Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians or the Heroes of Olympus Series.

Story: Champion of Olympus: Child of the First One

Chapter 24: Mother Earth

Third Person POV

Mount Olympus – throne room

Chaos stood over the revived Champion of Olympus. Annabeth pulled out of the hug, but she held onto Percy's arm protectively. Percy smiled at her before he turned his gaze toward the creator of the universe.

"Why am I alive?" Percy asked.

"My boy, when you and Nidhogg merged to create Njall, your life forces merged. You were two beings in one. Njall was very powerful, but so was Loki. In order to defeat the god of evil he had to sacrifice himself, but he protected you. He believed that you deserved to live, so he protected your life force and asked me to restore you to life. It was his last request before he faded. He is now with your family and the others, in the great void," Chaos explained.

"I feel different," Percy observed.

"Yes, you no longer possess the powers of the eldest gods, but you are much more than a demigod. You are a child of the Aesir and of Olympus. You are a mix of both Pantheons. You possess the abilities of a son of Poseidon, plus your powers as an Aesir," Chaos said.

"What powers?" Percy asked.

"Your telekinetic powers; they were always your main power as an Aesir. The Fates have allowed you to retain two blessings as well; one of Olympus and the other of Asgard. Which blessings do you wish to retain?" Chaos inquired.

Percy smiled as he looked around. "I wish to keep my sister's blessing," Percy said as he gave Athena his crooked grin. Athena nodded. Percy looked up at the night sky. "I wish to keep the blessing of Thor."

"As you wish, you shall have dominion over the thunder and storms and you shall be blessed with wisdom. However, you also need a weapon," Chaos said.

"A weapon," Percy repeated.

Chaos held out his hands; two swirling tendrils of molten metal appeared above the First One's hands. The metal glowed red hot as the two tendrils swirled around each other and merged. A bright light exploded before a shiny sword hovered in the air above the marble floor of the throne room. Percy marveled at the sword. It was a double edged sword with a leather grip. One edge was a bluish green metal while the other was celestial bronze. Chaos smiled at the look of realization on Percy's face. "Yes, this sword is a mix of Uru steel and celestial bronze," Chaos explained.

The sword moved toward Percy before he grabbed the hilt in his hand. The sword was the perfect weight and the grip fit his hand perfectly. Percy looked at the side of the sword; engraved into the metal was the familiar Ancient Greek name, Anaklusmos. Percy smiled before he said, "Riptide."

"I'm glad you like it," Chaos said. Percy clicked the handle of the sword before it turned into a pen.

Chaos stepped away from Percy. Once Chaos moved away Thalia and the other demigods ran to Percy and greeted him. Annabeth let go of her boyfriend as Thalia hugged her brother. Nico and Jason helped Percy to his feet before they all greeted him with hugs and pats on the back.

Chaos walked over to Zeus before he knelt beside Gaea and Rhea. He placed his hand on Mother Earth's head. He looked down at the ground; the light that made up his body dimmed.

Zeus looked up at the creator; Chaos didn't move. "My lord," Zeus said softly.

Chaos turned toward the King of the gods. "They're dead," Chaos said simply. "My daughter let her anger and loyalty get the best of her. She could never see Kronos and his brothers for what they were."

"I'm sorry that things turned out this way," Zeus said.

The light around Chaos's body brightened. "You've really turned yourself around," Chaos said.

Zeus gave him a curious look. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"You let go of your paranoia and lust for power. Ever since Perseus's birth you've been a different leader, so much better than your father or grandfather. I must commend you," Chaos explained.

Zeus stared at the creator of the universe in awe. "I only did what was right," Zeus said.

"Exactly, you wanted your children to be proud of you," Chaos said.

"Of course," Zeus said.

Chaos looked down at Rhea. "Your mother was very proud of you," Chaos informed.

Zeus looked at the dead body of his mother. "Can nothing be done?" he asked.

"They are dead, but much of their energy remains in their bodies. There is enough to revive one of them," Chaos said. "However, there has to be a goddess of the Earth, if not, the world shall end. As we speak I'm using my power to keep the world together."

Zeus looked at Hera and his mother sadly. "So, you will bring back Gaea?" Zeus inquired.

"Of course not, she is in the void now. She lost the right for her power. She would have attacked you, if Kronos had been defeated. Loki, in a way, did you a favor. However, her death still saddens me; she had the potential to be great," Chaos said.

"Who will you bring back?" Zeus asked hopefully.

"At first, I planned to bring back Rhea. She was the greatest of the titans, but she chose to remain in the void. She asked me to save Hera," Chaos explained.

"She did," Zeus said.

"Rhea loves her children; she would do anything for you," Chaos began. "She believes that Hera deserves a second chance." By this time Percy and the others were near Chaos and Zeus. Percy knelt beside his father. When Zeus saw him; he pulled his son into a tight embrace.

"Dad… can't… breathe," Percy said. Zeus let go of his son.

"Sorry, it's so good to have you back," Zeus exclaimed.

Percy looked up at Chaos. "Will you save her?" he asked.

"I will," Chaos said. He motioned for everyone to stand back. Percy and Zeus rose to their feet and backed away with the others. Chaos stood over the lifeless form of Hera. Two small balls of light; one green and the other blue rose from the bodies of Gaea and Rhea. The balls of energy flew into Hera's chest. A white glow appeared around Hera's body as an intermingling of energies surged through her. The light dimmed before Hera opened her eyes and gasped for breath.

Chaos stood back as Zeus propped Hera up into his lap. Hera looked up into her husband's eyes and smiled. Zeus's eyes filled with tears of joy as water flowed down his cheeks. Hera had never seen her husband cry in many years. "It's okay," she soothed.

Zeus smiled down at her before catching her lips with his own. Percy smiled as he watched his parents kiss. They pulled apart after a few moments. "I love you," Zeus said.

Hera was happier than she had ever been before. "I love you too," she replied.

"Perseus," Chaos said. All eyes turned toward the creator of the universe.

"Yes, my lord," Percy said.

"I'm sorry that I cannot return more people to life, but even I must bow to the ancient laws and to the Fates. I was given permission to return you and a goddess," Chaos said. He looked at Hera; the goddess smiled thankfully. "My work is done." He turned as a black vortex of energy erupted in the middle of the throne room. He stepped toward the vortex, but stopped just short of the maelstrom. "By the way Percy, happy birthday," Chaos said before he walked through the vortex and disappeared.

Percy smiled at where the father of Njall had been. He felt someone hug him from behind. He looked over his shoulder to see Annabeth's smiling face. "Hey Wise Girl," he said.

Annabeth's smile widened. "Happy Birthday Seaweed Brain," she replied.

Mount Olympus – a few hours later

Percy sat on a ledge that looked down over Manhattan. The war was over, but so many had died. Over a million mortals perished because of the virus that Loki had unleashed upon them. He had used them as weapons; he never cared that they had families and friends. Over half of the demigod army had perished in the battle. Many more were injured. Others, like Will Solace would never recover from the psychological trauma.

Percy sighed before running his fingers through his hair. Most of the Roman demigods had perished. Percy was happy that his brother Jason was alive and that he was able to save Reyna. He didn't want his brother to suffer the pain of losing someone he loved.

Thalia and Nico were closer since the battle. Percy guessed that the near death experiences had made them reconcile their feelings. They were almost inseparable now.

Bianca and Malcolm were happy as well. Hades didn't like it, but the god of the dead was a good father. His daughter's happiness was more important to him than anything else.

Clarisse was in the infirmary on Olympus. She suffered terrible injuries, but she would recover. Luke never left her room. He stayed at her side; Clarisse acted annoyed, but Percy knew that she loved it. Percy was happy that Luke had found someone.

Percy heard familiar footsteps walk towards him. The person sat down beside him and weaved her arm through his. He saw the golden curls of the girl; Percy smiled at the site of his girlfriend.

"What're you doing?" Annabeth asked.

"I'm thinking about the battle. I could've done more to prevent those deaths," Percy said sadly.

Annabeth squeezed his arm tightly. Percy stared at her curiously. "Don't talk like that," she said harshly.

She let go of his arm. "I had the power, but I was too busy trying to stop Loki. I let so many people down," Percy said as the pain of guilt filled his chest.

Annabeth grabbed Percy's face between her hands and turned his head to look at her. Her storm grey eyes bored into his sea green ones. "You gave your life to stop Loki. You chose to come back and fight him again. You gave up existence to fight him. No one blames you. You couldn't do anymore. I was wrong for saying that you abandoned us before the fight. You did so much for all of us. I'm just glad you're alive," Annabeth explained.

She let go of his face. Percy smiled at the intensity he saw in her eyes. "You really mean that don't you?" he asked.

"I do, no matter what happens, you're the hero that saved us." Annabeth smiled as she pulled Percy into a hug. Percy held the daughter of Athena close to his body.

They pulled away a minute later. "Thank you." Percy smiled at her.

"You're welcome. You still have a birthday gift to receive." Annabeth gave him a mischievous grin.

"What pray tell could that be?" Percy questioned playfully.

Annabeth wrapped her arms around Percy's neck and pulled him into a tender kiss. The two held onto each not wanting the other to let go.

Athena and Poseidon walked side by side through the corridors of Olympus in search of their children. They stopped when they saw the two kissing each other near the edge of one of the gardens. They both smiled.

"I guess you'll have to tell her later about the Architect of Olympus position," Poseidon said.

Athena smiled at her one time rival. She grabbed his hand and squeezed. Poseidon smiled at her touch. "What do you think they would do, if they found out about us?" Athena asked.

Poseidon's crooked grin spread across his face. "They're smart kids; I'm sure they already suspect something," Poseidon replied.

Athena laughed. "That was pretty smart for a kelp head," she said.

"I've been hanging around this beautiful and brilliant goddess. Some of those smarts had to rub off on me sometime," Poseidon explained playfully.

"That was sweet; I think you are getting smarter," Athena complimented.

Poseidon raised her hand that he was holding and kissed it softly. "Come one, we'll see them later." The two gods turned away and walked back into the temple.

Zeus and Hera appeared in the doorway after Poseidon and Athena had left. Zeus looked at his daughter holding his brother's hand. "Did you know about that?" Zeus asked with a bit of annoyance in his voice.

Hera smiled at his over protectiveness. "Yes, they're happy together," Hera said with a look that told her husband that the discussion was finished.

"Okay, but he better not hurt her," Zeus replied.

Hera laughed. "Athena can take care of herself. Besides, Poseidon has had a crush on her for a thousand years," she explained.

Zeus's mouth hung open. "Why didn't I know this?" he asked.

"Because you're a man and totally oblivious to such things," Hera teased. Zeus frowned. Hera held onto his arm and placed her head on his shoulder. Zeus smiled down at his wife. "Do you see Percy?"

Zeus looked out toward the edge of the garden. He smiled when he saw Percy and Annabeth kissing. "That's my boy," Zeus said proudly.

Hera followed his gaze. Her face morphed into a look of motherly concern. "You need to give him the talk," Hera said.

"Come on, he's a big boy," Zeus said.

Hera glared at her husband. "I don't want any grandchildren until they're married and out of college," Hera said.

Zeus sighed. "Alright, I'll talk to him tonight," Zeus said. Hera nodded.

"They do look perfect together," Hera observed.

"I think your new role as Mother Earth agrees with you," Zeus said.

"Maybe, but I'm still the goddess of marriage, so behave yourself," Hera teased.

Zeus smiled. "I swear on the Styx," he promised as thunder sounded overhead. Hera hugged him tightly. "We should probably get out of here before we disturb them."

"I agree, the Champion deserves his reward," Hera said with a wry smile on her face before the two gods walked away.

THE END

AN: A fluffy ending I know. This is the end of the Champion of Olympus series. Thank you to everyone that reviewed the stories that made up this series. They were a lot of fun and I appreciate everyone's support. I have two stories left to finish. Will I continue to write after those, well I haven't decided. Stay tuned to Divided Soul and Perseus and the Monster Force.