Hey guys! Once more five reviews means an update, I love you all so much I really, really do. And it won't be Hera or Hades who interferes and brings Percy back, or even Gaea, and to the person who asked it does make Hera's plan more risky- she can't send Annabeth to Camp Jupiter because of the whole Minerva/Athena thing, and she knows Jason will need Leo so her plan is very very one sided and she's desperate.
And to answer some more questions, the dagger is first mentioned on Percy's fourteenth birthday when Luke tells her he's asked Beckendorf to make it for her, then during the Titans curse plotline Alabaster gets it and uses it to link Percy's dreams to him, then during the Labyrinth plotline he gives it back to her mocking her when he has her captive, but he gets it back later on. So it goes back and forth a lot.
And yes Rachel's painting was on Percy on her knees in the wedding dress in front of Kronos, hence her horror.
As for the difference between Percy and Perce is unusually just how it's said, but in this it's what Alabaster called her so obviously Percy hates being called it.
Sorta poll for Sally's parentage/who she's a legacy of. I won't be including the vote for Vesta because she's a maiden.
Terra: 29
Nox: 9
Venus: 6
Saturn: 4
Ceres: 3
Baccus: 1
Jupiter: 1
Pluto: 1
Neptune: 1
Apollo: 1
Mars: 1
Caelus: 1
Tartarus: 1
Daughter of Venus: 20
Daughter of Ceres: 2
Daughter of Terra: 1
The group of demigods, one Satyr and two gods barely moved as the other gods got to work piecing Olympus back together- starting with the throne room.
It was shortly after Hades returned that the Fates themselves came to take Percy's body, Hermes had been forced to physically drag his screaming son away, and Nico and Leo had clung to each other like lifelines as it had happened. Annabeth had been sobbing brokenly, held tight by Poseidon, who had summoned up a shimmering blue shroud- her favorite shade, Luke had managed a broken little nod of approval at the gods questioning look.
Once she'd been taken away Apollo moved to the demigods- none of whom were really speaking much as he fixed up those who hadn't already been taken care of.
None of them left the throne room, none of them felt up to it, and the rest of the gods drifted around the group, fended off by the glares from Poseidon and Hermes.
Tyson's arrival was a painful moment- he came in leading Poseidon's army, a wide smile on his lips- which had fallen away when he'd seen the family gathered together- his eye going wide.
"Percy?"
And Luke had managed to pull away from his dad at that, shaking his head and fighting back his own tears, and when Tyson let out a wail Poseidon had carefully unwrapped his arms from Annabeth, almost passing her to Thalia as she sobbed brokenly, and he pulled Tyson into his arms. "I'm sorry." Poseidon's voice cracked, "She saved us all-" that made Nico let out a choked sob and Leo's arms tightened around him- none of them were handling it well- Grover was sniffling, his head bowed, the only one who'd managed to pull herself together somewhat was Thalia, who was combing her fingers through Annabeth's hair soothingly.
Even Ethan was trying to hide the fact that he'd cried- he might not have been close to Percy but he knew that she was dead partially because of his actions.
There was another long silence, pained and respectful.
Then Zeus let out a cough, shaking his head slightly, "Poseidon- brother. I understand that you're grieving but I think it's time to call the council to order."
And Poseidon closed his eyes, taking a deep breath before nodding, "Of course brother." he pulled away from Tyson and he made his way to his throne- and Luke forced himself to straighten up, wiping his own tears from his eyes and moving towards Nico and Leo, wrapping an arm over Leo's shoulder, grabbing Nico's and squeezing it gently as they all grouped together and Hermes and Hades also took their places- Bianca standing next to her father, her eyes were red too.
None of them spoke as Zeus made a speech, talking about their great victory and the bravery of the gods, though Hera gave them a dirty look when Annabeth let out a sob when Zeus spoke of 'Brave sacrifices', before Zeus continued speaking.
"As for my brothers," Zeus said, "we are thankful"—he cleared his throat like the words were hard to get out—"erm, thankful for the aid of Hades."
And Hades gave Zeus a somewhat disgusted look, shaking his head as he looked away-it seemed even he couldn't bring himself to be smug after all that had happened. "And, of course," Zeus continued, though he looked like his pants were smoldering, "we must... um... thank Poseidon."
And Poseidon shook his head, looking away too- usually he would probably savour the victory over his brother but he was mourning.
"We must thank Poseidon," Zeus growled, clearly annoyed at the dismissal. "Without whom... it would've been difficult—"
"Difficult?" Hades spoke up, scoffing, "Really brother."
"Impossible," Zeus said. "Impossible to defeat Typhon."
The gods murmured agreement and pounded their weapons in approval.
"Which leaves us," Zeus said, "only the matter of thanking our young demigod heroes, who defended Olympus so well—even if there are a few dents in my throne."
Zeus' gaze moved to Thalia, who straightened up slightly. "My daughter. Come forward."
And Thalia did, her face still paler than usual, eyes red rimmed, if things had been different, if Luke didn't feel a numbness seeping through his bones he would have felt proud of how well she held herself under Hera's glare.
She was still limping slightly but all things considered she was n much better condition than she had been. "You fought bravely to defend Olympus from our enemies. You have proven yourself as my daughter. As a reward for your courage I will have a bolt of lightning crafted into a new weapon of your choosing."
Thalia would have usually been enthusiastic- excited at that, Luke was sure, but now she just gave a small nod, "thinking for a moment before she spoke. "I already have a spear father, so I think I want a sword-" she glanced back at Luke, "I've been practising with a sword recently- I'd like my own I think."
"So be it." Zeus nodded, "It will be brought to you as soon as it has been made."
"Thank you father." she bowed to the gods before turning and limping back towards the other gathered demigods plus Tyson and
Grover, moving to stand on Luke's other side, tugging Annabeth into her side as she did.
And Zeus was already moving on. "Tyson, son of Poseidon!" he called. Tyson looked nervous, but he went to stand in the middle of the Council, and Zeus grunted.
"Doesn't miss many meals, does he?" Zeus muttered. "Tyson, for your bravery in the war, and for leading the Cyclopes, you are appointed a general in the armies of Olympus. You shall henceforth lead your brethren into war whenever required by the gods. And you shall have a new... um... what kind of weapon would you like? A sword? An axe?"
Tyson was quiet for a moment before he spoke, his voice subdued, "A stick." he showed his club. "Very well," Zeus said. "We will grant you a new, er, stick. The best stick that may be found."
Tyson nodded, ignoring the cheers from the rest of Poseidon's army as he made his way to rejoin the others.
"Bianca Di Angelo, daughter of Hades-" and Bianca climbed to her feet, moving forward quickly so that she was stood before Zeus, and he looked down at her, an unhappy look on his face, "Your reward-"
"Lord Zeus." Bianca's voice shook slightly, "I want only one thing." she swallowed hard, "I want an apology-" Zeus' face went red and Hades straightened slightly in his seat. "I want an apology for what you did to my mother. She was an innocent, she didn't understand- and it was all for nothing in the end because the prophecy wasn't even about Nico or me. It was only ever going to be about Percy. She died for a prophecy that wasn't even about us."
Zeus looked like he wanted to strike Bianca down for a moment- but his gaze flicked to Hades, who was watching his brother with narrowed eyes, and then Zeus let out a slow breath.
"Perhaps you are right and I was hasty in my actions towards your mother." he forced the words out, "I apologise to you, your brother and my own brother for what I did." and Hades leaned back, a stunned look on his face, and Bianca bowed her head.
"Thank you Lord Zeus." and Luke did have to respect Bianca- at least she stood her ground.
Then Bianca was turning to look at Artemis, a pained look on her face. "Lady Artemis. I wanted to apologise. I let you and the hunt down- I should have been there from the very start and instead I- I let my selfishness get the better of me. I am sorry. And-" she swallowed hard, "I chose to join the hunt to run away from my responsibilities. To find where I belong- instead I just... stayed lost. I love the hunt- I do. And... in a few years I might- but... I think I need time." her face flushed, "I need time with my father- with my family. I need to understand myself before I can serve you."
"My huntress." Artemis' smile was sad. "I understand. When you are ready you will always be welcome. I release you from your vows to me. For now." and Artemis waved a hand- and Bianca's bow and quiver were suddenly gone- and she wasn't clad in the usual silver parka of the hunters but a simple pair of jeans and a plain black tee- and she looked as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders as she bowed her head.
"Thank you." and then she was moving towards her father and she sat down at his feet, and Hades shifted, laying a hand on his daughters shoulder.
There was a brief moment before Zeus continued again "And of course, Nico Di Angelo. Son of Hades. Come forward."
And Nico pulled away from Leo, glancing at his brothers, a pained look on his face before he moved forward to stand in front of Zeus, his back straight in a way that sent a bolt of pride through Luke. He was painfully proud of his whole family- no matter how much grief he was feeling. "Lord Zeus." Nico bowed his head.
"You have fought bravely for Olympus. You are a true hero. Do you have a demand for me like your sister?" Zeus' voice was sharp.
"I-" Nico swallowed hard, "The only thing I want you won't give me." his voice was tight with pain, his gaze flicking to Hades, who shook his head, a pained look on his own face, "I want my sister back- but I know- I know it doesn't work like that." his voice caught.
"So... there's nothing I want from you Lord Zeus."
"Then your reward-"
"May I-" Hades held up a hand, rising to his feet, "I wish to reward my son myself-" he waved a hand and in it he held a black black aviator jacket- "I had this made for you in preparation for the battle but I was unable to give it to you before you returned to aid your family. The fabric has been enchanted to repel any blades- and when you so wish it the jacket will allow you to disappear from sight much as my helm does me."
And Nico's eyes widened in shock before he managed a weak, very shaky smile, "Thank you father." he moved towards his father, who met him half way and he took the jacket slowly, almost reverently, pulling it on carefully.
"I am proud of you son."
And Nico was shaking slightly as he nodded before he turned and made his way back to the others, standing beside Leo once more.
Once he was in place Zeus spoke once more.
"Leo Valdez, son of Hephaestus-" and Leo ducked out from Luke's arm, moving forward, his eyes cast downwards, none of his usual bounce in his step.
"Yes Lord Zeus."
"We have been informed that the bronze dragon that you have worked hard on and that saved many lives was destroyed in the battle with the Drakon- it will be fixed by-"
"I-" Leo swallowed hard- "I can fix Festus myself Lord Zeus." his voice was nervous, "Sorry- I- I appreciate what you were about to offer but I want something else. I- even if it's not what I'd really want Nico's already... I know I can't wish for her back- but if... if I can't have my big sister back-" he shook his head, "I do want something else."
"I want Calypso." Leo said firmly, "I want you to free Calypso. I met her last year- I went to her island and I had to leave her behind and it's not fair. She didn't do anything that wrong- yeah she was on the wrong side but it was only because she loved her dad and you expect us to love you because you're our parents. I want you to end her curse. I want to bring her home."
Zeus' eyes narrowed and he stared at Leo for a long moment before speaking, "You may take Calypso from her island. If you can find her once more." he declared, "Her curse is ended, but she will only be able to leave when you return for her. However long it may take for you to find her. And when she leaves her island she will become a mortal."
"Thank you." Leo let out a relieved breath, nodding, "I appreciate it Lord Zeus." he made his way back to them, slotting himself into Luke's side, trembling slightly as Nico grabbed his hand and squeezed gently, giving a small nod. Then came a different voice.
"Grover Underwood of the satyrs!" Dionysus called.
Grover came forward nervously.
"Oh, stop chewing your shirt," Dionysus chided. "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."
Grover collapsed on the spot, his eyes rolling up into the back of his head.
"Oh, wonderful," Dionysus sighed, as several naiads came forward to help Grover. "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 honors, blah, blah, blah. Now please, drag him off before he wakes up and starts grovelling."
"FOOOOOD," Grover moaned, as the nature spirits carried him away.
And then Athena's voice called out, "Annabeth Chase, my own daughter." and Annabeth moved forward, pulling herself free from
Thalia's support, tears still damp on her cheeks as she stood in front of her mother, her expression going blank, shutting down entirely. Athena smiled. "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 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."
"It will be an honor." Annabeth's voice was monotone, and Athena frowned.
"I would have thought you would be more eager- you will-"
"I said it will be an honor." Annabeth spoke again, "Is that not enough for your mother." there was an undercurrent of anger in her voice. "I'm sorry for not jumping with joy five minutes after my- after the girl I'm in love with just died. Not when you- you hated her I know you did you're probably glad-" she shook her head, breath catching.
"I-" she shook her head, "I can't." then she was turning away from her mother and sprinting back towards the group of demigods- and Luke took off, moving forward and meeting her halfway, arms wrapping around her tightly as the daughter of Athena sobbed into his shoulder- and he knew one thing. He had to be strong, for the sake of his family, just like he'd promised Percy.
