said

 "Monsters don't die forever, surely they'll return in a few centuries, maybe, but they won't be as strong as they were before so it's no big deal if he senses a disturbance." 

 "No, Percy," Jason piped up, his face hard and concerned.

 "He says they're still around, their souls, or whatever it is that keeps their brain stuff preserved, they are everywhere. And they know who destroyed them and the rest of their kind."

 Annabeth

The girls gasped as I modeled the seventh dress I had tried on. Already I was exhausted by the tedious work of unzipping, pulling down, stepping out, and trying on again. I was nearing my breaking point, but I was hoping I would find a dress before I reached it. I had tried on two dresses that made me feel like a walking marshmallow, a short, sparkly dress that was by far too sparkly, a mermaid-like dress that I tripped on while walking out of the dressing room, and two dresses that made me look like a chandelier, which I was not a fan of. So far I had kept my spirit high, but what if I was too picky and could not finding anything that was...me?

I could feel myself getting tired of it all, and wanting to reschedule another appointment. Besides, would it really be so bad if I showed up at my wedding in sweatpants and a tee shirt? I laughed at the thought. 

 I looked in the mirror at the current dress I was trying on. So far the girls had approved, their loud gasps saying it all. I looked at them for approval, and they both nodded.

"Is this the one?" I asked

 Piper grinned, "Most definitely!"

Percy

 An hour earlier, Jason and Leo had said goodbye and left me to my own devices. I was still trying to figure out what they told me, and what impact it would have on the future, our future. Annabeth still had not returned from her appointment, and I was tempted to text her, asking when she would be arriving home. I hoped she was having a good time, but I was too worried about her coming back and what she might be feeling when I tell her the news.

I was flipping through the possibilities and scenarios when I heard the door unlock and Annabeth's bright voice yell out, "I'm home!" I grinned simultaneously at the sound of her voice, making my way to greet her at the front door. She wrapped her arms around my neck as I asked her how her appointment went. 

 "It was great," she said

 "I found a dress!" 

 "Good," I said

 "I'm glad you had fun, and I can't wait to see you in that mysterious dress. Is it in the car?" I turned my head to look through the front door window when Annabeth giggled and blocked my view. 

 "No peeking, it's being ordered in, I won't have it for another week or so. I'm glad you're curious, but you'll have to be patient." She smiled as I gave her a quick kiss. We both walked over to the living room couch and sat down, my tone becoming a lot more serious as I said, "Hey, um...Annabeth, we need to talk about something."

Author's Note

Hey, I hope you all enjoyed! I know everyone has been eagerly awaiting chapter after chapter, and I promise that at the most, it will take me about four weeks before each upload, probably less! I also thought of the idea to use this little blurb at the end of each chapter I like to call, "Author's Note", to answer some Q&A questions! What do you guys think about doing a question and answer after every chapter? If you're interested, please leave me a question in the comments section and I'll answer them at the end of the next chapter! Keep in mind, I will not reply to any questions regarding personal information. However, anything like, "What's your favourite book?" or, "Favourite actor?" are totally acceptable. Can't wait to answer your questions! 

-Elisa Marie