Hi guys. I am so so so sorry! I had a field trip like I said, and I was so exhausted that I didn't work on this at all until Thursday! I thought you deserved a better chapter, and I'm really sorry that it took so long. I feel awful about it. I'm so so sorry. :( My poll is still up, in case you'd like to check out the options. Seeing as the end is near, ya know? I own nothing except my apologizes, but please enjoy the chapter (and forgive me).

Percy's POV

Everyone gasped and turned to Hades for an explanation. "Nico said... He said that-that he killed them." Hades was looking dead at me.

Following his his line of view, everyone soon laid eyes on me. "Why'd you do it son? That was your cousin, your girlfriend."

I shrugged. "It wasn't me. It was a different guy. It was the Monster."

Athena scoffed. "And who is this 'different guy' you're talking about? Is he another stupid alter ego you created to help get over your sister's early death?"

I stared at the goddess. Not with hate, not with any emotion at all. Just empty green eyes. That must've startled her, because she flinched and turned away. I kept staring, but answered the questions anyways. "First of all, Anne is not dead. She's right here." Anne stepped forward and raised her hand in greeting. I thought Poseidon's eyes would pop right out of his head.

"See? My sister is very much alive, thank you very much. Next, the other guy is not another persona. He's... Different." I turned to Artemis, who sat on her throne now, restoring her powers. "Lady Artemis, perhaps you could help me explain."

Everyone looked between Artemis and j with shock, but our faces gave nothing away. Finally, I started the story.

"Have any of you heard of a place in New York called The Organization?"

No one had heard of it. Other than those that already knew.

"Well, I went to The Organization because I had killed someone. I was a small boy, about five to seven years old. My current stepdad was hurting my mom. So, in my anger, he was killed. I hide the evidence well, but I needed to make sure I didn't get detected. Then j found myself at the Organization's front step.

"They said they would save me from the police, because they had influence in those things. They'd help me, as long as I became a staff member when I got older. I had to go to the Academy first, to learn the trade. So they enrolled me in the classes, and is go there after school each day. I told my mom I was involved in activities. One of the first things they tell you is to not tell anyone unless it's of utmost importance."

"Why are you telling us then? We just asked you?" Apollo interrupted.

I looked at the golden God. "Because if I didn't tell you, I'd be killed with a lightning bolt from my dear uncle."

Everyone laughed except Zeus and I. When he was done, Apollo gestured for me to continue.

"In the Academy, I was never the best student. I thought what they were doing was wrong. I thought that people shouldn't be treated like that. So I took the punishment of all my classmates. No one stood up for me. Ever.

"Have any of you heard of the Incredible Hulk and his origin? It was kind of like that. One day, when I was punished, the scientists were working on a new experiment to make humans stronger. I was the guinea pig. They hooked me up, and injected some chemicals into my bloodstream and into my brain and muscles. Immediately after, I grew. My skin turned red, muscles grew on my arms, and I broke free from the restraints. The Monster was born. We trashed the experiment room, or so I heard. I couldn't tell what was going on. It was as if I was asleep. When I woke uo, my clothes were ripped, and only one poor lady was there. She told me I did all that. Th-that u almost killed everyone." My voice cracked, and I paused for a moment. "She t-taught me what I-I really am."

"And what was that Percy, honey?" Hestia gently coaxed. I couldn't look her in the eye.

"A monster," I whispered.

Tye throne room erupted into noise. Many gasped, then proceeded to talk to the immortal sitting next to them. Others just stared in shock, or gasped and watched me in pity. I didn't need their pity. I crossed my arms over each other, and frowned.

Eventually, they all realized I was waiting. One by one they calmed down, then shushed their friends. Soon, everyone was blissfully silent.

Then an I broke the silence with my voice. "Are you all done talking about me? I mean, j am standing right here."

Almost everyone looked down at their laps, whether they had spoken of me or not. I honestly didn't care. All I had eyes for were the faces of those that had not turned away from my eyes.

Their faces were full of sympathy. They pitied me.

"Those of you that don't look away from my gaze, but face me with sympathy, I have a message for you. I do not need your pity! Pity doesn't get you far in life. On a battle field, if you pity your opponent, you'll try to help them. And if they don't pity you even more, you'll find yourself dead. That's how far your pity will get you with me. I do not need it, so waste it on someone who cares."

Many gasped, but this time did not turn to their neighbors to gossip. The faced me dead on. Finally, one by one, they all looked away. It tooks Poseidon the leat amount of time to look away, his gaze filled with grief and anguish. Artemis was the least to look away, eyes holding disappointment. Though what she was disappointed for, I know not.

Zeus cleared this throat. "Well, we should reward these heroes for defeating our powerful enemy, and rescuing so many of our long lost children, whether we last saw them dead or alive. Who'd like to start?"