You Promised, Annabeth

Grand Idea

Percy Jackson's irritation simmered beneath the surface as he strode towards Chiron's office, a determined expression on his face. His footsteps echoed in the corridor, a rhythmic beat that matched the drumming of his thoughts. He had been through this before – the meetings, the bureaucracy of godly matters – and he wasn't looking forward to repeating the cycle.

Pushing the door open, Percy found Chiron engrossed in a stack of books, his brow furrowed in concentration. Beside him, reclining in a lazy sprawl, was Dionysus, an aura of boredom radiating from him like a tangible cloud. Percy's frustration intensified; it seemed that their timing couldn't have been worse.

"Chiron," Percy greeted with a curt nod, his tone revealing his exasperation. "We need to talk."

Chiron glanced up, his wise eyes meeting Percy's with an understanding that seemed to ease some of his tension. "Of course, Percy. What's on your mind?"

Percy leaned against a table, folding his arms across his chest. "It's about Jason Grace's plans. You know, the idea of adding shrines in Camp Jupiter for the gods?" Chiron nodded, his expression turning serious. "Yes, I'm aware of the proposal. It's a commendable endeavor, one that would certainly promote unity among the demigods." Percy's frustration flared again, his words tinged with impatience. "Right, and that's why we need your help. I talked to Reyna, Frank, and Hazel. We want to bring the idea up to Olympus and present it to the gods directly. There hasn't been a word since Lest-Lord Apollo rejoined Olympus. We only want to ensure that Jason's wish will be honored."

A small ball of anger that Percy tried to push away resurfaced briefly once again. When Jason had died, he made Apollo promise that he would present Jason's plans of the new shrines to Camp Jupiter. Only, once he ascended back to Mount Olympus, all mortality and humanity was left behind, his promise long forgotten. Percy saw it as one of the biggest 'fuck you' the gods had ever done to them. Jason Grace had died for Apollo after all. He tried to convince Frank, Reyna and Hazel to make the redesigns anyway, but new shrines as grand as Jason had planned needed to be approved by the gods, especially if they were designs for New Rome.

Dionysus sighed dramatically, lifting his head from his hand. "Ah, demigod matters and their grand plans. How utterly riveting."

Percy shot a glare at Dionysus, his annoyance thinly veiled. "This is important, Dionysus. It's not just about demigods; it's about acknowledging the contributions of all the gods, not just the twelve." Dionysus raised an eyebrow, feigning mild interest. "And how, exactly, do you intend to convince the gods of this revolutionary concept?"

Percy's jaw clenched, his patience wearing thin. "We'll present the plans, explain the benefits, and appeal to their sense of unity. We need their approval and support." The god of wine raised his brow, "That's it? That's your case? Listen, Peter-"

"Percy."

"Whatever. So far, you have failed to convince me. And I am one of that twelve, yes?" The god didn't wait for Percy to respond. "My father and the rest of the gods will not be too keen to have all of their sacrifices and admirers start paying more attention to the lesser of us. Myself included. So until you and your little brat gang can make a better argument, I'd say you're out of luck.

Chiron nodded in agreement, solemnly. "It's a noble cause, Percy. Unity among the gods and their demigod children is something that has long been needed. Camp Jupiter is missing that. If you'd like, I will go up to Mount Olympus with all of you to present this to the gods next weekend. 'Til then, I'd suggest formulating a new plan to convince them."

Dionysus let out a dramatic yawn, stretching lazily. "Well, you have my sincerest condolences for the riveting endeavor you're about to embark upon."

Percy's frustration boiled over, his voice sharp as he retorted, "You know, Dionysus, some of us actually care about the future of both camps and the demigods who come after us. If you're so uninterested, then just stay out of it until the meeting."

Dionysus grinned lazily. "Ah, Perry, such a fire in your belly. It's almost amusing."

Percy shot a glare at the god, his words dripping with sarcasm. "Glad I could entertain you."

Chiron intervened, his voice a calming presence amidst the tension. "Percy, let's focus on the task at hand. We'll make the arrangements and prepare for the meeting with the gods."

Percy took a deep breath, his frustration subsiding slightly. "Thanks, Chiron. We'll make this work. For Jason."

Chiron nodded, a solemn determination in his eyes. "For Jason, indeed."

As Percy turned to leave, he shot one final look at Dionysus – a glare that spoke volumes of his annoyance and searing anger. Dionysus, for his part, simply raised his goblet in a mock toast, a smile playing at his lips.

The sun cast a warm glow over Camp Half-Blood as Percy Jackson stepped out of the Big House, his mind still occupied by the frustrating conversation with Chiron and Dionysus. He found Annabeth Chase sitting on the steps, her gaze fixed on the horizon. The sight of her brought a mixture of comfort and joy which was much needed after the whole ordeal. "So? How did it go?" Annabeth immediately asked as soon as she saw him. She took in Percy's demeanor; irritation and anger radiating off of his body. "I take it not so well?" Percy let out a sigh, letting the anger escape his mind. "Yeah. It's just... Jason spent so long trying to make these redesigns for Camp Jupiter. Chiron was cautious, and Dionysus... well, he was his usual uninterested self. If we can't even convince Dionysus himself, how are we going to convince the rest of them? I just don't even see it being possible."

Annabeth gave him a determined look. "Then we'll find another way to make them see the value in it. We've faced gods before under different circumstances, Percy. We'll find a way to make them listen." Percy's gaze softened as he looked at Annabeth, appreciating her unwavering support. "You're right. I just... I can't stand the thought of the gods dismissing it as another trivial idea."

Annabeth nodded in agreement. "I understand your frustration, but we'll make our case, and we won't back down. Just like we've always done." A small smile tugged at the corner of Percy's lips. Annabeth's unwavering faith in their abilities always managed to lift his spirits. "You're amazing, you know that?" Annabeth rolled her eyes playfully. "I know, but it's always nice to hear you say it." Percy chuckled, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. Percy's determination surged anew, his frustration morphing into a sense of purpose. "Alright. Lets go talk to Reyna, Frank, and Hazel. Chiron said he'll take us to Mount Olympus next weekend."

As the sun sank lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the camp, Percy and Annabeth remained seated on the steps. Their voices carried a shared conviction, a resolve that refused to be shaken.