The sun shone upon Camp Half-Blood, illuminating the scene of the recent victory against the giants. Laughter and celebrations filled the air as the demigods recovered from their wounds and reveled in the hard-won peace. However, for Percy Jackson, hero of the Seven, the victory tasted bittersweet.
He walked alone through the camp, his heart heavy and his steps slow. The loss of Annabeth, his beloved battle companion and girlfriend, haunted his every thought. No celebration could fill the void she had left in his life. Every corner of the camp brought vivid memories of her presence, intensifying his pain. As he walked, sometimes he could even still hear her voice and her laughter, teasing him for something stupid he did.
As Percy sank deeper into sadness, the gods of Olympus gathered for an assembly. With the war concluded, it was time to reward the heroes who had fought alongside them. Percy was at the beach, staring longingly towards the sea lost in his own thoughts when he felt a hand touch his shoulder.
Twisting his neck to look back, Percy saw that the man touching his shoulder was Hermes. Percy turned around, surprised to see the god standing before him. His warm smile contrasted with Percy's somber expression.
"Percy Jackson," Hermes greeted him, his voice carrying an air of familiarity. "It's time for the gods' celebration in honor of your victory over the giants. We wish to reward the heroes who fought bravely by our side."
Percy blinked, momentarily taken aback. He had almost forgotten about the celebration amidst his grief. Part of him wondered if any reward could ever make up for the loss of Annabeth. Still, he didn't want to miss on his friends' rewards and forced himself to his feet
"I... I don't know if I'm up for a party right now," Percy confessed, his voice laced with a mix of sadness and exhaustion. "But I'll come. For them."
Hermes nodded understandingly, his eyes filled with empathy. "Sometimes, Percy, even in our darkest times, it's important to stand together and celebrate the victories we've earned. It can be a step towards healing."
Percy forced a faint smile, appreciating Hermes's words even if he couldn't fully embrace their meaning. He followed the messenger god through the bustling camp, the sounds of laughter and music growing louder with each step. The party was in full swing, a whirlwind of colors, scents, and jubilant voices.
The clearing had transformed into a big party stage, filled with delicate decorations. The long tables of the dining pavilion sustained the weight of dozens of delicious offerings, from ambrosia and nectar to a wide array of different kinds of food. Demigods and gods alike were engaged in lively conversations, their faces filled with excitement and contentment.
Percy found himself standing at the outskirts of the celebration, not feeling like joining the party, instead choosing to watch from afar. He watched as his friends enjoyed themselves, laughing together and swinging to the sound of the music. But in that moment, their happiness only served as a stark reminder of the void within his own heart.
As the night progressed and the revelry reached its peak, the gods gathered on a wooden platform at the center of the clearing. Zeus, his voice commanding attention, called for the attention of the crowd.
"Heroes of the Great War," Zeus thundered, his words echoing through the night air. "You have proven yourselves worthy of our admiration and gratitude. As a token of our appreciation, each of you shall be granted a reward of your choosing. Jason Grace, my son, step forward."
Jason Grace stepped forward, his eyes shining with determination. "I wish to restore the broken bonds between the Roman and Greek demigods," he proclaimed. "Let there be lasting peace and cooperation between our camps. I want there to be an easy path between Camp Jupiter and Camp Half Blood, and that any demigod, either Roman or Greek, may be accepted by either camp."
Zeus nodded, his expression filled with pride and approval. "It shall be done. Piper McLean, step forward and state your wish"
Piper, her voice infused with unwavering resolve, stepped forward next. "Grant me the ability to inspire hope and courage in others trough my charmspeak," she requested. "Let my words and actions ignite a fire within their hearts, guiding them towards a brighter future."
Aphrodite smiled tenderly at her request and raised one of her beautifully sculpted hands. A weak glow appeared around Piper, shining calmly for a few seconds before finally receding back into nothing.
Leo was up next, and he took a step closer to the platform. He was nervous as he stated his wish: "I wish for Calypso to be freed from Ogygia and to be brought here. Also, it would be cool if I could, I don't know, eat a taco whenever I feel like it."
Zeus and most of the gods raised their eyebrows at the strange request, but complied nonetheless. Hephaestus snapped his fingers and the beautiful, yet confused, form of Calypso appeared by Leo on the platform. She accepted Leo's hand and he guided her to a secluded area to explain what was happening.
Frank and Hazel were up next. Frank asked for strength in order to protect the ones he cares about, while Hazel asked for the ability to bring healing and comfort to those burdened by the past, just like she once was.
"Perseus Jackson," Zeus boomed, his voice echoing through the entire camp. "Please, come forward. For your valiant efforts and unwavering bravery, taking a major whole in not just one, but two great prophecies, we once again offer you the chance to become a god. Should you accept godhood, you will have your own domains, and your name will be celebrated for eternity".
The once-celebratory atmosphere fell into an eerie silence, an unspoken acknowledgment of the immense weight that rested upon his shoulders. A mix of anticipation and tension filled the air as everyone awaited Percy's response. The heroes who had witnessed his feats held their breath, knowing the magnitude of the decision he faced. Percy looked around the room, his gaze passing over his friends, his eyes lingering on their encouraging expressions.
But within Percy's heart, a tempest raged. His longing for Annabeth, his desire to escape the pain that gnawed at him, clashed with his sense of duty and responsibility. For a moment, the battle waged inside him, the weight of his choices heavy upon his shoulders.
Then, with a neutral look in his eyes, Percy found his resolve. He raised his voice, firm and resolute, refusing the gods' offer once again. "I appreciate the honor, but I cannot accept godhood," he declared, his words laced with both gratitude and determination. "But I do have a wish to ask all of you. For too long I was affected by fate. Every since I was claimed, I've always been under some sort of quest or prophecy. And I wish to take part in it no more. My wish is to go somewhere where I can be freed of our world's influence, where I don't have to worry about prophecies and fate."
A murmur swept through the camp, a mixture of surprise and shock. The gods exchanged glances, their expressions a blend of concern. The gods quickly began a rapid conversation in ancient Greek, talking so fast that none of the demigods could understand what was being discussed. Finally, it was Athena that talked first.
"Perseus, I understand you are mourning the loss of my daughter," she said with a soft voice. "We discussed and came to the conclusion that, if we combine our powers, we may be able to send you to a new world, very similar to our own, but where neither Chaos nor any other god ever existed. We don't know much of the details or what awaits for you should you accept, but we do have faith that you'll excel there and conquer any possible challenges. Are you sure this is your wish?"
As Athena spoke, Percy felt his heart tighten with conflicting emotions. He turned his gaze back to his friends, their faces etched with concern and love.
His thoughts went to his sweet mother. Memories of their shared moments flooded his mind - their dinners together, their heartfelt conversations, her permanent support throughout his entire life. Percy felt a deep pang of guilt at leaving her behind, knowing how much she loved him and how his absence would affect her.
He then looked at his friends, the fellow demigods who had fought by his side in countless battles. They were his family, his pillars of strength, and the thought of also leaving them behind brought a dull ache to his chest. He didn't know how he would live without their presence, their camaraderie, and the sense of belonging they provided.
But as the opportunity for a new life reached him, he couldn't ignore the pull it had on his soul. It offered him a chance to start anew, to escape the constant reminders of loss and grief. Percy yearned for respite, a fleeting moment of peace and freedom from the burden that weighed him down. He longed to find himself outside the shadow of the gods, to discover who he could become without their influence.
With each passing second, the struggle within Percy intensified. Stay or go? Remain with the comfort of familiarity or embrace the uncertainty of the unknown? His heart wavered, torn between the love he felt for those he held dear and the longing for a chance at personal growth and healing.
Finally, as a tear trickled down his cheek, Percy made his decision. He had always been selfless, sacrificing his own needs to tend to his friends. But now, it was time to be a little selfish, for once. With a heavy but determined heart, he turned away from his loved ones, facing Athena.
"Can I say goodbye first?" He asked, trying hard not to cry.
Athena nodded her head, and Percy turned to his father.
"Dad," he began, his voice croaking. "Can you please take me to mom? I want to talk to her first."
Poseidon nodded with teary eyes, and both of them teleported to the front door of Sally and Paul's apartment. Taking a deep breath, Percy knocked twice on the door.
He felt his heart beat nervously as he heard the steps coming closer to the door. After what it seemed like a long time of waiting, it was Paul who opened it.
"Percy?" He blinked in surprise. "Not that I'm not happy to see you, but shouldn't you be at camp celebrating your victory?"
"Hey, Paul. I just wanted to talk to mom. Can I come in?" Percy must have shown something in his face, because Paul's face immediately twisted into a worried expression.
"Of course, Percy," Paul replied, his voice filled with genuine concern. He stepped aside, allowing Percy to enter the familiar surroundings of their cozy apartment. Percy's eyes scanned the room, taking in the comforting sights and smells that always made him feel at home.
Sally appeared from the hallway, her face lighting up with surprise and joy when she saw her son standing there. "Percy! Oh, dear, what a wonderful surprise. We didn't expect to see you so soon. Is everything alright?"
Percy's voice caught in his throat, his emotions threatening to spill over. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself before speaking. "Mom, I... I have something important to tell you."
Sally's smile faded slightly as she noticed the seriousness in Percy's expression. She motioned for him to sit down on the couch, her eyes filled with motherly concern. Percy took a seat, his hands clasped tightly together.
"Dad and I were at camp, celebrating the victory over the giants," Percy began, his voice wavering with a mix of sadness and determination. "But I've made a decision, Mom. A decision that wasn't easy to make."
Sally reached out, placing a comforting hand on Percy's knee. "Tell me, Percy. You know you can always talk to me."
Percy met his mother's gaze, searching for the right words to convey the complex emotions swirling within him. "I've been through so much, Mom. Battles, quests, and loss. And... and lately, the loss has been too much to bear."
Tears welled up in Sally's eyes as she listened, her heart aching for her son's pain. She squeezed his knee gently, silently urging him to continue.
"I... I need to find myself, to heal," Percy continued, his voice choked with emotion. "I need to discover who I am outside of the battles and the influence of the gods."
Sally's voice quivered as she spoke, her voice filled with motherly love and understanding. "Percy, my brave boy, I can't pretend to understand the weight you carry. But know that I will always support you in whatever path you choose."
Percy reached out, taking his mother's hand in his own, finding comfort in her presence. "I know, Mom. And that's why I wanted to say goodbye. I've been given an opportunity to start anew, to have a new life - a normal life - in a different world. A world where there is no gods or prophecies. A world where I may never return from. It won't be easy, but I believe it's something I need to do."
Sally's eyes filled with tears as she squeezed Percy's hand, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and pride. "Oh, Percy, my brave and extraordinary son. You have always faced adversity head-on, with courage and determination. I don't like the thought of never seeing you again, but if you really wish to go, know that I will always be with you to support you."
Percy's voice cracked as he fought to keep his emotions in check. "Thank you, Mom. Thank you for understanding and for always being there for me. I love you."
Sally's voice trembled as she replied, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I love you too, Percy. Always remember that, no matter where your path leads you. Stay safe and find the peace and healing you seek."
They held each other's gaze for a moment, a silent exchange of love and understanding passing between them. Percy leaned forward, embracing his mother tightly, their tears mingling as they clung to each other.
As they finally pulled apart, Sally cupped Percy's face in her hands, her eyes filled with a mother's unwavering love. "Go, my dear. Find your purpose and find yourself. And know that your mother's love will be with you always."
Percy nodded, his heart heavy but resolute. With one final look back at his mother, he turned and walked towards the door, ready to embark on his new journey.
"Goodbye, Mom," he whispered, his voice filled with sorrow. And with that, Percy walked back into the hall, where Poseidon was still waiting for him. No words were exchange between father and son as Poseidon teleported both of them back to camp.
When they arrived, there was already a portal waiting for Percy. The portal stood before him as a mythical presence. Its ethereal glow radiated with a pulsating energy, casting a soft, otherworldly light onto the surroundings. Percy could feel its energy even from afar, swirling with hues of blue and purple. Percy couldn't help but think it was a very beautiful sight.
As Percy approached, he could feel a gentle pull, urging him to dive deep into the unknown. The air around the portal crackled with energy, showcasing the mystery around it and hiding its secrets. It seemed to pulse with the power of an old form of magic, promising both risk and reward. Before entering, though, there was a few last words Percy wanted to say to his friends.
Percy stood before his friends and fellow demigods, his eyes filled with determination and longing. His heart swelled with gratitude and love for each and every one of them, knowing that this would most likely be the last time they stood together. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts, before he began his heartfelt farewell.
"Guys," Percy's voice carried a weight of emotion, his words laced with both sadness and resolve. "I can't really express in words how much each of you mean to me. Ever since I was twelve, you guys have been my friends, my family, comrades. We faced a lot of challenges together and won against unbelievable odds. I'll always carry these moments we shared deep within my heart."
He locked eyes with each camper, trying to record their faces into his memory, wishing he could hold onto these moments just a little longer. His voice quivered slightly as he continued, the weight of his decision getting heavy upon him.
"I want you all to know that leaving you behind is the most difficult decision I have ever made. But I have a feeling that, when I begin this new journey, I will heal myself and rediscover who I am outside of the fate's influence. I need to find my own path, my own purpose."
Some murmurs ran trough the campers. A few sniffs could be heard over them, the atmosphere filled with the sadness of Percy's departure. Percy could see the love and concern in their eyes, and it both warmed his heart and pained him deeply. He continued, a lump trying to form itself on his throat.
"Know that I will carry each of you with me, in my heart and in my memories. Our adventures together have shaped me into the person I am today. And though our paths may diverge for now, our connection will always remain. The bonds of friendship we share transcend time and distance."
He did a small pause to see their reaction, sweeping his gaze across the faces of his friends. "To Jason, Piper, Leo, Frank, Hazel, and each and every one of you... You have all shown me what true loyalty and friendship mean. Do not doubt yourselves. When I look at you, I see a bunch of determined heroes who risked their own lives to fight for a cause. I am honored to have fought by your side."
Percy took a step forward, reaching out to clasp hands with his friends. The tension was heavy in the air, their emotions threatening to spill.
"Never forget that even in the face of adversity, you will never alone. You will always have each other to draw forces and continue to fight. You are also the heroes that saved the world, and I'm sure that you will continue to defend it should another threat ever appears again."
He released their hands, a lump forming in his throat as he prepared to say his final words. "And as for me, I will always remember the memories we've built and the lessons you've teached me. I will look for solace, find a path that I'm comfortable with. We'll probably never see each other again. So, my friends, may the gods watch over you and guide you on your path."
With that, Percy turned towards the portal, hiding his face from the crow so they wouldn't see his tears. A chorus of tearful goodbyes and murmurs of good luck followed him as he took his first step forward. The portal swallowed him whole, closing behind him, separating him forever from his family.
In that moment, Percy embarked on a new chapter, a path of self-discovery and personal growth. He knew that the bonds he created would always be with him, serving as his guiding light. The memories he forged reminded him of the love and strength that resided within him, serving as a beacon of hope in this new journey.
