It's official: the gods hate me.

Well, it's not like I didn't already know that. Ares has had it out for me since I was twelve, Artemis greatly dislikes me for having the gall of being born male, Hera hates everyone, as do Zeus, Hades, and Dionysus. I guess Hermes and Hephaestus don't hate me, but I can't really say they like me either. Demeter is in the same boat as the previous two. Aphrodite... I'm honestly not sure. She's a weird one, even for a goddess. I've met her a couple times yet I can never truly tell what she's thinking. Hestia and Apollo are the only two Olympians other than my father that genuinely like me. Three out of thirteen isn't too bad, right?

Then—there's Athena.

Athena has a very personal grudge against me. One reason she hates me is because I'm "sea spawn". Yeah, Athena and my dad, Poseidon, have had this rivalry going on since forever and while my dad seems to have stopped caring about it Athena still holds a grudge against him, which extends to me. Yay me. Oh, her second reason for hating me is because I'm dating her daughter, Annabeth. I don't really know why, I've saved Olympus twice now, but she still doesn't like me being with Annabeth. I've given up on trying to please her and just accepted I'm going to have an annoying stepmom whenever Annabeth and I get hitched.

Woah, did I just think about marriage?! I'm only seventeen!

Good thing Annabeth can't read my mind, who knows how she'd handle that information. Probably go into some tirade about how "we're not ready" or something. Not that I'd disagree with that, of course. We aren't even technically legal adults yet and marriage is a big commitment. I'd like to live a little and maybe finish school before such a major event in my life. Ironic of me to say that since I've been in two wars now, but I digress...

Anyways, I'm sure you're wondering how the gods screwed me over this time. Well, my friend, get ready. You'll either be seething in rage along with me or laughing at my immense misfortune.

It all started after the war with Gaea ended. The battle was long and taxing, but we prevailed in the end.

Unfortunately, we didn't all make it.

We lost many friends in that battle. It was abhorrent, the land was devastated with signs of explosions, blood, arrows, chunks of armor and corpses scattered around. Then, there was the burning mound Leo caused when he suicide bombed Gaea into the next universe.

I'll admit, I knew immediately he was dead. I remember seeing a chunk of his body soaring away from the explosion in a fiery comet trail. No magic was going to fix that. It was a grim and sobering sight, everyone else was desperately hoping he somehow survived and was going to come stumbling out and crack some lame joke. But, he never did.

That wasn't the worst of it, though. The worst was when we had to pick up pieces of Leo to put in a grave for his funeral. I've seen a lot of death in my time, but nothing like that. It left me numb for hours. I found a charred thumb some distance away from the wreckage and it nearly made me vomit.

I handled it well compared to the others. Piper was in hysterics, Jason shut down, Frank just stared off with a haunted expression on his face while Hazel sobbed into his shirt. Annabeth held on to me like I was her life support, tears streaming down her face. I wrapped an arm around her and held her close during the funeral. Leo's casket and shroud were fashioned in the style of Hephaestus, just like Beckendorf's was way back when. After what felt like an eternity of grieving, we all eventually trudged our way back to Olympus to receive the blessings of the gods.

Or at least, that's what I thought...

At first, things were normal. Well, as normal as it can be to be called before the Olympian pantheon. Usually that was either a very bad thing or a good thing, sometimes both. Zeus, just like last time, started off by giving some obnoxiously long speech about the fortitude of the gods or some other crap no one was listening to. Like seriously, can he not tell how exhausted we all are? No one wants to hear some stupid speech about camaraderie from Zeus of all gods. I swear this one was even longer than the one he gave after Kronos went down.

I became too tired to stand so I trudged my way over to a pillar in the throne room then sat down and leaned against it, totally exhausted. Annabeth came over and sat down next to me, leaning her head on my shoulder. That made me feel a bit better, at least. After what felt like an eternity, Zeus finally ended his speech with a loud "FOR OLYMPUS" that gave all us non-gods a headache, causing many of us to give him dirty looks. He really can't tell how spent we are, or maybe he just doesn't care. It is Zeus after all.

Then, Zeus finally started calling names to pass out rewards. Shockingly, it wasn't just the seven. The gods were calling everyone who contributed to the war effort. They had to teleport some people here to give them their due, but still, it was kind of touching to see the gods going out of their way to honor us. Though I may still hold a teeny tiny bit of a grudge for the numerous times most of them have tried to incinerate me.

I guess I fell asleep at some point, likely due to how long the ceremony was taking. Unfortunately for me, I was also in a dream. Demigod dreams are always awful, so I braced myself for the worst.

I dreamt that I was standing outside a breathtaking palace, its appearance even more grand than that of any building in Olympus. There was a dazzling black marble pathway just outside the entrance, the marble looking like an exact reflection of the night sky, filled with twinkling stars. White and gold columns were on the sides, along with see-through blue drapes hung from the columns, connected to each other in a gorgeous spectacle. Then there was the palace itself, which shone with a magnificent gold sheen. I instantly thought that this place looked like something Annabeth would make. I then felt myself walk towards the palace and push open the two magnificent doors to step inside. However, my heart froze once I saw the interior.

The inside of the palace didn't even resemble its outward appearance, it looked like a war zone. Massive cracks in the floor, chunks of walls, pillars, and the ceiling all over the place. One pillar had fallen over and crushed a lavish couch. A crashed chandelier was in the middle of the room, along with fire. There was so much fire. As I stood there, the fire continued to spread and char everything, painting the interior an ugly black. It felt like I stepped through a doorway into the Underworld.

But then, I saw them. Figures standing in the fire. It took me a second to realize they were women, and they were fighting each other. Scratch that, they were mauling one another gruesomely. I couldn't make out their faces, but I could see the grievous wounds they were inflicting. One woman had severe gashes across her body, another was missing a hand and an eye, one in the back looked like her entrails were going to spill out of her gut at any moment. I couldn't tell how many there were in total, but there were definitely several. They ripped into each other savagely, indiscriminately choosing their next target. It was a total free-for-all bloodbath. So much blood was spilling that it started to fill the room somehow. Then the bodies started dropping.

I dashed over, my feet making squelching sounds as I ran through the pool of blood. I felt a sharp pain in my chest, like the sight before me was tearing my heart to pieces. I had to stop them. No, I needed to stop them. I tried to yell out, but my voice was muffled. I ran through the flames to reach them, my skin burning to a crisp faster than it should have. I hissed through the pain and pressed on, reaching out for one of the final two women to pull her away.

However, I couldn't. It was like my strength didn't exist, I pulled with all I could yet the woman didn't budge or even acknowledge me. She then took out a familiar looking dagger then turned to face the only other woman left standing. To my horror, she then lunged with the dagger in hand, aiming straight for the other woman's throat. I screamed just as the dagger made contact. Then I awoke.

I bolted up, heaving for air and looking around with crazy eyes. I noticed I was on a small regal couch, tucked away in a corner of the Olympian throne room. I could hear Zeus calling names, so I assumed the ceremony was still going. I then noticed that Annabeth must have been sitting on the edge of the couch, as she jumped up out of shock at my sudden actions.

"Are you ok?" She asked with a frown. "You passed out a couple hours ago, so I carried you over to this couch to rest. Then, you just woke up like a mad man and nearly gave me a heart attack."

I stared at her for a moment as I caught my breath, my heart racing. "Sorry if I spooked you. I had... an awful nightmare. Maybe one of the worst ever." I gasped out as I continued to inhale oxygen while putting a hand over my heart, still feeling the phantom pain from my dream.

Her silvery grey eyes flashed with worry as she took my free hand into hers. "Percy, tell me about it. Please."

I nodded and then explained my nightmare to her, not leaving out any details. As I recalled the events of my dream, I felt the phantom pain in my heart along with a sense of doom. I was now dreading my turn with the gods, having a gut feeling that whatever madness my dream was about is somehow connected with the "gift" I'll be getting from them.

"I'm not really sure what it means, Percy," Annabeth murmured as she twirled a finger in her golden hair. "It sounds like an ill omen though, as usual with our dreams. It also sounds like I'm involved in it, somehow. You dreamt of me stabbing a woman, not a monster, with my dagger, but why? I can't think of a sane reason for me to do such a thing. Do you have any ideas about it?"

"I think... I think it'll have something to do with whatever the gods will try to gift me. I have a feeling it'll be something I won't be able to turn down." I said as I knitted my eyebrows in thought and caressed her hand in mine with my fingers. She looked at me with concern, her jaw set as she was in thought. I then looked over towards the crowd and the gods.

"They've been very generous this time, far more than I think anyone anticipated," Annabeth said as she caught my gaze. "Even minor gods were called in to receive a boon. Hecate asked for access to some spell tomes in my mother's personal library. For a moment it seemed like they were going to fight, but Zeus made my mom relent in the end."

I nodded along with her words, not really paying attention as the knot in my stomach grew more and more as I felt my time approaching. We then got up from the couch and headed back to where everyone else was. The rest of the seven along with Nico and Reyna were in a little group nearest to the thrones. As we approached, I heard Zeus start to call out to some of my friends. First up was Reyna. I genuinely didn't know what she would ask for, since to me it seemed like she already had everything going for her. Maybe some new armor?

Nah, instead what she actually wished for totally floored me, and I guess everyone else too going by the collective gasps and slacked-jaws.

"Come again?" Zeus asked as Reyna's face burned red in embarrassment. I was stunned. Her request was so unexpected that it even caught Zeus off guard.

"I... I want to be able to find myself a... boyfriend. I've... realized how lonely I've grown since my time with the legion. I yearn for companionship that goes deeper than any other. I want to experience all life has to offer," Reyna said in a quivering voice, like it's taking all she has not to run away and cover her face. "Speaking of the legion, I'd also like to retire and appoint someone else to the new position of praetor." Reyna then added, her hands wringing each other while her entire head was beet red. Admitting that to not only the gods but us as well took a lot of courage, an amount so large only someone like Reyna could do it. She looked so meek and vulnerable in the moment, the antithesis of the Reyna that I knew. It made me want to pull her into a hug.

Just then, Aphrodite let out a loud squeal and jumped off her throne to go hug Reyna. "I'm so proud of you, my darling! Oh, this is so exciting! The stoic, noble praetor giving in to her womanly nature to ask for a lover from the gods! Of course we'll help you! Well, more like I'll help you. You will grant this lovesick maiden her wish, won't you?" Aphrodite said, looking at Zeus with narrowed eyes as she held Reyna's hands.

Zeus rolled his eyes and then let out a sigh. "Fine, it shall be so. Aphrodite, you have full reign to help the girl find her heart's desire. As for your status as praetor, you may consider yourself retired. Feel free to name a replacement when you return to your home."

Aphrodite then giggled and took Reyna to the side, already whispering who knows what. Reyna looked uncomfortable but also relieved, like a great burden was finally lifted off her shoulders. She turned her head towards our group and for the briefest of moments our eyes locked together before she disappeared behind Aphrodite's throne. In hindsight, I guess it was rude of me to assume she had everything. I knew she had crushes on Jason and me, I just thought she got over it. Reyna just wasn't the kind of girl to show her emotions regularly. I hope she finds the love she wants, she deserves it especially.

Zeus then announced Nico to come forward. I didn't know what to expect from Nico either. Part of me felt like cracking a joke about him wanting his Mythomagic collection back, but I then realized it would be tasteless since it just reminded me of Bianca. Instead, Hades spoke up suddenly.

"You have proven yourself time and again, my son. You have brought warmth to my long cold heart, changing me for the better. I know what sent you down this path, and with the Doors of Death back in my control I have decided to grant the one thing that you've been wanting for years." Hades said with... a warm smile? It looked weird on his face, alien even.

The lord of the dead then lifted his hand and a small black fire erupted out of the floor before quickly dissipating, leaving behind the form of Bianca di Angelo, alive and well once again. Her black eyes opened as she took in her first breath in years, shocked at suddenly being alive again. Nico stood there for a moment before dropping his sword and charging at Bianca, pulling her into a tight bear hug, tears spilling down his face. Bianca stood there for a second before reciprocating the hug, a teary smile on her face.

"You've grown so much, Nico. You're even taller than me now." She said softly as the di Angelo's embraced after so many years. Nico responded by sobbing into her shoulder. The sight was heartwarming, even some of the gods had warmer expressions on their faces. I even saw Dionysus look away with misty eyes, causing me to smirk slightly. Guess even someone with an ice cold heart can be touched at times. Bianca then looked up and caught my gaze, smiling at me and mouthing "good to see you again". I just smiled back and nodded.

"JUST WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!" A very angry and feminine voice boomed. It was Artemis, all eyes were on her, and she looked pissed. "Are you going to be bringing back all of your dead children, uncle? Will you perhaps do the same for the rest of us who've lost someone dear?"

Hades just scoffed at her, waving his hand dismissively. "I only brought her back because that is what my son wanted. We are rewarding our heroes at this ceremony, aren't we? Besides, my daughter is one of your huntresses. You should be overjoyed as well, niece."

Artemis just glared furiously at him. "I'm more than happy to see one of my sisters again. What I'm not happy about is this blatant favoritism! Some of us have lost many friends and family, especially after the recent wars! Yet, you would never revive any of them, only your own children! No offense to Bianca, but some of our fallen are far more accomplished than her! Maybe they deserve a second chance!"

Hades groaned and sunk back into his throne, his hand on his forehead in annoyance. "You know why I only do this on very special occasions. I can't just go around reviving the dead on a whim, that would break the system of life and death. Besides, the deceased heroes go to Elysium or choose to reincarnate. It just so happened that Bianca chose Elysium. Also, for the record, I didn't revive my other daughter. That would be my son's doing. Why don't you just tell me what you're really after, my dear niece? Do you want one of your little friends back?"

Artemis stiffened up, but quickly relaxed. She then took a deep breath and exhaled. "Yes, I do. We are honoring our heroes, yes? Then honor my huntresses by restoring my former lieutenant Zoë Nightshade. She was an exceptional leader... and my best friend. I turned her into a constellation to avoid death, but as soon as I bring her down she will expire."

"Fine. I'll take pity on you, niece. You've suffered major losses to your little club recently. Assuming of course that everyone else is fine with it." Hades snapped as he glanced around at the rest of the council.

Zeus just sighed and told them to get it over with already, saying this was taking too long as is. Hades nodded and then motioned for Artemis to bring down Zoë's constellation. After a moment, a small collection of glittering stars appeared in Artemis's hands, which she placed on the floor, revealing the battered body of Zoë Nightshade. Wasting no time, Hades then engulfed her corpse in black fire and after a short time the now revived lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis stood before us all.

Zoë didn't even have time to think before she was crushed in a group hug between Artemis and Bianca. Thalia soon ran over and joined in on the hug while Nico just kinda stood off to the side awkwardly. All three of them started to tear up, the sight of their long lost friend proving too much. It took Zoë a moment to regain her bearings and take notice of her sisters. She then too began to tear up.

"My lady and sisters... how I have missed thee!" She whispered between her sobs.

Zeus then cleared his throat. "This has all been very touching and sweet, but we need to get this accursed ceremony over with already. We've been here for hours! I'm starting to grow numb and bored. Artemis, take your little group hug somewhere else."

Artemis looked up and nodded her head, leading her small group of reunited hunters behind her throne. Nico then awkwardly came over to us. I put a hand on his shoulder and gave him a comforting smile. "At least she's back. You'll have more time with her later."

Nico just nodded forlornly, likely feeling a little dejected that his sister was taken from him so soon after their reunion. But, he soon perked up and smiled. At least he finally has his sister back.

"Leo Valdez," Zeus bellowed, catching everyone's attention. He then looked around before continuing. "A brave soul who sacrificed himself to destroy Gaea. Since he is no longer with us in the land of the living, his prize will be an eternal paradise in Elysium, assuming he doesn't choose reincarnation. Does this sit well with you?" He said as he looked at Hephaestus, who nodded.

"My son died a hero, he deserves a hero's rest." The forge god said, his voice barely containing his emotion.

Hades then let out a sigh and sat up in his throne. "I'll ensure he gets in without delay."

Zeus nodded then shifted to his Jupiter persona before calling out to Jason next. As he started to walk forward, I noticed him and Piper were a bit away from each other in their standing positions. Did something happen? I didn't have much time to ponder on it as Zeus's voice bellowed again. Jason was utterly speechless and stunned as he received a bolt of lightning. Zeus then explained that the bolt was a far weaker but still deadly version of his own master bolt. It took Jason a minute to process what he just received before he stumbled away towards our group, grasping his new weapon with awe.

Next came Frank, who simply asked for his life to no longer be tied to a piece of wood. Zeus nodded and with a snap of his fingers the curse was undone, the piece of wood crumbling away in Frank's hands. Then it was Hazel's turn, and she also asked for her own curse to be removed. I'll tell you something, I've never seen a happier smile on that girl's face than when the curse that's been plaguing her for decades was finally gone.

Piper came next, and I honestly couldn't imagine what she'd ask for. If Reyna was hard, then Piper was impossible. I mean, she really did have it all, didn't she? Good looks, a loyal and loving boyfriend, an actual caring father, not to mention she was rich. Ok, maybe she doesn't have the best relationship with her father since he's a busy movie star, but he does care for her and she knows that. I guess she doesn't have a mother really, but no demigod ever gets to spend a lot of time with their godly parent. Although, now that I think about it, her and Jason did seem a little... distant earlier. I hope it was just my imagination...

I didn't have to ponder it for long however, as Aphrodite popped back from behind her throne and approached Piper with a mischievous smile. "Ah, it's finally my baby girl's turn! Oh, I have just the thing for you, my sweet! This will help you with any boy troubles, no problem!"

Aphrodite then pulled out a small purse. She then leaned in close to Piper's ear and began whispering to her. Judging by Piper's face getting redder by the second, I assumed it was either in anger or embarrassment or both. Piper then began to whisper back, if I had to guess she was trying to reject the "gift". Some of the gods started snorting and chuckling. I was confused for a second before I remembered they had much better senses than we do, so they had heard every word of the conversation. After a few minutes of intense whispering, Piper took the bag and stomped off back towards our group, an amused look on Aphrodite's face.

"Uh... so, what's in the bag?" I heard Jason ask her. She just huffed and said something along the lines of "nothing important". They then stood a little ways apart again. Well, at least now I know it wasn't just my imagination. Were they fighting? I shrugged and decided to find out later.

We were now onto the final two, Annabeth and I. My palms began to grow sweaty, my heart was racing. I was now just one person away from my turn, and it was really freaking me out.

"My darling daughter, Annabeth Chase! Please step forward!" Athena shouted, a rare smile of pride on her face as she looked upon her daughter. Annabeth then squeezed my hand before leaving to stand before the gods.

Annabeth stood before her mother, thinking about what she wanted. I figured she was going to ask for another laptop or some architecture books or something along those lines. She's been obsessed with architecture since I've known her, what else could she want?

So, just imagine my utter disbelief and confusion at what words left her mouth instead. It was even more shocking than what Reyna did. I don't know how, but my Wise Girl just made Reyna's request look normal.

Annabeth took a deep breath before finally speaking. "Mother, I have thought on this long and hard. These past two wars, so many of our enemies were created by the gods. The results of grudges or excessively cruel punishments. Medusa, Prometheus, Arachne, and so on. Heck, some of our greatest heroes have been wronged horribly"—she quickly glanced towards Hera—"like Hercules. How is it that the greatest hero to ever live is stuck on an island to watch a gate forever? Why is Achilles moping around the River Styx to this day? Can you imagine how much easier our fights would have been if we had their help? It's not right. Despite what you swore last time, some minor gods are still neglected to this day, like Khione. Things need to change. My request is that every person—whether mortal or god—that has been unjustly punished or neglected by the gods is given the respect they deserve and freed from their misery."

I'm gonna be honest, I thought Annabeth was going to die. I was legitimately considering grabbing her and running for our lives towards the elevators down to New York City.

The entire throne room went dead silent after her declaration. I feel like I should be proud of her, since her wish is so similar to the one I made after Kronos was defeated. But... she basically just told the gods they've been bullies and they need to apologize. If there is one thing I've learned since I found out I was a demigod, is that the gods do not like to apologize.

Ever.

Not to mention some of her examples were a sore spot. Medusa has killed so many people, Arachne has been tormenting Athena's children for millennia, Prometheus sided with Kronos, Khione with Gaea. I saw Zoë poke her head back from behind Artemis's throne, her history with Hercules flooding back into me. She glared hatefully at Annabeth for even daring to suggest that Hercules was mistreated.

"Have thou lost thy mind, girl?! Hercules is a bastard, a scullion of the highest caliber! If I had my way, he'd be in Tartarus!" Zoë seethed at Annabeth, her rage on full display as she walked towards my girlfriend, her fists balled.

I personally never met Hercules, so I can't say for sure if he's a douche or not. While Zoë does have a legitimate axe to grind with him, and Piper did say that Hercules was a jerk when she met him some time ago, I still just can't help but feel bad for the guy. I mean, wouldn't anyone turn bitter if you were hounded by an absolutely twisted bitch like Hera for your entire life? Heck, I've done a lot of his feats as well and I'm honestly not sure if I could have prevailed without using Hercules's myths as a guide. I don't think I'd have figured out how to kill the Nemean Lion or the hydra on my own, let alone Antaeus back in the Labyrinth. Hercules also defeated the gigantes first. By himself, no less. I couldn't imagine facing any of the giants as a single demigod. The man was a literal pioneer in heroism. Maybe he was a bit of a butthead, but you can't knock his achievements.

Athena then spoke, her face and voice betraying her conflicted emotions. She stood up from her throne and looked at Annabeth intensely, like as if she was deciding between vaporizing her or pulling her into a hug to call her a foolish child. "My daughter, are you... asking me to help Arachne? To return her to her human form? After she's been badgering me and your siblings for so long? After she nearly killed you?!"

"Yes mother, I am. I know Arachne almost killed me, but think about it. If you never cursed her to begin with, I never would have had to fight her. My siblings and I wouldn't be so terrified of spiders. I don't ever want another child of Athena to experience the horrors I did," Annabeth said in a calm and serious voice as she then turned her head towards Zoë, gray and brown eyes locking onto each other. "I know Hercules wronged you in the past, Zoë. But remember, you chose to help him. He didn't lead a pleasant life either, despite what you may think. He lost his family in an even worse way than you did."

Hera shifted uncomfortably in her throne at the mention of Hercules's family while Zeus was giving her the stink eye. It was hypocritical of him since he's wiped out families for petty reasons before, but in that moment I would have given him a high five just for making Hera scared. Zoë looked so red in the face that I thought she was going to burst and throttle Annabeth. Thankfully, Artemis stepped forth and called her off, bringing her into a hug, Zoë's angry tears staining her clothing. Thalia and Bianca just gently rubbed her back. They then walked slowly back to Artemis's throne.

"The girl is right," Zeus suddenly spoke. "As much as I hate to admit it, these conflicts have been a sobering reminder of our past sins. Kronos would have never been a threat if we weren't so... neglectful." Hermes looked away after that statement. I couldn't even believe my eyes and ears. Was frickin' Zeus, the god who does what he wants, how he wants, and when he wants... admitting to his mistakes?! Did I fall asleep on accident again or what? There's no way this could be real.

Zeus then continued. "Gaea couldn't have ever risen if it weren't for so many turning to her side. If we also handled our children better, things would have been much simpler. I am in favor of fulfilling the girl's wish. Does anyone dare object?" He finished, moving his eyes across every Olympian.

Athena looked more conflicted than ever while Hera just looked downright scary. Athena's face was a mix between a sob and a scowl while Hera's was an ugly, sinister sneer. It was easy to assume that Athena didn't want to "save" Arachne and Medusa. Hera has hated Hercules and all of Zeus's other children that weren't hers since forever. She despises Hercules even more than Zoë, albeit for totally different reasons. Not to mention what she did to Zeus's mortal lovers...

After a few minutes of intense silence, Zeus turned his eyes upon Annabeth. "Your wish shall be granted, daughter of Athena. Those who have received unjust punishments will be granted clemency. Hercules and Achilles will be lifted from their stations. Prometheus will be granted a pardon for his past allegiance. As for Khione, we'll see what to do about her. To cement our word on this, we swear on the River Styx."

Thunder boomed outside as he swore the oath, but it didn't mean much since gods could easily break oaths like that with minor consequences. There's a precedent for it, since the last time they swore on the Styx, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades swore to never sire demigod children again. Yet, Jason, Thalia, and I ended up being born anyways. Speaking of oaths, I need to ask if they freed the peaceful Titans. Something tells me they didn't. I guess I'll make sure to ask since it's my turn now...

After Zeus's declaration, Athena and Hera looked ready to kill someone out of pure hate and rage. They really didn't like this. I then glanced over to Zoë and she was balling her fists so tightly that I saw just the smallest bit of blood on her nails. I hoped Zoë would recover, so much anger just isn't healthy for anyone. As for Athena and Hera? Well, they can get over it. Annabeth was right, like always. Annabeth then smiled and thanked the gods for granting her wish before turning and walking back towards me. I pulled her into a hug as she approached, smiling proudly at her.

"That was incredibly selfless and brave, Wise Girl. You're amazing!" I whispered as I placed a kiss on her cheek. She looked into my eyes lovingly, a glowing smile on her face.

"Thanks, but I was inspired by you, Seaweed Brain." Annabeth whispered back, planting a kiss on my cheek in turn. As we stood there, enjoying each other's embrace, the moment I'd been dreading had come.

"PERSEUS JACKSON!" Zeus boomed, and in that moment I knew my fate was sealed.

I shakily looked at Annabeth one last time before removing myself from our embrace, swallowing hard. As I moved to approach the gods, my heart was beating like a piston, my hands were shaking and I was filled with dread. Just what were they going to do? I hoped my dream meant nothing, that I was just going to get a gift card or something, but I knew better...

I bowed before Zeus then turned to my father, bracing myself for whatever comes next. "My son, the day you were claimed as mine, the very world itself knew of your name. Since then, you have faced many trials and tribulations, never faltering. Instead, you overcame them, exceeding all expectations," Poseidon spoke, his voice filled with pride as his eyes shined. "Despite your growing power and fame, you have remained humble and pure of heart. Your boyish insecurity and naïveté were replaced with the resolve of a warrior and the confidence of a leader. You have become a champion of Olympus twice in such a short span of time."

Poseidon then stood up and glanced around at the other Olympians before continuing. "No one here would dare say that you are unfit for the best rewards we can possibly bestow upon you. We offered you godhood before and you humbly declined it, not wishing to leave behind your friends and family," Poseidon then stopped for a moment and exchanged glances with Zeus, who simply nodded. "However, as noble as your heart is, we simply can't let you continue to live as a mortal. Much like the great hero Hercules, you are far too valuable to simply let you rot away under old age. Without you, Olympus and the world would be in ruins. Forgive me, but your ascent to immortality is now inevitable."

I stared at my father, speechless. I then felt an intense fury surge within me, my hands tightly balling up in my rancor. They're going to force me into becoming a god anyways?! After I explicitly declined it last time?!

"WHAT?! You can't just... force that on me! What about my friends, my mother?! I don't want to leave them behind!" I raged at him, feeling hurt and betrayed. I then remembered to ask about my last wish. "Did you even fulfill my last wish? Were the peaceful Titans still not set free? Is Calypso still rotting away on that island after all this time?!"

Most of the gods shifted around uncomfortably, which told me they didn't keep their promise. At this point I was seeing red. It took every ounce of my willpower to not act rashly. Poseidon looked at me with a mix of guilt and understanding.

"Peace, my son. We will free the peaceful Titans right after this meeting, right?"—he asked as he looked at Zeus who nodded and suddenly found his tie very interesting—"I knew you were going to react like this, but I have not fully explained your gift yet. I'm well aware of your bonds in the mortal world, especially your mother. I have talked in length with Zeus about this, you're not going to be simply made immortal and ripped away from your loved ones. We have found an alternative solution." My father spoke in a calm voice, trying to reason with me.

I just simply glared at him, the bad feeling in my gut growing more intense by the second. Just to make matters worse, Zeus then thought it would be a good idea to open his mouth.

"I'm personally not sure why you're so against immortality, boy. You can make your lover other there"—he pointed at Annabeth—"your immortal wife. Your friends will undoubtedly go to Elysium when they depart from the living world. You will remain in your prime forever and become more powerful as a god. You'll have your own domain. I'll never understand the woes of mortals like you, Perseus." Zeus commented with a bored expression, leaning his head on his fist.

Poseidon slapped his hand to his face, knowing his brother just made things worse.

"Of course you don't 'get it', Lord Zeus. You were born a god, everyone in your family is immortal! You have no concept of death! No one you've ever cared about has died! It's not the same for us! Us non-gods lose loved ones constantly, especially after these horrible wars! So many of our friends and family are dead, never to be seen again! And before you mention Elysium, what about our mortal parents? My mother is a normal woman, she's not going to be placed in Elysium! That's why we cling so hard to life, why I don't want to be immortal! I want to spend my life with them, to cherish every moment. I can't do that as a god because of all the stupid rules! I'll instead be locked away somewhere that serves as my domain, restricted on when and how I can visit my friends! I'll just turn into a-" I then held my tongue to stop myself from saying "a cynical jackass like you". I may have already crossed a line with my outburst, I didn't need to provoke Zeus further.

Zeus's eyes crackled with lightning, likely guessing what I was going to say before I stopped myself. "You walk a very thin line, Perseus. If it wasn't for your father and if you weren't a hero, I'd blast you into smithereens for such disrespect," He grounded out in a dangerous tone. "Lucky for you, your immortality will be different from most."

I didn't like the way he said that last part. Different from most? It sent a shiver down my spine.

"Calm yourselves, both of you! This is getting out of control," Poseidon exasperated, holding his hands up toward us. "Let's just get this over with before things escalate further. Percy, you're not being made into a god, despite how much we want you to become one. But, you are being made immortal, much like your old teacher Chiron. However, there is one condition to your immortality: you must build a harem."

I heard gasps and murmurs erupt behind me, filling the room with gossip. Meanwhile, I just stared at him dumbly, unable to process what he just said. What's a harem? I scrambled my brain, feeling like I remember hearing the word when Annabeth was talking to me about the history of Middle Eastern architecture one time. Something about a curtain... suit-an... no wait, sultan! Now I remember, sultans were like kings in that area and some would take multiple wives, which was called a... I gulped in dread. A harem!

"You mean... I need to have... multiple wives? That's what a harem is, right?" I asked carefully, not wanting to jump to any conclusions.

To my horror, my father simply nodded. "Yes, that is essentially what it is. You don't need to marry all of your women, I'm sure there's only one woman you wish to marry anyways"—he then looked towards Annabeth, who's mouth was agape along with a bright red blush on her face—"but you may marry them all if you so wish." He said plainly to me, like this was normal. I didn't know how to react, I just stood there like a statue.

"Hah! Look at his face, brother! He doesn't even know what to say!" Zeus yelled with laughter as he looked at Poseidon while pointing his finger at me, his momentary anger seemingly vanishing.

"Poor boy, I couldn't imagine having to wrangle so many women. Persephone and Demeter alone make my life nightmarish..." Hades murmured, earning a glare from the goddess of the harvest.

"Ooo, a harem! We haven't gifted one of those in a thousand years or so! This is so exciting!" Came a high pitched squeal of excitement from Aphrodite, who suddenly reappeared on her throne. I wonder what happened to Reyna?

"Bah, harems are so... uncivilized! That's not true marriage or a realistic depiction of a healthy relationship between man and woman! I almost pity you, Perseus." Hera said in a derivative tone.

For the first time—and hopefully last time—in my life, I agree with Hera on something. I didn't want a stupid harem! I was more than happy with just my Wise Girl. I looked up at my father with pleading eyes.

"But... why? What's with this harem thing?" I asked him, trying not to get angry. "I'm already in a happy relationship. I don't need more women in my life."

Poseidon and Zeus exchanged amused glances, like as if the idea I didn't want more women was funny. It might be since the both of them have slept with hundreds of women over the millennia. However, I'm not a lecher like them! Were they playing a joke on me or something?

"You've been gifted this to fulfill your wish, my son. We refuse to let you stay mortal, but you refuse to give up on your friends. This is a way for us to compromise. It's a very old custom, it used to be fairly common among mortals as well many centuries ago. You can take as many of your friends into your loving harem as you want, which will make them immortal too. Well, specifically your female friends, since last I checked you don't..."—he turned to Apollo—"What was the phrase? 'Swing that way', I think it was?" Apollo just nodded with a smirk then my father looked back at me. "Right, so do you understand, Percy?"

"What the fuck?! No!" I cursed, feeling indignant once more. "This is crazy, most of my female friends are in relationships or are doing something else! Hell, a few of them are with the Hunt! One is the Oracle! I can't just ask them to become my sex slaves!" I couldn't believe my own father was trying to do this to me!

Zeus snorted and waved his hand dismissively. "By my own beard, Poseidon, your son is such a whiner! Any other man would have been thanking us a hundred times over by now!" He grumbled at my dad before looking towards me. "If you're too cowardly to ask them to join, then we can just force them to. Of course, that would mean I'd have to hand over my own daughter to you, but it's a price I'm willing to pay."

Price he's willing to pay? He's talking about Thalia like she's an object! Not to mention she belongs to Artemis!

I was fuming at this point, unable to even see straight. I couldn't believe these godly assholes were trying to fuck up not just my life, but the lives of all my friends too! I had to stop them! I then had a very desperate idea pop into my head.

"I'd rather become a god then let you ruin the lives of everyone I care about! There, are you happy now?! Go ahead and do it and leave them alone!" I declared, feeling hopeless and on the verge of tears myself.

My dad just sighed sadly. "It's too late, Percy. We've already moved to grant your immortality and harem. As you know, once a gift is given it can't be taken back. I didn't know it would upset you this much. I'm sorry it had to come to this, my son. I truly am, but it's the best for Olympus."

The best for Olympus. That's all they care about...

I fell to my knees in despair, looking despondently down at the floor. Annabeth rushed over to comfort me, but I didnt acknowledge her.

"Praise myself, we're almost done! Now then, I'll explain how the harem works so we can all leave. My back is killing me..." Zeus said nonchalantly as he stretched. "I've chosen to be lenient with you on this, so listen closely. As mentioned earlier, the harem is an old custom of the ancient world, even more so when it comes to beings like us. You have... I think it was a week? Yes! A week to obtain at least six women in your new harem. You already have Athena's daughter, so that leaves you with five more! Why six? Because that's the number needed for the harem immortality to go into permanent effect. If you fail to meet that requirement, then we'll be forced to fill your harem with the rest of your lady friends. That is the punishment for invoking the harem but not sating its demands. It can be a blessing as well as a curse. Oh, I should also mention that's just the first step for the harem. Either myself or someone else will fill you in on the next step after this week."

I just gaped at him, feeling utterly helpless and defeated. I somehow have to convince five additional girls to willingly join my harem... in a week!? That would be impossible! How would I even do that?! Just go up to one of my friends and be like: 'hey girl, wanna be my sex slave for eternity' or what?! Then if I don't do it, they'll all be dragged into it with me anyways! The worst part is that this is the first part of it! This is supposed to be my reward for defeating Gaea?! I'm so, so absolutely fucked...

"Don't make that face, Perseus. You have a lot more admirers than you think. This should be easy for you," Zeus snarked as he saw my expression, Poseidon sitting back down with a sad face. "Now then, that's everything. This meeting is finally over, thank me. I'll be sending you all back to your camps. I have things to do."

Hera then sent Zeus a glare, making it clear on what 'things' Zeus needed to do. With that, Zeus clapped his hands and my vision went dark as I got teleported.

The gods truly do hate me.