Chapter 13
Percy arrived at Camp Half-Blood with Thalia. "Wait here," he told her.
He made his way into the camp and realized that Annabeth and Jason must've told everyone the news. Voices rose and started asking questions when Percy was seen. Annabeth and Jason took him to the Big House with Chiron.
"What happened?" Annabeth asked.
Percy explained everything that happened. All eyes never left him. He explained that the gods still had Piper.
"I'll go with you to your mother's apartment," Annabeth said.
"Thank you. She's waiting outside the camp so we need to leave soon," Percy replied. "Jason, do you want to see your sister? I'm sure she's like to say good bye."
"She isn't my sister," Jason said quietly. "Zeus did the right thing in disowning her."
Percy and Annabeth said nothing. "I will have Argus escort you to your mother's apartment Percy," Chiron spoke. "And, ah, tell Thalia I send my condolences. I will miss her."
The group dispersed and Percy and Annabeth found Thalia waiting patiently by her tree.
"Let's go, Thalia," Percy said. The three of them met Argus in a camp van. Within the next hour, they were at Percy's house. Mrs. Jackson answered the door and looked sad. "Your father is here Percy; he's told me everything."
With that said, the group entered the apartment.
"Thalia can stay in the office. I'll give her some things to sleep on in the meantime."
"Where's Piper?" Annabeth asked Poseidon, who entered the room.
Poseidon didn't have a nice way to say it, so he went straight to the truth. "Hera killed her, with Aphrodite's permission."
Annabeth was too stunned to speak, and Thalia was still in shock from everything that had happened. Percy began. "Why would Aphrodite want to kill her own daughter?"
"She's just like Hera; they want a relatively perfect family."
"Yes, but you could've just given her a normal punishment."
"What would've you done to her"
"I would've banned her from camp, but I wouldn't have killed her."
"I would've vouched for her, but I've already done that for Thalia. I can't help another demigod."
"How did she die?"
"Hera revealed her true form. Piper didn't expect it."
"I'm still going to have her shroud burned at camp."
"That's the right thing to do."
Mrs. Jackson came back in the room with blue cookies. Everyone helped themselves when Annabeth spoke. "Why did you kill Piper?"
"I didn't vote to kill her, but she insulted Hera and her mother, and you know very well that is not acceptable."
Before Annabeth could respond, Poseidon stood. "I must go now. I must go back to Olympus and fix…everything."
He looked at Thalia. "Do not lose hope, young one. There is always hope."
Thalia nodded her head. Poseidon smiled and vanished.
Thalia spoke. "I'm going to miss you guys, and everything and everyone else."
Annabeth looked at her. She gave her one last hug before walking to the door. I'll be outside Percy. He nodded and looked at Thalia.
"Thalia, I can't deny that what you did was wrong. I won't forget it, and neither will Jason. So, when the time comes, you need to apologize to him, and actually mean it."
"I know," she hung her head.
"I'll be back again soon," Percy finished.
He walked out the door, leaving Thalia with Mrs. Jackson.
"Mrs. Jackson," Thalia blinked back her tears, "do you hate me too?"
Mrs. Jackson looked down at Thalia. "Everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes they're fatal and regrettable. But, I agree with Poseidon. You don't deserve to be on your own."
Thalia smiled and hugged Mrs. Jackson. "Thank you so much."
"Come on, let's go make some cake," Mrs. Jackson motioned to the kitchen.
"Will it be blue?"
"What other color would it be?"
They both laughed. Mrs. Jackson went to the kitchen. Thalia followed, but stopped. Before she entered the kitchen, she looked up and said quietly to herself, thank you, Poseidon, for everything you've done for me; you are truly one of the greatest gods ever. I owe you my life.