(Uploaded: July 16, 2021)
Chapter 21: Finale Part 2
(Author's Note) [!CONTENT WARNING BELOW! READ WARNING PLEASE]
Hey guys, gals and non-binary pals!
Long time no see, huh? What has it been, a full EIGHT MONTHS since the last chapter?
Crap.
I can't apologize enough for that and I don't have an excuse or good reason for it. It was just a combination of lack of motivation, fear of writing a bad ending to the story and a desire to relax that lasted for far too long.
That's why I want to make it up to you all by writing and uploading the Epilogue as soon as I can while keeping up the quality you deserve. My aim is to release it within a week or two, and PLEASE yell at me if I take too long on here and Twitter. I won't get mad, I promise, I'll be happy you love this story so much.
Can you believe that I started planning this story way back in June of 2018, over 3 years ago? Because I can't believe it myself! I also started writing Part 1 of this chapter in December of 2019… so there's that. Time sure flies when I'm procrastinating and not paying attention.
!CONTENT WARNING!
HERE → One last thing, I apologize if I got any pregnancy facts wrong. I looked up everything twice before writing it down, but I'm a single dude who doesn't plan on having kids, so I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to pregnancy.
AND HERE → And, if the topic of pregnancy is uncomfortable for you in ANY way, then I'd read the first section of the chapter with caution or skip a little once they start talking about it. I want to emphasize that I don't mean to make anyone uncomfortable or even worse 'fetishize' it or anything. But the upcoming scene with Hera IS THERE for a plot specific reason, and it also ties into mythology. Won't spoil it here, but when you read it, you'll know what I mean.
Again, I apologize if it makes anyone uncomfortable, it was NOT my intention in any way.
Anyway, enough rambling, you waited long enough. Please enjoy the VERY LAST regular chapter(excluding the Epilogue) of Champion Of Olympus:
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Chapter 21: Finale Part 2
***[I usually try to keep the recaps short and concise, but I just couldn't for this one and it ended up becoming 1,000+ words and I had only summarized three chapters before I deleted and rewrote it, so, please, just reread the last like ten chapters, okay?]***
[The fabled Promised Day has come to an end. But not without great loss and sacrifice on all sides.
And not without changing the world forever.
For better or worse, no one could say.
Leonidas Dione Reed, the mortal son of Heracles, decided to align himself with the very gods he despised in order to protect them and the world. But even after that, Lord Zeus attacked Leonidas himself during the sheer chaos that was the Promised Day.
The resulting battle claimed the life of not only Ares who had been earlier killed by Leonidas, but also Leonidas himself when a mortally wounded Zeus blasted an injured and beaten Leonidas with his Master Bolt.
As Leonidas began to slip from the mortal world, Percy avenged his blood brother— with the help of an unknown ally who knocked the Master Bolt from his hand— by killing the King of the Gods before snapping his sword Riptide in his chest.
After making Percy promise to take in his ten month old demititan daughter Astraea, Leonidas quickly succumbed to his injuries and died seconds before his wife Eos landed beside him.
Using the last of her waning power, Eos created a constellation of her and Leonidas' image named the Lovers in the night sky.
After the smoke cleared, Hera called an assembly of the remaining members of the Olympian Council and their most loyal and just demigod children. Revealing her decision and belief that the current Councils' time had come to an end, and that it was time for new gods to claim the thrones.
Jason, Thalia, Nico, Piper, Will, Leo, Sherman Yang, Malcolm Pace, Miranda, Travis and Pollux, along with Lady Hebe and Kymopoleia, were selected as the new Olympian Council.
After reuniting with his pregnant girlfriend Annabeth Chase, Percy was finally given Athena's blessing and the two demigods married an hour later on Olympus.
The newly married Percy and Annabeth Jackson travelled to West Quoddy Head, Maine, where they found the fairytale cottage of the late Leonidas and Eos.
But where they also found their recently orphaned daughter, Astraea, and decided to take the young demititan in as their own child.
Now, the newly formed family of three is heading back home to New York to introduce Astraea to her new grandparents and tell said grandparents about their unexpected marriage and Annabeth's pregnancy.
And, honestly, Percy was scared shitless over how his mother was going to react to the news.]
~Just a Page Break asking you to please leave a Review~
"She's beautiful…"
Percy didn't know how amazingly indescribable it would feel to hold their new daughter Astraea until he ever so carefully held her in his arms for the first time.
He had never held a baby before, so he was a little more than worried about dropping her or holding onto her too tight, but as the little ten month old girl looked up at him with a mixture of a toothy and gummy grin, he felt all his worries and fears wash away.
But they were immediately replaced with the deep desire to care for and love her.
She had lost her parents before she ever got to really meet them because of him, so Percy would do anything in his power to keep her safe and care for her like her parents would have.
"Look who owes me a massage." Annabeth said as she watched with a smile as his entire face lit up as he held the ten month old. "Told you you'd cry."
"She's just so…" But Percy didn't know how to describe the feeling as he held Astraea in his arms. She really was beautiful with her faint ethereal glow, pinkish blonde hair and pink chipmunk cheeks. Not to mention her tiny gold and red cherub wings.
But she was also just so innocent like only a child could be.
"A good father always falls in love with his child as he holds them for the first time." Hera stepped up to the young couple, a proud look on her usually stern face. She gave Annabeth a big smile. "I can already tell that he will make a wonderful father."
"Thanks, Hera." Annabeth smiled as she rustled Astraea's pink blonde locks out of her eyes. "I couldn't have picked a better man to fall in love with."
Percy didn't really listen to his wife or Hera as they went off into the corner of the room and talked about what Annabeth should expect in her own pregnancy and all of Hera's advice for her, he was too preoccupied playing with Astraea on the floor. Annabeth would tell him anything important for him to know later anyway.
The ten month old was sitting and crawling around on the soft carpeted floor in front of him and Percy just couldn't keep his eyes off her. Now she was standing with the aid of the old couch and trying her best to keep her balance. The determined look on her little face was utterly adorable and he couldn't keep the beaming smile off his face.
Managing to come to his senses for long enough, he remembered that he and Annabeth had picked out a toy for her on their way here.
After digging through his backpack, he found the toy and carefully held it out to the baby. "Hey, look over here, Astraea. Daddy got you something."
Astraea turned at the sound of his voice and began slowly making her way to him. She flopped on the carpet next to him and held out her chubby arms to the toy, Percy carefully put the winged toy in her hands and couldn't keep the smile off his face as her eyes lit up with happiness.
She gave a happy mumble as she tried to say something.
"It's a pegasus, Astraea, pega-sus." He paused for a second, wondering why on earth he was trying to get the ten month old to try to say 'pegasus' of all things.
Looking over to Hera and Annabeth as they spoke, he asked, "When is going to learn to talk? I'll admit, I don't know much about babies."
Hera and Annabeth paused their conversation and sat down next to Percy, with Annabeth putting Astraea in her lap alongside the pegasus toy as Hera began explaining child development with Percy.
"She can actually already say at least one word; 'ma-ma'." Hera told him, her smile faltering for a second. "When I first arrived here, she was crying out in her crib, calling out 'ma-ma' over and over. Eos must have left her just before dawn in order to try to save Leonidas… and I didn't arrive here until almost the evening, so she had been alone for that entire time. I only thank the Fates that I was able to find her when I did."
She silently watched Percy as he winced at hearing Leonidas' name. And before he knew it, she pulled him into a side hug in order to comfort him.
"I know what you must think of me, Percy. You must wonder why I decided to blame Leonidas for the murder of my late husband… but you must believe me when I say that there was no other way."
"Olympus has been on the verge of civil war for centuries," she continued. "And if all of Olympus were to learn of my late husbands' true plans and lies, then I fear that we would go to war.
"And in order for Olympus to stand united as one… then we must have a common enemy. And, unfortunately, with all of the Titans defeated and Monsters on the run, that common enemy must be Leonidas…" Her coffee brown eyes hardened to stone. "Though it pains me so, I must continue the rest of my immortal life with the knowledge that I have tarnished the legacy of a truly great man in order to raise up the legacy of a reprehensible one.
"Zeus was not a good King, or god, nor husband… but he must be remembered as one in order to keep Olympus united as one as we move forward together until a new era of unrivaled change." She put a hand on his shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze. "...And for destroying the legacy of such a great man in order to turn my late husband into a martyr, I must apologize, Percy. Not only to you and Annabeth, but to young Astraea as well."
"...I—I understand, Hera." Percy mumbled, turning his eyes to watch Annabeth play with Astraea. "And I understand why you did what you did. And I thank you for what you said and for taking care of Astraea for us until we got here."
Hera watched him in patient silence as he sat in thought for a few seconds.
"But can you promise me one thing?"
"Of course, my young hero."
"Since me and Annabeth are leaving the Greek world, can you make sure the gods and future demigods don't make Leonidas out to be anything worse? I know that he must be to blame for killing Zeus and Ares and for joining with the Titans… but please, don't let them turn him into a monster."
The goddess' eyes cracked, "I promise you that I will do my best, Percy, but know that Olympus is now under the authority of Lord Jason and Lady Hebe, and I no longer hold any real power on Olympus. And know that future Campers will be raised on the stories of how Olympus was destroyed and Lords Zeus and Ares were killed by Leonidas…" Her hands clenched with anger.
"So I'm afraid that such a thing may be entirely impossible." She said slowly. "But also know that I will try my best to do as you wish."
"...Thank you, Hera."
She smiled, "There is no need to thank me, Percy. You and Leonidas did more for Olympus and the mortal world than any other heroes in all of immortal history. It is the least I can do."
Continuing, she said, "I am also pleased to inform you that your request to have yours, Annabeths' and young Astraea' scents and presences be hidden has been finally carried out this morning. It took a tremendous amount of power, time and convincing, but I finally managed to convince Hecate and a dozen of our best magicians along with Hypnos and several others to remove the scent from you all. And as soon as your own child is born, they will have their scent and presence removed as well."
"Thank you, Hera." Percy thanked her with a smile. "It means a lot to us knowing that we and our children will never have to worry about Monsters finding or attacking us in the mortal world. This way, I know they will be safe from the Greek world since they won't be going to Camp."
Hera gave a sad expression. "If only the process didn't take so much extensive time, energy and magic, then I would no doubt insist that we do the same for all demigods as well. But as it stands, we could only manage to do it for the four of you."
Percy was about to say something when Astraea started whining.
He looked to the baby in Annabeth's arms worriedly and Hera chuckled as she noticed his overreaction. "Do not worry, Percy. Astraea is only hungry and a little tired. We can feed her and then I think it might be time for her to take a little nap."
"What does she eat?" Percy asked, looking around the tiny cottage and spotting the miniscule kitchen, but he didn't see a fridge or anything in it. Figures, there wasn't even electricity in the cottage.
Hera gave a humorous chuckle. "Why, Percy, she's a baby. What do you think she mostly eats?"
It took Percy a few seconds longer than he cared to admit to figure out what she meant.
"Oh!"
This time Annabeth chuckled too, before looking to Hera in question. "But when I last spoke with Lady Eileithyia, she told me that me and my baby are a little underdeveloped from getting injured and being put in the healing sleep. She thinks it might take some time before I get back on a healthy track." She put a hand to her small pregnancy bump. "I'm 28 weeks right now, but she says I'm not nearly far enough along as I should be. So I'm going to meet with her once every two weeks so she can help with its development. And she volunteered to secretly supervise the doctors when I go into labor just in case."
Annabeth gave the goddess a confused look, "Besides, I'm not at the point where I start producing breast milk yet anyway. So how—?"
"Worry not, Annabeth." Hera interrupted her with a hand, giving her a reassuring smile. "My daughter told me of your… complications. And you'll be happy to hear that she expects for you and your baby to be completely healthy well before it arrives. But make sure you stick to the instructions Eileithyia gave you. A healthy diet and exercise can work wonders."
"Lady Eileithyia told me that, but it really makes me feel better hearing it from another goddess." Annabeth admitted as she calmed down Astraea. "I'll be the first to admit that I'm more than a little worried."
"Trust my daughter, she isn't the goddess of midwifery for nothing. And trust in yourself as well. You are a strong young woman, you will be fine. I also don't believe that the Fates would allow for something bad to happen after everything you have done for them. I have full faith in you, my young heroine." Hera told her before reaching out to take the fussy Astraea. The baby calmed almost instantly in the goddess's arms. Percy figured it must have been because she was the goddess of family or was related to babies or something.
That, or a few thousand years of practice comforting and handling babies. Either one made sense, honestly.
And before Percy could stitch together another thought, the goddess pulled down the neck of her toga and began feeding the baby.
It took Percy a full five seconds to register what was happening and he found himself averting his eyes. He knew it shouldn't, given the circumstances and who was doing it, but it felt extremely inappropriate to witness.
He had heard enough Greek mythology to fear seeing a goddess in the nude, after all.
And Hera must have noticed his reaction— or most likely heard his sputtered noises of surprise, because she spoke up. "I apologize, Percy. I should have warned you beforehand. I somehow forgot that I wasn't just here with your wife."
She paused for a second to summon a small blanket to cover herself, then gave Percy and Annabeth another apologetic smile. "There we are, you can look now, Percy."
Percy waited a second before cautiously turning his head. But he knew Hera wasn't someone like Aphrodite, she wouldn't do something to intentionally be inappropriate.
The goddess gestured for Annabeth to come closer. "Come here, my child. I assume you have not yet learned how to do this yet?"
"No, not yet." Annabeth admitted. More intrigued by any lesson or advice Hera could give her than anything. Annabeth was expecting to get a lot of pregnancy and mothering advice in the coming months and years— whether she wanted it or not, but she figured that there wasn't a single better source of advice than Hera. "Lady Eileithyia told me that she'd tell me how to breastfeed in a later checkup."
"Well, there is no time like the present to learn, is there?" Hera paused to look at Percy. "My young hero, perhaps you can begin packing up your truck for your trip back home as I show Annabeth how to feed? I assume you two wish to get back to New York City as soon as possible?"
"Uh, sure?" Percy shrugged, figuring it best to agree with Hera.
"We won't take long, I promise." Hera said as she began talking to Annabeth as Percy stood and began searching the house for any personal belongings of Astraea or Leonidas and Eos they might want to take with them.
Hera continued, her voice fading out as Percy walked out of earshot. "Now, don't worry, my child. She can also eat soft foods or formula as well, so don't fret. But just in case, I can send you a surplus of my breast milk for her. A rather regrettable result of being a goddess of childbirth, I'm afraid, is that I always have more of it than I have need. Oh, and you may remember from ancient Greek history at Camp that my breast milk is what granted Heracles his tremendous strength, so do not be alarmed nor surprised if Astraea develops…" But Percy didn't catch the rest of what Hera said.
As he began searching through the small fairytale cottage, Percy gained some small insight into how Leonidas and Eos lived.
The first thing that stuck out to him was the literal wall of ancient books and scrolls that he knew would make Annabeth drool. A small reading nook sat in front of a large window facing the breathtaking ocean.
Along the far wall sat a long carved stone shelf with dozens of ancient relics and priceless artifacts from vases to busts, jewels and ornate chests.
He didn't know what anything was, but assumed that all of it had to be extremely important and priceless artifacts from Greek mythology— and Annabeth would kill him for leaving any books behind, so he carefully collected all the books and scrolls and loaded them into his truck.
Leonidas and Eos didn't own any pictures of themselves or Astraea, so Percy settled for the most beautiful paintings of sunrises that were scattered around the cottage and loaded them into his truck as well.
After a few more trips, Percy spotted an old phonograph that looked to be over a hundred years old. And next to it sat a collection of original records. After some thought and careful consideration, Percy decided to also bring the phonograph and records back to New York with them too. Who knows, maybe Annabeth would enjoy listening to them as she read to Astraea as she got older? Besides, they were too valuable and important to leave in the empty cottage for the rest of time.
Not before long, Annabeth came to him with a sleeping Astraea and told him that she was ready to go if he was. Hera wished the newlywed couple a safe journey and left after promising to stop by soon to check up on baby Astraea.
As they were walking back to his truck, Percy noticed the forest change around them as they left. With every step it seemed like the grove died more and more.
Flowers began to wilt as trees lost their leaves and died. The countless bird houses and baths crumbled and fell from the trees. The surrounding fence line tumbled and withered. All of the animals that once surrounded the cottage and grounds were nowhere to be seen.
But what surprised Percy the most— and what broke his heart, was seeing the white stone fairytale cottage crumble and turn to rubble before his very eyes.
He had wished nothing more than to be able to bring Astraea back here one day when she got older, but now all that remained was memories she didn't have and dreams unlived.
~Page Break~
(A Few Days Later - NYC)
If Percy were being honest, he had no idea how his mother would react to the news of not only Annabeth being pregnant, or them taking in a ten month old demititan they had never met, but also that they got married without so much as letting her know.
But if you were to ask Percy beforehand, he never would have guessed her first words upon seeing him with a ten month old girl with cherub wings and a pregnant Annabeth right next to him.
"Perseus Jackson! What did I tell you about using protection?!"
Suffice it to say, but Percy had never been so embarrassed in his life. It didn't help that neither Annabeth nor Paul could keep a straight face. Or the fact that old Mrs. Jenkens from across the hall happened to be walking by and heard the entire thing.
Never before had Percy felt so judged then when that old lady squinted at him as she silently shook her head before slowly hobbling off.
It wasn't until they were all inside that Sally actually greeted him. "No calls, no letters, no Iris Messages, nothing. Nothing in almost a year and this is how you show up to my door at six in the morning?"
Percy didn't even get to think of a response before his mom dashed towards Annabeth and enveloped her in a tight yet careful hug. "Oh and Annabeth, dear, you look beautiful! Ever since we learned the news I've been dying to see you actually show."
Percy faltered at this. "Wait, you already knew Annabeth was pregnant? I didn't tell you about it."
"And that was your first mistake, Percy." Sally gave him a frosty look before turning back to gush over Annabeth. "Annabeth came to see me one day when you were in the Big House Infirmary, asking me to take her to a clinic to see if she was pregnant."
"She did?" Percy asked his mom, before facing Annabeth. "You did?"
"And would you imagine my surprise when Annabeth asked me to take her in!" Sally smiled, pulling Annabeth away from the door and to the living room. "But enough of that, care to tell me how you have another baby, Percy? I choose to believe that you did not have another child before this one without telling me?"
And so Percy and Annabeth spent the better of two hours fully explaining Leonidas, his crazy life and destiny, as well as Eos and eventually baby Astraea. Including Percy's promise to take her in and care for her as their own.
Sally and Paul let the young couple speak without interrupting except to ask clarifications. And when they were finally done, Sally looked down to Astraea who sat on the floor playing with her pegasus stuffed animal.
"I only have one question."
"...Yes?"
"May I hold her?"
"'Course."
Sally gently swept the baby off the floor and into her loving arms, making sure to go nice and slow. She also kept Annabeth and Percy in view so Astraea didn't get too antsy.
"Hello, little one, I'm your grandma Sally— though I am way too young to be a grandmother, it's nice to meet you."
Astraea gave a happy clap as she said, "ma-ma!'"
Sally's smile dropped slightly, "What are you going to do about telling her about her parents?"
"Tell her the entire truth, when she's ready." Annabeth answered.
"But until she's old enough, we'll only tell her she's adopted and some stuff about her parents except how they died."
"Just be careful not to wait too long," Paul warned them. "If you do so, then she may never forgive the Greek world she grew up loving."
Percy faltered, "I know… But I never intend to introduce them to the Greek world. At least, not fully."
"What do you mean?" Sally asked as she played with Astraea.
"We won't be sending Astraea or her little brother or sister to Camp." Percy explained. "It's too dangerous, at any time they can be sent off on a Quest. And I promised Leonidas to protect Astraea with my life. So they won't be going to Camp."
"But, Percy," Paul looked to him. "You have to realize that there will always be a risk of them being involved with a Prophecy, even without being at Camp. Didn't half of your friends not attend Camp before going on the Quest to Rome?"
"Apollo pretty much said the same thing," Percy admitted. "But that doesn't mean I have to put them in more danger by letting them go to Camp."
"It's not that we have something against Camp," Annabeth explained. "Camp was my first home, the same for many demigods. But I have to agree with Percy that it can be dangerous."
"You two are their parents," Sally joined in, her tone neutral. "And as their parents it's up to you to decide what you think is best for them, yes, but you have to also learn to accept when things are out of your control. Percy, when you were little, I knew that there would come a day that you would have to leave me and that I could not protect you anymore as you fulfilled your destiny. And my first advice to you as a parent is to remember that there will come a day in which you must do the same for your children."
~Page Break~
"Hey, Percy, mind if we talk for a moment?"
"Sure, Paul. What's up?"
Sitting next to Percy, Paul gave him a humored look. "What? Can't tell that I'm about to drop some fantastic parenting advice for my favorite kid?"
Percy smiled, but didn't say anything. So Paul continued. "I know that you aren't my own child, Percy, and I know that we've had this conversation at least once before. But I want you to know that I am proud of you and happy that you let me into yours' and your mothers' lives."
Percy, yet again, didn't say anything.
"And that's what I wanna talk to you about real quick, Percy. Having a child that is not biologically yours."
Percy's eyes widened and this time he spoke up. "What do you mean?"
"I mean that while we come from two different situations, that you and I are similar in the way that we have taken in, or in your case, adopted, a child.
"And it can be incredibly challenging to enter a childs' life that way. It may be different for you compared to me, since you and Annabeth are taking in Astraea at ten months old, but it can still be hard. So, I'll give you this one piece of advice, Percy. Because I know that your mom has given you a novel length already."
"You think she's bad, try Hera."
"Ooof, I'd rather not, thanks." Paul gave a playful wince. "My advice, Percy, is just to love and care for Astraea as best you can. That's it. Just try your best to be there for her every day of her life. Just be a good man, husband and father. And even if you aren't her biological father, you'll always be her dad."
Feeling his eyes well up, Percy wrapped an arm around Paul and gave him a big hug. Not minding at all that he and Paul didn't hug often. But Percy and his mom couldn't have been luckier to have Paul enter their lives.
And Percy only wished to be half as good a dad for his kids as Paul.
~A short Page Break reminding you to Follow me on Twitter~
Percy, Annabeth and Astraea ended up staying with his mom and Paul in their apartment well until evening. They had just finished a late dinner and were making their way back to the living room where Annabeth sat with a sleeping Astraea in her arms when the news reporter on TV caught Percy's attention.
"...we still do not have any new information about the strange so-called 'monsters' that attacked New York City on the June 21st attacks. Our only big lead is this short video of what looks like a large man flying through the air and attacking our very own new helicopter."
A short and grainy video of Leonidas saving the falling helicopter that Percy had seen a hundred times appeared on the screen. New agencies all over the world had all but insisted on showing the short video and blurry images of him instead of videos and images of demigods from all over the world. Percy didn't know if it was Hera's influence, or just bad luck, but a lot of news agencies were omitting details of the other demigods and monsters and instead focusing on Leonidas, who they still hadn't learned the identity of— and never would, as Leonidas didn't even have a birth certificate and technically didn't even exist anyway.
"Anyone who has new information about the June 21st Attacks is urged to contact the authorities and information can be seen below or found on the Global News website—." 'CLICK'
Sally turned the tv off without a word, putting the remote down with a solid 'THUD'.
"I was watching that—."
"What you were, was getting upset, Percy." Sally told him strictly. "I've been watching you all day, your eyes are glued to the screen every time they mention the Promised Day. It's not healthy. There's nothing you can do about it anymore. So instead focus on your wife and baby girl."
Percy let out a long breath. "Yeah, you're right—."
"Of course I am, I'm your mother."
"I just keep waiting for me or Jason, or Nico or someone's name I know to be mentioned. We were all there, I just worry about them learning who we are."
"But you said that you were sure that none of the cameras saw you," Paul said. "So you're only stressing yourself out at this point."
"You need to stop worrying, seaweed brain. Hera assured us that none of the mortals saw any of us other than Leonidas. So they couldn't know who we are."
"I know, I know," Percy admitted. "Just old habits die hard, I guess."
"Do you know what the gods are going to do about the President and world leaders asking for you demigods to step forward and introduce yourselves?" Paul asked as he sat down next to Sally, dropping an arm around her shoulder.
"My personal perspective," Sally started. "The old Council wouldn't have gone for it, but the new gods? Well, all but two were demigods before and lived in the mortal world. So I can actually see them allowing the demigods to step forward and introduce you all to the mortals."
"That was our thought," Annabeth said. "We personally know everyone on the Council except for Ladies Hebe and Kym, and I know for a guarantee that Jason, Piper, Leo, Nico and especially Will Solace will strive to make peace with the Mortal world, especially the world leaders. Especially after what happened yesterday."
"What do you mean?" Paul asked. "Oh! You're talking about the poor child that was killed live on video, aren't you? The one that was wearing an orange shirt with a horse on it?"
Sally bit her lip, her eyes welling up. "Those monsters. Killing an innocent thirteen year old girl for wearing a shirt that resembled the ones the Campers wore on the Promised Day." A tear fell from her eye as her face contorted into rage. "How grown adults could do that to a child— livestreaming the entire thing too, I'll never understand. I mean, what has humanity come to?"
"Sometimes people are worse than Monsters." Percy mumbled under his breath, but everyone still heard him. "And that's another reason why I don't want my kids to attend Camp. That murder yesterday goes to show you that some mortals hate us, and want to kill us. And if a child was murdered for wearing an orange shirt with a horse on it, then I will never let my children attend the Camp that makes you wear the actual thing."
"We know, Percy." Sally told him, placing a comforting hand on his knee from across the coffee table. "And we understand. You need to do whatever you have to keep your kids safe."
"I only pray to the gods that this was the only time." Paul said wishfully. "Hell, I'd wish to the Fates at this point. Anything to keep that from happening again."
"We both pray for the same." Annabeth said. "And I heard from Thalia that the gods are going to try their best to keep a watch on America for the next few months to keep that from happening again. But America is a big place, and they can't watch everywhere at once. Not to mention the ancient laws. There are big rules against interfering that she's trying to get around."
"That's why I think the demigods should step forward and introduce themselves." Paul said. "They should select a representative or something that will not only speak for the demigod community, but also act as a sort of liaison for the gods and the mortal world. Someone who can enter that public stage, and potentially, the political one."
"I was thinking the same," Percy agreed. "And so was Hera at least. She even asked if I would be that person, but I had to turn her down."
"You made the right decision, Percy." Sally told him. "It's good to focus on your family."
"But if not you, then who?" Paul asked. "Is there a god of politicians or something that has any demigod children?"
"A few, actually." Annabeth told him. "Though, the biggest would be Hermes and he's not really known for that anymore. But there's a few more too."
"And, lucky for us," Percy said. "I know two perfect for the job. They might not be fighters, but they know diplomacy and politics better than anyone."
"Who are they?" Sally asked.
"Vienna Bertinelli, daughter of Ekecheiria and Dolcetto Higgins, daughter of Amphictyonis. And last I heard from Clarisse, they already have a few ideas and will present them to Chiron and the gods as soon as they can."
"If anyone can figure it out," Annabeth said. "They can."
Paul was about to ask for more details when Astraea woke up and suddenly started crying.
~Just a Page Break to ask you to leave a Review~
(The next morning)
Percy, Annabeth and Astraea ended up spending the night with Sally and Paul due to not only talking well into the night, but to also make up for lost time. And after breakfast was prepared by Sally and Percy and happily eaten by baby Astraea, the adults began talking about what Percy and Annabeth were going to do now that they have left Camp for good.
"Not that I mind you three staying over," Sally began casually. "What are your plans for getting a place outside of Camp?"
"We were thinking about trying to start finding an apartment in the next few days." Annabeth answered. "Somewhere close enough to you and Camp, but far enough to get some air, so to speak."
"Good luck finding an apartment in the city, though." Paul said. "Rent here is killer."
"So is raising not only one, but two children." Sally said. "And if you two don't want to borrow money from Poseidon— not that I think he'll be against it, but you might want to start looking for a job, Percy. Annabeth is going to be unable to work pretty soon, so it'll be up to you."
"We've thought about that, Sally." Annabeth said. "And my first goal is to go to school to become an architect, a while after I give birth, of course. And my long-term goal is to move to Chicago because all the best architects get their start there. I want nothing more than to start my own architect firm."
"And I know that you can do it, Annabeth. You're the smartest girl I've ever known." Sally gave her a proud smile. "But remember that you two will be busy with your children, and kids have the unfortunate probability of derailing plans."
Continuing, she said, "Paul and I will always be here for you two and your children, but we can't be the ones to raise them."
"Not that we thought you thought like that." Paul clarified. "But we'll be happy to be the cool grandparents that spoil our grandkids and take them out to a movie or for ice cream from time to time. Or to a good museum."
"We've been thinking about that," Percy told them. "And I was planning on taking care of our kids while Annabeth goes to school to become an architect. I don't really have a long-term plan like she does. But I do have an idea of how to make a lot of money rather quickly. At least enough for us to live comfortably and give our kids a good life."
"Just don't rob a bank." Paul joked with a chuckle. "We don't have enough to bail you out. I will answer if you use your one phone call to call us, though."
"What do you mean, Percy?" Sally asked, ignoring her husband but still cracking a smile.
"He's thinking of becoming a professional swimmer and going to the Olympics." Annabeth told her. "He already possesses the ability to be the best by being a son of Poseidon, so he can easily win a few medals, get a few brand deals, and make a good amount of money."
Sally looked more than skeptical. "...I don't know… It seems a little… wrong to me. Like you're cheating. It's really unfair to the mortals, you can literally breathe under water and don't get tired swimming."
"I know, mom, and I felt the same way, but if Annabeth hadn't been the one to suggest it, then I wouldn't have considered it." Percy explained. "I won't do anything too impressive to give away I'm a demigod, and I won't showboat or anything, or win by a big margin or something. I'll just try enough to barely win. I'll get the money Annabeth and I need to raise our kids and quit. Not to mention enough money to help you guys out, of course."
Paul tried to protest, "You don't really need to, Percy. We're doing fine—."
"I won't change my mind, Paul, mom." Percy told them adamantly. "You two have done so much for Annabeth and I, and I couldn't stand not doing everything I can for you two."
"Just don't go overboard, okay?" Sally told him, a smile on her face. "We don't need a Beverly Hills mansion or fancy cars or anything, just enough for a rainy day."
"But a classic car wouldn't be turned down, of course." Paul joked with his own smile. "But make sure that you take care of yourself first, Percy. Okay? You have the troublesomely kind habit of prioritizing others over yourself."
"I will, I promise."
"Good. But I wasn't joking about the classic car thing. I'm rather fond of old convertibles myself."
"If you two are done, maybe someone would like to change Astraea?" Sally asked with a sniff. "My mother instincts are telling me that she just went number two."
Percy let out a groan. "One thing I'll never get used to is how much such a small baby can poop." He turned to Annabeth who held the smelly baby. "Who's turn is it?"
Annabeth's smile was smug, "Yours. And she smells really bad, too."
Percy let out another groan as he picked Astraea up and went to go change her.
~Page Break~
(August/18/2011 - A private magical beach)
A month and a half later found Percy and Annabeth on a magically hidden private beach provided by Poseidon for Percy's birthday.
The young couple had spent the first half of the day celebrating Astraea— who shared a birthday with Percy, and had turned a year old. Who was now spending the night with Sally and Paul.
Sally and Annabeth had filled the apartment with so many streamers and balloons that Percy feared they'd never be able to get rid of them.
Percy still remembered the look of pure joy on Astraea's chubby little face as she was given her own tiny pink cake. The little demititan only needed the tiniest of permissions before promptly planting her face into the cake and began devouring it like a wild animal. It had taken forever to get the dried frosting out of her hair, but the look of pure elation on her face was worth every moment.
"I wish Leonidas and Eos could have been here," Percy spoke up, breaking the silence that had surrounded them for nearly an hour. "It's Astraea's first birthday, they should have been here to celebrate it."
"I know, babe, but there's nothing we can do to change Fate. We can only do our best to care for Astraea and love her like her parents would."
"I'm just happy that she's learned to trust us." Percy told her. "I was worried at the beginning that she would be afraid of us because we were strangers. But it hasn't even been two months and she's completely comfortable with us now."
"I'm happy too." Annabeth said, leaning into his shoulder even more as they laid on a large lounge chair on the magical beach. "But I'm a little worried how she'll react when her little brother or sister comes. We give her so much attention now, I don't want her to think we don't love her as much when the baby comes."
"It might take a little bit, but I think she'll get used to it. My mom said we just need to remember to evenly split our time between them best we can and it should be fine."
"If only it were that easy. Sally also said that newborns take up a lot of your time." Annabeth said.
"We'll manage, Beth." Percy whispered softly in her ear. "It'll be hard, but we can do anything together."
The two laid in silence until sunset, the only movements Percy's hand that rubbed slow, loving circles on Annabeth's inflated stomach and Annabeth's fingers that ran slowly through his hair.
They laid like that for another half hour, with Percy only stopping his circles when he spotted something in the sky that not only brought a swell of pride to his heart, but tears to his eyes.
The new constellation of The Lovers that Eos made depicting herself and Leonidas seconds before she Faded into the Void.
Pulling himself up to lean over his wife, Percy planted a chaste kiss on her forehead, one hand on her stomach and the other claiming hers. "I love you, Beth. And I'll love you and our kids forever. As long as we're together, I'll be the happiest man in the world."
Annabeth felt her heart swell as tears poured from her eyes. She pulled him in for a long not-so-chaste kiss. "As long as we're together."
FIN
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(Author's Note)
Welp, that's the Finale of Champion Of Olympus, how was it? Don't worry, we'll see Annabeth give birth to their biological child next chapter in the Epilogue, plus the gender and name reveal! Along with some other stuff.
Random question, but are any of you on a Percy Jackson Discord server for writers/readers? I joined a Harry Potter Flowerpot server while I was away and I love it! So if you're a part of one then I'd appreciate a link/invitation, hint hint, wink wink.
Sequel Announcement: If you're following me on Twitter, Instagram or World Anvil, then you already know about the sequel to COO, "Daughters Of Olympus". DOO will take place ~14 years after the COO Finale Part 2. It will eventually follow FOUR NEW HALF-BLOODS, three of which have ties to COO.
"Daughters Of Olympus" expands upon my PJO expanded universe even more, containing the Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Norse and nearly a DOZEN pantheons in total. I have decided to call this expanded universe the "Leonidas-verse" in honor of the man who started it all. I give a comprehensive breakdown, as well as more information, on my Leonidas-verse World Anvil page, which includes both "Champion Of Olympus" and "Daughters Of Olympus". The LINK to which can be found on my personal Twitter HephaestusBuild under the Pinned Tweet.
Fun Fact: I originally meant for this to be a short story, but as you can see, that didn't happen. I was going to go for the cliché 'A new guy enters Camp & gets the Campers to turn on Percy & the new guy wants to kill Ares to become famous & prove his strength' plot. Okay, the second half may not have been cliché, but it would've been boring. Annabeth wouldn't have fallen for the new guy(whose name was Tony at the time), btw, I don't think the whole 'New guys enters Camp, Annabeth falls in love with him, dumps Percy and somehow Sally & Paul die'' story plot makes any sense or is any good, no offense to anyone who's written a story like that, though. Leonidas has gone through A LOT of revisions and research to turn him into the man he is today, and I couldn't be prouder of him. Sure, I could have spent more time on his travels, included more hardships and given more stories with him and Eos, but I think that what we have is enough. Hope you agree, because this is the end for Leonidas… or is it?
Bonus Fun Fact: I almost made a Poll of Twitter for who would be President. It was between Morgan Freeman, Sam Elliot, Betty White & Gary Busey. Not important or interesting at all, but still qualifies as a fun fact, I guess. Who would you have voted for? Let me know in a Review!
Question of the day: 'What do you think of the story as a whole?' Liked it? Hated it? Thought it was meh? Let me know!
If you've never left a Review or if you've left one every chapter, please, do me the honor of giving me your thoughts! I read and respond to every PM or Review I get. It doesn't matter to me if it's a novel or a sentence, they all make my day and bring a smile to my face. Just a word, though, FF has been hiding/removing some recent Reviews and I don't know why or what I can do about it, if anything. I've been getting the emails where I can read them, but they aren't listed with the other Reviews. So if I don't respond to your Review, don't worry, I'm not ignoring you, FF may just be hiding it for a little while. If that happens then I might just reply in a PM if I have a lot to say. Thanks again! You guys are the best!
Next Time: Epilogue *cries inside*