Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Percy Jackson books; the brilliant Rick Riordan does :)
(December 5, 2011 Update: Hey y'all! So the reason I'm rewriting this is because I made some grammatical errors and some parts of this story that don't agree with the previous stories because I changed them in the prequels. And then I used some words I'd really like to change.)
Chapter 1: I Make the Decision of a Lifetime
My name is Elizabeth Banks. I am 21 years old. Now, I would be one of the older demigods you would have met, but then again, I haven't been a demigod in three years. Poseidon and Aphrodite changed me into a goddess the second year of the second Titan War. Of course, my boyfriend didn't know I was a goddess even after he died. In fact, you probably know him, Luke Castellan.
One of my best friends, even though I didn't really see him that much, was Percy Jackson. Percy didn't understand why I loved Luke after Luke turned evil and had hurt me so many times and frankly, I don't know myself. It's just that kind of love.
Anyway, I'm a tall blonde girl with hazel eyes and a slender figure. I met Luke my first year at camp, which was when I was fourteen, he was fifteen. No one knew what to do with me because I had a decent aim at archery, could kick butt at sword fighting, could fly the pegasi like a breeze, I wasn't too shabby at wrestling, could scale the lava-flowing mountain in a weeks' time without getting burned and I excelled at canoeing, which really isn't that heroic of a sport but hey, who knows, I might need it one day in my immortal life.
Everyone knew I was the granddaughter of Aphrodite, but no one knew who my father was except me. He was Poseidon. I was shocked when I found out because it was a year after Luke had turned evil and that meant that he had fallen off the wagon not once, but twice! Not good now is it? Most thought I was a daughter of Athena. Little did they know I was her enemy's daughter. That's ironic, isn't it? Well, a few weeks before Luke hosted Kronos, we had twins, a boy and a girl. The boy was born first and I chose Logan as his name. Luke chose the girls name and chose Clara. Logan looked just like his father, the only difference was the mouth; he had my mouth. Clara looked just like me except for the eyes, which were a crystal blue, just like her fathers. I don't know what took over me after Luke died but I guess I went into rage? Denial? Both? What do you call it when you do something really stupid because something really got to you? I'll have to think about that. So, call me crazy, but I was so upset about Luke's death that I kind of lost it and decided to go on a mission to save him from the Underworld. No one knew what I was doing and I planned to keep it that way. I was walking around to get supplies until Ares crossed my path. Now usually, his aura doesn't bother me since I'm related to Aphrodite and she's immune to his "bad-boy" charm as she calls it. He's really just a big bully but I don't have the heart to tell her. However, today, it was bugging the Hades out of me.
"Ares, move out of the way," I ordered, annoyed. He predictably didn't move.
"Let me get this straight. You, a demigod, is ordering me, a god, to move out of the way? I say no. Not until you tell me what you're doing," Ares decided with a smug grin. I forgot to tell you, only Poseidon and Aphrodite knew about me being a goddess. It was an advantage thing or something, I don't know.
"And why do I have to tell you what I'm doing?" I snarled.
"Because I can kick your you-know-what. I don't trust you right now," Ares retorted. I snorted at that.
"I'd like to see you try." I muttered.
"What was that punk? You know what? I'm going to take you to the council. They will get it out of you," Ares declared, grabbing my arm. I didn't refuse. I was too tired to fight. I could use my grandmother's ability to Charmspeak to get myself out if this situation if I had to. He led me to the doors that opened up to the most magnificent room you will ever see (if you're lucky enough to see it).
The gods were seated in the usual U-shape, with Zeus and Hera in the middle. Poseidon was sitting next to Zeus. I smiled at my father; he returned it without any hesitation.
"Ares, why did you bring Miss Banks here?" Zeus inquired tiredly, his intense blue eyes flitting between me and Ares.
"We need to watch this girl. She's up to no good," Ares replied hotly.
"I agree. As much as I am shocked by agreeing with my dim-witted brother, I have also felt that she is unstable ever since Luke has… passed." Athena stood up and she spoke cautiously, looking at Hermes out of the corner of her eye because Hermes wasn't fairing well either and he lost his temper if you said the wrong thing about his son at the wrong time (which was kind of the same situation with me). When Athena spoke, everyone listened since she was the goddess of wisdom.
"Thanks Sis-wait a minute, HEY!" Ares roared at Athena's insult, he let go of my arm and started towards Athena who was smirking at her brother.
"I have sensed that she is distraught about what has happened over the summer. She is my second favorite demigod next to my daughter," he hesitated at saying his daughter. The way he said that made me think about something. Had Zeus fallen off the wagon again as well? Zeus continued. "Even if she is the daughter of my brother Poseidon who had two affairs under our pact, perhaps she needs to get away from here. Haven't you always wanted to travel the world?"
"Yes, I have. I didn't know you were listening though," I answered quietly.
"I, Zeus, am allowing you to leave Olympus to go explore the world. Then perhaps, you can clear your mind. I would like you to send postcards from everywhere you go so we can keep track of where you go though."
"Yes sir. Thank you, Lord Zeus. I better go start packing." My mind was whirling. I was going on a trip where I could go anywhere I want… and I knew my exact destination. Los Angeles, California. Home of movie stars, beaches, and the Underworld.
"Elizabeth, is there something else you want to tell us?" Hermes asked. His eyes were exactly like Luke's; it brought back painful memories from my past.
"No, there is nothing else I want to tell you." I murmured, holding back the rapidly forming tears. The gods and goddesses dispersed and I went to my Olympus house. It was quaint and had a little miniature statue of Poseidon and Aphrodite in it. The room had a nice breeze blowing through it, pictures of me and my friends all over the walls; the room was a pale yellow with blue accents. I started planning my trip. I could get out of here by the thought of it, but I wanted to see Logan and Clara one more time before I left and it could also raise suspicion if I disappeared without anyone seeing me leave. I walked the long distance to Hestia's home. I guess I should explain why Hestia has my children. I had gone to Hestia before the second Titan War started and told her what happened and asked her to watch over my kids. Of course, it took a long time for me to explain it because I was in hysterics; Luke had just turned into Kronos and that was a shock for me because I felt like I had failed at turning Luke back. I told her she was the only god that I trusted not to kill them. She understood although she was in shock when I asked her and trying to comfort me at the same time.
I walked inside to Hestia's comfortable house. It wasn't lavish but it wasn't dull. It was the kind of home that anyone could call home. The fire was always flickering and dancing in the fireplace. The place smelled like the place you wanted home to smell like; to me, it smelled like Vanilla Bean.
"Hestia?" I called out.
"Hello Elizabeth, how are you?" Hestia appeared in front of me.
"I'm good. I just wanted to come see Logan and Clara." I explained. Hestia nodded and led me to their room. Logan and Clara were sitting on the floor playing with their very noisy toys.
"Mommy!" They shouted simultaneously. I ran and picked up my babies. Clara was growing more beautiful every time I saw her and was starting to look more like me. Logan was growing at an amazing speed. He looked so much like Luke it was almost scary. I held them for what seemed like forever.
"Is there something else you wanted to talk about?" Hestia asked me quietly. I turned to face her and nodded.
"I need you to watch them a little longer. The gods are allowing me to go on the trip of my dreams. Actually, they're kind of forcing me. I can't take them along because I wouldn't be able to protect them by myself." I told her. "I would let one of the other gods take care of them but I don't trust any of them not to kill them."
"Families are messy, especially ours. I will keep them here until you feel like they can be brought out to the real world."
"Thank you so much!" I exclaimed and I hugged her. After a few more hours at Hestia's, I reluctantly parted with Logan and Clara and headed back to my room to get ready for my trip. It was a while before I was ready to leave.
"Elizabeth?" A voice asked. I turned around and saw my Father-in-law (although he didn't know it).
"Hello Hermes." I said.
"Listen, I just wanted to come by before you left. Um, here, a gift. It's a charm bracelet. Each charm will give you a different ability. All you do is rub the charm," Hermes explained.
"Thank you!" I exclaimed, examining the dainty silver charms. There were fifteen charms on the bracelet. There was a dove, a trident, a lightning bolt, a hammer, a winged sandal, a peacock, a sword, an owl, a leopard, a laurel, a crescent moon, a hearth, a cypress tree, and cornucopia and a heart locket.
"It is small thanks for what you did for Luke. You're the reason he changed his mind. I don't know what you said but it worked.
"Thank you, I- I don't' know what to say," I murmured, trying to keep myself from crying. That was an epic failure. Tear after tear streamed down my face and I felt Hermes wrap his arms around me. It was a few minutes before I regained my composure.
"You okay?" he spoke softly, obviously knowing my emotions were unstable.
"I'm okay, it's still hard though. I could have saved him, I know I could have," I told him, and that last part did him in. He sat down on my bed and started sobbing quietly. I had never seen a god cry and I never want to again…
"I'm sorry, it's just he was my pride and joy," Hermes said quietly. "I should get going."
"Alright, take care of yourself Hermes," I told him.
"I think I should be telling you that," Hermes answered. He was about to leave when I made a decision. He had to know.
"Hermes?"
"Yes Elizabeth?"
"Do you swear on the River Styx you won't tell anyone about what I'm about to show you until I allow you to tell people?"
"I swear," He agreed, his eyes showing his curiosity. I motioned for him to follow me. He did and we walked the long walk to Hestia's house in silence.
"Why are we here?" Hermes asked when we reached Hestia's house.
"You'll see. This is what I'm going to show you."
"I've already seen her house though."
"I'm not showing you her house; I'm showing you what's inside." I sighed and opened the door. "Hestia?"
"Hello, Elizabeth. Back so soon?" Hestia answered.
"He needs to know. Where are-?"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I trust him to know. He has already sworn upon the River Styx not to tell anyone."
"What's going on?" Hermes asked and we ignored the question.
"They're in the same room the last time you came over," She informed me and then left Hermes and me alone, although I would have felt better if she had stayed.
"Follow me," I ordered him quietly and he followed cautiously. I opened the door and Logan and Clara shouted my name. They walked as fast as their legs would carry them to me. I picked them up and faced Hermes. All the color from his face drained and his eyes were open wide, his mouth hanging down a little bit.
"Who… he… Luke… twins… mother?" Hermes stammered, not knowing what to ask first.
"Maybe you should sit down first so I can explain it." I offered. Hermes nodded slowly.
"Can- can I hold them?" he asked quietly. I smiled and handed them over to him. He held them like they were the most precious things in the world. He may be a god, but he had feelings as well. "What are their names?"
"Logan and Clara. They were born on June 21st, so they are almost one and a half years old."
"Logan looks just like Luke," Hermes pointed out quietly.
"I know. It's scary," I commented.
"Did… Luke ever…?" Hermes started out.
"Meet them? Yes, he did. He was there when they were born. He helped me raise them until he turned into Kronos, then I escaped with them before he had a chance to stop me. It devastated me to do it but I had to, for their safety." I paused. "Luke, um, he was technically still alive when Kronos used his body and Luke contacted me without Kronos finding out. He wanted to check up on me and the kids. He really loved them."
The tears were starting to come and I wiped them off my face.
"Do Percy and Annabeth know? And Andy? I know how close you were with Percy and Andy, not so much Annabeth, but I know you trusted her."
"No, they have no clue. I'm going to keep them a secret from them until I feel like it's the right time to tell them. You and Hestia are the only ones that know about Logan and Clara. Help me keep it that way." I pleaded.
"I will. I promise. Elizabeth, I'll keep them with me if you trust me. I can keep them well hidden and comfortable. It might be safer for them to be away from Olympus for a while." Hermes told me.
"Are you sure? I guess you're right. At least they would be with family. All right, but please keep them safe! I already lost Luke; I can't afford to lose them as well." I whispered. Hermes nodded and pulled Logan and Clara closer to him. They were ever so slowly falling asleep. I walked over and hugged and kissed my kids goodbye. Then I watched Hermes go into their room and heard him playing with them with their toys. I was relieved that one of my family members knew about them. I left Hestia's house and walked back to my house where I finished packing my backpack and then left my room. I walked slowly to the elevator that would take me down to the Empire State Building. The elevator, as usual, was playing awful music. I was anxious to get out of that elevator. The wait seemed like an eternity before the doors finally opened up. I hurried out of the elevator and out to the street. What I need is a good bike. I rubbed one that looked I thought was a tire, but it was a laurel (I forgot there wasn't a tire) and I ended up with a violin in one hand. I made it vanish to Apollo's house. I rubbed another one that was a hammer but that just made me end up with a mooing keychain. I decided to rub the winged sandal charm, since that was the symbol of Hermes and he's the god of travelers. It worked, thank the gods! I wished for a fast black motorcycle. It shimmered into existence in front of me.
"That is so cool!" I thought to myself. I strapped on the helmet that came with it and hopped on. I revved it and took off, weaving in-between cars and taxis at blinding speed. I was out on an open country road heading towards Camp Half-Blood, where I was going to visit Percy, Andy, and Annabeth before I left for Los Angeles. Unfortunately, someone had other plans for me. Something made me fly off my motorcycle and into a ditch. A rat scampered over me which made me jump out of that ditch like a ninja.
"Great, now I have to get another one." I muttered, looking at my crushed motorcycle. My attention was averted to what was next to it. "You have got to be kidding me!"
"Don't move, Banks." A voice ordered. I saw my old fifth grade teacher. Jacques Bigler. He had tried to kill me in fifth grade, which I didn't appreciate very much and somehow, I destroyed him and escaped unharmed. I don't know how, neither does anyone else and yet no other monster tried to attack me until eighth grade. No one could figure that out either.
"Hello Mr. Bigler, what do you want?" I growled.
"I came to destroy you!" He whipped his tail but I had been waiting for that. I dived out of the way and heard the projectiles whistle past me. I rubbed the hammer on my charm bracelet which decked me out in full Greek armor and then I rubbed the owl which produced a shield with Medusa's head on it. My psycho fifth grade teacher backed away a little bit but growled even louder and fired more projectiles. They bounced harmlessly off my shield, not even leaving a dent.
"Where did you get that?" Mr. Bigler spat in disgust.
"Hermes. Isn't he kind? Why aren't you in the pits of Tarturus where you belong?"
"I reformed you imbecile!"
"You need to learn the language of sarcasm my friend," I told him. That put him over the edge and he attacked sending volley after volley of projectiles my way. I just stood there, laughing. Why I was laughing, I don't know. I think he thought I had gone mental. I think I had too.
"Die girl! Why won't you die?" He stamped his foot in frustration.
"You obviously don't know a god when you see one," I said as and I held out my hand and trident appeared in my hands.
"You're not a goddess!" the Manticore shouted, but it sounded like he was trying to convince himself.
"Oh, but I am." I laughed and threw my trident at him. He wasn't that bright and the idiot of a monster didn't move out of the way in time. He disintegrated, leaving me in the middle of a deserted road in full Greek armor and a shield twenty times the size of a Frisbee. I rubbed the hammer and owl charm and my armor and shield disappeared. I rubbed the winged sandal and another motorcycle appeared. I decided I could Iris-message Percy instead of visiting him. The trip to Camp- Half Blood was too dangerous, so I turned back around and headed towards New York City.