Chapter 5
Percy Jackson was feeling lighter than he's had in months. After his moment of self-discovery, 2 weeks prior, Percy had felt as if he was doing much better. No longer using his training as a distraction, he allowed himself to feel. He hung out with Apollo and Hermes, outside of training sessions. He spent more time with his father in Atlantis, and sparred with his half-brother Triton.
And he also kept his promise of talking to Aphrodite more. He found that he much preferred Aphrodite's company. She was ridiculously easy to talk to, especially when they're alone. She told him things that she's never told anyone before. Like her love of all things food, she enjoyed cooking mortal dishes from scratch, even if she didn't need to eat mortal food to survive. She enjoyed reading, and Percy was surprised to find that she didn't only read fashion magazines, but actual books. She was intelligent and funny, and could most definitely hold her own in a battle of wits.
Aphrodite had quickly become one of Percy's favorite Olympians, next to his father. And it appeared that Aphrodite enjoyed his presence just as much, because she always invited him over the next day after every one of their hangouts.
That day, Percy had found himself sitting in his own palace, which had finally been finished. It wasn't much, not as lavish as Apollo's or extravagant as Aphrodite's. But it was his and it was his new home. It was simple, and very much him. Whoever designed it knew just how much he'd enjoy it.
Percy was in his home-gym when he felt a jolt run through his body and a buzzing in his head. A frown took over his features at the sensation as it was unusual to have a council meeting before the Solstice. Instead of thinking too much into it, Percy grabbed his shirt and tossed it on before stepping into a web of shadows to appear in the throne room.
He gazed upon Zeus's throne, and he met his uncle's eyes, "Lord Zeus? What's going on?"
"I'll explain once everyone arrives," Zeus stated as he motioned for Percy to take a seat on his throne. Percy nodded silently before he took his seat on his throne which had been placed near his father's.
Percy waited patiently for the rest of the Olympians to arrive. When Aphrodite arrived, she paused to smile at Percy, who returned her smile with a grin of his own as he watched her take a seat on her throne. Once all of the Olympians arrived, Zeus cleared his throat to gain their attention, and soon all eyes were on the King of the Skies.
"Apollo's Oracle has spoken of a new Great Prophecy," Zeus began as his gaze fell upon Apollo, "Apollo, speak the words of your Oracle."
Apollo nodded his head before he rose to his feet to speak the words of his next Great Prophecy:
"Darkness and Night of the Primordial Age,
Will reign once more in a fit of rage
Half-Bloods and Gods take up arms
To fight a war upon the stars
Eternal Darkness will see to reign
One God lives or dies for his domain."
"This one seems pretty self-explanatory," Athena spoke once Apollo had settled in his seat, "Darkness and Night of the Primordial Age, that must mean Nyx and Erebus," Athena frowned softly at the realization, "They're two of the most powerful Primordial Gods, the personifications of Darkness and Night themselves."
"The Half-Bloods and Gods lines, obviously mean that we're meant to fight with our children once again," Poseidon stated, "Which makes sense, though our children are powerful and they've fought in countless wars over the last few years, they couldn't take on Primordials by themselves."
"The only problem is the last line," Percy spoke now, "Who will live or die for their domain?"
"Perhaps it is you," Athena stated simply as she turned her heated grey eyed gaze towards the newest Olympian, "We are fighting the personifications of your domains, perhaps you will have to live or die for them."
"That'd be too easy," Apollo said, causing all eyes to turn to him, "My prophecies are never so straightforward, it couldn't possibly be Percy."
"Until we discover who this God will be, I request that we all be careful when venturing to the mortal world," Zeus stated, "This Prophecy appears to be rather dangerous, if Nyx and Erebus bathe the world in eternal darkness, who knows what will come of it."
"I suggest we also keep contact with our children," Poseidon offered, "They will need to know of the coming dangers. Perhaps it will not present itself in their age, but it is better to be safe rather than sorry."
"I agree with Poseidon," Hades gave a nod of his head in his brother's direction.
"As do I," Aphrodite stated. And one by one, all 14 of the Olympians chorused their agreements.
"I will allow contact with our children as this is rather important," Zeus stated simply, "Warn your children of the coming dangers, aid them when they need it. However, it is Percy's job as the God of Heroes to make sure to offer aid during all quests."
"I will make sure that it is done," Percy nodded his head once in understanding.
"If that is all, then this meeting of the council is adjourned. Prepare yourselves, a war is brewing," Zeus tossed his bolt into the center of the room, and Percy rolled his eyes at his Uncle's dramatics.
Percy rose to his feet to step into a web of shadows, appearing in his palace. Percy sighed as he made his way to his living room, plopping down onto his couch. He waved his hand to turn on the tv in his room that allowed him to view the Half-Bloods and heroes of Earth.
Percy waved his hand continuously until it landed on his friends. He frowned softly as he crossed his arms against his chest while watching the screen. He jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder, and he quickly reached into his pocket for Riptide as he jumped to his feet. He spun around to look at the intruder of his house, and he let out a breath of relief when he saw that it was only Aphrodite, "Hades, Aphrodite, you just gave me a heart attack. I almost took your head off."
"I would have reformed," Aphrodite offered a shrug of her shoulders, "Also you're a God now, you can't have a heart attack."
"Right," Percy nodded, "I know that, it was just an expression," Percy stated simply, "Why are you here?"
Aphrodite hummed softly as she ran a hand through her hair, shaking it out to add luxury to her already beautiful blonde waves, "I just wanted to sit with you, is that alright?"
"Yeah, I suppose so. I'm currently watching over the heroes of Earth if you'd like to join me," Percy motioned towards the couch, and Aphrodite smiled softly before she made her way around the sofa to sit down. Percy took his seat once again, and he returned his gaze to the screen.
"Is everything alright?" Aphrodite questioned as she watched Percy go through the channels on his tv.
"So far, things seem quiet on Earth. No danger just yet," Percy stated simply, "Piper seems to be doing well as the new leader of Camp," Percy grinned a bit as he glanced over at Aphrodite, "Already putting her foot down with the new and old campers."
"That's my girl," Aphrodite smiled proudly, "Showing everyone that she's in charge."
"Like mother, like daughter," Percy chuckled as he returned his gaze towards the screen.
"I do like it when people listen to everything I say without question," Aphrodite smirked softly.
Percy laughed softly at this, "Like the men and women that throw themselves at your feet?"
"Precisely," Aphrodite grinned, "I like to have a little bit of control in most aspects of my life."
"Only most?" Percy lifted an eyebrow as he glanced over at Aphrodite.
"Well that's just not a secret I can share," Aphrodite teased as she nudged Percy in the side with her arm.
"Oh really?" Percy chuckled as he looked at Aphrodite.
"Sorry, Percy, best friend or not, I just can't tell you all of my secrets. Then where would the mystery be? What would keep you coming back for more?"
"Your quick-wit and excellent conversational habits," Percy flashed a small, teasing grin.
"Ever so charming," Aphrodite snorted in amusement, a smile of her own forming on her features.
"I learned from the best."
"Oh, really?" Aphrodite lifted an eyebrow.
"Yeah, Apollo is a great teacher," Percy grinned, and Aphrodite huffed as she reached out to push Percy's head, causing Percy to laugh as his body fell to the side ever so slightly, "Oh, you're so touchy, 'Dite, I was only joking."
"You better be," Aphrodite's eyes narrowed dangerously, "If you like Apollo so much, maybe you can start hanging out with him instead of me," Aphrodite huffed as she rose to her feet. Percy's eyes widened as his hand shot out quickly to grab ahold of Aphrodite's wrist, tugging her back down onto the couch beside him.
"Oh come on, 'Dite, don't be like that," Percy pouted at the Goddess of Love, "I was only joking. Don't subject me to Apollo's haikus and annoying ways, please," and Aphrodite's heart melted as Percy's eyes shone and his lower lip jutted out, giving quite the perfect puppy dog look.
"Fine," Aphrodite sighed dramatically as she settled in her seat, "Only because I know you'd probably toss Apollo off of Olympus if you spent too much time with him."
"Quite right," Percy chuckled as he grinned at Aphrodite, "If I had to hear one more haiku, or his attempt at singing heavy metal with his lyre I may have just forced myself to fade."
"And we wouldn't want that," Aphrodite laughed softly.
"Exactly," Percy grinned. Aphrodite laughed again, shaking her head in amusement. Her eyes shifted to Percy's hand still wrapped around her wrist before she glanced up to meet Percy's eyes.
"You can let me go now, Percy," Aphrodite said, and Percy's eyes widened as he glanced from his hand around Aphrodite's wrist to Aphrodite's eyes.
"Sorry," Percy said as he quickly pulled his hand away, an awkward smile present on his face.
"It's okay," Aphrodite said softly, and Percy chuckled nervously as he rubbed the back of his neck before he returned his gaze to the television. Aphrodite shifted on the sofa to turn to watch the tv screen.
Her mind was running wild. She hadn't realized she'd feel so empty when Percy stopped touching her. She didn't like the feeling one bit. They had never touched one another before. Never a hug, nor a handshake. Aphrodite made sure to remain a healthy distance away from Percy as not to affect him with her beauty and aura. Though, he never really seemed to be affected by her before. She was scared things would be different now that he was a God, and she really didn't want to ruin the friendship she was building with the new Olympian.
He was the closest thing she had to a real friend in eons. He listened to her, and he seemed to want to know the real her and not just the image she portrayed. She found that she quite liked it. She quite liked him. Not only was he handsome, with his own kind of charm. He was caring, kind, and loyal. He was smart, in his own way. Whether it was book smart or street smart. He didn't see it, but she did. That was another thing about him. He was humble. He never quite saw how amazing he was. He was everything Aphrodite found herself dreaming of in a man.
Wait…what was she thinking? This was Percy she was thinking about. Percy Jackson. The New Olympian. Her daughter's best friend, Saviour of Olympus, and her new friend. She couldn't ruin all that's built with him by feeling this way. Whatever it was that she was feeling. You'd think as the Goddess of Love, she'd be able to sort through her feelings. But she had no clue. It couldn't be love. Love took time to form. Perhaps a crush?
Oh, Gods. Did she have a crush? On Percy Jackson? She knew she wasn't the first, and she'd more than likely never be the last. But she had no idea that she would feel this way. Not for Percy. Not for a friend that she wished to keep, forever if he'd have her.
This wasn't good. Not at all.
She needed space to think, and she definitely couldn't do that with Percy sitting mere inches away from her. So close that with just any slight movement she'd be touching him. Gods, no, she needed to get away.
Aphrodite jumped to her feet so quickly that she startled Percy, whose focus had been elsewhere during her mental freakout. Percy glanced up at Aphrodite, a frown forming on his features, "Everything alright, 'Dite?"
"What? Oh, yes, everything's fine," Aphrodite smiled warmly down at Percy, "I just realized I have some last minute matchmaking and such to do. You know a Goddess's job is never truly done."
"Right," Percy nodded his head as he rose to his feet, "Let me walk you out then," he flashed a grin in her direction, and it took everything in Aphrodite not to physically swoon at the sight. Gods, who knew realizing her crush on Percy would have her feeling like a teenage girl in love.
Aphrodite nodded silently, and Percy motioned for her to walk ahead of him before he trailed after her. Once at the door, Aphrodite pulled it open and stepped outside. Percy held the door open, and he grinned at Aphrodite, "If you ever wanna hang out again, you always know where to find me."
"Right," Aphrodite nodded to Percy, "Thank you, Percy, I'll remember that. I hope you have a good rest of your day."
"Same to you, 'Dite," Percy smiled before he began to shut the door. Once the door was closed, Aphrodite let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding before flashing to her own palace.
There was no way in Hades that this would end well. Could it?
