Okay, so I'm going for the cliche reading the books fic, but I'm going to honour the amazing work of Anaklusmos14-The Queen's Champion.
All credit goes to him of course, and Riordan for his wonderful characters.
Just to clarify, TQC starts with an AE to TLO, so if you havent read the original just bare with because all will be revealed further into the chapter.
To any readers of my other work-I am NOT leaving it or putting it on hiatus, I'm just going through a tough stage of writing as its a crucial turning point of the plot and I want to get it perfect-this is took keep me doing something productive rather than staring at a blank screen.
I'll shut up now. Read, Review, Flame, Enjoy, Harass-I'm really not bothered its just nice to hear from you guys. ATB, C.A. xxx
Reading The Queen's Champion
It had been 4 years since this dramatic end to the 2nd Titan War and many were still scarred deeply from the battle. Hermes was grieving for his lost son-lost to the Titan's side-as no matter the betrayal and hate Luke had for him, he would always love his child. Athena was in a similar state, she'd felt helpless to the darkness surrounding her daughter and in all her wisdom had never been able see Annabeth's deceit. Chiron was quieter than he had been for many centuries, he cared for all his campers like children and with so many dead at the hands of other's he had withdrawn.
Percy's disappearance hadn't helped.
The Saviour of Olympus had all but disappeared from everyone's sight due to the pain and loss caused by the girl who loved him betraying him in the worst way. Poseidon had done little to command the sea's in the time since his son left, Thalia spent all her time ruthlessly searching, Nico was more dark and mysterious than any had seen him, and all of the camper's felt the sorrow of their lost friend. Strangely, the one person who seemed to be a little less bitter was Queen Hera, which all of the Olympians picked up on, but none could offer any reason as too why.
Nobody, demigod or god, considered the worst-that Percy had fallen even with his ageless immortality- yet they often checked with the (now) Olympian god of the Underworld. Even in the time that had passed the year round campers-of which there were many since the war as they wished to stay close to the family that had survived- all journeyed to Mt. Olympus for the Winter Solstice Council, and their missing friend was a common talking point.
It was on such a night when Zeus called for silence. "Now that we have all arrived, is there any matter's that need to be attended to first before the Council meeting can begin-"
A flash of bright, white light burst out from the centre of the room, blinding even the gods momentarily. When the light faded a black book rested on the floor as though it had been there all along, with a note attached. Hermes, whose throne was closest, stepped hesitantly forward and picked up the thick volume. He read the note out loud, his voice echoing in the shocked silence.
"To Our Younger Brethren,
We feel a threat stirring even from the distant realm's of our palace in the sky, and so we see fit to warn you. After much deliberation, we procured a copy of a manuscript that tells how Fate would play out without our early interference. We ask only that you read it, see the truth it speaks and accept it so that the threat can be countered in a less tragic manor. An old friend of our has agreed to slow the rate of time whilst you read. We will watch over you as we see fit.
Regards, Your Elders."
"It's called The Queen's Champion." he added.
The room was quiet but for the crackling of the hearth, until at once everyone broke out into nervous muttering.
"SILENCE!" Zeus' booming voice rang out through the throne room. "Though I am hesitant to accept the interference of those not of this council, I believe we should read this book as it may contain answers to this rather ominous claim of war to come. Does anybody disagree?"
The Olympians showed mixed emotions. Ares and Dionysus looked bored, whilst Poseidon looked completely uninterested. The idea of knowledge seemed to spark curiosity in Athena's mirthful eyes, and Hera and Hestia were smiling slightly as if they understood something the other's did not. The demigod's looked a little apprehensious, though most tried and failed to hide the pleasure of spending some normal time with their parents, even if it required reading about and upcoming war. Nobody disagreed.
"Excellent. Hermes, I shall read first as is befitting." His son handed him the heavy book, and he glanced at the cover curiously. It showed a dark cliff top overlooking a calm vast sea, bathed in moonlight. As much as his disliked the sea (or pretended to in the face of his brother) he couldn't deny the scene looked tranquil.
The Queen's Champion
Chapter 1-Betrayal.
Twelve Olympian gods and goddesses stormed into the throne room on Olympus expecting to battle the Titan Lord Kronos as he attempted to destroy their seats of powers.
"This is from the end of the Titan War" Apollo stated, and instantly Poseidon looked up from his blind stupor as though interested.
But when they burst into through the doors, they saw a sight no one expected. Luke Castellan, who had become the host for the Titan Lord, lay motionless on the floor, apparently dead.
Hermes lowered his head in grief. The campers leaned towards the gods trying to catch every word. Though they knew what had happened, they wanted to know the full story.
Percy Jackson stood above Annabeth Chase with his sword aimed at her throat. Unnoticed by the Olympians were the tears falling from his face.
The gods glanced around nervously at their obvious mistake, and the raw pain the demigod must have been feeling. Thalia swallowed sadly.
When Annabeth noticed the Olympians, she quickly cried out for help.
"Mom, please help me. Percy is trying to kill me. He's a traitor." Annabeth yelled sounding helpless.
Nico growled loudly, shadows pulling towards him as though reaching out and the surrounding campers backed off. Poseidon stared at the book as though his glare would reach the girl in question through it. The cabin leaders gritted their teeth and Clarisse barked "Lies!"
Before anyone could react, Athena sent a blast of energy at the son of Poseidon, knocking him off his feet.
"You didn't even stop to think did you? And you call yourself the goddess of wisdom!" Poseidon snapped scathingly. Hera sent the goddess a cold, hard glare which nobody could understand.
Annabeth quickly pulled out her dagger and aimed for a spot below Percy's left armpit.
A few of the campers who hadn't known this gasped and cried in outrage, while Chiron silently shook his head. He hated to see his campers fighting and Annabeth had been one of his favourites. That had soon changed.
Before she could stab him, a silver arrow flew through the air, impaling the daughter of Athena through the arm that held the dagger causing the dagger to go flying across the floor.
"You lying bitch." Spat a hobbling teenage girl in a silver parka. Thalia Grace, Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis, stood glaring at the blonde haired demigod.
"Thank you, Thalia" the god of the sea said gratefully, to which the demigod smiled grimly.
Athena turned to attack the girl but was met with both a master bolt and trident levelled at her face.
Hades raised an eyebrow as he realised his brothers had actually acted simultaneously. There's time yet he thought humorously.
"Enough!" Zeus bellowed. "Thalia, explain what is going on." Zeus ordered in an agitated tone.
"First, you must restrain Annabeth. She is a traitor and will kill Percy first chance she gets." Thalia said gesturing to the semi-conscious Percy Jackson on the throne room floor.
Even though they knew he was okay, his cousin's couldn't help but feel worried for Percy.
"You lie. We clearly saw Jackson trying to kill my daughter." Athena hissed.
Poseidon glared at his long-time rival once more.
"Silence!" Zeus yelled. "Ares, detain the girl. Apollo, tend to Jackson." Zeus barked before gesturing for Thalia to continue.
Ares snapped his fingers and Annabeth was bound in celestial bronze shackles, while Apollo checked on Percy who was starting to regain his senses.
The group of demigod's looked relieved that no serious harm had been done, but quickly turned their attention back to Zeus as he continued to read.
"Annabeth, Percy and I were on our way to the throne room following Kronos. Outside the door, a statue of Hera fell and landed on my leg.
"I regret that" Hera said quietly, but the few gods who heard her looked at her as though she had suddenly grown antlers.
Percy tried to help me, but Annabeth dragged him into the throne room saying there was no time. As I struggled to free myself, I could hear Percy battling the Titan Lord. I managed to get free and dragged myself to the throne room doors just in time to see Annabeth sneak up behind Percy and stab him in the lower back.
"A cheap move! She wasn't his match in a fight so she stabbed him in the back!" growled a Ares camper gaining a few weird stares, to which he growled.
When the blade bounced off, Annabeth seemed shocked. I heard her say that that was where his Achilles' spot was to Kronos or Luke.
Travis smirked at his dupe of Annabeth, but underneath it he was serious. "Lucky he didn't trust her!"
Percy whirled around and stabbed Luke in his side, a strike that somehow found Luke's Achilles' spot. Annabeth then began attacking Percy, screaming about him killing the love of her life. Percy quickly disarmed her and had his sword at her throat. When Annabeth asked what he was waiting for, Percy told her that her fate wasn't his to decide. Percy said it would be up to the gods to decide what to do with her." Thalia explained out of breath as Apollo made his way to her to heal her leg.
She nodded slightly as thanks.
"How do we know you're telling the truth?" Athena snapped at Thalia.
Thalia glared at the goddess before speaking, "I swear on the River Styx that every word I just told the gods was true." Thalia said still glaring at the Goddess of Wisdom.
Thunder rumbled loudly and the gods turned to look at Annabeth with looks of rage while she cowered in her shackles.
"Burn in hell" Poseidon said through gritted teeth which was surprising as he was usually less verbal in his threats.
Percy managed to get to his feet and stumbled his way toward Thalia, who was now able to stand after Apollo had worked on her leg. As soon as he reached her, he hugged her tightly, whispering thank you, as tears still fell from his eyes. Thalia, who was also crying,
Her eyes were wet hearing about this, and Phoebe put a reassuring arm around her shoulder. She would soothe her friend even if she did hate men.
hugged her cousin back just as tightly. Both Percy and Thalia sat near the hearth as the Olympians repaired the damage to their thrones and the throne room. Annabeth was proven a traitor and sentenced to Tartarus after her memories were searched and the gods saw she had been a traitor since the beginning with Luke.
The campers all seemed to have identical evil grins-even the newer ones who hadn't known Percy.
Once the throne room was repaired, the gods brought all the surviving demigods from the war, along with all the Cyclops and nature spirits who fought, inside the throne room for the reward ceremony. As Zeus droned on and on about the bravery of the gods,
He paused, slightly offended, but decided to pass judgement on whether to blast the writer of this later.
Percy comforted his cousin as she continued to cry about the betrayal of their best friend. The same girl, who up until an hour prior, Percy had been hopelessly in love with.
The camper's looked around in sympathy. They had all been betrayed by a friend, but Percy really had lost a love. It wasn't surprising he hadn't been seen really.
He, along with just about everyone else, thought she felt the same way. Apparently it had all been and act and now Percy was at a total loss for answers. His face slowly morphed into one with a look of hopelessness. His eyes lost their mirth and light, becoming lifeless and lost.
"You could see the pain, even if it appeared emotionless." said Will Solace. Percy could hide it well, but there was no denying he looked like just standing there was ripping him apart.
Percy was snapped back to attention when the gods began to talk about the demigods. Hestia, who was sitting with both Percy and Thalia, gestured for the pair to go forward to hear what Zeus had to say.
Zeus called for Percy's Cyclops half-bother Tyson to come forward. Zeus appointed Tyson a general in the armies of Olympus; the leader of the Cyclops Army in times of war required by the gods.
The head councillors cheered again. They all loved Tyson after they'd gotten used to him-he really was very sweet.
When Zeus offered Tyson a weapon of his choice, Tyson chose a stick. Most chuckled at the request-
As they did now…
but Percy just stared blankly ahead.
…but it soon faded to a look of worry. "He really loves Tyson, just shows how closed off he already was…" said Nico.
After Tyson, Grover was appointed a new Lord of the Wild and given a place on the Council of Cloven Elders, to which he fainted after being told.
The Satyr blushed, but most of the room chuckled fondly, even Dionysus.
Next was Thalia. She was promised help in filling the Hunter's ranks and was complimented by both her father Zeus and mistress Artemis.
"Thank you Father and Milady." she said, as she could barely string to words together at the time. Zeus gave her a rare smile, causing her to blush at the attention.
"Percy Jackson!" Poseidon bellowed, as his voice quickly hushed all talking. Percy walked forward, bowing to Zeus first, before kneeling in front of his father's feet. Everyone stared at Percy who kept his head down, face emotionless.
"Rise, my son." Poseidon said.
Percy rose to his feet, his facial features never wavering.
"A great hero must be rewarded," Poseidon said. "Is there anyone here who would deny that my son is deserving?"
The question was met with silence.
Hermes smirked, "Nobody could really deny that could they?" he said wryly, successfully breaking the tension as most of the occupants laughed.
"The council agrees," Zeus said. "Percy Jackson, you will have one gift from the gods."
Percy looked up slowly, "Anything?"
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 any mortal hero in many centuries, but, Perseus Jackson -if you wish it-you shall be made a god. You shall serve as your father's lieutenant for all time."
Percy didn't hesitate.
"That we expected" said Lady Demeter, and a few of the campers jumped in surprise that she had spoken. She smiled at her daughter, Katie.
"No thank you Lord Zeus." He said emotionlessly.
"Annnd, that we didn't" Apollo smirked.
"No." Zeus growled. "You are turning down our generous offer?"
"I understand it is unexpected my Lord. But I would like a gift. Do you promise to grant my wish?" Percy asked calmly.
Zeus eyed him warily, "If it is within our power."
"It is, and it's less difficult than making me a god. But I need your word on the River Styx." Percy added.
"What?" Dionysus cried. "You don't trust us?"
Percy turned and looked at Hades, "Someone once told me to always get a solemn oath."
Hades smirked, "Guilty."
Hades gave a low chuckle. Yes the demigod was impertinent and he had wanted to kill him, but getting him back his throne was enough to gain his respect. He could almost -almost- miss his cheeky sarcasm.
"Fine," Zeus growled. "In the name of the council, we swear by the River Styx to grant your reasonable request, as long as it is within the power of the gods."
Thunder boomed outside.
"Honestly Lord Zeus, I need some more time in the mortal world. Everything I thought I knew turned out to be a lie. While I'd like to be immortal, I'd rather avoid being bound by ancient laws. The first part of my wish is to be granted partial immortality like the Hunters of Artemis. I would also like cabins to be built at Camp Half Blood for all gods, both major and minor. I think my cousin Nico has proven himself to be more than worthy to have his own cabin." Percy started before he was interrupted.
"Are you calling me a minor god, Jackson?" Hades yelled. Surprisingly, Percy smirked, "No Uncle. I just wanted to make sure Nico got his own cabin. I'm not quite done yet."
Hades' eyes widened before narrowing at Percy, waiting for him to continue.
"I want the minor gods who joined the Titans to be pardoned just this once. I want the peaceful Titans like Calypso and Leto-
Artemis smiled at the mention of her mother's release. It really had been considerate of the boy.
-to be freed from their prisons. And lastly, I would like both my Uncle Hades and Aunt Hestia to have their thrones returned to them. That is my wish." Percy finished before returning to his position kneeling in front of his father.
Zeus snorted, "Is that all?"
"Percy," his father said, "you ask a lot."
"You can say that again" the Lord of the skies muttered.
"I hold you to your oath, all of you." Percy said calmly.
The council was silent. Percy looked up to see a number of different looks. Some looked angry but others confused. Percy caught the silvery eyes of Artemis boring into him. He couldn't tell what she was thinking but Percy looked away, deciding being a jackalope was not worth finding out.
The hunters let out loud audacious laughs and the camper's soon joined in along with the goddess herself giving a rare chuckle.
"You wish for immortality, but freedom from the ancient laws. You could become a dangerous enemy over time should your loyalties ever change." Zeus said with narrowed eyes.
Percy stood from his spot at his father's feet and calmly walked in front of Zeus' throne where he knelt.
"I, Perseus Achilles Jackson, swear by the River Styx to stay forever loyal to Olympus and to fight to defend it should the need arise from another threat." Percy stated seriously.
Thunder boomed again, sealing the oath.
The Olympians looked at Percy with shock now,-
"It certainly did surprise us. No hero has tied himself to Olympus in millennia." said Lady Hera with a smile. The gods eyed her suspiciously. Why was she so cheery? None of them seemed to make the connection to the book title.
-except Athena. She was still fuming about her daughter being a traitor. She still hated Percy but she was mostly embarrassed her daughter had been a traitor right under her nose for years.
Poseidon resumed his glaring at the goddess. Why couldn't she just admit her daughter was the traitor and Percy was the one who got hurt?
Zeus' anger seemed to diminish rather quickly after Percy's oath.
Hades smirked at his brothers fickle nature.
He was angry about being told what to do but now had an extremely powerful demigod at his disposal and decided that the benefits outweighed the drawbacks.
"Very well Perseus. We the council shall grant your wish." Zeus thundered as two new thrones rose at the end of the rows of thrones.
Hades' looked at Percy oddly before giving a grudging nod of appreciation.
As he repeated now, though a little more noticeably.
Hestia walked up to Percy and hugged him tightly.
She leaned down to his ear, "Thank you Perseus. If you ever need help, come to hearth and I will be there for you." She whispered before planting a kiss on his cheek and walking to her new throne.
Poseidon looked at his sister gratefully, "I have always been fond of you Percy and I with I could have saved him from the pain her is going through" she said solemnly.
Percy's face broke into the smallest of smiles for a second before the pain of betrayal wiped it from his face again.
The senior councillors let out low growls once more, and Chiron openly frowned.
Percy returned to his position kneeling in front of Zeus, waiting to be dismissed.
"Artemis, please come here, daughter." Zeus announced.
Artemis narrowed her eyes a bit but got up from her throne and strode over to where Percy was standing.
"It would be easiest if you could just give Perseus the same immortality as your hunters." Zeus asked. Artemis nodded and touched Percy's shoulder, causing him to glow silver for a second before it vanished.
"Thank you, Lady Artemis." Percy said politely.
Artemis stared at Percy for a moment before giving him a nod and returning to her throne.
The goddess looked pensive when the occupants glanced at her automatically. Truthfully, she was thinking she should have done more to keep an eye on the demigod-even if he was a man.
"I believe this ceremony is now complete. New cabins will be built at Camp Half Blood and the peaceful Titans shall be released as soon as possible. Now, we shall celebrate our victory with a party on Olympus." Zeus thundered. Apollo, Dionysus and Hermes all smiled and vanished.
Hephaestus looked up from his project for a moment to grunt at his half-brothers. "always ready for a party aren't you."
"Always a dull prat playing with tools aren't you" Apollo replied with obvious humour. The council tried-and failed-to hide their laughter.
When the first person opened the throne room doors, they were greeted with a massive courtyard filled with food and wine. Music was playing and a dance floor was set up. People began exiting the throne room and heading to the party.
Percy hung back waiting for people to clear out so he could slip out without being noticed. He already had plans on how he wanted to spend the foreseeable future.
"Where Percy? Where?" Nico asked helplessly. He wanted nothing more than to see his cousin-as close as a brother- even if it was only sparingly. The other campers looked at him sympathetically and shockingly placed nervous hands on his shoulders.
When everyone was gone, Percy made to sneak off through a side room to escape the party. But when he turned, he saw Hera glaring at him from her throne.
The council noticed she certainly wasn't glaring now and looked questioningly at her. She smirked as though she knew something, and their eyes widened. Hera never showed any sense of humour. Even the campers looked confused. Chiron however was thinking deeply and had put some of the pieces together. Hoping he was right, he looked over at Zeus once more a little more cheerily.
Percy tensed a bit but then surprisingly made his way over to her throne and bowed.
That raised a few eyebrows. Percy? Actually bowing? The campers thought.
"Lady Hera, I was wondering if I could please have a moment of your time." Percy asked quietly.
Hera narrowed her eyes at Percy but gave him a slight nod.
"I just wanted to apologize for the way I spoke to you last year after the quest in the Labyrinth. I didn't actually agree with what she said to you but I was naive and stupid. I was trying to direct your anger toward me instead of her. I am sorry for what I said." Percy explained.
Silence rang out through the room as Zeus paused, and Thalia cried, "He said what?" Shocked by her own sudden outcry she looked over at Hera worriedly only to find her smiling ever -ever- so slightly. This confused her further.
He bowed and turned to leave but was stopped when Hera spoke.
"Wait, Perseus." Hera called.
Percy turned back and looked up at Hera, half expecting to get incinerated.
Most of the room looked as they agreed with this prediction, and Hestia let out a very quiet chuckle at her champion's melodrama.
"I believe you are trying to avoid the celebration, correct?" Hera asked.
Percy nodded warily.
"Well, I will help you. Thank you for your apology. While I was angry, I understand your reasons." Hera said with a small smile before she snapped her fingers and Percy vanished.
Zeus looked over at his wife completely incredulously, along with the rest of the room. Hera being nice to a demigod he thought. He didn't seem to be able to form words. She simply smiled and gestured him to read on. He blustered, finding where he was up to and Chiron nodded slightly-this backed up his theory.
Percy reappeared inside an empty Camp Half- Blood. Percy felt relieved knowing he wouldn't have to deal with anyone seeing him leave.
His cousins frowned darkly. Even though they understood, it had hurt that he didn't stop to say goodbye.
He quickly went into the Poseidon cabin and gathered clothes, money, drachmas, weapons and supplies. He grabbed a piece of paper and wrote down a short letter addressed to Chiron.
Percy left his cabin and walked into the dining pavilion where he convinced a few nymphs to give him some food for travel. Percy walked over to the brazier and dropped a couple pieces of his food into the fire. "For Lady Hera. Thank you for getting me off Olympus."
Even the newer campers seemed to realise something was going on, but nobody-other than the centaur- could work out what. Athena wasn't paying enough attention.
Percy muttered before jogging off to the big house where he left the note for Chiron. Percy looked over the camp one last time before he made his way up Half Blood Hill. After petting Peleus, Percy turned his back on his home for the past four years, unsure when or if he would see it again.
The camper's looked grimly between themselves, hoping and praying that wasn't the truth.
The next morning when Chiron returned to Camp Half Blood with the demigods, he was greeted with a letter that sent a pang of pain through his heart.
A few looked over at the trainer who was impassively stroking his beard. The gods knew how close he got to the demigods, and saw that though they grieved for the death of their own children, Chiron loved each and every one whether they took the wrong path or not. His job certainly was a blessing and a curse.
Dear Chiron,
I am letting you know I won't be staying at camp for a while.
"A while huh Perce?" Thalia growled rather threateningly.
After everything that happened yesterday, I have decided to spend some time travelling. I need some time to sort through my emotions. Please don't think I am angry with you or anyone. You are like a father to me,
Poseidon smiled at the centaur. He wasn't jealous, he was grateful that though he could have little contact with his son, Percy still had a father/mentor figure in his life.
and the campers like my brothers and sisters.
The senior campers looked between each other with glistening eyes; they felt the same way though they didn't always admit it. His disappearance had hurt them all.
I just need some time to myself.
Please don't search for me. I will return when I have figured things out.
Thalia frowned. She understood that her cousin was hurting but she was too. It would have been nice for him to IM her some time. Nico was thinking the same thing, though his own face was emotionless.
Thank you for everything Chiron, and please tell the campers I am sorry.
Thank you, Percy Jackson.
"That's it." Zeus said, offering the book to his wife.
"Do you think it's all about him?" Thalia asked hopefully.
Hera smiled, "I think it is likely." was all she said before turning the page.
Chapter 2-Mystery Man…
AN- Chapter One down! Once again all credit goes to Anaklusmos14 whose works you should really read if you havent already. Thanks again for giving me permission to write this.
Hope you guys liked this, and please leave a review so I know what was good/bad and I canCORRECT it.
All the best,
ChrysosArgentum xxx
