Percy Jackson drew a shuddering breath as his eyes flew open. His entire body tingled with energy. He slowly sat up, marvelling at how good he felt. He examined his hands, his face, the thick mop of hair on his head, and his suddenly youthful and healthy body. He flopped back on the cold slab.
It was always the same. Somewhere, the gods were having a laugh at his expense. Or maybe it was the Fates. Percy didn't know and he didn't care. He was mad. Percy had planned on reaching Elysium and then maybe trying for the Isles of the Blest. But no. Instead of 'dying' and going to be judged, Percy simply awoke in his seventeen year old body and be forced to live until he 'died' again. No doubt Annabeth and all his friends were in Elysium, wondering what in Hades name he had done not to be with them. He knew none of them had been reborn, he had enough friends among the gods to know that. Only Thalia knew what was going on. She was still a Hunter, and therefore, immortal.
So far, Percy had died from old age, after living a long and happy life with Annabeth (he had been fighting the Minotaur, and he hadn't been fast enough. Hey, come on, the thing was attacking his grandson).
Second time round, Percy had been smashed to death by several dozen monsters while saving a group of Demigods on their way to Half Blood Hill.
Then there had been the gorgons, who had teamed up with some Egyptian monsters who were trying to raise 'the Lord of Chaos.' Percy had been defending some kid named Richard Kane. Percy often wondered was he some relation to Carter.
And now, here he was again. Alive and seventeen years old again. He was so pissed off at Hades right now. He clinched his fists and counted. As if on cue, Hermes appeared beside him. The messenger god gave his a sad look, as if he were truly sorry.
"Here are your supplies," Hermes said softly, holding up a back pack. "Clothes, ID, money, school reports, etc. You know the drill."
"Thanks Hermes," Percy said, sitting up.
Percy and a lot of the gods had long ago come to the agreement that he could drop the 'Lord' or 'Lady' part outside of formal situations, and he was grateful for that. Ha. With the exception of Zeus and Hera, he didn't address any of them as Lord or Lady even in formal situations.
Hermes stayed with him as he quickly dressed, for which Percy was grateful. There was no sign of the snakes puncture wound on his skin. He had perfect skin over rock hard abs. He grinned ruefully at Hermes, before turning to leave.
"Before you go, Thalia is waiting outside and I would recommend going to the Manhatten School for the Gifted. Both of you might get a surprise."
With that Hermes disappeared and Percy began his new life.
