Poseidon didn't know how long he sat there on the floor just staring at the screen showing Percia curled in a ball sobbing her heart out. All he knew is he felt every bit of pain as his heart broke with each tear she shed. He could feel Amphitrite kneeling next to him, arms wrapping around his middle and she too wept. He knew Triton and Kora stood somewhere behind him, wrapped in each other's embrace to offer comfort. Tyson was standing slightly to one side, also watching the screen, his face blank, no doubt from shock. Cried tears
The rest of the room was eerily silent, a first for their family, especially with the number of members in the grand room. Most were in shock, especially those that had known Percia and her ability to overcome any foe, always coming home when others didn't. Some, mostly the younger children, were unsure of what to do or say, their worlds rocked by this blatant show of sacrifice solidifying the true meaning of a demi-god's existence. His fellow gods kept glancing from him to the image of his daughter, clearly not sure what to say. As he had no words himself, he could not blame them.
"Open a portal and send us through."
Everyone startled at the sudden words, turning to find Thalia Grace and Nico Di Angelo standing before Janus. Both held a fierce determination in their stances.
"Wha… what," the god tried to clarify blinking slowly.
"Open a portal," Thalia repeated slowly this time as if speaking to a child. "And send us through. We are not leaving Percia there. She would do the same for us; she has done the same for us." Sparks of electricity danced over her skin her eyes glowing with inner power.
"It… it wouldn't matter if you went through," Janus informed them quietly, his eyes showing compassion. "Percia would not be able to return to our world. She is no longer connected."
"What do you mean," Nico hissed, shadows creeping around his feet and growing with his anger. "You sent her to that world without her being 'connected' there. So it shouldn't be an issue to bring her back."
But Janus just shook his head. "It doesn't work like that. Yes I was able to send her to that world, but she would not be able to return to our world unless she had a connection. That connection was her thread of life. By cutting her thread, she severed her connection between this world and that world. By choosing to let her thread connecting to this world go, and allowing the other to pull her into that world, she has effectively left our world behind."
"But..." Thalia started to argue only to have Hades cut them off.
"Though there are multiple worlds and universes, you are connected to the one you were created in," he explained calmly, his dark eyes boring into the two teens to show how serious this was. "Should you travel to another world and die there, you would still return to the underworld of your original home because your thread of fate is linked to that world. Further, one cannot live indefinitely in a world not of their origin. It would take years or decades depending on the being, but eventually their very essence would be broken down until their physical body was gone and their soul returned to their home of origin. Kora survived because she was turned into a magical object, thus allowing Percia the time to bring her back to her home world." He paused to make sure his words sunk in, well aware that everyone in the room focused solely on him. "Normally Percia's thread would not have appeared to be connected to both worlds. However, we." He gestured to his siblings. "Suspect she has had contact with the gods of that world and they accepted her as one of their own, even if for only a short time. This acceptance allowed her thread to… belong in both worlds, meaning Percia would belong in both worlds. By cutting that thread and letting go of the one connected to this world, she 'gave up' our world as her home world, thus losing all ability to live here or even come to our underworld upon her death. She sacrificed her home so that we may all continue to live in the peace she fought so hard for. Thankfully, by having the gods of that world accept her, she will have the chance to live out her life without the fear of having her body 'break down' due to the celestial powers that regulate those worlds."
Again silence filled the room as everyone digested the information shared. Even those who had not liked Percia, Octavian and some of his followers, understood the severity of the situation and their respect for the girl hero grew. Once more she had proven why she should be considered an exalted hero to both camps. Many had sacrificed their lives for the cause and safety of their home. She had sacrificed her entire world.
("Percia Jackson! You answer me right this moment!")
The loud bellow caused many to jump, eyes darting to the screen once more to see the Gray Wizard standing above Percia.
(Enough wallowing girl!")
"How dare he?!" Someone yelled out.
"She just lost her home!"
Others joined in starting to grow in noise level.
"SHUT UP," Ares bellowed causing them to quiet immediately. "Watch and listen you piss ants."
("War is upon us, and Thranduil is being most stubborn.")
They all listened in various states of worry and awe as Gandalf went on to explain the issue. Apparently the enemy was bringing an army, but just how big of an army?
"Perhaps we should not watch this brother," Zeus offered, surprising many with his concern and care for his sibling.
"No, I need to know that she makes it through this," Poseidon countered fiercely. "I have missed so much of her life. I NEED to see this through."
"Very well," Zeus acquiesced, returning to his throne along with the others.
No one else was about to leave either, their eyes riveted on the screen and the wizard and Percia made their way through the ruins of Dale. The new presence of the Elven Army was as striking as their armor. The vast difference of that army to the men running around and preparing for battle was stark. It was further visualized by the differences between the Elven King and Bard.
They watched as that same Elven King tried to dismiss Percia, only for her to show her royal blood and put the pounce in his place. Poseidon felt more tears gather as he saw how regal and beautiful his child looked in her royal dress. She was a true princess of the seas.
The group watched them plot the possible strategies of the enemy, Ares and Athena adding their own thoughts, both please that Percia got the doubting King to realize the true danger approaching. Many even laughed at her wistful comment about Clarisse, those that knew the daughter of war knowing just how true Percia's statement was. Then Bilbo appeared, handing over a ridiculous jewel and explaining the issue with the Dwarves. It was a noble sentiment to try and end the bloodshed between the three races, only the Hobbit had not known about the Orcs.
"I am surprised she suggested they arm the younger generation," one of the lesser gods murmured. "I thought she was against such?"
"In a situation like this, she needs everyone that can fight," Athena stated sharply. She was not one to defend her rival's children, but in this she would. "There would be no way to spare them in the battle that is coming. Percia knows this, thus she is giving them the means to protect themselves."
"As much as it pains me to say this," Ares added. "Athena is right. The Orcs are bent on total destruction, nothing less would satisfy them. Best to not leave too many vulnerable civilians around. It would distract the soldiers from where they were needed."
"Especially if the dwarves prove to be problematic," Artemis chimed in, eyes narrowed in thought as she watched Percia arming the teenaged girls and the younger women. It really was a shame the girl had declined her offer to join her Hunters.
"That gold sickness thing is definitely not promising," Apollo commented. "Thorin is definitely not thinking on all cylinders."
"Look they're heading out," one of the children called alerting them to the fact the Elves and Men were marching towards the gates of Erebor. It was certainly a sight, with golden armed Elves with the rag tag group of men. Thranduil and Bard rode at the front on horses. Only the most experienced could see the Elven army was not nearly as swelled in numbers as they could be. They had positioned the soldiers in such a way that the force still looked big, though a good portion were back in Dale.
In fact the saw those Elves and what men and women left in Dale, hiding behind the main walls and buildings.
"Why are they hiding," another child asked.
"It's an advantage," Clarisse announced before anyone else could. "The Orcs will think Dale is unguarded and when they make their move Percia will strike at them along with the soldiers left behind. They'll wait until the enemy is in the position that Percia can do the most damage."
"Something you taught her," one of her brothers asked cheekily.
"No, something she's used against me before," the daughter of war admitted reluctantly.
The room quieted when Percia started speaking to Bain, explaining how fighting really worked. The Elf Prince Argalad added his input as well, showing at least one prince had some sense in his head.
When it shifted from them to the main gates where Thorin and his company were speaking with the other two leaders, they watched as Bard revealed the location of the Arkenstone. Then they watched as Bilbo stood up to the mad king, trying to get him to see sense at last. Only the Hobbit had not calculated how far gone his 'friend' truly was. Many cursed when the Dwarf tried to throw the Hobbit off the top of the gate, his own Company barely stopping him. It was only the intervention of the wizard that saw the Hobbit returned to the allies and safely away from the Dwarves.
It was not long after that Dain arrived with his forces. The ensuing confrontation was quite humorous.
"I can see why the wizard found Thorin more reasonable," Hades muttered dryly.
Thankfully, or not so much, the Orcs attacked before the Dwarves could really get started. The giant worms bursting through the ground startled many in the audience, having never seen such things. Zeus made a note to forbid Ares from coming up with anything similar for any of his battles in the future.
They watched the Orcs pour out of the tunnels like ants, their dark swarm approaching the main forces before Erebor. The Elves and Men acted quickly, positioning themselves for the fight. The Dwarves ignored them, preoccupied with the new enemy, setting up their own lines of defense. The other allies moved in to extend and strengthen those line. In no time the battle was in full swing.
Many of the more blood thirsty gods and demi-gods were really getting into it. Cheering for various soldiers or shouting out advice despite knowing the fighters could not hear them. Poseidon though wanted to see Percia.
His whole body was rigid as he watched the screen. This was a battle that had not been seen in their world in some time. In todays combat soldiers chose long distance fighting or bombing to end threats. Even the battles against the Kronos,, the giants and Gaia had only been a fraction of the size this altercation was gearing up to become. The fact he could do nothing to help only added to his fury. His hands clenched the arms of his throne, barely feeling Amphitrite's own hand covering his to offer strength.
A loud horn signaled the attack on Dale, and many in the room shifted restlessly. This is what they were waiting for. This is when Percia would join the battle.
Nearly half the Orc army split off choosing to attack Dale by crossing the river, not even bothering with the bridge. Just as the main lines crossed into the water Percia jumped onto the wall and called upon the water. The wave she crashed into the Orcs line washed the majority of them away and back into the tunnels. Before the enemy could fully react the Elves and Men in the city revealed themselves and struck out, arrows slamming into them in waves.
Still the Orcs had numbers the other armies did not. Soon they managed to attack the city and engage the fighters there. The room watched as Percia jumped onto a troll then attacked the orcs following close behind. The battle descended into chaos as all battles tended to do. At one point Percia became circled by orcs, the majority hesitating from attaching her.
"See," Nico huffed to Thalia. "I told you she looked especially scary when in real battle."
Whatever the daughter of Zeus planned to say was interrupted by the loud horn sounding across the battlefield. Shortly after the gates of Erebor burst open and the Company, led by Thorin charged onto the battlefield rallying the allied armies.
Amphitrite listened as many cheered for Percia and the others fighting the orcs. But she was anxious for her step-daughter. The girl was in the battle for her life without the backup of her fellow demi-gods or the gods themselves. She was powerful, Amphitrite had always known that. It was one of the reasons she had not cared for the girl. She could legitimately overthrow her siblings to take the throne. Granted this is before she came to know Percia and realized she would never have done such a thing.
Now she felt so guilty for her part in helping Percia go to that world in her quest to save Triton. To save one child she lost another, one she had not truly appreciated until she was gone. In true Percia fashion, she had completed her quest and then gave up everything to save her family, her friends and her world. She would personally see to it that the people of the Oceans honored Percia as the princess and hero she is.
Those that knew Percia chuckled at her snarky reply to the wizard. Even in the heat of battle she could sass with the best of them. They learned about Bilbo running off to warn the Dwarves of the second army. It seemed they had been right to expect it. None were all that surprised that Percia made her way to them.
"Where is she going," one of the Romans asked, confused as to her direction.
"The punk got turned around again," Ares snorted in amusement. "You lot would be surprised how often that happened to her."
"That is true," Hazel murmured, leaning into Frank. "But it always worked out in the end."
"True," Annabeth agreed. "It really helped in the labyrinth."
"Seems to be helping here too," Jason informed them pointing out Percia saving the blond Dwarf Fili from Azog. Many in the room cheered for their champion, the Hunters crowing at the fact it was a female that saved the day.
Of course they had a minor set back in their girl-power gloating when the red-headed elf maiden kept drawing attention to herself. In fact the fool had managed to get Kili severely injured when he came to her rescue. Granted many of the gods and demi-gods couldn't find it in them to care much considering how the fool had treated Percia recently. In fact some silently cheered Bolg on for the hit.
Then Percia had to go an heal the Dwarf.
"You know how she is dear," Amphitrite chided her husband and sons as they cursed Percia's overly kind heart. "Loyalty is a flaw, and she would not allow one to die, even if you think they deserve it."
"Well she should," Poseidon huffed petulantly. Tyson and Triton both nodding in agreement.
It wasn't long before Percia was running around the ruins again in search of the Hobbit. Only she managed to run into another Dwarf, Thorin. All could tell the gold sickness had lifted from him, his eyes finally clear. Once more the Princess of the Seas was healing one that many of her family would deem unworthy. Yet that was just who she was.
They were however grateful that the battle was over and she had survived. Loud cheers and cries echoed the large chamber as the orcs were defeated. Ares and his children were especially chipper after watching such a vicious battle. Granted no one could blame them considering combat was in their blood.
The aftermath was still disheartening as many had fallen to the enemy. Several had suffered wounds that surely would have killed them, had Percia not been there. The children of Apollo, and the god himself, were surprised at her stamina and ability with water to heal as she did. Poseidon denied her powers as being that strong, but some, Athena, surmised the gods of that world had 'added' to her power levels and abilities.
Poseidon watched as his daughter made her way back to the hill she had saved the Dwarves on. There she found the Hobbit, both sitting in silence for a time. He wanted so badly to join her and pull her in close and never let her go. He felt his heart breaking as she admitted to the Hobbit of her permanent residence in his world. When the creature offered her a place in his home the sea god could only send a murmur of thanks to the gods of that world for such a compassionate being.
Slowly the screen faded and they knew it was over. Poseidon wanted to rail against the injustice of it. He wanted to strike out with all his power, to cause others the pain he now felt. Yet it would not bring his favored daughter back. It would not erase the time he lost with her.
"We will have a statue commissioned for Percia," Zeus suddenly spoke gaining his attention and many others. "So that all will remember the sacrifice and heroism for ages to come."
'Yes,' Poseidon thought. 'They should remember Percia as such. For she is a true hero. One of the best to have ever lived.'
The end.