Chapter 28

Riding in the moon chariot with a Greek Goddess, and three Greek demigods proved to be a lot more awkward than Percy thought possible. The ride was deathly silent the majority of the way. The son of Neptune afterall was still reeling from the death of his Praetor. Mark had always been such an unshakable force, and to see him defeated by the traitor after he landed what should've been a fatal blow left Percy shaken.

"Your Praetor fought with honor, son of the seas. If not for the curse of Achilles he would've been victorious. You all fought with more skill, organization, and team work than I have seen since the days of the old great heroes. Hold your head up with pride that together your team was able to hold down the Titans greatest fighter and his vanguard. Atlas was not the general for just his mind." Artemis said calmly to the young man.

Percy sighed, "It's just hard to make it feel like a victory. I should be back with my friends. I should be the one to explain things to Praetor Cassie. I failed them all."

The goddess shook her head, "The arrogance of men is truly blinding at times though I will forgive you this once."

The son of Neptune looked at the goddess curiously, but she gave him a straight look, "It is nothing short of a miracle that all but one of your Romans made it out alive. Atlas had a well thought out plan, and if not for the Roman intervention my huntresses surely would've all been killed along with the daughter of Zeus and Athena."

Percy realized the girl that had been crying from earlier with Thalia must be the referenced Daughter of Athena. Artemis turned to Naomi who had been stoically quiet, "Naomi my dear you have been awfully quiet. What burdens you?"

Naomi stared off towards the setting sun for a moment before answering, "I feel lost without our Lieutenant, my lady. Zoe was my friend for many centuries."

Artemis looked saddened by her words, and Thalia spoke softly, "The prophecy was fulfilled though. I think Zoe knew what she was signing up for."

The goddess looked at the daughter of Zeus curiously, "Thalia, what was the prophecy?"

Thalia sighed:

Five shall go west to the goddess in chains,

One shall be lost in the land without rain,

The Bane of Olympus shows the trail.

Campers and Hunters combined prevail.

The Titans curse must one withstand

And one shall perish by a parent's hand.

Artemis looked thoughtful for a moment, and Percy did as well as he thought about the Bane of Olympus and the first prophecy he had received from Octavian. After a few moments Artemis closed her eyes, and then opened them and a flash of silver went across her face, "There were five of you at the start of the quest no? Kayla was lost in Hephaestus' junk yard?"

Naomi nodded shortly, "Yes my lady. It was the guardian Talos."

Artemis looked angry for a moment but then sighed, "That was our person lost in the land without rain. As for the bane of Olympus I no longer sense what happened to the Ophiotaurus?"

This made Thalia smile a little, "Our missing companion was a Satyr my lady. He is our fifth, and Zoe considered him a camper at Camp Half Blood as a way to avoid males coming on the quest. There weren't many others jumping at the chance to lose their lives, but he was happy to help. We ran into the creature in the bay, and this Satyr, Grover, was able to soothe it with his music. We all then prayed to Lord Poseidon for its safe passage, and Grover was to get it to Olympus. We can only hope he was successful."

Artemis nodded understandingly at this, "Then both parts of the prophecy were true on that front."

Naomi frowned, "The one to withstand the Titan's curse was the son of Neptune, but not the one that perished by a parent's hand. I feared it would be Zoe from the start."

Artemis looked saddened, "She was looking to train a replacement for herself for many years. I knew my old friend was tired, and ready to join her other sisters in Elysium. She fell with great honor, and proved herself to be my greatest Huntress."

This forced everyone into silence as they each contemplated her words and interpretation of the prophecy. They arrived on Olympus in no time at all from there, and when they landed Artemis turned to the group, "Go to the throne room doors, and wait to be called in. I am late."

With that the woman disappeared in a flash of silver, and they were alone in the city of the gods. As they began walking towards the largest temple at the top of the hill Thalia bumped Percy's shoulder, "My brother, is he happy?"

Percy stopped and turned to face the spiky haired girl looking into her electric blue eyes, "It hasn't been easy for him without any family. Him and I were all each other had for years. When Bianca, the daughter of Pluto, joined us our little family grew, and when the Praetorian Guard was activated it grew some more, but we have known loss, battle, and strife...but yes I think your brother is happy. He has been missing something for all these years though, and perhaps you were the answer to that. I hope that will not be the only reunion you two get."

His honesty seemed to surprise her, but she nodded, "I don't know how it will work. I don't think I can just wander into the Roman Camp and expect to be welcomed."

Percy gave her a smile, "Jason and I hold quite a bit of sway back at camp, I think we can make something work, but we must first see what the gods have to say. They may of course forbid it in which case we will have to plan carefully."

"You would defy the gods to help me see Jason?" She asked in surprise.

Percy shrugged, "He would do it for me if the situation was reversed."

With that Percy continued to stride towards the city. He spotted many minor gods, nymphs, and various deities whispering as they walked through the city. It couldn't have been clearer that their fight with the Titans was already making its rounds throughout Olympus.

When they made it up to the Throne Room they were immediately called in where Percy led the way into the council of gods.

The gods were all dressed much differently than the last time he had seen them. Last time they were all in togas as if it were a formal ceremony, but this time there was a certain informality that was among them. For example his fathers beard was much shorter now, and he was wearing a Hawaiian shirt with his trident at his side. Zeus seemed to hold an angry scowl on his face, but said nothing.

When Percy made it to the center of the room he gave a low bow to the gods and then went to one knee, "Lords and Ladies of Olympus I come bearing victory against the Titans."

A few moments of nothing then Zeus spoke, "Son of Poseidon. Proof of a broken oath comes barging into Olympus as if he owns the place."

Percy stiffened realizing the mood in the room was tense, "Lord Zeus forgive my arrival if you believe it impertinent. When I met with your other persona we were on good terms. I returned the master bolt to Lord Jupiter, and he made me Captain of the Praetorian Guard even over his own son. It was not my intention to unsettle things."

Zeus grumbled as he pinched his temples with his massive fingers. Another God spoke, "You bring a great threat to Olympus sister. A threat that may need to be dealt with accordingly."

Percy's eyes barely lifted to see a beautiful grey eyed woman with perfectly curled hair wearing a white chiton. The Lady Artemis growled, "These heroes have done a great service to Olympus."

"There is still a great risk in allowing them to live. It is a bad strategy." Athena said calmly.

"If that is Olympian Justice then I will have no part in it. I brought them here to be rewarded, not punished, sister."

Artemis said the goddesses title disdainfully while Poseidon banged his trident firmly into the floor, "No one is going to incinerate my son."

Percy was grateful that his fathers alternate persona still thought of him as a son. He may need every ally possible, "Lords and Ladies of Olympus I have been nothing but loyal to Olympus. I returned the master bolt, defeated the Trojan sea monster, and held the sky while Lady Artemis defeated Atlas. Have I not served well?"

Silence greeted him, and suddenly the room shifted. All the gods went to their toga wearing forms, and his fathers longer beard was back, and all of them seemed to be rubbing their heads in pain. Neptune spoke gruffly, "Greeks and Romans have never come to Olympus together Perseus. You will have to excuse us that the presence of our two cultures is...annoying. Your strength however has granted strength to the Roman forms of our personality I believe they will hold for now."

Percy gave a bow of his head, "You have my apologies, my lords and ladies. Lady Diana believed it would be necessary for me to come and convey my story."

Many of the gods' eyes shifted to the woman who merely nodded at him. Jupiter however grumbled, "Very well. I believe I know why my daughter did this, and we will discuss it at length later Diana. No more heroes will die today though, and that is my final word."

Jupiter glared at the goddess when he said this, but she said nothing. Minerva then asked Percy to share his story of how they became involved in the quest. It started with Apollo arriving at camp, and then jumped to Thalia and Jason's reunion as well as Bianca and Nico's. He told of how the Titan Atlas was tricked back under the sky, and the fall of the Praetor. He carefully left out the escape of Nico Di Angelo, and the possibility of his treachery.

When his story was finished if nothing else the Olympians looked impressed. Even Mars Ultor didn't seem deterred by the loss of his son; instead he looked down with a fierce look when Percy spoke of the traitor that had bathed in the Styx, and the cowardly way his son was defeated. Mark's death was not in vain though as they discovered the enemies strength, and that became instrumental in the victory, which left him looking proud, after all that was the way of Rome. Finally Jupiter spoke, "Perseus you have done well. Despite your losses on the battlefield I assure you the return of Atlas under the sky is a tremendous victory. It could've cost dozens if not a hundred average demigod lives to complete such a feat, yet your Praetor, and Diana's huntress sacrificed their meaningful lives to tip the tides. They are heroes to Rome and Olympus, and you must tell the people of Rome this."

Percy felt his heart lift a bit at this, but still felt the grief underneath at the loss of a mentor. He gave a bow of respect towards the Lord of the Heavens, and then he cleared his throat, "Yet there are still some situations that must be resolved."

At this the son of Neptune stirred realizing what the King of the gods referred to, "My Lord your daughter turns sixteen tomorrow. She will be the child of the prophecy."

Jupiter sighed, "This is not how fate intended it. Does anyone have a solution ready that does not involve further bloodshed?"

Before the gods could answer Thalia spoke from behind Percy, "No. I don't want it." She turned to Diana who was watching her intently, "Lady Diana I would like to join the hunt. Your Lieutenant once recruited me, and I turned her down because of my little family, but Annabeth is all grown and Luke died today fighting with the Titans. I would be honored to join you if you will allow it."

Diana didn't look surprised in the slightest when her form shifted back to the outfit of the huntress, "Thalia Grace we will do the oaths and ceremony later, but I do accept you into my ranks. You will never reach the age of sixteen as long as you hold to your oaths. Lord Jupiter, do you endorse this?"

The man stroked his beard in thought, looking from Thalia to Percy, and then to Diana, "Yes I believe this is for the best."

Jupiter then turned towards Percy, "I made you a promise the last time you were here, and I believe it is the reason my daughter brought you here today. The Great Prophecy. You are eight months from facing your destiny, and the time to hear the fated words is upon us."

Jupiter motioned towards Apollo who stood. Everyone in the room had their eyes upon him. Many shifted nervously, but Apollo just locked eyes with Percy as he spoke,

A half blood of the eldest gods,

Shall reach sixteen against all odds

And see the world in endless sleep

The hero's soul, cursed blade shall reap

A single choice shall end his days

Olympus to preserve or raze.

Silence went throughout the throne room as all eyes were on Percy now. He stared at Apollo long after he stopped talking, but the lord of prophecy didn't move an inch. Thoughts were racing through his head. They raised him like a pig for slaughter. They fattened him up, trained him, and for what? So he could die at the right moment?

Neptune broke the tense silence, "You know it was not like that my son. Olympus is forbidden from interference, yet we have done more for demigods in the last decade than we have in the previous one hundred. Prophecies are fickle things, and while they must be taken seriously you must not attempt to over interpret. Rome has a bad history of those who try to mess with fate. It was with good reason we took such a forward role in your training. Not only do we wish Olympus to be victorious, but we don't wish to sacrifice our children to do it."

"How many meanings could the cursed blade reaping my soul possibly have?" Percy asked without thinking.

Silence followed his statement, but no one offered words. He took a deep breath, "If we win this-"

Jupiter spoke firmly, "We will win this. The gods have stood for five thousand years, Perseus Jackson. Olympus has placed its faith behind you, and you have succeeded in every task. It would've been just as easy to smite you, and allow another to take the fate of Olympus, but the council trusts you, and your discipline, dedication, and loyalty to Rome. If you survive this prophecy the gods will bless you with gifts beyond your imagination. Gifts fitting a savior of Olympus."

If he survived. Percy sighed, "Can I tell the guard?"

A woman Percy thought to be Minerva spoke, "It would be unwise to leave your closest allies in the dark, but I would advise against telling the Senate. You must prevent panic and keep order in the legion. There will already be mass fear with the death of the Praetor you must keep the legion standing."

Mars Ultor spoke, "You stood toe to toe with Atlas, and my son favored you. You show the strength, discipline, and determination every good Roman should have, and you will lead our army to victory. I motion to nominate Perseus Jackson to Praetor for the Twelfth Legion."

Immediately Ceres spoke, "Seconded."

None of the gods looked surprised, but Percy looked like he had been punched in the gut. The two gods of the children he got killed were nominating him. Jupiter and Neptune didn't look surprised in the least. Neptune called out, "All in favor?"

As one twelve hands went up. Percy stared at the group in disbelief, "What about the senate?"

Jupiter gave a look to Mercury, and the man flashed out of the room, "My messenger will take care of it. Lay your praetor to rest, and then take the offensive. Monster War Bands will be increasing, and we face a different threat as well."

Jupiter turned his eyes to a scarred man who nodded, "The Labyrinth built by Daedalus the son of Athena. There is an entrance somewhere around Mount Diablo, and another inside of Camp Half Blood. The two groups must find these entrances or the Titan Army will invade with a speed that will be unable to be stopped. They have been tearing apart my forges down there, but have yet found the way to navigate it."

"We will make it our top priority, Lord Vulcan." Percy said with a bow.

The daughter of Athena from earlier nodded, "I will try to get a quest from Camp. See if the Oracle can tell us anything."

The gods all nodded, while Percy was still reeling with information overload. Mark was gone. He was going to be a Praetor. A Labyrinth entrance was too close to camp. This was bad. On all fronts. Percy then looked to the hearth where a familiar young woman was tending the flames. They were more dull then the last time he had seen them, yet they were still standing. The woman winked at him, and he felt a surge of warmth course through him.

A man in a purple polo shirt on the end yawned, "Father what will we do about the Roman and Greek demigods. The secret is surely just about in the open at this point. A war between our children would be crippling with our current situation."

Jupiter stroked his beard thoughtfully, "I believe we will play it to our advantage. There could come a time where the Greeks may need additional help, and here we have a wildcard who is loyal to Olympus that can play both sides. Whoever breaks the secret to the general public though will be punished...most severely."

Chills went down Percy's spine at the open ended threat, and with that the man looked at Percy, snapped his fingers, and he was back at camp in the blink of an eye.

(A/N) The next chapter will see the conversations revolving around Percy becoming Praetor, and what will follow next. Obviously Vulcan brought up the Labyrinth, so you can expect updates in that department in two weeks from now. Thanks for reading everyone, and a special thanks to James Marx for beta approving this chapter! Cheers.