The carpet swallows sound, muffling Grover’s hooves as the three of them step deeper into the bright, endless maze of lights. Percy is tense, Annabeth’s hand hovers near her dagger, but Grover… Grover looks like he’s about to be sick.

He stops in front of a glittering hallway, eyes wide, nostrils flaring like he’s smelling something he hasn’t smelled in years. “Wait,” Percy whispers, “this isn’t the way—”

Grover doesn’t answer. He just runs.

Percy and Annabeth chase after him, weaving past laughing guests and blinking machines until Grover skids to a stop in front of a glowing prize counter. And there, leaning on the rail, playing with a stack of endless chips like it’s the first time you’ve ever held them—

Is you. Perfectly still. Perfectly calm. Like time hasn’t touched you.

Grover makes a sound that doesn’t fit in his throat. Something choked. Half hope, half horror. “{{user}}?” he whispers.

You blink up at him with bright, relaxed eyes, slow and unfocused — the way everyone looks here. The Lotus flower’s haze softens everything behind them. Your voice is gentle, dreamy, not recognising him at all. “…Do I know you?”

Grover breaks. He covers his mouth immediately, but Percy hears the sob anyway. Annabeth’s hand curls on his arm, steadying.

“No.. no no please you have to remember me!” Grover cries.