The evening was rolling in, much like the waves along an expansive shore which seemed to overlook the edge of the world. The power of the rushing tide did little to mask the commotion of children screaming in delight, a mirth lost to their parents who sat to the side and spoke in hushed tones. But, secluded from all others, a lone man sat at the fringe of the coastline watching.
The man had perched himself upon a log, hands outstretched towards a bonfire crackling with fervorous intensity. A mumbled prayer escaped his lips; the words giving Hestia thanks for the warmth. He combed a hand through his shaggy black hair and sighed; it would be one of the last comforts he savoured there for a long while.
A flash appeared beside him, but his sea green eyes stayed buried in the flames. "I thought I had more time." "Zeus is an impatient man, you know this." A small smile graced his face. He did know. "Well, let's not keep the king waiting."
Percy stood, and as he looked over the beach and purple-hued sunset, a sense of finality washed over him. "Before we leave, I want you to know, most of the council is with you. The vote was rigged, but then, I'm sure you know that too." The young demigod turned to Hermes and nodded. He did know.
"You're one of the good ones. Thank you." The god smiled in appreciation and closed the distance between them. "Good knowing you, kid."
In a flash similar to the first, the duo appeared in the throne room of the Olympians. Percy gazed at the splendor of the room, then that of the gods within. All of the Council was present, all were here to witness his execution.
"Bow to your king!" Zeus thundered. Percy's jaw hardened. "My son is about to face his death at your hand and you demand his respect?!" A grin spread across the boy's face; his father never failed to have his back. "Thank you, Poseidon, but I can speak for myself. Zeus, go to hell."
Percy expected outrage from the god, but a smug smile shone on his face. "That's where you'll be soon, boy." A solemn look replaced his previous grin. He scanned the faces of the Olympians and saw his own feeling reflected back at him. Quiet acceptance.
"Let's get on with it shall we?" Zeus continued. "I know this began on the pretense of your death, but that will not be the case. Not by a longshot. The Fields of Punishment wouldn't be cruel enough for you." Apprehension filled the room, and Percy's stoic walls began to shake. Over the past few days, he had come to terms with the gods' decision. He would die, and with Hades and his own good deeds at his back, make Elysium, or if he wanted, rebirth. Now he understood Zeus was also privy to that, and wanted anything but.
"You, boy," the word was spat with unexpected disdain, "are destined for Tartarus."
A collective gasp sounded. Tartarus, he thought, oh gods no, not there, not again. His only consolation was that he was not alone in his shock and fear. Zeus seemed to feed off it.
"Oh yes, Tartarus. Though, I have no doubt you will be killed soon after arriving, and as I said, death will be a stranger to you. I have thought long to remedy this, and a perfect solution came to mind. Your soul will be turned into that of a monster, much like Medusa."
Now, true chaos overtook the throne room. Outrage from all gods loved by Percy, shock and morbid interest from those not.
Marble cracked as Poseidon stood, trident in hand, aura glowing with a power not unveiled since the gigantomachy. "The Hero of Olympus, savior of us all, MY SON, will not be transformed into… into some beast!" Hestia suddenly appeared beside him and laid a strong hand on his shoulder, enfusing the sea god with hope and peace. He turned to look into her warm brown eyes, then sighed, reigning his aura and returning to his throne. Poseidon reluctantly nodded his thanks and she returned to her own. "My statement still stands." Though, through the barely restrained fury behind his eyes, everyone there already knew.
Zeus had gone from smug, to awed, and finally determined. He would see Jackson punished. "I care not for you wish to happen, brother, the vote is finished and my will trumps all. I am King of the Gods!" Thunder boomed for emphasis.
Percy saw his father begin to shake, and knew he had to do something before the god did something rash. His life was not worth a war tearing apart everything he and his brothers and sisters fought so desperately to protect.
"Dad!"
All eyes were on him.
"I love you. I love you so much. And if you love me, you'll stop. You'll let this happen." The demigod tore his eyes from his shoes and met his father's. A tear fell to the floor as Poseidon looked at his son. The sure conviction he saw quenched the fire raging in his heart. "But, but son you can't," he paused," I can't stand by and let this happen."
Percy closed his eyes and inhaled a careful breath. "Then you have to leave. Because I won't watch what I sacrificed, what my friends sacrificed, what you all sacrificed so much for, be for nothing. I won't let it be in vain, and if you truly love me, you won't either."
Silence. Eyes locked, they communicated in a form that transcended words.
Then, "I will stay."
That was all Zeus needed. "Wonderful! See if you can't control that temper of yours in the future." Poseidon's eyes smoldered, but he said nothing.
"Now, come before me, child." Percy steeled his thoughts and stepped forward. If was going to lose his humanity, he would do so with dignity. The king of the gods raised a glowing hand, sadistic smile smeared across his face. The demigod fell to his knees, face contorted in pain. It felt as though his body was being seared, shredded, then orderly placed back together. What he felt was immense, but he refused to give Zeus the pleasure of hearing him scream.
Soon, the feeling subsided, and Percy rose, no longer demigod nor human. He was a monster, and he could feel it in the core of his being. His previous fatal flaw, undying loyalty, was distinctly unapparent. Any strong desire to be pure of heart was gone, and Percy felt utterly.. neutral.
He looked up, unfeeling, to the beings before him. "Son?" Hearing the concern in his voice, the monster turned to his father, eyes softening. "Any last words on the surface? Try and return and you will be killed on sight." Zeus did nothing to cover his glee as he held his master bolt high, ready to send him with a one-way ticket to the depths.
Percy merely sat, crossed his legs, and closed his eyes. A peace fell over him, a true acceptance of his situation. He would not fight, he would not cry, he would not even declare the evil of what had transpired. He would adapt because that was all he could do.
"So be it." Lightning cracked, and Percy dissolved into a mist of golden dust.
