He [percy] Pleaded With Those Sea-green Eyes,

Eat Bitter, Taste Sweet," Frank Said. "i Hate That Proverb." "but It's True. What Do They Call It These Days---no Pain, No Gain? Same Concept. You Do The Easy Thing, The Appealing Thing, The Peaceful Thing, Mostly It Turns Out Sour In The End. But If You Take The Hard Path---ah, That's How You Reap The Sweet Rewards. Duty. Sacrifice. They Mean Something.

Annabeth, Thank Goodness, Would Be Staying In New York. She'd Gotten Permission From Her Parents To Attend A Boarding School In The City So She Could Be Close To Olympus And Oversee The Rebuilding Efforts. "and Close To Me?" I Asked. "well, Someone's Got A Big Sense Of His Own Importance." But She Laced Her Fingers Through Mine. I Remembered What She'd Told Me In New York, About Building Something Permanent, And I Thought—just Maybe—we Were Off To A Good Start.

Hercules,huh? Percy Frowned. "that Guy Was Like The Starbucks Of Ancient Greece. Everywhere You Turn--there He Is.

"bloated!" He Cried. The Corresponding Hieroglyph Flew Through The Air, Bursting Against A Demon's Chest In A Spray Of Light. Instantly, The Demon Swelled Like A Water Balloon And Rolled Screaming Down The Pyramid. "flat!" Thoth Blasted Another Demon, Who Collapsed And Shriveled Into A Monster-shaped Doormat. "intestinal Problems!" Thoth Yelled. The Poor Demon Who Got Zapped With That One Turned Green And Doubled Over.

Percy Scowled. "i-i Know You." Nico Raised His Eyebrows. "do You?