A Ballad of Immortality
All rights belong to Rick Riordan.
Percy stood numbly over Luke's body, the cries of battle having stopped. The Throne Room was eerily silent as if there were no life to be found.
Maybe there wasn't.
"Did you… Did you love me?"
"Yes, Luke, of course… I always did."
Percy's heart formed a slight crack before solidifying. There was no use dwelling on it; while she may have kissed him in the volcano a little over a year ago, Percy never attributed much to it. That much was visible in Annabeth's eyes currently. Besides, he also didn't want to be her second choice.
Sighing, Percy turned away to give the two some privacy. It was the least he could do. A short while later, Luke beckoned Percy over.
"Percy… the demigods… me, Ethan, Silena… make sure it won't happen again."
Despite not currently appreciating the Son of Hermes, Percy nodded. "I swear."
Luke nodded. Shakily, he took a breath, and then his eyes lost their shine and his hand went slack.
Luke was dead.
Annabeth sobbed while Percy looked away, choosing to survey the throne room instead. Chunks of marble surrounded Percy, Annabeth, and Grover. Hepheastus' throne was lightly damaged from Percy's earlier encounter, and some other thrones had minor damage as well.
Suddenly, Percy's thoughts were disrupted as the throne room doors burst open, his father leading the gods with his trident in hand.
"Percy… what… what is this?"
He cleared his throat, "We need a shroud. A shroud for the Son of Hermes."
(Break)
After the gods had repaired the throne room, the award ceremony started; not that Percy cared for it much.
He was still apprehensive from an earlier encounter with the Morai; when he had looked at one of them, his life flashed before his eyes. What was strange was that he never saw an end - it just kept going until he managed to look away. Not that he was able to make sense of any of it.
Tyson was made a general of Olympus, and Zeus had promised him the best stick that may be found. 'Never change, brother," Percy thought.
He proceeded to tune out Annabeth's reward - something about being made an architect. Go figure.
"PERCY JACKSON!"
His name echoed out of his father's mouth, and Percy awkwardly stood in the middle of the throne room.
"Is there any that would deny my son is deserving?"
To Percy's surprise, not one god protested. Instead, they all gave him knowing looks, which made him nervous.
Zeus cleared his throat, "Due to your, um, bravery, and role in helping-" Poseidon glared at Zeus, "Saving Olympus, we shall grant you a gift."
Percy gulped nervously, "A gift?"
Zeus' eyes bored into Percy's. "Yes. I know what you will ask - the greatest of all we are capable of. If you want it, then you shall have it. Godhood. Immortality. Undying, serving at your father's side."
He looked at the gods. Poseidon's eyes flashed with such pride that Percy couldn't help but smile. The other gods seemed to approve as well, even Athena.
"Um… a god?"
Poseidon snorted amusedly as Zeus rolled his eyes.
"A dimwitted god, apparently, but yes, a god. Unfortunately, I would have to put up with you forever."
Percy laughed and glanced behind him. Annabeth was white, and while that bothered Percy, the words she said to Luke still echoed in his mind. As he looked at Thalia, Grover, and the others, their eyes and smiles all said one thing - say yes, you idiot.
Percy looked at his father again and could see the plea in his expression.
"I accept, however, on a condition that I made to Luke before he died. I know it's a lot to ask, but at least hear me out before you say no."
Zeus grumbled, "Is it not enough for you?"
Percy backpedaled, "Of course, my Lord, I just ask that you at least listen. It isn't even hard to do, either."
Zeus narrowed his eyes and waved his hand for Percy to go on.
"The reason this war happened is because all of your children felt what Luke did. Abandoned, scared, afraid, and forgotten. I ask each of you to do one simple thing. Claim your children before the age of thirteen. Camp Half-Blood needs cabins for all of the minor gods and Hades."
Hades contorted his face, "Are you calling me a minor god, Jackson?!"
Percy paled, "No, My Lord. But you don't have a cabin at camp and I think that needs to change."
Hades grumbled for a moment before nodding in agreement. Looking at Zeus, Percy saw that he looked angry before Athena spoke.
"He is right, father. All of the children who sided with Kronos did so because they had a reason. Even though we are able to visit them in a limited capacity, we don't. We left them down there with only the idea that we're out there. It needs to change. I, for one, vote in favor of the Sea Spawn's request."
Poseidon frowned at Percy, "Son, you ask much."
Percy stared back, "I told you it wasn't hard. It isn't."
Poseidon sighed before voting in favor as well. Slowly, one by one, all of the gods voted in favor.
"Now that you have agitated the council enough, let us begin. LADY FATES! THE COUNCIL CALLS UPON YOU!"
Three flashes lit up the room. The Morai stared at Percy again, making him fidget.
"So, the Son of Poseidon has accepted. This was unforeseen."
The council erupted in shouting before the Fates raised their hands. "We believe our mother may have had something to do with this."
At that, the throne room's pressure felt like it increased twofold. Percy heard Annabeth mutter, "Ananke."
Eventually, the pressure receded and the Fates continued. "Due to this, we have decided upon domains that are suitable. Perseus Jackson,
Son of Poseidon,
Defeater of Ares,
Retriever of the Master Bolt,
Retriever of the Golden Fleece,
Savior of Artemis,
Bearer of Ouranos,
Survivor of the Labyrinth,
Bearer of the Curse of Achilles,
Defeater of Hyperion,
Bane of Kronos,
And Savior of Olympus, do you accept immortality? To become undying, everliving - a god?"
At the listing of all of his titles, Percy flushed slightly but maintained his composure. He had second thoughts, but he knew it was too late to back out.
"I do."
"Do you, Perseus Jackson, accept to maintain the domains of which you will be given?"
"I do."
"And do you, Perseus Jackson, accept to maintain and uphold the Ancient Laws to which you will be bound?"
At this, he hesitated. Was it really worth it? Thinking about it more, he decided it was. Even if he would get to see his friends in a more limited manner, he might be able to help future demigods never go through what he did, and that to him was worth it.
"I do."
At his last words, the fates circled around him and started an incantation. At first, Percy didn't feel anything, but then it began. A slow, burning sensation in his limbs that raced to his heart. He thought he was dying - in a way, he was. At least his mortal half.
His blood boiled under his skin, his chest felt like it was being ripped apart, and then it stopped. He hadn't even realized he'd fallen to the floor, but apparently he had.
He felt someone's arms under his shoulders pull him up, and he found himself staring at the concerned face of Apollo.
"Alright, cuz?"
Percy nodded, "Yes, Lord Apollo."
Apollo flashed him a grin, "You don't call any of us Lord or Lady, Percy. You're a god. Well, you're about to be."
Percy nodded reluctantly, "I don't know if I can do that, but I'll see."
Apollo laughed and returned to his throne. Percy noted the three Morai still floating around him.
"Are you ready to receive your domains, Perseus?"
He let out a deep breath and nodded. "I am, my ladies."
"Hail, Lord Perseus,
God of Fate,
God of Inevitability,
God of Close Combat,
And Lord of Time!
The Thirteenth Olympian!"
The fates disappeared in a flash and Percy felt raw power coursing through his veins; his vision swam with undecipherable images of millions upon millions of births and deaths. He saw images running through his mind of Camp Half-Blood and somewhere… else.
Time came next. It was as though he was constantly in a neverending stream. It reached out to him, beckoning his use.
He collapsed to one knee not realizing he had grown to the godly height of 20 feet. The demigods all backed away from him due to his increase in size.
When he opened his eyes, he realized his size and said, "Oh. Um, wow."
A deep laugh reverberated through the throne room. Turning his head, he said his father bent over in laughter at his son's words and even caused Percy to chuckle.
"Uh, so, what now?'
Zeus appeared to be in a rage. His face was red, eyes dark and stormy, and a vein appeared to be close to bursting on his forehead.
"I will not have a son of Po-"
The ground shook slightly and Poseidon glared at Zeus with a green aura surrounding him.
"And how many of your children are on the council, little brother? Let's see, Artemis, Athena, Ares, Hermes, Apollo, Dionysus, and Hephaestus. That is eight children out of 12, not to mention yourself and Hera. Myself and Demeter are the only ones on this council that have no obligations to you, Zeus, so shut up and raise a throne."
Zeus was about to argue but he felt the power increase from Poseidon further. Some of the gods started to cough due to how humid the air was. Zeus sighed angrily and raised his hand.
Everyone's thrones to the right of Poseidon shifted right, and a new throne was raised between Poseidon and Apollo.
A black marble throne rose out of the ground with an hourglass on the top and a scythe down the middle. Not just any scythe - the scythe. How it got there after it melted, Percy had no idea, but he chose not to question it.
The throne had a purple outline along the corners and the throne's surface seemed to be shifting constantly - births, deaths, battles, wars, and other things moved about constantly.
Most of the gods stared in shock at the scythe, Poseidon and Hades in apprehension, and Zeus in simmering anger.
Poseidon grinned nervously at Percy, "Now, that's what I call a throne. Come on, son. Join us."
Hesitantly, Percy got off of his knee and walked - no, stumbled towards his throne. His height increase didn't do wonders for his balance. Everything looked weird to him. The gods snickered, including Zeus who was still angry, and even Artemis. Percy guessed he was proving her vision of the male species' incompetence correct. Somehow, he managed to make it and he plopped down.
Immediately, he was assaulted with visions again and this time they were slightly more clear. He saw Camp Half-blood in ruins, then it wasn't. He saw a smoking Olympus and a raised Othrys - then it was the other way around. Demigods that he knew flew by, as did those he didn't. They had purple shirts. Weird.
Eventually, they stopped, and then Time came once more. It was like before but now it was stronger.
Percy felt as though he could pick up a mountain with his bare hands and throw it like a baseball.
"Well, now that... That has been settled, let us continue. The rebuilding of Olympus will continue over the next few months, and I expect all of you to help. I will be helping myself."
The gods all nodded. Percy was surprised, but he guessed it made sense. The King had to set an example.
"Now, onto another note, we need a trainer for Perseus."
"Ooooh, me me!"
Poseidon frowned at Aphrodite. "Absolutely not."
Zeus stroked his beard, "Well, it could-"
Poseidon glared, "No. She will have him corrupted within the hour."
Zeus sighed and waved his hand, "Very well, very well. What about Apollo or Hermes?"
Poseidon's eyebrows rose. "I wouldn't be totally against that."
Percy spoke up, "What about yourself, My Lord? After all, who better to learn from than the greatest?"
Poseidon stared at Percy in shock. Apollo and Hermes had their mouths open, and Artemis and Athena had a raised eyebrow.
"Well, Perseus, while that is true of course, I'm afraid I don't have the time to-"
"But wouldn't it be better for you to train me so that you make sure I'm not a threat to Olympus?"
Poseidon barely contained a laugh, seeing what Percy was doing. Artemis and Apollo snickered, and even Hera seemed highly amused. Zeus, of course, was eating it up.
"You do have a point, nephew. Wise, you are. Very well, I shall make time to train and vet young Perseus here. Is there anything else before this meeting is concluded?"
When no one spoke, he slammed his master bolt on the ground. "Council dismissed! We will meet again a week from today at five in the afternoon. Perseus, stay behind."
As the gods flashed out, Percy noticed that Poseidon remained. Percy took a guess that he didn't want Zeus to harm him.
"My son stays, so do I."
Zeus waved his hand and looked at Percy, "Now, since I am the best, of course, you'll be the best god you can be-" Poseidon scoffed, earning him a glare, "-and I believe you staying in my palace would be a good option. It makes some of the information you'll need to know easier anyway."
"He will not-"
"Brother, please. I'm not going to harm the boy. I swear on the Styx."
Thunder rumbled and Poseidon looked at Percy in concern. "Are you sure, son? You can always come to Atlantis."
Percy shook his head and smiled, "I'll be alright, Dad. I trust Uncle Zeus."
Surprisingly, Zeus actually smiled at the 'Uncle' title and nodded, "He will be fine brother."
Poseidon sighed and nodded. "Alright then. I'll see you at the next meeting, Percy. Unless you wish to visit the great Atlantis, of course."
He was gone in a sea breeze and Percy looked at Zeus awkwardly.
"So, what will I be learning?"
Zeus scratched his beard, "Well, I'll start off with all of the basics. Assuming your divine form, controlling your divine form, flashing, and your godly height. If you manage to learn all of that shortly we might have time for me to give you advice on how to manage and use your domains."
Percy nodded.
"Perseus, why did you want me to train you? I'm not as unobservant as you think."
Percy laughed, "Well, to be honest, I kinda just wanted to see everyone's reaction when I suggested it. I didn't actually think it would work. I'm not complaining, though. Despite what some people say, you are the King of the Gods and I think that's for a reason - even if you've had your slip-ups. It's not like the other council members haven't."
Zeus nodded. "Good reasons, I suppose. I'm not as terrible as some think. I just appear that way because I have to set an image. In some council meetings, I joke around with my brother and my sons despite it making the female goddesses angry. Including my wife."
Zeus shuddered at his last statement and Percy laughed.
(Break)
Percy had been staying in Zeus' palace for a week now, and he honestly couldn't complain. He ate ambrosia and drank nectar for nearly every meal - except Friday, which was steak night. So far, Zeus had successfully taught Percy how to control and assume his divine form and how to flash. Percy found it so convenient to appear anywhere on a whim.
They also sparred. Percy learned very fast where people's fear of Zeus came from. He was a very difficult opponent. So far, they had sparred 25 times and Percy had won three. Zeus had told him to take it as a compliment because three wins against the King of the Gods right after becoming a god was insane.
Currently, Percy was about to broach an awkward subject. They were eating dinner, and Percy decided it was time to talk about it.
"Uncle Zeus?"
Zeus swallowed his bite and said, "Yes, nephew?"
That was another thing. Zeus apparently didn't like 'Percy' as it was too informal, but he also refused to let Percy call him 'Lord Zeus' after a few days, as he found it annoying, so they reached a compromise.
"I know this is rather awkward, but… Well, it's about the scythe on my throne."
Zeus' expression darkened, "What about it?"
"I want to know how to use it."
Zeus looked at Percy in anger, "No."
Percy sighed, "Look, I swear on the Styx that I won't use it against Olympus or the council unless in an act of clear tyranny or if someone's mind is altered."
Thunder boomed and Zeus looked at Percy before sighing. "It's really not that hard. I don't even know why you got it, but I have to assume my father has faded into the void. The Scythe of Kronos is one of the most powerful symbols of power ever made - loath I say it, even more so than the Master Bolt. Its strength comes from the ability to reap souls. For mortals, a touch with enough intention of the user could send them to the underworld. For immortals, they would not fade, but take longer than usual to reform."
Percy nodded, "I see why all of you fear it so much. Has any god or immortal ever been hit with it?"
Zeus frowned before nodding, "Yes I believe so. I vaguely remember my mother Rhea telling me that once, Kronos was so angry at a titan that he slashed them in the side with it, his intent clear, and they took half a millennia to reform. I believe the titan was Prometheus."
Percy scowled at the name. He didn't appreciate him giving him Pandora's Box. Jar? Whatever it was.
Zeus chuckled at Percy's expression, "Out of all the Titans, he is perhaps the most infuriating. I may dislike him but his intelligence cannot be denied."
Percy nodded. "Who do you think the most dangerous out of all the Titans are? Besides your father."
Zeus leaned back in thought. "Most likely either Oceanus or Krios. Oceanus is the oldest, but Krios is perhaps the second in terms of 'power.'"
Percy frowned, "Really? I figured Oceanus would be more powerful."
Zeus shook his head, "No, Krios holds a secret that most don't know. He is the Pillar of the South and the Titan of Stars and Constellations. When people think of stars, they don't presume much. Krios holds the ability to wield the energy and fire of a star, although I've never seen him use it. It is rumored that he and Kronos fought for the throne once, and Kronos was injured for years afterward."
Percy whistled, "He must be dangerous."
Zeus nodded, "He was kept in the most secure prison before this war."
Percy leaned forward, "What happened to him? We never fought. I saw him in a dream but that was it."
Zeus pinched his nose. "I suppose it is time that I tell you."
Percy frowned, "Tell me what?"
"Swear on the River Styx that you will not, under any circumstances, reveal the information that I am about to tell you to any mortal, demigod, or mythological creature unless given approval by me, Poseidon, Hades, or Hera."
Percy swore the oath. "Why Hades? I thought you hated him."
Zeus waved his hand, "No, no. We bicker often but I know Hades would never let this out unless it was absolutely necessary."
Percy nodded, "So, what is it?"
Zeus sighed. "Have you ever wondered why the demigods are told to not go out west?"
Percy looked confused. "Um, because of Mt. Othrys?"
Shook shook his head, "That is one reason, yes, but there is another. There… there is another camp."
Percy sat up straight in his seat, "THAT'S what I've been seeing? Of course! "
Zeus asked, "What do you mean?"
Percy nodded his head, "I sometimes get visions about demigods I don't recognize in purple shirts. Why are they separated from us?"
Zeus' form flickered for a brief moment, "When the gods moved from Greece to Rome, our personalities and names changed. Rome had a focus on discipline and order, and they were always ready for war. We followed. I became Jupiter, your Father Neptune, Hades became Pluto, and so on. The only god that stayed the same was Apollo, although his personality did shift."
"So how does it like… affect you guys?"
Zeus nodded, "Good question. We have two forms - for myself, I am Zeus however I am also Jupiter. Our Greek aspects are usually in control due to Camp Half-Blood's proximity to Olympus. If the Heart moves again, and Camp Jupiter - the other camp- happens to be closer to Olympus, it would be vice versa. When we were in Spain last, the Roman camp was closer than the Greek, so our Roman aspects ruled in that time period."
Percy nodded, "So do you have control over them?"
Zeus shrugged, "Sort of. Since the Greeks were first, we are able to influence their decisions a large amount. The good thing is that since they are also us, they wouldn't do anything that is particularly out of line for the Greeks. Well, except your father and Athena."
Percy frowned, "My dad?"
Zeus sighed, "The Romans were not appreciative of the sea. In return, Neptune did not appreciate the Romans. He was also integrated later than I was, so he was one of the last few gods remaining in Greece. He always held a grudge against Rome for that. Once, A Roman fleet was crossing to Carthage and he got so angry that he sunk the entire fleet- 40 ships if I remember correctly. Neptune isn't entirely sane."
Percy was concerned. "How would he react to me?"
Zeus scrunched his eyebrows, "I imagine that he would still recognize you as his son, although differently from Poseidon. You are his child, but you are not. I have a son, Jason, at Camp Jupiter, and although I love him as Zeus, Jupiter is more appreciative of his feats. He defeated Krios personally."
Zeus puffed his chest out at the end and Percy nodded impressed, "That's not an easy feat based on what we spoke of earlier. I battled Hyperion and I thought I was going to die any second. Why are the Titans so dangerous?"
Zeus sighed tiredly. "Because - they were born third. They are third-generation immortals, just born after the less powerful protogenoi. Their domains are broader, and they have more primal power. If I tried to fight Hyperion, the weakest of the 6 brothers, in my divine form I might win a little over half of the time. As for other titans, it is a much larger challenge. There is a reason it took me and my brothers to defeat Kronos, and that was barely. If he had achieved his divine form a week ago, we may have not been able to stop him."
Percy whistled, "Well, I'm glad he's gone. So, what'll we do this week?"
Zeus scrunched his eyebrows, "Not sure. I think I may be able to introduce you to Camp Jupiter as a god. Even though you were born Greek, you will gain a Roman form when you arrive. He will have a different name."
Percy nodded, "How will you play off me being a Greek?"
At this point, Zeus had shifted to Jupiter, "I believe I'll say that Neptune has sired a new godling, which is not entirely untrue."
Percy grinned, "Can I have my dad introduce me?"
Jupiter's eyes widened, "Absolutely not! He'll kill them all!"
Percy laughed, "I'll make sure he won't. Promise."
Jupiter sighed exasperatedly, "Fine. If they die, I'll have your head."
Percy made a fake scared noise as he left the table, and laughed as he felt the ozone increase slightly.
(Break)
"You want me to what?"
"Look, Dad, I know it's not the best idea-"
"Percy, he will kill them! Neptune hates Rome!"
"Please?"
Poseidon sighed. "Fine. I'm trusting you on this. If he lashes out, take him out of there. By force. Don't say I didn't warn you."
Percy nodded, "I will."
"Alright, I'm giving him control now. He hasn't had control for, well… probably 16 years, so he might be a little pent up."
Percy nodded and watched his father's form change. His slightly long black hair grew longer and his beard thickened. He obtained a laurel wreathe made from coral, and his eyes shone with slight madness.
"Who the hell are you?"
"I'm Percy, well, Perseus. I'm your son."
Neptune frowned. "I don't rec- ah. You're one of my counterparts. Well, nice to meet you. What year is it?"
"Uh, 2009."
"Davy Jones' Locker! The last time I had control was… what, 1992?"
Percy's eyebrows rose. "That's a long time."
Neptune grinned, "It's so good to be back. Wait - why am I back? Poseidon never gives me control unless… well, better not to speak of it."
"Do you want me to give you a slight rundown?"
Neptune nodded, gesturing for Percy to take a seat.
"So, I'm Percy Jackson. You conceived me in late 1992 with my mother, Sally Jackson. At 12, I came to Camp Half-Blood. Over the course of the next four years, I retrieved Zeus' stolen Master Bolt, defeated Ares, sailed the Sea of Monsters, retrieved the Golden Fleece, saved Artemis from the sky, bore the sky, navigated the Labyrinth, met Calypso on Ogygia, Bathed in the Styx, and fought Kronos. I became a god on the Olympian Council a week ago."
Normally, Percy wouldn't ever boast of his accomplishments like that, but he wanted to make a good impression on Neptune. Judging by his slack-jawed expression, Percy guessed he succeeded.
"Wh-what? How? No demigod in history has ever done a fraction of that!"
Percy shrugged. "It's what you get when the Fates hate you. I guess they don't anymore, though. Zeus taught me that due to my domains, I am allowed to have a closer relationship with demigods than most."
Neptune nodded absently. "Well, I can say I'm proud to call you my son even if you aren't technically mine. So, what am I here for again? Oh! It's rushing back to me."
Percy looked confused before Neptune waved his hand, "When a god does not give their counterpart control for an extended period of time, the 'catching up' of memories takes longer. So, you want me to introduce you to the Romans, eh? Gods, I hate them."
Percy briefly panicked, "Look, all you have to do is introduce me. You don't have to stay. Also, I promise I'll make them repay their debt to you for their wrongdoings. They will learn to respect my father."
Neptune grinned, "Good. Oo! Can we drown them, please? Just a little bit?"
Percy nervously laughed, seeing the madness in Neptune's eyes increase. Jupiter/Zeus wasn't lying; Neptune was slightly insane.
"No, no, no need to be rash."
Neptune pouted, a look Percy decided he never wanted to see on his father again. It made him uncomfortable.
"Alright, fine. Let's go."
Before Percy could protest, Neptune gently grabbed his shoulder and they disappeared in a flash of light.
(Break)
In a flash, Percy appeared in the middle of a camp that was obviously Rome-inspired. Walls of a fortress surrounded him and Neptune As Percy looked around, he saw barracks that he supposed the campers slept in.
Percy noticed his father had drawn his trident. He was weary but decided Neptune wouldn't do anything crazy. For now.
"ROMANS!"
Percy noticed that surrounding them appeared to be the entire camp. He chuckled internally of their absolutely terrified expressions of the Sea God.
A girl in a purple cape very shakily walked closer to Neptune and Percy and bowed. "L-Lord Neptune, it i-is an honor t-"
"Yes, I bet it is, isn't it, Praetor? Did I say you could walk to me?"
"N-no, My Lord, I apolog-"
Neptune waved his hand, "Whatever. I have come to announce my new godly son, and he has a seat on the Olympian Council!"
The Romans muttered heavily at this, the unease penetrating through the air.
"Whatever. Son, I'll let you make the rest of the introduction. Beat them up a little bit for me?"
Neptune turned into sea mist and Percy internally chuckled. His father really hated the Romans.
The Romans started to rise and Percy's eyes flashed a mix of purple and gold. He really didn't want to be mean to these poor campers, but he was very angry at how they disrespected his father.
"Did I say you could rise?"
The Romans shakily knelt again, and Percy surveyed them. Most were still fearful, although a few looked better since Neptune had left.
"You may rise."
The campers rose and the Praetors walked uneasily to him.
The girl bowed, "My Lord, my name is Reyna Ramirez-Arellano, daughter of Bellona, and this-"
"Jason Grace, son of Jupiter, My Lord."
Percy nodded. At this point, he realized that he had changed form upon arrival. What was weird was that he was still in control, although he noticed another inside his head.
My name is Tempus. Your name is Tempus. My name is Percy. We are the same, I'm just a different personality. May I take control?
Percy shuddered at the voice but agreed.
To an outsider, nothing would have changed as Percy took Tempus' body upon arrival. Now it was Tempus in control of his own.
"You need not fear me, Praetors, however, I have to say I am most displeased. My father is the Earthshaker, the Storm-Bringer, the Father of Horses, and Lord of the Seven Seas, and he has a tool shed as a shrine?"
The Praetors shrunk under the scolding. Jason spoke up, "My Lord, Rome has a very bad history with Lord Neptune. Surely you can-"
Tempus shook his head, "Oh, I know why. Rome integrated my father much later than the rest. Jupiter, Pluto, and the others had already moved to Rome while Poseidon was still stuck in Greece. Do you know how hard that was for him?"
Reyna frowned, "Poseidon? But I thought-"
Tempus glared at her, "Greece came first, girl. While Rome has a horrible history with Greece, Greece did come first, and as such, the gods at one time did have Greek personalities. There is a reason Poseidon is much more respected than Neptune, and a reason Hades was more feared than Pluto. The power of mortals is underestimated; the Roman mortals literally changed the gods' personalities by deciding what they wanted to view them as."
Before Jason or Reyna could respond, Tempus heard a voice mutter, "Maybe he was better off as a Graecus, should have stayed there…"
Tempus whipped his head around and glared at the blonde kid, "What did you say?"
The camper's head shot up and looked panicked, "N-Nothing My L-"
"Shut up. What is your name?"
The kid shakily said, "Oct
avian, My Lord. Centurion of the First Cohort, Augur of New Rome, and Legacy of Phoebus Apollo."
"Then I will tell you to wisely shut your mouth and not open it again, Legacy of Phoebus Apollo."
The newly-named Octavian went beet red but backed down.
Reyna spoke up, "My Lord, may I ask who your mother is and your godly domains?"
Tempus replied, "You may not. As for my domains, I am the god of Fate, Destiny, Close Combat, and Lord of Time."
The Paretors' eyes widened and the campers shouted in fear. Tempus raised his hand which quelled the shouting and he spoke, "Saturn has faded. While Jason Grace toppled the Black Throne and defeated Crius, I fought Saturn myself."
Reyna's eyes narrowed slightly, "So how did you end up with the domain of time if you were already a god?"
Tempus' eyes narrowed at the girl.
She asks too many questions.
Tempus agreed with his counterpart. "I suppose you can know. Until recently, I was a demigod son of Neptune. I was the child of the Great Prophecy. Upon Saturn's defeat, I was proclaimed the Savior of Olympus and offered godhood, which I accepted. The Fates deemed me the Thirteenth Olympian. That is all you need to know and I will not elaborate further."
Reyna bowed at the sharp tone. Jason looked curious.
"My Lord, forgive me for asking, but if you were a demigod Son of Neptune, why were you not at Camp?"
Tempus scoffed, "And be treated as an outsider to all of you? No thanks, I'd rather be in my father in Atlantis, the Jewel of the Sea, than live in this glorified rebuild of Rome."
The campers shouted in protest at the statement but Tempus raised his hand.
"Build my father a temple worthy of the King of the Oceans and I will reconsider my opinion of your camp. Until then, you are not worthy of Neptune's aid or attention."
The Praetors bowed, "When would you like it done?"
Tempus smirked, "You have the engineers of Vulcan, yes? Gather every son and legacy of Vulcan from the camp and the city. I want it done by the Winter Solstice."
Jason's eyes widened, "But that's-"
"Entirely possible, and I'm sure you'll do fine. Now, I have more important things to do than stand here. Ugh, I need to wash my clothes. Romans stink."
With that, he vanished in a flurry of clock hands and purple light.
Jason and Reyna locked eyes.
"Gather the Senate. Now."
(Beak)
Jupiter and Apollo cracked up at the end of a council meeting, "I bet he shit his pants!"
Tempus laughed, "He was all like 'Graecus should have stayed there' and I was all like 'shut up before you're incinerated' Oh man, it was so funny."
As they laughed they reverted to their Greek forms. Apollo's eyes brightened, "Yo, Percy, Pops, what do you say we hit the town?"
Percy's eyes widened. He knew this was coming and should avoid it, but he wanted the experience for just the once.
A few weeks ago, Artemis had warned him against going with Apollo on his club hopping.
Ah, fuck it. I'll see what happens.
Zeus raised an eyebrow, "Son, you haven't invited me since I showed the council a picture of-"
Apollo paled, "Yeah, yeah, water under the bridge. C'mon, let's show Percy how Olympians party."
Zeus and Apollo both smirked, and Percy had a feeling he was going to be an unfortunate victim.
(Break)
Percy woke up hot. Very hot. He tried to open his eyes but he couldn't. It took too much energy, and his head was killing him.
Lying for a few more minutes, he started to shift uncomfortably. It felt like there were tiny little ants all over him every time he moved. Opening his eyes, he shot up immediately.
He was lying in a desert. A desert.
Checking the time, his domain told him 7:24 P.M., UTC, Sahara.
Percy cursed audibly.
What the hell did you get up to last night!?
Percy winced at Tempus' tone of voice.
"Look man, I'm sorry, I didn't know Apollo would be so… um…"
And look where that got us. See if you can find Ju- Zeus or Apollo.
Percy nodded and started to look. At first, he didn't see anything, but then he finally saw a pair of feet protruding from the sand. Shaking his head, he walked over and pulled on the leg.
"AAAH!"
Percy fell back and laughed when he saw Zeus' face.
"For my brother's sake, where the hell are we?"
Percy sighed, "I'm not sure you'll like the answer."
Zeus coughed up sand, "Nephew, where are we?"
"The Sahara Desert, west Africa."
"APOLLO!"
(Break)
Eventually, Percy and Zeus managed to find their way back to Olympus. Flashing usually would have been an option, but they were both still slightly inebriated, and drunk flashing led to dangerous places.
'I don't ever have a desire to meet Nyx again,' Zeus had said.
Due to that fact, they made their way back after 2 oasis merchants, a rather ferocious camel, a greedy sailor, and a gang in New York harbor.
Flashing to Olympus after that required little effort, and so they ended up in the middle of a council meeting.
As soon as they appeared, Apollo burst into laughter.
Percy and Zeus both had dried camel saliva, sand, saltwater, and a crazed look in their eyes.
The other gods started laughing, including Poseidon. "Oh, I wasn't expecting that. Apollo, what did you do to them?"
Apollo grimaced, "Better not to know. I don't even remember. All I remember is a plane, an elephant, and about 15 shots of rum. I woke up several hours ago in London with my head in a dumpster."
Artemis wrinkled her nose and Poseidon grimaced.
"Better not to know then. In all my years I never would have expected my son to get drunk with Zeus and be too tired and inebriated to flash back. This is the most fun I've had in years."
Zeus and Percy grumbled but took their seats. Percy waved his hand and cleaned him and the Sky Lord off, who sent him a nod of appreciation. Zeus glared at Apollo, "Son, one day, you will realize that leaving me in the Sahara was not a good idea, and I will get you back soon enough."
Apollo laughed nervously, "Now, now, Pops, no need to be angry."
Zeus grumbled something that sounded like, "We'll see about that."