Turns out, I wasn't the only one who had passed out. I woke up feeling the presence of Annabeth next to me, both of us coming around at the same time though when I got up I remembered to keep the Golden Fleece around me as Athena's words still pounded at the inside of my skull. I had a slight headache, but I think that was more stress than injury, and the Fleece couldn't exactly heal that. "Are you alright?" Annabeth whispered to me as she came around fully first, getting up and helping me to stand. "Lily all that you've done…I can't believe it."

"You too. I can't believe Olympus is actually still standing. I couldn't see what it looked like whilst flying over, can you describe it to me? Is it pretty awesome?" At this, I felt Annabeth give a wry scowl.

"Well, it used to be. Before Kronos took his scythe to it. All the buildings are broken and there's so much damage. Hopefully it's fixable, then maybe they'll let us walk around and I'll tell you everything there is to see." This sounded good so I gladly accepted the offer, glad that Annabeth was no longer suspecting me to be a spy for Kronos. After everything, I'm guessing I'd finally proven my true colours. She gave me a careful hug then, because finally there was time to actually stop and enjoy the moment. There was no war, no threat looming over our shoulders, no daunting prophecies to hound us in our sleep, just the moment. I couldn't even really remember the last time I had felt this peaceful. Not in years. When I rubbed my face it felt stretched and rather haggard, making me wonder how aged I must look. I felt like an old lady. "Come on, I think the gods have gathered in council. We should go find Percy and the others."

"Good idea." I agreed and I let her lead me forwards, because I was still so drained and tired that I would have probably walked into every single pillar and not even noticed they were there until my nose was squished upon them. I forced myself to at least try and figure out who was present in the throne room. The gods were easy, because all of them were there, including Hades and near him I was fairly certain I could sense a gloomy speck at his feet, like a miniature version of Hades and I figured it must have been Nico, making me smile gladly to know he was alright. There was Percy and Grover, of course, though I couldn't sense Ethan anywhere so I guessed he must have scarpered when he had the chance, probably to hide amongst some of the other half-bloods. I couldn't sense Snowstorm either. They probably chased her out. Thalia was also present, as was Tyson and a bunch of his Cyclopes comrades, my smile spreading when I recognised his sweet aura nearby. Tyson had almost shouted when he saw me, but something or someone must have warned him to keep quiet because Zeus was still talking. It didn't stop him from charging over, and next thing I knew my ribs were breaking all over again with how tightly Tyson was holding me. He'd gone back to his usual size, though still slightly taller than I remembered, trying to whisper to me quietly.

"Lily! You were so brave! Tyson happy to see you again!"

"Me too little bro, but shh, the big bosses are talking." I whispered to him with a grin, pressing my finger to my lips. "Hush-hush for now, okay? I've missed you so much." Able to hold me up in one arm, I hugged Tyson tightly around his neck, feeling him grin as he softened his grip then gently lowered me to the ground. One of the gods was glaring at our group because Percy and Annabeth were whispering too, but I ignored them and gave Tyson a gentle pat to his cheek as he set me back down on the ground and went back to the other Cyclopes, because that's where he belonged. I'm just glad he's made good friends and he seemed so happy. We all then turned our attention to Zeus, who had finished his rather longwinded speech and now addressed his brothers, Hades and Poseidon.

"As for my brothers, we are thankful…erm, thankful for the aid of Hades." I couldn't help but feel a smug satisfaction at how difficult that seemed to be for Zeus. I think he'd have rather pass a kidney stone the size of a boulder. "And, of course, we must…um…thank Poseidon."

"I'm sorry, brother, what was that?" Blinking in surprise at the innocent tone of my father, I hadn't expected that kind of response to Zeus's rather pitiful attempt at gratitude. I could feel Zeus's scowl all the way across the room as he continued, saying again that we must thank Poseidon because without him it would have been difficult to defeat Typhon, though my father interrupted him again, still with all the air of innocence. "Difficult?"

"Impossible. Impossible to defeat Typhon." I almost grinned and laughed. Poseidon had a sense of humour, and a mischievous streak about him. It was rather funny to witness that exchange, but I knew better than to laugh right at this moment when tensions were still high, and since I planned to beg for Luke's life to be spared, I wanted the gods to have a good impression of me at the moment. I probably should have cursed them less in the past. "Which leaves us only the matter of thanking our young demigod heroes, who defended Olympus so well – even if there were a few dents in my throne." That's what you're concerned about? Jeez. I should have known better than to think that gods would change. I listened as one by one, the heroes of Olympus were called forwards and given high praise and gifts for their services. Thalia was first and her father himself promised to help find new recruits for the hunters of Artemis, which Thalia seemed well satisfied.

"You have done well, my lieutenant. You have made me proud, and all those Hunters who perished in my service will never be forgotten. They will achieve Elysium, I am sure." The soothing and serene voice of Artemis filled the throne room, whereby she must have then started glowering pointedly at Hades who eventually agreed to give her Hunters a sort of VIP pass so that they could cut through straight to Elysium. I guess it pays to know the right people. Next up was Tyson, and I couldn't help but swell with pride as I hugged the Fleece around me as Tyson was commended for his bravery in leading his brethren in battle and given the title of a general, a high honour, and when he was offered a new weapon of his own choosing, I giggled quietly when Tyson enthusiastically requested a stick. This was clearly not what Zeus expected, but he still agreed, promising Tyson that they will search for the best stick that could be found, and Tyson was very happy with this. Next was Grover.

"Grover Underwood of the satyrs!" I heard Grover give a nervous bleat as he clip-clopped over to where Dionysus had summoned him, though I could imagine that Grover was probably sweating buckets. He'd always been terrified of Mr D. "Oh, stop chewing your shirt. Honestly, I'm not going to blast you. For your bravery and sacrifice, blah, blah, blah, and since we have an unfortunate vacancy, the gods have seen fit to name you a member of the Council of Cloven Elders." There was a whump of sound which sounded suspiciously like a satyr fainting. "Oh, wonderful. Well, when he wakes up, someone tell him that he will no longer be an outcast, and that all satyrs, naiads and other spirits of nature will henceforth treat him as a Lord of the Wild, with all rights, privileges, and honours, blah, blah, blah. Now, please, drag him off before he wakes up and starts grovelling." Mr D sounded as enthusiastic as I remembered him, but maybe that's just how he was and, so long as you understood it and didn't get under his feet, he could be reasonable enough at times. It was a nice thing for Grover to be an Elder, I understood how important a position it was, though I hadn't heard about him being an outcast. I added to the list of things I needed to talk to Percy about.

"Annabeth Chase, my own daughter." Only a mom could speak so warmly to her own child, Athena calling her daughter to her so that she could bestow her own gift upon Annabeth, who had more than deserved it. "You, my daughter, have exceeded all expectations. You have used your wits, your strength and your courage to defend this city, and our seat of power. It has come to our attention that Olympus is…well, trashed. The Titan lord did much damage that will have to be repaired. We could just rebuild it by magic, of course, and make it just as it was. But the gods feel that the city could be improved. We will take this as an opportunity. And you, my daughter, will design these improvements." Annabeth sounded so shocked I thought that she might pass out again. I noticed how many times Athena addressed her as 'my daughter' as if she was both proud of the fact and also reminding the other gods just how awesome Annabeth was and that she was her child. "You are an architect, are you not? You have studied the techniques of Daedalus himself. Who better to redesign Olympus, and make it a monument that will last for another eon?"

"You mean…I can design whatever I want?"

"As your heart desires. Make us a city for the ages." A rapid influx of requests for statues of various gods quickly descended upon Annabeth, namely Apollo, Aphrodite and Ares, though this was really no surprise at all. They probably would have carried on had Athena not cut in, stopping them from overwhelming Annabeth who probably wanted to cry and laugh right about now. She'd dreamed about becoming an architect for so long now, this was probably going to be her lifetime's greatest achievement. I was so intent on listening to her babbling about what she would need to get started that for a moment I hadn't realised that my name had been called out. Only the tailing echo made me realise that someone had called for me, and Percy gave me a nudge to wake me up. He started to take my hand but I brushed it aside with a smile, giving his fingers a squeeze before confidently moving forwards in order to stand before the entire council of the gods. To be honest, I felt rather ridiculous wrapped in a giant ram's coat.

"Oh you poor darling." Aphrodite seemed to hear and sympathise with my thoughts, because with a snap of her fingers, the Fleece suddenly became a jacket that fit me snugly and was lined with wool with a deep hood and pockets, open at the front which meant that my midriff remained exposed and I only realised then that I was still barefoot. I couldn't believe I was standing in front of the gods looking like some kind of shoeless vagrant. "There, much better, though not exactly my taste. Wouldn't you perhaps prefer a solid gold dress instead?" She offered but then the voice of my father spoke up.

"Thank you, Aphrodite. You are very kind." He said to her, and I dumbly took the hint and thanked Aphrodite as well, feeling a dazzling smile being tossed my way which probably would have blinded me all over again. Now, I could feel Poseidon's eyes on me. I hadn't approached his throne, I just stood at the very bottom of the stairs a few steps away from the last two thrones, the warm hearth flickering in front of me which seemed to help chase away my fatigue and fill me with a sense of comfort and homeliness, like I had just walked in through the door of my mom's apartment and straight into her arms. "My daughter, you have been…immeasurably courageous." Dad said to me and I felt myself blush. "We know how you worked tirelessly to infiltrate the enemy's ranks, to learn their secrets and pass on information even without being asked. We know the sacrifices you were required to make, and the pain you had to endure." A part of me that sparked with bitterness thought dryly how that if they'd known I was suffering, then they could have done something about it, but then I had to catch myself. I couldn't think like that anymore. I made my choice, any consequences were mine to bear. "I know that you have resented me in the past, and probably still do, but you must know, Nerida. I have always been proud of you." I felt embarrassed. He sure was a dad alright, he knew just the worst time to get all mushy when we were in front of so many strangers and godly beings.

"Still, do not allow this praise to go to your head girl. You had best think twice before cursing us again in the future." The powerful rumble of Zeus's voice directed itself to me and my face twitched into a scowl. I couldn't help it, it was pretty much a reflexive thing now.

"Yes, my lord." I acknowledged with a slight bow. So long as I never have to bow to anyone ever again, I'd be happy enough. I hate having to lower my head in front of people.

"We acknowledge your efforts and participation in felling Typhon. Never before has a hero ever succeeded in shocking we gods all at once, but considering that you are…ahem…blind, your victory was all the more praise-worthy." Now Zeus sounded a little awkward. It had been him after all who had blinded and cursed me never to heal from the strike of his thunderbolt. I guess he was starting to feel a little guilty about it now. "For your actions, you will be granted the return of your sight and your curse lifted. It is what you have earned." I was informed of my gift with a rather blasé tone, but now I let my scowl sit clearly on my face, because I was not happy.

"That's it?" I demanded before I could stop myself and Poseidon quickly spoke my name in a warning voice. "I slave away for over two years learning Kronos's dirty secrets, get tortured by him and plagued with nightmares every night whilst having to stomach the stench of monsters every day, then work my butt off to convince the other demigods to switch sides again all the while fearing for my life, trying to keep Percy from being killed then helped destroy the greatest calamities to ever walk the earth and all the while doing so whilst being called a traitor and cursed by the people who should have trusted me! And that's the best reward you could come up with?" Thunder growled overhead but I was too mad to care. All the frustration and fear came rushing at me at once, twisting my face into this tortured expression as I didn't know whether I wanted to cry or scream. Probably both. "I don't want my eyesight back. I've learned to live without it, and I fight well enough the way I am now. The least you could do after all I've done, and considering you're the one who tried to kill me in the first place, is ask me what I want as a reward."

"You tread dangerous ground, girl…"

"Probably, but I've had enough of being trampled over and my dignity being squashed by Kronos. I've broken my mind and my body for you gods and your precious Olympus. I'm exhausted, I feel like I'm about to break apart any second, I want to sleep for a year and eat a mountain of my mom's homemade cookies just to feel a little better, and gods I want a real cheeseburger so bad I'd probably sell my brother for one." Behind me Percy gave an indignant 'hey!' but I ignored him. "Seriously, the food in the titan army was terrible. I haven't eaten real food in months! So I go through all that, and you think that just giving me back my sight is enough to say thank you?" At the very least, some of the gods had the decency to at least seem guilty, even Aphrodite gasped and whispered how I was such a poor, tragic thing, and another goddess muttered something about me needing a big bowl of cereal to set me right. Demeter, I would presume. I let my words hang in the air, holding my breath in preparation for the spontaneous human combustion thing, but then some of the gods began to speak on my behalf.

"It's true. After all that Lily here has done, we should at least take her wishes into consideration. She's more than earned it." Hearing Hermes speak I turned my head towards him in order to consider him quietly, emotions flickering through me as I hoped that I had done exactly as he'd hoped. I felt his bright smile and immediately relaxed. "You saved my son, Lily, when the fates were against him. As far as I am concerned, I owe you a gift for this alone. So, anything you ask for, I shall give you my agreement and will do my best to persuade the council to also concur."

"Indeed." Now Artemis spoke, and I was glad because for some reason she seemed to be in my corner. It was probably the whole fighting side by side thing for all of two minutes when we trapped Atlas back under the sky again. "We must honour our heroes as they deserve, and this maiden has more than proven herself to be of the finest qualities. Though, it is a shame that she seems adamant to continue fraternising with boys. Were your heart not so inclined elsewhere, I would have you join my Hunters." Feeling a little bashful and rather honoured, I thanked Artemis before Aphrodite spoke up in disagreement. Not against me, against Artemis.

"Well I think that this girl has fought for her true love valiantly! Of course, I will always side with a pair of tragic lovers who fight against all odds to defeat their enemies in order to stay together. It was even better than that whole Helen and Paris thing, and that's saying something because she was far better looking. No offence dear. But oh…you two were just so romantic! I could hardly take my eyes off you!" She gushed like she was totally fan-girling over me and Luke which turned my light blush into a full on lobster-red face.

"Wait! It wasn't like that, I just…you know…I just promised…and…" Flustered and uncertain of how to actually respond, Aphrodite just tittered lightly and assured me she understood. Poseidon rumbled sharply, warning Aphrodite to not get carried away with her own daydreams and that she shouldn't try playing matchmaker with me and anyone else. Least of all Luke. I think I took more offence to that even than Hermes, though I managed to clamp my mouth shut before I could say something stupid. Generally it seemed that most of the gods were on my side, but purely because for some twisted, sadistic reason, they liked me. Hera told me that I had character, though her husband was right and I shouldn't dare curse them again otherwise she would vaporise me herself. Ares announced that he still didn't trust me and wanted to just melt me on the spot, though this time I couldn't resist. "Ankle still hurting you is it? I guess my little brother got you good." Giving a grin, Ares snarled darkly and seemed to grab his weapon in order to hit me with it and therefore turn me to jelly, but Zeus warned Ares not to act rashly and Aphrodite then sweetly calmed down her lover and persuaded him to leave me be, since I was exhausted and probably not feeling right in the head. Guess I owe Aphrodite a sacrifice, seeing as she probably just saved my life.

"Enough!" Zeus's patience finally wore out, a metallic thud booming outwards which made my ears and my head hurt. "Very well then. What is it you would ask of us then, Nerida Jackson? Think carefully, for there will only be one request. If we agree, it shall be done." I didn't need to think, I knew exactly what I wanted.

"I want full pardons for all the demigods who fought on Kronos's side, as well as the minor gods. Most importantly of all, this includes Luke. You have to forgive them and not punish them for their choices. They have to be granted amnesty for any action they undertook against the gods and Olympus, and be allowed to return to their own lives without retribution of any kind. You can't touch any of them." Silence followed, and I was pretty sure Zeus was considering killing me for sure this time. However it was my father who answered, and his voice was tender and kind, helping me to relax a little and feel more confident in what I was asking for.

"Nerida, are you certain this is your desire? You could ask for anything. Wealth. Power. Sight. The return of the weapon you lost. Even if you wanted a palace of gold, it would be given to you. I would build it myself, if that is what you wanted." For the first time I turned my face towards Poseidon, picking out his powerful aura amongst the others. The memory of a gleaming smile jumped into my mind, and the nostalgia made me soften towards him as I spoke with him directly for the first time ever.

"I don't want anything else, father. Like I said, I have learned how to live with this curse, have even turned it into my own advantage because in being cursed, I was able to overcome a prophecy that had already been set in stone. To manipulate it to my own end, and I will never regret this. However, I made a promise to the demigods I led in battle when we charged the ranks of monsters. I promised them that I would protect them from the wrath of the gods, and I always keep my word. So this is my request. They are to be absolved of all crimes, and no punishment is allowed to be given." This of course caused a huge stir, many of the gods proclaiming that they could not just forgive and forget, and most certainly not punish those that had betrayed them. "They did it because they felt abandoned by you. At the very least you can admit that you guys had some part in pushing so many demigods and minor gods away. If it weren't for Percy, I probably would have been on their side from the start." This did not earn me any favours, but Athena agreed that the circumstances were of their own making, and that mercy was also a godly virtue. This seemed to settle Zeus, and after conferring with the other gods, I got a majority vote, which then meant that at Zeus' command, everyone had to agree. I had the promise sealed upon the River Styx, just to be safe, and once this was given I felt like collapsing. "So…Luke's going to be released?"

"Soon enough. We will finish with the council, and then you may take him away as you please." Zeus waved off and for the first time, I gave the gods a genuine smile and knelt to the ground, lowering my head for what I hoped would be the last time.

"I give my thanks to the great and merciful gods." This seemed to mollify Zeus enough that he did not sound so irritated with me as I was dismissed, but then my father spoke up.

"Brother, do you not think that you owe my daughter a personal apology. Because of you she was blinded and you then cursed her. I had to endure her hatred and resentment for a long time because of this, so in some ways you owe me too. Perhaps after everything that has happened, a little more mercy is warranted? A demonstration, perhaps, of your goodwill and greatness, that so distinguishes you from our father Kronos, who would not think twice to curse us all and cast us into Tartarus." At first I didn't know what my dad was on about, not knowing what he was asking for. Zeus, however, seemed to understand, so with a heavy sigh, he agreed that he had perhaps went a little overboard in the past. I didn't see him wave his hand at me, however I felt a sudden lightness in my head like pressure easing and the aching sensation lessened, my sight growing clearer and clearer until all at once, I could see. It was only for a moment and all I managed to take in were the images of the closest gods and the bright flames of the hearth before I was blind again, but it was enough to leave me utterly spellbound.

"There. In consideration of your words, I have altered the conditions of your curse. Your eyes may now heal as you wish, choosing whether to go sightless or not. It's up to you, though your sight will not last forever. It will fade eventually and then require time to regenerate. This is as much mercy as I am willing to grant. Be grateful for it, daughter of my brother." Zeus tried to dismiss me again, but Poseidon once more interrupted, making Zeus pound a fist in anger. "Alright but hurry up! There's a lot of work to be done, you know!" I think Poseidon just enjoyed messing with his brother Zeus, however when I felt his gaze upon me, I couldn't help but shift slightly. I decided to try out this new gift of Zeus's, and as my eyes cleared like clouds were rolling away from an open sky, I looked straight at Poseidon in order to see him for the first time in my life, and when I did, my jaw naturally dropped open.