Chapter 33

Several hours later, Persephone stood, watching as the moon finally crested the edge of the woods behind her and disappeared from sight just as soft hints of pink came across the sea.

"So, you aren't controlled by the Fates?" he questioned with a raised eyebrow. He had several other questions, but to him, it was most important.

"No. I think they control a few aspects of my life, but when I die is up to some," she twirled her hands in the air and rolled her eyes "greater deity."

"The gods can't do anything about it?" he asked after a moment, watching her as she turned to him. Her green eyes flashed with worry.

"No." Pegasus walked up as she talked and her eyes twinkled "I'm just happy I'll die a daughter of Poseidon." Pegasus nodded in agreement and Persephone shook he head quickly to clear the depressing thoughts.

"So, I have a little sister and brother?" he asked, Percy smiled and nodded quickly.

"Yep. I don't know how Thalia will react, but I'm sure Jason will be happy." She easily leapt onto the back of Blackjack as he walked up and Perseus looked up at her in confusion.

"Where are you going?" his face clearly confused. Pegasus nudged him and Persephone tilted her head, smiling.

"Didn't you want to speak with the gods?" Blackjack leapt into the air as Perseus jumped onto the pegasus lord's back clumsily and the two Black pegasi took off like bolts across the sky.

"Aren't you afraid of the sky?" Perseus calmed the wind enough for him to yell the question to her.

"No!" she laughed at his facial expression "I'm the champion of Zeus, I can't be!" laughing, she threw a leg over Blackjack's back and freefell hundreds of feet before he caught her again, easily.

"What was that?" The wind slowed around them as both pegasi slowed. Persephone's eyes glowed with adrenaline.

"I used to be afraid of heights and sometimes I still am, so this is my way of getting over my fears." She sat backwards on Blackjack's back so that she was facing him. Pegasus shook his head roughly.

"You're crazy!" Perseus called as Pegasus took the lead and Persephone spun around so that she was still facing them.

"Maybe." She called back, seeing the edge of Olympus approach. Both pegasi sped up momentarily before flaring their wings and landing easily at a walk. They had landed near the elevator, so they had a long ride until they reached the large temple that signified Zeus.

"Care to go faster? I'd like to get this over with." Perseus asked as they started through the godly town. Minor gods, satyrs, and nymphs stared openly at them and Persephone quietly urged Blackjack forward.

Xxx

"She couldn't have just walked off!" the yell is from Apollo and his eyes are bright with panic and fury.

"How would she have disappeared?" Demeter argued, Zeus watched the argument intently while Poseidon paced frantically around the room. Triton stood next to Theseus near their father's throne, seemingly relaxed, their eyes shown with their true emotions.

"Someone could have taken her!" Apollo's voice grew even louder as panic filled his voice and he began to pace before his father.

"I highly doubt someone would be able to sneak onto Olympus, into your temple, and steal her." Demeter huffed angel and crossed her arms.

"Well, someone did." His eyes hot with fury, he faced his aunt. The standoff continued until Aphrodite walked leisurely into the room with a smile on her face.

"If you two are done arguing. Two pegasi are approaching and one seems to be holding Persephone." She rolled her eyes at the pettish argument and was almost overrun by the whole council racing out.

Two pegasus approached at an easy canter. Their black manes whipping in their riders faces. One rider obviously wore the titan lord's armor while the other had on a bright pink shirt. It was several minutes before both slid to a stop. Both riders leapt off with grace and the man took off his helmet to reveal black hair and blue eyes. All four bowed before the pegasi went to stand behind Persephone and Perseus was left alone to the side.

Xxx

The faces of the gods held mixed emotions as they watched Persephone. Some wore passive expressions while others were relieved. Yes a few where angry, very angry.

"Persephone." The relieved voce of Poseidon came from behind his brother, Zeus. Poseidon strode forward and wrapped his arms around Percy. "You're alive. Safe." He whispered as Percy hugged him back. She buried her head into his shoulder as tears came to her eyes. She blinked them back quickly as he pulled away to look at her.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything Persephone." His eyes where filled with sorrow, but she smiled as she looked up at him, gently shaking her head.

"Don't be, it's not your fault." A few seconds went by, filled with silence. Then,

"I have a question." Apollo stated, coming to stand next to Poseidon. His eyes where filled with anger and she could tell he was barely containing it. "How is it that when I left you, your body was slowly shutting down and now you're standing in front of me."

"That's a good question." She tilted her head to the right and watched him with bright green eyes "You're the doctor." She shrugged as if to ask him the question he asked. Apollo glared down at her for a few more moments before sighing, rubbing his face stressfully.

"Yes. Yes." He admitted, calming himself and settling his aura. Poseidon stepped back, but kept his worried gaze on the two of them, especially on Apollo. Persephone gazed around once more at the faces of the gods before stepping back to pull Perseus forward. He stumbled slightly and grumbled something about stupid armor.

"I think you need to talk to your father." She pushed him in front of her and Zeus took in his appearance. A short gasp escaped his mouth and shock covered the King's face.