It wasn't the food that was the issue, just his appetite. Sitting alone in Aphrodite's palace, Percy picked at his food, unable to stomach the rich, flavourful dishes laid out before him. The goddess herself was sitting opposite him, devouring the same dishes with a gusto that made him feel queasy. Despite her attempts to make conversation and lighten the mood, Percy couldn't shake off his thoughts from the previous day at New Rome. The hurt, the betrayal, and the anger he felt towards the goddess were still fresh in his mind. It wasn't just the taste of the food that was the issue, but the entire experience. The lavish surroundings, the opulence, and the excess seemed to mock the simplicity and humbleness of the demigod's life. She was sitting here, happily wolfing down bacon after bacon, not caring about whatever effects her domain had on others. Perhaps later on in the day, she'd get bored and break up a mortal couple 'for the fun of it.' She'd fall asleep, not caring that somewhere in the world, two mortals are crying their eyes out, unable to drift asleep, and that thought sickened Percy to the core.
Of course it wasn't just Aphrodite's fault. Most of the gods and goddesses were like this, thinking all they could do was righteousness. Aphrodite only came to Percy's mind because… well she was his mentor, and his experiences with love still burned his heart.
"You're not eating," Aphrodite noted, her gaze narrowing. Forcing a fake smile, Percy tried his best to mask his lack of appetite.
"I guess I'm just not feeling it today," he replied, twirling his fork around. Aphrodite didn't seem convinced, her eyes scanning Percy's face for any hint of what was bothering him.
"You weren't here yesterday either," she further noted, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration. "I was waiting for you all night." Percy winced at the reminder, but chose not to respond, instead cutting a piece of bacon and chewing it slowly. The food was nice, of course it was, but he didn't have the same joy of eating it as he did in Camp Jupiter.
"What's wrong, Percy?" she asked, leaning forwards. "Is it something I've done?" Percy hesitated for a moment, before shaking his head slowly.
"Just missing some friends," he lied. The goddess nodded sympathetically.
"Don't forget that as your mentor, I care for you. You can talk to me if anything's bothering you, and I promise to do my best to help."
"I'll bear that in mind." Satisfied with his answer, Aphrodite went back to eating her food. The rest of breakfast was spent in silence, with only the sounds of utensils scraping against plates breaking the quietness.
"So what are the plans for today?" he asked, determined to change the subject. Aphrodite frowned, as she finished her glass of orange juice.
"Well we could go to the River God Numicus and wash away your mortality now," she thought, tapping the counter with her nails. "Although," she continued, her thoughts drifting, "I did want to teach you some more on the art of seduction and godhood… And I should probably take you to visit Poseidon sooner or later, just so that he doesn't think I've turned you into my playtoy and storms my palace." Percy wryly smiled at his Father's antics. Ever since the end of the second gigantomachy, Poseidon had been trying his best to ensure Percy's life would be nothing but sunshine and rainbows, going so far as to even help organise a date for him and Annabeth in Spain. He really was a caring father, even if he didn't always have the time to spend with Percy.
"We may not show it, but a lot of us gods do care for our children a lot more than you'd think," the goddess said, a light smile on her lips.
"How'd you do that?" Percy asked. Aphrodite tilted her head slightly, her lustrous hair cascading over her shoulder.
"Do what?" she replied, feigning innocence, although a mischievous glint danced in her eyes.
"Oh don't play games with me. How did you read my mind? Is that some godly power which I'll unlock soon enough?" The goddess rolled her eyes, letting out a melodious laugh.
"Firstly, my dear Percy, this isn't like some video game where you can level up and unlock new abilities. Secondly, it's called experience." She sighed at his puzzled face. "Think of it, I've been alive for millenia, witnessing the countless interactions with mortals and immortals. When you're as old as me, you can just look at someone and tell what they're thinking. Take you for example, I knew you were thinking of the stuff your father has done for you ever since the second gigantomachy ended, right?" Percy's face of shock and awe was a giveaway, causing Aphrodite to let out a girly giggle.
"Let's go and visit the River dude," Percy decided, taking his place to the sink for washing. "If I'm a god, I might as well make sure that my mortality never comes to bite me in the back." Aphrodite took a moment to think over his idea, her brows furrowing slightly.
"Hmm, okay!"
"Okay as in we're meeting the River dude…?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of doubt. The goddess's lips curled into a mischievous smile as she nodded.
"Absolutely! But before that, I thought we could spend some time delving deep into the art of seduction," she exclaimed, slapping her hands together excitedly. Percy was sure his groan could be heard from the bottom of Olympus.
"Why bother asking me what I wanted to do if you already had it planned out?"
"To make you feel like your opinion mattered." Percy didn't have the heart to tell her how morally wrong that was, instead watching her clean the plates up with a lazy flick of her hand.
"Impressive isn't it?" she remarked, noticing his gaze upon her..
"I guess so," he responded, shrugging, making a mental note to learn how to do that.
"So where are you gonna teach me?" Percy asked.
"In my bedroom of course!" Aphrodite answered with a hint of jest, making Percy sigh.
"You better not pull any moves on me," he grumbled, following her up the maze of stairs and corridors.
Once they got to the room, Percy's mouth fell lower than the ground. Aphrodite's room was… wow. As soon as he stepped into her bedroom, Percy was overwhelmed by the sheer elegance that surrounded him. The room was a sanctuary of beauty, emitting a serene ambience that seemed to harmonise with the goddess herself. The total area of the bedroom was at least twice the size of his, if not thrice. Soft, ethereal light of Hemera filtered through the billowing curtains, casting a warm glow upon the lavish furniture. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of love and desire… although some were a bit too graphic for his liking. Delicate flowers in vibrant colours were planted around the room, their intoxicating fragrance captivating him.
The centrepiece of the room was an exquisite, ornately carved bed draped with soft, silk fabrics. A myriad of plush cushions and pillows were scattered artistically across the bed, inviting one to sink into their luxurious embrace. Aphrodite flopped straight onto the bed, inviting Percy to join her, but he respectfully declined. If the rumours were true, Aphrodite's bed was the last thing he wanted to sit on.
"So there are a few basic things you need to know before we start." Percy nodded, pulling up a chair to sit in, "There are four main divisions in the art of seduction. We will go over each one and after one division is over, we'll practise what we've learned." Aphrodite looked straight into Percy's eyes, "Finally, at the end of our lessons, we'll practise all of them together in a conversation. Got it?" Percy just shrugged.
"I'm gonna take that as a yes." Aphrodite frowned at his lack of enthusiasm, but began nonetheless.
"The first division," Aphrodite continued, "is the art of allure. It is the ability to captivate and enchant with your presence, drawing others towards you like moths to a flame."
"How do I do that?" he asked.
"Well we have to start with your appearance," she said, eyeing his clothes over with a hint of disgust. "Seriously, Sonic the Hedgehog pyjamas at this time of day?" Percy blushed, slightly flustered by her judgement. He shifted uncomfortably in his attire, suddenly aware of how out of place he seemed in the presence of the goddess of beauty.
"I was in a rush for breakfast…" he mumbled under his breath. The goddess tutted while shifting her position. She leaned forward on the bed, laying down on her stomach with her legs playfully kicking up in the air behind her. Propping herself on her elbows, she cupped her delicate face in her hands, fixing her gaze intently on Percy.
"Those clothes scream one thing at me," she frowned.
"Good taste in video games?"
"No! All I think is a person with no charisma who I would definitely try staying as far away from as possible!" The goddess took a deep breath, calming down. "Look Percy, the clothes you wear give off the first impression. It's essential to nail that first impression, as it sets the foundation for seduction." They were only a few minutes in, yet Percy already realised that this would be a long day.
"You have to have a good sense of fashion to be able to know what types of clothes to wear and in what situations." Unfortunately, Percy knew he had an atrocious sense of fashion. He used to wear the same clothes everyday, after washing it of course.
"Having a good sense of fashion goes beyond simply following trends. It's about understanding what types of clothes suit your personality and the situations you find yourself in. The key is to strike a balance between comfort and capturing attention." She gestured to the left, where an array of Aphrodite's clothing options were neatly hung up, each piece a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship.
"Hugging clothes, while they can be attractive and draw attention, may not be preferred by everyone," the goddess explained. "It's crucial to consider the preferences and personalities of those you wish to seduce. Of course, revealing clothing can also be captivating, but it must be used strategically, teasing rather than revealing everything at once." Aphrodite's mischievous smirk danced across her lips as she playfully suggested, "Have you ever considered going shirtless? It can be quite the attention-grabber."
"What, no!" he sputtered hotly. The goddess chuckled, enjoying his antics.
"Relax my dear, I was merely teasing you, but you must understand that someone is eventually gonna see you shirtless so don't be too freaked out by the idea," she teased. As Percy's face turned even more crimson, Aphrodite's smirk grew bigger.
"Please can we just move on," Percy begged, desperate to get this over and done with as soon as possible.
"Fine, only three more divisions," she said, her face radiant.
"Next, we have the art of persuasion, my second favourite. This division involves the artful use of words, the ability to weave a tapestry of enchanting conversations that leave others hanging on your every word. We will explore the nuances of storytelling, the art of subtle compliments, and the skill of active listening."
"I'm a good listener!" Percy piped up. "Everyone's always said that about me." Aphrodite nodded.
"That's something I can agree on. Why else would you be given the domain of comfort if you couldn't lend an ear to whoever needed it. However, how good are you with compliments?"
"Umm…." he nervously rubbed the back of his head. "I mean I'm alright."
"Compliment me then!" Percy was caught off guard.
"You, why?" The goddess's lips curled into a mischievous smile.
"Well I have to see how good you are one way or another, and unless you're living in the fourth dimension, I'm the only lady here, so go on, shoot your shot!" He pulled a face.
"I can't compliment someone who has nothing to be complimented about, can I?" The goddess mocked hurt, but her eyes were still glimmering.
"Ouch, you wound me, but you're still complimenting me one way or another, so go." He sighed.
"Fine, Aphrodite, you are a very cute person. Their, happy?" Percy's voice wavered with a mix of uncertainty and embarrassment of being put on the spot. He hoped his attempt at a compliment would suffice. However, instead of a straightforward reaction, Aphrodite's eyes widened, before she suddenly burst into laughter. The melodious sound echoed through the room, and Percy couldn't help but feel a little disheartened. Was his complement really that bad?
"Oh my days," she gasped between giggles. "Percy, could you have been any more cringy?" Her laughter eventually subsided, but a smirk still lingered on her face.
"My dear, it seems we have a challenge ahead of us. Compliments are an essential tool in the art of persuasion. They can open doors, melt hearts, and create an atmosphere of warmth and admiration, but they should be subtle and unique, not something out of a corny movie. Come on, I seriously thought you were better than that."
Percy's pride stung a little at Aphrodite's playful admonishment. He crossed his arms and huffed. "Well, it's not like you could do any better," he grumbled, his competitive spirit pushing him to challenge the goddess. Aphrodite's lips curled into a confident smirk, and she leaned in, locking eyes with Percy. Her gaze held a mixture of mischief and determination. "Challenge accepted, Percy," she whispered, her voice laced with a hint of excitement. "Prepare to be dazzled." Percy couldn't help but feel a flicker of anticipation, a spark of curiosity at what Aphrodite had in store for him. He leaned forward, mirroring her posture. As the room seemed to hold its breath, Aphrodite spoke in a low, hypnotising tone.
"Percy, you have a steadfast courage that ignites the hearts of those around you. Your determination and unwavering loyalty are like beacons, guiding others through the darkest of times. Your selfless acts of bravery inspire hope and remind us all of the power of compassion." Percy's eyes widened, captivated by Aphrodite's words. He had never heard such a profound compliment before, one that reached beyond his physical appearances and touched the core of his being. Aphrodite's ability to evoke emotions through her choice of words was nothing short of enchanting, but she wasn't done yet.
"And Percy, your humility is a rare treasure. In a world where egos often overshadow authenticity, your modesty shines like a guiding star. You possess a genuine warmth that draws people towards you, making them feel seen, valued, and understood." He felt a swell of emotion within him, touched by her praise. Aphrodite leaned back, a triumphant smile playing on her lips.
"Still think that I can't do better?" Her eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and satisfaction. Percy chose not to respond, too stubborn to admit defeat.
"What you need to remember is compliments should not only focus on physical attributes. They can delve deeper, acknowledging someone's intelligence, kindness, or even their unique quirks. It's the art of making someone feel seen and appreciated." Percy nodded as he absorbed her words.
"Try again," she said. This time, he didn't argue.
"Aphrodite," Percy began, "I appreciate your… your radiant beauty and the grace with which you manage to carry yourself," he managed to say, his voice laced with sincerity and awkwardness. The goddess tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with amusement.
"I'll give you credit for your attempt," she eventually giggled.
"Moving on to the third division, we have the art of mystery. This division embraces the appeal of the unknown, the magnetic pull of intrigue and enigma. We'll focus on the realms of subtle hints, playful teasing, and the delicate dance of revealing just enough to ignite curiosity." Percy groaned in confusion.
"Why would anyone want to be mysterious?" he asked.
"Well the person is always eager to learn more about you, it's a human reaction, and so they get closer to you, and when they do, you start to subtly weaken them." Percy instantly frowned.
"That's misleading, deceiving, and just a horrible thing to do. It's against everything I stand for!" He stared daggers at her, praying that she would take it back, and say she slipped out the wrong word, but no.
"Relax Percy," she tried to reason. "It's not like we're doing anything bad. Besides, you've gotta understand that there are people who take advantage of you. Why just sit there and do nothing about it when you can use them?" Percy snorted. "And be like them? No thank you." Aphrodite sighed, not having a comeback.
"Alright, alright, you win, but at least listen to what I have to say," she pleaded.
"What, no! I don't condone these actions, and I want nothing to do with them! This lesson is over as far as I'm aware!" Aphrodite's pout returned, her bottom lip jutting out in a mockingly exaggerated display of disappointment.
"Aww, but we haven't even done the last division-" she protested, but Percy was having none of it.
"No, this isn't a joke Aphrodite, this is real people you're trying to manipulate and mould into whatever you want to be."
"What's wrong with that?" For a moment, Percy couldn't believe his ears. If it wasn't for her dead serious expression, he'd say she was trying to pull his leg. Taking a deep breath, he tried explaining to her.
"You want to act friendly to someone, pretend you care for them, get them to fall head over heels for you, but in the end, it's all a game right? All you're doing is toying with emotions and deceiving them, taking what you want and throwing them away, like trash." She opened her mouth, but Percy was on a roll.
"And d'you wanna know what the worst thing is? You think it's romantic. This is exactly what happened with Piper's dad. You left him infatuated, unable to move on from your enchantment, but did you ever consider the consequences? Did you care about the wreckage left behind? To you, it's all just a game, a means of amusement, but for those caught in the web of your manipulations, it's a world of pain and heartache." Silence settled between them, thick with tension and unspoken truths. Percy's words hung in the air, challenging the very foundations of Aphrodite's beliefs.
"If you think seduction is so bad, then why agree to learn it in the first place?" she finally asked. Percy shrugged.
"The reason I'm stuck with you is because Zeus wants us to build stronger bonds, and I suppose because our domains of comfort and love are intertwined. I figured why not give you a chance? Maybe you're not as heartless and inconsiderate as I thought."
"Heartless… Is that really all you think of me?" Her voice held a touch of sadness, as if she had grown weary of the misconceptions that surrounded her. Once again, he shrugged.
"I don't know, okay. I want us to move on and to be good friends, but it seems like every time we make the tiniest progress forward, you bring it crashing down again." The goddess sighed, her delicate fingers massaging her temples as if she was trying to ease the tension within her.
"Percy, Artemis and Apollo fight with bows and arrows. Athena wields a mighty spear. Poseidon commands the power of the trident. Zeus brandishes his master bolt. Even Dionysus, in his madness, possesses a weapon of sorts. Seduction, for me, is simply my chosen tool, my weapon in the realm of love and desire."
"But you use it wrongly," he insisted. "It's not about the tool itself, but how it's wielded. Seduction, when misused, can lead to heartbreak, manipulation, and shattered trust, and that's where I struggle to reconcile my perception of you as my mentor. You seem to revel in the idea of breaking hearts, dismissing it as something romantic." He didn't understand how it was possible for someone to be so naïve and uneducated on such a simple matter. Aphrodite held so much wisdom behind her eyes, yet she still believed her way of seduction was such a good thing.
They were saved by the doorbell. The shrill ring jolted both Aphrodite and Percy.
"I'll get it," Aphrodite muttered, getting up from the bed. Percy followed her, sprinting down the fleets of stairs. When Aphrodite opened the door, Percy was confused. He recognised the voice, of course he did, but what was she doing here?
"Hello Aphrodite," the newcomer greeted, her tone composed.
"Athena?" Aphrodite replied, slightly perplexed. "What brings you here?" Athena's eyes gleamed with intelligence and hidden motives as she responded
"Can't I have a reason to pop by my fellow Olympian's palace?" Aphrodite frowned.
A flicker of suspicion crossed Aphrodite's features as she furrowed her brow. "We both know you don't just 'pop around' for a casual tea and chit-chat. So, why don't you enlighten me about your true intentions?"
"Can I come in?" Athena asked, avoiding the question and trying to enter but Aphrodite was blocking the door.
"First tell me why you're really here." Defeated, Athena sighed.
"I actually came to talk to Perseus."
"What?"
"Well how about you let me come in and then I'll be able to explain," the goddess gritted through her teeth irritatedly, before Aphrodite finally stepped to the side, letting Athena in.
"Ah Percy, good you're already here, come take a seat," Athena greeted, somewhat coldly. Not even asking for permission, she sat down on one of Aphrodite's sofas. "Oh don't worry, this is Aphrodite's special sofa, she would never make it dirty," she added, noticing his uneasy expression. With a sigh, Percy plopped down into the plush cushions next to her. He couldn't help but glance at Aphrodite, who stood nearby, watching the scene unfold with a blend of curiosity and guarded caution.
"So what's the problem," Aphrodite began. Ignoring Aphrodite's rush, Athena took her time, yawning and stretching her arms.
"Well obviously, I'm sure everyone is aware that Percy is now a god-"
"Athena, pick up the pace or I'll get my son to shoot another arrow at you!"
"Another?" Percy asked curiously. Now it was Aphrodite's turn to smile mischievously.
"Oh, my dear Percy, you must understand that Eros finds joy in stirring up trouble among us gods. As for Athena, well, let's just say love has its ways of reaching even the most stoic and wise. Almost every maiden goddess has been hit by my son's arrows, although unfortunately no vows have been broken."
"Thank you, but that's enough," the goddess said sternly, redirecting the conversation back to the matter at hand. "I'm here because I have some free time today and figured why not use this time to build Percy's palace." For a moment, he felt his jaw drop in shock.
"P-palace?" Percy stammered, his voice barely a whisper, his disbelief evident. Athena rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin.
"Yes, Percy, a palace. Almost every god gets a palace. Of course, it won't be as grand as those of the Olympian gods, but there is a spot reserved for your sanctuary on Palati Road." Percy sat in stunned silence, his mind reeling from the magnitude of what he was hearing. The realisation that he had become a god was still sinking in, and now he was being offered a palace on Olympus?
"Aphrodite, once Percy returns back to this world and overcomes his shock, tell him I'll send an architect of mine to meet him on Palati Road in half an hour." Athena stood up, giving him a wry smile.
"Tell Percy that he can't be walking around Olympus in blue hedgehog pyjamas. No one will ever take him seriously dressed like that." The goddess tutted. "And here I was thinking you had style, Aphrodite." With a final flick of her golden tresses, Athena gracefully turned on her heel, her smirk a mix of amusement and confidence. She walked toward the exit of Aphrodite's palace, her steps bathed in the warm glow of Olympus' sunlight.
The first thing Aphrodite did once Athena left was glare daggers at him. Once that phase was over, the second thing she did was grab him by the arm and drag him up the stairs, ignoring his protests of complaint.
"You just had to make me look bad in front of her, didn't you?" Aphrodite hissed. "I told you, Sonic the freaking hedgehog pyjamas are not what us immortals wear. Keep this up and you'll become a joke in the mortal and divine world." Percy grumbled.
"Can you at least loosen your grip on me?" he asked in a hopeful tone. "Okay, just tell me where we're going."
"We're going up to my dress room, and you're not leaving until you're dressed adequately for a protégé of Aphrodite." He sighed, too tired to argue with her. Resigned to his fate, Percy let her guide him through her palace, until they reached a set of double doors, adorned with golden accents. Pushing the door open with a flourish, the two of them entered the room. Inside was a vision of elegance and beauty. Percy marvelled at the array of gowns, robes, and garments that decorated the room. Racks of clothes filled every available space, displaying a myriad of colours, fabrics, and styles. The air was imbued with the delicate scent of perfumes, each one capturing a different facet of desire and allure.
"Welcome to my sanctuary," Aphrodite whispered, her voice filled with a mix of pride and possessiveness. "This is where I create and curate the essence of beauty itself." He nodded, still in shock at how someone could even own these many clothes.
"Now Percy," Aphrodite purred, a glint in her eyes, "it's time to turn you into a vision of divine charm." Releasing her grip on Percy's arm the goddess went straight to a section of clothes and quickly flicked through them. He flexed his arm gingerly, his blood flowing freely once again, and glanced around the room.
"So, what do you have in mind?" Percy ventured, trying to make small talk. Although she was facing away from him, Percy knew that Aphrodite's lips were curled into a smile.
"Percy, patience my dear. Let me find what I'm looking for in peace." He nodded awkwardly, shoving his hands into his pockets and watching Aphrodite bounce from clothes rack to clothes rack. Her fingers delicately glided across the fabrics, as she carefully selected a few key pieces. When the goddess finally returned to him, she had a full gear picked out for him.
"This," she declared, "is the embodiment of refined elegance. Not only will it make your features stand out, but if the nymphs aren't all squawking at you, I've done something wrong.
"I don't want the nymphs squawking at me though…" he tried explaining, but she waved his protests off.
"Too late for that, you should've chosen something better to wear earlier when you had the chance. Now put this on!" The goddess shoved a bag of clothes into his hand, shooing him into one of her changing rooms. Percy quickly shut the curtains, before changing into what Aphrodite had picked out. To give her credit, she'd chosen some nice stuff. Percy was now wearing navy sweatpants, and a dark blue shirt. He couldn't help but marvel at his reflection. The clothes clung to his form, exaggerating his muscles and generally making him look good. Plus, Percy didn't know what perfumes Aphrodite had put in there, but gods, did it smell intoxicating.
As he walked back to Aphrodite, the goddess's eyes lit up with approval. She circled him, studying every angle and detail with a discerning gaze. Her lips curved into a satisfied smile, a glimmer of mischief dancing in her eyes.
"When it comes to clothes, I'm never wrong," she remarked, her voice laced with pride. "I mean just look at how these clothes highlight your natural charm and masculinity. You have transformed from a mere Sonic fanboy to a captivating figure that will surely capture hearts." Percy blushed at the compliment, feeling a mixture of pride and bashfulness. He didn't even complain as Aphrodite reached out and adjusted his collar, smoothing out a few wrinkles here and there.
"There, my dear, you are a vision. Now, let's complete the transformation," Aphrodite declared, a twinkle of excitement in her eyes. She motioned for Percy to follow her to a vanity table adorned with an array of cosmetics, brushes, and scented oils. With expert precision, Aphrodite began applying a godly cream onto his face in round circles. She brushed his hair back, taming unruly strands and creating a look of effortless charm.
"Now for the finishing touch," the goddess murmured, her fingertips brushing against an array of scented oils. Carefully, she selected a delicate vial and uncorked it, releasing a tantalising fragrance into the air. Percy watched as she applied a hint of the fragrant oil to his pulse points, allowing the intoxicating scent to mingle with his natural aura. The aroma was a blend of earthy notes, crisp citrus, and a hint of exotic florals—an olfactory masterpiece crafted by Aphrodite herself. Normally he'd never let anyone dictate what we wore, much less allow them to brush his hair and rub cream all over his face, but there was something different about Aphrodite this time. It seemed that she genuinely cared for Percy, and didn't have an ulterior motive. Besides, Percy didn't have the heart to tell her how in a matter of minutes, all her hard work on his hair would be lost. Messy hair was simply his identity, and he couldn't do anything to stop it.
Aphrodite stepped back, her eyes sparkling with pride.
"Mmm see the simple power of clothes, my protégé? Now you're a force to be reckoned with, a true embodiment of divine elegance and charm."
"Thank you, Aphrodite," Percy said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "But on a serious side note, don't comb my hair again." The goddess flashed a cheeky smile before smirking, "No promises."
Stepping out of the palace, Percy's senses became heightened as he took a sniff. The air carried a distinct scent of ambrosia, intermingling with the delicate fragrance of celestial blooms that lined the way. Soft melodies and hymns drifted on the breeze, creating an otherworldly harmony.
"Do you know where Palati road is?" Percy asked his mentor. The goddess grinned.
"Did Athena seriously leave you with no instructions on how to get there?" he sheepishly nodded.
"Either Athena thought you somehow learned your way around Olympus in a week, or she did this on purpose to annoy you. Having known her for millenia, it's probably the latter, but fear not, my dear protégé, because that's what I'm here for!" Percy gave her a small smile, but there was still an awkward tension between them. Their argument earlier hadn't been dealt with properly, and Percy knew that the two needed to have a long talk when he came back.
"Alright, so how am I getting there?"
"It's fairly straightforward actually," the goddess began. "You're gonna go left, down to the bottom of the road, then take a right and walk till you reach Hera's garden. Take another left and keep walking. Athena's architect should be somewhere at the end of that road. You know where you're going then?"
"No…?" he mumbled.
"Great! Have a good time and I'll see you when you get back!" Giving her a mock glare, Percy turned left and began the neverending walk down one of Olympus's longest roads.
The only good thing about long walks like this, were that they were perfect opportunities to spend some time thinking and reflecting. Percy's mind immediately drifted towards Aphrodite. His mentor was a very complicated subject. Percy's feelings about Aphrodite were as mixed as a bag of ambrosia-flavoured jelly beans. One one hand, Percy genuinely thought she cared about him. She always made sure he looked his best, treated him to delicious meals fit for a king, and provided some decent company. There were moments when Percy caught glimpses of a softer side to the goddess. However, there was a catch. Aphrodite had a stubborn streak wider than the River Styx. Her belief in her own faultlessness definitely made Percy rethink his opinions on her a lot. He couldn't forget her casual attitude toward manipulating unsuspecting people for her own amusement. It clashed with Percy's morality and created a rift between them that he couldn't ignore. Oh gods, if his mother ever found out about Aphrodite's beliefs… Sally Jackson was a force of nature, a mortal whirlwind of determination and fierce love. The barriers of Olympus would crumble in the face of her wrath if she ever found out. Percy couldn't help but chuckle at the mental image of his mum standing before Aphrodite, hands on her hips, delivering a lecture so brutal that it would put Zeus's thunderbolts to shame. With a lighthearted grin, Percy turned left, passing Hera's garden.
The other problem was that he still didn't know if he could even trust the goddess. With all his heart, Percy would love nothing more than to be able to call Aphrodite a true friend, but he wasn't sure he ever could. Countless times, she'd disturbed his love life for her own amusement. Each time, she shattered his affection like fragile glass, leaving behind shards of heartache and disappointment. Sure, she had sworn an oath upon the sacred waters of the Styx to never do it again, but even immortals, with their lofty status and divine powers, were not immune to the temptations of breaking vows. Percy and Thalia were living proof of that. There was an unspoken weight that hung between them, a veil of uncertainty that neither dared to address directly. Trust, once shattered, was a fragile seed that struggled to take root and grow. Percy yearned for the day when he could confidently call Aphrodite his ally, a true friend, yet, he couldn't ignore the lingering doubt that whispered caution in his ear.
Percy snapped out of his thoughts as he bumped into a satyr.
"Excuse me," the satyr huffed, his voice hinged with a hint of frustration.
"Oh sorry, I wasn't really paying attention," Percy admitted sheepishly. The satyr's expression softened.
"An apologising god? That's new." He couldn't help but chuckle at the satyr's shock.
"Well, I guess there's a first time for everything," he replied, his voice laced with amusement. "How did you know I was a god?" The satyr chuckled.
"Word travels fast, especially with a drunk Hermes on the loose and Aphrodite boasting about you to every soul she meets." Lightly laughing, Percy continued walking past. He was now on Palati road, walking past the magnificent palaces. Percy figured his palace would probably be built at the end of the road and continued his walk, marvelling at the giant structures looming on either side of him. It seemed him and Jason had finally made sure the minor gods were gaining respect. Percy was seeing palaces for god's he'd never even heard of before. Eris, the mischievous goddess of discord, had a palace that radiated an aura of unpredictability and chaos. Zagreus, a god he'd never heard of in his life, boasted a palace that seemed to blend seamlessly with the shadows, evoking mystery and intrigue. The deity of oblivion and forgetfulness, Lethe, resided in a palace enveloped in an ethereal mist, a constant reminder of the eroding power of time. Horkos, the personification of oaths, had a fortress-like palace, symbolising the unwavering strength and integrity of promises made. Even Elpis, the goddess of hope, had a palace adorned with vibrant flowers and shimmering rainbows, an embodiment of optimism and renewal. Seeing these structures filled Percy with excitement. He was eager to see how his would turn out. At least then he'd have somewhere else to stay when Aphrodite was up to her activities…
As he finally reached the end of the road, Percy was momentarily confused. Right next to Styx's palace, there was a big gap, as if intentionally left vacant for another structure, yet there was no architect. Confusion washed over him, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. Dumbfounded, he stared around, looking like a lost child. Athena seemed like the last type of goddess to pull pranks, so where was his designer? There was no chance Athena would ever be late to something, right?
As his mind whirled with unanswered questions, a sharp slap on the back of his head jolted Percy out of his reverie. He spun around, a mixture of annoyance and surprise etched on his face, only to come face to face with a person whose familiar blonde, curly hair sent a surge of recognition through him. A mischievous grin adorned the person's face.
"Annabeth?"
Okay, so I've decided to go for a slower romance in this book, meaning I'm going to spend the next few chapters doing some world building and setting the scene.
I also got some advice where someone said Percy still thinks too perfectly of Annabeth, which is why the next chapter is the last chapter where Annabeth will have any role. Percy and Annabeth are finally going to get closure on their relationship so they can both move on.
Apologies for the late chapter, but I've been busy with exams. Not next week, but the week after is when I should be able to resume my pattern of updating every other week. As always, I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and please, please do leave a review, even if it's short!