Ch. 36
Last Chapter…
He turned back to Zeus but his face was devoid of emotion.
"I can't hand over what is not mine to give. If you want to banish me, fine. But Mjolnir is not mine to give and I would rather die than give you a weapon you are nowhere near worthy to wield."
A few gasps were heard from the demigods behind him but they were silenced when Zeus stood up. His bolt, which was pulsing in his hand, began to glow until it was a sword.
"Then the weapon will be destroyed and you will die. We have put one threat to rest today, I have no problem dealing with another."
Zeus made to step down from his throne when the sound of footsteps behind the demigods drew the attention of gods and demigods alike. The newly attached doors of the throne room were pushed open and through them came what looked like a floating map. But as the demigods parted, it was clear it was just a figure carrying a map that was being held close to his face.
The map lowered revealing a man who looked maybe twenty-five or thirty. He wasn't very tall and he had dark golden hair that was slicked back, he wore a green jacket and despite his confused expression, his golden eyes shone with mischievousness.
He looked around the room with both confusion and a bit of disappointment.
"Wait, this isn't the Empire State Building Bar, is it?"
Now…
The entire throne room fell into complete silence. Gods and demigods alike stared at the man, unsure if he was joking or if he was some was strange lost mortal stumbling upon the throne room of the gods. Of course that was impossible but it seemed to have slipped their minds for the moment. The only person in the room showing any emotion other than confusion was Frank, who looked like he was seconds from wetting himself but nobody seemed to have noticed the look of terror on his face.
The golden haired man raised an eyebrow as he looked at the collection of beings in the room. If he was shocked to find giant beings seated in thrones surrounded by an odd collection of kids and teenagers in full ancient Greek and Roman battle armor, he made no indication.
He walked a little further into the room, the demigods giving him a wide berth as he made his way to the center of the room, stopping a few feet away from where Percy was on a knee, still chained to the floor.
Zeus seemed to come out of stupor, "Who are you? How did you even get up here?"
The man opened his mouth to reply when the throne rooms doors opened again. Every head in the room snapped to the back where more than a few people started to think they were going crazy as they looked at who walked in.
In the throne room walked a man in a blue polo shirt. A Domino's Pizza logo was emblazoned on the front and he had identical slicked back golden hair but this guy was wearing a mustache that looked stupidly obvious that it wasn't real. It was the exact same man as the guy with the map except this one walked in looking down at a piece of paper in one hand and a trio of pizzas in the other.
"I've got 3 pepperoni pizzas for a Hugh G. Wreckshin." He announced loudly to the room.
Silence reigned supreme as everyone in the room looked too stunned to even respond.
"Hugh G. Wreckshin?" The man called with a straight face. "Three pies for a Hugh G. Wreckshin?"
The room remained silent until it was broken but the quiet laughter of a certain god of messengers who was clutching his caduceus and trying to control himself from breaking out in a fit of laughter.
"What is the meaning of this?" Zeus roared.
The pizza guy held up the piece of paper, "I'm just looking for a Hugh G. Wreckshin…" He asked innocently. "Do you know where I can find a Hugh G. Wrecksin."
Zeus' face turned red with anger. He grew back to his godly height and prepared to launch his bolt at the pizza man when the doors opened yet again.
This time, a man dressed in a mail curriers outfit stepped in. He wore the blue hat with the brim pulled down but his slicked back golden hair was clearly visible hanging out the back. He took a couple steps into the room, standing a few feet away from the other two guests.
"I've got a package here for a Mr. Heywood…Mr. Heywood Jablowmi?" He looked at Zeus and raised an eyebrow, "Heywood Jablowmi?"
The looked of the skies' face went from red to purple as thunder shook the throne room, "ENOUGH! You dare insult a god!" He launched his master bolt at the mail currier who went wide eyed before the bolt passed harmlessly through his chest. He looked up at Zeus and smirked before his form flickered and he vanished.
Zeus turned to the pizza man who had a mischievous smirk plastered on his face as well.
"Who are you?" Zeus thundered.
The man grinned, "Names Dick, which is short for Dixie. Dixie Normous. And I'm looking for a Hugh G. Wreckshin?"
The lord of the skies launched another bolt at the pizza man only for it to harmlessly pass through him as well before the man pouted and flickered out of existence like the mail currier.
Zeus turned to the final man only to realize he was gone. He looked around in a rage before he turned to Percy, "Who was that? Tell me now or I will strike you dead where you stand!"
Before Percy could answer, the throne room doors flew open again. Unlike the previous three times, they were thrown open so hard, the sound of them hitting the walls reverberated throughout the throne room and made a number of people flinch. Into the throne room strode a familiar looking face with slicked back golden hair and a mischievous glint in his golden eyes. He walked confidently into the room and stopped right next to Percy.
"Hi, my name is Hugh G. Wrecskhin. Have my pizzas arrived yet?"
By this time, Zeus looked like he was about to explode, the mockery from this man was too much for his inflated ego to take in.
"I will make sure you spend eternity in Tartarus for this insult!" Zeus roared as he launched his bolt at the man. Unlike the others, he simply slid slickly to his left as the bolt flew past him, blasting apart the wall behind him.
He glanced back at the wall before turning back to Zeus, "Well that was a tab rude, don't you think?"
Zeus summoned his bolt back to him but the man held up his hands in a surrendering gesture.
"Hold on a second there bud," he chuckled. "I'm trying to help you here. I think you should listen to me before you make things much worse."
Zeus' nostrils flared but before he could speak, Athena stood up.
"What do you mean worse? And how are you even here? I can only assume you are a Norse and we were under the impression you were not able to reach this planet anymore. Who are you?"
The man turned to Athena, staring at her for a moment before he winked at her. The goddess' face became a bit flushed in spite of her best attempts to not.
"Now where would the fun be if I told you all my secrets now? I've got make you work for it love. For now, let's just say I know a few ways around the universe that most people do not."
The man turned away from Athena and looked back at Zeus, his arrogant smile only pushing Zeus further over the edge, "What can I say, I'm a reasonable guy. I want to help you out before you really dig yourselves a hole here."
"But who are you?" Hera demanded, her impatience getting the better of her.
The man stopped a few feet in front of Percy and sighed deeply, "I am slightly offended. I was under the impression my boyish good looks transcended time. Surely one of you must recognize me."
His question was met with silence making him sigh dramatically again, "Fine." A staff materialized in his hand and he stepped to the left.
Well, one of him did.
The man split into two of himself, both of their attires changing as they split. A few gasps were heard before they split again.
And then again.
In seconds, there were suddenly eight of the man, all dressed in armor completely different than anyone else in the room.
With the exception of Percy.
He wore combat boots that were overlapped by pure black greaves covering the front of his legs. Long chainmail covered most of his upper body with a small thin breast plate that was inscribed with odd markings that only a few in the room recognized as runes. He wore a vambrace on each wrist and in right hand of the figures was a long staff with a razor sharp top that curved over a small glowing blue stone.
The entire room was silent. Everyone had their eyes on the man. Or, one of them anyway.
Finally Zeus broke the silence, "What is this witchcraft?"
The eight figures all rolled their eyes before seven of them vanished and only one who was standing a few feet in front of Percy remained.
"I was looking for more awe and shock and less grumpy old Greek." Zeus' face went red again but the man held up his hand to stop him from speaking.
"I," he paused a moment for dramatic effect, "am Loki. And I am here to offer you this one time chance to stop this nonsense and apologize to my dear nephew for this slap in the face you have given him in reward for saving your backsides."
The room was silent again. The Olympians were all a little wide-eyed and no one seemed eager to speak up. The silence was broken as Percy wrenched on his shackles, finally getting Loki to turn around and acknowledge him.
Sadly, he did not get the response he was looking for.
"Uh, nephew… Do you mind? I'm trying to have a conversation over here." Percy opened his mouth but no words came out and Loki nodded appreciatively, "Thank you, I'll get to you in a moment."
Percy's hands dropped to his sides and he stared a little dumbfounded as he watched what he thought was his savior continue with what looked like a very amusing back at forth with Zeus.
He turned back to the Olympians and looked at them expectantly, "So," he grinned, "let's say you free my nephew here and we can forget this ever happened."
Zeus finally seemed to recover from his shock, "He is a wanted fugitive by this council. You have no business here in my throne room!"
Loki tilted his head to the side and stared at Zeus. His expression clearly asked if he had seriously just said that. Then he scanned the other gods, getting a read on each and every one of them before he looked back at Zeus who still stood in front of his throne at his godly height.
"It doesn't appear the rest of your council shares your opinion," he mused more to himself, "but regardless, I will offer one last time. Free my nephew and this can be forgiven."
The entire throne room went silent for about the umpteenth time since he had appeared with a map in hand at the doors of the throne room. Unlike the rest of his time in the throne room, Loki's last statement had been spoken with an eerie calm to his voice. The mirth and humor had left his face as he stared up at the King of Olympus.
Zeus glared down at the mortal sized god before him before an ugly sneer appeared on his face, "Do you truly think we would fear you? One god against a dozen of us? Even more if I so much as uttered the command. I am King of Olympus! I will unleash our full might upon you if I wish it. All of Olympus against one Norse? I will give you this one last chance to run back to whatever decrepit place you Vikings reside in these days or you shall feel my wrath!"
All eyes in the throne room went to Loki who stood looking stoic in the same spot. He looked at Zeus, then around the room at the other Olympians. Then he turned his back on Zeus and the entire Olympian Council giving the demigods filling the room a view of the look of utter glee that was covering his face. He knelt down next to Percy smiling wickedly.
"Well, looks like your grandfather owes me a pretty penny for this one."
Before Percy could respond, Loki spun back around walking towards the gods, a number of them tensing and getting ready to stand up, half expecting an attack. But to their utter disbelief, he dropped down to a knee and bowed.
A smug smile covered Zeus' face as he watched the other immortal bow to him. He was about to say something arrogant but the Norse god spoke first.
"Thank you." Loki said softly but loud enough for the Olympians and the demigods to hear. He remained in a bow as the gods looked at him with confusion.
"Thank you for what?" Demeter asked looking somewhat wary. A number of the other gods mirrored her look, wondering what the mysterious god was up to.
Loki rose from his bow, his smile threatening to split his face, "For choosing the hard way of course! I came here to offer you the easy way and I have to admit, even I thought you'd take it. But I'm a gambling man and you just made me good amount of silver when you decided to do this the fun way."
Zeus held his bolt threateningly, "Leave this place before you get to enjoy the easy way to Tartarus!"
Loki rolled his eyes and looked up at the ceiling of the throne room, "Oh, I should probably mention that I lied." He brought his gaze from the ceiling back down to the gods, Zeus in particular. "I didn't find a secret way to Midgard. I came the way we all come."
The Zeus suddenly stood up and gestured for the other gods to do so as well, even if only a handful followed his order.
Loki grinned at this, "I just came first."
Just at Zeus raised his bolt to attack, a blinding light filled in the throne room. Gods and demigods alike instinctively shielded their eyes. When the light faded, a sight no one expected lay before them.
Three people stood in a small circle around Percy along with Loki. The first was an older man standing to the left of Percy. He had a long grey beard and wore armor similar to what Percy was wearing. An eye patch covered one of his eyes and a spear was held in his hand though he didn't look particularly concerned that the Olympians seemed to be preparing for a fight.
A woman stood to the left of Percy. She had the most beautiful golden hair a woman could have. Her startling green eyes were narrowed in the direction of the Lord of the Skies and she too held a spear along with a shield in front of her athletic lithe body that was covered in full but light battle armor.
The final figure looked like he came straight out of a body building magazine. His blonde hair was long and his face handsome. He caught the eye of more than a few of the female Olympians, maidens included. He wore little armor, a small breast plate and vambraces on his wrists but the most intimidating thing about him was the look on his face.
It promised an unhealthy amount of pain and his eyes were locked on Zeus who looked slightly wary as he looked at the three new inhabitants of the throne room.
"Who dares enter my throne room uninvited?" Zeus bellowed but his voice held a hint of fear as he could guess who at least two of the figures were standing protectively around Percy.
The older man took a step forward, "I do," he spoke in a calm and even tone looking directly into the eyes of Zeus. "I am Odin, ruler of Asgard and All-Father to the Norse gods. And I am here to hear for myself why you have my grandson chained to the floor when his accomplishments call for you to shower him in gifts and gratitude?"
Zeus glanced at his fellow Olympians. What he saw was not what he was hoping for. Instead of backing him, most looked at him expectantly; they too wanted to explanation for Zeus' ridiculous actions since coming into the throne room.
"Choose your next words carefully, son of Kronos." The words came from the buff looking blonde guy who still stood in front of Percy glaring murderously at Zeus. Even if it hadn't been said, no one in the room doubted the identity of this man. This was Percy's father, the Norse God of Thunder himself, Thor.
The implied threat seemed to push the logical part of Zeus' mind to the back. He straightened up and held his bolt in hand ready to launch it. "You dare to threaten me when you come into my house without invitation? The boy has committed crimes against this council and he will answer for them and there is nothing that is going to stop it. You have no right to interfere!"
Instead of responding, Thor's right hand stretched out to his right. Immediately Mjolnir struggled against its restraints trying to answer the call of its original master. The thunder god flexed his hand and Mjolnir ripped itself free of the celestial restraints and flew like it was shot out of gun straight into the waiting god's hand.
"I beg to differ." Thor growled. "An attack against my son is an attack against all of the Norse gods. You will regret your words."
Zeus launched his bolt at Thor whose body glowed and he grew into a height similar to that of the Olympians. When the bolt was inches away, he swung Mjolnir, swatting the bolt aside and sending it careening into the wall of the throne room forcing dozen of demigods to dive for cover as the wall exploded behind them.
Thor moved with blinding speed. Before Zeus could summon his bolt back to him, Thor was in front of him. He kicked Zeus in the chest and sent him flying back into the feet of his throne.
Athena shot from her throne but froze as she felt the cold metal of a spear's point press against her throat.
"I would recommend against that." The woman, who Percy recognized as Lady Sif, said in a cold and commanding tone. Athena glanced at her fellow Olympians but none had risen to defend her, most likely because of the now godly sized versions of Loki and Odin who had weapons out, waiting for one of them to make a move.
Most people in the room had their eyes locked on Zeus and Thor. Zeus had regained his feet again, along with his bolt, as the two lightning gods went back and forth, Mjolnir against Master Bolt, in a duel that likely put the entire east coast of the US in a thunderstorm the likes never seen before.
Zeus could only defend himself as Thor was relentless. Mjolnir and Zeus' bolt locked together as the two immortal tried to overpower the other. When neither managed to gain the advantage, Thor kicked Zeus' legs out from under him. Zeus rolled away expecting a killing blow but instead, Thor just took a step back. He hurled Mjolnir straight at Zeus.
Expect it was about ten feet above where the Greek was lying on the floor. The mightiest weapon of Asgard flew straight into Zeus' throne and set off an explosion that sent the other Olympians scrambling for cover.
Thor held up his hand and caught his hammer before he pinned Zeus down with a foot to the chest. The Greek lord of the skies feebly struggled but the damage to his throne severely weakened him allowing Thor to gain control rather easily.
"Any last words, son of Kronos?"
Before Zeus could answer, the sounds of destruction behind Thor grabbed the attention of everyone in the room.
Percy Jackson was standing, the shackles still attached to his wrists but the chains hung from them freely. The marble floor when he had been chained was torn up from where he ripped his restraints out. His face was red and sweat dripped from his face.
"Enough of this!" He bellowed so loudly, the room fell into complete silence. All eyes, mortal and immortal, fell on him.
"That's impossible," Hephaestus said in shock. "I made those chains myself."
Percy ignored the forge god and looked at his father.
"Enough of this. I have had enough death for a lifetime. He is defeated father. There is no need for his death."
Thor looked at his son a little taken aback. "He was going to kill you…"
"A lot of people have tried to kill me. He is simply a name on the long list. If they all died, the world would run out of immortals. I have lost one of my best friends and killed my own cousin on this day. I will not see another name added to the list of unnecessary deaths."
Thor looked at Percy for a moment before turning back to Zeus who was still pinned under his foot. He leaned down so that his face was only inches from Zeus'.
"Be grateful Greek. This is the second time this day my son has saved your life. Do not be foolish enough to think he would do it a third time." Thor growled before removing his foot and taking a step back from the very weak and feeble looking King of Olympus.
Before anyone else could speak, Poseidon stood from his throne.
"In the absence of my brother's logical mind, I believe I will step in and restart the process of this reward ceremony." He shot Zeus, who had retreated to Hera's side, a look of disdain before turning back to the demigods and the Norse gods now present in the room. "This is a day of great victory for Olympus. A day of victory that has come at a heavy, heavy price. There will be no more violence on this day, you have my word on that."
Poseidon waved his hand and guest thrones rose up from the floor slightly in front of the Olympian thrones. He looked at Odin and gestured to the thrones, "Forgive my brother for his indecent behavior. We are honored to have you in our throne room on this day. Your son/grandson has done Olympus a great service and we welcome you to join us in thanking him and the other brave heroes who defended our home when we could not."
Odin gave the sea god a nod of appreciation before he gestured to the throne, allowing Lady Sif to sit first. He, Thor and Loki followed suit, taking seats in the newly created guest thrones and staring out at the Roman and Greek demigods who had watched the events of the past few minutes with bated breath.
"Now," Poseidon said looking around for approval from the other gods, all of whom gave him nods of consent. "We shall start with the Greek demigods who so valiantly defended Olympus and put aside their prejudices and joined with their Roman brethren to save us from this great threat."
Annabeth was the first Greek called up. Her mother offered her the duty of leading the rebuild of Olympus from the destruction caused by Hel on her march to the throne room. After her initial shock, the daughter of Athena gratefully accepted the job. Returning to her fellow Greeks mumbling about pencils and drafting paper, something no one questioned in fear of setting her off on a tangent about the basics of architecture.
Thalia was next. She greeted by a hug from her father which she awkwardly accepted, unsure of what to think of it and her father in general after what she had witnessed. She was offered one gift from her father that could ask for at any time. She accepted it and bowed to the gods, both Greek and Norse before returning to the side of her brother's shrouded body.
The gods' images suddenly shifted. Their features changing slightly, becoming more sharp and sterner before a burly looking man in Canadian Special Forces fatigues stood shakily from his partially repaired throne.
"Frank Zhang," he announced loudly to the room. Frank stepped forward nervously and bowed in front of his father, Mars.
"You have gone above and beyond your duty as a Roman soldier. You led your fellow Romans like a true Centurion and proven yourself to be one of the bravest demigods alive. I have no special weapon or gift to bestow on you my son but instead offer you relief from the greatest burden placed upon you since your birth."
Frank looked up at his father in shock. His hand instinctively went to the breast pocket of his jacket where he kept the piece of firewood that he had never told another soul about.
Mars nodded his head knowingly, "Give it to me, my son."
Frank felt a surge of panic and fear well up inside him. He didn't move for a moment, unsure if he even trusted his father with his greatest weakness. Reluctantly, he reached into his jacket and brought out the charred piece of firewood. He held it out before him in a trembling hand.
Mar shrunk down to mortal size and placed a hand on his son's forehead. Frank's body glowed with an ethereal red light for a moment before it dimmed. Frank's eyes went wide when the piece of firewood dissolved into dust in his hand.
"Be at peace Frank. Your life is now yours and only you control when and how it will end."
Frank looked up in shock, "Father?"
Mars gave him a stern look but nodded his head to assure him he meant his words. Frank slowly stood and started to walk back when the sound of someone clearing their throat froze him in his tracks.
He turned just in time to for a paper airplane to hit him directly in the eye causing him to yelp in surprise and pain.
"Bullseye," Loki chuckled. Frank looked at him fearfully before he grabbed the piece of paper nervously, holding it like it might explode at any second.
Loki rolled his eyes, "Just open it, you oaf."
Frank slowly took apart the paper flying contraption and found an address scribbled down on it.
"What?" He asked confused.
Loki shrugged his shoulder but a smirk tugged at his lips, "Just the address of a demigoddess I thought you might be interested in. She has yet to make her way to Camp Jupiter but I think you might be pleasantly surprised when you go retrieve her."
Frank looked confused before his face went a little white as he connected the dots, "But… That was a dream."
Loki's smirk grew, "Was it? Well yeah, actually it was. But I like to use real people when I create masterpieces like that. I suggest you go quickly when you get back to camp, daughters of Pluto tend to have quite the pleasant odor to hungry monsters."
Frank went wide eyed as he stared at the paper. "Go on," Loki urged. "I'm done with you now."
Frank turned a little red as he retreated back to the Romans clutching the piece of paper like he thought it might disappear any second.
"Reyna Avila Ramirez Arellano," a female voice called from behind the thrones of the Olympians.
Out of the shadow of the Olympian thrones stepped a beautiful woman dressed in full Roman battle armor. Her eyes were dark and she looked like an older version of Reyna, complete with dark hair and stern look that said, piss me off, it'll be the last thing you do.
Reyna's face went a little red when her full name was announced to the room. But when her eyes landed on the woman who spoke it, she stared in awe at her mother whom she had only seen a couple times in her life. She quickly made her way forward and bowed to the Olympians and Norse before kneeling at her mother's feet.
"You, my daughter, have proven yourself beyond what is asked for by the Legion. You have honored me, your fellow legionnaires and all those who came before you with you bravery, skill, determination and intelligence. You have presented yourself like a true Roman leader, overcome many hardships and have earned the right to take the offer I have for you."
Reyna looked up at her mother unsure of what she meant.
"The Legion is in need of a new Praetor. Usually this is chosen by your fellow Roman brethren but as the Roman Goddess of Battle and with the approval of Lord Mars, I offer you the vacant place as leader of the Twelfth Legion beside your fellow Praetor."
Reyna stared at her mother, unsure of how to respond to her offer. She glanced back at the rest of the Legion expecting to find anger and jealously. Instead, on the face of every member of the legion, including Praetor Cassie, she found only approval and happiness at this offer.
She turned back to her mother and bowed her head, "I would be honored to accept the responsibility of leading my fellow Romans, my lady."
Bellona smiled at her daughter. Reyna's body glowed until her outfit changed. Her broken and damaged armor repaired itself and a purple cape hung from her back. On her chest were a number of golden badges, signifying her new rank as Praetor.
Bellona stepped back toward the Olympians where another guest throne rose up from the marble. Neptune gestured to the seat which she accepted with a nod of gratitude towards the sea god.
Before Reyna could stand, another voice spoke.
"I also have a gift for your bravery and help in defeating Hel alongside your friends." Lady Sif said standing up. Reyna looked at her confused until the goddess snapped her fingers. Two dogs appeared out of nowhere shocking just about everyone in the room. But they weren't normal dogs. They were made of metal, one completely gold and the other silver, and they immediately made their way to Reyna's side.
"I have taken the liberty of naming these dogs for you. Aurum and Argentum."
"Gold and silver," Reyna said absentmindedly translating the Latin.
"Yes," Sif smiled. "But these are no normal dogs. They have the ability to detect any lies spoken in their presence. Anyone who tries to deceive you, will face their wrath before they must face yours. Given your new position of authority, they will serve you well as you lead the Romans into a new era of prosperity under your leadership."
Reyna glanced at the dogs for a second before stepped forward and bowing at the feet of the goddess.
"My lady, I am honored to accept your generous gift."
Sif smiled a smile that turned a little wry, "I can tell you from experience, it will be a nice insurance if your romantic interests remain the same." She said glancing at Percy who had been standing silently in the same spot with the chains still hanging from the shackles on his wrists.
Reyna turned as red as a tomato as much as she tried not to. She hurried back to her place, the dogs trotting obediently behind her, and not glancing at Percy in hopes he didn't catch the color of her flushed face.
"Percy Jackson!" Thor announced loudly as all whispering and noise vanished from the throne room.
Percy looked up his father, his mind still reeling a bit at everything that had happened that day and trying to accept the fact that his father was actually here in front of him in his giant godly height.
He slowly walked forward and bowed to his grandfather Odin first, and then the other gods before he went and knelt in front of his father's guest throne.
There was an uncomfortable silence for a moment as he waited for his father to speak. Despite waiting his entire life for this day to come, he still couldn't comprehend that it was finally here. All that he had waited his entire life for had finally come. And now that it was over, he found himself nervous about what he would do next. He had honestly expected to die in his battle with Hel and now that it was over and he was alive, he had no clue what he was supposed to do. He didn't belong with the Greeks nor the Romans.
"Perhaps," Odin spoke up before his son could. "It would be best if we handled this in front of our own council; with our people in Asgard where he will be celebrated like the hero he is instead of like a criminal."
A rush of excitement surged through Percy's body at the thought of going to Asgard with his father and grandfather; to see the place he had dreamed about since first being told of it as a toddler. But as soon as the excitement hit him, it was quickly followed by fear and perhaps, a bit of dread before one thought consumed his mind.
Was this a one way trip?
Then another thought crept into his mind.
Would he want that?
Before he could think anymore about it, Sif saved him from making a decision.
"Forgive me All-Father, but I believe this is exactly the right place for this to happen. This is where the boy performed the deeds with the help of his friends," she glanced at Reyna quickly and then at Percy before turning her attention back to the All-Father. "I think his rewards should be given in front of those he saved."
Odin seemed to ponder her words for a moment before nodding his head, "As intelligent and your are beautiful, my lady. It shall be as you say." He turned his attention to Percy who hadn't moved from his spot at the feet of his father. "Grandson. You have proven yourself to be the mightiest of warriors among our great people. You're deeds are worthy of the legendary tales that will be told about them for millennium to come. A hero as great as yourself is worthy of the highest honor we can bestow upon a mortal."
Percy glanced at his grandfather, a man he had only met one time in a dream vision, and stared at him, unsure of what he was getting at.
"Immortality, my boy. You will be honored above all others in Asgard as the savior of Midgard and all the realms for your actions in preventing Hel from unleashing Ragnarök and changing the natural flow of history." Thor continued where Odin had left off.
Percy went wide eyed for a moment as he took in his father's words, "You want to make me, immortal?"
"Not just an immortal, my grandson. But one of us. A god with a seat on our council as we watch over the nine realms and keep the peace and prosperity in our domains" Odin finished looking at Percy with a smile tugging at his lips.
Percy just stared at his grandfather in disbelief. He then looked at his father who was smiling down at him with pride shining in his eyes. Percy slowly stood up. He didn't speak. His mind was still reeling from what he had just heard. They wanted to make him a god. A god alongside his father and grandfather and Loki, and Lady Sif. He could live forever with his family but as he looked over at his father's wife, he froze.
A realization came into his mind and it was the last thing he ever expected. If he became a god and returned to Asgard with his family, then he would likely never see his friends again. He turned around and scanned the room, his eyes landing on the Greeks. He saw that Annabeth girl who he found slightly annoying but ended up having a lot more respect for her than he thought he would. Then he saw Thalia. Her eyes were still red from crying over the loss of her brother.
Jason, he thought miserably.
His friend had sacrificed himself so that Percy could be standing here right now. Jason was dead and they wanted to make Percy was god. As if he had done it himself. Without Jason, Frank and Reyna… Percy's mind stopped racing. He scanned the crowd and found Reyna staring at him next to Frank whose mouth was slightly agape at the thought of his best friend becoming a god. Reyna was just staring blankly at him. Her face was devoid of any emotion, good or bad. But in her beautiful dark eyes, Percy could see the fear in them; the fear that no one could refuse an offer like the one before him; a chance to be immortal, never dying and with his father and family for all eternity.
"No." Percy said not taking his eyes off Reyna whose hands covered her mouth to hold back her gasp and hide the look on her face.
A number of the Olympians and demigods couldn't hide their gasps.
Percy turned back to his father and looked at him confidently. "I am truly honored, father and grandfather. I don't feel deserving of such an honor but regardless, I cannot accept."
An eerie silence filled the room as Percy started to think he had made a big mistake. Thankfully, his stepmother broke it before he had to.
"And why is that?" Lady Sif asked arching an eyebrow as she looked at him.
Percy took a deep breath to calm his nerves and bowed on a knee again in front of his father. "For years, not a day went by where I didn't pray and wish for a chance to meet you father and the rest of my family. I wished for a day when I could come to Asgard and meet my father, the great god Thor. But I am not the same person I was when I made those prayers. That was when I was alone and only had my mothers in my life. Now that the chance to join my family has been given to me, I realize that now, I already have a family here on Midgard."
Thor looked down at his son with an expression that did not reveal his thoughts on the response.
"You wish to stay here, a mortal, and live an ordinary life amongst these people who were moments ago contemplating whether or not you should be allowed to live?"
Percy slowly stood up again and nodded his head, "I am a mortal father. And the life I live is anything but ordinary. But you cannot judge these people, the people who have been with me through it all by one jerk. I've met and developed relationships with the other gods, they aren't like Zeus. They are good and noble gods who do not need to treat mortals like insects to feel powerful. Without a number of them, I could never have made it here today."
Thor nodded his head allowing his son to continue.
"And my friends, they mean everything to me. It took me so long to find some, I don't want to lose them and I don't want to leave them. If another war comes, there is nowhere I'd rather be than standing by their sides no matter what enemy we face."
Thor listened to his son's words silently and without any kind of reaction. Odin spoke up drawing Percy's eyes from the piercing gaze of his father.
"The Bifröst was only repaired temporarily. Should you decide to stay, the link between our world may never be fixed again in your lifetime. If you make such a decision, you must be sure as there may not be a chance to ever change your mind."
Percy paused a moment as he thought about his words. This could be his one and only chance to be with his father. His one chance to go to a place where he belonged and would always be accepted. But before his mind even thought of them, his mouth spoke the words he was looking for.
"In the legends, it is said my father was the protector of Midgard. I could never do the things he did but if he cannot be here to protect it, then the duty falls to me. I will protect this realm with my very life if it is required. The bridge between the worlds may not exist but the world should never be devoid of our great history. I will carry the torch of all the great heroes that came before me and dedicate my life to trying to live up to the example they have set. As much as it pains me to think this could be our only interaction, it is not only my decision but my honor to remain with these people and continue the line of the Norse in Midgard."
As silence descended upon the throne room again, Percy suddenly became aware of how many people were listening to him as he spoke; demigods, both Greek and Roman, along with the entire Olympian council was watching him, listening to his words and watching for the reaction of his father and grandfather.
After a tense moment of silence, Thor's face cracked into a smile as he looked down upon his boy.
"Live up to the example of other heroes? My son, you have surpassed all those who came before you and raised the bar for every one that will ever follow. You belittle your accomplishments but your modesty does you a great service boy. You have out shined all others and yet still do not place yourself above them. As saddened as I am that you will not join us on Asgard, I could not be more proud of a son and the decision you have made."
Percy turned a little red at the praise of his father but tried to shake it off, "You're okay with this?"
Thor's smile grew and he nodded, "If you are going to take up my mantle, then it seems only fitting you have the same advantages I did."
Before Percy could ask what he meant, Thor held up Mjolnir which began to glow in his hand until it vanished. A glowing bracelet appeared on Percy's wrist that made his mouth fall open in shock.
"But father…"
"The weapon was made to protect this and the other realms. Peace reigns in others and you will need it if you want the same for Midgard."
Percy looked down at his wrist in disbelief. He felt a warm comfort knowing he would still have Mjolnir at his side. The weapon felt like an extension of his body and made him feel as if his father was with him, even though he wasn't.
"This is the last time I will see you, isn't it?" He asked after a moment, a feeling of dread consuming him as he realized it.
Somehow, Thor's smile managed to grow, "Perhaps for a while but this visit is only just beginning. You have been, uh, honored by the Olympians." He said a little awkwardly, still not happy with what he found when he came to the throne room. "But now it is time for you to be honored by your people."
Percy looked at him questioningly.
"I think we've got the power to keep the bridge operational for a few more hours. It's time for you to see where you really come from my son. It's time to see Asgard."
Percy stared uncomprehendingly at his father whose smile grew at his reaction.
"Take out Mjolnir."
Percy held out his hand as the bracelet on his wrist glowed until it vanished and the mightiest weapon in the universe was in his hand.
"Heimdall!" Thor bellowed. "The savior of Midgard is ready to visit his home at last!"
A golden light descended out of nowhere, surrounding Percy in a blinding light. All the demigods in the room had to shield their eyes from the brilliance of the celestial bridge.
"Wait." Percy said loudly. The light around him dimmed but was still there; giving everyone in the room a look at the son of Thor standing at what was the linking bridge between the two realms.
Percy looked at his father, a silent question being asked. Thor smiled widely, "Very well, my boy. I think that is quite fitting."
Percy grinned and turned around where he found Reyna just staring at him. Everything that had happened; the Norse gods showing up to save Percy; Thor handing Jupiter his podex and then Percy being offered immortality and godhood only to turn in down in favor of staying mortal on Earth had left her at a complete loss for words.
Literally. Not even her brain was forming cognitive thoughts at the moment.
"Well?" Percy asked grinning. "Are you coming or what?"
Reyna opened her mouth but her voice suddenly vanished on her. Percy turned around and found the Roman goddess still sitting in the guest throne beside Lady Sif.
"If that's okay with you that is, Lady Bellona."
The Roman goddess studied Percy for a moment. Then her lips twitched into a thin smile, "She is quite capable of taking care of herself, which I believe you are well aware of."
Percy smiled and bowed his head to the goddess mother of his girlfriend before turning around again, "Well?"
Instead of saying anything, Reyna briskly walked to the middle of the throne room, not meeting the eyes of anyone, including her mother who she was a little nervous about being around still. She stepped into the golden light and Percy grabbed her hand and smirked, "Told you. A much better date than the one through Tartarus." He looked up at the sky again, "Okay, we're ready now!"
The golden light intensified until everyone other than the Norse turned away from it. When it faded and the light was gone, so were Reyna and Percy, off to Asgard to meet the home of Percy's father and where his people hailed from and the location of their next adventure of what would likely be many to come.
A.N: Okay, Okay. It took me a while. But in my defense, it's long. AND, I'm a diehard Canadians fan and for those of you not familiar with the greatest sport on the planet (volleyball is lame), we're still alive in the playoffs.
Now, I hope it was worth the wait. I tried to make it good. It's all I've got for you I'm afraid...
Well, actually... That's up to you. I was going to cover their trip to Asgard and the return to the throne room but the chapter was already very long. So I'll let you decide. Do you want an epilogue? Or should I just let it end there? I won't mind either way, so it's up to you, my awesome readers.
Now please, this took a lot of work so at least grace me with the priviledge to knowing what you thought of it. Review! I love to get the notifications in my email and read through each and every one of them. I promise, no review on my stories has EVER gone unread. I am positive of that.
Now whatever you decide, Timeless Warrior is on deck. But as I reread the last few chapters, I've got a couple stories you can check out in the meantime. I am sure most you already know about but I'm going to mention them anyway.
Titan of the Hunt by vPxForerunner x
To Storm or Fire By Stormfire76
Fates Intertwined by Backbiter09
Perseus Jackson and the Forethought Five: Against All Odds by RM-JG-TE Fanfiction
And... Well if your REALLY bored. You can check out Pluto's Daughter11. I know, I know. She's kind of lame. But she IS a really good author. Her humor needs work but her stories are awesome... just kidding, she's awesome too but she needs to eat more celery.