All is Lost
I.
Hestia
As Percy trudged through the streets of Olympus, he was very aware of what he must have looked like. A boy, maybe 16, messy black hair, and the most stunning green eyes. Looking passed that, he was a mess. Blood was soaking through his shirt and Percy had a not-so-subtle limp in every step. Beyond the physical, he looked depressed.
Below the surface, he was gravely injured from his fight with Kronos. His gait was riddled with limps, and he looked like he fell from building. He had several broken ribs, a fractured knee, and a giant slash across his torso. The fight with Kronos had been rough on him, but he held on. It scared me. He was so brutal to and after Annabeth, and he needs to get it off his chest.
Gone was the carefree hero that had wooed the population of Olympus those years ago. What remained was a husk, carved be violence and betrayal. He felt like a failure with so many friends that didn't survive the conflict, but I knew better. Sitting by my fire, I knew that he would keep hiding his fear unless I found him. He needed someone to talk to and to help him find the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. He needed to find hope again.
Percy
As I walked, I thought about all of my lost friends, those who had given up so much. Most of the camp was dead thanks to that traitor's actions but the one that hurt the most... Thalia. I am so sorry I couldn't save you. I couldn't see through her lies. I know you wouldn't want me to blame myself, but... I should've been able to save you.
Annabeth. I couldn't believe she would betray Olympus. And kill Thalia. They were best friends and I couldn't see why she would kill her. Other than to make a point for me. You are such an idiot that you thought you could trust me. That I would love you. You might beat Kronos, but you will never beat your own guilt. She was such a good friend. At least Nico was still alive. Someday he will wake up and this time I will protect him with my life.
As I reached the throne room and opened the doors, everybody quieted down very quickly. They looked at me with something suspiciously close to fear. They glared down at me and Lord Zeus started his speech.
"Boy! What took you so long? And where is my daughter?" he said.
"And mine?" Athena followed.
"Annabeth and... Th- Thalia are both dead." They looked at me in shock.
"Wha- How?" They yelled together.
"Well, Lady Athena, it is simple. Annabeth killed Thalia when she revealed herself as a traitor of Olympus. She was going to kill me too, but I saw Thalia die so I defended myself and wouldn't let her get close. I killed her when she attacked Nico, but unfortunately, he was gravely injured. He is comatose, and we can only hope he makes it," I said. Hades held his head in his hands. Athena looked ready to burst into tears.
"My daughter would never betray me," she said, voice full of doubt. "My- my favorite daughter..." She began to cry. "I- Perseus... I am so sorry," she choked out. "I hope you can forgive me."
I walked over and grabbed her shoulder. "Don't worry about it, Lady Athena. We are not are children. Athena looked shocked. "You would forgive me just like that?"
"Of course," I said. "You have done nothing wrong."
Athena gaped at me before walking over and giving me a hug. I gave her a few hesitant pats on the back as she whispered "Thank you."
I replied "Not to worry Lady Athena. You have nothing to apologize for. I walked over to Zeus's throne and knelt before him.
"Rise young hero," Zeus said. "The council has decided that you are worthy of one wish from the gods. I know what you shall wish, but there has never been a hero more worthy.
Wow... Godhood. But...
"No." The gods stared at me in shock, with the exception of Hestia, who was smiling.
"I don't want to be a god. I don't deserve it. I let so many people die. I do have a wish though." Zeus nodded. "As long as it is reasonable."
I smiled. "Firstly, release the peaceful titans, including Leto and Calypso. Second, give back Hades' and Hestia's thrones. Also, claim your kids before age 13. Camp will build the cabins, but this war wouldn't have happened without the kids who felt neglected. Thirdly, create a memorial for the casualties of the war."
Zeus frowned. "Is that everything?"
"Actually, no. I also want partial immortality, and for none of this pantheon to come looking for me when I leave. And an oath on the Styx for you to follow through."
"You ask Much demigod," Zeus said.
Athena interjected. "What he asks is reasonable, and also very simple. Not to mention most of these requests are for the good of Olympus."
"I... very well Perseus. I swear of the Styx in behalf of this council that we will do our utmost in fulfilling your wishes," Zeus relented.
Hades spoke from his throne. "Would you let me into your mind to see what happened to Kronos? I know you don't want to share, but I think that we should know."
"Very well Lord Hades, just this once."