Annabeth rested her head on her husband’s shoulder as she sighed, exhausted, but happy. In her arms, a baby lay warm and cozy, safe in her mother’s embrace. Swaddled in a soft white blanket, the baby slept peacefully, pressed against Annabeth’s chest, making the legendary couple smile.
Their first child, the one they had dreamed of for so long, had finally arrived.
The hospital room was quiet, bathed in soft natural light filtering through the curtains. The air carried a sterile scent, mixed with the trace of Percy’s cologne. They had visitors, friends from camp, who came and went, careful not to exhaust Annabeth further. The couple felt grateful, knowing their child would never be alone. If not them, she had an army behind her, an army of friends back at Camp Half-Blood.
Just as they thought they were done with visitors for the day, a sudden light broke into the room, causing the couple to await their eyes.
“Lady Athena. Lady Nike,” Percy said quickly, bowing.
“Lighten up, boy. No one’s going to smite you today,” Nike teased, making Percy huff.
Athena’s eyes were already fixed on her own child. When her gaze met Annabeth’s, the younger woman smiled, grateful.
“Mother,” she breathed. Her blonde hair was a mess, curls wild like they’d just survived a war, but Athena didn’t care. She stepped closer and pressed a kiss to her daughter’s forehead gently.
“How are you, my dear?”
“Good. Just tired,” Annabeth replied.
“She is beautiful.” Athena ran her hand through Annabeth’s hair, her eyes now locked on the small baby, just as the infant opened her eyes, sensing the presence in the room. Her big sea-green eyes met Athena’s grey ones. Athena froze.
“Look at that cute thing! Gorgeous eyes. At least she got her mama’s hair,” Nike smirked.
“She’s just as beautiful as my Wise Girl. Now I’ve got two of them,” Percy laughed, running his hand through the baby’s tiny blonde curls.
“Isn’t she so pretty, Athena? Look at her, she’s staring at you!” Nike said excitedly.
But Athena remained frozen, staring silently at the child who stared right back.
“Mom? Everything okay?” Annabeth asked, concern creeping into her voice.
"Are you-" Another light flared in the room, cutting off Annabeth.
“Dad?” Percy blinked, confused.
Poseidon appeared, glancing around. His eyes narrowed slightly when he saw his niece.
“Poseidon,” Nike said, bowing her head, though her wings flapped quickly, a sign of restrained anger.
Poseidon gave a curt nod, his gaze shifting to the baby.
“She looks beautiful, my son. Surely she’ll do great things one day. Congratulations to you both.”
The couple smiled.
“Thank you, Lord Poseidon.”
“I must say... she resembles someone from the past. Almost a clone of my granddaughter, Pallas. That’s her—”
He stopped abruptly, noticing Athena's tremble. She was still staring at the baby, a tear sliding down her cheek. She didn’t bother wiping it away.
“Mom?” Annabeth’s worried voice brought her back.
Athena blinked, quickly wiping her tears before clearing her throat.
“Excuse me. She is gorgeous. Congratulations.”
Annabeth smiled softly, though her worry hadn’t vanished. “Thank you, Mother.”
“What name have you decided on?”
“Lexie,” Percy answered. “Lexie Zoe Jackson.”
“Can I... can I hold her?” Athena’s voice trembled slightly, like she might burst into tears.
Annabeth’s eyes met Percy’s, worry in their eyes because of the Goddess's tone. But Annabeth finally nodded, allowing her mother to take little Lexie in her arms.
Athena smiled down at her, eyes misting again. Lexie cooed, her fingers finding her mouth as she stared up at the goddess, content.
The room fell silent. Percy sat beside Annabeth, watching Athena closely.
“Was Pallas—”
“Yes,” Annabeth whispered back before he could finish. Understanding flickered on both their faces.
Annabeth smiled as she watched her mother interact with her daughter, a bond already forming.
Poseidon didn’t say another word, but as he gazed at the baby, his expression softened. Percy swore he heard him whisper Pallas’s name, but he didn’t press. He just watched Poseidon take Lexie next, holding her close.
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“You were pretty frozen back there,” Nike said later.
“I was just staring at her. I didn’t freeze.”
“You were sweating, trembling and tearing up,” Nike pointed out.
Athena sighed. “I... well, she... she looks like her, Nike.”
“That much? Really?”
Athena nodded. “The same eyes. Hair, nose, lips... she’s gorgeous.”
“She is,” Nike smiled. “You two already bonded. She’ll always be safe.”
“She will,” Athena said too quickly. “She’s brilliant too. Like Pallas, so sharp.”
Nike rested her head on Athena’s shoulder. “She’s already so lucky.”
Athena didn’t respond. She just stared at the floor, lost in thought.
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“I’m so lucky to have you as my friend!” Pallas had said. “I mean, a literal goddess, my best friend? How awesome is that!”
Athena laughed. “I can’t deny that.”
Pallas took off running. “You’re the only one who can keep up! Father says I’m the fastest!”
Athena caught her by the arm, and they tumbled to the ground together, laughing loudly. Their laughter was young, so young and free.
“Look at your face!” Pallas teased.
“Oh hush! You’re covered too,” Athena shot back.
Pallas pushed her mockingly, causing Athena to giggle more. She felt alive, happy and free. Mud on her face, dress ruined, but she laughed anyway. Why wouldn’t she? She was with her best friend, sister, the person she loved most in the world.
“I’d never fail you. Not ever,” Athena said.
“I know that, Thena! You can never, ever, ever fail me. We’re friends forever.”
“Forever,” Athena agreed. “Forever, indeed.”
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That night, Athena stood by the window, watching Lexie sleep.
The baby’s tiny mouth was open as she breathed softly.
“You came back,” Athena whispered. “You really did…”
She watched as the little one stirred slightly, then continued resting.
“I won’t fail you. Not this time… I promise.”
Her lips twitched as Lexie cooed softly in her sleep.
“I promise…”