The Giant War was over. They had won. But at a price. Many of their family and friends - mortal and demigod alike - had died.
They had burnt the shrouds of their dead demigod friends, beautifully crafted by their cabin mates. Each demigod has their different stories, but they all ended up the same.
The campfire was lit black, symbolizing the sad mood of the people. The Hermes cabin didn't even tried to joke. The Apollo cabin didn't even bothered singing any song. The Hephaestus cabin didn't even set up some colorful fireworks. No one was in the mood to do so. The Hunters didn't even mock the campers.
Chiron was about to set them all back to their cabins when a certain son of Poseidon went to one of the Apollo campers and asked for something. The said camper looked at him weirdly but obliged to the odd request. Percy followed him as he went to get it.
All of them were surprised when they both came back. Annabeth looked dumbfounded when she saw her boyfriend holding a gold acoustic guitar. No one, not even her, knew that Percy can play an instrument, much less a guitar.
When they both sat back down to their respective seats, Percy cleared his throat, successfully getting everyone's attention.
"I know this had been a hard day for all of us, so I thought I could lighten it up, even just a little," he said.
And he started to sing.
I took the supermarket flowers from the windowsill
I threw the day-old tea from the cup
Packed up the photo album Matthew had made
Memories of a life that's been loved
Took the "Get Well Soon" cards and stuffed animals
Poured the old ginger beer down the sink
Dad always told me, "Don't you cry when you're down."
But, mum, there's a tear every time that I blink
Oh, I'm in pieces. It's tearing me up but I know
A heart that's broke is a heart that's been loved
So, I'll sing Hallelujah,
You were an angel in the shape of my mum
When I fell down you'd be there holding me up
Spread your wings as you go
And when God takes you back
He'll say, "Hallelujah, you're home."
I fluffed the pillows, made the beds, stacked the chairs up
Folded your nightgowns neatly in a case
John said he'd drive, then put his hand on my cheek
And wiped a tear from the side of my face
And I hope that I see the world as you did 'cause I know
A life with love is a life that's been lived
So, I'll sing Hallelujah,
You were an angel in the shape of my mum
When I fell down you'd be there holding me up
Spread your wings as you go, when God takes you back
He'll say, "Hallelujah, you're home."
Hallelujah,
You were an angel in the shape of my mum
You got to see the person I have become
Spread your wings and I know
That when God took you back, he said, "Hallelujah, you're home."
After the song, the mood was considerably lighter. The campfire glowed brighter, changing from black to orange. A few people smiled, thanking Percy for the wonderful song. That is, until Jason remembered something.
"Percy, how could you sing so beautifully?" he asked.
"I have been singing since I was young. Why?" Percy replied.
"Because the last time I heard you sing, you sang like a banshee," Annabeth said cheekily.
Everyone laughed at that, some even hysterically. Above the laughter, you could hear an unmistakable shout of "THAT WAS ONE TIME!" Needless to say, the rest of the night went happily.