Not a one-shot! I promise. This is a sequel to Flame Boy. Hope you enjoy it! I tried.
Percy Jackson could get used to being dead. Honestly, it wasn't so bad. Of course, there were times when he wished he could've kissed Annabeth one last time, or seen mom and Paul, or hug Tyson again, or see camp once more, or apologize to Reyna if she was even alive, or– okay, there were a lot of things Percy wished he could've done before he died. But, if he had to redo his fall, he would've done it the exact same way: saving the world he grew up in, where the people he loved lived.
In the EZ DEATH line, Percy was truly surprised to see Leo Valdez, the boy on fire, dead. He had hoped Leo would get a happy ending, for once. Leo looked worse for wear, with his clothes hanging loosely off of him, hair all mussed and lopsided, grime smeared on every inch of skin as possible. Blood dribbled from a cut on Leo's cheek, scrapes crawled up his arms and bare feet–all signs of trying to push the Doors of Death closed. Percy doubted he, himself, looked much better. Percy wanted to say something to Leo, to say how appreciative he was to him, how Leo was essential, how he is important. The words wouldn't come out; they were stuck in his throat, clogging up his airways. He breathed hard, catching his breath. Hades, this was hard. Finally, a sentence bubbled up through his lips, though, not the words Percy intended. "I guess this is it, huh?" Darn. Wrong time to say that. Stupidstupidstupidstupidstu–
"Yeah. I suppose so," Leo replied, still in a shock, still forming the words that were jumbled in his head. Great. Now Percy had to answer back something. Percy looked up. It was his turn to be judged. He took a shaky breath. He turned to Leo.
"You're a hero, Valdez. Remember that." That seemed to do it. Percy meant it. Leo's face stared up at him, seemingly in awe, in thanks, in fear.
Percy walked, trying to look confident, to the large desk that stretched before him. It was futile, useless. Minos was first to speak. "Foolish, insolent boy! Punishment! Punishment! He committed the worst possible crimes, introduced the Romans to the Greeks–trapped Atlas–rude to gods–and–" he kept talking, stumbling over his accusations. In a quiet manner, Aeacus raised his hand to silence Minos.
"Peace, brother. Let me handle this one. I'd like to ask." Minos humphed. Then, Aeacus turned to Percy. "Perseus Jackson," he boomed, voice resonating through said person's ears. "Today, you have died a hero's death. I'm quite sure you've been told before, a hero's fate is always tragic. Do you agree to this statement?"
The three pale white masks bored into Percy, trying to take secrets out of his soul. Percy thought before finally answering, "No. I don't think fates are always tragic." The three waited for an explanation. Percy frowned. "I mean, I wish I didn't die, but I feel like I've fulfilled something. I've been of use. I died for a cause, the greater good, salvation of the world. Peace."
The other that hadn't spoken–Rhad... Rhadamanthus...–nodded his head in satisfaction. "Doth thy spirit enough for thee?" he pondered to Aeacus who, in turn, replied calmly.
"Now, we offer you a choice, Perseus Jackson. A grand choice. You must choose wisely. We would give you life back, to see the outside world once more, become a god with Annabeth Chase, whose fate is bound with immortality, if you wanted it. Would you like to go back, and live life fully, maybe even be in the council of gods?"
"Of course!" Percy said, enthusiastically. The three sighed, then stood, but before Aeacus could speak again, Percy interjected, "But!" They looked at him through the empty eye sockets of the mask. "But," Percy continued, more calmly than before, "I would rather let the law go as it should. I was meant to die today, and I don't think I should go back. If Annabeth chooses immortality, so be it. She deserves it. I love her, and if she chooses that over me, I understand. I would like to stay here, with the dead, where I belong. I will wait for my friends' time to come."
They sat back down. "A good soul, good heart, good mind," whispered Rhadamanthus softly. Minos muttered something along the lines of, "Foolish boy. Only idiots would decline godhood. Even if it is for the second time..."
Aeacus slammed the gavel down on the pallet. "Elysium, Perseus Jackson. Unless, of course, you wish for rebirth?"
Percy shook his head no. "And no Lethe either. I want to know what I did for the world."
The three nodded. The offer stood, only because they thought Percy might take it. He didn't, however. A strong will, a good one.
"Elysium it is, and I hope I never have to see you again," Minos concluded.
Percy grinned widely, with a touch of melancholy mixed in. "Thank you." He ran to the pearly gates, where old friends awaited him.
The first to greet him was Clarisse, who stood with her arms crossed at the gate. She wore a black leather jacket and combat boots, and, as usual, a bandana holding her mousy brown hair from her eyes. "You're holding out on me, Prissy," she said loudly, mocking anger.
"You as well, War Head. Thanks for taking care of camp," Percy answered.
She shrugged. "It was the least I could do with Annabeth either to hard-headed or completely useless." She rolled her eyes.
Percy laughed. "At least she did something."
"Yep. And now, we are dead! Congratulations!"
"We just gonna stand here?"
"Come on, Priss-Face."
She led me through a crowd of old friends, too many to count. So many dead.
I tried to say hello to as many as possible. Eventually, Clarisse got me out and brought me to where four people stood. Silena, Beckendorf, Reyna, and Gwendolyn. The were just chatting, normally, peacefully. Well, looks like Gwen died again. And Reyna...
Clarisse stayed behind while she urged me forward. Silena saw me first, who nudged Beckendorf, who looked over and grinned widely. He waved me over. Soon, Reyna and Gwen saw me. I ran over, trying not to look stupid. By the look on Reyna's face, I probably failed.
"Percy! Wow! I wouldn't think you'd be here so soon!" Beckendorf greeted. "What's up?"
"I did get here sooner than expected, but, things happen. Hopefully, there isn't anything up anymore. Just got finished with, uh, another war."
He nodded thoughtfully. Silena was on his arm, smiling crazily.
"There is someone I'd like you to meet, Beck," I said. "He's your brother and man, he has some serious talent. He should be coming soon. He was right behind me in line..."
"You'd better wait for him, Perce. Give him a tour. You know your way around, yes?" Gwen asked. Reyna just smiled the smallest smile in the history of the world at Percy in thanks.
Percy nodded. "Yep. I'll go right now. Catch you guys up later!" He ran off. Beckendorf said something to the other three, not expecting Percy to hear.
"It's too bad, you know. About Annab-"
But Percy was too far away to hear the rest.
When he reached the entrance, he spotted Leo running like there was no tomorrow to Elysium.
When Leo was in ear's reach, Percy smiled. "You made it. I knew it!"
"Minos almost made me stay, though," Leo said, trying to be casual. Fail.
"Eh," Percy dismissed, easing Leo's bad thoughts, "Minos always does that. He was never a nice one. Here, follow me. There's someone I'd like you to meet."
Leo almost cried when he finally met Charles Beckendorf and Silena Beauregard, and in turn, they welcomed him as family.
Percy gave him a tour of Elysium. Since he had visited before, he knew his way around.
Then, at last, Percy stood in front of a lone house. It was very homey looking.
"Is this mine?" Leo asked, bouncing on his toes.
"If you want it to be," grinned Percy. "But first, I want you to meet who lives in it."
Leo's happy expression crumbled. "Oh. I didn't know it was already inhabited."
"All the houses here are occupied. If you want your own place, you either build one, or have someone build it for you. But I really think you should check her out before you decide."
"Her?"
"Someone." Percy was laughing inside.
Percy knocked three times, then pushed it open.
"She probably didn't hear it. I don't think she'd mind that we just came in, seeing as you... are you."
When Leo walked in, he stared at everything in some sort of wonder.
"Let's go, Leo." Percy grasped Leo's arm and pulled him through passageways and down a flight of stairs to a door. Percy yelled through the noise, "Go through there! I think I'll give the two of you some space!"
Leo hesitantly entered the doorway and then it slammed shut behind him. Percy sighed. He would wait in front of the house for him to come out.
For twenty minutes, he waited by the porch.
When Leo finally came out, Esperanza Valdez was in tow behind him. They were smiling like never before.
This was the first time Percy ever saw Leo's real smile. And he was glad to see it. Leo grinned wildly, "I made my decision. I want to live here."
Percy just smirked with a knowing look. He waved them over and led them to the circle of war heroes. He watched at they reacquainted with old friends, and made new ones.
Percy sighed. This was how it was going to be from now on. Suddenly, there was a hand on his shoulder. Percy whipped around. Oh. It was Reyna. She was in her stained and ripped purple war garb, hair down instead of in its usual braid.
"Hello, Perseus."
"Reyna," he greeted.
"I'm sorry to see you dead. And you look horrible."
"You as well. I'd hoped you had survived...the Doors."
She shrugged limply. "When Octavian has something in mind, he goes for it, and people follow him no matter what the circumstance."
"Well, he won't bother you again!"
"Whatever. I just never thought I would be killed by my own legion..." She looked downcast. Wow. Percy was having a lot of firsts because this was one of the first times he saw Reyna something other than stoic-ness.
He comforted her. "You're not the only one who loses everything. I know you lost more things-people- than most, but it made you who you are. You are strong even when you have nothing left. That's why you are so respected!"
Reyna smiled faintly. "And you, Jackson? What have you got left?"
"This is all I have now."
"You kidding me? You probably get a whole legend written for you."
"Think of the mortals, Rey. Ha, they'd call us weirdos."
"But that's what we are. A bunch of misfits together."
"Together."
"Hate to break up your little lovey-dovey relationship, but I have to talk to Percy," a voice intervened. It was Nico with Leo in tow.
Reyna and Percy turned to face them.
"See you around, graecus," she said. "Meet you back here later! And don't look your father in the eye!" Then she turned and ran off, dirty praetor cape swaying, not leaving time for Percy to comprehend what she said.
"So!" Nico said loudly. "What are we going to do with you?" Percy had a feeling it wasn't a question he should be answering, so he just stared at Nico.
"The gods are in a fury, Percy. They want you back. Annabeth wants you back. But I can tell you're not leaving."
"Nope. I'm staying."
Nico sighed. "They are giving out immortality to the surviving heroes, just in case something comes up. They want you to watch. But, they are going to try to persuade you. If you really want to stay here, watch out. Well, actually, don't look around to much. Who knows what extents the gods might go to to resurrect you."
Percy nodded hesitantly. What if they forced something on him? On Leo? "Let's get this over with, Nicky." Nico scowled then shadow traveled them away.
When the darkness disappeared, Percy and his companions were in the throne room of Olympus. The center of the throne room of Olympus. Where everyone could see him.
He could see the stares of demigods and gods alike all on him. He bowed his head in respect to the gods, not looking anyone in the eye. Nico pulled his arm. "Let's take a seat over there." He pointed to where most of the demigods were sitting. They sat. Council began.
Zeus spoke, "Today, we have defeated the mightiest force we have in centuries." We? Where does the we come from?
"We have fought. Many have perished. We are granting godhood to some certain heroes." There were some collective whispers. "Those heroes, when called upon, will choose to become immortal or not. Think wisely. It is a great gift." Silence. "First and foremost, Jason and Thalia Grace, step forth. Will you accept becoming the god and goddess of thunder and lightning or wish to stay as you are?"
They looked at eachother then away, to someone in the crowd. Jason saw Piper, and Thalia to her hunter sisters. Jason spoke first. "I accept, Lord Zeus." He was becoming Greek. Thalia, however, declined. "I wish to stay with my sisters," she declared.
"So be it," Zeus boomed. "Jason Grace, you have our blessings of godhood." All the Olympians bowed their heads briefly towards him. He glowed a bright flash of blue. When it faded, everything about Jason screamed Don't mess with me. He had a golden scepter in one hand that had a spear point at the end. "You will have a seat in the council." Immediately, a throne emerged from the ground. It was an exact replica of Zeus's, but slightly smaller with crossed spears as an insignia rather than a lightning bolt. Thalia was dismissed to return to the hunt.
"Perseus Jackson!" Zeus called. Percy stepped to the center of the throne room with as much dignity as possible. He didn't look at his father, who was intently staring at him. Percy knelt.
"You will be the God of good spirit, should you accept." The offer stood. Percy didn't get up from his kneel.
"Percy," his father called. Percy didn't look up, heeding Reyna's advice because there was a rule: Listen to Reyna, or feel her wrath. Just kidding, but still...
"Percy." This time it was Annabeth. He still didn't look up, no matter how much he wanted to.
Finally, after what seemed like hours though it was a mere minute, Percy raised his head to look Zeus in the face. "I graciously decline your offer, Lord Zeus. I have my place."
He nodded respectfully. "So be it. After the council, Nico will bring you back to the Underworld." Then he called another name as Percy sat back down, avoiding everyone's gaze. "Annabeth Chase!" She shakily stood and knelt at the middle of the room. "You will be the Goddess of cleverness and architecture, do you accept?"
Annabeth looked at Percy, grey eyes quivering. Percy could see her internal conflict. He nodded his head to show his approval, no matter how much it hurt him. Annabeth looked to her mother, as Athena steadily held her gaze. "Annabeth," she said. "Answer the question. Do not think about unnecessary matters." She obviously meant Percy.
"What would you have me do then, mother? After you disowned me?!" Annabeth answered back with a ferocity that she would never had used before to her mother.
"Annabeth Chase! Do not question me! I regret what I have done, and this is what I do to ask for your forgiveness." She said the word with bitterness. "You would have all you would ever want. See anyone you want. Be anything you want. Build anything you wish."
"See anyone I want?" Annabeth asked.
Athena's expression immediately soured.
"Or did you just say that to make me agree?"
"Annabeth! Do not make me take back my words!"
"Annabeth," Percy called from the crowd. She snapped her head to him. "Do what you want. Don't think about me."
"Yes," agreed Athena. "Don't think about him."
The rest of the room watched the banter with great interest. Annabeth squeezed her eyes shut and breathed hard. It was quiet, the air was thick with tension, the cars outside honked. Annabeth's eyes were still screwed shut. She inhaled sharply; the room held its breath and awaited her answer.
She looked at Percy's green green eyes that burned into her soul.
"I accept your offer."
Cough cough. Okay. Do you guys want to have percabeth or not? Let me know! Idk when the second chapter will be up because I'm actually on vacation right now and I still have summer reading. My school year starts on August 11. I don't have a lot of time. I'll try to fit in as much as possible! Can you tell me how to make a chapter after this? I can't find it. Review!