Hey guys!
LAST CHAPTER!
I really hope you like it.
Please read the authors note at the bottom of the chapter.
Enjoy!
The Seven
Frank
Frank felt odd in the Praetor's chair. He still wasn't used to his new power; it would take some getting accustomed to.
Reyna smiled at him as she sat down on the other side of the table, piles of sheets in front of her. Frank was relieved that Reyna had become so much more relaxed since she had met Connor, letting all of her tension go. It made working with her much easier and enjoyable. They had become good friends.
Frank frowned as he recast his memories to the giant war. Two weeks on and the effects of the war were still there. "What happened to Octavian?"
Reyna glanced up from her writing. "The giants killed him when he could no longer spy on us."
Frank sighed inwardly. He never liked Octavian, but that was still an unfortunate way to die. "And Amelia?"
Reyna shrugged. "She ran away. Hasn't been seen since. Anyway, shall we get onto the matter at hand?" Frank nodded. Reyna pushed a piece of paper towards him. Frank picked it up and inspected it. It was a list of names and addresses. "These are a few new recruits, Roman demigods. I requested it from Jupiter."
"It's not everyone, is it?"
"No, only a few nearest to this area. But we need a way of tracking demigods down, we need more campers. They're in danger; for now monsters have been scarce, because of Gaia's death, but soon they'll be back. Camp half-blood uses satyrs to track demigods, but they can only find Greek demigods, not roman ones."
Frank knew this was a problem, but had no idea how to solve it. He shrugged, and she tapped her chin thoughtfully. They sat silently thinking inwardly for a couple of minutes before something popped into Frank's head.
Inspiration flashed down on him. "The fauns! They would be able to sense roman demigods."
Reyna mulled the idea in her head. "Probably, but the fauns don't help, ever."
"So we train them. They could be just as helpful as the satyrs."
Reyna nodded slowly. "That could just work. You're a genius, Frank!"
Frank smiled. "Let's wait and see if it works first."
Reyna laughed. "I have a feeling it will."
Frank walked through Camp Jupiter, making his way to the gate. He was on his way to meet Hazel. She was helping Annabeth with the preparations. Reyna walked beside him, on her way to meet Connor for their date.
Soon they reached the gate. It was a towering archway, twenty metres wide. Encased in it were jewels of all kind, glinting in the sun. Lustrous gold veins webbed their way through the gleaming white marble columns. At the top of the archway were marble drawings, carved into the stone. This side held elegant pictures of New Rome, of the barracks, of the Praetor house and many more scenes. It showed the war as well, their fight against Gaia. The whole structure was magnificent. And, perching on top of the archway, or the gate as it was more commonly referred to, was a golden eagle. She was slightly bigger than a usual eagle, with impressive white-and-golden feathers, as well as curved claws, tipped with both imperial gold and celestial bronze.
"Hey, Aetos," Frank called to the eagle. She cawed back at him. Aetos was the guardian of the gate, the literal spirit of it. The gate itself had been created by the gods, a non-physical doorway to connect two places, just like Jason had asked for.
Frank stepped through the shimmering air of the gate, Reyna behind him. When he stepped out, he was at camp half-blood. The transition had been smooth and motionless.
The two camps were now easily accessible to each other via the gate. Essentially they were just one huge camp, though their physical locations were completely separate. The doorway linked them, made possible by the gods' magic. If you left Camp Jupiter through its normal entrance, you would end up in California, and it would take the normal amount of time to get to New York. But this gate connected the two camps.
Roman and Greek demigods inter-mingled with each other, the air buzzing. Frank grinned at the scene. There were no more disputes between them. The conflict was resolved.
It was the dawn of a new generation for demigods.
Jason
Jason walked out of his cabin. He had decided to live at camp half-blood, but he frequently spent time in camp Jupiter.
Jason had easily adapted to his new way of life. Together with his friends, he was working to make both camps better.
Right now, he was on his way to meet his sister. She would be waiting for him on half-blood hill.
He strolled past the swarms of campers. Everyone was here for the summer period, which had been extended till nearly the end of the summer, when Jason and his friends would be going to Manhattan High, as according to Piper's wish.
Soon, he spotted Thalia in her black hunter's jacket, her hair flying in the wind, waiting by the pine tree she used to occupy. He jogged over to her, yelling her name to catch her attention.
"Jason!" Thalia turned and smiled at him, opening her arms to hug him.
"Hey, Thals." Jason grinned at his sister. He was taller than her now.
Together they started walking away, towards the Big House. "How's the hunt going?" Jason queried.
Thalia shrugged. "It's going good. We lost quite a few in the war, like Phoebe," Thalia choked a bit on the name, "but dad's keeping his promise. We're getting more and more recruits."
"Oh that reminds me!" Jason exclaimed. "There's someone who wants to meet you, to join the hunters." Jason led her to the Demeter cabin. "Her name's Anna-Marie." He pushed open the door. The cabin had a few people in it, but most people were outside. Anna-Marie was sitting on her bunk, her hands folded delicately on her lap, concentrating on blooming a flower. She had deep, dark eyes and long, brown hair, plaited. She looked up when they entered. Thalia approached her.
"I heard you want to join the hunters?"
Anna-Marie nodded. They talked for a while. Jason realized he was needed in camp Jupiter. He had been put in charge of training, and he needed to test the ability of a new recruit. He told Thalia he had to leave.
"Alright," Thalia embraced him, "I'll see you tonight, at the beach." Jason nodded.
He made his way to the gate. Jason was glad that the gods had kept to all of their promises to their children, to the seven: and the gate was the result of his wish. When he reached, he stopped for a second to admire it. On this side, the drawings were of camp half-blood, but the pictures also told the story of the War of Gaia. Jason spotted lightning striking the marble Jason's sword, exploding Porphyrion. Aetos fluttered at the top of the arch. Jason grinned at the eagle. She then proceeded to poop on him. Great.
Jason ran to the training grounds in camp Jupiter- he was late. As he ran in, he spotted a skinny boy standing nervously at the edge of the arena, holding a sword. He had black hair and dark blue eyes, and looked around 11 years old.
"Hey," Jason smiled at him. "I'm Jason, son of Jupiter. Are you Kevin?"
The boy nodded.
"I'm going to teach you some sword-fighting, to train you. But first I need to assess your ability." Jason drew his sword. "Don't worry, you won't get hurt."
Jason attacked. He gave an onslaught of blows, avoiding hurting the kid. Kevin stumbled back. He managed to defend himself, but he couldn't touch Jason. Jason realized he would have to ease up, give the kid a chance to attack him. He stepped backwards and let his guard down, pretending to stumble. Kevin immediately launched himself at Jason, pushing him backwards with his sword. Jason tripped over his feet, and fell backwards on his back, hard. Kevin touched his chest with the tip of his sword, grinning.
Lightning struck the ground next to Kevin. The light flickered over his head, forming a holographic image of a bolt of lightning. Kevin's electric-blue eyes looked at the image in confusion. "What- what's happening?"
Jason gaped. "You're being claimed."
Kevin looked at him. "Who's my father?"
"The same as mine. Jupiter."
Annabeth
Annabeth looked down the beach, coordinating the preparations. Rachel and Ella the harpy were standing next to her.
"This looks like its shaping out to be a pretty good party," Rachel complimented.
"I hope so!" Annabeth replied, running a hand through her hair.
"August 18," Ella squawked. "Vietnam war, Operation Starlite begins, 1965. Hurricane Alicia hits Texas coast, 1983. Birthdays of Christopher Jones, Judith Keppel and of course, Perseus Jackson."
"That is one smart harpy," Rachel laughed. Ella blushed. Annabeth knew the harpy adored Rachel, probably because she was the only other person who she had met who had knowledge of prophecies.
Annabeth turned to Rachel. "I have to go meet Percy, he asked me to meet him outside his cabin at one. I better go now. Can you look over the preparations for the surprise party tonight?"
Rachel nodded, a big smile on her face.
Annabeth jogged over to Cabin number 3. As she approached, she saw Tyson coming out. "Hey, Tyson!"
"Annabeth!" Tyson walked over to her.
"You okay?"
Tyson pouted. "I'm worried. I'm scared Ella will not dance with me tonight at the party."
Annabeth suppressed a smile. She found Tyson and Ella's romance adorable. "Tyson, of course Ella will dance with you."
Tyson perked up. "You think?" Annabeth laughed and nodded. Tyson grinned and ran off. Annabeth continued to the cabin. She knocked on the door.
She heard Percy's voice call from inside. "Just a minute."
Soon the door opened to reveal Percy dressed in a clean green shirt and jeans. He was hiding something behind his legs, and was holding a blindfold in his hands.
"Uh-oh." Annabeth backed away. "What are you up to?"
Percy laughed, his eyes dancing with mischief. "C'mere. Trust me, it's all part of the plan." Sighing, Annabeth stepped forward, and allowed the blindfold to be tied around her eyes. She gripped on to Percy's hand.
"You better not let me fall, Seaweed Brain." Percy laughed in response, gently guiding her with his hand.
After a couple of minutes of walking, Percy untied the blindfold. Before Annabeth was a beautiful scene. It was a small grassy glade in the woods, overlooking the lake, sunlight falling onto the picnic blanket, which had been laid in the centre.
"Oh, Percy, it's beautiful!" Percy kissed her.
"Happy Anniversary," he murmured.
Annabeth had completely forgotten it was their anniversary; they had been dating for a year now. She smiled. "It's your birthday though! I should be treating you!"
Percy grinned. "You are; like you said we're going out for dinner tonight." Annabeth felt relief at the fact Percy still didn't know about his surprise party. "But this lunch, we celebrate our anniversary."
Annabeth smiled.
They sat down together on the blanket. Percy took the food out of the basket. There were sandwiches, cheese and ham like Annabeth liked, as well as mini sausage rolls, and the sweet grapes Annabeth loved. In fact all of the food was Annabeth's favourite. Percy had put a lot of effort into this.
Annabeth leaned back against the tree behind the blanket, Percy settling in next to her. She took a bite of the sandwich, looking at the astounding view in front of them. From here, it seemed like the lake stretched on forever, the water gleaming in the sun.
"How did you find this place?" Annabeth asked. "I've never been here."
Percy shrugged. "Thank Grover. He was the one who found it while trying to help me set up the picnic."
Annabeth tried to hide a smile. She had asked Grover to keep Percy busy, so he wouldn't see all the preparations going on at the beach.
Annabeth leaned her head against Percy's shoulder. He put his arm around her. "It's good to be back here," Percy said.
Annabeth turned her head and kissed him, a firm kiss, melting into him. He responded, pressing his mouth against hers. She smiled against his lips. "It's good to finally have you back here, Seaweed Brain."
Leo
Two weeks earlier
Leo stood at the helm of the Argo II as it sailed through the air, his heart pounding in his chest. He felt restless, itching to get to Ogygia again. To see Calypso again. To run a hand through her soft, golden hair. To kiss her.
The gods had granted his wish. They had lifted the curse. Leo could now return to Ogygia. He was using the astrolabe, powered by the crystal, which he had taken from Calypso's island, to navigate back.
The sea was calm before him. Festus creaked in front of him, responding to Leo's excitement.
Only ten minutes before he could see Calypso. Ten minutes till he got to Ogygia.
The minutes went by slowly, dragging on. Seconds became minutes, minutes became hours. Finally, centuries later, an island appeared in the distance. Leo recognized the white, sandy beaches, the tall, lush trees.
Ogygia.
He panicked. He combed his hair, swallowed down breath mints. He could swear Festus was laughing at him.
When they landed, there was no sign of Calypso. Leo hopped off the ship, and made his way to the cave. Bracing himself, he swung aside the bead curtain.
Inside, Calypso was sitting down, spinning a cloth on her loom. Her hair was just as silky and lustrous as Leo remembered. Her beautiful almond eyes were heavy with sadness, her pale face long and upset. She wore modern clothes, jeans and a shirt, just like Leo had loved.
She looked up at the sound, and her face turned pale when she saw Leo. "L- Leo? Is it really you?"
Leo grinned, his heart dancing in his chest. "Yes, Calypso. It's me."
Calypso ran up to him and kissed him straight in the lips. Everything else melted away, and for a while, Leo lived in that kiss.
Two weeks later- August 18th
Leo closed his hands around Calypso's eyes, blocking her view. He led her towards the forges at camp half-blood.
"Where are you taking me, Leo?" Calypso asked, trying to sound annoyed, but Leo could hear the amusement laced in her voice.
"Wait and see," Leo taunted cheekily.
Leo had taken Calypso back to camp in the Argo II. She had been a bit unsteady about the idea of leaving Ogygia- her prison and home for thousands of years. For the first couple of days, everything overwhelmed her.
But slowly and surely, she got accustomed to life outside Ogygia. She was adapting. Of course, once in a while, something would throw her off- like the other day, when Leo had taken her to see central New York. Calypso had been flabbergasted.
But Leo loved every minute with her.
He steered her into the forges, into the back, the area where he worked. He took her to the corner, before releasing his hands, letting her see.
Before them was a small workshop, only about 10 metres wide by long. It had most of the essentials a workshop needed, as well as a table with a juice-presser on it. A banner hung over the area, reading: Leo and Calypso's Garage: Auto Repair and Mechanical Monsters and beneath that We serve Fresh Fruit and Vegetables, Lemonade and Stew, plus Entertainment (singing and people randomly bursting into flames).
There were tears in Calypso's eyes as she threw her arms around him. "I love it," she said, her voice muffled as she buried her head into his shoulder.
Leo sat her down at the table. "So tell me," he asked, "how are you finding it? I mean everything?"
Calypso looked at him in the eye. "I love it. I love exploring the world, seeing everything new. I even love this camp, everything about it. My room," Calypso was staying in a room in the Big House, "the woods, the lake, and the beach."
"And the people?" Leo teased.
Calypso pretended not to know what he was getting at. "Oh yeah they're good too. I've made a lot of friends." It was true; Calypso had been an instant hit. Everyone had liked her, and Piper, Hazel and Annabeth had had very, very long girly chats with her. They had included her in their group, and for that Leo was grateful.
"And Percy?"
"It's fine. We've both moved on. It's not awkward. I thought I loved him. I thought I loved Drake and Odysseus before that. But they never loved me, and I didn't really love them, not really. That was just my curse, my fate. I hadn't had a say in it. But there is one person I love." She blushed. "Percy has Annabeth- he truly loves her. And I… well, I love you."
Hazel
Hazel looked at Nico. The war had ended. A time of peace had fallen upon them, but still her brother looked sad.
"Nico, what is it?"
Nico had called Hazel to the Hades cabin to speak to her. The Hades cabin had a tall ceiling, and was very wide. It was dark, with glittering black stone set in the rocky walls.
Nico cleared his throat. "I need to tell you something. Something that's not easy to say."
Hazel smiled gently at her brother. "It's to do with what happened that day in Split, at Diocletian's palace wasn't it?" Hazel had always felt like something had changed that day. Nico had revealed something, Jason had found out. A secret Nico had been carrying for years. Hiding.
Nico nodded in response.
Hazel suspected she knew what it was. She knew her brother well, even if she hadn't known him for very long. She could tell what he was thinking.
Hazel had always seen Nico's glances at Percy, the way he flinched, the way he hated himself for what he was. How he despised himself for his feelings.
But still, Nico looked scared as he opened his mouth to speak. Hazel didn't want him to be hurt through this. She put a hand on his cheek.
"Nico, listen. Your secret… just know, that you don't have to hate yourself. You have friends, people that would die for you. You don't have to hide, be ashamed. Stay here, and I promise, you'll start to feel better."
Nico looked at her. "You think people might actually accept me?" He looked stunned, as if he couldn't understand the idea.
Hazel nodded. "Of course."
"And… you don't think everyone will mind when they know the truth about me?"
"I know they'll mind if anyone gives you trouble about it. Nico, don't worry; we'll be there for you."
Hope glimmered in Nico's eyes. "I don't… I've moved on from my crush. But that doesn't change who I am."
"I know," Hazel nodded. "And it doesn't matter to us. You're still our friend. You're still my brother."
And for once, Nico smiled.
Hazel walked with Frank through New Rome, holding hands with him.
"You think Nico will be okay?" Frank asked. Hazel hadn't told him what Nico's secret was- she would leave that to Nico- but she had told him he was going through difficulties.
"It'll take time," Hazel said slowly, "but he'll be alright."
They walked through New Rome in a content silence. They spotted Reyna and Connor sitting close to each other by a fountain. Hazel had to smile at that.
Frank brought her back to reality. "You've lost your curse," he reminded her.
Hazel's fingers curled, and a red gem popped to the surface. Frank bent over to pick it up, and Hazel didn't stop him. "Not cursed," Frank smiled.
"Thanks to you," Hazel said happily. "And you no longer have to worry about your burning stick."
Frank nodded in relief. "It's a huge weight off my shoulders. But now I can stop worrying about that, and finally enjoy the moment."
The spray from the fountain lightly drizzled them, cooling their skin in the warm day, the sunlight making rainbows in the droplets.
Hazel smiled at Frank, again noticing how much taller and more muscular he was. It suited him.
"Plus, you're Praetor," Hazel said proudly.
She put her arms around his neck. Frank blushed.
"Yeah, but, I'm still the same, it's not-"
"Oh, shut up already and enjoy the moment," she teased.
Frank grinned. "Enjoy the moment, huh?" He splashed some water from the fountain on her, soaking her clothes. She laughed.
"Frank Zhang, you'll pay for that one!"
She scooped up some water and chased after him as he ran off. People looked at them, but in that moment Hazel couldn't have cared less. She was enjoying the moment, and no one would stop her.
Piper
Piper cooed at the baby satyr. "He's so cute!" The satyr was a month old, with small tufts of brown hair on his head, and furry little goat legs.
Mellie, who was holding him, blushed. "Isn't he just? He's our little angel."
Piper smiled. "I can't believe you didn't tell us about him."
Coach Hedge grinned. "Oh, we wanted to. In fact, Zhang found out. We didn't tell the rest of you, 'cause we didn't want anyone to worry."
Piper was standing in the woods, outside the last tree-y fort that Coach Hedge had built, and he was now using as home for him, Mellie and their baby.
"What are you going to call him?" Piper asked.
Mellie exchanged a look with Coach Hedge. "We were thinking of the name Ash…"
"Ash," Piper repeated, testing the name in her mouth. "It's a perfect name."
Mellie beamed at Piper. "You think?"
Piper nodded, laughing.
Mellie leaned forward and hugged Piper tight. Coach Hedge clapped her on the back.
"Thank you," he said. "To you, and all your friends. You stopped the war, and now we can raise our son in a time of peace."
Piper sat opposite Jason in the cosy coffee shop. It was a pleasant day, and the sun was smiling down on New Rome. Outside children were playing, street vendors were selling food and even some merchandise, little bobble-heads of monsters from the war, action figures of demigods.
Piper held Jason's hand from across the table. She took a sip of her coffee. The warmth tingled in her mouth as she focused on Jason.
"So Kevin's your brother?"
"Yep." Jason nodded, a smile on his face. "And he's gonna stay with me in the Zeus cabin. Anyway, how was Coach Hedge's baby?"
"He's adorable. They're going to be taking him to the camp next week, so everyone will be able to see him then."
"That's nice. So, you ready for the party tonight?"
Piper grinned. "You bet. The amount of planning that Annabeth has put in, it promises to be serious fun!"
Jason laughed. "I'm looking forward to it!"
There was a comfortable silence between them. Piper studied Jason. He had grown taller, his blond hair longer. Piper herself had allowed her hair to grow longer, not chopping it with her plastic scissors. She felt more at ease with herself.
"New Rome's beautiful," she told Jason. "It must have been nice growing up here."
Jason looked at her. "It was," he said finally. "But I also loved my time at camp Half-blood. I'm glad I get to have both now."
"Thanks to you." Piper nudged him playfully. Jason shrugged, a smile tugging at his lips.
"What made you ask for it, anyway?" Piper was genuinely curious.
Now Jason did smile. "It felt like there were two parts of me, the one that I had grown up with, and the new one I found at camp Half-blood. I couldn't ever leave that part behind. Leave all those friends behind. Leave the place behind. Leave you behind. For ages, I didn't really have a home. I was isolated. But now I'm not. None of us here are. And that's the best thing about this. Both camps- they're the best place a demigod can be."
Percy
Percy's day had been pretty busy.
It was a Saturday, and so there were no training activities. Despite that, Percy's day had still been hectic. He had managed to glimpse Annabeth at breakfast, where she had kissed him happy birthday, before scrambling off.
"Hey!" Percy put a hand on her arm. "Where're you going?"
Annabeth smiled at him, a smile that melted his heart. "Oh, I have these architect preparation things going on, Olympus calling, urgent messages from the gods, that sort of stuff." Percy's heart sank. He had been looking forward to spending the day with Annabeth. Annabeth continued, "I'm really sorry we can't spend the morning and afternoon together, but I promise I'll make it up to you. We're going out for dinner, right? We'll spend the whole evening together."
Percy pouted. "Fine." Just as Annabeth was about to speed off, Percy called out. "Wait! You have to spend lunch with me!"
Annabeth laughed. "Ok, deal. See you later, Seaweed brain."
Percy had returned to his cabin with Tyson, when he received an incoming video call from his mom, on one of the Hephaestus laptops. He picked up on first ring.
"Hey, mom."
"Happy Birthday, honey!" His mom's joyful face appeared on the screen, Paul next to her. They looked natural together and once again, Percy was reminded how happy he was that his mom never had to deal with smelly Gabe again. Paul was great and his mum actually loved him.
"Thanks mom," Percy grinned. He talked to his mom for a while, after which Paul wished him. Percy would be returning home in a week's time, but he wouldn't be seeing his mom and step-dad till then.
Percy was about to say goodbye after chatting with them for some time, when his mom spoke again. "Percy, there's something we want to tell you." She and Paul exchanged a look.
"Yeah?"
"I'm pregnant! You're going to have a sister!"
"What?" Percy was surprised, but he grinned. "That's great news!"
Percy's mom beamed.
"I know, isn't it? I'm six months in. I'm sorry we didn't tell you earlier, but you were fighting in the war, and…"
"Don't worry, mom, I understand." They talked for a while, before Percy said goodbye, still buzzing with the good news. He couldn't believe it! A sister...
He told Tyson and they hung out for a bit in the cabin, playing a throwing game with a couple of drachmas when Tyson had to leave for his reading class he had arranged with Ella. Percy smirked as he left. He knew Tyson was still nervous around Ella, despite the fact they had been going out for three weeks now.
Almost immediately after, there was a knock on the door. It was Grover.
Percy grinned. "Hey, man!"
"Per-r-cy, happy birthday! I came here to see if you wanted to go to the canoe lake, chill out, you know?"
Percy nodded eagerly. He and Grover went to the canoe lake, and hung out for a bit, talking, doing the usual games: skimming stones, seeing who could convince one of the naiads to talk first. He showed Grover his power over the earth, which was minimal, but to fair this time he didn't have the threat of Gaia hanging over him. Grover was suitably impressed though. After a while, though, Percy was struck with inspiration.
"Grover! I'm meeting Annabeth for lunch, and I'm thinking of a picnic, but I don't know where to have it…"
Grover cracked a smiled. "Don't panic: Goat boy is here."
Percy laughed. He had really missed his best friend.
Not only did Grover manage to find him a great spot for a picnic, he also helped him prepare the food and everything else. At the end of it, Percy thanked Grover.
"I'll catch up with you later, alright?"
Grover nodded in response, trotting off to find Juniper.
Percy dashed off to his cabin to meet Annabeth.
After their picnic, during which they talked a lot and Percy told Annabeth about his soon to be new sister, Annabeth had to go again. Percy went to the training arena, where there was a sword-fighting tournament going on.
At the end of the afternoon, he stepped out of the arena, his brow sweaty, but he felt good. He had won the tournament, but it wasn't that which he was really pleased about. Everyone had improved. All the demigods had really stepped into the role and now they were more comfortable versions of themselves. The whole camp seemed to be buzzing and returning to normal after the war.
He quickly went back to his cabin, took a shower and changed into some fresh clothes: a smart pair of jeans, and a blue t-shirt. He made sure his hair was presentable, before walking to the Athena cabin, knocking on the door.
Annabeth answered. She looked stunning. She was wearing a white blouse and a red shirt, with a carefully fitted pair of jeans. Her blonde hair curled over her shoulders, and she had applied light makeup. The owl pendant Percy had given her for her birthday hung off her neck, glinting in the evening sun. Her grey eyes were shining bright.
She beamed at him.
Together, they walked down the pathway, hand in hand.
"So, where are we going for dinner?" Percy asked, his arm laced in hers.
Annabeth smiled teasingly at him. "You'll have to wait and see."
Percy could tell they were heading to the beach, but he wasn't sure why. His view was obstructed from here.
Finally, they turned the sharp corner onto the beach, and Percy could see everything.
"Surprise!" his friends yelled, as they spilled out under the massive canopy. There were twinkling lights hung up, balloons magically suspended in the air everywhere. Table were scattered across the sandy beach, and music was softly playing. All of Percy's friends were there. Heck, it looked like everyone from both camps had come. At the top of the canopy hung a huge sparkly banner, with the letters Happy Birthday, Seaweed Brain! painted in green.
Percy's mouth dropped. He turned to Annabeth, her eyes sparkling. "You… the… oh…" The places finally clicked in Percy's mind. "That's what you had, why you were busy! You were preparing this!" Annabeth nodded, laughing. At that moment Percy didn't care that everyone was watching. He leaned in and kissed Annabeth. There was a wolf-whistle in the crowd, and everyone laughed. Percy grinned as he turned to face his friends.
The party was a blur. It went on for hours. Percy talked to person after person. Even Bob and Damasen had made it, coming all the way from their makeshift home in central park, which was disguised from the mortals by the mist. At one point, Jason, Frank, Leo and Tyson tried to throw him into the sea, with amusing consequences. No one messed with the son of the sea god. On the bright side, Grover managed to get the naiads to help dry them out.
Chiron congratulated Percy on his success. Nico came up to him later, as well.
"Happy Birthday," Nico nodded at him.
"Oh, thanks."
Nico looked like he was about to say something, but stopped himself.
Percy smiled at the kid. "Nico, you know we're your friends, right? All of us, everyone here. You'll have a home here, no matter what."
"No matter what," Nico repeated. He smiled. "Thanks, Percy." He walked off to talk to Hazel, who was standing with Reyna, Piper and Calypso.
Later on in the night, the music changed. It was a slow dance. Percy approached Annabeth.
"May I have this dance?" he asked, holding out a hand. Annabeth accepted, and together they waltzed around the beach. They were surrounded by couples doing the same.
They moved in silence, looking into each other's eyes. Annabeth rested her head on Percy's shoulder.
"Thanks for this," Percy whispered into her ear, his chin hanging above her hair.
"You're welcome," Annabeth whispered back. Together, they grinned at each other. Percy's heart skipped a beat.
Several kisses later, all the demigods gathered around the centre table.
Clarisse raised her sword. "Time for a game of capture the flag!"
There was a cheer of assent. Percy grinned. Annabeth stepped forward.
"Ok! We divide into two teams. One team based in Camp Half-blood, the other in Camp Jupiter. All of both camps can be used as the playing ground. Everyone clear?"
The demigods divided into two groups, Percy leading one with Annabeth, Hazel, Nico, Calypso, Thalia and Tyson amongst their teammates, and Jason lead the other one, with Frank, Piper, Leo, Reyna and Grover.
The two teams went their separate ways. Percy got ready to start, Annabeth next to him.
Percy grinned as the horn sounded to signify the start of the game. Right now, everything in his life was pretty good. The war was won, the monsters were lying low. New demigods were coming in all the time, and both camps lived happily together. Percy was going to have a new sister soon, and he could enjoy this time with his friends, and look forward to next year at Manhattan High with them. And even now, enjoying a game of capture the flag after his birthday party, his beautiful girlfriend next to him. Yep, life was definitely good.
And he had a feeling it was only going to get better.
I can't believe its finished!
I'm so glad we made it this far, and finished before the real book came out (which will obviously be a billion times better!)!
So many things to say, please read:
Firstly, thanks to my all my reviewers, much appreciated! You've been a great help!
Secondly, SEQUELS: I have been asked about sequels, and here it is. I am considering a sequel, and I've got many ideas. Some of them are just Percy jackson fanfics, not necessarily a sequel to this, but it will be in the same world, of course. The options: I'm considering a crossover with harry potter, and I've started, but we'll have to see how it goes. Alternatively, there is the possible Percy goes to school option as i hinted in the story... What do you think? I'm considering lots of other different ideas as well.
If you have any ideas for a sequel, please review or pm me!
Unfortunately, I don't know when my next story will be published. It will be most likely not till after a couple of months, maybe even january? Maybe later, maybe sooner, I honestly don't know, it just depends on any ideas i have, or the response i get.
If you want to know when my next story will be up, the only solution I can offer is follow me as an author. It's the only way you'll be notified, as I can't give any dates yet.
So yeah. I'm glad I finished, I put a lot of research and work into this story! Please follow me as an author, review this story, and hopefully soon there will be another one up! :)
rocketgod123 :)