Ch.10
All rights belong to Riordan
The hero gods stood frozen, their disbelief mirrored in their wide-eyed stares at Percy's prone form. Reyna, propelled by instinct, broke the silence by leaping into action. She scrambled down into the crater formed by Percy's fall, cautiously navigating the debris to reach him.
As Reyna attempted to extract him from the rubble, the others snapped out of their shock, rallying around her to lend their strength. Piper, holding onto Zoe, tried to provide some comfort amidst the chaos, though the sight of Percy's wailing daughter tore at her heart.
Together, they struggled to lift Percy's body, each step a heavy burden on their hearts, as they made their way towards the exit of the auditorium. Suddenly, Poseidon burst into the scene, his presence commanding attention and instilling a sense of urgency in their efforts.
Poseidon's gaze swept over the scene, his expression a mix of concern and determination as he took in the sight of the gods grappling with Percy's limp form. Without hesitation, he surged forward, relieving them of their burden and lifting Percy's body with an effortless strength.
His eyes scanned the group, a flicker of anger creeping into his features as he realized someone crucial was missing. "Where is Annabeth?" his voice reverberated with fury, sending a shiver down the spines of those present. The group exchanged worried glances, realizing they hadn't noticed her absence until now.
Just then, Annabeth burst through the door, clutching a bag tightly. Her breaths came in hurried gasps as she scanned the scene before her, her eyes widening in shock and fear at the sight of Percy's motionless body before she sprinted towards the group.
"What happened?! She asked frantically. Poseidon's eyes narrowed at her tone. "You tell me Annabeth, you were the only one unaccounted for when someone blew up Percy and Artemis's room with greek fire and sent Percy through the glass window."
Annabeth's eyes widened as she realized what Posiedon was getting at. "It wasn't me, I went to the bathroom and got snacks for all of us."
Annabeth's hands shook as she held out the bag, her gaze pleading with Jason to confirm her innocence. Jason hesitated for a moment before cautiously taking the bag, his eyes scanning its contents. "It's true," he confirmed, relief evident in his voice. "She brought back snacks, just like she said." Poseidon's expression softened slightly, though the worry etched into his features remained palpable. He turned his attention back to Percy's unconscious form, his mind racing with thoughts of who could have orchestrated such a sinister attack.
At that pivotal moment, the other Olympians rushed into the room with a sense of urgency. "Brother, give us Percy. Hephaestus needs your help putting out the Greek fire," Zeus commanded, his voice echoing with authority. Poseidon's expression shifted, torn between his worry for Percy before seeing the distress evident on Artemis's face. Eventually, he relented, nodding solemnly before passing Percy's body to Zeus and hastening back the way they came.
Zeus swiftly pivoted to address the gathered heroes and gods, his tone decisive and commanding. "Hero gods and Olympians, return to the throne room immediately. Minor gods, search the building for whoever did this." With his final directive, Zeus vanished from the room in a flash, setting the pace for the others to follow suit, leaving a sense of anger lingering in the air.
When everyone had gathered in the throne room, Artemis had immediately gone to Zoe's side to relieve Piper of her wailing daughter. Zeus had put Percy on a stretcher and watched over Apollo as he frantically did whatever he could to help the demigod.
As Apollo diligently tended to Percy's injuries, Zeus sat upon his throne, gestured for the others to join him in seated reverence. Once they all were settled, they awaited the arrival of Poseidon and Hephaestus. As the two finally entered, Zeus wasted no time in assuming command of the gathering. "Now that we're all present, let us begin," Zeus declared, his voice resonating with authority and anger at the evenings events. "Apollo, what's his condition." "If I'm being honest, Father," Apollo responded, his voice strained with the weight of the situation, "I have no idea how he's still breathing. He endured a direct blast from Greek fire, then plummeted several stories before crashing to the ground. The fact that he's alive is nothing short of a miracle."
Zoe's anguished wails pierced the air, her cries heart-wrenching. Artemis gathered her daughter in a desperate embrace, trying to offer solace in the face of overwhelming grief. Despite her attempts to provide comfort, she felt the weight of helplessness settle in her heart. She wanted to joinZoe in tears, but she knew that her daughter needed her strength now more than ever. And so, Artemis held back her own anguish, pouring every ounce of her being into supporting Zoe through her pain.
Zeus's expression turned grim as he glanced at Poseidon, noting the fierce anger etched upon his brother's face, a rage that seemed to mirror the tempestuous fury of the sea itself. It was a sight Zeus had seldom witnessed, and it spoke volumes of Poseidon's tumultuous emotions.
"When I find out who did this, they are going to die," Poseidon growled through clenched teeth, his words laden with a menacing promise that reverberated through the room like a hurricane.
Zeus was on the verge of speaking when Apollo's frantic shout pierced the air.
"Father, I'm losing him!" Apollo's voice trembled with urgency, his distress palpable as he struggled to stem the tide of Percy's fading life force.
In one swift motion, Poseidon leaped from his throne. With the swift brandishing of his trident, he summoned the power of the sea, weaving currents of water around Percy like a protective cocoon. The liquid enclosure shimmered and undulated, as he worked fervently to preserve Percy's dwindling vitality.
Apollo's efforts persisted, his hands moving with desperate determination in an attempt to reverse Percy's fate. Yet, despite his unwavering resolve, a heavy silence descended upon the room, broken only by Apollo's despondent admission.
"He's gone," Apollo's voice cracked with sorrow, his head bowing in defeat as the weight of loss settled upon him like a crushing burden.
Poseidon, overwhelmed by grief, collapsed to his knees, the agony of loss contorting his features as he unleashed a primal scream of anguish. With a sudden, violent motion, he thrust his trident into the ground with a resounding clang before vanishing into a swirling mist of sea green, leaving behind a palpable sense of sorrow and emptiness in his wake.
Artemis stood frozen, her usually composed demeanor shattered by the weight of grief that engulfed her. Percy, the man who held her heart and the father of her only child, was now lost to the void of eternity she so desperately feared losing him to.
Meanwhile, Zoe's cries had ceased, replaced by a haunting silence that echoed through the chamber. She had retreated so deeply within herself that even the gods feared they might not be able to draw her back from the abyss of despair that now consumed her.
The other gods surveyed the scene, their expressions a tumultuous blend of fury and despair, mirrored in the depths of their eyes and etched upon their faces like ancient runes of anguish. Among them, the hero gods stood in stoic silence, their usual vitality subdued by the weight of grief that hung heavy in the air. Annabeth, in particular, bore the brunt of devastation, her features twisted in a mask of brokenness that spoke volumes of the shattered pieces of her soul.
Zeus remained seated upon his throne, his countenance a canvas of shock and horror as he grappled with the gravity of the situation. His voice, though commanding, carried an undercurrent of unease as he issued his decree.
"Nobody leaves this room until we get answers on what happened," Zeus declared, his tone brooking no argument as he demanded accountability in the wake of tragedy.
Turning his attention to Hephaestus, Zeus sought answers amidst the chaos that had unfolded. "Hephaestus, what caused this explosion?" he inquired, his gaze piercing as he awaited the blacksmith god's response.
Hephaestus leaned forward, his brow furrowed in contemplation as he recounted the events leading up to the devastating blast. "I don't know for sure," he admitted, his voice tinged with frustration, "but it seemed to originate from the couch, which aligns with Artemis's account."
Pausing to rub his weary forehead, Hephaestus weighed his words carefully before continuing. "Whoever orchestrated this was either targeting Artemis and inadvertently harmed Percy, or they knew ahead of time of Percy's attendance with Artemis," he stated firmly.
"In either scenario, it suggests that the explosion was either a tragic accident or a deliberate act committed by an Olympian against Percy, Artemis, or both," Hephaestus concluded, his words hanging heavy in the air as the gods grappled with the unsettling truth of his revelation.
Zeus's fury blazed like a tempest, his teeth clenched in a visage of seething rage as he gripped the armrests of his throne with a force that threatened to splinter them. The very air crackled with the intensity of his wrath, a storm brewing within the confines of the chamber.
No matter the perpetrator, whether Artemis had been the intended target or if treachery lurked within the ranks of the Olympians, he would tolerate neither the notion of his beloved daughter being subjected to harm nor the betrayal of trust among his own kin.
"We will resume this discussion tomorrow. Everyone, depart for now," Zeus commanded with a tone that brooked no dissent. As the gods dispersed in flashes of divine light, Apollo remained behind, his duty clear as he watched over Percy's lifeless form until Poseidon's return.
Artemis, her heart heavy with grief, scooped up Zoe into her embrace, cradling her daughter close as she made her way to Apollo's side.
"Apollo.. Why?" Artemis asked, barely holding it together. Apollo sighed in resignation before looking at his twin. "Im the god of truth, I knew from the first meeting that something was up with Zoe's birth. When both of you said you didn't know, I could tell that wasn't true." Artemis looked confused.
"At first I thought you guys were lying and you had actually broken your oath but just didn't want to admit it. But then I realized you actually didn't know what had transpired, even if what you thought happened wasn't entirely true."
Artemis's confusion morphed into a mixture of surprise and realization as Apollo's words sank in, shedding light on his motivations and the depth of his anguish.
"So, all this time..." Artemis trailed off, her voice tinged with both incredulity and a dawning understanding. "You were hoping that by putting pressure on Percy, he would reveal the truth about Zoe's birth."
Apollo's nod confirmed her suspicion, his expression weighted with the burden of his revelation.
"It wasn't until our recent discussion about our premiere partners that I finally grasped the extent of what had occured," Apollo admitted, his voice heavy. "While I don't have all the answers, I know that there is more to Zoe's birth than meets the eye. Neither you nor Percy may be aware of the full truth, but I am certain that the story you've accepted up until today isn't entirely accurate."
Artemis nodded numbly, her emotions swirling like a tempest within her as she gazed upon Percy's lifeless form. She fought to contain the flood of tears threatening to consume her, but despite her efforts, some managed to escape, tracing silent paths down her cheeks.
Feeling the weight of her sorrow, Apollo enveloped Artemis and Zoe in a tender embrace, offering what solace he could amidst the overwhelming grief that engulfed them. Artemis leaned into her brother's embrace, finally allowing herself to surrender to the cathartic release of tears that had been building within her.
Once her tears had subsided and she found a measure of solace, Artemis rose to depart with Zoe, intending to return home to Olympus. However, she paused when she noticed that Apollo had not moved from Percy's side.
"Aren't you going home, brother?" she inquired gently, her voice laced with concern.
Apollo shook his head, his gaze fixed on Percy's still form. "I will watch over him until Uncle returns," he replied solemnly.
Artemis nodded in understanding before flashing away with Zoe, leaving Apollo to keep his silent vigil over Percy's body.
The next morning dawned with a pall of exhaustion hanging over Artemis, her sleepless night marked by tears and turmoil. Despite her best efforts to compose herself, the evidence of her distress lingered in the form of dark circles beneath her eyes and the weight of sorrow etched into her features. Summoned by her father's call for an emergency meeting, Artemis hastily made her way to the throne room, her heart heavy with anticipation and dread. She hoped that amidst the chaos of the previous night, they might glean some semblance of understanding about what had transpired. However, as she entered the chamber, a sense of foreboding washed over her, chilling her to the core. What greeted her was a scene of utter devastation, far worse than she could have imagined. The room was in disarray, the air thick with tension and the murmurs of concerned gods. Artemis's blood ran cold as she took in the sight before her, her mind racing with fear and uncertainty about what horrors awaited her within the confines of the throne room.
The gods had congregated around Apollo, their expressions a mixture of concern and disbelief as they looked upon him sitting against a pillar, his appearance bearing the scars of a battle. Artemis's heart clenched with dread as she approached her brother, her voice trembling with apprehension as she posed the question that weighed heavily on her mind.
"What happened?" she implored, her gaze searching Apollo's weary eyes for answers.
Apollo struggled to lift his head, weariness etched into every line of his face as he met Artemis's gaze with a pained look. "Percy's gone," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper, heavy with the weight of grief and pain.
Artemis's head snapped up, her eyes widening in shock as she followed Apollo's gaze to the stretcher where Percy's body had lain. Her breath caught in her throat as she realized with a sinking dread that the stretcher now lay empty, the absence of Percy's lifeless form sending a shiver down her spine. "What do you mean hes gone? What happened?!"
Apollo took a few pained breaths before replying. "I was watching over his body, when it randomly started to glow. His eyes opened, exhibiting a bright golden light like I do when I reveal my divine form. A tornado whipped around his body, pushing me away. I tried to fight it but I got blown back by a blast of energy. When I came to, his body was gone."
Artemis paled as she thought about what to do. What was she gonna tell Zoe? Or the hero gods? Or even Percy's mom?
Line break
Percy felt like shit. He felt like he had just been thrown into an active volcano, dragged out and thrown down the mountainside, and then dragged back up and thrown back in. When he opened his eyes, he groaned before sitting up.
He looked around the room, staring confused at the decor. It was a vibrant sky blue, with see through floor panels. Looking around, he noticed the door and inched his way through it. Once he exited the room and looked down the long hallway, he slowly made his way through it.
As Percy pushed open the heavy doors that stood at the end of the hallway, their weight straining against his tired muscles, he stepped into a room and was immediately transfixed by the surreal sight that greeted him. The entire chamber seemed to dissolve into transparency, revealing the vast expanse of the night sky beyond its walls. Percy's breath caught in his throat as he took in the breathtaking panorama, his senses overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the celestial spectacle. Lost in wonder, Percy scarcely noticed the figure seated upon a throne at the room's center, his attention wholly consumed by the ethereal beauty that surrounded him. It was only when the man cleared his throat, the sound cutting through the reverent silence, that Percy was jolted back to reality. Startled, Percy tore his gaze away from the mesmerizing view and turned to face the man who awaited him. With hesitant steps, he approached, his senses still reeling from the surreal experience of floating amidst the heavens.
"Who are you?" Percy asked. The man laughed before smiling. "I am Ouranos, welcome to my court Percy." Percy gasped before quickly dropping onto a knee. "Why am I here?" Percy asked.
"It's because of your daughter," Ouranos replied.
Percy's head whipped up as he looked at the primordial in confusion. What would Zoe have to do with this?
Ouranos's laughter echoed through the celestial chamber, his amusement evident as Percy's words echoed his own thoughts.
"I would assume the sky, based off the fact it feels like I'm standing on clouds," Percy replied, his voice tinged with a mixture of uncertainty and awe.
Ouranos's grin widened at Percy's astute observation. "Yes, Percy, you are in the sky," he confirmed, his tone filled with amusement at Percy's realization. "And the reason you are here is indeed because of Zoe, your daughter, and Zoe, your old friend."
Percy's eyes widened in astonishment at the mention of Zoe, his mind racing with questions and curiosity. He turned in anticipation, half-expecting to see his old friend materialize before him in the shimmering expanse of the celestial court.
However, the chamber remained empty save for Percy and Ouranos, leaving Percy to ponder the cryptic words of the primordial deity and the mysterious connection between his daughter and his old friend.
Ouranos shook his head at Percy, prompting him to turn his attention back to the man. "This is where Artemis sent Zoe all those years ago when she passed. Eventually, she wanted to leave and try for rebirth in the hope she would end up in Artemis's service again."
Percy nodded, his brows furrowed in confusion as he tried to decipher Ouranos's intentions. "Instead of taking the chance, I offered her the opportunity to return to Artemis, not as a random demigod, but as her daughter," Ouranos continued, his voice laden with profound significance.
Percy's eyes widened in stunned disbelief, the implications of Ouranos's revelation hitting him like a thunderbolt. "My daughter... Zoe after rebirth," he murmured incredulously, his mind reeling at the revelation that his dear friend was now his own flesh and blood, reunited through the cycle of life and rebirth.
"Why would you do that for her?" Percy questioned, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and gratitude.
Ouranos's smile softened, carrying a weight of understanding and compassion. "Because I could see the pain in her eyes grow as the years passed, confined to watching Artemis and her sisters from afar, unable to reach them," he explained, his voice imbued with a sense of empathy for Zoe's plight. "When she finally reached her breaking point, I wanted to offer her something as a token of gratitude for the years of service she devoted to me."
Percy absorbed Ouranos's words, a swell of gratitude welling up within him for the primordial's kindness towards Zoe.
"Zoe doesn't remember her last life, does she?" Percy inquired tentatively, his gaze searching for confirmation.
Ouranos shook his head slightly, a solemn expression clouding his features. "Not on her own, no," he confirmed. "I can return her memories to her in the form of dreams if you and Artemis would like, or you can leave them as they are. Memories of your old friend."
"If we agreed to do that, would Zoe's old personality take over, or would she just have the memories but she would still be our Zoe?" Percy's voice held a note of concern, his gaze fixed on Ouranos as he awaited clarification.
Ouranos pondered the question thoughtfully, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "It's definitely possible," he admitted, "but a workaround to that would be for me to give Zoe a Roman form. As she technically will be a godling, she's able to have one."
A glimmer of hope sparked in Percy's eyes as he listened intently to Ouranos's explanation.
"So, on her 18th birthday when she ascends to immortality, she could be given a Roman form that embodies her old personality," Ouranos continued, his voice carrying a sense of reassurance. "Meanwhile, your Zoe would remain as the dominant Greek one, preserving the essence of who she is while honoring the memories of her past life."
Percy's heart swelled with gratitude at the prospect of preserving Zoe's identity while allowing her to reclaim the memories of her former self.
Percy's mind buzzed with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, grappling with the weight of the decisions that lay before him. As uncertainty clouded his thoughts, a question surfaced in his mind, one that begged for resolution.
"How would I talk to Artemis about this if I'm dead and in the sky?" Percy voiced his concern, his brows knit together in worry as he sought guidance from Ouranos.
Ouranos chuckled, his laughter carrying a sense of warmth and reassurance. With a graceful gesture, he conjured a solid white portal beside Percy, a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty that surrounded him.
"This will take you home," Ouranos explained, his voice tinged with a sense of finality. "By the way, to handle all the loose ends for Zoe's immortal ascension, you have also become immortal. Your family can figure out domains later. For now, return home and talk to Artemis. In a week, I will recall you here in a dream to decide what to do."
Percy's eyes widened in astonishment at the revelation of his newfound immortality, a profound sense of gratitude welling up within him for the primordial's generosity.
"Thank you for this, regardless of what we choose," Percy expressed his gratitude, his voice filled with sincerity.
Ouranos smiled warmly, nodding in acknowledgment of Percy's gratitude. "It is simply my thanks to Zoe for her dedication and work for me all those years," he replied, his words carrying a sense of reverence for Zoe's unwavering devotion.
Percy turned towards the portal, looking determined. As he stepped through the threshold, he felt a surge of relief wash over him, grateful for the opportunity to return home to his family and friends, and potentially return an old friend to them.
A.N And that's the longest chapter so far! let me know what you guys think should happen. Should Zoe return as our beloved Zoe's roman form, or should she stay gone only as a memory? and should Zoe receive the memories or should they stay buried. let me know what you guys think!