Olympus Throne Room; Percy
Yeah, well the night wasnt as bad as expected, I talked a lot with Zoe. We spoke about how much Tartarus sucked for me and Annabeth, what happened in the House of Hades, because she only can see things under the sky, and I also explained some things that happened at our commando room aka dining room on the Argo II.
Yep, we are still on Olympus. I, because there wouldve been no way to get to Camp and well, there are still some things to talk about. Some others had other reasons than that. For example Leo. He had a massive headache. If you compete against Dionysis in a drinking game I guess thats exactly what you get.
I slept in my fathers Palace which is insane. It´s like beeing in Dubai in one of those 7 Star Hotels. Marmor everywhere, Gold, Platinum. You probably expect the usual Sea-Green touch everywhere, but there was only pretty little of it. The plates and cups for example were pretty much green and blue but that it actually was. Whatsoever, we were in the Throne Room.
We means, every Olympian besides Hermes, Thalia and Zoe, the remaining 7, thats leaving a bitter taste, Nico and me. While Zoe and Thalia sat at Artemis Throne and Nico sat at Hades, the rest of us stood close to the hearth. It was still pretty dreary but it wasnt that cold anymore. I finally felt some of the comfortable heat of Home radiating through my body.
And well, we waited for something, though I have no Idea for what. I hate situations like this, standing still and simply waiting, its killing me.
Oh right, Hermes was missing, probably taking Calypso off of that cursed Island. I gotta admit, Im not happy that she cursed Annabeth. It was horrible to look at her in this state. But I guess I cant really blame her, she was "destined" to suffer, or rather beeing sentenced by the Olympians. I would get a grudge aswell, I guess.
I looked through the room, to maybe find something that was making this easier for me. My gaze shifted from my dad who gave me a small smile, to Apollo who´s eyes were closed and was listening to his iPod. Further I looked at Artemis and quickly got my sanity back to avert to stare at her. I was lucky that I survived my hug with Zoe, if she sees me staring at her that would certainly not be good for my health.
So my gaze shifted further, now to a certain Ex Lieutenant. She really was drop dead gorgeous. She was kinda tall for a woman, about 1,70 I guess and had a slim body. Probably because she hunted for about 2 thousand years. Her face was beyond pretty, not in an Aphrodite way, with perfect make up etc., but simply pretty. She didnt try to be beautiful, she simply was. I noticed that I must have been staring and apparently she did aswell.
She looked me straight in the Eyes and I was kind of lost, just like yesterday. Then she smiled a little bit, which made heat rise to my face. I tried to smile back before turning away, hoping she wouldnt notice the effect she had on me. Thats not right man. Seriously. You cant just get flustered by a girl only moments after the love of your life died.
Ok, well Zoe isnt just any Girl. But that doesnt matter. Thats certainly not how I should act or react right now.
Gods bless there was bright flash. Hermes appeared with what apparently my biggest "what if" and actually Zoe´s sister. She was as beautiful as I remembered her, Almond shaped eyes, cinnamon Hair in a single braid over her shoulder.
Of course, Leo was the most excitet one. He ran to her, even with his "headache" and embraced her tightly. She seemed to be a bit surprised but quickly hugged him back after she regained her posture. After that there were some Greeting, she and Zoe eventually hugged each other. Then there was me. She awkwardly stepped closer to me, probably not sure what to do.
"I heard you know about the curse I spoke out on Annabeth?" It was more a statement than a question from her.
" Im sorry Percy, I really am-" but then in interrupted her. I walked forward and hugged her.
"Dont worry, I dont blame you. Sure Im not happy about it, after all the years of suffering you needed to live through, I understand your reasoning. And Im actually sorry, you shouldve been released about a year ago already." With that I glared at Zeus, making clear who I blamed that for.
Line Break
Olympus Throne Room; Percy
After everyone greetet Calypso and most Gods and the other now Immortals left, there were only my dad, Zoe, Artemis and me left.
While Poseidon already stood next to me, Zoe and Artemis walked over to me, and I couldnt help it but look at Zoes approaching form. I quickly snapped out of it, Im quite happy with my actual Anatomie and I wouldnt appreciate it if Im going to miss something Important in the future.
The reason it was us 4 left here is pretty obvious I guess. We needed to discuss how we continue from now on.
When the 2 girls reached us, Artemis in her usual 12 year old form, she spoke directly to me first.
"Perseus, I would like to thank you for freeing my mother. And of course for bringing Zoe back to life, though I know it wasnt exactly what you intendet to do." She said gratefully, while Zoe looked a bit uncomfortable that she took Annabeths place of revival.
"Its alright, mylady, I just did what´s right. And to be honest, I never wanted power, let alone Godhood. I just wanted to live my life, thats everything I ever surged for." I said, not wanting to have the man hating Goddess beeing grateful to a man. Not that my life has been weird enough, she shook her head with a small smile and held her hand out for me to grasp.
"None the less, you, of all persons, and of everybody I ever knew, deserve appreciation, and I hope, that I may call the best Hero and best male I have ever met, my friend." She stated firmly.
Yeah I have been shocked a lot lately. But that. Wow. For Artemis this was probably more intimacy with a man than Aphrodite felt when she had sex with one. I shook her hand and responsed, "I would be flattered to call you a friend, Lady Artemis."
"Stop that lady stuff. For real, I dont expect a friend to call me lady, just say Artemis please."
"Only if you stop saying Perseus and instead say Percy" I said with a small smirk.
Now Poseidong coughed, had probably something to attend to, but I saw Artemis smile and nod in my direction.
"So, we need to discuss the matter of Percys and Zoes remain. Anybody an idea how to start?" Poseidon asked now.
"I would like to welcome Zoe back to my Hunters and if they need to stay close, as reluctantly as I am thinking about that idea, Percy needs to travel with us."
"My Lady, I would really like to join back, but having Percy travel with the hunters all day every day would probably come close to torture for him." Zoe said now, which I was glad about. After all atleast someone cared about what I thought or how I felt.
"Zoe is kind of right, not to disrespect you Artemis, but I have friends at Camp and it was always some kind of home for me, so I suggest a compromise. Zoe and I travel together, some weeks we stay with the hunters, some weeks at camp. We are both humans so we can talk and discuss about some adjustments and for how long we will stay where." I said now, kinda happy I came up with that. I guess you cant spend most of your time with a smart person like Annabeth and dont get something off of it.
"Further I have one or two things to do before I can travel anywhere and I would really appreciate some kind of transportation, so I dont need to drive through the whole US when I want to go to New Rome." I said now thinking about how to continue and what to do first.
"Well Percy, thats why I have this Ring for you. For me it seemed, to leave my son without any Gift at all, after he saved the world again, would be a bit unfair." With that Poseidon took a simple silver Ring with an Saphire in it out of his pocket and gave it to me. It really was totally simple, the only decoration beeing the Saphire.
"You may need some practice, but with it you should be able to flash yourself." He added.
"I should?"
"Well there wasnt really time to let anybody else test it and that I can flash without it should be obvious..." Poseidon said, while sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.
"Oh..."
"Well, you said you wanted to do some things before you can leave. What is it?" He asked now, eager to change the topic.
"First, I would like to visit mom. I havent seen her since Hera took me, and she probably thinks im dead."
"I will bring you there Percy and then return to my Hunters. When you are done just pray to me, but I hope that you are fine with starting with the hunters and not Camp."
"I will accompany you Percy, I dont know how exactly we need to stay close, but I would like to get to know the woman who managed to actually raise a man like you." Zoe said, while Im pretty sure she blushed a bit at her last commentary. Wow, Annabeth is gone for only a few days and my sanity is already slipping. That was fast.
"Then its sealed. Percy, if you ever need something, dont hesitate to Message me and I will do what I can."
"Thanks dad, I appreciate it." I said with a small smile as Artemis touched Zoes and my shoulder and everything went bright.
Line Break
Manhattan In front of Sallys Apartment; 3rd
Percy and Zoe arrived in a flash in a street in Manhattan. For the people living in New York it didnt seem to be unusual to just flash into existence, because literally no one cared.
The two of them quickly made their way to an Entrance, ringing the bell of the Apartment labeled :"Jackson". The door buzzed and they quickly made their way upstairs to the Apartment door. They stood their in an awkward silence, waiting for the door to open. Percy was obviously nervous, he even tried to straighten out his shirt and ruffled his hair with his hands. Zoe smiled when she saw this: fighting Giants, Titans and Primordials, no problem for Perseus Jackson, but an encounter with his mother makes him sweat. She gotta admit that was kind of cute. Wait. Nevermind it was not. Hah, you dont really think Zoe Nightshade would think of a male as cute right? Yeah total bullshit.
Steps were heard on the other side of the door and Percy got even more nervous. Fidgeting with his hands he stepped from one foot to the other, until Zoe laid a reassuring hand on his forearm and smiled at him. He smiled back and actually calmed down a bit, at least that was until the door opened.
There stood Sally Jackson, one of the greatest Persons to ever walk on Earth in all her glory wearing a dirty apron, and she was totally stunned at seeing her son after nearly a year.
"Hey mom, Im back home." Percy with a small smile.
Sally snapped out of her shock and rushed forward to hug her son. They embraced each other tightly, while Percy muttered soothing words in her ears that he´s fine and back and wont leave her like that again.
After about a minute they cut the embrace and Sally looked, slightly confused, at Zoe. She probably expected Annabeth beeing with Percy. She knew he lost his memories, when he was taken by Hera, but she wont take Annabeth from him would she?
"Sorry my dear, where are my manners. Im Sally Jackson, and who might you be?" Sally asked regaining her posture.
"Hello Ms. Jackson, Im Zoe."
"Zoe? Percy said something about a Zoe he knew. So you are not from the Roman Camp I guess. But where is Annabeth then? Shouldnt she be with you when you finally come home?" She said directing her glance back to Percy.
At the mentioning of Annabeth, Percys face fell. His eyes began to sting and he seemed unable to talk. Realization hit Sally in an instant and rushed forward again to hug her son.
"She-She´s gone mom. She died fighting against Gaea, like the hero she was." Percy barely managed to voice out.
"Oh Percy, Im so sorry." Sally said soothingly while stroking his hair like he was a little child.
Percy though remained kind of stoic, the only indication for his grieve was a single tear rolling down his cheek.
Zoe stood next next to them Mother-Son pair, feeling really, really uncomfortable.
"Listen mom, Im fine. Or, well Im not fine but it is okay, you know? I guess I accepted her death." Percy said, his voice trembling. Oh boy, he was for sure not fine and he certainly did not accept her death, but he wouldnt make his mother worry more about him when he just came backer after nearly a year missing.
"We should go inside mom, I would like to , uhm, tell you of my Quests."
"Quests?" Sally said, concern evident in her voice "like more than one?"
"Uhm yeah actually... you know what, I would love to have one of your blue Cookies before I start my, uhm, tale" Percy said, slyly.
Line Break
Once everybody was seated on a couch, armed with a handful of blue Cookies, Percy started to explain everything that happened since he woke up.
And for the first time in his life, he told his mom everything about his Quest, not leaving out even the toughest parts or closest battles.
Starting with his journey to New Rome, to his Quest, his fights with the Giants, the travel and the troubles on the Argo II and the battle against Gaea, including Annabeth´s death. He even mentioned Tartarus and how he kind of jumped in after Annabeth, or rather refused to let her fall down on her own.
After he finished his tale, his mom was crying silently. Zoe though looked at the one respectable man she knew in a new way. She knew that Percys love for Annabeth was pure and that he was a great hero, but the things she couldnt see, like Tartarus, made her look at him in awe and kind of in pity. She knew Percy wont like it if he recognized the pity in her glance, but she couldnt help it. There was one male, who has been raised to be a fair, loyal and nice person and he gets this bullshit.
Not that the life of a Demigod isnt hard enough, he gets the worst, the hardest and the toughest challenges and tasks she could imagine. Still there was Perseus Jackson, smiling at his mother, his eyes full of love, though they didnt twinkle like they used to. Yeah she noticed the sadness in his eyes and she was sure his mother did aswell. He, still, tried to remain strong for his loved ones, though he just lost the love of his life.
Percy hugged his mom, which made her stop crying and looking at him, sadness in her eyes. Then she looked at Zoe, now rather confused than sad.
"Well that doesnt explain who you are exactly." Sally now rather asked than stated.
"Well Mom, you know I have been offered Godhood right? Yeah well they offered it again, I declined again, I tried to trick them into reviving Annabeth but the Fates said it couldnt be her. So they, instead, brought Zoe back to life, a former Hesperide and a millenia old Lieutenant of Artemis." Percy now said matter-o-factly.
"Not to disrespect you Zoe, but why would the Fates think its a good idea to bring back a man hating Huntress instead of Annabeth? It was, after all, a gift for Percy." Sally now looked utterly confused.
"Uh mom, you know the Quest to save Artemis? Zoe was the one who died and we eventually became, eh, friends? I guess." Percy said now, not beeing sure if "friend" was the right term for their relationship back then. Cant tell him wrong right there, that was kind of an unusual situation.
"Oh, right you told me that there were 2 Huntresses you couldve saved. Well, Im glad that you are back Zoe and Im glad that some of your guilt has been relived." Sally said with a smile.
Zoe though, what could be the other logical reaction to hear something like this be, punched Percy. Again. Starts to get annoying. Atleast thats what he thought.
"Ouch, Zoe stop punching me! This whole "beeing close because of the Fates" bullshit wont work if we dont get along!" Percy said though he wasnt angry, he wasnt pleased either.
"Beeing close because of the Fates bullshit? Percy what do you mean?" Well Sally hasnt been confused so often a day in a long time.
"Well you see mom, because I requested her revival, our Fates has become related. We have no idea how or in which way, but the Fates told us that we needed to stay close to each other. It would decide over the worlds Fate etc. etc., not that I havent heard of that before. I guess the next level after beeing included in 2 great Prophecys is that the Fates start telling you your Job personally with a kind visit and some soothing words." Percy said, not really sounding angry but tired. Percy Jackson was, after 2 Great Prophecys, Tartarus, Annabeths death and the new Message tired. Theres no more describing word of his emotions or mental state right now.
"Oh alright, so I guess you will leave again soon right?" Sally said, now a bit sad that Percy probably will leave yet again for another dangerous Quest: visiting the man haters.
"Yeah I just wanted to talk to you and see my perfect mother again after beeing away from home for such a long time." Percy said, now smiling, though there was a hint of sadness.
"Very well my dear, but I would like to talk to Zoe for a moment." Sally said firmly. Zoe was confused though, she thought she will simply sit by, speak when she was adressed and later left with Percy. What would his mother like to talk about with her?
Percy though leaned back and nodded, not getting the hint that she would like to talk to her alone.
"Percy, alone."
His mouth formed a silent oh! and he quickly stood up, moving to his room.
"So Zoe, the Fates revived you instead of Annabeth and now you 2 need to stay close, right?" Sally spoke.
"Yes Ms. Jackson, thats atleast what they said, though Im not sure how that will work out after all." Zoe said looking to ground, while thinking about her man hating sisters. Percy wont have an easy life with the hunt at the next corner.
"Zoe, I am his mother and I saw the sadness in his eyes, the fact, that he is not fine with Annabeths death. It seems like you 2 will spend a lot of time together so I would like you to try to get him to talk about his grieve. It may not work out fast, or easily, but it will destroy him if he doesnt process it. Further, you are, excuse my bluntness, kind of an replacement for Annabeth and your Fates are, in fact, related now. You dont know what this all together implies right?" Sally stated, asked and requested at once. Zoe tried not to blush when she thought about all the "time spent together" with Percy. It didnt work and Sally, for sure, noticed.
"Yeah I saw it aswell, but Im not sure if Im the best person to do so, but I will try my best, thats the least I can do, after all he is responsible for my revival. Though I dont know what you or the Fates are implying, would you care to explain?" Zoe tried to stay formal, but was also curious what this woman worked out, only minutes after hearing the Fates words.
"That matters not right now my dear, just please watch out for Percy. He is, to say the least, exceptional good at finding trouble on his own." Sally said now, ending the conversation.
Zoe was confused, but this woman seemed to be wiser than she wants to admit, so she trusted her words, and stood up to get Percy.
"Oh and Zoe" Zoe turned around to see Sally smiling at her, "call me Sally."
Line Break
After leaving Sally´s Apartment, and Percy telling her to greet Paul when he comes back from work, the 2 prayed to Artemis. In an instant they were engulfed in bright light, beeing companied with the usual nausea.
They have been flashed before, but it would take a lot more times to get them used to it.
They appeared in an clearing, in front of Artemis. Behind her was a tent, like the hunters had.
"Good, you are just in time for dinner." Artemis said, smiling at her old friend.
"Percy, you will have a tent like the huntresses but I would recommend staying away from the camp unless you are companied by a hunter, atleast for the beginning. The camp is about 100 meters in this direction and Zoe will come every morning to get you for Breakfast and the other stuff like training. You need to take care of the other things yourself like washing your clothes but you will train with some of the huntresses and, which Im excited for, with me." Artemis said to Percy in a firm tone, radiating authority.
Well shit. Another Immortal to fight against. And of course it had to be Artemis. Not some stupid prick like Ares but a skilled and smart Huntress. She was, after all, one of Olympus best fighters when it came to skill.
"Alright Artemis, got it." Percy said with his trademark lopside grin. Zoe though looked into his eyes, as good as she were able to from the side, and looked for the twinkle he was known for, in vain.
Artemis didnt recognize it, just rolled her eyes at his manners, but I guess that was better than beeing castrated, which probably was the usual treatment for such and gesture towards this goddess.
"So, come on now, we dont have all day and my hunters are hungry." Artemis said, turning in the direction of the camp.
Percys smile disappeared "You know what, tell them I would love to meet them but Im pretty fed up from my moms cookies, Thalia will understand it, and I would like to have some time for myself right now."
Artemis simply nodded friendly in response, while Percy didnt wait any more and simply walked in the completely other direction. Cant blame him, thats the usual reaction to knowing the hunters position, unless you are Apollo or, which is much more likely, gods damn stupid.
As he disappeared in the woods, Zoe turned around to see Artemis looking at her, expecting her to follow her to her fellow sisters.
Zoe though knew what to do, so she simply shook her head, which earned a frown from Artemis, and started following Percy.
Artemis was confused at first, but beeing as smart as she was she quickly thought of the Fates words, and knew Zoe just did her Job. What she didnt know of was Sallys request and further, the real meaning behind the Fates words.
Line Break
Percy came to a small creek and sat down next to it, staring into the water. He simply wasnt able to get those storm grey eyes out of his mind, neither her Cinderella like curls and, which was the worst after all, her laughter. High and full of mirth and the complete opposite to her usual serious behavement. His head hang low, his palms over his eyes. But he, or rather his body refused to cry openly. It refused to sob, breaking down, to grieve freely over his loss. Why? Why couldnt he show his sadness? What was wrong with him, he thought while, yet again, one single tear rolled down his cheek.
What then startled him, or rather utterly shocked him was the soft hand that wiped it away. In the blink of an eye he stood up, took out Riptide and had it aimed at the intruders chest.
"I never expected to be threatened by my own Immortality." Said Zoe Nightshade, barely containing a laughter.
"What the fuck?! I didnt even recognized you, let alone hear you." Percy said still shocked though he recapped his trustworthy Blade with which he masteres so many Challenges.
"Millenia old huntress? Lieutenant of Artemis? Gods you really are a Seaweed Brain" Zoe said, now smiling.
Percys smile faded, but only so slightly, Zoe nearly missed it, but she was sure she saw it.
Seaweed Brain, of course she thought, mentally facepalming. That was her nickname for him.
"Listen Percy, I know you are, in fact, not fine with her death, and you need to talk about it, with anyone. Otherwise it will destroy you." Zoe said with real concern in her voice.
He quickly straightened his back, regained his smile, though Zoe knew it was fake. She didnt watch him for 3 years for nothing.
"Im fine Zoe, really. Yes I am sad, but her time has come and there was nothing I couldve done." Percy said.
Zoe simply sighed in response, in defeat, knowing she cant force him to talk. Okay thats not true, she could very well, but her eh conversation tactics wont do any good for their relationship.
"Come on Percy, lets get something to eat. And you cant escape the hunters forever." Zoe said, now a sadistic smile gracing her lips, while she grabbed Percy at his collar and dragging him along with her.
Thats gonna be one hades of a long evening for the young hero.
Well I gotta admit, I didnt expect any response at all and Im pretty happy that there are people who are actually reading this and taking a liking to it. So yeah, thank you guys, Im going to vacation tomorrow so Im not completely sure, how much I will be able to Update, because writing on an ipad without a keyboard sucks, but I guess time will tell. Btw you guys can send me some ideas you have or may like in this Story. Though there is no garanty that it will occur, I would be glad to have some input from the outside. And please correct me if im getting something wrong or making a grammatically mistake over and over again, im not a native speaker and im pretty sure you guys know it.
Well then, until later guys.