Disclaimer: I do not own the Percy Jackson world or characters, or anything related to the Greek Mythology world etc., I'm just a fan :)
Short A/N
Oh how I waited to publish this one. For so long you guys have been asking me so many great questions about my characterization (why is Penny less "heroic" than Percy, why is she timid at times, why is everyone in her life so overprotective of her) and I really do think this chapter will sort everything out for you :) I'm excited! As a writer that likes to write character-driven stories, this chapter is a vital one! So by all means, let me know your thoughts :)
Since it's been a while I'm publishing two chapters as one so this one will be an extra long one (over 12k :D ).
Enjoy!
Penny
"No fighting with Aphrodite!"
If it wasn't so serious, it would've been funny. Two grown Gods, symbols of power really, one, the mighty king of all the seas, one of The Big Three Gods, the other the official Messenger of The Gods, as well as the God of Roads, Travel, Thieves, Invention and so on and so forth. Both, radiating power, both wearing somewhat formal clothes, Hermes with his business suit and Poseidon in a rarely seen gray suit with a blue tie printed with waves, and both listening to a 17-year-old girl with a chiton and a firm expression.
The three were outside of the Throne Room on Olympus.
The fighting in the camp became serious, attracting the attention of all the Olympians in the need to stop it, which was the reason they agreed to a regrouping without a solstice.
There was a change in allies among the cabins - Hermes' cabin now exchanged alliances and sided with Poseidon's cabin, besides Hermes' girl Alice, who was apparently dating someone from Ares' cabin and remained neutral. Athena's cabin, under Annabeth's influence and having heard of their mother's recent approval of the Jackson twins joined this alliance as well. Apollo's cabin, after a conversation with their father (and probably some bribing, including gifts that were probably very flashy, par Apollo's style) joined the alliance as well.
Their other side wasn't as organized but was much more vengeful and violent. It was mostly Ares' and Aphrodite's cabins, with all the campers from different cabins that disliked Penny and or Percy, and apparently, there were a lot of them.
Somehow it was almost half against half, all pranking and fighting.
The main reason of anger for Hermes and Poseidon, though, was the existence of some very mean spirited signs that seemed to multiply. It was heavy baggage they carried with them and wanted to solve for days now.
Maybe anger was mildly worded. Both immortals wanted to scream sense into Aphrodite so she'll stop whoever from her girls responsible for it.
"Look, you two, if there is any Olympian I don't want to fight with is her. No fighting with Aphrodite!"
"I don't see why you're so afraid of her," Hermes sneered, glaring into the throne room.
"Yes, Penelope," her father glowered and Penny knew that he must be really upset since he never full-named her unless he was very angry. "I feel like this is one of those times you downplay things to get us less angry, but this is not appropriate. You must let those who care for you… well, care for you!"
As Hermes nodded eagerly, glaring, the girl sighed, twirling her long braid with her fingers, moving some loose strands of her hair behind her ear. "Look, you two, first of all, both of you need to calm down! Both of you told me repeatedly that you win nothing with self-righteous anger!" Her father still seemed mad as Hermes looked away and inhaled. "Second of all, you two have never been mortal, you just don't get it. She's… she's powerful in the subjects that matter to me, and she can make me very, very miserable if she wants to, in a way she can't with you, as I'm a mortal and my life is short. Besides…" and she focused on Hermes, her green eyes boring into his blue ones, "do you really want her to complicate things for us further, Hermes?"
Hermes seemed to understand the implications as he gulped and avoided her gaze. Truly, things were complicated enough for the two of them as they were and they didn't need it to worsen.
Her father sighed, rubbing his face with his hand. "Alright, Penelope, fine. You're right. We need to calm down, we need to win this vote."
"Exactly! She might even vote for us if you don't start a fight with her, I'd bet she wants to meet her kids too," they both hesitated as she smiled then somewhat cheekily, attempting to cheer them up, "and dad, can I go back to being Penny? Every time you full-name me I feel like I did something wrong. And I've been a good girl, mind you."
They both blinked at her, the change in conversation too abrupt for them. Then Hermes started to smile as her father shook his head repeatedly.
"How can you joke at a time like this?" And he turned to look at Hermes incredulously, although his lips were twitching up, perhaps against his will, "how can she possibly joke at a time like this?"
Hermes shook his head and finally gave in to snickering, pulling her into a hug. "Your daughter is special."
Penny grinned at her father from Hermes' embrace. "I hate overly dramatic moments. I have to ruin them."
Poseidon shook his head, grinning as well. "You are special, our own personal little trouble. Let's go in."
Poseidon walked in front of them, and Hermes walked beside her, holding her hand, and Penny appreciated it very much. She knew he was doing it for her sake, knowing how nervous she was, and that he was doing it despite probably facing ridicule from other Olympians (they were a harsh group, driven by personal vendettas. And Penny, while she had gods that cared for her deeply like Poseidon, Hermes, and Apollo, had also as many gods that hated her with a passion).
But Hermes knew she was alone that day, not allowed to be joined by any of her friends or even by her brother, as those in charge decided that it was superfluous and unnecessary for any escorts while she made her wish from the gods.
As they walked in, they saw the rest were already seated.
Poseidon sighed deeply and turned around to put his hand on Penny's shoulder. "Whatever happens today, remember that you are a true, deserving hero, and a kind soul, and that a lot of them are cruel and vindictive."
"Thank you for everything, Dad," Penny said honestly and her father's eyes shined with emotion as he flashed into his seat.
Hermes bowed his head to whisper into her ear. "Don't be afraid. We won't let them attack you. And remember, you're incredible. They all owe you a great debt, even if they don't realize that." And he pulled away and kissed her cheek softly, looking completely indifferent to the mocking looks and glares his gesture received.
"Maybe today, Hermes?" Ares growled, and a few nodded or frowned in agreement. Aphrodite, she saw (although she tried not to form any eye contact with her) was grinning slyly, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Hermes glared back at them, his anger controlled but considerable, and Penny squeezed his hand and released it. "Thanks. Go, I'll be fine."
He nodded mutely and flashed to his throne, Apollo patting his back as he glared into the air, visibly fuming.
As they all agreed, Penny walked forward, trying not to visibly shake at so many powerful figures staring at her so intensely, and kneeled in front of the king of the gods, Zeus.
You could actually hear the electricity in the air and smell the ozone as she opened her mouth to speak, her voice a bit shaky.
"Lord Zeus, I wish to thank you and all the members of the council for dedicating your time to hearing my plea this afternoon."
"Penelope Jackson," the Lord of the Skies seemed unpleased, his stormy-grey eyes blazing as he glared down at her, "I'm afraid you left us no choice. From what I've heard, you've caused quite the stir in Half-Blood Hill, and we must solve it all today, as matters are worsening. What do you have to say in your defense?"
"I wish to take the blame for that, Lord Zeus," Hermes spoke up immediately, before she even had the chance to open her mouth, his blue eyes severe and his tone decisive, "it is not Penelope's fault. It is my status as an Olympian that caused the riot."
She knew better than to argue, even if she disagreed strongly with that. But as an immortal, a god and an Olympian, Hermes was able to take the blame for that without too much impact on him, and she had no such advantages.
"The girl is not blameless!" Ares immediately snapped, his eyes burning with rage, "she and her brother ruined my children's cabin!"
"Weren't your children bullying my daughter?" Poseidon hissed, his eyes dangerously glowing.
"Alright, enough!" Zeus stopped them and then huffed at Penny in annoyance. "Penelope Jackson, you seem to cause trouble wherever you go!"
Penny winced.
This was all too overwhelming. The sheer hatred that Ares directed at her, the amount of revulsion in Zeus' glare. They were both two of the most powerful gods. It was hard, having them direct it all at her. It felt hard on an energetic level - she felt her body spasm and her eyes watered as if gazing at something bright.
And they weren't the only ones looking at her in distaste. Hera and Dionysus sneered at her, most of the rest looked at her with irritated indifference.
This was not going according to plan! She was to be rational and reasonable, not emotional! She needed to speak in length and convince them!
"Father, enough!" Hermes protested and before anyone could mock him Apollo spoke up too.
"This all seems irrelevant. She has proved herself repeatedly, and it is not why we're all here today."
"It is," Demeter, usually a friendly Olympian, frowned, "I certainly did not drop all of my duties to discuss her reword out of the blue and not on the specific date it was said we'd discuss it. I came here to settle the mess that is currently taking place in Camp Half-Blood."
"But again, it was not her doing and she did not start it!" Poseidon insisted, getting angrier and angrier.
"She is the reason for it! That's enough for me!" Ares declared and a few nodded in agreement, getting tired of all the fighting this girl seemed to cause.
Meanwhile, Penny wasn't able to form any sound, much less speak in her defense. It was hard to describe why - but panic rose in her chest, tightening her lungs, and a large blockage prevented voices in her throat. It was an awful sensation - she just knew that if she'd open her mouth she'll squick.
Don't cry, don't cry, she forced herself, dreading it with all her might, filled with self-hatred at how easy it was to get her emotional, think of your dad, hugging you. Think of your mom, cooking blue food for you and talking to you into the night. Think about laughing with Percy at something stupid he did. Think of Hermes smiling at you fondly. Think of Hermes, think of Hermes…
His eyes snapped to her as the shouting became louder and louder, her supporters defending her passionately, but those who opposed her answering with anger and venom.
"ENOUGH!" A voice suddenly yelled, and everyone seemed to slightly lower their heads at the true anger on Lady Athena's face. "I will not waste my afternoon on everyone bickering vainly! Before we pass judgment, we must hear the girl! Truly, father, if you wish to rule on this, you must allow her to speak! Perhaps her reward would be the solution to the problem?"
No!
She appreciated Athena's defense, she truly did, but as all 12 sets of eyes settled on her, too many of them blazing with anger, she knew she was fighting hard not to cry, much less being able to speak and convince them to grant her wish -
In an instant Hermes flashed next to her, shrinking down to the height of a mortal and putting his hand on her lower back before pulling away and looking up to his father and the rest of the gods with determination. But even though his fingers no longer touched her lower-back, she still felt their warmth spreading in her body.
"Olympians!" He called out, radiating confidence, quite literally at that, his light-blue aura thickening around him, "I've formed an attachment to this hero, and we've come to an agreement that I would argue her case in front of the council, mostly due to her inexperience in speaking to such forums."
"How charming," someone hissed, but Hermes paid them no mind as he focused his gaze on his father, his stance a combination of strength and obedience, with his back straight and upright and his head bowed. That seemed to work wonders on Zeus, who nodded distractedly.
Penny tried to mask her surprise at his fast lie, and at how natural he made it look, as they had no agreement for him to speak on her behalf, but those who knew he was lying hurried to cover up for him.
"It seems reasonable," Apollo spoke up immediately as Poseidon nodded eagerly, "with such a sensitive subject, to have a deity speaking on her behalf."
"But then he shouldn't have a vote!" Ares yelled, "he's obviously biased!"
"So are you!" Poseidon glared, "so am I, for that matter! We've been voting on subjects held dear to us throughout the history of the council! It is no reason to disqualify a vote. Every Olympian has a vote!"
Zeus seemed to agree, perhaps becoming impatient and wanting to progress matters. "Very well," he nodded curtly before anyone else had the chance to protest, "you may have a vote and speak for the girl. Proceed."
"Thank you, father. Penelope Jackson, along with her twin brother Percy did a great service to Olympus. Is anyone going to deny that?"
As he watched every single one of them severely, some seemed like they wanted to argue, but none did.
"They've done so year after year, retrieving Lord Zeus' Master Bolt, saving camp Half-Blood with the golden Fleece, rescuing Lady Artemis, forcing the Titan back under the skies, traveling the Labyrinth to prevent an attack on the camp and finally, a month ago, fighting heroically and preventing the invasion of the Titan's army to mount Olympus, taking him down in the process. I'll ask again - is anyone going to argue that this hero deserves a prize?"
Silence, at last. His shoulders lowered somewhat as the fighting ceased. Penny herself was able to ease her horribly beating heart when they all, finally, calmed down.
She can do it, she can do it. She needed to argue, she just needed Hermes next to her to quiet them down if they attack her together again.
I need to ask, you need to help me argue it, she tried to pray to him, and somehow it worked. He looked at her with surprise and nodded slightly, merely a twitch of his head.
"Good. Now, to merely present her wish to you," his firm voice was back, filled with restrained anger, as if daring anyone to argue, "Penelope?"
"Yes," she nodded, and immediately bowed her head to Hermes, "thank you, Lord Hermes," it was a moment where formality was needed. She turned her head to face the rest of the Olympians, some of them watching her with impatience, some with curiosity.
Apollo winked at her.
And, well, the wink helped somewhat.
Her voice was steadier than before, even if a bit shaky still, but she was able to form words at last. "I would like to thank you all again. Now, I wish to dedicate my wish to the future of Olympus, and to my fellow campers at camp Half-Blood. I believe that my wish, besides benefiting the gods and the demigods, would stop the riot currently taking place in camp -"
"Stop beating around the bush and get to the point!" Ares yelled again, and wow, he truly hated her with all his might, "we don't have all day for you, girly!"
"Ares!" Artemis snapped before any of her usual defenders could, "let the girl finish a sentence! You are incredibly rude, and unjustifiably so!"
Encouraged by the surprising supporter, she nodded and lowered her head momentarily, "thank you, Lady Artemis. My wish is to strengthen the relationships the gods have with their demigod children, and I plan for that to be accomplished with two gestures by the godly parent, one when the child is intended to join Camp Half-Blood, and the other at the child's request. Preferably, the first would be a conversation between the two where the deity explains the Olympic world to the child, and explains why the parent cannot be involved in the child's life."
"The ancient rules?!"
"NO!"
"Flagrancy!"
Zeus' glare was heated and with barely restrained anger. "Do you wish to cause chaos, when peace was just restored?!"
"Hear the girl out," Apollo raised his hands, "it has some sense to it. Our relationships with our children almost led to our destruction."
"Our father, the titan, regained power by each and every demigod that joined his cause," Poseidon spoke up before anyone had the chance to argue with Apollo, "and truly, there were enough of them to return him to his full powers."
"Straying offsprings!" Hera glared, "not a good enough excuse to ruin the balance we currently have!"
"Not straying offsprings." Hermes' voice was dangerously quiet again, "abandoned, lonely children, left alone to deal with the cruelties of this world at an age way too young to allow them to grow up well."
"Some of them do experience very harsh fates," that was Hephaestus, and Penny was surprised that he spoke up, not one of her usual allies, and not usually one to voice his opinion. Perhaps having Hera slighting 'straying' offsprings hit a sensitive spot with him, what with her throwing him off Olympus as a baby. Or perhaps some of his children truly suffered horrible fates. But him speaking up was good, regardless of the reason.
"Besides," Hermes continued, "I would argue that there is no balance now. We are completely detached, forbidden to even properly meet our children, which leads them to believe we do not care for them! That causes resentment, much like the resentment currently controlling the young demigods in the current riots in camp!"
"Like you don't visit your children, Hermes," Hera glowered at him, and Zeus turned to watch him with a severe look.
Hermes didn't budge, not even flinching. "This is exactly the root of the problem! Why is it a crime? Why must we detach ourselves from those we love most? Our children face many who hate them and try to kill them, why must they be deprived of the one being in this world who wishes them good?"
"Because it is dangerous!" Zeus hissed, "we cannot get involved, it can have disastrous implications!"
"Father," Athena spoke up, and Penny's heart lightened at the way everyone turned to watch her as she spoke with clear respect on their faces. It seemed universal, the regard everyone gave to her words. "You are speaking true words. Involvement from us in our children's lives could be deadly."
Her breath hitched. Is Athena turning against them?
Apollo watched her with confusion as Hermes and Poseidon exchanged angry looks.
"However," the goddess continued, "I tend to agree with Lord Hermes' assessment. It is currently imbalanced. The riots occurring at the camp and the heroes that joined the Titan's army prove that. It is my belief that Penelope Jackson's proposal would restore said balance, as it is limited to offering guidance and logic. Her wish is for us to explain to them why we cannot be involved, and why they must fight for our cause regardless of that. Truly, the hero is not requesting for us to get involved in their lives, but rather help them understand and accept our lack of involvement."
Silence followed that. Then, Poseidon spoke up as well.
"My two children, Perseus and Penelope saved Olympus. They both testified, and Penelope can vouch for that, that only upon meeting me after retrieving the Master Bolt and truly witnessing that I care for them, did they fully join the cause and fought on our behalf."
"And it makes sense," Hermes added, "why would they fight, sacrifice their lives for beings they don't know, those that, as far as they're aware, abandoned them? Only if we introduce ourselves and introduce this world and all that's at stake they'll truly understand."
Ares sneered. "Heroes did that all throughout history with no gestures and conversations! That's what they're meant to do!"
"With various degrees of success! Truly, the last installment proved that those most connected to Olympus, after meeting the gods and being advised by them, fought vehemently, and those that haven't met them and barely knew them were more likely to stray!" Hermes stated, visible pain on his face.
Penny's heart ached for him. He learned that lesson all too well.
"It seemed like your children were most likely to stray, Hermes," Ares noted.
That seemed to be the straw that broke the camel's back.
"Look away, Penny," Martha the snake hissed in Penny's ears as the deity started to glow, manic, intense rage shaking his whole body.
10 sets of eyes settled on Ares with various degrees of annoyance as Penny looked the other way and moved away from Hermes as he grew to his original form, making the air around him buzz with energy, his thick blue aura bright and almost blinding around him.
"Was that really necessary, Ares?" Dionysus drawled dryly as Hermes towered over Ares, taller than even the average Olympian.
"I SACRIFICED MY OWN SON FOR OLYMPUS!" Hermes' voice boomed, his whole face red with horrible anger, his eyes tiny, blazing slits, "HOW DARE YOU DISREGARD ME?!"
Penny paled at such emotions from the Olympian. He was always so gentle to her, she had no idea he had such anger in him.
"Hermes!" Zeus seemed a bit worried at the usually calm deity's outburst, his eyes wide, "calm yourself, please! Ares, apologize, now!"
"I'm, I'm sorry," Ares muttered, looking away from the raging Messenger-God who towered over him, fire in his eyes.
"Hermes," that was Poseidon now, his eyes on his horrified daughter, "he apologized. Calm down."
Hermes looked back at Penny too, and she stumbled at that direct stare, looking down to the floor. That seemed to sober him somewhat as he straightened up from his bowed position (a frightening sight in itself given how tall he was at that point) and inhaled deeply, his eyes closing, before he flashed to his throne, still shaking with rage as energy visibly sparkled around him.
Apollo seemed uncharacteristically angry as he looked away from Hermes to the rest of the Olympians, his golden eyes narrowed and his brows furrowed. "As you can see, having a child resent you is an unpleasant experience. It also has deadly implications, as was proved in the last war. Penelope's proposition is for us to give our children guidance and minimal support, which in my opinion is highly reasonable."
"Agreed," it was Demeter now, which seemed less and less hostile as the meeting progressed, "I can testify to that, as my children are usually not the ones granted quests, which usually means I don't get to meet most of them. It seemed to be part of the reason two of my children joined the Titan's army."
Such an admission must have cost her quite a lot, Penny thought to herself half-heartedly but soon enough her gaze wandered back to Hermes.
She had found it hard to focus on anything else. His anger scared her. She always knew he was powerful, but having seen just how much was a lot to take in.
He still had his eyes closed and he was breathing through his nose, his right hand holding his Caduceus with an iron grip, his knuckles white as Apollo patted his shoulder, whispering into his ear.
"I will add just one more thing," Athena spoke up again, silencing everyone else, "I wish to quote my wise daughter, with an intelligent observation she shared with me. 'The Titans' Lord retook his form piece after piece, with each demigod that joined his cause. And that must mean that our enemies realize the true power of the complicated relationships we share with our children and use it to turn them against us. And getting our own children to fight us appears to be the most lethal weapon.' I believe this is a wise, true assessment."
Silence followed, many looking at Athena, and many looking down or away.
"I think everyone spoke their minds," Zeus finally said, "I will say again, I oppose any involvement in our children's lives, for it is risky. It has led us to disasters in the past. But let's vote."
All eyes turned to Hermes.
He inhaled again before opening his eyes, irritation shining in them. "All those in favor?"
Penny's heart started to beat strongly in her ears.
Moment of truth.
Poseidon, Hermes, Apollo, and Athena, she knew beforehand would vote for it. But Demeter and Hephaestus were new additions.
It was half, not enough.
And then, another hand, gentle and elegant, with polished, colorful nails was raised up and Penny knew she was right to stop Poseidon and Hermes from picking up a fight with her as Aphrodite broke the tie.
Her father gave Penny a small smirk, but no one else seemed to notice as Zeus cleared his throat grimly.
"It has been decided. We will rejoin soon to establish and define how it will be done."
And with that, he disappeared. So did a scowling Hera and an indifferent Dionysus.
One by one all the Olympians disappeared, until only Poseidon, Apollo and Hermes remained in the Throne Room, Apollo and Poseidon shrinking down to human size and joining her, Hermes still huge and still on his throne.
"I'll meet you later, Penny," he told her, his voice hoarse, not forming eye contact as he flashed away and was gone.
Apollo
Apollo watched her with sympathetic eyes as she crumbled into her father's arms, exhausted to her core.
"I can't process what just happened," she mumbled softly as her father stroked her back soothingly, and Apollo could see that she was pale and that her eyes were wide.
Poor girl, she was in shock.
He was used to their bickering and fighting by now, although he too must admit he never saw Hermes lose his cool like that before.
But, it must have been intense for a mortal girl, especially someone as sensitive as Penny. She probably never had so many deities yelling at her at the same time.
"You did very well," he offered to the girl, who shook her head against her father's shoulder, smiling bitterly.
"I did horribly. I wasn't even able to speak at first, before Hermes helped me -" and she cut herself midsentence, frowning.
"Good call from Hermes," Poseidon seemed to surprise her as he complimented him, "truly, he fought very well for you. I was pleased with him."
"Tell him that," Apollo said, scratching his head, "it will mean a lot to him."
Poseidon nodded. "I will."
Penny held her father closer to her as she looked up at both of them. "Is - is he okay?" Her voice was a bit shaky, and Apollo saw true fear in her green eyes.
Poseidon looked down at her and seemed worried. "Ares went too far. Hermes was already angry at him for the way Ares' children treated you and for the way he kept attacking you, so when Ares insulted Luke's memory he lost control."
"Besides," Apollo spoke up too, his eyes sad, "his children are a sensitive subject. Anyone familiar with him knows that and also knows how much he cares for them. That was a cheap shot from Ares."
Penny nodded, but the nervousness was still there. Poor girl.
Apollo knew they were so good at humanizing themselves, that sometimes mortals were unaware of their true form and powers. The girl must have freaked out at that Hermes, so different from the one she knew.
He cleared his throat. "Penny, I must go now." He wished he could stay with the two of them for a bit longer, but his duties were calling him.
"Thank you so much, Apollo," Penny mumbled sincerely as she pulled away from her father and hugged him instead, pulling him close, "it means so much."
And she meant it deeply too, he could tell from her sincere gaze, and wasn't she cute, and a lovely person to top it all. He truly loved her, at this point as a big-brother more than anything else.
"You're welcome, Penny," he smiled as he pulled away, "but it was the right thing to do. Many of them don't truly realize how exceptional you are. You deserve that wish and immortality too if you ask me."
She giggled and he flashed away with the sight of her father, looking torn between deep agreement with his words and uncomfortableness at Apollo and Penny's familiarity.
Hermes
He went too far.
Oh, he went too far.
The sheer terror on her face when she saw him -
He went to cool off and brood for about a half an hour in a distant Olympian garden, his snakes respecting him enough not to bother him with the calls he received, before he went right back to work, and worked with a fervency.
If there was something Hermes knew could dissolve pain was work, work, work.
He appeared in Hephaestus' workshop, his ears immediately attacked by the booming sounds of dozens of machines working at the same time, the dim, yellow light alighting the surprisingly organized workshop.
He nodded briefly at the other deity's gruff greeting and then waved his hand, about 10 boxes in various shapes appearing next to them.
Hermes handed him the board so he could sign, George and Martha wrapping themselves around Hephaestus' hand. God of Fire didn't even flinch - Hephaestus was one of his regular customers, always sending finished products and receiving materials, so he was quite used to Hermes' snakes by now.
"Thank you," Hephaestus grumbled, his messy, thick eyebrows shadowing his face as he spoke, "and hey," and Hermes looked up to his eyes - they were as blue as his, he discovered, behind that mess of dark hair, "don't mind Ares. He's an Olympian pain in the ass."
Hermes couldn't help but smirk at that, a burst of amusement lessening some of the weight in his stomach.
"Thank you, Hephaestus," Hermes said truthfully, "and thank you for siding with us today."
"Hey," the God of Blacksmiths shrugged, "you had reason on your side. I always hated having to ignore my kids. Besides, they really ganged up on her."
"On Penny?"
"Yes," he huffed, "she is a sweet girl, your lover. Never seemed to me like she had hurt anyone. Didn't deserve Hera, Ares, and Zeus attacking her like that."
Hermes smiled, his eyes softening as he nodded. "Yeah, she's great. Thanks again, Hephaestus."
"Sure thing, Hermes."
Hermes patted the other deity's large, muscled back and then flashed away.
"He's a nice god," Martha spoke in his ear, her snakey voice soft.
"Yes," Hermes agreed as he went back to his office, "it's always the nice ones that suffer the most."
"That'sss depressssing," George never spared him his opinion, but it was the one time he didn't really disagree.
"Now, what other Olympians require my services before I move on to the minor ones?"
/
One meeting with Demeter ("I didn't appreciate the mess she caused in the camp, but her proposal was reasonable. Oh yes, here are ten tons of grain for you to deliver!"), one chilling meeting with Hera, which consisted mostly of mutual glares ("it's very unwise. Very unwise. I do not approve. No, not at all. Perhaps it can be reversed. Oh, yes, I'm pleased we reached the agreement that you will transport peacocks for me, here are two hundred of them to deliver immediately to Miami"). One with Dionysus that consisted of a lot of mutual eye rolls ("is she really worth all that trouble? Look, I don't mean to anger you and you becoming all Godzilla on me like you did with Ares, I'm just saying, I'm guiding the brat in camp for the last three years and I see nothing special about her, insolent like the rest of them. Ah, yes, 2 tons of grapes to deliver to Houston").
And finally, he even started to help minor gods, that's how much he tried to avoid it before finally popping to one of Aphrodite's shrines.
It was truly surreal, truly surreal.
Ever since the Winter Solstice from a couple of years back, and the goddess' little trick with Penny, Aphrodite would always look to him as an identical twin of the Penny from that Winter Solstice (and yes, he was aware of the irony of that, a twin of a twin). With the white chiton, the light make-up, the same sparkling eyes, the same brown curls, the same beautiful features. And just her - in other periods of his life Aphrodite's form would shift and change, resembling some of his lovers but no one in particular, and it was only when he fell really hard for someone that the goddess would settle on just one form. It did so with May, all those years ago.
And so now, in the last two years each time he talked to Aphrodite it felt as if he was talking to Penny.
The problem was, he would always feel himself soften when he was around Penny. She was one of his favorite people (her and his kids), and definitely the only woman in his life, and the most prominent one he could remember having in the last couple of decades at least (again, with the exception of May, who was very prominent in her own right).
Yes, well, he didn't fall in love often, but it seemed that when he did, he did. Hard.
Now, when dealing with the actual Penelope Jackson, this was all fine. Penny was a sweet, kind person, probably even unaware of how much effect she had on him, and even if she would come to know, she would never abuse it.
But the woman in front of him, smiling Penny's smile, was not Penelope Jackson. Much more cunning, much less nice, and depriving great amusement from people's weaknesses. She was not someone he wanted to have this kind of effect on him.
There was one thing that saved him from being as lost as any other male interacting with Aphrodite would be - the goddess couldn't quite recreate Penny's energy. Penny was much kinder, much funnier, much more upbeat than the calculating, even cruel at times goddess, that smiled less and with less sincerity when she did.
But still, whenever he met the goddess he had to work hard to remind his shocked mind that this was not Penny.
"Hi, Aphrodite," he let out, straightening his helmet on his head, the wings on his shoes fluttering uncomfortably.
"Hermes!" The goddess brightened up, "how are you?" She cooed.
This was not Penny. This was not Penny.
"Fine," he gritted his teeth, too confused to manage himself naturally.
Maybe she could take May's form? He thought her just as pretty.
When he met her he thought her the prettiest woman in the world, with her bright eyes and kind smile, her blond waves of hair and her - -
It was working! In front of his eyes, Aphrodite started to shift, but as soon as he realized it's working, she must have realized the same, because she shifted right back, and now in front of him was Penny grinning in amusement, looking how she might've looked when she'd just teased him playfully about something.
But while Penny's teasing was fun and harmless, the goddess' teasing was not as innocent.
"Oh no," she grinned at him, her eyes laughing, "you do not get to manipulate my form! How very cunning of you. But no, it's such a romantic thing, don't you realize? The most beautiful person in the world is always the one you love! They become prettier than anyone else to your eyes! And it seems like you, my friend, are quite focused when you're in love! I'll admit, with others I might take the form of different individuals at the same time, even when they're in love, but it never seems to happen with you!"
"Er… right. So, what do you want to mail?"
"Always so to the point," Aphrodite pouted, but really Penny pouted, which actually lessened his confusion. Penny didn't pout very often. It wasn't really her style.
"I apologize," he smiled, somewhat relieved as he discovered how unPenny she acted, "tight schedule, you know."
"Oh, I'm sure. I do hope you'll find the time to visit our mutual friend though."
She wanted him to bite the bait, so he did, mostly just aching to finish this conversation and go. "Our mutual friend?"
"Why, Penelope, of course! Such a lovely girl. Really enjoyed her today at the gathering!"
He smiled tightly. "Right."
"I always feel like you're so short with me! Come on, do tell, I'm really loving what's going on with you and Penelope! You're so clearly into it!"
He scratched his neck. "Well…"
"The way you defended her! Oh, I melted! And that little pep-talk before it all began, that little scene? How positively adorable!"
"Well, thanks, I guess," he frowned.
They weren't the damn circus!
She was just about to be crucified by all The Mighty Gods at once, and she was terrified, so he cheered her up a bit. It was no big deal, he couldn't understand all the noise around it.
Or around them in general, for that matter. "Mind if I ask you something?"
"Ask away! Anything you want!"
"Why are we so interesting to you?" His eyes narrowed, "there must be flashier, more glamorous couples than us. More dramatic or romantic. I mean, we're no Romeo and Juliet."
"Come on," she grinned, "you know the answer to that."
"Do I?"
"How do you feel about her, Hermes? Is she different to you than other women you've met?"
His eyes lowered down.
"Perhaps even better. Do you see this relationship ending?"
"Alright," he looked up again, opening his side-back, "so what can I do for you today?"
She was grinning brightly, looking all excited, and Hermes felt his heart pace pick up at that, his eyes slightly focusing on her. Unlike the pouting, looking so excited she's about to jump up and down with joy, was a very Penny thing to do.
"I have a letter," she then pulled out a letter and handed it to him.
"Alright. To whom?"
"Ares."
His heart stopped its beating and he glared at her, irritated.
"Right. Look, I'm awfully sorry, but I just remembered I really must be somewhere else."
"Oh no!" She was still grinning, clearly amused at his obvious lie. Well, he didn't really try to mask it, greatly annoyed with her, "where must you run to?"
"Delivering peacocks," he nodded his head grimly, "you know, Hera's orders. But I will send one of my workers to finish things up here."
"You can't deliver my letter?" She was still smiling, and Hermes had no doubt she planned the whole thing just to get a rise out of him.
"Of course I can! And I will, I'll send one of my best workers and it'll be delivered in no time. Sorry, I must run. You know Hera."
"And her peacocks!"
"Them too."
"Bye Hermes! Say hi to Penny for me!" She told his retreating back.
If it wasn't for his promise to Penny, he would've taken that stupid letter and thrown it out of a window in front of the goddess.
But he was getting more and more convinced to not anger this specific deity.
/
The next morning he worked even harder, downing one cup of coffee after the other, working hard to clear his schedule for the afternoon.
"Meet me next to the Labyrinth's entrance around 4 pm?" He asked Penny, calling her, and when he received her okay he now had to work hard to clear said schedule.
/
He met her much the same way he did a few days prior when it all began, only this time, he brought pizza.
Pizza pretty much became their food ever since the Labyrinth.
He was leaning on the tall rock, waiting for her.
He was nervous, he had to admit. It was even worse than nerves if he was honest. It was a deep, heavy sinking feeling in his stomach.
Her terrified look, eyes wide and filled with horror, her face pale as she dropped to the ground -
Hades, he shook his head, enough.
Was she scared of him, now? Well, he couldn't blame her if she was. She was never meant to see that side of him. He lost control.
That damn Ares…
As she walked slowly to him, her smile widening at the sight and the smell of the pizza, he cheered up somewhat. At least pizza still made her smile the way it always did.
As she neared him he sneaked a kiss to her cheek and then sat down, dragging her down with him so they both leaned on the rock, sitting down.
She laughed at his rapid movements. "Hey."
"Hey. How are you after all that's happened?"
"Wow," she sighed, leaning her head against the rock behind her and looking truly baffled, "yesterday was crazy. Absolutely insane."
His smile softened. "That's a fair reaction."
"Ugh, I sucked, Hermes," she groaned, "I wanted to convince them, the way I did with the four of you, but I just couldn't! Probably looked like a little girl scared out of her mind -"
"Not at all!" He protested, grabbing her hand with his and squeezing it, "you looked like any hero would when faced with such unfair accusations from so many powerful beings! And I'll have you know, you won yourself another ally, and a somewhat unlikely one, I'd say."
"Who?"
"Hephaestus."
"Really?" And she smiled softly, "he's very nice."
He kissed her hand fondly. "Yes, he is. He told me he hated how they ganged up on you."
"Yeah?" She asked, a bit red by Hermes' show of affection, and he just loved how he could still make her blush, even after a few weeks of dating and years of friendship, "I always thought they treated him bad."
"Now there's an understatement," Hermes shook his head, fixing his gaze on the forest in front of them, "poor fella. He's really a live and let live kind of guy, I always liked that about him. Not one for sticking his nose at other's business."
"Admirable," Penny giggled, "especially on Olympus."
"Maybe that's why he never really lasted on the mountain. Hey, speaking of sticking a nose in others' business, Aphrodite says hello."
Penny's head immediately snapped to him. "Hermes, tell me you didn't do anything stupid!"
"I didn't, relax. But she really tried to get a rise out of me, I'll tell you that. She wanted me to deliver a letter to Ares. Now, given how I have direct, automatic services for singular letters, it was deliberate."
"Ares," Penny frowned, shaking a bit, "wow, that one hates me."
Having Penny fear Ares angered Hermes to no end. She needn't fear anyone, much less Ares!
"Who cares who he hates? I swear to the Fates, God of War or not, next time I see him I'll kick him straight to Tartarus."
Her hand sneaked out of his and she leaned her chin on her open palms.
Hermes' heart clenched with worry. He eyed her for a second before sighing and leaning his head on the rock behind him.
"Are you afraid of me now, Penny?"
She bit the inside of her cheeks as her eyes wandered downward, and he felt deep, heavy shame burning him inside.
How did he make her scared of him? He truly lost control.
Wow, he hated this. Hated this.
"Come on, Penny. Let's talk about this."
"A bit," she admitted in a tiny voice, still not looking at him.
"Why?"
She seemed to be pondering on this one, lost in thought, and he allowed that, not disrupting the silence created between them.
Finally, she turned to face him. "I always, I always knew you're powerful. I mean, you're an Olympian. But I guess I never realized just how strong you are. How strong any of you are. You're all so human when I meet you."
"Humans can be quite scary too, if they want to be."
"7 meters tall, almost blazing literal fire and making the air around them electric? Haven't met such human yet."
"Well, no," and he snickered, "but scary. Look, I know, alright? I… I lost control. But he was out of line. He degraded my kids and he degraded Luke's character. I reacted like a, like a mama-bear would, I'd like to think."
"A mama-bear?" And her amusement finally won her over as she giggled and met his eyes, "did you really just call yourself a mama-bear?"
"I did," he smiled back, "meant it too. Look, I regret losing control, not because he didn't deserve it, but because you never should've seen it. This side of me has nothing to do with you."
"But if it's a side of you I should be aware of it, and decide if I can live with it."
"True," he sighed, "but honestly, I'm not sure why it should bother you."
"Why should it bother me?" Her eyes widened slightly, "you're so, so much stronger than me, it's insane. You have unbelievingly strong powers."
"Why is this a competition?" He smiled and grabbed her hand again, "besides, I'd have you know I think I'm much more vulnerable in this than you."
"How exactly?"
He leaned his head back against the rock again, smiling sadly as his eyes wandered to the blue skies above, "there's always a risk for us, when we fall hard for someone. Especially someone mortal. If I lose you, it might burden me for the rest of all time."
"Like May and Luke?" He nodded mutely. "But that's different. It's a different subject. This is about imbalanced relationships."
He nodded. "Okay."
"Okay… well, don't you see how crazily imbalanced this relationship is?"
"It would be, was there an actual chance for me to ever direct said powers against you."
"You never know, Hermes."
"'You never know'? Penny! How can you even think that?"
"Things happen. People… people make mistakes, sometimes hurting others badly. You can't know how you'll react always."
"But I have self-control, I have limits!"
"Did you with Ares?"
"Well, I'm sorry if my limits with him are different than the limits I have with others. Honestly, I loathe him. And anyway, I'd argue anyone has the potential to be violent, some mortal men are pretty strong and violent too."
"Believe me, I know," she muttered, and then her eyes widened with regret as her cheeks colored crimson.
His heart stopped its beating for a moment.
"Pardon?"
"Nothing, nothing."
"No, Penny," his eyes narrowed as his heart resumed its beating, and with a frenzy, "how do you know of the violence of mortal men?"
"Hypothetically," she murmured in an unconvincing manner, "I know about it hypothetically."
"You're a terrible liar!" He started to see red as his whole body started to heat up. He started to have mental images in his head of some tall, stout man hitting Penny.
What mortal man dared to hurt her?! He will skin that man alive!
"I'm not, I swear -"
"Penny, if we're going to trust each other we must be honest, and you are time and time again not honest with me," his eyes were blazing and his tone was cold, "now tell me, who dared to hurt you?!"
She visibly flinched at his tone and he wanted to slap himself.
"Don't -" he sighed in frustration, "don't take my anger to be directed at you. It is not. It never will be, even if you conspire against me, I'll swear on the Styx about it if you want me to," his voice lowered, "just tell me, please, who hurt you?"
She looked down. "My… my stepdad."
Paul?!
"Your… your mom's husband?! I thought him a nice guy!"
"No, not him… my former step-dad. Look, he's dead, my mom stoned him with Medusa's head, so it's all done and over with -"
"It's clearly not!" He stared at her with true agitation, "I should've… I should've known. Your self-deprecating nature, your fear at my true powers, your attachment to Percy - did he defend you often?"
She nodded sadly, looking down. "I hated when he did that. He used to take hits that were directed at me. The… the guilt, Hermes…" and her voice broke as tears pooled in her eyes and splashed to her cheeks.
"Oh, my sweet Penelope," he sighed deeply and pulled her into his arms, kissing her cheeks and then her neck gently. "I should've known," he whispered into her skin, "I… I should've known…"
She shook her head against his shoulder but was mute as she cried silently.
His wonderful, brave Penny, carrying this with her all this time. The signs were there - how she always apologized, how scared she was at any sign of anger from him, first in the Last Battle when he appeared in front of them, and then these past few days. How she tried to make everyone happy at her expense (her chance at immortality!) to have everyone content, just not angry, anything but angry.
She was crying, quietly and with restraint at first, before it became a river of repressed emotions and grief. He didn't know what to do - he was helpless at his lover's complete misery and he hated this helplessness with a passion. It's what he used to feel with Luke…
"I'm… I'm so angry," his voice trembled with emotion, "I'm so furious, I, I'm stopping myself with unbelievable force right now."
Indeed, he was. His eyes were glowing and so was his body, his blue energy sparkling around him. But no. He had limits. It's what he told her about earlier.
Her crying ceased somewhat and she pulled away, but as she scanned his face, her eyes were still filled with that dreadful emotion, and were wide and frightened.
"No, don't look at me like that, I -" and he turned off completely, deflating as he rubbed his face forcefully, frustration vibrating in his every fiber. "Penny, I will fade and disappear from this earth, never reappearing again, before I could intentionally hurt a loved one. I will never inflict such power over the people I care for the most!"
"I know," she murmured, regret filling her eyes, "I know. I didn't mean to… I didn't imply you were a…"
They were both quiet then for a very, very long time.
He didn't know what she was thinking about. Perhaps she was reliving her experiences with that horrid piece of putrid he would decimate to dust had that poor excuse of a man was still alive -
He felt lost, his heart beating strongly, aching for his Penny, unable to think of a way to explain to his astonishing, kind hearted, amazing lover that even if he did have the power to do so, he can never hurt her like that -
"Penny," his voice was hoarse and he cleared it, "let me ask you something. How strong do you think your dad is?"
Her face cleared from the agony as confusion took its place. "… Very?"
"That's an understatement. Your father is one of the strongest Olympians, if not the strongest, and I'm risking my own father zapping me for admitting that. But your father is powerful. He's Lord of the Seas, the Earthshaker. He holds in himself all the power that is the sea, and the land."
"I thought Gaea was the land."
"Don't… say her name," his eyes moved around nervously. A lot of things were stirring, as of late. "And well, she is. But your father has the ability to rip holes in her kingdom. And, your father has a much shorter temper than mine."
She inhaled deeply, calmer now as she tilted her head. "O...kay… but what's your point?"
"My point is," and his heart started to beat strongly, desperate for her to understand it at last, "are you afraid of him?"
She closed her mouth, silent for a second before she shook her head.
"Good," he was filled with relief, and even able to smile weakly, "smart girl, you shouldn't be. Despite the fact that I've seen him lose his temper a couple of times, and that puts my little show yesterday in the minor's league. Seriously."
"Really?" She asked him, now curious as she smiled slightly, gazing up at him, but her cheeks were still wet from her tears, "how strong is he?"
Hermes' eyes twinkled in amusement. He was astounded at how they can feel positive emotions after such deep, strong dismay. But it was always a rollercoaster with this specific mortal. He reached with his thumb to gently wipe her cheeks as he smiled a small smile. "He can get twice as high as I did yesterday, every step of his cracks the floor he's standing on, and every touch of his would turn the other into a puddle."
"Huh," and she giggled to herself, and he had to wonder in shock how she was still able to giggle but be relieved at the sound of it at the same time, "dad is strong."
"Very strong. Do you see my point now?"
"Well… yes. But it's different, don't you see that?" Their eyes met again. "Me and dad are father and daughter. There's something… innocent in that. Me and you… in the kind of relationship we have, there could be a lot more complex and intense emotions. Jealousy, rage, betrayal…"
"I agree. But I'm not like that! Look…" and he shook his head miserably, "maybe, maybe Ares is like that, or Zeus. They're angry, impulsive, vindictive. I'm nothing like that. You said it yourself when you just got to know me. I don't lose my cool and suddenly obliterate people blindly. Besides, do you think I never got betrayed, cheated on? Believe it or not, even the mighty gods get their hearts broken from time to time. And clearly, I didn't do anything to those girls afterward. It's not who I am!"
"Look, I'm sorry," it was her turn to look regretful, "I didn't mean to imply that you're this violent guy, and, and you never did anything to justify this implication."
"Don't apologize to me, I don't need your sorrow. I just need you to understand. I think you're missing on something very fundamental here if you think I can hurt you," he shook his head before his eyes met hers and he tried to convey to her just how much he meant what he said, "Penny, I… oh, Hades, how should I even say that?" He looked away and rubbed his face again, "okay, I got it. Okay. If someone presented me with the choice of having me happy or having you happy, I would've chosen you in a heartbeat. Now, now hurting you kind of misses the point, doesn't it? I can't inflict pain on those I love. I can't. Those that do, they do it because the power, the submissiveness makes them feel superior. Better. But I'm not like that. I don't care for power, and when people submit to me it does nothing to me. I only care about protecting those I love. And to do that, I'll go to the greatest lengths. But my Penny, you are one of them, can't you see that? I can never hurt you. I can damage those that dare to hurt you or my children, and with the full force of my powers, but I'll never hurt you, yourself. Ugh. I'm babbling like an idiot. Look, I -"
"It's okay," she suddenly stopped him, "it's okay. I… I think I get it now."
"You do?"
"Yeah, I, I think so."
Well, good. She should get it, it's plainly obvious.
How could she not have seen it from the beginning? Was she blind? Did she not see the way he was with her?
Because, well, everyone else sure saw it.
"I'm sorry," she said again, pulling him into a hug and leaning her head on his shoulder, "you were always so gentle with me, that I was just so… shocked yesterday. I didn't even know you have a side like that."
"Well, growing 7 meters tall and electrifying the air is not exactly a part of my courting methods," he joked as he shook his head, his fingers tracing circles on her back. "My Penny, I can't even describe to you how much I ache over what you've been through. And… and, thank you for telling me. The more you tell me, the more I'll know how to act around you, how to do things to make you feel comfortable. So even if it's a bad, sad thing, I'd rather know."
She nodded her head as she pulled away and looked into his eyes again, and that awful fear was gone, at last. Now there was just regret there. "I will, from now on. But I want you to promise me something as well."
"Okay."
"If I'm going to tell you everything from now on, you have to promise to listen to me and not react in ways I don't approve of. If I can't control your reactions, I'll hesitate to tell you."
"Gods don't like to be controlled," but he smiled, revealing his amusement at her words.
"But it's reactions on my behalf and in my name, my love," and she smiled too, and well, with the endearment and the smile he could never really refuse her anything.
She really did have a crazy control over him.
"Alright," he nodded slowly, "but you cannot force me not to react at all. We'll talk about it, we'll reach an agreement, but if you tell me someone hurt you badly and then tell me not to do anything about it I'll just be miserable. I hate it when my loved ones are suffering and I can't help them with it."
"But you can help them."
"How?"
"By being there for them. Helping them through it. It's enough for me."
"You're sweet," he smiled and stroked her cheek with his thumb, "but there'll be some kind of retribution. I'm sorry, it's just how the world works. You might be an overly kind soul, who forgives without avenging, but I will not stand aside and allow people to hurt you without repercussions."
"Hermes -"
"Nonetheless, we'll discuss it. We'll discuss it, alright? I won't go, and…" he smiled then, "I won't get into a killing spree and decimate anyone that wronged you."
"Alright," she giggled, "sounds fair to me. No killing sprees."
"No killing sprees."
She leaned her head on his shoulder again. "I'm really sorry, Hermes."
What for?
"You apologize too much, has anyone ever told you that?" He smiled as his finger stroked her cheek.
"Percy and my dad tell me that a lot…"
"Well, they're smart, you should listen to them."
"And to you?"
Cheeky girl, that one.
He smiled. "And to me." He kissed her cheek and then her shoulder. "Are we okay now?" He asked as he buried his head in the crook of her neck.
"Yes," she nodded, biting her bottom lip and grinning, "very okay."
"Oh, by the way," and he pulled away and smiled slyly, looking much more upbeat, "are things better at camp now?"
"Oh, yes. But you… you seem to know that already."
"I know nothing," he lied easily.
She nodded, watching him with suspicion. "Well, yeah, much better. They're treating me like I am their hero. It's embarrassing, really."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. Ever since yesterday, when everyone heard what was decided at the council, the whole camp is chasing me around and thanking me all day. Worst of all are your sons, though. They went from pranking me to… well, still pranking me, but doing ridiculous things like sneaking a cape on me or placing a plastic crown on my head without me noticing."
"I taught them well. But how can you not notice someone putting a crown on your head?"
She rolled her eyes. "They have their ways. The Stolls are impossible now, too. They call me 'Your Highness, the guardian of all demigods' and insist to bow to me every two seconds."
Well, he may have told the Stolls to over-do it. He was glad they listened.
"My pride and joy!" He wiped a non-existent tear and grinned, "good boys, good boys. Cecil is probably behind all the pranks?"
"Yeah, he's the mastermind, I believe. Oh, also, Julia came to me before dinner and told me that even though it's very gross, you know, you and me, she has decided she likes me anyway, because, if to quote her, 'you're nice. And also thanks to you, I'll get to see my dad more.' So, hey, that's a win right there."
"Ah, Julia!" And he grinned, shaking his head and pressing at his chest with his hands, "that little demon will be the end of me. Sweet little thing, that one. She can say anything whatsoever and make it sound cute, right?"
"She's adorable," Penny agreed, giggling, "you did something right with that one."
"Oh, Julia. Well, that's wonderful news, she was always the toughest one. If you won her over, you won them all."
"Er, not all of them," and she smiled uncomfortably, "Alice still doesn't like me."
"Alice…" he sighed and then his head snapped up, his eyes filled with anger, "is she still seeing that Ares' kid, what's his face -"
"Kyle?"
" - Kyle?"
"Well," and she opened her mouth and then closed it again, shaking her head, "no, you're on your own with this one. I'm not snitching on your kids."
"That means she is. Hades, that's disgusting! I have to keep her away from him somehow."
"That never works!"
"Trust me, I have my ways," he winked at her and then looked down, pondering and mumbling to himself, "right, okay, yeah, the Stolls, no, just Travis? No, the two of them - and a bucket of flour -"
"Are you trying to make a cake?" She giggled and then took a hold of his chin and directed it to her, "really Hermes, these things never work. Trust me on this. You'll just make it this forbidden, romantic, 'my father doesn't approve!' situation."
He deflated, annoyed. "Well, what am I supposed to do then? Allow her to date this jerk?"
"You don't know him, you don't know if he's a jerk."
"Well, is he?"
She looked away, smiling slightly. "He has his moments. But, I'm not one to judge, he's not my type. I always disliked these overly macho, 'I'm the MAN' type of guys."
"Gee, thanks."
"No…" and she laughed, swatting his shoulder softly, "it has nothing to do with one's actual manhood. I feel like they're even less so… manly, that is. Do you care every time some no-one says something mean to you? Is Apollo looking for random guys to pick a fight with? It's called confidence, in my opinion."
"Okay," and he narrowed his eyes, "I'm risking said perception of confidence, but don't demonstrate manhood with Apollo."
"Come on," she laughed, "he doesn't see me that way."
"She's BLIND!" She laughed harder, and he started to smile too, shaking his head, "fates, I knew Percy had some dim moments, but you're just so clueless sometimes, aren't you?"
"He does not like me."
"Right, and he just goes around teaching everyone how to drive in his chariot, right?"
"What -" and she grinned, "it's innocent. He taught Percy too. We're just friends."
"Apollo doesn't have girlfriends! That is, girls who are friends."
"Sure he does!"
"You mean to say he never flirted with you? Come on, I can even remember seeing him flirting with you!"
"He flirts with everyone!"
"Oh my gods, you're naive! Fine, be naive, it's benefiting me. You're right Penny, you're absolutely correct. He does not like you."
"Right," she smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"Hates you even."
She laughed, shaking her head.
"Fine, I'm stopping. Hey, are we going to eat that pizza at some point?"
"Yeah!" Her smile brightened as she grabbed the carton. "Did you put mushrooms on it?"
"You bet."
"And onions?"
"Only on your side."
"And extra cheese?"
"Do you even have to ask?"
"Yay! You're the best," she hugged him and then opened the carton.
"Don't I know it."
A/N
Here we go!
An emotional roller-coaster, that one was. I think we can understand both a bit more deeply.
I tried to hint at it quite early on without fully revealing it - you guys always wondered why she's not like the typical 'girl-hero' trope, flawless and blindley-brave, and I guess it's because my approach to trauma is different. Especially given this specific situation, in which Sally was hurt by him too, and she was Penny's role-model! And we know for a fact that Percy jumps into situations to protect those he cares for, so say we add a twin girl into the situation, one that looks after her mother and grows into a situation in which her brother always offers her comfort - the way I see it, that's all quite likely to happen.
If you wish to understand this one better, feel free to re-read the first Prologue and chapter 4: Caution, it shows a bit of what Penny and Percy went through.
As for how long it took me to update, things have been... rather crappy. It's going to get better, though. Around this story's first birthday things are going to improve drastically so stay tuned!
PowerSeeker7545 - Thank you so much! I will continue this into HoO.
TheMeister7 - As always, you ask amazing questions I cannot answer yet :) Let's just say that Hermes is cunning and knows how to get things done...
Blueshell - Thank you so much and I appreciate you reviewing!
the7horcrux - I can't tell you how much I appreciate your continued support. You say the chapter made you feel better after a crappy day and I can only say that your reviews make me feel the same. Have a wonderful day, week and month and I hope things are better :)
W1rath56 - And I'll start by thanking you for reading this story, even if it's not your usual style. I always accept criticism, there isn't a thing that could be universally liked.
Thank you for noticing how different Penny is from her sibling, and you bring up a valid point. Thing is, I get bored so easily by reading a fanfic that just tells and retells the original story. It has nothing new to bring to the table. And as for me, I just cannot bring myself to write if I have nothing new to tell. Perhaps explaining why I wrote this story will shed some light - the way I saw it, adding a twin sister would stir things up a bit, mix them up. And that is exactly what I came to tell - how different things will be if a twin existed. It is that story. Percy is a vital part of this, being one of the twins, but as I will not rewrite Rick, some original, unchanged scenes won't be mentioned. I'm sorry. It feels like plagiarising to me. Not to mention how in this story, a part of Penny's strength is her connection to the gods (something no one should be ashamed of! A part of Hermes' strength for an example is connections as well, it has quite to do with the business world) so things will naturally happen more often on her front as the gods are strong, situation shifting beings. It's just how the story is built.
As for Hermes and Penny, I accept criticism but I politely disagree. Need I remind you, Sally Jackson was 19 when she had a child with Poseidon, which is still thousands of years between them? Yes, 17 and 19 are different (Penny is 17 when a relationship is formed) but I think it was a bit of modernization on Rick's part, as in the old world girls were to marry at the age of 14-15 (and sometimes even at 12!) and the ancient Greeks were no exception when it came to that. Besides, by the time Penny and Hermes foremed a relationship, Penny faced so much trauma, ache and challenges that she matured so much and was not a child anymore, but rather an adult, and one year was not going to change that. And while it is not ideal, they did fall in love and they make it work despite the large gap.
As for it being weird, again if it's not for you then that's okay. But the way I see it, it's not that much different than the rest of the Olympian-mortal pairings, most of them at least. It's almost always old, strong, experienced deities and by comparison young, inexperienced mortals. That's the premise.
Lastly, your last point is again valid, but as I mentioned before, this story is character-driven and unfortunately that character is the new addition to the story, as otherwise there will be no story. That is, some talented writers out there managed to write compelling plot-driven stories (you seem to do that quite well) but it is not the way I write. It says so in the summary as well - by adding a twin into the picture many people were effected. This is the story of how it effected them. It does not center around Penny, but rather on how she changes the original story, as it is what I come to tell - so of course it will involve her a lot, but that doesn't make her the entire story. Many characters got (and will get) a bigger part in my story than in the original series, including but not limited to Hermes, Nico, Apollo, Poseidon, Leo, Piper, Calypso and many others. I am sorry if your favorite characters did not, though.
Anyway, thank you for reading & reviewing my story even if it's not your cup of tea.
Nihar Op - see the above answer.
Amber - Thank you so much, you're sweet :) I unfortunately did not read Kane Chronicles (... I'm not too proud about that) and as for an Apollo love interest, this story will feature one, although I'm not sure if it will live up to people's expectations. I love the idea though :)
Belle Charzar - You are one of the reviewers that get me writing, so by all means thank you :) Not to mention how much inspiration I draw from your reviews, and this one is no exception! HoO is a mess in my head if I'm honest, an unwritten blur. But I'm determined to finish it, and to make it good, and original, and I do have an ending and a few points I wish to get to. So definitely stay tuned, and for sure keep sharing those ideas of yours as they certainly clear up the mess I have in my head! :)
And as always, you're great :D
Guest - Thank you! What a lovely review :)
Guest - Thank you so much! Unfortunately, I did not read enough of the Hunger Games to be able to write such a thing, I'm really sorry...