Chapter 2: I get blasted by powerful beings
Percy's Point of view
Pain. All I could feel was immense pain. I could feel my breath becoming faster. Someone held my hands. Wait, I couldn't move my hands. My legs? Ha! Don't even think about it. I couldn't feel them at all. I tried moving my hands to no avail. Slowly, I opened my eyes only to find two pairs of eyes- one grey, stormy and deep in thought and the other like mine, beautiful sea green.
I woke up to see Athena and Poseidon scrutinizing me. "Hey dad. Lady Athena". I tried to bow. But Gah! Forget it! I couldn't do anything but look at them. Athena sensed my discomfort. "It's okay Percy. You don't have to bow to us". I nodded. One look into her eye and all the events of the previous day. Wait! "How long was I out?" Athena looked at me apprehensively. She looked at my dad for... confirmation(?). Poseidon looked at me with sad eyes.
"Sixteen days, son. You were unconscious for sixteen days". My breathing stopped. "Sixteen days?" I looked at the wisdom goddess. "Is Annabeth really...". Athena's eyes welled up with tears. Looking at them, so did mine. I didn't want to hear an answer to that question. "I'm sorry Percy. But it is real. You didn't wake up for about two weeks. So, we had to cremate her". Tears started flowing down my cheeks. What kind of boyfriend was I? One, I couldn't protect her and two, when she died, I wasn't even there for her funeral. Athena sensed my uneasiness and ran her hand through my hair. "Hang on Percy. I have to call Apollo".
The moment she shouted out the name, the god of medicine flashed in in a burst of golden light. "Yo Perce. My man! How are you feeling?" He asked, crushing me in a hug that would have made Tyson instantly jealous. "Apollo... Ca- can't breathe". He released me from the hug. "I can't feel my legs. Can't move my hands. Other than that, I'm fine". He smiled. "You overexerted yourself Percy. You used so much Energy that day, it took you sixteen days to regain it". "Here, have this". He gave me a glass with a pale green liquid. "Urrgghhh! It looks disgusting. What's this?" "it's an antidote to your numbness. Drink it and you'll be walking in a few minutes. It's straight from my son's desk". "Your son? Oh! Asclepius. Right". I gobbled it down. Surprisingly, it tasted good. Athena asked him "How long until he walks?" "Oh! A few minutes. Or seconds".
I could feel my legs again. I moved them. Ah! How good it felt to be back to normal. "Dad, can you help me up?" He looked at Apollo who simply nodded. He came over to my side and helped me sit up. I pushed my legs down onto the floor and tried to stand up. The moment I put the weight on y leg, I instantly felt dizzy. Seeing this, dad offered me some ambrosia. I ate it and could feel energy surging through my veins. I stood up and smiled at the assembled gods, conveying my thanks. Apollo bid me goodbye and flashed out
"Percy, I just contacted Zeus. He said the meeting to reward the demigods would start immediately. They would have already assembled in the throne room. But... ". She looked at my dad. He nodded, making her continue. "I want to take you somewhere. I'm sure you'll love it". She looked at me with a doubtful expression. "We'll go there only if you want to. Otherwise we could just stick to the plan and go to the throne room". I didn't even hesitate. "I'm in. Where do we go?" Her eyes lit up instantly. "That's a secret Percy". I nodded and tried to follow her. Keyword: tried. The moment I took the first step, my knees buckled and I fell face first into the goddess of wisdom. She immediately caught me and help me stand straight. "I'm sorry Lady Athena. Now I feel better. Let's go". "It's okay Percy. I have grown used to taking care of you the past two weeks". "What? You didn't have to do that. But, Thank you anyways". She smiled and nodded. "You would have done the same to my daughter Percy. In fact, you wouldn't have left her side at all".
"Ready for flashing away?" "Uh-huh". She placed a hand on my shoulder and flashed us away. We arrived at a garden. It was so beautiful that I couldn't help but gasp. Athena chuckled at my expression. "Not so soon Percy, save it for later". I smiled sheepishly at her and followed her inside. One look inside and to say that I lost my breath would be an understatement. The path was cured and it led into a more beautiful grove. I saw statues of all the heroes who lost their lives during the Titan war.
I saw Beckendorf, Silena, Michael Yew and many others. Tears now flowed freely through my eyes. Athena saw this and put her hand on my shoulder for comfort. She led me further into the grove. I saw many people that I couldn't recognize. Athena told me that they were the hunters of Artemis who died during the battle.
"Percy, I want this to be a surprise for you. May I?" She asked me, her palms curved. I realized that she wanted to close my eyes. "Uh yeah. Sure". She closed my eyes and we walked a long way. She suddenly stopped and opened my eyes.
I looked at the statue of my fallen girlfriend. One look at it and tears started flowing freely. The statue was built to great precision. If it wasn't forty feet high, I would have thought it was Annabeth herself. She had her Yankees cap over her beautiful blonde hair with princess curls. She wore her camp half-blood t-shirt and a jean short. I stared at her beautiful grey eyes that sparkled with intelligence, which used to light up when they saw me. I left the pathway and walked into the grass, closer to the statue. I knelt down in front of the statue. "Annabeth...". I thought of saying so much. But my voice betrayed me. Not even a word came out. I looked at the text at the pedestal. 'Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena, Architect of Olympus. Lost her life in the giant war, battling against Porphyrion.'. I touched the pedestal of her statue, and bent my head down, trying to gather myself. After a few minutes, I walked back to where the wisdom goddess stood and turned back to look at her. "It is beautiful". She nodded eagerly. "Percy, we now need to go to the throne room. It's time for you to be there". I nodded. "She's beautiful". I said under my breath, thinking that she wouldn't hear it. But she did. She smiled and placed a hand on my shoulder, flashing us away.
We arrived at the Throne room. Athena bid me goodbye and walked over to her throne. Growing into her godly height, she ascended her throne. Turns out, we skipped Zeus' speech about bravery, courage and all those, blah blah blah. I looked around. All the gods were now sitting on their thrones. Hades sat with Hestia by her hearth. One thought ran through my mind That had to change. Both of them smiled at me warmly. I looked over the Olympian council. Instantly, I was greeted with smiles. Zeus, Hera, my dad, Artemis, Apollo, Hermes, Hephaestus. Aphrodite was smiling wildly at me. Ares, Dionysus and Demeter didn't care.
I looked around to see my pals staring at me like I had grown an extra head. "What?" I asked them. That snapped them out of their thought and the next thing I knew, I was under a dog pile. They all separated and Jason gave me our 'traditional bro-hug'. Piper and Hazel gave a hug and a kiss on my cheek each. Leo and Frank clapped me on the back. All of them stood by my side and faced the gods. All of them were looking at us with an amused expression. Zeus cleared his throat. "It's good to have you back, nephew". I nodded.
"And now, to honoring the demigods who fought alongside us valiantly against the giants" Zeus thundered. "Firstly, Jason grace" he beckoned his son forward. Jason gave us a look and went forward. He bowed to the king of the gods and knelt at his feet. "Rise, my son, Savior of Olympus. Would you accept godhood? You will be the minor god of lightning and the lower atmosphere.". Jason gulped. He turned around and glanced at Piper. "Don't worry my boy. She will join you too " Zeus said glancing at them both, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. After this, he didn't even hesitate. "Yes father ". "Very well Jason. This will hurt a bit". Zeus stood up along with the entire council and blasted a golden light at Jason. He started rising in height and glowing Gold and blue.
"Next, Piper Mclean. Minor goddess of Beauty and love." Piper nodded and went forward. The process went on. Frank became the minor god of war and the commander of the armies of Olympus under his father, Mars. Hazel became the goddess of precious jewels and tunnels. Leo, the minor god of fire and his father's assistant at his forges. He looked so happy his face had a shade of tomato red, probably thinking about what upgrades he could give to a certain dragon friend of his. All of them assembled at the feet of the throne of their parents.
The throne room went silent. It was as if they were waiting eagerly for this moment. A god wearing a Hawaiian shirt and beach shorts stood up. He had perfect tan and dark hair plastered across his face as if he were just taking a stroll on the beach. My dad. Lord Poseidon. God of the seas, Lord of horses, The Earthshaker.
Poseidon called " Perseus Jacks-". He was cut off by his Zeus. "Brother if I may-". Poseidon looked over to the king of the gods. Zeus gave a small smile. Poseidon nodded and sat back on his throne.
"PERSEUS JACKSON, TWICE SAVIOR OF OLYMPUS, SLAYER OF KRONOS, BANE OF GAEA, TERROR OF MONSTERS, MY NEPHEW" He added proudly. "THE OLYMPIAN COUNCIL WISHES TO GRANT YOU IMMORTALITY AND GODHOOD, IF YOU ACCEPT, THAT IS".
"No." Dad's eyes widened. Zeus smiled as though he had expected the answer All the other gods looked shocked as well. Athena looked at me with a puzzled expression. Artemis looked at me, her eyes deep in thought. Apollo looked at me like I grew a second head (under his treatment). Hermes didn't look surprised. Hestia gave me a proud smile. Hades, however, sat expressionless.
"Think well son. This is the second time you have refused godhood".
"No. I'm sorry dad. I'm sorry Lord Zeus". I looked at the latter and continued. "If I become a god, I would have to adhere to the ancient laws about not interfering with the demigods. I would have to let them fight their battles for themselves which I most certainly don't want to. However, I have another wish". I looked at Hestia and Hades and continued. "I want Lord Hades and Lady Hestia to have their thrones restored here in the council". Zeus grumbled something about 'evil brothers' and snapped his fingers. Artemis now definitely looked surprised.
Two thrones rose out of nowhere. One was midnight black with images of Elysium and the other was a shade of red, the color of the fire in the hearth. Lady Hestia came to me. "You have a heart of gold Percy. If you need anything, please don't refuse to ask". I smiled. "Thank you Lady Hestia". "Just call me Hestia, Percy. " It was Hades' turn next. "Thank you, nephew. You have done me a great favor. I'll give you my blessing Percy. You will be able to shadow travel and summon skeleton warriors". "Thank you uncle". I smiled and said. He rose to his godly height and sat on his throne.
Zeus continued "However, Percy you shall be given partial immortality, like the Hunters of Artemis, meaning, you can die in battle but will be well protected against death from old-age and illnesses". I nodded. It wouldn't be wise to decline after what I just did. "It would be an honor, Lord Zeus". Zeus smiled. He started chanting something in ancient Greek and my body was surrounded by a sea green aura.
When he finished, he said "I, personally give you the ability to manipulate the air in the surroundings and be able to fly. My domain is now open to you now. You may travel as you please, without the fear of being in the receiving end of my master bolt" He added with a sly grin. "Thank you, my Lord".
"Percy, my son". Lord Poseidon started. "I shall enhance your abilities with water. You may now produce small blasts of water from the air and also be able to travel through the vapor". "Thank you, dad". I replied. Apollo came over.
"Hey Cuz, I'll give you my blessing too. I heard Chiron praising your archery skills.". My face turned a deep shade of red at that. "You will not suck at Archery anymore and also; you shall have a great talent in music". He said, smirking. "If you are free in the future, let's go clubbing". He added under his breath hoping that none of the other gods would hear it. "Sure thing, Lord Apollo". I said, with a cheeky smile. "Just Apollo to you, Perce". I nodded. He went and sat back on his throne.
Artemis stood up and walked over to me. "Lady Artemis". I gave her a small bow. "Rise Perseus. You are a special man, if I must say, the only decent man left on the planet. You made me question my views on men around the world. You don't have even a bit of interest towards being more powerful. I appreciate you for that. Don't you dare get corrupted by my brother. If you happen to be influenced by him, I may have to put an arrow in painful places. Besides, Thalia wants to have a chat with you". She said, putting a hand on my shoulder, drawing shocked reactions from the gods. I instantly paled. You definitely do not want to be the receiving end when my cousin is angry. "I also bless you with better skills at archery". "Thank you, milady". I said bowing. She made her way back to her throne.
The god of the forges got up with a grunt. "Percy, you have assisted me a lot in the past. I failed to reward you right, then. Now, I give you my blessing that you will be able to craft. You will have abilities similar to that of my children". I smiled. "Thank you, Lord Hephaestus". He hit me with a blast of orange light. When the brightness dulled, I could understand the working of every machine in the throne room. I thought of upgrades and what could be added to those.
Hades then stood up. He muttered yet another incantation in ancient Greek when a black Stygian Iron sword appeared in his hands. "This is for you Percy. Only my children will be able to wield a sword of this material. But you, nephew, have proved yourself worthy of its greatness. I give you my blessing to make you the proud owner of The Destroyer". I stared at the sword, completely shocked. "Th- Thank you, Lord Hades". He chuckled at my expression. "That sword sucks the essence of the enemy with each hit. It is extremely useful when fighting Titans and other higher beings". I looked at the sword for a while and gave an answer that I'm sure made Athena instantly jealous.
"Oh". Taking the sword from him, I sheathed it on my back.
Many of the gods face-palmed at my expression. Athena shook her head at me, smiling.
Zeus stood up. "If no one has anything to say, then it's time for the party". He took a look at the assembled gods. No one said anything. "Let the party start".
Artemis' Point of view
The instant the party started, Dionysus, my annoying half- brother got all hyped up. The thrones disappeared and a stage was set up in its place. Loud music began playing wildly. Apollo and Hermes snapped their fingers and instantly changed into their party outfit. They went to dance floor and immediately were surrounded by nymphs. How they manage to do that, I don't understand. Almost half the mortals in this world lost it because they simply couldn't control their hormones. They portray the very kind of men, me and my hunt despise to our very last breath.
Slowly, the music changed. I heard slow chirping sounds as if in a forest. I could hear the trees sway in the wind, a river's gurgle as it flowed through the forest. Occasionally, I heard animals growl. It was all tranquil and peaceful. I felt my eyes get droopy but, forcefully held them open. I saw Apollo and Hermes dancing to a different tune. The music was enchanted. The listeners heard what they liked the most. I caught Jason and the girlfriend of his dancing to a slow tune. So were that son of Mars and Hazel. Someone moved in the shadows behind them and in an instant, I realized it was Perseus. He headed towards the door. I don't know why he is so moody lately. He seems to get on my nerves. He should be like all other men. Instead, he is breaking all the images I set up against them.
I looked around to see if anybody was watching him. Athena was. She caught my eye.
Where is he going? She asked me in my thoughts.
I have no idea. Should I go check on him. I thought back. She nodded her head.
I set my drink aside and followed him out of the throne room with my hunter's abilities- silent and unnoticed. I kept a reasonable distance between us so that he won't know that I was following him. He walked through the streets of Olympus. It appeared as though he was searching for something. He broke into a run, looking both the sides as he ran. He suddenly stopped. It was beside Athena's palace, the entrance to the Garden of Heroes.
I should have known. Being the extremely loyal hero, that he is. He looked back to see if anyone saw him enter. I immediately hid in the shadows. He didn't seem to notice me and entered the Garden. I waited for a while and entered into the garden. I couldn't see him anywhere.
I scanned my surroundings for his aura. I noticed him a few feet beyond the bushes on my right. I cleared my way through the bushes and found him staring at the statue of my ex-lieutenant, Zoe Nightshade. He stood there for a while. He reached out to his pocket and brought of his trusty sword which was once Zoe's. It was imbibed with her immortal essence. He quickly put it back into his pocket and continued his way deeper into the garden. A route I knew all too well. He quickly reached his destination and sat down at the feet of a statue and tilted his head up, looking at the face.
I stepped forward from my hiding spot and walked towards him.
"You know, it isn't polite to ditch a party in your honor". His shoulders tensed and I smirked.
He turned around and smiled sheepishly. I had to force down a gasp after looking at his appearance. His usually bright sea green eyes that held no emotion whatsoever. A smile that didn't reach his eyes. His eyes and cheeks puffy and red from tears.
Percy's Point of view
My day was really turning out to be better by the minute. Firstly, I had to 'ditch a party'. Next, I had to make sure no one followed me and three, I get caught by the least person any one would expect- ARTEMIS.
"You know, it isn't polite to ditch a party in your honor". My face lost its color. I slowly turned around to see a smirking Artemis. I grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of my neck. It soon turned into a look of absolute horror.
"Mi-Milady?"
"You heard me right Perseus. What do you think you are doing here when all others are in the throne room?" I gulped and answered slowly. Making sure that my words don't get me turned into a jackalope. "I wanted to spend some time alone. I wanted to clear my head. Annabeth is now... dead and I thought of coming here and have a look at the statues. I saw Zoe on the way here. And..."
"I know Perseus, I followed you, didn't I?" I gulped and nodded. "Athena and I saw you leaving the party and I followed you to see what you were doing. She is worried for you Percy". I nodded. "I'll come back to the throne room in thirty minutes. I'll speak with her there".
"Just remember one thing Percy. Life throws whatever it has at us. The successful are determined by how much they throw back at it. I know you've had enough for a lifetime. Just don't lose yourself over this mess". She stepped back and flashed off to the-gods-know-where.
I sat back down on the grass and stared at her statue; my mind deep in thought. A few minutes later or an hour (?), couple of hours (?), I got up and turned to head back to camp. I only walked a few steps to see Hera standing there, glaring at me that could have given Artemis a run for her money.
"What do you think you are doing Young man?" I knew that tone. It meant I was dead. "Uhm... Going back to camp". I told her. It came out more like question. Her glare softened. "Percy, I don't think you are completely healed yet. What good it would do going back to camp?" Suddenly, I had a feeling that she wasn't talking about me draining my energy but, something emotional (?). "I don't know Lady Hera. It would certainly take some time- getting used to being without her, I mean". "By the way, Poseidon told me that you could stay in his palace hear on Olympus. One more thing, Athena is getting antsy. I wouldn't keep her waiting if I were you. She has grown to care for you, Percy, almost like a brother."
You know how it is to be struck by Zeus' Master bolt? Well, multiply that by a hundred. Even then, to say that I was shocked would be an understatement. "Why would she, Lady Hera? I'm not so special. I'm just... just me". The queen of the gods chuckled. "Truthfully speaking Percy, you are the only one who thinks like that. Why do you say it as if it's the worst thing in the world?"
It was my turn to shut up. "I was anyway on my way back. I'll meet her soon". She nodded. "Oh! And thank you, Percy. You have done the impossible yet again. Zeus and Poseidon are closer than ever now. In case, you didn't notice it at the throne room. You have brought together our family which I had failed to do so in the last three millennia". She flashed away.
I sighed and turned to walk back to Athena's palace. I knocked on the door and waited for it to open. The instant it did, I was wrapped in a hug. I opened my mouth to say something but, she beat me to it.
"Shhhh Percy. You don't have to say anything. I know. Both of them came back and told me. In case you are not going back to camp today, you can stay here".
"Here?"
"Yeah. Here. Third room on the right is yours. You are welcome anytime". I smiled. "Thank you La-". "Athena. Call me Athena, Percy". I nodded. "Come on, I'll show you to your room". She led me through a corridor that was filled with bookshelves overflowing with books. It had loads of different categories, some whose name I couldn't read at all. I didn't know my mouth was open until she told me to close it.
"They don't pay me for being the wisdom goddess for nothing do they?" she asked, chuckling. All I could say was "Uh".
She led me to my room but, didn't enter it. She stood at the doorstep. I went in and dropped on the bed. She pulled the covers over me and pecked me on the forehead. She then went back. "Good night". While she was closing the door, I swear I could hear a sound. Somewhere close to "brother". And with that, I entered the realm of Morpheus.