Ch25
Magnus stood nervously before the twelve thrones of the Olympians, each one of them eying them carefully as they recounted their story. This can't get anymore awkward he thought as he felt the eyes of the Olympians on him. Out of all of them, special attention was put on him, Thalia, and Percy as Artemis talked about her capture and how we had saved her and all. All was going well, for the most part as Thalia joined the hunters in order to not turn sixteen and became Artemis's other lieutenant since Artemis believed that she will need all of the help she can get. After they had finished voting to spare Thalia, Percy, and Bessie he had hoped that they would forget about him, but of course they didn't.
"Now I believe we have one more issue to discuss," Zeus said looking at him with his piercing gaze. "Thalia you and the son of Poseidon will stay here while we discuss the business of Magnus Chase here," Zeus said as saying his name like a school teacher looking at an unruly pupil.
Magnus gulped as he felt Percy's hand on his shoulder. He looked at Percy and nodded at him as he turned to Annabeth, "Its ok I'll be out soon," he said trying to force himself to smile.
Annabeth looked like didn't understand what was going on but she only nodded, "Be careful," she said in a serious tone. Magnus only nodded as she and Zoe left the room and the doors closed behind him leaving him in the room with Percy and Thalia as they faced the Olympians.
"Magnus Chase," Zeus said in a serious tone. "You may have hidden and stayed at our camp and assimilated in with our other children but did you not think we would never find out about your true parentage? You were followed by Odin's Valkyrie and her companions and you wield the sacred sword Gram," he said pointing to the sword he had on his waist. "What is your purpose?" He said in a serious tone.
Magnus didn't know what to say, he felt Percy's hand on his shoulder while Thalia looked confused. "Father what do you mean? Magnus is a demigod," Thalia said in the most respectful tone he had heard her use.
Zeus's expression turned more serious, "Daughter there are things that I am not allowed to discuss outside of these walls. Western civilization has other pantheons, and he is one of their children."
"Lord Zeus I did not know that I was another pantheon's demigod," he said forcing himself to meet Zeus's sight. He felt his legs shake but he felt strong next to Thalia and Percy. "I was raised alongside my cousin Annabeth Chase since I was young and the Camp is the whole world that I have known."
"It is true father," Athena said standing up. "He does not know and would have not known had Asgard's servants tried to get in contact with him."
Zeus had a stern look on his face as he stared at him. "By them following ancient laws could have been broken, with all the problems we face the last thing we need is a conflict with another pantheon."
"But that is not fair," Percy said. "Magnus has been a part of the camp since he was young. He is loyal to the camp and protected us on many occasions."
Zeus glared at Percy and for a second he feared that Zeus would kill him on the spot when Artemis spoke up. "Father what young Percy says is true, look at the beads on his neck," she said pointing to the necklace around his neck. "Each one represents a year he spent at camp alongside the children of everyone here, he helped save me and my companion and is loyal to us."
"Yes father he has demonstrated loyalty to us on many occasions he even has helped young Percy to regain your master bolt," Athena said calmly. "Our world is the only world he has known and he has proved his worth many times."
Zeus sighed as he looked at him and everyone else. He then turned to Poseidon, "I take it you knew of this too and that is why you let him stay in your cabin?" He said in a cool tone.
Magnus felt Poseidon's eyes on him, they reminded him of Percy's eyes and he felt at peace looking into them. "I let him stay in my cabin since he is a good friend to my son and my son was lonely being alone. He was unclaimed and I thought it would be good to reward him," Poseidon explained calmly. "I suspected he was a son of the Norse deities and did not gain my confirmation until he fell into the sea and I felt his aura. It reminded me a lot like my counterpart in Asgard. Also I should note that while he was in the underworld retrieving your master bolt it appears as if Hades claimed his soul, so he cannot go to Valhalla unless he is released."
Zeus turned back to him and looked at him with a piercing gaze. "Magnus Chase you may have lived alongside our children and fought with them many times. However, that does not change that the wolves of the Norse came to our camp because they sensed you there or how that Valkyrie and her group followed you breaking Ancient Laws and customs."
"Those were not my decisions," he said forcing himself to look Zeus in the eyes. He took a deep breath and tried to calm his shaking body as he stared at Zeus. "I defended the camp against the wolves, I did not ask for them to come. Furthermore, I did not talk or communicate with that Valkyrie or her group the few times we ran into each other was by chance. Camp Half Blood has always been my home and I will defend it to my last breath."
There was a silence before Athena spoke again, "Father it is obvious that young Magnus here sees the camp as his home it would be best to keep him at the camp since most people see him as unclaimed it can be used to our advantage since a lot of our unclaimed children are joining the other side."
Zeus sighed, "Very well we shall put it to a vote, but be warned Magnus Chase if you wish to stay at the camp you cannot tell a soul about your true parentage; not even your cousin for if you do it may bring unintended consequences to their lives. Do you understand?"
Magnus gulped as he looked Zeus in the eye. "I understand Lord Zeus. I swear that if I stay at camp I shall not reveal my true parentage to the other campers, I swear on the Styx." Percy and Thalia nodded and also swore on the Styx to not to tell the other campers.
"Good now let us vote," Zeus said looking around at the other Gods. "Who wishes for Magnus Chase to stay in the camp." Magnus looked around nervously as various hands went up. Artemis, Apollo, Poseidon, Athena, Aphrodite (who winked at him), and a few more. A few abstained but non rejected.
"Good now you may stay at the camp. However, do not interact or call on help from the Norse pantheon during any quest again. There are laws that must not be broken and any miscommunication or action can lead to conflict," Zeus warned.
"I understand Lord Zeus," he said doing a small bow.
"Good now let us enjoy the celebrations," Zeus decreed. Magnus nodded as he felt Percy and Thalia hug him. He hugged them back as they headed towards the room where the party was held at.
Magnus had always loved parties but he had never experienced a party as great as an Olympian party. There was so much food and the music was great and he was actually enjoying himself. He passed by and talked to various gods such as Apollo and Hermes but kept to himself while listening to the music for the most part.
"Hey Magnus how was your meeting," his cousin said. He turned around and saw his cousin run up to him and hugged him.
"Thanks," he said as he returned the hug. "Um they just wanted here about my story," he said trying to keep a straight face.
His cousin looked at him and for a second he was afraid she wouldn't believe him but she only smiled at him, "Well I am glad it went well."
"Yeah I am too. He just wanted to hear my side of the story and all but its over now," he said, smiling at his cousin who smiled back at him.
"I am glad to hear that," Annabeth said smiling at him, her eyes were looking him over and for a second he thought he saw something like suspicion in her eyes but she quickly changed the subject. "So um do you want to visit my dad sometimes? You know at his new place?"
"Um sure that sounds cool," he said with a smile. "I am just glad you are safe and all."
"Me too," she said with a smile before looking behind him. "Oh I'm going to say hi to Percy real quick."
Magnus nodded and returned to his food when he felt someone tap his shoulder. "Hey Chase enjoying the party?" Thalia asked.
"Yeah it is pretty fun, wow I'm sorry but I still can't believe that you are a hunter," he said looking at Thalia. She looked the same but she seemed a litter more different; more confident and a bit more in tune with nature.
"Yeah I feel great, to be honest. It will be a fun adventure though, I just have to get along with Zoe," Thalia said as she looked around as if to make sure no one was looking. She leaned closer and whispered, "I didn't know you were you know," she said not knowing how to phrase it.
Magnus sighed as he looked at Thalia. Her eyes did not appear to be challenging him or demeaning him instead they looked sympathetic. "Yeah I know I honestly never knew, I always thought I was just you know like you or Annabeth," he said looking away.
Thalia sighed, "Well it doesn't matter you have friends at camp and even if you have to keep it a secret no one will care."
"Thanks," he said as he looked and saw Percy. He was going to go up and talk to him but Thalia stopped him.
"Not now, Annabeth may want to dance with him," Thalia warned with a serious expression.
Magnus sighed, "Yeah you are probably right." He honestly didn't know what was going on between his cousin and Percy but he could tell that they cared for each other.
"Ah Magnus Chase I hope you are enjoying the party," Athena said from behind him almost making him want to jump and drop his food.
"Oh Lady Athena," he said doing a small bow. "Thank you for defending me."
"I'll leave you two be, take care Chase," Thalia said as she did a small bow and left.
Athena looked at him with a cool gaze and smiled at him, "You have done well. Personally, I was hoping you would find out about your parentage in a more peaceful way."
"Did you know?" He asked.
Athena nodded, "I did, I warned your uncle when he adopted you but I could not tell him your identity. This is serious Magnus there are things that should not mix, but your uncle took the risk and brought you into his home."
He did all that for me he thought as he remembered all of the kindness and thought of all of the risks his uncle had taken by bringing him into his family, "He is a good man," he said.
"Indeed he is," Athena said with a sigh. "Celestial bronze bullets that was an amazing sight. I knew he was talented, he made them well."
Magnus smiled at her. "Yeah he is really smart."
"He is, now remembers Magnus my daughter cannot know about your lineage," she said in a serious tone. "If she finds out it will bring untold consequences on her life. The Norse monsters may start noticing you as well."
Magnus avoided his gaze and nodded, "I understand I will not tell her." He didn't like the idea of lying to his cousin but he knew that things were probably tense already with him being at the camp and all so he didn't want to push his luck.
"Good I know that you will serve those around you well," Athena said with a small smile as she turned around and left.
He nodded and as Athena left he was surprised to see Poseidon standing near him. "You did well on your quest," Poseidon said as he drank from his cup.
"Lord Poseidon thank you," he said as he did a small bow.
Poseidon smiled at him and laughed, "No problem, I am glad you are my son's friend you have helped him a lot."
"It is an honor Percy is my best friend," he said. "Thank you for allowing me to stay in your cabin with him."
Poseidon smiled at him, "No problem, I cannot have my son be lonely. Now I want to give you my blessing."
"Your blessing?" He asked trying to sound polite.
Poseidon nodded, "Yes, some of your powers have started to manifest and I could tell that some of them are similar to the ones in my domain."
Magnus nodded, "Ok I would be honored to have your blessing."
Poseidon nodded, "Good," he extended his arm and Magnus felt a light blue glow around him. He felt a tingling in his body and he felt the scent of fresh sea waves around him. "There you should be able to talk to horses more now, I notice that they already care for you a lot. The other powers you will have to figure them out on your own.
Magnus nodded, "Thank you Lord Poseidon."
Poseidon nodded, "You are welcome now go and enjoy the party." Magnus nodded and as he turned and saw that Percy was still dancing with Annabeth and sighed. "Well this party is still fun anyways," he said as he went to get some more food. He spent most of his time alone and met up with his cousin and Percy when things were done after Percy called his mom they headed back to camp to see Chiron.
At camp, Chiron greeted them in the Big House with some hot chocolate.
"Luke is alive," Percy said as they sat down next to him and drank some hot coco.
Magnus felt his eyes widen but only sighed, "It wouldn't surprise me," he is a sly guy after all.
"Don't worry maybe we can help him somehow," Annabeth said "I know that he can change. Magnus rolled his and he saw that Percy was unsuccessfully trying to not roll his. He and Percy shared a look, they knew that Luke could not change but they would not say it to her face yet.
"Two years is a long time," Chiron sighed. "I hope you are not the child of prophecy Percy, but if you are the second Titan war is almost upon us and Kronos will strike here first."
"Why here?" Percy asked.
"Because the gods use heroes as their tools, take away the tools and the gods will be crippled. Luke's forces will come here and we must be prepared."
They all nodded when there was a knock at the door and Nico Di Angelo came huffing into the parlor with a smile on his face. "Hey where is my sister."
There was dead silence as Percy and him exchanged an awkward look and back at Chiron. Shit they haven't told him.
"Hey Nico lets go for a walk we need to talk," Percy said with a sigh as he got up.
"Good luck," he whispered, Percy looked at him and nodded as he took Nico outside.
"Um Magnus may I speak with you as well in private," Chiron said getting up. "Annabeth why don't you go to your cabin I need to speak to your cousin in private."
Annabeth looked at both of them and nodded not really knowing what was going on. "I understand. Good luck Magnus," she said as she gave him a hug and walked out the door. Magnus followed Chiron into his private office in the room and sat down across from him.
There was a silence before Chiron finally spoke, "So you wield the sword Gram huh?" He said pointing to the sword hilt at his waist. "Sigurd was one of my students in the past," he explained.
"Hey I do recognize this guy he was Sigurd's friend back in the day," Gram said in his head.
"So you know too that I am a Norse demigod," he said softly avoiding Chiron's gaze.
Chiron sighed, "I did, your aura had changed over the years as you assimilated here."
Magnus nodded and sighed, "I honestly never knew, I always thought that I was a Greek demigod."
Chiron sighed, "A common occurrence that will become more common as our world becomes more interconnected in my opinion. Either way don't feel bad about it if you want to remain at this camp you are free to do it, as I said before my job is to teach all heroes and you definitely are one."
Magnus felt his face flush, "Thanks, do you know about what happened on Olympus?" He asked as he said what happened.
Chiron sighed and nodded, "I heard the details, I know it must not be easy to hide things from your cousin but you must not only for her safety but for the safety of the other campers."
Magnus nodded as he ignored the knot in his stomach. He had never really kept a secret this big from Annabeth before and he didn't feel comfortable about hiding it. But if it will keep her safe then I will do it. "Oh Chiron also there is something else I want to talk to you about," he said as he explained about Gunilla and her group.
He swore he saw a dark look spread across Chiron's face. "That was a foolish move, I doubt Asgard authorized it but still for a Valkyrie to interfere in a quest like that," Chiron shook his head. "There are laws that state pantheons cannot interfere with each other's work, dangerous things can happen when civilizations collide. I suggest being careful if she or her companions try to contact you on a quest again."
"I don't know what she was after but if she is following you it must mean that Asgard has their eye on you and trust me you don't want to have to choose between two pantheons," he said giving him a serious look. "If war were to break out over you Western Civilization will be torn to pieces and you will experience the wrath of both pantheons first hand."
Magnus gulped at the thought of being between the center of a war made him uneasy. "Well just do your best to stay out of trouble," Chiron said with a smile. "I will always be here for advice if you need it and by all means, you should try and learn about your heritage when you can," he said with a small smile. "The Norse pantheon is different from our own but there are similarities."
"Thanks Chiron," he said as he got up from his seat.
The two got up and left where they found Percy and Annabeth talking outside. "Sir Nico left," Percy said as he explained how Nico blamed him for his sister's death and ran off.
Chiron sighed, "Poor soul hopefully he does not fall into the hands of the Titans and their army. Magnus was in shock at the whole thing, he didn't know Nico well. In fact he probably never had a conversation with him yet he was still shocked and sad that the kid left.
When he and Percy returned to their cabin he fell on his bed, "Man I am so glad that this quest is over."
"Yeah me too," Percy said sitting next to him on the bed. "Hey so about you know your parentage," he said awkwardly.
Magnus sighed as he sat up and looked at him and smiled, "Yeah I know it is going to suck keeping this a secret from my cousin but look on the bright side."
"Bright side?" Percy asked curiously.
He smiled at Percy, "Well you hate it when she and Chiron have their secrets now we have our own secret."
Percy smiled at him and laughed, "True man it can be our secret. Oh but we do have another secret we have to keep; Nico he is a son of Hades."
"Well this keeps on getting more complicated," he said as he sat up. "Oh so apparently my Norse father attempted to visit my uncle," he said as he explained what Uncle Frederick had told him."
Percy looked shocked, "Wow that sounds complicated so your father is looking for you I guess."
"Yeah but I could care less. I mean I already know who my family is," he said.
"Yeah that is important, oh apparently my mom might be getting serious with this guy she is dating," Percy said as he explained his last conversation with his mom. "He seems like a cool guy though but I am glad she is happy."
"Me too man, your mom is a nice person," He said as he got up and organized some of his things. "Oh in our free time before summer do you want to help me get a hang of this armor?"
Percy's face lit up, "Of course dude your sword and armor are sick."
"I may let you try them too if Gram is ok with it we just have to keep it our secret," he said with a wink.
"Hell yes," Percy said as the two laughed. They were still friends as always and he knew that he could always count on Percy for anything. After all, he was keeping his biggest secret from the camp and his cousin now.
Odin stared at Gunilla, Hearthstone, and Blitz who were bowing before them all were shaking with fear. "You should have been more careful, you interrupted their quest," Thor said berating his daughter. The room was tense as all the major deities of the Norse pantheon were present. They had all observed the little adventure the daughter of Thor took and her interactions with the daughter of Zeus and the other Greeks.
"Forgive me father I did not expect the daughter of Zeus or the lieutenant of Artemis to be there until it was too late," Gunilla said nervously while avoiding her father's gaze. Odin noticed that she and her companions were all trembling with fear.
"Who knows what conflict you could have brought us by getting involved like that," Thor said loudly. "Had you and the daughter of Zeus or the lieutenant of Artemis got into conflict it would have meant war."
"Father I will take any punishment for it was my decision alone," Gunilla said quickly.
"That is enough," he said standing up. "Gunilla daughter of Thor you should have been more careful." Then turning to his son, "I will deal with Olympus if anything comes up if anything I will say they were in the area when it happened."
Thor's eyes narrowed, "Do you think Zeus will be fooled?"
Odin sighed, "Olympus is in the middle of an internal dispute they will not attack us. For now, we must be careful and not cause any provocations." Turning to the daughter of Thor and her companions. "You three will stay in New York City for the time being and only interact with the son of Frey when it is safe and under no circumstances are you to fight him or any Greek demigod do you all understand," he said in a serious tone.
"Yes Lord Odin," Blitz and Gunilla said while the deaf elf signed the same thing.
"Good," Odin said as he and Thor sat back down.
"Sir my son he was in Olympus do you think that they recognized that he is not one of them?" Frey asked carefully.
Odin sighed and nodded, "It would not surprise me."
He noticed Frey's expression sadden, "Do not worry maybe when all this is done we can send a message to Olympus about him but right now it would not be wise to do so. It appears though that the Olympians have accepted him for the most part."
Njord the God of the Seas of their pantheon stood up next to his son Frey, "If I may Lord Odin I sometimes talk with Poseidon what if I bring up Magnus once in a while? I could mention how my son is looking for his grandson or something like that."
"Poseidon and Zeus do not get along how will that be perceived by Zeus if things go sour between them," Frigg said. "Zeus is very paranoid of his brother ever since he tried to overthrow him and now things in Olympus are as tense as ever. To approach his brother asking his favor would be unwise."
"Yes that is true," Odin said looking at the sea god. "If you wish to do so fine but do not implicate Asgard in any way, shape, or form and don't do it frequently."
Njord nodded, "I understand Lord Odin, I know my grandson is a friend of Poseidon's son. I can talk with Poseidon just as a friendly chat but I know he is very protective of his son and his son is protective of all his friends," he said looking at Gunilla. "Daughter of Thor it would be very unwise to harm the son of Poseidon, it would surely bring war to Asgard for sure if you harmed him."
"I understand Lord Njord I will be more careful in the future and make sure not to harm him," She said with a deep bow.
"Now then we must act carefully. I will send a prepared message to Olympus expressing regret over the actions of Gunilla," Odin said as he looked at the other Gods. "I will explain that it was the work of her own and that she acted on her own accord."
Gunilla nodded, "I will accept full responsibility Lord Odin. Please forgive my recklessness," she said bowing deeply.
"Just be more careful in the future child," Odin said in a calm voice.
"Don't worry I know Zeus well," Freya said with a smile. "If things go bad I have some new dresses so I'll just call the girls we will borrow another hotel room in Valhalla like last time."
"Yeah but Queen Hera is already pissed that his demigod daughter is back," Thor pointed out. "If you try to hook up with Lord Zeus again Queen Hera will go even more ballistic than last time."
Odin sighed, "Either way we must all be more careful from now on. Things are not only brewing for the Greeks; I sense that things are happening with the Egyptians as well we must keep Asgard safe at all costs. Gunilla you and your companions will continue to keep watch in New York City and keep an eye on things there. I will send two einherjar to assist you, you are all to make sure observe things and make sure no threats come to Asgard to you understand?"
"Yes Lord Odin," Gunilla said as she and her companions all bowed.
AN: Well here ends Titan's Curse. I was going to put a conversation between Magnus and Zoe or Artemis butt this chapter was running long.
So Magnus can't Annabeth about his heritage, I chose it in part because I figure Zeus would want less people to know about the Norse and in part to have some tension between them. After all, Rachel met Gunilla, Hearth, and Blitz.
Lets just say that in the next part of this story his oath will lead to some tension between Annabeth and Magnus