1 Week after Gaea War
We six Jason Grace, Piper Mclean, Frank Zhang, Hazel Levesque, my girlfriend Annabeth Chase and me(Percy Jackson) were standing in Throne Room in front of Gods(except Apollo) for reward Ceremony. Indeed we still missed leo seventh member of our quest who is believed to be dead. But still I had a long life ahead of me that is in new Rome and I will go to college with Annabeth in new Rome. I still feel lucky to have her as my girlfriend and after I am planning to take her to Greece and propose to her (yeah you would say too ambitious). I just need a normal life with Annabeth and maybe bundle of joy in future, still the idea of proposing her makes me shiver…..
Now back to ceremony…
"Now we shall award heroes for their contribution" Zeus said and changed to Roman form
"My son Jason Grace for being leader of seven and your contribution do you accept Godhood and would be a minor god like Hercules" Jupiter said and I saw Jason's eyes flickered towards Piper who was having nervous breakdown of losing Jason and Jupiter also saw that and said " Piper Mclean will also be granted godhood"
Jason then again looked at Piper, Jason went to her whispered something which she eagerly nodded. " I respectfully decline father but I wish that I and piper can be rewarded be partial immortality like Hunters of Artemis." Jason said
"Okay, wait after ceremony and you both will be given partial immortality" Jupiter said after glancing at Artemis who gave a nod.
"Now Frank Zhang my son council grants you any wish except godhood" Mars bellowed with pride
"I would like my curse to be removed father of wooden stick my father" Frank said
"Very well Frank wait after ceremony is finished" Mars said
"Now my daughter Havel Levesque" Pluto said "Same you get any wish except godhood"
Havel glanced at Frank and can see tears in his eyes.
"I would like to remove my curse father like Frank father" Hazel said
"As you wish daughter, wait after ceremony" Pluto said after shifting a little bit on his guest throne
"Annabeth Chase my daughter for retrieving my Athena Parthenos and closing Doors of death you are granted Godhood and will be on Olympus with me for training and designing structures for Olympus" Athena said, now here I was having a nervous breakdown but still I thought she will not accept like I did for a year ago and she even liked my plan of being in New Rome with me.
I saw Annabeth glancing towards me a small smile and then at her mother "I accept mother" Those three words went through like a dragger in my heart, I knew at that moment that all the plans that I had with Annabeth in my mind have been crushed, I didn't even pay attention to my name being called.
Jason was shaking my shoulder and whispered "Percy you are being called".
I walked to center of room and knelt to Zeus first then to my father. "Percy my son for keeping peace between both camps and for closing doors of death you are again granted godhood" My father said and pride can be clearly be seen in his eyes.
But again I knew the answer.
"I respectfully decline the offer again but I do have a wish" I said
I saw Annabeth being dumbfounded and all council shifting uneasily. "Perseus I thought it was because of Athena's spawn you didn't take godhood last time and now she will also become goddess" Zeus said with a bit of anger and was there sympathy(no can't be….)
"Indeed she was one of reasons to decline godhood but I want to remain mortal and live a normal life and have children in future." I said
"Very well Perseus please enlighten us with your wish or wishes" Zeus said with a bit sarcasm which I didn't find funny because of my situation
"I do a few have wishes Lord Zeus first I would like that Lord Hades and Lady Hestia are given Throne among Olympians" I said
Soon few gods accepted proposal and other started to protest.
"SILENCE" Zeus bellowed "Perseus you ask too much sometimes but still I will go for vote among council because council is being extended. All in favor of Perseus proposal" Zeus said
All accepted my plan even Hera except Ares and Dionysus and Zeus didn't vote.
"Very well then please welcome Lord Hades and Lady Hestia as 13th and 14th Olympian" Zeus said with a fake smile and clapped his hands and two thrones emerged one pure black obsidian with skulls and all helm of darkness images
Other orange color reflecting eyes Lady Hestia and showing peace and tranquility.
Lord Hades shook my hands and said Thank you whereas Hestia engulfed me in a bone crushing hug and a kiss on cheek and said come to hearth whenever need help.
"Is that all Perseus" Zeus said. I Shook my head
"Well I owe my life and Jason's life to Kympodiea" and I glanced at Jason who flushed now as he didn't complete his promise "Jason promised that we will make a shrine in her name at camp Jupiter but I would like to say make at least a small shrine or something connecting to all minor present from Hercules to Kympodiea to Annabeth at both camps" I stammered at last part.
There was silence for 2 minutes in Throne room finally my father broke it.
"Percy you ask too much sometimes"
"I hold oath all.. wait I didn't this time dang it" I exclaimed and there were few snickers from council and my friends
"Perseus even though this time it is huge project I approve it and Annabeth along with Athena will design shrines" Zeus bellowed
"Thank You Lord Zeus I would suggest to reward Nico son of Hades and Reyna daughter of Bellona because they also played an important role as much as we did" I said
"Then we will see then let's start party and please rewarded heroes stay behind" Zeus bellowed
Well I went to party area along with other gods except Pluto, mars, Jupiter, Aphrodite and Athena
There I was looking in sky seeing Zoe Nightshade's constellation and someone put an arm on my shoulder and when I turned around I was immediately engulfed in hug.
"I am so proud of you son" My father whispered in ear
"Thank you Dad"
"So you will again remain again mortal leave that Athena spawn" He said with crooked grin matching mine.
"Yes I was thinking of taking a break from Greek world and live with mom and Paul and Estelle for a few years" I said and mentally face-palmed for bringing Estelle
"Estelle who?" He asked with a little anger
"My mortal sister, completed 6 months yesterday" I said
"I see with that Blowfish" He exclaimed. I nodded
"Well Perseus you are welcomed at Atlantis whenever you want" he said cheerfully
"Thank you dad but I would, but Lady Amphitrite and Triton wouldn't be too happy to see me, but dad please allow Kympodiea in Atlantis, she just wants reunite with her own family and make it feel like she is worth it, Please Dad" I said
"But she already has engagement with Briares and doesn't want to stay in a relationship with him, being married to Briares she is no longer a citizen of Atlantis" he said sadly
"That's why she is angry dad that that marriage was without her consent, I am not saying make it null but please allow her in Atlantis, she is your own blood" I said
"Okay I will see in matter but first let's enjoy the party" he said happily and left to meet Dionysus
I know he is avoiding conversation but what can I do so I again started seeing Zoe.
Again someone's arms where there and I recoiled when I saw the face because she was the least expected goddess to talk to me.
"Don't worry Perseus I won't incarnate you" Hera said with a small laugh
"Lady Hera" I said with a small bow
"Don't do that Perseus, I know what you are thinking now" she said in dangerous tone
"How do you know" I exclaimed
"I can read minds Perseus perks of being goddess" she said and I mentally face-palmed again
"Yes I do want a break from Greek world want to enjoy some time with my family" I said
"And" she said carefully
"And the case regarding, Annabeth I thought I had done enough for her she would also reject godhood for me" I said, a tear fell down
Least thing expected she gave me a hug and I was too stunned to react
"Thank You Lady Hera I needed that" I said after pulling back
"And I see you are breaking up with her" she said and I nodded
"And I apologize Lady Hera for being disrespectful after quest of labyrinth and after sending me New Rome, I just wanted take your anger on me rather than Annabeth" I said
"I Already forgave you Perseus otherwise I won't be standing here, at ceremony I saw your face and read your mind I knew you were coming to apologize to me afterwards so that there can't be any bad-blood between us and sorry for reading your mind Perseus I saw your face I thought of reading your mind" she said
"It's okay lady Hera, I will take leave then and apologize to your son Ares and Mr. D" with that I left to apologize Ares and Dionysus and both were stunned but accepted it afterwards. Even Lord Hades Hestia thanked me again but Hestia was being different then being natural. Then came the final stand-off of Annabeth
I was drinking wine first time with Dionysus and heard a faint voice of Annabeth of saying "Percy" even Dionysus heard and left both of us alone. She looked stunning as usual
"Annabeth" I said. We sat in silence for 2 minutes
"So Goddesses now, your dream, domains?" I broke the silence
"Minor goddess of architecture, strategy, craftsmanship and Heroes" she said softly. I nodded
We again sat in uncomfortable silence
She broke this time and with thing which I have been waiting for.
"Percy we can still continue our relationship Percy as" she said and I broke her of in mid-sentence
"No, we can't Annabeth you will be at Olympus most of time and I will be at my home and here I thought I will be attending New Rome university with you" I gave a bitter, laugh I continued
"You didn't considered me for a moment when you accepted godhood you just accepted faster than I jumped in Tartarus for you and here I thought you were the wise one. Even though you thought I will accept godhood I would have been in Atlantis for most of time and you on Olympus and there was no way that relationship would have worked" I said
"Percy it was my dream" she said while tears were falling down on her face
"WHAT ABOUT MY DREAM ANNABETH I WANTED TO BE WITH YOU AND SPEND REST OF LIFE HAPPILY IN NEW ROME WITH YOU EVEN I TOLD MY PLANS OF OUR MARRIAGE TO MOM YESTERDATY SHE ACCEPTED AND EVEN I DECIDED TO LEAVE HER FOR YOU"I screamed and I noticed that everyone was looking at us and huge waves crashing on new York's shore and she was sobbing now
"It was a good time with you Annabeth and I hope you will be happy with your dream" I said and left here there sobbing made my way towards friends and gave my good-bye and left for camp-half blood.
Took a cab made my way to camp now I was crying and then went to my cabin and it felt like I cried for all night.
Next Morning I woke went to dining pavilion, where everyone were whispering about new gods and shrines being made, I knew that small talks about new gods and shrines would go-on for days as it was same like the last after titan. Where many campers thought that they might have readily accepted the Godhood if they were at my place especially Athena's spawns. I didn't wanna through the same lectures.
So I wrote a letter to Chiron of leaving camp and won't be coming any time soon.
I took Blackjack with me to apartment and as usual promised him to have donuts after meeting mom. Landed on roof and made my through fire escape but Paul's Prius wasn't there even though today was Sunday. I opened the door and found someone crying, Estelle was crying, made my way to crib picked her up and she stopped crying immediately but I knew somehow she wanted food and I made baby food for her. And then phone rang.
I picked up and heard a female voice "Is this Percy Jackson"
"Yes" I said
"We're sorry to inform you but your mom died in car accident today and your stepfather is in coma, please come hospital new Amsterdam for further requirements" She said
I went too numb to replay, I sat there on kitchen floor sobbing on floor and didn't hear Estelle crying and nothing I didn't knew how much time went but I composed myself made my way to neighbor's house asked to babysit Estelle for few hours she immediately obliged after seeing my face full red because of crying.
I made my way to Blackjack and when he saw
"Um, Boss" he asked nervously
"Take me to New Amsterdam hospital now" I sobbed
I went to reception asked for Sally Jackson and Paul Blofis and she said there is "Sally Blofis not Sally Jackson"
"Then Sally Blofis" I snapped and all water toilets near by exploded. Everyone was confused but she gave me room no.304 and I made my way towards room. I couldn't stand seeing my energetic mom lifeless, it was the last I thing expected
Doctor told me about me about accident and said to save a 3 year old child Paul ramped car into nearby building yesterday night and gave me a letter written on behalf of my mom by doctor in her last few minutes.
Percy,
I know you would blame yourself on this please don't and move on. I can't be more proud of my son. You truly are a best son a mother can have. I never wanted these hardship in your life but you did impossible made me proud and saved world twice. I know your plans with Annabeth please don't comprise them on me. As of Estelle please find a foster home for her if Paul doesn't make out. I know you will think it will be selfish of you to leave Estelle but please be selfish for once for me and find a foster home for me, go with Annabeth in New Rome and propose her. Please move on Percy and live a good life ahead.
Love You,
Mom
I cried there in front of her body and kissed her forehead asked hospital members to take her body to Montauk beach and I will accompany them and they asked why I snapped "Because I asked so" and again water toilets exploded. I made my way to roof and told blackjack to camp and I won't be returning any time soon. He reluctantly obliged. As of Paul he was in coma now.
I sat in ambulance and cried, I didn't knew what to do Annabeth gone, Mom gone and only Estelle and Paul left
I said them to leave body and leave then. I buried mom's body on Montauk beach and sat there for hours thinking about hours why fates have to be so cruel and huge waves were crashing on shores and I composed and made my way to my apartment so that I check on Estelle, as neighbor would certainly not appreciate babysitting more than a few hours .
Olympus Hestia POV
I sat on my throne and was thinking about Percy how gave throne to me lost his girlfriend and was watching through hearth when he was in hospital crying on his mother's loss. I thought about flashing there but something stopped me and when he was on Montauk beach I thought about comforting was about to flash there but someone stopped me and Hera was standing behind
"Hera what do you want" I growled, first day as Olympian and the Queen of Olympus stopping me from doing things.
"Same thing to comfort the boy" she said surprisingly calmly
"What" I asked
"I was watching with you the whole time Hestia" She said with a mischievous smirk
"Then by all means come with me" I said
"That's the thing he is taking an off from our Greek world and want to live sometime as a mortal so please give him time when need arises he will come to hearth till then leave him" she explained
"How do you know this" I asked
"During ceremony I read his mind and I was curious as I he was thinking of apologizing to me, Ares and Dionysus after ceremony so that there between won't be any bad-blood between him and us and he would be leaving Greek world for some time" She explained
"Why do you care for boy you hate demigods" I asked calmly, though this whole scene was making me think just one word why
"I still hate demigods well except Jason and Percy now Hestia but the thing is this one is different as like you I have started to care for boy please give him time and he will come back and also stop interfering in his personal life" She said and I was stunned and that would be understatement and then she left.
Percy POV (1 month after ceremony)
Well this 1 month has rather been eventful I applied in a different school as Goode won't take me back in.
I was certainly having a hard time keeping up with expenses well certainly toddler going through in apartment. As of Paul he was still in coma and his hospital expenses were going over the roof. Estelle is too adorable even though sometimes I can't look at her because she reminds me of my mom too much same hair and nose. But thing is that she has green eyes like mine, which I don't know how it is even genetically possible, she does resemble Paul also but she has same goofy grin like mine.
I need most now is money for paying apartment's rent, Paul's hospital charges also it had been a hectic month because most of time I spent with Estelle trying to make her sleep, changing her diapers, etc..
That's why I need a babysitter for Estelle so that I can focus on my studies and well occasional monster fights.
I even did IM's to Jason and piper for some money transfer but every time I did, I saw them making out or doing some stuff saying to call later. They did called later well and I wasn't able ask for money.
So I took a decision and which can be either go well or certainly wrath of underworld would be after me.
So now I was standing in NY central park and in front of Underworld's entry
Hades POV
I was sitting ideally in my throne room when I got presence of a demigod in my realm, I immediately sent Alecto one of my furies after. The next thing, was not I expected Perseus Jackson was asking for an audience. Well this day may become a little more interesting and I allowed him.
After 5 minutes he was standing in front of me and what surprised me was he gave me a short bow. Within which I informed my sisters Hestia and Hera that Perseus has come. What certainly intrigued me that they said he will come to your domain and asked me when he comes inform us and allow us to come to Underworld. They flashed behind the room so they can listen to the conversation.
"Well what is it Perseus" I asked
"Lord Hades I would like to ask for a favor" I gave a go-on gesture
"You're god of Riches as well?" he asked. Ha I see where this is going… I nodded.
"Well to summarize it briefly I am facing some financial issues as Paul, er, my stepfather is in coma and I need some mortal money for hospital charges and for college fees." He explained. I sat there dumbfounded.
"Mortal money?" I asked
"Yes"
I considered my options how many those unlimited cards I have 5 or 6 are left and can be few made. He definitely given my throne back. Even few started respecting House of Hades after battle of Manhattan. Well it's the least I can do. So I asked Alecto mentally to bring the card and when Perseus got it he looked at me for a description.
"It is debit card and now has your name, ha and also it is unlimited" I said
"Unlimited?" He asked. I nodded
"Thank You Lord Hades I will do anything for you"
"Nothing is needed in return Perseus" I said
Then he started to nervously play with card and looked at everything but me
"Perseus you could have asked Poseidon for mortal money even he has 1 or 2 cards which he would have gladly given to you but there is some other reason you are here I presume…"I Demanded
"Yes, well how to put my mother Sally Jackson passed away 1 month before so…..I wanted to know has she made to Elysium"
Haha Hestia and Hera knew about her mother's death and they knew he would to come to ask about. I pulled out my black I-pod and searched her name well she indeed made to Elysium but has refused for rebirth.
"Yes she has made Elysium but has refused for rebirth Percy" I said. And I caught my mistake of calling him Percy by seeing a small smile on his face.
"Can I er… ah Never mind" he said which got my curiosity
"What is it Perseus?" I asked then he pouted for being called as Perseus, as though he is a toddler instead of 2-time savior of Olympus.
"Well I thought can I meet her for a few minutes" he asked quietly. This was not I was expecting
"Give me some time Perseus to think about it while you can meet my Sisters" I said
"Sisters?" He said .I nodded
Percy's POV
I was expecting it to be prank by Hades and he would be like want to meet your mother meet my furies in name of my sisters. I imagined Alecto be like "DO YOU REALLY THINK WE WILL BEND ANCIENT RULES FOR A DEMIGOD AND THAT TO A SEA SPAWN". I nervously went to the room behind throne and shock would be an understatement when as in front of me were Hera and Hestia smiling sadly.
"Lady Hera and Lady Hestia" I said with short a bow
"Hey! None of that Percy we are not in a council. Please have a seat" with a wave of hand and surprisingly it was Hera who said it and I obliged
"So how are you holding up?" Hestia asked which again surprised me a little as a goddess asking about how a demigod holding up is not a top priority in their list. Seeing my surprised expression Hestia continued.
"Don't gave us that look Percy we genuinely want to know about you and we are not here to give a quest or something" I blinked and then again
"Well you already know that I was not financial stable but I am now thanks to Lord hades but everything else you know are holding up fine my sister is adorable, Paul my stepfather is still coma and even I visit few times a day but other then that Estelle makes for the day" I said with a smile on my face
"Yes Estelle is truly adorable" Surprisingly Hera chipped in.
"Indeed she is.. wait how do you know?" I asked
"Well this question is directed to you Hestia answer it" Hera said with an usual Hera-face ah you know stoic face. But in response Hestia just blushed embarrassment which was cute… wait where did that came from and she just waved on
"How you are holding up Percy after your mother is gone" Hestia asked quietly
"I am holding up fine.." I don't know what gave in but I cried for first time after Montauk beach and I was soon engulfed in a hug by Hestia. I don't know how much time passed while I was on Hestia shoulder.
"I am sorry, I just miss her a lot feels like a part of me also died with her and no-one asked me this question until now" I sniffed
"Percy it's okay, if you don't mind we would like to visit Estelle few time at your apartment" Hera asked. I blinked, then again here goddesses are willing to help me raise my sister even though only for few hours. I didn't what took over me but I just run went for a three-way hug. I sensed a shock expression from both but soon they returned the embrace. Which I was grateful for as I didn't wanted to be incarnated.
"Thank You, you are most welcome at apartment" I exclaimed
"Percy we will but not today, tomorrow as of today you need meet someone else, she is coming to your apartment Every day but I can see hasn't plucked up courage to meet you, you should clear things between you two" Hera said and Hestia face stiffened a bit.
"She?" I asked
"Annabeth" Hestia said quietly
"Uh-huh" was my eloquent response whereas my mind went in overdrive because I didn't want to meet her any time soon but I will have to meet her sooner or later so let it be today.
"So when coming back to Greek world or in your way Gods coming in your life again" Hera said again in a stoic voice and face but I can see she is holding a small smile.
"Well I am back in Greek world as you can I am sitting in front of two Olympians but this time I am not complaining though this a welcome change. You are asking if I will go to Camp-half blood then answer is no but I will go to Camp Jupiter after I don't know one and half years, yeah so I will come to Greek world after one and half years but there is a big if that will my stepfather wake up from coma then I will if he doesn't then I will be with Estelle"
Before they can reply another presence came and Hades was there with a small smile on his face
"Perseus you can meet your mother and I have set-upped the meeting and I will Flash you there" He said and his voice giving no emotion but bending ancient laws for me, I can clearly see he has a soft-spot for me but I didn't question it.