Chapter 46

Things hadn't been the same since New York. Percy stared at the bed next to him which held his girlfriend and a warm feeling spread to his chest. He could not quite smile, but he felt a moment of content. Thinking back on how he found himself in this situation he remembered the final night of the second Titan War on Olympus with a knot in his stomach. It hadn't exactly gone according to plan, but his brother insisted that everything ended the way it should have.

The gods had honored Percy, Bianca, and Thalia for their roles in the battle, but truth be told the son of Neptune hardly remembered it. Thalia Grace had broken down, cried, and begged for the gods to bring her brother back, but her request fell on deaf ears. In the end Thalia had lost a friend she had grown up with and her brother on the same day. She cried through her request of not letting it be in vain. She simply wished for the gods to claim their children, and give proper respect to the minor gods to prevent another war, such as the one they previously faced, from happening again. The gods seemed to sheepishly agree to her request, and she bowed out before returning to her friends that were picking up the pieces of New York.

When it came down to Bianca she held Percy's hand through her own tears and requested that she be elevated to consul. The request surprised Percy at first, but he understood her reasoning. With the death of Jason she had no desire to lead the camp, and with Percy being able to come and go as he pleased she would undoubtedly wish to do the same.

When Mars asked if Percy had any issue with her request he simply said with the death of Jason Grace none could be more deserving. The two of them together would help raise two new Praetors when they returned to camp. Reyna and Michael of course would be his picks, and he doubted Bianca would suggest otherwise.

Percy's request was by far the most controversial. He wished for no honor or reward, instead he requested his Uncle be elevated back to Olympian status. The Consul made it quite clear that without the assistance of Pluto the war either would've been prolonged or most likely lost at Mount Othrys. In a move that shocked the Olympians Percy dropped to one knee and thanked the god for what he had done for him and his people, stating that a new altar would be built in New Rome to show their gratitude.

Needless to say the gods bickered, but Jupiter could not fault his older brother's assistance had been invaluable to the homefront side of the war. Pluto was raised to Olympian status taking the council back to 13 Olympian Gods.

In the end Neptune rose from his throne and asked if anyone on the council would deny the lord of the seas a right to bestow his son another gift. When none spoke Neptune lowered down to human height and approached his son placing a hand on his shoulder, "My son. You defeated Titans. Rose to the greatest challenge in the history of Western Civilization and won. Despite all the odds. Your role in this war has granted you a chance at a prize that we have not given out in centuries. My son, I offer you the gift of Immortality."

Percy's eyes widened in shock as he glanced around the throne room waiting for someone to disagree, yet no one did. The hand that was holding his however began to squeeze him uncomfortably, and he could suddenly feel Bianca's anxiety beside him. Glancing over at her she looked like a deer in the headlights. The two held each other's eyes for a moment, before Percy looked back towards his father, a decision on his mind, "I never truly understood the value of life before today. I lost my best friend moments ago, a man I considered to be another brother. Living a life of eternity without him, right now, just doesn't seem possible."

Neptune looked confused for a moment before shaking his head, "I don't understand, my son. You would refuse the gift of Immortality?"

"Today? Yes." Percy said honestly, "I can't take it. There is so much I still don't understand about the world. I have spent a lifetime preparing for war. I need time to get out there and just enjoy the world. Spend some time with the people I love, with the woman I love."

When Percy said those words he looked back at Bianca who had tears in her eyes again, but they were not the same tears as earlier. It may not have been the first time he had uttered those words to her, or thought them, but to declare it in front of a gathering of gods, in front of both their parents, was different. He was turning down forever, to have a fleeting moment of history with her. Bianca squeezed his hand gently this time showing her appreciation for his words, while Neptune seemed to nod in understanding as he turned to face the council, "My son is wise beyond his years. As counsel he remains very useful to Olympus. Perhaps after some more years of service this subject could be addressed again."

Turning back to face his son Neptune asked, "You do plan to continue to serve Olympus and Rome, yes?"

"Until my dying breath." Percy answered without hesitation.

Neptune nodded as he disappeared and rematerialized on his throne, "Very well, my son."

With that Jupiter rose from his throne, "The enemies of Olympus have been neutralized. Counsel's, return home, rebuild, and celebrate your well earned victories. Olympus, thanks you for your service."

A bolt of lightning came in through a hole in the ceiling and the man vanished in a flash of light. Each of the gods offered nods of respect to their champions before materializing out. Neptune was the last and he watched his son, and chosen partner with curiosity, before disappearing in a blue mist.

Thalia had broken down again after the Olympians departure with a fresh set of tears and agony. Percy took a deep breath as he thought about his final moments on Olympus just a few days before. The days that followed were not any easier. Percy had rallied the Praetorians and returned home. The Greeks had many questions, but they fell on the deaf ears of Thalia Grace. Percy had been the one left to explain what had happened to Chiron. He promised to make excuses, and begged his pardon when he hoped the groups never crossed paths again.

The Praetorians were somber on the entire flight home. None had cried at the loss of Jason Grace, but they were silent in their pain. Bianca had not shed a tear since rejoining the others. She was heavily congratulated on the ascent to Consul, while Percy promised that they would elect two new Praetors once the news had been delivered to the people of Rome. Most of the eyes of the group had gone to Reyna and Michael, which Percy appreciated because they all seemed to be of the opinion it was their right to rule Rome after the battles that had occurred.

Rome took a standard three days of mourning for Jason. The funeral and the days that followed were among the hardest of Percy's life. He had hardly smiled at all since returning home. Others had noticed, but none dared to confront him. It was hard for Percy. Every corner he took around the camp reminded him of his brother in arms. There wasn't a single step the two had not taken together over their years, and he saw shadows of him everywhere.

On the evening of the third day an election was held. With Percy and Bianca backing two people from the disbanded Praetorian Guard the people flocked in droves to elect Michael and Reyna. Both were loyal Centurions of Rome, and their ascension was unquestionable.

The night of the election the first party in toast of victory, and a new beginning was held. It was the first time Percy and Bianca had indulged in alcohol together, and took comfort in each other's arms when the party was over. The pain wasn't gone, but it did feel less when they were together. They whispered quiet promises to the other as they went to sleep. Promises to get out, see the world, and heal their broken hearts that would never be the same without their best friend.

Percy took a seat back on the bed causing Bianca to stir. He leaned over his hands feeling the remnants of a hangover as he buried his hands in his face. Slender arms wrapped around his waist as she took a deep breath near his ear whispering, "I love you, Percy."

Percy felt warmth at her words, and brought one of her hands to his lips as he kissed it gently, "I love you, too."

"Any chance we can just stay in bed all day?" Bianca asked softly, "I am certain the parties will continue for the next few days. The legion, the city, and all of Rome has earned it. I don't think we will be missed."

"You're probably right." Percy agreed, "We could probably send someone to get our lunch and stay in bed all day if we wanted too."

"Consul Jackson?" A voice called from the front door.

"Or not." Bianca said with a slight giggle.

The sound made Percy's mouth turn slightly towards a smile, and he called out, "Come in."

Centurion Leila Dang entered the room not looking at all surprised to see Bianca laying in his bed. The girl instantly went into a salut, and before she could speak Percy commanded, "At ease. Centurion. What is it?"

The young woman bit her lip showing a sign of nerves which was surprising to Percy. The girl had hardly been in the best mental state since her former counterpart, Dylan, had been killed, but she had never been nervous around Percy before. He was currently shirtless with a pair of shorts on, but she had seen him train with the Praetorians before around Camp Jupiter. He had been shirtless often, which made him wonder what her nerves were from.

"Sir, your brother is here. At the Little Tiber." She said uneasily.

"Triton? My brother, Triton, is here?" Percy said, shooting to his feet.

"Yes sir." She answered instantly, now indicating her nervous stance.

Everyone in camp was nervous around Triton. He was powerful, tall, imposing, and hardly ever smiled. Percy didn't blame the nerves of the Romans around the deity. Besides his reputation in past centuries was hardly stellar, but none of the children of Neptune had been so welcomed since Percy in many years.

Bianca sighed, "So much for staying in bed."

Percy nodded in agreement as he reached for a shirt, and summoned his trident to his hand, "He can be moody at the best of times. I better not leave him waiting."

Leila nodded looking relieved, and she stepped aside allowing Percy to pass. Before he did, however, he turned to offer a soft kiss to Bianca, "Maybe a quick appearance around camp, a public lunch, and then we can spend the rest of the day in bed?"

Trying and failing to look annoyed Bianca shook her head, "Don't make promises you can't keep."

Not able to stop the chuckle that crossed his lips he offered his Centurion a nod as he strode out of his command center that he was currently living in until other accommodations were built. It took him no time at all to get to the river Tiber, and many offered him a salute or shouts in welcome as he passed through the different areas of camp.

Sitting on a small chair of water with a tome in hand, that appeared to be made of concrete, Triton was staring in concentration as if he was trying to decipher the test. With trident in hand Percy approached his brother asking, "Good read?"

Triton didn't even glance up at him as he shook his head, "Intriguing, concerning, I am not sure about good yet. I suppose time will tell."

With a snap of his fingers the book disappeared, and the chair crumbled as he rose to his feet standing at his full seven foot height. Triton crossed his large arms nodding in approval as he took in his brother, "So you didn't die. I suppose I should express pride that my student has become the greatest hero of Olympus the mortal world has ever seen."

"I owe a lot of it to your teachings. If not all of it." Percy admitted.

Triton grinned, "Good, so the fame hasn't gone completely to your head."

"In truth it still doesn't quite feel like a win." Percy said with a sigh.

The young god frowned before realization seemed to hit him, "The son of Jupiter…I had heard he was lost in the final moments of the war…I am sorry Perseus. I know what the boy meant to you."

In the presence of his brother who had seen him at his weakest moments in life he nearly lost it. He had not felt safe to shed his tears since he first shed them over his bestfriends body, but here it felt closer than it had been since he was on Olympus. Triton stepped forward and embraced his protege, shocking him for a long moment, "It is okay to mourn little brother. He was important to you. He was a part of your journey. He helped mold you into what you are. He fought beside you. Bled beside you. Died for your cause. He was a true hero of Olympus."

The words spurred the tears. When they started they didn't stop. Percy was unsure how long his brother stood there with his arms around him, but he gripped the young god tightly as he let the emotions flow out of him. Even standing there at the little tiber he remembered the moment they first met. When Jason had thrown his lance into the eye of the cyclops saving his life. How many times would they save each other over the years? It didn't matter, Percy thought for a moment, because in the end he had died to ensure they won. His death drove Percy to finish the fight in a way maybe nothing else could have. It's what Jason would have wanted. Victory at any cost. Percy just wished now the cost had not been so high.

When the two brothers separated Triton did not comment on his moment of grief. Instead he kept one hand on his little brother, "I heard you gave up a chance at Immortality. I would know why, and I would like the truth."

Percy swallowed hard as he wiped away the tears, "I meant what I said on Olympus. Every word of it."

"You had other reasons." Triton said without a single doubt in his voice.

"One." Percy admitted, "But it was one I didn't want to live without."

Triton stared into the blue eyes of his little brother. The same blue that his father had, that he himself had, and after a moment he smiled, "You're a good man, Perseus Jackson. Your bond with the daughter of Pluto surprises me. There are probably few men in history that would've given up Immortality for a woman they loved."

"We are the Consul's of Rome now. If we do our jobs well, serve Olympus, and perhaps perform a few more deeds, I think we could get the offer again. Together next time. On that day it would be a different answer." Percy answered.

"I don't doubt your capabilities. Either of yours." Triton said fondly, "You have exceeded my every expectation. If you wish for Immortality one day, together, I have no doubt the opportunity will come to you."

A long pause fell between the two before Triton sighed, "This is goodbye for now Perseus. We have bent the Ancient Laws enough that I suspect we will feel the consequences for many years to come, but I do not doubt the necessity in what we did. Our time together for now however, has come to an end."

Percy knew it was coming, but it didn't hurt any less. The two had come such a long way together in their decade of working together. That was life though, and it was time for a new chapter. The son of Neptune offered his hand to his fathers first born, "Thank you, Lord Triton. For everything. I hope our paths cross again in the future."

It was formal, but Percy respected his oldest brother perhaps above anyone else. Triton looked at the hand before offering his brother a grin, "Don't you know it's customary to bow before the Prince of Atlantis."

Percy used his free hand and held his back in mock pain, "You know I took some pretty serious injuries in the final battle for Olympus. I think my bowing days are on hold for now, mighty prince of Atlantis."

This made his brother chuckle as he shook his head, "Just know next time that invulnerable skin of yours is going to be put to the test. I've heard all about how you put some Titans in their place, but I've never been able to hit you as hard as I've wanted to. That changes in our next match."

"I look forward to it, my lord." Percy said cheekily.

Triton shook his head as he moved towards the water and stopped right at the bank turning his head towards his youngest brother, "I'm proud of you Percy. Take care of yourself."

Percy felt a swell of affection for the man, and a smile crossed his face, "You too, brother."

With that Triton dove towards the water, and disappeared. Percy stared at the little Tiber for a few long moments before a familiar voice said, "That seemed to go well."

"He said goodbye." Percy told the young woman as she took his hand.

"For now." Bianca answered with a look out over the river.

In agreement Percy nodded, "For now."

Placing an arm around the girl the two stared into the distance where so many memories were made. It wasn't all good, but there was a lot of it. Percy gently pulled the girl towards him taking her away from the shore, and as they began to make their way back towards camp Bianca tensed, and stared at a nearby tree that cast a tall Shadow.

Percy frowned at his girlfriend's movement, and looked over to the point she was fixated on, and noticed the shadows thickening before a young man in all black clothing stepped out. He was wearing black jeans a black t-shirt with a familiar silver ring. Bianca let go of Percy running forward, "Nico!"

Nico offered his sister a smile and embraced her tightly as Percy approached the boy who, when separated from his sister, offered his hand, "Our father sends his regards. He would like to see both of you in the Underworld. Now."

Percy and Bianca both looked at the darkly dressed boy in bewilderment, but he shook his head, "We really don't have time for this."

In a flash he grabbed both of them and dragged them into the shadows. Percy closed his eyes and held on tight to the boy as he tore them through space and time. When the screams and coldness subsided he opened his eyes to find himself in a familiar palace.

The cries in the distance indicated they were in the Underworld, and before Percy could ask Bianca wheeled on her brother, "Where in our fathers name did you learn how to shadow travel in and out of the Underworld?"

Nico just grinned at his sister, "Being our fathers messenger comes with its perks. Immortality one day, but for now these little perks are alright. Now hang tight, I will be back in a few minutes."

Looking around nervously Nico stepped away from the couple, and walked over to a table, bumping it causing a tumbleweed like ball to fall to the ground and shatter. Suspiciously the boy didn't even glance at it as he quickly walked out of the room to his sisters' shouts of her displeasure. When he exited Bianca shook her head, "What is going on? Nicki is acting all weird, and father summoning us like this can't be a good sign?"

Before Percy could answer a familiar voice came from behind them, "When has your family ever followed the rules, B."

Bianca and Percy both whirled around to see the familiar blonde hair and blue eyes of a boy that they thought wouldn't be seen again in this life. Jason Grace stood tall with a sly smile on his face as he stood their in what appeared to be a fully corporeal form. Neither of the two demigods could find the words to say, and Jason looked at an imaginary watch on his arm, "You two going to hug me? I ain't got all day?"

Those few words were enough to break Bianca out of her spell as she ran forward to her best friend embracing him tightly with both arms. The fact that her arms didn't pass through him surprised Percy even more as he robotically approached the two. Bianca was crying and apologizing, but Jason was telling her it was okay as he held her tight. As Percy was within arm's reach tears were building up in his eyes. Jason offered his brother a small smile as he said, "Come on Percy, we don't have long."

Percy said nothing as he stepped forward wrapping one arm around Bianca and the other around Jason. The three just held each other for a moment, and the tears from earlier returned in force. When Percy finally moved to separate he said, "Jason, I'm so so-"

"Don't apologize." Jason said cutting his best friend off, "It's unnecessary. I did what I had to. We all did."

Bianca finally separated from the boy as well as she wiped at her eyes, "It shouldn't have been you though. It should've been m-"

"Who? You?" Jason said with a laugh, "No, B. If one of us had to go, it needed to be me. You two still have a lot left to give this world. You are both going to do great things for Rome, and yourselves. Go out there and live a life for me."

Bianca was back in the boy's arms in a second making him laugh as she promised they would never forget him. Jason and Percy locked eyes and the son of Jupiter offered him a smile, "Take care of Thalia for me, will you Perce? One last favor?"

Swallowing hard and nodding, Percy replied, "I will."

Jason grinned as he motioned for another hug and the three embraced again. When they separated this time Percy knew their time had come to an end. Jason was beginning to flicker, and he looked at them sadly, "My time is up. I love you guys. Stay strong, stay together, and change the world for me."

The two demigods offered final smiles at their best friend, and he disappeared forever.

"It was the most I could do. I wish it could've been more, but I imagine I will face backlash for even those few minutes." Lord Pluto said as he entered the room

Bianca looked at her father with affection as she continued wiping at her tears, "It was more than enough. Thank you, father."

Percy was still speechless from the encounter, and Pluto just nodded at the pair as he took a seat on his throne, "After what Percy did for me on Olympus I thought a final favor wouldn't go amiss. You two should get out of here though. I am afraid my little brother is wanting us to limit our interactions with the mortal world for a while. Something about an old enemy stirring, and wanting to avoid another conflict."

The two stared at the lord of the Underworld in confusion, but Pluto just grinned, "Nothing to worry about. Go back to Rome, and bring honor to our families as you have done. No more tears, no more regrets."

With a flick of his wrist the man banished the two out of the Underworld, and he sat back in his throne looking towards the fire. Many centuries had gone by since he had favored demigods, but it seemed he had bet on the right ones this time.

(A/N) Guys guess what. If you are on Discord you can read the epilog / alternate ending to this story right now. If you aren't, well that's okay, because I will have this story completed next Friday so you won't have to wait long. If you aren't on Discord, but want to hang out with me, and read some advanced content just delete the spaces in the link below and join us.

If this is the final moment reading this story on FFN then let me just say what a ride it has been. This story did not have the success I dreamt of when I started it, but there were some really fun moments writing this story. Comment what your favorite scene was, and if you have been silent reading this whole story, drop me a final thought, or some constructive criticism. I leave you all with this. This will not be my final moment in the PJO Universe. This is not goodbye, but see ya later. Cheers guys, and I will see you all…soon!

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