Ch37
It felt surreal to ride Pegasus again. They flew through the skies and for a second it felt like the old days when they were children. "So um how have you been?" He asked as he carefully stroked his brother's mane.
"Good I've been monitoring this area for a while due to increase monster activity," Pegasus said.
"I see. Well thanks for everything," he said as he felt a lump build in his throat. "I'm very grateful for it." He took a deep breath and swallowed the lump in his throat. "I'm sorry for everything, for what I said and did." He cleaned his face, he wasn't much for words at that moment he wanted to say a million things but he couldn't get the words out.
"It's alright. I'm glad you are ok," Pegasus said reassuringly. "I heard you were turned mortal and was worried about you. You've changed a lot since we last met."
"I know being mortal and working with Percy has really changed my view on many things," He said
"You really are a hero in my opinion," Pegasus said.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"You already have helped many people," Pegasus said. "I sometimes watched you at camp through my kids. I've seen how you helped Percy and how you guided him and others. In my opinion you are a great hero and I would gladly tell everyone about your exploits when you finish your journey."
"Thank you," he said. Taking a deep breath he looked up at the sky around them. "Percy will make a great hero I know it."
Pegasus nodded, "Blackjack speaks highly of him. I can feel that their bond is very strong, I'm glad for him I was worried when I heard he was captured. My children are at your services if you ever need them."
His eyes watered up, he cleaned them with his hands. "Thanks. I could use their help now these days since I'm working on land more," he said as he looked up at the dark sky. "Just like the old days huh? Just you and me flying through the sky."
"It is. Man have the times changed," Pegasus said as the New York skyline came into view and the sky turned darker as they approached the Empire State Building. "Well good luck brother I know you all have an important meeting." The sky was dark and thundered rumbled, Zeus was not in a good mood. "I'll speak up for you guys if Lord Zeus tries to blame you all," Pegasus said his face turning tense.
"Thanks," he said as they landed on Olympus. "See you later brother."
Pegasus smiled at him, "Lets keep in touch."
He rubbed his head before turning towards Olympus. "Alright everyone just follow my lead. I swear I won't let my father take his anger out on any of you," Artemis said her face uneasy.
He nodded and patted Percy on the back to cheer him up as they entered Olympus. Zoe and Bianca walked in front of them, Zoe's face was guarded while Bianca's was tense. The tension in the throne room of the gods was so tense he could cut it with a knife.
The twelve Olympians were all seated with various expressions on their face. Poseidon his father was frowning while Zeus's brow was creased his gaze stormy and the tension in the room was very palpable. "Lord father I have returned," Artemis said with a bow.
"Have a seat dear we have much to discuss," Zeus said folding his arms the tension in the air was so palpable one could cut it with a knife.
"A lot has happened why don't we have Artemis and these heroes tell us of their journey," Athena said carefully.
"Very well," Zeus said turning to Artemis. "What happened?"
And so Artemis recounted the story of her capture while Zoe gave their part. He could tell Percy wanted to speak but he gave him a warning look, Zeus was not in a good mood it would be their best to not speak.
"Perseus Jackson and took the burden I carried," Artemis said. "The enemy was strong but we were able to overcome them and prevent the slaying of the Ophiotaurus."
"At the expense of my daughter," Zeus growled as he pounded his fist on his throne causing lightning to rumble. Hera's face stiffened while the other gods shifted uncomfortably.
"Lord Zeus it was I who fired the arrow," Zoe said getting on her knees. "Please do not blame my lady. If you wish for justice take it out on me."
Zeus glared at her and for a second he thought she was a goner but then Athena stood up. "There is no point in dwelling on it we have more pressing matters to attend to."
The look Zeus gave her was so cold that the goddess flinched a tiny bit. "Was it your daughter who turned Thalia against me? She and that Hermes boy were close with her, they must have done something to taint her."
Hermes sat up stiffly in his chair while Athena's face hardened, "Lets not dwell on the past we cannot have contention among us now."
"Your daughter is a venomous wench," Zeus said coldly. "A foolish girl."
"Athena is right," Hera said standing beside the goddess. "Dear lets just continue with the meeting."
Zeus glared at Athena but eventually sat down and glared at them, in particular, Percy. "Your son is too dangerous to live if my daughter can be tempted so can Percy."
"You will not kill him," Poseidon said firmly.
"Indeed he has done us a favor I won't allow for their deaths," Artemis said firmly.
"There is always the chance he could be tempted just like Thalia," Athena said. "Even the strongest can fall."
"Do you speak from experience?" Poseidon asked glaring at the goddess of wisdom. To Athena's credit she met his father's gaze with a stony expression. "Your daughter helped free Luke as my children were about to apprehend him and recently she just saved him again. They are probably plotting their next move as we speak."
Hermes and Zeus glared at Athena as if her daughter was the cause of all of their problems.
"I know Percy won't betray Olympus," he said causing the gods to turn to him. "He is a true hero and his heart is in the right place besides he is only fourteen. Besides if Thalia Grace is still alive it would be wise to have my younger brother alive it will better your odds. Besides if Thalia Grace remains alive it would be good to have a child of the big three on your side"
"Yeah I won't be sixteen for a while," Percy said firmly. "I have no intention of betraying the gods and I'll do anything I can to stop Luke and his allies."
"I vouch for Percy my children shall never betray us," Poseidon said a trident appearing in his hand. "Be warned brother I shall allow you to harm my children."
Zeus glared at Poseidon, "Fine lets put it to a vote. Shall we spare the son of Poseidon and these others?" So they put it to a vote, Zeus along with Ares, Athena, and Dionysus abstained while everyone else voted to save them.
"Good now that this issue was settled I believe we have another issue to attend to," Zeus said. "Brother I believe you've taken a prisoner?"
Poseidon nodded, "I have. He snapped his fingers and a group of armored mermen entered bringing in Hecate in chains. The goddess of magic looked tired her face was haggard her face betrayed no emotion. Another group of mermen came in holding a familiar person.
Circe what is she doing here? Circe glared at him but said nothing as the gods eyed them with suspicion.
"Hecate it was foolish of you to go against us," Zeus said firmly. "To help the Titan Lord rise you indeed are a fool."
Hecate's posture stiffened, "It is your fault for never appreciating me or the other gods. Our children are also ignored and treated without any dignity at your camp, why should we be loyal to you?"
"You insolent wench," Zeus growled as his thunderbolt appeared in his hand
"Now calm down brother I think this can be used as an opportunity," Poseidon said calmly. "If we punish her it would make more minor gods go to the enemy's side."
"So you say we should reward this traitor?" Ares snorted.
Poseidon shook his head, "This is a chance for us to be merciful. Show the minor gods we care about them. I propose we give her temporary pardon and once the war is done she along with the other minor gods, we shall also build her own cabin for her children at camp."
Zeus folded his arms, "That is too much of a reward for this traitor."
Athena shifted in her seat. "I believe Poseidon is right. This could be a chance to show our merciful side, if we are too harsh it may become propaganda for the enemy."
There was mumbling some nodded and others remained neutral. To his surprise Dionysus spoke up, "I actually agree. That Hermes Cabin was basically the go to for the minor gods, we can give a carrot now and a stick later."
"Fine lets put it to a vote. But I will have Hecate and Circe swear on the River Styx to prove loyalty," Zeus said. This time the vote was much closer and barely passed with one vote. "Fine Hecate if you wish to be free along with your children you must swear on the River Styx."
Hecate sighed and nodded before repeating the oath. "I swear on the River Styx to not betray Olympus and go against the gods during this war. I renounce Kronos and will convince my children to the best that I can rejoin the camp."
Circe nodded then repeated the oath. Her face was calm as she did so.
Thunder rumbled as the oath was made. "Circe you have done many harmful deeds," Zeus said folding his arms. "As punishment you'll help Dionysus run the camp, any form of treason or harming of our children will be met with our full wrath do you understand."
Circe frowned but nodded. "I do Lord Zeus. I swear on the River Styx to no harm the children of the gods at Camp Half Blood or betray Olympus."
Thunder rumbled as the oath was made. "Very well now let us celebrate," Zeus said clapping his hands.
He hadn't had an Olympian style party in ages but it was nice to finally rest and relax. "Well this could've ended worse," he said as he drank some punch.
"True. We are lucky lord Zeus was merciful," Zoe said while Bianca remained silent. "Foolish girl she let her pride get the best of her."
"Don't worry I know Percy won't be tempted that easily," he said as he watched his younger brother speak to their father. "He has a good heart deep down."
Zoe nodded. "He is a good man but even the best can be deceived." He could tell that Zoe didn't mean it in a bad way, on the contrary, he noticed approval in her gaze as she looked at Percy.
"I'll make sure he doesn't," he said as Percy came over to them. "Hey uh dad wants to talk to you."
"Great I'll be right back," he said. He went over to his father who had a neutral expression on his face. "Lord father," he said bowing deeply.
"I'm glad you are both safe," Poseidon said. "Thank you for teaching and watching over Percy, he could use all the help he can get right now."
"No problem he is a great hero and has a lot of potential," he said.
"I'm also glad you made up with Pegasus," Poseidon said. "You both have a lot of potential for good."
"I understand," he said avoiding his gaze. "I hope nothing bad happens between you and your brother."
Poseidon's expression darkened, "I hope so too. I know he is very upset right now, I doubt he would make a move since I have the Ophiotaurus in my domain."
"We'll be careful not to step on his toes," he said firmly.
Poseidon nodded, "Anyway be safe for now. I'll deal with my brother if he causes you both any trouble."
He nodded and bowed before going back to Percy. "How was dad with you?" Percy asked.
"Fine we just have to lay low for a while because of Thalia," he said.
Percy nodded, "Yeah I feel sorry for her. She deserved better but in the end she chose her path."
"Indeed we all choose our path," said a familiar voice. They turned and saw Athena walk up to them with a neutral expression.
"Lady Athena,' he said as they both bowed.
Athena nodded. "I hope you both pay no offense to my words but I was only speaking the truth. Wisdom isn't always popular to hear."
"I um understand your concern but I won't betray Olympus," Percy said firmly. "I'm also sorry about what happened to Annabeth."
Athena's face tensed up but in her dark eyes he saw a small hint of sadness in them, "Even the best can fall. I had high hopes for her but it seems that I did not deduce her true feelings and intentions."
"She and Luke grew up together they are really close," he said carefully.
"But I didn't think she would be so foolish," Athena said shaking her head. "Anyway be careful Percy Jackson do not let us down." She gave Percy a cold hard stare before turning away and leaving.
"Annabeth betraying her must have been a big blow to her," Percy mumbled.
"The children of Athena are known for their pride it must have wounded hers a lot when she found out," he said.
"Um hey guys can I speak to you both privately," Bianca said.
"Uh sure what is it?" Percy said.
Bianca's expression was guarded as she motioned for them to follow her to a nearby room. "What is it?" He asked.
Bianca sighed and gave Percy a letter, "First can you give this to Nico."
"No problem," Percy said as he took put it in his pocket. "Is that all?"
Bianca sighed and shook her head. "I know who my father is. I figured it out on the quest, I just told Lady Artemis and Zoe but I figured you both should know."
"Who is it? Percy asked.
He remained silent but he already had an idea of who it could be. "Hades," Bianca said softly.
The mood in the room darkened, Percy's eyes widened and suddenly it all made sense. "Your father is Hades?" Percy said in disbelief.
Bianca nodded, "He is. I don't think Nico knows, the letter will explain it among other things. Just please don't tell anyone else for now"
"No problem we'll give it to him and won't tell anyone else," he said. Having another child of the Big Three around would just probably cause more problems.
"Thanks," Bianca said smiling at them. "I'll be returning to the hunt, we have a lot to do." She sighed and looked at them both. "I don't think they died."
"Well I doubt they would," he said folding his arms. "We'll defeat them somehow."
Percy nodded. "Yeah we'll be on the watch for anything suspicious."
With that they partied for the rest of the night before heading back to camp. When they arrived they told Chiron what had happened the centaur's expression darkened as they told him about Thalia's death.
"Our father said he believes Luke and Annabeth are alive," Percy said.
"In my experience if there is no body found then there is always that possibility," he said.
"True," Chiron said. "I hope Thalia's soul can rest in peace."
"Me too," Percy said as the door opened.
"Hey is my sister back?" Nico di Angelo said with wide eyes.
"Um she isn't but she wanted us to give you this letter," Percy said as he took the letter and handed it to Nico.
"Oh ok," Nico said a sad expression crossing his face as he took the letter and ran off.
Nico's hands shook as he held the letter in his hands as tears fell down his face.
Dear Nico,
I am well but wanted to tell that I won't be returning to camp. I have decided the hunt is my choice for now. I will try to see you again in the future but for now I will be with the hunt. Be safe at camp I know you'll do well as a demigod. I don't if you know it but our father is Lord Hades, be careful and tell no one. Anyway be careful I hope to see you again in the future."
Love,
Bianca.
He crumbled up the letter and buried his face in his hands. Why Bianca. Tears fell down his face, he couldn't believe his sister would just leave him all alone here. Why would she just leave me for the hunt?
His anger boiled inside of him, he wanted to yell and scream at the world and at his sister. It's not fair why would she just leave me like this? She could've at least done it in person.
He decided to go to bed early that night, he didn't want to speak to anyone and he didn't care about speaking to anyone. It was then that the voice came to him in his head just as it had every day the past few weeks.
"Poor child your sister was taken from you," The voice said. "Come to me and I'll reunite you both I swear."
'R-Really?" He asked softly. "I don't even know who you are."
"I'm a friend trust me," the voice said. "Leave camp I'll arrange for help if you need it. Your sister is being deceived and being told to now see you. You'll be a real hero."
His blood boiled, it made sense. Bianca would never leave him, it must be those pesky hunters who convinced her to leave him. "How can I get her back?" He muttered.
"Leave the camp, run, and don't look back," The voice said. "I have people ready to take you away and bring you to me."
He awoke with a jolt. Looking around everyone was asleep. His heart raced as she slowly stood up. Bianca I'll save you I promise. He carefully exited cabin, it was dark outside but no one was around as he carefully made his way through the camp.
His heart pounded with every step as he approached the border. I'll save you Bianca. I won't let those people take advantage of you. When he crossed the border he ran and continued to run.
AN: So deal with Hecate is almost like what Percy made the god's swear to do in Last Olympian but not exactly the same. She doesn't have any voting power and her throne is temporary. I'll develop Circe and her cabin in the next arc.
