PERCY JACKSON!" Poseidon announced. My name echoed around the chamber.

All talking died down. The room was silent except for the crackle of the hearth fire.

Everyone's eyes were on me— all the gods, the demigods, the Cyclopes, the spirits.

I walked into the middle of the throne room. Hestia smiled at me reassuringly. She

was in the form of a girl now, and sheseemed happy and content to be sitting by her

fire again. Her smile gave me courage to keep walking.

First I bowed to Zeus. Then I knelt at my father's feet.

"Rise, my son," Poseidon said.

I stood uneasily.

"A great hero must be rewarded," Poseidon said. "Is there anyone here who would deny

that my son is deserving?"

I waited for someone to pipe up. The gods never agreed on anything, and many of them

still didn't like me, but not a single one protested.

"The Council agrees," Zeus said. "Percy Jackson, you will have one gift from the gods."

I hesitated. "Any gift?"

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 a mortal hero

in many centuries, but, Perseus Jackson—if you wish it—you shall be made a god. Immortal.

Undying. You shall serve as your father's lieutenant for all time."

I stared at him, stunned. "Um…a god?"

Zeus rolled his eyes. "A dimwitted god, apparently. But yes. With the consensus of

the entire Council, I can make you immortal. Then I will have to put up with you forever."

"Hmm," Ares mused. "That means I can smash him to a pulp as often as I want, and he'll

just keep coming back for more. I like this idea."

"I approve as well," Athena said, though she was looking at Annabeth.

I glanced back. Annabeth was trying not to meet my eyes. Her face was pale. I flashed

back to two years ago, when I'd thought she was going to take the pledge to Artemis

and become a Hunter. I'd been on the edge of a panic attack, thinking that I'd lose her.

But I couldn't help thinking how much being a demigod had screwed up my life. The constant fights against monsters and the knowledge that the next monster you fight could be your last. Did I really want to live my life that way? Could I stand this life any longer? Why not just be immortal?

Finally, I met Annabeths eyes. I looked annabeth in the eyes and remembered how many times I had wished she would love me and how many times she had rejected me.

Even if she did fall for me now, I would be no more than a rebound from Luke. I would never be her Luke.

We were best friends that had shared many many adventures, but it was time for me to move on. And as if she could read my mind, she gave me the smallest little nod, just a slight movement of her head, and I had my answer.

" I-I accept your offer of immortality"

" Very well" said Zeus. He flicked his hand, and for a moment nothing happened. Then suddenly, I felt myself rising above the ground gold flakes swirling around me. It was only a second, but when my feet touched the ground again, I felt stronger, invincible. I could feel the golden ichor replace my blood. All was silent for a second. Then Zeus said, " All hail, perseus, god of the waves, leuitenant of Poseidon." And every single one in that room repeated after him.

I felt the need to do something. I needed to change into my godly form. I closed my eyes and concentrated on becoming pure energy and I did. I was powerful.

I was a god.