Hey guys! Sorry for the late update, but I had some stuff going on IRL that I couldn't avoid.
Anyway, today's recs are pretty much all the works of JillianEmily (one of the best percabeth authors ever) and my boy, IDKHowToWritePlzHelp (one of the best PJO authors ever). Please do check 'em out and give them my love.
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Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Olympus never failed to force out a gasp from my throat.
Such was the beauty of the city of the gods. Even if I'd seen it tens of times before, the magnificence of the place never seemed to stop taking me by surprise.
I could see Annabeth's eyes go wide as drachmas from the corner of my eyes. I suspected, Grover, who was behind me, was no better. The daughter of Athena's eyes glittered in wonder and awe, her gaze flitting across the giant columns and the architectural marvels all around her.
We walked through the busy streets of the city, everyone around us in a joyous mood as if unaware of the dispute between the gods. Minor gods and nature spirits bustled through the roads, their steps skipping in sync with the melodies of the Muses to the side of the main road.
I could see the palace clearly despite being over five hundred meters from it. Huge marble columns jutted out from the ground, supporting the golden tiled roofs over the massive structure. The palace was just like Hades' except white instead of black. It made sense for Hades to model his palace after Olympus, the home of the gods and one place he wasn't invited to despite having every right to.
"Enjoying yourself?" I said to Annabeth, my voice laced with infuriating smugness. Grover snickered behind us.
Annabeth flushed before clearing her throat. "Hm. It's not terrible," She said contemptuously.
I giggled. I knew she was lying, and quite obviously so.
After I had managed to wake up Annabeth and Grover from their states of unconsciousness at the beach, I had filled them in with what had happened. Annabeth had been completely mortified that I had to save her by fighting an actual fucking god. She hadn't even questioned about her whereabouts, instead, had started spewing apologies about their carelessness.
Suffice to say, I was pretty confused by her actions and had awkwardly consoled her by explaining it wasn't actually her or Grover's fault.
After she had finally calmed, I had proceeded to explain what happened during my fight with Ares.
Annabeth, just like last time had offered to go to CHB along with Grover and let me go to Olympus alone. However, this time I had staunchly refused, saying that they both deserved recognition for their accomplishments too.
Annabeth, secretly pleased, had made a huge show about how it was a terrible idea, but in the end, I had been able to convince her to join me and Grover.
As we walked through Olympus, Grover and I shared amused glances, looking at Annabeth trying and failing to maintain her indifferent facade.
We soon reached the Throne Room. The enormous doors opened with a deafening groan, and we entered the palace of the gods.
Twelve thrones were arranged in a U in the enormous throne room of Olympus. The ceiling hung high above our heads, at least a hundred meters tall. It was enchanted to show the nighttime and was adorned with the starry constellations of the night sky. Low clouds hung amidst the breathtaking beauty of the magical roof. I didn't know how that was possible, but I suspected Zeus might've had something to do with it.
Right away the brazier in front of me caught my eyes. A roaring fire was lit in the center of the resplendent throne room with high orange and red flames. However, despite the enormity of the flames, it provided nothing but a gentle warmth to the surroundings. The central Hearth.
My eyes caught the form of a little girl sat at the edge of the brazier, tending to the coals. She turned towards me and winked. I grinned reflexively and nodded towards my mother respectfully. She just giggled.
I heard Annabeth gasp and only then I realized the most obvious detail. The thrones, unlike the last time in my quest, were occupied by their respective gods.
I gulped.
My wishes would be only tougher to ask against the entire council.
Twelve pairs of godly stared at us, examining us, in one way or the other. Right ahead, stood a simple platinum throne, perfectly at the center of the U. Zeus sat on the simple throne, staring at us with narrowed eyes. He was dressed in his usual attire of a well-tailored suit and pants.
Beside him sat the Queen of Olympus. Her face carefully blank, she watched us approach them. Her throne seemed identical to Zeus except it was embroidered with the design of a peacock's plumage adorned over the headrest.
To the pair's left, in a casual fishing chair sat Poseidon. His eyes twinkled as he watched us, stroking his trident. However, no sign of recognition was present in his orbs when his gaze swept over me. I understood the sentiment. He wanted to look impartial in front of the council and treat me as just another half-blood who was accused of a crime.
The next to Poseidon were all remaining male gods.
The first one was Hermes, who glanced up from his phone to look at me impishly, before returning to typing whatever on his caduceus from his glorified manager's chair. Right next to him was a golden throne with a harp carved on its sides. Apollo winked at me, tapping his feet in rhythm with the song playing in his earphones.
Next to him was an empty throne. Yet, despite its lack of occupancy, it was obvious that the throne belonged to the god of War. It was completely covered with spikes and blood-red flames, which jutted out of the caucasian human leather cushions. I was confused over why Ares was absent, but I suspected it had something to do with Triton and my dad.
And at the end, on the purple throne completely made of vines, Dionysus lounged lazily, reading a magazine about wines. He didn't even bother to spare us a glance, and I nearly rolled my eyes.
I turned.
To Hera's right were all the goddesses. On the first throne, sat Demeter, looking at us curiously. Her throne was entirely made from the trunks of trees with branches growing out of the armrests and sides. Different seasons were etched onto the marble surface with every colorful plant growing in that season painted alongside it.
Next to Demeter, on a simple yet, comfy grey granite throne rested the goddess of wisdom. Her posture was perfect, her back completely straight as she examined us silently. Athena's face was carefully blank except her piercing eyes, which scanned over us slowly. From the corner of my eyes, I could see Annabeth timidly meet her mother's eyes.
Beside Athena's throne stood a similar one, painted in different hues of silver. It had the paintings and murals of various animals etched onto its sides. A bow was carved at the foot of the throne with the headrest shaped like a moon. Silver eyes greeted mine as Artemis paused sharpening her knives to give all of us a glance. Her eyes caught slightly when she looked at me. However, just like dad, there was no sign of recognition in her orbs, and she quickly turned her gaze back to her knife.
I swallowed.
Next to Artemis's throne was the love goddess's throne. Hot pink assaulted my eyes, nearly blinding me with the intensity of the horrid neon color. Seated upon it was the goddess of love, dabbing makeup on her face.
Aphrodite looked beautiful as ever with her brown hair with streaks of auburn and blue eyes. Her form flickered, momentarily changing her eyes to a bright silver and then to a deep black before turning back to a soft blue. I frowned.
She bounced on her throne like a little kid, eyeing all of us up excitedly. She winked at me before turning to Artemis and doing the same. Artemis just stared at her, looking terribly unimpressed while I grimaced.
We stopped a couple of meters away from the foot of Zeus' throne.
"Lord Zeus," I addressed, bowing respectfully. Annabeth and Grover did the same, although a bit nervously. I stepped back a bit, falling in line with my friends. While I wanted nothing more than to spite Zeus and bow to dad first, I needed him to be in a good mood to even acknowledge my requests.
"Father," I swallowed, greeting dear ol' dad next. Annabeth looked reluctant to bow to him but, fortunately, did so only after a moment of hesitation. Thankfully, Poseidon didn't look offended and offered us an easy smile.
I unslung my backpack after a nod from Zeus, and unzipping it open, I fished out the Bolt. The weapon spluttered and crackled in my hands. Zeus held out his hand as the Bolt floated from my hand, and flew into his, slowly increasing in length.
It transformed into the cylindrical arc I was so accustomed to seeing, and Zeus nodded satisfactorily.
"Rise," Zeus said, his eyes still on the Master Bolt. "And speak, boy. The only reason I'm yet to kill you is because of the efforts of your father and my sister. They have convinced me to listen to your words before casting judgment. Make no mistakes, I still hold you as the thief but I would hear what you have to say."
The entire council's eyes turned towards me. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at the three of us in rapt attention. Even Dionysus paused to read his magazine.
I knew they had watched pretty much my entire quest, except my fight with Ares and what happened in the Underworld. Zeus seemed to be checking if I would tell him the truth.
"Perseus," Poseidon spoke when I hesitated. "Address Lord Zeus, boy. Tell him what happened."
I took a deep breath and started narrating everything that had transpired in the course of the quest. Taking extra care not to reveal anything of importance, I explained the events as they happened. Annabeth and Grover added little bits I'd forgotten here and there.
When I reached the part about the Underworld, both Annabeth and Grover turned towards me, their gazes questioning. I knew what they wanted to know. What had happened after they escaped, and how exactly did Hades let me leave alive.
"And then Percy asked us to leave," Annabeth said to the council, fidgeting with the straps of my backpack. "He said he would hold Hades and his forces back until we escaped."
Athena raised an eyebrow. "He offered to stay behind in the underworld to ensure you could escape?"
Annabeth flushed and nodded. Twelve pairs of eyes zeroed on me. My cheeks reddened in embarrassment and I coughed uncomfortably. Hestia beamed and the hearth burned a little brighter.
"And then?" Demeter questioned, cutting into the silence. "What happened to him after that? As far as I know, Hades doesn't allow anyone to leave his moldy little shack."
I shuffled uncomfortably. I knew I was treading on dangerous waters here. I would have to be extremely careful with what I'd say.
"After that," Annabeth pursed her lips and frowned. "I don't know. Everything is a bit murky. I remember crashing into the sea and meeting Ares at the pier. And then it's like watching a broken tape-recorder. I recall Ares saying something about tactics and then it's just blank. Then I remember myself waking up on the beach again, besides Percy who told us that everything had been taken care of."
"I can't remember anything, too," Grover said nervously. "I thought it was just me who had fainted but it looks like it wasn't what happened."
Athena narrowed her eyes. "And what about the sea-spawn? Where was he during all of this?"
Annabeth quavered slightly. "He was still in the Underworld."
"Then how did he get out?" Athena asked suspiciously, turning to me. "You had the pearls at the same time my daughter and the satyr had. You could've easily joined them when they escaped. There was no need to protect them. I am unfamiliar with sea magic but even I know that the pearls offer temporary protection to the user. Then why did you stay behind in the Underworld?"
"What?" Annabeth furrowed her eyebrows. "The pearls would've protected us?"
"Aye," Poseidon replied confidently. "They would've. At least until they transported you back to the seas. While my brother is powerful, once you stepped on the pearls, you were declared under my protection. Even he couldn't have harmed you after that."
"Then why…" Annabeth trailed off, turning to me.
"Then why did he stay behind?" Athena finished, narrowing her eyes. "There was no reason for him to stay needlessly in the Underworld. Unless he had a motive, even I don't think a sea-spawn would be so idiotic to stay in the land of the dead without reason. Perhaps, he wanted to discuss something with Hades?"
Poseidon's nostrils flared in anger, and he stood up menacingly. His trident lit up green at the tips, and his eyes turned stormy. The gods recoiled slightly, surprised to see the outburst. Even I flinched slightly.
"Was that an accusation, niece?" Poseidon seethed, gripping his trident tightly. The pressure in the throne room dropped. "Even hinting that my son was involved in a nefarious plot with Hades, is a slight against me. And I assure you, that's a line, you do not want to cross," He threatened maliciously.
A part of me was surprised, and frankly, happy that dad was sticking up for me, but the more logical side of me could only silently curse at his ability to make bad situations worse. Guess, I knew that's where I got my ability to do the same.
Poseidon glowered at everyone as if daring them to speak in agreement with Athena's words.
However, Athena sat up straighter and glared at him defiantly.
"I stand abide what I said," She replied coolly. "The evidence points at only one thing. Funnily, I don't recall accusing him of anything. It was you who jumped to the conclusion of plotting against Zeus."
Poseidon looked just about ready to stab her. "You dare-"
"Uh, I'm sorry to interrupt," I cleared my throat awkwardly. Poseidon and Athena both turned towards me, which was bad news in itself because their murderous glares were now directed straight towards me.
I resolutely didn't meet their eyes. "Can we not talk about me as if I'm not here?"
Athena's jaw clenched as dad put down his trident and nodded stiffly.
"Let's hear what he has to say first," Hermes cut in diplomatically. "And then we can arrive at conclusions. We've been watching these three in their quest, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks that Percy deserves a chance to speak, as well."
"Indeed," Artemis hummed, startling everyone. Her words were met with numerous surprised looks. Even Athena's brows shot up in intrigue and a puzzled expression rested on her face. However, Artemis' attention was fixed on her knives, and she didn't notice the confused glances of the other Olympians.
"Uh, sis?" Apollo tilted his head like a confused puppy. Aphrodite narrowed her eyes, glancing at me and then Artemis suspiciously. I swallowed.
There was a moment's pause before the goddess of the Moon finally lifted her head to meet the bewildered stares of her fellow gods.
"Yes?" She raised her eyebrow dangerously, coldly staring at everyone.
Hermes cleared his throat, bringing attention back to himself. "Uh, yes, Artemis agrees with me, too. Excellent. I believe we go forward with this plan?"
The gods all seemed to nod hesitantly. Zeus sat back on his throne and stared at me.
"What happened while you were alone in the Underworld, boy," Zeus asked and the smell of ozone permeated the air. "And do not even think to lie. Lest you may find yourself at the wrong end of my bolt."
I swallowed roughly. I would have to majorly bullshit my way out of this without lying or revealing anything.
"Lady Athena is correct," I spoke slowly, addressing the gods. "I did stay behind in the Underworld to talk with Lord Hades."
Athena shot my dad a triumphant look. Poseidon narrowed his eyes at her and looked to say something. However, before things could escalate, I hastily added.
"However, it was also to protect Annabeth and Grover while they were escaping. Hades had an entire army beside him, hundreds of dead soldiers, armed with guns and swords. So, I was skeptical if the protection charms of the bubble would hold against something like that," I explained, which was true.
It was also the reason I had to construct the wall of shadows, just to be safe. I glanced at Annabeth, who seemed to have the same thought brewing in her head. I did not doubt that she would've seen me perform Umbrakinesis. If she mentioned it to the Olympians, I had no doubt Zeus would have me killed. My eyes pleaded her silently to not say anything about it.
Annabeth looked conflicted. I couldn't blame her. All her life, she had been taught that anything associated with 'dark magic' was evil. And here was her friend, who used the same to protect her.
"An army?" Athena questioned, interrupting my thoughts. "Why would he need an army against two half-bloods and a satyr?"
I gave Annabeth a quick glance in desperation. She nodded, albeit reluctantly, and my shoulders drooped in relief. I turned back to Athena.
"That brings us to the next part," I grimaced. "It wasn't just the Master Bolt that was stolen. The Helm of Darkness also went missing on the Winter Solstice."
There was a collective gasp. Zeus's eyebrows shot up, as did my dad's. Athena looked ready to burst into questions, however, before anyone could interrupt I continued.
"The lightning thief, whoever he was, had also managed to steal the Helm during the solstice. He knew that if he stole the weapons of both the gods, then the blame would automatically fall on my father," I explained. "Both Zeus and Hades would, no doubt, accuse me after my claiming.
"That is precisely what happened," I reported. "When I marched into Hades' palace, he thought I had brought the bolt to give him, in exchange for my mother. He then accused me of having the Helm and tried to attack us when I said I didn't. I won't lie when I say I stayed to protect my friends' escape but I also wanted to clear any animosity between him and Olympus before it could escalate."
"And how did that work out for you?" Athena asked. "The Lord of the Dead is infamous for keeping grudges."
I winced. "Not very well," I admitted, rubbing the wound on my chest. "I got shot twice and stabbed."
There was a pause.
"What?" Annabeth asked sharply, startling me. She seemed to forget we were before the Olympians and turned towards me, positively seething. "I'm sorry, but you got shot and stabbed, and you just mention it now?"
I cringed.
"I didn't want to worry you," I muttered, forgetting that we were in a room with several all-powerful deities who could probably kill me for the disrespect. "I was going to mention it once we reached camp."
Annabeth looked just about ready to punch me, life-threatening ex-injury or not. Even though I had faced Titans and Giants before, a threat from my best friend was probably the scariest thing I had suffered ever. Funny how that worked.
"Continue, boy," Zeus interrupted before Annabeth could cause me any bodily harm.
I cleared my throat. "However, before I could pass out or something, I felt the pearl in my pocket smash, and the next thing I know, I'm in the sea," I spoke slowly, eyeing Apollo nervously. "And the water healed me."
Everything I just said wasn't a lie, but it sure as fuck wasn't the truth either. The water had, in fact, heightened my senses and washed away my tiredness. It was just a matter of perception, whether I took that as 'healing' or not. And in this case, I did.
Apollo narrowed his eyes, and my heart almost stopped. Fortunately, before he could call me out, Artemis said, "And then? What happened next?"
With Apollo's attention deviated to his sister's unusual behavior of taking interest in my story, I hastily continued speaking, before Apollo could get any second thoughts.
'You owe me one,' Artemis said in my mind, ignoring Apollo's curious gaze.
I bit my lip fondly. 'Fine.'
"And then I waded to the beach in search of my friends," I said, turning to Artemis. "However, the entire beach was empty except just one person."
"And who was this person?" Athena asked.
I swallowed. "Ares."
"Ares?" Zeus frowned. "What was he doing there?"
"He, uh," I spoke uncomfortably, hesitating a bit. I took a deep breath.
"He had the Helm of Darkness, and he was the one who planted the bolt on me when I went to the Underworld. It was in this backpack that he had given me after we completed his quest."
A pause.
I gulped, waiting for one of them to call me out for lying. Based on the look Athena was giving me, I thought she'd probably be the first to do so. It seemed Apollo had the same idea swirling in his head.
"Just so everyone knows," He stated nervously. "Percy is telling the truth. It seems Ares did have the bolt and the Helm on him when the demigod met him."
A longer pause.
Zeus looked at me with an indescribable expression while Athena thoughtfully stroked her chin. The other gods were surprised into silence.
I took that as a cue to continue.
"Ares said that he derived power from war. That it was like a drug to him. Even if it meant you guys getting destroyed or his kids at camp being killed, he'd cheer for it," I said. "And-" I hesitated.
"What was it?" Athena asked impatiently. "Out with it, boy."
"He had taken Annabeth and Grover hostage during all this," I admitted shamefully. "He threatened to kill them unless I didn't give the bolt back to him."
There was a moment's silence before Athena shot to her feet in rage.
"What?" Athena growled, her silver eyes glowing eerily. "He did what? I should destroy that fool for even touching my daughter!"
Even Artemis looked furious at what she had heard. "How dare he even think of harming the maiden?" She snarled, gripping her knife tightly. "I should maul him for his disrespect!"
"Daughters!" Zeus snapped. "Control yourselves. The girl is unharmed and standing in front of you. I'm sure you can get your revenge later."
Athena and Artemis glared at Zeus. If it was me, I don't think I could've handled the cold glares of probably the two most deadly goddesses of the Greek goddesses. However, Zeus bravely met their eyes and refused to yield.
Athena reluctantly sat down before giving Annabeth a concerned look. "Are you alright, child?"
Annabeth nodded, albeit a little uncomfortably. "I'm okay, mom."
"And what about you?" Dionysus asked, looking at Grover. "Did the hot-head harm you?"
Grover bleated. "N-no, Milord," He stuttered, looking shocked at the question. "Percy saved us before Ares could do that."
Dionysus nodded and went back to his magazine. I blinked.
"What happened then?" Demeter questioned curiously. "It seems you managed to keep the bolt as well as save your friends. How?"
"Uh, I goaded him into a fight," I said. "And I made him swear on the Styx that he'd give me the Helm and release my friends if he lost."
The gods stared at me blankly. I squirmed under their gazes.
"And?" Zeus urged.
"And then I won," I said weakly, unsure if they would even believe me. There was a pause.
Apollo chuckled, cutting through the silence. "Run that by us one more time?"
"I-uh, won against Ares?"
Apollo chuckled some more before slowly stopping, realizing I wasn't bluffing.
"You defeated Ares in a fight," He said faintly. "Oh."
"Is he telling the truth, Apollo?" Zeus demanded.
Apollo stared at me some more before nodding slowly. "It seems he is."
Zeus breathed in deeply and leaned back on his throne. He stared at me with a contemplative look on his face. None of the gods said anything.
I took that as a cue to continue. "The battle was supposed to continue until one of us drew first blood. I managed to do so before him. But, he broke the terms of our duel and didn't yield. He attacked me when I was unarmed and I would've died unless it wasn't for Triton."
Poseidon straightened. "Triton?" He parrotted incredulously. "My son, Triton? He saved you."
I nodded. "It was a surprise to me, too," I admitted before frowning. "Why do you sound surprised? Triton told me you had ordered him to come and help me."
"Me?" Poseidon blinked before shaking his head. "You must be mistaken, boy. I was on Olympus during that time. Triton must have come on his own."
I didn't know how to feel about that. Maybe, Triton had helped me off his volition and then blamed it on my dad so he wouldn't lose his image of the salty Prince of the seas. Or maybe, Amphinome had forced him and he was too prideful to admit that a Nereid had forced him out of his room.
"So, that's why Ares is absent, today," Hermes laughed. "He couldn't handle the humiliation of being defeated by a child?"
I shrugged. I knew exactly where Ares was and it threatened to bring up a manic grin on my face. However, Triton had asked me to keep it a secret and I couldn't break his trust after he'd saved my ass.
"Maybe," I said. "But, regardless, I got the Bolt and the Helm back. Hades had sent Alecto to collect it once I won it back, and then we came here."
"Is that it?" Zeus questioned.
I frowned confusedly. "Yes?"
"Wait, wait," Apollo interrupted. The god of the sun frowned. "I cannot sense any open wounds in your body. They all seemed to have healed. There is merely an aura of Stygian Iron over your chest. Other than that, all I can sense are scars and healed wounds.
"So, he was lying about the whole thing," Athena concluded flatly.
"No," Apollo shook his head. "He is telling the truth about the injuries he suffered in the Underworld. I'm just confused about how quickly he healed from those injuries. Unless he had some sort of divine intervention, he shouldn't even be alive."
"Divine intervention?" Hera's lips cured up in distaste. "A deity aided him?"
"A god healed him?" Zeus thundered furiously as lightning boomed around him. The bolt appeared in his hand, crackling and hissing dangerously.
I knew how uptight he was about the so-called Ancient Laws.
My hand snaked to my pocket reflexively, and I contemplated erecting a wall- made of shadows- around my friends if Zeus decided to throw lightning everywhere.
Poseidon rose from his throne, looking every bit furious as his brother. His trident shimmered with green light as he glared at Zeus.
"You will not harm Perseus, lest you find yourself against a war with the sea," Poseidon growled. "First, an accusation, and now this? You should be thankful that the boy retrieved your idiotic bolt, even after you attempted to kill him!"
My heart thumped wildly. Everything was going so wrong. Zeus and Poseidon both looked ready to throw hands and possibly start WW3 over my dumb self. I glanced at Annabeth, who looked terrified of the proceedings in front of her, and I grabbed her hand. I knew I could break up their argument by using my powers to distract the two, but that would seriously mess up everything.
"Everybody, sit down, now!" A feminine voice commanded deafeningly.
A huge column of fire rose from the hearth and spread outwards. The flames raced past us, completely ignoring Annabeth and Grover, and struck the two brothers harshly.
Both fell onto their respective thrones in shock. I looked disbelievingly at them before turning to the hearth. Hestia rose, in all her nine-year-old glory, wearing a scowl on her face. Her chiton was engulfed in flames as she glared at the shocked brothers.
"I have had enough of your bickering!" She hissed. "There is a lightning storm brewing on the East Coast, sinking ships and killing people because you two cannot check your anger! Control yourselves. And that is my son, you're speaking of, little brother. Who just underwent a quest to retrieve your bolt, after you accused and tried to kill him!"
I shifted uncomfortably.
All the attention and doting from both my dad and mom was extremely unnatural, and frankly a little weird.
"Uh, mom, it's really fine-"
"You don't get to speak, young man," She snapped, surprising me. "You have no right to speak after you got yourself shot and stabbed by Hades! And why is this the first time I'm hearing of this? I should be the first one to know when you get yourself stabbed."
I looked at her disbelievingly. "When could I have told you? I was busy fighting Ares and saving my friends from turning toast!"
"I don't know," Hestia waved her hands. "Maybe an Iris message would've been sufficient."
"I was on a deadline!"
Hestia harrumphed, crossing her hands. "I should be the first one to know when you get mortally wounded."
I rolled my eyes. "Are you saying you wouldn't have completely lost your mind, and blown up on Hades?"
"I spoke no such words."
I took a deep breath. "Then, why would I even-"
"Uh," Apollo interrupted dumbly, blinking at us. "What is happening?"
I looked around to see every single occupant of the room gazing at Mom and me in disbelief. I flushed in embarrassment.
"Oh, do shut up, Apollo," Dionysus, of all people, drawled. "This has been the most entertaining Solstice in millennia since the time we invited Ixion to Olympus. Such compelling arguments we have had the pleasure of witnessing. And it seems they're only getting better."
"Very well," Zeus said bravely, eyeing Hestia apprehensively. "You have done me a service, boy," He said, looking at me. "Few demigods have done so in the past. As your-"
"Wait," I interrupted. "Ares didn't act alone. There was someone with him; someone who was able to manipulate him into doing their bidding."
Zeus looked miffed at the interruption but frowned thoughtfully. "You are accusing Hades, then?"
"No," I shook my head. "I have been in his presence, but this felt completely different. Something much more ancient."
Zeus and Poseidon exchanged glances. Like the last time, they had a quick, intense discussion in ancient greek. Only this time, Athena piped in between to offer her input.
"It's the Titan Lord, isn't it?" I asked. "It's Kronos."
The throne room darkened at the mention of his name as Zeus growled. "You should be wary with names, child."
"It is him, isn't it?" I insisted.
"Enough," Zeus snapped. "We will speak of this subject no more."
"The Titan Lord approached me in my dreams," I spoke slowly. "He practically admitted that he has plans to overthrow the gods. Isn't he the master of manipulation? Do you think someone else could've convinced Ares to turn? Yes, he might not be the smartest tool in the box, but he still is an Olympian. One, who the Crooked One manage to manipulate to do his bidding. Why won't you accept the threat as it is, and stop holding it as improbable?"
"You'll do well to watch your words, child," Zeus warned. "The only reason I have tolerated your insolence is because you've done a service to me."
"Which is why," Hestia interjected, drawing attention to herself. Her fiery eyes twinkled. "Percy should receive a gift, shouldn't he?"
Zeus's nostril flared in anger. "Absolutely not."
"It is tradition, is it not?" Hestia countered. "He has done a great service to Olympus, and he deserves a gift just as Hercules and Perseus did."
"Hestia has a point," Demeter said, crossing her hands. "The boy prevented a great war from happening."
"Indeed," Poseidon added smugly. "Or are you too prideful to acknowledge deeds of others just because they aren't your spawn? What kind of God of Justice are you?"
"Fine!" Zeus snapped. He turned to me and sighed. "The Council has decided to grant you one wish, boy, for your bravery and conduct in the quest for my Master Bolt. Ask anything, and it shall be yours"
I blinked, completely surprised by the change of events. I was meaning to ask for a wish and this just made it extremely easy to get what I wanted. Mom sent me a discreet wink, and I almost laughed aloud.
"I'm grateful for the gift, Lord Zeus," I said politely. "However, Annabeth and Grover have done just as much as I did in the quest. They should get rewards too."
"Do not push me, mortal," Zeus warned. "Either accept your wish, or I will dismiss the council."
"It's fine, Percy," Grover pat me on my shoulder. "You've done more than us on this quest. You deserve it."
"I agree," Annabeth nodded.
I smiled at them before turning back to Zeus. "Any gift?" I asked.
Zeus's eyebrow twitched in annoyance, but he nodded.
Athena leaned forward to hear what I was going to say. Artemis nodded encouragingly at me, and I took a deep breath. I met the God's lightning blue eyes piercingly.
"I want you to allow the construction of cabins of all Minor Gods in Camp Half-Blood," I said. "And I want Annabeth Chase to design them."
welp, it's been a long time since I updated. I can only apologize. Time hasn't been on my side.
So, here is the Throne Room scene. Hope it was up to your standards. Before anyone points it out, don't worry, the gods haven't forgotten how Percy magically healed Medusa. There are gonna be questions in the next chapter. also, the next chapter is the last part of TLT arc! dw, SoM isn't nearly gonna be as long. Tho, after the next chapter, I'll mainly focus on rewriting the previous shit chapters.
Also, today's A/N is gonna be very short, mainly cause I'm not feeling too well. So, I apologize but I'm not going to answer the reviews. Tho, a special thanks to everyone who reviewed, I read every single one and they make me pretty happy.
Also, if any one of y'all is interested in X-overs, I have a Percy/Diana (Wonder Woman) fic posted on my account. Please do check it out.
Please join my discord server.
(also holy shit we've reached 950 follows and 100k views, i fucking love you guys)
Please review!
Byeee
