Author's Note - This idea for a story came very recently to my mind. I've always wanted to write a story that involved Percy becoming a god. I know that there's a lot of stories out there about him becoming a god, so for a while I was a bit hesitant on the idea of posting one of my own out there - as I wasn't sure of how bored people were of that sort of story, but I finally decided to go ahead with it and hopefully this story will be enjoyed!

(P.S. - Just going to drop a warning here ahead of time. This first chapter does have a scene that has an abused animal in it - while it doesn't go into full detail, I can completely understand that may be upsetting to some people so I thought I'd give a forewarning.)

Disclaimer - I don't own any of Rick Riordan's characters. They all rightfully belong to him!

It was never his plan to become a god after his twentieth birthday.

After his battle with Kronos, he had little doubt in his mind when he refused Zeus' offer of godhood, and after that had happened, he never really figured the topic would ever arise again. However, following the events of the war with Gaea, things began to spiral out of control - a fight broke out between the Big Three and to avoid a possible war amongst them - he found himself being the centerpiece of it all. He never really understood how he had fitted into the equation, but for some reason or another, Zeus had grudgingly agreed that he would refrain from initiating such a war ever in the future if he became a god. Thus he became Perseus Jackson; god of demigods, loyalty, and riptides. It was far from an easy choice, though - as the reasoning behind it had been rather stupid and part of him wished his younger self wouldn't have agreed to it. Surely there could have been a way to resolve it even if it could have risked war. But because of that choice, Annabeth and him had decided that it was probably best for them to split. Thankfully, even after the upset, the two of them had remained close friends and kept in touch.

Percy was sprawled out on remote beach, the warm sand upon his bare back as he watched the clouds drift lazily across the sky. A few feet away from him, he could hear Blackjack munching happily on the oats he had given him a few minutes prior, and with a smack of his lips, the equine looked up towards his dozing master. Are we heading out soon, boss?

A yawn escaped Percy and he cracked open one of his eyes to glance over at his black steed. When the pegasus had learned that Percy was possibly going to be turned into a god, he had insisted on wanting to become immortal with him so he could accompany him forever, and Percy couldn't deny that he appreciated his company - the past fifty years would have been incredibly lonely. "Yeah, I guess we could go soon." He wasn't sure where. Usually he'd receive some sort of signal if there was a demigod who was in need, but for the past month and a half, there was oddly nothing. When he first started, there'd be at least four or so a week.

Maybe we could go back to Camp Half-Blood, Blackjack stated, sounding hopeful, If there isn't anyone else along the way, I mean. It should be okay to visit right? I mean, you're the god of demigods and the camp is full of 'em so why not?

He had a point, but he himself wasn't too sure. Ever since he had left home, he always had felt a bit awkward on the idea of returning. Aside from Thalia, all of his friends were now well up in their years and he knew it'd be rather strange seeing them all aged with children - some even grandchildren - of their own. "Maybe." He mused, pulling his shirt back on as he stood up. "Let's go circle Ireland for a bit - we haven't been there for a while."

The sensation was always strange to him - ever since he became a god, traveling was a simple matter. All he had to do was picture whatever place he had in mind, and suddenly they'd be there. Traveling the world was always something he really wanted to do, but with Annabeth. The thought of it always was enough to bring down his mood a bit, even after all this time. I smell donuts. Blackjack's voice drew him out of his thoughts. Even after all this time, the pegasus hadn't lost his love for the sweet treat.

"I just gave you oats." Percy rolled his eyes. "Those are a lot better for you than donuts anyway." He heard Blackjack grumbled under his breath and the two of them landed behind a hill. Dublin was only a mile away and as he slid off of Blackjack's back, he gave his friend a pat. "I'm going to head into town for a bit. You can stick around here or go fly around if you'd like. I'll call you when I'm ready to leave."

Sounds good boss. Blackjack stretched his wings, giving them a flap before he folded them up and dipped his head to graze.

He didn't get too far, however, and bumped into a familiar face. "So yer back den, laddie. Nice seein' ya again." In front of him was a large, handsome man who sported a long dark beard. His eyes were full of mirth, and he was giving him a smile.

Another thing that was unavoidable when traveling the world was running into other deities aside from Greeks and Romans. Before him stood one of those other deity - his name was Fer Benn the Dagda. When the two of them first met, he had tried to give him his full name which was along the lines of Fer Benn Bruach Brogaill Broumide-and he didn't really know the rest because he cut him off by then, and asked if Fer Benn was okay (no disrespect intended, of course.) From their last brief meeting he had learned that Fer Benn was the god of the earth and agriculture. So, at first, he related that to Demeter, but it was a bit more complicated than that. He was also a protector, a warrior, and known for a lot more than that - Celtic deities were entirely different from the Greeks or Romans. Unlike those two who focused on one place - Greece and Rome, Celtic was more of an umbrella term and described multiple places. "Nice seeing you again too." Percy replied, realizing he hadn't responded yet. He glanced at the other god suspiciously. "Were you waiting for me? I've only got here and already I've bumped into you."

Fer Benn laughed, and gave his back a bone jarring smack. "No need to be so tense, lad. Tis been centuries since we've seen one of ye Greeks so myself and a few of the others might've put tabs on ye. Yer also a new one so that makes ye even more curious. Percy wassit?"

"Yes," He glanced warily around, "Is Morrigan around too?"

The older god grinned. "Yer safe lad. The Morrigan decided to go off somewhere. We haven't seen her in months. So lucky fer you, you'll remain intact to see another day." Fer Benn wrapped an arm around his shoulders, tugging him just a bit closer so he could speak more quietly. "'Less if yer into that sort of thing. She's a beautiful one, isn't she?"

His expression must have instantly changed to horror, because Fer Benn threw his head back and laughed, releasing him to give him another pat on the back. "Just jokin' witcha, lad. What brings ye back after all this time?"

"I just wanted to visited," Percy shrugged, "I haven't had much to do lately so I guess I've been kind of bored."

Fer Benn nodded slowly, seeming slightly sympathetic, "Best get used to it now, lad. Boredom is a god's worse enemy some days."

Their exchange was brief after that and Fer Benn sent him off with a "don't be a stranger" before heading off. Out of all the gods and goddesses he's met during his travels, Fer Benn was high up on the list of being most friendly and welcoming. Most deities around the world were tolerant for the most part, but there were a few of them who had made it clear that they didn't want anything to do with him. He was always careful if he ended up having to revisit those places. By the time he returned to Blackjack, the sun was already starting to set in the sky. He was still in the same place, but this time there was a young woman with long, dark hair standing next to him, rubbing his shoulder and neck. Blackjack's eyes were half lidded and looked as if he was in pegasus heaven. Spotting him, the lady smiled, dropping her hand back to her side - much to Blackjack's disappointment - and she stepped forward. "Is this your companion?"

"Yes," He answered, a bit hesitantly, "He hasn't done anything, has he?" Blackjack gave him a look as if saying "what the heck, man", and the woman laughed in amusement.

"Not at all. I was impressed of how well cared for he was and wanted to compliment his rider." She gave his nose a rub. "You were all he talked about during my time with him and it made me curious of you. I can tell that both of you share a very special bond."

Percy smiled a bit. "We've been friends for a long time," Blackjack snorted in agreement, "My name is Percy, by the way. I don't think we've met before."

"My name is Epona," The lady smiled, turning her attention solely to him, "I'm known mostly as being the Irish goddess of horses. I haven't seen a pegasus in a very long time - so I couldn't resist introducing myself."

Do we really have to leave, boss? Blackjack wondered, sounding reluctant, she's really nice and her apples are the best ever.

"I thought you were the one who wanted to go home so badly." Percy raised an eyebrow at him.

Well, yeah, Blackjack shook his mane, and then glanced sheepishly towards Epona, but apples are important too.

Epona was smiling at the exchange. "I won't keep you for long. Besides," She gave Blackjack a fond, motherly look, "Too many apples will give you a stomach age. Even if you are immortal," Her gaze flicked back to Percy, "Before you leave, I wanted to ask you for a favor, though."

"A favor?" He frowned.

"Yes." She replied, "Some time ago I heard a brief rumor of a Greek godling passing through – I believe that was you, wasn't it?" As he nodded she continued. "I didn't hear much about you, but I did overhear something that did interest me. Is it true that you hold domain over a remote island?"

"Well, it's nothing that cool – but yeah, I do own it so to speak. It was a gift from my father after I was changed into a god."

"I see," She mused, sounding thoughtful, "And who else lives on this island?"

He gave a shrug. "It's just Blackjack and myself – apart from the wildlife that lives there, of course."

"I know that this may be asking you much, especially since we've only met, but I was hoping that you would consider allowing your island to become a sanctuary of sorts for horses. I understand that fitting every single abused horse and equine alike upon a single island would nearly be impossible, but when I heard that you were a frequent traveler, the idea crossed my mind. You'd be able to reach many of them."

Percy slowly ran his hand through his hair. "I hate horse abuse with a passion too, I'd be glad to let any that I come across to take refuge on the island – it's too empty anyway – but I'm not sure if I'd be able to always actively search for them. It may not seem like it right at the moment, but I do usually have my hands full as it is." He didn't want to offend the goddess. He knew it was important to keep up a good impression. It'd be really bad if a rumor started to go around amongst all the gods that he was a scumbag and not to be trusted. But Zeus would have his neck if he started to slack off. For the most part, the thunder god has pretty much ignored him ever since his god ceremony, but he had a feeling that Zeus still kept a close eye on him even so – just waiting for the opportunity to give him a hard time.

Epona didn't seem too angry with his words, however, so that was a relief. "I understand completely." She smiled, "I'm simply relieved that you're at least taking the idea to heart. My sanctuaries are always overflowing and it's hard to accept new members into them." She was beginning to slowly shift into a white mare before him, and once the transformation was complete, she turned her dark blue eyes towards him. There is an old gelding who lives not too far from here, Her voice sounded musical in his mind, If it's not too much trouble, would you please allow him to be your first resident? He's lived a long, miserable life and deserves a nice, tranquil place to live the remainder of his life.

"Where does he live?"

A run down stable just two miles up this path. He is the only horse there – the others have perished, unfortunately, under the abuse of their cruel master there. She gave a stomp of her hoof, her eyes darkening with her anger.

He could feel his own anger beginning to brew up slightly. "I'll try my best."

Thank you, Percy. The goddess gave him the equine version of a smile, I will not forget your kindness.

With that being said, she disappeared over the hill, leaving him and Blackjack behind, and with a soft sigh, Percy climbed up on Blackjack's back. "We better find him before it gets completely dark."

On it, boss.

They took to the air, following up the path as Epona had instructed and it didn't take them too long to reach the gelding's farm. Just as described, the farm itself was a filthy mess and not at all suited for any animal to live in. There was broken bits of glass, rusty nails, and other dangerous objects just laying haphazardly around. They circled around it once, before he landed Blackjack behind the broken barn. "Stay low while I check it out." He was pretty sure that the Mist would protect Blackjack from being seen as he was, but he wasn't too sure. He learned the hard way during his first visit that the Irish were a bit more sensitive than normal to anything mythical. They pretty much were all superstitious.

It didn't seem like anyone was home at the time, and he slipped carefully into the barn. He was greeted by the bored stares of a few cows, and as he searched through the building, he finally found what he was looking for – and his heart sank at the sight. The gelding was in terrible shape – all bones and his dappled gray coat was dull and filthy. He was also in chains that looked way too tight – he couldn't imagine that the poor horse could even move with them on. At first the gelding didn't even respond to his approach, but then he saw the old horse's eyes flick open. Who are you? Even his voice sounded raspy and weak. You're not the master of this place.

"No, I'm not," Percy answered gently, "I'm here to take you from this place."

Are you one of Epona's servants? The gelding wondered and there was a bit more life in his voice – a hopefulness. If it is my time, you will receive no compliant from me. I'm ready to leave this life behind.

His words struck right to Percy's heart – they were words of acceptance. The gelding was ready for death and it only fueled his anger toward the "master" of the farm. "I'm not a servant – only a friend. She was the one who sent me here," He answered, "However, not because it's time for your death. She wanted me to take you from this place so you could live the rest of your life in peace."

I see, the gelding released a long breath. He sounded relieved, as if all of the tension of the passing years were falling off of him, It sounds like a wonderful place. Please thank the goddess when you see her again... Just knowing she has heeded my prayers has been enough to bring me peace.

"I will. Now let me get you out of these chains."

It took forever to remove them, normally it'd be easy with his enhanced strength, but he decided against using that strength due to the possibility of hurting the gelding. As soon as he was free, the old horse was quick to follow him out of the barn and the two of them met up with Blackjack. We should go soon, boss, the pegasus' wings were twitching anxiously, I just saw an old truck pull up a few moments ago. I think the farmer is back.

It took a bit of willpower to make himself leave. His anger was trying its best to hold him in place that way he could confront the farmer, but he knew lashing out wouldn't go well. Instead, he placed both of his hands on the backs of his equine companions, and with a flash, the three of them disappeared.

As soon as the old gelding stepped hoof upon the island, the transformation was incredible. He wasn't sure if it was because the island was technically his "domain" or what, but whatever it was about the island, it healed the old horse of all his wounds from the chains and cleaned his coat until it shined its original dappled gray. The tangles and knots in his mane and tail all disappeared and now looked silky smooth – he appeared almost ten years younger. The gelding tossed his head a bit, giving a happy snort as he gazed at his reflection in the ocean. I feel like a colt again.

"You look much better too," Percy grinned, "This is your home now, so you're free to roam as you like. There's no need to worry about predators either – nothing will attack you here. I'm not sure how much I'll visit, but as time passes more horses might come."

It's perfect. Thank you for coming for me, lord, the gelding sighed blissfully, I'm grateful.

"I also wanted to ask you something. What's your name? It'll be easier to know what to call you."

The elder horse gave a nod, Of course. To be honest, I haven't been called anything other than Old Gray for a very long time… but it would be nice to be known as Aodhan once more. It was the name my mother gave me as a colt since I was her little "spitfire". The old gray smiled a bit at the memory.

"Aodhan." It definitely suited him more than just "Old Gray". Since he technically wasn't due to go anywhere, he ended up staying on the island for a while to listen to Aodhan tell stories about his life. Blackjack seemed keen on listening as well, and it was nice having a new companion to mingle with. Not that he didn't like hanging out with Blackjack, of course.

The story telling, however, was abruptly interrupted when a deep ache began to form in his skull and it was painful enough for his hand to automatically grasp at his head. He wasn't unfamiliar with the sensation, it happened twice before, but that was quite a bit ago. It usually happens when someone was directly praying to him and he still didn't really know how to control it. He's asked Apollo about it once before and the sun god told him that the first few times were rough, but eventually it'd stop hurting.

You okay, boss? Blackjack gave him a look of concern as he watched him rub his temples.

"Yeah, just give me a moment." It took him a few moments to focus around the ache and to actually hear what the prayer was.

Please, please. Lord Perseus, It wasn't a voice that he recognized, but it sounded desperate, I don't know if you can hear me – I'm still not really good at all this demigod stuff, but please come to Camp Half Blood and help us. Things are out of control and I don't know how much more we can take—

The prayer cut off there and his headache began to subside. As it did so, he glanced up towards Blackjack and Aodhan who were both patiently waiting for him to speak.

"Looks like we'll be heading home after all, Blackjack."

Feel free to give me feedback on what you think! Compliments and friendly criticism alike are both equally welcomed. ^^