This is a very, very important chapter for this story.

Time passed by for Aaron, busy and stressful. He spent his days practicing magic, casting spells, learning from the Athena cabin the arts of war, training Leo and Bianca and Nico, working on helping Medusa... it was beyond exhausting work. Still it was worth it, Leo was a top crafter and a strong fighter, Bianca and Nico were on their way to becoming powerful warriors and he had managed to burn away more of Medusa's curse. Percy, his best friend other than Leo, was at camp a few times a month to practice, learn his history and Ancient Greek. Aaron still kept his promise and trained with him twice a week, as well as with Sally who was growing in power by the day.

On a personal note, Aaron's magic had drastically increased, to the point he now had full spiritual flexibility, the act of astral projection on left him a headache and nothing more. He was able to, by December, cast spells of far greater power. He started spending a few hours a week with the Apollo kids, adding Hymns of healing to his grimoire as well as potions and other things those kids used to patch up their comrades. Frequently he helped patch people up during the Capture the Flag games. He felt himself becoming more and more whole as the days moved on.

He could will plants to grow with a spell and only mild preparation, a song usually helped to channel that magic or so he learned ( Soil and sunlight made it far, far easier). He could move things with his mind and weak focus, sense magic without any prep at all, start fires with his mind and more. His magical powers were seriously spiking, he constant effort evolving as time went on, however he quickly learned that it was more his skill that was evolving more than his power. Technically he was only about ten percent more powerful, whereas his skills had no real limit. The continued cost of mortality.

Eventually, by the Winter Solstice, Aaron was invited by Dionysius himself to join the Campers on their way to Mount Olympus. Aaron, having been told a few days ahead, had plans. Things around the camp had gotten to him, even if he lived in a rather detached manner, and he sought to help them. He also had a rather big idea, one to take advantage of his skills, powers and get him more allies among the gods and really help his patroness.

He was shaking a little, terrified what the gods would think about him as he followed the Demigods into the Elevator up the Empire State building towards the Home of the Gods.

"Leo, remember to be respectful, even if you deserve to yell at your dad he or another might turn you into a rodent."

Leo, having seen his brother's powers, nodded. "I know... faking it will keep me alive."

"Very much so."

The Elevator opened and Aaron's eyes ached with the strain of taking in the beauty of Olympus. He was standing on a narrow stone walkway in the middle of the air. Below me was Manhattan, from the height of an airplane. In front of him, white marble steps wound up the spine of a cloud, into the sky.

From the top of the clouds rose the decapitated peak of a mountain, its summit covered with snow. Clinging to the mountainside were dozens of multileveled palaces—a city of mansions—all with white-columned porticos, gilded terraces, and bronze braziers glowing with a thousand fires. Roads wound crazily up to the peak, where the largest palace gleamed against the snow. Precariously perched gardens bloomed with olive trees and rosebushes. He could make out an open-air market filled with colorful tents, a stone amphitheater built on one side of the mountain, a hippodrome and a coliseum on the other. It was an Ancient Greek city, except it wasn't in ruins. It was new, clean and colorful and so vibrantly filled with Magic that his eyes fell into the veil of magic and he saw a cornucopia of auras so strong it made his eyes burn and skin tingle.

With Leo's hand in his, Aaron made his way to the rest of the group that had gone up ahead. They passed some giggling wood nymphs in a garden. The nine muses were tuning their instruments for a concert in the park while a small crowd gathered—satyrs and naiads and a bunch of good-looking teenagers who might've been minor gods and goddesses.

They climbed the main road, toward the big palace at the peak. It was a reverse copy of the palace in the Underworld.

There, everything had been black and bronze. Here, everything glittered white and silver.

Steps led up to a central courtyard. Past that, the throne room. Massive columns rose to a domed ceiling, which was gilded with moving constellations.

Twelve thrones were arranged in an inverted U, just like the cabins at CampHalf-Blood. An enormous fire crackled in the central hearth pit. The thrones were filled with the powerful forms of the gods their auras so powerful that Aaron groaned softly, senses aching from the stress and strain of it.

First was Zeus dressed in his dark pin-striped suit, his black beard neatly trimmed, and his eyes sparking with energy. He radiated dominant power, the might of the Sky. He was handsome, in an older sort of way, but there was a sheen of arrogance that left him wanting. Aaron realized that his natural dislike of the hypocritical man only made him seem uglier that he was, even if his power was attractive in a way all it's own.

Next to him sat a beautiful woman with dark brown hair braided over one shoulder and a lovely form-fitting white dress, this was Lady Hera. She was almost as potent as her husband only her magic was smoother, softer, and eased his every worry as he felt it wash off of her. She was an utterly radiant beauty, even for a Deity. Even if he had met her before, looking at her was almost painful she was so lovely. His appreciation of her, for helping him so recently for helping Leo, made him smile at her despite her vile past.

To Zeus' right was Poseidon, looking like an older Percy. He was wearing a blue shirt and orange beach shorts, his trident sitting in what looked like a cup holder. His power, that of the world's oceans, washed against Aaron and soothed the feverish feel of the collective. The man nodded to him kindly, they had a connection no matter small in the man's allowing him to live in his cabin.

Next to him, a huge lump of a man with a leg in a steel brace, a misshapen head, and a wild brown beard, fire flickering through his whiskers. The Lord of the Forges, Hephaestus. Aaron wanted to study him more, mostly out of respect but also curiosity. He had a rare amount of respect for the man, his hard work and only a handful of awful deeds... the man was someone to admire. The man was grinning at him warmly, his brown eyes flickered over to Leo, and he knew there was an ally in that man.

Next to Hephaestus was Hermes, who looked like Luke so much it hurt. He was wearing a business suit today, checking messages on his caduceus mobile phone.

Then there was Apollo, leaning back on his golden throne with his shades on. He had iPod headphones on, but there was an odd focus to his posture that made Aaron wonder of if he was paying more attention than he let one.

Dionysus, looking slightly nicer than normal, sat on his own throne. He had a peaceful smile on his face, and Aaron knew it was likely for getting to be home and see his beloved wife.

Then there was Ares who sat on his chrome-and-leather throne, smirking hatefully. The man's arrogant aura was hard to handle, but Aaron was immune largely, magic largely amounted to the quality of one's mental state so he was immune to his ability to augment inner anger.

On the ladies' side of the throne room, a dark-haired goddess in green robes sat next to Hera on a throne woven of apple-tree branches. Demeter, Goddess of the Harvest. Her power was less than Hera's but oddly more comforting and rich, he felt the might of the Earth itself in her. His magic, that of the Earth as well, felt inspired and strong. He knew he liked her at that moment.

Next to her sat a beautiful gray-eyed woman in an elegant white dress. She could only be Annabeth's mother, Athena. She looked extra serious and very, very cold.

Artemis was next, radiating silver light of the moon. She was stunning as any goddess, with a strong body and red hair.

Then there was Aphrodite, who resembled... well a lot of random people. He saw Percy's green eyes, Dionysius' hard, Charlie's skin and smile. She was incredible, breathtaking, and painful. However, there was no love in her eyes when she caught him looking at her, only bored coldness. Why he had no freaking idea.

To his shock, the handsome Hades and stunning Persephone were there, both smiling at him. She was dressed in a lovely gown of purple flowers and Hades was dressed in a black tux that made him look devilishly handsome.

All of them bowed, and kneeled, though Aaron wanted to roll his eyes at the gods. Why make your kids bow at all, so... so arrogant.

"Rise, and look at us children." Zeus said, and they all did as they were told. "Last year, two vital things were stolen from us. For that reason, new security measures have been implemented. No one may enter this place alone, for one thing." Zeus went on to list a few rules, nothing too extreme. "Now, since you are here, feel free to visit your parents and enjoy this honor we have presented you."

The kids splintered off, moving excitedly to their parents.

Leo marched over to his father, who shrunk down, looking very, very nervous.

Aaron, with a goal in mind to help Nico and Bianca ( He had worried many nights about them coming to camp, being judged for their bloodline), approached Zeus. The man was stunned for a moment. "Lord Zeus, may I... may I ask something of you?" The god nodded. "As you know, I serve your daughter and in this, I have come to many realizations... for one, your daughter has no shrines, nor does Hades. I would, if you allow it, craft them one as to honor them in our home."

Silence, everyone seemed to have heard him and everyone turned to Aaron who was blanching in some fear of being smited. Turning, he saw a radiant smile on his patron's face, as well as one Hades'.

"Why?" The smile on Hades' face turned sour and he glared at his brother.

"Because they are long overdue that kind of respect. Your brother is the King of the Underworld, his wife the Queen as well as the Goddess of Spring and Vegetation. They take care of a near infinite number of mortal souls, including all of your collective demigod children and legacies. He is one of the Big Three, an immeasurably powerful force, and he is to be respected. His wife, your daughter Persephone, is a force on her own with sway over the Earth and Heavens. She plays a massive part in the Human life cycle and that deserves to be honored.

I can manage that, easily. It wouldn't take much and it would heal the damage and judgment towards the children of the Underworld and those not of the Underworld. Damage that causes bullying, abuse and fear. None of which is deserved. If I can heal that gap, then I would be all too honored to do so."

Silence, and then Athena leaned forward. "You speak well, but do you now fear Hades as so many do? There is a reason for the dislike of him, it is not pure instinct or nonsense, death is final and unfair and terrifying to most."

"No My Lady, I do not fear him. I never have. I respect him, and understand he is dangerous as I do any other being more powerful than I am, but I do not fear him. He does a vital job, one that needs to be done and he does it well despite the strain. I think he deserves to be honored, so that is what I am aiming for."

Zeus scowled, but before he could say a word, Hera spoke up. "Your devotion is remarkable, but are you being paid for this or bribed?" She turned and scowled at a very annoyed Hades.

Demeter joined her in that scowl. " That sounds like what that fiend would do." The other gods muttered in agreement.

Aaron was done with their crap already. " I swear by Styx that I never consulted him, asked him or was asked by him to complete or suggest this project. I swear that it is entirely my idea." Thunder rippled around them, signaling the truth in his words. "He is the only god to hold fast to the Oath you all forced him into, why hate him for having money and riches?" Maybe he should not have asked that, but he was annoyed and he hated bullies. He knew what it was like to be the black sheep.

"Are you suggesting we are being intolerant?" Athena asked, her tone almost offended.

"Yes, I am. In your collective history, he has committed no crimes, no deeds to make anyone but Demeter hate him. There is literally no reason to not allow me to make this shrine. It would help a lot of people and help acclimate a decent god back into the collective fold. I can see no downfall here, no issues, no reason not to do this."

Artemis reached over and stopped a very angry Athena from lashing out. "Still yourself, sister. He is not wrong, bias has always been our downfall and it may be the same here."

Athena turned to her. "You would tolerate being called intolerant?"

"He speaks with wisdom and honor and we would be foolish to ignore him out of past hate and ignorance. Many of my girls have perished over the eons, their souls taken care of by Hades, and so I respect that. Hades should never have been isolated and hated, pushed aside out of fear. It was wrong of us, collectively, and as a collective, we should work to better ourselves and make amends while we can."

Poseidon nodded. "I agree, there has been too much hatred towards our older brother, I move to allow the boy to create the shrine and honor Hades and Persephone as is only proper."

"Why not, sis seems passionate about this." Apollo snarked out.

Hera sniffed at them all. "It would not be proper, he doesn't even have a cabin in the camp."

"Then give him one. " Aaron replied, catching Hera's attention. "He deserves one, so why not? You have no kids and have one, why shouldn't he?"

Hera's eyes were filled with curiosity. "You speak with some clarity... very well, I give my approval. Let this meeting be over with."

Dionysius clapped once. "I see no issue with this, I approve of both a cabin and a shrine to be made for Hades and Persephone."

Hermes, who leaned forward next, looked conflicted. "I lead the dead to the Afterlife, I know how important Hades is. I approve."

"He is a scoundrel and a monster, I do not approve," Demeter said. "However, feel free to make my Daughter any shrine you wish. She deserves more recognition."

Ares just shrugged. "I don't care either way."

Athena just sighed. "Fine, I approve."

Lastly, there was Aphrodite, who was still looking at Aaron with steely discomfort. "The boy is a pervert, asexual like that Hipplylotus. I cannot tolerate ugliness, so I cannot tolerate him. I disapprove."

Zeus frowned. "The vote is in favor of granting Hades and Persephone their shrine, however as they are not Olympians I will not allow a cabin to be made. That is my decision." Thunder rumbled around them, signaling the end of the discussion.

Aaron bowed low. "Thank you, Lord Zeus." He had not expected so much, and so he would take all he had. "I have another question but this one I think you will all like. Consider it a thank you present."

"Really?" Zeus said.

"I know the gods have many children, and you want them safe but monsters and other factors prevent them from coming to camp safely. I offer my services, in Persephone's name, to find and guide children to Camp or the Hunters. I am a skilled fighter and witch, I am able to mask demigod presences and can fight. I can help them get to camp and help you get your children safe as well as increase their safety...actually, if we are going to do this, I might also suggest we make Hestia a cabin so that the Unclaimed can get out of Hermes' cabin, It is far too overcrowded to the point of detriment. To be honest, Lord Zeus, it is a matter of health, those kids are being stuffed in like sardines and they really need their own space. Hestia had the Vestal Virgins at one point, so why not a cabin now?"

There was another moment of silence, his head aching with fear that he may have stepped too far, before Hermes clapped. "Here here, he speaks well. I cannot tell you how many people, kids and Satyrs, pray to me for both safety and a better cabin for the unclaimed. I vote yes for both. The kid already saved Hepheastus' kid, why not more?"

The gods each voted and to his shock, even Aphrodite voted yes on both ideas despite her fervent dislike of him.

Zeus nodded slowly, stroking his beard with consideration. Hestia was not one that he was likely to see as a threat, and so he was more apt to agree to her being honored. "Very well... in return for saving our children I will allow for Hestia's cabin to be created... "

There was instant cheering from several of the campers, all looking at him with shock and amazement as if they could believe his audacity. He knew they were too tied into tradition and patterns to see outside them. No one would have dared say something but Aaron, having no enemies and few allies, was a perfect person to open up that suggestion...

It was a targeted risk, but one that worked well...

For now...

Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.

This was a real joy to write.

Love, your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.