We're Coming Home

She Wanted Freedom and He Wanted Paradise

Disclaimer: I do not own the Percy Jackson series or the Heroes of Olympus series. They rightfully belong to Rick Riordan. Though, I guess the greek mythology is owned by Greece, and the roman mythology is owned by the Romans. I also do not own the songs Iris and I'm Coming Home II.

Warning: There is Fem!Percy, so if you do not like, then I would advise for you not to read this story. This is also character deaths, along with already dead characters. This story will have slightly sad moments and might have some dark or bloody moments (it has monsters, half-bloods, and immortals for gods sakes!) Little mentions of child-abuse, only in the past, nothing explicit.

Shout Out: devilspawnINTHEHOUSE, cutiepie-sugarplum-appleofurI, CupCakeAwesomeness, Extended Experience, J. , and Banana Girl; also RoseKenzie for her review on Chapter One!

And for cutiepie-sugarplum-appleofurI is a virtual blue cookie (::)! They were the twentieth reviewer, so they get a cookie!

Chapter Six

Part One – Bad Idea

Having a meeting with twelve MPD immortals was probably the most unwise decision that Athena had ever decided to go with. Olympian meetings were usually disastrous, starting with two of the Olympians fighting with each other and then followed by everyone joining in on the argument. Then, Hera would dismiss the others after thoroughly beating up Zeus, who was usually one of the first to start fighting.

So yes, thought Athena as she watched her fellow gods and goddesses throwing insults at each other as they waited for the last god to enter. It was a horrible idea to bring us together, especially since the daughter of Poseidon escaped her prisoner.

Athena loved her father dearly, she was a daddy's girl and she was willing to admit it most of the time. But whenever Persephone Jackson was brought up, Athena felt a fleeting hatred for her father. Sure, the goddess of wisdom was on bad terms with Poseidon-and she despised his guts and idiocy immensely-but she wasn't as petty as to judge his daughter unfairly because of him.

After watching Persephone defeat enemy after enemy, completing quest after quest and always managing to keep a smile on her face, the child of the sea gained a little bit of respect from Athena. Then, she saved the world again and gaining the admiration of all children of Athena. And Persephone was actually semi-intelligent, which was quite an achievement on her part. All in all, Athena grew only slightly fond of Persephone Jackson. Who wouldn't have? The girl was pretty hard to hate, despite her more-than-annoying cheery attitude.

So when one of the demigods spilled Percy's secret, Athena couldn't help but want to protect the daughter of Poseidon. Athena knew that love was cruel and after many talks with Aphrodite, she knew you can't choose who you fall for. Persephone loved Nico Di' Angelo, son of Hades. Athena felt pity for the girl, because like so many before her, she fell victim to the horrible thing called love. Something that twists your heart to want to do the most dark and horrible things. Something that has caused wars and ended them, something that can strengthen or weaken you.

And then, Athena's father did the most idiotic thing. He banished Persephone to a lonely island, to Ogygia. It made Athena angry, because she was the goddess of wisdom and justice. And it was clearly unfair of Zeus to send the girl to a punishment when she obviously didn't deserve such a thing.

Athena sighed, her grey eyes fluttering from one god to another in irritation. Thinking about Persephone Jackson had gotten her into a bad mood, like it usually does. Not to mention the fact that the meeting couldn't start without one of the most important participants. Though, Athena wouldn't be surprised if the god didn't come to the meeting.

After all his daughter had been put through, Poseidon shouldn't have to speak politely with his child's punishers. Heck, if it had been Annabeth who had been banished, Athena wouldn't even bother to support her father. But then again, Athena was prideful and Poseidon wasn't really. He would yield when needed and didn't let his pride take over. Besides, Poseidon was too loyal and so were all his children.

Ironic how Poseidon's loyal and heroic children tended to be hurt by those around them.

"Shut up." The room immediately silenced at hearing a familiar, yet so unfamiliar voice. It was Poseidon, that was for sure. But his voice wasn't like it used to be, it was cold and harsh and angry. Athena knew that he had turned icy after his daughter's punishment. The god had finally snapped, after all the immortals had put him through. He lost too many of his loved ones and his happy personality flipped.

"Brother," greeted Hades in respect, getting a nod from the sea god. Once the two gods learned of their children's romance, they accepted each other better. Hades felt sad and guilty for what his son had put Percy through. Hades had actually liked the daughter of Poseidon because she was similar to his wife, the goddess Persephone. Percy had given Persephone company, the daughter of water was never scared of the Underworld. She had once told Hades that the Underworld was like her home, only beaten by the mortal world and the ocean.

"Finally decided to join us Poseidon." Zeus stated stoically and Athena felt the need to face palm. Her father had no right to be so rude to Poseidon, let alone speak so emotionless.

Apparently Poseidon agreed with Athena's inner thoughts and shot the king of the heavens a glare. "Do not speak to me like that Zeus. I may have dealt with your bratty attitude back then, but I'm done." Snapped Poseidon before spinning to his throne, a place he hadn't sat in for a while.

"I am your king, therefore I can doing anything I please," replied Zeus, his eyes narrowing. Hera slammed the side of her fist into her husband's hand before looking at him sharply. Hera, like Athena, had actually been quite frustrated with Percy's banishment. Well, practically all of the gods and goddesses were.

"You are the king of the heavens, not the sea. I rule a completely different domain and I have just as much power as you do Zeus. Do not mess with me, or you'll have a civil war on your hands."

The room went silent again, but Athena was the one to break the silence this time. She cleared her throat, hoping to get rid of the awkward moment. "Well, it would be a good time for you to present to us why we are here." Stated Athena, trying to help her father a bit. Zeus nodded before speaking up.

"We have come here to speak about Persephone Jackson," says Zeus, his voice echoing through the room.

"And why are we going to talk about my daughter," muttered Poseidon darkly, his voice lowering in a slightly threatening way.

"Because she had escaped."

Chaos filled the room immediately. Most were relieved but shocked, while Zeus and some others were angry. Poseidon froze, his dark aura disappearing and hope filling his eyes. He turned to one of the only immortals he currently trusted. Hestia.

"Is it true sister?" Asked Poseidon in a soft voice, his hands trembling slightly. Hestia smiled brightly and nodded at him. Poseidon gasped quietly, putting his face in his hands, hiding the wide grin he wore.

"I think we should send her back," interrupts Ares who was picking at his nails in boredom. He ignored the glares he received. Ares was the god of war and if Jackson staying on Ogygia caused a civil war between his father and uncle, then he'd vote for the girl to stay right where she use to be.

"You insolent brat," snarled Poseidon as he jumped to his feet, trident in hand. He started glowing green and the room started feeling colder. "I think it's time for you to learn your lesson!"

While Artemis would've paid to see that, she knew she couldn't let it happen. "Uncle Poseidon, do not lower yourself to his level." Artemis spoke softly, her silver eyes darting between the war god and the sea god. Poseidon suddenly calmed down and he tilted his head in gratitude towards his niece.

"You're right niece."

"I think we should vote on it." Athena says quickly before Zeus decided to send the daughter of Poseidon back to Ogygia. Artemis agreed with Athena and voiced it.

"Very well. Who wishes for Percy to be sent back?" Only Ares and Zeus raised their hands.

"Who wishes for Persephone to stay?" Everyone else raised their hands.

"It's decided then, Persephone Jackson will stay in the mortal world for now."

The last two words caused the whole room to erupt in disagreement.

'What a bad idea it was to have this meeting.' Thought Athena as she sighed again, her grey eyes looking at her fellow immortals. 'What a bad idea.'

Chapter Six

Part Two – An Old Enemy

Part Water-

And the blood will dry underneath my nails.

And the wind will rise up to fill my sails...

...But I know, no matter what it takes,

I'm coming home…

Despair.

Despair is an emotion that Persephone had felt many times throughout her life. She had seen her friends die, she had killed her lover, she had the weight of the world on her shoulders, and she was punished for doing what she was supposed to do. And in all of those moments, she felt despair and pain. Back then, she was so sure that she couldn't feel anymore despair, that she already felt the most intense parts of it.

Oh, how wrong she had been.

When she hit the water she was so glad that they survived. But the relief washed away almost immediately, replaced by horror and despair. It was painful and made her want to give up, all of the whispers and cries.

"Give up." Whispered a voice filled with sadness. "It's useless, you're useless. You killed them, all of them. You are a monster, a true monster that doesn't deserve to live. So give up."

Percy felt herself gasp air, something she didn't really need, but it felt right to do that. The voices' whispers were more painful than getting stabbed because it was so true. She was a monster, she had killed so many and was the reason her friends died. She was a horrible person and she deserved to just stay here in despair.

"Percy! Don't listen to them!" Screamed Leo as he shook his friend, who was muttering to herself. He could hear the words and they affected him too, but Leo knew that what he was going through was nothing compared to what Persephone was.

"I killed them! I deserve to stay here and die! Let me go, don't you get it! I-I'm a monster," sobbed Persephone as she tried to escape Leo's grasp. Leo felt his eyes widened when he heard her words.

'So this is what she truly thinks of herself. This is what she hides behind her smiles and fake facade.' Leo realized as he watched Persephone scream about herself being horrible.

"You listen to me Persephone Jackson," demanded Leo as he sharply turned the girl to face him. She became quiet, waiting to hear what he said. "You. Are. Not. A. Monster. Your friends must've died, but because they fought for what they believed in. Do not think that their deaths were your fault, move on! On Earth, we have the world depending on us! You need to stop thinking of the past and think of the future!"

Leo suddenly leaned forward and kissed Percy on the lips. He then pulled back and started swimming towards the shore leaving Percy to stare at him. She then smiled sadly before following him. They both laid of the shore, their breathing heavy and their foreheads sweaty.

Percy turned to Leo and closed her eyes slightly. "Thank you Leo, I needed that talk." Leo laughed nervously before flushing, scratching the back of his head.

"No problem. And uh, sorry for…you know, kissing you."

Percy grinned mischieviously before kissing Leo, causing his eyes to widen. She pulled back and stood up, holding her hand out to Leo. "Don't apologize for that, Valdez. That was the best part! Now come on, we have to get out of here and help our friends!"

LxP

After drinking spicy fire from the river Phlegethon, Percy thought that her day couldn't get worse. From falling into Tartarus, to almost drowning pathetically in water, and then drinking fire. Yeah, her day was just getting more bothersome with the passing hours. Nothing could make the day worse.

And, of course, that jinxed her completely.

"Serephone, die!" Screamed a familiar voice as Leo and Percy walked around, trying to navigate their way through the pit of hell. Leo snickered quietly and Percy shushed him, but it was too late.

"Did you hear that?" Asked another voice and the two demigods knew that the group of whatevers was nearing them. Percy shifted, only to step on a rock.

"Over there!" Cried the voice that they had first heard. Percy paused before paling, recognizing the screeching voice.

"Who are those creatures," hissed Leo as he glanced at the girls dressed as cheerleaders.

Percy shook her head as if trying to get away from old memories. "I know who the leader is. Her name is Kelli, an old enemy of mine."

~End of Chapter Six~

Author's Note: I never planned for the first part to be in this chapter, but CupCakeAwesomeness and dragon444 both commented about wanting to see the reactions of the Olympians, so I decided to do that. Sorry for the wait, I was going to post this chapter on Saturday, but my charger broke.

Please read and review! Reviews are welcomed and so is constructive criticism!