Last time….
Percy had a suspicion the old centaur simply came up with an excuse to leave the room as he quickly read the situation. That left Percy with a maiden goddess that he kissed, and a demigoddess who just lost his brother because of him. Not a situation one would be thrilled to be in.
Despite this, he did want to talk with both of them but one at a time and once his body didn't feel like it was about to crumble. Just staying awake was taxing the way he currently was. Both ladies present in the room could easily tell this from Percy's body language so they both gave him a quick hug and left him be for the night.
As Percy finally got the time to relax he took the time to think about all he just went through and what was waiting for him. This battle might have been done, but the war was far from over and his next challenge was just a few days away at the hands of the Olympian council.
I expect your visit to Olympus to be as entertaining, if not more, than the last
Percy smirked at the thought and made a mental note not to disappoint the Lord of the Underworld.
Now…
Percy had many virtues, he had faced many challenges and became skilled in a variety of areas, despite this, as Hestia quickly learned, patience was not one of his fortes. He didn't last 2 days in bed without jumping out and try to help in whatever way he could. All he got was a goddess running behind him and get him, sometimes by force, back to bed.
Hestia used the logic that if he couldn't resist being forcibly restrained by her then he shouldn't be moving in the first place. Percy found himself unable to come up with a retort, so he grudgingly accepted to continue with his recovery, for about 3 more days.
Once 5 full days passed Percy just couldn't take it anymore, so he started to walk around with a very annoyed goddess at his side.
"You don't have to follow me around everywhere you know? I am fine! Besides, won't the gods notice the fact that you are here?"
"No, you are not fine! You almost died! Not only that but you refuse to recover properly so if you insist on walking around it will be with me close in case you collapse. As far as the gods are concerned they are way to busy fighting among themselves deciding if they are going to blow you up or not. So, if worst comes to worst I will shield you should one of them try to act on their own. Are we clear?"
Percy was taken by surprise with the small rant of the hearth goddess, at the same time he was incredibly touched. She was there to protect him, regardless of the possible consequences. It was odd being protected, it was usually him risking his lives for others. It was the first time someone was protective over him in this way aside from the Aztec gods, and he liked the feeling.
He smiled and enlaced his fingers with the goddess next to him. She was a bit surprised but didn't move.
"Thanks," was all Percy said as they continued to walk in comfortable silence.
The gesture might have seen small, but it had a huge effect on Hestia, she tried to hide it but her face was burning and a smile was clear in her face. She continued holding his hand as they walked, not minding all the other campers. Not that they were really paying attention, they were all happy for Percy to be okay but almost everyone was still recovering from the battle, and they lacked the Aztec's demigod incredible recovering ability.
They kept walking until they reached the shore, Percy had a small smile as he took off his shoes as carefully as he could and walked up until the water reached his knees. Regardless of his still rocky relationship with his father the ocean was incredibly calming.
He simply stood there taking in the breeze, breathing as deeply as he could. He winced as his entire torso complained at the movement, but relief quickly followed, probably thanks to the water.
Hestia simply stood back and observed. She could feel his aura getting stronger which was very conforting. He is going to need all the energy he can get. She thought rather somberly.
"He is quite something isn't he?" Said a voice behind Hestia.
"Indeed, what brings you here Chiron?"
The old centaur gave the goddess a tired smile and small bow.
"Sorry to intrude, I just wanted to come Percy that…it is time for the ceremony."
"I will… tell him in a few minutes, I just want him to relax for a bit longer. Once that ceremony is over…"
Hestia didn't need to finish the sentence, they all knew what would happen as soon as the ceremony was finished. As Percy continued to relax in the water his thoughts quickly turned to the future events about to unfold. He played different scenarios in his head, trying to see how they could unfold. He almost chuckled at how bad his chances of coming out of this in one piece were. Then again, that really wasn't anything new.
After about 30 minutes he came out of the water in way better shape, all part of his genius plan of: lets try not to die. He went past Hestia and back into camp were all the preparation for the ceremony was getting ready. It was a ceremony to play respects to the fallen campers during the war, but thanks to Percy that was only Nico.
As Percy got close to the area he got nervous. He was sure everyone was expecting him to say a few words, but what was he supposed to say? Acting like a leader and giving orders was easy, but give an emotional speech? That was not part of his skill set.
"Hey" Hestia gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.
"You'll be fine, don't overthink it. Just speak from the heart, whatever comes to mind."
The young demigod gave her a small smile and a nod. He felt better but he still didn't know what he was going to say. He decided to stop worrying about it and simply wait until he had to say something.
Once all of camp was reunited an amazing arrangement had been made for the fallen demigod. His body laid surrounded by a beautiful flower arrangement. It was very simple, with only white flowers, but it was very fitting and helped to complement the black suit he was wearing. Chiron began the ceremony giving a speech about bravery and sacrifice. Once he was done everyone went up to give his finals respects. Most kept it simple since they didn't know him very well. This process kept going until only Bianca and Percy were left.
Bianca got up and went up to his brother's body with an emotionless mask. She grabbed his hand, and couldn't stop herself from shaking.
"I know why you did it… I-I would have done the same… b-but why? Why did you have to leave Nico?"
She couldn't stop the tears at this point. She felt a hand on her shoulder. She quickly turned around to find Percy with an understanding look. She hugged him as a reflex and cursed at herself for believing that it could be her brother.
"I am going to miss him so much…"
"Me too, Bianca, me too."
After a few moments she let go of Percy and sat down as the final event of the ceremony took place. Percy looked over at everyone and was still incredibly nervous. Regardless he took a long breath and simply began.
"Nico, he was more than just a friend to me, he was a brother. A brother that I swore I would protect even if I had to give my life. I-" He paused for a second regaining himself
"What I didn't realize is that he felt the same way. If it was not for him I would not be speaking today, and for that I will be eternally grateful and in debt. So, no matter how much I wish he was still here. I will not dwell on his death, as it was his choice and his belief that… that my life was worth him losing his. I will do everything I can to prove that him right. Farewell Nico."
As soon as he stopped speaking everyone begin clapping, tears very clearly failing down everyone's check. Even Hestia had to wipe a single tear off her face. While she was incredibly moved by Percy's speech her mind quickly went to high alert as she knew what was about to happen.
As if on signal Nico's body was suddenly engulfed in a black flame. Everyone quickly got in a defensive position, Hestia flashed in front of Percy who was already gripping his sword. Out of the flames, a dark and tall figure came out. It was none other than the god of the underworld himself.
No one knew how to act since they weren't sure what he wanted. Following Chiron's example everyone bowed. The god approached Percy and gave him a pat on the shoulder.
"It has been millennia since someone managed to make me shed a tear. That was a beautiful speech"
"Thank you, Lord Hades."
"No need to thank me, as promised Nico will go to Elysium. But unfortunately, the reason for my arrival was to be one of your guides to Olympus."
"I imagined something like this, so who else came for me?"
"That would be me." Answered a new voice from Percy's left
"Apollo" Percy said simply with a nod.
"Sorry Perce, I am not really thrilled about this but it was agreed on that two neutral gods were to pick you up."
"So that you don't smite me instantly?"
Apollo gave a small chuckle and a shrug.
"Well then let's get started. Chiron, could you give this note to every cabin leader. They are instructions in case I don't come pack."
The centaur took the note with worry in his eyes.
"Hey relax, I have no intentions of dying, I am just not sure I will be able to come back right away. Later everyone"
Percy gave a small wave to everyone as he disappeared with every god present at the scene. As they disappeared everyone had worry clear in their face. Jake and Bianca were especially worried but there was nothing that they could do except pray and wait.
On the outside of the Olympian meeting room the 3 gods and demigod appeared after the light faded. The atmosphere was tense, Percy no longer hid his nerves as his jaw was locked and his eyes were almost pulsing. A small and discreate hand made its way towards Percy's. The action made the demigod ease up a little bit, but he was still on his guard.
Hades observed this and concluded that they were ready to go in. The God opened the doors and made his way towards the center before vanishing and appearing in a temporary throne. Apollo followed the same gesture, but Hestia remained next to Percy.
All the other gods were already seated and looking intensely at Percy. It was clear as day that this was not the same demigod that causes such a ruckus on the solstice just over six months ago. Despite not being at full strength the aura emanating from him was on par with that of some Olympians. Zeus was the first to speak as he glared at Percy
"Why is the prisoner not in hand cuffs?"
"Because I am not a prisoner, the only reason I even agreed to come here was to make myself very clear as far as where I stand. I honestly hate a few of you as much as you hate me. Only difference is I have the brains and maturity to know that there is a much bigger threat that needs my, our attention. So stop being a bunch of thick headed assholes, and let's all focus on the titans, kay?"
Percy finished his little speech with a mocking smile leaving everyone in the room completely stunned. Hades and Poseidon were having trouble controlling their smiles. Hestia was shacking her head. The biggest reaction came from Zeus himself who was rocking a bright red skin color from his repressed anger. After a few seconds he stood with his bold in hand.
"You DARE to mock me? I should execute you were you stand!"
Just as the god reared back to launch his weapon, he was met with a trident to the throat and his throwing arm was render immobile. As he turned he was saw both his brothers standing in his way. Although he didn't notice at the same time Percy took a defensive stance and Hestia appeared in front of him.
"What is the meaning of this brothers!? Release me this instant!"
"Relax brother, we have no ill intensions, but I will not simply sit as you threaten my son. Listen to reason, he was proven a great ally so far. Thanks to him the battle that our children had to experience was won! So please relax and let's talk with reason, alright?
The god of thunder had no option but to nod. He was let go and all three elder gods returned to their seats. Zeus kept silent as he glared at Percy who seem unaffected. Poseidon took over the meeting.
"Son, the help you have provided to all demigods is something we can never thank you enough for, however-"
"The fact remains that you are a criminal that defied and even attacked Olympus and for that you must be punished!" Athena interrupted. Poseidon glared at her but didn't get a chance to reply.
Percy's aura flared up, and he slowly walked up to Athena. The gods tensed, getting a flashback of what happened on the last meeting.
"Relax, I am not going to do anything, at least not yet. Now as far as you are concerned…"
He stood in front of the goddess and despite the difference in stature it was Athena who looked nervous, even afraid.
"I am not against Olympus itself, but all the of the gods that are drunk with power and think of us as nothing more than pawns. Zeus is definitely at the top of that list and once this is all over I will do everything in my power to make sure you change your ways and treat demigods more fairly. But you…YOU!"
A second burst of aura erupted in front of the wisdom goddess.
"You will answer for your crimes by my hand!" The floor cracked under the demigods feet.
The goddess was completely frozen, no one has ever spoken to her in such a matter before. She wanted to get angry, she wanted to turn the brat in front of her to smoke, but she couldn't. As fear completely dominated her despite herself.
"That's all I really wanted to say. Let's leave each other alone until this is all over. After that you can do as you please."
"Are you saying that you will turn yourself in?" Zeus interjected.
Percy returned to the center of the stage and took a deep breath before answering.
"I am saying that you won't have to bother searching for me." Light began to flow around him again but with less violence.
"I will come for you." As soon as the words left his mouth he teleported away leaving the gods speechless. The silence was cut short as Dionysus erupted in laughter, leaving everyone else rather confused.
"Oh this is hilarious! Five words! That kid only needed five words to make the mighty Olympians go completely silent!"
Everyone interpreted the situation differently, some had concerns, some were filled with rage, others with admiration, and the god of wine found the whole situation very entertaining. Zeus once again took control.
"Silence! We still need to make a vote even if the… subject in question is not present. All in favor of ignoring him and deal with him once the war is over?"
The vote was a unanimous yes, not something seen very often in the council. It was for different reasons, but even those that hated Percy had to acknowledge that he was too powerful to be taken lightly. At the same time, it was clear that once the titan war was over all of their attention will be focused on him.
Hestia understood very well the bet he was taking but still thought it was reckless. Even if they leave him be for now, his actions hinted at him being perfectly fine with dealing with the full Olympian force. That scared Hestia, not because she thought he was in over his head, but because his actions and words made her believe that he could take head on such a force.
LINE BREAK
A few weeks passed since the battle of the labyrinth and things were back to normal. The campers continued their training after all of the repairs were finished. Despite not hearing from Percy they were told by Chiron that he was fine. In the middle of all the chaos there was a little bit of peace as Jake was celebrating his 15th birthday.
It was small and very childish with his mom and friends singing happy birthday but it was what he needed at the moment. Being able to enjoy a "normal" birthday was not something that he was really used to, and of course being a demigod, not something that lasted.
A knock on the door interrupted the singing as she went to open it.
"Who is-" she stopped mid sentence as she looked at the man at the door.
Jake made his way to his mother to see why she was frozen only to freeze himself at the sight of his father, his real father, the god of the sea himself with a carefree smile.
"Hello son, I just wanted to come in for your birthday, is that alright?"
Speech was not something Jake was capable of at that moment. He just couldn't believe what was happening. His mother recovered much quicker and invited him in. It was very tense for everyone except Poseidon who seemed to be getting along a little too well with Jake's new step-dad Paul. Jake thought things couldn't get any weirder when he heard another knock on the door.
"You know you shouldn't leave your door opened like this, someone might come in uninvited."
"Percy!" All of the demigods in the room rushed towards him causing all of them to fall.
"H-hey! Get off!" just before he could rise to his feet a tongue made sure to give his face a full wash.
"BLAH! What is? Get this thing off me!"
Jake pulled on miss. Owlery, off him. Once the chaos ended Percy introduced himself to Jake's parents.
"Hello, I am Percy, a… friend of Jake's it's nice to meet you."
"Well hello dear! You can call me Sally and this is my husband Paul. And well…"
"Poseidon," Percy said without emotion.
Sally quickly caught on to the situation and diverted the attention back to singing but Percy's eyes remained glued to his father. They both walked outside for a moment while the party kept going on.
"Hello son, I did not expect you to be here."
"Could say the same to you, but I am not here to fight, just to congratulate my brother so come on let's go."
The conversation was short and dry, but Poseidon enjoyed it all the same it was much better than what he expected. With a smile he returned and they all had a good time. Percy talked with Grover, Annabeth and Bianca, while keeping the conversation mortal friendly.
They all did their best to enjoy themselves, knowing that probably it will be the last chance they get before the real war begins.
Yay… I did a chapter, sorry, school, got diagnosed and treated for depression, changed fields of studies. But it is now summer, trying to get back in the habit of writing. I am dying of sleep right now.
Good night hope you enjoy, see you sometime next decade, jk, I hope….