AN: Hey guys, Swordnoob here, just wanted to say thanks for viewing my story and any thoughts or suggestions on my writing are appreciated and so without further ado, enjoy chapter 1
Disclaimer: The only thing that belongs to me is the plot, everything else goes to Rick Riordan
Percy POV
As I stood over the body of my greatest foe and hated enemy, Luke-Kronos, I didn't feel happy or accomplished, I only felt regret. Regret for all the people, no, heroes who died because I wasn't strong enough, fast enough, or smart enough to save them, and here was another. Luke Castellan, the traitor who I hated for helping start this war, turned out to be yet another hero I couldn't save, but, just like all the others, could save me. I was brought out of my thoughts by the sound of sobbing. As I looked up I saw Annebeth hunched over Luke's body tears dropping on his now still face. I reached over and touched her shoulder, I felt her start at first, then look into my eyes with hers that were still slowly leaking tears down her face.
"It will be okay," I said. "he made the right choice, in the end, and saved us all; I'm sure he made it to Elysium."
She just nodded and pulled me into a tight hug as she cried. Understanding her pain I hugged her in return, rubbing her back soothingly. Suddenly, I remembered the rest of the campers and hunters making their stand in the lobby.
"Shit," I cried. "the campers!"
Annebeth started, her eyes clearing slightly. "We need to go, now," she said looking ashamed. "I can't believe we forgot."
As we both stood, the throne room doors burst open. We both whirled around, weapons drawn, expecting an attack of some kind, but instead were greeted by the sight of the Olympians plus Hades, seriously why is he not an Olympian? He's even one of the 'Big Three'! What? Oh yeah, gods, stupid ADHD. Anyways, the gods were in an unusually unkempt and unaloof state, weapons pointing around the room looking for enemies.
"Where is Kronos?!" Zeus thundered with his Master Bolt held high.
"Defeated," I said simply as a wave of exhaustion washed over me because I knew the war was over and I could finally rest.
Fates POV
"Oh if only he knew," we said aloud, feeling the slightest hint of sympathy for the young demigod.
Third Person POV
After the gods were told that Kronos was defeated they stood in shocked silence for a moment then they all visibly relaxed, even dismissing their symbols of power with the exception of Artemis and Apollo. Only then did Zeus seemingly notice Luke's body and began striding towards it.
"We will honor the dead and reward the most accomplished, but first I must cleanse a stain from this floor," Zeus stated, raising his Bolt once more.
"No!," Percy screamed, jumping in front of Luke's corpse. "He was a hero!" All the gods looked shocked for the second time in as many minutes.
"What do you mean, Percy?" said Hermes, who was the first to recover, now with an almost imperceptible gleam of hope in his blue eyes.
"I mean," said Percy. "that the final line of the Prophecy was about Luke, not me, and he chose to preserve rather than raze and in doing so sacrificed himself to stop Kronos."
"He finally saw his mistakes and saved us all," added Annebeth, a sad smile adorning her face.
At that Hermes' face broke into a smile as well, all mischief that usually marked it replaced with pride.
"Well lets get a shroud then!" Zeus bellowed, for once looking slightly abashed.
Percy POV
After performing all the necessary funeral rites were given to the fallen and all but the most severe injures were treated, everyone was summoned to the throne room. As I entered through the doors all I could think was 'please let this be over quickly', unfortunately I was to be sorely disappointed. Zeus started with a dragging speech where he went on and on and on some more about the bravery of the gods and how this was a great victory which the demigods should feel honored to have been a part of. At that point I just mentally scoffed and zoned out just barely noticing Grover and Annebeth doing the same besides me. Some time later I was elbowed by Annebeth which made me notice that the rewards had begun to be given out, starting with the cabin leaders. Each were praised by their respective parent and given a suitable reward such as a magical item, minor blessing, et cetera.
"Grover Underwood!" Zeus bellowed.
"Good luck G-man," I whispered encouragingly. Grover nodded appreciatively and stepped forward into a bow.
"Rise," said Zeus. Grover straightened looking expectantly at the gods.
"For your consistent help throughout the war, including helping revive my daughter, assisting in the defeat of the Titan Hyperion, and discovering the lost god Pan, the council has decided to make you the new Lord of the Wild giving you partial immortality along with a position on the Council of Cloven Elders, that is if you choose to accept that is," stated Zeus.
"Of course I accept, it's a dream come true!" exclaimed Grover.
Zeus nodded. "Dionysus if you please."
For once Dionysus was doing something besides sleeping, looking annoyed, or voting to kill me, and simply gave a smile to Grover and pointed his finger at him which shot a beam of purple energy into Grover's forehead. This caused him to glow purple for a moment, after which he seemed to stand with more confidence and pride while also giving off the slight aroma of grapes.
"You are now partially immortal, better and easier control over plant life, and you will be able to sense when the Wild is threatened so you may protect it," said Dionysus. "Dismissed." Grover bowed again and stepped back.
"Annebeth Chase!" called Zeus. She stepped forward and bowed as well.
"Rise," Zeus said once more.
"For your keen and tactical mind that three quests and the defense of Olympus was successful the council has decided to name you the Architect of Olympus in which you will oversee the reconstruction of Camp-Half Blood and Olympus along with any improvements that are approved by your mother," Zeus told her.
"Thank you, I would be honored," said Annebeth excitedly. She then bowed again and stepped back grinning widely.
I then realized it was my turn to be called next, so I took a deep breath to ready myself. "Perseus Jackson!" Zeus boomed. I cringed a bit hearing my full name, but still stepped forward and bowed.
"Rise," I heard and looked around at the council to see my father smiling at me proudly, Zeus was sitting smugly with Hera sitting impassively beside him, Demeter was fiddling with a piece of wheat muttering about something I was sure was cereal related, Athena was glaring at me with a mix of distaste and grudging respect, while Ares was simply glaring, Apollo was giving me his most dazzling grin, Artemis was inspecting her hunting knives but gave me an almost unnoticeable smile which shocked me, Aphrodite was staring at me lie I was a expensive steak dinner which made me quickly look away, Dionysus was flipping through a wine catalog while sipping Diet Coke, Hephaestus was building something, Hermes was giving me his signature prank smirk which made me a bit paranoid, Hestia was unassumingly stoking the fire while giving me a warm smile, and Hades, who had been given a temporary throne was staring around the room doing his best Batman impression.
"For retrieving mine and Hades' symbols of power, helping obtain the Golden Fleece, rescuing Artemis, freeing the last Hecatoncheir, defeating Kronos and saving Olympus, the council is prepared to bestow upon you a honor that hasn't been given in centuries, godhood," Zeus proclaimed dramatically.
I was shocked, while I had expected to be offered something similar to what Grover received at most, this was completely unexpected and froze my brain. So while my mind was still processing, my mouth decided to go rogue, like usual.
"Aw, and here I thought you didn't like me Zeusie."
Silence, that's all I heard while I waited to be blasted, even Hermes and Apollo were too shocked to laugh. That's when I heard the chuckling.
"Well I guess I'll have to get used to that mouth of yours if you're going to be a god," said Zeus still chuckling slightly. "only you would mouth off to the King of the gods." Mine and everyone else's jaws dropped to the floor at that, but after a moment I recovered.
"Well, I must thank you for the honor, but," I said looking back at Annebeth who looked like she was holding back tears. "I must refuse, but there are some requests I would like you to fulfill."
This caused Annebeth to look up at me shocked, Dionysus do a spit take, and Zeus' face to darken considerably, while Athena looked downright furious, Poseidon appeared saddened but understanding, Ares seemed relieved?, Aphrodite was pouting, Hephaestus, Demeter, Artemis, and Hera didn't seem to care, and Hermes and Apollo were just confused, Hades was still brooding, and Hestia was giving me a proud smile. Zeus cleared his throat.
"Okay, demigod," said Zeus, as if it was a demeaning insult. "What do you want?"
"I want you to give me three wishes and I want you to swear on the Styx they will be fulfilled," I said winking at Hades. "for insurance."
"Three?!" Zeus asked incredulously. "You ask a lot of us, especially with an oath on the Styx."
"I swear on the Styx that they will be for the good of all and will be within your power." I stated. Zeus seemed appeased and made the Oath on behalf of the council.
"For my first request, I would like Lady Hestia reinstated as an Olympian and for balance that Lord Hades be given a seat as well."
"That should be agreeable, especially since they both played key roles in protecting Olympus," said Zeus amicably.
The Olympians started chanting in a language I did not understand, but when they finished Hades' temporary throne changed to look similar to the one in the Underworld, made of an amalgamation of Stygian Iron, human bones, and adorned with precious jewels. Meanwhile a new throne had risen and when Hestia sat it began to burn with a comforting heat that caused everyone to relax and in some cases sigh with contentment. After Hestia and Hades both settled into their thrones they both gave me smiles of appreciation, then looked to Zeus to continue.
"Alright, your first wish has been granted, what is the second?" asked Zeus.
"For my second wish I would simply ask that all Gods recognize their children by the age of twelve and that the minor gods get cabins at Camp Half-Blood so they don't feel ridiculed and forgotten, which were two major causes of this war."
Zeus nodded. "It would be a good way to appease the other gods and with the Great Prophecy fulfilled a little more leniency should be acceptable," Zeus turned to Annebeth. "it will be up to you to design the new cabins, Architect." Annebeth just grinned giving a vigorous nod and Zeus turned back to me. "What is your finally request?" I was shocked, Zeus was actually being reasonable and for once I could see why he was King of the gods.
"I would like you to release all the peaceful Titans from their prisons, as long as they swear an Oath to never betray Olympus, I have a promise to keep." I stated. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Annebeth raise an eyebrow at the last part, but didn't say anything.
"Hmm, that is a bit much to ask considering what we just went through, but, I have also realized that without family none of us would be standing here," said Zeus eyeing Poseidon and Hades. "so I will put it to a vote." Surprisingly, the only person who voted against the proposition was Ares. "With a vote of 13-1 the motion passes and the peaceful Titans will be released after Oaths are obtained, which brings this meeting to an end, I hope you enjoy the festivities," smirked Zeus as he flashed out.
"Alright, lets party!" exclaimed Apollo, shooting different balls of light that exploded like fireworks.
The party was insane, Apollo and Hades got some of the world's most famous musicians, alive and dead, to put on, as Apollo described it, the most awesome concert since Woodstock, Hestia and Demeter had made a huge feast, Hermes and his kids were pranking everyone in sight, Dionysus, whom Zeus allowed to drink wine again, had set up a drinking contest versus everyone else while his wife Ariadne had to keep stopping him from competing with minors, and Aphrodite got drunk and was going around hitting on everyone, and I mean everyone. Even with all the festivities around me there was just one thing I wanted to do, find Annebeth. As I was searching, I seemed to be getting farther away from the heart of the celebration, when I heard someone talking in hushed tones. Now normally I would ignore it, but for some reason it made me unnaturally curious so I crept silently down the alleyway I heard the sounds coming from. 'Please don't let me see something super awkward' I thought as I walked until I saw Ares standing in the middle of the alley staring at the floor.
"Have patience." came a voice that seemed to originate from the floor in front of the God of War.
'Is he talking to a really short person?' I thought bewildered.
"Dammit!" roared Ares, who began to repeatedly punch the wall of the alley.
'Who was he talking to?' I wondered seeing no one else in the alley. "Why so angry, sad you don't get to spend eternity with me?" I asked, smirking.
Ares whirled around with a start. "What are you doing here,punk?" he asked aggressively.
"Just looking for Annebeth, you haven't seen her have you?" I questioned, ignoring his tone.
"I don't keep tabs on your girlfriend, Jackson, so I would leave, unless you're looking for a fight," Ares growled, even though he had a vicious gleam in his eye.(AN Note: I wanted to put 'make like a tree and leave' but I figured that would be ridiculous even for Ares.)
"Eh, I don't really want to ruin your rep even more by beating you a second time,so ciao," I responded while walking away.
"You'll get yours one day, Jackson, I swear," I heard Ares mutter behind me.
"I might believe that if you that was on the Styx," I said over my shoulder.
On my way back to the party I finally found her sitting in a park bench under a statue of Aphrodite, surveying the destruction that still plagued Olympus no doubt already imagining a new skyline. I frowned slightly at the statue, but I sat next to Annebeth anyways.
"Hey Wise Girl, why aren't you at the party? I have been looking everywhere for you," I questioned.
"Well I wanted a little privacy and even though you are a Seaweed Brain I knew you would find me, you always do," she responded with a slight raise of her lips.
"Well you could have told me before," I pouted.
Annebeth chuckled. "Stop being such a faker and tell me what you came here to talk about," she prompted.
"Well you see, uh, since the war has been won..." I started.
"Uh huh"
"I was just wondering if you would want to, uh," I stalled.
"Want to...?" Annebeth was starting to smirk, and I could feel my cheeks heating up, so I took a deep breath.
"Wouldyoubemygirlfriend?" I spewed.
At this Annebeth raised an eyebrow, then shrugged. "Close enough," she said, then pulled me into a kiss and my mind went blank for a good two minutes (which I think is a record, even for me). I was brought back to Gaea by a thunderous "Finally!" from behind. I opened my eyes to see Annebeth blushing furiously while looking behind me.
"Everyone is behind us aren't they?"
"Yup," said Annebeth shyly.
"Chances of escape?" I asked.
"Zero, too many gods," she answered.
I smiled. "Well, we've had worse odds," I said, grasping her hand and running away from the assembled gods and demigods as thunder rumbled over head.
"Don't let them escape, think of the blackmail potential!" yelled Hermes.
(Three months later...)
Percy POV
I laid in my bunk in Cabin 3 and all I could do was sigh in contentment. The last three months had been perfect, the war was over so I hadn't had to worry about imminent doom anymore (thanks for getting off my back, Moros). My relationship with Annebeth is going great, well, its not all that different except for the intimate time, and no, I do not mean that. After, the party on Olympus we went to tell my Mom in person, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my mother was pregnant with a baby boy that was to be due in about 3 months. When I asked why she kept that information from me, she just said she didn't want to add anything else to my plate at the time. Finally, she let me not have to worry about going back to school until after the baby was born, so I could get some well deserved rest. Therefore, I got to relax at camp, hang out with my friends, and teach sword fighting without another care in the world.
The horn for lunch then brought me out of my revere and started on my way to the pavilion. Just as I was about to take my seat at the Poseidon table, I suddenly felt as if someone had drenched me in Styx water and I heard a scream that could have been mine.
"Shit," I managed to mutter before everything went black.
AN: Sorry about the cliffhanger guys, but I want to keep you wondering. My updates will not be consistent because I am very busy but I will update when I can. I hope you guys enjoyed it, but ta-ta for now.