Kate here!
I just wanted to say that kettle corn is the best thing ever, and that I hope you enjoy this chapter!
~All rights go to Rick Riordan and Anaklusmos14~
The gods had conjured up chairs for the demigods to sit on, as it would be uncomfortable for them to have to stand the entire book.
"Is everyone comfortable and ready?" Athena asked eager to read.
After words of agreement came from all around Athena began.
Twelve Olympian gods and goddesses stormed into the throne room on Olympus expecting to battle the Titan Lord Kronos as he attempted to destroy their seats of powers.
"Hey we already know this!" Ares yelled in outrage
"It's probably just to catch us up dimwit." Aphrodite mumbled.
But when they burst into through the doors, they saw a sight no one expected. Luke Castellan, who had become the host for the Titan Lord, lay motionless on the floor, apparently dead. Percy Jackson stood above Annabeth Chase with his sword aimed at her throat. Unnoticed by the Olympians were the tears falling from his face "Damn right they were unnoticed." said Thalia.
When Annabeth noticed the Olympians, she quickly cried out for help.
"Mom, please help me. Percy is trying to kill me. He's a traitor." Annabeth yelled sounding helpless.
Blake shuddered at the name. Leaving many confused.
Before anyone could react, Athena sent a blast of energy at the son of Poseidon, knocking him off his feet.
Several glared at the book as if they could change what was happening.
"I thought you were like, the goddess of smartness Athena… that wasn't very smart." Apollo mentioned in spite of his dear half sister. Causing her to glare daggers into him.
Annabeth quickly pulled out her dagger and aimed for a spot below Percy's left armpit.
"Why there?" Connor Stoll asked out loud, not receiving an answer.
Before she could stab him, a silver arrow flew through the air, impaling the daughter of Athena through the arm that held the dagger causing the dagger to go flying across the floor.
"Whooooo! Go Thalia!" was heard all around.
"You lying bitch." Spat a hobbling teenage girl in a silver parka. Thalia Grace, Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis, stood glaring at the blonde haired demigod.
Athena turned to attack the girl but was met with both a master bolt and trident leveled at her face.
"Wait, Zeus and Poseidon teaming up on something.. What had the world come to?" Hermes stated sarcastically. Causing soft chuckles from the demigods and some of the more immature gods around him.
"Enough!" Zeus bellowed.
"Geez, It was just a joke."
Eyes turned towards the gods of the sun with amazement on just how stupid he was.
Artemis spoke up, trying not to laugh.
"That was in the book Apollo."
"Oh."
"Thalia, explain what is going on." Zeus ordered in an agitated tone.
"When is he not agitated Blake said to the demigods around him causing them to laugh, and the gods to look in that area with confusion.
"First, you must restrain Annabeth. She is a traitor and will kill Percy first chance she gets." Thalia said gesturing to the semi-conscious Percy Jackson on the throne room floor.
"You lie. We clearly saw Jackson trying to kill my daughter." Athena hissed.
"Athena, Athena your 'wisdom' blinds you. Blake stated with Quotations around the 'wisdom' part.
Athena turned toward the mysterious boy in anger.
"I don't know who you are but your smartass comments are really making it hard not to kill you." she said with a glare directed towards the boy.
"Atleast now you know how everyone else feels when you correct them." Blake said under his breath to those around him, causing them to laugh once more, and earning another glare from the wisdom goddess.
"Silence!" Zeus yelled. "Ares, detain the girl. Apollo, tend to Jackson." Zeus barked before gesturing for Thalia to continue.
Ares snapped his fingers and Annabeth was bound in celestial bronze shackles,
"You know mortal steel would've worked right?" Hephaestus said to the war god. But sighed as he was ignored once more.
while Apollo checked on Percy who was starting to regain his senses.
"Annabeth, Percy and I were on our way to the throne room following Kronos. Outside the door, a statue of Hera fell and landed on my leg.
With this, numerous glares were shot at the queen of the council.
"I never did get to apologize Thalia, but I'm sorry.
Everyone around her, minus Blake looked shocked. Hera quickly looked at Athena signaling her to start reading again.
Percy tried to help me, but Annabeth dragged him into the throne room saying there was no time. As I struggled to free myself, I could hear Percy battling the Titan Lord. I managed to get free and dragged myself to the throne room doors just in time to see Annabeth sneak up behind Percy and stab him in the lower back. When the blade bounced off, Annabeth seemed shocked. I heard her say that that was where his Achilles' spot was to Kronos or Luke. Percy whirled around and stabbed Luke in his side, a strike that somehow found Luke's Achilles' spot. Annabeth then began attacking Percy, screaming about him killing the love of her life.
Aphrodite looked down at this. 'That was wrong" she thought. 'That wasn't the love of her life, it wasn't supposed to work like this.' sighing in defeat Aphrodite listened to Athena's words once more.
Percy quickly disarmed her and had his sword at her throat. When Annabeth asked what he was waiting for, Percy told her that her fate wasn't his to decide.
"Smart boy, leave decisions like that to us superior beings." Zeus said with a grin.
Not wanting to start up an argument no one said a word.
Percy said it would be up to the gods to decide what to do with her." Thalia explained out of breath as Apollo made his way to her to heal her leg.
"How do we know you're telling the truth?" Athena snapped at Thalia.
Thalia glared at the goddess before speaking, "I swear on the River Styx that every word I just told the gods was true." Thalia said still glaring at the Goddess of Wisdom.
Just like Thalia was now, thinking of her lost friend.
Thunder rumbled loudly and the gods turned to look at Annabeth with looks of rage while she cowered in her shackles.
Percy managed to get to his feet and stumbled his way toward Thalia, who was now able to stand after Apollo had worked on her leg. As soon as he reached her, he hugged her tightly, whispering thank you, as tears still fell from his eyes.
"Having the will to cry in front of others is an important trait that none too many men have. It shows the making of a humble soul." Artemis stated receiving looks of shock from the men in the room, as Athena nodded in agreement.
Thalia, who was also crying, hugged her cousin back just as tightly. Both Percy and Thalia sat near the hearth as the Olympians repaired the damage to their thrones and the throne room. Annabeth was proven a traitor and sentenced to Tartarus after her memories were searched and the gods saw she had been a traitor since the beginning with Luke.
Once the throne room was repaired, the gods brought all the surviving demigods from the war, along with all the Cyclops and nature spirits who fought, inside the throne room for the reward ceremony. As Zeus droned on and on about the bravery of the gods, Percy comforted his cousin as she continued to cry about the betrayal of their best friend. The same girl, who up until an hour prior, Percy had been hopelessly in love with. He, along with just about everyone else, thought she felt the same way. Apparently it had all been and act and now Percy was at a total loss for answers. His face slowly morphed into one with a look of hopelessness. His eyes lost their mirth and light, becoming lifeless and lost.
"He looked so depressed, I wish I would've been able to understand his pain sooner." Grover said with a look of sorrow in his eyes.
Some around him started to murmur their agreements to his statement.
Percy was snapped back to attention when the gods began to talk about the demigods. Hestia, who was sitting with both Percy and Thalia, gestured for the pair to go forward to hear what Zeus had to say.
Zeus called for Percy's Cyclops half-bother Tyson to come forward. Zeus appointed Tyson a general in the armies of Olympus; the leader of the Cyclops Army in times of war required by the gods. When Zeus offered Tyson a weapon of his choice, Tyson chose a stick. Most chuckled at the request but Percy just stared blankly ahead.
Sighs came from the demigods that were there as they remembered how broken their hero looked.
After Tyson, Grover was appointed a new Lord of the Wild and given a place on the Council of Cloven Elders, to which he fainted after being told.
The Stoll brothers looked like they were about to say something but a quick glare from Grover made them hold their tongues.
Next was Thalia. She was promised help in filling the Hunter's ranks and was complimented by both her father Zeus and mistress Artemis.
"Percy Jackson!" Poseidon bellowed, as his voice quickly hushed all talking.
Percy walked forward, bowing to Zeus first, before kneeling in front of his father's feet. Everyone stared at Percy who kept his head down, face emotionless.
"Rise, my son." Poseidon said.
Percy rose to his feet, his facial features never wavering.
"A great hero must be rewarded," Poseidon said. "Is there anyone here who would deny that my son is deserving?"
The question was met with silence.
"The council agrees," Zeus said. "Percy Jackson, you will have one gift from the gods."
Percy looked up slowly, "Anything?"
Zeus nodded grimly, "I know what you will ask, the greatest gift of all. Yes, if you want it, it shall be yours. The gods have not bestowed this gift on any mortal hero in many centuries, but, Perseus Jackson—if you wish it—you shall be made a god. You shall serve as your father's lieutenant for all time."
Percy didn't hesitate.
"No thank you Lord Zeus." He said emotionlessly.
"I'm still upset about that." Zeus muttered with anger in his eyes.
Poseidon started to think about what would've happened if his son had agreed.
"No." Zeus growled. "You are turning down our generous offer?"
"I understand it is unexpected my Lord. But I would like a gift. Do you promise to grant my wish?" Percy asked calmly.
Zeus eyed him warily, "If it is within our power."
"It is, and it's less difficult than making me a god. But I need your word on the River Styx." Percy added.
"What?" Dionysus cried. "You don't trust us?"
Percy turned and looked at Hades, "Someone once told me to always get a solemn oath."
Hades laughed and raised a finger, "Guilty."
Zeus glared at him while others looked confused.
"What?" Hades asked wondering what upset his brother this time.
"If you hadn't done that then he'd still be mortal." Zeus said gaining glares from all those around him expect for Ares and Dionysus.
Hades smirked, "Guilty."
"Fine," Zeus growled. "In the name of the council, we swear by the River Styx to grant your reasonable request, as long as it is within the power of the gods."
Thunder boomed outside.
"Honestly Lord Zeus, I need some more time in the mortal world. Everything I thought I knew turned out to be a lie. While I'd like to be immortal, I'd rather avoid being bound by ancient laws. The first part of my wish is to be granted partial immortality like the Hunters of Artemis. I would also like cabins to be built at Camp Half Blood for all gods, both major and minor. I think my cousin Nico has proven himself to be more than worthy to have his own cabin." Percy started before he was interrupted.
"Are you calling me a minor god, Jackson?" Hades yelled.
Surprisingly, Percy smirked, "No Uncle. I just wanted to make sure Nico got his own cabin. I'm not quite done yet."
Hades thought about how grateful he was to his little nephew. Without him, he and his children would have never gotten the respect that they deserved. And reminded himself to formerly thank him the next time he sees him.
Hades' eyes widened before narrowing at Percy, waiting for him to continue.
"I want the minor gods who joined the Titans to be pardoned just this once. I want the peaceful Titans like Calypso and Leto to be freed from their prisons. And lastly, I would like both my Uncle Hades and Aunt Hestia to have their thrones returned to them. That is my wish." Percy finished before returning to his position kneeling in front of his father.
Zeus snorted, "Is that all?"
"Percy," his father said, "you ask a lot."
Hestia looked up, "Yet that is all stuff that we should have realized needed to be done without having to be asked to do it." The gods looked down in shame.
"I hold you to your oath, all of you." Percy said calmly.
The council was silent. Percy looked up to see a number of different looks. Some looked angry but others confused. Percy caught the silvery eyes of Artemis boring into him. He couldn't tell what she was thinking but Percy looked away, deciding being a jackelope was not worth finding out.
"You wish for immortality, but freedom from the ancient laws. You could become a dangerous enemy over time should your loyalties ever change." Zeus said with narrowed eyes.
This time Hermes spoke up.
"Really Father? After all this boy had done for us… for Olympus you would seriously believe that he would betray us? Hades, his fatal flaw is personal loyalty he wuldn't betray us anyways."
Zeus looked down at this and Hades spoke up.
"Hermes, as much as I agree with your statement…, and I do! I really do could you please stop using my name as a curse word its very down bringing."
The demigods and Immortals looked shocked realizing that the casual curse word they had used for so many years was found hurtful.
Thinking they should've realized this sooner they nodded in agreement, causing Nico to look up to his dad with pride and Blake to smirk.
Percy stood from his spot at his father's feet and calmly walked in front of Zeus' throne where he knelt.
"I, Perseus Achilles Jackson, swear by the River Styx to stay forever loyal to Olympus and to fight to defend it should the need arise from another threat." Percy stated seriously.
Thunder boomed again, sealing the oath.
The Olympians looked at Percy with shock now, except Athena. She was still fuming about her daughter being a traitor. She still hated Percy but she was mostly embarrassed her daughter had been a traitor right under her nose for years.
Zeus' anger seemed to diminish rather quickly after Percy's oath. He was angry about being told what to do but now had an extremely powerful demigod at his disposal and decided that the benefits outweighed the drawbacks.
"Seriously Brother, that's what calms you the fact you have a powerful demigod at you disposal, you disgust me." Demeter said with anger in her eyes.
Blake tried not to laugh at the predictability of his uncle, and quickly reverted his mind back to Athena as she started to read once more.
"Very well Perseus. We the council shall grant your wish." Zeus thundered as two new thrones rose at the end of the rows of thrones.
Hades' looked at Percy oddly before giving a grudging nod of appreciation. Hestia walked up to Percy and hugged him tightly.
She leaned down to his ear, "Thank you Perseus. If you ever need help, come to hearth and I will be there for you." She whispered before planting a kiss on his cheek and walking to her new throne.
Some demigods looked around wondering if maybe the sweet goddess of the Hearth had been in contact with Percy all this time, if so… why hadn't she told them?
Percy's face broke into the smallest of smiles for a second before the pain of betrayal wiped it from his face again.
Percy returned to his position kneeling in front of Zeus, waiting to be dismissed.
"Artemis, please come here, daughter." Zeus announced.
Artemis narrowed her eyes a bit but got up from her throne and strode over to where Percy was standing.
"It would be easiest if you could just give Perseus the same immortality as your hunters." Zeus asked.
Artemis nodded and touched Percy's shoulder, causing him to glow silver for a second before it vanished.
"Thank you, Lady Artemis." Percy said politely.
Artemis stared at Percy for a moment before giving him a nod and returning to her throne.
"I believe this ceremony is now complete. New cabins will be built at Camp Half Blood and the peaceful Titans shall be released as soon as possible. Now, we shall celebrate our victory with a party on Olympus." Zeus thundered.
Apollo, Dionysus and Hermes all smiled and vanished.
"You three just can't resist a party can you?" Athena face palmed as she read of her brothers' antics.
When the first person opened the throne room doors, they were greeted with a massive courtyard filled with food and wine. Music was playing and a dance floor was set up. People began exiting the throne room and heading to the party.
Percy hung back waiting for people to clear out so he could slip out without being noticed. He already had plans on how he wanted to spend the foreseeable future.
"How long is foreseeable exactly?" Many asked out loud.
When everyone was gone, Percy made to sneak off through a side room to escape the party. But when he turned, he saw Hera glaring at him from her throne.
Percy tensed a bit but then surprisingly made his way over to her throne and bowed.
"Wait, that never happens. Hera why didn't you tell me of this?" Zeus asked his wife who was smirking at her husbands reaction.
"Lady Hera, I was wondering if I could please have a moment of your time." Percy asked quietly.
Hera narrowed her eyes at Percy but gave him a slight nod.
"I just wanted to apologize for the way I spoke to you last year after the quest in the Labyrinth. I didn't actually agree with what she said to you but I was naïve and stupid. I was trying to direct your anger toward me instead of her. I am sorry for what I said." Percy explained. He bowed and turned to leave but was stopped when Hera spoke.
"Wait, Perseus." Hera called.
Percy turned back and looked up at Hera, half expecting to get incinerated.
"I believe you are trying to avoid the celebration, correct?" Hera asked.
Percy nodded warily.
"Well, I will help you. Thank you for your apology. While I was angry, I understand your reasons." Hera said with a small smile before she snapped her fingers and Percy vanished.
Much to the confusion of those around him Blake looked up at Lady Hera and smiled at this, her sending a wink in return.
Percy reappeared inside an empty Camp Half- Blood. Percy felt relieved knowing he wouldn't have to deal with anyone seeing him leave. He quickly went into the Poseidon cabin and gathered clothes, money, drachmas, weapons and supplies. He grabbed a piece of paper and wrote down a short letter addressed to Chiron.
Percy left his cabin and walked into the dining pavilion where he convinced a few nymphs to give him some food for travel. Percy walked over to the brazier and dropped a couple pieces of his food into the fire. "For Lady Hera. Thank you for getting me off Olympus." Percy muttered before jogging off to the big house where he left the note for Chiron. Percy looked over the camp one last time before he made his way up Half Blood Hill. After petting Peleus, Percy turned his back on his home for the past four years, unsure when or if he would see it again.
"We wonder that also Kelp Head, we wonder that also." Thalia said looking down and muttered agreements came from almost everyone in the room. Blake just sighed.
The next morning when Chiron returned to Camp Half Blood with the demigods, he was greeted with a letter that sent a pang of pain through his heart.
Dear Chiron,
I am letting you know I won't be staying at camp for a while.
"A WHILE?" yelled many outraged at this understatement, they greatly missed their hero and waited eagerly for their return.
After everything that happened yesterday, I have decided to spend some time traveling. I need some time to sort through my emotions. Please don't think I am angry with you or anyone. You are like a father to me, and the campers like my brothers and sisters. I just need some time to myself.
Thalia chuckled half-heartedly, "Some time" she muttered. 'When will you come home kelp head?'
Please don't search for me. I will return when I have figured things out. Thank you for everything Chiron, and please tell the campers I am sorry.
Thank you,
Percy Jackson.
Athena looked up.
"That's it, that's the chapter."
After some stretching out, from being stiff of sitting for a long period of time Zeus asked, "Who wants to read next?"
Surprising many Apollo agreed to read next and he began to read the next chapter…