"A great hero must be rewarded," Poseidon said. "Is there anyone here who would deny that my son is deserving?"
I waited for someone to pipe up. The gods never agreed on anything, and many of them still didn't like me, but not a single one protested.
"The council agrees," Zeus said. "Percy Jackson, you will have one gift from the gods."
I hesitated. "Any gift?"
Zeus nodded grimly. "I know what you will ask. The greatest gift of all. Yes, if you want it, it shall be yours. The gods have not bestowed this gift on a mortal hero in many centuries, but Perseus Jackson-if you wish it-you shall be made a god. Immortal. Undying. You shall serve as your father's lieutenant for all time."
I stared at him, stunned. "Um…a god?"
Zeus rolled his eyes. " A dimwitted god, apparently. But yes. With the consensus of the entire Council, I can make you immortal. Then I will have to put up with you forever."
"Hmm," Ares mused. "That means I can smash him to a pulp as often as I want, and he'll just keep coming back for more. I like this idea."
"I approve as well," Athena said, though she was looking at Annabeth.
I glanced back. Annabeth was trying not to meet my eyes. Her face was pale. I flashed back to two years ago, when I'd thought she was going to take the pledge to Artemis and become a Hunter. I'd nearly been on the edge of a panic attack, thinking that I'd loose her. How, she looked pretty much the same way.
I thought about the Three Fates, and the way I'd seen my life flash by. I could avoid all that. No ageing, no death, no body in the grave. I could be a teenager forever, in top condition, powerful, and immortal, serving my father. I could have power and eternal life.
Who could refuse that?
But, I looked at Annabeth again, and I couldn't bear with the thought of never being with her again. I looked around at the twelve gods that were waiting for my decision. I was taking a deep breath, getting ready to turn Zeus down, which he wouldn't be happy about, but I spotted Aphrodite. Looking at me like she knew what I was thinking. As if just looking at the goddess of love gave my mind a jump, an idea sprang into my mind. With new determination, I turned back to Zeus.
"It would be my honor, Lord Zeus."
"Is there anyone who opposes this?" Zeus asked the rest of the Olympians. No one moved.
"Then it shall be done." The master lightning bolt appeared in his hand and he pointed it at me. An intense pain suddenly gripped my body, and a blinding light emanated from me. I nearly screamed from the pain, but as soon as it came, it vanished.
"Percy Jackson, you are now a god." Zeus thundered. There was a cheer from the rest of the gods and the spectators.
When I walked over to Annabeth, she looked disappointed angry and most of all hurt, which shone through her features.
"Annabeth?" I asked, "Um, are you ok?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." She said sending a stormy glance my way. Before I had a chance to explain my plan to her, a polite, steely voice said behind us,
"Good evening".
"Lady Athena," I said when I saw her.
"Mother," Annabeth said with some fluster in her voice.
"Percy Jackson, I would like a word," she said, "if you please."
I gulped nervously and sent another glance towards Annabeth and followed Athena into a secluded spot amidst the other partying Gods.
"Lady Athena," I started, but she interrupted me before I could continue.
"I know what you are planning, Percy Jackson, and I am here to tell you that a great number of other half-bloods turned gods have had the same plan. Many of them failed, breaking their hearts in the process." There was a silence after she stopped talking. I took a steadying breath and looked at her right in the eyes.
"I don't care. I will make Annabeth immortal with me."