(Uploaded: February 12, 2020)
Chapter 20 Part 2: Apotheosis
(Author's Note)
Hey everyone! Here's Part 2 of Chapter 20! Yay! (Throws confetti, but it's also, y'know, sad confetti… boo)
I didn't do the best job of explaining last time that this chapter, ch20, was split in two because I felt terribly sorry for taking so long with the upload, and since I had the first part already done I decided to just release part 1. So when I said that last time was the second to last regular chapter, I meant chapter 20 as a whole, parts 1 and 2. So, that of course means that next chapter, ch21, will BE THE LAST REGULAR CHAPTER! OMG! The after ch21 will be the Epilogue, which may come out a little later, so don't freak if you don't see it within a week or two, or three. I want to take my time with it, y'know? Make it as good as I can. Plus, I gotta start ACTUALLY writing my next series.
Speaking of my next series, it'll be 'The Half-Blood Wars'. Formally known as Greece vs Rome SYOC. I don't have a date scheduled for chapter 1 or an upload schedule in place and I won't make any promises I can't keep. But I'll try to not have any month long gaps anymore.
Can I ask for some more Reviews, guys? I can see people are still reading this story, but I only get a few each chapter and I can't know how everyone is liking it without feedback. So, even if you've never left one(especially if you haven't), please leave me one this chapter! It can be as long or as short as possible, I also don't care if you are bad at English or it's hard to read. Just the action of leaving one makes my day! You guys are awesome, thanks again!
Have a good one, guys. I'll see you at the bottom!
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Chapter 20 Part 2: Apotheosis
[Recap: After a well-fought battle, Leonidas, the destined Savior of Olympus, died at the hands of Lord Zeus. In retaliation, Percy slew the King of the Gods, ushering in a new era for the world without the tempermental god ruling it. But who will rule it now…?
Now, reunited with his pregnant girlfriend Annabeth Chase, Percy has sworn off serving the gods and fighting, instead choosing to be with his love and move into the mortal world to start their own life as an expecting family. Now with their selfless decision to take in the newly orphaned Astraea, the demititan daughter of Leonidas and Eos, the two demigods have suddenly become a family of four.
Percy and Annabeth wished to leave Olympus right away to check up on the hundreds of demigods and Legacies they left at the foot of the Empire State Building to defend it, but Lady Hera, the recently widowed Queen of Olympus, ordered that the remaining major Olympian gods assemble in the Throne Room and gather their most loyal, hard-working and just children, both mortal and Immortal.
So with a heavy weight of dread deep in his chest, Percy, with Annabeth supported by his arm, joined his fellow demigods Jason, Thalia, Nico, Clarisse, Sherman Yang, Piper, Leo, Katie, Miranda, Will Solace, Travis Stoll and Pollux in the center of the Throne Room. Looking to the Queen of the Gods expectantly, wordlessly wondering what was going on.]
"How are you feeling, Annabeth? Are you sure you are up to standing?" Hera looked to the daughter of Athena before she started her speech, making sure the young woman was alright. Annabeth looked to the group around her, every major Olympian god, bar Zeus and Ares of course, was in attendance. Not only that, but at least one demigod of each of Major god that had them was there as well.
"I'm shaky, but doing better every minute, Lady Hera. Thank you for asking." Came Annabeth's reply as she leaned against Percy's shoulder.
Hera smiled before nodding as she made her way to her Throne. "Then it is time." Then with a louder, more authoritative voice, she called the meeting into order. "Fellow gods and goddesses of Olympus, I apologize for summoning you so soon after the events of yesterday, but there is much we have to discuss."
After letting her eyes sweep the crowd of assembled demigods stood or sat by their parent's Thrones, finally settling her eyes on the empty Thrones of Ares and Zeus, whom had Clarisse and Jason sat before them, respectively. "For countless eons, the twelve gods of the Olympian Council have sat above the world of man, set with the duty to protect it from harm and guide it into the future." Her tone dropped slightly, showing her disappointment with their own effort. "But, as I know you are all aware, we have not fulfilled those duties for the past few hundred years. Monsters have been more rampant and bolder than ever before, the various nations of the world are ceaselessly at war with one another over childish squabbles and the very earth is dying under their fee and they are doing nothing to mend it."
"As the gods chosen by Chaos and the Fates to lead and protect this world, we have failed in our duty." She stood up straighter as she focused her eyes on the empty Thrones. "So, I believe that it is time for new gods to take the empty Thrones. Ones with pure hearts and unquestionable honor."
Annabeth heard several of her fellow demigods, and gods, gasp from Hera's words. It made sense that the Thrones needed to be filled, but to actually hear it and be in the room when Hera said it, was almost unbelievable.
"Since the creation of this Council, there have been twelve pernament Thrones, with Hades and Hestia recently gaining their own. But the Thrones of my late husband, Zeus, and my son, Ares, are empty. And because it would throw the very balance of the world into chaos if we left them unattended, we must fill the Thrones." She tilted her gaze up to look a specific god in the eye.
"Your father's Throne must be filled, and as his eldest male heir you have full rights to the Throne if you wish it." She outstretched her hand, offering it to the god. "So, what say you, Heracles?"
The newly reformed Lord of Strength gave his wife Hebe a loving pat before stepping forward and addressing the Queen of the Gods. Annabeth had to marvel at the similarities between him and his late son, though Leonidas always honestly looked more like a god than even some gods she knew. It was almost like looking at a memory. A memory that made her heart ache for Leonidas and his fallen wife, as well as his recently orphaned daughter that she and Percy secretly agreed to adopt after this meeting.
"This is most unexpected, Hera." The recently reformed god spoke, before looking back to his wife briefly. "And most generous, but I cannot accept."
The Queen of the Gods looked mildly surprised, but easily kept her cool composure. Heracles continued. "My place is guarding the Gates of Olympus, protecting it from those that would wish it harm, not sitting on a Throne. And I speak for both Hebe and I when I say that we do not wish for father's Throne." He looked from where Jason sat at the foot of Zeus' empty Throne to where Thalia kneeled at Artemis' side. "Why not ask these two young heroes? They are his children as well. And they have both demonstrated the qualities and achievements required to be the new Ruler of Olympus."
Thalia stiffened at the suggestion while Jason's eyes widened. Hera seemed to debate with herself for the briefest of seconds before nodding to Heracles and looking to the two demigods. "If it is your wish to revoke your birthright, Heracles, then I will instead relieve you of your duty as the Pillars of Heracles are destroyed, and instead offer you the honor of personally guarding the Olympian Throne Room, if you so wish it, of course."
Heracles hesitated for a second as he looked to Hebe, the younger goddess nodding to him. Heracles nodded in return before looking back to the Queen of the Gods. "I accept the duty, it would be an honor, Lady Hera."
"I have a feeling that in the wake of the changes today, that Olympus will soon need you once again, my son, so stand strong." Hera offered him a genuine smile before looking to Thalia, all focus on her. "Young lady, would you please step forward?"
Thalia gave Artemis a questioning glance before being nudged to go forward. Once she was before the Queen of the Gods, Thalia went to drop down on one knee in respect but was stopped by the goddess. "Stay on your feet, my child. You have no need to bow to me, you have not needed to for a long time." Hera offered her a kind smile before continuing. "I know that my late husband revoked your birthright last year after you refused to kill Perseus, but I will still honor your divine blood."
"As the eldest mortal child of Zeus, now with Heracles declining the Throne, you are the next in line, my child. If you so wish it, then you shall be the first ruling Lady of Olympus. You shall have your late father's Throne."
Thalia's heart stopped in her chest. She couldn't fathom what was going on. It was like she was dreaming. For as long as she could remember, she had fought for power or rank, to be the best she could be, so as a teenager she would have done anything to take her father's Throne… but not anymore. "I'm sorry, Lady Hera…" Thalia spoke in a whisper, her voice tight and timid, so unlike her for those who knew her well. "But my place is beside my Lady and my Hunters-"
"But I will no longer be by your side as your Lady after today, Thalia." Artemis cut in before stepping forwards and looking to Hera. "All of the gods have realized what you wish to do, Hera, but the demigods are still not aware." She focussed her eyes on the Queen of the Gods. "You should tell them all what you wish to do, this day will bring the biggest change to them and the world in millennia."
Hera nodded, looking to the demigods around her, an apologetic yet proud look on her face. "I apologize, my children. But Artemis is correct, I have not fully been honest with you all." She raised her hands, lifting her palms to face the ceiling as she held them in front of her. "My brothers and sisters, my Olympian family, please rise, for the last time, from your Thrones."
Without preamble Poseidon, Hades, Demeter, Hestia, Hermes, Dionysus, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite and Hephaestus silently rose from their Thrones. The very air around them vibrating with a soft hum as the unique and custom Thrones of the gods lost their individual looks, forming into blank, stone Thrones.
Poseidon's fisherman's chair of a Throne melted into a stark white stone right before Percy's eyes, and the demigod knew that this meant only one thing.
Hera looked to her fellow Olympians before asking for the various assembled demigods- Percy, Annabeth, Thalia, Jason, Nico, Clarisse, Piper, Leo, Katie and Miranda, Will, Travis Stoll and Pollux- to all rise and step forward.
"I believe that it is time for new gods to take the Thrones as I said, but what gods on Olympus could take the Olympian Thrones?" She paused for a second to look over the group of demigods. "I honestly do not believe that many would be up for the task, so, I have this to offer you, not only for your service to Olympus and the world, but for your unquestionable honor as well." She held her hand out to the group as it began to glow like shimmering peacock feathers, the rest of the Olympian Council quickly following suit, their own hands reflecting colors associated with them. "We gods shall pick among you, the most honorable and trustworthy of our children, to take the Olympian Thrones."
She made a step forward towards the demigods, the air around her hands shimmering with power. "Today shall be remembered for all of eternity, as the new Olympian Council takes their Thrones."
The room was speechless, the demigods not knowing what to say. They all just stood like deer in headlights at the Queen of the Gods. Hera continued, looking to Thalia again. "So you see, my child, after today you will no longer be in the service to Artemis. You may do as you wish." She held out her glowing hand, wordlessly asking her to take it and accept the Throne. "And if you so wish to take Zeus' Throne, then you shall have it."
Thalia hesitated as she looked to Artemis, who gave her a reassuring look. "But if Lady Artemis were to no longer lead the Hunt or rule her Throne, then who would?"
"If you were to take Zeus' Throne," Artemis began, giving Thalia a forced smile. "Then I would have to pick another Hunter from my court to take my Throne. But do not worry about my wishes, if you wish to take-"
"Would you allow me to take your Throne, my Lady?" Thalia looked from Artemis back to Hera. "If Lady Artemis is no longer leading the Hunt, then my girls need me, I could not leave them at a time like this."
Hera didn't seem surprised and easily retracted her outstretched arm, looking to Artemis. "That would be up to your Lady, each god or goddess has the full right to select their successor. What say you, Artemis?"
Artemis answered by stepping up next to Thalia and offering the demigod her godly bow. "If you will accept it, Lieutenant, then the Throne of the Hunt, Wilds and Maidens belongs to you."
Thalia didn't even hesitate hugging the goddess. "Thank you, my Lady!" She let go and bit her lip to hold back her emotions. "I will make you proud."
Artemis placed a hand on her shoulder, leading her to the Throne. "You already have, Thalia. Now, lead my girls well. Teach them better than I ever could, teach them not all men are vile pigs." She gave a quick smile to Percy before handing Thalia her bow, the symbol of her godly status.
"Welcome to the Olympian Council, Thalia, Goddess of Lightning, Leader of the Hunt and Protector of Maidens." As soon as those words left Artemis' mouth, Thalia's skin started to glow a shimmering golden hue as she grew into her new Immortal, Olympian body.
She now stood ten feet tall, like the rest of the gods, with dancing electric blue streaks in her hair matching her eyes. She, like Artemis before her, wore a modest traditional toga with a belt slung across her waist that held a generous supply of throwing knives and other gear. On her back was a quiver and a sling to hold her bow. Percy's eyes widened at seeing his cousin, she was like Artemis, utterly beautiful and breathtaking, but also deadly and intimidating. Percy knew it would suit Thalia just fine.
Artemis then gestured for Thalia to take the Throne, which she did after a moment of hesitation. As soon as she hit the seat, the Throne morphed into a Silver and Electric Blue color, with lightning bolts and arrows being etched into the ancient marble. Thalia, the new Goddess of the Hunt, looked like she was going to cry out of happiness, but held it in. "Thank you, my Lady."
"Nonsense," Artemis told her as she stepped away from the Throne slowly. "You have earned this. Lead the Hunters well."
With a large smile, Hera stepped up towards Thalia, offering the new goddess a hug. "Welcome to the family, my child. I apologize it took this long." She then faced Jason who stood by Zeus' empty Throne.
"Then Jason, son of Jupiter, as the last in line for the Throne, you may claim it or deny it, your choice. But make it carefully," She warned as she made her way to him. "You know as I the mistakes your father made, bring back honor to the Throne as the new King of the Gods."
"...That, that is a big responsibility." Jason mumbled after a few seconds, thinking it over in his head. He looked to Piper next to him and gave her waist a comforting squeeze. He looked from Hera to Aphrodite. "What about Piper? Is she going to become a goddess along with me, or not? Because I will not agree if I can't be with her forever."
Piper had a massive smile on her face as she hugged her boyfriend. "I love you, babe."
"Love you too." He smiled at her before looking back to Aphrodite. "Will you make Piper your successor?"
The beautiful goddess practically cried out of happiness upon seeing the display of pure love, crying like a baby. Suffice it to say, but Aphrodite easily agreed.
With that out of the way, Hera stepped up to Jason, offering him the Master Bolt, Zeus' weapon and symbol of his godly power and authority. "Then do you accept the Throne, my child?"
Jason nodded without hesitation this time. "Yes, I accept the duty." He clenched his fist and wore a face befitting the King of the Gods. "I will do my best to live up to the title, Lady Hera. I will do my best to be the King that Olympus and the world needs. You have my word."
"I'm sure you will." Hera smiled before raising her hand. "Then I hereby name you Jason, King of the Gods, Lord of Olympus and Thunder, Ruler of the Skies." So Hera gave him the Master Bolt and Jason, like his sister Thalia, gained a new, godly body and sat on his Throne. He looked like a younger, kinder version of Zeus or Jupiter, though without the beard or suit.
After leaving Jason's Throne, Hera, as well as Poseidon, stepped up to Percy.
"My son," Poseidon started, pride in his watery eyes. "Words cannot express how proud I am of you. And I can not think of anyone other than you, my son, to take my Throne as God of the Seas."
Percy looked to Annabeth, whom he was holding by his side, with eyes that roamed over her entire body, as if he were trying to save the image of her in his head forever. He squeezed her shoulder harder before looking back up to his father.
"I'm sorry, dad…," Percy paused to let his eyes fall upon his father's. "But I have to refuse."
A collective gasp could be heard from the entire Throne Room, with everyone but Annabeth and maybe Lady Hera shocked at his words.
Poseidon, for example, was the most shocked out of all of them. "B-but my son, do you know what you are refusing?" He stepped up closer to his son. Frantic. "I am offering you my Throne, Percy. You will be the ruler of the Seas, Storms and Earthquakes, the Earthshaker. The Realm of the Seas is far larger than the Realms of the Earth and Skies, you want to refuse my Throne? Why?"
Poseidon looked to Athena, this time with no childish hate in his eyes. "I am sure that Athena would grant Annabeth her Throne as well, my son. So if you are worried about not being with her-"
"Poseidon is, just this once, correct in his assumption." Athena cut in, looking to her daughter. "Annabeth, you must know that I am planning on offering you my Throne, do you not? If you two were both to accept, then you would be together for all of eternity as not only gods of Olympus, but members of the Olympian Council. A prestigious title that has only been given to fourteen gods in all of history."
"We know what we are declining," Percy spoke up for both of them, putting his hand on Annabeth's still mostly flat stomach in a wordless action that told everyone in the room that didn't know the secret news. "But we have bigger things to think about right now. My days fighting- my days in the Greek world- are over. Right now, we need to focus on our unborn child."
Another gasp sounded in the room, everyone surprised at the news. "But my son," Poseidon began again, speaking quickly. "I am no longer ruling my Throne after today, so who would take the Throne? The Domains I control must be reigned in by someone. If not, then the very world would go out of balance. Seas would flood the coasts, the ground would swallow up cities and storms would ravish the world."
"I know that someone has to take the Throne, dad, but it's not going to be me, sorry." Percy spoke up, looking to his father. "That's why you should give the Throne to Kymopoleia instead. She can rule the Seas now."
Poseidon was surprised by the suggestion of his eldest and most destructive daughter.
"But my son, you know as I that Kymopoleia is far too rash and dangerous to rule the Seas. She is the Goddess of Violent Sea Storms, she represents the raw destructive side of the Seas. If she were to rule my Throne, then she would no doubt cause harm to the millions of sailors in my protection and send the world into-"
"Well we'll never know if we don't give her a chance, will we?" Percy interrupted his father, looking to the floating magical orb above the Hearth that showed the destroyed city below them. "Dad, I know where you're coming from, I do. I know Kym is angry and sometimes a little crazy and violent, but a lot of that is your fault."
Poseidon stiffened, more confused than upset at his son. "What do you-"
"Kym lashes out because you have limited her powers for millennia, dad." Percy said as he looked to Amphitrite, Poseidon's wife, Queen of the Seas and Kym's mother, who stepped up next to her confused looking husband. "If it weren't for her, then I wouldn't have been able to assemble the dozen or so Sea Deities that helped us defend Olympus and Manhattan. If it weren't for Kym, then we would have lost today. I think that she has more than earned the right to take your Throne."
Percy paused for a second, looking between his father and his father's wife. "I know what happened to Triton, dad… And I know that that's why you're worried for me," he stepped back to stand next to Annabeth again. "But I don't want to rule or be a god, or even Immortal. All I want is to live a long, happy life with Annabeth and our family, grow old, take my kids to see my mom and die happy. I've lived through enough war and fighting, I'm done. I can't do it anymore. Not again."
Lady Amphitriti spoke up next to her husband. "With Triton gone, my love, Kymopoleia is next in line for the Throne. You would go against tradition and ancient rights and name your youngest child your successor, just like Zeus when he appointed himself over you and Hades?"
That seemed to make Poseidon think, because he opened his mouth to speak but shut it, letting out a sigh before looking to his family. "Do you think that Kymopoleia can do it?" Poseidon asked both his wife and son. "Can we trust her to rule the Throne of the Seas? To be the next Earthshaker?"
"Yes," Percy answered honestly. "I do. And if she ever needs help, you can still be there, dad. You're all not dying, you'll still be around to help Kym, Thalia, Jason and the new gods if they need it."
"I agree with Perseus, husband." Amphitriti answered as well. "If Kymopoleia had been able to organize so many reclusive and reluctant Sea Deities to come to our aid in this time of need, then I do not doubt that she can also keep the peace in the Seas. I personally vote for you to select Kymopoleia to be your heir as the new Queen of the Seas."
Poseidon looked to his son and then his wife, giving a nod as he let a breath out of his nose. "Then if you're sure you won't change your mind, son, I will agree. I shall name Kymopoleia my heir as the new Ruler of the Seas. Amphitriti, will you summon her here?"
The Queen of the Seas gave a knowing smile. "I sent word to her a few minutes ago, Poseidon. She is coming as we speak."
After Kymopoleia arrived and Poseidon explained the situation, he offered his now eldest daughter and child the Throne of the Seas. Kymopoleia was extremely surprised, but agreed after being reassured by her mother that she believed in her. Percy telling her that he also gave up the Throne and offered it to her also helped give the Storm Goddess the courage to accept the Throne.
"Then from now on until you Fade into the Void or offer your Throne to another," Lady Hera waved her glowing hands above Kym's watery head. "You shall be named Kymopoleia, Queen of the Seas, Goddess of Storms, Marine Life and Monsters of the Deep."
Kym was handed her father's Trident, the symbol of his godly power and given a smile by her father and a proud hug by her mother. As she made her way to Poseidon's former Throne, she stepped up to Percy and Annabeth, shrinking into a human-sized form before suddenly and without warning wrapping Percy in a grizzly embrace.
"Thank you, little brother." She whispered through a sob, pulling back to face him and Annabeth. "For everything. Your kindness and honor will not go unreturned, I promise you. As the new Goddess of the Seas, I shall continue to give you any and all access to the Seas as you wish, as well as continue to grant you control over the Domains of Storms and Earthquakes that father bestowed upon you."
"Thank you, Kym," Percy smiled before shaking his head. "But I do not need them anymore, I'm done with the Greek world-"
"But know that you still have them." Kym interrupted him with a smile on her watery face. "Who knows, little brother, one day may come in which you have to protect your family, so I will allow you to retain control over your Domains. Family of the Seas stay together, after all." She put one webbed, watery hand on his shoulder, leaning in close.
"Know that you and your family shall have my protection, Percy. From whatever threats wish you harm. As long as you are within reach of the Seas, me and my kind will protect you and yours." She retracted her arm and began to grow to her previous size. She took a large step away before stopping and looking back, a playful smile on her lips.
"I mean, you are my baby brother, after all." She joked before continuing to her new Throne. "With your luck you are going to need all the help you can get."
After that, Athena tried once more to convince Annabeth to accept her Throne, but she readily refused. Annabeth was just as adamant as Percy, they were ready to move on with their lives, they would still stop by from time to time, and be there if any of their friends needed help, but they were ready to begin the first steps of their next journey as a family.
With Annabeth unwilling to accept the Throne of Athena, the goddess was forced to call upon her next eldest child, Malcolm Pace, and offer him the Throne. After being summoned to the Throne Room and having the situation explained to him, Malcolm quickly accepted the Throne, after giving his big sister a hug and wishing her, Percy and their child well, of course.
Malcolm was made "God of Wisdom and Knowledge, Patron of Libraries and Schools".
Next up came Hades, who didn't give a big, happy speech about how proud he was of his son like the other gods and goddesses, but nethertheless Nico knew his father was proud of him, even if he didn't say it outloud. Persephone did congratulate him with a giant bouquet of beautiful flowers that sang of his greatness though, so that was pretty cool.
"Nico, son of Hades, henceforth until it is your time to Fade into the Void beyond the reaches of Chaos, you shall be named Nico, Lord of the Dead, Ruler of the Underworld and Ghost King."
Demeter was next to choose her successor, but with two eldest children, each having loyally served her and the gods for years, she didn't know who to pick. But Katie, always the mediator, made it an easy pick and opted out of being named as heir.
"I'm sorry, mother, but I can see my destiny before me, as muddled as it is." Katie began, looking between her sister and mother. "I was put on this earth by Chaos to help people, and I know that I could help people as a goddess, but I would be limited by the ancient laws. It is my role to help those that need me, to listen and offer them a shoulder to cry on, to be there for them, even if I am the only one."
Katie looked to her sister, Miranda, with her signature warm smile. "I know you'll do great, sis, and I wish I could stay with you, but my place is at camp with the lost and broken." She faced Demeter, a determined blaze in her usually calm eyes. "I'm sorry, mother, but my place is with my campers. They have no one else but me… and I have no one else but them." She gave a firm nod, like the situation was final. "I'm staying at camp."
Demeter, it seemed, was thankful for her daughter's honesty, because not only did she easily accept her request to not take up the Throne, she also offered Katie Immortality.
"I understand your wish to remain mortal so that you will not be bound to the ancient laws," Demeter began as she put her hand on her daughter's shoulder, mindlessly stroking her curly hair. "But if you believe it is your duty to remain at camp to care for and look after the next generation, then I would like to offer you Immortality."
"You will be like Chiron," Demeter explained, noticing Katie's confused expression. "Neither god nor mortal, free to do as you please, unbound by the ancient laws that govern this world. As an Immortal you will be able to help those who need you, forever."
Katie's determined face broke as tears washed down her sun kissed face, she enveloped Demeter in a large hug, Miranda joining in too. "Thank you, mother," Katie forced out through her tears. "I accept."
Miranda Gardiner, after promising to always be willing to offer the Throne her sister, accepted the Throne. The next new goddess of Olympus, "Miranda, Goddess Agriculture, Vegetation and Farmers", took her Throne beside her fellow new gods.
Piper was made a goddess next, with Aphrodite giving a very long and teary speech about how proud of her she was. After making Piper promise to stay faithful to Jason if she were to marry him, to lead the world in example for how true love should be, or so Aphrodite said, Piper agreed, promising that she would help her mother change the love in the world, to make it purer and more genuine and less contorted and twisted, like Leonidas was secretly trying to do.
"Then Piper, my beautiful and brave daughter, you are now Piper, Goddess of Love and Natural Beauty, Protector of Pure Love".
Piper and Jason shared a kiss before she took her seat, Percy couldn't help but pull Annabeth closer and place a soft kiss in her hair.
Hephaestus, Lord of the Forge was next to stand and offer Leo the Throne if he wished it. Leo, of course, accepted with the goal to free Calypso from her island and bring her back to Olympus to live with him forever. Both Aphrodite and Piper squealed in delight.
Leo was named "Leo, God of the Forge, Volcanoes and Fire. Master Craftsman of the Gods". His Throne was an amalgamation of engine parts, an old gaming chair and what looked like a polished portion of Fetus.
Travis Stoll was selected by Hermes to be his heir to the Throne. Hermes consoled his son for the first time after the death of Connor. After mumbling an empty threat to dye Katie's hair blue in her sleep for mentioning him crying, Travis took the Throne.
"Travis, my son," Hermes began. "I am so proud of you, of both of you. And it is my honor to name you Travis, God of Cleverness, Thieves and Messengers."
Dionysus stepped up next, looking to his son. "Pollux, if you would accept, I have decided to name you my heir to my Throne. Do you accept it?"
"Yes, dad." Pollux easily agreed. "I do."
"Then I name you Pollux, God of Wine, Festivities and Rejuvenation."
Apollo moved from next to his sister to his son, offering Will his Throne. "Will," Apollo began, "I'm sure I already know the answer, since I doubt you will be willing to leave Nico-"
"Damn right." Will smirked, giving Nico a sultry wink that made the newly named god blush. Persephone's comments about them making a cute couple didn't help.
Apollo smiled. "Why did I even feel the need to ask?" He chuckled before offering his golden bow to Will. "It's yours, Will, task it. And know that Iexpect to hear news about a wedding any day now-"
"Daaad," Will whined, blushing a little, glancing around to his friends who all chuckled at the blushing couple. "Not in front of everyone."
"Fine, fine, I'll keep the comments to a minimum, okay? Young love, what'cha gonna do, huh?" Apollo sighed dramatically before handing his bow to his son. "Then I, Apollo of Delphi, name you Will, God of Healing, Archery and Homosexual Men."
Clarisse was the last demigod standing in the center of the Throne Room. She eyed her late father's Throne silently, not participating in the large group hug that Will and Persephone started, not that many expected her to willing do, of course.
Hera, Queen of the Gods, walked silently to the young woman, offering her a wordless hug over the loss of her father.
"My child," the Queen began. "I wish your father could be here to offer you his seat too, as his mother I will miss him a great deal. He may have been flawed and tempermental, but he was still my son. You have my condolences, my child."
"If you so wish it," Hera began, "Then the Throne of the God of War will be yours."
Clarisse hesitated, instead of answering she looked to the floating orb that showed the demigods around the Empire State Building. Among them, tending to the wounded and carrying a camper with a bloody stump for a leg, was Chris, her boyfriend. She watched the orb for another minute, this time moving her focus to the destruction of the city around them. She eyed the burning, crumbling and destroyed buildings. She even stepped up to it to focus on the campers and Roman soldiers who survived as they worked on tearing down as much of their battlements as possible before the military and police arrived in mere minutes.
Silently, Clarisse placed a meaty hand on the orb, focusing her attention on the large, bloody tarp that held the forms of dozens of bloody, white sheets. She watched as the healers slowly carried a small body over, placing it next to another bloody sheet. She raised her other hand to her face and despite it being out of sight, Percy knew that she was wiping a tear from her face. Finally, she spoke.
"Lady Hera," Clarisse didn't turn to face them, instead she kept her gaze focussed on the medical tents and watched as the Campers had to leave their fallen brothers and sisters behind as the military came into view. Chris was the last to turn away, but Percy knew in his heart that Chris knew what he had to do. They couldn't be seen by the military, so they had to leave their fallen behind. It was the only way, but it broke the hearts of everyone in the room, including Clarisse.
"Lady Hera," Clarisse began again, forcing back her sobs, "I would have done anything to make my dad proud of me as a kid… but if this is what is in store for me as the Goddess of War... " She paused as she turned around to face the group, her teeth clenched tight like a vice. "Then… then I don't want to be the Goddess of War… I can't see that again."
Her voice broke again as she looked back to the orb. The half-bloods had all fled the battlefield and the military had arrived at the Empire State Building. Looking more than shocked and worried by the bloody figures of sheet covered bodies. But when a soldier hesitantly pulled back a small, blood-stained sheet to reveal Kent, the eleven year old son and head of the Aristaeus Cabin, Clarisse broke down.
"I don't know how my dad could stand it…" She muttered under her breath as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "But no good person could willingly accept the title of God of War… no one. No decent person could after seeing this." With a sniffle and long breath, she looked to Percy and Annabeth.
"Percy and Annabeth have the right idea," She started, her fists clenched tight. "I can't fight anymore, at least, I can't be the one responsible for deaths anymore. I lead most of those campers yesterday, they were family… and I'll protect my family with my life, kill anyone or anything who tries to harm them, but I could not be the Goddess of War. To have to see and sense all of that death, and to feel the anger and hatred of the world…" She looked back to the orb which focussed on a fleeing Chris, a wounded demigod on his shoulders, and gave a loving smile. "Besides, I couldn't leave Chris. He keeps me sane. I'm sorry, but I can't accept the Throne. Ask one of my siblings, but I can't do it." She said as she looked to Hera.
"I won't be responsible for anymore war." She muttered. "I can't."
After taking a minute to console Clarisse, the group of remaining demigods and newly named gods, Hera summoned Sherman Yang, the head of the Ares Cabin and offered him the Throne.
He didn't even hesitate.
After Sherman took his new Throne, Lady Hera stepped forwards and addressed the crowd. "My children, my family, fellow gods, there is only one Throne left to fill: Mine."
The goddess stepped up to her daughter, offering her glowing hand. "Hebe, my little one, it seems that there is no better choice for the new Goddess of Marriage." She gave her daughter a loving smile. "You have shown me, the Goddess of Marriage a thing or two about love and forgiveness, while forever staying loyal to your husband despite his unfaithfulness to you."
"Because of this, my child, I offer you my Throne." Hera looked to Hebe to answer, silently holding her hand out to her.
"If you deem me fit, mother, then I will humbly accept." Hebe accepted her mother's hug and moved to her new Throne. "I will do my best, mother."
"I know you will, my child." Hera then waved her glowing hands over her daughter's head. "And then I, Hera, Queen of the Gods, grant you the title of Hebe, Goddess of Marriage, Family and Forgiveness."
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After letting all the congratulations for the new gods end, Hera, the former Queen of Olympus glided up to Percy, offering him thanks and a loving smile that reminded him of his mother.
"Percy Jackson, the Champion of Olympus and Savior of the World, we owe you our thanks." She gave him a hug and then gave one to Annabeth. She then continued. "But our mere words cannot express our true feelings, nor pay you back for all you have done for not only your Camp, but for Olympus and the world as well."
"I know that there is no point in offering either of you Immortality," she smiled warmly, "So I ask this instead: As payment and thanks for your service to us and the entire world, ask for any reward, and it will be given to you."
Percy and Annabeth seemed to have a wordless conversation with only their eyes. The others watched as the two looked at each other for a few minutes, only shrugs or nods gave away any indication about their conversation. And finally, after another minute, Percy looked to Hera.
"We would like to ask for three things, if we can, Lady Hera."
Hera did not hesitate. "Name them."
After a nod from Annabeth, Percy continued. "First, we want a monument to be built dedicated to all the demigods who died in service of the gods in the last few years."
"Consider it done." Hera agreed before looking to Leo. "I trust that our new Craftsman of the Gods would be up to the task?" Leo nodded. "What else, my children?" She asked as she looked back to Percy and Annabeth.
"Lady Hera," Percy began. "I would like to be free of my duty to serve Olympus."
Percy ignored the murmurs in the room and continued with stride, hugging Annabeth into his side. "I need to focus on my new family. We want to move out into the mortal world, buy a house, get myself a job and get ready for our child to be born." He didn't say anything about taking in Leonidas and Eos' daughter, Astraea because he doubted that everyone would be as accepting of their decision as they were. He wasn't even going to tell anyone outside of his mother and maybe Chiron who the girl was. Who her parents really were. Leonidas would be forever remembered as an enemy of Olympus, a monster, so he feared for her safety if anyone ever found out.
"We want to be able to live a life free of wars, fighting and Monsters, so we'd like to also ask for magical wards to be put around us and our family so that our scents no longer attract Monsters." Percy continued, looking to Hera who easily agreed.
"I would rather my children," he said referring to their unborn child and Astraea, "Not attend Camp when they get old enough." He told the group as a few gasps were exchanged. "Going to Camp means they'll have to fight, and I would rather fight Chaos herself with my bare hands then let anything happen to them."
"But Percy," Jason began hesitantly, "Demigod children need to attend either Camp Half-Blood or Camp Jupiter. It's like a tradition."
"Yeah," Leo cut in. "What if your kid gets your powers? How will they learn how to control them?"
"I'll teach them." Percy said firmly. "I'll also teach them how to look after themselves and defend themselves, but I will not send them to Camp. At any time a Prophecy could make them go on a dangerous Quest. No, Annabeth and I talked it over, I will not allow any of my future kids attend Camp."
"But Percy, Prophecies don't care whether they're at Camp or not." Apollo spoke up this time. "If any of your future children are Fated to be in a Prophecy, then there is no helping it."
"I don't care," Percy said adamantly. "I'll do anything to protect my family." I swore to Leonidas I'd protect Astraea, he told himself. "Even if I have to come back to the Greek world to keep my family safe rather than let them fight, I'll do it in a heartbeat."
Lady Hera looked to Jason. "You are the new King of the Gods, my child. The decision to accept Percy's requests are up to you now."
Jason looked to Piper who sat on her new Throne next to him. She nodded. After letting out a breath, he spoke. "Percy, you're like a brother to me. And Annabeth, I think of you as family, you two know I would do anything for you two… so… I will accept any and all requests you make today." He gave a smile before motioning for Percy to continue. "You had one more request, right? Name it, and it will be yours."
"Thank you, Jason, but this request is more for Lady Hera or Lady Hebe." Percy turned from his friend to face the two goddesses. "My last and final request, is to marry Annabeth. Right here. Right now. I've waited long enough."
"Yeah you have." Annabeth smiled as she nudged him with her elbow. She then looked to Hera, a more timid look on her face. "But if I may, Lady Hera. I know that mortals aren't allowed on Olympus, so my dad can't be here… but can you summon Chiron, please?"
The goddess agreed easily. "Of course, my child. Anything for the bride on her wedding day, but, why Chiron?"
"Because he…" Annabeth drifted off as Piper, Hebe, Aphrodite and several of her Immortal children began setting up for the ceremony. Even Hephaestus and Leo flashed to the Forge to whip up some wedding rings real quick. "...Because he's like a second, or first, dad." She admitted after a few seconds.
Annabeth continued. "I- I want Chiron to be the one to walk me down the aisle if my dad can't be here."
Hera wrapped a loving arm around the young woman's shoulder, giving her a calming squeeze as she leaned in close. "With a reason like that, then how could I say no?" She released Annabeth before standing up straight and offering the soon to be couple a smile. "I'll summon our old friend right away."
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The next hour or so before the impromptu wedding went like a blur to Percy, he couldn't even remember changing into a suit and tie, yet he was in one. His unruly hair was even combed back and held together with gel by Aphrodite. But, even if he lived to be a hundred years old, he'd remember when Annabeth walked through the doors leading into the Throne Room where he and all the gods in attendance waited for her.
But Percy didn't pay attention to Apollo and the Muses as they played Annabeth's entry music. Or when Eros and several of Aphrodite's Immortal children flew above and behind Annabeth, letting rose petals float to the ground at her feet. Or to Chiron's face as the old centaur walked Annabeth to the altar, his bearded face dripping with pride and tears. No, Percy didn't pay attention to or notice any of that… he only noticed…
Annabeth, the love of his life. The woman who carried their child inside of her. The girl he would go to the farthest reaches of the world, past the edges of Oceanus and into the Void far beyond the known universe for.
Annabeth, the blonde girl with princess curls, enchanting stormy grey eyes and the girl whom he had fallen for years ago but was too afraid to tell.
Annabeth…
...His future bride…
And that was when Percy came to, with Annabeth, the single most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life, even among goddesses and Titanesses, looking deep into his eyes as they took each other's hands.
"You look really handsome, Seaweed Brain." She whispered as Hera began the brief opening speech.
"I, uh…" But Percy couldn't form a single word in his state.
Annabeth gave a discreet giggle before focussing on Hera as she spoke to them, well, as much as she could, anyway.
"It is my honor to stand before you all today as we unite the two demigods and godly houses before us." Hera began before signalling Grover, who had been summoned for the ceremony, to hand Peryc the rings.
"Perseus Jackson, son of Poseidon, do you promise to take Annabeth as your own? To dedicate your entire life to her? To cherish, love, protect and honor, to the best of your abilities, for the rest of your life?"
Percy didn't know how he did it, but he managed to muster out a shaky, "I do."
Hera smiled before looking to Annabeth. "And Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena, do you promise to the Percy as your own? To dedicate your entire life to him? To cherish, love, protect and honor, to the best of your abilities, for the rest of your life?"
"I do." Annabeth agreed and Percy felt himself fall in love with her golden princess curls all over again.
Hera gave a proud smile as she raised her hands to the ceiling. "Then, as my final act as Queen of the Gods, I, Hera, with the power vested in me as the Goddess of Marriage and Family, pronounce you man and wife." She smiled as she gestured to Percy. "If you would?"
Percy went in to kiss Annabeth, but at the last second she grabbed his collar, swung him around and dipped him before drawing out a long kiss as she held him.
The entire Throne Room filled with cheers, music and singing as all of Olympus celebrated the new couple.
After she let him back to his feet, Percy looked to his new wife and smiled. "We're staying together," he whispered into her ear only for her to hear. "All four of us now."
"As long as we're together," she whispered back.
(Author's Note)
Hey guys! How was that ending? It was hard to write, it just felt like a lot of talking and explaining and I feared it would be boring. Let me know if it was okay.
Percy and Annabeth are married now! OMG! Praise the gods above! I can hear the fangirls now, lol.
Next chapter will be Part 3 and we'll be leaving Olympus to see the damage done to the city. As well as learn a few things… dun dun dun…
See ya then! Yell at me if I wait too long between uploads again, okay? You have my permission.
Thank you to my wonderful supporters on Patr-eon!
'W.R Winters'
'A TerrificAcorn'
Fun Fact: 'I created a Leonidas themed custom YouTube Music playlist full of songs I think either really fit his character or ones that I listen to while writing him to help me get in his mindset. They aren't ones he'd listen to personally, since he and Eos mostly listen to old, classical and occasional jazz records. You can check it out(as well as one for an upcoming character that'll be in my upcoming SECRET series after COO) on Pat-reon for only $10USD.
I have THREE, yes three, custom playlists that just recently went up at the beginning of the year. Two are dedicated to characters that'll be appearing next year while the third will be dedicated to 'Writing tips, tricks, how to's, advice and general information videos' that I find really helpful when writing or thinking up stories while laying in bed at 2am. I currently have 285 videos in my personal Writing playlist, but most of those are specific to me with such things like accents, lingo, history, sciences, myths and so on. I'll scour all the videos in my playlist to make you guys a curated playlist of only the most helpful and useful videos. If you guys have any suggestions for the playlist then let me know in a Review or on Twitter! The help would be most appreciated!' [Edit, I wrote this AN long ago, so the Writing Tips and Tricks playlist is available as we speak! Check it out!]
Question of the day: 'Where are you guys from?' I can see from the analytics that I have a wide range of readers from all over the world, I often find myself googling countries I don't know or aren't familiar with and looking them up on the map. If you guys don't feel like telling me specifics(which is fine), then just tell me the country. When I'm rich and living off the royalties of my New York Times Bestselling series, I plan on traveling the world and will visit wherever sounds interesting, lol. So let me know if you live anywhere cool. I'm really interested in small, lesser known places. Say hi from where you're from in your Reviews, okay?
Next Time: What War Leaves Behind
