Some of y'all are saying the characters are too out of character or that some things don't make sense. I get that but guess what…it's a fanfiction. Some things are meant to be different because you know why? It's a fanfiction. If I made it exactly like the books then it wouldn't be a fanfiction and it wouldn't be worth reading because we've already read the books. I don't care if you read the demigod files or if you are a so called expert in pjo. I'll write what I want. Just trust me and see where the plot takes you. ~IIAPOLLYII~
Dear Annabeth,
I know you must be confused and hurt by my actions earlier and I'm sorry to put you through that. I know that your loyalty would always be to the Gods and I should've respected that, no matter what feelings I have towards them. I just wanted us to stick together till the end like we promised each other. I wanted us to live a life we always wanted to have. One without the Gods pressing quests and wars on our shoulders. But I suppose I couldn't have it both ways, living a life I dreamed of and you being a part of it. By the time you're reading this, I along with some others will be long gone from camp. We're going to try to make a life worth living and hopefully, if we succeed, you can come be a part of our new lives as well. I will always love you Annabeth and will continue to do so for as long as I live. I hope one day you can forgive me for leaving you and I hope that we'll see each other again.
As for Chiron,
Thank you for being a father and a mentor to me. Without you I would've been dead long ago. I'm sorry to put you through this as well. I know you love all your students and hate to see them venture out on their own, knowing that they might not return. Let me just say that I'll be using your teachings to the fullest so that I and many others can live a life free from the Gods's reign. I hope that one day we can meet again so you can see what your students have achieved from your teachings.
Goodbye,
Percy
"And that's the only letter you found?"
"Yes. I searched through the entire cabin and everything was gone except this letter on his desk."
Chiron and Annabeth both sighed deeply as they reclined in their chairs. Never in a million years did they think Percy would actually go through with this but here they were. Annabeth had gone to his cabin early in the morning, hoping to talk with him while eating breakfast but as she knocked on his door multiple times without so much as a sound coming from the other end, she knew something was wrong. Percy wasn't much of a deep sleeper anymore thanks to Tartarus so she knew that he wasn't sleeping.
Annabeth practically tore the Poseidon cabin door down and once she saw it was empty immediately knew what Percy had done. When she found that letter addressed to both her and Chiron on the desk, she brought it to the ancient teacher right away. Now both of them sat in silence, contemplating their next move on what to do.
"We have to send a search party out immediately, Chiron." Annabeth said, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. Her fury only grew when Chiron shook his head in reply.
"We can't risk more campers in a blind chase, Annabeth. I'm sure by now that Percy and the others are long gone. We need to find out who the others that escaped with Percy are and where they're going. Once we know that then we can send out scouting parties. Until then I need you to find out who else left camp." Chiron replied as he wheeled around his desk. Annabeth could see just how tired her old teacher was, the stress lines on his face only deepening year after year. The teacher put his hand on her shoulder in a reassuring grasp.
"We will get him back, child. I promise you. For now do what you can do and the pieces will soon fall into the puzzle." He said before wheeling out to the porch of the big house.
"And what will you do?" Annabeth following him out asked.
"I'll take this matter directly to the Gods. They need to know about this." Chiron said without turning back. He didn't want her to see just how worried he actually was with this matter at hand. It was more serious than anyone could have thought. Their greatest warrior and leader has practically deserted from camp, betrayed the Gods and is now on the run. If this information got into the wrong hands then who knows what could happen. A monster attack could ruin the camp if they all rallied together knowing the Gods's greatest asset is nowhere to be found. Or worse, the Titans could come back, eager to finish the job they couldn't two years ago. All of these attacks were possible now that Perseus Jackson wasn't on the Olympian side anymore.
Chiron couldn't blame the son of Poseidon though. He thought of him as his own son and only wanted the best for him. If leaving Olympus was what was best for him then so be it. The Gods should've never put that much burden and responsibility on one man. He agreed with Percy in that regard but also couldn't help but be disappointed in him. He left, leaving all other demigods to suffer the same responsibility he had. Chiron knew it was impractical for Percy to take all other demigods with him and was just trying to vent so that maybe his students would one day finally live a peaceful life. Maybe Percy would one day take the demigods with him to where he escaped to and help them build a life worth living. That was all Chiron ever hoped for.
For now however, he needed to tell the Gods what Percy had done. He imagined that they'll go ballistic and label him a traitor and hunt him down. The Gods never liked mortals disobeying them and actually try to live a life without their influence clouding over their head.
"You have started a storm that will not stop churning, Percy. I just hope you know what you're doing." Chiron sighed deeply before requesting Iris to call the Gods for him. It wasn't until moments later where the ancient teacher was facing Zeus who was sitting on top of his throne. It seemed the Gods were already in a meeting which made things easier for Chiron. He could tell however, that they were ready to get out of there considering how annoyed their faces looked.
"My lords and ladies." He announced to the council with a bowed head. The Olympians all craned their head to the iris message, happy that something interrupted their seemingly eternal council meeting.
"Chiron? You aren't one to interrupt our meetings." Zeus acknowledged his half brother with a confused look.
"Yes my lord and I apologize but this matter is too urgent not to be presented to the council immediately." He replied, causing all the Gods to shift in their seats. The issue must be severe to cause even the ancient teacher to have a tone of worry in his voice. Zeus, eyeing Chiron with confusion, gestured him to continue.
"Speak."
"My lord, I request that one of you flash me to the throne room as I do not want any unwanted ears listening in." Chiron asked, looking around to make sure no one was nearby to perhaps listen in.
"Is it that serious, Chiron?" Apollo asked with a laugh. Surely it wasn't considering he hadn't received any prophecies as of late. As long as he was still sitting on his throne then he didn't see a problem.
"Yes, Lord Apollo. This information being in the wrong hands could lead to the destruction of Camp Half-Blood and perhaps even Olympus." Chiron replied, stifling any doubts about how serious this situation was. The council sat in silence as they waited for their king to respond. Zeus, ever so power hungry to keep his reign in check, immediately ordered his son Hermes to go retrieve Chiron as per his request. If Chiron said this threatened Olympus then he'll do anything to prevent his rule from being overthrown.
Not a second later did the God of messengers reappear with the ancient teacher. Chiron once again bowed his head now that he was in their presence.
"Out with it Chiron. What matter could be so serious that even you would be worried?"
Chiron noticed that all the Gods were leaning towards him, eager to find out what's exactly going on. Deciding it was better to just get out with it he announced the situation, not knowing that this was to be the most serious thing the Gods would ever face in their reign.
"Perseus Jackson has left Camp Half-Blood. He fled with several unidentified demigods. We found a letter in his cabin early in the morning stating his reasons why he left."
To Chiron it felt like hours went by as the Gods silently sat in their thrones after he was done. He could practically feel their emotions in the heavy air and it was only a matter of seconds before Zeus was the first one to react.
"WHAT!? What do you mean he left!?" Zeus yelled, lightning flashing in the sky symbolizing just how mad he was. Hera tried to console him but the king swatted her away. This was not the time for soothing.
"He left? Why exactly?" Athena asked Chiron. Although she was relieved that the son of Poseidon wasn't near her daughter anymore as she could still feel her presence at camp, she knew his leaving could bring a lot of unwanted consequences. She was glad Chiron had enough wits to know that as well which is why he brought this matter directly to the council.
"In his letter he stated that the Gods put too much burden on their children, making them fight their wars and once it was over, tossing them aside. He stated that demigods deserved to live a life free from the Gods's reign." Chiron replied, making Zeus's fury grow even further.
"Traitors! All of them, traitors! Poseidon, did you have anything to do with helping your son escape!?" Zeus yelled at his brother, pointing his master bolt at him.
"No, brother. Why would I want my son to leave one of the only places that was safe for him? If I wanted him to escape Camp and Olympus then I would've taken him to my palace in Atlantis instead." Poseidon replied evenly. It seemed that everyone believed the God of the sea's explanation but Chiron narrowed his eyes towards him. Something about it seemed off but maybe that was just unreasonable doubt plaguing his mind.
"He's telling the truth, father." Apollo interrupted, using his powers over truth to make sure Poseidon wasn't lying.
"If it wasn't Poseidon then there is some immortal that has helped him escape. I can't sense Jackson's presence anywhere." Zeus foamed at the mouth. Just the thought of a demigod and an immortal coercing together to escape the Gods made his heart pound with anger.
"And what of the other demigods that fled with Perseus? Do we know anything about them?" Athena asked in which Chiron shook his head in reply.
"I haven't the slightest clue on who they may be. I asked your daughter, Annabeth, to look into it and find out who they are." He replied. Zeus, still fuming, ordered Hermes to go retrieve Annabeth Chase in hopes of finding out who the rest of the traitors were. Seconds later the demigoddess in question appeared beside Chiron in the middle of the throne room, surrounded by angry Olympians. Annabeth tried not to shudder as she felt the raw fury from Zeus's aura weigh down on her shoulders.
"Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena, you will answer my questions unless you want to be executed in the name of Olympus for being a traitor!" Zeus snarled. Athena seemed like she wanted to tell her father off but did not want his fury to be directed toward her so instead kept quiet.
"What would you like to know, Lord Zeus?" Annabeth responded carefully.
"Did you help Perseus Jackson escape?"
"No sir."
"What do you know of the other demigods that escaped with him?"
"Their names are Jason Grace, Leo Valdez, Katie Gardner, Piper Mclean, Hazel Levesque, Travis Stoll, Connor Stoll, Frank Zhang, Nico di Angelo and Will Solace."
The Gods all leaned back in their thrones as they realized this situation has gotten even worse. First, it was only their most important asset that escaped Olympus. Now it was the rest of some of the most important demigods of this generation. All children of the big three except Thalia Grace have escaped and betrayed Olympus. If any enemies found out about this information then they were in for a rough battle.
"FUCK!" Zeus yelled loudly, shattering all windows nearby. The Gods all except Poseidon quivered under their king's rage. They hadn't seen them this angry since the golden net incident millennia ago. Annabeth by now was shaking and was only standing upright because of Chiron holding onto her.
"Brother, peace. The mortals do not deserve to suffer under your might today." Hestia eased her brother, sending an orb of orange light into his chest which seemed to calm him down somewhat. Lightning and raw rage could still be seen in his eyes though.
"Annabeth Chase, thank you for the information. I'm glad that there is someone that has the brains not to betray Olympus." Zeus responded in which the demigods nodded her head in thanks.
"Why didn't you leave though? I thought you two were the greatest couple of the century. Why would you not stick with him?" Aphrodite asked with a pout. All that work she put into them wasted in a mere night.
"Stop it, Aphrodite. I for one am glad that my daughter is smart enough to stay." Athena said proudly, head held high. Annabeth idly played with the gray strand of hair on her head as she tried to think why she did stay. She loved Percy and would continue to do so but to betray Olympus was something she didn't think she could ever do.
"I still love him but what he was saying was too crazy. He was almost sounding like Luke." Annabeth responded, noticing how Hermes flinched at his late son's name. The Gods became even more worried when she said that. Luke Castellan was a big thorn in their side the last few years of the Titan war. He was even able to bring back the Titan lord. A mere son of Hermes, able to do that! If Percy was indeed sick of the Gods just as Luke had been, what would he be able to do? What could he accomplish if he were to go against the Gods? The Olympians hated to admit it but whatever the son of Poseidon was planning, it would be a lot worse than what Luke Castellan had done.
"So he plans war against Olympus." Zeus muttered to himself, lightning dangerously flashing in his eyes. Annabeth's eyes widened and tried to rephrase what she meant, desperately telling Zeus that Percy didn't want war. He just wanted to live a peaceful life free from Gods. Zeus wasn't listening to her though, her usefulness was depleted and ordered her and Chiron out of the throne room.
"Please Lord Zeus! Listen to me!" Annabeth desperately screamed before she was pushed out the throne room by the guards. She fell to her knees at the doors, trying to hold back the sobs that threatened to be released. Why wouldn't they listen to her!? Percy doesn't want war, hell he hates it. It's why he left in the first place. But it seemed the Gods wanted to believe that Percy wanted to fight them! That he was just another Luke!
"They've always been like that Chiron." Annabeth sniffled, wiping her eyes. "They've always wanted to kill Percy but never had a good reason to do so. Now that he's done this, there's nothing holding them back."
The two consoled one another as they walked down the streets of Olympus back towards the elevator. Each silently thinking of a way to help the son of Poseidon before it was too late. Back in the throne room however, was a disaster. The Gods were all screaming at one another, each trying to give their own idea on what to do with Perseus Jackson, the now number one enemy of Olympus.
"My son doesn't threaten war against Olympus!" Poseidon yelled over the screams of his council members, pounding his trident against the floor. "And what makes this funny to me is that you threaten my son yet conveniently ignore your own children that fled with him!"
The council became silent as they pondered over the angry sea God's words. It was best not to talk over Poseidon when he spoke lest you wanted to be drowned in your sleep. His anger rivaled even Zeus's when pushed enough.
"Almost every Olympian here has a child that fled with Perseus, even you Zeus!" Posiedon pointed his trident at his younger brother. "So if you talk about war against my son then know that you threaten war against your own children. If you talk about killing my son then know that your children will suffer the same fate, that I will swear to do myself if need be."
Zeus angrily swatted away the trident in his face as he tried to ease back in his throne. This meeting was certainly something he hadn't been expecting today. Poseidon seemed adamant that his son was no traitor and didn't want war but he couldn't pass up the opportunity to finally get rid of that pesky Perseus Jackson. The demigod had grown too powerful and if he continued to do so then his throne could be at risk. He would do anything in his power to advert the prophecy the Fates told him millennia ago that he would be usurped by children of the Gods. The betrayal from the son of Poseidon along with the other demigods was no mere coincidence. It seemed the Fates were finally testing the strength of his rule. Zeus snarled at the audacity of the three sisters. If that was indeed the case then he'll show them just how powerful he was and why his reign would never be usurped.
"Then all the children must die!" Zeus responded to his brother, causing some to gasp at his statement. "Every single one of those demigods are traitors to Olympus and I hold no sympathy to those that betray me."
"You would kill your own son!?" Hestia cried out from her hearth. Zeus looked down at his elder sister with a savage grin on his face.
"I would kill as many as needed to keep my throne, sister. Do not try to deter me."
"Wait father, surely you don't mean to actually kill all those that left with Jackson. Do you know just how bad that would look for us? Those demigods have saved our thrones multiple times, fought, bled and killed all for us. And now we're just going to kill them because they just wanted to live in peace?" Hermes asked the king of Olympus with a concerned look on his face. He knew the pain of seeing your own child go against his family but this wasn't like with Luke. The demigods weren't threatening war nor did they want it.
"Yes I agree with Hermes, father." Artemis, who had stayed silent for the entirety of the meeting, finally spoke up. She hated to admit it but she agreed with the actions of those demigods that fled. The Gods had put too much burden on their shoulders without thinking how they felt. It was only a matter of time before they snapped. Soon other Gods such as Apollo, Aphrodite, Demeter, and Hephaestus all spoke up in agreement with Hermes. They didn't want to see their children suffer, let alone killed. Plus, they liked Perseus. He had done them many favors throughout the years and it seemed like bad will to ignore all those times and label him a traitor. Zeus, listening to his children sympathize with traitors, cradled his head in agony. His anger was besting him and it showed when he gave a thunderous roar. The lightning God outstretched his hand towards Hermes, releasing unreal amounts of electricity. The messenger God was violently hit by his father's power and fell to the ground, withering in pain that no mortal would be able to withstand.
The Gods all etched with horror on their faces watched as Hermes was practically burnt to a crisp. Zeus savagely grinned as he ignored the pleas of mercy and screams from his son and only stopped his onslaught when he knew Hermes wouldn't be able to get back up. The smell of burnt flesh and ozone filled the throne room as all Gods stayed still, not believing what their king had just done to his own son. Zeus stood up from his seat and slowly walked to the charred body of his son, looking like a wolf who had finally caught up to his prey. Once arriving, he put a foot on top of Hermes chest, the flesh easily slipping off from the force put on it.
"You dare sympathize with traitors?" Zeus spat, glaring at the scarred eyes of his son, the eyelids burnt off giving him an even more terrified look. "You dare not agree with your father, your king." The God of lightning looked up to the other Gods that sat petrified on their thrones. They couldn't move nor did they want to in fear of being hit by the power Zeus had unleashed mercilessly on Hermes.
"K-Kill m-me." Hermes let out a small desperate plea but it fell on deaf ears. It seemed his father wanted to prolong his suffering. He wanted the other Gods to see what their fate would be if they went against him and it seemed he was the first to show what that fate was.
"Listen here, brothers, sisters, and my children." Zeus announced as he finally let his foot off from Hermes's seared chest, the flesh sticking to hit like gum. "These demigods that fled with Perseus Jackson are traitors of Olympus. They even threaten war with Olympus, wanting to take my throne for themselves. Anyone that sympathizes or follows in their footsteps are also traitors."
"But father-"
"BUT NOTHING, APOLLO! My rule and word is law! Absolute! Perseus Jackson and the traitorous bastards that follow him are now enemies of Olympus! Anyone that is to see or find them is to report it to Olympus and bring them to me so that I can deliver justice!" Zeus sneered at anyone that had a look of horror on their face. It seemed he would have to straighten out some of the other council members so that they would not support Jackson. The king turned to his older brother, both glaring at one another furiously. "Am. I. Clear. Brother?"
Poseidon's grip tightened on his trident but reluctantly nodded his head. It was best not to argue any further with Zeus lest he let something about helping his son escape slip. If that information were to be found out then it would mean war.
"If you deem it so, brother." Poseidon replied. Zeus returned to his throne and pointed at both Artemis and Ares.
"Ares and Artemis, you two will search for Perseus and his crew. Once you find them, bring them to Olympus immediately." He said, causing Ares to smirk in anticipation. Artemis stayed quiet but nodded her head. She didn't like what Zeus was doing nor did she think the son of Poseidon was a traitor but what could she do? If she were to come out in support of Perseus, who's to say she wouldn't be a charred piece of meat on the ground like Hermes? Being Zeus's favorite daughter only brought her so far.
"Apollo, fix up Hermes." Zeus said before disappearing in a bright flash, signaling the end of the rather disastrous council meeting. Ares was the first to leave, eager to begin his quest of hunting Jackson. He had an old vendetta to settle. Apollo quickly leapt off his throne and ran over to Hermes. Thankfully, the messenger God wasn't going to Tartarus today as it seemed his immortality was slowly but surely healing him. Apollo, with golden light radiating in his hands, began to operate on his half brother and before long Hermes looked to be back to normal.
"Will he be ok?" Poseidon walked up to the two of them with concern written on his face.
"Yeah. He just needs rest." The God of medicine replied before making Hermes disappear in a golden flash, presumably to his personal hospital on Olympus. The two Gods stood in silence, each thinking of what to say. It was Apollo that broke it first.
"Uncle. You were lying about knowing your son's whereabouts." The sun God whispered, making sure that no one was listening in on their conversation. Poseidon could tell that his nephew was scared and it was evident on his face as his eyes were darting to Zeus's throne, scared that he might pop up at any moment.
"I was." He replied easily.
"I won't presume to know what you or Jackson are planning nor do I want to know. Just make sure my cousin is safe." Apollo said in which Poseidon agreed to. He also thanked him for not telling Zeus he was lying earlier. That seemed to be the end of their short lived conversation as Apollo flashed away to his hospital to help Hermes some more. Poseidon was about to leave as well until a woman behind him cleared her throat.
"Brother. A word please." Hestia's soft but stern voice called out to him. Poseidon cringed as he realized his facade would've been seen through by Hestia, the eldest of them all. He walked over to his sister with his head hung low which was a bad idea as Hestia could easily slap him across the face despite her height.
"What in the name of our father are you doing!?" She furiously whispered to him, fire dancing in her eyes. Poseidon groaned as stars danced in his eyes as Hestia continued to bombard him. "Do you know what you've done? Not only to you but your son as well. This could very well be the start of a civil war as we both know he won't be captured willingly. And we sure as Chaos both know that you won't let Zeus or anyone else do anything to Perseus."
"Sister, please calm down. My son knows what he's doing." Poseidon tried to reason.
"That's supposed to make me feel reassured, Poseidon? Your son might be experienced and knows how to handle himself but there is no way to prepare for an Olympian civil war!"
"It won't come to that-"
"Mark my words brother. It will. Zeus is too power hungry and eager to kill Perseus and we both know that he has some influence in this council. Sides will be taken and that'll soon lead to war." Hestia reasoned, her hair slowly becoming more and more brighter. It was as if a candle of flames had ignited in her which startled her brother. He had never seen her this angry in a long time. If she was reacting this seriously then maybe he should take in her words carefully.
"Then what do you suggest I do, Hestia? I've already done everything in my power to help Percy and the others escape. It's too late to do anything now." The sea God asked, causing Hestia to rub her face tiredly and sit down by her hearth. She pondered over his question for a couple of minutes before coming to a conclusion.
"Stall." She answered. "Stall for as long as you can. Do not let anyone know or find his location. Hopefully, if the Fates are on our side then Perseus and the others will never be found and they can live in peace."
"And if the Fates aren't on our side?"
"It'll be war." Hestia muttered, already seeing future gruesome battles play out inside of the flames she was tending to. The pair stayed silent as both realized just how big of a mess this situation actually was. They had already been through two wars in the past couple years. Another one, a civil war at that, could absolutely wreck and weaken them even further. Poseidon could see why his sister was reacting the way she was. She was supposed to keep the family together, to give hope to one another. But if things spiraled out of control, and they most likely will, then there would soon be no hope in this world.
Back on the streets of Olympus, the king of the Gods was seen walking briskly towards an old tattered building that laid far from the other grand buildings that littered the magical city. With no hesitation, the sky God walked up the old, cracked stone stairs and entered the building. It was dark, darker than even the depths of Tartarus. He could smell the old, dusty air as he walked down a cobweb filled hallway. He hated to admit it but even he did not often want to come to this place. Anyone who knew what this place was intended for would agree with him and never step foot anywhere near it. But if he wanted to maintain his power and throne then he needed answers from them.
"So the son of Kronos finally returns to see us after so many years." A unison of crackly old voices said. Zeus did his best not to shudder as he walked into a room, dimly lit by candles. Peering up, the king could see the silhouettes of the three women, each spinning the strings of fate. Kneeling before them, he addressed them with a bowed head.
"My lady Fates. I've come to you for answers." He declared which made the elder beings laugh.
"Once you feel your rule is threatened, you come to us for answers on how to stop the threat." Clotho replied, her old yellow teeth revealing a senile smile.
"How naive and childish." Atropos responded next. Zeus clenched his teeth in anger but held his tongue. It would be bad to argue with the Fates, even worse to make them angry at him. He already had enough on his plate and even more enemies to fill it.
"I'm sorry but I need to know. What can I do to stop Perseus Jackson from taking my throne?" He asked, a hint of desperation coming out. The elder beings stayed silent as they continued to weave their string. Zeus waited and waited but to no avail, the women wouldn't give him an answer.
"Please, my ladies! At least give me a hint!"
"Silence, son of Kronos! We're trying to but something is wrong." Clotho replied, her voice ranged with confusion. The other two moirai shared their sisters' confusion as they stopped weaving their strings.
"Strange."
"Strange indeed, sister."
"It seems our father, Chaos, has hidden this from our eyes."
Zeus's eyes widened as he realized what the Fates were talking about. The very domain that they resided over and had power over seemed to be blocked when it came to seeing the future of Perseus Jackson.
"My ladies?" Zeus questioned.
"I'm sorry, Lord Zeus, but it seems the fate of Perseus and Olympus is hidden from us. Not even we know the outcome."
Zeus felt his heart drop as he realized what this meant. There would be no prophecy or quest to find and stop Perseus Jackson. There would be nothing that could help ease his worry about his throne being taken away.
"Then this is up to us." Zeus said, standing up from his position and began to walk out the room. "This will be a war that not even fate knows the outcome of."