Prologue
Eight demigods stood in the lift to Olympus with their fingers in their ears. The elevator dinged and the doors slide open.
"FINALLY," sighed Nico, "They have to get better music."
They walked to the throne room; all the other people they passed all bowed or knelt before them. Reyna couldn't help staring around at everything. Percy knocked on the doors and they swung open. They walked in and stood before Zeus.
"We all agree that these demigods have done exceptionally well in the defeat of Gaia," said Zeus, "So we will reward you all with the gift of immortality. Are there any objections."
"Will it get rid of any curses?" asked Frank.
"Yes, your and Hazel's curses will be removed," confirmed Zeus.
"I don't want immortality," said Percy boldly.
"What do you want?" asked Zeus, ignoring the collective gasps and murmurs.
"I want you to give Hades and Hestia back their thrones," said Percy.
Hades and Hestia both stared at Percy with surprise and gratitude in their eyes. Zeus stared at him his mouth wide open. Then he shook himself out of his trance, "Are you sure?"
Percy nodded, "Quite sure."
Zeus looked at his fellow Olympians then closed his eyes. The other Olympians did the same and two thrones appeared. A jet black throne with intricate designs carved into it appeared next to Zeus and a throne that seemed to be made out of flames appeared next to the hearth.
"I'll leave now," said Percy and walked away.
"So, immortality," said Zeus, "Annabeth, Goddess of Architecture. Jason, God of Storms. Piper, Goddess of Charmspeak. Frank, God of Animals. Hazel, Goddess of Gems and Precious metals. Nico, God of Hellhounds. Reyna, Goddess of Leadership."
The gods nodded at each other and directed flows of energy towards the demigods.
Camp Half-Blood
Percy sat on the beach and sighed. He stared across the wide expanses of glittering blue sea. Suddenly there were two flashes behind him and Hades and Hestia appeared.
"We wanted to say thank you," said Hades.
"For giving us back our thrones," finished Hestia.
"It was nothing," mumbled Percy.
"Do you call turning down immortality twice 'nothing'," spluttered Hades incredulously.
Percy shrugged, "I guess."
"We came here to give you our blessings as a thank you present," whispered Hestia.
Hades placed a hand on Percy's shoulder, which shivered at the touch. A black aura spread across his body. Percy blinked and when he opened his eyes, his green irises had a black ring around them. Hestia placed her hand on Percy's other shoulder and an orange aura spread across his body. Percy's eyes changed colour again and an orangey red ring formed around his pupil.
"Your eyes look amazing," whispered Hestia.
"Thanks," grinned Percy.
"As I have given you my blessing you have control over the shadow," said Hades, "Unlike Nico who has power over the dead."
Percy nodded.
"The hearth can harm, but it can also heal," said Hestia, "What would you like? To harm or to heal?"
Percy though carefully for a few moments before answering, "Heal."
"Good choice," said Hestia, "You can heal yourself and other people. It takes lots of energy to heal major injuries like broken bones and organ injuries but you could speed up the healing process. Minor injuries wouldn't take up much energy and will heal immediately."
Percy nodded slowly.
"Well," said Hades briskly, "Got to go, see you soon." And he and Hestia flashed away.
One month later
Percy had just gone to Olympus to ask Athena if he could marry Annabeth. She had told him to come back when he became a master at archery. He had just walked past the boundaries when a boy burst out of the bushes pursued by an angry hellhound. Percy immediately drew Riptide and slashed the monster in half. He walked over to the boy who was staring at him.
"What's your name?" Percy asked gently.
"Mark," whispered the boy."
"Mark," repeated Percy, "That's a good name. I'm called Percy."
"Where did you get the sword from?" asked Mark.
"What do you know about Greek mythology?" grinned Percy.
One month later
Ever since Mark arrived at camp he had caused nothing but trouble for Percy. The only people at camp who talked to Percy anymore was Clarisse, who although she did her best to hide it admired Percy for being one of the only people who could stand her, Annabeth, Connor, Travis, Nico, who didn't really stay at camp anyway and Chiron. Then he had taken all the credit for the defeat of a giant who Percy had killed and had been appointed God of Swordsmanship and Heroes.
