AN: So, before I say anything I want to let everyone know that chapter 17 has been fixed and you may go reread it if you haven't already. Again, I apologize for the mix up. I hope you all like this chapter, it's not as exciting as I had hoped but the next chapter will hopefully make up for that.
Next chapter Percy and Melinda will see Sally again, and by default, Smelly Gabe. It may not turn out to good for Smelly Gabe, and of course Percy's prophecy comes true and Melinda finds out some shocking news and even more shocking news.
The Sea's Daughter: The Lightning Thief.
Chapter 18: Settling Tabs Part II.
Sesha was a serpent of history and pride. She was loyal, and intelligent, a snake of the times. She was also easily annoyed, sometimes temperamental, and hated Portkeys.
So it was no surprise that she began hissing up a storm and making herself known to Percy when the trio of demigods and Satyr Portkeyed from LA to New York.
"Styx!" Grover yelped when he noticed the large snake, which was slithering from Percy's clothes and onto the pavement, spitting hisses every which way and flaring her hood every now and then.
"Sesha," Annabeth said, startled. "Uh, Percy did you know she was with you?"
Percy was staring at Sesha who was slowly calming down as if she'd started speaking English, which she hadn't but he was just that shocked.
"No," he said, and blinked.
Sesha looked up at her mistresses hatchling – that is to say brother. But there was no snake term for siblings, seeing as to Sesha any serpent younger then her was a hatchling, brother, cousin, sister or children.
::Silly young hatchling, I have been here since Mistress fought the angry god.::
Percy knew the golden hued snake had said something from the way she was looking at him but he didn't know what. It just sounded like hissing to him but he nodded anyways.
"I think she joined us on the beach. When Melinda hugged me, maybe?" he said, shrugged. "Whatever the reason, we have to go. Come on Sesha."
Percy held out his right arm and the snake looked at him strangely for a moment and hissed something before slithering up his arm and wrapping around him.
Her body around his upper chest gently, and coiled down his right arm, her head resting at his wrist.
Percy led Annabeth and Grover towards the Empire State Building. It only took them five minutes to get there. Percy looked up at the large building and turned back to Annabeth and Grover.
"I want you two to go back to Camp."
"What, why?" Annabeth asked, gray eyes wide.
"I don't want you to in the crossfire if Zeus doesn't believe me, or is in a bad mood. Please."
Grover looked at Percy and then to Annabeth.
"Are you sure, man?" he asked. "I should come though, I'm your keeper."
Percy shook his head.
"No, I have to do this alone. Like Chiron said, what better peace offering then the son of Poseidon returning his property."
Annabeth sighed and nodded. The blonde had hoped that if she went to Olympus again she might get to see her mother once more. It seemed that wasn't to be.
"Alright," Annabeth said. "Be careful Seaweed Brain, I'd hate it if my best friend was vaporized."
Percy looked at her startled.
"Best friend?" he asked, and slowly smiled widely.
Annabeth smiled.
"Yeah, I mean after this how couldn't we be. We only died together a dozen times," Annabeth said, like she was trying to down play the fact she'd admitted a son of Poseidon could be best friends with a daughter of Athena.
"Thanks," he said, and after one last nod to his friends he turned and entered the Empire State Building.
Being so late the only one really around was guards and the guy at the front desk. He wasn't sure exactly where to go but figured the guy at the front desk was his best bet.
"I need to see Zeus," Percy said, loud enough that the guy heard him but no one else did.
The man looked at him from over his paper and raised an eyebrow.
"What are you doing here kid, it's nearly...eleven at night," the man said, though it sounded like he was guessing the time.
Percy narrowed his eyes, and set his jaw in annoyance. He could tell this guy knew exactly what he meant.
"I need to go to Olympus, 600th floor," he said confidently, like he wouldn't take no for an answer.
"No such floor kid," the man said. "Now go home, I'm sure your parents are worried."
Percy snorted and slung the backpack around so he could unzip it.
"Then I guess Zeus doesn't want this back..." He unzipped the bag slightly and the mans eyes widened as he saw the sparking master bolt inside. "I could always take it out, or just go home. What do I care?"
Percy turned as if to leave and the man shot up with a key card which he'd grabbed from the desk and practically shoved into his hands like it was a live grenade.
"Insert this in the security slot. Make sure nobody else is in the elevator with you," he said, slightly pale. "And watch your step at the top, kid."
Percy nodded and turned, heading for an elevator.
Percy wasn't sure what was more annoying, being alone in a elevator which seemed to be closing in around him – or maybe that was just his nerves acting up – or the music playing above him. Rain drops falling on my head, or something.
He couldn't help but think whoever was in charge of this music needed to be reeducated.
The doors slid open, and the first glimpse of Olympus nearly caused his heart to stop.
His eyes could tell what he was seeing, yet he had to look, re-look, and take another look just to be sure his eyes were really seeing what he was seeing.
He was on a narrow stone walkway in the middle of the air. Below was Manhattan, and he knew now why the man had told him to watch his step. One wrong misstep and he'd plummet thousands of feet down to his death.
In front of him was white marble steps which wound up what seemed to be a normal cloud and int the sky where he could see something which made his brain go numb with disbelief.
That really couldn't be there, he told himself yet it was. It really was.
From the top of the clouds rose the decapitated peak of a mountain, its summit covered with snow. Clinging to the mountainside were dozens of multilevel palaces.
A city of mansions – all with white-columned porticoes, gilded terraces, and bronze braziers glowing with a thousand fires.
Roads wound crazily up to the peak, where the largest palace gleamed against the snow. Precariously perched gardens bloomed with olive trees and rosebushes.
As he began walking up the winding way to the large temple like palace he was positive was Olympus. Where the major gods would get together and decide things.
He was in awe of everything he could see, but also made sure not to stray to far to the edge.
He was just happy he wasn't afraid of heights, because compared to the arch, this would be a death sentence to fall from.
On his trip he passed open market placed, one selling colored tents, and even some selling ambrosia-on-a-stick, or even Nectar. Some were selling things that reminded him of Melinda's potions.
It was truly an eternal Ancient Greek city, but this one wasn't trashed.
It blew his mind that this could be here, for gods know how long (he wasn't exactly sure how long western civilization had been centered here. He did know they moved around with the heart of the west) and no one noticed.
As he got closer to the palace, and into the central part of the city he saw Hawkers in more market places offering new shields, miniature sculptures of gods and goddesses. Some even had shrouds, or what look like shrouds to him.
Some had name tags, he caught one that read, Perseus, and nearly had a stroke. But then he realized this must be a replica of his namesakes shroud, if the lightning bolts on it were anything to go by.
Nymphs were giggling in their gardens or trees and some even threw olives at him.
He had to wrinkle his nose at that, he didn't like olives, not since he's tried them when he was seven and they'd given him food poisoning.
He saw what he thought must be the nine muses tuning their instruments in the park while satyrs, naiads and what he thought must be minor gods and goddesses gathered around in anticipation.
Some saw him and pointed, whispering to one another and others backed away like he was a bomb waiting to go off.
While some others sneered and glared as if he was the reason for their misery. He supposed they must know he'd been accused of steeling the master bolt and starting a new war.
As he stood in front of the Olympian palace his heart sort of dropped, and he felt a bit of remorse for his Uncle Hades set in.
in front of him was a brilliant palace but it was nearly a replica of the one he'd seen in the underworld. The differences were small.
Here everything was white and silver, there everything was black and bronze.
It must have been done on purpose, perhaps to make himself feel better while trapped underground but once a year. It was no wonder Melinda seemed so willing to return his helm personally.
He'd only known her for a few weeks but he knew his sister well enough to know she had a huge heart and it must have been a reminder of when she'd been neglected and abused by her relatives.
He couldn't be sure he still had so much to learn about his sister and didn't have all the details.
Steps led up to a central courtyard. Past that, the throne room. He was sure the place had more rooms, because it looked bigger then a place just for a bunch of thrones.
Calling the place a room though might not have been accurate. It wasn't exactly like Hades', for one it was bigger.
The place made Grand Central Station look like a broom closet. Massive columns rose to a domed ceiling, which was gilded with moving constellations.
Twelve thrones, built for beings the size of Hades, were arranged in an inverted U, just like the cabins at Camp Half-Blood. An enormous fire crackled in the central hearth pit.
The thrones were empty except for two at the end: the head throne on the right, and the one to its immediate left.
Percy nearly gaped at the two gods, who he knew instantly the identity of. There could be no one else that resembled Hades so closely yet were complete opposites.
It was also sort of obvious with their attire, or at least the one on the lefts attire.
The one in the center had to be Zeus, the Lord of the Gods. He wore a dark blue pinstriped suit, and looked sort of like a lawyer.
Which he found sort of funny, yet at the same time the King of Olympus demanded attention and obedience with a mere glance of stern rainy gray eyes.
Eyes that seemed to flash with electric blue. Like his eyes couldn't decide if they were rainy gray or electric blue so they alternated with his emotions or desire.
As he came forward, his legs trembled and he took in the one on Zeus' left.
He was man just as large as the other, yet he didn't look as hardened or stern.
He was dressed very differently, and instead of lawyer Percy was faced with a god who wore leather sandals, khaki Bermuda shorts, and a Tommy Bahama shirt with coconuts and parrots all over it. His skin was deeply tanned, reminding Percy of Melinda instantly, and his hands were scarred like an old-time fisherman's.
His hair was black, darker than Melinda's, but the same color as his. His face had the same brooding look that Melinda got and he'd been told he had and always got him branded a rebel.
His eyes were the exact same shade of sea green as Percy's and that he'd seen Melinda's turn at times before mixing with the emerald color he assumed she got from her mother.
One of the biggest differences between Poseidon and his brother was his eyes were surrounded by sun-crinkles that said he smiled and laughed a lot.
His throne was a deep-sea fisherman's chair. It was the simple swiveling kind, with a black leather seat and a built-in holster for a fishing pole.
Instead of a pole, the holster held a bronze trident, flickering with green light around the tips.
It sort of reminded him of Melinda's weapon that could change between a trident and a sword.
They were not talking, but looked as if they'd been arguing recently. Now though, their attention was on Percy.
Taking a deep breath he approached who he knew was his father first, and knelt at the sea gods feet.
"Father."
Percy dared not look up at them, his heart thumping harshly in his chest. He wasn't sure if he was doing the right thing or not, but feared if he made eye contract without being granted permission they'd take offense blast him to ashes.
He heard a disgruntled grunt from his left.
"Should you not address the master of this house first, boy?"
Percy gulped but kept his head down, not wanting to tempt either gods temper more.
"Peace, brother," Poseidon finally said. "The boy defers to his father. This is only right."
"You still claim him then?" Zeus asked, menacingly. "You claim this child whom you sired against our sacred oath?"
"I have admitted my wrong doing," Poseidon said. "Now I would hear him speak."
Wrong doing.
Percy felt his throat constrict at hearing this, and felt a conflict of emotions. Was that all he was to his father, a mistake that shouldn't have happened? Something he'd done wrong and regretted now?
Zeus glared at his brother, this much Percy could tell from the rising tension.
"Have I not spared him enough, thinking he could go so far into my domain..."
Poseidon interrupted the god king.
"You sent Echidna and Chimera after him!" he exclaimed.
Zeus made a noise in the back of his throat and waved it off.
"The boy lives, does he not? I did not blast him at least," he said. "Besides that daughter of yours..."
Percy's head finally snapped up at the mention of his sister.
"What about Melinda?" he and Poseidon asked in unison.
"Don't think I don't know of her defeat of Echidna and Chimera when she was not much older then your son," Zeus grumbled. "I did not connect the dots until Echidna confirmed it upon her return, but now I am aware. She is more of a threat to us than this boy."
Poseidon's eyes hardened, suddenly turning an acidic green and darker.
"My daughter has had nothing to do with this theft, as has been discovered. It is obvious who was behind this all."
"There is still the mater of her age..."
"She is turning eighteen, the prophecy does not mean her. Prophecies can be deceptive but this one states an age...and how could it be her when there is another candidate not yet sixteen?" Poseidon asked, but it sounded like he was grasping at straws to Percy.
"What prophecy?" Percy ventured to ask.
The two gods looked at him and frowned.
"Never your mind son," Poseidon said, shaking his head. "Now, tell your uncle and I of your quest and what you have found out."
Percy didn't like the answer but decided not to push it. So he recited his quest from the bus and the furies until the lotus hotel, the underworld, and his fight with Ares.
This had the two gods frowning deeply, and Zeus seemed a bit more weary of him when he heard how he'd defeated Ares in battle.
Even if it was to save his sister and Ares had been distracted and over arrogant to notice his plan.
"So you are accusing Ares..." Zeus began, eyes narrowed.
Percy shook his head as he pulled the bolt from the pack slung over his shoulder. Then he walked to Zeus' feet and laid it down before backing away back to where he'd stood before.
"No, uncle. I thought so after we talked to Hades, but now I know Ares was just a pawn. He was being used."
Zeus held out his hand and the bolt flew back into his hands, lengthening to nearly match his height. It sparked in what Percy could only assume was happiness – assuming it held any sentience.
The gods looked concerned and slightly confused.
"Then Hades was the master mind?" Zeus declared more then asked.
Percy shook his head.
"I thought so in the beginning too, but no. It couldn't have been, he couldn't have stolen his own symbol of power. He didn't tell anyone it was stolen with your bolt because he believed none would care."
For a split second he thought he saw both gods' eyes soften with some regret but it was gone almost as soon as it appeared.
"If not Hades, son, than who?" Poseidon asked.
Percy looked at them and after a second he spoke.
"In my dreams, a voice told me to bring the bolt to the Underworld. It talked to Melinda as well, and has been for longer than me. Ares hinted that he'd been having dreams, too. I think he was being used, just as Melinda and I were, to start a war."
"Elaborate, nephew," Zeus demanded. "To me it sounds like you are accusing Hades."
"No," he said.
"Lord Zeus, I've been in the presence of Hades. This feeling on the beach was different. It was the same thing I felt when I got close to that pit, or when the voice talked to us. That was the entrance to Tartarus, wasn't it? Melinda said it was evil, it made her shake and ill looking. It scared her, and I've never seen her truly scared before. Whatever it was, it was older, and evil. It wasn't a god."
Poseidon and Zeus looked at each other in alarm, though he could also see his father was worried at how he'd mentioned Melinda's reaction to it. They had a quick, intense discussion in Ancient Greek. But he only caught one word.
Father.
"We will not discuss this anymore," Zeus suddenly said, his face stoic and grim. "This matter is closed."
Poseidon sighed, and then looked around and at Percy.
"Perseus, son, where is your sister?" he asked and Zeus turned around from where he was starting to leave.
It seemed this had peaked his interest as well.
"Yes, where is this elusive daughter of Poseidon?" he asked.
Percy blinked and paled a little.
"She's...uh returning Hades' helm to him."
There was a sudden silence and then Poseidon shot up from his throne.
"WHAT!" be bellowed, and Percy flinched back some.
He didn't want to admit it but he felt sort of jealous. Here Poseidon was genuinely concerned for Melinda, yet he was called a wrong doing.
Zeus narrowed his eyes.
"Why would she do that, and how would she do that? Journeying to the underworld is not an easy feat, to do it once is a miracle. To do it twice is impossible for a mortal if they wish to return alive."
Percy took a breath and explained how Hades hadn't wanted to let them go and there was only three pearls. At this Poseidon's face paled, and his eyes seemed to take on a regretful look, like he was blaming himself.
He continued on to tell them how Melinda agreed to stay, knowing she could easily come and go from the underworld as she pleased – something which confused and surprised Zeus to no end.
How she'd appeared on the beach during his fight with Ares and saved him from a possible fatal blow and taken over the fight. How after the fight she'd explained how she'd made a deal with Hades.
That if he let her go peacefully she'd return his helm to him personally. How the furies would not take no for an answer and escorted her to the DOA studios to make sure her side was kept up.
"Brother," Poseidon suddenly said, gripping his trident in his right hand. "We must summon Hermes and send him for her. I do not trust our brother to let her go once she's there."
Percy paled, looking at them wide eyed.
Zeus snorted.
"For a mortal demigod?"
Poseidon glowered.
"Would you rather Hecate learn of this and you face both her and my wrath? I want my daughter safely away from the underworld. I don't care if she is the Mistress of Death, Hades is cunning."
Percy watched as Zeus' head snapped around and stared at his brother with wide angry eyes.
"Mistress of Death...as in the one from the stories? With the Hallows, the ones Thanatos foolishly allowed into existence when the Peverell brothers tricked him!"
Poseidon's face fell some as if realizing he'd said something he shouldn't have.
"Uh..maybe?" Poseidon said, almost like he was asking a question innocently.
Zeus shook his head and Percy heard him muttering in Ancient Greek under his breath rapidly but he couldn't make out what he was muttering. From the look of anger and red flush of embarrassment maybe, he was sure it wasn't nice.
"Father," Percy said, drawing attention back to him. "Melinda promised to meet me here. She seemed to trust that uncle Hades would allow her to leave."
Zeus hmm'd as if in thought of why his brother might let such a bargaining tool go. Poseidon was just stuck between suspicion and anger.
No on had to worry though, as a moment later the room darkened and out of the shadows sprouted a figure who swayed as the shadows retreated.
In the middle of the room, slightly behind Percy was the daughter of Poseidon, blinking rapidly and trying to catch her footing.
She looked a bit woozy as well.
"Oh, wow," she muttered, shaking her head. "Must be more disorienting with longer distances."
"Mel!" Percy cried, grinning and he darted over to hug his sister in relief.
Melinda looked down at her brother and wrapped an arm around his shoulders.
"Hey, little brother," she said, smiling.
Then she blinked when she saw the golden hued snake moving and unwrapping herself from his person.
"Sesha, what in the Nile are you doing there?" Melinda asked, and then she shook her head. "I should have realized sooner."
::By Anubis left nut you should have!:: Sesha exclaimed falling to the ground and straight up with her hood flared momentarily.
::I don't like that shadow travel business, Mistress. I also don't like flying, so I decided to go guard the young hatchling for you. But really, after all we've been through together you didn't notice I'd left? How could you not have, you're clothes have been changed, it should have been obvious!::
Percy had never seen Sesha throw such a hissy fit, not including the one she'd thrown after they had arrived in New York.
Of course he had no idea what she'd been saying, and neither did the gods who stared in shock, though Poseidon looked majorly relieved.
::I'm sorry, Sesha,:: Melinda replied, though of course it sounded like hissing sounds to Percy and the gods. ::I was...busy at the time.::
Sesha gave the snake version of a snort as she slid up Melinda's offered arm. Which Percy noticed was covered in a silver jacket.
To his surprise she also had on a black knee length dress which showed off more then Poseidon seemed to like – though Zeus had no problems checking her out, but from the stories Percy was pretty sure Zeus would check out any female with a nice figure and of mature age that happened past him.
::Sure, you were busy spreading your pheromones around the dark god, and he the same,:: Sesha retorted, making Melinda's face blushed bright red. ::Must be mating season.::
Percy had to wonder what Sesha had said because his sister was doing a good impression of a tomato. One that would make the tomato jealous he was sure.
"Melinda," Poseidon said, drawing attention back to the gods "What are you wearing?"
Melinda blinked, and Percy was also surprised by his sudden question. Zeus just chortled, a smirk on his face as he looked at his brother amused.
Melinda looked down at herself and back to her father.
"Oh, my clothes were dirty, and ripped. Uncle Hades made them appear for me... a gift I guess," she seemed to be flushing slightly.
"I'm sure," Zeus said, but seemed more amused.
Like he thought Hades had done it just to rile up their middle brother. It seemed to work, Poseidon had cycled through so many emotions Percy couldn't name them all.
Most of all was suspicion of Hades actions and the reason behind them. Percy couldn't help but be confused of why Hades would do something so...nice or why he'd care.
The outfit, including two pieces of jewelry he knew she hadn't had before looked rather expensive.
"That's not important though," Melinda suddenly said and she looked serious as she stepped forward, pulling Percy – who had released her from his sudden hug – towards the gods.
She knelt first to Zeus, who nodded looking mildly impressed.
"Lord Zeus," she said before she stood.
Percy did notice his eyebrows raise when she stood back up and he caught sight of her lightning bolt scar, something he still wasn't sure how she got.
It seemed it had been brought up yet not answered because of time and how shocking what she had told him had been.
He was new to all of this, he could only take in so much before his brain had a melt down.
Then she turned to their father and knelt.
"Father," she said, echoing his earlier words.
Poseidon grinned, nodding.
"You may rise, daughter," he said.
Zeus snorted.
"I assume you claim her as well, despite breaking the oath," he grumbled.
Poseidon glared momentarily at his brother.
"I should remind you, brother, you to broke the oath – twice!"
Zeus' eyes snapped over at him in alarm and Poseidon actually smirked. It made him seem that much more dangerous, which seemed out of place for the so normally yet oddly dressed god.
"Oh, yes, I am aware of your son. Jason, wasn't it? You should tell your lovers that taking their children to the beach, while safe enough, allows me awareness of all my brothers children."
Poseidon wasn't done though.
"I may have brought a great, deadly fate upon my children. But I do not regret they were born, I regret that I can not do more to ease the life of a hero they must lead."
Percy looked at Poseidon with surprise and some of his resentment faded. Maybe Melinda was right and their father truly did care, maybe when he'd called him a wrong doing he hadn't meant it the way he'd taken it.
Zeus grumbled and glared back before looking back at Percy and Melinda.
"So, you are the one that has everyone in uproar. Melinda Potter-Black, Girl-Who-Lived turned Woman-who-Conquered. Savior of the world Hecate fawns over so much. A legacy of Hecate I've heard," Zeus rambled off and Melinda nodded.
Percy was still unsure what those titles were about but he knew when he was ready, she'd answer the question for him. She had sworn on the River Styx, he recalled with some regret.
He remembered how everyone said it was such a big vow to make. His cousin, Thalia had been turned into a tree when Zeus broke the oath. Melinda's life hadn't exactly been easy and he'd had to deal with Smelly Gabe.
"I am, Lord Zeus," she said. "Though I like to think my titles to do not define me."
Zeus looked at her and nodded.
"There is still the matter of you being past sixteen..."
Melinda smiled.
"I am almost eighteen, uncle," she said. "When the oracle first gave the prophecy you all had children. Those older then sixteen, did you harm them to be sure it was not one of them? Or did you believe it to be one who was close to sixteen or was sixteen?"
Zeus blinked and Poseidon laughed a deep and amused laugh.
"As cunning as your mother and grams, daughter," Poseidon said, and Melinda grinned.
"The hat did say I would have done well in Slytherin," she said, and Poseidon chortled and Zeus rolled his eyes.
Percy was sort of confused what a Slytherin was, but just added it to his list of questions for later.
"You make a good point," Zeus said. "Seeing as you are past the age of sixteen, I will not take measures. But I will be watching you both, and Melinda. Do no presume to fly in my domain, broom or not."
Melinda smirked.
"Why would I ever wish to fly on a broom, Lord and Uncle?" she asked, innocently.
Percy chuckled, knowing she did not need a broom or airplane to fly, as did Poseidon. Zeus gave a long suffering sigh and turned, disappearing in a thundering boom and lightning bolts.
Poseidon came forward, shrinking down to mortal size of 6'3, give or take.
"I apologize for your uncle," he said, smiling at them both. "We've always said he'd make a better god of theater, he's so dramatic."
"I think it's a family trait," Melinda said, and Poseidon smiled.
"Perhaps so," he said.
Then there was a stretch of nearly unbearable silence.
"Sir," Percy said, breaking the ice, "what was in that pit?"
Poseidon looked at him with some amount of grief and fear.
"Have you not guessed?"
"Kronos," Percy said.
Melinda nodded from his side.
"The King of the Titans, and Lord of Time," she finished gravely.
Even in the throne room of Olympus, far away from Tartarus, the name Kronos darkened the room, made the hearth fire seem not quite so warm on their backs, and he saw the fear return to his sisters eyes momentarily before she relaxed.
Poseidon gripped his trident like a life line.
"In the first war, Zeus defeated our father. Casting him into the deepest of point in Tartarus just as our father had done to his father, Ouranous. Yet, even though we won the war, Titans, just as gods, can not die. Whatever is left of Kronos still alive in that pit, has always hungered for power and way to return."
"He's healing," Percy said, coming to that realization. "He's coming back."
Poseidon frowned deeply, not wanting to believe it as he shook his head.
"From time to time Kronos stirs. Entering the dreams and nightmares of mankind and whispering evil thoughts. Waking up restless monsters from depths, but to suggest he could or will return."
He shook his head again.
"That's what he intends, Father. That's what he said," Percy said, almost desperately.
"Percy tells the truth father. He's been in both our dreams, he spoke when we were dragged to the edge of the pit the cursed shoes Grover wore. He's gaining strength, it was him who set this whole thing up," Melinda said, vouching for his words.
Poseidon looked at them for a long time and sighed.
"I believe you two, but Lord Zeus has closed this discussion. He will not even talk of the possibility of our father's return. You have completed your quest, Percy, and you have done your own part as well Lin. Let it go for now, at least until we have more proof to present to your uncle."
"But-" Percy began, but a hand on his shoulder from Melinda stopped him. He sighed. "As … as you wish, Father."
Poseidon smiled down at him.
"Obedience does not come naturally to you, does it son?"
"No … sir."
"I must take some blame for that, I suppose. The sea does not like to be restrained. Your sister for example, she is a good bit like yourself. Always rebelling from what is expected of her, but at the same time wishing to appease others."
Melinda flushed with embarrassment and Percy smiled and snickered shortly.
"Percy, I know my words earlier may have confused you," Poseidon began, sounding sort of unsure of how to word it.
"When I was speaking of wrong doings, I did not mean you exactly. I regret allowing myself to sire more heroes knowing of the fate that may befall you or your sister. It does not mean I regret your births, you are both my children. That means more to me than a broken oath."
Percy stared at him for a moment and blinked hard when he realized he was close to tearing up at the revelation that his father did care.
Melinda smiled, squeezing his shoulder to let him know she was still there. It was also a silent, I told you so, he was sure of that from the small smirk that made it's way onto her face.
"You must go now, I am sure your friends and the camp is beginning to grow worried for your return. But first, know that Melinda was correct, your mother has been returned."
His eyes lit up, not that he hadn't believed Melinda, he just hadn't trusted Hades.
"My mother is back?"
Poseidon smiled and nodded.
"Hades sent her back when you recovered his helm, or at least I thought that was how it occurred," he said, giving Melinda a semi-stern look. "But, as much as I hate to admit it. Even the Lord of the Dead pays his debts."
It seemed sort of ironic that before, when Melinda was still in the underworld, his father had flown off the handle and accused his older brother of being untrustworthy and deceiving.
Yet he'd just defended him in the span of twenty minutes.
"Do you … would you …" Percy sighed.
Poseidon seemed to understand, and so did Melinda and both seemed to have sad looks in their green eyes. For different reason he was sure.
"You mother, both of your mothers, were queen among women. I had never met two women who left such an impact on me as Lily and Sally did. Both were women of their eras, but so different from their peers."
He sighed, and shook his head.
"When you get home, Perseus, you will find a package in your room. It will lead to a choice, know that whatever path you choose, you will always be my son. A true son of the sea god."
Percy felt Melinda slip her hand into his and give their father one last nod, knowing they had been dismissed and Percy couldn't help but smile as they left the grand palace of Olympus.
"I guess you were right, Lin," Percy said, trying out her other nickname for the first time.
Melinda looked down at him with shinning green eyes.
"Of course I was," she said in a fake haughty tone, and chuckled.
She then looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"But just out of curiosity, what was I right about?"
Percy smiled.
"That our father does care, even if he can't always be there."
Melinda smiled.
"I told you so."
Percy grinned and then after pulling his hand free of hers, not wanting to feel like a child being watched by mommy so he wouldn't run off and fall off Olympus – even the image or thought made him snort.
"So...what did you and Hades talk about?" he asked. "It took you a pretty long time to get here."
Melinda didn't answer him but he blinked when her face began to burn bright red.
"What did I say?" he wondered aloud, but this only made his sister blush harder. "Lin?"
She continued to stay silent and he sighed, and began moving quicker. He couldn't wait to get home now, wanting to be sure his mother was really alright.
